Gaming apparatus for sorting tokens

Abstract

A token sorting apparatus comprises a gaming token aperture (20, fig 1) arranged to accept gaming tokens 150, a sorting mechanism 500 arranged to sort gaming tokens into a token entry area 290 accordi

Description

Field of the Disclosure The present invention relates to a gaming apparatus, in particular a gaming apparatus for sorting tokens. Background Currency transferred and used at casinos can take a number of different forms depending upon the game being played. For many games the currency takes the form of a token such as a casino chip. Specifically, many casino chips are made of clay, a material appreciated for its weight, feel and aesthetic appeal. Clay chips provide an authentic gaming experience. However, they are also known for being brittle and prone to damage. Traditionally, busy gaming tables at casinos require multiple staff members to manage various tasks. These tasks include sorting the chips into their respective colours and stacking them in predetermined quantities. This process, while essential, is time-consuming and requires additional personnel, making operations less efficient. To enhance efficiency, chip sorting machines have been introduced. Chip sorting machines reduce the need for manual sorting and allow chips to be quickly recycled and reused during play. These sorting machines typically sort chips into respective columns or receptacles upon detecting a specific label or colour of the chip. However, this mechanism often fails to adequately protect fragile clay chips during the sorting process. The brittleness of clay means that chips can crack or break in other sorting apparatuses, such as traditional chipper machines. This presents a significant disadvantage, as damaged chips need to be replaced and can disrupt the flow of the game. As such, there is a need for an improved gaming apparatus for sorting tokens, in particular for sorting casino chips. Summary In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a token sorting apparatus comprising: a gaming token aperture arranged to accept gaming tokens; a sorting mechanism arranged to sort gaming tokens into a token entry area according to a predetermined characteristic of the gaming tokens; a displacement member arranged to urge gaming tokens accepted by the gaming token aperture to the sorting mechanism; wherein the sorting mechanism comprises: a receptacle arranged to accommodate a gaming token; a sorting armature; a moveable tab arranged in communication with the receptacle comprising an upper surface adapted to support the gaming token thereon and a lower surface arranged to engage with the sorting armature so as to move the tab from a stowage position to a sorting position on engagement with the sorting armature; whereby the sorting position is arranged to be located adjacent the token entry area to facilitate sorting. Preferably the sorting mechanism of the present invention comprises at least two receptacles. As such multiple gaming tokens are able to be accepted by the sorting mechanism simultaneously and the speed and efficiency of sorting the gaming tokens is increased. Preferably the sorting mechanism comprises least two receptacles connected in series, preferably on a linkage, wherein the linkage is preferably selected from a group of linkages comprising: a rail, a belt, a chain. As such two or more receptacles can be arranged to move two or more gaming tokens simultaneously. Preferably the tab is pivotally attached to the receptacle. As such the tab is arranged to pivot about an axis as it moves from the stowage position to the sorting position. As such the tab is designed to move by a controlled, gentle transition to deliver the gaming token to the token entry area. Preferably the lower surface of the tab has a curved edge, wherein the curved edge engages with the sorting armature to move the tab from the stowage position to the sorting position. As such the curved edge reduces friction and creates a controlled, gentle transition between the positions. The curve ensures the pivoting motion is fluid rather than abrupt, preventing sudden jerks that could destabilise or jolt the gaming token. As such the risk of the gaming token being jolted or dropped too quickly is reduced. Preferably the lower surface of the tab has a shoulder, wherein the shoulder engages with the sorting armature to move the tab from the sorting position to the stowage position. As such the shoulder of the tab ensures the tab is reset to a stowage position and can collect a new gaming token to be sorted. Preferably the token sorting apparatus further comprises a camera arranged to obtain an image of the sorting mechanism and the displacement member. More preferably the token sorting apparatus further comprises a display member in digital communication with the camera and the display member is arranged to display the image to a user. As such the user can view the sorting mechanism and the displacement member, this reduces the time taken for regular maintenance of the token sorting apparatus and preferably reduces associated down-time and labour time. Preferably the token sorting apparatus further comprises a signalling member arranged to provide a signal to a user, the signal indicating a stage of the game or a status of the game. As such the signalling member preferably indicates to the user the requirement for the provision of gaming tokens to the gaming token aperture of the token sorting apparatus. The signalling member preferably provides a prompt to the user, and more preferably enables optimisation of play of the game. Preferably the sorting mechanism is further arranged to present sorted gaming tokens to the user. More preferably, the sorted gaming tokens are presented in a stacked arrangement within a chamber. As such the sorting mechanism is preferably arranged to stack sorted tokens within the chamber. As such the user can quickly and easily retrieve the gaming tokens for play. Preferably the token sorting apparatus further comprises a finger within the chamber to engage with the gaming tokens to arrange the gaming tokens in a stacked arrangement within the chamber. As such the finger prevents the gaming tokens from falling over or becoming wedged in the misaligned position. Preferably the token sorting apparatus comprises at least two token entry areas and at least two sorting armatures. As such the token sorting apparatus is capable of sorting multiple gaming tokens simultaneously and the speed and efficiency of sorting the gaming tokens is increased. Preferably the gaming token comprises a gaming chip. As such, the token sorting apparatus is arranged to accommodate gaming chips such as casino chips. Preferably the predetermined characteristic comprises one selected from the range: colour; opacity; size; shape; density; mass; weight; indentation; engraving; embossment; surface marking; surface number; surface image; surface indicia; surface pattern; data value stored on the gaming token. As such the token sorting apparatus can sort gaming tokens according to a number of different differentiating features. Preferably the token sorting armature comprises: a solenoid-activated arm; a solenoid; and a rotatable wheel arranged to engage with the lower surface of the tab. More preferably, the solenoid is arranged to engage with the solenoid-activated arm so as to move the rotatable wheel from a position whereby the rotatable wheel is not in engagement with the tab, to a position whereby the rotatable wheel is in engagement with the tab. As such the solenoid provides precise and reliable control over the wheel’s movement, enabling movement of the tab between different positions. This arrangement ensures consistent operation with no manual intervention, improving the efficiency of the token sorting. Detailed Description Specific embodiments will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 provides a sectional view of a token sorting apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention; FIG. 2 provides a top view of a token sorting mechanism according to an aspect of the present invention; FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B provide isometric views of a movable tab in different positions within a receptacle; FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B provide side views of the movable tab in different positions; FIG. 5A-5F provide top views of the token sorting mechanism according to an aspect of the present invention to illustrate the movement of the sorting mechanism; FIG. 6 provides an isometric view of the token sorting mechanism according to an aspect of the present invention; and FIG. 7A-7F provide isometric views of the token sorting mechanism according to an aspect of the present invention to illustrate the movement of the token sorting mechanism. Referring to FIG. 1, a sectional view of an example embodiment of a token sorting apparatus 100 is provided according to the present invention. The token sorting apparatus 100 comprises a substantially cuboidal base having an upper surface supporting a gaming token aperture 20. The gaming token aperture 20 provides a route of entry into an internal cavity 30 of the base, the cavity accommodating a displacement member 40, arranged to urge gaming tokens 150 accepted by the aperture 20 to a token sorting mechanism 500 arranged to sort the gaming tokens 150 according to a predetermined characteristic of the gaming tokens 150. A token entry area 290 provides an entry point for the token to be delivered to a chamber 300. The sorted gaming tokens 150 are delivered to the chamber 300 to form a stacked arrangement. A camera 80 is positioned in an upper corner of the cavity 30, and oriented to image the displacement member 40. At the apex of the chambers 300 is positioned a display member 50, having a screen declined from the apex of the chambers 300 and facing away from the token sorting apparatus 100. The token sorting apparatus 100 further comprises a plurality of sensors (not shown) arranged to detect operation data relating to the use of the apparatus, including the number of tokens 150 accepted by the gaming token aperture 20 during a particular time period. The token sorting apparatus 100 further comprises a processor 70 and a memory arranged to process and store the operation data obtained by the sensors. The processor 70, memory, camera 80, display member 50 and sensors (not shown) are all arranged to be in digital communication with one another. The displacement member 40 comprises a conveyor arranged to accept gaming tokens 150 dropping from the gaming token aperture 20 and urge the gaming tokens 150 to the token sorting mechanism 500. Tokens not accommodated by the displacement member 40 drop into a cavity beneath the conveyor, wherein a reclaimer (not shown) is positioned and arranged to return non-stacked tokens from beneath the conveyor back to the conveyor. The displacement member 40 urges the gaming tokens 150 towards a sensor (not shown) whereupon the predetermined characteristic of the tokens can be identified. In the embodiment shown, the predetermined characteristic is the colour of the token. Additional embodiments will be appreciated wherein the predetermined characteristic is something other than colour, such as, for example, shape, size, weight, texture, pattern, text or data stored on a memory comprised within the token. In the embodiment shown the sensor comprises an optical detector arrangement for detecting the colour of an edge portion of the token. Tokens 150 of different value i.e. different identities, have different colours and this can be detected by the sensor and the appropriate colour signal passed on to the processor 70. The tokens 150 then pass between the base of the chambers 300, below which the token sorting mechanism 500 is arranged. In some embodiments, a linear array of sorting armatures is positioned at the base of the chambers 300 to transfer the appropriate tokens into the appropriate chambers 300. Tokens are thus transported past the sensor to the sorting mechanism 500. The sensor identifies the tokens by their colour and the processor 70 receives the colour signals from the sensor in order to control the sorting mechanism 500 in order to insert the tokens into the chambers 300. Referring to FIG. 2, a top view of an example embodiment of the sorting mechanism 500 is provided according to the present invention. The sorting mechanism 500 comprises a token entry area 290 facilitating the entry of gaming tokens 150 into the chamber 300. In the embodiment shown, the chamber 300 comprises smooth interior walls bounding a space or void of a volume suitable to accommodate tokens 150. The interior walls guide the gaming tokens 150 into a neat, vertical stacked arrangement. In the embodiment shown, a finger 310 helps ensure the positioning of the gaming tokens as they enter the chamber 300. The finger 310 extends into the void of the chamber 300 and onto the gaming token stack, applying a controlled resistance, thus preventing the gaming tokens from shifting or falling out of place. The finger 310 comprises a resistible attachment portion, which in the embodiment shown is a magnetic attachment portion. The magnetic attachment portion of the finger 310 is provided with a corresponding magnetic portion within the chamber 300. The resistible attachment allows the finger 310 to move slightly while maintaining pressure to keep the gaming tokens 150 entering the chamber 300 in a stacked arrangement. In use, the stack of gaming tokens 150 increases and extends beyond the finger 310. A token hold down 320 is arranged to maintain a stacked arrangement of gaming tokens that has extended beyond the finger 310. In an embodiment, the chamber 300 further comprises an access point for the user to retrieve the sorting gaming tokens 150. The token sorting mechanism 500 further comprises a receptacle 210 arranged to accommodate a gaming token 150. Referring to FIG. 3A, a view of an example embodiment of a movable tab 220 in a stowage position within the receptacle 210 is provided. The receptacle 210 comprises a hollow, disk-shaped central portion that forms a central cavity wherein the upper surface 224 of the tab 220 is positioned. The upper surface 224 of the tab 220 and the disk-shape of the receptacle 210 provide a cup to accommodate a gaming token 150. One section of the inner walls of the receptacle 210 are substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 224 of the tab 220. One section of the inner wall of the receptacle 210 provides a sloped section 212. The tab 220 attaches to the receptacle 210 by a pivotal attachment 240. In FIG. 3A, the tab 220 is in a stowage position and the upper surface 224 of the tab 220 is exposed to provide a flat surface for a token to rest on. The upper surface 224 of the tab is substantially square with three substantially straight sides and a fourth side that curves outward in a smooth arc, forming a gentle curve. The curved edge of the upper surface 224 of the tab 220 is located adjacent the sloped section 212 of the receptacle 210. Referring to FIG. 3B, a view of an example embodiment of the tab 220 in a sorting position within the receptacle 210 is provided. The tab 220 in a sorting position comprises a raised edge. The curved edge of the upper surface 224 of the tab 220 is tilted downwards to engage the sloped section 212 of the receptacle 210. Referring to FIG. 2, the base of the gaming token 150 within the receptacle 210 is supported by an upper surface 224 of a moveable tab 220. The tab 220 comprises a lower surface 226 that extends through the receptacle 210. For a token identified to be sorted into a chamber 300, the sorting armature 200 engages with the lower surface 226 of the tab 220 to move the tab to an upper sorting position and to move such that the token is adjacent to the token entry area. The movement of the tab within the receptacle 210 provides a gradual tilt of a gaming token and delivers the gaming token to the token entry area 290 smoothly. This smooth transition ensures the gaming tokens are not damaged. In an embodiment, the gaming tokens are casino chips, preferably clay casino chips. In alternative embodiments, the gaming tokens may comprise non-clay materials such as plastic or chalk. Referring to FIG. 4A, a side view of an example embodiment of the tab 220 is provided. The tab 220 comprises a curved front edge 228 and a shoulder 222. The tab comprises an attachment point for attaching to the receptacle 210. The curved front edge 228 of the tab 220 is designed to engage with the sorting armature so as to move the tab from a stowage position (FIG. 4A) to a sorting position (FIG. 4B). The shoulder 222 of the tab 220 is designed to engage with the sorting armature so as to return the tab from the sorting position to the stowage position. Referring to FIG. 5A-5F, a top view of an example embodiment of the token sorting mechanism 500 is shown in distinct conformations to illustrate the movement of the sorting mechanism as a gaming token 150 is delivered to the chamber 300. Insertion of tokens into the chamber 300 involves selectively moving the sorting armature to a position whereby the sorting armature may engage with the tab 220. In an embodiment, the sorting armature comprises a solenoid-activated arm, a solenoid and a rotatable wheel. The solenoid-activated arm is actuated by a solenoid controlled by the processor 70. When the solenoid is selectively actuated by the processor 70, the solenoid-activated arm brings the wheel into a position whereby the wheel may engage with the tab. In this embodiment, the tab and receptacle 210 are brought into alignment with the rotatable wheel transversing FIG. 5 from right to left. If the rotatable wheel has been moved by the solenoid-activated arm, the tab will engage with rotatable wheel to move from a stowage position to a sorting position such that the token 150 is brought adjacent to the token entry area. When a tab and receptacle 210 are moved towards the rotatable wheel, if the rotatable wheel has not been moved by the solenoid-activating arm, the rotatable wheel will not be in a position to engage with the tab and the tab will remain in a stowage position. Referring to FIG. 5A, the sorting armature 200 is aligned with an activated orientation II. In an inactivated orientation (not shown) the sorting armature is in a position L. The token sorting mechanism 500 comprising the tab 220 in a stowed position is provided. The gaming token 150 is within the receptacle 210 is lying flat on the upper surface 224 of the tab 220. The curved edge 121 of the tab 220 is protruding from the receptacle 210. Referring to FIG. 5B, the token sorting mechanism 500 comprising the tab 220 transitioning from the stowed position to a sorting position is provided. The sorting armature 200 is engaged with the curved front edge 228 of the tab 220. In engaging with the curved front edge 228 of the tab 220, the sorting armature 200 moves the tab 220 from a stowage position to a sorting position and the token is moved adjacent to the token entry area 290. The sloped section 110 of the receptacle 210 supports the gaming token 42 as the tab 220 pivots. Referring to FIG. 5C, the token sorting mechanism 500 comprising the tab in the sorting position is provided. The leading edge of the gaming token 150 is in contact with a ramp 250. The ramp 250 is arranged for gently removing the gaming token 42 from the surface of the tab 220. The ramp 250 comprises a narrow, blade-like shape and glides smoothly under the gaming token, lifting the gaming token from the tab 220 and receptacle 210 when urged by the receptacle. Referring to FIG. 5D, the token sorting mechanism 500 comprising the tab 220 and the receptacle 210 guiding the gaming token 150 through the token entry area 290 is provided. The ramp 250 is arranged for removing the gaming token 150 from the surface of the tab 220 and guiding the gaming token 42 into the chamber 300. The tab is in the sorting position with the shoulder 222 of the tab 220 protruding beneath the receptacle 210 and exposed to the sorting armature 200. The engagement of the sorting armature 200 with the shoulder 222 returns the tab to the stowage position. Referring to FIG. 5E, the token sorting mechanism 500 comprising the tab 220 in the stowage position is provided. The gaming token 150 is stacked within the chamber 300 and the finger 310 is engaging with the gaming token 150. Referring to FIG. 5F, the token sorting mechanism 500 comprising the tab in the stowage position is provided. The receptacle 210 is empty ready to collect another gaming token for sorting. Referring to FIG. 6, an isometric view of an example embodiment of the sorting mechanism 500 is provided. The sorting armature 200 is engaging with the tab within the receptacle 210 and the token 150 is in proximity to the entry point of the chamber. The ramp 250 is positioned to receive the token 150 as it slides off the upper surface of the tab. Referring to FIG. 7, the stages shown in FIG. 5A-5F are shown from an isometric view point. In embodiments, multiple receptacles are arranged on a chain. It is appreciated that in alternative embodiments, multiple receptacles are arranged on a rail or belt. The arrangement of multiple receptacles provides a train of receptacles moving tokens past a linear array of sorting armatures. The sorting armatures selectively engage with the receptacles to transfer the appropriate tokens to the appropriate chambers 300. In use, the user of the token sorting apparatus 100 such as a worker at a casino would guide used tokens 150 to the gaming token aperture 20, the tokens 150 would land on the displacement member 40 and be moved to the sorting mechanism 500. The sorting mechanism 500 is arranged to receive gaming tokens 150 and sort the gaming tokens according to a predetermined characteristic of the gaming tokens 150 and to present the sorted tokens to the user in a stacked arrangement. The invention is not limited to the specific examples or structures illustrated, a greater number of components that are illustrated in the Figures could be used, for example. For example, the gaming tokens 150 may be clay chips, ceramic chips, plastic chips or metal coins. For example, the gaming tokens 150 may be substantially circular or substantially octagonal, or any other suitable shape. For example, the receptacles may be evenly spaced on a linkage or unevenly spaced on a linkage. For example, the tab 220 may not be attached to the receptacle 210. For example, the tab 220 may be attached to the receptacle 210 by a hinge. For example, the lower surface of the tab may comprise a curved edge or any other suitably shaped edge. For example, the camera 80 may be arranged at any position within the cavity 30 of token sorting apparatus 100. For example, the display member may be a touch screen display member. For example, the sorting armature 200 may be a wheel, a paddle, a rod etc. For example, the ramp 250 may be wedge-shaped, curved, tapered etc. For example, the finger 310 may comprise a resistible attachment comprising a spring attachment.

Claims

1. A token sorting apparatus comprising:a gaming token aperture arranged to accept gaming tokens;a sorting mechanism arranged to sort gaming tokens into a token entry area according to a predetermined characteristic of the gaming tokens;a displacement member arranged to urge gaming tokens accepted by the gaming token aperture to the sorting mechanism;wherein the sorting mechanism comprises:a receptacle arranged to accommodate a gaming token;a sorting armature;a moveable tab arranged in communication with the receptacle comprising an upper surface adapted to support the gaming token thereon and a lower surface arranged to engage with the sorting armature so as to move the tab from a stowage position to a sorting position on engagement with the sorting armature; whereby the sorting position is arranged to be located adjacent the token entry area to facilitate sorting.

2. The token sorting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sorting mechanism comprises at least two receptacles.

3. The token sorting apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least two receptacles are connected in series, preferably on a linkage, wherein the linkage is preferably selected from a group of linkages comprising: a rail, a belt, a chain.

4. The token sorting apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the tab is pivotally attached to the receptacle.

5. The token sorting apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the lower surface of the tab has a curved edge, wherein the curved edge engages with the sorting armature to move the tab from the stowage position to the sorting position.

6. The token sorting apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the lower surface of the tab has a shoulder, wherein the shoulder engages with the sorting armature to move the tab from the sorting position to the stowage position.

7. The token sorting apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a camera, wherein the camera is arranged to obtain an image of the sorting mechanism and the displacement member.

8. The token sorting apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a display member, wherein the display member is in digital communication with the camera and the display member is arranged to display the image to a user.

9. The token sorting apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a signalling member wherein the signalling member is arranged to provide a signal to the user, wherein the signal is arranged to indicate a stage of the game or a status of the game.

10. The token sorting apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the sorting mechanism is further arranged to present sorted gaming tokens to the user.

11. The token sorting apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein sorted gaming tokens are presented in a stacked arrangement within a chamber.

12. The token sorting apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a finger within the chamber, wherein the figure engages with the gaming tokens to arrange the gaming tokens in a stacked arrangement within the chamber.

13. The token sorting apparatus of any preceding claim, comprising at least two token entry areas and at least two sorting armatures.

14. The token sorting apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the gaming token comprises a gaming chip.

15. The token sorting apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the predetermined characteristic comprises one selected from the range: colour; opacity; size; shape; density; mass; weight; indentation; engraving; embossment; surface marking; surface number; surface image; surface indicia; surface pattern; data value stored on the gaming token.

16. The token sorting apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the sorting armature comprises:a solenoid-activated arm;a solenoid; and5 a rotatable wheel arranged to engage with the lower surface of the tab.

17. The token sorting apparatus of claim 16, wherein the solenoid is arranged to engage with the solenoid-activated arm so as to move the rotatable wheel from a position whereby the rotatable wheel is not in engagement with the tab, to a position whereby10 the rotatable wheel is in engagement with the tab.

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