Stacked Value Token with RFID and Decorative Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Value tokens lack attractiveness, weight, and distinctiveness, making them difficult to sort and account for in applications such as casino gaming and commerce, where decorative features and physical solidity are desirable.
Innovation Solution
The value tokens are designed with a stacked structure comprising a central layer containing an electronic security device, such as an RFid chip, and outer layers with decorative elements, featuring apertures filled with solid bodies to enhance weight, aesthetics, and security, allowing for unique identification and tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If value tokens use simple single-layer construction, then manufacturing is easy and cost is low, but they lack visual appeal, weight, and distinctiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The value token is divided into multiple functional layers including a base layer, a decorative layer with raised relief features, and a magnetic layer. Each layer serves a specific purpose: the base layer provides structural foundation, the decorative layer adds visual appeal and tactile distinctiveness through embossed patterns and logos, while the magnetic layer enables electronic tracking. This segmentation allows complex functionality to be achieved through relatively simple individual layers that can be manufactured separately and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The token combines multiple materials with different properties: a plastic or resin base material for structural integrity, metallic or enamel decorative elements for visual appeal and weight, and magnetic particles or magnetic layer for electronic identification. This composite construction gives the token both aesthetic qualities and functional properties that would be difficult to achieve with a single material.
2Weight of moving object
If value tokens use heavy materials to provide weight and heft, then physical solidity is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire token from heavy material, the patent applies dense or magnetic materials only in specific locations where needed. The magnetic layer or magnetic particles are concentrated in a thin layer within the token structure, providing sufficient weight and magnetic signature for tracking without requiring the entire token to be constructed from heavy materials. This localized application of dense materials achieves the desired heft while keeping manufacturing relatively simple.
3Ease of manufacture
If value tokens lack distinctive features, then manufacturing is simpler, but sorting and accounting become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The decorative layer incorporates colored enamel, painted surfaces, or dyed materials in various hues to distinguish different token denominations or types. These color variations provide immediate visual identification for sorting purposes while being integrated into the standard manufacturing process through conventional coloring techniques for molded plastic or metal surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The raised relief features create three-dimensional curved surfaces including embossed logos, recessed areas, and textured patterns on the token face and edge. These dimensional variations provide tactile distinctiveness that aids in identification and sorting by touch, while also adding visual appeal through light reflection and shadow. The curved and textured surfaces are achieved through standard molding or stamping processes.
4Ease of manufacture
If value tokens do not include security features, then manufacturing is simpler and cost is lower, but vulnerability to counterfeiting and theft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic layer serves as an intermediary between the physical token and the electronic tracking system. This thin layer of magnetic material or magnetic particles embedded within the token structure enables communication with magnetic sensors in tracking devices, allowing the system to detect, identify, and track individual tokens without requiring complex electronic circuits within the token itself. The magnetic intermediary provides security functionality while keeping the token manufacturing relatively simple.
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 solution provides value tokens that are visually appealing, distinguishable, and secure, simplifying sorting and accounting while ensuring the integrity and security of the tokens through the use of RFid technology and contrasting materials.
Implementation Method 1
The central layer comprises at least one electronic security device, such as a preferred radiofrequency identification (RFid) chip
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides value tokens having improved security while achieving enhanced decorative effects, contrasting edge “spots”, increased physical weight, and flexibility of construction and design. Stacked structures formed from pluralities of layers are featured.