Shuffling system and shuffling playing card

Abstract

To solve a problem where information regarding shuffling is stolen or leaked to the outside by fraudulent access or the like to a CPU and hence information regarding arrangement of shuffled cards is acquired fraudulently and a fraudulent act may be performed.SOLUTION: Provided is a system that has multiple shuffling devices mutually connected in series and multiple mutually independent CPUs connected to the multiple shuffling devices, respectively, randomizes the arrangement of cards by shuffling the cards over the multiple shuffling devices by using the respective CPUs, and reduces a risk of acquisition of the arrangement of the shuffled cards by making it difficult to identify which shuffling information is allocated to the shuffling of the cards over all the shuffling devices even if the shuffling information in the respective shuffling devices is stolen by fraudulent access or the like to the multiple CPUs.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for shuffling playing cards used in card games, and more particularly to shuffled playing cards in which the order of the cards is completely randomized by shuffling the cards multiple times independently using multiple shuffling devices, and a shuffling method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] In various card games such as poker, baccarat, bridge, and blackjack, the dealer places one or more decks (6 to 9 or 10 decks) of playing cards in a card shoe and deals them to the game participants one by one. In order to ensure the fairness of the game, the cards must be dealt in a random order rather than in a regular order, so the game organizer must thoroughly shuffle the playing cards randomly before setting them in the card shoe, and the order of the playing cards set in the card shoe must not be known to anyone, not just the players and the dealer.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a method of shuffling playing cards in a shuffling process by using a shuffling device to shuffle cards into a random and unique arrangement, and then packaging and shipping the resulting package. In order to use random cards in a game, it is conceivable that the organizer may shuffle the cards using a shuffling device or the like before the start of the game. However, this document provides a shuffled playing cards and a manufacturing method thereof that eliminate the need for the game organizer to spend a long time shuffling cards prior to the game, thereby eliminating the possibility of cheating. Furthermore, this document describes that the randomness of the arrangement of the cards can be further improved by repeating the process of randomly sorting the cards in the shuffling device multiple times. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Application Publication No. WO2009 / 069708 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In conventional systems, a method is often used in which the shuffling device shuffles the cards using a set of random numbers output from a random generator in response to a command from a CPU (processor). In this case, there is a problem that information about the set of random numbers may be extracted or leaked to the outside through unauthorized access to the CPU (processor), and information about the arrangement of the shuffled cards may be obtained illegally, which may lead to fraudulent acts.

[0006] The present invention has been made under such circumstances, and its object is to shuffle cards in a plurality of shuffle devices connected in series with each other, using a set of random numerical values ​​output from a random generator in response to commands from a plurality of independent CPUs (processors) connected to each of the plurality of shuffle devices by wire or wirelessly, and then shuffling the cards in the same manner in the next shuffle device connected in series, and by performing this process across the plurality of shuffle devices, to randomize the order of the cards, and further to prevent information regarding the sets of random numerical values ​​in each of the plurality of random generators from being extracted due to unauthorized access to the plurality of CPUs (processors), etc. To provide a system which reduces the risk of the arrangement of cards after shuffling being discovered by making it difficult to specify across all shuffling devices which cards they were assigned to, even when the arrangement of cards after shuffling is discovered.

[0007] Furthermore, in each shuffling device, the cards are shuffled using a set of random numbers selected from the sets of random numbers outputted from the random generator in multiple sets at a time in response to a command from the CPU (processor). This makes it difficult to identify which set was selected and used to shuffle the cards even if information relating to the multiple sets of random numbers in the random generator is extracted through unauthorized access to the CPU (processor), thereby providing a system which further reduces the risk of the order of the cards after shuffling being discovered. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the shuffle system of the present invention comprises: A set of playing cards constituting a predetermined number of decks; a plurality of shuffling devices for shuffling the set of cards; A shuffle system comprising: a plurality of sequencers or controllers each independently controlling the operation of the plurality of shuffle devices; and a plurality of processors each independently controlling the plurality of sequencers or controllers, The plurality of processors each have one or more random generators independent of each other, and the sequencer or controller is configured to control the shuffling device using a set of numbers output from the random generator in response to a command from the processor; the sequencer or controller controls the operation of the shuffling device to randomly sort the cards in the set one by one using the set of numbers output by the random generator; The shuffling system is configured to randomize the order of cards in the set of cards by shuffling using the multiple shuffling devices.

[0009] Additionally, the number of cards sorted by each of the shuffling devices may be configured so that the product across the multiple shuffling devices is equal to or greater than the number of cards in the set of cards.

[0010] The processor may also be configured to output a plurality of sets of random numerical values ​​from a random generator, and the sequencer or controller may each select one of the plurality of sets of random numerical values ​​to use and control the shuffle device.

[0011] Furthermore, among the plurality of shuffling devices, a final shuffling device that lastly shuffles the cards of the card set further comprises a collection means for mechanically collecting the cards sorted by the final shuffling device, The sorted cards may be collected together and stacked by the collecting means, and the set of shuffled cards may be packaged by an automatic packaging machine to complete the manufacture of shuffled playing cards.

[0012] Additionally, a unique ID corresponding to each of the shuffled sets of cards may be generated and associated with the shuffled set of cards.

[0013] The present invention also includes shuffled playing cards produced using the shuffling system described above.

[0014] The shuffled playing cards packed into the package by the automatic packaging machine may be double-packaged.

[0015] In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the shuffle system of the present invention comprises: 1. A system for shuffling one or more decks of cards, comprising: a plurality of shuffling devices for shuffling the cards; a plurality of sequencers or controllers each controlling the operation of said plurality of shuffling devices; A plurality of processors for controlling the plurality of sequencers or controllers; Equipped with Each of the plurality of processors has a random generator, and the plurality of shuffling devices are configured to shuffle a set of cards of one or more decks using sets of numbers dictated by the random generators of at least the different processors.

[0016] In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the shuffle system of the present invention comprises: 1. A system for shuffling one or more decks of cards, comprising: a plurality of shuffling devices for shuffling the cards; a plurality of sequencers or controllers for independently controlling the operation of the plurality of shuffling devices; A processor that controls the plurality of sequencers or controllers; Equipped with The processor has a random generator, and the shuffling devices are each controlled by an independent sequencer or controller, and the sequencer or controller controls the shuffling device using a set of random numbers commanded by the random generator, the processor outputs a plurality of sets of random numbers from the random generator, and each of the sequencers or controllers selects and uses one of the plurality of sets of random numbers to shuffle a set of cards from one or more decks.

[0017] In addition, the number of cards sorted when shuffling by each of the shuffling devices may be configured so that the product across the multiple shuffling devices is equal to or greater than the number of cards in the set of cards.

[0018] The processor may also be configured to output a plurality of sets of random numerical values ​​from a random generator, and the sequencer or controller may each select one of the plurality of sets of random numerical values ​​to use and control the shuffle device.

[0019] Furthermore, among the plurality of shuffling devices, a final shuffling device that lastly shuffles the cards of the card set further comprises a collection means for mechanically collecting the cards sorted by the final shuffling device, The sorted cards may be collected together by the collecting means, and the stacked set of cards may be packaged by an automatic packaging machine to complete the shuffled playing cards.

[0020] Additionally, a unique ID corresponding to each of the shuffled sets of cards may be generated and associated with the shuffled set of cards.

[0021] The present invention also includes shuffled playing cards produced using the shuffling system described above.

[0022] In addition, the shuffled playing cards packed into a package by the automatic packing machine may be double-packed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] Figure 1(A) is an explanatory diagram showing how cards are shuffled to create a random arrangement (when the number of pockets is equal to or greater than the number of cards). Figure 1(B) is an explanatory diagram showing how cards are shuffled to create a random arrangement (when shuffling multiple times). [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the entire shuffle system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3]Fig. 3(A) is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a shuffling device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3(B) is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a part of a shuffling process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3(C) is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a part of a shuffling process according to an embodiment of the present invention (when multiple sets of random numerical values ​​are output from a random generator). [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of wrapped shuffled playing cards with an ID attached, according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Before describing an embodiment of the shuffling system of the present invention, a mechanism for randomly arranging cards in a shuffling device equipped with multiple pockets by performing a shuffle multiple times in which the cards in a set to be shuffled are assigned to one of the pockets will be described.

[0025] For example, assume that eight decks (52 cards x 8 decks = 416 cards) are shuffled and arranged randomly. As shown in FIG. 1(A), if the shuffling device has 416 pockets, any arrangement of cards can be realized by randomly sorting each card into one of the 416 pockets and collecting the sorted cards in order from the pockets. In addition, in conventional systems, when deciding which of the 416 pockets each card should be sorted into, a method is often used in which a set of random numbers is output from a random generator by command of a CPU (processor) (details will be described later). In this case, the CPU (processor) has information about which of the 416 pockets each card should be sorted into (PC knows), and if this information is leaked to the outside due to unauthorized access to the CPU (processor), information about the arrangement of the cards after sorting into the 416 pockets may be illegally obtained, which may lead to fraudulent activities.

[0026] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1(B), it is assumed that multiple shuffling devices are used to perform multiple shuffling operations in which each card is sorted into one of multiple pockets. This similarly makes it possible to realize any arrangement of cards, and to arrange them completely randomly. In this case, the number of pockets may be less than the number of cards in the set (for example, 52 in the case of FIG. 1(B)), and the scale of the system can be changed accordingly. Since there are multiple shuffling devices, each is set to sort each card using a set of random numbers output from a random generator by command of a different CPU (processor). By making each CPU (processor) independent of each other, each CPU (processor) only has information about the shuffling performed by the shuffling device that sorted the cards using the set of random numbers output from the random generator by command of its own. Even if information about the sets of random numbers in the multiple random generators is extracted by unauthorized access to the multiple CPUs (processors), the information can be easily obtained. Since it becomes difficult to identify across all shuffling devices which cards they were assigned to shuffle, the likelihood of figuring out the order of the cards after shuffling becomes extremely low.

[0027] <Embodiment 1> Next, an embodiment of the shuffle system of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the entire shuffle system of the embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the shuffle system is composed of a plurality of shuffle devices (100A to 100N), a plurality of sequencers or controllers (101A to 101N) that are provided inside or outside the plurality of shuffle devices or that are connected to each other and control a predetermined shuffle device among the plurality of shuffle devices, a plurality of independent CPUs (processors 102a to 102k) that are cut off from each other by a communication network, and random generators (103a to 103k) that are provided in each of the plurality of CPUs and that output a set of random numerical values ​​(10A to 10N) in response to a command from a predetermined CPU. The multiple shuffle devices (100A to 100N) are connected in series with each other, and a set of cards 1t before shuffling is first shuffled in shuffle device 100A, and then similarly shuffled in order in shuffle devices 100B to 100N. In other words, the multiple shuffle devices (100A to 100N) are configured to shuffle the same set of cards 1t.

[0028] Sets of random numbers (10A to 10N) output from random generators (103a to 103k) in response to commands from a plurality of mutually independent CPUs (processors 102a to 102k) are transmitted to sequencers or controllers (101A to 101N) connected to the plurality of CPUs (102a to 102k) by wired or wireless communication, and the plurality of sequencers or controllers (101A to 101N) use the sets of random numbers (10A to 10N) they receive to control the shuffling of the shuffling devices (100A to 100N) provided therein or connected thereto. Here, for example, like CPU 102j in Fig. 2, some of the multiple CPUs (102a to 102k) may be configured to be involved in the shuffling of two or more of the multiple shuffle devices, and in this case, the sequencer or controller 101LM may be configured to shuffle two shuffle devices (100L and 100M). The multiple shuffle devices (100A to 100N) do not necessarily need to be arranged in a straight line as shown in Fig. 2, and may be bent or branched along the way. Furthermore, for example, a card set 1t shuffled by shuffle device 100B may be returned to shuffle device 100A and shuffled again. Furthermore, shuffling may be performed multiple times by the same shuffling device 100. That is, for example, a card set 1t shuffled by the shuffling device 100A may be shuffled again by the shuffling device 100. In this case, each shuffle may be returned to the shuffle position 100A. By selecting and switching the CPU or random generator to be used in the waffle from multiple CPUs (102a to 102k) or random generators (103a to 103k), you can Or you can use a random generator to shuffle.

[0029] As mentioned above, since there are multiple shufflers (100A-100N), they are controlled by the corresponding sequencers or controllers (101A-101N) using sets of random numbers (10A-10N) output from the random generators (103a-103k) in response to commands from different CPUs (102a-102k). In a factory production line, cards are shuffled in sequence, such that after a certain set of cards 1t is shuffled by shuffler 100A, the next set of cards 1t is shuffled by shuffler 100A while shuffler 100B is still shuffling it. To carry this out, each random generator (103a-103k) A new set of random numerical values ​​(10A to 10N) is output from the random generator 103a in sequence and sent to the sequencer or controller (101A to 101N). For example, a set of random numerical values ​​is output from the random generator 103a in sequence, such as a first 10A, a second 10A, a third 10A, and so on, and sent to the sequencer or controller 101A (the first 10A, the second 10A, the third 10A, and so on are different from each other). Here, suppose that information on the sets of random numerical values ​​(10A to 10N) output from the multiple random generators (103a to 103k) at a certain time period is extracted by unauthorized access to the multiple CPUs (102a to 102k). For example, suppose that at a certain time, three sets of random numbers, a first 10A, a second 10A, and a third 10A, are extracted as sets of random numbers output from random generator 103a, and five sets of random numbers, a first 10B, a second 10B, a third 10B, a fourth 10B, and a fifth 10B, are extracted as sets of random numbers output from random generator 103b. In this case, it is not easy for shuffling device 100A to accurately determine whether a certain set of random numbers 10A (e.g., the first 10A) was used to shuffle the card set 1t, or was used to shuffle the next card set 1t. Even if it were possible to know which set of cards 1t was used to shuffle the set of random numbers 10A (for example, the first 10A), because the multiple CPUs (102a to 102k) are isolated from one another and are cut off from the communication networks, it is not possible to determine in a sequential manner which set of cards 1t was used to shuffle a certain set of random numbers generated by a random generator in another shuffling device.For example, it is impossible to know in a chain reaction whether the random number set 10B (e.g., the first 10B) output from 103b was used to shuffle the card set 1t or the next card set 1t, and it is not easy to judge accurately, as with the random number set 10A (e.g., the first 10A). Information on the arrangement of the card set 1s that has been shuffled by multiple shuffle devices (100A-100N) cannot be obtained unless all the random number sets (10A-10N) used to shuffle the card set 1s are accurately known (for example, the number of the 10A in the random number set 10A, the number of the 10B in the random number set 10B, ... are accurately known). Therefore, it can be said that it is extremely impossible to obtain information on the arrangement of the cards.

[0030] Next, the structure of each shuffling device will be described with reference to Fig. 3(A). Fig. 3(A) is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of each shuffling device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 3(A), shuffling device 100A includes card stack 200, card feeder 201, slide rail 202, feeder movement roller 203, and card delivery roller 204.

[0031] The card stack 200 has a predetermined number of pockets 200a to 200g. Although the configuration of FIG. 3(A) illustrates an example in which the card stack 200 has seven pockets, the number of pockets is arbitrary. Movable partitions 205a to 205f are provided between each of the pockets. When a set of cards 1t to be shuffled is set in the card feeder 201, a card feed roller 204 provided at the bottom of the card feeder 201 rotates, and the card 1 at the bottom of the card feeder 201 is fed from a card feed opening (not shown) provided at the bottom side of the card feeder 201 toward the card stack 200. The card feeder 201 is configured to be slidable in the vertical direction (up and down) along the slide rail 202 by a feeder movement roller 203 driven by a driving means such as a motor (not shown).

[0032] With the above configuration, the shuffling device 100A is controlled via the sequencer or controller 101A to alternately slide the card feeder 201 to a position facing one of the pockets 200a to 200g and feed the cards 1 from the card feeder 201 to the pocket (200a to 200g). The sequencer or controller 101A receives a set of random numerical values ​​10A output from the random generator 103a in response to a command from the CPU 102a, and uses this to determine which of the pockets 200a to 200g the card feeder 201 should be moved to. The sequencer or controller 101A is configured to have a memory (not shown) that stores a comparison table that assigns one of the pockets 200a to 200g from the set of random numerical values ​​10A. For example, if the first number of the random numerical set 10A is "3", the card feeder 201 is moved to a position facing the third pocket 200c from the top based on the comparison table, and the first card 1 is sent to the pocket 200c. In this manner, the cards 1t set in the card feeder 201 are randomly sent one by one to one of the pockets 200a-200g of the card stack 200. When all the cards 1 set in the card feeder 201 are sent to the card stack 200, the partition plates 205a-205f in the card stack 200 retract from the inside of the card stack 200, and the cards 1 sorted into the pockets 200a-200g are removed from the shuffling device 100A in a single stacked state. However, the retraction of the partitions 205a-205f is not essential as a means for collecting the cards 1 sorted into the pockets 200a-200g, and any other alternative means can be used. For example, a robot arm or the like may be used to sequentially remove the cards from each of the pockets 200a-200g. This completes one shuffling process performed by the shuffling device 100A.

[0033] The structure of the shuffling device is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, A structure (not shown) may be considered in which the cards in a set to be shuffled are sorted into multiple pockets by rank or suit in advance, and then the cards are taken out one by one from the multiple pockets and stacked based on a set of random numerical values ​​output from a random generator in response to a command from a CPU (processor), and the shuffle is performed by controlling the sequencer or controller. The sequencer or controller may be connected by wire or wirelessly to a position where it can control the shuffle device, and may be provided not only inside the shuffle device but also outside. Similarly, the random generator may be provided in the CPU or may be included in a separate device provided outside the device, as long as it has the function of transmitting a set of random numerical values ​​to the sequencer or controller directly or indirectly in response to a command from the CPU.

[0034] Next, Fig. 3(B) is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a part of the shuffling process in the shuffling system according to this embodiment, in which a shuffler device 100A having the above configuration and a shuffler device 100B connected in series downstream of the shuffler device 100A are arranged side by side. Note that Fig. 3(B) illustrates a line in which two shufflers (shuffler device 100A, shuffler device 100B) are arranged side by side, but the number of shufflers in the entire shuffle system of the present invention is not limited to this, and more shufflers may be provided. Also, in Fig. 3(B), the two shufflers have the same structure, but they may have different structures, for example, the number of pockets into which the cards 1 are sorted may be different. Furthermore, in FIG. 3B, the cards 1 sorted into each of the pockets 200a to 200g by the shuffler 100A are collected and taken out in a single stack, and then sent to the shuffler 100B, where they are similarly sorted into the pockets 210a to 210g. However, as another embodiment, for example, the cards 1 sorted into each of the pockets 200a to 200g by the shuffler 100A may be sorted directly into multiple pockets of the next shuffler without being collected into a single stack. As yet another embodiment, the cards 1 randomly sorted into each of the pockets 200a to 200g by the shuffling device 100A may be randomly taken out one by one and stacked based on a set of random numerical values ​​10B output from a random generator 103b in response to a command from the CPU 102b.

[0035] As described above, the multiple sequencers or controllers (101A to 101N) are configured to receive sets of random numerical values ​​(10A to 10N) output from the random generators (103a to 103k) at the command of each of the multiple CPUs (102a to 102k) and control the shuffle devices (100A to 100N). Each CPU (102a to 102k) is further configured to instruct the random generators (103a to 103k) to output multiple sets of random numerical values ​​at once or at short time intervals, so that the multiple sequencers or controllers (101A to 101N) each receive the sets of random numerical values ​​at once or at short time intervals. Each of the sequencers or controllers (101A to 101N) is configured to select one set from the multiple sets of random numerical values ​​received, and control the shuffle device (100A to 100N) using the set of random numerical values ​​selected by itself. For example, FIG. 3(C) shows a case in which the sequencer or controller 101A receives multiple sets of random numerical values ​​(10A to 20A) from the CPU 102a, selects 11A from among them, and uses this to control the shuffle device 100A, and the sequencer or controller 101B receives multiple sets of random numerical values ​​(10B to 20B) from the CPU 102b, selects 20B from among them, and uses this to control the shuffle device 100B. Each of the CPUs (102a to 102k) has information for multiple sets of random numerical values ​​output from the random generator by its own command. Even if information relating to each of the multiple sets of random numerical values ​​in the random generators (103a-103k) is extracted through unauthorized access to the CPUs (102a-102k), it becomes difficult to identify which set was selected and used by the sequencer or controller (101A-101N) to shuffle the card set 1t, thereby reducing the risk of the arrangement of the shuffled card set 1s being discovered, further enhancing security.In this embodiment, when each CPU (102a to 102k) instructs the random generator (103a to 103k) to output a set of random numerical values ​​all at once or multiple sets at short time intervals, security is sufficiently maintained, so that the multiple CPUs (102a to 102k) do not necessarily need to be independent of each other, and there may be only one CPU in the entire shuffle system.

[0036] Next, a description will be given of the flow of cards in the manufacturing process, including the shuffling process, of the embodiment of the shuffling system of the present invention. A set 1t of cards collected in a number sufficient to constitute a predetermined number of decks through a process of printing the front (suit and rank) and back (design) of card base paper, and a cutting process of cutting into individual cards, is set in the card feeder 201 of the shuffling device 100A as the first stage of the shuffling process. Then, using a set 10A of random numerical values ​​output from the random generator 103a by a command from the CPU 102a, the sequencer or controller 101A randomly sends out cards one by one to any of the pockets (200a to 200g) of the card stack 200. When all the cards have been sent out to the card stack 200, the partition plates 205a to 205f in the card stack 200 retract from inside the card stack 200, and the cards 1 sorted into the pockets 200a to 200g are taken out of the shuffling device 100A in a single stacked state.

[0037] The stacked card cells removed from the shuffling device 100A by the above-mentioned collection means The cards are automatically or manually set in card feeder 211 of shuffler 100B, and are shuffled one by one into one of the pockets (210a-210g) of card stack 210 by sequencer or controller 101B using a set of random numerical values ​​10B output from random generator 103b in response to a command from CPU 102b. Similar processes are repeated until the last shuffler (shuffler 100N in the first embodiment) is reached, which is the most downstream shuffler among a predetermined number of shufflers connected in series. In this way, by multiplying the number of pockets in each shuffler (100A-100N) (for example, seven in the case of shuffler 100A and seven in the case of 100B) across all shufflers (100A-100N) that shuffle card set 1t, the product becomes equal to or greater than the total number of cards in card set 1t (for example, 416 cards in the case of eight decks), thereby finally realizing a completely random arrangement of cards. The cards sorted into the multiple pockets of the last shuffler are automatically or manually removed from the last shuffler in a state where they are stacked together by a collection means that similarly retracts the partition plate of the card stack from inside the card stack.

[0038] In each shuffling step, it may be possible to check whether there is a predetermined number of cards in the set (416 cards for 8 decks). It is also possible to check whether any cards have been lost or added or removed during the shuffling process.

[0039] When shuffling is completed in the last shuffling device (shuffle device 100N in the first embodiment) that performs the final shuffling process, a shuffled playing card ID is generated to be assigned to one set of shuffled playing cards completed through the final shuffling process. This shuffled playing card ID is generated as a unique ID for each shuffled playing card set 1s. The shuffled playing card ID is associated in a database (not shown) with predetermined information among the production-related information of the shuffled playing cards stored in the database. The type and amount of such information are arbitrary, but information that identifies the production line or shuffle device involved in the shuffling process is particularly important.

[0040] That is, when the manufacturer of the shuffled playing card set 1s according to this embodiment has multiple production lines, each production line is assigned a unique production line ID in advance. Then, when the shuffled playing card ID is generated, the generated shuffled playing card ID is associated with the production line ID of the production line involved in the production of the shuffled playing cards and registered in the database. It is to be noted that, instead of being limited to the ID for each production line, a shuffle device ID may be assigned in advance to each shuffle device, and the shuffled playing card ID may be associated with all shuffle device IDs involved in the shuffling process and registered in the database. It is to be noted that the database may be provided within the shuffle system, or may be provided outside the shuffle system.

[0041] The generated shuffled playing card ID is printed as a barcode 4 on a sticker 3 by a printer. The sticker 3 on which the barcode 4 of the shuffled playing card ID is printed is then used to seal a paper box (package) 2. Details will be described later.

[0042] As a method of using the ID, for example, if a customer who has purchased a shuffled playing card set 1s notices that there is some defect in the purchased cards, the customer notifies the manufacturer of the shuffled playing card set 1s of the shuffled playing card ID. At this time, the customer may send the sticker 3 with the shuffled playing card ID barcode 4 printed on it to the manufacturer, and the manufacturer may read the shuffled playing card ID with a barcode reader, or the customer may read the shuffled playing card ID with a barcode reader or the like and transmit the read data electronically. The ID may be sent to the manufacturer by a communication means such as an electronic mail. The manufacturer can then search the database based on the shuffled playing card ID to identify the production line or shuffling device where the defect may have occurred. In such a case, the manufacturer can take measures such as alerting customers about the shuffled playing card sets 1s produced on the same production line or shuffling device during the same period, and, if necessary, requesting the destruction of the products or recalling the products. The manufacturer can also prevent the recurrence of defective products by inspecting the identified production line or shuffling device.

[0043] Also, data on the shuffled playing card set 1s to be delivered (shuffled playing card ID and information associated therewith) may be downloaded from the database to a portable storage medium, and this storage medium may be attached and delivered to the customer. The data structure (format) of the downloaded data from the database to the storage medium may be arbitrary, provided that it can be referenced on the customer's computer. In this case, when the customer finds a defect such as a bent card, for example, the shuffled playing card ID of the defective shuffled playing card set 1s can be read by a barcode reader or the like, and the data on the storage medium can be searched based on the read shuffled playing card ID. Also, based on the search results, it becomes possible to take measures such as discarding the shuffled playing card set 1s that is involved in the same production line or shuffling device. Furthermore, even if a shuffled playing card set intended for fraudulent purposes is mixed in with deliveries to a customer, if the customer can verify the shuffled playing card ID stored in the storage medium against the shuffled playing card ID of the delivered item and find that the delivered item has a shuffled playing card set with a shuffled playing card ID that does not exist in the storage medium provided at the time of delivery, it can be determined that the shuffled playing card set was mixed in for fraudulent purposes. This makes it possible to prevent a third party from mixing in fraudulent products.

[0044] As described above, the set 1s of stacked cards removed from the last shuffler is automatically stored in a package 2 as shown in FIG. 4, and the lid is sealed with a sticker 3. In this example, a paper box is used as an example of packaging, but the packaging form is not limited to this. For example, a plastic box can also be used. Also, the cards may be wrapped in a wrapping paper such as paper or resin film and sealed with a sticker, without being limited to a box. In short, any packaging form may be used as long as it does not allow cheating, such as opening the seal before the start of a game, rearranging the order of the cards, inserting or removing cards, or putting some kind of mark on the cards.

[0045] The present invention also includes a shuffling system in which, among a plurality of shuffling devices, the last shuffling device to shuffle the cards in the card set is further equipped with a collecting means for mechanically collecting the cards sorted by the last shuffling device, the sorted cards are collected into a single pile by the collecting means, and the set of shuffled cards is then packaged by an automatic packaging machine (not shown) to complete the manufacture of shuffled playing cards.

[0046] The present invention includes a shuffling system in which a unique ID corresponding to each shuffled set of cards is generated and associated with the shuffled set of cards. The present invention includes shuffled playing cards produced using the shuffling system described above.

[0047] The sticker 3 has a barcode 4 and a specification 5 printed thereon. As described above, the barcode 4 represents an ID (shuffled playing card ID) that can individually identify the shuffled playing card set 1s. The specification 5 is not essential, but may be, for example, Any information such as manufacturing information (serial number, manufacturing date, manufacturing factory information, etc.), product number, product name, color, customer information (casino name, etc.) is written. In addition to the barcode 4 or instead of the barcode 4, an RFID tag may be attached to the sticker 3.

[0048] The opening of the lid of the package 2 of the shuffled playing card set 1s is sealed with a sticker 3, so that the sticker 3 must be peeled off or broken when using the card set 1s. In order to prevent fraudulent acts, the sticker 3 is preferably made of a material that cannot be adhered to the original state once peeled off, or at least a part of the sticker is broken when an external force is applied to peel it off. The shuffled playing cards packaged by an automatic packaging machine (not shown) are configured as shuffled playing cards in which the opening of the lid of the package 2 is sealed with the sticker 3 and further packaged in a transparent shrink wrap (not shown), resulting in a double-packaged shuffled playing cards. In this way, shuffling, attaching an ID, and packaging are performed automatically (without direct human contact).

[0049] As described above, in the shuffling system of this embodiment, the card set 1s that has been sufficiently randomly shuffled is placed in an individual package (package 2) sealed with a sticker 3, so when using this shuffled playing card set 1s in a game, the package 2 is opened and the card set 1s is immediately set in a card shooter (not shown). This saves the game host the trouble of shuffling the playing cards. In addition, there is no room for fraudulent acts such as inserting, removing, or replacing playing cards when shuffling.

[0050] Various embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, it goes without saying that the above-mentioned embodiments can be modified by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention, and the device of the present embodiments may be appropriately modified according to the needs of the game to which it is applied. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1. Playing Cards 1t A set of playing cards before shuffling 1s Set of playing cards after shuffling 2 packages (paper boxes) 3. Sealing seal 4. Barcode 5. Specifications 10A Random set of numbers (~10N, Random set of numbers) 11A Random set of numbers (~20A, random set of numbers) 11B Random set of numbers (~20B, random set of numbers) 100A Shuffler (up to 100N, Shuffler) 101A Sequencer or Controller (up to 101N, sequencer or controller La) 102a CPU (processor) (up to 102k CPU) 103a Random Generator (~103k, Random Generator) 200 Card Stack 200a pocket (up to 200g, pocket) 201 Card Feeder 202 Slide rail 203 Feeder moving roller 204 Card feed roller 205a Partition (up to 205f, partition) 210 Card Stack 210a Pocket (up to 210g, pocket) 211 Card Feeder

Claims

1. 1. A shuffling system for shuffling one or more decks of cards, comprising: a plurality of shuffling devices for shuffling the cards; a plurality of sequencers or controllers for independently controlling the operation of the plurality of shuffling devices; A processor that controls the plurality of sequencers or controllers; Equipped with A shuffling system wherein the processor has a random generator, the shuffling devices are each controlled by an independent sequencer or controller, and the sequencer or controller controls the shuffling device using a set of random numbers commanded by the random generator, the processor outputs a plurality of sets of random numbers from the random generator, and each of the sequencers or controllers selects and uses one of the plurality of sets of random numbers to shuffle a set of cards from one or more decks.

2. each of the shuffling devices shuffles the cards by sorting each card into one of a plurality of sorting destinations provided in each of the shuffling devices; 2. The shuffling system according to claim 1, wherein the number of sorting destinations when shuffling by each of the shuffling devices is configured so that the product across the multiple shuffling devices is equal to or greater than the number of cards in the set of cards.

3. 2. The shuffle system of claim 1, wherein the processor outputs a plurality of sets of random numbers from a random generator, and the sequencer or controller each selects and uses one of the plurality of sets of random numbers to control the shuffle device.

4. a final shuffling device among said plurality of shuffling devices, which lastly shuffles one set of cards of said one or more decks of cards, further comprising a collecting means for mechanically collecting the cards sorted by said final shuffling device; 2. The shuffling system according to claim 1, wherein the sorted cards are collected together by the collecting means, and the stacked set of cards is packaged by an automatic packaging machine to complete the shuffled playing cards.

5. A unique ID is generated corresponding to each of the shuffled sets of cards; 5. The shuffling system of claim 4 associated with the shuffled set of cards.

6. 6. Shuffled playing cards produced using the shuffling system according to claim 4 or 5.

7. 7. The shuffled playing cards according to claim 6, wherein the shuffled playing cards packed into the package by the automatic packing machine are double-packed.

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