System for machine reading and processing information from gaming chips
US6514140B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 17, 1999 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 17, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63F2009/2419
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fully automatic table game player tracking system for Blackjack and other casino games wherein players have individual betting positions on the table is disclosed. An individual B&W CCD chip reading turret is placed inches in front of each player's betting position to scan wagered chips using ambient casino lighting. The turret also has a “comp” light to indicate to the player at the beginning of every hand that his bet was read credited for his complimentaries (meals, room, entertainment, etc.), thus delivering to the player extra gaming satisfaction every hand. Patterns of repeated coding around the playing chips' peripheral surface represent with light and dark contrasting colors the dollar value and particular casino issuer of the chips. The aesthetically pleasing chip identifying coding patterns are comprised of unique referenceless error controlled self-clocking (n,k) code words, which are repeated around the chip's periphery without space therebetween, for improved efficiency and accuracy no matter the orientation of the wagered chip placed on the table.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.