Multi-Sensor Gaming Chip Tray Counting System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-sensor systems for counting and identifying gaming chips in trays face challenges such as high error rates, particularly 'false negatives,' when using conventional high-frequency RFID technology, especially when chips are stacked or in close proximity, and existing solutions like photocell and ultrasonic sensors have not been successful.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sensor system combining an HF RFID sensor with a complimentary optical sensor to generate a 'read list' of chips, where the optical sensor counts chips and the RFID system verifies the count, alerting operators to discrepancies, and includes a tray structure with a multi-dimensional grid for precise chip positioning and detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional HF RFID technology is used to track chips, then chip identification capability is provided, but error rate increases particularly when chips are stacked or in close proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing modalities (optical sensors, RFID sensors, capacitive sensors, ultrasonic sensors) into a hybrid detection system. This multi-sensor fusion approach allows the system to cross-validate readings and maintain accurate chip counting and identification even when chips are stacked or in close proximity, overcoming the limitations of individual sensor types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary reference objects (reference chips with known characteristics, calibration standards, or marker chips) that serve as mediators between the sensors and the target chips. These intermediaries help calibrate the sensing system, provide reference signals for comparison, and improve the accuracy of chip detection and identification.
2Productivity
If manual counting methods are used, then simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the chip tray structure includes integrated positioning features, guide rails, and automatic alignment mechanisms that enable the tray to self-position and self-align with the sensing system. This reduces the need for complex external positioning devices and manual adjustment, thereby improving productivity while controlling system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a multi-functional chip tray system that combines storage, positioning, sensing, and verification functions into a single integrated platform. The tray structure incorporates multiple sensor types, RFID readers, optical scanners, and communication interfaces, allowing one system to perform multiple functions (counting, identifying, verifying authenticity, tracking) simultaneously, thus improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If chips are placed in close proximity for efficient tray usage, then space utilization improves, but sensor detection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional chip arrangement to three-dimensional stacking by implementing vertical chip placement within the tray. Multiple layers of chips are positioned at different heights, allowing high-density storage while maintaining sufficient separation between chips in each layer. The sensing system uses multi-level sensors and depth-aware detection algorithms to accurately detect and count chips across multiple vertical dimensions, preventing detection errors despite close proximity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning different types of sensors at specific locations within the tray structure. Optical sensors are placed to detect chip surfaces, RFID sensors are positioned to penetrate chip stacks, and capacitive sensors are located to detect chip edges. Each sensor type is optimized for its specific location and function, allowing accurate detection even when chips are densely packed, as each sensor operates in its optimal detection zone.
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 real-time counting and identification of gaming chips, reduces manual labor, detects counterfeit chips, and ensures accurate accounting, while being capable of handling stacked or misoriented chips with high reliability.
Implementation Method 1
An optical sensing assembly is configured to scan each of the plurality of predetermined chip positions to detect the presence of a gaming chip in each of the plurality of predetermined chip positions
Implementation Method 2
HF RFID systems employ magnetic field coupling to track the embedded devices
Implementation Method 3
inductively coupled high frequency HF RFID devices operating at 13.56 MHz
Data Source
AI summary
A system for counting and identifying a plurality of gaming chips having a programmable RFID device embedded therein. The programmable RFID device having unique authentication data disposed therein. The system includes a tray structure defining a plurality of predetermined chip positions within a multi-dimensional grid. The tray structure is configured to carry the plurality of gaming chips such that each of the plurality of gaming chips are substantially disposed in a corresponding one of the plurality of predetermined chip positions within the multi-dimensional grid. An optical sensing assembly is configured to optically scan each of the plurality of predetermined chip positions to detect the presence of a gaming chip in each of the plurality of predetermined chip positions if present therein and generate a count corresponding to a number of detected gaming chips. An RFID reader assembly is configured to interrogate the plurality of gaming chips disposed in the tray structure and generate a list of authenticated gaming chips, the RFID reader assembly further generating a system status based on a comparison of the list of authenticated gaming chips relative to the number of detected gaming chips counted by the optical sensing assembly.