Free-Fall Roulette Ball Tracking With Optical Pocket Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional roulette tables require skilled dealers for managing gaming events, leading to potential human errors and inefficiencies, and players are limited in their interaction with the game.
Innovation Solution
An electronic gaming system featuring a free fall roulette wheel with a rotatable ring and central obstacles, where a ball is ejected into a central area, interacts with obstacles, and lands in pockets on the ring, using optical sensors to determine the landing pocket, eliminating the need for human dealers and enhancing player interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional roulette table with a live dealer is used, then the game can be managed with human supervision and interaction, but human error and inefficiency increase, and player interaction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical human dealer system with an automated electronic system comprising a computing device, optical sensors, and an electronic table. The computing device executes game logic, controls the ball ejection mechanism, and determines outcomes, eliminating human error while maintaining game functionality. The optical sensors detect ball position and pocket selection, providing automated game management without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic roulette system enables self-service gameplay where players interact directly with the electronic table interface to place bets and select pockets without requiring a human dealer. The system automatically manages game flow, ball ejection, outcome determination, and payout calculation, allowing players to engage with the game independently while improving reliability through automated operations.
2Ease of operation
If a live dealer operates the roulette table, then player interaction is possible, but the complexity of human management and potential for errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex human management system with a simplified electronic control system. The computing device handles all game management tasks through automated software, while the electronic table provides an intuitive interface for players. This substitution reduces operational complexity by eliminating training requirements, human judgment variability, and manual procedures while maintaining ease of operation through automated game flow and clear electronic displays.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional roulette tables are used, then the game follows conventional rules, but player interaction and engagement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic roulette table serves multiple functions: it displays game information, accepts player bets, controls ball ejection, detects ball position, determines outcomes, and provides visual feedback. The electronic interface enables various interaction modes including direct pocket selection and traditional betting patterns. This multi-functionality enhances player engagement while the automated ball ejection mechanism and optical detection system maintain game integrity through precise, repeatable operations.
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
The system reduces human error and allows multiple players to interact with the game, improving efficiency and player experience by automating the game process.
Implementation Method 1
an ejection mechanism configured to hold the ball prior to initiation of a game and to eject the ball into a central area
Implementation Method 2
the ball is configured to enter an upper portion of the circular central area, traverse downward past the plurality of obstacles
Implementation Method 3
One or more optical sensors are configured to determine a position of the ball
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for electronic table gaming. An ejection mechanism holds a ball and ejects the ball into a circular central area. The circular central area comprises obstacles configured to interact with the ball. The ball enters an upper portion of the circular central area, traverses downward past the plurality of obstacles, and exits a lower opening of the circular central area. A rotatable ring is located concentrically outside of the circular central area and comprises a plurality of pockets. Each pocket is open along a wall annular to the central area and may catch the ball exiting the lower opening of the circular central area. One or more optical sensors determine a position of the ball. A first gaming amount is received. The ball is released from the ejection mechanism. The computing device determines a pocket that caught the ball.