WO2000074803A1 - Systeme de surveillance destine a une table de jeu - Google Patents

Systeme de surveillance destine a une table de jeu Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2000074803A1
WO2000074803A1 PCT/GB2000/002160 GB0002160W WO0074803A1 WO 2000074803 A1 WO2000074803 A1 WO 2000074803A1 GB 0002160 W GB0002160 W GB 0002160W WO 0074803 A1 WO0074803 A1 WO 0074803A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
viewing area
camera
layout
view
sensor
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2000/002160
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
George Melas
Jeffrey Paul Lindsay
Original Assignee
John Huxley Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by John Huxley Limited filed Critical John Huxley Limited
Priority to AU50938/00A priority Critical patent/AU5093800A/en
Publication of WO2000074803A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000074803A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F5/00—Roulette games
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
    • A63F9/24—Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for
    • A63F2009/2401—Detail of input, input devices
    • A63F2009/243—Detail of input, input devices with other kinds of input
    • A63F2009/2435—Detail of input, input devices with other kinds of input using a video camera
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
    • A63F9/24—Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for
    • A63F2009/2401—Detail of input, input devices
    • A63F2009/2436—Characteristics of the input
    • A63F2009/2442—Sensors or detectors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
    • A63F3/00003—Types of board games
    • A63F3/00157—Casino or betting games

Definitions

  • the present invention is concerned with the field of surveillance systems for gaming tables.
  • Surveillance cameras are commonly used in casinos and the like to view a gaming table. Generally, they are used to watch a gaming table for two main reasons: firstly the dealer and the result of the game are observed so that there is a record if a player later disputes the result of the game; secondly, they are used to watch the players to ensure that there is no cheating.
  • On a gaming table such as a roulette table, the roulette wheel which determines the result of the game and the layout where bets are placed and where cheating is most likely to occur are relatively well separated. Hence, it is especially difficult in roulette to watch both the roulette wheel and the distant parts of the layout with a single video camera, and a player can cheat by flicking a chip onto the winning number or area marked on the layout.
  • WO95/11067 uses closed circuit TV cameras to view the table layout or betting area. At the end of the coup or wheel spin, sequential frames of the video image are compared to detect any changes, and hence any movement of chips in the betting area. This technique, of comparing sequential frames can also be used to determine the movement of the roulette ball.
  • W095/11067 suggests using two cameras, one above the roulette wheel and one above the table layout or betting area.
  • US-A-5 508 775 shows a system for taking a picture of a person. The subject person stands on an array of sensor pads which determine his location. Various commands can be issued to the person, or to the camera, in order to optimise the position of the person or the operation of the camera, such as rotating the camera to change the field of view.
  • US-A-5 432 597, GB-A-2 322 996 and GB-2 323 236 show other systems for automatically tracking moving objects or aligning a camera with a detected target.
  • WO96/36253 describes a blackjack table incorporating a chip sensor, and turning on a camera in response to a predetermined signal from the sensor.
  • the present invention provides a surveillance system for viewing a gaming table, the system comprising a video camera for viewing a viewing area; the viewing area comprising at least a part of the gaming table, view changing means for changing the viewing area viewed by the camera wherein the changing means is configured to act in response to an input from a sensor located at the gaming table.
  • video camera is intended to mean all cameras which can record a moving image regardless of whether or not they use video tape.
  • video tape is intended that the term also covers CCD cameras and the like.
  • the invention is particularly of use with a roulette table where the roulette wheel and the layout are fairly well separated.
  • the viewing area can be changed from a first viewing area, comprising at least the roulette wheel, to a second viewing area comprising at least the layout.
  • the system is also useful with other live gaming tables, such as backjack, poker and stud poker.
  • first and second viewing areas can be done in a number of ways. For example, with a roulette table it may be desirable for the first viewing area to show both the roulette wheel and the layout and the second viewing area to show mainly the layout, i.e. without the whole of the roulette wheel. Of course, the edge or a small part of the roulette wheel might still be in the second viewing area.
  • the camera is directed automatically to the area of most concern to the casino operator.
  • the change between the first and second viewing areas could be achieved by zooming the camera.
  • the view changing means could move the camera to move the field of view of the camera from viewing the roulette wheel to viewing the layout.
  • the view can be changed by both zooming and moving the camera.
  • the view changing means acts in response to an input from a sensor which is located at the gaming table.
  • roulette it is desired to move the camera to view the layout once the winning number has been determined in order to detect any late movement of chips.
  • the croupier determines the winning number he or she moves a marker (commonly called a "dolly") onto the winning number marked on the layout.
  • the win marker is located in a predetermined area on the gaming table.
  • the view changing means can receive an input from the sensor means as soon as the marker is removed from the predetermined area on the gaming table.
  • the view change means may change the view from the roulette wheel to the layout when the win marker is moved.
  • the camera records a few revolutions of the wheel with the ball in the winning position before the view is changed. This footage can later be used to resolve any disputes which might arise at the gaming table. This can be under the control of the croupier, who moves the dolly after the ball has settled.
  • Most roulette tables now carry detectors for detecting automatically the winning number, which is then displayed on a screen. An output from this detector can be used to trigger the change in viewing area of the camera.
  • the camera could just view the whole layout. However, it may be desirable for the camera to view the area just around the winning number since late bets placed on or overlapping the winning number will result in greatest payout, or less, to the casino.
  • the view changing means is provided with a look up table which positions and zooms the camera to view the area around the winning number marked on the layout or the winning areas, in response to a signal from the winning number indicator.
  • areas are marked on the layout which denote odd or even numbers, red or black etc. If required, the camera can be positioned such that these other winning areas are also in the view of the camera.
  • sensors may be placed under the table layout to detect placement of the dolly.
  • the view changing means is then programmed to make the camera view the region around the sensor detecting placement of the dolly at its location.
  • the dolly or win marker may be provided with an emitter which is be detected by the camera.
  • the camera could be provided with means such that it could be aimed towards the win marker as it is placed on the layout.
  • the system of the present invention is useful with other casino table games.
  • a player In blackjack, a player generally places his bet in a predefined area of the table layout. Casino rules may allow doubling of the bet or splitting of a pair with the addition of a second bet. Otherwise, increasing a bet during play is not allowed. Thus, it is desirable to focus on the "BET" area as bets are placed. In stud poker the player places an ante and may then place a raise, which should be twice the original stake. Again it is desirable to focus on the table area where the player is placing his bet when bets are being placed, but otherwise to view a larger area to ensure no mishandling of cards. The area in which the bets are placed may be predefined by the table layout. In poker generally, chips may be more scattered as they are placed on the table by players. In this instance, it is desirable to have an array of sensors to detect placement of chips onto the table surface and direct the camera to that area.
  • sensors may be provided to detect the placement or movement of cards on the table layout and to direct the camera to an area where cards have been dealt to or moved.
  • the sensors may be in an array in the table surface. Desirably the sensors detect movement or placement of an object such as a card or chips. It is possible to modify the chips or card to incorporate a magnet for detection by a hall effect sensor or antenna under the table surface. Ultrasound or optical sensors may also be used to avoid the need to use modified cards or chips. Such sensors for detecting objects ae well known in the art.
  • Figures 1 and 2 show a schematic plan view and side view of a roulette table with a sensor and a camera forming an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 3 shows a block diagram showing a modification of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2; and Figure 4 shows a sensor for the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2;
  • Figure 5 shows a blackjack table forming another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 6 shows a stud poker table forming yet another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 1 shows a roulette table 1 which houses a roulette wheel 3 and a layout 5.
  • Layout 5 is shown only schematically.
  • the usual roulette layout is well known in the art.
  • a dealer (not shown) will spin the roulette wheel 3 and release a ball (not shown) onto the roulette wheel.
  • the ball will eventually fall into any one of a plurality of numbered pockets on the wheel.
  • the numbered pockets on the wheel correspond to numbered areas on the layout 5.
  • the dealer denotes the winning number by moving a marker 7 known as a "win marker” or "dolly” onto the corresponding number on the layout 5.
  • the table also has a sensor 9. This sensor is located near the wheel 3. When the wheel is spinning, the win marker 7 is located on the sensor 9. When a winning number is determined, the win marker 7 is moved by the dealer from sensor 9 onto the layout 5.
  • FIG. 2 shows a side schematic view of the roulette table 1. As shown in Figure 1, the roulette table has a wheel 3 and a layout 5. Sensor 9 is located close to the wheel 3.
  • a camera 1 1 is positioned above the roulette table 1.
  • the camera is capable of focusing on either the roulette wheel 3 and/or the layout 5.
  • an outline game will be described.
  • the dealer will set the roulette wheel 3 spinning.
  • the win marker 7 will be located in the sensor 9.
  • the camera is positioned so that it is recording the roulette wheel 3.
  • the ball is set spinning in the roulette wheel, as the wheel and ball slow down, the ball eventually drops into a pocket of the roulette wheel.
  • the dealer lifts the win marker 7 from the sensor 9.
  • the sensor 9 sends a signal to the camera 1 1 and the camera 1 1 changes its viewing area so that it has a good view of the layout 5.
  • the camera views both the roulette wheel 3 and the layout 5 while the wheel 3 is spinning and then zooms in on the layout after the winning number has been determined.
  • the camera 1 1 switches from watching both the wheel 3 and the layout 5 to zooming in on the layout 5, it is also possible to configure the camera 1 1 so that it moves from watching mainly the roulette wheel 3 to watching mainly the layout 5 after the marker 7 has been removed from the sensor 9.
  • FIG. 3 A block diagram of the apparatus for such an arrangement is shown in Figure 3.
  • the roulette table is not shown.
  • the roulette table is provided with sensor means 9 and a winning number sensor 13.
  • the winning number sensor determines the winning number from the position of the ball on the roulette wheel 3.
  • Such sensors are well known in the art.
  • the camera 11 is provided with view changing means 15.
  • the view changing means 15 is directly connected to the camera 1 1.
  • the sensor means 9 and the winning number sensor 13 are both connected to the view changing means 15.
  • the winning number sensor 13 records the winning number.
  • the view changing means 15 which controls the view of the camera 11 microprocessor controlled and provided with a table which defines the specific camera positions for each of the numbers marked on the layout 5 ( Figure 1 ).
  • the winning number sensor 13 records the winning number and sends this information to the view changing means 15.
  • the sensor means 9 detects that the win marker has been moved, it sends a signal to the view changing means 15.
  • the view changing means 15 then sends a signal to the camera 1 1 to move the camera 11 to the orientation and focal length (zoom) defined by the look up table held in a RAM in the view changing means 15. It will be appreciated that provision may be made for the RAM to be programmed with the required data for causing the camera to view the respective areas, since the physical location of the camera relative to the table will not normally be fixed by the manufacturer. A simple learning routine may be used for this.
  • the camera viewing area may be changed between the wheel and the layout by a signal from the winning number sensor 13 indicating that a winning number has been determined.
  • the win marker can be provided with an emitter.
  • the camera comprises a detector (not shown) which is configured to follow the position of the win marker 7 when it is moved onto the layout 5.
  • GB 2 322 996 describes a camera mounting arrangement which is configured to move the camera to follow a sound source, for example.
  • FIG. 4 shows a close up of the sensor 9.
  • a win marker 7 has a magnet in its base and is shown in the sensor 9.
  • the sensor 9 has a cylindrical, non-magnetic housing 21.
  • the housing 21 has a threaded lower end 23 with a nut 25 which allows the assembly to be fitted to a roulette table 27.
  • the sensor unit comprises a reed switch which closes when the win marker 7 is placed on the sensor 9.
  • a plurality of switches preferably five, is mounted below a smoked perspex cover. Any one of the switches when activated will generate a five volt logic level. The arrangement ensures that at least one of the switches is closed when the win marker 7 is placed on the sensor 9.
  • the sensor 9 is provided with a plurality of light emitting diodes which light up when the win marker 7 is placed correctly on the sensor.
  • the win marker 7 is made up of a non-ferrous material.
  • a cylindrical permanent magnet is installed in the base of the win marker 7 to activate the reed switch(es).
  • a blackjack table 20 has a table layout on its upper surface.
  • the camera 11 is mounted above the table and is movable to view different areas of the table.
  • the table layout is marked on a baize covering 21 and has player regions 22 where cards are normally placed and bet placement regions 23 where chips are normally placed.
  • player regions 22 where cards are normally placed
  • bet placement regions 23 where chips are normally placed.
  • the table area is notionally divided into regions shown by the dotted outline 26 forming regions 26a, 26b through to 26u.
  • sensors 9' are provided in each region 26a 26u to detect placement or movement of a card or chip in the respective region 26a .... 26u.
  • Each sensor sends to the view change means 15 a signla indicating that a card or chip has been placed in its region 26.
  • the CPU controlling movement of the camera 1 1 causes the camera 11 to view that region and the adjacent region or regions.
  • Figure 6 shows a stud poker table with 'ante' areas 24 and 'raise' areas 25.
  • the table is notinally divided into areas 26'a through 26'r and sensors (not shown) are positioned underneath the table cover 21 in the respective areas 26'a etc.
  • sensors are well known in the art for detecting the presence or movemnt of chips or cards.
  • remote sensors using ultrasound or optics for example, are preferred and preferably no modification of the chips or cards themselves is required, although such possibilities are envisaged.
  • a dealer or pit boss may, for example, be given the option of triggering switches or sensors to make the camera view a particular player or area of concern.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Closed-Circuit Television Systems (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de surveillance qui sert à enregistrer et surveiller une table de jeu et comprend une caméra vidéo (11) fixée sur ladite table (1). La zone visionnée par la caméra est modifiée suite à une entrée en provenance d'un détecteur (9) situé sur la table de jeu (1), par exemple le passage d'une prise de vue de la roue (3) et à celle de la disposition (5) de la table de la roulette.
PCT/GB2000/002160 1999-06-04 2000-06-05 Systeme de surveillance destine a une table de jeu WO2000074803A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU50938/00A AU5093800A (en) 1999-06-04 2000-06-05 A surveillance system for a gaming table

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9913094.0 1999-06-04
GBGB9913094.0A GB9913094D0 (en) 1999-06-04 1999-06-04 A surveillance system for a gaming table

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000074803A1 true WO2000074803A1 (fr) 2000-12-14

Family

ID=10854793

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2000/002160 WO2000074803A1 (fr) 1999-06-04 2000-06-05 Systeme de surveillance destine a une table de jeu

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU5093800A (fr)
GB (1) GB9913094D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2000074803A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013068712A1 (fr) * 2011-11-08 2013-05-16 Active Silicon Limited Système optique pour un plateau de roulette

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1995011067A1 (fr) 1993-10-19 1995-04-27 S.G.M. Limited Systeme de securite
US5432597A (en) 1990-05-31 1995-07-11 Parkervision, Inc. Remote controlled tracking system for tracking a remote-control unit and positioning and operating a camera and method
US5508775A (en) 1993-09-08 1996-04-16 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Method and apparatus for finishing pile fabric
WO1996036253A1 (fr) * 1995-05-19 1996-11-21 John French Table de jeu, systeme de detection du mouvement des jetons et procede
GB2322996A (en) 1994-02-03 1998-09-09 Samsung Electronics Co Ltd A wireless, remotely drivable camera for use with a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus
GB2323236A (en) 1997-03-14 1998-09-16 Sick Ag Video surveillance system

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5432597A (en) 1990-05-31 1995-07-11 Parkervision, Inc. Remote controlled tracking system for tracking a remote-control unit and positioning and operating a camera and method
US5508775A (en) 1993-09-08 1996-04-16 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Method and apparatus for finishing pile fabric
WO1995011067A1 (fr) 1993-10-19 1995-04-27 S.G.M. Limited Systeme de securite
GB2322996A (en) 1994-02-03 1998-09-09 Samsung Electronics Co Ltd A wireless, remotely drivable camera for use with a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus
WO1996036253A1 (fr) * 1995-05-19 1996-11-21 John French Table de jeu, systeme de detection du mouvement des jetons et procede
GB2323236A (en) 1997-03-14 1998-09-16 Sick Ag Video surveillance system

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013068712A1 (fr) * 2011-11-08 2013-05-16 Active Silicon Limited Système optique pour un plateau de roulette
US9717980B2 (en) 2011-11-08 2017-08-01 Active Silicon Limited Optical system for a roulette wheel
AU2016225934B2 (en) * 2011-11-08 2018-11-01 Active Silicon Limited Optical system for a roulette wheel

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9913094D0 (en) 1999-08-04
AU5093800A (en) 2000-12-28

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