Table Game Activity Recognition Using Image and Depth Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for monitoring table games in gaming venues are expensive, inaccurate, and ineffective due to the fast-paced and visually noisy environment, making it difficult to accurately track transactions and player behavior.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing image and depth sensors to capture and process table game events, including card and chip detection, to automate the recognition of gaming states and transactions, using multi-spectral imaging and real-time processing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If random sampling by individuals visually inspects tables, then human judgment can be applied to monitor events, but the monitoring occurs at intervals of an hour or more and is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated image processing system using cameras and computer vision algorithms. The system continuously captures images of gaming tables and automatically detects game objects, eliminating the need for human observers to manually scan tables at intervals and enabling continuous real-time monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service monitoring where the image processing system automatically detects, tracks, and reports gaming events without human intervention. The system processes images autonomously to identify game objects, their positions, and game state changes, providing continuous monitoring data without requiring human observers.
2Loss of information
If sensors are placed in casino chips, then transaction data can be captured, but the system becomes expensive and complex to install and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system that captures data from the gaming environment through cameras and processes images to detect game objects and transactions. This external intermediary system replaces the need to embed sensors directly into chips, avoiding the complexity of modifying and installing sensors within chip components while still achieving comprehensive transaction data capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system substitutes the mechanical approach of embedding physical sensors in chips with an optical/electronic approach using cameras and image processing algorithms. This replacement eliminates the need for chip sensor installation and maintenance while providing equivalent or superior data capture capabilities through non-contact imaging.
3Productivity
If traditional monitoring systems are used, then some level of game monitoring is achieved, but they are expensive and fail to achieve the accuracy levels needed to be truly useful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameters by using multi-spectral imaging capabilities and advanced image processing algorithms that can distinguish between different game objects (cards, chips, dice) based on their optical properties. The system processes multiple image parameters including color, shape, size, and position to achieve high accuracy in game state recognition, overcoming the limitations of traditional single-parameter monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes color detection and spectral analysis to distinguish different game objects and their states. By analyzing color variations, patterns, and spectral characteristics in the captured images, the system accurately identifies cards, chips, and other game elements, providing precise game state recognition that traditional systems cannot achieve.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments relate to a system for automated gaming recognition, the system comprising: at least one image sensor configured to capture image frames of a field of view including a table game; at least one depth sensor configured to capture depth of field images of the field of view; and a computing device configured to receive the image frames and the depth of field images, and configured to process the received image frames and depth of field images in order to produce an automated recognition of at least one gaming state appearing in the field of view. Embodiments also relate to methods and computer-readable media for automated gaming recognition. Further embodiments relate to methods and systems for monitoring game play and/or gaming events on a gaming table.