Gaming chip tray counting device

Abstract

A Gaming Chip/Poker Chip Tray includes a laser-type distance measuring device that measures the quantity of gaming poker chips located in each tray. As the device reads the quantity of chips per tray, the information is relayed to a processor which can display the added quantity in real-time. A microprocessor can control the laser reading device, and display. The real-time quantity can be displayed visibly with a digital display device or through a wired or wireless CPU device located on or away from the table containing the Counting Device.

Claims

1. A poker chip tray counting device comprising: a plurality of rows for receiving a plurality of poker chips within; and b) a reader positioned at an upper end of each of the plurality of rows of the poker chip tray, wherein each reader is operable to emit a signal toward the poker chips in the corresponding row of the poker chip tray whereby a number of chips in each row of the poker chip may be is determined in real time based on a distance traveled by the signal between the reader and the chips in each row of the poker chip tray, wherein the reader comprises a laser.

2. The Poker Chip Tray Counting Device of claim 1, further comprising a poker chip tray CPU in communication with each of the readers in each of the plurality of rows of the poker chip tray, wherein the poker chip CPU associates each row of the poker chip tray with a chip value for chips stacked in each row of the poker chip tray.

3. The Poker Chip Tray Counting Device of claim 2, further comprising a display device in communication with the poker chip tray CPU configured to display a total value of all of the poker chips in each of the rows of the poker chip tray in real time.

4. The Poker Chip Tray Counting Device of claim 2, further comprising a wireless transmitter in communication with the poker chip tray CPU and configured to transmit a total value of all of the poker chips in each of the rows of the poker chip tray in real time.

5. The Poker Chip Tray Counting Device of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of remote CPUs in communication with the poker chip tray CPU.

6. The Poker Chip Tray Counting Device of claim 2, further comprising a microprocessor in communication with each reader and configured to store the count of chips within each row of the poker chip tray associated with each reader in a counter.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The FIGURE is a schematic drawing depicting a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(2) In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the Gaming Chip Tray Counting Device utilizes mounted laser-type distance measuring devices 1 that emit a laser beam 2 or other distance measuring method from the top of the tray 7 through an opening to the closest gaming/poker chip 8 in each slot or tray stack of tray 7 and based on the distance from the reader 1 to the chip 8, calculates the distance to determine the quantity of chips 8 in each column or stack. Each device is programmable to a unique monetary denomination for sum total calculations. The results of each calculation is then sent to the CPU 3 where the totals of each are continuously added together to reach an ongoing total sum in real-time and sent to a display 4 or other optional information distribution method such as wirelessly using wireless device 6 or linked and networked through a series of CPU devices 5.

(3) A microprocessor (not shown) controls the laser drivers and stores the counts determined by a counter (not shown). This calculation approach is preferred. Other procedures may be used as appropriate.

(4) Reader 1 is available in several different designs in the marketplace. A variety of technologies are available for remotely determining the distance from a source to an object.

(5) The present invention therefore provides an approach to precisely calculating a sum total of Gaming/Poker Chips in real-time within a tray 7 or holding device. Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited except as by the appended claims.