EA046665B1 - ANTENNA DEVICE FOR WIRELESS GUEST INTERACTION SYSTEM AND METHODS OF ITS MANUFACTURE AND USE - Google Patents

Abstract

A guest interaction system and related methods enable seamless guest interaction at facilities through the use of wireless detection technologies. The system utilizes personal guest devices carried by guests for automatic identification and authentication of guests throughout the facility. Thus, services can be seamlessly provided to guests throughout the facility. Services include automatic door unlocking, including hotel room doors or cabin doors, based on guests' proximity to the door of their assigned room. Services also include automated payment services provided at checkout or point-of-sale terminals, and automatic login to interactive displays and portals, among other things, based on secure wireless authentication of guest devices. Antenna devices and methods for their manufacture and use are disclosed. An exemplary antenna device may include first and second wireless communication antennas configured to operate using first and second communication standards, respectively.

Description

Cross references to related applications

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. Patent Application No. 16/663942, which was filed Oct. 25, 2019, which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16/252269, which was filed Jan. 18, 2019, which is a continuation in part. a continuation of US Patent Application No. 15/460972, which was filed March 16, 2017, which is a continuation of US Patent Application No. 15/459906, which was filed March 15, 2017, currently issued US Patent No. 10045184 , issued August 7, 2018, and which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Applications No. 62/420998, filed November 11, 2016, and No. 62/440938, filed December 30, 2016, in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the contents of which incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

Field of technology to which the invention relates

The subject matter of the present invention relates to wireless communications technology and, in particular, but not exclusively, to antenna devices and methods for making and using them.

Prior Art

Guests at hotels and resorts, cruise ships, and other retail and commercial establishments have come to expect a high level of service and interaction from their hosts. The service may include providing rapid access to private and/or restricted areas without the need to present a badge or other form of identification, swipe or tap an access card, or otherwise undergo pre-authentication. Interaction may include personal recognition by hosts and provision of services and recommendations on that basis, without requiring guests to identify themselves or remind the host of their preferences or pre-existing reservations.

For example, a new guest engagement system has been developed based on recent improvements in low-power wireless communications technologies and distributed sensor networks to provide these guests with new services without requiring guests to pre-identify and/or authenticate, as described in US Patent No. 10045184 , which is in common ownership and entitled Wireless Guest Experience System, filed March 15, 2017, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety and for all purposes. In this way, the guest engagement system allows hosts to seamlessly interact with guests across their properties and provide recommendations to guests based on the guest's previous experiences.

However, hotel and resort guests are not the only ones taking advantage of the new guest experience system. For example, staff (crew), employees and hosts of hotels and resorts can also use low-power wireless technologies for security, guest interaction and other purposes.

Unfortunately, traditional staff devices and their associated antennas are not suitable for operating on these low-power wireless networks to fully realize the potential of these new guest engagement systems. For example, traditional staff devices and antennas cannot optimize wireless communication with other guests in crowded environments. These traditional personnel devices also cannot be reprogrammed or customized by personnel to provide specific functionality, since the control and processing software remains with the original manufacturers.

In view of the above, there is a need for systems and methods for advanced personnel devices and auxiliary devices to optimize performance in low-power wireless networks to overcome the aforementioned obstacles and disadvantages of traditional personnel devices.

List of figures

The drawing figures depict one or more embodiments in accordance with the present invention by way of example only and not by way of limitation. For example, it should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale and that elements of similar structures or functions are generally represented by the same positions for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. It should also be noted that the figures are intended only to facilitate the description of preferred embodiments. The figures do not illustrate every aspect of the disclosed embodiments and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

In fig. 1A and 1B are high-level functional block diagrams illustrating the components of a guest experience system.

In fig. 2A-2E and 3A-3E illustrate medallions or guest devices used in a guest interaction system, and ancillary devices into which the medallions can be detachably inserted.

In fig. 4A-4F are exploded perspective views of additional accessory devices into which medallions can be detachably inserted.

In fig. 5A-5L are diagrams showing the components of medallions or guest mouths

- 1,046,665 swarms.

In fig. 6 is a block diagram showing functional components of the medallion.

In fig. 7A-7I illustrate an automatic door lock assembly and components thereof that provides automatic door unlocking based on interaction with a medallion.

In fig. 8A-8N are diagrams showing guest interaction system sensors and their components.

In fig. Figure 9 is a high-level functional block diagram showing additional components including end devices and guest interaction systems.

In fig. 10 is a perspective view of a gaming station that can be used as part of a guest interaction system.

In fig. 11 and 12 show simplified functional block diagrams of computer hardware platforms that can be used to implement the functionality of a guest interaction system.

In fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating an alternative exemplary embodiment of the guest interaction system shown in FIG. 1A.

In fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an antenna device adapted for the guest interaction system shown in FIG. 13.

In fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating an alternative exemplary embodiment of the antenna device of FIG. 14, in which the antenna device includes a Yagi antenna (Yagi wave channel type).

In fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating another alternative exemplary embodiment of the antenna device of FIG. 14, in which the antenna device is located on one or more printed circuit boards.

In fig. 17 and 18 are detailed drawings illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the first wireless communication antenna of the antenna device of FIG. 16.

In fig. 19 and 20 are detailed drawings illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a second wireless communication antenna of the antenna device of FIG. 16.

In fig. 21 and 22 are detailed drawings illustrating an alternative exemplary embodiment of the antenna device of FIG. 16, wherein the antenna device includes an antenna holder.

In fig. 23 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an alternative exemplary embodiment of the antenna device of FIG. 21.

In fig. 24A and 24B show a three-dimensional (3D) radiation pattern and actual gain graph, respectively, of an exemplary first wireless communication antenna of the antenna device of FIG. 16 without a second wireless antenna.

In fig. 25A and 25B show a three-dimensional (3D) radiation pattern and actual gain graph, respectively, of an exemplary first wireless communication antenna of the antenna device of FIG. 16 with a second wireless antenna.

In fig. 26A and 26B show a three-dimensional (3D) radiation pattern and actual gain graph, respectively, of another exemplary first wireless communication antenna of the antenna device of FIG. 16 with a second wireless antenna.

In fig. 27 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an auxiliary device adapted for the guest interaction system of FIG. 13.

In fig. 28 is a diagram illustrating an alternative exemplary embodiment of the auxiliary device of FIG. 27, wherein the accessory device includes hardware components including an antenna device.

In fig. 29 is an exploded view of the auxiliary device of FIG. 27, in which the auxiliary device is assembled together with the personnel device.

In fig. 30-31 are diagrams illustrating another alternative exemplary embodiment of the auxiliary device of FIG. 23, in which the antenna device is in the retracted and deployed positions, respectively.

In fig. 32 and 33 show three-dimensional (3D) radiation patterns of the antenna device of FIG. 30 and 31 respectively.

In fig. 34 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the method of using the auxiliary device of FIG. 23.

In fig. 35, 36 are detailed drawings illustrating the auxiliary device of FIG. 30-31, in which the antenna device is in the retracted and deployed positions, respectively.

In fig. 37, 38 are diagrams illustrating an alternative exemplary embodiment of the auxiliary device of FIG. 23, in which the antenna device is in the retracted and deployed positions, respectively, and the antenna device includes a first wireless communication antenna.

- 2 046665

In fig. 39, 40 are detailed drawings illustrating the auxiliary device of FIG. 37, 38, respectively.

In fig. 41-42 are detailed drawings illustrating the auxiliary device of FIGS. 37-38, respectively, wherein the auxiliary device is not attached to the personnel device.

Information confirming the possibility of implementing the invention

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth by way of example in order to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention 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 obscure aspects of the present invention.

Various technologies and equipment systems disclosed herein provide automated interactions with facility users or guests using wireless sensing technologies.

The guest experience system is based on wireless sensing technologies to securely identify guests by the medallions worn by guests and automatically provide services to guests based on secure identification. The system further enables enhanced guest engagement by maintaining a database of guest locations and experiences, and allows for seamless provision of services to guests regardless of their location.

In fig. 1A is a general block diagram showing the components of the guest experience system 10. The guest interaction system 10 of FIG. 1A may be located in a facility such as a ship (e.g., cruise ship), hotel, restaurant, resort, convention center, medical center or other health care facility, retail or other commercial establishment, entertainment venue (e.g., concert hall, movie theater, arena or stadium, amusement park or casino), transportation center (for example, an airport, seaport or 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 hosting a large number of guests, or a cruise ship line including multiple cruise ships, associated shore facilities (eg, port facilities), and partner facilities (eg, partner facilities providing shore activities for cruise guests). In another example, the property may be a resort including one or more hotels, restaurants, theaters, amusement parks and other related facilities distributed over one or more geographic locations. In another example, an entity may be a collection of entities associated with a specific event, such as a conference or trade show, that includes the locations of multiple partner establishments (eg, hotels, restaurants, museums, arenas, shopping malls, or other retail locations). Users of the guest interaction system are generally referred to herein as guests 12. In the example of a cruise ship, guests 12 include cruise passengers and may generally include stewards, employees, and other users of guest devices 11. In other examples, guests 12 may include any person interacting with the guest interaction system 10, including users of guest devices 11. Thus, guests 12 may refer to patients, nurses, doctors, and visitors, among other users, in the illustrative context of a medical or healthcare facility; conference attendees and/or exhibitors in the illustrative context of a convention center; customers, employees, travelers, sales personnel and others in an illustrative context of various types of business establishments.

The guest experience system 10 is configured to wirelessly communicate with guest devices 11, such as medallions worn or carried by guests 12, each of which uniquely identifies the respective guest and is configured to securely communicate with the guest experience system 10. In the examples described in detail herein, the guest devices 11 are in the form of medallions and will generally be referred to as medallions in this description. However, the devices/medallions 11 may be in other formats, and the term medallion is therefore not intended to limit the scope of the guest devices 11 that may be used as part of the system 10. The guest devices/medallions 11 are preferably lightweight and compact so that they can be easily transfer to users. Guest devices/medallions 11 are configured to communicate using at least one wireless communication technology/protocol and are preferably configured to communicate using two or more different wireless communication technologies/protocols. For example, medallion 11 may be configured to communicate in accordance with both NFC and Bluetooth low energy (BLE) standards, although medallion 11 , typically can operate using only one of the standards at any one time to reduce energy costs.

The guest interaction system 10 includes a sensor network 13 of sensors 15 installed

- 3,046,665 located throughout the facility and designed to wirelessly communicate with 11 guest medallions. Sensor 15 of network 13 may be used to determine the guest's location (or proximity to sensor 15), for example, by detecting beacon signals or other signals emitted by medallion 11. Sensor 15 may also communicate two-way with medallion 11 to transmit information to and receive medallion 11 information from him. The sensor 15 may also be located in or otherwise associated with a particular interface device 17 or system interface function, such as a sensor that is associated with a door lock 17a, an automatic door or turnstile, a point-of-sale terminal 17b, a cash register, a gaming machine, an interactive display 17c or portal 17d, or the like. In some situations, sensor 15 is mounted within interface device 17, while in other situations, sensor 15 associated with interface device 17 is mounted adjacent to interface device. For example, a spotlight sensor may be placed above the location where the user would be interacting with the interface device 17 (e.g., above the location directly in front of the interface device 17 and approximately 1 foot away from it) to sense only signals beacons emitted by medallions of users located directly in front of the interface device 17 and close to it. When connected to a specific interface device 17 or interface function, sensor 15 may communicate two-way with medallion 11 and provide a secure communication channel between the device and medallion, for example, to provide automatic unlocking of a door lock based on secure authentication of a particular guest's medallion.

The guest experience system 10 may further use end devices, such as BLE-enabled mobile devices, tablet computers, or interactive displays, to provide services to guests by recognizing (and communicating with) the medallions 11. Services provided using end devices may be provided in addition to the above-mentioned services provided using sensors 15 of the sensor network 13 and service provisioning interface devices 17. As described in more detail below (see, for example, the discussion of FIG. 9), services provided through end devices may include location services (including locating medallions based on end devices reading medallion beacon signals and sending messages about detected medallions and locations to the system server 21), as well as switching medallions into or out of various operating modes (such as standby, beacon, and bidirectional modes), among other services.

The guest experience system 10 also includes one or more servers 21 communicatively connected to a sensor network 13, interface devices 17, and wirelessly to medallions 11 through various sensors 15 provided throughout the guest experience system 10 and associated her object. One or more communication networks 19 provide communication capabilities between various elements of the system 10. In one example, the guest experience system 10 includes at least one authentication server used to authenticate guest medallions and provide encryption and decryption services. The system may further include one or more servers storing databases of guest information (e.g., guest reservations, guest preferences, status of events attended by the guest, etc.), payment transaction servers (e.g., including information guest billing information), location information (e.g., locations of sensors 15 within the property, as well as locations of medallions 11 throughout the property and elsewhere), and the like.

A detailed description of the various components of the guest experience system 10 will now be presented with reference to the accompanying figures. The description focuses on illustrative embodiments of the system components and does not limit the scope of the features and functions of the components and the system.

The system may employ two different sensor structures 15. In one example, each individual sensor 15 in the guest interaction system 10 includes a processor and memory that controls, at least in part, the operation of the sensor 15. In such an example, each sensor may further include includes a network transceiver including a communication port for communicating the sensor 15 with the communication network 19. The network transceiver may be Ethernet, Wifi, or other suitable transceiver.

Alternatively or additionally, the guest experience system 10 may include sensor network peripherals 14 distributed throughout the property and operated such that sensors 15 are directly coupled thereto. In such an example in FIG. 1B is a general block diagram showing a more detailed view of the sensor network 13 of the guest interaction system 10, showing the sensor network peripherals 14 that are used to connect the sensors 15 to the communications network 19. In particular, as shown in the figure, each of the sensors 15 of the sensor network 13 is directly connected to the corresponding sensor network peripheral devices 14, and is powered by and controlled by the corresponding sensor network peripheral device 14. In turn, peripheral devices 14 touch

- 4 046665 networks are connected to the communication network 19 and interact with the servers 21 through the network 19.

Each sensor network peripheral typically includes a network transceiver for communicating with the communications network 19, such as Ethernet, Wifi, or other suitable network transceiver. Each sensor network peripheral 14 further includes at least one port for connecting at least one associated sensor 15. For example, sensor network peripheral 14 typically includes one or more communication buses through which connections can be made. many 15 sensors or other devices. For example, sensor network peripheral 14 may include two buses, each configured to connect up to sixteen sensors 15, in one example. Through these connections, sensor network peripherals 14 serve to transmit detection information captured by sensors 15 to communication network 19 and servers 21 and to transmit control commands or messages from communication network 19 and servers 21 back to sensors 15. Sensor network peripherals 14 may additionally transmit data or other messages received from the medallions 11 by the sensors 15 to the communication network 19 and servers 21 and transmit control commands or messages from the communication network 19 and servers 21 back to the medallions 11 through the sensors 15.

Each sensor network peripheral 14 includes a processor and memory and is configured to control the operation of the sensor(s) 15 coupled thereto. In particular, the use of a sensor network peripheral 14 may allow the guest interaction system 10 to operate with sensors 15 having minimal (or no) on-chip processing power and memory, and sensors 15 requiring minimal configuration during initial system installation. In particular, through the use of sensor network peripherals 14, individual sensors 15 are not required to store individual network identifiers (e.g., unique network addresses) for use by sensors 15 to identify themselves within the communications network 19 and to identify the data transmitted by each respective sensor 15 within the network 19 , as originating in the corresponding sensor 15. Instead, the sensor network peripherals 14 are configured to package the data received from the sensors 15 connected thereto for transmission over the network 19, and in particular are configured to link the data received from each corresponding sensor 15, with an identifier for the corresponding sensor 15. The sensor network peripherals 14 are further configured to package data from the sensors 15 for transmission over the network 19. Additionally, the individual sensors 15 do not need to be configured to communicate over the network 19, and each corresponding the sensor 15 does not need to have sufficient processing power to identify and process packets destined for the corresponding sensor from among the packets transmitted over the network 19. Instead, the sensor network peripherals 14 are configured to process the data transmitted over the network 19 to identify the packets , designed for the corresponding peripheral device 14 of the sensor network and/or for sensors 15 connected thereto, to process instructions included in the packets, and to control the corresponding sensor(s) 15 connected thereto, in accordance with the processed instructions.

As described above, the use of sensor network peripherals 14 thus allows the wireless guest engagement system 10 to operate using low-cost sensors 15 that do not include network communication circuitry and include minimal or no processing power or memory. Additionally, the use of sensor network peripherals 14 allows the wireless guest engagement system 10 to be configured and up and running without having to assign individual network IDs to each sensor 15 and/or without having to configure servers 21 with information about each individual sensor 15 in the system. Instead, the wireless guest interaction system 10 may be configured to operate by connecting a plurality of sensors 15 directly to nearby sensor network peripherals 14 located throughout the property, and configuring the sensor network peripherals 14 to communicate through the communication network 19 with servers 21 .

While the foregoing discussion has focused on sensor network peripherals 14 directly coupled to sensors 15 configured to detect the presence of and/or communicate with medallions 11, sensor network 13 and sensor network peripherals 14 more generally may support other types of sensors or devices (generally designated 16 in FIG. 1B). In particular, the sensor network 13 and sensor network peripherals 14 may be used to control the operation and transmit detection data from other sensors or devices 16 through the communication network 19 . 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. Other sensors or devices 16 may also include devices such as speakers and/or microphones (for example, parts of a public address system), actuators or controllers (for example, for opening or closing vents or windows). curtains), switches or relays (for example, for turning on/off lighting, heating and ventilation, electrical

- 5 046665 cable supply), cameras (for example, as part of a security system), etc. The sensor network peripherals 14 may further be configured to support sensors installed in (or associated with) point-of-sale terminals 17b, interactive displays 17c, and other interface devices 17 described herein.

The functionality provided by the sensor network peripherals 14 may also be implemented into other components of the wireless guest experience system 10 . It should be noted that the functionality of the sensor network peripherals 14 may be embedded in components that include a processor, memory, and a network transceiver for communication over the communications network 19. For example, as shown in FIG. 1B, an access panel 705 provided in combination with a door lock 17a may be configured to be used as a sensor network peripheral device 14. It should be noted that the access panel 705 is described in more detail below in connection with FIG. 7A-7I. In the example in FIG. 1B, access panel 705 may include at least one port and/or bus for connecting one or more sensors 15 thereto, and access panel 705 may be configured to support operation of sensors 15 as described above with respect to peripheral devices 14 sensor network.

As described in detail above, guest device 11 may be configured as a medallion 11, such as the exemplary medallion 11 shown in FIG. 2A. As shown, medallion 11 is in the form of a medal having an outer diameter of approximately 1.25 inches (range 0.75 to 2.5 inches), a thickness of approximately 3/8 inch (range 1/8 to 5/8 inch), and weighs approximately 1.8 ounces (range 1.2 to 2.4 ounces).

The medallion 11 is configured to be inserted into various accessory devices worn by guests 12. The accessory devices allow medallions 11 to be securely attached to guests 12 to ensure that guests do not accidentally lose or misplace their medallions. In fig. 2B shows an exemplary accessory device 201 that is in the form of a wrist strap or bracelet. Other types of accessory devices, including lanyards, pendants, key chains, necklaces, belt buckles, swimwear (eg, bikini rings), body piercings, and the like, some of which are shown in FIGS. 4A-4F can also be used. The medallion 11 is configured to be inserted into a cavity of the wrist strap accessory device 201, the shape and size of which corresponds to the placement of the medallion 11. As shown, the medallion 11 is inserted through the back of the wrist strap accessory device 201, i.e. through the side of the accessory device 201 that faces the user, such as the inner surface of the wrist strap, which is designed to contact the user's wrist while wearing the wrist strap. The medallion 11 is inserted through the back of the wrist strap accessory device 201 so as to ensure that the medallion 11 cannot accidentally slip out of the accessory device 201 when the accessory device 201 is worn by the user. In particular, as shown in FIG. 2C, the cavity of the accessory device 201 configured to receive the medallion may be tapered and thus have an angled or beveled edge to ensure that the medallion 11 can be inserted into the cavity of the accessory device 201 but cannot pass through the cavity and exit auxiliary device 201 through its front surface. In the example in FIG. 2C, the edge is inclined approximately 3° relative to the rectangular edge (corresponding to an angle of 87° relative to the front or rear surface). More specifically, the cavity in the example of FIG. 2C may not have a cylindrical shape, but instead may have a conical shape, for example, a cut shape of a truncated cone having a circular base and edges inclined relative to the circular base at a specified angle (for example, 3° (+/-1°) relative to the rectangular edge , corresponding to an angle of 87° (range 86-88°) relative to the front or rear surface). The angle is such that the rear/lower opening of the cavity is larger than the front/upper opening, thereby preventing medallion 11 from passing through the cavity.

Likewise, the medallion 11 may have a conical shape having a beveled edge along the outer peripheral surface, and said edge may be beveled at a predetermined angle equal to the angle of the cavity (for example, 3° (+/-1°) relative to a rectangular edge corresponding to an angle of 87° (range 86-88°) relative to the front or rear surface), as also shown in FIG. 2C. The angled edge of the medallion is designed such that the medallion has a smaller dimension (e.g., smaller diameter) on the front/top surface 11a of the medallion 11 relative to the rear/bottom surface 11b of the medallion 11. Thus, the combination of the beveled edges of the medallion 11 and the cavity in the accessory 201 ensures that the medallion can be placed in the auxiliary device 201 only in such a way that the front surface 11a of the medallion 11 faces outward while the rear surface 11b faces rearward. Additionally, the size of the medallion 11 may be slightly smaller than the cavity to facilitate seating of the medallion 11 within the cavity. For example, medallion 11 may have an outer dimension, such as an outer diameter, that is 0.75 mm (e.g., in the range of 0.5-1 mm) smaller than the internal size/diameter of the cavity so that medallion 11 can be inserted into the cavity,

- 6 046665 even if the medallion is not perfectly aligned with the cavity and/or is inclined relative to the cavity.

Thus, the medallion can be easily and securely connected to the auxiliary device 201 due to the following features. The medallion 11 has a beveled edge angled at a predetermined angle (e.g., 3 degrees) from the front surface of the medallion to the rear surface so that it coincides with the oppositely shaped beveled edge of the accessory 201. The angled edge design allows the medallion 11 to be aligned with the accessory by inserting medallion on the back of the accessory. Since the medallion 11 can only be inserted or removed from the rear of the accessory device 201, the forces required to remove the medallion 11 from the accessory device 201 are directed rearward and thus directed against the body of the guest wearing the accessory device 201 (and/or against another surface preventing the medallion from being easily removed) when the medallion is in the accessory device 201. Thus, the medallion 11 cannot be easily removed or removed from the accessory device 201 when the accessory device 201 is worn.

The above description has focused on the medallions 11 having a circular shape and the corresponding cavities having a circular shape. However, the invention is not limited to such medallions and cavities. More generally, medallions 11 and corresponding cavities in the accessory devices may have an oval or other round shape, or a square, rectangular or other angular shape (eg, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.). In each case, the medallions 11 and corresponding cavities may have a conical shape including beveled edges inclined at a predetermined angle (e.g., 3°) from the front surface of the medallion to the rear surface to ensure that the medallion 11 can only be inserted or removed from the rear side accessory device 201. In such cases, the medallions 11 may have front and rear surfaces having substantially similar (or identical) shapes and different sizes to give the medallions 11 a conical shape, and the cavities in the accessory devices may likewise have front and rear openings, having substantially similar (or identical) shapes and different sizes so as to give the cavities a conical shape.

Additionally, medallion 11 and accessory device 201 may include magnets used to ensure automatic positioning of medallion 11 in a predetermined angular orientation relative to the cavity of accessory device 201 (eg, self-alignment of medallion 11 in accessory device 201). The magnets further provide magnetic coupling between the medallion 11 and the accessory 201 to reduce the likelihood that the medallion 11 will become detached from (and/or fall out of) the accessory 201. Various 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 spaced evenly around the edges of the medallion 11 and the cavity or, more generally, may be spaced at predetermined locations around selected peripheries such that each magnet mounted in the medallion 11 is aligned with a corresponding magnet mounted on the periphery of the cavity when medallion 11 is inserted in the required orientation into the cavity of the auxiliary device.

As shown in FIG. 2D, four magnets may be provided in the accessory 201 in positions aligned with the four magnets provided in the medallion 11 to ensure that the medallion 11 is always oriented in the correct position along the X and Y axes. In particular, magnets of opposite polarity may be provided at each location in the medallion 11 and in the auxiliary device 201, as shown in FIG. 2E to automatically align the medallion 11 in a certain angular orientation with respect to the accessory 201. For example, in the magnetic coupling mechanism of FIG. 2E, the magnets on the top of medallion 11 and accessory 201 (e.g., top in the orientation shown in FIG. 2D) have polarities that are inverted relative to the magnets on the bottom of medallion 11 and accessory 201 (e.g., bottom in the orientation shown in 2D) to prevent medallion 11 from being inserted in a rotationally opposite orientation to that shown in FIG. 2D and 2E. This feature, along with the angled edges detailed in FIG. 2B and 2C ensures that medallion 11 can be (or is preferably) inserted into accessory device 201 in only one orientation. As shown in FIG. 3A, medallion 11 may have a metal outer rim and a plastic housing located within the metal outer rim. The electronics included in medallion 11 are mounted inside a plastic housing. The metal 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 gap formed. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the metal outer rim is formed from two separate semicircular metal bodies which, when positioned along the outer rim of medallion 11, are partially spaced apart by two diametrically opposed gaps. Gaps in the metal outer rim (or between portions of the metal outer rim) ensure that eddy currents cannot flow around the metal outer rim, and thereby ensure that the flow of eddy currents does not significantly impair the wireless communication capabilities of the medallions 11. Alternatively, as shown in fig.

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3E, the circular metal housing may include one or more gaps that are filled with injection molded plastic. As also shown in FIG. 3E, the circular metal housing may include recesses to accommodate magnets similar to those described above in relation to FIG. 2D-2E. Typically, the metal outer ring is made of a non-magnetic metal material and can be made, for example, of polished aluminum.

A similar gap in the metal outer rim may be provided in the accessories 201 as shown in FIG. 3B. More specifically, in embodiments in which the accessory device 201 is metallic or includes metal components along the periphery of the cavity configured to receive the medallion 11, the accessory device 201 includes a gap in the metal outer rim of the cavity. The clearance in the metal outer rim (or between portions of the metal outer rim) ensures that eddy currents cannot flow around the metal outer rim, and thereby ensures that the flow of eddy currents does not significantly impair the wireless communication capability of the medallion 11 housed in the accessory device 201. To ensure proper functioning of the gaps in the metal outer rims of the medallion 11 and the accessory device 201, the gaps of the medallion 11 and the accessory device 201 must be aligned when the medallion 11 is installed in the accessory device 201. In particular, the alignment of the gaps ensures that even if the outer metal rims of the medallion 11 and accessory 201 are in contact with each other, the metal rims do not together form a closed metal loop around the electronics of the medallion 11. In order to ensure gap alignment, magnets such as those described above with reference to FIGS. 2D and 2E may be used to provide the desired angular alignment of the medallion 11 within the accessory 201. The geometry and polarity of the magnets are selected such that the medallion is self-aligned in the accessory and the gaps in the metal outer rings are aligned with each other (e.g., adjacent to each other). to each other or touching each other).

The gaps in the medallion 11 and the accessory 201 are of a width selected to ensure that a closed metal loop does not form even if the medallion 11 and the accessory 201 are not perfectly aligned. Alternatively or additionally, an insulating pad 41, such as the plastic or other insulating pad shown in FIG. 3C and 3D, may be provided along the inner surface of the cavity in the accessory 201 with the medallion 11 disposed. The insulating spacer 41 may extend around the entire circumference of the cavity, or the insulating spacer 41 may be positioned to contact a gap in the metal outer rim of the medallion 11, when the medallion 11 is installed in the desired orientation in the accessory 201. The insulating spacer 41 ensures that the metal rim of the accessory 201 does not short circuit the gap in the metal outer rim of the medallion 11 by providing insulation between the gap in the metal outer rims of the medallion 11 and the accessory 201.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the accessory device 201 may be in the form of a wrist bracelet. However, other auxiliary device formats can be used. For example, in FIG. 4A4E shows various other types of accessory devices configured to receive medallions 11. In this regard, FIG. 4A shows an accessory device in the form of a sports bracelet, including a sports bracelet (made, for example, of silicone), a retaining ring (made, for example, of stainless steel and containing a gap filled with a non-conductive material 31), which is placed in the sports bracelet and includes includes recesses for holding magnets, and a two-part clasp designed to fasten the strap to the user's wrist. The retaining ring contains in its center a cavity configured to removably accommodate the medallion 11. In FIG. 4B shows a clip (made, for example, from aluminum) that includes a cavity configured to removably accommodate medallion 11, and further includes a gap filled with non-conductive material 31 around the periphery of the cavity. In some examples, the clip may be attached to a key fob. In fig. 4C shows a cuff (made, for example, from nylon) that includes a retaining ring (made, for example, from stainless steel and containing a gap filled with a non-conductive material, such as plastic) that is placed in the cuff and contains recesses for holding magnets. The retaining ring contains a cavity in its center, made with the possibility of removable placement of the medallion 11.

In fig. 4D shows a bracelet (made, for example, of stainless steel, with a gap 32 filled with non-conductive material 31) and a retaining ring 33 (made, for example, of stainless steel, with a gap filled with non-conductive material 31), which is inserted into the bracelet and includes recesses 34 for holding magnets. The retaining ring contains in its center a cavity configured to removably accommodate the medallion 11. In FIG. 4E shows a hanger (made, for example, of stainless steel, with a gap 32 filled with non-conductive material 31) and a retaining ring 33 (made, for example, of stainless steel, with a gap filled with non-conductive material 31), which is inserted into the hanger and contains recesses to hold

- 8 046665 magnets. The retaining ring includes a cavity at its center that is configured to removably accommodate the medallion 11. In some examples, the pendant is configured to be attached to a decorative chain for wear by a guest. In other examples, the pendant is configured to be attached to a keychain or other item. Finally, in FIG. 4F shows a frame configured to be worn using a watch-type strap. The frame (made, for example, of stainless steel, with a gap filled with non-conductive material) has a retaining ring (made, for example, of stainless steel, with a gap filled with non-conductive material 31), which is inserted into the frame and contains recesses for holding magnets.

The auxiliary devices shown in FIG. 4A-4E are non-limiting examples of accessory devices into which medallions 11 may be incorporated. However, other types of accessory devices may also be used, including straps, pendants, key chains, necklaces, belt buckles, swimwear (eg, bikini rings) ), piercings and the like.

The above description of the medallions 11 has focused on the external attributes of the medallions 11, such as the medallions shown in FIG. 5A. In particular, in FIG. 5A shows top, bottom, and side views of the illustrative medallion 11. The following description is based on FIGS. 5B-5E details the internal structures of various medallion variants.

As shown in FIG. 5B, 5C, 5D, and 5E, various embodiments of the medallions 11 include magnets 501, a bottom cover 503, a foam filler 505, a battery assembly 507 (e.g., a CR2025 battery), an insulating film pad 509, a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA, printed circuit board assembly), 513 BLE antenna (e.g. J-shaped BLE antenna), 515 NFC antenna (e.g. wire wound antenna), 517 metal housing (e.g. aluminum) and 519 top cover. The 513 BLE can be soldered to the top surface of the 511 PCB, while the 515 NFC antenna can be connected to the 511 PCB with pogo pins. In the embodiment of FIG. 5E, 515 NFC antenna is coated with silicone for durability. As shown in FIG. 5B, magnets 501 may fit into recesses provided in the top cap 519 (or, alternatively, the bottom cap 503) and are held in place by the recesses. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5E, magnets 501 may fit into recesses provided in the silicone coating of NFC antenna 515 and may be held in place by the recesses.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5B, 5D, and 5E, the metal housing 517 is manufactured separately from the bottom and top caps 503 and 519. The metal housing 517 may be made of aluminum or other metal, while the bottom and top caps 503 and 519 may be made of plastic. In contrast, in the embodiment of FIG. 5C, the top cover 519 is integral with the metal body 517. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 5C, the top cap 519 and metal body 517 may be machined from a block of material including metal and plastic materials arranged within the block such that, after machining, the top cap 519 has an exposed metal ring (e.g., at 517), located around its outer peripheral surface, which is interrupted by one or more gaps filled with plastic or other insulating material. Additionally, after machining, the top cap 519 has a plastic (or insulating) center. For this purpose, the block of material used for machining may be metal impregnated with plastic.

In fig. 5F and 5G show detailed views of the printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies 511 used in the medallions 11, which detail a J-shaped BLE antenna mounted on the top surface of the PCB. As shown in FIG. 5F, J-shaped BLE antenna can be made from stamped steel, have machined tabs and centering pins for placement on a PCB. The pins can also provide connections to ground and power pads. As shown in FIG. The 5G, J-shaped BLE antenna can be formed using the laser direct structuring (LDS) process as a plastic part, injection molded and coated with metal, and can include snap-in features on the bottom of the molded part for use when placed and aligned on the PCB.

Detailed diagrams of the J-shaped BLE antenna are shown in Fig. 5H-5L. In fig. 5H-5K show detailed schematic views of the BLE antenna viewed from the front, side, rear, and bottom, respectively, while FIG. 5L is a perspective view of a BLE antenna. Antenna dimensions and design dimensional tolerances are shown in the figures in millimeters (mm). The dimensions shown are illustrative and the BLE antenna may be larger or smaller from the dimensions shown depending on the specific application in which the BLE antenna element will be used. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the antenna dimensions are set such that the overall length of the antenna allows the antenna to resonate at the desired frequency in the 2.4 GHz band, for example, by setting the overall length of the radiating element to approximately equal to % of the wavelength at 2.4 GHz . In addition, the radius of curvature of the J-shaped antenna can be set to

- 9 046665 at once to maximize the radius of curvature of the antenna within the spatial constraints imposed by the medallion cavity within which the antenna is located, while ensuring that the antenna does not come into contact with the metal outer ring of the medallion.

In embodiments in which the J-shaped BLE antenna is formed using a direct laser structuring (LDS) process as an injection molded plastic part and plated with metal, the rear surface (shown in FIG. 5J) may be formed from a plastic injection molded part. under pressure, while the front surface (shown in Fig. 5H) can be almost completely covered with metal. The metal coating formed on the front surface may extend to the rear surface and, in particular, may extend to those portions of the rear surface shown in gray in FIG. 5J. In particular, the metal coating may extend along the top edge 521 of the J-shaped antenna to the rear surface of the antenna and thereby provide an antenna ground terminal that is electrically coupled to the ground terminal PCBA 511. The metal coating may further extend along the side projection 523 of the J-shaped antenna. antenna to the rear surface of the antenna and thus provide an RF signal terminal that is electrically coupled to the RSBA 511. During operation, the RSBA 511 can thus provide signals between the ground terminal (at 521) and the RF signal terminal (at 523), to emit BLE signals using an antenna, and can sense signals on these terminals to receive BLE signals using an antenna.

Additionally, as shown in the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 5I, the J-shaped antenna has a non-planar profile that includes two bend points used to raise the antenna element above the ground plane of the RSBA 511. By positioning 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 laser trimmed so that they are not straight (90°) to allow precise frequency tuning.

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

As shown in FIG. 6, medallion 11 includes a memory 601, a microprocessor 603, optional sensor(s) 605 such as an accelerometer, one or more transceivers 607, 609 and associated antennas 513, 515, and a battery 507. The components may be communications and/or electrically coupled to each other by circuitry built into the PCBA assembly 511. In particular, the memory 601 is in communication communication with the microprocessor 603 such that computer-executable programming instructions stored in the memory 601 can be executed by the microprocessor 603 to cause the medallion 11 to perform functions , similar to those disclosed herein. In addition to programming instructions, memory 601 stores a unique identifier used by the guest experience system 10 to uniquely identify each medallion. Memory 610 may also store encryption and decryption keys as well as encrypted data. For example, in one example, the memory stores both a public identifier for medallion 11, which uniquely identifies the medallion and is broadcast in the beacon signal emitted by the medallion, and a private identifier, which also uniquely identifies the medallion, is stored in an encrypted format in memory and is used to securely authenticate the medallion (for example, for use in payments and for unlocking doors). Additionally, microprocessor 603 is in communication communication with one or more additional sensors 605, such as an accelerometer sensor, and one or more transceivers 607, 609.

As noted above, the medallion includes at least one transceiver and an associated antenna configured to communicate wirelessly with the guest interaction system 10. As shown, medallion 11 includes two transceivers, each operating in accordance with a different communication standard. In the example, the first transceiver 607 operates in accordance with the BLE standard and is connected to the corresponding antenna 513 used for BLE communication, while the second transceiver 609 operates in accordance with the NFC standard (for example, the radio frequency identification standard (RFID). frequency identification)) and is connected to a corresponding antenna 515 used for NFC communication. Although in FIG. 6 shows that each transceiver has a dedicated antenna; in some embodiments, two or more transceivers may share the same antenna.

As described above, the BLE transceiver and antenna are used by the medallion 11 to periodically emit beacon signals that allow the guest interaction system 10 to determine the location and identity of the guest and provide services to the guest. The BLE transceiver and antenna can also be used for secure communication. However, operation of the BLE transceiver and antenna typically requires the battery 507 to provide the medallion 11 with sufficient power to operate. When the battery level 507 falls below a threshold and/or the battery or BLE transceiver fails, the medallion 11 may be unable to communicate using BLE signals. In such situations, the medallion can, however, act as a passive

- 10 046665 NFC/RFID device. Specifically, to function as a passive NFC/RFID device, the medallion does not require any battery power to operate. Instead, the medallion works based on energy received through the NFC antenna from radio frequency signals inducing current flow in the antenna. When operating as a passive NFC/RFID device, the medallion may be configured to transmit signals containing a unique medallion identifier in response to receiving RFID interrogation signals or other signals that induce sufficient current in the antenna. Thus, the guest interaction system 10 may be able to provide limited services to guests even if the guest medallions are not receiving sufficient operating power from their batteries.

When battery 507 provides sufficient power to operate the BLE transceiver, medallion 11 is configured to operate using three different modes of operation. In particular, the memory 601 stores programming instructions which, when executed by the microprocessor 603, cause the medallion 11 to operate in accordance with the selected one of three operating modes. Initially, when the medallion 11 is first activated by supplying power from the battery 507, the medallion 11 operates in a sleep mode of operation. Sleep mode is a very low-power operating mode that saves battery power. In the sleep mode of operation, the medallion 11 periodically listens to network alerts from the recognized guest interaction system 10 and remains in the sleep mode of operation until an alert is received from the recognized guest interaction system 10. In sleep mode, medallion 11 listens to network alerts on a periodic schedule - for example, once every 30 seconds, once per minute, once every 5 minutes, or the like. If a network alert is received during the periodic listening period, medallion 11 determines whether the alert is intended for the recognized guest interaction system 10 and, upon determining that the alert is coming from the recognized guest interaction system 10, medallion 11 switches to a bidirectional mode of operation.

In a bidirectional mode of operation, medallion 11 is configured to both emit a beacon signal via BLE transceiver 607 and antenna 513 and listen to messages from the recognized guest engagement system 10 via BLE transceiver 607 and antenna 513. Medallion 11 can additionally listen to messages via NFC transceiver 609 and antenna 515 in bidirectional operating mode. The medallion 11 periodically listens to messages from the recognized guest interaction system 10 in a bidirectional mode of operation, for example, every 10 ms, every 100 ms, or the like. More information about bidirectional operation is provided below in connection with the door lock description. The medallion 11 may continue to operate in a bidirectional mode of operation until the medallion 11 receives a message from the recognized guest interaction system 10 causing the mode of operation to switch to the beacon mode of operation. Bidirectional operation may consume more power than sleep mode.

In beacon mode, the medallion 11 is configured to emit a beacon signal through the BLE transceiver 607 and antenna 513. Optionally, the medallion can periodically listen for messages from the recognized guest interaction system 10 through the BLE transceiver 607 and antenna 513, but the periods of listening time occur less frequently (e.g. , every second, every 5 s, etc.) in beacon mode than in bidirectional mode. As a result, the beacon mode of operation is associated with lower power consumption than the bidirectional mode of operation, but higher power consumption than the sleep mode of operation. Periodic listening periods in the beacon mode of operation are used to listen for messages from the recognized guest interaction system 10 causing the mode of operation to switch to the bidirectional mode of operation.

In both bidirectional and beacon modes, periodic beacon signals are transmitted from medallion 11. Typically, 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 the like ). The beacon signals may be detected by sensors 15 of the recognized guest experience system 10 and used by the guest experience system 10 to determine the approximate position of the medallion 11 within the property. The beacon signals are also used by the recognized guest interaction 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 experience system 10 to allow the guest experience system to provide automated interactions with users or guests of the facility in which the sensors 15 are installed. While the sensors 15 may be installed throughout the facility, some sensors 15 are installed in or otherwise associated with a particular interface device 17 or system interface function. As shown in FIG. 1A, interface devices 17 include door locks 17a, automatic doors or turnstiles, point-of-sale terminals 17b, cash registers, gaming machines, interactive displays 17c or portals 17d, and the like. The particular interface device 17 that provides the functionality of the door lock 17a is described in detail below with respect to FIG. 7A-7I.

- 11 046665

Door lock 17a allows guests to gain access to a cruise ship cabin, resort hotel room, or other restricted access area (e.g., VIP lounge, salon, fitness center, elevator, etc.) simply by walking up to the door, holding out hand to grasp the handle and open the door, which automatically unlocks based on wireless communication with 11 guests' medallions. Specifically, door lock 17a detects the presence of medallion 11 in front of (or in the immediate vicinity of) the door and unlocks the door for authorized guests or service personnel (eg, cabin stewards, housekeepers, or maintenance engineers). Additionally, door lock 17a may include an indicator panel that provides a visual and audible greeting to the guest and may provide real-time information about the guest's upcoming activities and/or messages from crew, staff, or other members of the guest group. The door lock display panel may include a panel-mounted camera used to record images and videos of unauthorized persons attempting to gain access to the premises, as well as images of crew, employees and others who gain access to the premises.

In fig. 7A-7I illustratively show an automatic door lock assembly 700 that provides the functionality of the door lock 17a to automatically unlock the door based on interaction with the guest medallion 11. As shown in FIG. 7A, the automatic door lock assembly 700 may be used on a ship (eg, a cruise ship) or a hotel to selectively unlock the door of a guest's room (eg, a public cabin or hotel room). In particular, the automatic door lock assembly 700 may be used to selectively unlock a guest's room door to allow entry into the room. As a rule, the door is always left unlocked from inside the room so that guests can easily exit the room.

The automatic door lock assembly 700 includes a latch assembly 701, shown in more detail in FIG. 7E, 7G, and 7I, a door lock module 703 that selectively unlocks the latch assembly 701, and an access panel 705 mounted proximate the door. The latch assembly 701 includes a latch and a door handle, ball handle, or other mechanical component(s) that provide the functionality of the door handle/ball handle, and is typically mounted inside the door that it operates. The latch assembly 701 also includes an electronically controlled locking and unlocking mechanism, such as a solenoid controlled locking mechanism. The locking and unlocking mechanism of the latch assembly 701 is controlled by a door lock module 703, which is an electronic module configured to send locking and unlocking signals to the electronically controlled locking mechanism. The latch assembly 701 will typically also include a mechanical locking and unlocking mechanism, such as a key-based mechanism that allows the door to be unlocked using a physical key.

The door lock module 703 is electrically coupled to the latch assembly 701 and, more specifically, to the locking mechanism of the latch assembly 701 via a wire or other conductor. The door lock module 703 is typically battery powered and mounted inside the door, although the door lock module 703 may be located in various locations depending on the implementation. The same battery may be used to power both the door lock module 703 and the electronically controlled locking and unlocking mechanism of the latch assembly 701 . In addition to controlling the electronically controlled locking mechanism, door lock module 703 communicates wirelessly with access panel 705, from which it receives door unlock instructions.

The access panel 705 communicates wirelessly with the door lock module 703 and transmits door unlock instructions to the door lock module 703. The access panel 705 also communicates wirelessly with the guest medallions 11 and determines, based on a secure reading of the information stored in the guest medallion 11, whether to instruct the door lock module 703 to unlock the door. The access panel 705 further interacts with the central reservation server 21 of the guest interaction system 10 to securely retrieve information about authorized guest access to the door and determines whether to instruct the door lock module 703 to unlock the door based on whether the information received from the locket matches 11 guest (for example, a unique encrypted identifier) information about the guest who is allowed access to the door. While the access panel 705 may be powered by a battery, the access panel 705 typically receives power from an external source (for example, through power over Ethernet). In some examples, the access panel 705 communicates wirelessly with central backup server 21, for example, via a Wi-Fi network. However, typically, the access panel 705 is connected to a wired network (eg, an Ethernet network) through which it communicates wirelessly with the central backup server 21 and through which it receives electrical power. for operation, it should be noted that the access panel 705 may be connected to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) so as to be able to continue to operate even if the power received from the mains or generator is interrupted.

In fig. 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 7-inch touchscreen display), an integrated camera, and wireless transceivers and associated antenna(s)

- 12 046665 to communicate with 11 medallions via BLE and/or NFC. The flat panel display can be used to greet guests for whom the door is unlocked, to provide information to guests for whom the door is unlocked, and to provide other information. Additional functions of the access panel 705 are described in more detail below.

In fig. 7E, 7G, and 7I are exploded views of a latch assembly 701 including a door handle/ball handle and a door latch mechanism. In addition, in FIG. 7E shows a door lock module 703 that may be located within the housing of the latch assembly 701 and which controls the operation of the electronically controlled unlocking mechanism of the latch assembly 701.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7E, 7G, and 7I, the latch assembly 701 includes electrical insulating bushings mounted on the door handle spindle and configured to electrically isolate the door handle from other parts of the latch assembly 701. For example, electrical grommets can isolate a door handle from the latch mechanism. Electrically isolating the door handle may allow the door handle module 703 to use the door handle as a communications antenna for its ISM radio. Electrically isolating the door handle may further allow the door lock module 703 to monitor the door handle capacity and identify changes in the door handle capacity. In one example, door lock module 703 measures changes in the door handle's electrical potential by charging the door handle to a nominal voltage (eg, 0.05 V) and determining when the door handle's electrical potential returns to zero. The capacity monitoring performed by the door lock module 703 allows the door lock module 703 to detect when a person touches, comes into contact with, or is in close proximity (e.g., less than a few centimeters) of the door handle to activate the unlocking mechanism of the latch assembly 701 only then. when a person comes into contact with or is in close proximity to a door handle.

In fig. 7F shows a translucent view of an alternative latch assembly 701. As shown, the latch assembly includes a status indicator LED, shown as a translucent ring-shaped indicator located around the base of the door handle, which is used to provide information about the status of the door latch assembly. In one example, the status LED may provide green illumination when a guest is permitted to open the door, and provide red illumination when the guest is denied permission to open the door.

In fig. 7H is a block diagram illustratively showing components of the door lock module 703 and the access panel 705. As shown in FIG. 7H, the door lock module 703 includes a microprocessor that controls the operation of the door lock module 703 and a memory storing instructions for execution by the microprocessor. The door lock module 703 further includes a sensor, such as a radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), or capacitive proximity sensor, used to detect when a guest's hand touches or comes into close proximity to the door handle. The door lock module 703 further includes a short-range radio receiver, such as an ISM radio, for encrypted wireless communication with the access panel 705. The door lock module 703 is powered by a battery and a step-up voltage converter, such as a 4.5V step-up converter.

The access panel 705 includes a microprocessor that controls the operation of the access panel 705 and a memory that stores instructions for execution on the microprocessor. The access panel 705 further includes a short-range radio receiver, such as an ISM radio, for encrypted wireless communication with the door lock module 703. The access panel 705 may include a backup battery to provide backup power and typically includes a power source that receives electrical power from an external source, such as power received over an Ethernet cable. Access panel 705 further 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 specifically configured to surround the outer edge of the display of the access panel 705. Additionally or alternatively, the access panel 705 may be associated with (and connected to) a beam sensor 15 that is located on the ceiling immediately in front of the door, and the operation of the access panel 705 may be based on beacon signals detected by the beam sensor 15 and emitted from guest medallions 11 located directly in front of the door. Additionally, the network transceiver allows the access panel 705 to communicate via a wired or wireless network, for example, through the communication network 19 of the guest interaction system 10, with the central reservation server 21. In general, each access panel 705 is associated with one particular door next to which it is located, and the access panel 705 is coupled one-to-one with that one door's door lock module 703 such that the access panel 705 can control the unlocking of only one door and the door lock module 703 operates in response to commands from only this access panel 705.

In operation, the latch assembly 701 generally maintains the door in a default locked state. Access panel 705 supports its BLE transceiver (or BLE transceiver linked

- 13 046665 sensor 15) associated with it is turned on in such a way as to detect any beacon signals transmitted by medallions 11 operating in the immediate vicinity of the access panel 705. For this 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 2-4 feet of the access panel. Thus, when the recognized medallion 11 comes within the reading range of the access panel 705 and/or its associated sensor 15, the access panel 705 begins to receive periodic beacon signals transmitted by the medallion 11 and initiates a door unlocking sequence.

First, based on the time of reception of the detected beacon signal, the access panel 705 determines when the next period of time will occur during which the medallion will listen for messages from the guest interaction system 10. In turn, over a period of time, the access panel 705 initiates a secure connection with the medallion 11, through which the access panel 705 can request the medallion's unique personal identifier (for example, using encryption such as elliptic curve cryptography (ECC). elliptic curve cryptography)). The unique personal identifier may take the form of an encrypted code, such as a 48-byte encrypted code, that uniquely identifies medallion 11. In response to the request, access panel 705 and medallion 11 establish a secure and/or encrypted communication channel over which the medallion provides access panel 705 with its unique personal identifier. Typically, a unique personal identifier is transmitted over an encrypted BLE connection. Once the unique personal identifier is received, the access panel 705 activates the lock control unit (LCU), which is configured to access local memory to determine whether the guest associated with the unique personal identifier and medallion 11 is allowed to access to the door at the current time. For this purpose, the access panel 705 maintains a white list in local memory containing records of the unique personal identifiers of the medallions that are allowed access to the door at the current and future times. If the unique personal 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 personal identifier and medallion 11 is allowed access to the door at the current time (for example, the unique personal identifier is whitelisted), the access panel 705 displays a welcome message on its display screen and initiates unlocking doors. Alternatively, if the access panel 705 determines that the accepted identifier is not listed in the record of identifiers that are allowed to access the door, the access panel 705 contacts the reservation server 21 over the network 19 to obtain updated information (if any) about the medallion identifiers that access to the door is allowed. In turn, if the received ID is not listed among the updated information, the access panel 705 determines that the guest is not allowed to access the door at the current time, and optionally activates its camera to capture the image of the guest and transmits the image to the central server 21. It should be noted 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 guest's chosen language on its display screen identifying each guest associated with the medallion 11 to which allows access to the door, and initiates unlocking the door if at least one of the detected medallions is in the white list.

As part of unlocking the door, the access panel 705 activates its ISM radio and establishes a secure communication channel with the ISM radio of the corresponding door lock module 703. Once a secure communication channel is established and it is determined that a guest or crew member is authorized to access the door, the access panel 705 transmits a release code (eg, a door unlock authorization signal) to the door lock module 703 over the secure ISM channel. The withdrawal code can be sent as an encrypted message, for example using the 128-bit advanced encryption standard (AES). In response to receiving the disarm code, the door lock module 703 activates a proximity sensor (eg, a capacitive proximity sensor) to detect when a guest's (or staff member's) hand touches or comes into close proximity to the door handle. Upon determining that a guest's (or staff member's) hand is in contact with or in close proximity to a door handle, door lock module 703 activates the release mechanism (eg, solenoid) of latch assembly 701. If the door is unlocked and open, door lock module 703 may communicate that the door has been opened to access panel 705, and access panel 705 may in turn instruct medallion 11 to return to beacon mode.

Optionally, the door lock module 703 can monitor when a person's hand touches or is in close proximity to a door handle. In turn, if a door unlock authorization signal has not been received from the access panel 705 and the door lock module 703 determines that a person's hand has touched or comes close to the door handle, the door lock module 703 may send a tamper signal to the panel 705 access. IN

- 14 046665 response to receiving an unauthorized access attempt signal, the access panel 705 activates its camera to capture an image of the person attempting to access the door and transmits the image to the central server 21.

In embodiments in which medallion 11 is configured to operate in both bidirectional and beacon modes, the door unlocking sequence described above may include additional steps. If medallion 11 operates in a bidirectional mode of operation, the door unlocking sequence may be performed as described above. Optionally, once it is determined that the door is unlocked, the door lock module 703 may inform the access panel 705 that the door has been opened, and the access panel 705 may in turn inform the medallion 11 that the medallion can return to beacon mode.

If the medallion 11 is operating in a beacon mode of operation, the guest interaction system 10 may need to instruct the medallion 11 to switch to a bidirectional mode of operation to allow the medallion 11 to establish a secure communication channel with the access panel 705 and provide the access panel 705 with a unique personal identifier for the medallion. For this purpose, the access panel 705 may, in one example, determine, based on the time it receives a beacon signal from the medallion, when the next period of time will occur during which the medallion will listen for messages from the guest interaction system 10. In turn, over a period of time, the access panel 705 transmits a message to the medallion 11 to cause the medallion to switch to a bidirectional mode of operation. For example, access panel 705 may transmit a request for the medallion's unique personal identifier, and in response to receiving the request, the medallion may switch to bidirectional mode while continuing to transmit periodic beacons.

In another example, the guest interaction system 10 may cause the medallion 11 to switch to a bidirectional mode of operation before the medallion 11 reaches close proximity to the access panel 705 (e.g., before it comes within 2-4 feet of the access panel 705) . In this example, the location services provided by the guest experience system 10 track the location of each guest within the property using the guest medallion 11 . In particular, the network 13 of sensors 15 of the guest interaction system 10 continuously monitors beacon signals received from medallions 11 in each network sensor 15 and identifies medallions 11 that are in close proximity to each sensor 15 based on the received beacon signals and contained in them public identifiers. Based on said location monitoring of medallions 11, guest interaction system 10 may determine whether a recognized medallion is approaching a locked door that is associated with medallion 11. For example, system 10 may determine that medallion 11 has entered a hallway that includes a door to which the guest associated with the medallion has access, or that the medallion 11 has reached a predetermined proximity (eg, 100 feet or less) from such door. In response to this determination, the guest interaction system 10 causes one or more sensors 15 that are within the communication range of the medallion 11 to transmit a wake-up command to the medallion 11 to cause the medallion 11 to switch to a bidirectional mode of operation.

In the above example, the guest interaction system 10 may further send a wake command to the door access panel 705 that the medallion has access to when the medallion 11 approaches the door. In response to the wake command, the access panel may begin monitoring its BLE transceiver for any medallions 11 that are within its read range and are in a list of authorized users (e.g., a whitelist) stored in the access panel 705 .

The above description of the operation of the automatic door lock assembly 700 focuses on BLE-based detection and communication between the access panel 705 and the medallion 11. However, both the access panel 705 and the medallion 11 are also configured with NFC-based detection and communication, and the access panel 705 also provides functionality to unlock the corresponding door based on NFC-based communication. NFC-based communications can be used, among other use cases, in situations where the medallion's battery is depleted and thus the medallion is unable to emit BLE-based beacon signals or perform BLE-based communications. To support NFC-based communications, the access panel 705 periodically emits an NFC read signal or an NFC request signal, which is used to supply power to any passive NFC-based devices in the vicinity. If the medallion 11 is located near the access panel 705, the NFC read signal activates the NFC antenna and the medallion transceiver and causes the medallion 11 to transmit to the access panel 705 an NFC-based beacon response signal including a public identifier for the medallion 11. Based on the received response signal, the panel The access 705 may then establish a secure NFC-based communication channel with medallion 11 and proceed to unlock the door based on an NFC-based unlocking process similar to the BLE-based unlocking process described above (except that all communications will be performed using the NFC transceiver , not the BLE transceiver). The NFC-based unlocking process can also be used using NFC-enabled devices other than medallions, including, on

- 15 046665 example, access cards with NFC support.

In addition to the sensors 15 installed in the interface devices 17, the guest experience system 10 includes a sensor network 13 of autonomous sensors 15 located throughout the property (or facilities). Each sensor 15 has a known location, and the sensors 15 in the network 13 are used to track the location of medallions 11 in a facility by creating a log of each medallion 11 detected by each sensor 15 with a corresponding timestamp. In addition, each sensor 15 may communicate bidirectionally with the medallions 11 within its communication range, including detecting the medallions 11 by detecting a beacon and other signals transmitted by the medallions 11, and transmitting and receiving signals to and from the medallions 11. Examples of stand-alone sensors 15 are shown and described in FIGS. 8A-8D. In particular, in FIG. 8A and 8B show views of a directional or omnidirectional sensor, while FIG. 8C and 8D show views of the narrow beam sensor. An omnidirectional sensor has a long communication range (eg 30-50 feet and up to 100 feet or more) extending in all directions around the sensor; a directional sensor has an equally large communication range (eg, 30-50 feet and up to 100 feet or more), extending in some (but not all) directions around the sensor. A narrow-beam sensor has a shorter beam-shaped communication range, the diameter of which is adjustable and can be up to 7-10 feet or more, and a beam-shaped sensor typically has a communication range that travels a shorter distance in the selected direction from the sensor than an omnidirectional sensor (e.g. 15 feet or less). It should be noted that the communication range of each sensor may be reduced from the maximum ranges listed above.

In fig. 8A is an exploded exploded view of a directional or omnidirectional sensor that includes an electronics circuit board 807 and an antenna circuit board 803 mounted between a support plate 811 and a radome 801. The antenna circuit board 803 has an antenna element 802 mounted thereon that is communicatively coupled. with 803 antenna circuit board diagram. The antenna element 802 has a special shape similar to those shown in detail in FIG. 8E-8N and 8K-8N, which give the sensor directional or omnidirectional sensitivity. Antenna circuit board 803 is configured to communicate with electronics circuit board 807 via cable 805, and connector 809 provides connection between electronics circuit board 807 and wired network 19. Sensor 15 may be mounted on or in the ceiling or wall of an object (e.g., by 813 coupling nut) and can be used to monitor and communicate with medallions located in close proximity (e.g., within communication range) of the sensor. In fig. 8B shows a directional or omnidirectional sensor when all components are mounted together.

In fig. 8C is an exploded exploded view of a beam sensor that includes an electronics circuit board 807 and an antenna mounted between a support plate 811 and a radome 801. Additionally, a decorative base 814 may be provided. The antenna circuit board 803 has an antenna element 802 mounted thereon, which is connected with the ability to communicate with the 803 antenna circuit board. The antenna element 802 has a special shape, shown in detail in FIG. 8I-8J, which gives the sensor narrow-beam or narrow-beam directional sensitivity. The antenna includes an antenna circuit board 803 having a foam pad 804 mounted on its surface and an antenna element 802 mounted on the foam pad 804. Antenna circuit board 803 is configured to communicate with electronics circuit board 807 via cable 805, and connector 809 provides connection between electronics circuit board 807 and wired network 19. Sensor 15 may be mounted on or in the ceiling or wall of an object (e.g., by coupling nut 813) and can be used to monitor and communicate with medallions located in close proximity (e.g., within range and communication beam) of the sensor. In fig. Figure 8D shows the narrow beam sensor when all components are mounted together.

Detailed views of antenna elements 802 that may be mounted on antenna circuit boards 803 are provided in sensors 15 such as those shown in FIG. 8A-8D are given in relation to FIGS. 8E-8M. In fig. 8E-8H show detailed views of an antenna element 802 provided in a direction sensor such as that shown in FIG. 8A and 8B. Antenna element 802 may be designed for wall or ceiling mounting locations within an object and may provide directional sensitivity having a large beam width to direct linearly polarized radiation to the front surface of the antenna. As shown in the top and side views shown in FIG. 8E-8G, antenna element 802 has an inverted V shape that is generally symmetrical about a centerline and includes two projections extending downward from the main surface of the antenna that are used for attachment to antenna circuit board 803. The main surface of the antenna shown in FIG. 8E includes a rectangular center portion having symmetrical parallelogram-shaped projections extending from opposite sides of the rectangular center portion. Exemplary dimensions of antenna element 802, measured in inches, are shown in the figures. The dimensions given are illustrative and the antenna

- 16 046665 element 802 may be scaled up or down from the dimensions shown depending on the specific application for which antenna element 802 (and associated sensor 15) is intended. In particular, the dimensions can be selected and adjusted to vary the center frequency and impedance matching of the antenna. For example, these dimensions may be selected to provide the antenna element 802 with a resonant operating frequency of 2.4 GHz (within the BLE operating band in the ISM band) when the appropriate distance between the circuit board ground and the proximity of the package dielectric is taken into account. The lower projections extending downward from the main surface of the antenna serve as a power tap and a ground tap electrically coupled to the circuit board 803 and also serve to maintain the antenna element 802 at an appropriate height distance from the ground plane of the circuit board.

In fig. 8I-8J show detailed views of an antenna element 802 provided in a narrow beam sensor such as that shown in FIG. 8C and 8D. Antenna element 802 may be designed for ceiling mounting locations (or high-height, downward-sloping wall mounting locations) within a facility and may provide high gain and detection capability for a directional narrow beam (i.e., narrow beam) providing omnidirectional radiation. polarization (CP, from English circularly polarized). As shown in the top and side views shown in FIG. 8I-8J, antenna element 802 is generally planar and shaped like a square having diagonally opposite corners taken at 45° with respect to the sides of the square. Antenna element 802 in FIG. 8I and 8J may be mounted on the antenna circuit board 803 using a foam pad 804 as shown in FIG. 8C. Exemplary dimensions of antenna element 802, measured in millimeters (mm), are shown in the figures. The dimensions shown are illustrative, and the antenna element 802 may be increased or decreased in scale from the dimensions shown depending on the specific application for which the antenna element 802 (and associated sensor 15) is intended. In particular, the dimensions can be selected and adjusted to vary the center frequency, ellipticity coefficient, and impedance matching of the antenna. For example, these dimensions may be selected to provide the antenna element 802 with a resonant operating frequency of 2.4 GHz (within the BLE operating band in the ISM band) when the appropriate PCB ground distance and the proximity of the package dielectric are taken into account.

In fig. 8K-8N show detailed views of an antenna element 802 provided in the circular sensor. For example, the antenna element shown in FIG. 8K-8N can provide omnidirectional detection and can be used in a sensor 15 such as that shown in FIG. 8A and 8B. Antenna element 802 may be designed for ceiling mounting locations within a facility and provide a wide, linearly polarized beam to provide an omnidirectional azimuth radiation pattern. As shown in the top and side views of FIG. 8K-8M, antenna element 802 has a generally symmetrical shape about a centerline and includes two projections extending downward from the main surface of the antenna that are used for attachment to antenna circuit board 803 (as shown, for example, in FIG. 8A). The main surface of the antenna shown in FIG. 8K, usually has a round shape. Exemplary dimensions of antenna element 802, measured in inches, are shown in the figures. The dimensions shown are illustrative, and the antenna element 802 may be increased or decreased in scale from the dimensions shown depending on the specific application for which the antenna element 802 (and associated sensor 15) is intended. In particular, the dimensions can be selected and adjusted to vary the center frequency and impedance matching of the antenna. For example, these dimensions may be selected to provide the antenna element 802 with a resonating operating frequency of 2.4 GHz (within the BLE operating band in the ISM band) when appropriate PCB ground distance and package dielectric proximity are taken into account. The lower projections extending downward from the main surface of the antenna serve as a power tap and a ground tap electrically coupled to the circuit board 803 and also serve to maintain the antenna element 802 at an appropriate height distance from the ground plane of the circuit board. The power and ground taps may provide different directions of current flow on the surface of the antenna radiating element 802.

In general, sensors 15 installed in the interface devices 17 of the guest interaction system 10, such as the antennas of the access panels 705 used to unlock doors, are configured to have a limited range (e.g., 2-4 feet) to detect only the guest medallions 11, which are located in close proximity to interface devices 17.

Additionally, the sensors 15 of the interface devices 17 can be directional or narrowly directional type sensors, configured to detect medallions 11 only in selected directions. Thus, the sensor associated with the access panel 705 may be configured to only detect medallions 11 that are located at a limited distance in any direction from the sensor, while a payment terminal or vending machine sensor may only detect medallions 11 that are located within a limited angular

- 17 046665 range (for example, directly in front of a payment terminal or vending machine) and at a limited distance (for example, less than 2 feet) from the sensor.

As noted above, sensors 15 are located throughout the property and are used to monitor the location of medallions 11 throughout the property and provide services to guests based on the signals received. In particular, sensors 15 are used by the guest interaction system 10 to provide location information to the guest interaction system 10 with selectable levels of accuracy. At a low level of accuracy, the location of medallion 11 is identified based on the identity of one or more sensors 15 or other devices that detect beacon signals from medallion 11 at any given time. Thus, the position of the medallion at any point in time can be approximately determined based on the known positions of the sensor(s) (and/or the positions of other devices, if known) that detected the most recently detected medallion beacon signal(s). To determine the position of medallion 11 at a higher level of detail, the position of the medallion is determined based on the relative strength of the received beacon signal measured at each sensor that received the beacon signal and/or based on detection range and detection beam characteristics (e.g., detection range and detection direction ) sensor(s). In particular, when beacon signals from medallion 11 are received by three or more sensors 15, the relative strength of the received beacon signal at each of the sensors 15 (and/or the delay between the times the beacon signal is received at each of the sensors 15) can be used to triangulate the position of medallion 11. relative to the known locations of each of the sensors 15.

Monitoring the locations of medallions 11 inside the facility can be carried out not only by sensors 15 of the sensor network 13, but also by sensors 15 installed in the interface devices 17 of the guest interaction system 10. For example, the access panels 705 of the automatic door lock assemblies 700 located throughout the facility may be used to detect all medallions 11 passing by the access panels 705. The access panels 705 may transmit the identities of all detected medallions 11 to a central location server, which maintains a log of the locations of all medallions with corresponding timestamps. Additionally, location control may be accomplished through detection of the medallions 11 by BLE or NFC enabled devices, such as BLE or NFC enabled mobile devices, tablet computers, or interactive displays that communicate with the servers 21 of the guest experience system 10. BLE or NFC enabled mobile devices, such as guest mobile devices or employee tablets, can detect medallions 11 located within the devices' communication range and report to a central server the identity of the detected medallions 11 along with detection timestamps and device location information (if available).

To provide continuous monitoring of the locations of medallions 11 in real time, each of the sensors and devices that detect medallions 11 transmits the identification of all detected medallions 11 with detection timestamps to the same central location server. Thus, the central location server maintains a log of the locations of all medallions with corresponding timestamps. Thus, the central location server may be used to identify the most recently detected location of each medallion based on the most recent log entry for medallion 11 or, optionally, based on two or more most recent log entries for medallion 11 (e.g., to provide increased positioning accuracy by combining two different positioning techniques). Thus, the guest interaction system 10 provides an estimate of the location of each medallion in real time (or near real time). The location information may be further used by the guest interaction system 10 to provide additional services to guests or others, such as providing notification events to systems that are used to trigger personalized interactions when medallion 11 is determined to be arriving in an area, moving through an area, lingers in an area for a certain amount of time or leaves an area or space equipped with 15 sensors.

Location-based services can be further enhanced by the use of sensors 15 located near the entry and/or exit points of the facility. In particular, if the last entry relating to a particular medallion 11 in the log maintained by the central location server is for an entry/exit location, and the log does not contain any further detections of medallion 11 at a later time at the site, the system may determine whether that Medallion 11 (and its associated guest) had left the facility. In turn, when medallion 11 is detected again at the same (or different) entry/exit location, it can be determined that the medallion has re-entered the site. Thus, the guest interaction system 10 may maintain a log of medallions 11 that are on site and a log of medallions 11 that have left the property.

- 18 046665 object. Notification may be provided to users based on these logs, for example to inform another guest that a member of their family has left the property and/or returned to the property.

In addition to the functions described above, the guest interaction system 10 may further be used for roll call at sea, emergency evacuation, and the like. In particular, because the guest experience system 10 includes sensors 15 throughout the facility (or vessel) that are configured to monitor the positions of the medallions 11, the guest experience system 10 maintains current, up-to-date information regarding the location of guests within the facility at any time on based on the tracked locations of all guest medallions 11. Based on current guest location information, the guest interaction system 10 can dynamically assign guests to muster points or evacuation routes when a muster or evacuation operation is in progress. In particular, the guest interaction system 10 may dynamically assign guests to collection points or evacuation routes so as to assign guests to the collection point or evacuation route that is closest to their current location when a collection or evacuation operation is initiated. Guest interaction system 10 may additionally or alternatively dynamically assign guests to collection points or evacuation routes to avoid overloading a particular collection point or evacuation route when a collection or evacuation operation is initiated. For example, in situations where a large number of guests are concentrated in a specific part of the facility (for example, a large number of guests are at or near the stern of the ship), dynamic assignment can be used to assign specific guests to muster points or evacuation routes on or near the bow of the ship to ensure that no collection point or evacuation route is overloaded with guests. Additionally, the guest interaction system 10 may monitor the positions of medallions and guests during a muster or evacuation operation and dynamically change a particular guest's assigned muster point or evacuation route based on updated real-time information derived from real-time monitoring of guest location changes ( i.e. movement) around the object. Thus, a guest's assigned rally point or evacuation route can be updated if the guest takes an unexpected route during a muster or evacuation operation, for example, if a guest takes an unexpected route to pick up a child during a muster or evacuation operation, or if a guest must bypass a smoke-filled area. corridor during evacuation.

The guest interaction system 10 may further be used to automatically identify rooms that are vacated of all guests during a muster or evacuation operation, for example, by determining that the room does not have medallions and/or determining that all guests associated with the room , are located elsewhere in the property (based on tracked guest medallion locations). Conversely, the guest interaction system 10 may be used to automatically identify rooms in which guests are present during muster or evacuation (based on tracked guest medallion locations) and to direct personnel (crew) and/or first responders to identified rooms for assisting guests in evacuation.

The above functions of the guest interaction system 10 used during collection and/or evacuation are realized in part by the ability of the guest interaction system to communicate information to guests during the collection or evacuation operation. For this purpose, the guest experience system 10 utilizes access panels 705, interactive displays 17c, portals 17d, and the like, which are located throughout the property. In particular, the guest interaction system 10 provides assembly and/or evacuation instructions on the displays of the interface devices 17, such as arrows (or more detailed instructions) indicating assembly points and evacuation routes. Instructions may further be customized for 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 simultaneously instructing another guest to evacuate in a different direction (for example, to allow another guest to regroup with others guests in his/her group). Instructions may also provide guests with information about other guests in the same group, such as providing the guest with information about the guest's current location, designated assembly point, and/or designated evacuation route for the guest's child, spouse, or friend. Instructions can also be customized for each guest so that they are displayed in the guest's chosen language.

The guest interaction system 10 provides services and interaction with guests through a variety of different modes and terminals. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the guest experience system 10 may provide services and interactions through end devices 18, such as mobile devices 18a (e.g., smartphones), tablet computers 18b, interactive displays 18c (e.g., touch-enabled display screens), Internet-enabled televisions ( such as stateroom TVs), 18d desktop computers and/or web interfaces, kiosks and more. In general, end device 18 includes a processor, memory storing program instructions, a display, and a user input interface such as a touch screen, although

- 19 046665 use additional components (or fewer components). Certain end devices 18, including interactive displays 18c, Internet-enabled televisions, kiosks, and the like, may also function as interface devices 17, and vice versa. In particular, end devices 18 that support BLE (e.g., include a BLE transceiver) typically can function as interface devices 17. Conversely, interface devices 17 that include a user input interface and provide access to an application to interact with guests, described in more detail below, can function as end devices 18.

The services and interactions provided by the guest experience system 10 may be provided through an application or other executable program stored on and executed by the end devices 18, such as a custom guest experience application. Services and interactions may alternatively or additionally be provided through web interfaces, such as a guest interaction interface running on server 21 that is accessed through a web browser executed by end device 18 and having a communications connection to server 21. Services and interactions typically use, at least in part, data and information retrieved from servers 21 of guest experience system 10 through network connections (e.g., Internet connections) of end devices 18, although certain services and interactions may be provided without network connections or without retrieving data and information from servers 21. For purposes of communication with servers 21, end devices 18 are shown in FIG. 9, as having wireless (eg, in the case of end devices 18a and 18b) or wired (eg, in the case of end devices 18c and 18d) connections to servers 21 through a communications network 19. It should be noted 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 FIG. 9, some of the end devices 18 through which services and interactions are provided may be BLE-enabled devices, such as BLE-enabled mobile devices 18a, tablet computers 18b, or interactive displays 18c. When such end device 18 runs a guest interaction application, the guest interaction application may optionally activate the BLE transceiver of end device 18 to provide additional services to the user. For example, a guest engagement application may activate the BLE transceiver of end device 18 and use the activated BLE transceiver to listen for beacon signals emitted by medallions 11 located within the BLE communication range of end device 18. The guest engagement application may optionally report medallion IDs to servers 21 11 from which the beacon signals were received, along with the receipt timestamp and location information for the end device 18 (when available). The guest engagement application may optionally use an activated BLE transceiver to establish two-way communication with the medallions 11 from which the beacon signals have been received. In one example, the guest interaction application may trigger a change in the operating mode of the medallion 11. In one use case, the guest interaction application may cause the BLE transceiver of the end device 18 to issue an alert from the guest interaction system to prompt any medallion 11 within its communication range wake up from sleep mode when medallion 11 detects an alert. In another use case, the guest interaction application may cause the medallion 11 operating in beacon mode to enter a bidirectional mode or sleep mode of operation, or cause the medallion 11 operating in bidirectional mode to enter a beacon mode or sleep mode of operation.

In some cases, the guest engagement application may additionally or alternatively activate the NFC transceiver of the end device 18 when the application is running on the NFC-enabled end device 18. In such situations, the application may be used to detect the medallions 11 and communicate with the medallions 11 via NFC. In particular, while the present description focuses on BLE-based communications between end devices 18 and medallions 11, features described in the context of BLE-based communications may similarly be implemented through NFC-based communications between end devices 18 and medallions 11 when using an NFC-enabled end device 18.

References to a guest interaction application throughout this document refer not only to instances in which the guest interaction application takes the form of an application or other executable program stored on and executed by end device 18, but also to instances in which the application takes the form of a web or other terminal-based interface to interact with guests. In general, the user experiences provided through the application and web interfaces will be similar, although some guest experience application functionality may be offered only through the application or web interfaces. Additionally, references to a guest engagement app may refer to different versions of the app, including guest-facing versions that only include

- 20 046665 functionality offered to guests, staff-oriented versions which include additional functionality offered to hosts or staff, inspector-oriented versions which include functionality offered to inspectors supervising employees, and administrator versions including functionality offered only to system administrators.

In order to use the application to interact with guests through the end device 18, the guest typically needs to identify and authenticate himself. If a guest is not identified and authenticated, they may only have access to limited functionality of the application and, in particular, may not have access to information based on the user's profile. In cases where the guest engagement application is running on a BLE-enabled end device 18, the guest engagement application may listen for BLE beacon signals from the guest medallions 11 and, in response to detecting one or more beacon signals, may provide a login page , personalized to the guest(s), which is automatically identified based on detected beacon signals. Guests can then log in to the app by entering a password or personal identification number (PIN) into the app. If the application is running on an end device 18 that is not BLE enabled, and/or if the guest's medallion beacon signal is not detected by the application, the guest can identify and authenticate themselves to log into the application by entering both a username and a password or personal identification number (PIN code) into the application. It should be noted that when the application is launched on the guest's own mobile device 18a, the guest may choose to remain logged into the application so as not to have to enter a password or PIN each time the guest accesses the application. Otherwise, the guest may be automatically logged out of the application if no user interaction occurs for a given period of time. Additionally, in cases in which login was based on detection of a medallion beacon signal, the guest may automatically log out if the medallion beacon signal is no longer detected by the application or end device 18 within a given period of time, or if it is determined that the medallion 11 has moved away from the end device 18.

Once logged in, the application can automatically access and securely retrieve profile information associated with an identified and authenticated guest from the servers 21. The application can also be used to prompt the guest to provide, complete, or view missing profile information, which is then uploaded from the application to the servers 21 Profile information may include name, photo identification, reservation and other reservation information, payment information (such as information about saved payment options for the guest), and the like. Profile information may also include additional data associated with the guest, including information about the guest's past, present and future activities (determined from bookings and reservations and location data), past, present and future locations (determined from bookings and reservations and location data location), past, present and future orders and preferences, etc. Profile information may also include photos, music, videos and other types of data associated with the guest.

Through guest-centric versions of the application, the guest experience system 10 provides a variety of services to guests. For example, a guest using the application may use the application to view the guest's reservations, check-ins and reservations, including past, present and future registrations for stays, restaurants, shows, events and the like. Guest can also use the app to obtain information and make reservations for available accommodations, restaurants, shows, events and the like. The information may be based on recommendations for future bookings, registrations and reservations personalized to the guest based on the guest's profile information. The guest may also use the application to view photos, videos, and other media available through the guest experience system 10, including photos, videos, and other media associated with the guest. Association of media elements with a guest may be based on matching the guest's profile information with tag information for the media elements, such as profile and tag information indicating that the video was filmed in the location visited by the guest's medallion, profile and tag information indicating that the photo depicts a person , associated with a guest, based on that person's medallion being found in close proximity to the photographer at the time the photograph was taken, or the like. The application may also provide access to games (optionally including betting games), purchases and other features.

The guest experience system 10 may also allow guests to view live performances using a guest-facing version of the application. The performance can be viewed, for example, on a TV in a guest's stateroom, on which an application can be accessed to interact with guests. More specifically, a guest using a guest interaction application may choose to view a live performance through the application, such as a pre

- 21 046665 performance taking place in a theater or other establishment within the facility in which the guest interaction system 10 is installed, or outside the facility. In response to the choice, the guest is provided with a live audio and/or video broadcast of the event. Additionally, the app allows the guest to interact with the performer participating in the performance live. More specifically, the application may allow the guest to send instant messages or other feedback to the performer, for example, by typing a message for the performer in the application's input user interface (e.g., on an on-screen keyboard or remote control for a stateroom TV) or by selecting a feedback button (e.g., clap button, laugh button, thumbs up button, heart button, etc.). Instant messages and feedback are then displayed on a screen located in front of the performer and/or transmitted to the performer in the form of auditory feedback (for example, by activating pre-recorded clapping or laughing sounds) to notify the performer of the feedback received from the guest and provide the opportunity for the performer to interact with the guest during the performance.

In some examples, the guest engagement application provides communication features that allow users of the application (including both guests and staff) to communicate with each other using the application. Communication functions may include text, audio and/or video communication between users, such as chat-based communication, instant messaging (IM), voice mail or video calling, and the like. In addition, communication features may allow users to obtain information about other connected users, including location information. Linked users may include, in the case of a guest, other guests in his/her group (for example, other guests who are part of the same reservation, such as children, parents, etc.) or guests who have accepted a link request for a guest, or, in the case of a member of staff, one or more persons for whom the member of staff is required to provide a service (for example, a guest ordering food or drink to be delivered by a member of staff). For example, once users are connected, the guest interaction application's communication functionality may provide the guest with general location information (for example, to indicate that another guest is in or has left the property) and/or precise location information (for example, to indicate that another guest is in their cabin). The communication functionality may also indicate whether another associated guest is available for immediate communication, and in some examples may identify guests who have left the property as unavailable for communication.

Guest Engagement System 10 provides additional functionality through staff-centric versions of the Guest Engagement application. Staff-centric versions of the guest engagement application can be run on 18 endpoint devices used by hosts and staff to provide services and interact with property guests. Typically, hosts and staff will access the staff-centric version of the guest engagement application on a BLE-enabled 18b tablet end device (e.g., the end device includes a BLE transceiver and BLE antenna), although in some situations hosts and staff will access to the application through other end devices (eg, interactive displays 18c, portals, door lock access panels 705, and the like).

In one example, a staff-centric version of a guest engagement application may be used by an employee to interact with guests. For this purpose, the guest engagement application uses the BLE transceiver of the end device 18 to detect any medallions 11 in close proximity (e.g., within BLE communication range) of the end device 18. Specifically, the BLE transceiver is used to detect beacon signals emitted by the medallions 11 in the immediate vicinity of the end device 18. When one or more beacon signals are detected, the staff-oriented version of the guest interaction application is configured to retrieve the public identifier of each medallion that is included in the emitted beacon signals, and to retrieve from the servers 21 profile information associated with the retrieved ID(s) and associated guest(s). The extracted profile information typically includes the photo and name (or nickname) associated with the guest. The extracted profile information is then displayed on the display of the end device 18 to allow the employee or host to interact with the guest(s) based on the extracted profile information. For example, based on extracted profile information, an employee can visually identify a guest, greet them by name or nickname, and discuss upcoming bookings with them.

In situations in which profile information for multiple guests is received by end device 18, the guest engagement application may display profile information for multiple guests. In some examples, the profiles may be displayed in order of each guest's estimated distance from the end device 18, where the estimated distance may be determined based on the signal strength or transmission delay associated with the corresponding BLE beacon signal associated with each guest's medallion 11 and the detected end device 18.

- 22 046665

Based on the profile information received, the employee or host can assist the guest. For example, an employee or host can view a guest's reservations, check-ins, and reservations; provide information and/or provide recommendations or reservations for future bookings, registrations and reservations personalized to the guest based on the guest's profile information; place orders for drinks and food for delivery to the guest; help the guest navigate the facility or the like. The application may also allow the employee or host to participate in games (optionally including betting games) with the guest and provide additional functionality.

The guest engagement system 10 may further provide payment functionality through a staff-oriented version of the application. As described above, medallions 11 can be used for payments by establishing a secure communication channel between medallion 11 and a payment terminal (e.g., 17b), authenticating medallion 11 over a secure communication channel using the medallion's unique personal identifier or other encrypted information stored in medallion 11 . cash registers and other payment terminals in which the presence of an employee or cashier is not necessary. In addition, using the staff-oriented version of the application, you can use a simplified payment process. Specifically, using the employee-centric version of the application, an employee can authenticate a guest through visual recognition of the guest based on a comparison of the guest's appearance with a photo stored in the guest's profile. In particular, the guest interaction system 10 may prompt an employee using the staff-oriented version of the application to authorize a payment to the guest account. For example, an invitation may be provided in response to an employee choosing through the application to place an order on behalf of a guest (for example, ordering food or drinks, registering for a tour, reserving seats for a show, upgrading a room, paying for a game, or the like). similar). The request may typically be based on two complementary identification modes to allow personnel to authorize payment, although a varying number of identification modes (including a single identification mode) may be used. For example, the request may be based on the end device 18 running a staff-centric version of the application that locates the guest medallion 11 from which payment is to be charged (e.g., using BLE and NFC communication modes to locate the medallion 11), retrieves profile information (including photo) for detected medallion 11 from server 21, displays a photo of the guest associated with medallion 11, prompts the employee to visually confirm that the guest the employee is interacting with matches the displayed photo, and, after receiving confirmation from the employee that the guest matches the photo , processes the payment. In the example shown, the two additional identification modes used are detection of the medallion 11 and visual confirmation of the guest's identity, although in other examples other modes (and different quantities and combinations thereof) may be used.

The guest engagement system 10 also provides directions search functionality and provides an interface for route searches through the guest engagement application. The route finding functionality provided by the guest interaction system 10 can be used to find a route in both a moving reference frame and a stationary reference frame. For example, in the case of route finding on a cruise ship, traditional location systems such as GPS cannot be easily used for several reasons. First, a cruise ship may be moving and therefore the route search within the ship must be based on the ship's moving reference frame rather than a stationary (eg, land) reference frame. As a result, GPS-based positioning and other fixed-frame positioning are of limited use because the GPS-based location of a user cannot be used to determine the user's location relative to a moving vessel. Second, a cruise ship contains significant amounts of metal and other surfaces that interfere with the propagation of GPS-based signals (so that GPS signals cannot be received within the ship) and/or cause significant signal interference due to electromagnetic signals reflected from metal surfaces. As a result, traditional positioning systems are generally ineffective for finding a route on a ship.

To address the shortcomings noted above, the guest experience system 10 provides its own route-finding functionality based on the sensor network 13 of the guest experience system 10. More specifically, the guest experience system 10 maintains a database of locations at which medallions 11 have been detected. Each entry in the database includes an identifier for the medallion (e.g., a public identifier for medallion 11 that is transmitted as part of the device's beacon signal), an identifier locations (eg

- 23 046665 measures, identifier(s) of the location(s) of the sensor(s) 15 or other antenna or device that detected the beacon signal, and/or a more precise location determination based on triangulation, multilateration or other location method) and a timestamp. Thus, the location determination performed by the guest interaction system 10 may be performed based on sensors in the sensor network 13 as well as beacon signals detected by end devices 18, interface devices 17, and the like. As noted previously, location determination can be performed with varying levels of accuracy depending on the types of sensors 15 with which the beacon signals were detected (e.g., narrow beam sensors provide more detailed location information than omnidirectional sensors), depending on the number of sensors 15. detecting beacon signals, depending on whether information about triangulation, multilateration, transmission delay or signal strength from multiple sensors, etc. is used.

The directions search functionality provided by the guest interaction system 10, including the directions search provided through the guest interaction application, is thus provided based on the location determination performed by the guest interaction system 10. Specifically, the location of the guests is determined by the server 21 of the guest experience system 10 by determining the location of the user's medallion 11 and communicating the determined location to the guest via the guest experience application. For example, the guest's location may be displayed overlaid on a map or 3D model of a vessel displayed on the user interface of an application presented on the end device 18 currently being used by the guest. Thus, the location of the guest is typically not determined by the end device 18 used by the guest, but instead the location of the guest is typically determined by the guest experience system 10 (e.g., the server 21 of the guest experience system 10) based on the location of the guest medallion 11 detected by the system's sensor network 13 10 interaction with guests.

It should be noted that, as described above, the sensor network 13 of the guest interaction system 10 may extend to a variety of different objects, including objects located on the ship and objects located off the ship. Thus, the guest interaction system 10 can be used to provide accurate location and route finding on any of the objects, including stationary objects (eg, land), moving objects (eg, ships), and objects including both stationary and moving components (e.g., facilities to which cruise passengers have access during the cruise, which may include both ship and land-based facilities). In such cases, the guest interaction system 10 may automatically determine the location of the guest in the appropriate stationary or moving reference frame depending on whether the guest is currently located in a stationary (e.g., land) or moving (e.g., ship) reference frame, and provide location information through the application to interact with guests in a frame of reference determined according to the current position of the guest.

As described in detail above, the guest interaction system 10 may determine the position/location of the guest based on the medallion 11 and, more specifically, based on the locations at which beacon signals emitted by the medallion 11 are detected. The detection is based on the operation of the sensors 15 of the system 10 and more. specifically, on the known location at which each sensor 15 is installed and the detection range of each sensor (eg, the shape and orientation of the directional detection range). Discovery may also be based on detection of beacon signals by end devices 18, including end devices 18 that have a variable location, such as mobile devices 18a and tablet computers 18b. More specifically, in the case of end devices 18, the locations of end devices 18 having fixed locations may be stored on servers 21 of the guest experience system 10, and the stored location information may be used to determine the locations of detected medallions 11.

In the case of moving end devices 18, the guest experience system 10 may use two sources of information to determine the current location of the end device 18 and thus infer the location of the medallions 11 detected by the end device 18. First, the guest experience system 10 may receive periodic reports from end devices 18, including IDs of medallions 11 from which beacons were detected, and may infer the location of medallion 11 by determining the location of the end device 18 from which the report was received. The guest experience system 10 may then determine the location of the end device 18 based on the identification of the Wi-Fi or other wireless access point through which the end device 18 is connected to the communications network 19 of the system 10. For this purpose, the guest experience system 10 maintains a database identifying installation location of each wireless access point on site, and uses a database to identify the location of end devices 18 and medallions 11 discovered by the end devices

- 24 046665 18. The identification of the wireless access point may be communicated to the guest experience system 10 by the end device 18 or determined by the guest experience 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 the identifying medallions 11 detected by the end devices, the guest experience system 10 may receive information about the location of the end devices 18 when such 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 location function, such as GPS-based location determination. In such situations, the guest experience system 10 may use reported location information provided by the end device 18 to determine the location of the medallions 11 detected by the end device 18. The guest experience system 10 may additionally use the location information of a moving reference frame (e.g., GPS the location of the vessel on which the final device 18 is moving) to determine the position of the final device 18 relative to the moving reference frame.

The wayfinding functionality may be used by the guest experience system 10 to allow a user of the guest experience application to find another guest or employee by tracking the other guest or employee in real time. This guest tracking functionality can be used by a guest to determine the location of another guest (e.g., friend, spouse, child, ...), and by an employee or host to determine the location of a guest (e.g., for food, drink, or other order delivery or to assist the guest in other ways), among other circumstances. The guest tracking functionality allows one application user to obtain, through the guest interaction application, information about the current location of another guest as determined by the guest interaction system 10, including displaying the other guest's current location displayed overlaid on a map or on a 3D model of a vessel (or other object), shown on the application's user interface. The guest tracking functionality also allows one user to receive directions to the current location of another guest based on a combination of the user's location (determined by the guest experience system 10 based on the detected location of the user's medallion 11) and the location of the other guest (determined by the guest experience system 10 at based on the detected location of another guest's medallion 11). Locations can be updated in real time as the user and guest move through the property, and thus directions can be updated in real time.

The functionality of the guest experience system 10 described above may provide the following services (described in the illustrative context of a cruise ship example).

The guest interaction system 10 through the guest interaction application allows guests to interact with the system outside of the premises in which the system is installed. For example, guests can interact from home by accessing their profile through the web version of the application or through an end device 18 (e.g., mobile phone 18a, tablet computer 18b, desktop computer 18d, or the like) running the application. Guests can then complete their guest profile at their leisure, entering any required documentary information such as passport details, completing medical forms and travel information, and indicating their preferred form of payment. Guests can also upload a photo, create a digital avatar to further personalize their profile, and arrange or book services such as luggage pickup for expedited delivery straight to their stateroom.

Guests can also interact while at the airport - especially in cases where guests have received their medallions 11 in advance of travel. For example, in the case of guests traveling to a facility where the guest interaction system 10 is in operation, employees may meet the guests at the destination airport. In this example, employees located at the airport may be equipped with end devices 18 running an application to interact with guests. Employees may use the endpoint devices 18 and the application to detect the medallions 11 of arriving guests, retrieve profile information for the guests, including photographs, and recognize guests based on the proximity of the medallions 11 and visually recognize guests based on photographs. This way, staff can personally greet guests, confirm the status of their documents, and guide them through the airport (for example, directing guests to the bus depot heading to the port terminal).

While traveling on buses, guests may again access the guest-facing application through their end devices 18 (e.g., mobile phones 18a or tablet computers 18b) to explore options available at the destination (e.g., a cruise ship, in one example ), book events and learn more about people, places and culture,

- 25 046665 whom they will get to know.

Additionally, once at the cruise terminal (such as in the cruise ship example), guests can board the ship with minimal further interaction with staff since guests are already equipped with their medallions 11, which serve as keys to their staterooms. Additionally, terminal employees may use endpoint devices 18 running a staff-centric application to identify arriving guests, identify guests who have not yet completed the check-in process, and contact those guests to help them complete the process.

Other examples of interface devices 17 that may be used as part of the guest interaction system 10 include gaming stations 100, such as the one shown in FIG. 10. Gaming stations 100 provide an environment in which guests can participate in games, including wagering games, cooperative games with other guests, and head-to-head games with other guests.

Each gaming station 100 typically includes ergonomic seating 101 for multiple guests (e.g., four guests in the examples shown in FIG. 10), although a single-guest gaming station 100 or modular gaming stations 100 for a variable number may also be used. guests. The seats 101 can place guests facing each other using a central frame positioned between the guests and the supporting components of the gaming station. Some guests may also be seated next to each other, as shown in FIG. 10. The gaming station 100 also includes one or more display screens 102 mounted on a central frame and used for displaying gaming screens and images to users, and input devices 103 such as keyboards, touch pads, touch displays, and the like. which are mounted on a central frame and are used to receive input from users. Input devices 103 may also include microphones (e.g., a microphone array including a plurality of microphones located at various locations of the gaming station 100), optical sensors, and/or ultrasonic proximity sensors used to provide enhanced user input, user location data, and/or or data about the movement of users within the gaming station.

The gaming station 100 also includes one or more sensors 15 (not shown) that are installed within the station 100 (e.g., in hidden or discrete locations) and are used to identify guests who are currently seated in the station 100 or otherwise using the station 100. Sensors 15 are used to detect medallions 11 of users of the station 100 in order to allow users to log into the gaming station 100 and participate in games. Sensors 15 may also be used to establish secure communication connections with medallions 11 of users of station 100 to authenticate medallions 11 and effect payment transactions. In general, the sensors 15 have detection beams directed toward the seats 101 of the gaming station 100 so as to detect medallions 11 of guests who are seated in the gaming station 100. In some examples, the detection beams of the sensors 15 are adjusted such that the sensors 15 can only detect medallions 11 that are located within the gaming station 100. In the example, the sensors 15 are located and adjusted to detect medallions 11 at each individual seating position so that the gaming station can distinguish between guests located at each individual seating position. A seating area can be defined as an area two feet wide, zero to 5 feet from the floor and one foot beyond the edge of the table (to cover the purse/bag at the user's feet) to three feet from the edge of the table. The medallions 11 can be detected when they are in an accessory, pocket (front or back) or bag located within the seat.

In some embodiments, the gaming station 100 also includes a canopy 105 extending over the seats 101 of the gaming station 100. In the examples of FIGS. 10, the canopy 105 is supported by two struts 107 and is made of a translucent or mesh material. The struts 107 support the canopy 105 and have lighting (eg, LED lighting) built into it to provide multi-colored lighting. The lighting may be controlled by a processor of the gaming station 100 to output lighting having an activation pattern and/or a color pattern that is synchronized with the game being played on the gaming station 100. The spacers 107 may further have water spray outlets and/or water spray outlets integrated therein. spraying a fragrance/fragrance. The spray outlets may be connected to a water supply valve or reservoir (e.g., a flavor reservoir) via conduit passing through spacers 107 in the seat 101 of the gaming station 100. The spray outlets connected to the water supply valve may be selectively controlled by the gaming processor station 100 for outputting water mist having an activation circuit that is synchronized with the game being played on the gaming station 100. Spray outlets connected to one or more flavor reservoirs may be selectively controlled by the processor of the gaming station 100 to output flavors (or flavor mixtures) ) having activation patterns and/or scents that are synchronized with the game being played on the gaming station 100. Separate spray outlets and conduits may be provided in the spacers 107 to provide separate and independent spraying of mist and flavors. Add

- 26 046665 Additionally, various spray outlets and conduits may be provided for emitting various flavors in the gaming station 100.

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

The gaming station 100 may also include one or more external display screens 109 on which game progress displays and images can be displayed in real time so that other guests can view the progress of the game. In some examples, the external display screen 109 is touch-sensitive and allows viewing guests to participate in the game and/or place bets on the progress of the game and the results of the players. In such examples, the gaming station 100 may include one or more external sensors 15 positioned to sense guest medallions 11 located in front of the external display screen 109. External sensors 15 may be used to detect guest medallions 11 and allow those guests to log into the gaming station 100 via the external display screen 109 to allow guests to participate in or place bets on gameplay. The external display screens 109 may also be used by guests to register or queue for a game, so that guests can be invited to join the game in the order of registration or queue when seating becomes available at the gaming station 100.

Operation of the gaming station 100 may be controlled by a computing platform provided within the seat 101. The computing platform will typically include one or more processors (e.g., three or more processors in some embodiments), a memory storing program instructions for playing the game, a source power supply (eg, including an uninterruptible power supply (UPS)) and connections to each of the displays and input devices 102, 103, and 109. The computing platform will also be connected via a communications network 19 to servers 21 of the guest interaction system 10. The computing platform is further connected to actuators that control the spray outlets, as well as controllers that control lighting, sound, and haptic or tactile feedback. Different feedback modes can be controlled individually for each player's seat position, so that different players can be provided with different sensory feedback (including atomization, flavor, sound, haptics, touch, light, and mapping) at any time under the control of the computing platform.

Additionally and/or alternatively, the above-mentioned features of the guest experience system 10 can seamlessly provide a guest experience as the user navigates the property. As an example, a user may launch a game on a selected display screen 109 of the gaming station 100 and continue the same game on a selected access panel 705 in his cabin. For this purpose, the guest experience system 10 utilizes access panels 705, interactive displays 17c, portals 17d, and the like, which are located throughout the property. In such examples, the user's proximity, based, for example, on determining the location of medallion 11 described herein, may trigger access of interface devices 17 to user profile information associated with the detected medallion 11. Accordingly, access panels 705, interactive displays 17c, portals 17d, etc. .P. wirelessly communicate with the server 21 to retrieve profile information (including game preferences, status of currently running games, user biographical information, payment information, etc.) for the detected guest medallion 11. Once the profile information is received, the interface devices 17 may display to the user the status of his last game being played and ask the user whether he would like to continue playing the game directly on the interface device 17.

In some embodiments, the game may be influenced by events and actions contributed by all guests on the ship playing the game. For example, gaming station 100 may support a lottery game that provides users with game entry capabilities on access panels 705, interactive displays 17c, portals 17d, and the like. Each time a guest accesses access panels 705, interactive displays 17c, and/or portals 17d, a lottery game entry is created and a cumulative jackpot may be calculated. In other examples, interaction with access panels 705, interactive displays 17c, portals 17d, and the like. can be counted towards those users who have already taken part in the drawing. Thus, the guest interaction system 10 provides interaction with all users on the ship based on their seamless interaction with the system 10.

In fig. 11 and 12 are illustrations of functional block diagrams of general purpose computer hardware platforms. In fig. 11 illustrates a network or host computer platform that may typically be used to implement a server, such as any of the servers 21 described herein. In fig. 12 shows a computer with custom elements

- 27 046665 interface that can be used to implement a portal (eg, 17d) or other type of workstation or terminal device of the guest interaction system 10, although the computer in FIG. 12 can also act as a server if programmed accordingly. Those skilled in the art are expected to be familiar with the structure, programming and general operation of such computer equipment and, as a result, the drawings should be self-explanatory.

The server, for example, includes a data interface for transmitting packet data. The server also includes a central processing unit (CPU) in the form of one or more processors for executing program instructions. A server platform typically includes an internal communications bus, program storage, and data storage for the various data files that must be processed and/or transmitted by the server, although the server often receives programs and data over network communication links. The hardware components, operating systems, and programming languages of such servers are conventional in nature and are expected to be fairly familiar to those skilled in the art. Of course, server-side functions can be implemented in a distributed manner across a number of similar platforms to distribute the processing load.

In fig. 13 shows that the guest interaction system 10 includes at least one staff member 40. A staff member 40 may be any person who provides services or products to guests 12. Exemplary staff members 40 may include staff, employees, employees and hosts of hotels and/or resorts. Staff member 40 is shown operating staff device 402. Personnel device 402 may include a hand-held, mobile, and/or portable electronic device capable of wireless communication, optionally with mobile computing capabilities. Exemplary personnel devices 402 may include two-way radio transceivers, walkie-talkies, cell phones, smart phones, tablets, and/or the like. Personnel device 402 may be configured to communicate with guest devices 11 and/or sensors 15 through one or more selected wireless communication technologies. Additionally and/or alternatively, personnel device 402 may communicate with system servers 21 via communications network 19. Additionally and/or alternatively, staff device 402 may, similar to guest devices 11, communicate with interface devices 17 (shown in FIG. 1) and/or end devices 18 (shown in FIG. 9).

The personnel device 402 is shown to be coupled to an antenna device 300, which is configured to emit signals supplied from the personnel device 402. Additionally and/or alternatively, antenna device 300 may receive the signal and transmit the signal to personnel device 402. Stated another way, regardless of whether the staff device 402 includes an integrated antenna and/or whether the built-in antenna can provide the functionality needed in the guest interaction system 10, the antenna device 300 can function as an interface between the staff device 402 and other wireless networks and /or devices to provide additional and/or alternative wireless communication capabilities to the personnel device 402. In addition, because antenna device 300 may provide wireless communications functionality independent of the built-in capabilities of personnel device 402, the hardware and/or software of antenna device 300 may be programmed and/or custom designed even if personnel device 402 is commercially purchased and cannot be reprogrammed or customized. As an advantage, hotel and resort staff, employees and hosts can take full advantage of the guest interaction system 10 with a specially tuned antenna device 300.

The antenna device 300 is shown to be located within and/or on the accessory device 400 for the personnel device 402. The accessory device 400 may be attached to the personnel device 402 and/or be configured to move with it. In one embodiment, the accessory device 400 may include a housing 420 (shown in FIG. 28) for at least partially enclosing the personnel device 402. Accessory device 400 may include additional elements that may provide selected functionality. The hardware and/or software of the assistive device 400 may be programmed and/or custom designed, even if the personnel device 402 is commercially purchased and cannot be reprogrammed or customized. As an advantage, the assistive device 400 can be easily used with the staff device and provide customized functionality to fully utilize the guest interaction system 10.

In fig. 14 shows that antenna device 300 includes a first wireless antenna 320 and an optional second wireless antenna 340. The first and second wireless communication antennas 320, 340 may be configured to operate in accordance with the first and second communication standards, respectively. The first communication standard may be different from the second communication standard. In one embodiment, the first and second communication standards may include a Bluetooth communication standard and a near field communication (NFC) standard, respectively. Approximate Bluetooth communication standard

- 28 046665 may include the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communications standard.

In some embodiments, the first wireless communication antenna 320 may include a directional antenna. Stated differently, the first wireless communication antenna 320 is shown to radiate power with the highest gain and/or least interference in the 360 direction (or z direction) compared to any other directions. For example, the first wireless communication antenna 320 may include a Yagi antenna, a log periodic antenna, a corner reflector antenna, or a combination thereof. Using the first wireless communication antenna 320, the staff member 40 (shown in FIG. 13) can point the first wireless communication antenna 320 at the selected guest 12, which carries the guest device 11, to obtain information associated with the selected guest 12 via BLE communication. Preferably, even if the selected guest 12 is in a crowded environment and surrounded by other guests 12, the first highly directivity wireless communication antenna 320 can capture information from the selected guest 12, such as personality, preferences, and/or previous experience. In this way, the interaction between the staff member 40 and the selected guest 12 can be personalized.

Directivity can be measured using a parameter such as directivity and/or peak directivity. The directivity factor may be the ratio of the power density of the antenna device 300 in a particular direction to the power density of a theoretical isotropic radiator with the same overall power transmission level. The peak directivity factor may be the ratio of the power density of the antenna device 300 in the most concentrated direction (or end radiation (EF) region) to the power density of a theoretical isotropic emitter with the same overall power transmission level. Stated somewhat differently, the peak gain of antenna device 300 using the first communication standard can be measured in the 360 direction.

The second wireless antenna 340 may increase the directivity and/or peak gain of the first wireless antenna 320. Stated somewhat differently, the second wireless antenna 340 may increase the gain of the first wireless antenna 320 in direction 360. The second wireless antenna 340 may increase the directivity of the first wireless antenna 320 by having a particular shape, geometry, size, and/or electrical properties to constructively interacting in a 360 direction with the power emitted by the first wireless communication antenna 320. In one embodiment, the second wireless communication antenna 340 may be located at a selected distance and/or in a selected orientation relative to the first wireless communication antenna 320 to amplify the power radiated by the first wireless communication antenna 320 in direction 360. Preferably, the second wireless communication antenna 340 may be used more than for one purpose, thereby simplifying the design of the antenna device 300.

In fig. 15 shows that the first wireless communication antenna 320 includes a Yagi antenna. The Yagi antenna may include an active element 324, a reflector 322, and an optional director 326, each of which is parallel to the x-direction and distributed along the z-direction. Active element 324 may include a dipole that is driven and/or excited by radio frequency current from a transmitter (not shown) located on accessory device 400 (shown in FIG. 13) and/or personnel device 402 (shown in FIG. 13). ). Active element 324 may be a source of radio waves.

Reflector 322 and director 326 may be parasitic elements and may include thin rod elements parallel to the x-direction and a selected length, respectively. The waves from the reflector 322 and the director 326 may overlap and interfere to amplify the radiation in the z direction, achieving a significant increase in the gain of the first wireless antenna 320 compared to the dipole of the active element 324.

The second wireless communication antenna 340 may include an antenna suitable for NFC communications. An exemplary second wireless communication antenna 340 may be configured to inductively couple. In one embodiment, the second wireless communication antenna 340 may include at least one electromagnetic coil 342 (shown in FIG. 19). An exemplary electromagnetic coil 342 may be wound in the x-y plane.

The second wireless antenna 340 may function as a director for the first wireless antenna 320 and increase the gain of the first wireless antenna 320 in direction 360. Stated somewhat differently, the second wireless antenna 340 may re-radiate waves that are received from the first wireless antenna 320 communication, in the 360 direction. The second wireless communication antenna 340 may be located at a selected distance D from the closest director 326 such that the re-radiated waves are in phase with the received waves in the 360 direction, resulting in constructive interference and increasing the gain of the first wireless antennas 320. The selected distance D may depend on the wave frequency of the first wireless communication antenna 320. Approximate distance D can be 2 mm at 2.4 GHz and for Yagi antenna (as the first 320 wireless communication antenna

- 29 046665 zi). In an illustrative example, the Yagi antenna may include a microstrip Yagi-Uda antenna of FR (flame retardant)-4 material with a relative permittivity (Er) of 4.

With reference to FIG. 16, first and second wireless communication antennas 320, 340 may each be located on first and second printed circuit boards (PCBs) 328, 348, respectively. Stated somewhat differently, the first wireless communication antenna 320 may be integrated into the first circuit board 328 to form a circuit board assembly. Likewise, a second wireless antenna 340 may be integrated into a second circuit board 348 to form another circuit board assembly. The first circuit board 328 is shown parallel to the x-z plane. The second circuit board 348 is shown parallel to the x-y plane and orthogonal to the first circuit board 328.

Although the first and second wireless antennas 320, 340 and the first and second circuit boards 328, 348 are shown in specific spatial orientations for illustrative purposes only, the first and second wireless antennas 320, 340 and the first and second circuit boards 328, 348 may be oriented by other means suitable to implement the functions disclosed above, without limitation. Although the first circuit board 328 is shown coupled to the second circuit board 348 in an end region of the second circuit board 348 along the y direction for illustrative purposes only, the first circuit board 328 may be coupled to the second circuit board 348 in any other suitable areas of the second circuit board 348, without restrictions. For example, the first circuit board 328 may be coupled to the second circuit board 348 in a central region of the second circuit board 348, that is, in the mid-height region H of the second wireless communication antenna 340.

In one embodiment, the first and second circuit boards 328, 348 may be arranged in parallel such that the first and second wireless antennas 320, 340 are aligned along the x-z plane. To put it somewhat differently, both the first and second wireless communication antennas 320, 340 may be located at and/or parallel to the bottom of the personnel device 402 (shown in FIG. 31).

However, the second circuit board 348 shown in FIG. 16 as orthogonal to the first circuit board 328 may preferably be easier to use because when scanning a device (such as a guest device) near a staff member 40 (shown in FIG. 13) or a guest 12 (shown in FIG. 13) can be more easily identified location of the second wireless communication antenna 340 and does not need to search for the second wireless communication antenna 340 over a large area of the bottom of the personnel device 402. Additionally and/or alternatively, the radiation from the second wireless communication antenna 340 may be less intrusive relative to the radiation from the first wireless communication antenna 320.

In order for the second wireless communication antennas 340 to simultaneously achieve sufficient gain for the second communication standard and improve the directivity of the first wireless communication antennas 320, one or both of the first and second wireless communication antennas 320, 340 may be required to be configured in a selected manner. In one embodiment, the second wireless communication antenna 340 may need to be configured to achieve a gain that is less than the maximum possible gain for the second communication standard (eg, the NFC communication standard). The maximum possible gain is the gain that can be achieved when the second wireless communication antenna 340 is individually optimized in accordance with the second communication standard without taking into account the first wireless communication antenna 320 . To put it somewhat differently, the gain of the second wireless antennas 340 may need to be reduced to ensure that the second wireless antenna 340 does not compromise or even improve the directivity of the first wireless antenna 320.

In one embodiment, the second wireless communication antenna 340 may have a width W (shown in FIGS. 15 and 19) and a height H (also shown in FIG. 19). To put it somewhat differently, the second wireless communication antenna 340 may cover an area W x H. A maximum area is desired to individually improve the gain of the second wireless communication antenna 340 . To put it slightly differently, it is generally desirable to maximize the W and H values. Additionally, a W:H ratio of 2:1 is typically used to achieve the highest possible gain.

However, the above W:H ratio may need to be changed to manufacture the antenna device 300 for the following reasons. For a given value of W, a larger value of H may cause the second wireless communication antenna 340 to extend more beyond an x-z plane that is parallel to the plane of the first wireless communication antenna 320. A greater aspect ratio may cause the first wireless communication antennas 320 to scatter more radiation outside the x-z plane, which reduces the directivity of the first wireless communication antennas 320. Thus, the W:H ratio can be reduced. In one example, when the first wireless communication antennas 320 include a microstrip Yagi-Uda antenna of FR (flame retardant)-4 material with a relative permittivity (Er) of 4, a W:H ratio can be found for the second wireless communication antennas 340 , equal to 3:1, so that they both achieve sufficient gain for the second communication standard and improve the directivity of the first wireless antennas 320. Config optimization

- 30 046665 radios of the first and/or second wireless communication antennas 320, 340 may be accomplished using any suitable antenna design and modeling software tools. In some embodiments, the shape of the Yagi antenna can be made based on wavelength and coupling coefficients. The height and width of the second wireless antenna 340 acting as director 326 (shown in FIG. 15) may be optimized based on the parasitic load on the first and/or second wireless antennas 320, 340. In some embodiments, a shorter second wireless antenna 340 (i.e., with a small H) may better resemble a typical Yagi antenna director element and may have better performance as director 326. Such a result would be expected based on theoretical calculations and/or modeling.

In fig. 17 and 18 show the top and bottom sides of an exemplary first wireless communication antenna 320 on the first circuit board 328, respectively. The upper and lower sides are located in the y-direction and against it, respectively. The first wireless communication antenna 320 is shown as including three directors 326 distributed in parallel, including directors 326A-326C. Active element 324 is shown to include a folded dipole.

In fig. 19 and 20 show the top and bottom sides of an exemplary second wireless communication antenna 340 on the second circuit board 348, respectively. The second wireless communication antenna 340 is shown to include an electromagnetic coil 342 wound parallel to the second circuit board 348.

Although the top side of the second wireless communication antenna 340 is shown facing the z direction for illustrative purposes only, the top side of the second wireless communication antenna 340 may be oriented against the z direction, at a selected angle relative to the z direction, and/or in other ways suitable to perform the functions set forth above, without any restrictions.

In fig. 21 shows an antenna device 300 including an antenna mount 380 that at least partially surrounds the first and second wireless communication antennas 320, 340. The antenna holder 380 may be made of any suitable materials and may provide predefined slots for holding the first and second wireless communication antennas 320, 340. Antenna mount 380 is shown to be L-shaped, but may have any other suitable shapes, sizes and/or dimensions.

In fig. 22, antenna mount 380 is shown from a different viewing angle than FIG. 21. The antenna mount 380 is shown covering at least one side of the first and second wireless antennas 320, 340. In one embodiment, antenna mount 380 may cover all surfaces of the first and second wireless antennas 320, 340, but have optional openings for a selected area of the surface of the first and/or second wireless antennas 320, 340.

In fig. 23 is an exploded view of an antenna device 300. The antenna holder 380 is shown to include upper and lower covers 380A, 380B that cover the first and second wireless communication antennas 320, 340 among themselves. The top and bottom covers 380A, 380B may be made of any suitable materials and may provide predefined slots for holding the first and second wireless antennas 320, 340.

In fig. 24A illustrates a three-dimensional (3D) radiation pattern of an exemplary first wireless communication antenna 320 without a second wireless communication antenna 340. The gain of the first wireless communication antenna 320 reaches a maximum in its end region along the z direction. In fig. 24B is a graph showing actual gain versus frequency for exemplary first wireless communication antennas 320.

In fig. 25A shows a three-dimensional radiation pattern of the antenna device 300 including the first and second wireless antennas 320, 340 and the antenna holder 380. The radiation pattern indicates that the gain of the antenna device 300 reaches a maximum in its terminal region along the z direction. In addition, the gain reaches a minimum near the middle region of the antenna device 300, and the minimum is more prominent than the gain minimum in FIG. 24A. Thus, the peak gain of the first wireless communication antenna 320 is improved by combination with the second wireless communication antenna 340 . The antenna device 300 shown in FIG. 25 may be performed by optimizing to achieve a resonant center frequency (ie, resonance of a desired frequency, for example, 2.45 GHz) in the region enclosed between the top and bottom caps 380A, 380B (shown in FIG. 23). In fig. 25B is a graph showing actual gain versus frequency.

In fig. 26A is a three-dimensional radiation pattern of an antenna device 300 including a first wireless communication antenna 320, a second wireless communication antenna 340, and an antenna device 380 after a selected optimization process. Stated somewhat differently, the antenna device 300 shown in FIG. 26A is achieved by further optimization through tuning compared to the antenna device 300 shown in FIG. 25A. The radiation pattern indicates that the gain of the antenna device 300 peaks in its terminal region along the z direction and is large compared to the gain of the directional pattern

- 31 046665 laziness in Fig. 24A. In addition, the gain reaches a minimum near the middle region of the antenna device 300, and the minimum is more prominent than the gain minimum in FIG. 24A. Thus, the peak gain of the first wireless communication antenna 320 is improved by combination with the second wireless communication antenna 340 . In fig. 26B is a graph showing actual gain versus frequency.

In fig. 27 shows an exemplary accessory device 400 including a housing 420 and an antenna device 300 attached to the housing 420. The housing 420 may at least partially enclose the personnel device 402 (shown in FIG. 13). The housing 420 is shown to have a planar shape parallel to the x-z plane. When the personnel device 402 is located in the housing 420, the side of the personnel device 402 with the largest surface area may be parallel to the x-z plane.

Antenna device 300 can optionally be movably coupled to housing 420 such that the antenna device can move relative to housing 420 and/or personnel device 402 along direction 362. For example, movement may include sliding movement. Stated somewhat differently, antenna device 300 may be slidably coupled to housing 420 such that antenna device 300 can be slidable relative to housing 420 and/or personnel device 402. Since the electromagnetic field generated in the personnel device 402 and/or housing 420 can change the radiation pattern of the antenna device 300, sliding the antenna device 300 can adjust the radiation pattern of the antenna device 300. Preferably, the directionality of the radiation pattern of the antenna device 300 can be changed in a simple manner.

In fig. 28 illustrates an accessory device 400 including one or more optional hardware components, including a battery 440. The battery 440 may include a power supply for powering the hardware components of the accessory device 400 and/or powering the personnel device 402 (shown in FIG. 13 ). Exemplary battery 440 may include a lead-acid battery, a lithium-air battery, a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal hydrogen battery, or a combination thereof. Optionally, the 440 battery can be rechargeable.

Additionally and/or alternatively, accessory device 400 may include an NFC reader 460. The NFC reader 460 can optionally be integrated into an NFC recorder (not shown). NFC reader 460 can read information stored on NFC devices, such as NFC tags embedded in guest devices 11 (shown in FIG. 13).

Additionally and/or alternatively, the accessory device 400 may include a communications interface 480 for communicating with the personnel device 402 . In one embodiment, communications interface 480 may include a connector and/or port for connecting to a transceiver (not shown) on personnel device 402 such that the transceiver can receive and/or transmit data through antenna device 300. An example communications interface 480 may include a universal serial bus (USB), digital visual interface (DVI), display port, serial ATA (SATA), IEEE 1394 interface (also known as FireWire), serial, video graphics array (VGA), super video graphics array (SVGA), small computer system interface (SCSI), high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) ), audio ports and/or proprietary I/O interfaces). In one embodiment, communications interface 480 may include a USB connector, such as a USB-C connector.

Additionally and/or alternatively, the accessory device 400 may include one or more processors 410. The processors 410 may function as a controller to control some or all of the operations of the accessory device 400 such that the computing functions of the accessory device 400 can be customized without limiting the functions of the device 402 controls. Without limitation, each processor 410 may include one or more general purpose microprocessors (e.g., single-core or multi-core processors), application-specific integrated circuits, application-specific instruction set processors, graphics processing units, physical processing units, digital signal processing units, coprocessors, network processing units, audio processing units, encryption processing units and the like. Processors 410 may be configured to perform any of the methods described herein, including, but not limited to, a variety of operations related to turning on and/or turning off one or both of the first and second wireless antennas 320, 340. Additionally and/or alternatively, processors 410 may be configured to control power supply from battery 440, communication with personnel device 402, or a combination thereof.

Additionally and/or alternatively, the auxiliary device 400 may include an indicator device 430 for indicating to the operator the status of a selected operation by visual, audible, mechanical and/or other means. Exemplary indicator device 430 may include one or more light emitting devices. In one embodiment, when the NFC reader 460 receives data via the second wireless antenna 340, the light emitting device

- 32 046665 can be switched on and/or change the intensity. Additionally and/or alternatively, accessory device 400 may include memory 450 (e.g., random access memory (RAM), static RAM, dynamic RAM, read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM, erasable programmable ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM, flash memory, secure digital (SD, secure digital) card, etc.).

Additionally and/or alternatively, accessory device 400 may include a communications module (not shown) for exchanging data and/or instructions between accessory device 400 and another computer system (not shown) using any wired and/or wireless communication methods. Exemplary communication methods include, for example, radio, Wi-Fi, Wireless Fidelity, cellular, satellite, broadcast, or a combination thereof.

The hardware components of the accessory device 400 may be configured to communicate, for example, using hardware connectors and buses and/or wirelessly. Some of the hardware components of the accessory device 400 may be located on and/or distributed between the housing 420 and the antenna device 300.

In fig. 29 is an exploded diagram of an auxiliary device 400 with a personnel device 402. A housing 420 is shown including a lower assembly 420A, an upper assembly 420B, and an elastic sheath 420C. The antenna device 300 may be attached to the antenna cover 382 for protection. The accessory device 400 may include a circuit board assembly 470 that integrates selected components, including, for example, an NFC reader 460 (shown in FIG. 28), a communications interface 480 (shown in FIG. 28), processors 410 (shown in FIG. 28) and/or memory 450 (shown in FIG. 28).

In fig. 30 shows the antenna device 300 in a retracted position. In the retracted position, the first wireless communication antenna 320 may be stacked with the circuit board assembly 470 (shown in FIG. 29), the housing 420, and/or the personnel device 402. Because circuits (not shown) in the circuit board assembly 470, housing 420, and/or personnel device 402 may emit an electromagnetic field that may change the radiation pattern of the antenna device 300, the first wireless communication antenna 320 may be detuned (or loaded) by the electromagnetic field at the resonant frequency and thus becomes omnidirectional (or less directional). Stated somewhat differently, the first wireless communication antenna 320 may have more uniform gain in all directions. Preferably, the antenna device 300 can detect the proximity of guest devices 11 (shown in FIG. 13) in any directions when staff member 40 (shown in FIG. 13) is awaiting instructions or commands from guests 12 (shown in FIG. 13).

In fig. 31 shows the antenna device 300 in a deployed position. In the deployed position, the first wireless communication antenna 320 may be positioned remotely from the circuit board assembly 470 (shown in FIG. 29), housing 420, and/or personnel device 402 by moving a selected distance from the retracted position. Because circuits (not shown) in circuit board assembly 470 (shown in FIG. 29), housing 420, and/or personnel device 402 may be more distant from the first wireless antenna 320, the electromagnetic field from the circuits may become less effective in detuning the first antenna. 320 wireless. Thus, the first wireless communication antenna 320 can become more directional. To put it somewhat differently, the first wireless communication antenna 320 may have greater gain in direction 360. Thus, instead of being mounted to a relatively omnidirectional antenna and a directional antenna and switching between them, the first wireless communication antenna 320 may be relatively omnidirectional or directional by changing positions. Preferably, the structure and operation of the antenna device 300 can be simplified. The antenna device 300 may be coupled to the accessory device 400 and/or the personnel device 402 via suitably routed cables (such as coaxial cable) such that the cable connection can be maintained during the transition between the retracted and deployed positions. Unlike antenna device 300, conventional antennas do not exhibit directional radiation patterns in a portable electronic device form factor. In particular, conventional antennas exhibit an even less directional radiation pattern in a portable electronic device with NFC built into the antenna structure. An additional and/or alternative unique aspect of the antenna 300 is the targeted change in radiation pattern from directional to isotropic based on the deployment of the antenna 300.

The antenna device 300 may be moved to a deployed position along direction 360. Advantageously, operation of the antenna device 300 can be simple and intuitive because the operator can move the antenna device 300 in a direction pointing toward the selected guest 12. However, the transition of the antenna device 300 between retracted and deployed positions shown in Fig. 25 and 26 are for illustrative purposes only. The antenna device 300 may move to the deployed position in a different direction that is different from the direction 360. To put it somewhat differently, the direction of movement of the antenna device 300 may be different from

- 33 046665 board of the first wireless antenna 320, without limitation.

In fig. 32 is a three-dimensional radiation pattern of the antenna device 300 in a retracted position. The radiation pattern is shown to be the same in all directions. In fig. 33 shows a three-dimensional radiation pattern of the antenna device 300 in an deployed position. The radiation pattern indicates that the peak gain of the antenna device 300 is achieved in its end region (or region EF) along the z direction, and it is larger compared to the peak gain of the pattern in FIG. 33. Thus, the peak gain of the antenna device 300 is improved in the deployed position.

In fig. 34 illustrates an exemplary method 490 of using antenna device 300. Antenna device 300 may optionally be positioned 491 in a retracted position. In the retracted position, the antenna device 300 may be close to the personnel device 402. To put it somewhat differently, the antenna device 300 may be located adjacent to the housing 420 that houses the personnel device 402. Accordingly, the first wireless communication antenna 320 (shown in FIG. 30) may be more omnidirectional. In some embodiments, the antenna device 300 may be in the retracted position when carried by a staff member along with the personnel device 402, and thus does not need to be placed in the retracted position by any action on the part of the staff member.

The antenna device 300 may be moved at step 492 away from the accessory device 400 to a deployed position. The antenna device 300 may be directed in a deployed position to establish wireless communication between the staff device 402 and the guest device 11 (shown in FIG. 13) pointed to by the antenna device 300. For example, the antenna device 300 may be moved toward the guest device 11 while in an unfolded position. Stated somewhat differently, direction 360 (shown in FIG. 31) may be aligned with a direction pointing away from antenna device 300 toward guest device 11. In some embodiments, first wireless antenna 320 may be directed such that staff device 402 can install wireless communication via BLE communication with the guest device 11.

In fig. 35 shows a detailed drawing of the antenna device 300 in a retracted position. An L-shaped antenna device 300 is shown, with a first wireless communication antenna 320 located adjacent to the personnel device 402 and a second wireless communication antenna 340 contacting the edge of the housing 420.

In fig. 36 shows a detailed drawing of the antenna device 300 in an expanded position. The antenna device 300 may be moved away from the personnel device 402. The antenna holder 380 can be manually pulled and/or pushed by an operator to move the first and second wireless antennas 320, 340 as a whole. Additionally and/or alternatively, the transition of the antenna device 300 between the retracted and deployed positions can be accomplished automatically and/or robotically.

In fig. 37 and 38 show the antenna device 300 in retracted and deployed positions, respectively. Unlike the antenna device 300 shown in FIG. 25-26, antenna device 300 includes a first wireless communication antenna 320 without a second wireless communication antenna 340 (shown in FIGS. 30-31). Accordingly, the first wireless communication antenna 320 may be configured for BLE communications, and the NFC antenna in the personnel device 402 may be used for NFC communications. In this case, the first wireless antenna 320 may have at least one director 326 (shown in FIG. 15) since the second wireless antenna 340 is not available to achieve the constructive interference required for directional radiation.

In fig. 39 and 40 show detailed drawings of the antenna device 300 in retracted and deployed positions, respectively. In fig. 41 and 42 show detailed drawings of the accessory device 400 without the personnel device 402, with the antenna device 300 in the retracted and deployed positions, respectively.

Various embodiments set forth herein relate to antenna devices and methods for making and using them.

In accordance with a first aspect disclosed herein, there is provided an antenna device comprising: a first wireless communication antenna configured to operate using a first communication standard with a first peak gain in a selected direction; and a second wireless communication antenna located proximate an end region of the first wireless communication antenna along a selected direction and configured to operate using a second communication standard that is different from the first communication standard, wherein the second wireless communication antenna is further configured to operate in conjunction with the first wireless communication antenna communication using a first communication standard with a second peak directivity coefficient in said selected direction that is greater than the first peak coefficient

- 34 046665 directions.

In some embodiments of the disclosed antenna device, the first and second communication standards include the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication standard and the Near Field Communication (NFC) standard, respectively.

In some embodiments of the disclosed antenna device, the first wireless communication antenna includes a Yagi antenna including one or more directors arranged in a row extending along a selected direction, wherein the second wireless communication antenna is configured to be one of the one or more directors. directors.

In some embodiments of the disclosed antenna device, the antenna device further includes first and second printed circuit boards (PCBs) with first and second wireless communication antennas disposed thereon, respectively, the first and second circuit boards being perpendicularly disposed.

In some embodiments of the disclosed antenna device, a second circuit board is attached to the first circuit board at an end region of the first circuit board.

In some embodiments of the disclosed antenna device, the first and second circuit boards are arranged to respectively define two L-shaped segments.

In some embodiments of the disclosed antenna device, the first and second circuit boards are arranged to respectively define a long and short segment of two L-shaped segments.

In some embodiments of the disclosed antenna device, the second wireless communication antenna includes a coil wound around a rectangular area defined on the second circuit board, said area having a width and a height perpendicular to the width, the width being measured parallel to a plane defined by the first wireless communication antenna.

In some embodiments of the disclosed antenna device, the width to height ratio is greater than 2:1.

In accordance with the first aspect disclosed herein, there is provided an accessory device that is configured to be carried with a mobile electronic device, comprising an antenna device and a housing attached to the antenna device and configured to at least partially cover the mobile electronic device. device.

In some embodiments of the disclosed accessory device, the antenna device is slidably attached to the housing.

In some embodiments of the disclosed accessory device, the first wireless communication antenna is located parallel to a plane defined by the housing, and the antenna device is movable between deployed and retracted positions, wherein in the retracted position the first wireless communication antenna is stacked with the housing and in the deployed position at least At least a portion of the first wireless communication antenna is not stacked with the housing.

In some embodiments of the disclosed accessory device, the antenna device is movable from a retracted position to a deployed position by sliding in a selected direction.

In some embodiments of the disclosed accessory device, the second wireless communication antenna is located proximal to the housing in a retracted position and spaced from the housing in a deployed position.

In some embodiments of the disclosed accessory device, the antenna device is more directional in the deployed position than in the retracted position for operation using the first communication standard.

In some embodiments of the disclosed auxiliary device, the auxiliary device further includes a communications interface for connecting to a mobile electronic device and a circuit board assembly coupled to the antenna device.

In some embodiments of the disclosed accessory device, the accessory device further includes an NFC reader at least partially assembled on the circuit board assembly.

In some embodiments of the disclosed accessory device, the accessory device further includes a battery electrically coupled to the circuit board assembly.

According to a first aspect disclosed herein, there is provided a method of using an accessory device including an antenna device configured to be portable with a mobile electronic device, wherein the accessory device is configured to at least partially enclose the mobile electronic device, and includes in

- 35 046665 itself a first wireless communication antenna, which is configured to operate using a first communication standard with a first peak directivity in a selected direction, the method including moving the antenna device from a retracted position to a deployed position, wherein the peak directivity of the antenna device is increased by the basis of the specified movement; and returns the antenna device from the deployed position to the retracted position, wherein the antenna device becomes more omnidirectional based on said return, wherein a plane defined by the first wireless communication antenna is parallel to a plane defined by the housing, and wherein in the retracted position the first wireless communication antenna is stacked with the housing and in the deployed position, at least a portion of the first wireless communication antenna is not stacked with the housing.

In some embodiments of the disclosed method, the method further includes aligning the selected direction with a direction pointing from the antenna device to the remote electronic device so that the mobile electronic device communicates with the remote electronic device using the first communication standard.

Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, values, positions, sizes, dimensions and other specifications set forth herein, including the claims below, are approximate and not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the functions to which they relate and what is accepted in the art to which they relate.

The scope of protection is limited solely by the claims below. This scope is intended to be and should be interpreted as broadly as is consistent with the ordinary meaning of the language used in the claims when interpreted in light of the present specification and subsequent history, and to cover all structural and functional equivalents. Notwithstanding this, none of the claims are intended to cover subject matter that does not satisfy the requirements of Sections 101, 102, or 103 of the Patent Code, and they should not be so construed. We hereby disclaim any involuntary coverage of such subject matter.

Except as expressly stated above, nothing stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted as implying a specialized purpose of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage or equivalent to the public.

It should be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning given to such terms and expressions with respect to their respective fields of study and knowledge, unless specific meanings are otherwise set forth herein. Relative terms, such as first and second, etc., may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such elements or actions. The terms contains, contains, or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a process, method, article, or device that contains a list of elements includes not only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such a process, method, article or device.

An element designated by the article a or an does not, without further limitation, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, product or device that contain this element.

An abstract of the present invention is provided to provide the reader with a quick understanding of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the above detailed description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of simplifying the disclosure. This manner of disclosure should not be interpreted as indicating that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly set forth in each claim. Rather, as the following claims indicate, the essence of the invention lies in less than all of the features of the single embodiment disclosed. Accordingly, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, each claim standing on its own as separately claimed subject matter.

Although the foregoing description has described what is believed to be a best practice and/or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made thereto and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be embodied in various forms and examples, and that the disclosed invention can be used in numerous applications, only some of which have been tested

-

Claims (20)

ranks in this document. The following claims are intended to cover any and all uses, modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present invention. CLAIM 1. A system for providing interaction with guests equipped with guest communication devices using wireless communication technology, comprising a plurality of guest communication devices provided to users of the system, each guest communication device including a wireless communication antenna and configured to emit a periodic beacon signal broadcasting unique identifier of the guest communication device using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communications; a sensor network comprising a plurality of sensors, each installed at a different known location and configured to detect periodic beacon signals including unique identifiers emitted using BLE communications by guest communication devices of the plurality of guest communication devices that are located in the vicinity of the sensor; a communication network connecting each of the plurality of sensors in the sensor network; one or more staff devices associated with staff members of said system, at least one antenna device respectively connected to at least one staff device of said staff devices and configured to emit signals and to receive periodic beacon signals broadcast by guest devices communication of multiple guest communication devices that are located in the vicinity of a given personnel device; and a central server communicatively coupled to each of the plurality of sensor network sensors and each of the personnel devices via the communication network, and configured to store a log that associates each unique identifier of a guest communication device detected using BLE communication by the sensor network sensor with a known sensor location and timestamp, stores each unique identifier of a guest communication device detected through communication by one of the staff devices, or performs these actions in combination. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the antenna device comprises a first wireless communication antenna configured to operate using a first communication standard with a first peak gain in a selected direction; and a second wireless communication antenna located proximate an end region of the first wireless communication antenna along a selected direction and configured to operate using a second communication standard that is different from the first communication standard, wherein the second wireless communication antenna is further configured to operate in conjunction with the first wireless communication antenna communication using a first communication standard with a second peak directivity in said selected direction that is greater than the first peak directivity. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first and second communication standards include a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication standard and a Near Field Communication (NFC) standard, respectively. 4. The system of claim 2, wherein the first wireless communication antenna includes a Yagi antenna including one or more directors arranged in a row extending along a selected direction, wherein the second wireless communication antenna is configured to be one of the said one or more directors. 5. The system according to claim 2, in which the antenna device further comprises first and second printed circuit boards (PCBs) with first and second wireless communication antennas placed thereon, respectively, and the first and second printed circuit boards are located perpendicularly. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the second circuit board is attached to the first circuit board at an end region of the first circuit board. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the first and second circuit boards are arranged to respectively define two L-shaped segments. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the first and second printed circuit boards are arranged to respectively define a long and a short segment from the two L-shaped segments. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the second wireless communication antenna comprises a coil wound around a rectangular area defined on the second circuit board, the area having a width and a height perpendicular to the width, the width being measured parallel to a plane defined by the first wireless communication antenna. 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary device configured to be carried with at least one personnel device of the personnel devices, the auxiliary device comprising a housing attached to the antenna device and configured - 37 046665 so as to at least partially cover the personnel device, the antenna device being located on the auxiliary device. 11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the antenna device is slidably attached to the housing. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the first wireless communication antenna is positioned parallel to a plane defined by the housing, and the antenna device is movable between the retracted and deployed positions, wherein the first wireless communication antenna is stacked with the housing in the retracted position and in the deployed position at least a portion of the first wireless communication antenna is not stacked with the housing. 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the accessory device further comprises a communication interface for connecting to the personnel device and a printed circuit board assembly connected to the antenna device. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the accessory device further comprises an NFC reader at least partially assembled on the circuit board assembly. 15. The system of claim 13, wherein the accessory device further comprises a battery electrically coupled to the circuit board assembly. 16. A system for providing interaction with guests equipped with guest communication devices using wireless communication technology, comprising a plurality of guest communication devices provided to users of the system, each guest communication device having a unique identifier and including first and second wireless communication antennas configured respectively with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Near Field Communication (NFC) connectivity; a sensor network comprising a plurality of sensors, each installed at a different location, wherein at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors is configured to detect guest communication devices that are in its vicinity and receive unique identifiers from them based on BLE communication with guest communication devices, and at least another sensor of the plurality of sensors is configured to detect guest communication devices located in the vicinity thereof and receive unique identifiers from them based on NFC communication with the guest communication devices; a communication network connecting each of the plurality of sensors in the sensor network; one or more personnel devices associated with personnel members of said system; at least one antenna device, respectively connected to at least one personnel device of said personnel devices and configured to emit signals and to receive periodic beacon signals broadcast by guest communication devices of a plurality of guest communication devices that are located in the vicinity of the personnel device; and a central server communicatively coupled to each of the plurality of sensor network sensors and to each of the personnel devices via the communications network, and configured to store a log that associates each unique guest communication device identifier received using BLE or NFC communication by the sensor network sensor , with a known sensor location and timestamp, stores each unique identifier of a guest communication device detected using communication by one of the personnel devices, or performs these actions in a combination. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the antenna device comprises: a first wireless communication antenna configured to operate using a first communication standard with a first peak gain in a selected direction; and a second wireless communication antenna located proximate an end region of the first wireless communication antenna along a selected direction and configured to operate using a second communication standard that is different from the first communication standard, wherein the second wireless communication antenna is further configured to operate in conjunction with the first wireless communication antenna communication using a first communication standard with a second peak directivity in said selected direction that is greater than the first peak directivity. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the first and second communication standards include a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication standard and a Near Field Communication (NFC) standard, respectively. 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the first wireless communication antenna includes a Yagi antenna including one or more directors arranged in a row extending along a selected direction, wherein the second wireless communication antenna is configured to be one director of said one or more directors. 20. The system according to claim 17, in which the antenna device further comprises first and second printed circuit boards (PCBs) with the first and second wireless communication antennas placed on them, respectively. -