Double Chip Tray RFID Reader Mixed Shapes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chip trays in casinos struggle to efficiently manage and read RFID tags on both disc-shaped and rectangular plate-shaped chips, which are used in mixed manners and have different shapes and sizes, making it difficult to accurately determine the amount of chips.
Innovation Solution
A double chip tray equipped with an RFID chip reader capable of reading RFID tags on disc-shaped and rectangular plate-shaped chips, regardless of their orientation (vertical or flat), and a connecting mechanism that allows the upper chip holder to move, enabling the system to accurately determine the amount of each type of chip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single chip tray is used to accommodate both disc-shaped chips and rectangular plate-shaped chips, then the chip tray must be designed to fit both chip shapes, but this increases the complexity of the chip tray structure and reduces reading accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The chip tray is divided into two separate holders: an upper chip holder for disc-shaped chips and a lower chip holder for rectangular plate-shaped chips. Each holder is optimized for its specific chip type, eliminating the need for a complex universal structure. The RFID reader is also segmented into multiple reading units that can independently read tags from different chip orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by stacking chip holders at different heights (upper and lower levels). This allows disc-shaped chips to be held vertically in the upper holder while rectangular plate-shaped chips are held horizontally in the lower holder, enabling the RFID reader to read both types without structural compromise.
2Ease of manufacture
If the chip tray structure is simplified to hold both chip types, then manufacturing becomes easier, but the ability to accurately read RFID tags on chips in different orientations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID reader is divided into multiple independent reading units, each positioned to read tags on specific chip types and orientations. This segmentation allows each reading unit to be optimized for its specific task while keeping the overall structure simple and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID reader is designed with multi-functional reading capabilities that can detect tags on both vertically oriented disc-shaped chips and horizontally oriented rectangular plate-shaped chips. This universal reading capability is achieved through multiple reading units rather than a complex adjustable mechanism, maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple types of chips are mixed in the same holder, then space utilization improves, but the difficulty of detecting and reading RFID tags on chips with different orientations increases
Solution Approach 1:
Chips are segmented into two separate holders based on their shape and orientation requirements. The upper chip holder accommodates disc-shaped chips in vertical orientation, while the lower chip holder accommodates rectangular plate-shaped chips in horizontal orientation. This segmentation eliminates the detection difficulty that would arise from mixed orientations in a single holder.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the dual-level chip holder system with dedicated RFID reading units) that mediates between the need to store multiple chip types and the need to read their tags accurately. Each reading unit acts as an intermediary specifically tuned to read tags on its corresponding chip type and orientation.
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 system enables accurate reading and management of RFID tags on mixed types of chips, ensuring correct determination of chip amounts and facilitating efficient game management, including collection and redemption processes.
Implementation Method 1
an RFID chip reader capable of reading two types of chips of different shapes and/or sizes that incorporate RFID tags
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a game management system that can manage games using RFID tags built into chips even when multiple types of chips are housed in a chip tray, and a double chip tray used for the system. A chip tray is a double chip tray equipped with a chip tray reader capable of reading two types of chips of different shapes and/or sizes that incorporate RFID tags, namely round chips and plaque chips, an upper chip holder that can hold chips, and a lower chip holder that can hold chips. The chip tray reader is configured to read the RFID tags of the two types of chips held in the chip tray, and is capable of determining the respective amounts.