Casino Table Wager Recognition Using Ambient Light Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing casino table gaming systems face challenges in preventing fraud and efficiently detecting wagers, particularly side bets, bonus wagers, and jackpot wagers, due to issues with sensor accuracy, installation complexity, and susceptibility to manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A gaming table apparatus with a token sensor assembly featuring a translucent cover that filters visible light, a passive ambient light sensor, and a light controller, which detects the presence or absence of a wager by blocking or allowing ambient light, and generates light to indicate wager placement, while minimizing interference and misreads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If modulated light sensors with machined enclosures are used, then sensor detection capability is improved, but installation complexity and device complexity increase due to required table surface modification and individual wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor from the complex machined enclosure and integrates it directly into the table surface during manufacturing. The sensor is embedded in a recess formed in the table surface, eliminating the need for separate enclosures and complex installation procedures while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sensor installation process with the table surface manufacturing process. The sensor recess is formed as part of the table surface construction, and the sensor is integrated directly into the table structure, combining multiple functions into a unified design that reduces installation complexity.
2Measurement precision
If individual sensors are directly connected to gaming controller, then detection accuracy is improved, but wiring complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the individual wiring requirement and replaces it with a collective wiring approach. All sensors are connected to a common conductor that runs beneath the table surface, eliminating the need for individual wiring runs to each sensor location and significantly reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal wiring solution where a single common conductor serves all sensors across the table surface. This multi-functional approach allows one wiring infrastructure to support multiple sensors, reducing the overall wiring complexity and installation time while maintaining individual sensor detection accuracy.
3Reliability
If sensors are installed in machined enclosures, then sensor protection is improved, but ease of replacement and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor system into replaceable modular units. Each sensor is positioned in its own recess and can be independently accessed and replaced without affecting other sensors or requiring table surface modification, greatly improving ease of replacement and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where sensors can be easily added, removed, or replaced based on operational needs. The recess design allows for flexible sensor placement and replacement, enabling the system to adapt to different sensor types or replacement requirements without permanent installation constraints.
4Loss of information
If black spots or high optical density markings are present on chips, then chip identification is improved, but sensor detection accuracy deteriorates due to light blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ambient light sources that provide sufficient illumination to penetrate or reflect off chip surfaces with various optical properties. The lighting system is designed to overcome the light-blocking effects of black spots or high optical density markings, ensuring consistent sensor detection across all chip types regardless of their surface characteristics.
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
The solution enhances the accuracy and efficiency of wager detection, simplifies installation, and reduces the risk of fraud by providing a reliable and user-friendly system for monitoring wagers on casino tables.
Implementation Method 1
a translucent cover (190) configured to pass wavelengths within a predetermined range of wavelengths within the visible light spectrum
Implementation Method 2
a passive ambient light sensor to detect a presence or absence of the wager based on detection of the ambient light passing from the casino floor and into the container through the translucent lens
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming table apparatus has a gaming table with a gaming table support surface. A token sensor assembly includes a container having a height and side walls that define an inside and outside perimeter of the container, and a top surface and bottom surface, a translucent cover disposed on the top surface of the side walls, a circuit board secured to the inside perimeter of the container, a plurality of lights disposed on a top side of the circuit board, and a passive ambient light sensor disposed on the top side of the circuit board. The passive ambient light sensor and the translucent cover may operate within predetermined wavelength ranges for receiving and passing light, respectively. A condition of the passive ambient light sensor may not be polled if the plurality of lights is emitting light.