RFID Tournament Ranking via Central Server Timestamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gaming tournament systems face challenges in determining player rank when players are located at different tables or locations, as it becomes difficult to accurately determine the order of exit from the tournament, especially when players lose all their tokens at similar times, leading to potential inconsistencies in prize distribution.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using DID elements and RFID technology to track game events in real-time, with data from multiple tables sent to a central processing station to determine player rank based on timestamped game events, allowing for accurate ranking regardless of location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tournaments are held at multiple locations with players at different tables, then player participation and prize pool increase, but determining the order of player exit becomes difficult and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
A central server acts as an intermediary to collect timestamp data from multiple remote tables. The server coordinates the timing information across different locations, enabling accurate determination of player exit order despite geographical distribution. This mediator resolves the conflict between multi-location versatility and precise measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual or local mechanical timing systems with an electronic data processing system using RFID tags and central server coordination. This substitution enables precise timestamping and comparison of game events across multiple locations, solving the measurement precision problem while maintaining location flexibility.
2Productivity
If players exit the tournament at approximately the same time from different locations, then tournament simultaneity increases, but accurate rank determination becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
RFID tags are pre-loaded with unique player identifiers and tables are pre-configured with timestamping capabilities before the tournament begins. This preliminary preparation ensures that when players exit simultaneously from different locations, the system can immediately and accurately record and compare their exit times without delay or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual timekeeping and rank determination with automated electronic timestamping and data processing. The central server automatically compares timestamp data from multiple tables, precisely differentiating exit times even when players leave simultaneously in real-world perception, thereby maintaining both speed and precision.
3Device complexity
If manual tracking methods are used for player rank determination, then system complexity is reduced, but accuracy and consistency of ranking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual tracking methods with an automated electronic system using RFID tags, table-mounted readers, and central server processing. This substitution increases device complexity but dramatically improves reliability by eliminating human error in rank determination, ensuring consistent and accurate ranking across all tournament locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to automatically track and determine player ranks without requiring manual intervention. RFID tags self-identify players, tables automatically record game events and timestamps, and the central server autonomously processes data to determine rankings. This self-service approach maintains reliability while managing complexity through automation.
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 precise and consistent ranking of players across different locations, ensuring fair prize distribution by accurately tracking game events and timestamps, even when players exit the tournament simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) type tags have become a popular way to monitor and track items. RFID tags have found use in stores, to rack merchandise, and in warehouses, to track product.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, system and methods for ranking tournament players are disclosed. The apparatus includes a RFID tournament detection system coupled to a server. The server is provided with game data as one or more tournaments proceed. According to tournament rules, player activity may result in a player being eliminated. When a player is eliminated, the server or detection system records the time and date coupled to each player's identification and may rank each player on an on-going basis or at the end of the tournament. Players do not need to compete at the same site, but may be ranked according to a player's current status within the tournament as captured by the tournament detection system and recorded by the server, which receives data from each game table participating in the tournament.