Photoelectric gaming token sensing apparatus with flush mounted gaming token supporter

• US 7,367,884 B2
• Filed: 07/08/2003
• Issued: 05/06/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/25/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Sg Gaming, Inc. (Scientific Games Corporation)
• Original Assignee: SHFL Entertainment Incorporated (Scientific Games Corporation)
• Inventors: Nelson, Troy D., Helgesen, James P., Stasson, James B., Breeding, John G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Layno; Benjamin
• Application Number:
  US10/615,350
• Publication Number:
  US 20040009799A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,764 Days
• Field of Search: 463/25, 463/29, 463/26, 463/27, 463/13, 273/274, 273/309
• US Class Current: 463/25
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2001/008 adapted for being playable on a screen
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2003/00167 with a jackpot
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2003/0017 progressive jackpot
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2003/00662 with an electric sensor for playing pieces A63F2009/2444 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 3/00157 Casino or betting games horse races A63F3/00082
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements

Abstract

The present invention relates to a gaming apparatus comprising a gaming table with a gaming surface having at least one predetermined location for receiving a gaming token. A gaming token supporter is mounted at each of the at least one predetermined location for receiving a gaming token on the gaming surface of the gaming table such that the gaming token supporter is flush with the gaming surface and forms a gaming token receiving location. A photoelectric sensor for each gaming token supporter that emits and receives modulated radiation is mounted to the gaming table such that each sensor is aligned with and in sensing proximity to a gaming token supporter.

Claims

1. A gaming apparatus, comprising:

(a) a gaming table with a gaming surface having at least one predetermined location for receiving a gaming token;

(b) a gaming token supporter mounted at each of the at least one predetermined location for receiving a gaming token on the gaming surface of the gaming table such that the gaming token supporter is flush with the gaming surface and forms a gaming token receiving location; and

(c) a photoelectric sensor for each gaming token supporter, each photoelectric sensor providing modulated light emissions and sensing modulated light, and each photoelectric sensor being mounted to the gaming structure such that each sensor is aligned with and in sensing proximity to a gaining token supporter.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the gaming token supporter forms a portion of a sensor housing.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the sensor housing comprises a first board having a outer edge and at least one continuous inner edge, the inner edge forming a sensor holder, the sensor holder having dimensions such that a sensor can be received by the sensor holder and the sensor holder positioned such that the received sensor will be aligned and in sensing proximity to the gaming token supporter.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the sensor is formed by one of a photoelectric sensor and a non-photoelectric proximity sensor.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a decoder electrically connected to each sensor for determining whether a gaming token is present at the gaming token location monitored by each sensor.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first board comprises a plurality of continuous inner edges forming a plurality of holders, wherein a plurality of lighting devices may be received by the holders.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the lighting devices are connected to the decoder.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the decoder is a microcontroller.

9. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the decoder is a hard wired circuit.

10. An apparatus for playing a multi-tiered game, comprising:

(a) a plurality of gaming tables, each table having a plurality of play positions;

(b) wagering areas on the table, with at least one wagering area corresponding to each of the plurality of player positions;

(c) a gaming token supporter flush mounted to the gaming surface to form a wagering area;

(d) sensor means mounted to the plurality of gaming tables, wherein each sensor means comprises a photoelectric sensor providing modulated light emissions and sensing modulated light, and each photoelectric sensor being mounted to the gaming structure such that at least one sensor is aligned with and in sensing proximity to a gaming token supporter;

(e) dealer control means at each table, connected to the sensor means, for determining whether a gaming token is present in each of the plurality of wagering areas, accumulating the betting information from each plurality of sensor means, and entering data on winning outcomes in the multi-tiered game, wherein the dealer control means includes means for entering a security code prior to entering data on winning outcomes, a plurality of inputs, each input designating one of a plurality of winning outcomes and one of the plurality of player positions at a gaming table of the multi-tiered game; and

(f) computer means operably connected to each dealer control means for continuously accumulating the betting information and winning outcome data for the multi-tiered game, calculating a prize amount for the multi-tiered game, and controlling a display means operably connected to the computer means for displaying the prize amount for the multi tiered game.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the plurality of gaming tables is located at different gaming facilities.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the computer means includes a plurality of facility computers, each facility computer operably connected to a plurality of gaming tables, and a central computer operably connected to the plurality of facility computers.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the display means includes an alphanumeric LED display.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the dealer control means, computer means, and display moans are operably connected to each other by a local network.