Abstract: An improved antenna system, method and apparatus for interrogating and locating RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags and other RF (Radio Frequency) devices, and various applications therefore and thereof, are disclosed. One embodiment is for reading and locating the physical position of RFID tags (such as is made by Phillips, Siemens's Infineon and Texas Instrument) that may be embedded in gaming chips (RFID gaming chips, such as is made by Gaming Partners International Corp.) used in a casino, TV or movie studio or elsewhere for wagering at table games and other gambling games including Blackjack, Poker, Craps, Baccarat and Roulette, but the invention may be used for various other RFID applications.

Abstract: A referenceless self-clocking (n,k) bar code word allows conveyance of information without the need of any start and/or stop code pattern or other reference; a code word pattern is repeated at least in part without space therebetween according to a given n,k coding convention so that any k pair of adjacent data code elements sensed by any sensing means according to the n,k coding convention will consist of n units (e.g., bar code modules), thus allowing the data code elements of the code word to be decoded most accurately without any reference pattern. One application of this coding is on round or cylindrical objects like coins, casino chips and the like, and this coding is also well suited for linear or other coding applications wanting to convey coded information without the use of a start/stop code or reference pattern using n,k coding. This coding may or mayn't include error control, for example, as disclosed herein.

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.

Abstract: Bar codes, comprised of black and white stripes, are shown to be a finite topic, and the optimum bar code methodology is binary coded binary, BCB. Binary digits are utilized to represent bar coded messages and each binary digit is immediately complemented, forming two independent but binarily complemented messages in one bar code symbol. BCB represents given information in less space than, e.g., Interleaved 2 of 5 and Code 39, while using the same x width (the width of a module), and BCB is far more versatile and is easier and less expensive to print and scan. BCB avoids misreads more reliably and achieves a dramatically higher first time read rate through use of error correcting bar codes.

Abstract: Counterfeit objects, such as products or documents, can be detected by checking associated ID numbers, which include one or more appended fields of one or more randomly selected digits, in a database containing the correct authorized ID numbers. This use of random selection makes it impossible for counterfeiters to effectively predict or anticipate correct ID numbers. For example, by using bar coded ID numbers with two distinct appended fields of randomly selected numbers, instead of traditional serial numbers, counterfeit products can be conveniently and positively detected either on a wholesaler's or vendor's shelf using a truncated outside ID number found on the product's packaging, or, for example, upon receipt of a customer's product registration card on which the complete inside ID number is found, this complete inside ID number having been concealed from casual perusal during the product's distribution.