ECEN 4610 Capstone Laboratory
Spring 2010
PokerTech
Critical Design Review
Erik Morrisey | Electrical Engineering
Chris Weigel | Electrical Engineering
Ho Yun Chan | Electrical Engineering
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.
• Our project will incorporate remote
recognition of the cards using RFID along with
a user interface LCD system.
Implementation
• RFID tags attached to cards
coupled with a number of
RFID pads integrated into
the table in the relevant
locations.
• LCD screen at each player to
display chip amount left,
current bet, and current
bet.
• Using the keypad players
can call, fold, or raise
various amounts.
LCD User Interface
• Crystalfontz CFA632 serial
LCD 16x2
• 16x2 yellow/green with
backlight display
• Integrated LED 6-button
keypad
• RS-232 interface
LCD Specifications
• Nominal Supply Voltages:
• Typical Current Consumption:
• Supply voltage for driving the LCD
• +5 V for logic LCD + microcontroller
module (5.0V)
(13mA)
• Supply voltage for backlights (12V)
• +12 V for backlight at 100% (45mA)
• Supply voltage to run fans (12V)
• +12 V for fans (varies)
Powering the LCD
• +5 V and +12 V power can be
supplied through RS-232
• This allows for a single cable
to contain both power and
data connections.
• It’s default RS-232 pin
assignments are all on a
single column of pins which
allows connection through a
.1’’ spacing 5-conductor
cable
• +12 V fan power must still be
run through the PWR
connector due to current
restriction.
Trossen Robotics RFID Tags
• Proximity passive transponder
• Ideal for identification
applications
• Adhesive side allows for tags
to be easily attached to cards.
• Thin and fits nicely.
Innovations 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.
Intronix Logic Analyzer Reading
exclusive or
start of text
RFID tag data
carriage return
line feed
end of text
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.
Main Software Loop
Betting Cycle
System Architecture
MSP430F2470
• Takes care of all
connection needs.
• 2 UART’S for serial
connection for LCD
screen/keypad and
RFID scanners to
local processor.
• Also has a I2C for
connection with the
central processor.
Budget
Item
Vendor
Number of Units
Cost per Unit
Sub Total
RFID Reader ID-12
SparkFun Electronics
6
$29.95
$181.70
RFID IC Square Tags 125 kHz
(2 1/8 x 3 3/8)
Trossen Robotics
60
$1.05
$70.98
RFID Breakout Board
SparkFun Electronics
6
$0.95
$7.70
12
$3.50
$42.00
RS-232 Serial Ports
RS-232 Cables
amazon.com
6
$6.09
$36.54
Microcontroller (MSP430)
Texas Instruments
4
$5.00
$20
Deck of Cards
Chris' Gracious Family
3
Free (Donated)
$0
Vegas Style Poker Table
Craig's List
1
$50.00
$50
Camera
Logitech
1
$50-$100
$100
LCD
Crystalfontz
3
$50.00
$150.00
1
$100.00
$100.00
4
$50.00
$200.00
Kinko's
1
$50.00
$50.00
ITLL
1
$10.00
$10.00
1
$30.00
$30
300
$0.35
$105.00
Total
$1,018.92
Power Supply
Printed Circuit Board
Fabrication
User/Technical Manual
Printing and Binding
Poster
Poker Chips
LEDs
SparkFun Electronics
Division of Labor
Erik
Chris
RFID on Cards
X
Prototype Scanner Pad
X
Basic PCB Design
Basic User Interface
X
X
Microprocessor on Board
Software Design
X
Poker Table
X
Visual Display (LCDs)
X
Camera Integration
User/Technical Manual
Poster
Bobby
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Schedule
Critical Points
• Critical Design Review (CDR)
– Components selected, RFIDs on Cards, at least 1 pad
functioning, processor selected, basic circuit design
• Milestone 1
– Processors on board and functioning, PCBs designed, code
written, LCD interface functioning
• Milestone 2
– User Interface fully functional (display, camera), PCBs
printed and populated, poker table modified with pads
and LCD’s
• Capstone Design Expo
– Final User Manual, Poster
Risks
• If it doesn’t work!
Questions