Equipment for providing multiple decks of cards

Abstract

An apparatus for providing multiple decks of cards includes a card supply device that supplies a series of randomly arranged cards; multiple card storage devices in which cards from the series of randomly arranged cards are to be stored; and a control device that randomly assigns each card to one of the multiple card storage devices, preferably until a complete deck is generated in at least two of the multiple card storage devices. This apparatus can provide multiple decks of cards, such as multiple decks of playing cards, for which the unpredictability of the sequence of cards in the generated multiple decks is more guaranteed, and where both recycled cards and original cards can be used.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to apparatus for providing multiple decks of cards (such as multiple decks of playing cards). The invention also relates to methods for providing multiple decks of cards (such as multiple decks of playing cards). Background Technology

[0002] Card games are well-known today. Games are often based on the unpredictability of the order in which cards are dealt or drawn from a deck or set of cards that are randomly arranged, where a deck of cards consists of more than one deck of cards arranged randomly at a set level.

[0003] For example, one poker game is played with a randomized set of eight decks of cards (416 cards in total). In some games, once a card is drawn from the set, it cannot be reused because the drawing and the order in which the drawn cards are set aside can be monitored. Players can flip cards themselves, resulting in damaged, broken, or destroyed cards. Reusing used cards can create opportunities for players to predict the future order of the cards, leading to cheating.

[0004] Given the high risks involved, it is essential to avoid any source that could lead to fraudulent playing or behavior. The processing time between producing a deck of cards and using it on the game table needs to be as short as possible to largely minimize the possibility of fraudulent activity.

[0005] WO2012042823 describes a system for generating multiple sets of randomly arranged playing cards. The system includes multiple card collecting devices for collecting the cards, thereby providing a set of cards. The randomly arranged playing cards are provided to the multiple card collecting devices via a path including multiple gates and mechanical moving elements.

[0006] Similarly, for other cards, such as collectible or tradable cards, any source leading to fraudulent activity must be avoided. The time between the production of a deck and any public handling of the cards needs to be as short as possible to largely minimize the possibility of fraudulent activity. There should also be no obvious defects in such cards.

[0007] Generally, the handling of unused new cards and recycled or reclaimed cards during the production process is crucial to prevent marking or defects in these playing cards. This is because any marking on playing cards becomes a source of identification, and therefore a source of cheating, prior knowledge, or fraud. Reclaimed or reclaimed cards are already part of a deck or set that has been used, for example, at a poker table (such as a casino table) at least once. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for providing multiple decks of cards (such as multiple decks of playing cards) in which the unpredictability of the sequence of cards in the generated multiple decks is more guaranteed, and in which both recycled cards and original cards can be used.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for providing multiple decks of cards is provided, the apparatus comprising:

[0010] ● A card supply device that supplies a series of randomly arranged cards;

[0011] ● Multiple card storage devices, wherein the cards in the series of randomly arranged cards are to be stored in the card storage devices;

[0012] ● A control device adapted to randomly assign each card to one of a plurality of card storage devices.

[0013] The control device can be adapted to randomly assign each card to one of a plurality of card storage devices until a complete set of cards is generated in at least two of the plurality of card storage devices (such as each of the plurality of card storage devices).

[0014] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for providing multiple decks of cards is provided, the apparatus further comprising:

[0015] ● Card recognition device, adapted to read the recognition elements of each card in the series of randomly arranged cards;

[0016] ● Card sorting device, adapted to guide each card from the identified cards to the assigned card storage device;

[0017] The control device, such as the control apparatus described above, is adapted to assign each of the identified cards to a card storage device in the card storage device, and wherein...

[0018] ●The multiple card storage devices include N groups of M card storage devices, where N is an integer equal to or greater than 1 and M is an integer equal to or less than 2. Each card storage device in the N multiplied by M card storage devices is uniquely identified by a symbol n selected from the first group of N symbols as a group identifier and a symbol m selected from the second group of M symbols as an intra-group identifier.

[0019] ●The control device is suitable for

[0020] ○ The number of cards with given identification elements provided to each of the N x M card storage devices, and

[0021] ○ For each card to be directed to the plurality of card storage devices, a random generation is performed.

[0022] ■ The symbol Ω is selected from the second group of M symbols and / or

[0023] ■ The symbol π, selected from the first group of N symbols; and

[0024] ○ Each identified card is assigned to a card storage device.

[0025] ■ The group identifier m is equivalent to the symbol Ω and / or the group identifier n is equivalent to the symbol π; and

[0026] ■ The number of cards with identification elements equivalent to the identified identification elements of the identified cards has not yet reached the threshold T.

[0027] The control device may be adapted to randomly assign each card to one of a plurality of card storage devices until a complete set of cards is generated in at least two of the plurality of card storage devices (such as each of the plurality of card storage devices).

[0028] In the context of this invention, "card" should not be construed as limited to playing cards with a facet having rank and suit as their identifying elements. "Card" can also be understood as, for example, game cards, casino cards, collectible cards, and trade cards, i.e., cards with identifying elements on their facets that differ from rank and suit, causing the card to have its own identity within a possible deck or set of cards. Furthermore, in the case of playing cards, cards in a set are not limited to cards with a given rank and suit. Other function cards, such as cut cards, can be part of that set. Multiple decks of playing cards can include multiple decks of playing cards randomly arranged at a set level, such as 8 or 10 decks. A threshold T can be set individually for each card with a given identifying element, and for each of the multiple card storage devices. Preferably, the threshold T is consistent across each of the multiple card storage devices for all cards with a given identifying element that are part of a deck. The threshold can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or any other integer.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the device for providing multiple decks of cards may further include:

[0030] ● Card recognition device, adapted to read the recognition elements of each card in the series of randomly arranged cards;

[0031] ● Card sorting device, adapted to guide each card from the identified cards to the assigned card storage device;

[0032] The control device, such as the control apparatus described above, is adapted to assign each of the identified cards to a card storage device in the card storage device, and wherein...

[0033] ●The multiple card storage devices include N groups of M card storage devices, where N is an integer equal to or greater than 1 and M is an integer equal to or less than 2. Each card storage device in the N multiplied by M card storage devices is uniquely identified by a symbol n selected from the first group of N symbols as a group identifier and a symbol m selected from the second group of M symbols as an intra-group identifier.

[0034] ●The control device is suitable for

[0035] ○ The number of cards with given identification elements provided to each of the N x M card storage devices, and

[0036] For each card to be directed to the plurality of card storage devices, a symbol Ω is randomly generated, selected from a second set of M symbols, and

[0037] ○ Each identified card is assigned to a card storage device.

[0038] ■ The group identifier m is equivalent to the symbol Ω; and

[0039] ■ The number of cards with identification elements equivalent to the identified identification elements of the identified cards has not yet reached the threshold T.

[0040] The control device can be adapted to randomly assign each card to one of a plurality of card storage devices until a complete set of cards is generated in at least two of the plurality of card storage devices (such as each of the plurality of card storage devices).

[0041] According to some embodiments, the device for providing multiple decks of cards may further include:

[0042] ● Card recognition device, adapted to read the recognition elements of each card in the series of randomly arranged cards;

[0043] ● Control device, adapted to assign each of the identified cards to a card storage device in the card storage device;

[0044] The control device, such as the control apparatus described above, is adapted to assign each of the identified cards to a card storage device in the card storage device, and wherein...

[0045] ●The multiple card storage devices include N groups of M card storage devices, where N is an integer equal to or greater than 1 and M is an integer equal to or less than 2. Each card storage device in the N multiplied by M card storage devices is uniquely identified by a symbol n selected from the first group of N symbols as a group identifier and a symbol m selected from the second group of M symbols as an intra-group identifier.

[0046] ●The control device is suitable for

[0047] ○ The number of cards with given identification elements provided to each of the N x M card storage devices, and

[0048] For each card to be directed to the plurality of card storage devices, a symbol π is randomly generated, selected from the first group of N symbols, and

[0049] ○ Each identified card is assigned to a card storage device.

[0050] ■ The group identifier n is equivalent to the symbol π; and

[0051] ■ The number of cards with identification elements equivalent to the identified identification elements of the identified cards has not yet reached the threshold T.

[0052] The control device may be adapted to randomly assign each card to one of a plurality of card storage devices until a complete set of cards is generated in at least two of the plurality of card storage devices (such as each of the plurality of card storage devices).

[0053] According to some embodiments, the device for providing multiple decks of cards may further include:

[0054] ● Card recognition device, adapted to read the recognition elements of each card in the series of randomly arranged cards;

[0055] ● Control device, adapted to assign each of the identified cards to a card storage device in the card storage device;

[0056] The control device, such as the control apparatus described above, is adapted to assign each of the identified cards to a card storage device in the card storage device, and wherein...

[0057] ●The multiple card storage devices include N groups of M card storage devices, where N is an integer equal to or greater than 1 and M is an integer equal to or less than 2. Each card storage device in the N multiplied by M card storage devices is uniquely identified by a symbol n selected from the first group of N symbols as a group identifier and a symbol m selected from the second group of M symbols as an intra-group identifier.

[0058] ●The control device is suitable for

[0059] ○ The number of cards with given identification elements provided to each of the N x M card storage devices, and

[0060] ○ For each card to be directed to the plurality of card storage devices, a random generation is performed.

[0061] The symbol Ω is selected from the second group of M symbols, and

[0062] ■ The symbol π, selected from the first group of N symbols; and

[0063] ○ Each identified card is assigned to a card storage device.

[0064] ■ The group identifier m is equivalent to the symbol Ω; and

[0065] ■ The group identifier n is equivalent to the symbol π, and

[0066] ■ The number of cards with identification elements equivalent to the identified identification elements of the identified cards has not yet reached the threshold T.

[0067] The control device may be adapted to randomly assign each card to one of a plurality of card storage devices until a complete set of cards is generated in at least two of the plurality of card storage devices (such as each of the plurality of card storage devices).

[0068] According to some embodiments, N can be equal to or greater than 2, and N is preferably 3. According to some embodiments, M can be greater than 2, and M is preferably 2 or 3. Most preferably, N is equal to 3, and M is 2 or 3.

[0069] The first group of N symbols is preferably a set of integers ranging from 0 to N-1 or from 1 to N, such as a group consisting of integers 1 and 2, or a group consisting of integers 1, 2, and 3. These groups can then be referred to as group 1, group 2, and group 3. The second group of M symbols is preferably a set of integers ranging from 1 to M or from 0 to M-1, such as a group consisting of integers 0 and 1, or a group consisting of integers 0, 1, and 2. Thus, each card storage device can be identified by a pair of coordinates (a, b), where "a" is the group identifier n from the group of N symbols, and "b" is the intra-group identifier m from the group of M symbols.

[0070] Therefore, "symbol" should be understood in the broadest sense. It can be a character, integer, letter, color, etc., or each symbol can be a combination of one or more characters, integers, and letters, such as a word or name. It goes without saying that all symbols in a set of symbols are distinct from each other.

[0071] The device according to the invention can provide multiple decks of cards (such as multiple decks of playing cards), for which the unpredictability of the sequence of cards in the generated multiple decks is more guaranteed, and where both recycled cards and original cards can be used. The device according to the invention has the advantage that using one or more randomly generated symbols, such as symbols selected from a group of M symbols and / or a group of N symbols, and also using this symbol or these symbols to allocate the card storage device to the identified cards, will cause any possible knowledge of the sequence of cards in the provided set of cards to be destroyed. Generally, since this set of cards is randomly arranged, the sequence of cards in this set of cards is unknown. However, when recycled cards are integrated into this set of cards, there is still a small possibility that a person has some or all of the sequence of the recycled cards. Using an identification element to identify cards and send them to the card storage device does not destroy the possibility of knowing the sequence of some or all of the recycled cards if the card storage device does not include a given number (threshold number) of cards that only have this identified identification element.

[0072] Using one or more randomly generated symbols and selecting only a few card storage locations as possible to guide cards into would disrupt potentially known sequences. This is because the card storage location to which any subsequent identified card pair is assigned can change simply by randomly selecting another symbol or another pair of symbols for each of those subsequent cards. Therefore, using a randomly arranged set of cards and additionally using one or more randomly generated symbols to allocate card storage locations would increase the determinism of the sequences of the multiple sets provided, even when the sequences are unknown and unpredictable when recycled cards are used as part of the set.

[0073] According to some embodiments, the multiple card storage devices may further include an overflow card storage device (also known as a card recovery device). If all N card storage devices identified by the group identifier of the equivalent symbol Ω include T cards having an identification element equivalent to the identified identification element of the identified card, and / or if all M card storage devices identified by the group identifier of the equivalent symbol π include T cards having an identification element equivalent to the identified identification element of the identified card, then the control device is adapted to allocate the identified card to the overflow card storage device.

[0074] This overflow card storage device avoids equipment interruption in unlikely circumstances, such as when an identified card with an identified element is no longer suitable for any of the N card storage devices, characterized by its in-group identifier being a randomly generated symbol Ω, and / or no longer suitable for any of the M card storage devices, characterized by its in-group identifier being a randomly generated symbol π. Equipment interrupted in other ways can still continue its process and allocate cards to the overflow card storage device. Cards collected in this overflow card storage device can then be reintroduced into a series of cards provided by the card supply device. Furthermore, in the event that a card cannot be identified, or in the event of any error in identifying, recognizing, or processing the card, the card can be directed to the overflow card storage device.

[0075] According to some embodiments, the card supply device may include at least one card printing unit.

[0076] Preferably, the card printing unit may include at least one first inkjet printing unit that prints cards in a random order. Alternatively, the card printing unit may include one or more inkjet printing units and / or one or more offset printing units.

[0077] The card printing unit provides the original cards for this series of cards. The card printing unit can print the cards in a random order, so it does not know the sequence of the different cards in this series of cards.

[0078] According to some embodiments, the card supply device may include at least one card retrieval unit to provide retrieved cards to the series of randomly arranged cards.

[0079] A card that has been used at least once as part of a deck on the card game table is a card that has already been dealt during the game, or a card that is part of a deck on the card game table but has not yet been dealt.

[0080] It is possible that the original cards and the recycled cards are mixed, or even shuffled, to provide this set of cards. The possibility of using recycled cards would result in a significant reduction in the number of wasted cards in the casino. According to some embodiments, the multiple card storage devices may also include a card retrieval device (also known as an overflow card storage device), which is adapted to assign the card to the card retrieval device if the control unit is unable, for any reason, to assign the identified card to any of the other card storage devices.

[0081] Therefore, the collected cards are gathered together and can be provided back to the card collection unit. The card collection device can be consistent with the card storage device, or it can be a card storage device specifically designed to be used as a card collection device.

[0082] The card supply device may include a card transport device, such as a conveyor belt. A conveyor belt is a continuous belt or strip used to transport material from one place to another; it may be a loop belt or a continuous belt supplied from a single belt whose two ends are connected to each other, for example by heat welding, using clips, etc., to form a continuous belt. This series of cards can be supplied as a string of cards on the conveyor belt, each card being individual, i.e., not in contact with any other card. The cards can be positioned on the conveyor belt by a card return unit and / or a card printing unit.

[0083] According to some embodiments, the device may include a card inspection apparatus that identifies defective cards among the series of randomly arranged cards.

[0084] A defective card is a card with one or more defects on its front and / or back. These defects can be printing defects or scratches, spots, stains, small cutting defects, cracks, etc. Because these cards can be identified by one or more of their defects, they need to be removed from the series. This is especially true when recycled cards are used as part of a series. The card inspection device may include one or more cameras that capture images of the front and optionally the back of the card. Optionally, the camera may be the same camera used in the card recognition device.

[0085] According to some embodiments, the multiple card storage devices may further include a card removal device, and the control device is adapted to assign defective cards to the card removal device.

[0086] In this way, defective cards are gathered together and can be discarded, avoiding the identification of these cards during card games using multiple decks provided by the device according to the invention. The card removal device can be consistent with the card storage device, or it can be a card storage device specifically designed to function as a card removal device.

[0087] A card recognition device can be adapted to identify identification elements, such as suit and rank, of each card in a series of randomly arranged cards. The card recognition device can read identification elements from the card and / or can read a card identification code printed on the front of the card from the card surface, and can obtain (e.g., infer) the identification element from the card identification code. Possibly, the card recognition device can read the identification element and the card identification code from the card, and compare the read identification element with the identification element inferred from the card identification code. If the two identification elements do not match, the card can be identified as a defective card, which is a possible target for fraud. A control device can check whether a card with a given card identification code is expected to exist in a series of randomly arranged cards, for example, by comparing the card identification code with a list of card identification codes in a card identification code database. If a card with a card identification code is not expected to exist in this series of cards, then the card can be identified as a defective card, which is a possible target for fraud. The card recognition device may include one or more cameras, optionally at least one UV-sensitive camera, for example, for reading the card identification code. Optionally, the identification device includes an illumination device such as a UV illumination device, for example, for illuminating a brand identification code that can be provided by UV radiation ink.

[0088] It is possible that the card recognition device and the card inspection device share the same camera. Alternatively, the card recognition device and the card inspection device can be combined into a single device, such as an optical device.

[0089] A card sorting device is suitable for carrying each card in a series of randomly arranged cards to a card storage unit within a card storage device. This card storage unit is controlled by a control device. The card sorting device can be any kind of device suitable for guiding and directing cards to their assigned card sorting unit. It can utilize rollers and valves combined with interruption devices (such as air knives), or conveyor belts such as vacuum belts, to interrupt the connection between the cards and, for example, the underside of the conveyor belt. The card sorting device can be any kind of device as long as it guides the cards to their assigned card storage unit.

[0090] The control device can be a control cabinet, where hardware and / or software can control the operation of the equipment. The control cabinet may include a processing unit, a memory unit, a unit for generating random numbers of symbols, a communication unit for communicating with other devices and / or the Internet via wired or wireless means, and a user interface including, for example, a display screen, keyboard, mouse, touchpad, touchscreen, etc. The control device can control the operation of a card supply device to supply a series of randomly arranged cards, such as a printer or card retrieval unit. The control device can control a card recognition device by, for example, converting images captured by a camera into recognition elements of the recognized cards. The control device can control an inspection device. The control device can control a card storage device, for example, by tracking the number of cards of any given type in the set to be generated for each card in the card storage device. The control device can control the generation of symbols Ω selected from a second set of M symbols and / or symbols π selected from a first set of N symbols. The control device can control the allocation of each card from the recognized set to one of a card storage device, a card retrieval device, and / or a card removal device. The control device can control the card sorting device, which is adapted to guide each card in the identified deck to an assigned card storage device, card retrieval device, and / or card removal device. This may include controlling the operation of, for example, conveyor belts and air valves. The control device can control the synchronization of all devices, units, and components of the equipment. Identified cards with a known position in the card sequence are taken to the assigned card collection device. The control device knows which identified card at which position in the card sequence is taken to which card storage device and can generate a card storage device with a point and suit sequence and / or one or more identification elements and / or card identities. Thus, for each deck generated by the system, the sequence of cards in the deck is known.

[0091] The control device can use different criteria to direct cards with special functions from a deck to the card storage device. For example, when the device is used to produce multiple decks of cards and that deck includes a cut, if at least a given number of cards have already been allocated and directed to the card storage device, the control device can allocate only the cut cards to that card storage device. This number can be a given number of cards, or a percentage of the total number of cards in the deck to be collected in the card storage device.

[0092] The card storage device can be assigned based on a randomly generated symbol Ω equivalent to the group identifier m of the card storage device, and by selecting card storage devices in which the number of cards having an identifier element equivalent to the identified identifier element of the identified card has not yet reached a threshold T. The latter means specifying a group identifier n. The specified group identifier and the randomly selected group identifier m together are sufficient to assign the card storage device to the identified card.

[0093] The group identifier m is matched with a randomly generated symbol Ω. During the specified group identifier n, there is a probability that more than one card storage device will meet the criterion that the number of cards with an identifier element equivalent to the identified identifier element of the identified card has not yet reached a threshold T. The control device can use a strategy to select the group identifier n from the possible card storage devices.

[0094] As an example, the first group of N symbols can be a group with a hierarchical structure among the N symbols. The control device can always assign the identified card to the card storage device, for which the number of cards having an identification element equivalent to the identified identification element of the identified card has not yet reached a threshold T. "The number of cards having an identification element equivalent to the identified identification element of the identified card has not yet reached the threshold T" is hereinafter referred to as the "equation". The hierarchical structure can be reduced from the first symbol in the group of N symbols to the Nth symbol.

[0095] As another example, the first group of N symbols can be an arrangement of N symbols, each symbol having its position within this group of N symbols. If the equation holds, the control device can verify whether the card storage device has a group identifier equivalent to the symbol having a given position in the symbol order. The first symbol in the N symbol order has a priority position at that moment, and the corresponding symbol is the preferred symbol. If this equation holds, then the card storage device with the preferred symbol is assigned to the identified card. If the equation does not hold, the control device can verify whether the card storage device has a group identifier equivalent to the symbol having a first adjacent position in the symbol order, if the equation holds. This verification continues until a card storage device with a valid equation is found, or until a card storage device whose group identifier is the symbol having the Nth position is reached. If a card storage device with a group identifier that is the last (Nth) symbol in an arranged group of N symbols does not satisfy the equation, then the control device verifies the equation for a card storage device with a group identifier that is equivalent to the symbol that has the first position in the symbol order, and continues to verify the equation for symbols that have adjacent positions in a group of N symbols, until a card storage device that satisfies the equation is reached, or until a preferred symbol that has a priority position in the symbol order is reached.

[0096] The sequence continues until a set of cards is stored in a card storage device whose group identifier is a preferred symbol with a priority position. When a set of cards is reached in a card storage device whose group identifier is a preferred symbol with a priority position, symbols with adjacent positions in the order of N symbols are considered to have priority positions, and card storage devices continue to be allocated to identify cards. When the Nth symbol is a preferred symbol with a priority position, and a set of cards has been provided in a card storage device whose group identifier is the Nth symbol, the symbol with the first position in the group of N symbols is considered to have priority positions.

[0097] The card storage device can be assigned based on a randomly generated symbol π equivalent to the group identifier n of the card storage device, and by selecting card storage devices in which the number of cards having an identifier element equivalent to the identified identifier element of the identified card has not yet reached a threshold T. The latter means specifying a group identifier m. The specified group identifier and the randomly selected group identifier n together are sufficient to assign the card storage device to the identified card.

[0098] The group identifier n is matched with a randomly generated symbol π. During the specified group identifier m, there is a probability that more than one card storage device will satisfy the equation. The control device can use a strategy to select the group identifier m from the possible card storage devices.

[0099] As an example, the first group of M symbols can be a group with a hierarchical structure among the M symbols. The control device can always assign the identified card to the card storage device that has an in-group identifier equivalent to the symbol with the highest point in the hierarchy, meaning that the equality holds true for the card storage device. The hierarchy can be reduced from the first symbol in the group of M symbols to the Mth symbol.

[0100] As another example, the second group of M symbols can be an arranged set of M symbols, each symbol having its position within this group of M symbols. If the equation holds, the control device can verify whether the card storage device has an intra-group identifier equivalent to the symbol having a given position in the symbol order. The first symbol in the M symbol order has a priority position at that moment, and the corresponding symbol is the preferred symbol. If this equation holds, then the card storage device with the preferred symbol is assigned to the identified card. If the equation does not hold, the control device can verify whether the card storage device has an intra-group identifier equivalent to the symbol having the first adjacent position in the symbol order, if the equation holds. This verification continues until a card storage device with a valid equation is found, or until a card storage device whose intra-group identifier is the symbol having the Mth position is reached. If the card storage device with the group identifier being the last (Mth) symbol in an arranged group of M symbols does not satisfy the equation, the equation for symbols having adjacent positions in the group of M symbols continues to be verified until a card storage device that satisfies the equation is reached, or until a preferred symbol having a priority position in the symbol order is reached.

[0101] The sequence continues until a set of cards is stored in a card storage device whose in-group identifier is a preferred symbol with a priority position. When a set of cards is reached in a card storage device whose in-group identifier is a preferred symbol with a priority position, symbols with adjacent positions in the order of M symbols are considered to have priority positions, and card storage devices continue to be allocated to identify cards. When the Mth symbol is a preferred symbol with a priority position, and a set of cards has been provided in a card storage device whose in-group identifier is the Mth symbol, the symbol with the first position in the group of M symbols is considered to have priority positions.

[0102] The card storage device can be assigned a card based on a randomly generated symbol π that is equivalent to the group identifier n of the card storage device and a symbol Ω that is equivalent to the intra-group identifier m of the card storage device. An equation is checked for card storage devices with group identifier π and intra-group identifier Ω. If the equation is true, then the card storage device with group identifier π and intra-group identifier Ω is assigned a card. If the equation is false, then a new symbol π that is equivalent to the group identifier n of the card storage device and / or a new symbol Ω that is equivalent to the intra-group identifier m of the card storage device are randomly generated, and this continues until a card storage device with a true equation is found.

[0103] The apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention can be used in the method of providing multiple decks according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0104] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for providing multiple decks of cards is provided, the method comprising the following steps:

[0105] ●Provide an apparatus for providing multiple decks of cards according to the first aspect of the present invention;

[0106] ● Generate a series of randomly arranged cards;

[0107] ● Randomly assign each card to one of the multiple card storage devices, preferably until a complete set of cards is generated in at least two of the multiple card storage devices (such as each of the multiple card storage devices).

[0108] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for providing multiple decks of cards is provided, wherein each card is randomly assigned to one of a plurality of card storage devices, preferably until a complete deck of cards is generated in at least two of the plurality of card storage devices (such as each of the plurality of card storage devices), the method comprising the steps of:

[0109] a) The card recognition device reads the card recognition elements from a series of randomly arranged cards, thereby providing the recognized card;

[0110] b) A symbol Ω randomly selected from a group of M symbols is generated by the control device, and / or a symbol π randomly selected from a group of N symbols is generated by the control device; and

[0111] c) Assign a card storage device to the identified cards, for the card storage device

[0112] ● The card storage device has an intra-group identifier for the symbol Ω and / or the card storage device has a group identifier for the symbol π; and

[0113] ● The number of cards having identification elements equivalent to the identified identification elements of the identified card has not yet reached the threshold T, and;

[0114] d) The card sorting device guides the cards to the selected card storage device;

[0115] e) Repeat steps a) to e).

[0116] According to some embodiments, a method for providing multiple decks of cards, wherein each card is randomly assigned to one of a plurality of card storage devices, preferably until a complete deck is generated in at least two of the plurality of card storage devices (such as each of the plurality of card storage devices), the method comprising the steps of:

[0117] a) The card recognition device reads the card recognition elements from a series of randomly arranged cards, thereby providing the recognized card;

[0118] b) A symbol Ω, randomly selected from a group of M symbols, is generated by the control device; and

[0119] c) Assign a card storage device to the identified cards, for the card storage device

[0120] ● The card storage device has an intra-group identifier for the symbol Ω; and

[0121] ● The number of cards having identification elements equivalent to the identified identification elements of the identified card has not yet reached the threshold T, and;

[0122] d) The card sorting device guides the cards to the selected card storage device;

[0123] e) Repeat steps a) to e).

[0124] According to some embodiments, a method for providing multiple decks of cards is provided, wherein each card is randomly assigned to one of a plurality of card storage devices, preferably until a complete deck of cards is generated in at least two of the plurality of card storage devices (such as each of the plurality of card storage devices), the method comprising the steps of:

[0125] a) The card recognition device reads the card recognition elements from a series of randomly arranged cards, thereby providing the recognized card;

[0126] b) A symbol π, randomly selected from a group of N symbols, is generated by the control device; and

[0127] c) Assign a card storage device to the identified cards, for the card storage device

[0128] ● The card storage device has a group identifier for the symbol π; and

[0129] ● The number of cards having identification elements equivalent to the identified identification elements of the identified card has not yet reached the threshold T, and;

[0130] d) The card sorting device guides the cards to the selected card storage device;

[0131] e) Repeat steps a) to e).

[0132] According to some embodiments, a method for providing multiple decks of cards is provided, wherein each card is randomly assigned to one of a plurality of card storage devices, preferably until a complete deck of cards is generated in at least two of the plurality of card storage devices (such as each of the plurality of card storage devices), the method comprising the steps of:

[0133] a) The card recognition device reads the card recognition elements from a series of randomly arranged cards, thereby providing the recognized card;

[0134] b) A symbol Ω randomly generated from a group of M symbols by the control device, and a symbol π randomly generated from a group of N symbols by the control device; and

[0135] c) Assign a card storage device to the identified cards, for the card storage device

[0136] ● The card storage device has a group identifier for the symbol Ω and a group identifier for the symbol π; and

[0137] ● The number of cards having identification elements equivalent to the identified identification elements of the identified card has not yet reached the threshold T, and;

[0138] d) The card sorting device guides the cards to the selected card storage device;

[0139] e) Repeat steps a) to e).

[0140] Optionally, steps b) and c) are repeated until the card storage device has an intra-group identifier for the symbol Ω and a group identifier for the symbol π, and the number of cards with an identifier element equivalent to the identified identifier element of the identified card has not yet reached the threshold T.

[0141] Because the series of cards is allocated to the card storage device based on two random selection systems, namely, a series of cards arranged randomly and a randomly generated symbol Ω and / or π, the sequence of cards in the provided multiple decks is unknown.

[0142] According to some embodiments, the device may be such that a plurality of card storage devices further includes an overflow card storage device, wherein if all N card storage devices identified by the group identifier equivalent to the symbol Ω include T cards having an identification element equivalent to the identified identification element of the identified card and / or if all M card storage devices identified by the group identifier equivalent to the symbol π include T cards having an identification element equivalent to the identified identification element of the identified card, then the control device is adapted to allocate the identified card to the overflow card storage device. In the method of step c), if all card storage devices identified by the symbol Ω include T cards having an identification element equivalent to the identified identification element of the identified card, or if all card storage devices identified by the symbol π include T cards having an identification element equivalent to the identified identification element of the identified card, or if all card storage devices identified by the symbol π and the symbol Ω include T cards having an identification element equivalent to the identified identification element of the identified card, then an overflow card storage device may be allocated to the identified card.

[0143] In this way, process interruption is avoided because the cards can no longer be directed to any card storage device in the card storage device identified by the symbol Ω.

[0144] According to some embodiments, when a series of randomly arranged cards is generated, cards stored in an overflow card storage device can be introduced into this series of randomly arranged cards. This avoids discarding cards from the overflow card storage device. According to some embodiments, between steps a) and b), an inspection device can be used to identify defective cards in this series of randomly arranged cards, and in step c), a card removal device is assigned to the defective cards.

[0145] These defects can act as traces, allowing fraudsters to identify the cards, for example, during a card game. Therefore, removing defective cards from multiple decks can reduce the risk of fraud during the use of multiple decks generated by a card storage device.

[0146] The control device may include counters for counting, memorizing, or storing the number of cards with a given identification element provided to each card storage device in the multiple decks to be generated, and for each card in the card storage devices. According to some embodiments, multiple complete decks can be removed from the card storage devices. A complete deck means a deck that includes a predetermined number or a threshold number T of cards for each card with a given identification element. For the card storage device from which this deck is removed, the control device resets the number of cards with the given identification element to 0 for each card. For the card storage device from which this deck is removed, the control device resets the counter for each card with the given identification element to 0.

[0147] According to some embodiments, the generated series of randomly arranged cards may include at least the recycled cards.

[0148] This reduces the number of cards that are discarded.

[0149] According to some embodiments, the generated series of randomly arranged cards may include at least the original printed cards, which are preferably provided by an inkjet printing device.

[0150] By using inkjet printing equipment, the randomness of the cards in this series can be increased because the sequence of cards being printed can be based on printing instructions that are randomly generated according to the identity of the cards to be printed. Attached Figure Description

[0151] Figure 1 The apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention is shown schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0152] Figure 1 An apparatus 100 for providing multiple decks of cards is schematically shown. The apparatus 100 includes a card supply device, which in this embodiment includes an inkjet printer 101, two card return units 102 and 103, and a conveyor belt 104. The printer and card return units supply playing cards 200 onto the conveyor belt 104, with the front of the cards facing the conveyor belt surface. The conveyor belt 104 carries the cards, as a series of randomly arranged cards 200, to a vacuum belt 105; wherein the cards are attracted onto the belt of the vacuum belt 105 with their backs facing the belt. Thus, the front of the cards 200 is visible to cameras 106 and 107.

[0153] Cameras 106 and 107 are part of a card recognition device adapted to read the identification elements of each card in the series of randomly arranged cards; the images from cameras 106 and 107 are provided to a control device 108, which identifies the rank and suit of each card from the captured images. Optionally, the images from cameras 106 and / or 107 are used by a card inspection device to check for defects in the cards. To check for defects on the back of the cards, alternatively, another camera (not shown) may be positioned above the conveyor belt 104 immediately before the cards are transferred from the conveyor belt 104 to the vacuum belt 105.

[0154] The device 100 also includes six card storage devices for storing identified cards from the series of randomly arranged cards. The six card storage devices are identified by group symbols and intra-group symbols. There are three groups (therefore N=3) identified by the letters A, B, or C. Each group includes two card storage devices (therefore M=2), identified by 0 or 1. Therefore, there are six card storage devices, namely card storage devices A0, A1, B0, B1, C0, and C1. Two card storage devices 111 and 112 are also provided. Card storage device 111 is used as a card removal device, and the control device is adapted to assign defective cards to card removal device 111. Card storage device 112 is used as a card retrieval device, and the control device is adapted to assign cards to card retrieval device 112, and the control device cannot assign any of the six card storage devices, namely A0, A1, B0, B1, C0, and C1, to this card.

[0155] As an example, for each card that is not a defective card, the control device generates a random symbol π, selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C. The control device checks which of the two card storage devices π0 or π1 can be assigned the identified card. If the number of cards present in the card storage device with the identified element has not yet reached a threshold T, then such an identified card can be assigned to the card storage device. As an example, a deck of 8 playing cards is generated in each card storage device. If the number of cards present in the card storage device with the identified element has not yet reached 8, then an identified card with the given element can be assigned to the card storage device. As an example, the control unit can start with the card storage device with the symbol in the lowest sorted group (therefore 0), thus selecting a card storage device from the two card storage devices π0 or π1, and if the threshold number of cards with that element has not yet been met, then the control device assigns the identified card to the card storage device. If the threshold has been met, then the control unit checks the number of cards with the given element in π1. If the threshold number of cards with the identified element has not yet been met, the identified card is assigned to the card storage device π1. If the threshold is also met for π1, the control device assigns the card to the card retrieval device 112. If the card is a defective card, the control device assigns the card to the card removal device 111.

[0156] As another example, similarly, the control unit generates a random symbol Ω, selected from a group of 0s and 1s. The control unit sequentially checks whether a card can be assigned to card storage devices AΩ, BΩ, or CΩ, and assigns the card to the first card storage device, which has a certain number of cards with a given number of identification elements below a threshold. If the threshold is met for all these card storage devices, the control unit assigns the card to card retrieval device 112. If the card is a defective card, the control unit assigns it to card removal device 111.

[0157] It is understood that any other method can be used to generate a sequence of card storage devices within a set of card storage devices. It is understood that any other method can be used to generate a sequence of card storage devices that examines a group with a given in-group identifier.

[0158] Once the identified cards are assigned to one of the six card storage devices, card retrieval device 112, or card removal device 111, the card sorting device guides each of the identified cards to its assigned card storage device. In this example, a vacuum belt 105 will pass the cards along the card storage devices, card retrieval device 112, and card removal device 111. An active separation device, such as an air knife or a pair of air knives 120 (one air knife present on each side of the vacuum belt), will pulse the airflow in a timely manner, causing the vacuum between the vacuum belt 105 and the cards to be interrupted. Thus, the cards will fall into the assigned card storage device A0, A1, B0, B1, C0 or C1, card retrieval device 112, or card removal device 111. The movement of the vacuum belt and the synchronization of the pulses of the air knives 120 can be controlled by a control device 108.

[0159] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention is not limited to the details of the illustrative embodiments described above, and that the invention can be embodied through various changes and modifications without departing from its scope. Therefore, these embodiments are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects, and the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, not by the foregoing description; thus, all changes falling within the equivalent meaning and scope of the claims should be included therein. In other words, it is intended to cover any and all modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall within the scope of the basic principles and whose essential properties are claimed in this patent application. Furthermore, the reader of this patent application will understand that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, the words "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple, and a single element can perform the function of several means recited in the claims. No reference numerals in the claims shall be construed as limiting the related claims. When the terms "first," "second," "third," "a," "b," "c," etc., are used in the specification or claims, they are introduced to distinguish similar elements or steps and do not necessarily describe an order or chronological sequence. Similarly, the terms "top," "bottom," "above," "below," etc., are introduced for descriptive purposes and do not necessarily indicate relative positions. It will be understood that the terms used are interchangeable where appropriate, and embodiments of the invention can be operated in other orders or in orientations different from those described or illustrated above.

Claims

1. A device for providing multiple decks of cards, comprising: A card supply device that supplies a series of randomly arranged cards; Multiple card storage devices, wherein the cards in the series of randomly arranged cards are to be stored in the card storage devices; A control device adapted to randomly assign each card to one of the plurality of card storage devices until a complete set of cards is generated in at least two of the plurality of card storage devices; A card recognition device, the card recognition device being adapted to read the recognition elements of each card in the series of randomly arranged cards; A card sorting device, the card sorting device being adapted to guide each card of the identified cards to an assigned card storage device; The control device is adapted to assign each of the identified cards to a card storage device in the card storage device; and wherein The plurality of card storage devices includes N groups of M card storage devices, where N is an integer equal to or greater than 1 and M is an integer equal to or less than 2. Each card storage device in the N multiplied by M card storage devices is uniquely identified by a symbol n selected from the first group of N symbols as a group identifier and a symbol m selected from the second group of M symbols as an intra-group identifier. The control device is adapted to: The number of cards with a given identification element provided to each of the N x M card storage devices; For each card to be directed to the multiple card storage devices, a random generation is performed: symbols , the symbols are selected from a second set of M symbols; and / or The symbol π is selected from the first group of N symbols; and Each identified card is assigned to a card storage device, for which: The group internal identifier m is equivalent to the symbol and / or the group identifier n is equivalent to the symbol π; and The number of cards with identification elements equivalent to the identified identification elements of the identified card has not yet reached the threshold T.

2. The apparatus for providing multiple decks of cards according to claim 1, wherein the control device is adapted to randomly assign each card to one of the plurality of card storage devices until a complete deck of cards is generated in at least two of the plurality of card storage devices.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein N is greater than 2.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein N is 3.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein M is 2 or 3.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the card supply device comprises at least one card printing unit.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the card supply device includes at least one card recovery unit to provide recovered cards to the series of randomly arranged cards.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the device includes a card inspection device for identifying defective cards in the series of randomly arranged cards.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the plurality of card storage devices further comprises a card removal device, and the control device is adapted to assign a defective card to the card removal device.

10. A method for providing multiple decks of cards, comprising: Provide an apparatus for providing multiple decks of cards according to any one of the preceding claims; Generate a series of randomly arranged cards; Each card is randomly assigned to one of the multiple card storage devices.

11. The method of providing multiple decks of cards according to claim 10, wherein the step of randomly assigning each card to one of the plurality of deck storage devices comprises randomly assigning each card to one of the plurality of deck storage devices until a complete deck of cards is generated in at least two of the plurality of deck storage devices.

12. The method for providing multiple decks of cards according to claim 10, wherein the provided device is the device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, and randomly assigning each card to one of the multiple card storage devices comprises the following steps: a) The card recognition device reads the card recognition elements from the series of randomly arranged cards, thereby providing the recognized card; b) generating, by the control device, a randomly generated symbol selected from a group of M symbols ; and / or generating, by the control device, a randomly generated symbol p selected from a group of N symbols; and c) Assigning a card storage device to the identified cards, for the card storage device The card storage device has an identifier for the group of symbols and / or the card storage device has a group identifier for the symbols π. and The number of cards having identification elements equivalent to the identified identification elements of the identified card has not yet reached the threshold T, and; d) The card sorting device guides the cards to the selected card storage device; e) Repeat steps a) to e).

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the device is the device according to claim 9, and wherein between steps a) and b), an inspection device is used to identify defective cards in the series of randomly arranged cards, and in step c), the card removal device is assigned to the defective card.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein a plurality of complete sets of cards are removed from the card storage device, and wherein, For a card storage device that removes a set of cards from it, for each card with a given identification element, the control device resets the number of cards with the identification element to 0.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the generated series of randomly arranged cards includes at least the recycled cards.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the generated series of randomly arranged cards includes at least the original printed cards.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the original printed card is provided by an inkjet printing device.

Images