Gaming Table Card-Removal Door for Scalable Live-Dealer Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing live-dealer online gambling systems are limited by the number of players that can participate at a gaming table, typically allowing only a maximum of seven players.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism is introduced for automatically removing playing cards from a gaming table using a door that opens downward when a card is placed on it, accompanied by a hardware processor for detection and control, and a container for capturing the card, which can be moved to the dealer, along with a graphics version of the card presented on the player's display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional gaming table is used with manual card handling, then the dealer can manage cards manually, but the number of players is limited to a maximum of seven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the card removal function from manual dealer action and implements it through an automated door mechanism. The door is positioned to allow cards to be placed on it and then automatically removed by opening downward, separating the card removal task from the dealer's manual operations and enabling scalable player participation.
Solution Approach 2:
The door mechanism is designed to automatically open downward when a card is placed on it, using the card's own weight and position to trigger the removal action. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for manual intervention and allows the system to handle card removal autonomously, supporting increased player capacity.
2Productivity
If manual card handling is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the game scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical card handling with an automated door mechanism controlled by a hardware processor. The processor detects when a card is placed on the door and automatically triggers the door to open downward, substituting human judgment and action with automated sensing and actuation, thereby enabling game scalability while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a sensor that detects when a playing card is placed on the door, providing feedback to the hardware processor. This feedback loop enables the processor to automatically control the door opening action, ensuring that card removal is precisely timed and executed without manual intervention, thus enhancing game scalability.
3Area of stationary object
If cards remain on the table surface, then all players can see the cards, but the table space is occupied limiting player capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the card removal action from the horizontal table surface to a vertical dimension by having the door open downward. Cards are placed on the door at table level for visibility, then removed vertically below the table surface, freeing up horizontal table space while maintaining card visibility during the dealing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The door mechanism is integrated into the table structure, with the door and container for received cards positioned below the table surface. This nesting approach allows the card removal and storage system to be contained within the table's existing structure, preserving table space while enabling automated card handling.
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 a scalable live-dealer online gambling experience that can accommodate any number of players, from one to a thousand, by seamlessly integrating real-time card removal and graphical representations, enhancing player interaction and game scalability.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor on the door that detects the presence of the playing card on the door, wherein the sensor is optionally an optical sensor
Implementation Method 2
a stepper motor that is controlled by the hardware processor and that is coupled to the door so that the stepper motor can cause the door to open under the control of the hardware processor
Implementation Method 3
the door is configured to automatically open downward when a playing card is placed on the door so that the playing card slides downward to a space below the table surface
Data Source
AI summary
Mechanism (which can include system, methods, and media) for removing a card from a gaming table are provided, the mechanisms comprising: detecting when a playing card is placed on a door on a table surface of a gaming table; and causing the door to automatically open downward when the playing card is detected as being placed on the door so that the playing card slides downward to a space below the table surface. In some embodiments, these mechanisms further comprise controlling the opening of the door using a hardware processor, and optionally using stepper motor to control the opening of the door. In some embodiments, these mechanisms further comprise generating a graphics version of the playing card; and presenting the graphics version of the playing card on a player's computer display after the playing card has slid below the table surface.