Gaming Table Proximity Sensor Input System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current table games face issues with mechanical spin buttons that are time-consuming and prone to accidental triggering, and require additional equipment, increasing cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a gaming table system with input sensors, such as proximity sensors, at each player position to receive multiple types of player inputs, including wagers and game play inputs, using a controller with processing and communication capabilities to manage and activate/deactivate inputs, reducing the need for multiple devices and minimizing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical spin button is used for player input, then the game can be played with basic equipment, but the button must be passed from player to player which is time consuming and can result in inadvertent triggering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spin button with an optical sensor system. Players use hand gestures detected by optical sensors positioned at each player location, eliminating the need for physical button passing. This substitution resolves the time loss issue while maintaining ease of operation through gesture-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the gaming table into multiple player locations, each with its own sensor. This segmentation allows simultaneous or sequential player inputs without requiring physical passing of a single button, thereby eliminating the time penalty associated with button passing while preserving individual player control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical spin button is used for player input, then the game can be played with basic equipment, but additional equipment must be added to the gaming table thus adding to the cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal sensor system that can detect multiple types of player inputs including wager placement, spin actions, and other game-specific gestures. This multi-functional sensor array replaces the need for multiple specialized devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability for various game features.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing mechanical buttons with optical sensors, the patent reduces mechanical complexity while enabling more versatile game features. The sensor-based system requires fewer moving parts and maintenance while providing greater adaptability for different input types and game modes.
3Ease of operation
If a mechanical spin button is used for player input, then the game can be played with basic equipment, but the button passing can result in inadvertent triggering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical button pressing with optical gesture detection. The system can distinguish between intentional gestures (deliberate hand movements toward the sensor) and unintentional movements, significantly reducing inadvertent triggering while maintaining ease of operation. The optical system provides more reliable input detection compared to mechanical buttons that can be accidentally pressed during table interactions.
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
This solution streamlines game play by reducing the need for passing mechanical buttons, minimizing errors, and lowering system complexity and cost, while enhancing player interaction and game feature implementation.
Implementation Method 1
the input sensor(s) comprise proximity sensors, such as IR type proximity sensors. A second input to the sensor may comprise a game input such as a 'spin' input which is detected by the sensor when the player locates their hand or another body part on or proximate to the sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming table includes input sensors which are configured to receive multiple inputs from a player. The sensors are linked to a gaming table controller and are configured to receive different types of inputs from players at different times. One input may comprise a wager input in the form of one or more chips which are associated with the sensor. Another input may comprise a game play input, such as a spin input for a bonus game, received by a player placing their hand proximate to the sensor.