Electro-Mechanical Chip Indicators for Table Game Credit Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Casinos face challenges in visually representing player credit balances and awards at table games, as virtual credit meters lack the appeal of physical chips, which players find attractive for attention and excitement.
Innovation Solution
Implementing electro-mechanical chip indicators that simulate physical chips, adjusting their position to reflect credit balances and game outcomes, using motors to raise or lower chip indicators based on player wagers and game results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If virtual credit meters are used to track player credit balances, then the device complexity is reduced and operation is simplified, but player engagement and visual appeal deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electro-mechanical chip indicators that physically replicate the appearance and stacking behavior of traditional casino chips. These indicators are electronic copies that mimic the visual and tactile characteristics of physical chips, providing the same engaging experience without requiring actual physical chip handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical chips with an electro-mechanical system. The chip indicators are controlled by motors that raise and lower them to represent credit changes, substituting the manual mechanical handling of physical chips with an automated electro-mechanical system that maintains visual appeal.
2Ease of operation
If physical chips are used to represent credit balances, then player engagement and visual appeal are improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical system of physical chips with an electro-mechanical system. Motors automatically control the positioning of chip indicators to reflect credit balances, eliminating the need for manual chip handling while maintaining the visual engagement of physical chips.
Solution Approach 2:
The chip indicator system is self-regulating through motor control. The system automatically adjusts the chip indicator positions based on credit balance changes without requiring dealer intervention or manual chip distribution, reducing operational complexity while maintaining engagement.
3Ease of operation
If electro-mechanical chip indicators are implemented, then visual appeal and player engagement are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the credit display system into separate electro-mechanical chip indicators for different credit denominations. Each indicator can be independently controlled and positioned, allowing for modular manufacturing and assembly. This segmentation enables the system to be built from standardized components rather than as a single complex unit.
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 the gaming experience by providing a visually appealing representation of credit balances and awards, attracting attention and increasing player engagement.
Implementation Method 1
The chip indicator device may include one or more electro-mechanical motors
Data Source
AI summary
A credit balance and award tracking and display system is disclosed. One or more physical indicators configured to indicate one or more monetary values may be associated with one or more player positions at a table game. As wagers are placed, game play advanced, and outcomes and awards are determined, the physical indicators may be manipulated to reflect one or more credit balances and/or awards associated with the one or more player positions at the table game.