Dice Recognition Device Using Inverted Flatbed Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reading dice in electronic gaming, such as online betting and casino games, often require specialized dice or cumbersome scanning devices that can be intrusive, lack real-time capability, and are susceptible to manipulation, leading to mistrust among players.
Innovation Solution
A real-time dice scanning device with a flatbed scanner configuration that instantly recognizes dice images without a moving scanning head, utilizing a detection system with a small detection area and lens-less design, and a processor that analyzes images to determine die shapes and numbers, while incorporating security measures like gesture recognition and wavelength analysis to prevent tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera is placed above the throwing area to capture dice images, then dice recognition can be achieved, but the device requires precise positioning and obscures part of the throwing field for onlookers
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the camera above the throwing area, the patent inverts the approach by placing the scanning device beneath a transparent board, allowing dice to be scanned from below while maintaining full visibility for onlookers and eliminating positioning constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a top-down camera approach to a bottom-up scanning approach by placing the scanning device in the vertical dimension beneath the transparent board, thereby achieving dice recognition without obstructing the horizontal throwing field
2Measurement precision
If a scanning device with movable parts is used beneath a transparent board, then dice can be scanned, but readout cannot be done in real-time and the device becomes rather thick
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning head with movable parts with a stationary lens-less detection system that uses an array of photodetectors, eliminating mechanical movement and enabling instantaneous real-time dice readout
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the scanning head component entirely, using only a stationary array of photodetectors beneath the transparent board to detect dice images, thereby reducing device thickness and enabling real-time operation
3Extent of automation
If specialized dice with sensors or magnetic layers are used, then automated dice reading can be achieved, but the dice are more susceptible to counterfeiting and manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an optical copy of the dice faces by scanning the pips through the transparent board and capturing the image with photodetectors, then uses image processing to verify the authenticity and configuration of the dice faces without requiring physical modifications to the dice
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the dice themselves to serve as the verification mechanism by analyzing the optical properties and geometric configuration of the pips on standard dice, eliminating the need for specialized sensors or magnetic layers that could be counterfeited
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
Enables instant, secure, and reliable dice recognition, reducing the chance of manipulation and counterfeiting, and allows for customizable verification measures across various gaming scenarios, from casual to professional levels.
Implementation Method 1
a detection system wherein a detection area defined by detection elements of the detection system spans a surface
Implementation Method 2
detection elements of the detection system
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for assisting in electronic gaming, the device comprising a scanning device. The scanning device comprises a scanning surface, wherein the scanning surface is arranged for throwing a die or dice thereon, the flatbed scanning device being configured for scanning instantaneously an image of the scanning surface. The device also comprises a processor configured for receiving scanning information regarding the image of the scanning surface upon which a die or dice are thrown and programmed for deriving, based on said image, data regarding the dice thrown. The scanning device comprises a detection system whereby the detection area span by the detection elements is maximally 10% smaller than the area span by the scanning surface.