Dice scanning device

Abstract

A gaming device comprises an imager configured for detecting objects within a playing area, such as for example dice or cards. The imager is also configured for detecting calibration signals in a calibration zone outside the playing area. The gaming also comprises a calibration element configured for providing a substantially transparent region for environmental light to reach the imager in the calibration zone and for further providing one or more calibration markers in the calibration zone. The gaming device thereby is configured for performing calibration using the one or more calibration markers of the calibration element.

1 . A gaming device comprising:
 an imager configured for detecting objects within a playing area and for detecting calibration signals in a calibration zone outside the playing area,   a calibration element configured for providing a substantially transparent region for environmental light to reach the imager in the calibration zone and for further providing one or more calibration markers in the calibration zone,   the gaming device being configured for performing calibration using the one or more calibration markers of the calibration element.   
     
     
         2 . The gaming device according to  claim 1 , wherein the calibration element has in its substantially transparent region a transparency of at least 50%. 
     
     
         3 . The gaming device according to  claim 2 , wherein the calibration element comprises a material selected from the group consisting of glass, polycarbonate, and polyethylene. 
     
     
         4 . The gaming device according to  claim 1 , wherein the one or more calibration markers comprise a shape and/or colour. 
     
     
         5 . The gaming device according to  claim 4 , wherein the one or more calibration markers comprise a shape and/or colour of objects to be detected in the playing area. 
     
     
         6 . The gaming device according to  claim 1 , wherein the one or more calibration markers are not substantially transparent for environmental light. 
     
     
         7 . The gaming device according to  claim 1 , wherein the substantially transparent region is positioned as one or more strips along a side of the imager. 
     
     
         8 . The gaming device according to  claim 1 , wherein the substantially transparent region is positioned in one or more corners of the imager. 
     
     
         9 . The gaming device according to  claim 1 , wherein the calibration element is in the form of a detachable cover comprising a transparent material for generating the substantially transparent region and comprising said one or more calibration markers. 
     
     
         10 . The gaming device according to  claim 1 , wherein the calibration element is permanently fixed to the imager. 
     
     
         11 . The gaming device according to  claim 1 , wherein the gaming device furthermore a calibration controller configured for obtaining an environmental lighting profile for calibrating the gaming device with respect to the environmental light. 
     
     
         12 . The gaming device according to  claim 11 , wherein the calibration controller furthermore is configured for adjusting the image rand/or a backlight of the gaming device as function of the environmental lighting profile. 
     
     
         13 . The gaming device according to  claim 12 , wherein the calibration controller is configured for adjusting a backlight intensity or an integration time of the imager as function of the environmental lighting profile. 
     
     
         14 . The gaming device according to  claim 1 , wherein the gaming device is a kit of parts comprising a first part comprising the imager and a second part comprising the calibration element as a separate cover that is positionable on the first part. 
     
     
         15 . A method of calibrating a gaming device, the gaming device comprising an imager configured for detecting objects within a playing area and for detecting calibration signals in a calibration zone outside the playing area, the method comprising:
 detecting one or more calibration markers positioned in the calibration zone, the calibration zone furthermore comprising a substantially transparent region around the one or more markers, the substantially transparent region being substantially transparent for environmental light so environmental light can reach the imager, and   performing calibration using said detected one or more calibration markers in the calibration zone.   
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 15 , further comprising adjusting at least one of a backlight or imager of the gaming device. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 15 , the method being implemented as a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a processor of a gaming device, perform the method steps. 
     
     
         18 . A calibration element for use with a gaming device comprising an imager, the calibration element being a cover configured to cover an imager in the calibration zone outside the playing area, the cover providing a substantially transparent region transparent for environmental light to reach the imager and providing one or more calibration markers.