Abstract: A system includes a gaming table, at least one light sensor, an electronic system, and a central computer. The gaming table includes a tabletop covered by a fabric. The at least one light sensor is positioned in proximity to a player position at the gaming table. In addition, the at least one light sensor is positioned beneath the fabric to detect light intensity through the fabric. The electronic system is communicably coupled to the at least one light sensor. Furthermore, the electronic system is operable to detect changes in light intensity at the at least one light sensor. The central computer is communicably coupled to the electronic system. Additionally, the central computer is operable to perform at least one operation based on a status of the at least one light sensor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes, at a central data center including at least one server computer, maintaining central hospitality data for a plurality of hospitality systems. The method further includes serving, by the central data center, at least a portion of the central hospitality data to a plurality of computing devices operated by hospitality consumers. The method also includes, at the central data center, receiving, at regular intervals, an automated email from each hospitality system of the plurality of hospitality systems. Each automated email encapsulates updated local hospitality data gathered by the hospitality system. In addition, the method includes, at the central data center, retrieving the updated local hospitality data from each automated email. Also, the method includes, at the central data center, updating the central hospitality data per the updated local hospitality data.

Abstract: A system includes a gaming table, at least one light sensor, an electronic system, and a central computer. The gaming table includes a tabletop covered by a fabric. The at least one light sensor is positioned in proximity to a player position at the gaming table. In addition, the at least one light sensor is positioned beneath the fabric to detect light intensity through the fabric. The electronic system is communicably coupled to the at least one light sensor. Furthermore, the electronic system is operable to detect changes in light intensity at the at least one light sensor. The central computer is communicably coupled to the electronic system. Additionally, the central computer is operable to perform at least one operation based on a status of the at least one light sensor.

Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a modular gaming table having a quick-change insert for use with a plurality of sensors associated with the gaming table. By way of example, the modular gaming table has table top with a recessed section cut into the top surface. Several light sensors are positioned within the recessed section. A removable insert is provided having a gaming table layout covering the top surface. The removable insert is sized to fit within the table top recessed section and cover the plurality of light sensors. The light sensors are configured to detect a playing card or gaming chip on the top surface of the removable insert through the gaming table layout. The removable insert is a quick-change insert meaning it is configured to be removed from the table top recessed section to replace the gaming table layout without disturbing the position of the light sensors.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes, at a central data center including at least one server computer, maintaining central hospitality data for a plurality of hospitality systems. The method further includes serving, by the central data center, at least a portion of the central hospitality data to a plurality of computing devices operated by hospitality consumers. The method also includes, at the central data center, receiving, at regular intervals, an automated email from each hospitality system of the plurality of hospitality systems. Each automated email encapsulates updated local hospitality data gathered by the hospitality system. In addition, the method includes, at the central data center, retrieving the updated local hospitality data from each automated email. Also, the method includes, at the central data center, updating the central hospitality data per the updated local hospitality data.

Abstract: A system includes a gaming table, at least one light sensor, an electronic system, and a central computer. The gaming table includes a tabletop covered by a fabric. The at least one light sensor is positioned in proximity to a player position at the gaming table. In addition, the at least one light sensor is positioned beneath the fabric to detect light intensity through the fabric. The electronic system is communicably coupled to the at least one light sensor. Furthermore, the electronic system is operable to detect changes in light intensity at the at least one light sensor. The central computer is communicably coupled to the electronic system. Additionally, the central computer is operable to perform at least one operation based on a status of the at least one light sensor.

Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a modular gaming table having a quick-change insert for use with a plurality of sensors associated with the gaming table. By way of example, the modular gaming table has table top with a recessed section cut into the top surface. Several light sensors are positioned within the recessed section. A removable insert is provided having a gaming table layout covering the top surface. The removable insert is sized to fit within the table top recessed section and cover the plurality of light sensors. The light sensors are configured to detect a playing card or gaming chip on the top surface of the removable insert through the gaming table layout. The removable insert is a quick-change insert meaning it is configured to be removed from the table top recessed section to replace the gaming table layout without disturbing the position of the light sensors.

Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a modular gaming table having a quick-change insert for use with a plurality of sensors associated with the gaming table. By way of example, the modular gaming table has table top with a recessed section cut into the top surface. Several light sensors are positioned within the recessed section. A removable insert is provided having a gaming table layout covering the top surface. The removable insert is sized to fit within the table top recessed section and cover the plurality of light sensors. The light sensors are configured to detect a playing card or gaming chip on the top surface of the removable insert through the gaming table layout. The removable insert is a quick-change insert meaning it is configured to be removed from the table top recessed section to replace the gaming table layout without disturbing the position of the light sensors.

Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a system and method for determining if a player has placed a bet in a bet spot on a gaming table, such as, for example, a main bet spot or a progressive or proposition bet spot. By way of example, the tabletop of a gaming table has a plurality of player positions having one or more bet spots positioned in proximity to each player position on the top surface. The tabletop has a light sensor associated with each bet spot and positioned beneath the gaming table layout to detect light intensity through the layout. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are associated with each light sensor. The plurality of LEDs are located beneath the gaming table layout so as to illuminate through the material of the gaming table layout.

Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a system and method for determining if a player has placed a bet in a bet spot on a gaming table, such as, for example, a main bet spot or a progressive or proposition bet spot. By way of example, the tabletop of a gaming table has a plurality of player positions having one or more bet spots positioned in proximity to each player position on the top surface. The tabletop has a light sensor associated with each bet spot and positioned beneath the gaming table layout to detect light intensity through the layout. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are associated with each light sensor. The plurality of LEDs are located beneath the gaming table layout so as to illuminate through the material of the gaming table layout.

Abstract: A system includes a gaming table, at least one light sensor, an electronic system, and a central computer. The gaming table includes a tabletop covered by a fabric. The at least one light sensor is positioned in proximity to a player position at the gaming table. In addition, the at least one light sensor is positioned beneath the fabric to detect light intensity through the fabric. The electronic system is communicably coupled to the at least one light sensor. Furthermore, the electronic system is operable to detect changes in light intensity at the at least one light sensor. The central computer is communicably coupled to the electronic system. Additionally, the central computer is operable to rate a plurality of dealers at a table game in a casino based on a status of the at least one light sensor.

Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a system and method for determining if a player has placed a bet in a bet spot on a gaming table, such as, for example, a main bet spot or a progressive or proposition bet spot. By way of example, the tabletop of a gaming table has a plurality of player positions having one or more bet spots positioned in proximity to each player position on the top surface. The tabletop has a light sensor associated with each bet spot and positioned beneath the gaming table layout to detect light intensity through the layout. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are associated with each light sensor. The plurality of LEDs are located beneath the gaming table layout so as to illuminate through the material of the gaming table layout.

Abstract: A system includes a gaming table, at least one light sensor, an electronic system, and a central computer. The gaming table includes a tabletop covered by a fabric. The at least one light sensor is positioned in proximity to a player position at the gaming table. In addition, the at least one light sensor is positioned beneath the fabric to detect light intensity through the fabric. The electronic system is communicably coupled to the at least one light sensor. Furthermore, the electronic system is operable to detect changes in light intensity at the at least one light sensor. The central computer is communicably coupled to the electronic system. Additionally, the central computer is operable to perform at least one operation based on a status of the at least one light sensor.

Abstract: A card and detection system comprises a group of light sensors located under and covered over by a table felt. The light sensors are directed vertically upward to detect changes in light intensity on the top surfaces of the sensors through the felt. This allows flexibility of placement of the sensors and avoids daily maintenance issues. The sensors read through fabric to detect when objects such as chips or cards are placed on top of the felt. With this system, the procedure of detecting chips or cards is imperceptible to the customers or dealers.

Abstract: A system and method for quickly and easily clocking in a player to a poker table in a casino are provided. A control panel is installed on the poker table at a location that is easily accessible by a dealer. When a player sits down at an empty spot at the table, the dealer accepts the players ID card, swipes the player's identification into the system, and then presses a dedicated button on the control panel associated with that seat. The information is received by the system and transmitted to a central computer. If the player wants to take a break from play, such as for example to go to eat, then the dealer presses a button on the control panel to indicate that the player is still assigned to that seat, but is temporarily away from the poker table. The system further includes means for maintaining a waiting list of players awaiting play in the poker room and for tracking the play of a plurality of poker players in a tournament setting.

Abstract: A system and method for acquiring and analyzing the bets at a plurality of locations at a plurality of tables is provided. The system includes a gaming table with a raised platform, underneath which is positioned a video camera for each of the wagering locations on the table. The video cameras on each table are coupled together into a multiplexer, and the multiplexers from the plurality of tables are coupled together and into a central computer. The system and method thus eliminate the labor intensive and often inaccurate technique of tacking the gambling habits of patrons at the gaming tables.

Abstract: A system and method for acquiring and analyzing the bets at a plurality of locations at a plurality of tables is provided. The system includes a gaming table with a raised platform, underneath which is positioned a video camera for each of the wagering locations on the table. The video cameras one each table are coupled together into a multiplexer, and the multiplexers from the plurality of tables are coupled together and into a central computer. The system and method thus eliminate the labor intensive and often inaccurate technique of tracking the gambling habits of patrons at the gaming tables.

Abstract: A distributed image capture system for industry is provided. The invention includes a system of electronic computer hardware and software that can acquire a video (analog or digital) image of an identification card, voucher chit, receipt, or other desired image at any of a plurality of acquisition stations throughout an establishment. This is done by placing a document or object to be imaged onto video imager at a convenient location. The document or object is acquired, and the image so captured is transmitted along a communications channel to a central computer system, where the image is catalogued with a unique identification number or is defaulted to the date and time of capture.