JP2020500050A - Automatic playing card shuffler and other card handling devices configured to detect marked cards and methods of use thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

An automatic playing card shuffler incorporates means for detecting the marked card. One or more light spectrum emitters or tunable light spectrum illuminators transmit light at a frequency / wavelength that is reflected back to the card through one or more spectral filters that make invisible markings visible. The camera can now capture an image of the visible markings. The camera and software cooperate to capture the image and analyze the images of markings on the back of the card, such as dirt, cuts and rubs, and edge demarcations. The automatic playing card shuffler is configured to detect not only the marked card, but also the symbols associated with the marking of the card. The automatic card shuffler is communicatively coupled to the casino operating system and / or security system so that casino personnel can be alerted in real time upon the discovery of the marked card.

Description

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to automatic playing card shufflers and other card handling devices that incorporate means to detect various types of marked cards and maintain the integrity of casino games.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of PCT Application No. PCT / US2014 / 047227, filed July 18, 2014, which is incorporated by reference in US Patent Application No. 15/001, filed January 19, 2016. US Patent Application No. 15 / 336,779, filed October 27, 2016, and PCT Application No. PCT / US2014 / 047227, filed October 27, 2016, which are part of the continuation-in-part of US Patent No. No. 61 / 847,710, filed on the 18th, claiming the benefit of priority, all of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

  As long as you gamble, injustice exists. As technology advances, new ways of fraud emerge and benefit. One such method is to mark playing cards so that a fraudster can identify (i.e., rank and suit) the card from the back of the card. Knowing ranks and suits gives fraudsters a huge advantage over casinos (eg, blackjack) or competing players (eg, poker). Marking a playing card may include the use of invisible chemicals that can be seen through special lenses, the use of chemicals that can only be seen through electronic means, physical boundaries and anomalies, dirt, etc. It can take many forms, including:

  It would be useful and advantageous to develop automatic playing card shufflers and other card handling devices that incorporate means to detect various types of marked cards to prevent fraudsters from gaining access to casinos and competing players. is there.

  Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention includes an automatic playing card shuffler incorporating means for detecting a marked card. Automatic playing card shufflers have a history of about 25 years and are now ubiquitous in the casino industry. Auto Playing Card Shuffler speeds up the game, creates confidence, shuffles cards randomly, and competes with card counters. Automatic playing card shufflers transport cards using various techniques that ultimately randomize the order of the cards.

  In one embodiment of the invention, one or more optical spectrum emitters or tunable optical spectrum illuminators are reflected on the back of the card through one or more spectral filters that make invisible marks visible. Transmit light of wavelength. The camera (or other image capture device) now captures the image of the visible mark.

  In one embodiment, the camera and software cooperate to capture the image and analyze the image of the markings on the back of the card, such as dirt, cuts, scratches, and edge definitions. The software may also be configured to analyze the card via the image and capture the image in response to detecting the marked card.

  In one embodiment, the automatic playing card shuffler is configured not only to detect the marked card, but also to detect the symbols associated with the marking of the card. For example, an automatic playing card shuffler may recognize that a plurality of ace markings on a set of cards indicate a deliberate action rather than an accidental action.

  In one embodiment, the automatic card shuffler is communicatively coupled to a casino operating system and / or security system so that casino personnel can be alerted in real time of the discovery of a marked card.

  Upon the discovery of one or more marked cards, (i) recording an image of the marked card (s), (ii) transmitting a warning to casino personnel, (iii) marking the cards One or more actions are prompted, including launching software configured to determine the symbol of the card, and / or (iv) continuing analysis to search for the identity of the person (s) responsible for marking the card. sell.

  In some embodiments, the card sorting, verification and / or revocation device incorporates means for detecting a marked card. The card revocation device is used to verify the rank, suit, and number of playing cards in a set of recovered cards. The device can also permanently wear the playing card so that it can be sold to customers. For example, a card cancellation device can pierce a playing card. The card sorting verifier assures a complete set and sorts cards by soot and rank.

  Other variations, embodiments, and features of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, drawings, and claims.

~ 1 shows an automatic playing card shuffler in and on a table according to the prior art.

1 shows a conventional deck verification device according to the prior art.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an automatic playing card shuffler incorporating means for detecting a marked card according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows another block diagram of an automatic playing card shuffler incorporating means for detecting a marked card according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 illustrates a system comprising a series of automatic playing card shufflers and a casino operating system and / or security system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 shows a flowchart detailing one method of using a system with a series of automatic playing card shufflers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an exemplary automatic shuffler incorporating a card mark detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows an overhead view of a playing card passing between a pair of edge sensors / detectors according to an embodiment of the present invention.

~ 1 illustrates various views of a card imaging system including one or more mirrors and a camera according to one embodiment of the present invention.

1 shows a block diagram of a shuffler according to one embodiment of the present invention.

  To further the understanding of the principles according to embodiments of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and will be described using a particular language. It will be understood, however, that the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited thereby. The alteration and further modification of any of the features of the invention described herein, and the addition of any use of the principles of the invention described herein, commonly occurring to one of ordinary skill in the art and the owner of the disclosure are also provided by the present invention. Are considered to be within the scope of the following claims.

  As those skilled in the art will appreciate, aspects of the present invention may be implemented as a system, method, or computer program product. Thus, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware. . Further, aspects of the invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-readable medium (s) having computer-readable program code embodied on a computer.

  Any combination of one or more computer-readable medium (s) may be used. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, device, or apparatus, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More detailed examples (non-exhaustive list) of computer readable storage media include: electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer diskettes, hard disks, random access memories ( RAM), read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), and optical storage, magnetic storage, or any Suitable combinations of the above. In the context of this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain or store programs for use with or for use with an instruction execution system, device, or apparatus.

  A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied on a computer, for example, at baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such propagated signals may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electromagnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. Computer readable signal media is any computer readable medium capable of communicating, propagating, or carrying a program for use in or with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or apparatus that is not a computer readable storage medium. It may be.

  The program code embodied on the computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including, but not limited to, wireless, wired, fiber optic cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

  The computer program code that performs the operations for aspects of the present invention may be an object-oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C ++, or a programming language "C", AJAX, PHP, HTML, XHTML, Ruby, CSS, or similar programming. It may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including conventional procedural programming languages such as languages. The programming code may be comprised of an application, an operating system, as part of system firmware, or any suitable combination thereof. The programming code is all on the user's computer, on some of the user's computers, as a package of stand-alone software, on some of the user's computers and on some of the remote computers, or all as remote computers or sometimes as cloud computing It can be run on a server in a known client / server relationship. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN), or may be connected to an external computer (eg, an Internet service). (Via the Internet using a provider).

  Aspects of the present invention are described below with reference to flowchart diagrams and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the present invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions execute via a processor of a computer or other programmable data processing device, whereby the instructions perform the functions / acts specified in the block (s) of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams. Can be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device for manufacturing machines.

  These computer program instructions may also be used to create a product where the instructions stored on the computer readable medium include instructions for performing the function / act specified in the block (s) of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams. It can be stored on a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other device to perform functions in a particular manner.

  The computer program instructions are also such that the instructions executing on the computer or other programmable device provide procedures for performing the functions / acts specified in the block (s) of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams. Loaded into a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other device to perform a series of operating steps on the computer, other programmable device, or other device to generate a computer-implemented procedure be able to. A "terminal" as used herein, for example, a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer or laptop computer, a client computer configured to interact with a server, a special-purpose computer such as a server, or a smartphone, softphone, It should be understood that any one of a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant or any other machine adapted to execute the programmable instructions according to the above description.

  1A and 1B show a conventional automatic playing card shuffler 100 (in the table), 110 (on the table), and FIG. 2 shows a conventional deck verification device 120. Although there are types of automatic playing card shufflers and devices that can be used in embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will recognize any automatic playing card shuffler (eg, single deck, multi-deck, batch, random position, random selection, etc.), It will be appreciated that card verification devices and card cancellation devices are also suitable for embodiments of the present invention. The card shuffling device can use a roller, elevator, bin, ejector, carousel, or the like to move a group of unshuffled cards to a group of randomly shuffled cards and organize them randomly. Co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 145,592, owned by the applicant and incorporated herein by reference, discloses a type of shuffler in which embodiments of the present invention may be used.

  FIG. 3 shows a block diagram 200 of an automatic playing card shuffler 205 incorporating means for detecting a marked card. In this example, the means for detecting the marked card comprises one or more cameras 210 (or other imaging device), one or more light spectrum emitters or variable light spectrum illuminators / emitters 215,1 One or more spectral filters 220, one or more edge sensors 225, one or more receivers 230, and / or one or more data transmitters 235. There is also a temporary memory 240 for storing certain data including the identity of the marked card. In one embodiment, the automatic playing card shuffler 205 includes a display that alerts a dealer or other casino personnel that one or more marked cards have been detected. Ideally, the display device is invisible to the player so that the player who may be responsible for marking the card is not alerted. As described below, the wireless system can also alert the casino operating system and / or security system of the discovery of a playing card marked. The locations of the various components described herein depend on the type of automatic playing card shuffler, deck verification device, and / or card cancellation device.

  As playing cards move individually within the automatic playing card shuffler 205, one or more cameras 210 are positioned to capture the front and back of the playing card. In one embodiment, one camera 210 is positioned adjacent to the spectral filter 220 and is configured to capture an image of the back of the card while one or more light spectrum emitters 215 are operating. In this way, camera 210 captures all invisible markings made visible by spectral filter 220 and light spectrum emitter 215. In one embodiment, one or more spectral emitters / variable light spectral illuminators 215 may include infrared emitters, UV emitters, and / or incandescent emitters. Other emitter / tunable optical spectrum illuminators or devices capable of transmitting the desired wavelength of light may be used as well. To enhance the ability to detect invisible (to the naked eye) marks, the spectral filter 220 is configured to prevent transmission of certain wavelengths of light while allowing other wavelengths to pass through the camera 210. Spectral filter 220 can take many forms and is selected to work with various spectral emitters / variable light spectral emitters / illuminators 215. The spectral filter 220 is enhanced with the help of the spectral emitter / variable light spectral illuminator 215 to detect polarized and weak reflectance.

  FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary arrangement of the imager 210, illuminator 215, and spectral filter 220 relative to a group of cards 242, a mechanism for moving and randomly organizing the cards 244, and a shuffled card bin 246. The movement of the card 248 is indicated by the image pickup device 210, the illuminator 215, and the spectral filter 220.

  In another embodiment (shown in FIG. 4) suitable for an automatic playing card shuffler or other card handling device with limited internal space, a different imaging method may be used. FIG. 4 shows a block diagram 300 of the automatic playing card shuffler 305. In this embodiment, the contact image sensor 310 and the light emitter 315 use near-infrared (IR) to ultraviolet ( UV) wavelengths (ie, wavelengths from 350 nanometers to 1100 nanometers). In one embodiment, the playing card passes under or over a contact image sensor 310 consisting of a series of silicon or germanium detectors responsive to the wavelengths of light described above. Although the detector may be slightly refocused depending on the required application, in one embodiment, the detector used in contact image sensor 310 is set to 200 inches per pixel. In practice, the card is transported very close to the contact image sensor 310 such that the detector makes almost contact with the playing card. The playing cards are illuminated in turn by fast pulses via light emitters 315 with wavelengths from 350 nanometers to 1100 nanometers of ten different illuminations. This step is on the order of one thousandth of a second. Thereafter, the playing card proceeds to the next scanning position where the process is repeated.

  In one embodiment, the playing cards are transported at a speed that provides a resolution of 200 × 200 pixels per square inch, which gives all playing cards 350,000 scan points. That would result in a total of 3.5 million analysis points since it occurs at 10 scan positions each. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the speed, resolution and number of scan positions can be varied as desired.

  In addition to efforts to detect invisible markings, one or more cameras 210 may cooperate with software to mark markings on dirt, cuts and scuffs, and other cards such as edge markings (eg, notches). Is detected. The software is configured to analyze card images (or actual payouts of playing cards) of abnormal markings that are not normally present. In one embodiment, the software may evaluate the captured playing card data by comparing the stored card data for differences with the captured card data. For example, an image of an ideal Hoyle® playing card is stored and used in memory to compare with playing card data captured from a set of one or more Hoyle® cards. You. In such embodiments, the shuffler or other randomizing device may include input means for identifying the brand of playing card being used, or the device may automatically identify the brand of playing card being used. You may. Alternatively, the software may evaluate card data captured by scratching one or more playing cards from among all playing card groups. In this embodiment, the images of the cards being used may be compared to each other rather than the images of the stored playing cards. Alternatively, the software may evaluate the captured playing card data by identifying any captured asymmetric or non-graphic markings. Regardless of the embodiment, the software evaluates playing card data captured by the illuminator / emitter and sensor / reader arrangement to detect anomalies. By positioning the camera to capture the surface of the card (ie, rank and soot), the software can keep a record of the marking and the suit and rank of the playing card. For example, the software may create a record such as "Ace of Hearts, Notch Along the Edge" or "Ace of Hearts, Dirt".

  In one embodiment, as the playing card passes by the pair of edge sensors 225-1 / edge detector 225-2, the pair of edge sensors 225-1 / edge detector 225-2 may move along the long ends of the playing card. It is positioned. The edge sensor 225-1 / edge detector 225-2 is configured to detect card bending, undulation, or undulation. A single edge sensor along one end may work as well. FIG. 8 is a bird's-eye view of the playing card 226 passing between the pair of edge sensors 225-1 / edge detector 225-2. That is, the edge sensor 225-1 / edge detector 225-2 detects whether the playing card is flat (as it should be) or has some abnormal bends or undulations. In this example, using the same illumination sequence as described above, the resolution of the detector is high, but the pulses are much lower. If the playing card gently undulates up and down while passing the edge sensor 225-1 / edge detector 225-2, it will trigger a different pixel. The gathered information may be converted into an amount of distortion and / or twist and associated with the rank and suit of the playing card to determine a symbol indicating intentional operation.

  In one embodiment, the output of camera 210, edge sensors 225-1, 225-2 and / or contact image sensor 310 (and any other card handling device configured to read playing cards) is copyrighted. Analyzed by software to determine if abnormal marking is present. If present, the output may be stored in memory 240 and transmitted to casino personnel as described below.

  FIG. 5 shows a system 400 comprising a series of shufflers 405-1 through 405-N in wireless communication with a casino operating system and / or security system running on a remote server 410. Such a system 400 provides real-time data relating to the cards marked on the casino, thereby maintaining the integrity of the casino games within the casino. In one embodiment, shufflers 405-1 through 405-N communicate with one another.

  FIG. 6 shows a flowchart 500 detailing one method of using an automatic playing card shuffler in the system 400. At 505, the automatic playing card shuffler shuffles the cards. At 510, it is determined whether the automatic playing card shuffler detects an abnormal card mark. If not, the flowchart 500 returns to 505. At 515, in response to detecting the marked card, the automatic playing card shuffler saves data associated with the memory associated with the automatic playing card shuffler. In one embodiment, the data includes the type of indicia, and the rank and suit of the playing card. At 520, the automatic playing card shuffler displays a warning for cards marked to the dealer. Ideally, the display is not easily visible to the player. The display may also be remote from the automatic playing card shuffler (eg, under a table near the dealer) and controlled via a wired or wireless communication link. At 525, it is determined whether a symbol has been detected by the copyrighted software. For example, if the marked cards are face cards and / or aces, it is likely that the marks were intentionally added. If so, at 535, a wireless message is sent to the casino personnel via the casino operating system and / or security system. The wireless message may include information such as the location of the table, the type of marking and the time of discovery. At 530, it is determined whether a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, caused by the automatic playing card shuffler first finding the marked card. If so, at 535, a wireless message (or a wired message) is sent to casino personnel via the casino operating system and / or security system. In another embodiment, a particular casino employee may have an e-mail, SMS and / or instant message from an automatic playing card shuffler or an e-mail, SMS and / or instant message triggered by the casino operating system and / or security system. May be directly alerted to the marking of the card. In some embodiments, casino personnel are alerted to any detection of a marked card immediately after detection. An optional receiver 230 incorporated within the automatic playing card shuffler allows for periodic polling of the automatic playing card shuffler. Ultimately, the theater or casino will decide how to manage the detection of the system 400 and the marked card.

  The system 400 utilizes aggregate data from two or more actual decks (ie, multiple sets of decks), two or more shufflers and / or two or more casinos to provide game protection in a single game. It is advantageous because the decision is made. The system automatically protects all games at the same time, whether one casino or two or more networked casinos, without having to remove suspicious decks from play and perform an inspection.

  In one embodiment, a smart camera is used in (or attached to) the shuffler. Smart cameras operate as stand-alone vision systems that include a processor, often with image digitizing circuitry, image memory, program and data memory, communication interfaces (eg, Ethernet), embedded lighting devices (eg, LEDs) and / or Includes real-time operating system. In one embodiment, each shuffler includes at least two computer vision related processors: a smart camera processor and an image processor (separate chips). The two processors combined with the third processor (server) are each responsible for performing a test and performing a corresponding analysis. In addition to smart cameras, line scan cameras, area scan cameras, etc.

  In one embodiment, systems 200, 400 are configured to first detect (a) presence, (b) indicia, and (c) response strategy. In other words, the first test detects anomalies, the second test detects indicia, and the third test provides details, strategies and combinations. In one embodiment, the camera processor performs a first test, the image processor performs a second test, and the server processor performs a third test.

  In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, the shuffler incorporates a camera and / or sensor and / or emitter positioned below the card to simultaneously view the back, sides and front of the card. This is done by allocating a part of the camera or image sensor and reflecting on the mirror to look at the back of the card, allocating a part of the camera or image sensor to look at the side of the card, and allocating a part of the image sensor Is achieved by looking at Thus, the shuffler images the entire card, including the card surface (helps identify vicious dealers). Images captured as cards move at the speed of shuffling a regular card. By positioning the camera, sensor and / or emitter below the card, the shuffler can be made inconspicuous. Each of the two cameras operating with the mirror-based system described herein can be positioned at a diagonal corner to view the entire card. Thus, when the system analyzes the entire deck from both sides, both before shuffle (ie, the bin before shuffle) and after (ie, the bin after shuffle), the system analyzes 52 cards simultaneously. I have. In one embodiment, the card is imaged in the air at normal shuffle speed.

  Built-in sensors in pre-shuffle bins, shufflers, card shoes, post-shuffle bins and discard racks, the present invention monitors pre-shuffle, during shuffle, post-shuffle, dealing and post-deal cards And the analysis leads to multiple confirmations and protections, all occurring during a single round / deal (shuffle to shuffle).

  9A-9D illustrate an exemplary shuffler incorporating a camera and mirror system that captures images as the card moves into, moves through, and / or exits the shuffler. FIG. 9A shows the shuffler 600 attached to the table 605. As the card 610 exits the shuffler 600 into the shuffled bin or directly onto the table 605, the camera 615 captures an image of the back of the card via the mirror 620. The camera 615 can also simultaneously capture images of the card surface directly. FIG. 9B shows a line scanner sensor array 625, a lens 630, a prism 635 and a passing card 640. Prism 635 allows line scanner sensor array 625 and lens 630 to be positioned below card 640. 9C and 9D show camera 650 and mirror 655 positioned within Applicants' single-deck random selection shuffler (co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 145,592). FIG. 9D shows a processor / software module 660 that receives the collected data. Again, the camera 650 is below the passing card, and the mirror 655 is above the passing card, capturing at least an image of the back of the card. Positioning below the cards passing through the camera can make the shuffler inconspicuous when installed on a casino table. By being unobtrusive, the shuffler does not impede gaming on the casino table.

  During the detection process, the system uses the degree of measurement to distinguish marks and defects. If one measurement is rated 1 to 10, where 10 indicates the strongest anomaly, only one or two anomalies, including asymmetry due to card manufacturing, will be in between just one or two anomalies before drawing conclusions May imply fraud that may require more data. In other words, some tests may differ when repeated, but the higher the degree of abnormality, the more important the measurement / readout. Some marking materials can oxidize within hours. Detecting the mark immediately (ie, during subsequent shuffles) removes such concerns. For example, if a marked set is introduced from the inside (ie, the entire set is marked at the time of introduction), the system requires only one shuffle to detect fraud. I'm done. In addition to detecting the indicia, the system detects the combination of marked cards and clearly proves the presence of fraud.

  Using the extent of the anomaly, the system detects the failure, and evaluates it by (a) assessing the extent of the anomaly, (b) continuous round analysis and (c) corresponding card values to other Anomalies / marks can be distinguished. The defect is compared using the defect database, and the reliability of the detected defect is determined.

  Using historical data can lead to reliable conclusions. For example, after scanning 10 million Bee Cards of the United States Playing Card Company with a red back surface during a predetermined time, 18 errors are detected on a blackjack table at a predetermined date and time, and abnormalities are detected. It is clear that cheating is occurring or has occurred if it is confirmed that 10 and Ace are respectively marked. Such data proves the intentional marking.

  The system may be programmed to send an initial alert or general alert that the analysis for a particular game has reached a predetermined threshold, thereby allowing casino personnel to better observe suspicious games . If the activity is small, it may indicate that the fraud is still taking place, but the fraudster is still at the table. In fact, alarms are repeatedly sent to the management side and updated in real time, so that they can better observe and manage the situation. Daily summary reports can be sent to casino staff to keep them informed of possible fraud. Overall, the system eliminates human errors and relies on cameras / sensors and evaluation software to automatically detect card anomalies.

  In one embodiment, the shuffler system does not use one or more arbitrary cards, whether valid or not, for comparison purposes (whether actual cards or database images). Instead, the shuffler system uses a statistically significant sample of past and present measurements, a sample that can beat many cards, to define a normal range for comparison. The database maintains a marking record of the card so that future markings can be identified by comparison to previously identified and stored markings.

  In one embodiment, the image on the card passes through photo editing software configured to clearly identify the indicia on the card. In one embodiment, Adobe Photoshop® is manipulated to reveal or correct indicia on a card that has been made invisible to the naked eye. Such indicia are usually found through filters in the form of spectacles, sunglasses and / or contact lenses worn by fraudsters. Manipulating the black, exposure, threshold, hue and / or saturation levels of the photo editing software reveals predetermined marking systems, including shading and filling and others.

  In one embodiment, as shown in the block diagram of FIG. 10, a shuffler 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a line scan camera (eg, a 2048 line scan camera) 705 with a 50 mm C-mount lens, near the camera 705. A plurality of high intensity LEDs 710 to illuminate the card passing through the shuffler 700 and a computer / processor 715 (eg, 4Sight Gpm from Matrox, Canada) and a prism mirror 720 may be incorporated. Card 725 indicates that as the card passes, camera 705 passes through the image capture area of shuffler 700 that captures at least a black image of the card. Although one line scan camera 705 is disclosed, in some embodiments, multiple cameras may be used. In some embodiments, computer / processor 715 may be separate from shuffler 700. For example, a computer / processor 715 may be mounted on the underside of the gaming table to keep shuffler 700 small. It should be understood that the components described so far are examples and do not limit the configuration of shuffler 700 in any way.

  Detecting various card markings and anomalies via a card shuffler, in one embodiment, uses a unique software routine / application / module ("software module"). The software module is configured to detect a specific marking or anomaly. For example, in one embodiment, the software module is configured to detect a cutout that is a marking system with removal of a portion of a card pattern. There are two general methods, chemical and physical. The solubilizer can penetrate, evaporate, and crystallize the ink, which can wipe the ink, but the most common method involves simply cutting, polishing, and scratching the pattern. For example, some fraudsters are known to use hidden pieces of sandpaper glued to their fingers. In this example, the software module performs a pixel-by-pixel comparison using standard symbol recognition.

  In another embodiment, another software module is configured to detect classification with manufacturing tolerances of the card. Playing cards are manufactured within predetermined printing and cutting / punching tolerances, so that there can be differences in reverse symbol position, color and tone. Differences can also exist as a result of changes in paper, board, and environment. Tolerances make a difference in decks that can sort cards from two or more decks and combine them to make one marked deck. In this example, the software module counts grayscale pixel values over a predetermined strip along the long edge of each card. Its value ranges from 0 to 155. The value 0 represents black (no light), the value 255 represents white, and everything in between represents the shade level. Assume the classic Bee card and the entire back side of the diamond (the design protrudes from the edge, there is no border). As an example of one type of deck, low numbered cards have a half diamond on each side, while high numbered cards have a quarter diamond on one side and the other Assume that a three-quarter diamond is drawn (offset) on the side of. The software module changes the printed color (eg, red or blue) to black (value 0) and averages a predetermined number of pixels in a predetermined area. The side with three-quarter diamonds is on average lower than the one-quarter diamond side (more 0s). The half diamond side is on average on average. Thus, the software module receives three measurements representing three quarters, one half diamond, and one quarter diamond. If the software module detects the end of the card for a three-quarter diamond or a one-quarter diamond, it reads it as "offset" and outputs a marked card, rejected. If the software module detects the end of a half-diamond card, it reads it evenly cut / perforated or printed and outputs an unmarked card, pass. .

  Applicant's random selection shuffler (Co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 145,592) is optimal for the marked card detection shuffler technology disclosed herein. Because the method naturally separates each card during the shuffling process, it allows each card to be imaged in its entirety. Conversely, in random position shufflers and most other shufflers, some components and design elements tend to obstruct the view of cameras and sensors. For example, a roller that drops cards from the top of the deck may block some of the cards. As each card moves on the platform or directly to a bin, shelf, or slot, that process can also plug the camera / sensor.

  The inventor has determined that the smart camera can detect up to 90% of the marked cards. The other 10% can be captured by measuring size, turn, radius, etc. (such tests can be used to detect the overall category of marked cards). In some embodiments, an ultrasound test, an optical test for performing a chemical analysis, or the like may be used.

  In one embodiment, the auto-playing card shuffler can track the cards in the same order as they have been distributed and, along with the means for detecting the marked cards, the casino marks which player (s) It is possible to secretly judge whether or not they are in charge of doing, and to be punished accordingly. By secretly detecting fraudsters, the casino staff can determine which player (s) is part of the fraud.

  The system can also identify the normal wear associated with shuffled playing cards so that the casino can determine when to swap out the deck. This can protect the casino.

  In addition to automatic playing card shufflers, deck verifiers and card sorters, Applicants can detect certain component markings (eg, emitters and spectral filters) by user wearing spectacles. I have come up with a pair of glasses. Applicants hereby incorporate by reference US Patent Application No. 61 / 830,565, filed June 3, 2013, entitled Mobile Device for Detecting Marked Cards and Methods of Using the Same.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain embodiments, additional variations and modifications are within the scope and spirit of the invention, as defined and defined in the following claims. is there.

Claims (26)

A mechanism for rearranging cards from a set of one or more cards;
One or more cameras incorporated therein or attached thereto;
One or more illuminators illuminating an area near the focal point of the one or more cameras;
A transmitter configured to transmit data from the one or more cameras to a remote location, wherein the data includes an image of at least a backside of the card from the one or more card sets;
A card comprising a plurality of card shuffler devices each including one or more local and / or remote processors configured to evaluate the data to detect anomalies and markings on the card associated with the card. Shuffle system.   The card shuffle system according to claim 1, further comprising a server configured to receive at least the data transmitted by the transmitter of each card shuffler device.   The card shuffle system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of card shuffler devices further includes a processor.   The card shuffle system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of card shuffler devices communicate with each other.   The card shuffle system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more cameras further comprises one or more mirrors positioned to capture images of the back of the card, the sides of the card, and the front of the card.   The card shuffle system of claim 1, further comprising an electronic storage device configured to maintain data related to card data captured by the one or more cameras.   The card shuffle system according to claim 1, further comprising photo editing software that corrects an image of the card to reveal hidden card marks.   The card shuffle system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of card shuffler devices are located in two or more casino facilities. A mechanism for rearranging cards from a set of one or more cards;
At least one camera having a processor;
An image processor,
One or more illuminators,
A transmitter configured to transmit data from the camera processor and the image processor, wherein the data includes at least an image of a backside of a card;
A remote server configured to receive at least the data from the plurality of card shuffler devices and evaluate the data together with historical data to determine marking and anomalies on the card; and a plurality of card shuffler devices each including: Equipped with a card shuffle system.   The card shuffle system of claim 9, wherein the at least one camera further comprises one or more mirrors positioned to capture images of a card back, a card side, and a card front.   The card shuffle system according to claim 9, further comprising an electronic storage device configured to maintain data related to card data captured by the at least one camera.   10. The card shuffle system of claim 9, further comprising photo editing software that corrects the image of the card to reveal hidden card marks.   The card shuffle system according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of card shuffler devices are arranged in two or more casino facilities. Shuffling a card using one or more random selection card shufflers at one or more locations, wherein the one or more random selection card shufflers include at least one card for capturing an image of the card. Shuffling a card with a camera;
Capturing an image of at least one of a card backside, a side, and a front when the card is repositioned by the one or more random selection card shufflers;
Collecting card data including at least an image of at least one of the card back, side and front;
Evaluating said card data with historical card data to determine card markings and abnormalities.   15. The method of claim 14, further comprising first detecting anomalies using a camera processor of each of the one or more random selection card shufflers, and then detecting marks using an image processor. .   The method of claim 14, further comprising using a remote server to store the collected history card data.   15. The method of claim 14, further comprising using photo editing software to correct the image of the card to reveal hidden card marks.   The method of evaluating the card data with historical card data to determine a card anomaly indicative of improper card marking, comprising using a measure of measure to distinguish marks from defects. 15. The method according to 14.   The step of evaluating the card data together with the historical card data to determine a card abnormality indicating improper card marking comprises: (a) a measure of the abnormality, (b) a continuous round analysis and (c) 15.) The method of claim 14, comprising :) using the corresponding card value to distinguish indicia from defects. (I) a mechanism for rearranging cards from a set of one or more cards;
(Ii) one or more cameras incorporated or mounted therein;
(Iii) one or more illuminators illuminating an area near the focal point of the one or more cameras;
A card shuffle system comprising: one or more card shuffler devices each comprising one or more software modules configured to detect marking and / or anomalies on one or more cards.   A transmitter configured to transmit data from the one or more cameras to a remote location, the data further including a transmitter from the set of one or more cards, the image including at least an image of a backside of the cards. 21. The card shuffle system according to claim 20.   21. The card shuffle system according to claim 20, further comprising a server configured to receive the data transmitted by the transmitter of each card shuffler device.   21. The card shuffle system according to claim 20, wherein said server runs said one or more software modules.   21. The card shuffle system of claim 20, wherein each of the plurality of card shuffler devices further includes an associated processor.   21. The card shuffle system of claim 20, wherein the one or more cameras further comprise one or more mirrors positioned to capture images of a card back, a card side, and a card front. Shuffling a card using one or more random selection card shufflers at one or more locations, wherein the one or more random selection card shufflers include at least one card for capturing an image of the card. Shuffling a card with a camera;
Capturing an image of at least one of a card backside, a side, and a front when the card is repositioned by the one or more random selection card shufflers;
Collecting card data including at least an image of at least one of the card back, side and front;
Determining the marking and / or abnormality of the card using one or more software modules.