Integrated Blackjack Hole Card Reader and Chip Rack

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional blackjack hole card readers require separate installation in blackjack tables, increasing construction and retrofitting time, and chip racks lack secure locking mechanisms, allowing unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

Integration of hole card readers with chip racks, forming a single unit, and a modified locking assembly with multiple connections to enhance security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hole card readers are installed separately in blackjack tables, then the reading function is achieved, but construction and retrofitting time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehole card reading functionVSAvoidconstruction and retrofitting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the hole card reader with the chip rack into a single integrated unit. The reader is mounted within the chip rack structure, allowing both components to occupy the same space and be installed together as one assembly, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining reading functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If a single locking mechanism is used on chip rack covers, then the structure is simple, but security against unauthorized access is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism structureVSAvoidsecurity against unauthorized access

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent locking points distributed around the cover perimeter. Each locking point independently secures the cover to the rack, so that failure or manipulation of one point does not compromise the entire security system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism transitions from a single central lock to multiple distributed locks arranged in a pattern around the cover. This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions creates a more robust security system that resists corner-bending and localized manipulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Streamlines the installation of hole card readers and provides a fortified locking mechanism, reducing unauthorized access and construction time while maintaining the functionality of both components.

Implementation Method 1

an optical quality prism is associated with a housing. The reader defines an aperture over which is adapted to be placed the portion of the dealer's down card to be read

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

employs a refractive or reflective element located beneath the playing surface of the table

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS8567784B2Integrated blackjack hole card readers and chip racks, and improved covers for chip racks

Publication Date: 2013.10.29 LNW GAMING INC

AI summary

Integrated blackjack hole card readers and chip racks, and novel locking cover assemblies, are disclosed. In one embodiment of the hole card reader and chip rack, a chip rack of standard configuration is provided, and defines a cutout into which the reader can be placed. In another embodiment, the chip rack and reader are molded as a single unit. A removable locking cover is also disclosed which can be used to cover chip racks any time they are not in use.