WO2016014936A2 - Système et procédé de préparation de cartes à jouer - Google Patents

Système et procédé de préparation de cartes à jouer Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016014936A2
WO2016014936A2 PCT/US2015/041975 US2015041975W WO2016014936A2 WO 2016014936 A2 WO2016014936 A2 WO 2016014936A2 US 2015041975 W US2015041975 W US 2015041975W WO 2016014936 A2 WO2016014936 A2 WO 2016014936A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
card
playing
playing cards
cards
playing card
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2015/041975
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2016014936A3 (fr
Inventor
Carol Rouillard
Sean FATHMAN
Lance MERRELL
Original Assignee
The United States Playing Card Company
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 The United States Playing Card Company filed Critical The United States Playing Card Company
Priority to CN201580051986.8A priority Critical patent/CN106714916B/zh
Publication of WO2016014936A2 publication Critical patent/WO2016014936A2/fr
Publication of WO2016014936A3 publication Critical patent/WO2016014936A3/fr

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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
    • A63F1/00—Card games
    • A63F1/06—Card games appurtenances
    • A63F1/12—Card shufflers

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a playing card gaming system, and more particularly to a system and method for pre-shuffling decks(s) of playing cards.
  • Card games are a well-known form of recreation and entertainment. Games are typically played with one or more decks of cards, where each deck typically includes 52 cards. Each deck of cards will typically include four suits of cards, including: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades, each suit including fourteen cards having rank: 2-10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace. Card games may, or may not, include wagering based on the game's outcome. Decks of playing cards must be periodically shuffled to prevent the same sequences of playing card from continually reappearing. Shuffling may take place after every card in the deck or decks has been dealt, for example after several hands have been played. Shuffling may also interfere with, and even prevent, a player from gaining an unfair advantage over the house or other players by counting cards.
  • Numerous card counting systems are known, and typically rely on a player keeping a mental count of some or all of the cards which have been played. For example, in the game of twenty-one or "blackjack" it is beneficial to determine when all cards with a rank of 5 have been dealt (i.e., fives strategy).
  • Tens strategy is another card counting method useful in the game of twenty-one. In tens strategy, the player increments a count each time a card having a value of 10 appears, and decrements the count when card having a value less than appears. The count may be divided by the total number of cards remaining to be dealt to give the player an indication of how much the remaining deck favors the player with respect to the house. Other variations of card counting are well known in the art.
  • the present invention provides a method of arranging a plurality of playing cards in preparation for a playing card game, where each playing card of the plurality of playing cards has a rank and a suit.
  • the method includes the steps of: determining the quality of each playing card of the plurality of playing cards, where each playing card of the plurality of playing cards is compared to a preset quality standard; directing a respective playing card the does not meet the quality standard to an alternate card holder; sorting each playing card of the plurality of playing cards that meets the quality standard into one of a plurality of card holders, wherein each playing card of the plurality of playing cards are sorted into one of the plurality of card holders at least based on at least one of the respective rank or the respective suit of each playing card of the plurality of playing cards; computationally generating a pseudo-random sequence of playing card values from a set of playing card values for a selected number of playing cards; sequentially removing a respective playing card from one of the plurality of card holders in accordance with the generated pseudo-random
  • the determining the quality of each playing card of the plurality of playing cards can include: reading at least one of the respective rank and/or the respective suit of each playing card of the plurality of playing cards with a card reader before sorting the each playing card of the plurality of playing cards into one of the plurality of card holders; determining whether each playing card of the plurality of playing cards includes an illicit marking; and directing each playing card of the plurality of playing cards including an illicit marking to the alternate card holder; determining whether each playing card of the plurality of playing cards has any damage; and directing each playing card of the plurality of playing cards having damage to the alternate card holder; and determining whether a face or a back of each playing card of the plurality of playing cards has an acceptable color quality; and directing each playing card of the plurality of playing cards having a non-acceptable color quality to the alternate card holder.
  • each playing card of the plurality of playing cards includes identifying markings which can identify the manufacture, casinos, rank and suit of the playing card
  • the determining the quality of each playing card of the plurality of playing cards includes determining whether the identifying markings are valid, and directing each playing card of the plurality of playing cards having a non-valid identifying marking to the alternate card holder.
  • Computationally generating the pseudo-random sequence of playing card values from the set of playing card values can include determining a respective playing card value for each playing card in at least one deck, wherein one deck is comprised of at least fifty-two playing cards; and determining a respective playing card value for each playing card in at least eight decks, wherein each deck is comprised of at least fifty-two playing cards-
  • Authenticating the respective playing card can include applying an authenticating marking to the respective playing cards.
  • the authenticating markings can include a usage indicator which can limit the number of time the respective playing card can be reused.
  • Authenticating the respective playing card can further include verifying the rank and suit of the respective playing card.
  • FIG. 1 A depicts a front right top isometric view of one embodiment of the playing card distribution device in the form of one illustrated embodiment of a shuffling mechanism of a card shuffling device comprising storage receptacles, transport mechanism and a processor programmed to produce a computationally generated sequence of numbers identifying playing cards.
  • FIG. IB depicts a top plan view of the card shuffling device of FIG. 1A.
  • FIG. 1C depicts a front elevation view of the card shuffling device of FIG. 1 A.
  • FIG. ID depicts a side elevation view of the card shuffling device of FIG. 1 A.
  • FIG. 2 depicts a front right top isometric view of another embodiment of a card distribution device in the form of one illustrated embodiment of a shuffling mechanism of a card shuffling device comprising storage receptacles, a transport mechanism and an interface couplable to receive a computationally generated sequence of numbers related information identifying playing cards.
  • FIG. 3 depicts a front elevation view of a face of an exemplary playing card.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B depicts flow diagrams showing a method of loading and preparing the playing card shuffling device of FIGS. 1A-1D according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram showing a method of operating the playing card shuffling device to sort or shuffle playing cards according to one embodiment.
  • FIGS. 6 A and 6B depicts flow diagrams showing a method of operating the playing card shuffling device during the play of one or more card games including reading and resorting playing cards collected at the end of a game or round according to one embodiment
  • FIG. 7 depicts a flow diagram showing a method of operating the playing card shuffling device to return playing cards to the appropriate card holders in response to a dealer selection according to one embodiment.
  • FIG. 8 A depicts a side view of a schematic representation of a playing card shuffling machine of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 8B depicts a top view of the schematic representation of a playing card shuffling machine of FIG. 8 A.
  • FIG. 9 depict a diagram of method s shuffling cards of the present disclosure.
  • FIGS. 1 A- ID one embodiment of the card distribution device 24, in the form of a first card shuffling device 24a.
  • the first card shuffling device 24a includes a housing 100 (FIGS. 1 and 2), a card receiver 102 for receiving printed playing cards 104, an outlet 106 for providing the playing cards 104 in a processor generated or produced order or sequence (e.g., predefined order or sequence; non-pseudo-random order or sequence, or pseudo-random order or sequence), and a sorting or shuffling mechanism 108 for causing the playing cards 104b to be delivered at the outlet 106 in the processor produced order or sequence.
  • a processor generated or produced order or sequence e.g., predefined order or sequence; non-pseudo-random order or sequence, or pseudo-random order or sequence
  • a sorting or shuffling mechanism 108 for causing the playing cards 104b to be delivered at the outlet 106 in the processor produced order or sequence.
  • a processor to produce a pseudo- random order or sequence addresses at least some of the drawbacks associated with conventional mechanical shuffler systems, allowing more truly random sequences and thereby reducing sequences of groups of playing cards that repeat from game-to-game (i.e., "clumping") and/or allowing casinos to set desired odds, for example, by varying the size of the number of sets of playing cards (e.g., decks) from which the pseudo-random sequence is generated.
  • the processor produced sequence may not be random or pseudo- random.
  • the processor generated sequence may be non-pseudo-random, or only partially pseudo-random, for example, to allow progressive type gaming.
  • One example may cause the processor produced sequence to include a defined subset of playing cards that correspond to a jackpot or enhanced payment when such sequence is received in the hand of one player, or alternatively in the hands of multiple players, during a card game. In this way, the card manufacturer and/or casino can assure that a jackpot situation may only occur within some acceptable range of probabilities.
  • Such a computationally generated sequence may be incorporated with, or standalone from, the computationally generated pseudo-random number generation generally discussed herein.
  • the shuffling mechanism 108 of the first card shuffling device 24a includes a control system 110 ( Figure), a number of card holders, collectively referenced as 112 for holding the printed playing cards 104 and a transport mechanism 114 for distributing the playing cards 104 to the card holders 112 and/or for distributing playing cards from the card holders 112 to the outlet 106, under the control of the control system 110.
  • a control system 110 Figure
  • a number of card holders collectively referenced as 112 for holding the printed playing cards 104
  • a transport mechanism 114 for distributing the playing cards 104 to the card holders 112 and/or for distributing playing cards from the card holders 112 to the outlet 106, under the control of the control system 110.
  • FIGS. 1A-1D there are fifty-two card holders 112, one for each of the standard playing card combinations of rank (i.e., 2-10, Jack, Queen, King Ace) and suit (i.e., Heart, Clubs, Spades, Diamonds).
  • the card holders 112 are organized in groups of four into respective ones of thirteen receptacles or bins 116. Thus, there is one receptacle 116 for each rank, and one card holder 112 for each suit.
  • the card holders 112 maybe organized vertically into different levels, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1D.
  • some embodiments of the card shuffling device 24a may employ a carrousel with a number of slot type receptacles for holding the playing cards, or may employ other devices for temporarily storing the playing cards.
  • playing cards can be organized into a limited set of card holders 112 according to rank only, with various suits mixed together in whatever order they are encountered during loading of the card dispensing device 24.
  • the transport mechanism 114 includes an input transport mechanism 118 and an output transport mechanism 120.
  • the input and output transport mechanisms 118, 120 may share some common components.
  • the input transport mechanism 118 defines a card input path (identified by arrow 122) extending between the card receiver 102 and the card holders 112, while the output transport mechanism 120 defines a card output path (identified by arrow 124) extending between the card holders 112 and the outlet 106.
  • the input transport mechanism 118 may include an input conveyor 126 such as belt and/or rollers 128 driven by one or more conveyor motors 130 to move playing cards 104 from the card receiver 102 to the card holders 112, under control of the control system 110.
  • the conveyer motor(s) 130 can take the form of a one or more stepper motors, that drive the belt or rollers in small increments or steps, such that the playing card 104a is propelled incrementally or stepped through the card input path 122, pausing slightly between each step, for example when aligned with a desired one of the receptacles. Stepper motors and their operation are well known in the art so will not be described in further detail.
  • the input transport mechanism 118 may employ a standard continuous motor to propel the playing card 104a along the card input path 122.
  • the input transport mechanism 118 may also include a number of guide rollers (not shown) to guide the playing card 104 along a portion of the card input path 122.
  • the guide rollers are not driven, although in some embodiments one or more of the guide rollers can be driven where suitable for the particular topology. While a particular input transport mechanism 118 is illustrated, many other suitable transport mechanisms will be apparent to those skilled in the art of printing. Reference can be made to the numerous examples of transport mechanisms for printers.
  • the input transport mechanism 118 may include one or more card input actuators 132, such as solenoids 133 and cams 135 arranged along the input conveyer 126 at respective entrances of each of the card holders 112.
  • the card input actuators 132 are selectively actuatable under the control of the control system 110 to cause a playing card 104a to be moved from the input conveyer 126 into a selected one of the card holders 112. Examples of just some of the possible card input actuators 132 may include a cam, arm, lever, roller, and/or belt.
  • the input transport mechanism 118 may include one or more driven card injector rollers and/or belts 119 positioned to advance the card from the input conveyer 126 completely into the respective card holder 112.
  • the input transport mechanism 118 may further include a card reader 134, positioned along the card input path 122 for reading identifying information from the playing cards 104.
  • a card reader 134 may be positioned toward the starting end of the input conveyor 126.
  • the card readers 134 may take a variety of forms.
  • the card readers 134 may take the form of optical scanners, optical imagers such as still, motion and/or video cameras, or other optical sensors, where the playing cards 104 carry optical identifiers, such as barcode symbols, standard playing card rank and/or suit markings, or other printed or written indicia, whether detectable in the human visual range or not.
  • the card reader 134 may include one or more linear or two-dimensional arrays of either complimentary metal-oxide silicon (CMOS) micro-imager devices or charge coupled devices ("CCDs").
  • CMOS complimentary metal-oxide silicon
  • CCDs charge coupled devices
  • a field-of-view of the card reader 134 may be fixed with respect to the input conveyer 126 or may move with respect thereto. Any of a variety of methods and structures may be employed for sweeping the field-of-view of the card reader 134.
  • the card reader 134 can be pivotally mounted for movement with respect to the input conveyer 126.
  • a mirror or other optical component (not shown) can be pivotally mounted for movement with respect to the card reader 134 and the input conveyer 126.
  • a field-of-view of the card reader 134 may be fixed with respect to the input conveyer 126 while a light source (not shown) such as an laser or light emitting diode (LED) can be pivotally mounted for movement with respect to the input conveyer 126.
  • a light source such as an laser or light emitting diode (LED)
  • LED light emitting diode
  • a mirror or other optical component can be pivotally mounted for movement with respect to the light source and the input conveyer 126.
  • the card reader head 134 and field-of-view of the card reader 134 may remained fixed while the playing cards 104a are transported past the field-of-view of the card reader 134.
  • the card reader 134 may also include optical components such as a light source, mirrors, reflectors, lenses, filters and the like (not shown).
  • the card reader 134 may also include a card presence detector (not shown) that determines when there is a playing cards in position to be read, although such a detector is optional.
  • the card presence detector may take the form of a light source directing light to a reflector across the card receiver 102 or belt and/or rollers 128, and a light detector to receive the reflected light.
  • the presence of playing cards 104a at the start of the card input path 122 interrupts the light, which can trigger the card reader 134.
  • the card reader 134 remains in an ON or active state, relying on the activation of a light source (not shown) to capture images of the playing cards 104a on the input conveyer 126.
  • the card reader 134 may take the form of one or more magnetic sensors (not shown) where the playing cards 104 include magnetic particles (e.g., remanent or magnetic strip).
  • the card reader 134 may take the form of a wireless receiver and/or tr ansceiver (not shown), for example, where the playing cards 104 carry an active or passive resonator or transponder such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit.
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • the input transport mechanism 118 may further include a card cleaning mechanism 136 positioned along the card input path 122.
  • a card cleaning mechanism 136 positioned along the card input path 122.
  • one or more rollers or brushes may be positioned toward a starting end of the input conveyor 126 to remove debris from the playing cards 104.
  • the card cleaning mechanism 136 can significantly improve the rate of successively reading playing cards 104.
  • the card holders 112 are movable with respect to the input conveyer 126.
  • the receptacles 116 may be coupled to one or more rack and pinion structures 138, which are driven by one or more motors 140.
  • the control system 11 controls the motor(s) 140, for example, via one or more motor controllers, to position an appropriate card holder 112 at the level of the input conveyer 126, at which time the control system 110 may activate the appropriate one of the card input actuators 132 to move the playing card 104a from the input conveyer 126 into the desired card holder 112.
  • This permits playing cards 104 having identical suits to be stored in the same card holder 112 (e.g., level in receptacle 116).
  • the input conveyer 126 can be coupled to move while the receptacles 116 and/or card holders 112 remain fixed, or both the input conveyer 126 and receptacles 116 and/or card holder 112 can move.
  • the output transport mechanism 120 may include an output conveyor 142 such as belt or rollers 144 driven by one or more motors 146 to move playing cards 104b from the card holders 112 to the outlet 106, in a similar fashion to that discussed above in reference to the input transport mechanism 118.
  • the card holders 112 are movable with respect to the output conveyer 142 in a similar manner to the input conveyer 126, as discussed above.
  • both the input and the output transport mechanisms 118, 120, respectively, may share common structure.
  • the output transport mechanism 120 may include one or more card output actuators 148, such as solenoids arranged along the output conveyer 142 at respective exits of each of the card holders 112.
  • the card output actuators 148 are selectively actuatable under the control of the control system 110 to cause a playing card to be moved from a selected one of the card holders 112 onto the output conveyer 126.
  • Examples of just some of the possible card output actuators 148 may include an arm, lever, roller, and/or belt.
  • the output transport mechanism 120 may include one or more driven card ejector rollers and/or belts 149 positioned to advance the playing card 104b completely out of the respective card holder 112 and onto the output conveyer 142.
  • the first card shuffling device 24a may also include a defective card holder 150 for holding playing cards that are damaged or otherwise undesirable for use in playing of the game. For example, playing cards that are so worn that the playing card cannot be inconsistently read may be removed from play.
  • the defective card holder 150 may be at the end of the input conveyor 126 such that playing cards that are not sorted into any of the card holder 112 are automatically placed in the defective card holder 150.
  • the input transport mechanism 118 can include a dedicated actuator (not shown) such as a solenoid, for moving undesirable playing cards from the input conveyor 126 to the defective card holder 150.
  • Examples of just some of the possible solenoid structures to remove playing cards 104a from the input conveyor 126 may include an arm, lever, roller, and/or belt.
  • the defective card holder 150 may be fixed with respect to the input conveyer 126.
  • the defective card holder 150 may be movable with respect to the input conveyer 126 in a similar manner to the card holders, as discussed above.
  • the defective card holder 150 can be associated with a rack and pinion (not shown) driven by a motor (not shown) under the control of the control system 110.
  • the first card shuffling device 24a may optionally also include an output card holder 152 for temporarily storing ordered playing cards before releasing the playing cards to the dealer.
  • an output card holder 152 for temporarily storing ordered playing cards before releasing the playing cards to the dealer.
  • Such an embodiment will include one or more actuators for moving playing cards into and/or out of the output card holder 152.
  • the output card holder 152 may be movable with respect to the output conveyer 142 in a similar manner to the card holders, as discussed above.
  • the output card holder 152 can be associated with a rack and pinion 153 driven by a motor 155 (FIG. 1C) under the control of the control system 110.
  • the control system 110 may include one or more micro-controllers, microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits, and/or other electrical and/or electronic circuitry.
  • the control system includes a first microprocessor 154, volatile memory such as a Random Access Memory (“RAM”) 156, and a persistent memory such as a Read Only Memory (“ROM”) 158 coupled via a bus 159.
  • the control system 110 may, for example, include an optional second microprocessor or ASIC 160, which maybe dedicated to generating or producing the computationally generated sequence (e.g., pseudo-random numbers, non-pseudo- random numbers, or partially pseudo-random numbers) while the first microprocessor 154 receives input from the various sensors, processes the input, and provides control signals to the various actuators and motors either directly or via various intermediary controllers such as motor controllers collectively referenced as 162, and connectors or ports collectively referenced as 164 carried, for example, by a circuit board 166 mounted in the housing 100 of the card shuffling device 24a.
  • RAM Random Access Memory
  • ROM Read Only Memory
  • control system 110 includes a first motor controller 162a coupled via a connector 164a for controlling the motor 130 of the input transport mechanism 118 in response to motor control signals from the microprocessor 154.
  • control system 110 also includes a second motor controller 162b coupled via a connector 164b for controlling the motor 146 of the output transport mechanism 120 in response to motor control signals from the microprocessor 154.
  • the control system 110 includes a variety of sensors.
  • the sensors may be coupled to the microprocessors 154, 160 via respective connectors or ports 164 and optional buffers 168.
  • the card reader 134 may be coupled to the microprocessor 154 via a connector 164c and suitable buffer or preprocessor such as a digital signal processor 168a.
  • the control system 110 may include one or more encoders 170 for detecting movement and/or position of the various elements of the input and output transport mechanisms 118, 120, respectively.
  • the encoder 170 may take the form of a linear scale carried by the rack or housing, and an optical sensor opposed to a linear scale.
  • the encoder 170 may take the form of a Reed switch or similar device for detecting repetitive motion of a magnet, such as the rotation of a magnet coupled to the pinion or drive shaft of a motor (e.g., 140) driving the pinion.
  • a motor e.g. 140
  • a large variety of different encoders are known to those of skill in the relevant art, which maybe suitable for the particular application within the card distribution device 24.
  • the encoders may be coupled to the microprocessor 154 via a connector 164d and an optional buffer 168b.
  • the sensors may also take the form of a card level detector (not shown) for detecting a level or number of playing cards in the card receiver 102, the card holders 112, defective card holder 150, and/or output card holder 152.
  • Suitable card level detectors can include a light source and receiver pair and a reflector spaced across the playing card holder from the light source and receiver pair.
  • the card level detector detects light reflected by the reflector, and provides a signal to the microprocessor 154 indicating that additional playing cards 104 should be added or removed.
  • the card shuffling device 24b can employ other level detectors, such as mechanical detectors.
  • a connector 164e and an optional buffer 168c may couple various ones of the sensors to the microprocessor 154.
  • one or more connectors 164f and optional buffers 168d may connect the microprocessor 154 to the card input actuators 132
  • one or more connectors 164g and optional buffers 168e may connect the microprocessor 154 to the card output actuators 148.
  • the microprocessor 154 or microprocessor 160 executes instructions stored in RAM 156, ROM 158 and/or the microprocessor's own onboard registers (not shown) for generating a playing card sequence (e.g., pseudo-random playing card sequence, non-pseudo -random playing card sequence; or partially pseudo-random playing card sequence) and controlling the input and/or output transport mechanisms 118, 120, respectively, to deliver playing cards 104 in the order of the computationally generated playing card sequence.
  • the control system 110 may produce a value corresponding to one playing card rank and/or suit as each playing card is delivered, or the control system 110 may produce a number of values corresponding to a number of playing card rank and/or suit before the playing cards are delivered.
  • the microprocessor 154 or microprocessor 160 computationally generates a random playing card sequence from a set of playing card values.
  • Random number generation on computers is well known in the computing arts. Mathematicians do not generally consider computer generated random numbers to be truly random, and thus commonly refer to such numbers as being pseudo-random. However such numbers are sufficiently random for most practical purposes, such as distributing playing cards to players. Hence, while we denominate the computer or processor generated values as being pseudo-random, such term as used herein and in the claims should include any values having a suitable random distribution, whether truly mathematically random or not.
  • the microprocessor 154 or microprocessor 160 computationally generates a playing card sequence from a set of playing card values based on a non-pseudo random algorithm.
  • This approach may be used where, for example, the resulting sets of playing cards will be distributed pseudo-randomly.
  • this approach may allow sets of playing cards to be distributed with a known likelihood of containing one or more jackpot or enhanced payout combinations. For example, it may be desirable to include a defined "jackpot" combination (e.g., three ACE of Hearts) in every thousand sets of playing cards produced. This affords the opportunity to employ jackpot or enhanced payouts for particular, unusual playing card combinations that occur in any particular hand or number of hands.
  • a defined "jackpot" combination e.g., three ACE of Hearts
  • the partially pseudo-random algorithm may be weighted or defined to computationally generate a sequence including a defined "jackpot" combination of playing cards within some desired probability as part of the pseudo-random number generation.
  • the partially pseudo-random algorithm may simply produce the "jackpot" combination after producing a defined number of pseudo-random values.
  • FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the card distribution device 24, in the form of a second card shuffling device 24b.
  • the second card shuffling device 24b generally includes the elements of the first card shuffling device 24a, but places a portion or all of the control system 110 (FIG. 1 A) externally from the housing 100.
  • the functionality of the control system 110 may be implement at least in part in at least one of the host computing system 12, gaming processor 86 and/or server computer 14. Communications may be via the LAN 78 or WAN/INTERNET 80.
  • the host computing system 12, gaming processor 86 and/or server computer 14 may generate the playing card sequence (e.g., pseudo- random, non-pseudo-random, or partially pseudo-random) and provide the playing card sequence to the microprocessor 154 in the card shuffling device 24b.
  • the microprocessor 154 may be dedicated to collecting input, processing the input and controlling the various motors and actuators. This allows the playing card sequence generation function to be moved from the casino floor to a more secure area, increasing security of the system. This may also permit the elimination of the second microprocessor or ASIC 160 and/or use of a less complex lower cost microprocessor 154 in the card shuffling device 24b.
  • the number of microprocessors dedicated to producing playing card values may be reduced by sharing the playing card value producing microprocessor 160 between multiple card shuffling devices 24b over a suitable network 78, 80.
  • the card shuffling device 24b also reads the playing cards 108 in the card receiver 102 or on the input or output conveyer 126, 142, allowing the tracking of playing and wagering according to methods described in U.S. Patent No. 6,460,848, entitled "METHOD AND
  • the card shuffling devices 24a, 24b may verify that the cards collected after play match the cards that were dealt in both identity and sequence.
  • the card shuffling devices 24a, 24b may further determine the outcome of a game or hand, for example, determining the initial cards and any hit cards for each of the players 26 and the dealer 30. Further, the card shuffling devices 24a, 24b may determine whether the dealer 30 has blackjack at any time, even before the playing cards are dealt.
  • the card shuffling devices may reconstruct games after they are played, for example when a payout is contested after the playing cards are collected, or when there has been suspicious activity at one or more gaming tables 18. Additionally, the card shuffling devices 24a, 24b automatically reuses playing cards 104, reducing casino costs.
  • FIG. 3 shows various markings on the playing cards 104, including the conventional symbols representing a rank (i.e., 2-10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace) 202 and a suit (i.e., Diamonds, Hearts, Spades and Clubs) 204 of the playing card.
  • the markings can also include indicia such as the images of Jacks, Queens and Kings 206 commonly found on playing cards.
  • the markings may also include an identifier, for example a serial number that uniquely defines the particular playing, and/or playing card deck to which the playing card belongs.
  • the identifier can take the form of a bar code, taggants, micro printing, microdots, DNA ink, area code or stack code symbol 210 selected from a suitable machine-readable symbology, to allow easy machine recognition using standard readers. While visible in the illustration, the bar code symbols 210 can be printed with an ink that is only visible under a specific frequency of light, such as the UV range of the electromagnetic spectrum. This prevents players 26 from viewing the serial numbers during game play.
  • the card shuffling device 24a may employ at least two distinct approaches.
  • the playing cards 104 are sorted into card holders 112 by at least one of rank and/or suit, and are removed from the card holders 112 based on the generated playing card sequence (pseudo-random sequence, non-pseudo-random sequence, or partially pseudo-random sequence).
  • the playing cards 104 are sorted into playing card sequence before or as they are placed in the card holders 112, then the playing cards are sequentially removed from the card holders 112.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B show a method 300 of loading and preparing the playing card shuffling device 24a of FIGS. 1 A-ID according to the first approach, starting in step 302. While discussed below in terms of operation via one or more microprocessor 154, 160 positioned locally at the playing shuffling device 24a, an appropriately configured card shuffling device 24b may be operated at least in part via one or more microprocessors located remotely from the card shuffling device 24b.
  • the card receiver 102 receives a plurality of playing cards 104.
  • the playing cards 104 are illustrated in face up orientation for ease of recognition in the Figures.
  • the playing cards 104 may, for example, be loaded in full deck increments (i.e., 52 playing cards, of ranks 2- 10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace, and four suits Club, Diamond, Hearts, Spades).
  • control system 110 initializes upon detecting playing cards 104 in the card receiver 102.
  • a position sensor in the card receiver 102 may detect the playing cards 104.
  • Initializing may, for example, include returning all card holders 112 to a starting or "reference" position. Initializing may, for example, additionally or alternatively include running diagnostics in the background to monitor operation of the card shuffling device 24a.
  • the card cleaning mechanism 136 wipes or otherwise cleans individual playing cards 104a as the playing cards 104 are feed from the card receiver 102 to the input conveyer 126.
  • the playing cards 104 may, for example, be gravity feed from the card receiver 102, or the card shuffling device 24a may employ a feed mechanism such as one or more driven rollers and/or belts.
  • the card reader 134 reads one or more identifiers from individual playing cards 104a as the playing cards 104 reach the input conveyer 126.
  • the card reader 134 images at least one barcode symbol 210 (FIG. 6) printed on the playing card 104a in an ink that is not visible to humans.
  • the barcode symbol 210 encodes an identifier such as a serial number that identifies at least a rank of the playing card 104a.
  • the barcode symbol 210 may further identify a suit of the playing, and/or may take the form of an identifier that is unique across multiple decks of cards (e.g. unique across hundreds or thousands of decks of playing cards).
  • rank and suit markings 154, 156 could be read, however the machine-readable symbols are typically easier to process with existing hardware and software.
  • the microprocessor 154 identifies the playing card 104a based on identifier captured by the card reader 134, and determines the appropriate receptacle 116 and/or card holder 112.
  • the microprocessor 154 or other processor such as a DSP, identifies the playing card 104a by processing the identifiers encoded in the read machine-readable symbols 210.
  • the microprocessor 154 can employ methods and apparatus taught in in U.S. Patent No. 6,460,848, entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING CASINOS AND GAMING"; U.S. Patent No. 6,652,379 and U.S. Patent No. 6,685,658 each entitled "METHOD,
  • the microprocessor 154 may verify that complete decks are loaded into the card receiver 102, and may count the number of decks loaded. The microprocessor 154 may further verify that all of the loaded playing cards come from approved or authorized decks. In this respect, authorizing information may be encoded into the identifiers, and may even be encrypted to enhance security.
  • the microprocessor 154 continuously drives the input conveyer 126.
  • the microprocessor 154 may cause the input conveyer 126 to move in increments equal to the width of a standard playing card in order to ensure alignment with the receptacle 116. Alternatively, smaller increments may be employed.
  • a stepper motor 130 and motor controller 162a may implement a defined number of discrete steps which in total equal to width of a standard playing card 104a.
  • the microprocessor 154 may signal the motor 130 via the motor controller 162a, to perform a defined number of steps which corresponds to a distance between the location of the playing card 104a on the input conveyer 126 and the receptacle 116 corresponding to the identified rank of the playing card 104a.
  • the microprocessor 154 produces control signals to cause the input conveyer 126 to move the playing card 104a along the card input path 122 until the playing card 104a is aligned with the appropriate receptacle 116, as illustrated at 316.
  • the microprocessor 154 also produces control signals to cause the appropriate card holder 1 12 to align with the input conveyer 126, for example, by driving a motor 140 to move a rack and pinion 138. This may be performed simultaneously with the movement of the playing card 104a along the input conveyer 126 with respect to the receptacles 116.
  • the control system 110 may employ the rank and suit determination to minimize the time required to deliver the playing cards 104 to their proper storage locations (i.e., card holders 112), by optimizing the position with respect to the seven positions of receptacles 116 along the input conveyer 126 along with simultaneous positioning of the different card holders 112 with respect to the input conveyer 126.
  • the microprocessor 154 produces control signals to cause an appropriate one of the card input actuators 132 to move the playing card 104a toward the desired card holder 112, as illustrated at 320.
  • a driven card injector roller and/or belt 119 advances the playing card 104a completely into the desired card holder 112
  • the card injector roller and/or belt 119 may be continuously driven during operation of the card shuffling device 24a. Alternatively, card injector roller and/or belt 119 may be driven in response to control signals from the
  • microprocessor 154 may determine the based on calculations of position and/or a count of a number of steps performed by the motor 130.
  • microprocessor 154 may rely on position information from one or more sensors.
  • the control system 110 updates a count of the number of playing cards 104 delivered to the particular card holder 1-12.
  • the control system 110 may include an electromechanical counter (not shown), that detects the entry of the playing card 104a into the card holder 112.
  • an electromechanical counter may take any of a variety of forms, such as those discussed generally above.
  • the counts for the various card holders 112 is preferably maintained in a static state or with sufficient backup such that these values will not be lost in the event of an intentional or unintentional loss of power to the card shuffling device 24a.
  • playing cards 104 that are not successfully read e.g., rank and/or suit are indeterminate
  • other defects e.g., bends, slits, scratches, creases
  • the control system 110 updates a count of the number of playing cards 104 delivered to the defective card holder 150, for example, by use of an electromechanical counter (not shown), that detects the entry of the playing card 104a into the defective card holder 150.
  • the microprocessor 154 determines whether the card holders 112 are fully load, repeating the above acts until the card holders 112 are fully loaded or the desired number of playing cards have be stored.
  • the card shuffling device 24a may have a variety of capacities. For example, the illustrated card shuffling device 24a may hold one hundred and four decks, where each deck includes fifty-two standard playing cards. The card shuffling device 24a may include fewer or greater number of playing cards.
  • the method 300 then terminates at 328.
  • FIG. 5 shows a method 400 of operating the playing card shuffling device 24a of FIGS.
  • an appropriately configured card shuffling device 24b may be operated at least in part via one or more microprocessors located remotely from the card shuffling device 24b. Further, while discussed below with reference to a computationally generated pseudo-random playing card sequence, the teachings may be applied to
  • the dealer 30 may make various selections via an interface with the control system 110 such as a dealer terminal, to generate one or more decks of playing cards 104 based on desired criteria. For example, the dealer 30 may select a desired number of playing card decks to be generated. Typically, games of blackjack will employ 1 , 2, 6 or 8 full decks of playing cards. Variations of blackjack, as well as other games, may employ other numbers of full decks of playing cards, or even partial decks of playing cards. In some embodiments, the dealer 30 may select the type of game (e.g., blackjack, baccarat, five-card stud poker, Pai Kow poker, etc), or the type of game may be predetermined.
  • the type of game e.g., blackjack, baccarat, five-card stud poker, Pai Kow poker, etc
  • the dealer 30 may optionally select a desired the casino advantage for the game, or such may be predefined.
  • the casino advantage is dependent on a number of factors, including the type of card game, the particular rules employed by the casino for the type of card game, and the number of decks or cards from which the cards are dealt.
  • the casino advantage may also depend on the composition of those playing card decks where, for example, certain playing cards are removed or added to the card decks (e.g., 5 Aces in one or more card decks; and/or only 3 Kings in one or more card decks), providing the opportunity for progressive, jackpot or enhanced payouts.
  • the microprocessor 154 may rely on a previously defined game type, game rules and number of decks, or may allow the dealer 30, or even the player 26, to select one or more of the parameters.
  • the dealer 30 may select the desired advantage and provide suitable house odds to the player 26 based on the advantage.
  • the player 26 may select a set of desired house odds, and rely on the host computing system 12 to select the appropriate casino advantage corresponding to those house odds.
  • the casino can offer the player 26 higher odds where the player 26 is willing to play against a hand dealt from a larger number of playing cards 108.
  • the casino can also offer the player 26 higher odds where certain playing cards are omitted from one or more card decks.
  • the casino can offer the player higher odds or a bonus (e.g., jackpot, enhanced payout or progressive payout) for receiving a particular hand, such as 5 sevens.
  • a bonus e.g., jackpot, enhanced payout or progressive payout
  • the control system 110 determines the number of decks of playing cards required to deal a game having the determined casino advantage.
  • the control system 110 responds by producing a pseudo-random sequence based at least in part on 1) a knowledge of what constitutes a full deck for the particular card game; and 2) the particular number of deck(s) selected.
  • the microprocessor 154 or the microprocessor 160 may computationally generate the pseudo-random sequence.
  • the microprocessor 154 or the microprocessor 160 may computationally generate the pseudo-random sequence for many playing cards all at once, or may computationally generate the pseudo- random sequence for each playing card one-at-a-time, for example, as the previous playing card 104b is withdrawn from the corresponding card holder 112.
  • the microprocessor 154 or the microprocessor 160 may computationally generate the pseudo-random sequence by pseudo-randomly generating values corresponding to playing cards 104.
  • the playing card values can take any of a variety of forms which is capable of identifying each individual playing card, and which is convenient for computational use.
  • each playing card in a conventional deck can be assigned an integer value 1-52. Successive integers can be assigned where more than one card deck is used.
  • each playing card rank and suit combination in a second conventional deck can be assigned a respective integer playing card value from 53 to 104.
  • the playing card rank and suit combinations in each "virtual" card deck may be in a matching predefined sequence.
  • the playing card value corresponding to the two of hearts combination may be 1 for the first deck and 53 for the second deck, while the playing card value for the Ace of spades may be 52 for the first deck and 104 for the second deck.
  • Employing the same sequence for mapping the playing card values to the rank and suit combinations in multiple "virtual" card decks facilitates later card identification or recognition, while not hindering the generation of pseudo-random sequences. Methods of random number generation are well known in the computer arts so will not be described in detail.
  • the random number generation employs a range initially including all of the determined playing card values.
  • the control system 110 can generate a random sequence that is unaffected by mechanical consistencies of any device, or mechanical limitations on the total number of playing cards.
  • the microprocessor 154, 160 will employ one playing card value for every playing card rank and suit combination for each of the determined number of playing card decks (e.g., 52 playing card values per card deck).
  • the control system 110 is working with "virtual" playing cards, or values representing playing cards in one or more "virtual" decks.
  • the microprocessor 154 or the microprocessor 160 employs an algorithm to computationally generate the pseudo-random sequence, thus ensuring a truly the pseudo-random sequence that is not subject to the non-random distributions associated with purely mechanical shuffling systems. Additionally, or alternatively, the computationally generated pseudo-random sequence permits the number of decks from which the playing card sequence will be generated to be virtually unlimited.
  • the microprocessor 154 determines the card holder 112 corresponding to a next one of the pseudo-randomly generated values.
  • the microprocessor 154 produces control signals to move the determined card holder 112 into alignment with the output conveyer 142.
  • the microprocessor 154 produces control signals to cause an appropriate one of the output actuators 148, to dispense the playing card 104b from the determined card holder 112 onto the output conveyer 142.
  • the output actuator 148 releases the playing card 104b from the determined card holder 112 toward the output conveyer 142, where an optional driven ejector roller or belt 149 moves the playing card 104b completely onto the output conveyer 142.
  • the microprocessor 154 continuously drives the output conveyer 142.
  • the microprocessor 154 may cause the output conveyer 142 to move in increments equal to the width of a standard playing card in order to ensure alignment with the receptacle 116. Alternatively, smaller increments may be employed.
  • a stepper motor 146 and motor controller 162b may implement a defined number of discrete steps which in total equal to width of a standard playing card 104a.
  • the microprocessor may signal the motor 146 via the motor controller 162b, to perform a defined number of steps which corresponds to a distance between the location of the playing card 104a on the output conveyer 142 and the receptacle 116 corresponding to the identified rank of the playing card 104a.
  • the microprocessor 154 produces control signals to cause the output conveyer 142 to move the playing card 104a along the card output path 124 until the playing card 104a toward the output card holder 152, as illustrated at 316.
  • the control system 110 updates a count of the number of playing cards 104 delivered from the particular card holder 112.
  • control system 110 may include an electromechanical counter (not shown), that detects the exit of the playing card 104a from the card holder 112.
  • an electromechanical counter may take any of a variety of forms, such as those discussed generally above.
  • the counts for the various card holders 112 is preferably maintained in a static state or with sufficient backup such that these values will not be lost in the event of a an intentional or unintentional loss of power to the card shuffling device 24a.
  • the playing cards 104b are deposited into the output card holder 152, for example, via one of the actuators 132, 148.
  • the playing cards 104b are thus arranged in the pseudo-randomly generated sequence or order.
  • the playing cards 104b may be provided one-at-a-time to a participant such as the dealer 30.
  • the playing cards 104b maybe stacked in order toward a slot or chute formed at front of the card shuffling device 24a, similar to that commonly found in conventional card shoes, for removal one-by-one by the participant (e.g., dealer 30).
  • the microprocessor 145 determines that the desired set of cards is complete or the output card holder 152 is full, thus the playing card distribution device 24a provides the sorted or shuffled playing cards to the participant (e.g., dealer 30).
  • the microprocessor 154 may send control signals that cause the output card holder 152 to rise from the surface of the gaming table 18, for example via the rack and pinion 153 and associated motor.
  • the dealer 30 may then remove the playing cards, and may deal the playing cards without further shuffling.
  • the dealer 30 or other participant may remove the playing cards one-at-a-time from the card shuffling device 24a, or the card shuffling device 24a may eject the playing cards one- at-a-time.
  • the dealer 30 may employ standard casino procedures with respect cutting and/or "burning" playing cards.
  • the method 400 terminates at 422.
  • FIGS. 6 A and 6B show a method 500 of operating the playing card shuffling device 24a of FIGS. 1 A- ID during the play of one or more card games according to the first approach, starting in step 502. While discussed below in terms of operation via one or more microprocessor 154, 160 positioned locally at the playing shuffling device 24a, an appropriately configured card shuffling device 24b may be operated at least in part via one or more microprocessors located remotely from the card shuffling device 24b.
  • the card receiver 102 receives a plurality of playing cards 104 in a face down orientation. Typically, the playing cards 104 were collected by the dealer 30 at the conclusion of a game or round. Thus, the card shuffling device 24a reuses playing cards, ensuring that the playing cards are sufficiently sorted or shuffled to avoid repeated patterns from being dealt or distributed.
  • the card cleaning mechanism 136 wipes or otherwise cleans individual playing cards 104a as the playing cards 104 are feed from the card receiver 102 to the input conveyer 126, in a similar manner to act 308 (FIGS. 4A and 4B).
  • the card reader 134 reads one or more identifiers from individual playing cards 104a as the playing cards 104 reach the input conveyer 126, in a similar manner to act 310 (FIGS. 4A and 4B).
  • the microprocessor 154 identifies the playing card 104a based on identifier read by the card reader 134, and determines the appropriate receptacle 116 and/or card holder 112, in a similar manner to act 312 (FIGS. 4A and 4B).
  • the microprocessor 154 continuously drives the input conveyer 126, in a similar manner to act 314 (FIGS. 4A and 4B).
  • the microprocessor 154 produces control signals to cause the input conveyer 126 to move the playing card 104a along the card input path 122 until the playing card 104a is aligned with the appropriate receptacle 116, as illustrated at 514, similar to act 316 (FIGS. 4 A and 4B).
  • the microprocessor 154 produces control signals to cause the appropriate card holder 112 to align with the input conveyer 126, in a similar manner to act 318 (FIGS. 4A and 4B).
  • the microprocessor 154 produces control signals at to cause an appropriate one of the card input actuators 132 to move the playing card 104a toward the desired card holder 112, in a similar manner to act 320 (FIGS. 4 A and 4B).
  • the control system 110 updates a count of the number of playing cards 104 delivered to the particular card holder 112, in a similar manner to act 322 (FIGS. 4A and 4B).
  • playing cards 104 that are not successfully read are delivered to the defective card holder 150 and the control system 1 10 updates a count of the number of playing cards 104 delivered to the defective card holder 150, in a similar manner to act 324 (FIGS. 4 A and 4B).
  • the method 500 may be continually performed until the microprocessor 154 determines at 524 that the dealer 30 has selected to either: 1) empty the, or 2) log out as, for example, via the dealer terminal. In either case, any playing cards remaining in the output card holder 152 are sorted into their proper card holders 112 according to rank and suit by the first card shuffling device 24a as illustrated at 526, as described below with reference to FIG. 10. The method 500 then terminates at 528.
  • FIG. 7 shows a method 600 of operating the playing card shuffling device 24a of FIGS. 1 A- ID to return playing cards to the appropriate card holders 112 in response to a dealer selection according to the first approach, starting in step 602.
  • the microprocessor 154 produces control signals to move the output cardholder 152 in alignment with the output conveyer 142.
  • the reader 134 reads identifiers from the playing cards 104b as the playing cards 104b are returned to the output conveyer 142.
  • the microprocessor 154 also produces control signals to move the output conveyer 142 with respect to the receptacles 116.
  • the microprocessor 154 also produces control signals to move card holders 112 with respect to the output conveyer 142 so as to align a desired card holder 112 with the output conveyer 142 to receive a corresponding playing card 104b when the playing card 104b reaches the card holder 112.
  • the microprocessor 154 provides control signals to activate the output actuators 148 to move the playing card 104b into the corresponding card holder 112 at 612.
  • the method 600 terminates at 614.
  • the microprocessor 154 sorts the playing cards into the card holders 112 based on rank and suit.
  • the playing card shuffling device 24a may employ the input transport mechanism 118 rather than the output transport mechanism 120 for returning the playing cards 104 to the card holders 112.
  • the microprocessor 154 may also determine that the set of playing cards has been sufficiently penetrated, for example, by monitoring the number of playing cards remaining in the card holders 112 or the number of playing cards collected in the defective card holder 520. This feature will typically not be required if a sufficiently large number of playing cards are employed.
  • the playing card distribution system 600 can be used to sort and inspect previously used playing cards 104. This can include authenticating the playing cards and verifying the quality of the playing cards are within an acceptable standard. Un-authenticated or defective playing cards can be removed from use.
  • the playing card distribution system 600 include similar elements to playing card distribution system 24 as provided in FIGS. 1A and IB, and like reference numbers designating the similar components shall be used herein.
  • the playing card distribution system 600 includes a card receiver 102 for receiving printed playing cards 104, an outlet 106 for providing the playing cards 104 in a processor generated or produced order or sequence (e.g., predefined order or sequence; non-pseudo-random order or sequence, or pseudo-random order or sequence), and a sorting or shuffling mechanism 108 for causing the shuffled playing cards 104b to be delivered at the outlet 106 in the processor produced order or sequence.
  • a processor generated or produced order or sequence e.g., predefined order or sequence; non-pseudo-random order or sequence, or pseudo-random order or sequence
  • a sorting or shuffling mechanism 108 for causing the shuffled playing cards 104b to be delivered at the outlet 106 in the processor produced order or sequence.
  • the shuffling mechanism 108 of the card shuffling device 600 includes a control system 110 ( Figure), a number of card holders, collectively referenced as 112 for holding the printed playing cards 104 and a transport mechanism 114 for distributing the playing cards 104 to the card holders 112 and/or for distributing playing cards from the card holders 112 to the outlet 106, under the control of the control system 110.
  • a control system 110 Figure
  • a number of card holders collectively referenced as 112 for holding the printed playing cards 104
  • a transport mechanism 114 for distributing the playing cards 104 to the card holders 112 and/or for distributing playing cards from the card holders 112 to the outlet 106, under the control of the control system 110.
  • the transport mechanism 114 includes an input transport mechanism 118 and an output transport mechanism 120.
  • As card limiter can be interposed between the card receiver 102 and the input transport mechanism 120 to verify that the playing cards re transported from the card 102 one at a time.
  • the input and output transport mechanisms 118, 120 may share some common components.
  • the input transport mechanism 118 defines a card input path (identified by arrow 122) extending between the card receiver 102 and the card holders 112, while the output transport mechanism 120 defines a card output path (identified by arrow 124) extending between the card holders 112 and the outlet 106.
  • the input transport mechanism 118 may further include a card reader 134, positioned along the card input path 122 for detennining the quality of the playing cards 104 and reading identifying information from the playing cards 104.
  • a card reader 134 may be positioned toward the starting end of the input conveyor 126.
  • the card readers 134 may take a variety of forms, for example, the card readers 134 may take the form of optical scanners, optical imagers such as still, motion and/or video cameras, or other optical sensors, where the playing cards 104 carry optical identifiers, such as barcode symbols, standard playing card rank and/or suit markings, or other printed or written indicia, whether detectable in the human visual range or not.
  • the card reader 134 may include one or more linear or two- dimensional arrays of either complimentary metal-oxide silicon (CMOS) micro-imager devices or charge coupled devices ("CCDs").
  • CMOS complimentary metal-oxide silicon
  • CCDs charge coupled devices
  • the cards reader 134 can include lighting and sensors for reading RFID tag, a combination of RFID and UV or IR bar code, UV or IR QR code, encrypted QR code, GPS, taggants, micro printing, DNA ink, microdots, or any other means.
  • the card holders 112 are movable with respect to the input conveyer 126.
  • the receptacles 116 may be coupled to one or more rack and pinion structures 138, which are driven by one or more motors 140.
  • the control system 11 controls the motor(s) 140, for example, via one or more motor controllers, to position an appropriate card holder 112 at the level of the input conveyer 126, at which time the control system 110 may activate the appropriate one of the card input actuators 132 to move the playing card 104a from the input conveyer 126 into the desired card holder 112.
  • the input conveyer 126 can be coupled to move while the receptacles 116 and/or card holders 112 remain fixed, or both the input conveyer 126 and receptacles 116 and/or card holder 112 can move.
  • the output transport mechanism 120 may include an output conveyor 142 such as belt or rollers 144 driven by one or more motors 146 to move playing cards 104b from the card holders 112 to the outlet 106, in a similar fashion to that discussed above in reference to the input transport mechanism 118.
  • the card holders 112 are movable with respect to the output conveyer 142 in a similar manner to the input conveyer 126, as discussed above.
  • a card authenticator 135 for is positioned to read the sequenced cards 104b.
  • the card authenticator 135 can apply authentication marking to the cards 104d.
  • the authentication marking can re-authenticate the playing cards 104b, as well as provide coding to limit the number of time a playing card be re-authenticated.
  • the card authenticator 135 verifies the completeness of the decks of sequenced cards 104b. The completeness verification can be performed by reading the sequence of playing cards 104b as they pass through card authenticator 135 and comparing to the generated sequence. To read the playing cards 104b, one or more card authenticator 135may be positioned proximal to output conveyor 142.
  • the card authenticator 135 may include, for example, optical scanners, optical imagers such as still, motion and/or video cameras, or other optical sensors, where the playing cards 104b carry optical identifiers, such as barcode symbols, standard playing card rank and/or suit markings, or other printed or written indicia, whether detectable in the human visual range or not.
  • the card shuffling device 600 may also include a defective card holder 150 for holding playing cards that are damaged or otherwise undesirable for use in playing of the game. For example, playing cards that are so worn that the playing card cannot be inconsistently read may be removed from play.
  • the defective card holder 150 may be at the end of the input conveyor 126 such that playing cards that are not sorted into any of the card holder 112 are automatically placed in the defective card holder 150.
  • the input transport mechanism 118 can include a dedicated actuator (not shown) such as a solenoid, for moving undesirable playing cards from the input conveyor 126 to the defective card holder 150. Examples of just some of the possible solenoid structures to remove playing cards 104a from the input conveyor 126 may include an arm, lever, roller, and/or belt.
  • the defective card holder 150 may be fixed with respect to the input conveyer 126.
  • the defective card holder 150 maybe movable with respect to the input conveyer 126 in a similar manner to the card holders, as discussed above.
  • the defective card holder 150 can be associated with a rack and pinion (not shown) driven by a motor (not shown) under the control of the control system 110.
  • the card authenticator 135 can include a camera for imaging the side edges of the stacked decks of playing cards.
  • the side edge image can be used to count the number of playing cards 104b in the stacked deck.
  • the sorted playing cards can be placed in a packaging (not shown).
  • the packaging can be sealed with an adhesive packaging label, where the packaging label can include coded information relating to the order of the playing cards, the machine performing the shuffle, the date and location of the shuffling, the location to be shipped, the content of the playing cards, and/or the count of the playing cards.
  • the coded information be in the form of a bar code, matrix code, QR-code, electronic stored on a chip, or other know system.
  • Embodiment of the packaging label are further described in U.S. Patent No. 7,492,267 entitled Tracking Methods and Systems Using RFID Tags, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • Used/previously played cards 104 from secure storage can be delivered and placed 700 into hopper 102.
  • the hopper 102 is sized to orient that the playing cards 104 for transport to the shuffling mechanism 108.
  • the playing cards 104a are not required to be in predefined sequence and multiple decks can be inserted.
  • the playing cards 104 pass from the hopper 102 to the-shuffle mechanism 108, to separate to be identified, oriented or otherwise organized/sorted.
  • the first transportation mechanism 114 individually transports the playing cards 104a through the card reader 134.
  • the cards reader 134 checks the individual playing cards 104 for defect and verifies the authenticity of the playing cards 104.
  • a card feed limiter, thickness gauge, scale, or card edge inspector can be utilized. If it is determined that multiple cards, cards stuck together, have passed to the cards reader 134, the card can be transport to the defective card holder.
  • a gross defect inspection 704 is performed on the playing cards 104.
  • the individual cards 104 are checked for defects such as tears or missing pieces of the cards, dirt, stains, foreign marking, deformation in the cards (bends, folds creases, edge nicks or scratches) using image analysis from images obtained from one or more camera. Playing cards 104 that include any gross defects will be considered a defective card.
  • the front and back of the cards 104 are inspected 706 for the correct color and style. Additionally, the quality of the color of the cards is inspected to verify no or acceptable color fading. Any card the does not have the correct color, style, or is unacceptably faced will be considered a defective cards. -
  • the manufacture and casino of the playing cards 104 are verified 708.
  • the individual playing cards 104 include coded sequences, which can be in the form of RFID tag, a combination of RFID and UV or IR bar code, UV or IR QR code, encrypted QR code, GPS, taggants, micro printing, DNA ink, microdots, or any other means whereby they can be scanned by the card reader 134. Any card the does not have the appropriate code for the manufacture and casino will be considered a defective cards.
  • a fine defect inspection 710 is performed.
  • the fine defect inspection compares the image of the playing cards 104 to acceptable preset parameters.
  • acceptable preset parameters can include size, color, and edge quality. Any card the does met the acceptable preset parameter will be considered a defective card.
  • the coded sequence on the playing cards is further authenticated 712 with respect to the image of the face the playing cards 104.
  • the coded sequence can include information relating to the rank and suit of the card. Any cards that include coded sequences the do not match the imaged rank and suit of the card will be considered defective.
  • the playing cards 104 will additionally be inspected for any unauthorized coding or marking 714.
  • Unauthorized coding or making of the cards can take the form of UV or IR makings, or other such makings. Such markings can be views with the appropriate light and sensors. Any cards 104 that includes unauthorized markings will be considered defective.
  • the defective card holder 150 can include a card counter to determine the number of defective playing cards stored therein.
  • the non-defective playing cards 104 are delivered to cardholders 112 for sequencing.
  • the cards 104 can be sorted into the card holder 112, by, for example, rank and/or suit.
  • the controller computationally generates random numbers for sequencing the playing cards 104 into preshuffled or sequenced deck of playing cards 716.
  • the playing cards 104 are individually transported from the card holder 112 according to the generated random sequencing, where the card authenticator 135 inspects the drawn cards.
  • the card authenticator 135 authenticates 718 the cards 104c, verifying the appropriate coding on the cards 104b and the sequence of the cards. Additionally, new marking can be applied to the cards 104b to re-authenticate the cards 104b and limit the number of time a playing cards can be authenticated.
  • the sorted playing cards 104b are held in the output card holder 152 to form completed decks.
  • Completed decks can be formed of a single deck of cards or multiple decks of the cards.
  • the deck completeness is verified 720. This step can be done by counting edges, examination of pips, indices, or overt or covert codes. Certify that the process ran uninterrupted (to ensure accuracy). Rejected/incomplete decks can to be diverted to destroy or use for re-collation.
  • the number of cards 104 sorted can be verified. Specifically, the number of cards 104 in the defective cards holder and the number of cards 104b in the completed deck can be added together. If this total does not match the number of cards initially fed into the receive unit 102, the completed deck can be considered rejected/incomplete.
  • the completed deck can then be used by a dealer for reinsertion in a dealing show, where the dealer take the completed deck of playing cards a places it into the dealing show.
  • the sorted playing cards can be fed directly into card distribution system.
  • the completed decks can be packaged 722 automatically or can be done by human or a combination. Packaging could range from a simple band to wrap to paperboard or any other desired method, including into a cartridge device that can go directly into a dealing shoe; into a secured container (vault or bag) or into a cubby in a cart or other storage system.
  • the packaged decks can be labeled 744 with a means to track the deck throughout the value chain in the casino. This can be via RFID tag, a combination of RFID and bar code, QR code, encrypted QR code, GPS, taggants, DNA ink, micro printing, microdots, or any other means whereby they can be scanned, tracked, traced and monitored for security and inventory control purpose.
  • the defective card from the defective card holder 150 can be cancelled or destroyed.
  • taggant or other means could be applied. Cancel overt or covert codes using visible or invisible means, lasers, activation of DNA ink, and activation or deactivation of taggants. This step could include recording cards destroyed in an effort to inventory or track cards that entered and compare to cards that exited and are destroyed.

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  • Coin-Freed Apparatuses For Hiring Articles (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention se rapporte à un procédé d'organisation de cartes à jouer pour préparer un jeu de cartes. Ce procédé consiste à déterminer la qualité des cartes à jouer par comparaison de chaque carte à jouer à une norme de qualité prédéfinie. Les cartes à jouer non conformes à la norme de qualité sont mises au rebut. Les cartes à jouer conformes à la norme de qualité sont triées dans un support de cartes d'une pluralité de supports de cartes sur la base de leur rang et/ou de leur couleur. Une séquence pseudo-aléatoire générée par ordinateur de valeurs de cartes à jouer provenant d'un ensemble de valeurs de cartes à jouer pour un nombre sélectionné de cartes à jouer est formée, les cartes à jouer étant retirées séquentiellement des supports de cartes en fonction de la séquence pseudo-aléatoire générée. Les cartes à jouer retirées sont authentifiées et stockées dans un support de cartes triées. Ce processus se poursuit jusqu'à l'obtention d'une pile de cartes à jouer triées souhaitée.
PCT/US2015/041975 2014-07-24 2015-07-24 Système et procédé de préparation de cartes à jouer WO2016014936A2 (fr)

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CN106714916B (zh) 2020-09-01
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