Gaming Table Chip Tracking With RFID and Image Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming table systems face challenges in accurately identifying detailed information about gaming chips, such as chip identifying information and RFID tag integrity, due to limitations in camera and RFID systems, including overlapping reading ranges and blind spots.
Innovation Solution
A gaming table system that combines imaging and RFID technologies, using overlapping antenna ranges and image recognition to associate chip stacks with RFID tag data, enabling precise identification and detection of illicit chips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If RFID tags are used in gaming chips to store detailed information, then detailed chip information can be read, but it becomes difficult to accurately determine which area the gaming chip is placed on due to overlapping reading ranges of multiple antennas
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the gaming table into multiple distinct areas, with each area associated with a specific antenna. By segmenting the reading function across multiple antennas and using image recognition to identify which antenna's reading range contains the chip, the system can accurately determine the chip's location while still reading detailed RFID information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines RFID reading technology with camera-based image recognition technology into a unified system. The image recognition component identifies the chip's location and determines which antenna should read the RFID tag, while the RFID component provides detailed chip information. This merging resolves the contradiction by using the strengths of both technologies.
2Measurement precision
If a camera system is used to read gaming chip information from images, then the type and position of gaming chips can be identified, but detailed information such as chip identifying information cannot be read
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges camera-based image recognition with RFID reading technology. The camera component captures images to identify chip types, positions, and quantities with high precision, while the RFID component reads detailed chip identifying information from tags embedded in the chips. This combination allows the system to obtain both visual identification and detailed data without the limitations of either technology alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag acts as an intermediary that carries detailed chip information between the physical chip and the reading system. While the camera provides visual identification, the RFID tag serves as the medium through which detailed information such as chip identifying information is transmitted to the system, complementing the camera's capabilities.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple antennas are provided to cover different betting areas, then reading coverage is improved, but reading ranges of adjacent antennas overlap making area identification difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses image recognition as a feedback mechanism to determine which antenna's reading range contains the gaming chip. The image recognition component provides feedback about the chip's location, which then guides the selection of the appropriate antenna for RFID reading. This feedback loop resolves the ambiguity caused by overlapping reading ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the area identification function from the RFID reading function. Instead of relying solely on antenna reading ranges to identify areas, the system uses image recognition to segment and identify the chip's location first, then uses this information to select the appropriate antenna for reading, thereby resolving the overlap problem.
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 provides accurate identification of chip positions, types, and numbers, detects illicit chips, and updates possessor information, enhancing security and efficiency in gaming environments.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna for performing wireless communication with the RFID tag within the gaming chip
Data Source
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AI summary
Providing a gaming table system for reading a gaming chip on a gaming table, by using reading of an RFID tag and image recognition and so effectively utilizing advantages of both. A gaming table system (100) comprises: a camera (40) configured to take an image of a chip stack placed on a gaming table (10) to generate an image; an image recognizing portion (81) configured to analyze the image to recognize a position of the chip stack and a type and number of gaming chip; a plurality of antennas (ANT1-ANT9) configured to read an RFID tag of the gaming chip; and a chip judging portion (82) configured to associate a reading result of the RFID tag by each of the plurality of antennas (ANT1-ANT9) and a recognizing result of the chip stack by the image recognizing portion (81) with each other.