JP4774413B2 - Image capture card shuffler - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a card shuffler device for a live card game. More particularly, the present invention relates to a computer-controlled card shuffle system capable of capturing an image, storing a random playing card, constantly monitoring and distributing, and displaying a card image.

  A card shuffle machine is an electromechanical device designed to reorder one or more sets of playing cards used in casino games. Recently, games have been developed that require a set of cards to be shuffled in a random order and handheld cards to be distributed to each player. These handheld cards are removed from the machine by the operator and given to the player. Some game policies require different numbers of hand cards to be given to players depending on the game selected. For example, for each different game, each hand card will be 3, 5, 7, or more cards. For security purposes, some shuffler devices count the number of cards in a set each time a game is played.

  If there are many remote players in a live card game, there is an inherent risk of squid and / or card counting, so security issues exist and become extremely important. Accordingly, there is a need to create a safe environment that allows operation of a live card game while providing effective security to prevent hacks and counting.

  Pfeiffer et al. (US Pat. No. 4,667,959) discloses an apparatus for storing and selecting cards. The apparatus includes a rotatably mounted carousel that distributes playing cards to the slots of the output port with rollers. The card is pre-marked with a known sign such as a bar code so that the device can constantly monitor which slot holds which card. A sensor reads the identification mark on the card.

  Soules et al. (US Pat. No. 5,067,713) teach an apparatus for distributing coded playing card and card sets. A set of cards encoded with a bar code that is invisible to the human eye is provided. The card is encoded with a substantially invisible barcode that can be read by electro-optical reading means using light in the infrared or ultraviolet region. The purpose of this device is, in the essence of the teachings, to allow dealers to deal with coded playing cards.

  The Albrecht patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,374,061) discloses a card dispensing shoe having a counting device and its method of use. A system is described that uses a specially coded set of cards that indicate card values and suits. This system involves using a special set of cards encoded with two types of data: information with numbers and alphabetic characters. The numerical information corresponds to the value of the card, and the alphabetic character information indicates this card group series. This information is in the form of a barcode or other machine readable format. While the cards are dealt, a sensor senses the code on each card.

Hill et al. (US Pat. No. 5,722,893) discloses a card dispensing shoe having a card scanner. The scanner senses each card as it moves down and out of the shoe. The scanner may be an infrared laser scanner that can read a barcode stamped on a card. Hill et al. Also discloses obtaining a high resolution array by optically scanning the card, storing it in memory and converting it to a word vector. These vectors are then used as inputs to the feedforward neural network. The neural network learns using error backpropagation to sense and recognize possible card suits and card values.

  Meissner et al. (US Pat. No. 5,779,546) teach an automatic game system and method. The automatic dispensing shoe automatically advances to interpret the value of the playing card and provide an interface to the computer system. An optical sensor is used to record the number of points and their spatial relationship, thereby determining the card value.

  McCrea, Jr. Has a series of patents that disclose card shuffler devices having image capture means. These US Pat. Nos. 5,605,334, 5,707,287, 5,735,525, 6,093,103 and 6,117,012 are received by the position of each player. Discloses the need for a means to control the game by accurately collecting and storing the suit and value of each card being played. The game control means stores this information in the memory so that the history of each card dealt is recorded. Therefore, the game control means can detect the progress of winning and can automatically issue an award signal.

  Each of these patents shuffles playing cards in a random order, captures the pre-output playing card images, processes the card images, and displays the card images all within the shuffler It does not teach or suggest a card shuffler device that can. Since the image is relayed directly to the display of the shuffler device, no complex card recognition software or conversion of the image into a word vector or other card value data representation is required.

  In the essence of security, the present invention extends game security to a higher level. By using an image capturing means such as a small digital camera, an image of the surface value of each card is taken and stored in a computer memory. This image is stored in the bitmap image format. The machine operator can use the keypad to recall an image of the card containing the individual hand-held cards of the previous game or games. This feature allows verification of a hand-held card when winning after the game is completed.

  As one of the biggest game security problems, there is a problem that two adjacent players exchange cards and one side obtains a winning hand-held card. The present invention allows a hand to be quickly rechecked before paying for a winning handheld card. These card images are stored in memory and are archivally accessed for use in monitoring the randomness of the game and determining the number of cards in hand. Such information is invaluable in managing game play.

  Accordingly, one object of the present invention is a card playing system for shuffling and dispensing playing cards, comprising means for capturing images of the cards that are being distributed for use in verification, thereby providing security issues for casino games. It is to provide a card play system.

Another object of the present invention is to allow cards to be selectively shuffled for different card games and / or to different shuffle modes of operation and to capture images of the cards to be dispensed. Is to provide a shuffler.

  Still another object of the present invention is to provide a card shuffler that can display an image of a playing card to an operator for verification of a winning hand-held card.

  Another object of the present invention is to selectively place cards against at least two different card games having different shuffle requirements and between at least two selectable modes of operation that can be defined by these at least two different card games. It is to provide a card shuffle machine that shuffles cards with the additional security of card image capture and image relay to each playing station (playing station).

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple and low manufacturing cost card play system that provides in-situ image display of images being captured and distributed.

  Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. It will be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all of these modifications.

  A complete understanding of the present invention can be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, which are described below in conjunction with the detailed description thereof.

  The disclosure of the present invention is submitted for the purpose of promoting the constitutional purpose of the US Patent Law of “To Promote Advances in Science and Useful Technology” (Article 1, Section 8).

  In the following, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a card shuffler machine capable of removing the scum by replacing the card, which is one of the most important security problems, will be described. These security issues are more common in special card games, such as, but not limited to, Pai Gow Poker. The essence of these games is that card players and / or card counters may interact with each other and manipulate the winning results. Due to the need for new means to improve game security, the present invention provides a card shuffler device 100 that can capture the image of a distributed playing card, as shown roughly in FIG. Meeting this need.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows a schematic or schematic depiction of a card shuffler device 100 of the present invention. System 100 includes six main operational components: controller 10, shuffler device 20, image capture means 30, control panel 40, card input receptacle 50 and card output bin 60.

Preferably, the housing 15 is made of a metal sheet (such as aluminum), durable plastic or other rugged and durable material. The key 45 of the keyboard 44 is preferably a clickable key and includes marks on the top surface for identifying commands that the key communicates to the microprocessor 12 (FIG. 2). The keys can also be made of silicon rubber / carbon, which is typical for such keys, or the keypad can be a thin film keypad. The controller 10 (and finally the microprocessor 12) receives the input data from the control panel 40, and thereby the shuffler system 100.
The output data is displayed on the display 42. However, it will be appreciated that other display technologies known in the art are also within the scope of the present invention, such as vacuum fluorescence, flat panel displays and segmented LEDs.

  The controller 10 is a system that controls the operation of the shuffler device 20, the image capturing unit 30 and the display unit 40, and the movement of the card through the shuffler system 100. The controller 10 includes a suitable microprocessor that serves to coordinate all operations of the components of the shuffler system 100.

  The present invention includes a new method for performing automatic shuffling of playing cards. These methods include shuffling cards in a face-to-face relationship and placing them in random order. The front-to-back relationship is a standard state when a playing card is sold, and refers to a state in which the front side of a certain card is adjacent to the back side of the next adjacent card. Here, the present invention does not mention the need for pre-marked playing cards. Usually, it is easy to use a playing card without a mark.

  The new shuffle method described above further includes the ability to shuffle cards in more than one mode and for multiple card games as desired. In the card shuffle technology, two types of shufflers are introduced. One is a batch mode shuffler and the other is a continuous mode shuffler.

  A batch mode shuffler is a device that shuffles a set or a plurality of sets of playing cards into a random order. One or more sets of these cards are attached to the shuffler system 100, usually the input receiver 50 at a time. The cards are shuffled or reordered and provided to the output bin 60. These card sets are immediately removed by a person (dealer), the dealer splits the stacked cards, makes a record (cut), and places the marked cut cards in the set at random locations. The dealer then places the cards in a distribution shoe for individual distribution to the card game players.

  At the end of each game, the dealer collects the cards that the player has played from each PlayStation and discharges them to a discharge shoe (not shown) face down. The card set is then placed in the input receptacle 50 and proceeds to the shuffler device 20 where it is reshuffled to begin a new game. This process may include two sets of cards with different colors on the back of the card. While using one set, the other set may be shuffled. This reduces the time to stop the game to shuffle, allowing the dealer to play more matches with the player.

  A continuous shuffler is a device that shuffles or reorders one or more sets of playing cards into a random order. In using this mechanism, the cards are constantly shuffled by the shuffle system 100. At the end of each game, the card is discharged directly to the input receiver 50 of the shuffler 100. A distribution shoe (not shown) is generally incorporated in the output bin 60 of the shuffler 100. The shuffle does not stop as long as the game is played or ready to be done.

The process of ejecting the playing cards is preferably performed by ejecting and moving the playing cards and pushing them into the output bin 60, as described in detail, for example, in US Pat. No. 6,299,167. . The above patents are incorporated herein by reference. Card removal is accomplished by hooking the edges of the selected moved card with a movable extractor. This step is more preferably achieved by rounding selected card edges using one or more extraction rollers (not shown). The card is further guided towards the output bin via the output roller. The image capture means 30 may be disposed between the extraction roller and the output bin 60 (FIG. 1).

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the image capturing means 30 may be a digital camera. A conventional digital camera using charge coupled device (CCD) technology may be used to obtain optical information of the captured image. A CCD consists of a closely packed semiconductor array of light receiver rows that can detect changes in light intensity and frequency.

  The controller 10 includes an image processor 16 as shown in FIG. The image processor digitizes the light information collected by the camera. This information is digitized by converting the recorded image into a bitmap. The bitmap will then make use of the digital information by converting the digitized information into an image representation consisting of rows and columns of dots. The present invention includes a field image processor 16 that further converts the bitmap into pixels for display on the display means 42.

  Alternatively, the image capture means 30 can comprise a digital camera (not shown) that utilizes CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) technology. CMOS chips have the advantage of lower power requirements than CCDs. In addition, CMOS sensors can be subjected to a number of other tasks that can be translated into controller operations such as analog-to-digital conversion, load signal processing, white balance processing and other camera controls. For example, CMOS chips are high resolution sensors with space efficient capabilities that allow sensor designs that can increase density and bit depth without significantly increasing cost.

  A digital video camera (DV camera) may also be used to capture digital video images, which can reduce video microprocessing steps. The output of the DV camera is already in a compressed format. Therefore, all that is required is to capture a recorded image received directly from the camera and transfer it for post-processing.

  An analog camera (non-digital) may be used to capture the card image. These can include video recording cameras. In this case, image data for display output may be simplified using an analog-digital converter. Any suitable camera or camera-type device known in the art may be used to capture the card image.

  Lenses, mirrors, optical fibers, optical fiber transmission tubes, optical sensor arrays, photosensitive diodes, and / or any combination thereof to capture and transmit optical information to any selected camera means for obtaining an image of a playing card Any suitable means for capturing image data known in the art, including but not limited to, may be used.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the system's approach to the operation of the shuffler system 100. After the card is shuffled according to an instruction from the shuffler controller 10, the playing card starts to move by the extraction roller. When the leading edge of the moving card is detected by the sensor 25, the image capturing means 30 takes an image of the card. This image data is sent to the image processor 16. The image processor 16 performs post-capture processing steps. Here, conversion, mapping, sharpening and compression can be performed on the image data. The controller 10 sends the image data to the non-volatile RAM storage device 14 and stores it in the memory.

This stored data is then stored in the keypad 4 arranged on the control panel 40.
A prompt message from 4 can be called for display by graphic display 42. FIG. 3 illustrates the control panel 40 and includes operations controlled by the keypad 44 and images displayed on the display 42.

  The microprocessor 12 may, for example, use one or more card games that shuffle or distribute, such as the shuffle method, whether the shuffle is in batch mode or continuous mode, or Paigao Poker (again, the type of card game constrains the present invention). Control the various functions of the shuffler system 100, including but not limited to. The microprocessor 12 can control the output of the cards so that each player is given a continuous card set from the shuffled card set or every Nth card from the shuffled card set. Where N is the number of players and dealers (if applicable).

  Microprocessor 12 operates under the direction of programmed software. This software is stored as firmware in a memory chip dedicated to the application, in a solid-state non-volatile memory device, or on a magnetic disk, from which the software goes to the addressable RAM of the shuffler system 100 upon power-up Can be loaded. When the shuffler system 100 is first powered up, the software initializes the display 42 and clears it.

  The operation of the selected command related to the key 45 of the control panel 40 will be described. It will be appreciated that any of the keys 45 may be located anywhere on the shuffler system 100 and is not limited to the control panel 40. In operation, a signal is electrically transmitted to the controller 20 when activated by pressing or switching on any key, switch or button. Next, a predetermined command is transmitted from the controller 20. The predetermined command is transmitted from the controller 20 to the shuffler 100 via the transmission means. The shuffler 100 then performs functions related to this command.

  The control panel 40 can also include a “game”. The “game” key (shown in FIG. 3) allows the operator to select the type of card game to be played. Different card games require different shuffle and / or distribution methods. When the “game” key is pressed, the name of the card game appears on the display 42. The operator can cycle through several games programmed in the microprocessor's memory by repeatedly pressing the “Game” key until the desired game is selected. In another embodiment, the control panel 40 may include individual keys for each card game. Alternatively, a conventional search keyboard may be used.

  The number of players may be entered using a “number of players” key (also shown in FIG. 3) to instruct the microprocessor 12 to distribute the desired number of cards on hand. If there are specific rules or other information that will change the game play, the "program" key may be used to make the appropriate changes.

Keypad 44 may include a “verify” key. A “Verify” key is provided so that the operator can verify the number of cards in the card set at a desired time. Through the microprocessor 12, the shuffler system 100 constantly monitors the number of cards dealt during the distribution sequence. When the “verify” key is pressed after the game, the remaining cards are discharged from the shuffler 100 to the output bin 60 and counted when discharged. In addition to the number of cards dealt, this number is verified to see if it is the correct number of cards (for example, 52 when one set is used). If the counted card count is incorrect, the dealer is informed of this by, for example, words on the display 42 and / or an audible sound through an internal speaker (not shown).

  The keypad 44 may also include one or more keys, such as a “game” key (shown in FIG. 3) that prompts the shuffler system 100 to deal a certain number of cards. However, it will be understood that any number is within the scope of the present invention.

  The keypad 42 also has a “call” key that prompts the shuffler system 100 to call the current one or more handheld cards that are dealt to the PlayStation. Here, the card image stored in the memory 14 is called to be displayed on the display means 42. Along with the displayed card image, a text message is displayed accordingly to indicate each PlayStation card.

  For example, the phrase “Player 1” is displayed along with an image of a card dealt to that particular player. As shown in FIG. 3, the “memory” key can be used to call a hand-held card distributed in a past card game. The “memory” key has subkeys, and hands, games and / or playstations are displayed in order. Past game images are accessed from the memory 14 and displayed on the display means 42.

  The keypad 44 may also include other keys such as a “shuffle mode” to select a mode of shuffler, ie, continuous mode, batch mode, one or more games being played, or a special game mode. Can do. The functions of the various keys, switches or buttons described herein are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications and additions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Will. In addition, various keys may be soft keys and their functions may be defined by the lower row on the display 14. The function of the soft key may change depending on the type of game selected, for example. This makes it possible to perform a plurality of functions while suppressing the number of necessary keys.

  In a preferred embodiment, the shuffler system 100 includes an indicator that indicates an error condition. Preferably, the designated portion of the display 42 flashes to indicate an error condition. Such error conditions include shuffler malfunction such as misshuffle or clogged shuffler, electronic component failure, incorrect card group count, i.e. too many or too few cards in one set. It is not limited. When controller 10 receives the error signal, it communicates the signal to an “error” indicator, which causes display 42 to become active and indicate an error condition to the operator. Preferably, display 42 indicates to the operator what the error condition is with an accompanying text message next to the “error” indicator.

  In a preferred embodiment, the shuffler system 100 includes a device that emits an audible signal when an error condition is detected. For example, a speaker (not shown) such as an electromagnetic or piezoelectric speaker that emits a bee or boo when an error condition is detected. Preferably, the electromagnetic speaker works in conjunction with and cooperates with an “error” indicator on the display 42. However, the “error” indicator may be located outside the display 42 and may be located anywhere on the housing 15.

  In another embodiment, the controller 10 can be programmed to display messages on the display 42 in different languages, such as French, Spanish, Italian. Keys can be included to display various language selections in sequence.

The display is preferably in the form of a conventional liquid crystal display format (LCD). The display means 42 can be a color or non-color LCD display panel. The display panel 42 may also display image and text data in multiple sections to simultaneously show multiple PlayStation information. However, the display screen may have a scrolling function to display several different information screens that cannot be put on a single display. The subsequent screen can be prompted by a “screen” key as shown in FIG.

  Other modifications and changes will be apparent to those skilled in the art that can be varied to suit specific operating requirements and environments. Accordingly, this invention is not to be considered limited to the embodiments chosen for the purposes of disclosure, but encompasses all changes and modifications that do not depart from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

  In compliance with the statute, the present invention has been described in a rather specific language with respect to structural and methodological features. However, it will be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means disclosed herein constitute preferred forms of implementing the invention. Accordingly, the invention is claimed in all its forms or modifications that fall within the proper scope of the appended claims as properly interpreted according to the principles of equivalents.

  Having described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the following appended claims.

1 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operational components of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a control panel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (1)

A card shuffler device capable of forming a group of shuffled cards used by individual players , the card shuffler device comprising:
A housing;
A card input receptacle located on the housing, the card input receptacle configured to receive at least one set of unshuffled playing cards;
A shuffler device configured to receive the card from the card input receiver, wherein the shuffler device selectively shuffles the card for at least two different card games having different card shuffle requirements;
A controller disposed within the housing;
Image capturing means disposed within the housing for capturing the image data of the playing cards, the image data being after the shuffling of the cards but receiving a group of playing cards in which the individual cards are shuffled An image capture means that is captured before being moved to an output bin configured to :
Display means located on the housing, the display means for displaying an image captured by the image capture means;
A card shuffler device comprising: a card output bin configured to eject a group of shuffled playing cards for distribution to a player .

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