TWI627986B - Cellular shuffler system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

An automatic card processing device having a card processing device including a controller configured to shuffle an input set of cards and deliver an output set of cards obtained from the shuffle; and A communication module operatively coupled to the controller, wherein the communication module is configured to send and receive information related to the operation of the card processing device through a communication port, the The communication port is configured to be operatively coupled to a cellular network, wherein the information related to the operation of the automatic card processing device includes information about the use of the card processing device; wherein the card processing device's One factor in the fee for use is the use of the card processing equipment.

Description

Cellular shuffler system and method

This application is a continuation of a part of US Patent Application No. 11 / 558,818, filed on November 10, 2006, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

This application relates to: US Patent Application No. 11 / 558,810, "Casino Table Game Monitoring System", filed on November 10, 2006. The US patent application has been abandoned; November 10, 2006 U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 558,817, "Method and Apparatus Providing Gaming Table with RFID Antennas and Shielding", which has now been abandoned ; And US Patent Application No. 11 / 558,823, "Casino Card Shoes, Systems and methods for a No Peek Feature", filed on November 10, 2006, in the United States The patent application has now been abandoned; the entire contents of the above patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates generally to playing card processing equipment, and more particularly, to a device including an automatic card processing equipment used in a cellular network.

The card processing equipment used in the gaming industry is used to increase the efficiency, security, and speed of live table games such as Blackjack, Baccarat, and various forms of poker. Card processing equipment, such as a shuffler, can perform many functions, including shuffle one or more decks in a random and efficient manner. In live table games, it is important to shuffle cards in an efficient and thorough manner to prevent players from having an advantage by knowing the position of specific cards or groups of cards in the final layout of the cards dealt during the game. In addition, it is also advantageous to shuffle the cards in a short period of time in order to minimize any delay in the game.

There is a need for methods and devices that provide improved system efficiency, reliability, and details of the use of card processing equipment.

Embodiments include an automatic card processing device, which, in one embodiment, includes a shuffle device configured to shuffle an input set of cards and shuffle the resulting cards. Describes a set of cards to be delivered. The automatic card processing device further includes a detection module configured to identify the level and suit of each card in the set of cards output. The detection module identifies the rank and suit before removing the output set of cards from the shuffle device. The automatic card processing device further includes a communication module, which can communicate with a remote computer or server on a public cellular network.

The communication module is configured to send and receive information related to the operation of the automatic card processing device through a communication port configured to be operatively coupled to a communication network such as a cellular network. Information about automatic card processing equipment, such as usage information, maintenance information, machinery information, etc., can be sent to a data module to prepare reports such as detailed usage reports (usually formatted data packages) that can The automatic card processing device is licensed / authorized based on a usage-based model rather than a model for a fixed period of time. An example of a model during a fixed time period is to rent a small shuffle machine at $ / month, regardless of actual use. For the purposes of this application, when the $ symbol is used, it should be understood that the symbol conceptually includes any recognized currency system and its symbols, including but not limited to, €, ¥, ￡, , , , , Rs, , Wait. Examples of usage-based models include, but are not limited to: $ / one minute of power-on time, $ / shuffle a card, $ / deliver a card, $ / play a game once (playing a game once refers to a single game playing sequence For example, a blackjack game from the beginning to the end, which includes any number of current players), $ / play once / player (meaning the same as playing the game once, but the charge rate includes adding once for each player), $ / Game Period (A game period is a series of games played, where each time the game is played is the same game, and the time interval between each game is shorter-seconds, not minutes or hours), $ / Game period / Average number of players (same as $ / game period and combined to add once for each additional player-where the number of players is averaged relative to the game period), $ / card count, $ / card pair check, etc. Some implementations may include the ability to not only charge for each type of usage event, but also combine or periodically full charge based on multiple types of usage events that occur during a charging period.

The data module can also receive information about Maintenance and / or machinery information, and prepare reports, alerts, alarms, and / or other notifications based on that information. In some implementations, the data module receives information from internal components. In other implementations, the data module may use polling methods-clearing designated error or status buffers-or use other methods to periodically collect information and collect and format the data for transmission.

The data can be collected, formatted, and sent as a result of an external source requesting information received at the data module. The external source is usually a central server for access, and in some embodiments, The CPU further processes the data of the card processing device ("smart card shuffler", if the device is a card shuffler). The information may also be collected, formatted, and / or sent as a result of internal requests. Internal requests can be in any form, including time-based and / or timer-based requests, based on the occurrence or identification of a specified set of detected or reported error conditions, and / or based on the specific requirements of other internal modules Sent internally.

110, 130, 160, 730, 150, 150 ’, 150” ‧‧‧ brand processing equipment

112‧‧‧ Top surface

113, 115‧‧‧ buttons

114‧‧‧Flip-up cover

116‧‧‧Cards stuffed into the zone

118‧‧‧Lifter platform

120‧‧‧Sensor

122‧‧‧Display Panel

124‧‧‧ Subject

132, 156, 731‧‧‧ shuffler

134‧‧‧Computer

136, 720‧‧‧ Internet

138‧‧‧Printer

140‧‧‧ shuffler controller

142, 740‧‧‧ Camera

144‧‧‧ Camera Processor

146‧‧‧communication module

148‧‧‧communication port

154, 154 ’, 154” ‧‧‧ brand recognition module

160A, 160B‧‧‧ brand equipment

162‧‧‧Server

163, 290, 296, 494‧‧‧ communication links

164‧‧‧Public Cellular Network

168‧‧‧Service Center

170A, 170B‧‧‧Local Taiwan Area Network

172A‧‧‧Taiwan District Operator Station

212‧‧‧Diagnostic Module

214‧‧‧Sensor Module

219‧‧‧Detection Module

222‧‧‧Microcontroller

224‧‧‧Memory Module

226‧‧‧Hardware communication module

228‧‧‧Custom Module

292, 294‧‧‧ Connect

380‧‧‧Connector

490, 494, 751, 752‧‧‧ communication links

500‧‧‧operator station

590, 592, 594, 594A‧‧‧ communication link

590A‧‧‧Communication link

664A, 664B‧‧‧Taiwan area server

702, 731, 741‧‧‧ computing equipment

702, 731, 741‧‧‧ Data Module

704, 734, 744‧‧‧ processors

706, 746‧‧‧ communication unit

707, 737, 747‧‧‧‧ input / output devices

708, 738, 748, 800‧‧‧ Memory

712‧‧‧Report Generator

714‧‧‧repair / error module

736‧‧‧shuffle machine structure

802, 804, 806, 808, 810, 901, 902, 904, 906, 907, 908, 910‧‧‧ steps

Fig. 1 is a diagram of one embodiment of an automatic ("smart") card processing device; Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an automatic card processing device operatively connected to a local area network; c) is a block diagram of an embodiment of an automatic card processing device; FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an automatic card processing device operatively connected to a local area network; FIG. 5 is a network corresponding to the embodiment of the automatic card processing device road 6 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a network of automatic card processing equipment; FIG. 7 is a diagram of an environment in which the embodiment can operate; FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method according to one embodiment ; And FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method according to one embodiment.

The drawings depict embodiments for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art who also benefit from the present application will recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be used without departing from the principles described herein.

This application illustrates in various embodiments: an automatic card processing device with a cellular network capability (this includes a card processing device with other network interfaces that have the same capabilities as a public cellular network Similar capabilities) operating devices and methods.

In the following description, circuits and functions may be shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the description in unnecessary detail. On the other hand, the specific circuit implementation shown and described is merely an example and should not be construed as the only way to implement a shuffler unless otherwise stated therein. In addition, the box definition and the logical division between the various boxes illustrate one possible implementation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art who has also benefited from the present invention that the disclosed embodiments can be implemented by various other partitioning schemes, all of which are already contemplated herein.

In addition, the term "module" is used in a non-limiting sense here, only The functions of specific circuits and / or components in the embodiment of a honeycomb card processing device should not be construed as requiring a specific physical structure or a specific division among the components to perform the functions represented.

When executed as firmware or software, the instructions for performing the methods and processes described herein may be stored on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, magnetic and optical storage devices such as disk drives, magnetic tapes, CDs (Compact Discs), DVDs (Digital Video Discs or Digital Video Discs), and such devices as RAM, DRAM, ROM, EPROM and flash drives. Semiconductor device of flash memory.

FIG. 1 illustrates a card processing device 110. The upper surface 112 of the card processing device 110 may include a flip-up cover 114 that, when the cover is opened, exposes a card insertion area 116 and a lifter platform 118. The card stuffing zone 116 may be configured to receive a set of cards to be shuffled, to be counted, and / or to be screened. In one example, the card processing device 110 may be configured to receive multiple decks (eg, up to 8 decks) of cards at any one time, read rank and suit, screen and shuffle. The elevator platform 118 may be configured to raise a set of shuffled cards to a level such that they can be removed by a device user after the shuffling, interpretation and / or screening process is complete. The lifter platform 118 may include a sensor 120 that detects the presence of a card or other object on the lifter platform 118. A camera or card identification module (see FIGS. 2 and 3) may also be included in the main body 124 of the card processing apparatus 110. The card processing device 110 may be adjacent to a gaming table in a casino where a live card game is played or inlaid into the gaming table, or may be located away from the casino floor, which is not accessible to the public.

The card processing device 110 may also be configured to be associated with the device The operation data is displayed on the display panel 122 on the upper surface 112. The casino employee using the card processing device 110 may monitor the display panel 122 and view the displayed information to understand the operation status of the card processing device 110. Such information displayed on the display panel 122 may include the number of cards present in the card processing device 110, the status of any shuffling, reading or screening operations, safety information related to the card processing device 110, and related to card verification processing The status of the card, or any other information about the error, or the operation of the card processing device 110 that will be useful to the user. The buttons 113, 115 adjacent to the display panel 122 may be on / off buttons, special function buttons (for example, lifting the elevator to a licensing position, a reshuffle command, a security check, a card count command, etc.) and the like.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a card processing device 130 that includes a shuffler 132 operatively connected to a computer 134. The computer 134 may be any operable implementation, including but not limited to a chip or chipset that supports public cellular communication capabilities. One example is Qualcomm's Snapdragon series of chips (other manufacturers, such as Intel, also sell chips that enable public cellular telephone communications). Other embodiments may include several components, a subset of which may be Qualcomm or Intel wafers already mentioned. The shuffler 132 may include a shuffler controller 140 and a camera processor 144 operatively coupled to the camera 142. Both the shuffler controller 140 and the camera processor 144 are operatively coupled to the computer 134 via connections 292 and 294, respectively. The computer 134 may include a communication module 146 and a communication port 148 configured to be operatively coupled to the network 136 via a communication link 290. The computer 134 may also be operatively coupled to the printer via a communication link 296 or via a network 136 138.

Network 136 may include a local area network or a wide area network, such as the Internet, a cellular telephone network, or some combination of multiple networks. The communication links 290 and 296 may include any form of wireless or wired connection or any combination thereof. By way of example, and not limitation, communication links 290 and 296 may include serial data links, parallel data links, USB, Ethernet, wide area network (WAN), local area network (LAN), infrared communication, IEEE 802.16 (or (WiMax), IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / p, Wi-Fi, and in particular, for one embodiment, the communication link may include any public cellular telephone network (the public cellular telephone network includes but is not Limited to GSM, CDMA, 3G or 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) communications, etc.). It has been thought that with the development of other communication technologies in the future, especially those for public telephones, those other communication technologies may also be used.

As described in detail below, the communication module 146 may be configured to establish communication with the network 136 and then send and receive information to and from the network 136 through the port 148.

In some embodiments, the communication module 146 and the memory 800 reside in the shuffler 132; in other embodiments, they may be located in separate housings. The communication module 146 is in operative communication with the shuffler controller 140 in all embodiments. In some embodiments, in addition to the shuffler controller 140, other modules or components of the shuffler may also communicate with the communication module 146.

In one embodiment, once the shuffler 132 receives an input set of cards, the shuffler controller 140 is configured to count the cards, and when the When cards are counted, the camera 142 is configured to take pictures of at least a portion of each card counted. Thereafter, the data representing the photo and the card count are sent to a computer 134-the computer 134 traverses the photos and extracts the card value from the photos of each card. In another embodiment, the information is sent to one or more computing devices on a WAN (e.g., the Internet and / or a cellular network). The computer 134 then generates information related to the set of cards entered by associating the value of each individual card with its position counted in the deck of cards. The computer 134 then uses the card information to verify the content of the deck of cards by comparing the information related to the set of cards entered with information about a standard deck of cards stored in the memory 800 of the computer 134. . The computer 134 can be configured to operate in multiple modes and be able to automatically switch between multiple modes without crashing or restarting. By way of example, the computer 134 may be configured to operate in a setting mode, a random mode, and a service mode, as fully explained below.

As described above, the card processing apparatus 130 is configured to display any material related to the operation of the card processing apparatus 130 on the display panel 122 (see FIG. 1). The card processing device 130 may be further configured to convert the aforementioned operation data into an electronic data signal including information such as: information related to restoration, data related to current or past operations and use, serial number of the card processing device 130, equipment The serial number of the component, the physical location of the card processing device 130, the performance, usage, or any other information related to the card processing device 130. Any time after the computer 134 has established communication, the communication module 146 can send the information through the communication port 148 and send it to the network 136 via the communication link 290. As described in more detail below, this information can then be sent to a server 162 where the data is viewed, stored, and mined by the equipment operator. Mine, or forward to casino personnel or service center 168 (see Figures 5 and 6). In addition, the computer 134 may be configured to send information including the shuffle and card verification results to the printer 138 via the communication link 296. The printer 138 may be configured to print a label with a verification result upon receiving the information, and then attach the label to the output set of cards. For example, the printer 138 may also print a wide variety of Messages such as service requests, operating hours, lot numbers shuffled, special cards lost, etc.

3 (a) to (c) illustrate various embodiments of the card processing apparatus 150. FIG. 3 (a) illustrates a logical division of functions within the card identification module 154, while FIGS. 3 (b) and 3 (c) illustrate different implementations of the physical division of the card identification module 154. Of course, these partitioning schemes, whether logical or physical, are exemplary solutions, and other implementation schemes with different partitioning solutions can be conceived.

As illustrated in the logical division of FIG. 3 (a), the card processing device 150 includes a shuffler 156 and a card identification module 154. The card shuffler 156 includes a sensor module 214 that is operatively coupled to the card identification module 154 via a connector 380 and is configured to detect each input included in a set of cards Image information for cards. The sensor module 214 may include, for example, a two-dimensional CMOS image sensor, a two-dimensional charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor, or a one-dimensional linear sensor known to those skilled in the art. The card identification module 154 includes a communication module 146 configured to establish communication with a local area network or a wide area network (including a public cellular network). The communication module 146 can further send and receive information on the network. In addition, the card identification module includes a detection module 219 and a diagnostic module 212. The detection module is configured to verify the content of an input set of cards, and the diagnostic module 212 is configured to perform a self-diagnosis of the operation of the card processing device 150, which will be described more fully below.

FIG. 3 (b) illustrates an implementation of the physical division of the card processing device 150 ', in which the card identification module 154' includes a custom module 228, the custom module includes custom logic configured to establish with the network Communication, and then sending and receiving information on the network. The customization module 228 may include logic configured to perform the functions of the communication module 146, the detection module 219, and the diagnostic module 219. By way of example and not limitation, the custom module may be implemented as a custom application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), one or more programmable logic devices (PLD), and the art Similar devices known to those of ordinary skill for implementing custom logic.

In another embodiment of the card processing device 150 ", as illustrated in Figure 3 (c), the card identification module 154" may include a microcontroller 222 operatively coupled to the memory module Group 224. The microcontroller 222 may be configured to perform the functions of the communication module 146, the detection module 219, and the diagnostic module 219. In this way, the microcontroller 222 can be configured to establish communication with the network and send and receive information over the network by using software or firmware stored on the memory module 224. Of course, many microcontrollers suitable for the card identifier 154 "may include memory as part of the microcontroller 222. Therefore, a memory module 224 outside the microcontroller 222 may not be needed.

In another embodiment, the card identification module 154 "may include a hardware communication module 226. In this configuration, the communication functions may be implemented entirely in hardware, or may be configured to establish communication with the network and thereafter In the net A combination of hardware and software functions for sending and receiving information on the road.

Although the card identification module 154 is shown as part of the shuffler in the figure, in other embodiments, the card identification module 154 may be located in an external computer in communication with the shuffler controller. In an embodiment, the communication may be direct, indirect, over a LAN, over a WAN including a public cellular network, a wired network / link, or any combination.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment in which the card processing device 150 is coupled to the network 136. The card processing device 150 may include a shuffler 156 and a card identification module 154, which are operatively coupled together through a connector 380. In addition, the card identification module 154 may include a communication module 146 and a communication port 148, which is directly coupled to the network 136 via a communication link 290. The card identification module 154 may also be operatively coupled to the printer 138 via a communication link 296. As described above, the communication module 146 may be configured to establish communication with the network 136 and then send and receive information on the network 136. As described above, the network 136 may include a local area network and / or a wide area network, such as Internet, public cellular network, etc. The communication links 290 and 296 may include any form of wireless or wired connector or any combination thereof.

The operation of the card processing apparatus 150 drawn in FIG. 4 will now be described. When a set of input cards is put into the card processing device 150, the shuffler controller 140 is configured to shuffle the input set of cards, and the sensor module 214 is captured before, during or after the shuffle process. Image info about each card. The image information is sent to a card identification module 154, where the detection module processes the image information of each card to determine the level and suit of each card. Image information can process the level and flower on each card through image recognition The color logo is transformed into grades and suits. As previously described, the image recognition process may be executed as software / firmware operating on the microcontroller 222, or may be executed by custom logic within the custom module 228 (see Figures 3a-3c). The card identification module 154 can be configured to operate in multiple modes, and is capable of automatically switching between multiple modes without the need to crash or restart. By way of example, the card identification module 154 may be configured to operate in a setting mode, an operation mode, or a service mode.

In addition to shuffling and verifying the contents of an input set of cards, the card processing device 150 may establish communication with the network 136 at any time during power-up. Thereafter, the card processing device 150 may communicate the results of the shuffle and verification process or any other information related to the card processing device 150 (such as diagnostic messages, identity messages, simple or complex usage information, and location messages on the network 136) Send to server 162 (see Figures 5 and 6). In addition, the card identification module 154 may be configured to send information including shuffle, maintenance information, power-on, operation information, and card verification results to the printer 138 through the communication link 296. The printer 138 may be configured to print a label or other report with information such as a verification result upon receipt of the information, which label or other report may then be appended to the set of cards output.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a network including a card processing device 160. The card processing device 160 may be located on the casino floor adjacent to the gaming table or in a back room location away from the casino floor, and may include the card processing device 130 described in FIG. 2 or the card processing device 150 described in FIGS. Each card processing device 160 is operatively coupled to the network 136 through a corresponding communication link 290. Network 136 may be operatively coupled in place via communication link 490 At a server 162 in an operator station 500, the operator station is a computerized machine control system. The operator station 500 and the server 162 may be located within the casino property and may be operatively coupled to the printer 138 and the wide area network-such as the Internet or public cellular network 164-via communication links 296 and 163, respectively. The server 162 may be located within the operator station 500, as shown in FIG. 5, or may be separate from and operatively coupled to the operator station 500. The service center 168-which may be located on the casino property or at a remote location-may be operatively coupled to the server 162 via a LAN, WAN, and / or other network 164 via communication links 494 and 163. The communication links 163, 290, 296, 490, and 494 may include any form of wireless or wired connector, or any combination thereof.

The network operation of the card processing apparatus depicted in FIG. 5 will now be described. At any time during the power up of the card processing device 160, the card processing device 160 may establish communication with the network 136, and then send any information related to the card processing device 160 to the server 162 through the network 136. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the server 162 is located within the operator station 500. Therefore, any data received by the server 162 can be accessed by the equipment operator within the operator station 500. On the other hand, if the server 162 is located outside the operator station 500, any data received by the server 162 may be forwarded to the operator station 500. In this way, the equipment operator visiting the operator station 500 can receive the information and monitor the status of each card processing device 160. Upon receiving any information, the server 162 may be configured to store, mine, assemble, or forward the information to a casino staff member or an equipment technician located within the service center 168. For example, for example only, casino staff or equipment technicians An interface (GUI) receives the transmitted information, and the graphical user interface includes a visual or alarm system on a computer, a mobile phone, or other similar data receiving device.

For example only, the card processing device 160 may be configured to send an email or text message that contains the operating status of the card processing device 160-to the server 162 or directly to the cellular telephone network. If sent to the server 162, it can send email, text messages, instant messages, and / or other types of messages to the service center 168 or any material receiving device belonging to the casino staff. The email or text message sent may include, for example, information detailing whether the set of cards entered has been successfully shuffled and verified. If the set of cards entered fails the verification process, the email or text message sent may contain the reason for the failure, and if the card processing device 160 detects a missing card, the missing card may be listed. Other materials included in emails, text messages, etc. may include identifying the location of the card processing device 160, the name and location of the casino, the direction to the casino, and the casino pit where the card processing device 160 resides. The card processing device 160 may also be configured to send alerts or requests to the server 162 via the network 136 once a problem is diagnosed, or to send alerts to pre-selected targets via a public cellular network, including at casinos (operator's properties ) And / or a server at the location of the brand device manufacturer. In addition, the server 162 may forward alerts or requests to the operator station 500, casino staff, or to the service center 168.

The card processing device 160 may also be configured to generate a report including a description of the locations and related performance of all operating elements of the card processing device 160. The generated report can then be sent electronically to the server via network 136 Server 162, and send to a server connected using a public cellular telephone. The server 162 may also send the report to a service center 168 or a computer, mobile phone, or any other data receiving device belonging to a device technician or casino staff. Once the generated report is received, the casino staff or equipment technician can quickly find the corresponding card processing device 160 and can then resolve current issues or future problems that may eventually exist in the corresponding card processing device 160. The report can generate repair requests, preventive maintenance requests, identify devices that require software updates, and more.

In addition, the card processing device 160 may be configured to receive messages and instructions including, for example, from a device operator within the operator station 500, a service center 168, or directly to each brand device through its own public cellular telephone connection. Work order or self-diagnosis request-information. In this way, in addition to monitoring multiple card processing devices 160, a device operator located within the operator station 500 can control multiple card processing devices 160 at any given time. In addition, a technician located at a remote location, such as a service center 168, can use a public cellular telephone communication link to perform routine troubleshooting or install software or perform firmware updates and patches on the card processing device 160.

As described above, the card processing device 160 can be configured to operate in multiple modes, and can realize automatic switching between modes without the need to crash or restart. In this way, the device operator can control multiple card processing devices 160 at the same time by changing the operation mode of the card processing device 160 and then running a program on the card processing device 160, sending a data request or sending a work command to the card processing device 160. By way of example and not limitation, a device operator or owner remote from any brand of device 160 may use the honeycomb style of each brand of device Connectivity, switch any particular brand of processing device 160 to service mode, and request self-diagnosis, perform routine troubleshooting, or install updated software and patches. In addition, the card processing device 160 can automatically switch to the setting mode upon receiving an input set of cards, and start a calibration check to verify the correct calibration before switching to the running mode. After switching to the running mode, the input The deck is shuffled and / or verified.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a network including a card processing device 160A that is connected together based on common characteristics, such as physical location and / or game type. For example, by way of example only, a network of card processing devices 160A located in a single casino floor or within a limited area of a single casino floor may be network connected together. Similarly, for example, the network of the card processing device 160A related to a specific game type-for example, "blackjack"-may be network-connected together. Each card processing device 160A in a similar network is operatively coupled to a local station network 170A through a communication link 590A, which may correspond to-as described above-the location or game of the card processing device 160A Types of. Each local station network 170A is further operatively connected to a local station operator station 172A via a communication link 594A. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the station server 664A is located in the station operator station 172A. Therefore, any data received by the station server 664A can be accessed by the equipment operator in the station operator station 172A. On the other hand, the station server 664A may be located outside the station operator station 172A, and any data received by the station server 664A may be forwarded to the station operator station 172A. In addition, each brand device 160A or 160B has its own cellular telephone connector, through which the brand device can be the same as the one just described. A staff member and persons associated with the lessor or owner of the card processing equipment (which may be different from the casino operator) establish communications and are established communications.

As mentioned above, at any time during power-up, each card processing device 160A located within the local station network 170A may be configured to establish communication with the local station network 170A and send information related to its operation To the platform server 664A. Further, each card processing device 160A may be configured to receive messages or instructions from the station server 664A. In this way, the station operator located in the station operator station 172A can simultaneously monitor and control each card processing device 160A located in the corresponding local station network 170A. Each card processing device 160B may be network connected together and directly coupled to the local station network 170B in a manner similar to that described above for each card processing device 160A; alternatively, each card processing device may use its The cellular telephone capability communicates with various servers, producing the same functional results for the operator or owner of the device. In this case, the hardware and software components of the operator or brand equipment owner will be compatible with cellular technology, rather than with, for example, hardware LAN technology. In addition, in some embodiments, each brand device will have both hardware LAN capabilities and cellular WAN capabilities and will be configured for different or possibly partially overlapping purposes programmed by the brand device programmer. Use every network. The device 160B can send and receive messages to and from the station server 664B on the local station network 170B.

And, the local station network 170A / 170B may be operatively coupled to the server 162 via a communication link 592. The server 162 may be operatively connected to the printer 138 via a communication link 296. Service center 168 can be operated The operation site is coupled to the server 162 via the wide area network 164-for example, the Internet, a cellular network, etc.-via communication links 494 and 163. In addition to sending and receiving information to and from the server 664A / 664B, each card processing device 160A / 160B can pass through the local station network 170A / 170B and / or equivalently via a cellular network or a combination thereof-as above The ground-sending and receiving information to and from the server 162, so that the equipment operator located in the operator station 500 can simultaneously monitor and control each card processing device 160A / of each local station network 170A / 170B 160B. Operational data sent from the card processing device 160A / 160B and received at the server 162 may be viewed, stored, mined, assembled, and / or when each device uses its cellular connection (not shown in FIG. 6) ) Checked by service center 168 at the same time. In addition, operational data can be sent to a computer, mobile phone or similar data receiving device belonging to a casino staff member. The communication links 296, 494, 590, 592, and 594 may include any form of wireless or wired connector or any combination thereof.

In addition, the card processing device 160A / 160B may be configured to receive information including messages and instructions, such as a work order or self-diagnosis request from a device operator located within the operator station 500 or from a cellular connection. In this way, in addition to monitoring multiple card processing devices 160A / 160B, a device operator located within operator station 500 can control multiple card processing devices 160A / 160B at any given time. In addition, a technician located at a remote location, such as the service center 168, can perform troubleshooting by using an electronic communication link between the card processing device 160A / 160B and a computer (not shown) or a cellular telephone link to the service center 168 Install the updated software and patch on the card processing equipment 160A / 160B.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an environment in which an embodiment can be operated. The card processing device 730 may be similar to the card processing device 130 described herein. The card processing device 730 includes a shuffler 731 and a computing device 741, and their operations may be similar in many respects to the card processing device 132 and the computer 134 described herein. In one embodiment, the shuffler 731 includes a processor 734, a shuffler structure 736, a camera 740, an input / output device 737, and a memory 738. The shuffler structure includes physical components and sub-components of the shuffler 731. An example of such a component is as described herein with respect to FIG. 1. For example, in an embodiment, the operation of the camera is similar to the operation of the camera 142 described herein.

The computing device 741 includes a processor 744, a communication unit 746, an input / output device 747, and a memory 748. The data module 702 includes a processor 704, a communication unit 706, an input / output device 707, a memory 708, a report generator 712, and a maintenance / error module 714.

The processors 734, 744, and 704 process data signals and may include various computing architectures, such as a complex instruction set computer (CISC) architecture, a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) architecture, or an architecture that implements instruction set combinations. Although only one processor is shown, multiple processors may be included. Processors 734, 744, 704 include arithmetic logic units, microprocessors, general purpose computers, or are installed to send, receive and process data from memory (738, 748, 708), input / output devices (737, 747, 707 ), The shuffler structure 736, and some other information devices of the electronic data signals of the camera 740.

Memory 738, 748, 708 stores instructions and / or data that can be executed by processors 734, 744, 704. The instructions and / or information may include code for performing any and / or all of the techniques described herein. Memory 738, 748, 708 may be dynamic random access memory (DRAM) devices, static random access memory (SRAM) devices, flash RAM (non-dependent memory), a combination of the above, or some known in the art Other memory devices. Although memory 738, 748, 708 is shown on devices 702, 731, 741, some memory may be remote, such as on a connection to the device or via a WAN, such as a cloud-based memory piece, separate Device.

The input / output devices 737, 747, 707 provide interfaces configured to provide input and send output to the device. The input device enables a user to have the ability to provide input to the devices 731, 741, 702. The output device may be any device installed for displaying electronic images and / or materials.

The computing device 741 may be part of the shuffler 731, or may be a separate device from the card processing device 730, for example. In one embodiment, the computing device 741 includes a communication unit 746 that communicates with the network 720 via a communication link 751. The network 720 is also in communication with the data module 702 via a communication link 752. The network 720 may be any network such as a LAN, a WAN, such as the Internet, a public cellular network, and the like. The communication links 751, 752 may be, for example, wireless / wired or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the communication units 706, 746 may communicate using one or more of the following communication methods: a cellular protocol (eg, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), TDMA, CDMA, etc.), infrared communication, IEEE802. 11a / b / g / n / p communication, 3G communication, 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE), IEEE802.16 (or WiMax) communication, or other radio frequency communication. It is already contemplated that other protocols / communication methods may be used.

Although only one card processing device 730 is illustrated in FIG. In the embodiment, a plurality of card processing devices 730 communicate with the data module 702. In one embodiment, each card processing device 730 may communicate directly with the data module, such as via a network 720. In one embodiment, the card processing device 730 includes a communication unit 746 having a cellular modem capable of enabling communication with one or more data modules 702 via a cellular communication network 720. In another embodiment, multiple card processing devices 730 may be coupled to a single device having a communication unit capable of connecting to the network 720. In one embodiment, multiple card processing devices are coupled to devices capable of communicating with the data module 702 via a cellular communication network.

In various embodiments, the data module 702 is positioned such that communication between the data module 702 and the card processing device 730 occurs over the network 720. The data module 702 includes a report generator 712 and a repair / error module 714. One of the features of some embodiments is that information (such as usage information, maintenance information, mechanical information, etc.) about the automatic card processing device 730 can be sent to the data module 702. The report generator 712 prepares reports such as detailed usage, which enables the automatic card processing device to be based on criteria such as each use, each game period, each game play event, each game period, each time period Licensed to authorize / charge.

The report generator 712 receives usage information from the card processing device 730 and identifies usage based on various usage parameters. Examples of such usage parameters include: (a) the number of shuffles, (b) the number of shuffled cards, (c) the number of game play events, (d) the number of games, and (e) at a certain time The use of a card processing device 730 during a time period, such as an hour or a limited number of hours, such as a 24-hour period with any start time.

The parameter of the number of shuffled cards may represent the number of times the entire deck of cards is shuffled by the card processing device 730. When multiple decks are shuffled, this parameter can reflect the total number of decks shuffled. The parameter of the number of shuffled cards may represent the number of cards shuffled by the card processing device 730. In one embodiment, when a particular card is shuffled multiple times during a certain period of time, the parameter increases every time the card is shuffled. In one embodiment, a card is shuffled once when one or more cards are part of a shuffle process that is completely shuffled.

The parameters of the game play event can indicate the number of games completed / number of games completed on a stage. For example, a game play event for "blackjack" represents a card transaction between the initial bet arrangement and the final hand result. In one embodiment, if there are five players on a table, five games are completed for all players and traders to complete one hand. In some embodiments, the traders' hands are also counted, so this represents six games Complete, in another embodiment, this represents one game completion.

The parameters during the game may represent a series of game completions / transactions for a particular type of game played, such as blackjack, three card poker, etc. without significant game interruption. For example, if the card processing device 730 is used for three-card guessing and continuous use, such as shuffling and trading cards for 6 hours without an interruption of more than 5 minutes (other interruption time period criteria can be used), then the card processing device 730 Used for blackjack, the six-hour three-card guess is a game play session.

The parameters of use in a period The number may represent the total amount used by the card processing device 730 during a certain time period. Examples used are the number of shuffles, the number of shuffled cards, the number of game play events, and / or the duration of the game. The profile module may identify a single card processing device 730 and / or a collective of card processing devices-wherein the group may be used, for example, in the same area of a casino floor in a casino or in different casinos-at any time. This information can explain the trend of identifying the number of games played for a particular game, such as a three-card guess.

The data module 702 may also receive maintenance and / or mechanical information about the automated card processing device 730, and the maintenance / error module 714 may prepare reports, reminders, alerts, and / or other notifications based on the information. For example, the repair / error module may identify when a module / sub-module of the card processing device 730 is approaching the end of life amount and should be replaced. For example, different modules / submodules (mechanisms) of the card processing device 730 may be consumed at different rates depending on how the shuffler is used. In one example, the card processing device 730 performs different tasks, so the various sub-components used are different depending on the game being played. Accordingly, the rate of wear of some sub-components may vary based on the game played by the card processing device 730. A repair / error module 714 or a card processing device or a processor coupled to the card processing device can track the use of various modules / sub-modules of the card processing device 730 and identify when such components / sub-components are nearing end-of-life usage parameters .

The repair / error module can also identify when parts of the card processing device 730 have been damaged and need to be repaired, or when the card processing device 730 is not working properly on the other hand-for example, when the rate of an error shuffler exceeds a certain threshold . Repair / error module can be predicted based on incorrect operation Failure, and can send a message informing the recipient that maintenance is needed, which can be before the card processing device 730 fails.

In some implementations, as described in more detail below, the data module 702 receives information from the card processing device 730 as a result of requesting information. In other embodiments, the data module 702 receives the information without having to request it directly or indirectly beforehand.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment. Information about the card processing device 730 is collected at 802. As mentioned above, this information may include usage information, error information, or any other information related to the card processing equipment. For discussion purposes, it can be characterized as including two types of data. One is usage data, that is, data based on and / or reporting the type and kind of brand processing equipment that has been put into use. The other is defect, error, and condition reporting. Note that there is always a partial overlap between these data types and their use in practice. For example, predictive maintenance and failure reports may be generated based in part or entirely on usage data and / or defect, error, and / or condition data. Billing reports-which are often based on usage data-can also include due to faults, errors or predictive maintenance data (they are used to generate chargeable events, used to generate billing reports or bills to users of card processing equipment) Charge event.

In an embodiment, the usage profile may include information related to the type of game, the number of shuffled cards, the number of cards traded, and, for example, in one embodiment will include a time stamp. Understandably, at this level, data logs are created that are not usually in human-readable form; they may have been given meaning based on agreements, data types, data structures, etc. Binary numeric string. In future processing, they will be used to generate human-readable reports and / or bills. This information can be stored in memory 738/748 (or memory in a separate device) until the information is provided to the data module 702. This information is then sent 804 to the data module 702. As mentioned above, this information can be sent from the communication unit 746 or from a separate device. In one embodiment, the information sent does not respond to a request from the data module 702, but is sent based on a pre-selected event or according to a predetermined schedule. The pre-determined schedule can be a periodic event, such as sending all collected data every 24 hours. Frequently the frequency of sending data will be selectable at the card processing device and can be set remotely or by someone with the required authorization at the device. Event-based sending will usually be used when the device detects (pre-selected) some type of log or interrupt event. When these types of events occur, it has been determined that they will be reported immediately or within a relatively short time frame compared to regular reporting. "Pre-selection" means that an event that is about to be reported to a central location via a network connection (honeycomb connection in one embodiment) occurs earlier than regular timed data transmissions, and that the event has been reported in some way Select to enable the device to algorithmically determine that the material is about to be sent. In one embodiment, the device is programmed such that when it detects a defect interruption or log entry indicating a failure mode, it sends information indicating those conditions as soon as it is technically feasible. Other events can be selectively programmed during regular data transmission or earlier. In addition to events that do or may indicate a failure, other reportable events that may be sent as soon as possible after detection can be those that indicate the user of the device Incorrectly used event. For example, if the device is licensed to the user at a specific location and the device uses GPS or cellular tower location technology to detect that the device has been moved to an unauthorized location, a report can be sent once the technology is feasible. Other non-permitted uses, such as certain games, can also trigger the sending of data once the technology is feasible after detection.

When the data module 702 cannot communicate with any particular device 730, the data module 702 can also detect a fault or unauthorized use. Periodically scheduled reports cannot reach data module 702 when expected, which indicates that the device is due to equipment failure, network connection failure, communication is intentionally blocked or is located in an unauthorized location without network capability, or due to other Failure to communicate. The data module 702 may be programmed to retry communication with the device 730 a predetermined number of times and / or over a predetermined time period, after which it generates a report or alarm. Examples of an alarm may be a report indicating that the alarm is of high importance, highlighting the event (light, sound, vibration, etc.) on the user interface, or other ways to indicate that the event requires the attention of the relevant staff. It may be noted that the retry setting-including but not limited to trying to establish communication and / or trying over a certain period of time-may be short or small according to human standards, such as microseconds or milliseconds, and It may depend on the device, its location, local infrastructure, and other factors. In one embodiment, parameters associated with the detection of communication defects or non-responsive card processing equipment will be set (selected) at the location of the data module 702.

The data module receives 806 the information. The information may be stored in the memory 708 (or a memory device external to the data module 702). Report generator 712 analyzes the material and prepares reports that identify the material in a particular way 808. In one embodiment, the report generator translates low-level materials and / or log entries into a form that can be used to directly generate a human-readable form or already a human-readable form. For example, the report generator 712 can use the data and / or log information sent to it by a device to generate a user report based on the type of data provided by the device. Different devices can have different types and / or quantities of usage information to send, where different types and quantities of information can reflect the complexity of the device. Implementations range from the simplest to the most complex. Simple devices can report relatively simple data, including relatively few fields that must be processed, such as screened cards, counted cards, loaded cards or decks, and / or traded cards. More sophisticated devices can include information about the type of game played, how many games have been traded, during the game, individual game play events, deal deal cards to each player, or with real or virtual players (virtual The player is the position or shot of the player that is actually controlled by the computer) the associated position, the associated relative value of each shot, the time stamp of each event, and other more detailed information. The report information may be stored in the memory 708, for example, in a database format. The report generator can send 810 data related to the report to other computers, printers / devices / memory. In one embodiment, the use of the card processing device 730 may be tracked to enable the charging of the card processing device 730 based at least in part on the actual use of the device during the charging period.

As mentioned above, embodiments allow the reporting period and any associated charging periods to be any duration and based on any type of use or combination of uses. In other embodiments, the charge amount may include maintenance fees, charges, or other payable service events. Use types include but are not limited to Cards or multiple decks that have been entered into the card device, cards that have been distributed, cards that have been counted, cards that have been screened, cards that have been checked for integrity, multiple shots that have been traded, the type of game played, Each game played, during game play, directly or indirectly based on any winning amount (including any progressive) detected during game play, individual shot reports and game reports generated, and / or past Reports on card use, past games, or past game-period data (including previous shots that were previously generated) (past data can help casinos resolve customer disputes, can help settle billing disputes, etc.). If the device is unable to communicate or display the result of the request, this may be from a central location where the extended game material associated with each card processing device may be stored or otherwise provided to Users (casinos, operators) of local card processing equipment-download to the card processing equipment. Such materials, chargeable events, and recallable events are based on the capabilities of each card processing device. The level achieved by each card processing device in any form of recording is reflected in the data held at the central location for later recall, analysis and use. Uncomplicated card processing equipment with limited reporting capabilities will have the same limited information available from any back-end system, while sophisticated card processing equipment will enable the back-end system to maintain more detailed records and responses to specific information and similar Behavioral download request. The type of data available from complex card processing equipment is limited only by the power of its detectors and associated computers. Any type of information related to the following is within the inventive concept: card usage, deck usage or deck type (including but not limited to the manufacturer and other information of the deck), any kind of deck deck or deck Counting, sorting in a randomized deck or part of a card, each transaction for any event Or information about cards that have been dealt out (including card count or deck determination and game play events), and any other type of count or event based on cards in any manner used in the card processing device.

The information collected can be at any charge (meaning creating a bill sent to the user of the device for the final payment) or for any type of repair (including actual and predicted failure analysis and / or predicted required maintenance reports) Useful ways are organized, analyzed and reported. Forecast reports can be based in part or in whole on statistical analysis of usage data, error logs, outages, defect reports, and any and all data-if usage data, error logs, outages, defect reports, and any and all data are available from the detector or Obtained by a detection circuit, detection IC, or any type of element that has the ability to generate logs or generate information about the condition of any element (itself or other elements).

Examples of detector elements include elements such as a stress detector or motion detector located on or associated with a mechanical component and a fault detection IC that measures various electrical / electronic properties of the component so that abnormal events can be detected Report or generate logs. A similar detection element may be a fault detection (or condition monitoring) circuit contained in a larger circuit for reporting / logging performance deviations or apparently non-compliant behavior, and / or may be generating logs, interruptions, or other Any other detection element of the event. This further includes firmware or software that can use algorithms that work with one or more parts or components of any type (mechanical elements that use or interface to mechanical-electrical, mechanical-optical, or other components, all Electronics, etc.) to generate actual, possible, or predicted faults Information or reports of the incident. This is by way of example only; the concept encompasses collecting and / or using or evaluating any data from fault detection elements implemented in various models of brand processing equipment now or in the future.

Figure 9 is a flowchart of a method according to one embodiment. Unlike the method described in FIG. 8, the information sent by the card processing device 730 is in response to a request, such as the information requested by the data module 702. The request may be sent to a single card processing device 730, multiple card processing devices 730, or to an intermediate computing device that sends 904 information. In this embodiment, the data module 702 requests information 901 from the card processing device 730. For example, the data module 702 may request information about the number of cards shuffled by the card processing device during an 8-hour shift—for example, from 8 pm to 4 am. Information about the card processing device 730 is collected 902. As mentioned above, this information may include usage information, error information, or any other information related to the card processing equipment. In an embodiment, the usage data may include, for example, basic data related to a game type, the number of shuffled cards, the number of cards traded, and a time stamp. The information sent 907 may include more information than needed. This information can be stored in memory 738/748 (or memory in a separate device) until it is sent to the data module 702. The information is sent 904 to the data module 702. As described above, the information may be sent 904 from the communication unit 746 or from a separate device. The data module receives 906 the information. This information may be stored in the memory 708 (or a memory device external to the data module 702). The data module 702 may request additional information 907, in which case, as described above, the request is sent to the card processing device 730 or the relay device. The report generator 712 analyzes this information and prepares to identify the asset in a specific way Expected Report 908. For example, the report generator 712 may identify the number of cards that the card processing device 730 has shuffled in a shift from 8 pm to 4 am. As described above, the report information may be stored in the memory 708-for example, in a database format. The report generator can send 910 information related to the report or other computer / printer / device / memory. In one embodiment, the use of the card processing device 730 may be tracked such that the payment of the card processing device 730 may be based at least in part on the actual use of the device during the payment. As mentioned above, the implementation allows the reporting period-and therefore the corresponding payment period-to be of any duration.

Implementation options will vary depending on where information is collected, reported and analyzed. In some embodiments, the card processing equipment can be quite simple and relatively inexpensive, and its data collection and reporting capabilities will reflect these limitations. In one embodiment, such a card processing device will not perform data analysis at all; the data analysis will all be done at the server location (or other computer that eventually receives or accesses the data). At the other end of the range may be multi-function card processing devices capable of performing multiple card functions and supporting multiple card games, and further having their own displays, printers, and other components. Such sophisticated card processing devices can perform some data analysis, enabling them to generate at least one, if not multiple, payment reports available to users of the devices in a human-readable manner locally. This can include output to a printer or screen. This enables other users of the casino or device to track their use, the current amount owed, possible service requirements, and other parameters.

The most complex data analysis on predictive failure analysis can be expected to be done centrally, at least in part because the more complex analysis uses Many brands deal with equipment information. However, some or all of the results of this analysis can be downloaded to any individual card processing device that is complex enough to use these results-usually in a form that the card device can detect in accordance with a pattern in its own profile. Examples of this pattern could include the occurrence of some kind of logged event from a part during a specified time, or the occurrence of certain details, measurements, interrupts, or logs from a set of parts-the set of parts themselves Do not raise an alarm, but raise an alarm when these appear together. Here, any and all patterns determined by data analysis are all included.

As used in this specification, "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular function, structure, or characteristic described in relation to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "an embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Some sections in the detailed description give a symbolic representation of the algorithms and data bit operations in the computer's memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is generally considered herein as a self-consistent series of steps (instructions) leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiring physical manipulation of a physical quantity. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical, magnetic, or optical signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. Conveniently, these signals are often referred to as bits, values, components, symbols, characteristics, conditions, numbers, etc., mainly for reasons of public use. In addition, also Conveniently, certain arrangements that require steps of physical manipulation or transformation of physical quantities or representation of physical quantities are often referred to as modules or code devices without loss of generality.

All of these and similar terms, however, will be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise (as can be made clear from the following discussion), the following understanding is used throughout the specification: use of instructions such as "processing", "calculation", "calculation", "determination", "display", "determination", etc. refers to a computer The behavior and processing of a system or similar electronic computing device (for example, a dedicated computing machine) that manipulates and transforms computer system memory or registers or other information stored, transmitted, or displayed in a device as Physical (electronic) quantity of data.

Certain aspects of the embodiments include processing steps and instructions in the form of algorithms described herein. It should be noted that the processing steps and instructions of the embodiment can be implemented in software, firmware or hardware, and when implemented in software, they can be downloaded to reside and run on different platforms used by multiple operating systems. Implementations may also reside within a computer program product capable of being executed on a computing system.

Embodiments also relate to a device for performing the operations herein. Such a device may be specially constructed for this purpose, such as a dedicated computer, or the device may include a general purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as, but not limited to, any type of disk, including floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, magnetic-optical disks, read-only memory Memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic or optical card (ASIC), or any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions, and each is coupled to a computer system bus. Memory may include any of the above and / or other devices capable of storing information / data / programs, and may be transient or non-transitory media, where non-transitory or non-transitory media may include memory that stores information for a minimum duration /Memory. In addition, the computer referred to in this specification may include a single processor or may be an architecture-the architecture uses a multi-processor design to enhance computing power.

The algorithms and displays described herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other device. Various general-purpose systems having programs in accordance with the teachings herein may also be used. Or it may be convenient to construct a more specialized device. The structure of a variety of these systems will be understood from the description herein. Furthermore, implementations are not described for any particular programming language. It will be understood that the teachings of the embodiments described herein may be implemented using a variety of programming languages, and any references herein to specific languages are provided to enable this disclosure to be implemented and implemented in an optimal manner.

Although specific embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described herein, it will be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the precise structures and components disclosed herein, and various modifications may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and apparatus of the embodiments. , Changes, and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments defined in the scope of the appended patent applications.

Claims (16)

A system for charging use of an automatic card processing device, comprising: a card processing device having a controller, the card processing device being configured to physically shuffle an input set of cards, and to obtain from the shuffle A set of cards for delivery; a communication device operatively coupled to the controller, the communication device being configured to send at least information including card processing usage parameters of the card processing device through a communication port , Wherein the card processing use parameters include information related to the operation actions performed by the card processing device, which are associated with the physical use of the card processing device during the game; and a computing device, which is remote from the card processing A device operatively coupled to the communication port via a network, the computing device configured to receive information including card processing usage parameters of the card processing device, and configured to be based at least in part on the card processing The device's card processing uses parameters to generate a usage fee for using the card processing device. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication device is further configured to receive the information from the controller and transmit the information to the computing device in response to receiving a request from the computing device via the communication port. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication device is further configured to transmit the information to the computing device in response to a trigger selected from the group consisting of at least one of: a passing amount of time, a day Time, predetermined schedule, and predetermined events. The system according to claim 1, wherein the card processing use parameter includes at least one of the following: game type, number of shuffled cards, number of shuffled cards, number of cards traded, number of game playing events, time The number of games in the period and the timestamp. The system of claim 1, wherein the information further includes failure information of the card processing equipment. The system according to claim 5, wherein the failure information includes data that can indicate a shuffle error, a failure of a component of the card processing equipment, or a component of the card processing equipment that exceeds a life limit usage parameter. The system of claim 6, wherein the lifetime usage parameter is a game type based on the card processing device transaction. The system of claim 5, further comprising: a positioning device configured to determine a location associated with the card processing device, wherein the fault information includes an indication that the location is not within an authorized location. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication module is further configured to respond to at least one of a preselected event and a predetermined schedule through the communication port to transmit information related to the operation of the card processing device. Information. The system of claim 9, wherein the pre-selected event is selected from the group consisting of: detecting a pre-selected log type and detecting an event. A method for charging use of a card processing device, the method comprising: using a remote computing device to receive usage information from a remote card processing device through a communication network, the remote card processing device being configured for The card processing device is used to physically shuffle cards from an input card group into a shuffled card group and output. The usage information includes card processing usage parameters, and the card processing usage parameters include those performed by the card processing device. Information related to the action is associated with the physical use of the card processing device during the game; and at least in part based on the card processing usage parameters, the usage fee of the card processing device is generated by the remote computing device . The method according to claim 11, wherein the use parameter includes at least one of the following: the number of shuffles, the number of shuffled cards, the number of game playing events, the number of games, and the card processing equipment at a certain amount of time Use within. The method according to claim 11, wherein the card processing use parameter further includes fault information of the card processing equipment, the method further comprising: determining whether the fault information exceeds a fault threshold; and responding to the fault information notification exceeding the fault threshold operator. The method according to claim 13, wherein the fault information includes a life limit usage parameter. The method according to claim 11, further comprising requesting usage information from the card processing device at a specified time. The method of claim 11, wherein generating the usage fee based at least in part on the processing parameters of the card is indicated by a measure selected from one of the following: the price per unit power-on time, the price per shuffle, Price per card delivered, price per game played, price per game played by each player, price per game played, price per game played per average player, per card counted Price, or any combination of the above.