Tracking system using personal digital key groups

#1. Field of Art

#The invention generally relates to a wireless identification system, and more specifically, to a player tracking system using wireless identification technology.

#2. Description of the Related Art

#FIG. 1 is a high level block diagram illustrating a system for secure electronic authentication.

#FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a Personal Digital Key (PDK).

#FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of a Personal Digital Key (PDK).

#The figures depict various embodiments of the present invention for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein.

#FIG. 1 is a high level block diagram illustrating a system for securely authenticating a personal digital key (PDK) 102 based upon proximity of the PDK 102 to a Reader 108. The system 100 comprises a PDK 102, a Reader 108, a network 110 and one or more external databases including a validation database 112, a Central Registry 114 and one or more private registries 116. The Reader 108 can be optionally embedded within or adapted to communicate (e.g., as a peripheral module to the device 105) with an existing electronic device 105. The Reader 108 is adapted to communicate with the PDK 102 by a wireless link 106 and is adapted to communicate with a network 110 by either a wired or wireless link. The Reader 108 is also optionally configured to receive a biometric input 104 from a user. The network 110 couples the validation database 112, the Central Registry 114 and the private registries 116 to the Reader 108. In alternative embodiments, different or additional external registries, databases or other devices may be coupled to the network 110. Furthermore, any number of electronic devices 105 and/or Readers 108 can be in communication with the network 110. In another embodiment, the Reader 108 operates as a standalone device without a connection to the network 110.

#In one embodiment, the system 100 determines identity information associated with the PDK 102 and executes an authentication process. For example, the system 100 can determine if an individual is authorized for a transaction. The transaction could comprise, for example, executing a purchase or financial dealing, enabling access to physical and/or digital items, verifying identification or personal information or causing the electronic device 105 to execute one or more functions.