Handheld Electronic Wager Input Device for Secure Multi-Player Gaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gaming systems require players to physically touch or sit on designated areas to be identified, and there is a need for methods to facilitate electronic wager placement without passing signals through the player's body, while also providing a tactile experience similar to physical chips.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a handheld electronic wager input device (EWID) with a unique identification code that allows players to place wagers on a table-like display surface, eliminating the need for physical chips and enabling secure, remote storage of funds, with features like customizable virtual chips and secure authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If players physically touch or sit on designated areas to be identified, then player identification is achieved, but the risk of mischief and security issues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical body-contact identification system with an optical/electronic system. Instead of requiring players to complete electrical circuits through their bodies, the system uses optical sensors to detect the presence and position of players near the table, eliminating the security vulnerabilities of body-based signal transmission while maintaining accurate player identification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces handheld electronic devices as intermediaries between players and the gaming system. These devices contain unique identification codes and communicate with the gaming system optically or wirelessly, serving as a secure mediator that eliminates the need for players to directly contact the table or transmit signals through their bodies
2Ease of operation
If physical chips are used for wagering, then tactile experience is provided, but accounting complexity and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of physical chips as graphical displays on the table surface. These virtual chips are associated with players' electronic accounts and can be manipulated through handheld devices, providing a visual representation that simplifies accounting while maintaining the essence of chip-based wagering without the physical handling complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical handling of physical chips with electronic manipulation through handheld devices. Players use these devices to select, move, and place virtual chips on the table, eliminating the need for physical chip storage, handling, and accounting while maintaining tactile feedback through the device interface
3Ease of operation
If multiple players share a common identification method, then simplicity is maintained, but player distinction and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification system by assigning unique identification codes to individual handheld electronic devices rather than using a common player card or body-based method. Each device serves as a distinct identifier, allowing multiple players to maintain simple individual identification while ensuring accurate player distinction through device-specific codes
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming system for conducting a multi-player wagering game includes a multi-touch table surface that is touched by a handheld electronic wager input device (EWID) carried by a player for placing wagers on a wagering game displayed on the multi-touch table surface. Each EWID carried by a player has an associated unique identification code, which is linked to the respective player's account. Players indicate an amount to be wagered by touching the EWID to designated wager amount areas, then place the wager by touching the EWID to a designated wagering area. Because each EWID is uniquely associable with distinct player accounts, the gaming system can support any number of players placing wagers. The funds remain safe in the player account and no funds are stored on the EWID. Only the identification code is detected, which is compared with the associated player account before allowing that player to place wagers.