Gaming table inner rail system

Abstract

In at least one embodiment, there is provided herein, a gaming table including an inner rail portion disposed between a gaming surface and a tabletop, wherein the gaming surface is configured to receive cards during use of the gaming table, said inner rail portion including a visual output component for illuminating at least a portion of the gaming surface and providing a visual display for providing information and / or advertising space.

Description

[0001] GAMING TABLE INNER RAIL SYSTEM

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] Gaming tables are often used to play poker, blackjack and the like. These tables include various features including providing a stable surface that facilitates the interface between the players and the dealer. These tables include a table surface for displaying cards for any card games played thereon, visible by dealers, players, and viewers.

[0004] SUMMARY

[0005] Gaming tables are often used for playing card games but may also be used as prime real estate for display of information, including, for example, advertising space. Card games are typically played at gaming tables wherein the player’s cards are dealt and placed directly in front of each player. When the card is revealed, a camera embedded in the table captures the player’s hand and may also capture the hidden cards. This functionality allows viewers to see the hand a player has during a television broadcast of the game. These hands of cards are oftentimes difficult to see, so an illuminator is frequently necessary. Illuminators, such as lights, may be built into the table or associated therewith. In embodiments described herein, cameras are not used to capture the player’s hand. Instead, the cards are read by RFID technology. However, in some non-limiting embodiments, the table may optionally include a camera for use in rare circumstances as a back up to the RFID card reading technology, for example.

[0006] In at least one embodiment, a gaming table described herein may include a card receiving surface or gaming surface, a tabletop for resting elbows of players seated therearound, and a portion disposed around the perimeter of the table, positioned between the tabletop and the card receiving (gaming) surface, this portion identified as an inner rail. The inner rail may provide illumination to the cards positioned on the card receiving surface. This inner rail may also provide a display of information and a location for advertising.

[0007] Various types of information may be provided in this space, including information relating to the particular player seated adjacent to the position of the inner rail at which the information is displayed, information including statistics of various players, a visual indicator providing a color or pattern signifying a player has completed his / her game, or a player has won, among other displays of information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0008] A more particular description briefly stated above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a gaming table comprising an inner rail.

[0010] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of an embodiment of a gaming table comprising an inner rail.

[0011] FIG. 3 is another perspective views of an embodiment of a gaming table comprising an inner rail.

[0012] FIG. 4 provides a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a visual output component comprising an anti-glare component.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic showing a component of the digital inner rail display system

[0014] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a power cable SMPS system.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a gaming table comprising electrical connections.

[0016] FIGS. 8A-8C include various views of a shielded terminal block encasing, including a perspective view, a partial perspective view and a top plan view.

[0017] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles and operation of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.

[0019] It is to be noted that the terms “first,” “second,” and the like as used herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. The terms “a” and “an” do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “including,” “includes,” “having,” “has,” “with,” or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and / or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” The modifier “about” used in connection with a quantity is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., includes the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity). It is to be noted that all ranges disclosed within this specification are inclusive and are independently combinable.

[0020] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise these terms do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “including,” “includes,” “having,” “has,” “with,” or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and / or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Moreover, unless specifically stated, any use of the terms first, second, etc., does not denote any order, quantity or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc., are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0021] In embodiments provided and described herein, a gaming table including a table comprising a gaming surface and a tabletop, a card reader device, and an inner rail portion disposed between the gaming surface and the tabletop. The inner rail portion comprising a display assembly coupled to the physical gaming table. The inner rail portion display including a digital display for displaying information pertinent to the game, the players of the game, statistics, or advertising material, among other information. The card reader device of the gaming table is configured to acquire information from a physical playing card being dealt onto the gaming surface. The gaming table display assembly includes a display unit for displaying computer-generated images and a controller associated with the display unit and the card reader device. The controller includes a processor programmed to execute an algorithm to render an image of computer-generated images on the display unit, including any winners of particular games played, amounts bet during the game, or other pertinent information.

[0022] In some embodiments, the processor may receive a signal from the card reader device indicating card values associated with physical playing cards dealt onto the gaming surface.

[0023] In at least another embodiment, the gaming table may include an inner rail portion disposed between a gaming surface and a tabletop, wherein the gaming surface receives cards during use of the gaming table. The tabletop may extend around at least a portion of the circumference of the table so as to provide a place for players positioned at the table to rest their arms. The inner rail portion includes a visual output component both for illuminating at least a portion of the gaming surface and for providing a visual display of information. The visual display may be used to provide advertising space, in one non-limiting embodiment. In another embodiment, information such as statistics relating to a particular player may be displayed on the visual output component. Other information may be provided on the visual output component, such as for example, when a player goes out of the game, a particular color (such as, for example red) may illuminate from the visual output component providing a visual indicator that the player has left the game. Other information which may be displayed via the visual output component may include an amount that is bet on a particular hand, or a congratulatory image or color provided when a player wins. Statistics of a particular player could also be displayed on the visual output component of the inner rail.

[0024] In one embodiment, the visual output component may include LCD technology or LED technology. The inner rail may include multiple LCD screens associated with one another to form the visual output component. One continuous message or a scrolling message or display may be provided along the associated LCD screens. In another embodiment, one contiguous LCD display may be provided around the perimeter of the gaming surface to provide the visual output component. The inner rail may be continuous along the perimeter of the gaming table, or particularly, around the perimeter of the gaming surface.

[0025] Oftentimes during a broadcast of a poker tournament, the visual display seen by viewers includes a particular player and the portion of the gaming table directly in front of the player. Consequently, important information may be displayed on the inner rail in order to efficiently and effectively provide such information. The visual output component may provide different images or data intermittently positioned around the inner rail. The visual output component may, alternatively, provide a continuous flow of information around the perimeter of the inner rail, such as a banner advertisement, for example, wherein information flows seamlessly from one LCD to the next adjacent LCD in a non-limiting embodiment.

[0026] The visual output component of the inner rail provides a multitude of benefits over the existing prior art, particularly the variability of the information and the efficiency with which information can be provided via the inner rail of the gaming table.

[0027] The visual output component may further include, in one embodiment, a high- resolution visual display. In a further non-limiting embodiment, the high-resolution visual display may include a 4K resolution display. In another non-limiting embodiment, the visual output component may include a non-reflective layer or anti-glare component. This antiglare component prevents reflection of anything positioned in front of or adjacent to the inner rail onto the inner rail, therefore protecting the integrity of the game played on the gaming table. For example, the anti-glare component of the visual output component may be provided as an additional layer on the surface of the visual output component that is adjacent to the gaming surface. This anti-glare component may be a coating on the surface of the visual output component. Alternatively, the anti-glare component may be adhered to the visual output component as an additional layer on its surface. The anti-glare component may also be referred to as an anti-glare substrate. The anti-glare substrate, in one non-limiting embodiment may include an adhesive such that it may be affixed via the adhesive onto the surface of the visual output component.

[0028] In at least one embodiment, a controller may be associated with the table, wherein the controller may provide a signal to the visual output component to control the visual display. The controller may be wired or wirelessly connected to the gaming table and / or the visual output component.

[0029] The gaming table may include other features as known in the art. The gaming table may include one or more sensors for detecting information. For example, the one or more sensors may include a light sensor, contact sensor, pressure sensor, or other sensor known in the art.

[0030] The one or more sensors may be positioned on the gaming surface of the gaming table. The gaming table may further include RFID technology to detect one or more cards placed on the gaming surface in one non-limiting embodiment.

[0031] Turning to the Figures, FIG. 1 includes a perspective view of a gaming table embodiment 100, including an inner rail portion 110 disposed between a gaming surface 112 and a tabletop 114, wherein the gaming surface 112 receives cards during use of the gaming table 100, the inner rail portion 110 comprising a visual output component 111 for illuminating at least a portion of the gaming surface 1 12 and providing a visual display. One or more sensors 116 may be provided in association with portions of the table, as shown for example, in FIG. 2.

[0032] In typical embodiments described herein, RFID technology is used to identify the cards being played on the gaming surface. However, as an alternative embodiment, and preferably only in particular circumstances wherein the RFID technology is not functioning correctly, one or more cameras may be used to detect information on the cards. FIG. 3, a perspective partial view of a gaming table 100 is shown, wherein the gaming table 100 may further include one or more cameras 118 for detecting information on the gaming surface 112, namely, cards or bets placed on the gaming surface 112. The visual output component 111 may provide illumination for the one or more cameras 118 to detect information on the gaming surface 112. FIG. 3 demonstrates a controller 120 may be in association with the gaming table 100 in embodiments described herein, wherein the controller 120 provides a signal to the visual output component 111 to determine the output to he displayed. In at least one non-limiting embodiment, the controller 120 is wirelessly connected to the visual output component 111. In another non- limiting embodiment, the controller 120 is connected to the visual output 111 component by a wired connection.

[0033] FIG. 4 provides a cross-sectional view of an anti-glare embodiment 125 of a visual output component 111 component comprising an anti-glare component 122. This anti-glare component 125 may replace any of the visual output components 111 shown in any of the FIGS provided herein, for example FIGS. 1-3. The anti-glare component 122 provides a feature to prevent glare on the digital display of the inner rail and allow viewers to more easily ascertain the images being displayed thereon. The anti-glare component 125 may include a separate component, wherein that component is of a material to prevent glare on the visual output component 111 surface, wherein said anti-glare materials are those known in the art. In other embodiments, the visual output component may include non-glass which is etched to produce uniform, evenly diffusive surface that disperses reflected light preventing glare of the visual output component 111. In these instances, the anti-glare component 122 may not be needed.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a schematic showing a component of the digital inner rail display system, the visual output component 111. The visual output component 111 includes an ADB board 129, SMPS (switched mode power supply) 124, which feed into LCD display 126. LCD display 126 is one non-limiting example of a visual output component 111. Mounting brackets 128 are shown in FIG. 5, which are used to secure the display to the table shape and create a custom faceted curve of the displays positioned in the inner rail. In some nonlimiting embodiments, a chemical coated light diffuser and haze distortion film 130 is applied to, or associated with the LCD display 126 to reduce glare. Haze distortion film 130 is one example of an anti-glare component 122. ADB includes custom designed hardware artwork on printed circuit boards with corresponding custom firmware programming which supports custom content parameters. These are embedded in the visual output components 111. The SMPS 124 provides low voltage power to the visual output components 111 of the system.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a plan view of one non-limiting embodiment of a power cable SMPS (Switched Mode Power Supply) system 132 which can be used in a gaming table according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 demonstrates an example of a power distribution system. The SMPS 138 is sent to the terminal block 134 providing power to the terminal block 134. Each visual output component 111 is connected to the terminal block 134 to receive power from the SMPS 138. A power cable connects the terminal blocks 134 to the SMPS , which is encased for safety. The SMPS receives one or more power cables from the terminal block 134. In a particular non-limiting embodiment, a single SMPS receives two main power cables from each side, each from two terminal blocks 134. In a further non-limiting embodiment, a noise filter 136 is included, associated with the system, wherein the noise filter 136. FIGS. 7-8 provide an alternative embodiment to this system, which may alternatively be used to power the gaming table embodiments described herein.

[0036] As mentioned above, FIG. 7 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a power cable SMPS system shown in FIG. 6. The difference between the power distribution in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 includes, in one example, the SMPS and terminal block are encased in a shielded compartment, see T-Block Kit 1 140 and T-Block Kit 2 140 shown in FIG. 7. This shielding prevents electrical frequency confusion and provides noise protection. Cables 165 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 associating the T-block kits 140 with the visual output components 111 surrounding the table 100. The cables shown are also shielded cables, in one embodiment, preventing any interruption or collision with frequency with the RFID system 150 also embedded in the table shown in FIG. 2.

[0037] FIG. 7 shows the visual output component 111 surrounding the perimeter of the table 100, as one non- limiting embodiment, and the electrical connections between the encased T- Block Kits 140. The T-Block Kits 140 are shown as connecting to each visual output component 111 via output cables as represented by dashed lines.

[0038] FIGS. 8A-8C include various views of the shielded terminal block encasing (T-Block kits) 140, as shown in FIG. 7, including a perspective view, a partial perspective view and a top plan view of these kits 140. FIG. 8 A includes a perspective view of a shielded terminal block encasing 140 including an outer housing 144, multiple power cables including an input cable 142’ and output cables 142 associated with the shielded terminal block encasing 140 to power the component. FIG. 8B shows a partial perspective view of the shielded terminal block encasing 140 with a portion of the outer housing 144 removed to allow a view of the internal components. The internal components include the terminal block 146. Fig. 8C includes a top plan view of an embodiment of a shielded terminal block encasing 140 including power cables 142, an outer housing 144 for surrounding the component, and terminal block 146 positioned therewithin. The shielded terminal block encasing provides a shield to prevent any interference with RFID sensors of the RFID system 150. One SMPS may be used, in a non- limiting embodiment, to support at least 11 visual outputs per gaming table 100, in a non- limiting embodiment.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A gaming table, comprising: an inner rail portion disposed between a gaming surface and a tabletop, wherein the gaming surface receives cards during use of the gaming table, said inner rail portion comprising a visual output component for illuminating at least a portion of the gaming surface and providing a visual display.

2. The gaming table of claim 1 , wherein the visual output component comprises an LCD (liquid crystal display).

3. The gaming table of claim 1 , wherein the visual output component comprises an LED (light emitting diode) display.

4. The gaming table of claim 2, wherein the inner rail portion comprises multiple LCD’s positioned adjacent to one another.

5. The gaming table of claim 4, wherein the multiple LCD’s provide a contiguous visual output.

6. The gaming table of claim 5, wherein the multiple LCD’s provide a continuous stream of information across the multiple LCD’S.

7. The gaming table of claim 5, wherein the multiple LCD’s are positioned around a perimeter of the gaming surface.

8. The gaming table of claim 2, wherein the visual output component comprises one continuous LCD, wherein the continuous LCD extends the perimeter of the inner rail.

9. The gaming table of claim 1 , wherein information may be provided on the visual output component.

10. The gaming table of claim 9, wherein the information comprises statistics or data about players at the gaming table.

11. The gaming table of claim 9, wherein the information comprises advertising or sponsorship information.

12. The gaming table of claim 9, wherein the information comprises a color, design, or effect displayed on the visual output component.

13. The gaming table of claim 1 further comprising a controller associated with the gaming table, wherein the controller provides a signal to the visual output component to determine the output to be displayed.

14. The gaming table of claim 13, wherein the controller is connected to the visual output component by a wired connection.

15. The gaming table of claim 1, wherein the visual output component provides a banner advertisement.

16. The gaming table of claim 1, comprising one or more sensors.

17. The gaming table of claim 17, wherein the one or more sensors are positioned on the gaming surface.

18. The gaming table of claim 1, wherein the visual output component comprises a high- resolution visual display.

19. The gaming table of claim 19, wherein the high-resolution visual display comprises a 4K resolution display.

20. The gaming table of claim 1 , wherein the visual output component comprises an antiglare component.

21. The gaming table of claim 21, wherein the anti-glare component further comprises an anti-glare substrate.

22. The gaming table of claim 22, wherein the anti-glare substrate comprises an adhesive for affixing said substrate to the visual output component.

23. The gaming table of claim 1 further comprising one or more cameras for detecting information on the gaming surface, namely, cards or bets placed on the gaming surface.

24. The gaming table of claim 24, wherein the visual output component provides illumination for the one or more cameras to detect information on the gaming surface.

25. The gaming table of claim 1, further comprising RFID technology to detect one or more cards placed on the gaming surface.

26. An inner rail system comprising: visual output component comprising an LCD or LED display wherein the visual output component provides a display of information along the inner rail.

27. The inner rail system of claim 27, wherein the display of information comprises advertising information.

28. The inner rail system of claim 27, wherein the inner rail is associated with a controller, such that the information displayed via the visual output component can be selectively adjusted.

Images