USING THE SAME

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present invention relate to an automatic playing card shuffler and other card-handling devices incorporating means for detecting various types of marked cards to maintain the integrity of casino games.

BACKGROUND

Cheats have been around as long as gambling. The advancement of technology creates new methods for cheats to take advantage. One such method involves marking playing cards such that cheats are able to discern a card's identity (i.e., rank and suit) from the card back. Knowing the rank and suit provides the cheat with a tremendous advantage over the casino (e.g., blackjack) or competing players (e.g., poker). Marking playing cards can take many forms including the use of invisible chemicals viewable through special lenses, the use of chemicals only viewable via electronic means, physical demarcations and anomalies, smudges, etc.

It would be useful and advantageous to develop an automatic playing card shuffler and other card-handling devices incorporating means for detecting marked cards of various types to prevent cheats from taking advantage of casinos and competing players.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an automatic playing card shuffler incorporating means for detecting marked cards. Automatic playing card shufflers have been around for approximately 25 years and are now ubiquitous in the casino industry. Automatic playing card shufflers speed up games, generate reliable, random card shuffles and combat card counters. Automatic playing card shufflers transport cards using various technologies which ultimately randomize the order of the cards.

In one embodiment of the present invention, one or more light spectrum emitters or variable light spectrum illuminators transmit light at frequencies/wavelengths which is reflected off card backs through one or more spectrum filters causing invisible markings to become visible. In one embodiment, the light is emitted at an angle relative to the card back. A camera (or other image capturing device) captures images of the now visible markings.

In one embodiment, a camera and software collaborate to capture images and analyze the same for markings on the card backs such as smudges, nicks, scuffs and edge demarcations. Software may also be configured to analyze cards through and cause an image to be captured responsive to the detection of a marked card.

In one embodiment, the automatic playing card shufflers are configured to not only detect marked cards but to detect patterns relative to the card markings. For example, the automatic playing cards shufflers may recognize that markings on multiple Aces in the deck of cards are indicative of an intentional act rather than an inadvertent act.

In one embodiment, the automatic card shufflers are communicatively linked with a casino management system and/or security system such that casino personnel may be alerted in real time to the discovery of marked cards.

The discovery of one or marked cards may prompt one or more responses including: (i) recordation of an image of the marked card(s); (ii) transmission of an alert to casino personnel; (iii) trigger of software configured to determine card marking patterns; and/or (iv) continued analysis to seek the identity of the person or persons responsible for the card markings. In another embodiment, a card sorting, verification and/or cancellation device incorporates means for detecting marked cards. Card cancellation devices are used to verify the ranks, suits and numbers of playing cards from retired decks of cards. The devices may also permanently deface the playing cards to allow the playing cards to be sold to patrons. For example, the card cancellation device may punch a hole in the playing cards. A card sorting and verification device ensures full decks and sorts the cards by suits and ranks.

Other variations, embodiments and features of the present invention will become evident from the following detailed description, drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figs. 1 a and 1 b illustrate in-table and on-table automatic playing card shufflers, respectively;

Fig. 2 illustrates a conventional deck verification device;

Fig. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an automatic playing card shuffler incorporating means for detecting marked cards according to the embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 4 illustrates another block diagram of an automatic playing card shuffler incorporating means for detecting marked cards according to the embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 5 illustrates a system comprising a series of automatic playing card shufflers and casino management system and/or security system according to the embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 6 illustrates a flow chart detailing one methodology for utilizing a system comprising a series of automatic playing card shufflers according to the embodiments of the present invention; and

Fig. 7 illustrates wavelengths of light being directed off a card back at an angle according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive feature illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to those skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention claimed.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), and optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied thereon, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electromagnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF and the like, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like or conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language, AJAX, PHP, HTML, XHTML, Ruby, CSS or similar programming languages. The programming code may be configured in an application, an operating system, as part of a system firmware, or any suitable combination thereof. The programming code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on a remote computer or server as in a client/server relationship sometimes known as cloud computing. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

Aspects of the present invention are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer- implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. As used herein, a "terminal" should be understood to be any one of a general purpose computer, as for example a personal computer or a laptop computer, a client computer configured for interaction with a server, a special purpose computer such as a server, or a smart phone, soft phone, tablet computer, personal digital assistant or any other machine adapted for executing programmable instructions in accordance with the description thereof set forth above.

Figs. 1 a and 1 b show conventional automatic playing card shufflers 100 (in- table), 1 10 (on-table) and Fig. 2 shows a conventional deck verification device 120. These are the types of automatic card playing shufflers and devices with which the embodiments of the present invention may be used but those skilled in the art will recognize that any automatic playing card shufflers, card verification devices and card cancellation devices are suitable for the embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 3 shows a block diagram 200 of an automatic playing card shuffler 205 incorporating means for detecting marked cards. In this instance, the means for detecting marked cards comprises one or more cameras 210 (or other image capturing devices), one or more light spectrum emitters or variable light spectrum illuminators 215, one or more spectral filters 220, one or more edge sensors 225, one or more receivers 230 and/or one or more data transmitters 235. There can also be temporary memory 240 for storing certain data including identification of marked cards. In one embodiment, the automatic playing card shuffler 205 includes a display device for alerting the dealer or other casino personnel that one or more marked cards have been detected. Ideally, the display device is not visible to the players so as not to alert any players responsible for the card markings. As set forth below, a wireless system may also alert a casino management system and/or security system to the discovery of marked playing cards. The position of the various components within the device is dependent upon the type of automatic playing card shuffler, deck verification device and/or card cancellation device.

The one or more cameras 210 are positioned to capture the front and back of the playing cards as the playing cards are moved individually within the automatic playing card shuffler 205. In one embodiment, one camera 210 is positioned proximate a spectral filter 220 and is configured to capture an image of the card backs as the one or more light spectrum emitters 215 is in operation. In this manner, the camera 210 captures any invisible markings made visible by the spectral filter 220 and light spectrum emitter 215. In one embodiment, the one or more spectrum emitters/variable light spectrum illuminators 215 may comprise an infrared emitter, UV emitter and/or incandescent emitter. Other emitters/variable light spectrum illuminators or devices capable of transmitting desirable light wavelengths may be utilized as well. To enhance the capability to detect invisible (to the naked eye) marks, the spectral filter 220 is configured to prevent the passage of certain light wavelengths while allowing others to pass through to the camera 210. The spectral filter 220 may take many forms and are selected to cooperate with the various spectrum emitters/variable light spectrum emitter/illuminator 215. The spectral filter 220 enhances the ability to detect polarized and subtle reflectivity facilitated by the spectrum emitters/variable light spectrum illuminator 220.

In another embodiment (shown in Fig. 4) suitable for automatic playing card shufflers or other card-handling devices with limited internal space, a different imaging method may be used. Fig. 4 shows block diagram 300 of automatic playing card shuffler 305. In this embodiment, a contact image sensor 310 and a light emitter 315 capable of emitting near infrared (IR) to ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths (i.e., 350 nanometer wavelengths to 1 100 nanometer wavelengths) in 75 nanometer steps such that markings are evident based on their absorption and/or excess reflectivity at given wavelengths. In one embodiment, the playing card is passed beneath or above the contact image sensors 310 which consists of a series of silicon or germanium detectors which respond to the wavelengths of light described above. In one embodiment, the detectors used in the contact image sensors 310 are set for 200 pixels per inch although the detectors can be more or less focused depending on the application needs. In practice, the cards are transported very close to the contact image sensors 310 such that the detectors are nearly in contact with the playing cards. The playing cards are then illuminated by high speed pulses via the light emitter 315, in sequence, with the wavelengths from 350 nanometers to 1 100 nanometers in 10 separate illuminations. This process takes approximately 1/1000 of a second. The playing card then advances to a next scan position where the process is repeated.

In one embodiment, playing cards are transported at a rate providing a resolution of 200 by 200 pixels per square inch giving 350,000 scan points for every playing card which occurs at each of 10 scan locations resulting in a total of 3.5 million points of analysis. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the rate, resolution and number of scanning locations can be altered as desired.

In addition to the efforts to detect invisible markings, the one or more cameras 210 cooperate with software to detect other card markings such as smudges, nicks and scuffs and edge demarcations (e.g., notches). The software is configured to analyze a card image (or live feed of the playing card) for unusual markings which are not normally present. If a camera is positioned to capture a card front, the software is able to maintain a record of the marking and playing card suit and rank. For example, the software may generate a record of "Ace of Hearts - Notch in edge" or "Ace of Hearts - Smudge."

In one embodiment, a pair of edge sensors/detectors 225 are positioned along opposite long edges of the playing cards as they pass by. The edge sensors/detectors 225 are configured to detect bends, waves or snakes in the cards. That is, the edge sensors/detectors 225 detect whether the playing cards are flat (like they should be) or have some unusual bends or waves. In this instance, the detectors are of a higher resolution but much shorter pulse while using the same illumination sequence as disclosed above. The playing cards trigger different pixels as they undulate up and down while passing by the edge sensors/detectors 225. The information collected is translated into an amount of warp and/or kink and may be correlated with the rank and suit of the playing card to determine patterns indicating purposeful manipulation.

In one embodiment, the outputs of the camera 210, edge sensors 225 and/or contact image sensors 310 (and any other card-handling devices configured to read the playing cards) are analyzed by proprietary software to determine if any unusual markings are present. If so, the outputs may be stored in memory 240 and as described below transmitted to casino personnel.

Fig. 5 shows a system 400 comprising a series of shufflers 405-1 through 405-N in wireless communication with a casino management system and/or security system running on a remote server 410. Such a system 400 provides casinos with real-time data related to marked cards thereby maintaining the integrity of the casino game within the casino.

Fig. 6 shows a flow chart 500 detailing one methodology of using an automatic playing card shuffler within the system 400. At 505, the automatic playing card shuffler shuffles cards. At 510, it is determined if any unusual card marks are detected by any of the automatic playing card shuffler. If not, the flow chart 500 loops back to 505. At 515, responsive to detecting a marked card, the automatic playing card shuffler stores related data in memory associated with the automatic playing card shuffler. In one embodiment, the data include the type of mark, and rank and suit of the card. At 520, an automatic playing card shuffler display alerts the dealer to a marked card. Ideally, the display is not viewable by the players. The display may also be remote from the automatic playing card shuffler (e.g., beneath the table proximate the dealer) and controlled via a wired or wireless communication link. At 525, it is determined if any patterns have been detected by the proprietary software. For example, if the multiple cards with marks are face cards and/or Aces, it is more likely that the marks were placed intentionally. If so, at 535, a wireless message is sent to casino personnel via the casino management system and/or security system. The wireless message may include information such as the table location, marking types and time of the discovery. At 530, it is determined if a pre-established time has elapsed where the pre-established time is triggered by the first discovery of a marked card by the automatic playing card shuffler. If so, at 535, a wireless (or wired) message is transmitted to casino personnel via the casino management system and/or security system. In another embodiment, specific casino personnel may be alerted to the card markings directly by email, SMS and/or instant messages from the automatic playing card shuffler or by email, SMS and/or instant messages triggered by the casino management system and/or security system. In other embodiments, casino personnel are alerted to any and all detections of marked cards immediately upon the detection. An optional receiver 230 incorporated within the automatic playing card shufflers may allow for routine polling of the automatic playing card shufflers. Ultimately, the house or casino determines how to manage the system 400 and detections of marked cards.

In one embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, the light emitter 215 (or 315) is positioned and/or configured to emit light 216 at an angle relative to the card back 217. The reflected light 218 is then passed through the spectral filter 220 and captured by the one or more cameras 210 for analysis. That is, the emitted light is not directed vertically onto the card back. In this manner, it has been discovered that the markings, especially those invisible to the naked eye, are more easily recognized using light at various wavelengths/frequencies (e.g., approximately 500 nanometers) and in some cases using normal white light. The thickness of the marking, although small, interferes with the angled light causing the marking to appear to the naked eye or sensor as a smudge or bright area relative to the rest of the card back. Therefore, the shuffler or hand held device (described in Application No. 61/830,565 filed June 3, 2013 and entitled Mobile Device for Detecting Marked Cards and Method of Using the Same) may utilize different angles (obtuse or acute) of illumination in combination with different wavelengths/frequencies of light including white light to reveal card markings. In other embodiment, coherent (laser) light or polarized light may be used. Other embodiments may use monochromatic light or 3D detection schemes, including software and/or hardware components, to measure warps, crimps and non-planar features of the cards.

In one embodiment, the automatic playing card shuffler is able to track the cards which are dispensed and the order of the same, which along with means for detecting the marked cards allows a casino to secretly determine which player or players are responsible for marking the cards and discipline them accordingly.

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