Touchscreen Gaming Device Player Identification via RFID Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic multiplayer gaming systems on touch screens struggle to accurately distinguish between multiple players' inputs in shared gaming environments, such as virtual roulette tables, without restricting gameplay or forcing players to play with one hand.
Innovation Solution
A multitouch-capable touchscreen system with an identification device that uses a touch sensor to transmit a unique identifier only when touched, correlating touch inputs with player identifiers to prevent interference and allow simultaneous play, and a correlator that discards simultaneous touches, ensuring accurate input assignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RFID transponder chips are used for player identification on touchscreen gaming tables, then player identification and tracking is enabled, but the system cannot distinguish between simultaneous touches by multiple players in shared gaming areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification function by assigning separate RFID transponders to different body parts (e.g., ring finger and thumb) rather than using a single identifier. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between simultaneous touches from the same player's different fingers, resolving the ambiguity in shared gaming areas while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to touch identification by measuring the time sequence of touches. By recording which finger touches the screen first and using this temporal information, the system can attribute simultaneous or near-simultaneous touches to the correct player, enhancing measurement precision without complex hardware changes.
2Measurement precision
If players use dedicated areas on the gaming table, then individual player touches can be distinguished, but this restricts the types of games that can be played
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal identification system using RFID transponders in multiple body parts that works across all game types. Whether players need dedicated areas or share common areas, the system can identify whose touch it is through the RFID tags, making the solution adaptable to poker, blackjack, roulette, and other game formats without requiring physical table modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID transponder acts as an intermediary between the player and the touchscreen. Instead of modifying the table or requiring players to change their natural interaction patterns, the RFID tags mediate the identification process, allowing any game type to be played on shared surfaces while maintaining accurate player attribution.
3Measurement precision
If players grip dedicated electrodes with one hand, then touch attribution is possible, but players are forced to play one-handed reducing user acceptance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification function across multiple body parts (both hands) rather than requiring one-handed operation. Players can naturally use both hands to gesture toward or touch the screen, with each hand's RFID transponder enabling identification, thus maintaining gaming comfort and natural two-handed interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the player's own body (hands with RFID tags) to identify themselves during gameplay. Players naturally bring their hands to the screen during normal gaming actions, eliminating the need for forced one-handed gripping or special positioning, thereby maintaining ease of operation and user acceptance.
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 joint operation of shared touch screens for multiple players without altering gameplay, allowing for precise assignment of inputs and minimizing interference, thus enhancing user experience and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting an identifier... at least one touch sensor on the outside of the housing, which when touched Sender caused to send out the identifier
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The system (A) has a transmitter for transmitting a unique identifier of identification units (4) of players in a wireless manner. A touch sensor makes the transmitter to transmit the identifier when a housing is touched, and an electronic gaming device comprises a touch screen (2) that controls game. A receiver (11) is provided for communicating with the identification units. The device comprises a correlator that correlates contact of the touch screen with the identifier of the identification units over time to assign the contact to the identification units.