Un-modulated Light Token Detection for Casino Wagering Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing casino table games with progressive wagers lack innovative methods for accurately detecting gaming tokens using un-modulated light technology, which is essential for controlling progressive jackpot results and providing accurate player winnings.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing un-modulated light technology with sensor assemblies that emit and detect infrared light to determine the presence of gaming tokens, integrated with a central control and casino controls to manage wagers and payouts across multiple tables, ensuring accurate detection and communication of token presence for progressive and fixed amount wagers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If photoelectric sensors with modulated light are used to detect gaming tokens, then token detection capability is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex modulated light photoelectric sensors with simpler un-modulated light sensors (such as infrared LEDs and phototransistors) to detect gaming tokens. This substitution maintains token detection capability while significantly reducing system complexity and cost, as un-modulated light sensors are more straightforward to implement and less prone to interference issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive un-modulated light sensors instead of expensive modulated light photoelectric sensors. These simpler sensors can be easily replaced if needed and provide sufficient functionality for token detection without requiring complex modulation circuits or signal processing hardware.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If ambient light blocking method is used with photoelectric sensors, then token presence detection is achieved, but reliability decreases due to ambient light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses infrared light (a specific wavelength range) for token detection instead of visible ambient light. By selecting infrared wavelength and using sensors tuned to this specific wavelength, the system can detect tokens reliably without being affected by visible ambient light interference, thus improving detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the light detection system by using un-modulated continuous light instead of modulated light, and by selecting specific infrared wavelengths. This parameter change simplifies the detection mechanism and improves reliability by eliminating the need for complex modulation/demodulation processes that are susceptible to interference.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If non-photoelectric proximity sensors are used for token detection, then detection capability is provided, but manufacturing precision and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces non-photoelectric proximity sensors (such as inductive, capacitive, or ultrasonic sensors) with simple photoelectric sensors that use un-modulated light. This substitution significantly eases manufacturing, as photoelectric sensors are more readily available, easier to integrate into gaming tables, and require less precise calibration and positioning than other types of proximity sensors.
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 system enables precise detection of gaming tokens, facilitating accurate determination of winning wagers and updating progressive jackpot displays, enhancing the gaming experience by ensuring reliable payouts and managing large-scale progressive jackpots across multiple tables.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor assembly includes an emitter that outputs un-modulated emitter light, such as un-modulated infrared light
Implementation Method 2
When a token is present, at least some of this un-modulated emitter light returns as returned un-modulated light
Implementation Method 3
A photoelectric sensor that senses ambient light. A gaming token that is present essentially blocks ambient light. This causes the photoelectric sensor to turn off, thereby indicating that a token is present
Data Source
AI summary
A system having a plurality of interconnected controls is provided for playing multiple-wager casino card games using gaming tables found at one or more casinos. Both physical and electronic cards can be utilized, depending on game play outcomes. Information related to game play can be sent by one or more table controls to a central control through one or more casino controls for use in generating additional information. A token detection apparatus, which includes a particular one of the table controls, provides un-modulated light for use in detecting whether or not a token is present as part of game play. The token is used in making a progressive/fixed amount wager.