ECEN 4610 Capstone Laboratory Spring 2010 PokerTech Erik Morrisey | Electrical Engineering Chris Weigel | Electrical Engineering Ho Yun Chan | Electrical Engineering Preliminary Design Review

Objective As our Capstone project we hope to create an integrated Texas Hold’em poker table. A poker table with enough intelligence to monitor the game being played and provide information and feedback to the players and dealer. The primary focus of our project will be remote recognition of the cards being used, with the potential to extend this recognition to poker chips as well.

Why? Enhance the skills of the poker players’ using it – Video feed of game being played along with a record of hands played will allow players’ the opportunity to look back on a previous game. – Poker tell: subtle but detectable change in the player’s behavior that gives clues to that player’s assessment of his hand. Entertainment – Those players that have been eliminated from the game may now be able to watch the action via monitor and know the players cards. – “Televised” game for friends to watch. Efficiency – Eliminates incorrect win recognition by dealers. – Potential for chips.

Basic Project Structure Computer Interface - live video feed and players’ cards along with a complete record of hands played Microcontroller - used to collect and consolidate transmitted information RFID Tags and Pads - remote recognition of cards/chips being used Computer Interface Microcontroller RFID Pads RFID Tags

Radio-frequency Technology RFID is fast growing and thoroughly tested technology. While the RFID market has tripled to $5.56 billion in 2009, the price for RFID tags have fallen by 70 percent. There are almost as many RFID applications as there are business types – Automotive anti-theft and passive entry systems – Animal tracking – Asset tracking – Contactless payments – Supply chain inventories

How RFID tags work Data stored within an RFID tag’s microchip waits to be read. The tag’s antenna receives electromagnetic energy from an RFID reader’s antenna. Using power from its internal battery or from the reader’s electromagnetic field, the tag sends radio waves back to the reader. The reader picks up the tags radio waves and interprets the frequencies as meaningful data. Sample EPC tag used by Wal-Mart

Implementation RFID tags embedded in the cards coupled with a number of RFID pads integrated into the table in the relevant locations. Information from the RFID system is then sent to the microcontroller for processing.

RFID Reader ID-12 Simple RFID reader module with built in antenna. Obtain a serial string output containing the unique ID of the tag embedded in the card. Only has a 100 mm read range so it should not intercept other players’ cards.

Sokymat Clear Disc Proximity passive transponder Small size Ideal for identification applications Can be directly applied to the cards or embedded inside.

Computer Interface Provide players with hand history and video feed. Post-game information allows players to pick up on poker “tells” for future reference. – Length of pauses while contemplating bets – Facial expressions Provide audience with current hands being played. Potentially could be broadcasted via internet for others to watch.

Player Interface LED ring embedded in table at each player to provide appropriate area for card recognition. LED ring lights up to signify turn. – Reduces out of turn play significantly. At the conclusion of the hand the LED ring flashes showing the winning player. – Avoids incorrect win recognition by dealers.

Budget ItemVendorNumber of UnitsCost per UnitSub Total RFID Reader ID-12Sparkfun6$29.95$ Clear Disk 125 kHz RFID IC Cyntag60$ RS-232 Serial Ports 12$3.50$42.00 RS-232 Cablesamazon.com6$6.09$36.54 Microcontroller 1$60.00$60 Deck of Cards 2$1.00$2 Poker Chips 1$30.00$30 Vegas Style Poker TableCraig's List1$50.00$50 CameraLogitech1$50-$100$100 LEDSparkfun300$0.35$ Total$722.24

Division of Labor

Schedule

Critical Points Critical Design Review (CDR) – RFIDs on Cards, at least 1 pad working on breadboard, processor selected, Basic User Interface (Text Display) Milestone 1 – Hardware assembled: Poker Table Modified, Processor on Board and functioning, PCBs designed Milestone 2 – User Interface fully functional (display, camera, LED Ring), PCBs printed and populated Capstone Design Expo – Final User Manual, Poster

Additions to Project LCD Screen Poker Chips w/ RFID Tags Speakers Embedded into Table

Risks Players Cheating with own RFID Scanners Scanners malfunctioning by misreading cards Players Cheating via text messaging if game viewed online

Questions