Hybrid Table Game System with Projected Visual Effects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional table games require physical modifications to introduce new side bets or game variations, which is inefficient and disrupts gameplay, while electronic table game systems lack the tactile experience preferred by players.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid table game system that combines physical components with virtual elements, featuring a projector assembly that projects images through a transparent play surface, allowing for dynamic game variations without physical modifications to the table.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional table games use physical components and static playing surfaces, then players enjoy tactile experience, but operators cannot efficiently modify games without replacing the entire table
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the static table structure from the dynamic game information by using a projector to display virtual game elements on the physical table surface. This allows the table itself to remain unchanged while game variations are modified through software updates, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses projected images to create virtual copies of game elements (cards, chips, betting areas) on the physical table surface. These visual copies can be easily modified without changing the physical table, enabling game adaptation while maintaining the same hardware infrastructure
2Productivity
If electronic table game systems replace physical components with virtual representations, then operator efficiency improves, but players lose the tactile experience of physical game components
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the advantages of both traditional and electronic table games by combining physical game components (maintaining tactile experience) with projected visual displays (enabling operator efficiency). The projector overlays digital information on the physical table, allowing players to interact with real components while operators benefit from programmable game variations
Solution Approach 2:
The physical table serves multiple functions: it provides the tactile surface players prefer while also serving as a canvas for projected visual displays that enable efficient game modification. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same system serve both player preference for physical components and operator need for efficiency
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 efficient modification of games without replacing the table, while maintaining the tactile experience of physical game components, thus appealing to both operators seeking efficiency and players preferring traditional gameplay.
Implementation Method 1
The projector can be configured to project light to the support layer such that images from the light are transmitted through the support layer and are displayed on the play surface
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, an improved table game system is disclosed herein, which displays visual effects on a play surface. A game system comprising: a table top having a game play area, and a table support for supporting the table top, a dealer station, a display that covers at least a portion of the game play area, a projector assembly, the projector assembly including a projector and a projector mount that mounts the projector to the support frame at a mounting angle, and a processing system connected to the projector and the dealer station.