Antenna switching

Abstract

The switching device can provide a pass-through connection between the first set of reader inputs and the antenna inputs. The switching device can disconnect the pass-through connection between the first set of reader inputs from the first reader and the multiple antenna inputs. The switching device can generate a tuning signal based on the antenna inputs. The switching device can provide the tuning signal to the second set of reader inputs for the second reader.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] The casino industry has widely adopted Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to manage inventory and authenticate gaming tokens and other assets. RFID can provide solutions for live gaming operators by identifying and automatically counting gaming token transactions, typically using casino tokens and plaques. RFID can also facilitate the automation of placement identification. However, like other technologies, RFID has evolved and will continue to evolve over time. For casino operators, investing in new technologies typically involves a long and committed commitment of several years.

[0002] Casino operators may hesitate to adopt new technologies when they render existing ones obsolete. Scientific and continuous engineering advancements frequently lead to new solutions, and new technologies are always more advanced than previous ones. Like other markets, the gaming industry faces the challenge of product obsolescence. However, casino operators are more willing to adopt new technologies when they can gradually phase out existing ones over time. A solution that allows for the deployment of new RFID technology without sacrificing backward compatibility would be beneficial. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The system may include an antenna having one or more outputs. The system may include a switching device comprising one or more first reader inputs, one or more second reader inputs, and one or more antenna inputs. The antenna outputs may be coupled to the antenna inputs. The switching device may be configured to provide a pass-through connection between the first reader inputs and the antenna inputs. The switching device may be configured to disconnect the pass-through connection between the first reader inputs and the antenna inputs. The switching device may be configured to generate a tuning signal at least partially based on the antenna inputs and provide the tuning signal to the second reader inputs.

[0004] The system may include an antenna and a switching device coupled to the antenna. A first reader corresponding to a first RFID technology may be coupled to the switching device. A second reader corresponding to a second RFID technology may be coupled to the switching device. The system may include a computing device configured to read a set of first RFID functional tokens located on the antenna from the first reader. The computing device may be configured to send a command to switch from the first reader to the second reader and read a set of second RFID functional tokens located on the antenna via the second reader.

[0005] A method may include reading a set of first RFID-enabled game tokens positioned on an antenna from a first reader, at least in part, based on an antenna signal. The method may include sending a command to switch from the first reader to a second reader. The method may also include reading a set of second RFID-enabled game tokens positioned on an antenna from a second reader, at least in part, based on a tuned antenna signal. The tuned antenna signal may correspond to an antenna signal modified by a switching device.

[0006] These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, which embody the best mode currently known. Attached Figure Description

[0007] To gain a more complete understanding of the embodiments and their advantages, reference is now made to the following description, which is briefly described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0008] Figure 1 This is a description of an exemplary game environment based on various exemplary embodiments.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a description of an exemplary game environment based on various exemplary embodiments.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a description of an exemplary game environment based on various exemplary embodiments.

[0011] Figure 4 Various exemplary embodiments are shown. Figure 1 The user interface presented by the computing environment within the game environment.

[0012] Figure 5 Various embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 1 Example flowchart of some functions implemented by the switching device in the game environment.

[0013] Figure 6 Various embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 1 Example flowchart of some functions implemented by the inventory application in the game environment.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating various embodiments. Figure 1 Examples of computing devices used in the game environment.

[0015] The figures illustrate only exemplary embodiments and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the description herein, as other equally effective embodiments are also within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Elements and features shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, but are intended to clearly illustrate the principles of the embodiments. Furthermore, certain dimensions may be exaggerated to aid in visually conveying certain principles. In the figures, similar reference numerals between figures indicate similar or corresponding elements, but not necessarily identical elements. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Technology investments often involve significant operational and financial impacts on casino token products, other assets, and operating equipment. Operating equipment can include RFID readers, antennas, and related systems. As RFID has evolved and will continue to evolve over time, it is important to provide casino operators with new RFID technologies while continuing to support older RFID technologies. However, space on gaming tables can be limited. Placing multiple antennas for various RFID technologies at each placement point is impractical. For example, suppose a casino is equipped with operating equipment including antennas, readers, and RFID casino tokens, configured to read a specific RFID standard, such as Phase Jitter Modulation (PJM). This operating equipment would be incompatible with another RFID standard, such as SMART, a 13.56 MHz ISO18000-M3 patented technology developed and owned by Gaming Partners International Corporation. SMART uses its own operating equipment configured for the SMART RFID standard. When two different RFID standards must coexist, the infrastructure must be duplicated. SMART antennas, readers, and casino tokens must be purchased, along with separate PJM antennas, readers, and casino tokens.

[0017] For example, if a casino transitions from PJM technology to SMART technology, the new RFID standard operating equipment will not be backward compatible. Operators will need to expend significant resources to remove previous RFID standard equipment and infrastructure, including antennas embedded in numerous different pieces of furniture throughout the casino, including cage counters, casino coin vaults, game tables, and multiple other locations. A solution is needed that will provide casino operators with a simpler, easier, and cheaper path to simultaneously support and operate both the old and new RFID standards.

[0018] To facilitate the simultaneous operation of multiple RFID technologies, a switching device can be used to transmit the connection from an antenna tuned for a first technology to a reader configured for that first technology. Upon receiving a switching command, the switching device can disconnect the transmission connection and provide a tuning signal to a second reader configured for a second technology. The switching device can be tuned to alter the signal from the antenna tuned for the first technology, thereby enabling the altered or tuned signal to work with the second technology. By iteratively switching between each technology multiple times per second, the first and second readers can simultaneously read game tokens from their respective technologies in real time. A general description of the system and its components is provided in the following discussion, followed by a discussion of the operation of the system and its components.

[0019] refer to Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a game environment 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The game environment 100 may include a computing environment 103 connected to readers 106 and 109. Readers 106 and 109 may be coupled to a switching device 112. The switching device 112 may be coupled to an antenna device 115. The switching device 112 may receive power from either reader 106 or 109.

[0020] Antenna device 115 may include surface 118 on which game tokens 121 may be placed. The term "game token" refers to a physical object representing value. Game tokens may include coins, cards, metal tokens, and other value tokens. Antenna device 115 can be used to read game tokens 121 placed within a reading area. Reader 106 can be used to read game tokens 121 corresponding to a first technology, while reader 109 can be used to read game tokens 121 corresponding to a second technology. In one embodiment, the first technology may be a 13.56MHz technology, such as a SMART 16 reader 106 using the SMART ISO18000-M3 standard, while the second technology is one of phase jitter modulation (PJM) technology, ISO 15693 technology, or 125 kHz technology. In other embodiments, different readers correspond to different technologies such as 13.56 MHz technology, PJM technology, ISO 15693 technology, 125 kHz technology, or other RFID technologies. Switching device 112 can switch between the first and second technologies.

[0021] The computing environment 103 can present a user interface 124. The user interface 124 may include data describing the game coins 121 that have been read, as well as other game information. For example, the user interface 124 may indicate the count of the game coins 121 that have been read and the sum of the values ​​of the game coins 121 that have been read.

[0022] refer to Figure 2Examples of game environments 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Game environment 100 may include a computing environment 103, a reader 106, a reader 109, a switching device 112, and an antenna device 115. Computing environment 103 may include data storage 203, inventory applications 206, and a display 209. Switching device 112 may include switching circuitry 218 and tuning circuitry 221. Antenna device 115 may include a surface 118, tuning circuitry 224, and one or more antennas 227.

[0023] Computing environment 103 may include, for example, server computers, desktop computers, laptops, or any other system providing computing power. Computing environment 103 may employ multiple computing devices, which may be arranged, for example, in one or more server libraries, computer libraries, or other arrangements. Such computing devices may reside in a single installation or be distributed across many different geographical locations. For example, computing environment 103 may include multiple computing devices that together may correspond to hosted computing resources, grid computing resources, or any other distributed computing arrangement. In some cases, computing environment 103 may correspond to elastic computing resources, where the allocated capacity of processing, networking, storage, or other computing-related resources may vary over time.

[0024] According to various embodiments, various applications and / or other functions can be executed in computing environment 103. Furthermore, various data can be stored in data memory 203 accessible by computing environment 103. It is understood that data memory 203 may represent a plurality of data memories 203. For example, data stored in data memory 203 is associated with the operation of various application and / or functional entities described below.

[0025] For example, components executing on computing environment 103 include an inventory application, as well as other applications, services, processes, systems, engines, or functions not discussed in detail herein. Inventory application 206 is executed to continuously monitor inventory on one or more antenna devices 115 deployed in the gaming environment. Inventory application 206 can send inventory commands to reader 106. Switching device 112 can transmit signals from antenna device 115.

[0026] Reader 106 can process the transmitted signals to read the game coin 121 corresponding to the first technology. Figure 1 The system reads the data and sends the reading to the inventory application 206. The inventory application 206 can send a switching command to the switching device 112. In some embodiments, the inventory application 206 sends the switching command via reader 106 or reader 109.

[0027] Switching device 112 can disconnect the transmission connection and provide a tuning signal to reader 109. Inventory application 206 can send an inventory command to reader 109. Reader 109 can process the tuning signal from switching device 112 to read the game coin 121 corresponding to the second technology and send the reading result to inventory application 206. Inventory application 206 can repeat this process.

[0028] Inventory application 206 can present a user interface on display 209, such as including the inventory history of game tokens 121 identified on antenna device 115 from one or more RFID technologies. Display 209 may include, for example, one or more devices, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a gas plasma-based flat panel display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, an electrophoretic ink (E-ink) display, an LCD projector, or other types of display devices. In some embodiments, display 209 may be positioned so that a casino manager, security personnel, or dealer at a gaming table can view the display.

[0029] The data stored in data storage 203 includes, for example, inventory 212, log data 215, and potentially other data. Inventory 212 may include all game tokens 121 deployed in the casino. Inventory 212 may also include historical data of deployed game tokens 121 read from one or more antenna devices 115 in the casino. Inventory 212 may include an indication of the technology of each game token 121 read. Inventory 212 may also include the monetary value of each game token 121. Inventory 212 may include the location of each read. Therefore, inventory application 206 can track the location of each game token 121 as it moves through the casino. As an example, inventory 212 may specify that the identifier of game token 121 was given to John Smith in the casino cage, John Smith placed game token 121 on the first table and won, then John Smith placed game token 121 on the second table and lost, after which game token 121 was added to the dealer's inventory.

[0030] Log data 215 may include information about various events that may occur in the casino. Log data 215 may include a history of inventory audits, a history of equipment malfunctions, and records of detected suspicious activity. Log data 215 may contain records of cheating events detected in the casino.

[0031] Antenna 227 may include loops, coils, or other antenna elements. The output of antenna 227 can be tuned for a specific RFID technology via tuning circuit 224. As an example, antenna device 115 can be tuned via tuning circuit 224 so that reader 106 can read game tokens 121 corresponding to a first technology based on the signal from antenna 227. Switching circuit 218 can transmit the signal from antenna device 115 to reader 106. Tuning circuit 221 can tune the signal from antenna device 115 for another RFID technology. As an example, antenna device 115 can be tuned via tuning circuit 221 so that reader 109 can read game tokens 121 corresponding to a second technology.

[0032] Tuning circuit 221 may include one or more inputs and one or more outputs. Inputs may be coupled to antenna device 115, while outputs may be coupled to reader 109. As an example, one or more wires may be coupled between reader 106 and switching device 112. Similarly, one or more wires may be coupled between reader 109 and switching device 112. Tuning circuit 221 may tune each input to provide a tuned signal at the output.

[0033] Readers 106 or 109 can instruct switching device 112 to switch between a first technology and a second technology by sending a switching command. In some embodiments, inventory application 206 can send a switching command to switching device 112 to switch between technologies. As an example, the switching command may include setting one of the wires coupled between reader 106 and switching device 112 high when using the first technology and setting that wire low when using the second technology. In another embodiment, reader 106 can send the switching command as a message to switching device 112, and switching circuit 218 can switch between the first technology and the second technology according to the content of the message.

[0034] Switching circuit 218 can provide a pass-through connection between reader 106 and antenna device 115, corresponding to antenna 227, via one or more wires. This pass-through connection can be tuned by tuning circuit 224. Reader 106 can change the line level of the wires to indicate which technology or reader is used. When the line level changes, switching circuit 218 can disconnect the pass-through connection between reader 106 and antenna device 115. Switching device 112 can generate a tuning signal based on the signal from antenna device 115. Switching circuit 218 can provide the tuning signal to reader 109. As an example, switching device 112 can use tuning circuit 221 to tune the signal from antenna 227. Switching circuit 218 can stop providing antenna signals to reader 109 and re-establish the pass-through connection. Switching circuit 218 can iterate between providing a pass-through connection to reader 106 and providing a tuning signal to reader 109. When a switching command is received, switching device 112 can iterate between readers 106 and 109.

[0035] The signal from antenna 227 can be tuned for a first technique via tuning circuit 224. Tuning circuit 221 can modify the signal tuning output from tuning circuit 224 for the first technique. In some embodiments, the signal is tuned in tuning circuit 221 by modifying the analog signal from antenna 227 using passive components. The modified signal output from tuning circuit 221 is tuned for a second technique and can therefore be read by reader 109.

[0036] Tuning circuits 221 and 224 can be tuned during installation. Tuning circuit 224 can be tuned relative to reader 106, and tuning circuit 221 can be tuned relative to reader 109. Tuning circuit 224 can be tuned first, followed by tuning circuit 221. Changing tuning circuit 224 can modify the signals to both reader 106 and reader 109, while changing tuning circuit 221 only modifies the signal to reader 109. In some embodiments, tuning circuit 224 can be adjusted to match the characteristic impedance of the technology of reader 106. The characteristic impedance of the technology of reader 106 may differ from the characteristic impedance of the technology of reader 109. Tuning circuit 221 can adjust the characteristic impedance from tuning circuit 224 to match the technology of reader 109.

[0037] As an example, switching device 112 can receive commands to configure tuning circuit 221. In some embodiments, switching device 112 can enter configuration mode in response to input, such as receiving a command or pressing a button. In other embodiments, tuning circuit 221 can be manually tuned by adjusting various switches. One or more parameters can be determined to tune the signal from antenna 227. These parameters can correspond to values ​​of passive components, such as capacitance, resistance, or inductance; timing settings; or other parameters. For example, a parameter can be determined by a technician setting the resistance value of a variable resistor in tuning circuit 221. One or more parameters can be stored in the switching circuit. In an example of a variable resistor, the resistance can be adjusted by rotating the input of the variable resistor, and the parameters of the stored resistance can be considered based on the position of the input. In some embodiments, a computing device in switching device 112 can store the parameters in a memory device. The computing device can execute software that processes the input signal from antenna device 115 and outputs a tuning signal to reader 109.

[0038] The switching device 112 can switch between readers 106 and 109 at a frequency that can be controlled based on a switching input. According to one example, reader 106 can increase and decrease the line level of the switching input at a frequency. The switching device 112 can alternate between providing a pass connection to reader 106 in a first time window and providing a tuning signal to reader 109 in a second time window. In some embodiments, the switching device 112 provides a signal to only one reader at a time. Reader 106 can read the game coin 121 from a first technology positioned on the surface 118 of antenna device 115 during the first time window. Similarly, reader 109 can read the game coin 121 from a second technology positioned on the surface 118 of antenna device 115 during the second time window.

[0039] Although not shown, one or more additional readers corresponding to different technologies may be coupled in parallel to the switching device 112. As an example, the switching device 112 may include multiple individual tuning circuits 221 corresponding to different technologies. The switching device 112 can switch between different technologies based on information in a switching command. As an example, a computing device in the switching device 112 can process the switching command to determine which reader to switch to. As another example, multiple line levels can be adjusted to set binary values ​​corresponding to different readers. Therefore, the inventory application 206 can read mixed game tokens 121 from any number of RFID technologies in real time via readers 106, 109, and additional readers when placed on a single antenna surface 118. The inventory application 206 can store the read values ​​in inventory 212. The inventory application 206 can detect device malfunctions and cheating events and store their occurrence in log data 215.

[0040] refer to Figure 3 This illustration shows a portion of an exemplary gaming environment 100a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The gaming environment 100 may include a reader 106a, a card reader 109a, a switching device 112a, an antenna device 115a, and a computing environment 103. Figure 1 In this example, reader 106a can be configured to read PJM game coins 121, for example, MARS 24 reader 106a ( Figure 1 The reader 109a can be configured to read SMART game tokens 121, which uses proprietary 13.56 MHz technology.

[0041] The reader 109a may have a connection 303 to the switching device 112a and one or more connections 309. Connection 303 may correspond to a USB connection, network connection, RS232 connection, RS485 connection, or other types of connection. Connection 303 may provide power to the switching device 112a. Additionally, the reader 109a may send switching commands to the switching device 112a via connection 303.

[0042] Antenna device 115a can be tuned for PJM technology. In one example, antenna device 115a includes six loops, providing a 3D 440x300mm sensing area. In some embodiments, a different number of loops can be used. The number of loops can depend on the antenna size and type. For example, a 1D antenna can use one loop, a 3D antenna can use six loops, and another type of antenna can use 24 loops. Therefore, switching device 112a can provide a pass-through connection between antenna device 115a and reader 106a, and provide a tuning signal to reader 109a. Switching device 112 can tune the signal to read SMART game token 121. A pass-through connection refers to individually coupling one loop of connection 312 to each of the respective connections 306. As an example, the first wire of connector 306 can be electrically connected to the first wire of connector 312, and the second wire of connector 306 can be electrically connected to the second wire of connector 312, and so on.

[0043] Go to Figure 4 This illustrates a computing environment 103 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 ) monitor 209 ( Figure 2 The user interface 124 is presented on the device. The user interface 124 includes current game currency information 403, count history 406 and corresponding game currency amount history 409, status indicators for various devices 412 and other possible elements.

[0044] The current game coin information 403 may include a count and amount of all game coins 121 on the surface 118 of one or more antenna devices 115 during the most recent read operation. The current game coin information 403 may also include indicators specifying the validity of the game coins 121 on the surface 118. As an example, if stolen game coins 121 are detected, the current game coin information 403 may indicate the stolen device.

[0045] The counting history 406 and the corresponding game currency amount history 409 can specify the quantity of game currency 121 present during the read operation and the sum of all currency values ​​of the counted game currency 121. Currency value is a hypothetical unit of value that is not related to real currency.

[0046] Status indicator 412 can indicate the connectivity of card readers 106 and 109, switching device 112, and other gaming devices. In some embodiments, status indicator 412 may include an indication that tuning circuitry 221 or 224 needs to be retuned.

[0047] Next reference Figure 5 The illustration shows a switching device 112 provided according to various embodiments. Figure 1The flowchart is an example of a process 500, which is part of the process. It is understandable that... Figure 5 The flowcharts provided are merely examples of many different types of functional arrangements that can be used to implement a portion of the operation of the switching device 112 described herein. Alternatively, Figure 5 The flowchart can be regarded as an example describing the elements of a method implemented in switching device 112 according to one or more embodiments.

[0048] Process 500 may involve providing signals to two or more different RFID readers corresponding to different RFID technologies. Process 500 includes ensuring that the signals sent to each reader are in a format that the reader can process for its corresponding technology.

[0049] At block 503, process 500 includes providing a transfer connection between the first reader and the antenna. As an example, switching device 112 ( Figure 1 ) can be obtained from antenna device 115 ( Figure 1 The reader 106 can receive one or more wires. The switching device 112 can couple each wire from the antenna device to each of the one or more wires connected to the reader 106. The reader 106 can read signals from the antenna device 115 as if directly connected to the antenna device 115.

[0050] At block 506, process 500 includes disconnecting the pass-through connection between the first reader and the antenna. For example, switching device 112 can disconnect the pass-through connection provided in block 503. In one embodiment, switching device 112 includes one or more transistors that can be switched to disconnect or stop the connection between antenna device 115 and reader 106. In one example, the line level coupled to the input pin of computing environment 103, reader 106, or reader 109 can be increased or decreased to change the state of the transistor.

[0051] At block 509, process 500 includes generating a tuning signal from the antenna input. As an example, switching device 112 can tune the signal received from antenna device 115. The tuned signal can be provided to reader 109. In some embodiments, the signal originating from antenna device 115 is tuned based on a technology corresponding to reader 106. Therefore, the signal originating from antenna device 115 may be incompatible with the technology of reader 109. Switching device 112 can tune the signal to be compatible with the technology of reader 109. Once tuned, the signal can be used by reader 109 to read RFID tokens from the technology of antenna device 115. In some embodiments, the signal includes multiple wires or loops from antenna device 115. Switching device 112 can tune the signal from each wire or loop.

[0052] At block 512, process 500 includes providing a tuning signal to a second reader. Switching device 112 may provide the tuning signal from block 509 to reader 109. Switching device 112 may stop providing the tuning signal in response to receiving a switching command connected to reader 106.

[0053] At box 515, process 500 includes determining whether the process is complete. If yes, the process ends. Otherwise, process 500 proceeds to box 503. The process may complete during program shutdown. During normal operation, process 500 never completes.

[0054] Next reference Figure 6 This illustrates the provision of various embodiments corresponding to inventory application 206 ( Figure 2 This is an example flowchart of process 600, which is part of the process flow. It is understood that... Figure 6 The flowchart merely provides examples of many different types of functional arrangements that can be used to implement a portion of the operations described in this document's inventory application 206. Alternatively, Figure 5 The flowchart can be considered as a description of computing environment 103 according to one or more embodiments. Figure 1 Examples of elements of the methods implemented in ).

[0055] The process 600 may involve reading hybrid game tokens from one or more RFID technologies using an RFID antenna. The process 600 can be used throughout the casino across various tables to read game tokens at multiple locations on each table.

[0056] At box 603, process 600 includes sending an inventory command to the first reader. For example, inventory application 206 ( Figure 2 ) can send to reader 106 ( Figure 1 Send inventory command. Switching device 112 ( Figure 1 ) can receive signals from antenna device 115 ( Figure 1 The signal is transmitted. The reader 106 can process the transmitted signal to read the game coin 121 corresponding to the first technology. Figure 1 ), and send the read to the inventory application 206.

[0057] At box 606, process 600 includes processing the results from the first reader. Inventory application 206 can parse the message and extract a list of game coins 121 read by reader 106. The message may include an identifier for each game coin 121. In some embodiments, the message may also include data from programmable memory contained on each game coin 121. As an example, game coins 121 may include currency value, reading history, and other information stored in the programmable memory. If necessary, reader 106 may update or modify the programmable memory.

[0058] At box 609, process 600 includes sending a switching command to the switching device. Inventory application 206 may send the switching command to switching device 112. In some embodiments, inventory application 206 sends the switching command via reader 106 or reader 109. Figure 1 The switching device 112 can disconnect the transmission connection and provide a tuning signal to the reader 109.

[0059] At box 612, the process 600 includes sending an inventory command to a second reader. Inventory application 206 can send an inventory command to reader 109. Reader 109 can process a tuning signal from switching device 112 to read game coins 121 corresponding to the second technology and send the reading result to inventory application 206.

[0060] At box 615, process 600 includes processing the results from the second reader. Similar to box 606, inventory application 206 can parse the message and extract a list of game coins 121 read by reader 109. The format of the message can vary depending on the technology of reader 109. The message may include an identifier for each game coin 121. In some embodiments, the message may also include data from programmable memory contained on each game coin 121. As an example, game coins 121 may include currency value, reading history, and other information stored in the programmable memory. If necessary, reader 109 can update or modify the programmable memory.

[0061] At box 618, process 600 includes sending another switching command to the switching device. Inventory application 206 may send the switching command to switching device 112. In some embodiments, inventory application 206 sends the switching command via reader 106 or reader 109. Figure 1 The switching device 112 can disconnect the tuning signal provided to the reader 109 and provide the transmission connection to the reader 109.

[0062] At box 621, process 600 includes determining whether the process has completed. If yes, the process ends. Otherwise, process 600 proceeds to box 603. Process 600 may complete during program shutdown. During normal operation, process 600 never completes.

[0063] Reference Figure 7 A schematic block diagram of a computing device 700 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The computing environment 103, reader 106, reader 109, and / or switching device 112 may include one or more computing devices 700. Each computing device 700 includes at least one processor circuit, for example, having a processor 710, memory 720, and one or more inputs and outputs 730 coupled to a local interface 702. For this purpose, each computing device 700 may include, for example, at least one server computer or similar device. It is understood that the local interface 702 may include, for example, a data bus with an accompanying address / control bus or other bus structure.

[0064] The memory 720 stores data and several components executable by the processor 710. Specifically, the memory 720 stores and is executable by the processor 710 the stock application 206 and potential other applications. The memory 720 may also store data memory 203 and other data. Furthermore, the memory 720 may store an operating system that is executed by the processor 710.

[0065] It is understood that, as is also understood, other applications may be stored in memory 720 and executed by processor 710. In the case of any component discussed herein implemented in software form, any of many programming languages ​​may be used, such as C, C++, C#, Objective C, Java®, JavaScript®, Perl, PHP, Visual Basic®, Python®, Ruby, Flash®, or other programming languages.

[0066] Some software components are stored in memory 720 and are executable by processor 710. In this respect, the term "executable" means a program file in a form that can ultimately be run by processor 710. Examples of executable programs may be, for example, a compiler that can be translated into machine code in a format that can be loaded into the random access portion of memory 720 and run by processor 710, source code that can be expressed in a suitable format, such as object code that can be loaded into the random access portion of memory 720 and executed by processor 710, or source code that can be interpreted by another executable program to generate instructions in the random access portion of memory 720 that can be executed by processor 710, etc. Executable programs may be stored in any part or component of memory 720, including, for example, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk drives, solid-state drives, USB flash drives, memory cards, optical discs such as CDs or DVDs, floppy disks, magnetic tapes, or other memory components.

[0067] Memory 720 is defined herein as including volatile and non-volatile memory and data storage components. Volatile components are those that do not retain data values ​​when power is lost. Non-volatile components are those that retain data when power is lost. Therefore, memory 720 may include, for example, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk drives, solid-state drives, USB flash drives, memory cards accessed via memory card readers, floppy disks accessed via associated floppy disk drives, optical disks accessed via optical disk drives, magnetic tapes accessed via suitable magnetic tape drives, and / or other memory components, or any combination of two or more of these memory components. Furthermore, RAM may include, for example, static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), or magnetic random access memory (MRAM), and other such devices. ROM may include, for example, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or other similar memory devices.

[0068] Additionally, processor 710 may represent multiple processors 710 and / or multiple processor cores, while memory 720 may represent multiple memories 720 operating in parallel processing circuitry. In this case, local interface 702 may be a suitable network to facilitate communication between any two of the multiple processors 710, between any processor 710 and any memory 720, or between any two memories 720. Local interface 702 may include additional systems designed to coordinate this communication, including, for example, performing load balancing. Processor 710 may be electrical or some other available structure.

[0069] While the stock applications and logic in the reader 106, card reader 109, switching device 112, antenna device 115, and other various systems described herein can be embodied in software or in code executed by general-purpose hardware as described above, they can also, alternatively, be embodied in dedicated hardware or a combination of software / general-purpose hardware and dedicated hardware. If embodied in dedicated hardware, each can be implemented as a circuit or state machine employing any one or a combination of various technologies. These technologies can include, but are not limited to, discrete logic circuits with logic gates for implementing various logic functions when one or more data signals are applied, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other components with appropriate logic gates. Such technologies are well known to those skilled in the art and therefore will not be described in detail herein.

[0070] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The flowchart illustrates the functionality and operation of a portion of an embodiment of the switching device 112 and the inventory application 206. If embodied in software, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing program instructions that implement a specified logical function. The program instructions may be embodied in source code, which includes human-readable statements written in a programming language, or machine code containing numeric instructions recognizable by a suitable execution system (e.g., a processor 710 in a computer system or other system). The machine code may be derived from source code, etc. If embodied in hardware, each block may represent a circuit or several interconnected circuits to implement a specified logical function.

[0071] Although Figure 5 and Figure 6 The flowchart illustrates the specific execution order, but it is understood that the execution order may differ from the order described. For example, the execution order of two or more blocks can be perturbed relative to the order shown. Additionally, Figure 5 and Figure 6 Two or more blocks shown consecutively can be executed simultaneously or partially concurrently. Furthermore, in some embodiments, Figure 5 and 6 One or more blocks shown may be skipped or omitted. Furthermore, any number of counters, state variables, warning signals, or messages may be added to the logic flow described herein for purposes such as enhancing usability, accounting, performance measurement, or providing troubleshooting assistance. It is understood that all such variations are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0072] Furthermore, any logic or application described herein, including the logic in inventory applications and card readers 106, 109, switching device 112, and antenna device 115, comprising software or code, may be embodied in any non-transitory computer-readable medium for use by or connection to an instruction execution system, such as a computer system or processor 710 in another system. In this sense, logic may include, for example, statements comprising instructions and declarations that are available from a computer-readable medium and executable by an instruction execution system. In the context of this disclosure, "computer-readable medium" can be any medium capable of containing, storing, or maintaining the logic or application described herein for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system.

[0073] Computer-readable media can include any of a number of physical media, such as magnetic, optical, or semiconductor media. More specific examples of suitable computer-readable media will include, but are not limited to, magnetic magnetic disks, magnetic hard disks, memory cards, solid-state drives, USB flash drives, or optical discs. Additionally, computer-readable media can be random access memory (RAM), including, for example, static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM), or magnetic random access memory (MRAM). Furthermore, computer-readable media can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or other types of memory devices.

[0074] Furthermore, any logic or application described herein, including the logic in inventory applications and readers 106, 109, switching device 112, and antenna device 115, can be implemented and structured in a variety of ways. For example, one or more applications may be implemented as modules or components of a single application. Additionally, one or more applications described herein may execute in shared or separate computing devices or combinations thereof. For example, multiple applications described herein may execute in the same computing device 700 or in multiple computing devices within the same computing environment 103. Furthermore, it is understood that terms such as "application," "service," "system," "engine," and "module" are interchangeable and not intended to be limiting.

[0075] Unless otherwise specified, incoherent language such as "at least one of X, Y, or Z" is understood, in conjunction with the context, to generally represent that items, terms, etc., may be X, Y, or Z or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and / or Z). Therefore, such incoherent language is generally not intended and should not be intended to imply that some embodiments require at least one of X, Y, or Z to be present.

[0076] It should be emphasized that the above embodiments of this disclosure are merely possible embodiments proposed to clearly understand the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above embodiments without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

[0077] Item 1. A system comprising: an antenna including a plurality of outputs; and a switching device including a plurality of first reader inputs, a plurality of second reader inputs, and a plurality of antenna inputs, wherein the plurality of outputs from the antennas are coupled to the plurality of antenna inputs, and the switching device is configured to at least: provide a pass-through connection between the plurality of first reader inputs and the plurality of antenna inputs; disconnect the pass-through connection between the plurality of first reader inputs and the plurality of antenna inputs; generate a tuning signal at least in part based on the plurality of antenna inputs; and provide the tuning signal to the plurality of second reader inputs.

[0078] Item 2. The system of Item 1, wherein the plurality of outputs of the antenna respectively correspond to the respective loops of the antenna.

[0079] Item 3. The system of Item 1 or Item 2, wherein the switching device is further configured to at least: receive input to configure the switching device; determine at least one parameter corresponding to a signal tuned from the plurality of antenna inputs; and store at least one parameter, wherein the tuning signal is generated at least in part based on the at least one parameter.

[0080] Item 4. A system of any of items 1-3, wherein the switching device is further configured to at least: pass a connection between the plurality of first reader inputs and the plurality of antenna inputs in a first time window; and provide the tuning signal to the plurality of second reader inputs in a second time window, wherein the first time window and the second time window are mutually exclusive.

[0081] Item 5. The system of any one of items 1-4 further includes a computing device configured to at least: read a set of first RFID-enabled game tokens via the antenna, the set of first RFID-enabled game tokens corresponding to a first RFID technology; send a command to the switching device to switch from the first RFID technology to a second RFID technology; and read a set of second RFID-enabled game tokens via the antenna, the set of second RFID-enabled game tokens corresponding to the second RFID technology.

[0082] Item 6. The system of Item 5 further includes: a first reader corresponding to the first RFID technology, the first reader being coupled to the plurality of first reader inputs; and a second reader corresponding to the second RFID technology, the second reader being coupled to the plurality of second reader inputs, wherein the switching device is further configured to at least: receive the command from the at least one computing device to switch from the first RFID technology to the second RFID technology, wherein the transmission connection is disconnected, the tuning signal is generated, and the tuning signal is provided in response to the command.

[0083] Item 7. The system of Item 6, wherein, while providing the transmission connection between the plurality of first reader inputs and the plurality of antenna inputs, the set of first RFID functional game coins is read through the first reader, and while providing the tuning signal to the plurality of second reader inputs, the set of second RFID functional game coins is read through the second reader.

[0084] Item 8. A system comprising: an antenna; a switching device coupled to the antenna; a first reader corresponding to a first RFID technology coupled to the switching device; a second reader corresponding to a second RFID technology coupled to the switching device; and at least one computing device configured to at least: read a set of first RFID-enabled game tokens placed on the antenna from the first reader; send a command to switch from the first reader to the second reader; and read a set of second RFID-enabled game tokens placed on the antenna via the second reader.

[0085] Item 9. The system of Item 8, wherein the switching device is configured to at least: send a first inventory command to the first reader; process the set of first RFID-enabled game coins; send a second inventory command to the second reader; and process the set of second RFID-enabled game coins.

[0086] Item 10. The system of Item 8, wherein the first RFID technology includes 13.56MHz technology, and the second RFID technology includes at least one of the following technologies: phase jitter modulation (PJM) technology, ISO 15693 technology, or 125KHz technology.

[0087] Item 11. A system of any of items 8-10, wherein the antenna is tuned for the first reader.

[0088] Item 12. A system of any one of items 8-11, wherein the switching device is configured to at least: provide a pass-through connection between the antenna and the first reader; receive a command to switch from the first reader to the second reader; and in response to receiving the command: disconnect the pass-through connection between the antenna and the first reader; generate a tuning signal at least in part based on the signal from the antenna; and provide the tuning signal to the second reader.

[0089] Item 13. A system of any one of items 8-12, wherein the antenna comprises multiple loops.

[0090] Item 14. A method comprising: reading a set of first RFID-enabled game tokens positioned on an antenna from a first reader via at least one computing device, at least in part based on an antenna signal; sending an instruction to switch from the first reader to a second reader; and reading a set of second RFID-enabled game tokens positioned on the antenna from the second reader via the at least one computing device, at least in part based on a tuned antenna signal, the tuned antenna signal including an antenna signal modified by a switching device.

[0091] Item 15. The method of Item 14, wherein the command to switch from the first reader to the second reader is sent from the first reader to the switching device.

[0092] Item 16. The method of Item 14 or 15 further includes: providing the antenna signal to the first reader via the switching device; receiving a command to switch from the first reader to the second reader via the switching device; and in response to receiving the command: stopping the provision of the antenna signal to the first reader via the switching device; generating a tuning signal at least in part based on the antenna signal via the switching device; and providing the tuning signal to the second reader via the switching device.

[0093] Item 17. The method of any one of items 14-16 further includes: determining at least one parameter corresponding to tuning a signal from the antenna; and tuning the signal from the antenna, at least in part, based on the at least one parameter, via the switching device.

[0094] Item 18. The method of any one of items 14-17 further includes: tuning the antenna for the first reader; and, after tuning the antenna for the first reader, tuning the antenna in the switching device for the second reader.

[0095] Item 19. The method of any one of items 14-18, wherein the first reader corresponds to a first RFID technology and the second reader corresponds to a second RFID technology.

[0096] Item 20. The method of any one of items 14-19 further includes iteratively: sending a command to switch from the second reader to the first reader; reading from the first reader; sending a command to switch from the first reader to the second reader; and reading from the second reader.

Claims

1. An antenna switching system, comprising: Includes multiple output antennas; as well as A switching device includes a plurality of first reader inputs, a plurality of second reader inputs, and a plurality of antenna inputs, wherein the plurality of outputs from the antennas are coupled to the plurality of antenna inputs, and the switching device is configured to at least: A pass-through connection is provided between the plurality of first reader inputs and the plurality of antenna inputs; Disconnect the transmission connection between the plurality of first reader inputs and the plurality of antenna inputs; At least in part, a tuning signal is generated based on the plurality of antenna inputs; and The tuning signal is provided as input to the plurality of second readers.

2. The antenna switching system as described in claim 1, wherein, The plurality of outputs of the antenna correspond to the respective loops of the antenna.

3. The antenna switching system as described in claim 1, wherein, The switching device is also configured to at least: Receive input to configure the switching device; Determine at least one parameter corresponding to the signal being tuned from the plurality of antenna inputs; as well as At least one parameter is stored, wherein the tuning signal is generated at least in part based on the at least one parameter.

4. The antenna switching system as described in claim 1, wherein, The switching device is also configured to at least: A pass-through connection is provided between the plurality of first reader inputs and the plurality of antenna inputs within a first time window; as well as The tuning signal is provided to the input of the plurality of second readers in a second time window, wherein the first time window and the second time window are mutually exclusive.

5. The antenna switching system of claim 1, further comprising a computing device, the computing device being configured to at least: The antenna reads a set of first RFID-enabled game coins, which correspond to first RFID technology. Send a command to the switching device to switch from the first RFID technology to the second RFID technology; as well as The antenna reads a set of second RFID-enabled game tokens, which correspond to the second RFID technology.

6. The antenna switching system as described in claim 5, further comprising: Corresponding to the first reader of the first RFID technology, the first reader is coupled to the plurality of first reader inputs; as well as A second reader corresponding to the second RFID technology, the second reader being coupled to the plurality of second reader inputs, wherein the switching device is further configured to at least: The command received from the at least one computing device is used to switch from the first RFID technology to the second RFID technology, wherein the transmission connection is disconnected, the tuning signal is generated, and the tuning signal is provided in response to the command.

7. The antenna switching system as described in claim 6, wherein, While providing the transmission connection between the plurality of first reader inputs and the plurality of antenna inputs, the set of first RFID functional game coins is read through the first reader, and while providing the tuning signal to the plurality of second reader inputs, the set of second RFID functional game coins is read through the second reader.

8. An antenna switching system, comprising: antenna; A switching device coupled to the antenna; A first reader corresponding to the first RFID technology is coupled to the switching device; A second reader corresponding to the second RFID technology is coupled to the switching device; At least one computing device is configured to at least: Read a set of first RFID-enabled game coins placed on the antenna from the first reader; Send a command to switch from the first reader to the second reader; and The second reader reads a set of second RFID-enabled game coins placed on the antenna.

9. The antenna switching system as described in claim 8, wherein, The switching device is configured to at least: Send the first inventory command to the first reader; Process the first set of RFID-enabled game coins; Send a second inventory command to the second reader; as well as Process the set of second RFID-enabled game coins.

10. The antenna switching system as described in claim 8, wherein, The first RFID technology includes 13.56MHz technology, and the second RFID technology includes at least one of the following technologies: phase jitter modulation (PJM) technology, ISO 15693 technology, or 125KHz technology.

11. The antenna switching system as described in claim 8, wherein, The antenna is tuned for the first reader.

12. The antenna switching system as described in claim 8, wherein, The switching device is configured to at least: A pass-through connection is provided between the antenna and the first reader; Receive a command to switch from the first reader to the second reader; as well as In response to receiving the command: Disconnect the transmission connection between the antenna and the first reader; A tuning signal is generated, at least in part, based on the signal from the antenna; as well as The tuning signal is provided to the second reader.

13. The antenna switching system as described in claim 8, wherein, The antenna includes multiple loops.

14. An antenna switching method, comprising: Using at least one computing device, at least in part based on antenna signals, a set of first RFID functional game coins positioned on the antenna are read from a first reader; Send a command to switch from the first reader to the second reader; as well as Using the at least one computing device, at least in part based on a tuned antenna signal, a set of second RFID-enabled game tokens positioned on the antenna is read from the second reader, the tuned antenna signal including an antenna signal modified by a switching device.

15. The antenna switching method as described in claim 14, wherein, The command to switch from the first reader to the second reader is sent from the first reader to the switching device.

16. The antenna switching method as described in claim 14, further comprising: The antenna signal is provided to the first reader through the switching device; The switching device receives a command to switch from the first reader to the second reader. as well as In response to receiving the command: The switching device stops providing the antenna signal to the first reader; The switching device generates a tuning signal at least in part based on the antenna signal; as well as The tuning signal is provided to the second reader via the switching device.

17. The antenna switching method as described in claim 14, further comprising: Determine at least one parameter corresponding to the signal being tuned from the antenna; as well as The switching device tunes the signal from the antenna based at least in part on the at least one parameter.

18. The antenna switching method as described in claim 14, further comprising: Tuning the antenna used for the first reader; as well as After tuning the antenna for the first reader, the antenna for the second reader in the switching device is tuned.

19. The antenna switching method as described in claim 14, wherein, The first reader corresponds to a first RFID technology, and the second reader corresponds to a second RFID technology.

20. The antenna switching method of claim 14, further comprising iteratively: Send a command to switch from the second reader to the first reader; Read from the first reader; Send a command to switch from the first reader to the second reader; as well as Read from the second reader.

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