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A method and apparatus for tracking and determining a location of a gaming machine or other item within a casino or hotel is disclosed. In one embodiment the method and apparatus utilizes a transmitter or emitter to provide a tracking signal that may be tracked by one or more receivers or detectors. It is contemplated that the transmitter or emitter connect to a gaming machine. As the gaming machine is relocated within the casino its location is monitored. The one or more receivers may communicate with a host computer or other data processing system to generate location data regarding the gaming machine in relation to other aspects of the casino. Based on the location information generated by the location monitoring and tracking system, other aspects of machine operation may be controlled and additional features dependant on the machine location information may be enabled.
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This application is a divisional of and claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/954,603, filed Sep. 29, 2004, which is a divisional of and claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/072,277, filed Feb. 6, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,843,725, each of which is commonly assigned, and each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety and for all purposes.
1. A method for configuring a gaming machine comprising: determining a physical location of a gaming machine within a casino using a location tracking system, wherein the physical location of the gaming machine is near an event center area of the casino; determining that an event is occurring in the event center area; specifying an audio volume level of the gaming machine based at least in part upon the event occurring in the event center area; generating control signals based upon the specified audio volume level, based at least in part upon the physical location of the gaming machine, and transmitting the control signals to the gaming machine to establish or modify the audio volume level of the gaming machine.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitting comprises sending the control signals to one or more gaming machines over a communication medium linking the gaming machines to a host.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising comparing the location data for the gaming machine to a database containing possible locations with corresponding operational data for each location.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is part of a bank of gaming machines.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the event is a broadcast of a sporting event.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the audio volume level is adjusted to coincide with commercials in the broadcast or breaks in the sporting event.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the event is located within the casino.
8. A gaming machine configuration system, comprising: a gaming machine location system configured to generate gaming machine location data regarding the physical locations of at least one gaming machine within a casino; a gaming machine control module configured to: receive gaming machine physical location data of the gaming machine from said gaming machine location system, wherein the physical location of the gaming machine is near an event center area of a casino, determine that an event is occurring in the event center area, specify an audio volume level of the gaming machine based at least in part upon the event occurring in the event center area, generate control signals based upon the specified audio volume level, based at least in part upon the physical location of the gaming machine, and transmit said control signals the gaming machine to establish or modify the configuration of the gaming machine.
9. The gaming machine configuration system of claim 8, further including: a communication apparatus configured to communicate said control signals regarding said gaming machine configurations within the casino from said gaming machine configuration system to said plurality of associated gaming machines of the casino.
10. The gaming machine configuration system of claim 8, wherein said gaming machine location data includes network address information for said plurality of associated gaming machines.
11. The gaming machine configuration system of claim 8, wherein said operational data includes gaming machine location parameters that define gaming machines located within a defined area of the casino or a maximum or minimum proximity to a specified location of the casino.
12. The gaming machine configuration system of claim 11, wherein said gaming machine control module is adapted to select only gaming machines located within said defined area of the casino or proximity to another gaming machine or area within the casino.
13. The gaming machine configuration system of claim 8, wherein the gaming machine is part of a bank of gaming machines.
14. The gaming machine configuration system of claim 8, wherein the event is a broadcast of a sporting event.
15. The gaming machine configuration system of claim 14, wherein the audio volume level is adjusted to coincide with commercials in the broadcast or breaks in the sporting event.
The present invention relates to gaming and in particular a machine location and tracking system.
One common environment for gaming is in a casino. Modern casinos are often large, elaborate structures that may contain numerous different gaming areas with hundreds or thousands of gaming machines. Moreover, the casino will often have one or more restaurants, lounges or bars, event areas, pools, entrances and shopping areas interspersed throughout the casino. It is not uncommon for casinos to also contain family areas or areas containing activities directed to children. Due to the size, configuration, and number of gaming machines within the casino, locating or tracking the various casino areas and machines can be complex and time consuming.
The complexity of finding or tracking the machines within a casino is exasperated by the common practice of casino personnel continually rearranging the location of gaming machines within a casino. For example, it is common for casino personnel to arrange gaming machines to particular location for a special event, such as a slot tournament. It is also common for casino personnel to group certain gaming machines at a particular location during a special event. For example, it may be desired to place large denomination gaming machines near an entrance or exit to a sporting event or other event that will be attended by wealthy gamblers. As a result, gaming machines often change location within a casino. The recurring relocation of gaming machines creates a drawback when attempting to track, monitor, and electronically communicate with the gaming machines.
It is also common for casinos and other gaming establishments to be regulated by authorities. These authorities may comprise a gaming commission or other licensing or regulator agency. The authorities often promulgate regulations that govern the proximity of a gaming machine to certain areas within the casino. The regulations may also control other aspects of game machine operation. By way of example, the regulations may prohibit casino personnel from locating a gaming machine within a minimum distance from an entrance or family area in the casino, or may prohibit operation of a gaming machine after or before certain hours. These regulations, combined with the recurring movement of the gaming machines often creates monitoring difficulties. For example, it is presently expensive, time consuming, and difficult to track the location of each machine in relation to other aspects of the casino. Moreover, it is difficult to physically find a particular machine on the floor and execute electronic communication with a particular machine. For example, different parts of the casino may utilize a different computer network.
For these and other reasons, there is a need for a method and apparatus to locate and track gaming machines, other regulated devices, or other aspects in a casino or other environment. The method and apparatus described herein provides a solution to the needs in the art and enables advanced features and functionality here before unachievably.
A method and apparatus for machine location and tracking is disclosed. Numerous additional systems and methods derive from the method and apparatus for machine location as described herein. The method and apparatus described may be configured to determine of the location of one or more gaming machines in a casino, building, outdoor environment, or other area. The location may be represented as location data. One or more computing systems may process the location data to related the location to a graphical representation of the machine on a graphical representation of a gaming area or casino.
In one embodiment, a method for locating a gaming machine on a casino floor comprises receiving one or more signals from a tracking device. The tracking device may be located on a gaming machine. Thereafter, processing the one or more signals from the tracking device to determine location data regarding the gaming machine. Then processing the location information in relation to casino floor location information to thereby determine the location of the gaming machine on the casino floor. In one embodiment the method further includes transmitting a signal from the tracking device located on the gaming machine. The signal may be received by a components of the location tracking system. In one embodiment the one or more signals that are processed comprises signals received from at least three different receivers. The signal may comprise an infrared type signal. The tracking device comprises a radio frequency identification tag. In one embodiment, the method further includes generating a representation of the gaming machine on a graphical representation of the casino floor, such as on a computer screen.
In another embodiment, an apparatus for mapping a casino floor layout in a casino is provided. The apparatus comprises one or more emitters located at one or more locations in the casino and one or more detectors located at one or more locations in the casino. The detectors are configured to detect the emitters. Also included is a communication channel configured to facilitate communication between and a processor connected to the communication channel. The processor may be configured to receive and process data regarding the location of the emitters from the detectors. In one embodiment the emitters generate infrared signals while in another embodiment the detectors generate energy that causes the emitters to emit a signal.
In one embodiment the method further includes a mapping module configured to execute on the processor, the mapping module providing a graphical representation of the location of the one or more emitters. In one embodiment one or more emitters emit a radio frequency signal. The one or more emitters may be further configured to communicate with the processor over a computer network, and a computer network connected to the one or more emitters and the processor.
The method and apparatus for machine location may also be used to implement a method for synchronizing certain aspects of operation for two or more gaming machines by defining a distance parameter and defining one or more reference gaming machines. A reference gaming machine is defined herein to mean a machine or other location tracked casino device that serves as a control machine or lead machine on which other actions or events are based. Thereafter, analyzing the location of one or more gaming machines in relation to the reference gaming machine and the distance parameter and generating control signals to control operation of certain aspects of gaming machine operation. Thereafter, transmitting the control signals to a subset of the one or more gaming machines, the subset defined at least in part by the distance parameter. This method may be used to control certain aspects of gaming machine operation such as the audio emitted from the gaming machine. Moreover, certain aspects of gaming machine operation may comprise video shown on a gaming machine video screen. In one embodiment the distance parameter comprises data regarding which gaming machines will have certain aspects of the operation synchronized. Transmitting the control signals may occur over a computer network.
In one embodiment a method for monitoring compliance with gaming regulations is provided that comprises receiving gaming machine location data regarding the location of one or more gaming machines and processing the gaming machine location data. Then, comparing the processed gaming machine location data to casino area location data and generating an alert if the comparing reveals that the location of one or more gaming machines are not in compliance with gaming regulations.
In one embodiment the gaming regulation comprise regulations regarding a minimum distance between a gaming machine and an area of a casino. In one embodiment the gaming machine location data is received from a gaming machine tracking system.
In an alternative method of use, a method for locating the position of a player on a casino floor is provided that comprises receiving network address data from a player tracking system regarding which of two or more gaming machines the player is currently playing and accessing a translation table to translate the network address to location data. The location data is processed for relation to the casino floor and provided to one or more casino personnel. In one embodiment processing the location data comprises generating the data into a graphical representation in relation to casino floor. The player tracking system may obtain input from a player to determine when a player is playing. It is contemplated that the translation table may relate a network address to a physical location of a gaming machine on the casino floor.
In yet another embodiment a system for controlling two or more gaming machines upon the occurrence of a winning event is provided. The system comprises a gaming machine location system configured to generate location data regarding a location of two or more gaming machines. Also provided is a computing device configured to control at least one aspect of gaming machine operation, process the location data and the winning event data to generate control signals. Communication apparatus may also be configured to communication control signal between the computing device and the two or more computing devices. In one embodiment the control signals comprise signals that control operation of at least one of the gaming machine audio, gaming machine visual indicators, gaming machine video. In one embodiment the computing device configured to process comprises a computing device configured to processes the location data and the winning event by determining which gaming machines are located within a minimum distance from the gaming machine having the occurrence of the winning event. Note that in one embodiment only gaming machines located within the minimum distance receive the control signals.
It should be noted that although reference is made to a minimum distance, the term minimum distance is used herein only for exemplary purposes. In all the system and embodiments described herein it is fully contemplated that other logic or control methodology may be adopted beside use of a minimum distance when deciding when an action occurs. For example, instead of machines within a minimum distance responding or being manipulated other criteria may be used. These criteria include any location based determination such as, but not limited to, every other machine, every third machine, every forth machine, etc., machines within a bank, opposing machines, adjacent machines, machines on the end or near the middle of a bank, machines facing entrances, machines facing bars and/or restaurants, or any other location based determination.
It is further contemplated that method for highlighting occurrence of a winning event on a gaming machine by causing other proximately located gaming machines to react to the winning event may be embodied using the machine location method and apparatus. One such method comprises detecting a winning event, the winning event occurring at a first gaming machine. The method may also include processing location data to determine which gaming machines are proximately located to the first gaming machine. Thereafter, generating control instructions to control one or more aspects of one or more proximately located gaming machines and transmitting the control instructions to one or more of the proximately located gaming machines. One embodiment may include comparing the distance between the first gaming machine and other gaming machines to determine which gaming machines are proximately located.
FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the invention in an example environment of a casino.
FIG. 2 illustrates an example of triangulation on a gaming machine.
FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an example embodiment of a host.
FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a grid system over an example environment of a casino.
FIG. 5 illustrates an operational flow diagram of an example method of operation.
FIG. 6 illustrates an operational flow diagram of an example method of gaming machine control.
The method and apparatus described herein may be configured to locate gaming machines and tracking gaming machine location. On other embodiments, other objects or aspects may be tracked or monitored. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. Moreover, the features described herein may be implemented or claimed alone or in any combination.
FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of the invention in an example environment of a casino 100. Although shown in a casino 100, the method and apparatus described herein may be implemented in any location where location or tracking of gaming related devices is desired. As shown, the casino 100 includes an entrance 102, one or more restaurants 106, one or more lounges 108, a family area 110, and a sporting area 112.
It is contemplated that regulations may control how close gaming machines may be placed to the family area 110. The term gaming machines should be interpreted to mean any type device or apparatus configured to provide a gaming experience or aid in gaming. The gaming machines may comprise an electronically or non-electronically controlled or operated slot machine, video poker machine, video pachinko, multi-game machine, keno machine, or any other device or system capable of providing a gaming event. It is contemplated diners in the restaurant 106 will not want to be disturbed by sound from the gaming machines. It is also contemplated that the operating characteristics of the gaming machines near the event center area 112 will often change based on the particular time and performance, entertainment, or event featured in the event center 112.
As would be contemplated in a casino, gaming areas 104A, 104B, and 104C are located on the casino floor. One or more banks 120 of gaming machines 124 reside in each of the gaming areas. The gaming machines 124 that comprise the banks 120 are not permanently fixed in place but may be moved about based on the judgment of casino personnel. As shown, communication medium 122 connect the gaming machines 124 to a host 128 that may be remotely located in a computer systems area 130. Network communication occurs over the communication medium 122 between the gaming machines 124 and the host 128. The communication medium 122 may comprise any medium capable of carrying a signal between one or more points including, but not limited to, fiber optics, metallic conductor cabling, or systems to facilitate wireless or optic communication such as radio frequency communication. The host is described in more detail below in conjunction with FIG. 3. It is contemplated that via communication from the host 128 to the gaming machines various aspects of gaming machine operation may be controlled or modified. This is also discussed below in greater detail.
In this embodiment one or more gaming machine location devices 150A, 150B, and 150C, are located in the casino 100. The gaming machine location devices 150 are configured to provide location information regarding at least one of the gaming machines 124 or the gaming banks 120 to the host 128 or other computer or processing system. Thus, each bank may share a location tracking device, such as an radio frequency transmitter. Any type of location or tracking system be implemented for use with the method and apparatus described herein. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a triangulation system is implemented. Each of the devices 150A, 150B, and 150C comprises a precision radio transmitter and/or receiver. A base antenna 152 may be included as shown on transceiver device 150A. For purposes of discussion transceiver device 150A is discussed in detail. In one configuration the transceiver 150A generates a signal, as radio frequency energy and transmits the signal over the antenna 152. In another embodiment the transceiver 150A is configured to receive signals from the gaming machines, such as gaming machine 126 with antenna 128. It is contemplated that the transceivers 150A, 150B, and 150C cooperate to offer triangulation capability to determine the location or track the gaming machines 124. Though the use of triangulation systems and other location or tracking systems are described herein, the scope of the claims are not limited to only these methods. The invention encompasses any method for determining the location of one or more gaming device or other items. The location data may then be used as desired. One method of location determination is manual entry of the data.
FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of the invention implementing triangulation in an example environment of a casino. To determine the location of a gaming machine 200 a signal is sent from each of the transceivers 150A, 150B, and 150C. Additional transceivers may be utilized other than the three transceivers 150 that are shown. Each transceiver maybe may generate a uniquely identifiable signal. In one configuration the transceiver 150A emits a radio signal that travels at a known rate of propagation. The signal from transceiver 150A may be coded, modulated, or otherwise identifiable, as compared to the transceivers 150B and 150C. The gaming machine 200 monitors for a signal sent from any of the transceivers 150A, 150B, and 150C. The time difference between transmission of the signal from the transceiver 150A and receipt of the signal at gaming machine 200 can be recorded. The time value, between transmission and receipt, multiplied by the rate of propagation of the signal provides the distance of the gaming machine from the transceiver 150A. Propagation circle 210 defines a distance at which the gaming machine could lie based on the rate of propagation. Since each point along the circumference of the propagation circle 210 is equal distance from the transceiver it is known that the gaming machine is located at some point along the propagation circle 210.
Similar principles apply to propagation circle 212 corresponding to the signal generated by transceiver 150C and propagation circle 214 corresponding to the signal generated by transceiver 150B. The location of machine 200 is defined by intersection point 220. Each gaming machine will be identifiable by a different intersection point. In this manner the location of each machine can be determined. Processing may occur in the host computer to extrapolate the location of each gaming machine in relation to each of the other gaming machines or other reference points in the casino. Other items in the casino may also be mapped.
In another embodiment the gaming machine is configured to transmit a signal and each transceiver is configured to receive the transmission from the gaming device. Using similar principles as when the transceiver was transmitting, the location of each gaming machine may be calculated be comparing the time of transmission to the time of receipt. Triangulation can then be used to determine a location of the transmitting gaming machine. In yet another embodiment the transceiver and the gaming machine may both perform iterations of transmit and receive to determine location of a gaming machine.
With regard to reference points, a reference point may comprise a dumb terminal that serves as a boundary point for use by the location system and the graphical software to determine the boundaries of the casino or other building. A reference point may be placed at each corner of the casino to align a graphical representation of the casino layout, such as one in software, with the electronic data received by the reference points. In one embodiment any two reference points that are located at particular points in the casino can be used to align a two dimensional mapping of the casino floor to a graphical representation such as might be stored on a computer.
In another embodiment the method and apparatus described herein is implemented with an infrared or radio frequency reader network used to receive signals or track tracking tags. The tracking tags reside on the gaming machines. The tags are located by a tracking apparatus. This can provide real time location of gaming machines. This type of tracking system may include a TCP/IP connection for integration with existing networks. The monitoring apparatus may reside in a ceiling or other elevated location and be connected to a central location with basic twisted pair cables. One example of such a system is available from Versus Technology, Inc. located in Traverse City, Mich.
In another embodiment the tracking and location system is implemented using local positioning system that operates similar to a Global Positioning System (GPS). While Global Positioning System (GPS). signals may be used, such signals do not presently have the ability to travel through buildings. Through the use of high frequency tags placed on the gaming machines, the machines may be located and tracked by antennas and cell controllers while indoors. The cell controllers calculate the present location of the machines and provide the location information over a network. One example of such a system is available from Checkpoint Corporation located in Thorofare, N.J.
Using the gaming machine location data the initial set-up or configuration of a gaming machine may be controlled. Likewise, subsequent changes may be made to the software or changeable settings of the gaming machine via a network based on the location of the gaming machine. In one embodiment the download of software may be verified or validated based on location. In one embodiment the download of software is based only on location. In one embodiment the download of software is based on both the location of the machine and the configuration. By way of example, machines located in a certain area may receive an updated or modified software version while other machines that are not located in that area do not receive the software. The location data may be used to control which machines are configured in a particular manner. Likewise, inventory control, monitoring, and data collection may be achieved using the location tracking and monitoring systems described herein.
In one embodiment the various aspects of the gaming machine or other gaming device may be tracked. Hence, the term or phrase gaming machine should be interpreted broadly to mean any aspect of the gaming machine. Thus, the processor board, software storage device, or machine housing, machine bank, or any other aspect may be tracked.
FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of a host. It is contemplated that some of the apparatus shown may be eliminated without departing from the invention. Likewise, additional apparatus may be added to the elements shown without departing from the invention. Turning now to the elements of a device 398, one or more processors 300 serve as a central processing unit to oversee operation of the device and execute software code. Processors 300 capable of executing software code and interfacing with other electronic apparatus and memory are known in the art and accordingly are not described in great detail herein. The processor may comprise any processing unit capable of processing data and facilitating network communication. In one embodiment the processor 300 comprises an AMD brand K6-2 processor. In another embodiment the processor comprises an Intel brand Pentium processor. Memory 302 is associated with the processor 300. A monitor or display device 304 and a user interface 306 are also in communication with the processor 300. As is commonly understood, the display 304 provides a means to exhibit the results of the processor operation or any output resulting from the execution of software code. Likewise, the user interface 306 provides means to obtain input from a user to control or aid the operation of the processor 300 and software code running on the device 398. The monitor or display 304 may comprise a CRT display, plasma screen, LCD display or any other electronic device. The user interface 306 may comprise one or more buttons, keys, a mouse, touch pad, touch screen, lever or any device capable of receiving human input. If the device 398 is configured as a host device, the monitor 304 exhibits host or location operation data during operation and the user interface 306 provides means for a user to control network game operation.
Also included in the device 398 may be a mass storage media or fixed media 312, a removable media reader 310, and a secure memory 308. These apparatus operate in conjunction with the processor 300 to store and execute software that at least in part controls the device 398 and location system. In one embodiment the secure memory 308 comprises one or more memory devices configured to store software code that initiates or boots operation of the device 398 and to store software code for use by the processor to perform gaming machine location tracking.
One type of secure memory comprises a read only memory. Apparatus other than read only memory (ROM) may be utilized as secure memory 308. The term data, software, applications, programs and the like are used herein to mean any computer readable data or executable programs. Examples include CD, DVD, Read-only hard drives, flash memory, tape drives and RAM.
Also shown is a transceiver interface 330 configured interface data communications from the transceivers to the processor 300 and memory 302, 308, 310, 312. In one embodiment the transceiver interface 330 receives data signals from the transceivers such as the time of signal transmission while the time of receipt is provided to the host via a network interface 334. The information provided by the one or more transceivers is then processed by the processor in conjunction with software configured to execute processing instructions to yield a location of each gaming machine or other device in the casino.
It is further contemplated that a graphical representation of the casino floor, other area or a building may be overlaid with a grid or other mapping to provide a grid or quadrant system for identifying a gaming machine and mapping the casino floor. As shown in FIG. 4, a grid system having reference or grid lines traced across the casino. A set of horizontal lines 402 provides an alpha identifier while a set of vertical lines 406 provides a numeric identifier. Any level of resolution may be provided using the grid system as is desired by those implementing the method and apparatus described herein. Using the alpha numeric identifier the location of the gaming machine may be identified by an intersection of an intersection of an alpha line and a numerical line. By way of example, gaming machine 200 is at location G7. It is further contemplated that many advantages described and claimed herein may be implemented in conjunction with a manual entry of location data for the gaming machine. In many instances manual entry may be less costly than the automatic location monitoring systems. In one embodiment implementing the manual entry technique gaming machine identification data would be entered into a database or computer accessible model. Thereafter, location based machine control can occur as described herein.
FIG. 5 illustrates an operational flow diagram of an example method of operation of a triangulation system to determine location of a gaming machine or other device. This is but one example method of operation. Other methods of operation may be implemented by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as explained herein. At a step 502 the gaming machine tracking location system is activated. This may comprise activating the tracking aspects of the gaming machine in the event such aspects may be disabled. At step 506 the transceivers are activated. This may include the host computer system and associated software modules.
Next, at a step 510 the transceiver may generate and transmit the tracking signal. The gaming machine receives the signal at a step 514. After receipt of the signal data regarding the time of transmission and the time of receipt is provided to the host or other computing device. At a step 518 the host or other computing device processes the time data to determine the time of propagation. The time of propagation is the duration for the signal to travel from the transmitter to the receiver. Thereafter, at a step 522, the host or other processing device multiplies the rate of propagation by the time of propagation calculated at step 518 to determine triangulation data. The triangulation data may comprise a distance value representing the distance between the transmitter and the receiver.
At a step 526 the host or other processing device and the other tracking apparatus may repeat steps 502-522 for the same gaming machine to obtain improved accuracy or to average the triangulation information over numerous cycles. Likewise, the process may be repeated for other gaming machines. At a step 530, the host or other processing device processes the triangulation data to obtain location data. It is often necessary to obtain triangulation data from three sources to obtain a fix on a particular machine.
At a step 534 the host or other processing device optionally provides the location data to a graphical interface module, while at a step 538 the host or other processing device provides the location data to a gaming machine control module. In one embodiment the graphical interface module comprises a software module configured to map the location of the casino floor as a graphic and map the location of the gaming devices on to the graphic of the casino floor. This provides a useful interface for a user to monitor, track and layout gaming machines on a casino floor. It is contemplated that two or more reference points may be necessary to accurately align a graphical representation of the casino floor with the actual location of the gaming machines. With regard to the gaming machine control module, an example method of operation of a gaming machine control module is discussed below in conjunction with FIG. 6.
FIG. 6 illustrates an operation flow diagram of an example method of operation of a gaming machine control module. It is contemplated that this is but one possible method of operation for controlling a gaming machine. The gaming machine control module may be made to control operation of one or more gaming machines based on the location data and/or in combination with the time or date data. As discussed below, location data provides numerous advantages when used in conjunction with control data.
In reference to FIG. 6, at a step 602 the machine control module receives the location data from another system or module, such as a tracking system. At a step 606 the machine control module retrieves location operational parameters. In one embodiment the location operational parameters define rules, instruction, or guidelines that govern machine operation based on location of the machine. The location operational parameters may control factors including but not limited to enable/disable machine operation, sound volume, sound timing, video timing, sound/video selections, game denomination, payout rates, winning event actions, machine synchronization time of day, time of year, month or week, event center activities or other promotions, network identification, game selection, theme, maximum bet, minimum bet, payout rates, and payout limit. At a step 610 the machine control module retrieves operational parameter guidelines. The operational parameter guidelines define rules, instruction, or guidelines that govern gaming machine operation based on factors other than gaming machine location. The operational parameter guidelines may control factors including but not limited to payout limit, cash in limit, game selector, game or machine theme, max bet, minimum bet, time of operation, selector, and manner of operation.
At a step 614 the machine control module processes the location data and operational parameters to generate control commands. The control commands comprise messages or other control data that is to be provided to a gaming machine to control operational characteristics of the gaming machine. The control commands are created based on one or more of the above described factors. For example, if a gaming machine is located near a bar or lounge and the time of day and date is at the time of a football Superbowl event, then the sound of the gaming machines may be adjusted accordingly or set to coincide with commercials or halftime.
At a step 618 the control commands are matched to a network address. A translation table is one example system or device that may be used to match a control command, which may be location specific, to a network address. It may be desirable to match the control command with a network address so that at a step 622 the control commands may be transmitted to a particular gaming machine over the gaming network. The following table provides an example translation table with exemplary data. The network address may be based on a TCP/IP protocol or any other networking standard or protocol. In one embodiment the machines is assigned a network address once the machine is located or identified.
At a step 626 the gaming machine receives the control commands based on the network address and at a step 630 the gaming machine modifies its operation based on the control instructions.
The method and apparatus described herein enables numerous features or advantages alone and in combination with other systems, software, or methods. Some of these features or advantages are described below in conjunction with associated systems and methods. These new features or advantages may be implemented alone or in any combination. By controlling gaming machine behavior based on location data the time consuming and expensive step of manual configuration of a gaming machine by opening the machine, manually entering control code to modify each game operation, and closing each machine, can be eliminated.
In one embodiment a uniform or synchronized gaming machine control scheme may be implemented. In such an embodiment a synchronization software module or other synchronizing control module determines which gaming machines are located within a defined area or with a maximum or minimum proximity. It is contemplated that such location parameters may be automatically determined by the synchronization module or input by a user. The synchronization module, based on the location of the gaming machines, controls various aspects of gaming machines operation. In one embodiment the gaming machines may be made to synchronize or coordinate sound effects or music, or lyrics. In one embodiment the coordination is based on a reference machine. In one embodiment the gaming machines are made to synchronize or coordinate video play, or brightness levels. This provides the advantage of having consistent and uniform game and video play as compared to the undesirable situation created in prior art systems in which music or sounds overlapping each other to combine into a incomprehensible drone. Likewise, this also provides the advantage of a continuous row of gaming machines screens each appearing uniform to create a row of uniform video play. It is likely this will be more captivating to a potential player. By way of example, it is envisioned that banks of gaming machines, that may be automatically located based on the location data, may be made to play the same sound and video, at the same time i.e. synchronously. Similarly, to generate further excitement on the casino floor or for a particular game, the banks or rows could dual back and forth with alternating sound and video. Locations data enables such operation.
In one embodiment the method and apparatus described herein is configured to monitor the location of gaming machines in comparison to other locations or areas of the casino. For example, a gaming machine monitoring system, which may embodied in software and utilized the gaming machine location data, may compare the location of gaming machines to a minimum or maximum location from an area of the casino. An advantage of such a system is that it provides an rapid or automatic method and apparatus to monitor machine location in comparison to other areas of the casino without having to physically measure such distances. For example, if the rules of a particular jurisdiction prohibit a gaming machine from being located within a certain distance from a particular area, such as a family area, the monitoring system can be configured to automatically monitor the location between a family area and the gaming machines. Game play may also be suspended in certain areas or locations after a certain time of day or on Sundays based on current regulations. An alarm or notice system may be included to notify the casino personnel when the casino is not in compliance.
In one embodiment the location and tracking system is configured with a control module. The control module may operate with or utilized other data, such as time of day data, time of year or month data, or data about certain events. For example, based on the location of a machine the sound level of a machine may be controlled or modified. Machines near a bar or lounge may be may be detected as being near a bar or lounge and may be made to be silent during a sporting event or other promotion. Likewise, gaming machines located near an exclusive restaurant may be made to be quite so as to not disturb the diners. Thus, even with the continual relocation of gaming machines around the casino floor, the machines put near or in certain locations can be automatically configured by the location tracking system to automatically assume various operational characteristics.
In one embodiment the gaming machines located in a certain area may be made to operate in a particular manner based on their location. For example machines in a slot tournament may all be configured to partake in the slot tournament operation simply based on their location. Thus, slot tournament machines may be rapidly configured. Gaming machines located near a high roller sporting event or other activities area may be made to have higher play denominations simply based on their location. Similarly, pay out tables, games offered for play, and screen promotions may be offered to suit the needs of the casino or gaming environment. In one embodiment, games located near a retail sales area or restaurant may be made to intermittently promote those areas on the screen during periods when the machine is not in play. By way of example, games located in a certain area of the casino, such as near an Italian restaurant, may be made to assume an Italian theme, controlled to download a particular software. Not only could a theme be assigned based on the location of a machine, but location based advertising may also be implemented.
In another embodiment the location of the gaming machine may control which software is downloaded to the gaming machine. For example, gaming machines located in a particular location in a casino may have a particular software installed. The software may vary the type of game or the promotions which are displayed on the machine. In one situation it may be desired to load a particular type of software a r data to machines located within a distance of a casino entrance. Using the machine location system described herein the location of the various machines may be determined. Once determined, conversion can be done to determine the network address of the machines. Thereafter, the software may be sent to the desired machines based on the addresses.
In one embodiment the game may be controlled to offer a particular progressive system or to offer participation in a progressive system. In such an embodiment the machines within a certain location or selected based in some form on their location are selected for participation in the progressive, such as a linked progressive. Once located, the location data may be translated to network or other address information and the gaming machines linked into the progressive system. Such a system provides greater flexibility and greater efficiently when linking machines into a progressive system. Progressive system information, such as payout amount, may be downloaded to the machines, based on the machine location or inclusion in a machine bank.
In one embodiment the location data is utilized for marketing and business purposes. The location data along with machine usage data may be used to determine preferred machine configurations and locations. As an advantage to the invention the data may be collected automatically or in real time as a machine is moved to different locations in the casino. Moreover, the gaming location is known and provided automatically so that reports may easily be generated. By way of example, two identical machines may be placed in different locations in the casino and provided to patrons for game play. After a period of time the amount of play may be compared to determine desirable locations. Likewise, the location tracking system in conjunction with other information may be used to determine the most popular machines themes for particular locations in the casino. On a broader scale, machine play may be compared between different casinos.
In a variation of this embodiment collection meter data may be combined with location data to provide another level of detail regarding the play occurring on a gaming machine and play in a particular location in the casino. Through the use of location data in combination with collection meters the location of a machine may be tracked in combination with amount of play, type of game in use on the machine, theme of the machine, video on the machine, volume and audio selection for the machine. In yet another embodiment player tracking data may be combined with the location data and collection meter data to add yet another level of detail to player information. By way of example and not limitation, through the use of the gaming machine location system it can be determined that a particular age group of player (obtained from player tracking data) prefers to play a particular type of game when the gaming machine is located in a particular location within the casino. Marketing and casino layout may thereby be adjusted accordingly to improve game play and collection.
In one embodiment the location data and a machine control module may be made to control gaming machine behavior based on a winning event of a co-located machine. A co-located machine is a machine located within a user defined distance of a winning machine or within a bank of machines. Control of one or more other gaming machines based on a winning event at one or more other machines provides numerous advantages. The winning machine may be regarded as the reference machine from which other machines may react. It is contemplated that other events may cause a game to become a reference machine and thereby cause nearby or other machines to initiate activity.
It is often desirable to generate attention to a winning event. By generating attention for a winning event it is more likely that other patrons will initiate gaming or will assume the impression that the casino has a generous payout scheme. Thus, in one embodiment the control systems cause machines co-located with a winning machine to generate noise, video, or other attention grabbing action to alert other patrons of the near by win. This will likely draw patrons to play the machines near the winning machine. This is particularly desirable since machines of the company offering such systems will be played more often and thus generate more revenue for the casino.
In one embodiment the location and tracking system may be used to implement a more interactive and dynamic game play between different players. Based on a location of a machine, the game play can be made to occur interactively between two or more players. For example, the invention may enable two or more players want to gamble in an interactive game, such as a common game in which players participate against each other for a common payout, they may select several gaming machines and enter data. The machines may be consecutively located to provide personal interaction, or located remote. In one example method of operation, the players may select which players to play against by designating or requesting to the gaming machine to play against the player to my right or left. This is a desirably simple input for the player. Because the location and tracking system is aware of the location of each game, it can cause interactive game play to occur between two or more machines. Machine location to address translation tables may be used to match a game location to a network address thus facilitating interactive play. In the event the machines are not consecutively located, a player may input data regarding a name or machine ID or other code to designate which machine to include in the interactive game play.
It is further contemplated that interactive play may occur between individuals at different properties. In one embodiment the gaming machines communicate via a communication link, such as a computer network, and in conjunction with host systems and the locating systems described herein, the location of the gaming machines are determined. Based on the location of each gaming machine and player input, players may locate or request play against other players. Players may be located or identified based on player tracking systems or other club or membership basis. Interactive messages may be provided to players to facilitate the interactive play. In one configuration, custom slot tournaments may be enabled by a two or more players that utilize the interactive play options. As a result of the machine location system players need not be at the same property. In one embodiment an area of the casino or a bank of machines are enabled as interactive play machines.
In yet another embodiment the location data is utilized by player tracking systems to collected data regarding player preferences regarding play locations and to locate players in real time during play. In such an embodiment the location data may be used in conjunction with a player tracking system. Co-pending patent application Ser. No. 09/544,884 filed on Apr. 7, 2000 describes such a system. An example of a popular player tracking system is the EZ-Pay@ player tracking system available from International Game Technology located in Reno, Nev. By providing a player tracking module to the machine tracking location system, the location data may be used to locate a machine at which a particular player is playing. For example, if a valued player is currently playing, the player tracking data will identify which machine the valuable player is currently playing. Using the location data, the machine can be located and hence the player at the machine can be located and contacted. This may be useful to locate a player in case of an emergency, provide bonus awards or complementary gifts to a player or prevent theft or fraud. In one configuration a wireless device or handheld portable device may be used by a casino personnel to obtain location information while on the floor of the casino. In one embodiment the player tracking system is able to translate the machine location data into direction information to guide casino personnel to the player.
In another embodiment the location data may be used by casino personal or other individual to aid in casino operations. By way of example the location data may be provided via any means including cell phone, PDA, laptop computer, kiosk, computer network, location beacon, over a wired or wireless channel. Once the location data is provided, the location data may be used to locate a malfunctioning machine, such as for repair or other reason, used by servers to provide beverages or other services, to provide awards, complementary services, or in case of emergency. In one embodiment the location data may be used for security purposes. For example, if the host detects one or more fraud attempts at a particular machine, then security personnel may be dispatched to watch the player and the machine.
It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatus and the methods derived therefrom are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

matches:
application No. 2006202033
Application No. 2003021685
Application No. 2003256490
Application No. 2003200397
Application No. 2006202033
Application No. 2008203314


text:
1. A domicile once existing continues until another is acquired, and, where a change thereof is alleged, the burden of proof rests upon the party making the allegation.
2. A., whose domicile was, and continued during the war to be, at New Orleans, went into or remained within the territory embraced by the rebel lines, engaged actively in the service of the rebel government, and, while so engaged, purchased certain cotton, which, upon the subsequent occupation of that territory by the military forces of the United States, was seized, sold, and the proceeds paid into the Treasury. Held that his purchase of the cotton was illegal and void, and gave him no title thereto.
3. Mitchell v. United States, 21 Wall. 350, reaffirmed and applied to this case.
On the 26th of June, 1867, Alphonse Desmare, of New Orleans, La., filed his petition in the Court of Claims to recover the value of five hundred and fifty-six bales of cotton, alleging that, in the year 1863, he was the owner of that number of bales, then at Opelousas, in the Parish of St. Landry, La.; that, in April, 1863, said cotton was taken and captured by officers of the United States Army, by whom, under the orders of General N. P. Banks, commanding the Department of the Gulf, it was shipped to New Orleans, sold, and the proceeds placed in the Treasury of the United States.
afterward, until October, 1862, when it is proved he was in the Parish of St. Landry, La., purchasing the cotton, which is the subject of this action, and acting as agent of the rebel government for the exchange of Confederate bonds for Confederate notes, for which latter purpose he had an office at Opelousas in said parish. Said parish was within the rebel lines until April, 1863, when it was taken possession of by United States forces under General Banks.
2. Between the 1st of October, 1862, and the month of April, 1863, the claimant, in person, purchased within said parish, of different persons, two hundred and sixty-eight bales of cotton, and paid for the same in Confederate money. All of said cotton was seized by officers of the United States upon the entry of their military forces into said parish was turned over to agents of the Treasury Department, sold, and the net proceeds, to the aggregate amount of $51,456, are now in the United States Treasury.
3. Said claimant and one Dupre, jointly and personally, purchased within said parish, March 3, 1863, eighty-four bales of cotton, for which they gave their notes, with security. These notes were paid after the war, one-half by the claimant and one-half by said Dupre. This cotton was seized by officers of the United States in April, 1863, was turned over to Treasury agent and sold, and the net proceeds thereof, to the amount of $16,128, are in the United States Treasury.
4. The claimant has failed to prove that any other cotton owned by him was seized by officers or agents of the defendants.
1. The claimant's domicile, found to have been in the City of New Orleans before the war and not proved to have been changed, is presumed to have continued and been in that city when the purchases of cotton were made by him within the rebel lines, as set forth in the findings.
and subsequently crossed the federal lines about the time he is proved to be in the Parish of St. Landry.
3. The purchases of cotton by the claimant, under the circumstances set forth in the findings, were void as against the law and public policy of the United States, and he acquired no title to the cotton thereby.
The plaintiff's petition having been dismissed, he appealed to this Court.
aspects was carefully considered. We shall avail ourselves of its rulings without again specially referring to it. The findings of the Court of Claims furnish the facts we are to consider, and we cannot look beyond them. For the purposes of this case they import absolute verity and conclude both parties.
Before the breaking out of the late civil war, the appellant was domiciled in the City of New Orleans. He was a member of a commercial partnership there. There is no proof of any change of domicile subsequently. A domicile once existing continues until another is acquired. A person cannot be without a legal domicile somewhere. Where a change of domicile is alleged, the burden of proof rests upon the party making the allegation.
The cotton covered by the claim in the present case was all purchased by the appellant in the Parish of St. Landry, in the State of Louisiana, between the 1st of October, 1862, and the 1st of April, 1863. That territory was then within the rebel lines. The appellant was there acting as the agent of the rebel government in exchanging its bonds for Confederate notes. His office, as such agent, was at Opelousas, in that parish.
was also subjugated by the arms of the United States in April, 1863. The cotton in question was thereupon seized, and subsequently sold, and the proceeds paid into the Treasury of the United States, where they remain. Those proceeds are the subject of this litigation.
Upon the issuing of General Butler's proclamation, the legal status of New Orleans and its inhabitants, with respect to the United States, became changed. Before that time the former was enemies' territory and the latter were enemies, in all respects as if the pending strife had been a public war between the United States and a foreign belligerent, and the city had been a part of the country of the enemy, although he conflict was in fact only a domestic insurrection of large proportions. The city was blockaded, and the property of its inhabitants, wherever found at sea, was seized, condemned, and confiscated as prize of war. General Butler's proclamation was proof of the subjugation of the city and the reestablishment of the national authority. The hostile character of the territory thereupon ceased, and the process of rehabilitation began. The inhabitants were at once permitted to resume, under the regulations prescribed, their wonted commerce with other places, as if the state had not belonged to the rebel organization. The Venice, 2 Wall. 258. But they were clothed with new duties as well as new rights. It was a corollary from the new condition of things, that they should obey the inhibition of trade with the localities still under the ban of the President's proclamation of the 16th of August, 1861. In this respect, they were on the same footing with the inhabitants of the loyal states, abiding in such states and with the citizens of such states and foreigners then sojourning in New Orleans. It was not a penal infliction, but was intended for the benefit of the nation in the prosecution of the war. It was a burden incident to the effort the government was making to put down the insurrection. It was the plain duty of the appellant to obey the injunction. Instead of doing so, while his domicile, in the view of the law, was and continued to be at New Orleans, he went or remained within the rebel lines, engaged actively in the service of the rebel government, and was so engaged when and where, as he alleges, he acquired the ownership of the cotton in question.
His contracts for the cotton were clearly illegal and void, and gave him no title. Such has been the ruling of this Court in an unbroken series of adjudications. Coppel v. Hall, 7 Wall. 548; United States v. Lane, 8 id. 185; United States v. Grossmeyer, 9 Wall. 72; United States v. Montgomery, 15 Wall. 395; United States v. Lapine, 17 Wall. 602; Mitchell v. United States, 21 Wall. 350.
The result is the same as if the purchases had been made by an agent of the appellant, sent by him from New Orleans, instead of having been made by himself in person.
To hold otherwise would give a premium to a law-breaker, and involve the anomaly of conceding to the offender rights and immunities denied to all the citizens to the loyal states.

matches: v. v. v. v. v. v. v.


text:
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If you do not wish to participate in the tracking procedure, you can also reject the placement of cookies—which that procedure requires—by adjusting your browser settings, for example, which deactivates the automatic placement of cookies in general. You can also deactivate cookies for conversion tracking by adjusting your browser settings to block cookies from the domain “www.googleadservices.com”. You will find Google’s data privacy notice regarding conversion tracking here (https://services.google+com/sitestats/en.html ).
We use social plug-ins from the social networks Facebook, Twitter, Xing, Instagram and LinkedIn to make our company more aware of them (on the legal basis of Art. 6 (1) sentence 1 f GDPR). The underlying advertising purpose is deemed a legitimate interest as defined by the GDPR. The provider of the respective operation is responsible for ensuring that operation complies with data protection law. We use these plug-ins by way of the “two-click method” to optimally protect our website’s visitors.
Our website uses Facebook’s social media plug-ins to make its design more personal. To do so, we use the “Like” and “Share” buttons. This is a Facebook service.
Whenever you access a page from our internet presence which contains such a plug-in, your browser establishes a direct connection with Facebook’s servers. Facebook will transmit the plug-in’s contents directly to your browser, which incorporates them into the website.
By incorporating the plug-ins, Facebook is informed that your browser has accessed the page of our internet presence in question, even if you don’t have a Facebook account or are not logged into Facebook. This information (including your IP address) will be transmitted from your browser directly to a Facebook server in the USA and stored there.
If you are logged into Facebook, Facebook can assign your visit to our website to your Facebook account. If you interact with the plug-ins (by clicking the “Like” or “Share” buttons, for example), the appropriate information will be transmitted directly to a Facebook server and stored there. The information is also published on Facebook and shown to your Facebook friends.
Facebook may use this information for advertisement, market research, or a needs-based design of the Facebook pages. To that end, Facebook creates usage, interest and relationship profiles (e.g., to evaluate your use of our website regarding the ads Facebook inserts for you), to inform other Facebook users about your activities on our website, and to render additional services connected to the use of Facebook.
If you do not wish for Facebook to assign the data collected via our internet presence to your Facebook account, you must log out of Facebook before you visit our website.
You must consult Facebook’s data privacy notice to learn the purpose and scope of data collection, how Facebook will continue to process and use the data, your rights in the matter, and how to change your settings to protect your privacy (https://www.facebook.com/about/privacy/ ).
Our internet sites integrate the plug-ins of the short-message network “Twitter Inc.” (Twitter). You will recognise the Twitter plug-ins (“Tweet” button) by the Twitter logo on our website. You will find an overview of Tweet buttons here (https://about.twitter.com/resources/buttons ).
Whenever you access a page from our internet presence which contains such a plug-in, a direct connection will be established between your browser and Twitter’s servers. This informs Twitter that you have visited our site with your IP address. If you click the Twitter “Tweet” button while you are logged into your Twitter account, you can link the content of our pages to your Twitter profile. By doing so, your visit to our pages will be assigned by Twitter to your user account. Please note that, as the provider of the site, we receive no information about the contents of transmitted data or how Twitter will use those data.
If you do not want your visit to our website to be assigned by Twitter, please log out of your Twitter user account.
You will find more information about this in Twitter’s data privacy statement ((https://twitter.com/privacy).
Our web presence uses functions of the network XING. They are provided by XING AG, Dammtorstraße 29–32, 20354 Hamburg, Germany. With every access of our website, which features such components, these components cause the browser you are using to download a presentation of the components of XING.
According to our understanding, XING does not store any personal data of a user who accesses our website. And XING stores no IP addresses.
To prevent XING from assigning your visit to our site to your XING account, you must log out of your XING account before visiting our site.
Our website uses social plug-ins from Instagram, which are operated by Instagram LLC., 1601 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA (“Instagram”).
The plug-ins are labelled with an Instagram logo (for example, in the form of an “Instagram camera”).
Whenever you access a page from our internet presence which contains such a plug-in, your browser establishes a direct connection with Instagram’s servers. The plug-in’s contents will be transmitted by Instagram directly to your browser and incorporated into the site. By incorporating the plug-ins, Instagram is informed that your browser has accessed the page of our internet presence in question, even if you don’t have an Instagram profile or are not logged into Instagram.
This information (including your IP address) will be transmitted from your browser directly to an Instagram server in the USA and stored there. If you are logged into Instagram, Instagram can assign your visit to our website directly to your Instagram account. If you interact with the plug-ins (by clicking the “Instagram” button, for example), this information will also be transmitted directly to an Instagram server and stored there.
The information will also be published on your Instagram account and shown to your contacts there.
If you do not want Instagram to assign the data collected through your visit to our web presence directly to your Instagram account, you must log out of Instagram before visiting our website.
You will find more information about this in Instagram’s data privacy statement (https://help.instagram.com/155833707900388).
Our web presence uses functions of the network LinkedIn. Those functions are provided by the LinkedIn Corporation, 2029 Stierlin Court, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA. If you click the “Recommend” button from LinkedIn and are logged into your account with LinkedIn, LinkedIn can assign your visit to our internet site to you and your user account. Please note that, as the provider of this site, we cannot influence or know anything about the contents of transmitted data or how LinkedIn will use those data.
To prevent LinkedIn from assigning your visit to our site to your LinkedIn account, you must log out of your LinkedIn account before visiting our site.
We use components of the network LinkedIn on our site. LinkedIn is a service of the LinkedIn Corporation, 2029 Stierlin Court, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA. With every access of our website, which features such components, these components cause the browser you are using to download a presentation of the components of LinkedIn.
This procedure tells LinkedIn which specific pages of our internet presence are being visited.
under Art. 77, to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority. As a rule, you can do so by contacting the supervisory authority where you normally live or work, or contacting us directly, such as through the contact form http://haerter.com/en/contact/.
If your personal data is being processed based on legitimate interests under Art. 6 (1) sentence 1 f GDPR, you have the right under Art. 21 GDPR to lodge an objection against the processing of your personal data if there are reasons arising from your particular situation or the objection is to direct marketing. In the latter case, you have a general right to object that we will implement without any information about your particular situation. If you would like to take advantage of your right of withdrawal or right to object, sending an email to data protection datenschutzbeauftragter@remove-this.haerter.com will be sufficient.
We take suitable technical and organisational security measures to protect your data against accidental or intentional manipulation, partial or total loss, destruction, and unauthorised third-party access. Our security measures are continually improved to keep up with technological advancements. Our employees are obligated to comply with the provisions to guard confidentiality and observe data protection. If statutory requirements are met, personal data will be deleted without undue delay.
This data privacy statement is currently valid and was last revised in May 2018. It might be necessary to amend it due to refinements made to our website and services offered through it, or due to amended statutory or official regulations. You may access and print the current data privacy statement at any time, under www.haerter.com under the rubric “Data Protection” (Link: https://haerter.com/en/data-protection).

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Castle Rock Child Custody Modification Lawyer | Robinson & Henry, P.C.
Call (303) 688-0944 or Make an Appointment Online Now for a Free Consultation with our Family Law Attorneys.
Once your divorce is concluded, you may think that’s the end. However, a significant portion of the services Robinson & Henry attorneys provide for clients concern modifications of child support and visitation arrangements that take place in the years after a divorce is finalized. The reality is, the court retains its jurisdiction over your children’s custody and financial well-being until they reach their 19th birthdays. You may wish to modify arrangements after your Colorado divorce is finalized for one or more of the following reasons.
At Robinson & Henry one of the most common questions we are asked by our clients is whether they can change their current child support order, and what the process would be to request such a change. Child support orders can be changed in Colorado in accordance with C.R.S. § 14-10-122. In order to make a change, a court must find that there has been a “substantial and continuing” change since the last order. The court can also make a change if the parties failed to include provisions addressing medical support, for example if the parties did not designate who will be responsible for medical insurance premiums.
Courts will typically not view a change as “substantial” unless it would result in more than a 10% change in the child support payment pursuant to the Colorado guidelines. At Robinson & Henry we have the latest software to analyze your financial situation and advise you regarding the Colorado Guidelines. If an application of the guidelines would result in more than a 10% change, a rebuttable presumption exists that a modification of child support must be granted. In other words, it will be up to the other party to prove why the change should not be made.
Additionally, the change must be “continuing,” in other words, it cannot be a temporary change. In a Colorado case called McVay v. Johnson, the court denied a request for modification of child support based on the fact that the obligor (the person who is required to pay child support) was unemployed. McVay v. Johnson, 727 P.2d 416 (Colo.App.1986). The court in McVay found that even though the obligor had been laid off, that fact only constituted a temporary change and not a substantial and continuing change as required by the statute.
Another common situation that we see at Robinson & Henry, relates to bonuses from work. We have clients that ask whether a large bonus from their employer would result in a change to their child support. Often the answer is “no” as the bonus is only a temporary increase in income.
Once a motion to modify child support is filed, there is often a large lag time between the date of the filing of the motion and the hearing. At Robinson & Henry, we make sure to request that the court make the change effective back to the date of filing. This allows our clients to recover the funds that they should have been paid while they waited for their court date.
Once a modification is ordered, the next step is collection the payments. At Robinson and Henry, we typically request an income assignment for our clients pursuant to C.R.S. § 14- 14-111.5. An income assignment is an excellent way to provide consistent, automatic payments for our clients. In order to activate the income assignment, the obligee (the person receiving child support) or his or her attorney must serve the other party’s employer with a notice to withhold income for support. At Robinson and Henry, we will contact the employer, trustee or other legal payor for the obligor and arrange for service of the required notice.
Many of our clients wonder whether the fact that the other party is already being garnished will affect our ability to activate an income assignment against that person. Child support payments take priority over any other garnishment, lien or attachment. This means that if the other party is being garnished for judgments stemming from unpaid debts, the child support payment will be paid first. Details on the priority of orders from previous domestic cases can be found in C.R.S. § 14-14-111.5(6)(b) and are too complex (and boring) to be addressed in this article.
is binding upon any employer, trustee, or other payor of funds upon whom it has been served. It cannot be changed unilaterally by the obligor, and remains in full effect until further notice from the obligee, the obligee’s attorney, or the court. Dealing with parties that are employed by friends or family members can be difficult. At Robinson & Henry, we often have to send letters explaining the law and obligation to the obligor’s employer in order to ensure that the employer complies with the income assignment.
When a court issues an order for child support, that order is enforceable through contempt pursuant to C.R.S. § 14-14-110 and C.R.C.P. 107. Contempt issues are brought as a continuation of the original action and are not a separate proceeding. There are two types of contempt in Colorado, direct and indirect. Direct contempt is the type of contempt you typically see in movies and on television; it is behavior in the presence of a judge that so extreme that no warning is necessary or that has been repeated despite a judge’s warning to stop. Indirect contempt involves behavior that takes place outside the courtroom. Thus, contempt proceedings to enforce orders for child support typically involve indirect contempt.
Additionally, when a party is found to be in contempt, Colorado law provided for two types of sanctions, remedial and punitive. Remedial sanctions are designed to cure the defect as a result of the party’s failure to comply with the court order. Remedial sanctions can be cured simply by the party who is in contempt, or contemnor, coming back into compliance. For example, if the obligor has failed to pay child support, the obligor can avoid remedial sanctions by paying the arrearage.
Punitive sanctions are designed to punish the party who is in contempt. Punitive sanctions cannot be cured by the contemnor coming back into compliance. Punitive sanctions may include fines, incarceration, or both. At Robinson & Henry, we typically seek both types of sanctions and request attorney’s fees from the contemnor pursuant to C.R.C.P. 107(d)(2). While the party seeking contempt is not required to choose between the two types of sanctions, they each have distinct rules for procedure that need to be followed, and having an attorney familiar with both is extremely important.
Child support and maintenance payments that are due and not paid become final judgments pursuant to C.R.S. § 14-10-122(1)(c). As a result, those unpaid payments start accruing interest from the date they are due. Additionally, those judgments are entitled to full faith and credit and can be enforced in Colorado or any other state. If you choose Robinson & Henry to help you with your case, we can file the required verified entry of judgment and other necessary documents with the court to ensure the income assignment is valid and properly served.
Additionally, we can help educate you regarding the possibility of filing liens against the obligor’s personal property. We can discuss the court’s power in some circumstances to deny suspend or revoke professional licenses pursuant to C.R.S. § 26-13-126, or even to offset child support arrearages from tax refunds.
If you are curious regarding whether you can make a change to your child support, or you need help collecting child support, contact me, James K. Townsend at Robinson & Henry at (303) 688-0944 so I can meet with you personally for a free consultation. I can review with you your current child support order, any changes in circumstances, and advise you whether you should request a change.