Casino security electronic shoe

Abstract

To provide a security electronic shoe for a casino for storing a plurality of playing cards to be drawn one by one for a game.SOLUTION: A security electronic shoe (100) for a casino includes: a storage part (10) for storing a plurality of playing cards; an opening (20) for exposing a leading playing card of the plurality of playing cards; a draw guide part (30) for guiding a draw; and a weight (40) for pushing the rearmost playing card toward to opening (20). A bottom part (11) of the storage part (10) is inclined downward toward the opening (20). The weight (40) can move the bottom part (11) of the storage part (10) toward the opening (20) in a state that the rearmost playing card is pushed toward the opening (20). The storage part (10) is configured so that the upper surface and at least one side surface are opened, and the plurality of playing cards can be loaded in the storage part (10) through the opened part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Patent Application No. 2022-110486 filed in Japan on July 8, 2022, Patent Application No. 2022-132265 filed in Japan on August 23, 2022, and Patent Application No. 2023-086884 filed in Japan on May 26, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Technical Field]

[0002] The present invention relates to a security electronic shoe for a casino that accommodates a plurality of playing cards that are drawn one by one for a game.

[0003] In casinos, games using playing cards are played at gaming tables. The playing cards used in the games are stored in a shoe at the gaming table. The shoe can store, for example, eight decks of playing cards. The dealer progresses the game by drawing playing cards one by one from the shoe.

[0004] As the game progresses and the playing cards stored in the shoe are used up, the dealer loads new playing cards into the shoe. Specifically, when the dealer loads playing cards into the shoe, he inserts a cut card slightly forward of the end of the loaded playing cards. As the game progresses and a cut card is drawn, the dealer suspends the game while leaving the remaining playing cards in the shoe, removes the remaining playing cards from the shoe, and loads new playing cards.

[0005] The playing cards loaded into the shoe are pre-shuffled and packaged. When loading new playing cards into the shoe, it is necessary to open the package, remove the shuffled multiple playing cards (e.g., eight decks), and place them into the shoe. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Since the playing cards housed in the shoe are used in games at casinos, the contents and order of the playing cards housed in the shoe must not be known to anyone. That is, high security is required for casino shoes. In particular, when opening a package, removing multiple playing cards, and loading them into the shoe, it is necessary to prevent players and dealers from knowing the contents of the playing cards.

[0007] In addition, the game must be interrupted while new playing cards are loaded into the shoe. If this interruption is long, players will become bored and the casino's sales will decrease. Therefore, it is desirable that the loading of playing cards into the shoe can be done smoothly.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a security electronic shoe for a casino that ensures security and allows playing cards to be loaded smoothly.

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention provides a casino security electronic shoe that stores a plurality of playing cards to be drawn one by one for a game, and includes a storage section that stores a plurality of stacked playing cards, an opening that exposes the leading playing card of the plurality of playing cards stored in the storage section, a draw guide section that guides the drawing of the leading playing card from the opening, and a weight that pushes the last playing card of the plurality of playing cards toward the opening, wherein the bottom of the storage section is inclined downward toward the opening, and the weight can move the bottom of the storage section toward the opening while pushing the last playing card toward the opening as the leading playing card moves toward the opening as the last playing card moves toward the opening, and the storage section has a configuration in which the top surface and at least one side surface are open, and the plurality of playing cards can be loaded into the storage section through the open portion.

[0010] In the above-mentioned casino security electronic shoe, the storage section may be provided with a stopper at a position corresponding to the lower part of the open side of the plurality of playing cards to restrict lateral movement of the plurality of playing cards.

[0011] In the above-mentioned casino security electronic shoe, the multiple playing cards may be stored in the storage section with their backs facing the opening, and the weight may abut against the front face of the last playing card so that the front face of the last playing card is not visible.

[0012] The above-mentioned casino security electronic shoe may further include a side cover that is movable between a cover position that covers the open side of the storage section and an open position that opens the open side of the storage section.

[0013] In the above-described casino security electronic shoe, the side cover may be rotatable between the cover position and the open position.

[0014] In the above-described casino security electronic shoe, the side cover may be movable in parallel between the cover position and the open position.

[0015] The above-mentioned casino security electronic shoe may further include a side cover that is movable between a cover position that covers the open side of the storage section and an open position that opens the open side of the storage section, and when the side cover is in the cover position, the surface of the side cover facing the side may be positioned outside the surface of the stopper facing the side.

[0016] In the above-mentioned casino security electronic shoe, the side surface may be the right side surface when facing the direction of the draw.

[0017] In the above-described casino security electronic shoe, the draw guide portion may be removable.

[0018] In the above-mentioned casino security electronic shoe, the draw guide portion may include a metal part for holding down the playing card to be drawn to prevent two playing cards from being drawn at the same time.

[0019] In the above-mentioned casino security electronic shoe, the storage section may be provided with a top cover that is movable between a cover position that covers the top faces of the plurality of playing cards and an open position that exposes the top faces of the plurality of playing cards.

[0020] In the above-mentioned casino security electronic shoe, the front storage section may be provided with a holding means for holding the weight at a rear position of the storage section in order to load the plurality of playing cards into the storage section.

[0021] The above-mentioned casino security electronic shoe may further include a top cover that can be fixed to a cover position that covers the top surface of the storage section, and the holding means may release the hold on the weight when the top cover reaches the cover position.

[0022] The above-mentioned casino security electronic shoe may further include a side cover that is movable between a cover position that covers the open side of the storage section and an open position that opens the open side of the storage section, and the top cover may be fixed to the cover position of the top cover by the side cover being positioned at the cover position of the side cover. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic shoe according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the electronic shoe according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the electronic shoe according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of the electronic shoe according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing how a plurality of playing cards are loaded into the electronic shoe of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the weight according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the electronic shoe according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of the electronic shoe according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the electronic shoe according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing details of the draw guide portion according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of playing cards according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the operation of the restriction bar according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an electronic shoe according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a plan view of an electronic shoe according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an electronic shoe according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the top cover of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the top cover and the weight in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an electronic shoe according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20A] FIG. 20A is a diagram illustrating the function of the pressing protrusion according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20B] FIG. 20B is a diagram illustrating the function of the pressing protrusion according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an electronic shoe according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an enlarged perspective view of a front portion of an electronic shoe according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23A] FIG. 23A is a diagram for explaining the function of the backflow stopper according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23B] FIG. 23B is a diagram for explaining the function of the backflow stopper according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24A] FIG. 24A is a diagram for explaining backflow in a conventional electronic shoe. [Figure 24B]FIG. 24B is a diagram for explaining backflow in a conventional electronic shoe. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an electronic shoe according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a plan view of an electronic shoe according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a right side view of an electronic shoe according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a left side view of an electronic shoe according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a front view of an electronic shoe according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a bottom view of the electronic shoe according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a rear view of the electronic shoe according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the electronic shoe according to the third embodiment of the present invention with the top cover removed. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the result display according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing details of a draw guide portion according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a restricting portion according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the top cover of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of an electronic shoe according to the third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] An electronic shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described. In this embodiment, a casino security electronic shoe (hereinafter simply referred to as "electronic shoe") will be described, which holds a plurality of playing cards that are drawn one by one by a dealer for a game at a gaming table in a casino. This electronic shoe is used at a gaming table in a casino. Games may be, for example, baccarat, blackjack, etc., but in this embodiment, an electronic shoe used for baccarat will be described.

[0025] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic shoe according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side view of the electronic shoe according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a plan view of the electronic shoe according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a front view of the electronic shoe according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The electronic shoe 100 has an overall rectangular parallelepiped shape. The electronic shoe 100 stores multiple playing cards with its short sides parallel to the long sides of the playing cards. The playing cards are removed one by one from the tip of the electronic shoe 100 to the outside of the electronic shoe 100 by the dealer's drawing operation.

[0026] The electronic shoe 100 comprises a storage section 10, an opening 20, a draw guide section 30, a weight 40, and a main body 50. The lower half and rear section of the electronic shoe 100 form the main body 50. The storage section 10 is formed by extending continuously forward from the rear end section of the main body 50. The storage section 10 stores multiple stacked playing cards. As described above, multiple stacked playing cards are stored in the storage section 10 horizontally. The long sides of the playing cards are supported on the bottom surface of the storage section 10. The playing cards are stored in the storage section 10 with their backs facing forward.

[0027] The bottom surface 11 of the storage compartment 10 slopes downward toward the opening 20. The storage compartment 10 has an open top and left side (i.e., the right side when facing the direction in which the playing cards are drawn). That is, the right side of the storage compartment 10 has a side wall 12 whose height corresponds to the height of the stored playing cards (the length of the short side of the playing cards). A low side wall 14 also stands upright from the bottom surface 11 on the left side, and the side wall 14, in the portion closest to the opening 20, has a height that corresponds to the height of the stored playing cards.

[0028] The lower part of the side wall 14 forms an open side section on the left side, and continuous with this open side section is an open top section that opens the storage section 10 upward. Multiple playing cards can be loaded into the storage section 10 through the open side section and the open top section.

[0029] 5 is a diagram showing how a plurality of playing cards are loaded into the electronic shoe of the first embodiment of the present invention. The plurality of playing cards are pre-shuffled and housed in a package P. The package P is sealed and is opened by the dealer when the playing cards are to be loaded into the electronic shoe 100. The package P shown in FIG. 5 has the upper half of the playing cards removed, and only the lower half houses the playing cards.

[0030] 5, the dealer inserts multiple playing cards, each half contained in a package P, into the storage unit 10 through the side opening and the top opening. At this time, the dealer first places the package P containing the playing cards in the side opening and fixes it, and then, while removing the package P, presses the multiple playing cards against the side wall 12 at the back of the storage unit 10 to align them and store them in the storage unit 10.

[0031] The low side walls 14 are formed at positions corresponding to the lower portions of the side openings for the playing cards, and function as stoppers that restrict the lateral movement of the stored playing cards. As a result, even when the side cover 13 is open, the playing cards are properly stored in the storage compartment 10, and the playing cards do not move left and right or up and down, and do not jump out of the storage compartment 10. Furthermore, as will be described later, by pushing the rearmost playing card toward the opening 20 with the weight 40, as the playing cards are drawn out in order from the front, they move back and forth in order without jumping out of the storage compartment 10.

[0032] The storage compartment 10 is provided with a side cover 13 having an axis on the outside of a low-profile side wall 14. The side cover 13 rotates around this axis to move between a cover position and an open position. In the cover position, the side cover 13 is in an upright position, closing the side opening and covering the stored playing cards. In the open position, the side cover 13 is rotated further than the horizontal position and opening the side opening.

[0033] The opening 20 exposes the leading playing card of the multiple playing cards stored in the storage section 10 to the outside. The opening 20 is formed in an arch shape, exposing the center of the back of the playing card. The dealer can pull out the leading playing card onto the gaming table with its back facing up by pressing down on this exposed part and sliding it.

[0034] A blind 21 is formed in the opening 20 so as to cover the back of the leading playing card exposed therein. The blind 21 is made up of a number of thin, flexible linear members, and is divided into left and right halves in the center. The linear members are arranged so as to slope from the left and right toward the center and from the base to the tip in the draw direction. The dealer can apply force to the playing card around the left and right slits of the linear members to draw the playing card.

[0035] The draw guide portion 30 guides the drawing of the leading playing card from the opening 20. Specifically, the draw guide portion 30 includes an inclined portion 32 that slopes from the opening 20 to the top surface of the gaming table, and a restricting portion 31 that restricts the upward and lateral movement of the playing card being drawn, thereby guiding its movement in the drawing direction. As the playing card is drawn while being guided by the draw guide portion 30, it is drawn onto the gaming table with its front side, on which the rank and suit are printed, facing downward. The inclined portion 32 is finely embossed, which makes the front side of the playing card easier to slide on.

[0036] 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a weight according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Weight 40 is used to push the rearmost playing card of a plurality of playing cards toward opening 20. Weight 40 has a roller 41 with a horizontal axis. The lower end of roller 41 protrudes slightly from the bottom of weight 40. This allows weight 40 to move back and forth by rotating roller 41.

[0037] The width of the weight 40 corresponds to the width of the storage compartment 10. The weight 40 also has an inclined surface 42 at its front. As described above, the playing cards are stored in the storage compartment 10 with their backs facing the opening 20, so that the front surface of the rearmost playing card abuts against the inclined surface 42 of the weight 40.

[0038] The weight 40 is movable back and forth on the bottom surface 11 of the storage unit 10. As described above, since the storage unit 10 is inclined toward the opening 20, the weight 40 moves toward the opening 20 by its own weight. When multiple playing cards are loaded in the storage unit 10, the inclined surface 42 of the weight 40 pushes the rearmost playing card toward the opening 20. In this way, due to the action of the weight 40, the leading playing card is always pushed from behind in the opening 20, and is exposed through the opening 20.

[0039] The weight 40 may be fixed at a rear position of the storage unit 10 by a magnet or a locking mechanism. When playing cards are loaded into the storage unit 10, as shown in FIG. 5, the weight 40 is fixed at this fixed position, creating space in the storage unit 10 for new playing cards. Furthermore, a sensor may detect that multiple playing cards have been stored in the storage unit 10, and based on this sensor detection, the fixation of the weight 40 by the magnet or locking mechanism may be automatically released. When released, the weight 40 moves by its own weight along the bottom surface 11 of the storage unit 10 toward the opening 20, abutting against the rearmost playing card and pushing the loaded playing cards from the rearmost toward the opening 20. Note that the fact that a playing card has been stored in the storage unit 10 may be detected, for example, by detecting that the side cover 13 has closed the side opening or that the top cover 15, described below, has closed the top opening.

[0040] The roller 41 of the weight 40 may be configured to be rotatable only in a direction that moves the weight 40 forward (toward the inclined surface 42) and not to be rotatable in a direction that moves the weight 40 backward. This prevents the weight 40 from moving backward even if a force is applied to the weight 40 in a backward direction when the playing cards are drawn out in order from the top.

[0041] A plurality of result display lamps 52 are provided on the top surface of the main body 50. In addition, a result display button 53, a result display lamp 54, and a result display 55 are provided on the left side surface of the main body 50.

[0042] The side opening, side cover 13, and result display button 53 are all located on the side facing the dealer when the electronic shoe 100 is placed on a gaming table. That is, since the electronic shoe 100 is placed on the left side of the dealer, the side opening and result display button 53 are located on the left side facing the dealer. This makes it easy for the dealer to operate the result display button 53 of the electronic shoe 100 placed on the gaming table, and also makes it easy to load new playing cards into the playing card holder 10 through the side opening.

[0043] A result display 55 is also provided on the left side facing the dealer, so that the game results can be shown to the dealer without being seen by the players.

[0044] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the electronic shoe according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 8 is a side view of the electronic shoe according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 9 is a plan view of the electronic shoe according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the electronic shoe of Figs. 7 to 9, the side cover 13 closes the side opening, and the top cover 15 is attached to the storage section 10 to close the top opening.

[0045] In this way, side cover 13 covers the side and top cover 15 covers the top, so that the playing cards stored in storage section 10 are completely hidden from view, ensuring security. As described above, side cover 13 can pivot between the open position shown in Fig. 1 and the covered position shown in Fig. 7 by rotating about the rotation axis provided at the bottom. When side cover 13 is rotated to the covered position, side wall 12 on the right side and side cover 13 both stand upright, and their upper ends become slide rails for top cover 15.

[0046] In this way, when the side cover 13 is positioned in the cover position, its upper end becomes a slide rail for the top cover 15. Therefore, in order to position the top cover 15 in the cover position, it is first necessary to stand the side cover 13 upright and position it in the cover position that covers the side. In other words, the structure is such that the top cover 15 cannot be closed unless the side cover 13 is closed.

[0047] The top cover 15 slides from the front to the rear on the slide rails, and moves to the cover position shown in Fig. 7. By attaching the top cover 15, the side cover 13 is also fixed at the cover position.

[0048] The electronic shoe 100 may further be provided with sensors (not shown) that detect whether the side cover 13 and the top cover 15 are in their respective cover positions. These sensors may be magnetic or optical sensors. The control device of the electronic shoe 100 outputs an error signal if the sensors do not detect that the side cover 13 and the top cover 15 are in their respective cover positions.

[0049] When the electronic shoe 100 detects by the sensor that the side cover 13 and the top cover 15 are not in the cover position, it activates the draw restriction pin 38 described later to prohibit the drawing of playing cards.

[0050] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 9. As shown in Fig. 10, the bottom surface of the storage compartment 10 supports the long sides of the playing card C, and the side walls 14 function as stoppers, abutting against the short sides of the playing card C to restrict lateral movement of the playing card C. The side covers 13 are continuous with and positioned above the low-profile side walls 14, but the inner surfaces of the side covers 13 in the cover position are positioned slightly outward from the inner surfaces of the side walls 14. In other words, a gap g is formed between the inner surfaces of the side walls 14 and the inner surfaces of the side covers 13 in the cover position.

[0051] With this configuration, a plurality of playing cards that are drawn in order from the leading playing card and move in the storage section 10 toward the opening 20 can move toward the opening 20 without being restricted in movement by the side cover 13 protruding from the side wall 14.

[0052] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the details of the draw guide unit of the first embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 11, part of the restricting unit 31 is removed to show the internal structure of the restricting unit 31. Inside the restricting unit 31, there are provided code reading sensors 33 and 34 for reading codes representing at least the numbers (ranks) of the shuffled playing cards, and card detection sensors 35 and 36 for detecting that a playing card C has been drawn.

[0053] The restricting portion 31 of the draw guide portion 30 may be removable, and the draw guide portion 30 may be removable from the opening 20. This allows various maintenance operations to be performed.

[0054] 12 is a diagram showing an example of a playing card according to the first embodiment of the present invention. On the playing card, marks M1 and M2 indicating code information are printed at positions corresponding to the code reading sensors 33 and 34. Both marks M1 and M2 are printed with UV ink that is not visible under natural light.

[0055] The code reading sensors 33 and 34 each include a lamp that emits ultraviolet light and a sensor that reads the marks. Marks M1 and M2 that represent the code information are formed in two rows on the edge of the short side of the card. The code information is printed as two rows of marks M1 and M2 across multiple columns. The code information is expressed by a combination of the presence or absence of marks M1 and M2.

[0056] The code reading sensor 33 reads the mark M1, and the code reading sensor 34 reads the mark M2. The electronic shoe 100 reads the code information based on the combination of the read marks M1 and M2. The code reading sensors 33 and 34 obtain the code information by reading the marks M1 and M2 of the playing card being drawn in order in the drawing direction. The code information indicates the rank of the playing card C. Therefore, the electronic shoe 100 can determine the rank of the playing card C being drawn.

[0057] The electronic shoe 100 determines the game result based on the determined card rank. The game result is either a player win, a bank win, or a tie. When the game result display button 53 is pressed, the corresponding lamp in the result display lamps 52 lights up according to the determined game result.

[0058] The six result display lamps 52 correspond to the game results: Player win, Banka win, tie, Player pair, Banka pair, and Banka 6. If the game result display button 53 is pressed again while the result display lamps 52 are lit, the result display lamps 52 go out and the player is ready for the next game.

[0059] The card detection sensors 35 and 36 are optical fiber sensors that detect the presence or absence of a playing card C. The card detection sensors 35 and 36 are installed separately at the front and rear of the card withdrawal direction. When a card is withdrawn, first only the card detection sensor 35 turns on, then both the card detection sensors 35 and 36 turn on, then only the card detection sensor 36 turns on, and finally both the card detection sensors 35 and 36 turn off.

[0060] If the card detection sensors 35 and 36 do not turn on or off in this order, it is possible that the playing card C is moving backwards. In this case, the electronic shoe 100 determines that a card withdrawal error has occurred and turns on the corresponding error indicator lamp 51.

[0061] The draw guide section 30 is further provided with a restriction bar 37 for preventing two playing cards from being drawn out at the same time. The restriction bar 37 is made of a metal part. The restriction bar 37 is provided on both sides of the draw guide section 30.

[0062] 13 is a diagram showing the function of the restriction bar in the first embodiment of the present invention. A gap allowing only one playing card to pass is provided between the restriction bar 37 and the inclined portion 32. The restriction bar 37 acts to press down on the playing card C being drawn while sliding down the inclined portion 32.

[0063] In FIG. 13, even if the second playing card C2 is pulled forward as the leading playing card C1 is drawn out, the leading playing card C1 passes between the restriction bar 37 and the inclined portion 32, so that the leading playing card C1 is pressed against the inclined portion 32, and the second playing card C2 cannot move forward any further, thereby preventing two cards from being drawn.

[0064] The draw guide portion 30 is further provided with a draw restriction pin 38. The draw restriction pin 38 is buried under the inclined portion 32 when it is permissible to draw a playing card C, and protrudes from the inclined portion 32 when it is permissible to draw a playing card C, thereby restricting the drawing of the playing card C.

[0065] In baccarat, the game result is determined by the rank of the playing cards that are drawn in sequence. The ranks of the first four cards determine whether the fifth and sixth cards should be drawn. Therefore, the electronic shoe 100 can determine the end of the game based on the rank of the playing card C that is drawn in sequence.

[0066] When the game ends, the dealer presses the result display button 53 to turn on the result display lamp 52, and then presses the result display button 53 again to turn off the result display lamp 52 and start the next game. After the game ends (the game result is determined), players are prohibited from drawing playing cards until the result display button 53 is pressed twice to start the next game.

[0067] The draw restriction pin 38 protrudes in such a situation where drawing is prohibited, thereby preventing the prohibited drawing of the playing card. The draw restriction pin 38 may remain buried in the inclined portion 32 even when drawing is prohibited, or may protrude in response to the upstream card detection sensor 35 detecting a card in a situation where drawing is prohibited, thereby preventing the drawing of the playing card. The draw restriction pin 38 also operates when a playing card is overdrawn, when a playing card is sent backward, when a playing card is stopped in the opening 20, etc.

[0068] This eliminates the need for the draw restriction pin 38 to protrude every time a game ends and retract every time a game starts, prevents the mechanical noise generated by the draw restriction pin 38 moving up and down from bothering dealers and players, and reduces the possibility of malfunction caused by multiple operations.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the side cover 13 is configured to be rotatable between the cover position and the open position, but instead, the side cover 13 may be configured to be movable between the cover position and the open position by translation. Also, the side cover 13 may be attachable to the cover position and detachable from the cover position.

[0070] (Second embodiment) An electronic shoe according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the electronic shoe according to the second embodiment, the same components as those in the electronic shoe according to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the electronic shoe according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 shows the electronic shoe with the top cover attached. The basic configuration of the electronic shoe 101 according to this embodiment is the same as that of the electronic shoe 100 according to the first embodiment. The electronic shoe 101 includes a storage section 10, an opening 20, a draw guide section 30, a weight 40, and a main body 50.

[0071] FIG. 15 is a plan view of an electronic shoe according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the electronic shoe according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 15 and 16 show the electronic shoe with the top cover removed. A weight stopper 111 is provided on the bottom surface 11 of the electronic shoe 101, located approximately 1 / 4 of the way along the entire length of the housing section 10 from the rear end of the housing section 10. One weight stopper 111 is provided on each side. The left and right weight stoppers 111 are formed continuously with the side walls 12 and 14, respectively. The height of the weight stopper 111 is approximately 1 mm.

[0072] When weight 40 is placed at the rear end of housing 10 with top cover 15 removed, the tip of inclined surface 42 abuts against weight stopper 111, preventing weight 40 from falling down the slope of bottom surface 11 and allowing weight 40 to remain at the rear end (upper holding position) of housing 10. In this state, i.e., when weight 40 is not pressing the playing cards forward, the dealer can collect the remaining playing cards and load new playing cards.

[0073] Furthermore, locking projections 16 are provided so as to protrude outward from the outer side of the upper end of the side cover 13 of the storage section 10 and from the outer side of the upper end of the side wall 12. These locking projections 16 are provided above the slide rails 17, and locking projections 154 of the top cover 15, which will be described later, fit between the slide rails 17 and the locking projections 16, thereby attaching and fixing the top cover 15 to the storage section 10.

[0074] The distance from the weight stopper 111 to the rear end of the storage section 10 is designed so that a gap g2 large enough to insert a finger is secured between the rear end of the upper surface of the weight 40 and the rear end of the storage section 10 when the tip of the inclined surface 42 of the weight 40 is restricted by the weight stopper 111 from descending the slope of the bottom surface 11. By securing this gap g2, the dealer can hold the weight 40 with his or her fingers and position it in the upper holding position.

[0075] 17 is a perspective view of a top cover according to a second embodiment of the present invention. A plurality of ribs 152 are formed in the longitudinal direction on the inner surface 151 of the top cover 15. The ribs 152 not only increase the rigidity of the top cover 15, but also serve to prevent a playing card housed in the top cover 15 from rising too much due to the action of the weight 40 when the top cover 15 is attached to the electronic shoe 101. That is, when the top cover 15 is attached to the electronic shoe 101, the ribs 152 come into contact with the top surface (upper long side) of a playing card housed in the housing section 10 and pressed forward by the weight 40.

[0076] Further, a pressing protrusion 153 is provided on the rear end side of the inner surface 151. In this embodiment, the pressing protrusion 153 is provided at a position closer to one side in the width direction, but the pressing protrusion 153 may be provided in the center in the width direction, or a plurality of pressing protrusions 153 may be provided in the width direction, or the pressing protrusions 153 may be provided over the entire width direction.

[0077] Furthermore, vertical walls are formed on both long sides of top cover 15, and a plurality of locking protrusions 154 are provided at the lower ends of the vertical walls facing inward in the width direction. These locking protrusions 154 are provided at positions where they can engage with locking protrusions 16 provided on storage section 10 when top cover 15 is in a position where it completely covers storage section 10 (i.e., the position of top cover 15 in FIG. 14, hereinafter referred to as the "cover position").

[0078] Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing the relationship between the top cover and the weight in the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 18 shows the positional relationship between the two when weight 40 is in the upper holding position and top cover 15 is about to be attached to the cover position. At this time, pressing protrusion 153 abuts against the rear end portion of top surface 43 of weight 40.

[0079] The rear end portion of the upper surface 43 of the weight 40 has a canopy portion 431 formed by extending from the upper surface 43. A dealer can grip the weight 40 or lift the rear end side by hooking their fingertips on the canopy portion 431.

[0080] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of an electronic shoe according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 19 shows a state in which new playing cards have been loaded with the weight 40 held in the upper holding position. The dealer places the playing cards in a horizontal position so that the playing cards fill the entire space in front of the weight 40 held in the upper holding position in the storage unit 10. This positions the tops of the playing cards at a relatively low position, and does not interfere with the attachment of the top cover 15 to the storage unit 10.

[0081] 20A and 20B are diagrams illustrating the function of the pressing protrusion in the second embodiment of the present invention. Figures 20A and 20B show the position and movement of the pressing protrusion 153 when the top cover 15 slides from the front to the rear on the slide rail 17. When the top cover 15 is located forward of the cover position, the pressing protrusion 153 is located away from the top surface 43 of the weight 40, as shown in Figure 20A. When the top cover 15 slides from the front and reaches the cover position, the pressing protrusion 153 presses down the rear end of the top surface 43 of the weight 40.

[0082] The action of this pressing protrusion 153 causes the front end of weight 40 to rise up due to the principle of leverage, with the rear end of the bottom surface acting as a fulcrum (marked with an x ​​in FIG. 20B). As a result, the tip of weight 40 rides up on weight stopper 111. In this state, weight 40 is not restricted in its movement by weight stopper 111 and slides downward down inclined bottom surface 11 due to its own weight. At this time, weight portion 44 (see FIG. 18) of weight 40 is in front of weight 40 (below inclined surface 42), so weight 40 passes over weight stopper 111 and slides downward smoothly.

[0083] The diameters of both ends of the roller 41 that correspond to the weight stopper 111 may be designed to be small in accordance with the thickness of the weight stopper 111. This eliminates the need for the roller 41 to climb over the weight stopper 111, and the roller 41 is not stopped by the weight stopper 111, allowing the weight stopper 111 to move smoothly.

[0084] In this way, by sliding the top cover 15 to the cover position, the weight 40 is released from the state in which it is held in the upper holding position by the weight stopper 111, and slides downward, pushing the rearmost playing card forward. In other words, as the top cover 15 reaches the cover position, the weight 40 is released from its hold. As a result, the multiple playing cards rise at the angle of the inclined surface 42 of the weight 40, but this rising of the playing cards is suppressed by the rib 152 of the attached top cover 15.

[0085] In the past, with the top cover open, the weight would slide forward under its own weight, causing multiple playing cards to stand up along the inclined surface of the weight, and then the top cover was attached. In this case, the top cover was attached to the storage section by pressing down on the tops of the standing playing cards against the forward force of the weight's own weight. In this case, the top cover had to be attached to the storage section from above downward and secured with magnets or the like, and when multiple playing cards stood up under the weight of the weight, the top cover could float up.

[0086] In contrast, this embodiment employs a structure in which top cover 15 is attached to storage unit 10 by sliding it, and top cover 15 is fixed to storage unit 10 by engagement of locking protrusions 16 (see FIG. 16 ) provided on slide rails 17 of storage unit 10 with locking protrusions 154 of top cover 15 as top cover 15 slides relative to storage unit 10, thereby preventing top cover 15 from floating up. Also, this sliding action of top cover 15 releases the restriction on movement of weight 40 by weight stopper 111, allowing weight 40 to slide forward. Therefore, at the same time as or immediately after top cover 15 is attached to the cover position, weight 40 can press the rearmost of the multiple playing cards forward, and the rib 152 of top cover 15 can reliably restrain the multiple playing cards from rising due to the weight of weight 40.

[0087] Fig. 21 is a perspective view of an electronic shoe according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 21 shows a state in which weight 40 has overcome weight stopper 111 and is pushing multiple playing cards forward from the rearmost position. As mentioned above, this state is achieved by attaching top cover 15, but Fig. 21 shows a state in which top cover 15 has been removed and weight 40 is pushing multiple playing cards forward.

[0088] Figure 22 is an enlarged perspective view of the front portion of the electronic shoe according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 22, some parts on the left side have been removed to expose the backflow stopper 112. Two backflow stoppers 112, one on each side, are provided at the tip of the storage unit 10 so as to cover the open top portion. The backflow stoppers 112 prevent the leading playing card stored in the storage unit 10 from flowing back due to the dealer's operation.

[0089] The backflow stopper 112 consists of a base end 1121 that extends rearward and upward in a direction approximately parallel to the planar direction of the playing card being stored, a backflow control section 1122 that continues from the tip of the base end 1121 and bends downward at approximately a right angle, and a retaining section 1123 that continues from the tip of the backflow control section 1122 and extends rearward along the top surface of the playing card being stored.

[0090] 23A and 23B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the backflow stopper according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23A shows a normal state. In the state shown in FIG. 23A, the bottom ends of the playing cards are in contact with the bottom surface 11. As shown in FIG. 23B, when the leading (front) playing card is pushed up with a finger, the top end of the leading playing card rises along the base end 1121 of the backflow stopper 112 and hits the backflow regulation part 1122. This prevents the leading playing card from flowing backward.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 23B, the top playing card is allowed to rise slightly (backflow) until its top end hits the backflow control section 1122, but the top playing card cannot be moved until the second playing card can be withdrawn.

[0092] 24A and 24B are diagrams illustrating backflow in a conventional electronic shoe. In the example of FIGS. 24A and 24B, the top surfaces of multiple playing cards stored in the storage section are covered by a flat ceiling 150. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 24A, when the leading playing card is pushed up with a finger, the leading end of the leading playing card rises along the ceiling 150 and enters the space between the ceiling 150 and the top ends of the second and subsequent playing cards, exposing the bottom end of the second playing card. This allows the finger to come into contact with the second playing card, allowing the leading playing card to be skipped and the second playing card to be drawn out, as shown in FIG. 24B.

[0093] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, the backflow stopper 112 restricts the backflow of the leading playing card, so that it is not possible to draw the second playing card by contacting it, and it is possible to prevent fraud such as drawing playing cards in an order different from the original order.

[0094] In the second embodiment of the present invention, the following technology is disclosed. (1) A casino security electronic shoe containing a plurality of playing cards to be drawn one at a time for a game, a storage section for storing a plurality of stacked playing cards; an opening for exposing the leading playing card of the plurality of playing cards accommodated in the accommodation section; a draw guide portion for guiding the leading playing card to be drawn from the opening; a weight for pushing the rearmost playing card of the plurality of playing cards toward the opening; a top cover that is slidable between a cover position that covers the top surfaces of the plurality of playing cards and an open position that exposes the top surfaces of the plurality of playing cards; Equipped with The bottom of the storage section is inclined downward toward the opening, the weight is capable of moving the bottom of the containing section toward the opening while pushing the last playing card toward the opening as the first playing card is drawn sequentially, a bottom portion of the storage portion including a weight stopper that abuts against a tip of the weight to hold the weight at an upper holding position; The security electronic shoe for a casino, in which the weight is released from the holding position by positioning the top cover at the cover position, and the weight moves toward the opening by its own weight, pushing the rearmost playing card toward the opening.

[0095] (2) The casino security electronic shoe described in (1), the top cover has a pressing protrusion on its inner surface; When the top cover is positioned in the cover position, the pressing protrusion presses down the rear end portion of the top surface of the weight held in the holding position by the weight stopper, causing the tip of the weight to overcome the weight stopper by the principle of leverage, and the weight moves toward the opening under its own weight, pushing the rearmost playing card toward the opening.

[0096] (3) A casino security electronic shoe according to (1) or (2), The weight has a canopy portion formed by extending rearward from the upper surface.

[0097] (4) A casino security electronic shoe according to any one of (1) to (3), The weight stoppers are provided on both sides of the bottom of the storage section.

[0098] (5) A casino security electronic shoe according to any one of (1) to (4), The weight stopper is provided at a position where a gap is secured between the rear end of the weight and the rear end of the storage section when the weight is held in the holding position.

[0099] (6) A casino security electronic shoe containing a plurality of playing cards to be drawn one by one for a game, a storage section for storing a plurality of stacked playing cards; an opening for exposing the leading playing card of the plurality of playing cards accommodated in the accommodation section; a draw guide portion for guiding the leading playing card to be drawn from the opening; a weight for pushing the rearmost playing card of the plurality of playing cards toward the opening; Equipped with A security electronic shoe for a casino, comprising a backflow stopper at the upper front end of the storage section for restricting the backflow of the leading playing card stored in the storage section.

[0100] (7) The casino security electronic shoe described in (6), The backflow stopper is provided so as to cover the opening on the top surface of the storage section.

[0101] (8) A casino security electronic shoe according to (6) or (7), The backflow stopper is a casino security electronic shoe having a base end portion that extends rearward and upward in a direction approximately parallel to the planar direction of the playing cards stored in the storage portion, and a backflow control portion that is continuous with the tip of the base end portion and bent downward at approximately a right angle.

[0102] (Third embodiment) An electronic shoe according to a third embodiment of the present invention will now be described. Figures 25 to 31 are a perspective view, a plan view, a right side view, a left side view, a front view, a bottom view, and a back view, respectively, of an electronic shoe according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 32 is a perspective view of the electronic shoe according to the third embodiment of the present invention with the top cover removed.

[0103] In the electronic shoe of the third embodiment, the same components as those of the electronic shoe of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described further. The basic configuration of the electronic shoe 102 of this embodiment is the same as that of the electronic shoe 101 of the second embodiment. The electronic shoe 102 includes a housing 10, an opening 20, a draw guide 30, a weight 40, and a main body 50.

[0104] In the electronic shoe 102 of the present embodiment, the corners at the tip of the draw guide portion 30 are rounded, as compared with the electronic shoe 101 of the second embodiment. This makes it easier for the dealer to draw a playing card C from the electronic shoe 102 and simultaneously perform an open-hand action of turning the playing card C over so that its face is facing up. That is, when the dealer places the pad of the right thumb on the corner on the dealer's side and pulls out the playing card C with the index finger of his right hand, the thumb touches the face of the playing card C, and the index finger touches the back of the pulled-out playing card C, allowing the dealer to pick up the playing card C and easily perform the action of turning over the playing card C.

[0105] The electronic shoe 102 of this embodiment has a magnet built in both the rear end of the top cover 15 and the rear end portion of the housing 10 that comes into contact with the rear end of the top cover 15 when the top cover 15 is attached. This allows the position of the top cover 15 to be held in place by the magnetic force of the magnet when attached to the electronic shoe 102. Furthermore, the top cover 15 can be easily removed by sliding it against the magnetic force of the magnet.

[0106] In the electronic shoe 102 of this embodiment, metal reinforcing plates are built into each of the side cover 13 and the side wall portion that forms the side surface integrally with the side cover 13. This makes it possible to reduce deformation of the side cover 13 even if inward pressure is applied to the side cover 13 when lifting the electronic shoe 102 by grasping the side cover 13 and the portion of the side wall 12 facing it.

[0107] In the electronic shoe 102 of this embodiment, a protrusion 157 extending in the front-to-rear direction is formed on the outer side of the side of the top cover 15. This makes it easy to lift the electronic shoe 102 by hooking a finger on this protrusion 157 with the top cover 15 attached.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 31, the rear surface of the electronic shoe 102 is provided with a connector 62 for connecting to an external device and a power switch 61 for the electronic shoe 102.

[0109] 32, outer portions 132 at the upper ends of the front and rear ends of side cover 13 and portions 141 of side wall 14 facing outer portions 132 of side cover 13 are chamfered. This prevents the inner side surface of top cover 15 from getting caught on a step at the boundary between the upper end of side cover 13 and side wall 14, which would hinder smooth sliding, when top cover 15 slides to the closed position.

[0110] 33 is a diagram showing an example of a result display according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The result display 55 according to this embodiment displays information in two rows. Specifically, on the left side of the result display 55, the upper row displays the ranks and suits of the two playing cards C that make up the Banker's hand, and the lower row displays the ones digit of the sum of the ranks of the two playing cards C that make up the Banker's hand, as the game result. On the right side of the result display 55, the upper row displays the ranks and suits of the two playing cards C that make up the Player's hand, and the lower row displays the ones digit of the sum of the ranks of the two playing cards C that make up the Player's hand.

[0111] In the electronic shoe 102 of this embodiment, the result display lamps 54 include lamps for displaying the respective results of Player Win, Banker Win, and Tie, as well as a lamp for displaying Banker 6. Banker 6 means that the Banker's hand wins with a 6. In this case, even if a bet is made on a Banker win, the amount of chips paid out will be half the amount bet. Also, if a betting area is provided for betting on the Banker winning with a 6 (called "Super 6," "Lucky 6," etc.), chips bet there will be paid out at a multiplier greater than 1 (for example, 24 times).

[0112] In this way, when Banker 6 is dispensed, the dealer must perform a different payment operation than usual. Therefore, in the electronic shoe 102 of this embodiment, a lamp indicating that Banker 6 has been dispensed is provided as one of the result display lamps 54.

[0113] FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing the details of the draw guide section of the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 34, the restricting section 31 is removed to show the internal structure of the restricting section 31. The tip portions of the side walls 12 and 14 are provided with restricting sections 18 for preventing the playing cards C housed therein from floating up. The underside of the restricting sections 18 has a downwardly convex curved shape. With this configuration, the tip of the foremost playing card C stops just before the restricting bar 37, and the leading playing card C housed in the housing section 10 is not pressed against the restricting bar 37 by its own weight or the pressure of the weight 40.

[0114] With this configuration, the playing card C does not get in the way when the restrictor 31 is removed and the restrictor bar 37 is maintained as shown in Figure 34. That is, the height of the restrictor bar 37 needs to be precisely adjusted to prevent double-draw. Therefore, adjustment may be necessary while the electronic shoe 102 is in use. Even in this case, the leading playing card C is not in contact with the restrictor bar 37, so the restrictor bar 37 can be adjusted without removing the playing card C from the housing 10.

[0115] 34, the electronic shoe 102 of this embodiment is provided with a sensor cover 39 that covers the code reading sensors 33, 34 and the card detection sensors 35, 36. The sensor cover 39 is provided with dustproof packing on the outer periphery to prevent paper dust from the playing card C from entering the interior. The sensor cover 39 is made of a transparent material.

[0116] In addition, to prevent paper dust from the playing card C from entering the code reading sensors 33, 34 and the card detection sensors 35, 36, a sponge-like dustproof material or sealing material surrounds the sensor chip on the sensor board.

[0117] 35 is a perspective view of a restricting portion according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Restricting portion 31 has a generally fork-like shape, and has locking claws 22 on the underside of the tip. These locking claws 22 are engaged with claw receiving holes 19 formed in the tip portions of side walls 12, 14. The engagement of locking claws 22 of restricting portion 31 with claw receiving holes 19 in side walls 12, 14 prevents the tip portions of side walls 12, 14 from spreading outward to the left or right, and also prevents the tip portion of restricting portion 31 from lifting up.

[0118] 36 is a perspective view of a top cover according to a third embodiment of the present invention. A plurality of ribs 152 are formed on an inner surface 151 of top cover 15. In addition, guides 155 extending in the longitudinal direction are formed on inner surface 151 at positions close to left and right side walls 156. When top cover 15 is attached to electronic shoe 102, the upper ends of side walls 12, 14 and side cover 13 are inserted into the gaps between guides 155 and left and right side walls 156.

[0119] That is, when the top cover 15 is attached, the upper ends of the side walls 12, 14 and the side cover 13 are fitted and fixed in the gaps between the side walls 156 and the guides 155 formed on the inner surface 151 of the top cover 15. Therefore, when the top cover 15 is attached, the side walls 12, 14 and the side covers 13 are firmly fixed to the top cover 15, which, combined with the effect of the metal reinforcing plate described above, reduces deformation when the electronic shoe 102 is lifted.

[0120] In a baccarat game using the electronic shoe 102, there are two types of game operations: a type called squeeze baccarat, in which a player is allowed to open a playing card C drawn from the electronic shoe 102, and a type called open hand baccarat, in which the dealer opens the playing card C drawn from the electronic shoe 102. In the case of open hand, the dealer draws one playing card C from the electronic shoe 102 and simultaneously opens the playing card C and places it on the game table.

[0121] 37 is a perspective view of an electronic shoe according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the case of the open hand mode described above, bottom-raising components 71 and 72 for raising the bottom of the electronic shoe 102 are attached to the bottom of the electronic shoe 102. This increases the height above the table surface of the game table of the upper surface of the draw guide portion 30, along which the playing card C to be drawn slides, making it easier for the dealer to pick up the drawn card.

[0122] The bottom-raising part 71 is attached to the tip portion of the bottom surface. The two bottom-raising parts 72 are attached to the left and right sides of the rear end portion of the bottom surface. The bottom-raising part 71 may be attached to the bottom surface with a screw, and the bottom-raising part 72 may itself be a screw and attached to the bottom surface.

[0123] In the electronic shoe 102 of this embodiment, as with the electronic shoe 101 of the second embodiment, when the top cover 15 is closed, the weight 40 is released from the upper part of the storage section 10, and the weight 40 slides down the storage section 10, pressing forward the rear end of the stored playing card C. In this way, because the weight 40 slides down when the top cover 15 is attached, the user cannot visually confirm whether the weight 40 has indeed slid and is pushing the playing card C forward.

[0124] Therefore, an observation window may be provided in top cover 15. This observation window may be provided in the upper part of top cover 15, and may allow observation of weight 40 held at the upper end of housing section 10. As a result, when top cover 15 is attached to electronic shoe 102 and weight 40 slides downward, weight 40 cannot be observed through the observation window, and the user can confirm that weight 40 has slid down.

[0125] Instead of the observation window, a sensor that detects when weight 40 slides from the holding position may be used. For example, a sensor consisting of an LED light and a photodiode sensor may be provided at a position corresponding to weight 40 to detect whether weight 40 is in the holding position.

[0126] A computer is built into the main body 50 of the electronic shoe 102 of this embodiment. This computer is equipped with an arithmetic processing unit, memory, and storage device, and operates as the processing unit of the electronic shoe 102 according to the program of this embodiment, performing the following information processing. First, the processing unit stores information on the rank of the drawn card and the game result as log information in the storage device, along with the date and time of the event. Furthermore, when the processing unit detects that the top cover 15 has been opened or closed, or when any error has occurred, it stores these events as log information in the storage device, along with the date and time of the event.

[0127] Furthermore, the processing unit may execute analysis software for analyzing the log information. This analysis software may, for example, perform statistical processing on the game results or the ranks of the drawn playing cards C.

[0128] The processing unit is connected to an external computer via the connector 62. This allows the external computer to read various log information stored in the storage device by connecting to the processing unit via the connector 62. Therefore, the processing unit has a security function so that the log information can be exported only to a trusted external computer. Specifically, an ID and a password are set in the processing unit, and communication with the external computer is performed only when the ID and password are input from the connected external computer.

[0129] The processing unit obtains rank information of the drawn playing card C from the code reading sensors 33, 34. As described above, two lines of marks M1 and M2 are printed on the playing card C with UV ink, and the code reading sensors 33, 34 obtain rank information by reading these marks M1, M2. At this time, a threshold value is set for the sensors to determine whether or not marks M1, M2 are present.

[0130] The processing unit executes a program for teaching the code reading sensors 33, 34 a threshold value for determining whether or not a mark is present. Conventionally, threshold values ​​were set by operating each of the multiple sensors. In the electronic shoe 102 of this embodiment, teaching can be performed collectively for the multiple code reading sensors 33, 34 by the processing unit or an external computer connected to the processing unit.

[0131] In this teaching, the playing card C is set at a position where mark M1 is read by the code reading sensor 33, the read value of the code reading sensor 33 is acquired, and the threshold value of the code reading sensor 33 is set based on this. Similarly, the playing card C is set at a position where mark M2 is read by the code reading sensor 34, the read value of the code reading sensor 34 is acquired, and the threshold value of the code reading sensor 34 is set based on this.

[0132] In addition, in teaching, the processing unit may instead draw the playing card C and obtain the change in the read value of the code reading sensors 33, 34 (the value between the part with and without marks M1, M2), and set the threshold value based on this read value.

[0133] The processing unit or an external computer connected to the processing unit also teaches the color of the playing cards C. In this teaching, for example, about 20 playing cards C are drawn and read by the code reading sensors 33 and 34 during this time, so that the processing unit determines the color of the playing cards C and adjusts the white balance. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 100, 101, 102 Electronic shoe 10 Storage section 11 Bottom 12 Side wall 13 Side cover 14 Side wall 15 Top cover 16 Locking protrusion 17 Slide rail 20 Opening 21 Blinds 30 Draw guide section 31 Regulatory Department 32 Slope 33, 34 Code reading sensor 35, 36 Card detection sensor 37 Regulatory Bar 38 Draw control pin 40 weight 41 Laura 42 Slope 43 Top surface 50 main body 51 Error indicator lamp 52 Result display lamp 53 Result display button 54 Result display lamp 61 Power switch 62 connectors 71,72 Bottom raising parts 111 Weight stopper 112 Backflow stopper 152 Ribs 153 Pressing protrusion 154 Locking protrusion 155 Guide 156 Side wall C Playing Cards M1, M2 marks

Claims

1. A casino security electronic shoe configured to accommodate a plurality of cards and read the rank and suit of each card drawn one by one for a game, a receiving portion configured to receive a plurality of stacked cards; an opening configured to expose a leading card among the plurality of cards accommodated in the accommodation section; a withdrawal guide configured to guide the withdrawal of the leading card from the opening; a weight configured to push a last card of the plurality of cards toward the opening; a card withdrawal restriction member configured to restrict the leading card from being withdrawn from the opening so that no cards are withdrawn; a two-card limiting member configured to limit simultaneous withdrawal of two cards so that the cards are correctly withdrawn one at a time; Equipped with The bottom of the storage section is inclined downward toward the opening, the weight is configured to be able to move the bottom surface of the storage section toward the opening side in a state where the weight pushes out the last card toward the opening side as the leading card is successively drawn out and the last card moves toward the opening side, The action of the card withdrawal limiting member limits the withdrawal of the first card, and the action of the two-card withdrawal limiting member limits the withdrawal of subsequent cards.

2. 2. The casino security electronic shoe according to claim 1, a reader for reading at least the rank of a card drawn from the opening; the card withdrawal restriction member restricts the withdrawal of the leading card before the rank of the leading card is read by the reader, thereby preventing the rank of the card restricted from being read by the card withdrawal restriction member. Electronic security shoe for casinos.

3. In the casino security electronic shoe described in claim 1, the two-card withdrawal limiting member is a limiting bar positioned above the bottom of the storage section with a gap that allows only one card to pass through, and the limiting bar is configured to press from above on the card that is pulled out and sliding along the bottom.

4. 4. A casino security electronic shoe according to claim 3, wherein the limiting bar has a rounded shape on the side facing the leading card, thereby guiding the leading card into the gap.

5. In the casino security electronic shoe described in claim 1, the two-card draw limiting member is a limiting bar that is positioned above the bottom of the storage section, and when the top card is drawn out and the subsequent cards move forward, being dragged by the top card, the top card passes through the bottom, causing the top card to be pressed against the bottom by the limiting bar, preventing the subsequent cards from moving forward toward the gap, thereby preventing two cards from being drawn out.

6. 2. The security electronic shoe for casinos according to claim 1, wherein the two-card draw limiting members are provided on both sides of the drawer guide portion.

7. 2. The casino security electronic shoe according to claim 1, a top cover that is attached to an upper portion of the storage unit and that opens the upper portion of the storage unit when removed from the storage unit; a sensor that outputs a signal when it detects that the top cover has been removed from the storage section; A casino security electronic shoe that also features:

8. 2. The casino security electronic shoe according to claim 1, The casino security electronic shoe includes a backflow stopper for restricting the leading card housed in the housing part from flowing backward, and prevents subsequent cards from being exposed from the opening due to the backflow of the leading card.

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