A device that provides a deck of cards

Abstract

A device for providing a set of cards including reused cards comprises a first card handling means including a card supply means adapted to supply a plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards including reused cards, and a plurality of card storage means in which the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards are stored, thereby providing a set of cards including reused cards. The card handling means further comprises at least one card grouping means between said card supply means and said card storage means adapted to group cards from a plurality of different sequences of the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards into card groups. The device further comprises control means adapted to identify each card of the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards, assign each identified card to one of the plurality of card storage means, and control the card supply means and / or the card grouping means to group one or more identified cards assigned to the same card storage means into card groups. The device further comprises group distribution means adapted to distribute a sequence of cards in said card grouping means to a card storage means to which an identified card in said card grouping means is assigned.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001]

[01] The present invention generally relates to a device for providing a deck of cards. In this particular invention, the invention generally relates to a device for providing a deck of cards including recycled cards. The present invention further relates to a method for providing a deck of cards, more specifically a deck of cards including recycled cards. [Background technology]

[0002]

[02] Card games are well known these days. Often the games are based on the unpredictability of the order of cards dealt or drawn from a deck or set of randomly ordered playing cards, where the deck of playing cards contains more than one deck of randomly ordered playing cards at the deck stage.

[0003]

[03] As an example, Baccarat is played with a randomly ordered deck of eight playing cards, thus a total of 416 randomly ordered cards. For some games, once a card is drawn from the deck, it cannot be used again because the order and setting of the draw can be monitored apart from the card that was drawn. In many cases, the playing cards that have been used are discarded. Since longer cards will be drawn from the deck, but the identity of the cards drawn from the deck can be monitored, the identity of the cards still remaining in the deck can be predictable, and with each drawn card, there is an increased chance that a card with a given identifier will be one of the subsequent cards in the deck. To maintain predictability regarding the next card to be drawn under a given level, the deck typically includes what are called stop cards, which are inserted into or made part of the deck towards the end of the deck. Typically, but not necessarily, the stop card is placed in the last quarter position of the deck. When this card is drawn from the deck, the game may end immediately or may end after a small number of cards have been drawn from the deck. In some cases, the game may end before the stop card is drawn. Thus, a large amount of remaining unused cards are present in the decks that are returned from the card playing table. However, the identities of the cards in this residue may be quite predictable.

[0004]

[04] When high stakes are involved during card games, any possible source of information or increased predictability regarding the arrangement of cards within a deck should be avoided.

[0005]

[05] A system for creating a set of playing cards in a random order is described in WO2012 / 042823. The system includes a plurality of playing card collecting means for collecting playing cards from a possibly randomly ordered deck of cards to provide a deck of playing cards, a plurality of card stockers for stocking the created deck of cards, and a card sorting device. A card identified by its rank and suit is sent to a first card stocker unless the first card stocker has a given number of cards with that rank and suit. If the card stocker has a given number of cards with that rank and suit, the card is sent to an adjacent second card stocker. Such a method of sending cards from a supplied deck of cards does not significantly change the predictability of the arrangement of cards in the created deck of cards compared to the predictability of the arrangement of cards in the deck of cards. Thus, using remnants of decks from a card playing table with increased predictability of card arrangement will not result in a newly created deck with sufficiently low predictability of card arrangement. Summary of the Invention

[0006]

[06] Thus, there is a need to provide a method and device for returning deck remnants, i.e., unused cards remaining in a deck of cards returned from a card playing table.

[0007]

[07] A device according to a first aspect of the invention for providing a set of cards including reused cards comprises at least a first card handling means including a card supplying means adapted to supply a plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards, the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards including reused cards, and the device comprises a plurality of card storage means into which cards of the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards are stored, thereby providing a set of cards including reused cards. The card handling means further comprises at least one card grouping means between said card supplying means and said card storage means, which is adapted to group cards from a plurality of different sequences of the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards into card groups. The device further comprises control means, which are adapted to control the card supplying means and / or the card grouping means to identify each card of the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards, assign each identified card to one of the plurality of card storage means, and to group one or more identified cards assigned to the same card storage means into card groups. The device further includes a group distribution means adapted to distribute a group of cards in said card grouping means to a card storage means to which an identified card in said card grouping means is assigned.

[0008]

[08] Thus, according to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for providing a set of cards including a reused card, the device comprising: At least a first card handling means, a card supply means adapted to supply a plurality of sequences of randomly-sequenced cards, the plurality of sequences of randomly-sequenced cards including recycled cards; at least one card grouping means adapted to combine cards from different sequences of the multiple sequences of randomly ordered cards into a group of cards; a first card handling means including: a plurality of card storage means for storing cards in a plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards, thereby providing a set of cards including recycled cards, and at least one card grouping means is between the card supply means and the card storage means; A control means, Identifying each card in multiple sequences of randomly ordered cards; assigning each identified card to one of a plurality of card storage means; controlling the card supplying means and / or at least one card grouping means of said first card handling means to group one or more identified cards that are assigned to the same card storage means into a card group; and a control means adapted to group distribution means adapted to distribute cards in said at least one card grouping means of said first card handling means to a card storage means to which an identified card in said at least one card grouping means is assigned; Includes.

[0009]

[09] The first card dispensing means may be adapted to dispense a randomly ordered sequence of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more cards.

[0010]

[10] According to some embodiments, for a card dispensing means that dispenses a plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards, more than one of the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards may include recycled cards. Optionally, all of the sequences of randomly ordered cards may include recycled cards, or all but one of the sequences of randomly ordered cards may include recycled cards.

[0011]

[11] Unless otherwise specified, the term "card" herein may refer to a playing card, each of which is identifiable by its rank and suit, or any card identifiable by one or more identifying elements and / or card identification codes, each of which forms part of a deck of cards having such identifying elements and / or card identification codes. A deck of cards may include one or more card decks, such as a deck of playing cards. A card deck is a plurality of identical or different cards that collectively form a card pack. A deck of playing cards includes 52 different playing cards, which include 13 ranks and four suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades). Each suit includes an Ace (showing a single symbol for that suit), a King, a Queen, and a Jack (each of which is shown with the symbol for that suit), and ranks 2 through 10. The deck of playing cards may include more than one playing card deck, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 playing card decks, and may further include one or more special cards, which are cards that have a special function within the game played with the deck of playing cards, such as a joker or a stop card.

[0012]

[12] The device according to the first aspect of the invention has the advantage that it can shuffle cards from a plurality of sets of randomly ordered cards, including recycled cards, into a plurality of new decks of cards, e.g. decks of playing cards, each set comprising one or more playing card decks, and these decks of cards, e.g. decks of playing cards, are shuffled into a random order during the deck stage.

[0013]

[13] The first card handling means may include more than one card grouping means, i.e. a plurality of card grouping means, such as 2, 3, 4 or more card grouping means. Each of the card grouping means may be provided between the card supplying means and the card storing means of the first card handling means. The one or more card grouping means are adapted to receive cards from a plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards from the card supplying means.

[0014]

[14] Each of the plurality of card grouping means of the first card handling means is adapted to merge cards from a plurality of different sequences of the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards into a card group. The control means is capable of controlling the plurality of card grouping means of the first card handling means to merge one or more identified cards that are assigned to the same card storage means into a card group.

[0015]

[15] Using a card supplying means and / or one or more card grouping means controlled by the control means allows for a greater variety of sequences to be created when determining the positions and sequences of different cards from the sequences of randomly ordered cards in the set of cards created by the one or more card grouping means. This increases the unpredictability of the sequence and sequence of cards after the cards are organized into groups, thereby ensuring that the sequence of cards created in the final set of cards in the multiple card storage means is random and unpredictable. This allows for the use of the remainder of the sequence of cards, i.e. unused cards remaining in the set of cards, such as playing cards returned from a card playing table, where the cards in the remainder may have increased predictability as far as the sequence of cards in the remainder is taken into account.

[0016]

[16] According to some embodiments, the card supply means may include a plurality of card supply units, each sequence of the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards being provided by one of the plurality of card supply units.

[0017]

[17] The multiple card supply units may include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more card supply units.

[0018]

[18] In a preferred embodiment, each card supply unit provides one of a plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards. The number of card supply units providing sequences of randomly ordered cards is equal to the number of the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards. Optionally, however, each sequence of the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards is provided by one of the plurality of card supply units, and a further card supply unit of the plurality of card supply units provides a card with a known identifier. This may for example be a card with a special function in a deck of playing cards produced by the card storage means. By way of example, this may be what is called a "stop card" present in a deck of playing cards used to play baccarat and similar games.

[0019]

[19] According to some embodiments, the card supply means may include a plurality of card supply units, at least one of the plurality of card supply units adapted to provide a series of cards having a special function in a deck of cards created by the device.

[0020]

[20] Cards with special features may differ from the cards listed above by having neither rank nor suit. Cards with special features may be identifiable by indicia, color, or the like that are visible or detectable on the front side of the card.

[0021]

[21] The card supplying means may be further adapted to supply one or more sequences of cards of known order and identity.

[0022]

[22] The sequence of cards in random order may also be a queue of cards, in which the cards are presented flat on a moving belt and the cards are singulated, i.e., one card is separated from the other cards so that successive cards do not touch.

[0023]

[23] According to some embodiments, some, and optionally all, of the plurality of card supply units providing one of the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards may include a docking station adapted to receive a cartridge containing randomly ordered cards.

[0024]

[24] Preferably, all of the plurality of card supply units providing one of the plurality of sequences of random order cards include a docking station adapted to receive a cartridge including random order cards, such as random order playing cards.

[0025]

[25] The cartridge may be a cartridge used during a card game played on a playing table. When the game is over, typically a number of cards, such as playing cards, remain in the cartridge untouched. Those remaining, untouched but already in a random order, cards may be used to create a sequence of cards in a random order.

[0026]

[26] This is an advantage because the untouched and unused cards remaining in the cartridge, i.e. the remnants of the series of cards, can be reused, recycled, salvaged, and / or re-used in the newly created deck of cards. This results in a significant reduction in cards being disposed of, and the salvaged cards are not touched by any person during further handling. Again, this guarantees to a large extent that there is no mishandling of the cards. For example, when high stakes are involved in card games, a source of dishonest actions or behavior should be avoided. Any tampering with the playing cards themselves can also be a source of cheating. Therefore, there is a need to limit to the greatest extent possible, and even to avoid, human contact with the cards during recycling, reuse, or even re-use.

[0027]

[27] According to some embodiments, the card supply unit may include a docking station adapted to receive a cartridge containing the randomly ordered cards and may further include a card extraction means adapted to extract a card from the cartridge.

[0028]

[28] A cartridge containing randomly ordered cards may be a cartridge containing playing cards in random order.

[0029]

[29] The cards may be extracted one by one from the cartridge at the docking station and placed on a conveyor belt as a series of individualized cards. The card extraction means may be a rotating wheel that contacts a surface of the card in front of the opening of the cartridge through which the card is extracted from the cartridge by the dealer, usually at the playing table. This surface is usually the back surface of the card. Friction between the surface of the card and the rotating wheel is sufficient to move the card downward and extract it to the front of the cartridge. Alternatively, a rotating device is provided that includes one, two, three, four or more arms that extend radially from a central shaft, the shaft being mounted for rotation about the central axis of the shaft. The upper or distal ends of the arms may contact a surface of the card in front of the opening of the cartridge. Friction between the surface of the card and the upper parts of the one or more arms is sufficient to move the card downward and extract it from the cartridge. The rotating wheel or rotating device may be attached to one of the outer ends of the lever. The second outer end of the lever may be rotatably mounted about a pivot point, the axis of rotation being parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel or device. A torsion or similar spring may apply force to the lever to rotate about the axis at the pivot point, thereby pushing the wheel or device toward the surface of the card. The speed of rotation of the wheel or device may be controlled. The wheel or device may be driven to rotate by a motor, such as an electric drive motor, whose speed or rotation is controlled.

[0030]

[30] As a further alternative, a finger can be provided, the upper or distal end of which contacts the surface of the card in front of the cartridge opening, and the finger swipes the card in front of the cartridge opening out of the opening while performing a rocking motion. Friction between the surface of the card and the upper or distal end of the finger is sufficient to move the card downward and out of the cartridge. The finger can be moved by an eccentric rotatable about an axis. The rotational motion of the eccentric is translated into a substantially linear motion or vibration of the upper part of the finger. The speed of the vibration of the finger or eccentric can be controlled. The rotation of the eccentric can be driven by a motor, for example an electronically driven motor whose speed or rotation is controlled. The finger can be equipped with a suction cup that sucks the back of the card in the cartridge. Alternatively, the finger can be the outer arm of a single or multiple axis robotic arm. The single or multiple axis robotic arm can provide the card that has been aspirated and extracted from the cartridge to a transport means where it is placed in the transport means. The single or multiple axis robotic arm can provide the card that has been aspirated and extracted from the cartridge to a card identification means for first identifying the card before providing the card to the transport means where it is placed in the transport means.

[0031]

[31] According to some embodiments, the card supplying means may include multiple transport means, and each sequence of the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards is delivered to at least one card grouping means by one of the multiple transport means.

[0032]

[32] The multiple transport means may include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more transport means. If the card supply means includes multiple card supply units, each card supply unit may include one transport means. Each sequence of the multiple sequences of randomly ordered cards may be sent to a transport means. Also, behind or within the control means, sequences of cards with known identifiers may be sent by the transport means to one or more card grouping means.

[0033]

[33] Optionally, the transport means is adapted to guide a plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards past or past the control means, allowing the cards to be identified and, optionally, checked for suspicious or defective cards. The transport means may include several transport means sections working together, such that both the front side of the card and the back side of the card are checked while the card is being transported. The transport means, or one or more of the different transport means sections, may be a transport belt for carrying the cards. The transport belt, or one or more of the different transport belt sections may be a transport belt on which the cards can be suspended. It may be a transport belt or belt section with a non-permanent adhesive or other type of similar adhesive applied to the outer underside. Alternatively, the transport means or transport means section may be a vacuum belt, where air is sucked through the belt and the cards are sucked to the outer side of the belt and thus to the lower side. The transport belt, or one or more of the different belt sections, can be any belt through which the cards are transported while resting on the belt surface, for example in a substantially horizontal position. It can be a transport belt or belt section with a non-permanent adhesive or other type of similar adhesive on the outside or with anti-slip properties. Alternatively, the transport belt or belt section can be a vacuum belt, where air is sucked through the transport belt and the cards are sucked to the outside of the belt.

[0034]

[34] The transfer belt, or one or more of the different belt sections, may be a continuous belt or band for carrying material from one location to another. They may be endless belts or may be continuous belts provided by a strip of belt having two ends connected together, for example by heat welding, stapling means or the like, to form a continuous belt.

[0035]

[35] The transport means, or transport means part, may alternatively be a transport chain adapted to move the card forward from one location to another. For example, the transport means, or transport means part, may comprise two mutually parallel profiles, such as two I-shaped profiles, U-shaped profiles or L-shaped profiles, which are parallel in their axial or longitudinal direction. The two profiles are spaced apart and face each other such that a card can be placed on the two sides of the mutually parallel profiles, and the side of the card facing the profile side can be seen between the two profiles. The transport means, or transport means part, may further comprise a push means, such as a push finger, which pushes the card in the axial or longitudinal direction of the profiles, so that the card slides on the side on which the card is placed.

[0036]

[36] At positions where a card needs to be removed or removed from the transport means and / or where a card needs to be transferred from one transport means section to another, release means may be provided for releasing the card from the transport means or transport means section. Such release means may be actuatable release means. Actuatable release means means that the release means is actuated in a controlled manner. The release means may be interference means for interfering with the coupling of the card to the transport means or transport means section and / or gas blowing means for blowing the coupled card out of the transport means or transport means section. If gas blowing means are used, the gas blowing means may be an air knife or a pair of air knives, one of the pair of air knives mounted on each side of the transport means or transport means section, preferably at the same position in the longitudinal direction, i.e. in the direction of movement of the transport means or transport means section.

[0037]

[37] Where the first card handling means comprises a plurality of card grouping means, a plurality of release means may be provided for each transport means such that a card may be selectively released and thereby provided to one of the plurality of card grouping means. The card is released and received at a card receiving position or point. Where the transport means are all substantially parallel to each other, they and the plurality of card grouping means are all arranged substantially parallel to each other but substantially perpendicular to the transport means, and the cart receiving positions or points may be arranged in a matrix-like layout, having as many columns as the sequence of randomly ordered cards provided (which may be the same as the number of card supply units) and having rows equal to the number of card grouping means.

[0038]

[38] According to some embodiments, the control means may include card identification means for identifying a card by its rank and suit, and / or by one or more identification elements, and / or a card identification code.

[0039]

[39] The card identification means may identify a card by its rank and suit, and / or one or more identification elements, and / or a card identification code, and may attribute this information to the position of the card in an array of cards from each of the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards passing through the card identification means of the control means, for example in a stream of cards on the transport means. Each card passing through the card identification means may generate a data set comprising the card's position in that sequence of the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards, the rank and suit of the card, and / or one or more identification elements, and / or a card identifier.

[0040]

[40] To identify the cards, the card identification means may include optical systems, for example at least one optical system or one optical system for each sequence of cards in the random order provided, and optionally one or more cameras for each optical system. Images of the front side of the cards taken by the one or more cameras are transformed and / or analyzed to identify one or more card identification elements or identifiers on the front side of the cards, which may be rank and suit in the case of playing cards. Optionally, the card identification means obtains a readable card identification code on the front side of the cards, for example a barcode. Optionally, the card identification means may read the card identification code using only UV light. Thus, the card identification means may include a UV detection camera and / or may be associated with a UV illumination device. The card identification means may check for suspicious cards based on the read card identification codes. For each card identification code read, the card identification means can check whether the card with that unique card identification code could be part of the multiple sequences of randomly ordered cards by comparing the read card identification code with a list of allowed card identification codes stored in a database. If the card with the read card identification code would not be part of the multiple sequences of randomly ordered cards, such a card cannot be part of any set of cards created by the device. The card identification means can identify the card as a suspicious card that needs to be removed from the multiple sequences of randomly ordered cards. The card identification means can identify the card as a card to be removed.

[0041]

[41] The card identification means may identify a card in a deck of cards, such as a deck of playing cards being produced, that has a special function, such as a stop card. The card identification means may identify the card as a card to be removed or as a card that should be treated as a card that needs to become part of one of the decks of cards being produced by the device.

[0042]

[42] According to some embodiments, the control means may include defect detection means for detecting defective cards. The front and back sides of the cards may be inspected for defects such as stains, scratches, tears, spots, and the like. Defective cards cannot be part of any set of cards produced by the device and must be removed from the series of randomly ordered cards. The defect detection means may provide information to the card identification means to identify the defective card as a card to be removed.

[0043]

[43] The defect detection means may comprise one or more optical systems, for example one optical system for each sequence of cards in a random order, and optionally one or more cameras per optical system. Images of the front and back sides taken by the one or more cameras are analysed so that defects are identified. Possibly the optical system of the card defect detection means, or some of the cameras of the optical system, may be shared with the optical system of the card identification means.

[0044]

[44] An identified card from the plurality of series of cards is assigned by the control means to one of the plurality of card storage means.

[0045]

[45] The control means may track the number of cards of a given rank and suit and / or one or more distinguishing elements that are assigned to each of the card storage means, and assign cards of the identified rank and suit and / or one or more distinguishing elements to the card storage means so long as the number of cards of a given rank and suit and / or one or more distinguishing elements that are assigned to that card storage means is less than a given threshold T. By way of example, to generate a set of cards consisting of N playing card decks and one stop card, for each card of a given rank and suit, this threshold T is N, and for the stop card, the threshold T is 1. In this example, T may be, for example, 6, 8, 10, or 12. The control means may thus generate sets of cards, even those consisting of a given number of complete card decks, shuffled to randomize at the set level.

[0046]

[46] The control means may continue to assign subsequent cards in each series of cards to one of the card storage means until, for each series of cards, no further cards can be assigned to that given card storage means. The control means may in such a case switch to assign subsequent cards in each series of cards to another of the card storage means. The sequence of switching from one card storage means to another may be a predetermined sequence or may involve a random selection between a number of different card storage means.

[0047]

[47] The control means controls the card storage means and / or one or more card grouping means to group one or more identified cards that are assigned to the same card storage means into a card group.

[0048]

[48] ​​According to some embodiments, the device may further comprise a card extraction means, which may be a separate card holding means or may be one of the card storage means, to which the card to be removed may be assigned by the control means.

[0049]

[49] The control means for allocating a card storage means to an identified card may add the allocated card storage means to the data set of the identified card.

[0050]

[50] According to some embodiments, the control means may track the number of cards of a given rank and suit and / or one or more identification elements that have been assigned to each of the card storage means.

[0051]

[51] The control means may track the number of cards of a given rank and suit and / or one or more identifying features that have been assigned to each of the card storage means and the sequence in which those cards are provided to the card storage means, and the control means may generate a sequence of cards of those ranks and suits and / or one or more identifying features in the order in which those cards are provided to each of the card storage means.

[0052]

[52] The device may include a card extraction means adapted to receive a card to be removed from the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards.

[0053]

[53] According to some embodiments, the device may include a card extraction means adapted to receive a card to be removed from the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards, the card extraction means being located upstream of the at least one card grouping means.

[0054]

[54] Thus, defective or suspicious cards, or any other particular cards that need to be removed from the set of cards produced by the device, will not be handled by one or more of the card grouping means, but may be removed from the series of cards.

[0055]

[55] According to some embodiments, at least one, and optionally each, card grouping means includes a card receiving means in which cards from a plurality of randomly ordered sequences of cards that are assigned to the same card storage means are collected.

[0056]

[56] Such card receiving means may be a chain or transport belt onto which the cards are placed.

[0057]

[57] The card receiving means comprises a card support such as two parallel and mutually spaced apart bars or a transport belt or a transport chain. At least one card grouping means has a delivery point, which may comprise a card collection basket for receiving the group of cards from the card support. The card delivery means may comprise a push means adapted to push the cards on the card support to the delivery point. This delivery point may comprise a card collection basket to which the cards from the card support are delivered. The group of cards from the card support, optionally pushed into the card collection basket, are then provided to the card storage means. This may be provided by emptying the card collection basket or by pushing the cards into the card collection basket by the push means, pushing the cards into the card collection basket via the card delivery point.

[0058]

[58] According to some embodiments, the card receiving means may include two parallel, mutually spaced apart bars, at least one card grouping means having a delivery point including a card collection basket for receiving cards from said bar, said bar having two mutually aligned sawtooth profiles with a side having an apex facing towards the card collection basket, said card collection basket being located at one end of the bar, and for each series of the plurality of series of randomly ordered cards, the cards provided to the at least one card grouping means being located on one of the sides of the sawtooth profiles. Thus, the sides may provide card receiving locations or points.

[0059]

[59] The crest is also called the top of the sawtooth profile. The sawtooth profile is also called the serrated profile. Between two teeth of the sawtooth profile, there is a valley, i.e., the lowest point at the base of two adjacent teeth of the sawtooth profile.

[0060]

[60] According to some embodiments, in the spaces between the mutually spaced bars, the pushing means from the card grouping means can slide from the outer end of the bar opposite the card collecting basket towards the end of the bar and towards or beyond the delivery point where the card collecting basket can be placed. The pushing means extends beyond the valley bottom of the contour. This pushing means can include a rod or protrusion that protrudes beyond the valley bottom of the contour. If the first card handling means includes a plurality of card grouping means, a plurality of pushing means can be provided, one for each card grouping means, each including a rod or protrusion that protrudes beyond the valley bottom of the contour. Alternatively, one pushing means can be provided, including a plurality of rods or protrusions, one for each card grouping means, that protrude beyond the valley bottom of the contour.

[0061]

[61] Suitably the pushing means protrudes at least part way between the root and the peak, for example beyond the peak of the profile.

[0062]

[62] When the pushing means moves towards the card collecting basket, it pushes the cards placed on the side of the sawtooth profile over the top to the adjacent side in the direction of the pushing means' movement. As one or more cards from one or more of the series of cards are preferably presented on the adjacent side, the pushing means stacks the cards placed on the sawtooth profile into piles. The cards placed on the side closest to the card collecting basket will be located towards the bottom of the pile of cards and the cards placed farthest from the card collecting basket will be located towards the top of the pile of cards. In this way, cards from a plurality of different series of cards are grouped into a pile of cards, which is pushed towards a card delivery point and, optionally, into the card collecting basket. Successive piles form groups of cards that are optionally sent to the card collecting basket and sent to an assigned card storage means. Successive different groups together form a set of cards in the card storage means.

[0063]

[63] Optionally, the first card handling means comprises more than one, for example a plurality of card grouping means, which are optionally identical. For example, a plurality of identical card grouping means can be provided, each card grouping means having a card receiving means comprising a card support which is two parallel and mutually spaced bars or transport belts or transport chains. The spaced bars or transport belts or transport chains can be parallel to each other. Each card grouping means has a delivery point, which delivery point can comprise a card collecting basket for receiving a group of cards from the card support. The card collecting baskets can be linearly aligned, one adjacent to another, and together forming a row of card collecting baskets. The card delivery means can comprise, for each delivery point, a pushing means adapted to push the cards on the respective card support to the respective delivery point. The delivery points can comprise a card collecting basket to which the cards from the card support are delivered each time.

[0064]

[64] The control means may control the card supplying means to determine when and which identified or assigned cards are provided to the card receiving means of at least the first card grouping means, e.g. the sawtooth profile of the bar. By timing the presentation of cards on the card receiving means and the bundling of cards into the card collecting basket, the control means may control the arrangement and order of cards within the series of randomly ordered cards in the group of cards created in the card collecting basket. Thus, the control means controls the card supplying means and / or at least the first card grouping means to group one or more identified cards assigned to the same card storage means into a card group. Possibly, the timing of the presentation of cards on the card receiving means and the bundling of cards into the card storage means, optionally via the card collecting basket, may be subject to randomization, which randomization is triggered by the control means.

[0065]

[65] If a plurality of card grouping means are provided to the first card handling means, the control means may control the card supplying means to determine at what time each identified assigned card is provided to each card receiving means of each card grouping means, e.g. to which of the sawtooth profiles of the bar. Possibly the control means may assign cards provided to one of the plurality of card grouping means to a different card storage means compared to the card storage means to which cards of another card grouping means are assigned. The control means may select for each card grouping means the card storage means to which the cards of that card grouping means are assigned randomly.

[0066]

[66] By timing, for each of the plurality of card grouping means, the presentation of cards on the card receiving means and the bundling of cards, optionally via the card collecting basket, into the card storage means, the control means can control the arrangement and order of cards within the plurality of series of randomly ordered cards in the group of cards created in the card storage means, optionally via the card collecting basket. Thus, the control means controls the card supply means and / or the plurality of card grouping means to group one or more identified cards assigned to the same card storage means into a card group. Possibly, the timing of the presentation of cards on the card receiving means and the bundling of cards, optionally via the card collecting basket, into the card storage means can be subject to randomization, which randomization is by the control means.

[0067]

[67] Possibly, each series of cards in the plurality of series is moved by a transport means towards one or more of the card grouping means, the control means being operable to temporarily interrupt movement of each transport means to control presentation of cards to the card receiving means of the one or more card grouping means.

[0068]

[68] Near or at the end of each of their transport means, the card supply means may comprise an intermediate card storage basket for temporarily holding one or more successive cards from a respective series of cards all of which are assigned to a given card storage means. The intermediate card storage baskets may be arranged on the card receiving means, for example on respective sides of the sawtooth contour. The control means may determine when to empty the intermediate card storage baskets towards the card receiving means. Possibly, the timing of providing for emptying the intermediate card storage baskets may be subject to randomization, the randomization being by the control means. Near or at the end of each of their transport means, the card supply means may comprise a plurality of intermediate card storage baskets for temporarily holding one or more successive cards from a respective series of cards all of which are assigned to a given card storage means, each intermediate card storage basket being arranged on the card receiving means, for example on respective sides of the sawtooth contour of one of the card grouping means.

[0069]

[69] The control means may determine when to move the pushing means, and thereby when to consolidate the cards in the card storage means, optionally via one or more card collection baskets. Possibly the timing of when to consolidate the cards in the card storage means, optionally via one or more card collection baskets, may be subject to randomization, which randomization is triggered by the control means.

[0070]

[70] By controlling the timing of the presentation of cards to the card receiving means of one or more card grouping means, for example by controlling the timing of presentation of cards to the card storage means, optionally via the card collecting baskets, and the timing of emptying intermediate card storage baskets, and the timing of moving the pushing means, the control means has great flexibility in regulating or controlling the order in which cards assigned to the same card storage means are initially integrated into a pile of cards and thereby into the set of cards created by the card storage means. Those timings and the positions of one or more cards at the card receiving means, such as the position of one or more cards at the sawtooth contour of the bar, determine the sequence in which the cards are ordered in the set of cards in the card storage means, and the order in any intermediate piles or piles of cards. Since the control means itself has information about those timings and positions, the control means has information about the exact order of the cards in the set of cards created.

[0071]

[71] With regard to the timings used and controlled by the control means, some or all of the timings may be subject to randomization. As an example, the time to move the push means may be subject to randomization during the period when there is a card in at least one of the multiple series of randomly ordered cards that has been assigned to a card storage means that has a card in or on one or more of the card grouping means assigned to it. The push means is forced to perform its movement only if there is no further card in the multiple series of randomly ordered cards that has been assigned to a card storage means that has a card in or on one or more of the card grouping means assigned to it. This is to avoid interruptions in the activity of the device.

[0072]

[72] According to some embodiments, the at least one card grouping means may have a delivery point, and each of the plurality of card storage means has a card receiving opening, and the groove delivery means includes moving means for positioning the card receiving opening in front of the delivery point of the at least one card grouping means.

[0073]

[73] The control means may be adapted to control the delivery means and may be adapted to deliver cards in the at least one or more card grouping means to a card storage means to which an identified card in the at least one or more card grouping means is assigned. The control means may control the movement of the delivery means such that a card storage means receiving a card group formed by one of the card grouping means is positioned in the correct position to receive the card group formed by that card grouping means.

[0074]

[74] Preferably, the plurality of card storage means have card receiving openings that are aligned linearly or according to a curved path. Preferably, the plurality of card storage means have coplanar card receiving openings. Each time the card grouping means contains a group of cards to be provided to a given card storage means (because cards in that group have been assigned to that card storage means), the group of cards held in that card grouping means, e.g. a card collection basket, is emptied in the card storage means.

[0075]

[75] According to some embodiments, the device may include M further card handling means, M being an integer greater than or equal to 1, each of the M further card handling means comprising: a card supply means adapted to supply a plurality of sequences of randomly-sequenced cards, the plurality of sequences of randomly-sequenced cards including recycled cards; and at least one card grouping means adapted to group cards from a plurality of different sequences of the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards into card groups; wherein said group distribution means is adapted to send a group of cards in each of the card grouping means of the M further card handling means to a card storage means to which an identified card in the card grouping means of the M further card handling means is assigned, and said control means identifying each card in a plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards from said card supply means of M further card handling means; assigning each identified card to one of a plurality of card storage means; controlling the card supplying means and / or the card grouping means of the M further card handling means to group one or more identified cards assigned to the same card storage means into card groups in the card grouping means of the M further card handling means, It is compliant.

[0076]

[76] Preferably, M is 1, 2 or 3, such that 2, 3 or 4 card-handling means are provided.

[0077]

[77] Possibly, the control means comprises more than one section control unit, each of which identifying each card of the plurality of sequences of randomly-ordered cards from a card supply means of one or more card-handling means; controlling the card supplying means and / or the card grouping means of the one or more card handling means to group one or more identified cards assigned to the same card storage means into a card group in one or more card grouping means of the one or more card handling means; It is suitable for

[0078]

[78] According to some embodiments, the device may include P further card handling means, P being an integer greater than or equal to 1, each of the P further card handling means comprising: a card supply means adapted to supply a plurality of sequences of randomly-sequenced cards, the plurality of sequences of randomly-sequenced cards including recycled cards; and at least one card grouping means adapted to group cards from a plurality of different sequences of the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards into card groups; the group distribution means being adapted to send cards in the card grouping means of the P further card handling means to card storage means to which an identified card in the card grouping means of the P further card handling means is assigned, the control means comprising P+1 section control units, each of the P+1 section control units being identifying each card of the plurality of sequences of randomly-ordered cards from a card supply means of one of the P+1 card handling means; controlling the card supplying means and / or the card grouping means of one of the P+1 further card handling means to group one or more identified cards assigned to the same card storage means into a card group in one of the P+1 card grouping means of the P further card handling means It is suitable for

[0079]

[79] Preferably, P is 1, 2 or 3, such that 2, 3 or 4 card-handling means are provided.

[0080]

[80] For each of the M or P further card handling means, the card handling means may include a plurality of card grouping means.

[0081]

[81] The M or P further card handling means may all be identical or may differ from each other with respect to the number of card supply units of the card supply means of the card handling means or the number of card grouping means.

[0082]

[82] Providing such further card handling means and associated card supply means and one or more card grouping means has the advantage that recycled cards from a greater number of card sources can be mixed together into new card sets including recycled cards. The device, and in particular its control means, has greater flexibility to combine and mix cards, such as recycled cards, from a greater number of different sources into new card sets including recycled cards.

[0083]

[83] According to some embodiments, the device further comprises means for emptying the card store adapted to remove the complete set of cards, including the reused card, from the card storage means. The means for emptying the card store may use a robotic or automated system for removing the set of cards, including the reused card, from the card storage means.

[0084]

[84] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing a set of cards including a reused card.

[0085]

[85] A method of providing a deck of cards including a reused card comprises: providing a plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards, the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards including recycled cards; identifying each card in the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards; - assigning each identified card to one of a plurality of card storage means; - grouping identified cards from different sequences of the multiple sequences of randomly ordered cards assigned to the same card storage means into a card group; Delivering the cards in the card grouping means to the assigned card storage means; Includes.

[0086]

[86] Optionally, the method includes providing a device according to the first aspect of the invention for providing a set of cards including a reused card. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0087] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a device according to a first embodiment of the invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows diagrammatically a detail of the device according to the first embodiment of the invention of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0088]

[89] In different drawings, the same reference numbers refer to the same, similar or similar features.

[0089]

[90] A device 100 for providing a deck of cards including recycled cards according to the present invention is shown in Figure 1. The device comprises a first card handling means 101, which is unique in this embodiment. The single card handling means 101 comprises card supply means 110 adapted to supply a sequence of five randomly ordered cards. Optionally, not shown in Figure 1, one of the card supply means 110 is adapted to provide a sequence of cards with special functions in the deck of cards produced by the device.

[0090]

[91] The card supply means 110 includes Q identical card supply units (111A, 111B, 111C, 111D, and 111E), where Q is an integer greater than 1, where Q is 5. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that the card supply means 110 may include more than five card supply units, for example 10 card supply units. Each card supply unit provides one of five sequences of randomly ordered cards. Each of the five provided sequences of randomly ordered cards includes a recycled card. Each of the card supply units 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D, and 111E includes a docking station 112 adapted to receive a cartridge 113 including randomly ordered cards.

[0091]

[92] Cartridge 113 is a cartridge used in a card game played on a playing table. At the end of the game, the cards are randomly ordered and untouched in the cartridge. The cards in the cartridge are extracted one by one from cartridge 113 by extraction means 114 and deposited as a series of individualized cards, or more specifically, a row of cards, on a first transport means, which is a transport belt portion 115. Extraction means 114 extracts cards using a rotating wheel 116 that contacts the front side of the card in front of an opening in the cartridge through which the card can be extracted from cartridge 113. Alternatively, alternative extraction means such as a rotating arm or a swiping finger can be used. The extracted cards are deposited on transport belt 115 with the front side of the card facing down and toward the surface of transport belt 115. Optionally, but not shown in Figure 1, one of the card supply units 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D and 111E may be adapted to provide a sequence of cards with a special function in the set of cards produced by the device, in which case it may not necessarily include a docking station for receiving a cartridge, but would have a card supply unit adapted to provide special cards one by one to the first transport belt section to create a sequence of cards with a special function in the set of cards produced by the device.

[0092]

[93] The second transport belt section 117 together with the first transport belt section forms a transport means such as a transport belt, which guides the cards of the series from the card supply units 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D and 111E to the first card grouping means 130 via the control means 120. The second transport belt section 117 can be a vacuum belt, and the cards of the series are sucked outwards below the vacuum belt. Thus, the front sides of the cards being transported become visible to an optical system, for example a camera that captures an image of the front sides of the cards. It is understood that other card transport means could alternatively be used instead.

[0093]

[94] The control means 120 may include five optical systems 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D and 121E, each optical system taking an image of at least the front side of a card from one series of randomly ordered cards, which series are transported by the vacuum belt section 117 past the optical system. The optical systems 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D and 121E are used by both the defect detection means and the card identification means, which are part of the control means 120. Although not shown in FIG. 1, an optical system including one or more cameras may optionally be provided upstream of the second transport belt section 117, where the optical system produces images of the back side of cards in one or more series of cards transported by the one or more transport belt sections 115. The defect detection means may use these images to detect defects on the back side of the cards. Alternatively, a device may be provided to rotate or temporarily move the cards away from the second transport belt section 117 to allow the optical system of the control means 120 to detect defects on the back side of the cards. The card identification means may recognize the value of the card (such as rank or suit) and / or recognize a unique serial number (e.g. a card identification code). The card identification means may identify and analyze the identification code on the card to determine that the card is suspicious and therefore to be removed from the series of cards. As an example, the card identification means may identify a card from a random sequence of cards of multiple series that cannot be part of any series of cards currently being offered. The card identification means may determine that the card is suspicious. Although not shown in FIG. 1, a card extraction means may optionally be provided downstream of the control means 120 along the second transport belt section 117. The control means 120 sends a defective card or one or more suspicious cards that need to be removed from the series of cards to the card extraction means.The curd extraction means may be a curd extraction basket underneath each second transport belt section 117, and for example a curd separation means acting using gravity or an air driven curd separation means such as an air knife may be provided to remove the curds from underneath the second transport belt section 117 into the curd extraction basket.

[0094]

[95] Once the cards in the series of cards have been identified, they are sent towards the card grouping means 130. Between the card grouping means 130 and the end of the second transport belt section 117, an intermediate card storage basket 118 for each series of cards is provided. At the end of each second transport belt section 117, a card separation means is provided. A detailed view is provided in FIG. 2. The control means can determine when an identified card is provided to the intermediate card storage basket 118. The control means can also determine when one or more identified cards held in each intermediate card storage basket 118 are released to the card grouping means 130. As an example, an activator 119 can be used to open the card storage basket 118.

[0095]

[96] The card grouping means 130 is adapted to organize cards from different series of the multiple series of randomly ordered cards into card groups that are stored in a number of card storage means 140, of which there are four in this embodiment, and whose upper open ends 141 are linearly aligned.

[0096]

[97] The card grouping means 130 includes two parallel, mutually aligned and spaced apart bars 131. The card grouping means has a delivery point 132 including a card collection basket 133 for receiving cards from the bars. The bars have two mutually aligned sawtooth profiles having sides 134 with an apex 135 facing towards the card collection basket 133 at one end of the bar 131. For each series of the plurality of series of randomly ordered cards, the cards presented to the card grouping means are arranged on one of the sides of the sawtooth profiles.

[0097]

[98] Between two teeth of the sawtooth profile is a valley 136, i.e., the lowest point at the base of two adjacent teeth of the sawtooth profile.

[0098]

[99] Between the two bars 131, the pushing means 137 of the group delivery means 150 can be slidably moved from the outer end 138 of the bar opposite the card collecting basket towards the card collecting basket 133. The pushing means 137, which for example comprises a substantially vertical finger, protrudes beyond the base of the profile and in this embodiment also beyond the top 135 of the profile of the bar 131.

[0099]

[0100] As the pushing means 137 moves towards the card collecting basket 133, it pushes the cards placed on the side 134 of the sawtooth profile in the direction of movement of the pushing means, over the top and towards the adjacent side. As one or more cards from one or more of the series of cards are preferably presented on adjacent sides, the pushing means stacks the cards placed on the sawtooth profile into a pile. The cards on the side closest to the card collecting basket will end up at the bottom of the pile of cards and the cards on the side furthest from the card collecting basket will end up at the top of the pile of cards. In this way, cards from multiple different series of cards are grouped together into a pile of cards which is pushed towards and into the card collecting basket 133. The control means 120 assigns the identified cards to the card storage means 140 and controls the movement of the second transport belt section 117 and the activator 119, and the movement of the push means 137, so that only cards assigned to the same one of the multiple card storage means are stacked as a group of cards in the card collection basket 133.

[0100]

[0101] Alternatively, S card grouping means 130 can be provided as part of the card handling means 101, S being an integer greater than 1, for example 2, 3 or 4. A number of card grouping means can be provided in parallel. The card grouping means can all be identical and can be provided adjacent to each other in the moving direction of the second transport belt section 170. For example, the points on the card grouping means where the cards are placed, formed by the sides of two adjacent sawtooth profiles, form a matrix-like layout of card receiving positions or receiving points. The matrix-like layout is therefore a Q×S matrix. For each card grouping means and for one card supply unit, intermediate card storage baskets are provided, also adjacent to each other in the moving direction of the second transport belt section and provided above the pair of sawtooth bars. At the end positions of each card grouping means, card collecting baskets are provided to the respective pair of sawtooth bars and to collect the cards pushed into the card collecting baskets by the respective pushing means. The card storing means to which the cards in each of the card grouping means are provided are controlled by the control means 120. The pushing means 137 may include Q vertical fingers that protrude beyond the skirts of the contours and move between each pair of contours of each card grouping means.

[0101]

[0102] Successive piles delivered to the card collecting basket 133 form a stack of cards that are delivered to an assigned card storage means 140. To release the cards in the card collecting basket 133 into the card storage means 140, an activator 139 can be used to open the underside of the card collecting basket 133.

[0102]

[0103] The multiple different contiguous groups provided to each of the card storage means 140 together form a set of cards in the card storage means 140 .

[0103]

[0104] To ensure that the group of cards formed in the card collecting basket 133 is provided to the correct card storage means to which the cards are assigned, a group distribution means 150 is provided. The group distribution means 150 is adapted to move the open ends 141 of the plurality of different card storage means 140 below the card collecting basket 133. Thus, the open ends 141 of the card storage means 140 to which the cards in the card collecting basket 133 are assigned can be brought below the card collecting basket 133. By activating the activator 139, the group of cards in the card collecting basket is dropped into the open ends 141 of the card storage means 140 to which the cards in the card collecting basket 133 are assigned.

[0104]

[0105] The control means 120 is therefore adapted to identify each card of the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards and, optionally, to detect faulty and / or suspicious cards. The control means 120 is further adapted to assign each identified card to one of a plurality of card storage means, to control the card supply means, to control the card grouping means to group together one or more identified cards that are assigned to the same card storage means, and to control the group distribution means 150 to combine the card groups into card sets in each of the card storage means.

[0105]

[0106] The control means 120 may keep track of the number of cards with a given rank and suit and / or one or more identifying elements that have been assigned to each of the card storage means 140 and may assign cards with the identified rank and suit and / or one or more identifying elements to a card storage means as long as the number of cards with a given rank and suit and / or one or more identifying elements assigned to that card storage means 140 is less than a given threshold T. By way of example, T may be 6, 8, 10 or 12 for any kind of card in the deck of playing cards, or 1 for cards with a special function, such as stop cards in the deck of playing cards. This may be organized in many ways. By way of example, the control means 120 may assign a first card storage means 140 to cards provided in a plurality of series of cards, until it is not possible to assign any further subsequent cards for each of the series of cards to that given card storage means 140. During this time interval, the control means 120 can control the operation of the transport belt 117, the intermediate card storage basket 118 and their activators 119 and the push means 137. This control of operation can be subject to a certain degree of randomness, in particular when the activators 119 are activated to drop the cards of the intermediate card storage basket 118 onto the bar 131 and when the push means 137 are activated. Thus, the sequence of cards provided to the card collection basket 133 is shuffled and the predictability of the arrangement of cards is reduced, unless it does not exist, since cards from multiple series of cards are already randomly ordered in their order. If multiple card grouping means are provided, for example in parallel, the control means can also decide to drop cards of a parallel card grouping system to increase the randomness.

[0106]

[0107] Also during this time interval, the group delivery means 150 is controlled, and potentially activated, so that the first card storage means 140 has an open end 141 below the card collecting basket 133 of the card grouping means 130. At the end of the time interval, the activator 139 is activated so that the cards grouped in the card collecting basket 133 are dropped into the first card storage means 140.

[0107]

[0108] This sequence is repeated three times, once for one time interval during which a card is assigned to one of the other card storage means 140. The control means 120 can follow a pre-set order or scheme in selecting the card storage means to be assigned (e.g. adjacent, i.e. second, third and fourth card storage means 140 are selected and then the cycle is repeated from the first card storage means 140 in a forward direction) or can use random selection to randomly select the next card storage means to which a card is assigned. By using random selection of the card storage means to which a card is assigned, the predictability of the arrangement of the cards is further reduced.

[0108]

[0109] The sequence of operations continues until one of the card storage means 140 contains a complete set of cards, at which point it is removed from the full card storage means 140. The sequence and cycle then begins again and repeats. This process is interrupted only in the unlikely event that all of the subsequent cards for each series of cards can no longer be provided to either card storage means.

[0109]

[0110] To avoid this interruption, it is preferred to use a large sequence of cards in random order per card supply means 110. Additionally or alternatively, more than one card supply means and associated card grouping means are used. By way of example, a second, third or even fourth card supply means and associated card grouping means are used, each card supply means and associated card grouping means being provided in one quadrant of the 2×2 matrix setting. The delivery points 132 of two, three or four card grouping means may be linearly aligned adjacent to each other and positioned above the linearly aligned open ends 141 of the card storage means 140.

[0110]

[0111] The device 100, and in particular the control means 120, has more flexibility to combine and assemble cards, such as recycled cards from further sources, into new card sets including recycled cards. Possibly the control means 120 controls all of the multiple card storage means and associated card grouping means, or it comprises a control section, each section controlling one set of card storage means and associated card grouping means.

[0111]

[0112] In each case, the control means 120 can create sets of cards, even up to a given number of complete card decks, that have been shuffled to be random at the set level. Because the control means knows when and which cards were sent to the card grouping means, and because the sequence of activity of the device is known, the control means can create an array of cards with rank and suit and / or one or more identifying elements in the order in which the cards were presented to their respective card storage means.

[0112]

[0113] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and that the present invention can be practiced with several different modifications and adaptations without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present embodiments are considered to be entirely illustrative and not limiting, and the scope of the present invention is indicated by the appended claims, not by the above description, and therefore all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims are intended to be embraced therein. In other words, this is considered to cover any or all modifications, variations, or equivalents that are within the scope of the basic underlying principles and whose essential characteristics are claimed in this application. Furthermore, the reader of this application will understand that the terms "comprising" and "comprise" do not exclude other elements or steps, and that the terms "a" and "an" do not exclude a plurality, and that one component, such as a computer system, a processor, or other integrated device, may fulfill the functions of several means recited in the claims. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the respective claim to which it pertains. Where terms such as "first," "second," "third," "a," "b," "c," and the like are used in the description and claims, they are introduced to distinguish between similar components or steps and do not necessarily describe an order or chronology. Similarly, terms such as "top," "bottom," "upper," and "lower" are introduced for descriptive purposes and do not necessarily denote relative positions. It is understood that the terms so used are interchangeable in appropriate circumstances, and that embodiments of the invention may be practiced in accordance with the invention in other orders or directions than those described or illustrated above.

Claims

1. A device (100) for providing a set of cards including reused cards, comprising: At least a first card handling means (101), a card supply means (110) adapted to supply a plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards, the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards including recycled cards; at least one card grouping means (130) adapted to group cards from a plurality of different sequences in the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards into card groups; a first card handling means including: a plurality of card storage means (140) for storing the cards in the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards, thereby providing a set of cards including recycled cards, the at least one card grouping means being between the card supply means and the card storage means; A control means (120), identifying each card in said plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards; assigning each identified card to one of said plurality of card storage means; controlling the card supplying means and / or the at least one card grouping means of the first card handling means to group one or more identified cards that are assigned to the same card storage means into the card group. and a control means adapted to a group distribution means (150) adapted to distribute the cards in the at least one card grouping means of the first card handling means to the card storage means to which an identified card in the at least one card grouping means is assigned; A device with.

2. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the card supply means comprises a plurality of card supply units (111), and each sequence of the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards is provided by one of the plurality of card supply units.

3. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the card supply means comprises a plurality of card supply units (111), at least one of the plurality of card supply units adapted to provide a series of cards with special functions in the deck of cards produced by the device.

4. 4. A device as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein some, and optionally all, of the plurality of card supply units (111) providing each series of the plurality of series of randomly ordered cards comprise a docking station (112) adapted to receive a cartridge (113) containing randomly ordered cards.

5. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the card supply unit including a docking station adapted to receive a cartridge including cards in a random order further includes card extraction means (116) adapted to extract cards from the cartridge.

6. 6. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the card supply means comprises a plurality of transport means (115, 117), and each sequence of the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards is sent by one of the plurality of transport means to at least one of the card grouping means.

7. 7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control means (120) comprises card identification means for identifying a card by its rank and suit, and / or by one or more identification elements, and / or by a card identification code.

8. 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the control means (120) tracks the number of cards of a given rank and suit and / or one or more identification elements that have been assigned to each of the card storage means (140).

9. 9. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising card extraction means adapted to receive a card to be removed from said plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards, said card extraction means being positioned upstream of at least one of said card grouping means.

10. 10. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one of said card grouping means (130) comprises a card receiving means on which cards from said multiple sequences of randomly ordered cards that are assigned to the same card storage means are collected.

11. 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the card receiving means comprises two parallel and mutually spaced apart bars (131), at least one of the card grouping means (130) has a delivery point (132) including a card collecting basket (133) for receiving a group of cards from the bar, the bar having two mutually aligned saw-like profiles having a side (134) with an apex (135) facing towards the card collecting basket, the card collecting basket being located at one end position of the bar, and wherein for each series of the plurality of series of randomly ordered cards, the cards provided to the at least one card grouping means are located on one of the sides of the saw-like profile.

12. 12. The device of claim 11, wherein in the spaces between the mutually spaced bars (131) a pushing means (137) slides from an outer end (138) of the bar opposite the card collecting basket towards the end of the bar at which the card collecting basket is located, the pushing means extending beyond a valley bottom (136) of the contour.

13. 13. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the card grouping means (130) has a delivery point (132), and each of the plurality of card storage means (140) has a card receiving opening (141), and the groove distribution means (150) includes moving means for positioning the card receiving opening in front of the delivery point of at least one of the card grouping means.

14. 14. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising M further card handling means, M being an integer greater than or equal to 1, each of said M further card handling means comprising: a card supply means adapted to supply a plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards, said plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards including recycled cards; and a card storage means. at least one card grouping means adapted to group cards from a plurality of different series of the plurality of series of randomly ordered cards into card groups; Equipped with said group distribution means being adapted to send the group of cards in each of said card grouping means of said M further card handling means to the card storage means to which an identified card in said card grouping means of said M further card handling means is assigned; The control means identifying each card of said plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards from said card supply means of said M further card handling means; assigning each identified card to one of a plurality of said card storage means; controlling the card supplying means and / or the card grouping means of the M further card handling means to group one or more identified cards assigned to the same card storage means into the card groups in the card grouping means of the M further card handling means. It is suitable for device.

15. 15. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising P further card handling means, P being an integer greater than or equal to 1, each of the P further card handling means comprising: a card supply means adapted to supply a plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards, said plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards including recycled cards; and a card storage means. at least one card grouping means adapted to group cards from a plurality of different series of the plurality of series of randomly ordered cards into card groups; Including, the group distribution means is adapted to send the cards in the card grouping means of the P further card handling means to the card storage means to which the identified cards in the card grouping means of the P further card handling means are assigned, the control means comprising P+1 partial control units, each of the P+1 partial control units being adapted to identifying each card of the plurality of sequences of randomly ordered cards from the card supply means of one of the P+1 card handling means; controlling the card supplying means and / or the card grouping means of one of the P+1 card handling means to group one or more identified cards assigned to the same card storage means into the card group in one of the P+1 card grouping means of the P further card handling means. It is suitable for device.

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