Counting of Gaming Chips

Abstract

To determine the number of gaming chips.SOLUTION: An image can be captured from an imaging device. A gaming chip tube can be identified in a gaming chip tray. A first position can be determined that corresponds to a bottom of the gaming chip tube. A spacer can be identified by recognizing a predefined pattern on the spacer. A second position can be determined that corresponds to the spacer. The number of gaming chips can be determined on the basis of at least a part of the first and second positions.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 668,936, filed on May 9, 2018, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Gaming chips can be used in a casino in place of currency. Gaming chips can be made from a variety of materials including colored metals, injection molded plastics, and compression molded clay. Gaming chips can be stored in a chip tray. The chip tray can be placed on a gaming table. A casino can include cameras to enable security to monitor the gaming floor. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A system can include one or more imaging devices and one or more computing devices. The imaging device can image a portion of a gaming table. The computing device is communicable with the imaging device. The computing device can capture an image from the imaging device. The computing device can identify a gaming chip tube in a gaming chip tray, determine a first position corresponding to the bottom of the gaming chip tube, identify a spacer at least partially based on recognizing a predetermined pattern on the spacer, determine a second position corresponding to the spacer, and determine the number of gaming chips in the gaming chip tube at least partially based on the first position and the second position.

[0004] The method can include imaging an image corresponding to a gaming chip tray via one or more imaging devices. The method can include identifying a gaming chip tube within the gaming chip tray via one or more computing devices. The method can include determining a first position corresponding to the bottom of the gaming chip tube. The method can include identifying a spacer at least partially based on recognizing a predetermined pattern on the spacer. The method can include determining a second position corresponding to the spacer. The method can include determining the number of gaming chips within the gaming chip tube based at least in part on the first position and the second position.

[0005] A non-transitory computer-readable medium can embody a program. When this program is executed by one or more computing devices, this program can cause the computing devices to perform various functions. This program can cause the computing devices to obtain an image from at least one imaging device. This program can cause the computing devices to identify a gaming chip tube within the gaming chip tray. This program can cause the computing devices to determine a first position corresponding to the bottom of the gaming chip tube. This program can cause the computing devices to identify a spacer at least partially based on recognizing a predetermined pattern on the spacer. This program can cause the computing devices to determine a second position corresponding to the spacer. This program can cause the computing devices to determine the number of gaming chips within the gaming chip tube based at least in part on the first position and the second position.

[0006] These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments that illustrate the best mode currently contemplated.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] To more fully understand embodiments of the present invention and their advantages, the following description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below.

[0008]

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Figure 7

[0015] The drawings merely illustrate exemplary embodiments, and other equally valid embodiments are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure, so they should not be considered as limiting the scope described herein. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; instead, emphasis is placed on clearly showing the principles of the embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions may be exaggerated to help visually convey specific principles. In the drawings, similar reference numerals between figures indicate similar or corresponding elements, but not necessarily the same ones.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] In the following paragraphs, the embodiments will be illustrated and described in more detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, well-known components, methods, and / or processing techniques are omitted or described briefly so as not to obscure the embodiments. As used herein, "the present disclosure" refers to any one of the embodiments described herein and any equivalents. Further, referring to various features of "embodiments of the present disclosure" does not imply that all embodiments must include the referenced features.

[0017] Some aspects of the present disclosure, among the embodiments, are implemented by a computer program executed by one or more processors, as described and illustrated. As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, one or more embodiments may be implemented, at least in part, by various forms of computer-readable instructions, and the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to a particular set or sequence of instructions executed by a processor.

[0018] The embodiments described in this specification are not applicable to the details described in the following description or limited to the details illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed subject matter can be implemented in other embodiments and can be implemented or carried out in various ways. Also, the expressions and terms used in this specification are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including", "comprising", or "having" and their variations as used in this specification means including the items described thereafter, additional items, and their equivalents. The terms "connected" and "coupled" are used in a broad sense and include both direct and indirect connections and couplings. Further, the terms "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to electrical, physical, or mechanical connections or couplings. As used in this specification, the terms "machine", "computer", "server", and "workstation" are not limited to devices having a single processor, but can include a plurality of devices (e.g., computers) linked within a system, devices having a plurality of processors, special-purpose devices, devices having various peripheral devices and input / output devices, software functioning as a computer or a server, and combinations of the above.

[0019] Gaming chips can be stacked together in a chip tray on a gaming table. In some environments, using visual recognition to identify individual gaming chips can sometimes be inconsistent. The gaming chips within the gaming chip tube of the chip tray can all correspond to a single face value. The edges of the gaming chips can have a shared pattern. Individual gaming chips within the chip tray can be difficult to distinguish. Visual recognition can depend on lighting conditions, the distance of the camera from the chip tray, and the angle of the camera relative to the chip tray.

[0020] By placing spacers on one or both sides of a stack of gaming chips within a gaming chip tube, the accuracy of counting gaming chips using visual recognition can be enhanced. The spacers may be of the same kind as the gaming chips but have different patterns on the edges. A dealer can place spacers at each end of a stack of gaming chips. The pattern can be selected to be visually easily recognizable in contrast to other gaming chips. Instead of or in addition to recognizing individual gaming chips within the stack, the size of the stack can be determined by measuring from the starting point of the stack of gaming chips to the spacer, or from the first spacer to the second spacer. The width of the stack of gaming chips can be reliably determined because spacers can be recognized in contrast to the gaming chips.

[0021] Referring to the drawings, exemplary embodiments are described in detail. Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary gaming environment 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The gaming environment 100 includes one or more gaming chips 103 and spacers 106 within a chip tray 109 of a gaming table 112. One or more imaging devices 115 can image the gaming table 112 within the field of view 118. Each imaging device 115 can image at least a portion of the gaming table 112 within the field of view 118. Each field of view 118 can have a different perspective based on the position and orientation of each imaging device 115. The spacer 106 can correspond to a gaming chip 103 having a predetermined pattern included around the periphery. The imaging device 115 may be a still camera, a video camera, or some other light sensing device.

[0022] The positions of the gaming chip 103 and the spacer 106 can be determined by performing image recognition on the capture from the imaging device 115. Since the chip tray 109 may be stationary, the positions of various points on the chip tray 109 can be determined with respect to the field of view 118 of the imaging device 115 and stored in the memory. As an example, the start and end positions of each gaming chip tube within the chip tray 109 can be determined and stored in the memory. In some embodiments, the positions within the chip tray 109 can be determined repeatedly. In other embodiments, the position of a given gaming chip tube can be verified to determine whether either the chip tray 109 or the imaging device 115 has moved.

[0023] The number of gaming chips 103 within each gaming chip tube can be determined. The distance can be measured from the starting point of the gaming chip tube to the position of the spacer 106. The distance can be divided by the width of the gaming chip 103 to determine the number. The result can be rounded to the nearest gaming chip 103. The number can be checked periodically. In some embodiments, the number can be checked based on the current state of the gambling game being played on the gaming table 112. As an example, the number of gaming chips 103 can be determined each time one or more cards are dealt and each time a gaming chip 103 is received or given.

[0024] In one embodiment, a spacer 106 can be placed after a certain number of gaming chips. As an example, the dealer can place a spacer 106 within the gaming chip tube after every 20 gaming chips 103. By using spacers 106 placed at regular intervals, the thickness of the spacer 106 can be reduced or the imaging device 115 can be placed further away.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, a gaming environment 200 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The gaming environment 100 can correspond to an example of the gaming environment 200. The gaming environment 200 includes a computing environment 203, one or more gaming table devices 206 that communicate data with each other via a network 209, and one or more image forming devices 115. The gaming table device 206 can be arranged on the gaming table 112. The network 209 includes, for example, the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a wired network, a wireless network, or other suitable networks, etc., or any combination thereof. For example, such a network may be composed of a satellite network, a cable network, an Ethernet network, and other types of networks.

[0026] The computing environment 203 can include, for example, a server computer or any other system that provides computing capabilities. Alternatively, the computing environment 203 may employ, for example, one or more server banks or computer banks or a plurality of computing devices that may be arranged in other configurations. Such computing devices may be arranged in a single installation location or may be distributed across a plurality of geographically different locations. For example, the computing environment 203 may include a plurality of computing devices that may together constitute host computing resources, grid computing resources, and / or any other distributed computing arrangement. In some embodiments, the computing environment 203 may correspond to elastic computing resources where the allocated capacity of processing, network, storage, or other computing-related resources changes over time.

[0027] In accordance with various embodiments, various applications and / or other functions may be executed in a computing environment 203. Also, various data is stored in a data store 212 accessible to the computing environment 203. The data store 212 may be representative of a plurality of data stores 212, as may be understood. The data stored in the data store 212 is associated with, for example, the operation of various applications and / or functional entities described below.

[0028] Components executed in the computing environment 203 include, for example, an identification service 215 and other applications, services, processes, systems, engines, or functions not discussed in detail herein. The identification service 215 may be executed to count gaming chips 103 used in a casino. The identification service 215 can determine the number of gaming chips 103 in a chip tray 109 by determining the distance between a starting position in a chip tray tube and the position of a spacer 106 (FIG. 1). The identification service 215 can divide the distance by the width of the gaming chip 103. It will be understood that some or all of the functions performed by the identification service 215 may be performed by a gaming table device 206. In some embodiments, some or all of the functions performed by the identification service 215 may be performed by one or more imaging devices 115.

[0029] The data stored in the data store 212 includes, for example, visual data 218, currency data 221, imaging devices 224, and potentially other data. The visual data 218 can be used to facilitate the visual recognition of different gaming chips 103. The visual data 218 can include images of patterns corresponding to the edges of the gaming chips 103 and the spacers 106. The visual data 218 can include images of the top and bottom surfaces of the gaming chips 103 and the spacers 106. The visual data 218 can include three-dimensional (3D) models such as chip trays 109 including the gaming chips 103, spacers 106, and gaming chip tubes. The visual data 218 can include details of one or more visual security features corresponding to the gaming chips 103 and / or the spacers 106.

[0030] The currency data 221 can include a list of all active gaming chips, including any identifiers associated with the gaming chips, such as RFID tag identifiers and other identifiers. The currency data 221 can include all gaming chips 103 permitted for use in one or more casinos. The currency data 221 can store information regarding where each gaming chip 103 was read within the casino. Using this information regarding reads within the casino, the identification service 215 can track where the gaming chip 103 has moved within the casino.

[0031] The imaging devices 224 can include a list of the imaging devices 115. The imaging devices 224 can include the respective positions of the imaging devices 115. The field of view 118 (FIG. 1) can be different for each imaging device 115. As an example, one imaging device 115 can be disposed on the gaming table 112, while another imaging device 115 can be disposed overhead, facing downwards from the gaming table 112. To enhance recognition, the visual data 218 can include visual data specific to each imaging device 224, based on the field of view 118 for a particular imaging device 115.

[0032] The gaming table device 206 is a representative of a plurality of gaming tables 112 that can be coupled to the network 209. The gaming table device 206 can include one or more computing devices having a processor-based system such as, for example, a computer system. Such a computer system may be embodied in the form of an embedded computing device or other device having similar capabilities. The gaming table device 206 can include a chip tray 109, one or more bet spots 239, a chip recycler 242, a banknote discriminator 245, and a display 248.

[0033] The dealer can receive cash from a patron and pay the patron with gaming chips 103 from the chip tray 109. The dealer can put money into the banknote discriminator 245. The dealer can deal cards for a gambling game at the gaming table device 206. A patron of the gaming table device 206 can bet on various outcomes of the gambling game using the gaming chips 103. If the patron wins, the dealer can pay the patron using the gaming chips 103 stored in the chip tray 109. If the patron loses, the dealer can take the bet gaming chips 103 from the bet spot 239. The dealer can place the taken gaming chips 103 in the chip recycler 242 or the chip tray 109. During the use of the gaming table device 206, various gaming chips 103 can be added to or removed from the chip tray 109.

[0034] The identification service 215 can receive a video stream from one or more imaging devices 115. The identification service 215 can identify the chip tray 109 in an image from the video stream using the visual data 218. The identification service 215 can determine one or more gaming chip tubes within the chip tray 109. For each of the gaming chip tubes, the identification service 215 can identify a first position corresponding to a first end of the gaming chip tube.

[0035] The identification service 215 can identify the spacers 106 within the gaming chip tubes by recognizing the pattern of the spacers 106 within the chip tray 109. The spacers 106 can be disposed between a first end and a second end of the gaming chip tube. The spacers 106 can be disposed at an end of a stack of gaming chips 103. The identification service 215 can determine a second position corresponding to the spacers 106. Since the spacers 106 have a width, the identification service 215 can determine the second position as the end of the spacer 106 closest to the first position. In some embodiments, the midpoint of the spacer 106 is used and any further calculation of the number of gaming chips 103 includes rounding down to the nearest number of gaming chips 103.

[0036] The identification service 215 can determine the distance or length between the first position and the second position. The number of gaming chips 103 within the gaming chip tube can be determined based on the distance. As an example, the identification service 215 can divide the distance by the width of the gaming chip 103. The identification service 215 can round the calculated number to the nearest integral number of gaming chips 103. In some embodiments, corrective measures can be taken if the calculation is outside of the predetermined parameters. The predetermined parameters can include parameters that define the maximum number of gaming chips 103 within the gaming chip tube. The predetermined parameters can also include a threshold for rounding. According to one example, the threshold can be set to 0.2. In this example, if the determined number is 10.1 or 9.9, it is rounded to 10, but if the determined number is 9.6 or 10.4, corrective measures can be taken.

[0037] The corrective measures can include lighting or activating an indicator to send a signal to the dealer to lock down the chip tray 109. The display 248 can render details of the indicated information of the chip tray 109. As an example, the display 248 can render a visual representation of the chip tray 109 including one or more gaming chip tubes that are outside of the predetermined parameters. The identification service 215 can analyze the gaming chips 103 within the problematic gaming chip tube to identify the cause of the problem. As an example, the identification service 215 can identify the space between two gaming chips 103 within the gaming chip tube. As another example, the identification service 215 can identify an inappropriate object placed within the gaming chip tube. The identification service 215 can cause the gaming table device 206 to render an image of the chip tray 109 with an overlay indicating the problematic area of the gaming chip tube.

[0038] Other remedial measures can include stopping future games, stopping the game until approval from an authorized user is obtained, and warning of security. The level of authorized user can be based on the identified discrepancy. For example, if a rounding error is identified, a lower level of authorized user may be required. If the number of gaming chips 103 is below the expected number, a higher level of authorized user may be required.

[0039] The threshold can be based on the past behavior of the dealer or other authorized user associated with the discrepancy. For example, the identification service 215 can identify a dealer having a history that includes patterns exceeding a threshold of parameters on the gaming table device 206. Based on its recurrence, the identification service 215 can initiate more restrictive corrective measures. For example, more restrictive corrective measures can require approval from a user with greater authority.

[0040] The identification service 215 can identify a dealer, pit boss, security officer, casino manager, or other casino employee having a history that exceeds the threshold. The identification service 215 can identify an employee having specific statistical characteristics that exceed the threshold. As an example, the identification service 215 can calculate the ratio of the number of games played to the number of games exceeding the threshold. If the ratio exceeds the threshold, the identification service 215 can initiate corrective measures.

[0041] In some embodiments, a gaming chip reader, such as an RFID antenna, can be placed at each of the chip tray 109, the bet spot 239, the chip recycler 242, and other locations. Also, the gaming chip reader can be placed in a casino cage, bank, vault, or any other place where gaming chips are used. The gaming table device 206 can use the gaming chip reader to read the RFID tag from the RFID-enabled gaming chip 103. The identification service 215 can collate the number of gaming chips 103 from visual recognition against the reading of the RFID-enabled gaming chip 103. The identification service 215 can determine whether the number obtained by visually recognizing the spacer 106 matches the number obtained by reading the RFID tag of the gaming chip 103. If the numbers do not match, corrective measures can be taken.

[0042] The chip recycler 242 can operate in a manner similar to the coin recycler. The chip recycler 242 can be used in addition to, or in place of, the chip tray 109. At the end of a game or hand, if the dealer retrieves the gaming chip 103 from the patron, the gaming chip 103 can be placed in a loading area such as a funnel, hopper, or tube, and then verified (authenticated), counted, sorted, and stored by the chip recycler 242. When the gaming chip 103 is paid out to the patron, exchanged for cash, or exchanged with other gaming chips 103, the gaming table device 206 or the identification service 215 can instruct the chip recycler 242 as to how much money to pay out for the gaming chip 103. Also, the denomination amount to be paid out can be specified. The chip recycler 242 in the cashier's cage, the chip recycler in the bank or vault, or a kiosk (not shown) can operate in a similar manner. When the user inserts the gaming chip 103 into the chip recycler 242, the chip recycler 242 processes the gaming chip 103 and either automatically outputs the gaming chip 103 in a different amount or outputs cash in the same amount as the amount entered.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, a chip tray 109 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The chip tray 109 can include one or more gaming chip tubes 303a-j. Each gaming chip tube 303 can include a gaming chip 103 and a spacer 309. The spacer 309 can correspond to a particular spacer 106 shown in the chip tray 109.

[0044] In one example, the identification service 215 (FIG. 2) can determine a first position 306 of the gaming chip tube 303e. The identification service 215 can determine a second position corresponding to the position of the spacer 309. The identification service 215 can measure the distance between the first position 306 and the spacer 309. The identification service 215 can divide the distance by the width of the gaming chip 103. The result can correspond to the number of gaming chips 103 within the gaming chip tube 303e.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 4, shown is a gaming chip tube 303 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The gaming chip tube 303 can include gaming chips 103a - e and spacers 106. The ends of the gaming chips can have a first pattern 409, and the ends of the spacers can have a second pattern 412. The first pattern 409 and the second pattern 412 can be visually distinguishable from each other. The visual distinction can facilitate image recognition of the transition between the gaming chip 103 and the spacer 106.

[0046] The identification service 215 can determine a second position corresponding to the first position 306 and the spacer 106. The identification service 215 can determine the distance 403 between the first position 306 and the lower end of the spacer 106. The identification service 215 can divide the distance 403 by the width 406 of the gaming chip 103. In the illustrated example of FIG. 4, since the identification service 215 divides the distance 403 by the width 406 to get 5, it can be determined that five gaming chips 103a - e are located within the gaming chip tube 303.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 5A - 5E, various exemplary patterns 412a - e according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Pattern 412 can be stored in data store 212 (FIG. 2) as visual data 218 (FIG. 2). The ends of spacer 106 (FIG. 1) can have pattern 412. In some embodiments, pattern 412 can be printed on the ends or peripheries of the spacers. In other embodiments, pattern 412 can be created using one or more injections in an injection molding process. Pattern 412 can be selected to be visually distinct from one or more patterns 409 (FIG. 4) used on gaming chip 103.

[0048] As shown, patterns 412a, b, d include various patterns using concentric circles. Pattern 412c includes diagonal lines that cross across the edges. Pattern 412e includes triangles where each triangle is rotated 180 degrees from the previous triangle. Also, pattern 412 can have other characteristics different from pattern 409. As an example, pattern 412 can include a different color than pattern 409. One or more colors of pattern 412 can be selected to maximize visual distinctiveness from one or more colors used on gaming chips 103 of various face values. As another example, pattern 412 can include reflective properties. In one embodiment, concentric circles 412a of pattern 412 are reflective while the background is not, and various other patterns 412 can be used to be understood.

[0049] The pattern 412 on the spacer 106 can be designed to be reliably distinguishable from the gaming chip 103 during image recognition. The pattern 412 shown in the exemplary embodiment can be differentiated from the gaming chip without requiring high-resolution image analysis. Thus, the imaging device 115 can be placed at a position further away from the gaming table 112. Based on the fact that the imaging device 115 is placed further away, fewer pixels per spacer 106 and gaming chip 103 may be available. As an example of a triangle, the height of the spacer 106 can be confirmed with only 12 to 15 pixels.

[0050] Prior to going to the flowchart of the process 600 shown in FIG. 6, it should be noted that the embodiments described herein may be implemented using an alternative order of the steps shown in FIG. 6. That is, the process flow illustrated in FIG. 6 is provided by way of example only, and the embodiments may be implemented using a process flow different from that illustrated. Further, it should be noted that in all embodiments, not all steps are required. In other words, one or more steps may be omitted or replaced without departing from the scope of the embodiments. Further, the steps may be in a different order, in parallel with each other, or completely omitted, and / or certain additional steps may be performed without departing from the spirit of the scope and embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] In box 603, process 600 can include capturing an image of at least a portion of the chip tray. Imaging device 115 can image at least a portion of chip tray 109. The image can correspond to a frame from a video stream from imaging device 115. The image can be calculated by merging images from two or more imaging devices 115. As an example, the dealer may block a portion of the field of view 118 of one or more imaging devices 115 between frames of the video. Identification service 215 can create a single image by merging multiple viewpoints from multiple imaging devices 115. Identification service 215 can omit one or more obstacles in chip tray 109 to stitch together a single image.

[0052] In one embodiment, the image can be calculated based on a key frame, also referred to as an intra-frame, and one or more frames limited to changes. The key frame can include a complete image, while subsequent frames can include changes to the key frame image. Identification service 215 can apply one or more changes to the most recent previous key frame image to determine the image to be processed.

[0053] In box 606, process 600 can include identifying gaming chip tubes within the chip tray from the image. Identification service 215 can perform image recognition on the image to identify chip tray 109. The image recognition can be based on data stored in visual data 218. Identification service 215 can utilize one or more models or images stored in visual data 218 to identify chip tray 109.

[0054] The identification service 215 can identify one or more gaming chip tubes 303 within the chip tray 109. The identification service 215 can utilize visual data 218 to identify one or more gaming chip tubes 303 within an image of the chip tray 109. As discussed in boxes 609, 612, and 615, the identification service 215 can process each gaming chip tube 303 to determine the number of gaming chips 103 within each tube.

[0055] In box 609, process 600 can include determining a first position within the gaming chip tube. The identification service 215 can determine a first position within the gaming chip tube 303. The identification service 215 can determine that the first position is the first end of the gaming chip tube 303. The first end can correspond to the position of the first gaming chip 103 disposed within the gaming chip tube 303. In some embodiments, the first position can correspond to the position of the spacer 106 on the first end of the stack of gaming chips 103. The identification service 215 can determine the position of the first spacer 106 by recognizing the pattern of the spacer 106 from the visual data 218 for an image of the gaming chip tube 303.

[0056] In box 612, process 600 can include determining a second position within the gaming chip tube 303. The identification service 215 can determine a second position within the gaming chip tube 303. The second position can correspond to the position of the spacer 106 on the second end of the stack of gaming chips 103. The second end of the stack of gaming chips 103 can be opposite the first position from box 609. The identification service 215 can determine the position of the spacer 106 by recognizing the pattern of the spacer 106 from the visual data 218 for an image of the gaming chip tube 303.

[0057] In some embodiments, the spacer 106 can be disposed at both ends of the stack of gaming chips 103 within the gaming chip tube 303. The spacer 106 can hold the stack of gaming chips 103 like bookends. The identification service 215 can visually recognize the two spacers 106 within the gaming chip tube 303. The first position can correspond to the first spacer 106, and the second position can correspond to the second spacer 106.

[0058] In box 615, process 600 can include determining the number of gaming chips within the gaming chip tube 303 based on the first position and the second position. The identification service 215 can determine the distance between the first position and the second position. The identification service 215 can divide the distance by the width of the gaming chip 103 to determine the number of gaming chips 103 within the gaming chip tube 303.

[0059] The identification service 215 can determine the number of pixels between the first position and the second position. The visual data 218 can store a known distance that can be used to calculate the distance based on the number of pixels. As an example, if the width of the gaming chip 103 is 3 mm and seven gaming chips 103 are stacked within the gaming chip tube 303, the identification service 215 can determine a distance of 21 mm between the first position of the gaming chip tube 303 and the spacer 106 at the second position within the gaming chip tube 303. If the identification service 215 determines a distance of 22 mm or 20 mm, that distance can be rounded to identify the number of seven gaming chips 103.

[0060] As an example, the visual data 218 can include the width and length of the chip tray 109 and the gaming chip tube 303. Also, the distance and angle of the imaging device 115 can be used in the calculation.

[0061] In box 618, process 600 can include determining whether another gaming chip tube is to be processed. If another gaming chip tube is to be processed, process 600 moves to box 606 to process the next gaming chip tube 303. Otherwise, process 600 moves to box 603 to process another image. The another image can be the next sequential frame within a video stream. Identification service 215 can select the next image at a predetermined interval. The next image can be selected based on an event such as, for example, the start of a gambling game, the end of a gambling game, the start or end of a phase of a gambling game, the addition or removal of gaming chip 103 from chip tray 109, or some other event.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 7, an exemplary hardware diagram of computing device 700 is shown. Any of computing environments 203, including identification service 215, imaging device 115, and gaming table device 206, may be partially implemented using one or more elements of computing device 700. Computing device 700 can include one or more of processor 710, random access memory ("RAM") 720, read only memory ("ROM") 730, memory device 740, network interface 750, and input / output ("I / O") interface 760. The elements of computing device 700 are communicatively coupled via bus 702.

[0063] Processor 710 can include a computing processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other types of hardware or software processors. RAM and ROM 720, 730 can include memory for storing computer-readable instructions executed by processor 710. Storage device 740 stores therein computer-readable instructions that, when executed by processor 710, direct processor 710 to perform the various aspects of the present disclosure described herein. If processor 710 includes an ASIC, the processes described herein may be performed by the ASIC, by the firmware of the ASIC, or by both the integrated circuit design and the firmware of the ASIC, in accordance with the integrated circuit design of the ASIC. By way of non-limiting illustrative group, storage device 740 can comprise one or more of an optical disk, a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory (i.e., semiconductor, floating gate, or similar flash-based memory), magnetic tape memory, removable memory, combinations thereof, or other known memory means for storing computer-readable instructions. Network interface 750 can include a hardware interface for communicating over a data network. I / O interface 760 can include device input / output interfaces such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display, a communication, and other interfaces. Bus 702 can electrically and communicatively couple processor 710, RAM 720, ROM 730, memory device 740, network interface 750, and I / O interface 760 to enable data and instructions to be communicated therebetween.

[0064] In operation, the processor 710 is configured to obtain computer-readable instructions stored in the memory device 740, the RAM 720, the ROM 730, or another storage means, and copy the computer-readable instructions to the RAM 720 or the ROM 730, for example, for execution. The processor 710 is further configured to execute the computer-readable instructions to implement various aspects and features of the present disclosure. For example, the processor 710 may be adapted and configured to execute the processes described above with reference to FIG. 7, including the processes described as being performed by the identification service 215. Also, the storage device 740 may store the data stored in the data store 212.

[0065] Unless otherwise specified, phrases such as "at least one of X, Y, or Z" should be understood in the context generally used to indicate that an item, term, etc. can be any of X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and / or Z). Similarly, "at least one of X, Y, and Z" should be understood, unless otherwise specified, to indicate that an item, term, etc. can be any of X, Y, and Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and / or Z). Thus, as used herein, such turns of phrase generally do not imply that a particular embodiment requires the presence of at least one of any of X, Y, or Z, but for example, does not require the presence of one X and one Y, and such turns of phrase should not imply that a particular embodiment requires the presence of at least one of each of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

[0066] Although embodiments have been described in detail herein, the description is for illustrative purposes only. The features of the embodiments described herein are representative, and in alternative embodiments, certain features and elements may be added or omitted. Further, modifications to aspects of the embodiments described herein can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined in the following claims, and the scope should be given the broadest interpretation to encompass the modifications and equivalent structures.

[0067] Item 1. A system comprising at least one imaging device configured to image at least a portion of a gaming table, and at least one computing device coupled to the at least one imaging device, the at least one computing device being configured to at least obtain an image from the at least one imaging device, identify a gaming chip tube in a gaming chip tray, determine a first position corresponding to the bottom of the gaming chip tube, identify the spacer based at least in part on recognition of a predetermined pattern on the spacer, determine a second position corresponding to the spacer, and determine the number of gaming chips in the gaming chip tube based at least in part on the first position and the second position.

[0068] Item 2. The system of Item 1, wherein the at least one computing device is further configured to identify a second gaming chip tube in the gaming chip tray, determine a third position corresponding to the bottom surface of the second gaming chip tube, identify the second spacer based at least in part on recognition of a predetermined pattern on the second spacer, determine a fourth position corresponding to the second spacer, and determine the number of gaming chips in the second gaming chip tube based at least in part on the third position and the fourth position.

[0069] Item 3. The system according to item 1 or 2, further comprising at least one second imaging device configured to image at least a part of the gaming chip tray, wherein the at least one arithmetic unit is further configured to at least obtain a second image from the at least one second imaging device, determine a third position corresponding to the bottom of the gaming chip tube in the second image, identify the spacer at least partially based on recognition of the predetermined pattern on the spacer in the second image, determine a fourth position corresponding to the spacer, and determine a second number of gaming chips in the gaming chip tube at least partially based on the third position and the fourth position.

[0070] Item 4. The system according to item 3, wherein the at least one arithmetic unit is further configured to at least determine that the number of the gaming chips does not match the number of the second gaming chips, and execute a corrective measure corresponding to the fact that the number does not match the second number.

[0071] Item 5. The system according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined pattern on the spacer is different from any pattern of a plurality of types of gaming chips.

[0072] Item 6. The system according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the at least one arithmetic unit is further configured to calculate a difference between the first position and the second position, and the number of the gaming chips is determined by rounding the result of dividing the difference by the size of the gaming chip.

[0073] Item 7. A method of capturing an image corresponding to a gaming chip tray via at least one imaging device, identifying a gaming chip tube within the gaming chip tray via at least one computing device, determining a first position corresponding to the bottom of the gaming chip tube via the at least one computing device, identifying the spacer via the at least one computing device based at least in part on recognition of a predetermined pattern on the spacer, determining a second position corresponding to the spacer via the at least one computing device, and determining the number of gaming chips within the gaming chip tube based at least in part on the first position and the second position via the at least one computing device.

[0074] Item 8. Further, identifying a second gaming chip tube within the gaming chip tray via the at least one computing device, determining a third position corresponding to the bottom of the second gaming chip tube via the at least one computing device, identifying the second spacer via the at least one computing device based at least in part on recognition of a second predetermined pattern on the second spacer, determining a fourth position corresponding to the second spacer via the at least one computing device, and determining the number of gaming chips within the second gaming chip tube based at least in part on the third position and the fourth position via the at least one computing device, the method of Item 7.

[0075] Item 9. Further, acquire a second image from at least one second imaging device via the at least one computing device, determine a third position corresponding to the bottom of the gaming chip tube in the second image via the at least one computing device, identify the spacer via the at least one computing device based at least in part on recognition of a predetermined pattern on the spacer in the second image, determine a fourth position corresponding to the spacer via the at least one computing device, and determine a second number of gaming chips in the gaming chip tube based at least in part on the third position and the fourth position, according to the method of Item 7 or 8.

[0076] Item 10. Further, determine via the at least one computing device that the number of gaming chips does not match the number of the second gaming chips, and perform a corrective measure when it is determined that the number of gaming chips does not match the number of the second gaming chips, according to the method of Item 9.

[0077] Item 11. Further, image at least a part of the gaming table via the at least one imaging device, according to any one of the methods of Items 7 to 10.

[0078] Item 12. A predetermined pattern on the spacer is different from patterns on multiple types of gaming chips, according to any one of the methods of Items 7 to 11.

[0079] Item 13. Further, calculate a difference between the first position and the second position via the at least one computing device, and determine the number of gaming chips as a rounded result of dividing the difference by the size of the gaming chip, according to any one of the methods of Items 7 to 12.

[0080] Item 14. When executed by at least one computing device, the at least one computing device is caused to, at least, acquire an image from the at least one imaging device, identify a gaming chip tube in a gaming chip tray, determine a first position corresponding to the bottom of the gaming chip tube, identify the spacer based at least in part on recognition of a predetermined pattern on the spacer, determine a second position corresponding to the spacer, and determine the number of gaming chips in the gaming chip tube based at least in part on the first position and the second position. A non-transitory computer-readable medium embodying a program.

[0081] Item 15. The program further causes the at least one computing device to, at least, identify a second gaming chip tube in the gaming chip tray, determine a third position corresponding to the bottom of the second gaming chip tube, identify the second spacer based at least in part on recognition of a second predetermined pattern on the second spacer, determine a fourth position corresponding to the second spacer, and determine the number of gaming chips in the second gaming chip tube based at least in part on the third position and the fourth position. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of Item 14.

[0082] Item 16. The program further causes the at least one computing device to, at least, acquire a second image from at least one second imaging device, determine a third position corresponding to the bottom of the gaming chip tube in the second image, identify the spacer based at least in part on recognition of a predetermined pattern on the spacer in the second image, determine a fourth position corresponding to the spacer, and determine a second number of gaming chips in the gaming chip tube based at least in part on the third position and the fourth position. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of Item 14 or 15.

[0083] Item 17. The program further causes the at least one arithmetic unit to at least a non-transitory computer-readable medium according to item 16, which determines that the number of the gaming chips does not match the number of the second gaming chips and causes a corrective measure to be taken.

[0084] Item 18. The at least one imaging device is configured to image at least a part of a gaming table, and is a non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of items 14 to 17.

[0085] Item 19. The predetermined pattern on the spacer is different from any pattern of types of a plurality of gaming chips, and is a non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of items 14 to 18.

[0086] Item 20. The program further causes the at least one arithmetic unit to calculate a difference between the first position and the second position, and the number of the gaming chips is determined as a result of rounding the quotient obtained by dividing the difference by the size of the gaming chip, and is a non-transitory computer-readable medium according to any one of items 14 to 19.

Claims

1. At least one imaging device configured to image at least a part of a gaming table; At least one arithmetic device coupled to the at least one imaging device; comprising: The at least one arithmetic device is at least configured to: obtain a first image from the at least one imaging device; identify a gaming chip tube in a gaming chip tray in the first image; determine a first position corresponding to a lower end of a plurality of gaming chips stacked in the gaming chip tube; determine a second position corresponding to an upper end of a plurality of gaming chips stacked in the gaming chip tube; determine a first number of gaming chips in the gaming chip tube based at least in part on the first position and the second position; and is configured to: further include at least one second imaging device configured to image at least a part of the gaming chip tray; The at least one arithmetic device is further at least configured to: obtain a second image from the at least one second imaging device; identify the gaming chip tube in the gaming chip tray in the second image; determine a third position corresponding to a lower end of a plurality of gaming chips stacked in the gaming chip tube in the second image; determine a fourth position corresponding to an upper end of a plurality of gaming chips stacked in the gaming chip tube in the second image, and determine a second number of gaming chips in the gaming chip tube based at least in part on the third position and the fourth position; and is configured to: The at least one arithmetic unit is further configured to, at least determine that the first number of the gaming chips does not match the second number of the gaming chips, and execute a corrective measure corresponding to the fact that the first number does not match the second number. A system configured as such. **Claim 2** The at least one arithmetic unit is further configured to recognize the spacer located at the upper end of the plurality of gaming chips stacked in the gaming chip tube, at least partially based on the recognition of a predetermined pattern on the spacer, determine the position corresponding to the spacer as the second position. The system according to claim 1, configured as such. **Claim 3** The system according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined pattern on the spacer is different from any pattern of the plurality of types of gaming chips. **Claim 4** The at least one arithmetic unit is further configured to calculate the difference between the first position and the second position, and the number of the gaming chips is determined as the result of rounding the quotient obtained by dividing the difference by the size of the gaming chip. The system according to claim 1. **Claim 5** The system according to claim 1, wherein the lower ends of the plurality of gaming chips correspond to the ends of the gaming chip tube. **Claim 6** Capture an image corresponding to the gaming chip tray via at least one imaging device, Identify the gaming chip tube in the gaming chip tray via at least one arithmetic unit, Determine a first position corresponding to the lower ends of the plurality of gaming chips stacked in the gaming chip tube via the at least one arithmetic unit, Determine a second position corresponding to the upper ends of a plurality of gaming chips stacked within the gaming chip tube via the at least one computing device, and Determine a first number of gaming chips within the gaming chip tube via the at least one computing device based at least in part on the first position and the second position, Further, Acquire a second image from at least one second imaging device via the at least one computing device, Determine a third position corresponding to the lower ends of a plurality of gaming chips stacked within the gaming chip tube in the second image via the at least one computing device, Determine a fourth position corresponding to the upper ends of a plurality of gaming chips stacked within the gaming chip tube in the second image via the at least one computing device, Determine a second number of gaming chips within the gaming chip tube via the at least one computing device based at least in part on the third position and the fourth position, Further, Determine, via the at least one computing device, that the first number of gaming chips does not match the second number of gaming chips, A method of performing a corrective measure when it is determined that the first number does not match the second number.

7. Further, Recognize the spacer located at the upper ends of a plurality of gaming chips stacked within the gaming chip tube via the at least one computing device based at least in part on the recognition of a predetermined pattern on the spacer, The method of claim 6, wherein a position corresponding to the spacer is determined as the second position.

8. The method of claim 6, further comprising imaging at least a portion of a gaming table via the at least one imaging device.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined pattern on the spacer is different from any pattern of the types of the plurality of gaming chips.

10. Further, calculating a difference between the first position and the second position via the at least one arithmetic unit, and determining the number of the gaming chips as a result of rounding the quotient obtained by dividing the difference by the size of the gaming chip. The method according to claim 6.

11. The method according to claim 6, wherein the lower ends of the plurality of gaming chips correspond to the ends of the gaming chip tube.

12. When executed by at least one arithmetic unit, the at least one arithmetic unit is caused to, at least, obtain a first image from at least one imaging device, identify the gaming chip tube in the gaming chip tray, determine a first position corresponding to the lower ends of the plurality of gaming chips stacked in the gaming chip tube in the first image, determine a second position corresponding to the upper ends of the plurality of gaming chips stacked in the gaming chip tube in the first image, determine a first number of the gaming chips in the gaming chip tube based at least in part on the first position and the second position, Further, the at least one arithmetic unit is caused to, at least, obtain a second image from at least one second imaging device, determine a third position corresponding to the lower ends of the plurality of gaming chips in the second image, determine a fourth position corresponding to the upper ends of the plurality of gaming chips stacked in the gaming chip tube in the second image, Determine the second number of gaming chips in the gaming chip tube based at least in part on the third position and the fourth position, Furthermore, cause the at least one arithmetic unit to, at least, Determine that the first number of gaming chips does not match the second number of gaming chips, and, When it is determined that the first number does not match the second number, cause a corrective measure to be taken, A non-transitory computer-readable medium embodying a program.

13. The program further causes the at least one arithmetic unit to, at least, Recognize the spacer located at the upper end of the plurality of gaming chips stacked in the gaming chip tube based at least in part on the recognition of a predetermined pattern on the spacer, Determine the position corresponding to the spacer as the second position, the non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 12.

14. The at least one imaging device is configured to image at least a part of the gaming table, the non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 12.

15. The predetermined pattern on the spacer is different from any pattern of the types of the plurality of gaming chips, the non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 13.

16. The program further causes the at least one arithmetic unit to calculate the difference between the first position and the second position, and the first number of gaming chips is determined as the result of rounding the quotient of dividing the difference by the size of the gaming chip, the non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 12.

17. The lower ends of the plurality of gaming chips correspond to the ends of the gaming chip tube, the non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 12.

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