Apparatus and method for reading data encoded on circular objects, such as gaming chips
AssigneeGames of Nevada
InventorsLaren D. Fisher, Leonard I. Vedeen, LeRoy N. Gutknecht
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Abstract
A gaming chip that has a circular bar code imprinted thereon so as to convey information about the issuer of the chip, the chip's denomination, and a serial number which can be utilized to verify the authenticity of the chip. A chip validating device rotates the chip while being maintained in a stationary linear position, such that the encoded information is repeatedly passed before a stationary bar code reader. The validator then uses this information to determine the authenticity of the chip, to indicate the denomination of the chip being wagered, and to accept or reject the chip.
Claims21
An apparatus for reading and authenticating the validity of a gaming chip, said gaming chip including a disk-shaped body having a front surface, a rear surface, an annular edge surface, a central axis passing through said front surface and said rear surface, and at least one circular encoded band formed on at least one of said surfaces, said band including indicia representative of a plurality of data bits serving to identify said chip, comprising:
- a chip reading area being located within said apparatus;
- means for positioning and rotating said chip about said central axis while said chip is disposed within said chip reading area;
- means for reading said indicia when said chip is rotated in said reading area and outputting a first signal corresponding to said indicia;
- and
- means for receiving and analyzing said first signal and outputting an accept or reject signal;
- and
- means for moving said chip into either an accepted or a rejected position in response to said accept or reject signal.
A method for authenticating a gaming chip, said gaming chip including a disk-shaped body having a front surface, a rear surface, an annular edge surface, a central axis passing through said first surface and said second surface;
- and at least one circular encoded band formed on at least one of said surfaces, said band including indicia representative of a plurality of data bits serving to provide information about said chip, comprising the steps of:
- positioning said chip in a reading position so as to allow said chip to be rotated about said central axis;
- reading said indicia from said chip while said chip is rotated in said reading position and developing a first signal corresponding to said data bit information of said chip;
- and
- receiving said first signal and analyzing said first signal to determine whether said chip is accepted or rejected.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.