Under-Felt Light Sensors for Gaming Table Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current card and chip detection systems on gaming tables are inefficient due to the need for frequent maintenance, limited sensor placement, and exposure to damage, as they are mounted on top of the table felt, restricting flexibility and accuracy in player tracking, dealer audits, and surveillance.
Innovation Solution
A system with light sensors mounted under the table felt that can detect objects through fabrics, transmitting data wirelessly to a central computer for processing and storage, allowing flexible placement and reducing maintenance needs, while maintaining imperceptibility to customers and dealers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light sensors are mounted on top of the table felt, then detection functionality is achieved, but maintenance frequency increases and device durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional mounting approach by placing light sensors underneath the table felt rather than on top. This inversion protects sensors from direct exposure to gameplay activities, reducing damage risk and maintenance needs while maintaining detection functionality through the felt material.
Solution Approach 2:
The light sensors are nested within the table structure, specifically mounted in the table top beneath the felt. This nesting approach integrates the detection system into the existing table infrastructure, providing physical protection and reducing exposure to harmful factors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are mounted on top of the table felt, then detection is possible, but placement flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the sensor mounting from a two-dimensional surface mounting on top of the felt to a three-dimensional integration within the table structure underneath the felt. This dimensional change provides additional placement options and flexibility without interfering with the gameplay surface.
3Reliability
If sensors are exposed on the table top, then detection functionality is available, but damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light sensors are nested within the table structure, specifically mounted in the table top beneath the felt. This nesting approach integrates the detection system into the existing table infrastructure, providing physical protection and reducing exposure to harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The table felt serves as an intermediary medium between the sensors and the gameplay environment. The sensors detect objects through the felt material, which protects them from direct exposure to chips, cards, and other gameplay elements that could cause damage.
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
Enhances player tracking, dealer efficiency evaluation, and security surveillance by providing accurate and continuous detection of cards and chips without disrupting gameplay, with reduced maintenance and improved durability.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor that can detect changes in light through fabrics with changing ambient lighting conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A card and detection system comprises a group of light sensors located under and covered over by a table felt. The light sensors are directed vertically upward to detect changes in light intensity on the top surfaces of the sensors through the felt. This allows flexibility of placement of the sensors and avoids daily maintenance issues. The sensors read through fabric to detect when objects such as chips or cards are placed on top of the felt. With this system, the procedure of detecting chips or cards is imperceptible to the customers or dealers.