Casino Table Light Sensor Placement Under Felt

Solution Overview

Problem

Current card and chip detection systems in casinos are inefficient due to the need for frequent disconnection and maintenance, limited sensor placement, and exposure to damage, which affects their functionality and accuracy in tracking player and dealer activities.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising light sensors positioned beneath the gaming table felt to detect changes in light intensity through the fabric, coupled with an electronic system and central computer for real-time data processing and management, allowing for accurate tracking of chips and cards without disrupting gameplay.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If light sensors are positioned on top of the table felt, then detection functionality is achieved, but maintenance frequency increases and device damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor functionalityVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional sensor placement by positioning light sensors beneath the table felt instead of on top. This inversion protects sensors from physical damage and reduces maintenance needs while maintaining detection capability through the fabric material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the table felt itself as a thin film that allows light transmission. The fabric acts as a protective layer over the sensors while permitting optical signals to pass through, enabling detection functionality without exposing the sensors to the surface environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If light sensors are positioned on top of the table felt, then detection functionality is achieved, but sensor exposure to damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsensor exposure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional sensor placement by positioning light sensors beneath the table felt instead of on top. This inversion protects sensors from physical damage and reduces maintenance needs while maintaining detection capability through the fabric material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the table felt itself as a thin film that allows light transmission. The fabric acts as a protective layer over the sensors while permitting optical signals to pass through, enabling detection functionality without exposing the sensors to the surface environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Productivity

If sensors are mounted on the table top, then detection capability is provided, but table top space is limited and dealing is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegame dealing speedVSAvoidtable top space

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional sensor placement by positioning light sensors beneath the table felt instead of on top. This inversion protects sensors from physical damage and reduces maintenance needs while maintaining detection capability through the fabric material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent moves the sensors from the two-dimensional table surface to the three-dimensional space beneath the table. This dimensional change eliminates competition for table top space and removes obstacles to smooth card dealing while maintaining detection functionality.

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

Enhances player and dealer tracking, security surveillance, and pit management by providing accurate counts of hands dealt and detecting proposition bets, reducing maintenance needs and sensor exposure while maintaining operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one light sensor is positioned beneath the fabric to detect light intensity through the fabric

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight intensity detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11538304B1System and method for casino table operation

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 GENESIS GAMING SOLUTIONS

AI summary

A system includes a gaming table, at least one light sensor, an electronic system, and a central computer. The gaming table includes a tabletop covered by a fabric. The at least one light sensor is positioned in proximity to a player position at the gaming table. In addition, the at least one light sensor is positioned beneath the fabric to detect light intensity through the fabric. The electronic system is communicably coupled to the at least one light sensor. Furthermore, the electronic system is operable to detect changes in light intensity at the at least one light sensor. The central computer is communicably coupled to the electronic system. Additionally, the central computer is operable to perform at least one operation based on a status of the at least one light sensor.