RFID Sensor System for Casino Chip Lateral Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RFID technologies, particularly HF-RFID coupler systems, face challenges in accurately identifying and tracking gaming chips on crowded casino tables due to limited spatial resolution and cross-talk issues, especially when chips are stacked or placed in close proximity to each other.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an induction coupling RFID system with a magnetic interrogation signal that uses jamming coils and field shaping techniques to prevent cross-reads, achieving a lateral resolution of at least 0.25 inches, allowing for precise identification of chips in stacks and differentiation between adjacent betting areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If inductive coupling RFID is used to read chips in stacked configurations, then communication with chips at the top of the stack is achieved, but cross-read or cross-talk occurs between adjacent betting spots
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the reading function into multiple reader loops, each assigned to a specific betting spot. By segmenting the reading zones and using sequential activation, the system achieves vertical reading capability for stacked chips while preventing cross-talk between adjacent spots through spatial and temporal separation of reading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic activation of reader loops in a sequential manner, where each reader loop is activated for a specific time interval to read chips in its designated betting spot. This periodic action ensures that only one reader loop is active at a time, eliminating cross-talk while maintaining the ability to read chips at various heights in the stack.
2Area of stationary object
If reader loops are placed close together to cover multiple betting areas, then coverage is improved, but lateral resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the table into multiple discrete reading zones, each served by a dedicated reader loop. This segmentation allows the system to maintain small lateral reading zones (achieving 0.25 inch resolution) while providing comprehensive coverage through the coordinated operation of multiple segmented zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional coverage problem to a three-dimensional solution by adding the time dimension. Reader loops are activated sequentially in different time intervals, allowing adjacent loops to be physically close for coverage while maintaining lateral resolution through temporal separation of their operation.
3Length of stationary object
If far-field RFID technology is used for chip identification, then reading range is improved, but spatial resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces far-field electromagnetic radiation-based RFID with near-field inductive coupling technology. This substitution changes the fundamental reading mechanism from radiated fields to magnetic coupling, enabling precise spatial resolution through controlled magnetic field confinement while maintaining adequate reading range for chip stacks through optimized coil design and resonance frequency operation.
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 enables accurate and reliable tracking of gaming chips on crowded tables, preventing cross-talk and ensuring precise identification, even in densely packed configurations, thereby enhancing the efficiency of casino operations.
Implementation Method 1
The reader loop is configured to transmit a reader interrogation signal to the at least one object disposed in the predetermined reading region
Implementation Method 2
The jamming device is configured to generate a jamming signal that prevents an external reader device disposed outside the predetermined reading region from interrogating the at least one object disposed in the predetermined reading area
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a system for reading at least one object having a programmable RFID device embedded therein. The object is disposed in a predetermined reading region. The system includes a reader loop disposed in the predetermined reading region. The reader loop is configured to transmit a reader interrogation signal to the at least one object disposed in the predetermined reading region and receive an RFID signal from the at least one object in response to the reader interrogation signal. A jamming device is disposed proximate the reader loop. The jamming device is configured to generate a jamming signal that prevents an external reader device disposed outside the predetermined reading region from interrogating the at least one object disposed in the predetermined reading area.