information in the right direction. We are looking to offer the right alignment for the customer."
The evolution of RFID will see a series of steps towards full integration as a casino wide solution. Having sold millions of chips worldwide, the roll-out of GPI's RFID chip tray is a logical progression of this solution, with a portable security device shown at G2E for the first time developed in cooperation with operators in Asia needing an additional security check. It's a very visible checking solution that acts as much as a deterrent as it does a 100 per cent accurate authenticator of chips. "Demand for RFID in Asia has been huge," underlines Mr. Gronau. "Operators there looked first to secure their cages and vaults using RFID, progressing to securing their pit and are now using this same technology to secure their currency at the table. It's been the right and logical approach."
ControllingthefutureofRFID
Its agreement with IGT puts GPI firmly in the driving seat regarding the future of RFID
Gaming Partners International recently cemented its commitment to RFID technology with the acquisition of key patents from slot manufacturer IGT that it had held from the purchase of Progressive Gaming. Once split in a battle between rival companies and the technologies of 125Khz and 13.56Mhz frequencies, GPI has not only unified RFID under its banner, but guaranteed an integrated future for the technology in the gaming sector. "The agreement with IGT allows us to integrate all the RFID frequencies and systems into a single solution, converging ours and IGT's technology so that it works for everyone," explained GPI's Greg Gronau at the G2E exhibition in Vegas.
"We are developing software that works for both systems," continued Mr. Gronau. "The next upgraded version will allow any system to connect to RFID. If you
The deal with IGT allows GPI to have control of its own destiny in the RFID space. Competing firms delivering the same product provide cost and choice benefits to the customer, but in the sphere of new technology, competition between similar but rival technologies can lead to confusion and apprehension for the consumer (HD DVD and Blu-ray for example. "We now have control of the technology in the marketplace," emphasises Mr. Gronau. "Having that vital contact with the customer means that we can align their needs with the products we are developing. Speaking to our customers about the future, they're excited about the possibilities. The ability to run the same system whether they're using 125Khz or 13.56Mhz has been enthusiastically welcomed by all our customers."
want to see the data from individual chip trays, we can provide that information to your current system. We are strong on the chip inventory side and will continue to expand the horizons of RFID in this direction. We are not looking to compete with casino management systems, where they've spent millions in player-tracking and rating. GPI will provide the data- technology that's capable of driving that
G3 I JANUARY 2011 I PAGE 56
(Top)GregGronau CEOofGaming Partners
International. (Above) Emannuelle
Gelinotte pictured at G2E Las Vegaswith GPI’s new portable RFID Reader.
MOBILEVERIFICATION GPI’s Emmanuelle Gelinotte showed the latest portable RFID Reader at G2E. It’s a new authentication device that can journey from pit to table and back again to clarify any chip irregularities in a matter of seconds. The unit's LCD displays the total count of chips placed on its flat deck and validates the chips to ensure that all are present and correct. "The authentication is very fast and can count over 400 chips in less than a second," explained Mr. Gelinotte. The device is totally shielded, which dispenses with the need to retune the device every time it's moved from location to location. "One of the operators in Macau asked if we could create a portable RFID reader and we created this product in under four weeks," stated Mr. Gelinotte. "The machine is not only a 100 per cent accurate spot-check device, it also acts as a very visual deterrent."
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