Patents Assigned to MindPlay LLC
  • Patent number: 6527271
    Abstract: A system for automatically monitoring playing and wagering of a game includes a chip tray reader that automatically images the contents of a chip tray, to periodically determine the number and value of chips in the chip tray, and to compare the change in contents of the chip tray to the outcome of game play for verifying that the proper amounts have been paid out and collected. A table monitor may be positioned in the chip tray to automatically image the activity occurring at a gaming table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: MindPlay LLC
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga
  • Patent number: 6520857
    Abstract: A system automatically monitors playing and wagering of a game. A table monitor in a chip tray automatically images the activity occurring at a gaming table. Periodic comparison of the images identify wagering, as well as the appearance, removal and position of cards and other game objects on the gaming table. The chip tray may also include a chip tray reader that automatically images the contents of a chip tray, to periodically determine the number and value of chips in the chip tray, and to compare the change in contents of the chip tray to the outcome of game play for verifying that the proper amounts have been paid out and collected. The system can produce measurements relevant to providing automated security, real-time accounting and a basis for automatically allocating complimentary player benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: MindPlay LLC
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga
  • Patent number: 6517436
    Abstract: A system automatically monitors playing and wagering of a game. A table monitor in a chip tray automatically images the activity occurring at a gaming table. Periodic comparison of the images identify wagering, as well as the appearance, removal and position of cards and other game objects on the gaming table. The chip tray may also include a chip tray reader that automatically images the contents of a chip tray, to periodically determine the number and value of chips in the chip tray, and to compare the change in contents of the chip tray to the outcome of game play for verifying that the proper amounts have been paid out and collected. The system can produce measurements relevant to providing automated security, real-time accounting and a basis for automatically allocating complimentary player benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: MindPlay LLC
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga
  • Patent number: 6517435
    Abstract: A system automatically monitors playing and wagering of a game, including the gaming habits of players and the performance of employees. A card deck reader automatically reads a symbol from each card in a deck of cards before a first one of the cards is removed. The symbol identifies a respective rank and suit of the card. A chip tray reader automatically images the contents of a chip tray, to periodically determine the number and value of chips in the chip tray, and to compare the change in contents of the chip tray to the outcome of game play for verifying that the proper amounts have been paid out and collected. A table monitor automatically images the activity occurring at a gaming table. Periodic comparison of the images identify wagering, as well as the appearance, removal and position of cards and other game objects on the gaming table. A drop box automatically verifies an amount and authenticity of a deposit and reconciles the deposit with a change in the contents of the chip tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: MindPlay LLC
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga
  • Publication number: 20020198052
    Abstract: A primary wager is placed by a primary player regarding an outcome of a gaming event, and a secondary wager is placed by a secondary player regarding an outcome of the primary wager. Tertiary wagers may also be placed regarding an outcome of the secondary wager. The outcome of the gaming event is determined. The outcome of the primary wager is determined based on the determined outcome of the gaming event. The outcome of the secondary wager is determined based on the determined outcome of the primary wager. The outcome of the tertiary wager is determined based on the outcome of the secondary wager. Winnings and losses are paid and collected, respectively. Wagering can be local or remote. Statistics and/or odds can be generated and displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: Mindplay LLC
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga
  • Publication number: 20020187821
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and article generates a pseudo-random playing card sequence and distributes playing cards according the pseudo-random playing card sequence. For example, the method, apparatus and article generates a pseudo-random playing card sequence and prints playing cards in order of the pseudo-random playing card sequence. Further, the method, apparatus and article generates a pseudo-random playing card sequence based on a house advantage. Yet further, the method, apparatus and article can generate a promotional message on one or more playing cards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Applicant: MindPlay LLC
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga
  • Publication number: 20020155869
    Abstract: One or more actual hands of playing cards are verified against respective expected hands of playing cards, to determine whether the playing cards actually dealt correspond to the playing cards that should have been dealt based on a starting sequence of playing card values. The starting sequence of playing card values can be computationally pseudo-randomly generated, where playing cards will be ordered, for example by printing or sorting, according to the sequence for distribution to the player and/or dealer. The starting sequence of playing card values can be determined by reading identifiers from a number of playing cards prior to dealing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: MindPlay LLC
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga
  • Patent number: 6460848
    Abstract: A system automatically monitors playing and wagering of a game, including the gaming habits of players and the performance of employees. A card deck reader automatically reads a symbol from each card in a deck of cards before a first one of the cards is removed. The symbol identifies a respective rank and suit of the card. A chip tray reader automatically images the contents of a chip tray, to periodically determine the number and value of chips in the chip tray, and to compare the change in contents of the chip tray to the outcome of game play for verifying that the proper amounts have been paid out and collected. A table monitor automatically images the activity occurring at a gaming table. Periodic comparison of the images identify wagering, as well as the appearance, removal and position of cards and other game objects on the gaming table. A drop box automatically verifies an amount and authenticity of a deposit and reconciles the deposit with a change in the contents of the chip tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: MindPlay LLC
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga
  • Publication number: 20020072407
    Abstract: A system automatically monitors playing and wagering of a game, including the gaming habits of players and the performance of employees. A card deck reader automatically reads a symbol from each card in a deck of cards before a first one of the cards is removed. The symbol identifies a respective rank and suit of the card. A chip tray reader automatically images the contents of a chip tray, to periodically determine the number and value of chips in the chip tray, and to compare the change in contents of the chip tray to the outcome of game play for verifying that the proper amounts have been paid out and collected. A table monitor automatically images the activity occurring at a gaming table. Periodic comparison of the images identify wagering, as well as the appearance, removal and position of cards and other game objects on the gaming table. A drop box automatically verifies an amount and authenticity of a deposit and reconciles the deposit with a change in the contents of the chip tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Applicant: MindPlay LLC
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga
  • Publication number: 20020072405
    Abstract: A system automatically monitors playing and wagering of a game, including the performance of employees. A card deck reader automatically reads symbols from each card in a deck, a chip tray reader automatically images the contents of a chip tray, to periodically determine the number and value of chips in the chip tray, and to compare the change in contents of the chip tray to the outcome of game play for verifying that the proper amounts have been paid out and collected, and a table monitor automatically images the activity occurring at a gaming table. The system determines the win/loss percentage of the players and the dealer, as well as a number of other statistically relevant measures. The measurements provide automated security and real-time accounting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Applicant: MindPlay LLC
    Inventors: Richard Soltys , Richard Huizinga
  • Publication number: 20020072406
    Abstract: A system automatically monitors playing and wagering of a card game played with playing cards. Each of the playing cards carry at least one machine-readable symbol, in addition to human-readable indicia of rank and suit. The symbol is position on or along a long and/or a short edge of playing card, to allow reading while the playing cards are stacked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Applicant: MindPlay LLC
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga
  • Publication number: 20020068625
    Abstract: A system automatically monitors playing and wagering of a game, including the gaming habits of players and the performance of employees. A card deck reader automatically reads a symbol from each card in a deck of cards before a first one of the cards is removed. The symbol identifies a respective rank and suit of the card. A chip tray reader automatically images the contents of a chip tray, to periodically determine the number and value of chips in the chip tray, and to compare the change in contents of the chip tray to the outcome of game play for verifying that the proper amounts have been paid out and collected. A table monitor automatically images the activity occurring at a gaming table. Periodic comparison of the images identify wagering, as well as the appearance, removal and position of cards and other game objects on the gaming table. A drop box automatically verifies an amount and authenticity of a deposit and reconciles the deposit with a change in the contents of the chip tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: Mindplay LLC
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga
  • Publication number: 20020065129
    Abstract: A system for automatically monitoring playing and wagering of a game includes a chip tray reader that automatically images the contents of a chip tray, to periodically determine the number and value of chips in the chip tray, and to compare the change in contents of the chip tray to the outcome of game play for verifying that the proper amounts have been paid out and collected. A table monitor may be positioned in the chip tray to automatically image the activity occurring at a gaming table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Applicant: MindPlay LLC
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga
  • Publication number: 20020065130
    Abstract: A system automatically monitors playing and wagering of a game. A chip tray reader automatically images the contents of a chip tray, periodically determining the number and value of chips in the chip tray. The chip tray reader may compare a change in contents of the chip tray to game play outcomes for verifying that the proper amounts have been paid and collected. The chip tray reader also may automatically track the number and/or value of the contents of the chip tray, requesting additional chips when necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Applicant: MindPlay LLC
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga
  • Publication number: 20020049085
    Abstract: A system automatically monitors playing and wagering of a game. A table monitor in a chip tray automatically images the activity occurring at a gaming table. Periodic comparison of the images identify wagering, as well as the appearance, removal and position of cards and other game objects on the gaming table. The chip tray may also include a chip tray reader that automatically images the contents of a chip tray, to periodically determine the number and value of chips in the chip tray, and to compare the change in contents of the chip tray to the outcome of game play for verifying that the proper amounts have been paid out and collected. The system can produce measurements relevant to providing automated security, real-time accounting and a basis for automatically allocating complimentary player benefits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Applicant: MindPlay LLC
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga
  • Publication number: 20020045481
    Abstract: A system automatically monitors playing and wagering of a game. A table monitor in a chip tray automatically images the activity occurring at a gaming table. Periodic comparison of the images identify wagering, as well as the appearance, removal and position of cards and other game objects on the gaming table. The chip tray may also include a chip tray reader that automatically images the contents of a chip tray, to periodically determine the number and value of chips in the chip tray, and to compare the change in contents of the chip tray to the outcome of game play for verifying that the proper amounts have been paid out and collected. The system can produce measurements relevant to providing automated security, real-time accounting and a basis for automatically allocating complimentary player benefits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Applicant: MindPlay LLC
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga
  • Publication number: 20020045479
    Abstract: A system automatically monitors playing and wagering of a game. A table monitor in a chip tray automatically images the activity occurring at a gaming table, including the placement of wagers. A processor processes image date to locate wagering pieces, identify the value of each wagering piece, the amount of the wager, and to verify the authenticity of the wagering pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Applicant: MindPlay LLC
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga
  • Publication number: 20020045480
    Abstract: A system automatically monitors playing and wagering of a game, including the gaming habits of players and the performance of employees. A table monitor automatically images the activity occurring at a gaming table, including the placement of wagers. The system detects, among other things wins and losses, and the amounts won and lost by a player. The system provides a basis for automatically allocating complimentary player benefits, for example based on the amounts won/lost or wagered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Applicant: MindPlay LLC
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga
  • Publication number: 20020045478
    Abstract: A system automatically monitors playing and wagering of a game. A chip tray reader automatically images the contents of a chip tray, to periodically determine the number and value of chips in the chip tray, and to compare the change in contents of the chip tray to the outcome of game play for verifying that the proper amounts have been paid out and collected. A table monitor automatically images the activity occurring at a gaming table. Periodic comparison of the images identify wagering, as well as the appearance, removal and position of cards and other game objects on the gaming table. The system can produce measurements relevant to providing automated security, real-time accounting and providing a basis for automatically allocating complimentary player benefits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Applicant: MindPlay LLC
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga
  • Publication number: 20020042299
    Abstract: A system automatically monitors playing and wagering of a game. A card deck reader automatically reads a symbol identifying a respective rank and suit of each card in a deck before a first cards is removed. A chip tray reader automatically images the contents of a chip tray for verifying that proper amounts have been paid out and collected. A table monitor automatically images the activity occurring at a gaming table. Periodic comparison of the images identifies wagering, as well as the appearance, removal and position of cards and other game objects on the gaming table. The system detects prohibited playing and wagering patterns, and determines the win/loss percentage of the players and the dealer, as well as a number of other statistically relevant measures. The measurements provide automated security and real-time accounting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Applicant: MindPlay LLC
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga