Un-modulated Light Token Detection for Casino Tables
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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 payouts effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing un-modulated light technology with sensor assemblies that include an emitter and receiver to detect tokens on casino tables, communicating through multiplex circuitry to determine the presence of tokens and control light arrays for indicating wagers, integrated with a central control for managing game play information and electronic card generation.
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) that detect token presence through basic light absorption or reflection principles. This substitution maintains token detection functionality while significantly reducing system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, readily available light-emitting components (standard infrared LEDs) and simple photodetectors that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than using expensive, complex modulated light sensor assemblies. This approach reduces overall system cost while maintaining adequate detection performance.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor assemblies are deployed across casino tables to detect tokens, then accurate wager detection is achieved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into independent, modular sensor assemblies that can be individually installed at each casino table. Each assembly operates autonomously with its own light emitter and detector components, allowing for simplified installation and maintenance while achieving comprehensive coverage across multiple tables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal sensor assemblies that can be deployed at any casino table regardless of specific game type or table configuration. The standardized design allows single-type components to serve multiple functions across different locations, reducing installation complexity and training requirements.
3Device complexity
If un-modulated light technology is used for token detection, then system simplicity is improved, but detection reliability in ambient light conditions may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses specific wavelength infrared light (typically 850nm or 940nm) that is invisible to the human eye but detectable by specialized phototransistors. This wavelength selection allows the system to operate reliably in ambient light conditions without being affected by visible light interference, maintaining detection reliability while using simple un-modulated light technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from modulated light frequency detection to simple light presence/absence detection at specific infrared wavelengths. This parameter change simplifies the detection mechanism while maintaining reliability by exploiting the unique optical properties of gaming tokens at infrared wavelengths where ambient light interference is minimal.
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 accurate detection of tokens for determining winning wagers and updating progressive jackpots, enhancing player engagement and operational efficiency in managing casino games with progressive features.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter that outputs un-modulated light and a receiver that receives returned un-modulated light
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 master casino control and then to a system owner control. A token detection apparatus, which includes a particular one of the table controls, provides light for use in detecting whether or not a token is present as part of game play. The token detection apparatus also includes an emitter for use in outputting such light and a receiver for use in receiving returned light. A calibration process involving the emitter and receiver is used to ensure token detection accuracy. The token is used in making a progressive/fixed amount wager as part of playing the casino card game.