Game Ticket Decoding with Early Image Processing Under Variable Light

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing decoding methods for betting slips require acquiring two images under different lighting conditions, which increases decoding time due to the fixed 300ms delay for data acquisition, and using a single image is less efficient due to variations in ambient light.

Innovation Solution

A decoding device and method that utilize two images acquired under different lighting conditions, performing part of the decoding during the time lapse between image acquisitions, including early and main decoding steps to locate and determine the type and state of the betting slip.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two images are acquired under different lighting conditions, then decoding robustness is improved, but decoding time increases due to fixed 300ms acquisition delay

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding robustnessVSAvoiddecoding time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary decoding operations during the time lapse between acquiring the first image (with lighting) and the second image (without lighting). Specifically, it carries out early decoding steps including locating the betting slip, determining its type, and identifying square positions using only the first image. This preliminary action utilizes the otherwise wasted time period, allowing the main decoding to start earlier and reducing overall decoding time while maintaining the benefits of two-image acquisition for robustness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If a single image is used for decoding, then decoding time is reduced, but decoding efficiency decreases due to ambient light variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoding speedVSAvoiddecoding efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary decoding operations during the time lapse between acquiring the first image (with lighting) and the second image (without lighting). Specifically, it carries out early decoding steps including locating the betting slip, determining its type, and identifying square positions using only the first image. This preliminary action utilizes the otherwise wasted time period, allowing the main decoding to start earlier and reducing overall decoding time while maintaining the benefits of two-image acquisition for robustness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4073684B1Method, device and computer program product for decoding a game ticket
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 CARRUS GAMING
  • EP4073684B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4073684B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4073684B1 patent drawingFigure 4-a

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for decoding a game ticket, a device and a computer program product. The method is carried out by means of a decoding device. The device comprises a device for illuminating the game ticket and a device for acquiring an image of the game ticket. The decoding comprises a plurality of processing operations. The method comprises the following steps, implemented by a processing unit of the decoding device: - acquisition of a first image of the game ticket when the illumination device is switched on and; - acquisition of a second image of the game ticket when the illumination device is switched off and; - main decoding of the game ticket, carrying out a portion of the plurality of processing operations based on a subtraction of the first image and the second image. The method further comprises a step of advance decoding of the game ticket, carrying out the other portion of the plurality of processing operations, based on the first image. The advance decoding step is carried out between the step of acquiring the first image and the step of acquiring the second image.