Transparent Poker Table with IP Camera Network for Real-Time Video Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for playing poker over the Internet lack realism, as they do not allow players to experience the game as if they were sitting at a real poker table with a real dealer and real chips and cards.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes a real poker table with a real dealer and up to ten player places, equipped with IP cameras for real-time video transmission, allowing players to connect via the Internet and experience the game as if they were physically present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a real poker table with real dealer and physical cards is used, then the realism of the game experience is improved, but the complexity of the system increases due to multiple cameras and network infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the poker table into multiple camera zones: overhead cameras for general table view, side cameras for player card visibility, and close-up cameras for chip and card details. This segmentation allows each camera to capture specific game elements, collectively creating a comprehensive realistic view without requiring a single complex camera system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central server as an intermediary that receives video feeds from multiple cameras, processes the signals, and distributes them to remote players. This mediator coordinates the complex camera network and simplifies the user experience by presenting unified, synchronized video streams with proper timing and perspective
2Reliability
If multiple cameras are deployed around the poker table, then the transparency and anti-cheating capability are improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple camera functions into a unified system where overhead, side, and close-up cameras work together to provide comprehensive monitoring. The merging of these perspectives creates overlapping fields of view that eliminate blind spots, making cheating detectable while managing complexity through integrated system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time video feedback to all players showing card positions, dealer actions, and table state. This feedback mechanism allows immediate detection of suspicious activities, as any manipulation would be visible to all participants through the camera network, creating a self-monitoring system that enhances reliability
3Ease of operation
If real-time video transmission is implemented for all players, then the social interaction and game authenticity are improved, but the bandwidth requirements and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits video data selectively rather than continuously at full resolution to all players. Cameras capture footage only when relevant game actions occur (dealing, betting, showing cards), and video quality is adjusted based on current game phase. This partial transmission maintains social interaction quality while significantly reducing bandwidth and energy requirements compared to continuous full-resolution streaming
Data Source
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AI summary
The system includes a real poker table (1) with a transparent region on the outside, and at least one PoE IP camera (2) directed from above onto the poker table (1) for transmitting the entire game action. Under the poker table (1) there is for each player position (7) a PoE IP camera (44) for capturing the poker cards placed face-downwards on the transparent region at this player position (7). The system also includes a computer (3) with a connection to all IP cameras (2, 26, 44) and with an Internet connection, on which computer poker game software is installed which can communicate with the poker game software application on every player computer (4). The dealer at the poker table (1) can reach all areas of the poker table (1) with one hand without aids. Each of the geographically decentralised players has a player computer (4) with Internet connection for establishing and operating an audiovisual connection to the computer (3) at the poker table (1).