Physical Card Scanning for High-Capacity Table Games
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic gaming systems rely on random number generators to determine gaming outcomes, which are prohibited in certain jurisdictions, limiting their use and efficiency, and do not allow for simultaneous participation of a large number of players.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an electronic gaming system that uses physical cards dealt into a grid layout, where outcomes are determined by the card sequence, allowing for dealer-assisted gaming and enabling simultaneous participation of multiple players, both local and remote, through a grid of common cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If random number generators are used to determine gaming outcomes, then gaming outcomes can be determined electronically, but the system cannot be used in jurisdictions that prohibit random number generators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic random number generator (mechanical/electronic system) with a physical card dealing system using shuffled decks and manual or automated dealers. The gaming outcomes are determined by physically dealing cards according to game rules rather than through electronic random number generation, thereby eliminating the prohibition issue while maintaining electronic tracking and outcome determination through card scanning and recognition systems.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional electronic gaming devices deal cards individually to each player, then each player has their own hand, but the system cannot accommodate a large number of players simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the card dealing process by using a single shared deck that is dealt to multiple players simultaneously or sequentially. Instead of each player having separate card sources, one deck serves all players, allowing the system to accommodate many players at once. The electronic scanning system tracks which cards are dealt to which players, maintaining individual hands while using a unified card source, thereby increasing player capacity without sacrificing gameplay efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If physical cards are dealt manually to each player, then player engagement is enhanced, but the dealing process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated card scanning and tracking system as an intermediary between the physical cards and the electronic gaming system. Physical cards are dealt manually or semi-manually to maintain player engagement, but scanners rapidly read and record card information, instantly updating the electronic system. This intermediary process bridges the gap between physical card handling and electronic tracking, preserving player engagement while dramatically increasing gameplay speed and efficiency through automated data capture.
Data Source
AI summary
In one implementation, an electronic gaming system includes: a plurality of physical playing cards that are dealt by an automated or human dealer; a scanner that is configured to identify each physical playing card of the plurality of physical playing cards as they are dealt; a plurality of player computing devices that are configured to provide individualized gaming interfaces for a plurality of players; and a gaming computing device that is communicably connected to the scanner and the plurality of player computing devices. The gaming computing device may select different sets of dealt cards to provide different types of games to players at different ones of the gaming computing devices.