System for machine reading and processing information from gaming chips

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.

1 - 31 . (canceled)  
   
   
       32 . A system for identifying the need to repair or replace an object with bar coded information associated therewith, or to repair or replace said bar coded information associated with said object, said bar coded information being comprised of bar code elements, comprising means for measuring said bar code elements and means to determine when one or more of said measurements are beyond an acceptable specification, whereby the need to repair or replace has been identified.  
   
   
       33 . A system for identifying the need to repair or replace an object with bar coded information associated therewith, or to repair or replace said bar coded information associated with said object, said bar coded information being comprised of contrasting bar code properties, comprising means for measuring said contrast and means to determine when said contrast falls below an acceptable specification, whereby the need to repair or replace has been identified.  
   
   
       34 . A system for identifying the need to repair or replace an object with bar coded information associated therewith, or to repair or replace said bar coded information associated with said object, said bar coded information incorporating an error correcting feature, comprising means to read said bar code and means for determining if said error correcting feature is required to get a good reading, whereby the need to repair or replace has been identified.  
   
   
       35 . A system according to  claim 32  where said objects represent monetary value.  
   
   
       36 . A system according to  claim 33  where said objects represent monetary value.  
   
   
       37 . A system according to  claim 34  where said objects represent monetary value.  
   
   
       38 . A system according to  claim 35  where said objects are pieces of currency.  
   
   
       39 . A system according to  claim 36  where said objects are pieces of currency.  
   
   
       40 . A system according to  claim 37  where said objects are pieces of currency.  
   
   
       41 . A system according to  claim 35  where said objects are gambling chips.  
   
   
       42 . A system according to  claim 36  where said objects are gambling chips.  
   
   
       43 . A system according to  claim 37  where said objects are gambling chips.