Casino Token Self-Service Kiosk Stacking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-service kiosks and automated coin counting machines are ineffective in processing casino tokens due to their uniform size and shape, making it difficult to automate the counting and redemption process.
Innovation Solution
A self-service kiosk equipped with a chip slot, a chip sensor, and a mechanical arrangement that stacks received chips in an orientation allowing them to be counted and authenticated, featuring a receptacle that tilts to align chips with a detection beam and includes a weight detector to verify the authenticity and value of the tokens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated coin counting machines use mechanical arrangements relying on different coin sizes, then coin counting is automated, but casino tokens cannot be processed due to uniform size and shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical size-based discrimination with optical sensing technology. The sensor system detects token presence and characteristics through optical means rather than mechanical interaction, allowing uniform tokens to be distinguished by their position, orientation, and presence in the stacking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a self-aligning stacking mechanism where tokens automatically orient themselves in a standardized configuration through gravitational and mechanical guidance features. This self-service alignment eliminates the need for manual positioning or complex active control systems.
2Measurement precision
If manual processing of casino tokens is used, then accurate counting and verification can be performed, but labor intensity increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The kiosk performs self-counting and self-verification of tokens through automated sensing and mechanical stacking. The system counts tokens as they are deposited and verifies their authenticity without requiring human intervention, thereby maintaining high accuracy while dramatically increasing processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback through sensors that monitor token deposition, stacking orientation, and count progression. This feedback mechanism allows the system to verify each token's presence and orientation, ensuring accuracy while maintaining automated high-speed processing.
3Measurement precision
If chips are not properly oriented, then the chip sensor cannot count them accurately, but manual positioning increases complexity and reduces automation
Solution Approach 1:
The stacking mechanism is designed with self-aligning features that cause chips to automatically orient themselves in the correct position and orientation as they are deposited. Gravity-assisted guidance channels and stacking surfaces ensure chips present their detection faces uniformly to the sensor without requiring active positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares the stacking environment in advance with fixed geometric features and guidance structures that pre-condition chips to assume the correct orientation during the depositing process. This preliminary arrangement of the stacking space ensures automatic alignment before detection occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a chip processing self-service kiosk comprising: a chip slot; a chip sensor; and a mechanical arrangement disposed downstream of the chip slot, the mechanical arrangement configured to allow received chips from the chip slot to be stacked in an orientation where the received chips are countable by the chip sensor.