Table game system

Abstract

The table game system of the present invention comprises a game item detection device configured to detect game items placed on a game table, a management control unit configured to recognize that any one of a plurality of events in a card game has occurred based on the detection result of the game items, and to measure the time between at least two specific events based on the time of occurrence of the specific events in the card game, and to measure the time between the time between the at least two specific events as the time excluded from measurement, from when the mode is switched to a time exclusion mode until the card game is started, and a mode switching unit configured to switch the mode to a time exclusion mode when the card game is not started, and in the time exclusion mode, the management control unit stops measuring the time between at least two specific events.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for tracking progress in card games, particularly baccarat games, and to a table game system equipped with a function to analyze various times, either on a single game basis or as a whole of multiple games. Background Technology

[0002] Baccarat is a table game played in casinos and the like. In this game, a standard deck of 52 playing cards is generally used. Multiple decks of playing cards (6 to 9 or 10) are randomly shuffled in advance, placed in a card shooter device, and drawn one by one from the card shooter device onto the game table. The game proceeds based on the rank (number) of the drawn card. Based on the rules of the baccarat game, two or three cards are dealt to the player and the banker, respectively. The side whose sum of the dealt cards is closer to 9 wins, and bets are placed on which side, the player or the banker, wins or if there is a tie. Betting, the drawing of cards from the card shooter device, and the settlement of bets after the win or loss is determined (payment to the winning customer (player) and recovery of bets from the losing customer (player)) are carried out by the dealer or others in charge of the game table.

[0003] For example, the number of games that can be processed per day at each game table significantly affects the casino's revenue for that day. In this regard, technology is required to measure, for each detailed step of each game, how many games can be processed per unit of time or how much time is required per game, for each table or dealer. Technology regarding time measurement in table games such as baccarat is disclosed, for example, in WO2014 / 064872 (Patent Document 1).

[0004] The aforementioned document describes a process in which a cut card is detected when the card shooter device is drawn during a table game, the use of the cards contained in the card shooter device is terminated, and the timing for exchanging them for a new set or package of cards is measured. However, the ability of the dealer mentioned above to manage the game's progress cannot be measured in detail. Prior art literature

[0005] International Release WO2014 / 064872 The problem to be solved

[0006] The present invention has been made against this background and provides a system for measuring the time taken for the play time of a game, specifically from the drawing of cards from a card receiving unit until the display of the game result, and the time taken for betting and settlement of bets other than the play time, by utilizing a card shooter device used in a table game.

[0007] In addition to measuring detailed time in one game, by measuring detailed time across multiple games, it is possible to identify the total time, average time, variance, and trend of these, and to review countermeasures.

[0008] In addition, a system is provided for measuring the time required to end the use of a card contained in the card shooter device and to exchange it for a new set or package of cards. means of solving the problem

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present invention provides a table game system comprising: a game item detection device configured to detect game items placed on a game table; a management control unit configured to recognize that any one of a plurality of events in a card game has occurred based on the detection result of the game items, and to measure the time between at least two specific events based on the time of occurrence of the specific events in the card game, and to measure the time between the time between the at least two specific events as the time excluded from measurement, the time from when the mode is switched to the time exclusion mode until the card game is started, as the measurement item of the time between the at least two specific events; and a mode switching unit configured to switch the mode to the time exclusion mode when the card game is not started, wherein in the time exclusion mode, the management control unit stops measuring the time between the at least two specific events.

[0010] The present invention provides a table game system configured such that the management control unit sets a corresponding standard reference time for at least one of a measured dealing time, players' time, betting settlement time, betting time, play time, time other than play, and game time, and outputs that any measured time exceeds the standard reference time.

[0011] The present invention provides a table game system in which the management control unit is also configured to calculate an average time for at least one of a measured dealing time, players' time, betting settlement time, betting time, play time, time other than play, and game time in a plurality of games.

[0012] The present invention provides a table game system in which the management control unit is configured to calculate a ratio based on at least one of a measured dealing time, players' time, betting settlement time, betting time, play time, time other than play, and game time.

[0013] The present invention provides a table game system in which the management control unit is configured to exclude the measured measurement exclusion time from at least one of the betting time, time other than play, and game time in a game immediately after switching to the time measurement exclusion mode. Effects of the invention

[0014] According to the table game system of the present invention, by utilizing a card shooter device used in a table game, it is possible to perform a detailed analysis of the time regarding the progress of the dealer's game, particularly from the drawing of cards from the card receiving unit to the display of the game result, and to identify the total time, average time, as well as the variance and trend, and to consider countermeasures. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0015] FIG. 1 is a side view of a card shooter device of an embodiment of the present invention and a management control unit connected to the card shooter device. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the entire casino of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an overview of a baccarat game in a game table of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the progress of a baccarat game of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a package used in a card shooter device of an embodiment of the present invention, and a shuffle playing card with the package removed. FIG. 6 is a side view of a package of shuffle playing cards with a cut card inserted according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the time analysis of game units in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the time analysis of the shoe unit in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the analysis of time in game units and shoe units in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a side view of a card shooter device and a management control unit connected to the card shooter device in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a plan view of a shuffle playing card and a cut card of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of a card guide portion of a card shooter device of an embodiment of the present invention with part of it broken. FIG. 13 is a table showing the relationship between the output waveform of the sensor and the mark on the card of an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0016] Before proceeding to the detailed description of the embodiments, an overall overview of the use and management of card packages or sets in a casino will be explained.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, a package (PA) of a card (1) used in a casino (206) is assigned a barcode (BC) as a unique ID code (I), and multiple packages (PA) are supplied to the backyard (208) of the casino (206). All ID codes (I) of the packages (PA) transported to the backyard (208) are registered in the database (207b) (memory, etc.) of the management unit (207) (as a registration step to register all ID codes (I) in the database). At this step, all ID codes (I) (barcode (BC) (a two-dimensional code such as a QR code)) of the packages (PA) transported to the backyard (208) are registered to create a basic database. To register all ID codes (I) of a package (PA) supplied to a casino (206), instead of reading all barcodes (BC) of the package (PA), data may be used from the factory (205) or the carton ID code of a carton (CA) containing the package (PA) or the pallet ID code (not shown) of a pallet loading the carton (CA). In the practice of this invention, a camera (212) or an RFID tag reading device (not shown) may be used instead of a barcode reader (R) (not shown) to register or read the ID code (I). The package (PA) may be transported from the factory (205), etc., in a carton (CA) containing 18 packages of shuffled playing cards (1s) (see FIG. 2) (several cartons (CA) may be placed on a pallet). The carton ID code or pallet ID may be used to register the ID code (I) of the package (PA) transported from the factory (205) to the backyard (208).

[0018] While packages (PA) with barcodes (BC) attached are transported to the casino (206), they are stored in cartons (CA), and the cartons (CA) are placed on pallets and stored in the backyard (208) (see FIG. 2). A unique carton ID code is assigned to each carton (CA), and a unique pallet ID is assigned to each pallet. The carton ID code is associated with the ID code (I) of the package stored in the carton (CA) and is pre-registered in the database (207b) of the management department (207). The pallet ID code is associated with the corresponding carton ID code on the pallet and the ID code of the package (PA) stored in the carton (CA) and is pre-registered in the database (207b) of the management department (207). All ID codes of the package (PA) are associated with the carton ID code and pallet ID in which the package (PA) is stored.

[0019] Packages (PA) are typically transported from the backyard (208) to the cabinet (210) under the game table (4) by multiple vehicles (209) while stored in a carton (CA), and after being stored for a certain period in the cabinet (210) under the game table (4), they are manually taken out from the cabinet (210) under the game table (4) in their package (PA) state by a dealer (D), etc., placed on the game table (4), and used. All packages (PA) (or cartons (CA) containing packages (PA)) in the casino (206) are monitored by reading the ID code (I) of all packages of shuffled playing cards (or the carton ID code of the carton (CA) containing packages (PA)) at a designated location by a camera (212) or a barcode reader (R). A surveillance camera (212) is positioned or equipped to read the barcode (BC) (as ID code (I)) of all packages (PA) of shuffle playing cards present in the cabinet (210) under the game table (4) from the backyard (208) (or the carton ID code of the carton (CA) containing the packages (PA)).

[0020] In this embodiment, a vehicle (209) transports packages (PA) of shuffle playing cards (1s) used in a game from the backyard (208) to a cabinet (210) under the game table (4). Additionally, multiple AGVs (automatic transport vehicles) may be used as the vehicle (209). Typically, the packages (PA) are transported from the backyard (208) to the cabinet (210) under the game table (4) while stored in a carton (CA), but the embodiment is not limited to this, and it is also possible to transport the packages (PA) as they are by loading them onto the vehicle (209). Multiple packages (PA) (at least 18 or 36 packages) are stored in cabinets (210) under each game table (4) and are transported manually from there to the game table (4). When transporting multiple cartons (CA) or packages (PA) from the backyard (208) to the cabinet (210) under each game table (4), the vehicle (209) is transported via a programmed delivery route (213) within the casino (206). At this time, the vehicle (209) holding the cartons (CA) or packages (PA) is monitored by the management unit (207) by using a camera (212) or the like at a predetermined location on the delivery route (213) within the casino (206). Additionally, an ID code reader (other reading devices may be used) that reads the carton ID code of the carton (CA) containing the package (PA) or the barcode (as an ID code) of the package (PA) at a predetermined timing may be installed inside the vehicle (209), and accordingly, it is possible to monitor the packages (PA) or cartons (CA) loaded on the vehicle (209). Additionally, the car (209) may be structured to read the carton ID code of a carton (CA) containing a package (PA) or the barcode (as an ID code) of a package (PA) at a predetermined timing and transmit the result to the outside, or may have a means of communication.Inside the car (209), a plurality of readers are installed on a scanning means, and as the scanning means moves in the X direction or Y direction, each reader moves in the X direction or Y direction, and the carton ID code of all cartons (CA) or the barcode of the package (PA) stored inside the car (209) is continuously read at all times. The lid of the car (209) is equipped with a lock, and by locking the lock, it is possible to prevent the unauthorized removal of the cartons (CA) or packages (PA) inside.

[0021] Next, the flow of the baccarat game will be explained. As shown in FIG. 3, at each baccarat table (4), a guest (player) (C) is seated facing the dealer (D). Then, the guest (player) (C) places a bet on whether the player or the banker wins or ties as the outcome of the baccarat game by placing chips (W) in the betting area (BA) in front of them (hereinafter, this is referred to as "betting"). Then, the dealer (D) measures the timing to end the betting by the guest (player) (C), calls "No More Bet" (ending bet acceptance), and performs actions such as moving their hand horizontally. After that, cards are drawn one by one from the card shooter device (S) onto the game table (4). As shown in FIG. 4, the first card is the player's hand, the second card is the banker's hand, the third card is the player's hand, and the fourth card is the banker's hand (hereinafter, the drawing of the first to fourth cards is referred to as "dealing").

[0022] In addition, since the cards are all drawn from the card shooter device (S) with their backs facing upward, the rank (number) or suit (heart, diamond, spade, club) cannot be determined by either the dealer (D) or the guest (player) (C). After the fourth card is revealed, the customer who bet on the Player (Player) (C) (if there are multiple customers betting on the Player, the customer with the highest bet (C); if there are no customers betting on the Player, the Dealer (D)) flips over the first and third cards with their backs facing up, and likewise, the customer who bet on the Banker (Player) (C) (if there are multiple customers betting on the Banker, the customer with the highest bet (C); if there are no customers betting on the Banker, the Dealer (D)) flips over the second and fourth cards (generally, flipping these backs of the cards is called a "squeeze"). Then, based on the rank (number) of the 1st to 4th cards and the detailed rules of the Baccarat game, the 5th and 6th cards are drawn by the dealer (D), and these become the hand of the Player or the Banker, respectively. Similarly, the guest (Player) (C) who bet on the Player squeezes the card that becomes the Player's hand, and the guest (Player) who bet on the Banker squeezes the card that becomes the Banker's hand. (The time from drawing the 1st to 4th cards until the 5th and 6th cards are squeezed and the win / loss result is determined is the exciting time for the guest (Player) (C). Hereinafter, this time is referred to as "Player's Time").

[0023] In addition, depending on the rank (number) of the cards, the win or loss may be determined by the 1st to 4th card, or by the 5th card, or even the 6th card. The dealer (D) determines whether the win or loss has been determined or the result is determined based on the rank (number) of the squeezed cards, and performs tasks such as pressing the win / loss result display button on the card shooter device (S) to display the win / loss result on the monitor to inform the customer (player) (C). At the same time, the win / loss result of the game is determined by the win / loss judgment unit (9) of the card shooter device (S). If the win / loss result is not displayed and an attempt is made to draw cards even though the win / loss has been determined, an error occurs, and the card shooter device (S) detects the error and outputs an error signal. Finally, while the win / loss result is being displayed, the dealer settles the bets made by the customers (players), pays out to the winning customer (player) (C), and recovers the bets from the losing customer (player) (C). After the settlement is completed, the display of the win / loss result ends (hereinafter, the time during which the dealer is performing the settlement is referred to as the "settlement time"), and betting for the next game begins.

[0024] In addition, the flow of the above-mentioned baccarat game is widely practiced in general casinos, and the above-mentioned card shooter device (S) is a conventional card shooter device that has a structure for drawing cards by the dealer's hand, is configured to read the drawn cards, and also has a result display button or a result display section, and is equipped with a function to determine the win or loss or display the win or loss result. As described above, in a general casino floor, a card shooter device or monitor is placed at each baccarat table (4) that is arranged in multiple units, and the cards used are supplied in packages or sets, or in carton units, to each game table (4) or the cabinet (210) under the table (4) and are operated.

[0025] Below, an embodiment of a card shooter device (S) used in the table game system of the present invention will be described using FIG. 1. A card shooter device (S) comprises a card receiving section (2) for receiving multiple shuffled playing cards (1s), a cover (3) provided on the upper part of the receiving section (2), a card guide section (5) for guiding shuffled playing cards (1) when the shuffled playing cards (1) are manually drawn one by one from the card receiving section (2) toward the game table (4) by a casino dealer (D), etc., an opening (6) for taking out the card (1) guided from the card guide section (5), a card detection section (card detection sensor) (7) for detecting that the shuffled playing card (1) has been drawn when the shuffled playing card (1) is drawn, and a card reading section (8) for reading information indicating at least the number (rank) of the shuffled playing card (1) (also, the card detection section (7) and the card reading section (8) are, as described later A structure that reads the code of a card using a UV sensor, a structure that reads the print of the shuffle playing card (1) using a camera, or a structure that combines these, is also acceptable; a win / loss judgment unit (9) that determines the win / loss of a card game based on the number (rank) of shuffle playing cards (1) read in order by a card reading unit (8); a control unit (10) equipped with the win / loss judgment unit (9) and a memory (10M); an output unit (11) that outputs the judgment result of the win / loss judgment unit (9); and a result output control unit (12) that controls the start and end of output of the output unit (as the result output control unit (12) that controls the start and stop of result output, a result output start control unit and a result output stop control unit may be provided separately for the start and stop respectively, or they may be the same, either way is acceptable. Additionally, for example, a part of the result output control unit (12) may be shaped like a button (a win / loss result display button) and provided to be exposed on the outside of the card shooter device (S). good night.In addition, the above-mentioned win / loss result display button may be configured to be either a different button or the same button for the start and stop. For example, when the above-mentioned win / loss result display button is pressed once, the control unit (10) of the card shooter device (S) detects that the button has been pressed and starts outputting the win / loss judgment result, and when it is pressed again, the control unit (10) detects it in the same way and ends outputting the result. It is also equipped with a side monitor (13) provided on the side of the card shooter device (S), and is mechanically or electrically connected, and also wired or wirelessly, to a management control unit (14) equipped with a function to calculate various times in the progress of the baccarat game described later, either on a game unit or as a whole of multiple games.

[0026] Here, as shown in FIG. 5, a shuffle playing card set (1s) is composed of a predetermined number of decks (usually one of 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 decks; for example, in the case of 8 decks, 416 cards of 52 × 8 decks), and in the manufacturing stage, the cards are shuffled in a random arrangement in a shuffle device beforehand, packaged in a package (PA) that wraps around the entire area, and then sealed with a sealing material or a shrink-shaped packaging material and supplied to a casino, etc. At this time, the package (PA) is supplied in a carton (CA), for example, 18 pieces at a time, and may also be placed near a game table (4) while still packaged in a carton. Alternatively, during the manufacturing stage, the cards may be supplied to a casino or the like without being shuffled and then shuffled using a shuffling device, or supplied in a shuffled state and then shuffled again, or shuffled once used shuffled playing cards (1s) may be shuffled for reuse, or the shuffled shuffled playing cards (1s) may be set in advance in a case such as plastic. In addition, a barcode (BC) (which serves as a seal) with a different ID code (I) is attached to each of the above packages (PA) or the above plastic cases (not shown). The above shuffled playing card set (1s) is unique in that it is shuffled and each has a different card arrangement, and to identify this, the above ID code (I) is expressed as a barcode (BC) (which serves as a seal) or other, such as a QR code.

[0027] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 5, when receiving a shuffle playing card set (1s) packaged in the package (PA) into a card shooter device (S), the side of the package (PA) is removed along the cut line (Z) provided in the package (PA), and after exposing a part of the shuffle playing card set (1s), it is picked up and received into the card receiving section (2) of the card shooter device (S). Additionally, when the part of the shuffle playing card set (1s) is exposed, a cut card (1c) may be inserted to stop the use of the shuffle playing card set (1s) in the middle of a subsequent card game (see FIG. 6). After receiving the shuffle playing card set (1s) into the card receiving section (2), the remaining part of the package (PA) is removed from the card receiving section (2), and only the shuffle playing card set (1s) is left in the card receiving section (2) to complete the reception.

[0028] Here, the above-mentioned cut card (1c) is inserted into the latter part (about one-fourth or one-fifth of the remaining) of the shuffle playing card set (1s) when the shuffle playing card set (1s) is used in a game. When the shuffle playing cards (1) of the shuffle playing card set (1s) contained in the card shooter device (S) are drawn out one by one in the game, the number (rank) of each shuffle playing card (1) distributed is counted by the player, and in order to prevent the number (rank) of the shuffle playing cards (1) that are few remaining from being predicted, the game is ended with about 20 to 40 cards remaining in the card shooter device (S). Normally, when a cut card (1c) is drawn during a game, at the end of that game, or the game following the drawing of the cut card (1c), or the game after a predetermined number of draws following the drawing of the cut card (1c), the use of the shuffle playing card set (1s) contained in the card shooter device (S) is terminated, and the shuffle playing card (1) remaining in the card shooter device (S) is exchanged for a new shuffle playing card set (1s) (hereinafter referred to as "in-shoe package exchange operation").

[0029] When performing the above-mentioned shoe package exchange operation, a cover (3) provided on the upper part of the card receiving section (2) is opened and closed, and a cover opening / closing detection sensor (3s) that detects the opening and closing may be provided in the card receiving section (2), etc. Additionally, an input interface (not described) indicating the end of use of the shuffle playing card (1), the start of use of a new shuffle playing card (1), and the start or end of the shoe exchange operation may be provided separately. Also, when the use of a new shuffle playing card (1) begins, drawing out a predetermined number of cards initially and discarding them without using them in the game is generally called burning, and the control unit (10) may be configured to perform settings or detection regarding this burning. Additionally, when performing the above-mentioned shoe exchange operation, the power of the card shooter device (S) is turned on and / or turned off, and the control unit (10) may detect the on / off of the power.

[0030] A management control unit (14) used in the table game system of the present invention will be explained using FIG. 1. When a shuffle playing card (1) is drawn from the card shooter device (S), the management control unit (14) receives a signal from the card detection unit (7) indicating that the shuffle playing card (1) has been drawn, and based on the received signal, measures how many cards have been drawn in each game. In addition, it receives a signal from the result output control unit (12) indicating that the output of the game's win / loss judgment result has been started and / or stopped.

[0031] In addition, the management control unit (14) may be configured to receive a signal indicating that the cut card (1c) and a predetermined number of burning cards have been withdrawn from the card detection unit (7) in relation to the package exchange operation within the shoe, and to receive a signal indicating that the cover (3) has changed from a closed state to an open state and from an open state to a closed state from a sensor (3s) that detects the opening and closing of the cover (3) provided on the upper part of the card receiving unit (2), and to receive an input signal indicating the end of use of the shuffle playing card (1), the start of use of a new shuffle playing card (1), the start or end of the package exchange operation within the shoe, and the start of betting on a new game from a separately provided input interface. In addition, the management control unit (14) may be configured to detect that the power of the card shooter device (S) has been turned on and / or off. Additionally, the management control unit (14) may further include a package exchange detection unit (not shown) that receives a signal related to the package exchange operation within the shoe, and the management control unit (14) may be configured to receive a signal indicating the start or end of the package exchange operation within the shoe from the package exchange detection unit, and the package exchange detection unit may also be provided outside the management control unit (14).

[0032] The above management control unit (14) is configured to imprint the time (time) when receiving the above signal as the time of occurrence of each specific event and to store it together with the content of the above signal, and automatically measures the time between at least two of the stored times of occurrence of specific events. Below, the time measured or calculated by the above management control unit (14) in one or more games, and the content of the analysis performed based on the measured or calculated time during the period up to before and after the package exchange operation within the shoe, will be described. In addition, the measured or calculated time and the content of the above signal are recorded in the memory (14M) of the above management control unit (14), and are also transmitted from the transmission unit (14o) to the backyard (208), and can be usefully used for reviewing countermeasures, etc. In addition, the output unit (11) or side monitor (13) of the above card shooter device (S) connected to the above management control unit (14) via wired or wireless connection, and can also be output to a separately provided monitor (not shown).

[0033] As shown in FIG. 7, the management control unit (14) measures the time described below for each game.

[0034] (1) A “dealing time Ax” is measured based on a signal indicating that the shuffle playing card (1) has been drawn, received from the card detection unit (7), starting at the time of drawing the first card and ending at the time of drawing the fourth card.

[0035] (2) The time of drawing the 4th card is used as the starting time, and the time of starting the output of the win / loss judgment result is used as the ending time, based on the signal indicating that the output of the win / loss judgment result of the game received from the result output control unit (12). (The result output control unit (12) that controls the start and stop of result output may be a result output start control unit and a result output stop control unit separately for start and stop, or they may be the same.)

[0036] (3) A “settlement time By” is measured, starting at the time when the output of the win / loss judgment result is started, based on a signal indicating that the output of the win / loss judgment result has started, which is received from the result output control unit (12), and ending at the time when the output of the win / loss judgment result is stopped, which is measured based on a signal indicating that the output of the win / loss judgment result has stopped.

[0037] (4) In the previous game, the time of stopping the output of the win / loss judgment result, measured based on the signal indicating that the output of the win / loss judgment result has stopped, received from the result output control unit (12), is used as the start time, and the time of drawing the first card in this game is used as the end time for measuring the “betting time Bx”.

[0038] In addition, the above dealing time Ax and players' time Ay are different from the other settlement time By and betting time Bx in that they are not significantly related to the number of guests (players) and can serve as important indicators for evaluating the performance of the dealer (D). Therefore, the position determination of these is distinguished, and the time summing the former dealing time Ax and players' time Ay is hereinafter referred to as "play time A (Ax+Ay)," and the time summing the latter settlement time By and betting time Bx is referred to as "non-play time B (Bx+By)." Furthermore, the time from the beginning to the end of one game, which is the sum of the above dealing time Ax, players' time Ay, settlement time By, and betting time Bx, is hereinafter referred to as "game time G." In addition, the above management control unit (14) can also measure or calculate "play time A (Ax+Ay)," "non-play time B (Bx+By)," and "game time G" as described below.

[0039] (5) A “play time A (Ax+Ay)” is measured, starting at the time of drawing the first card, measured based on a signal indicating that the shuffle playing card (1) received from the card detection unit (7), and ending at the time of starting the output of the win / loss judgment result, measured based on a signal indicating that the output of the game win / loss judgment result received from the result output control unit (12).

[0040] (6) Add up the measured “dealing time Ax” and “players time Ay” to calculate “play time A(Ax+Ay)”.

[0041] (7) Add up the measured “settlement time By” and “betting time Bx” to calculate “time other than play B(Bx+By)”.

[0042] (8) In the previous game, the time at which the output of the win / loss judgment result is stopped is measured based on the signal indicating that the output of the win / loss judgment result is stopped, which is received from the result output control unit (12), is set as the start time, and the time at which the output of the win / loss judgment result is stopped is measured based on the signal indicating that the output of the win / loss judgment result of this game is stopped is set as the end time, and the “game time G” is measured based on the signal indicating that the output of the win / loss judgment result of this game is stopped.

[0043] (9) Calculate “game time G” by adding the measured “play time A (Ax+Ay)” and “non-play time B (Bx+By)”.

[0044] (10) Calculate “Game Time G” by adding the measured “Dealing Time Ax”, “Players Time Ay”, “Settlement Time By”, and “Betting Time Bx”.

[0045] (11) In addition, the management control unit (14) may be configured to measure “time other than play B (Bx+By)” by starting the time of start of output of the win / loss judgment result, measured based on a signal indicating that the output of the win / loss judgment result has started, received from the result output control unit (12), and ending the time of draw of the first card in the next game.

[0046] By using the “dealing time Ax”, “players time Ay”, “settlement time By”, “betting time Bx”, “play time A(Ax+Ay)”, “non-play time B(Bx+By)”, and “game time G” in the game measured by the above management control unit (14), the ratio of one of the items to the other (the ratio of one time to the other time when based on one time) can be calculated and analyzed, and it can be usefully used for countermeasures, such as providing guidance on “dealing” to a dealer whose ratio of “dealing time” to “game time” is high. In addition, by measuring the “dealing time Ax,” “players time Ay,” “settlement time By,” “betting time Bx,” “play time A(Ax+Ay),” “non-play time B(Bx+By),” and “game time G” across multiple games, an average value (time obtained by dividing the sum of each of these times across multiple games by the number of games) can be calculated. Here, the number of games can be determined, for example, by counting the number of times a counter (not shown) provided by the management control unit (14) detects the start or end of a game. Furthermore, in addition to calculating the total time or average time for each dealer (D), the total time or average time of multiple dealers (D) can be calculated, and the calculation results can be compared, for example, by each casino floor or by time period, thereby obtaining information regarding floors that tend to have longer settlement times. In addition, it is expected that there will be a difference in the time taken for the game due to fatigue of the dealer (D) or the customer (player) (C) during the day and night. For example, it is possible to analyze details such as whether the cause is that the customer (player) (C)’s “betting time Bx” is longer at night, or whether the dealer (D)’s “dealing time Ax” also tends to be longer.Additionally, based on data regarding how long "dealing time Ax," "players' time Ay," "settlement time By," "betting time Bx," "play time A(Ax+Ay)," "non-play time B(Bx+By)," and "game time G" each take, which the casino has identified based on past experience or performance, the management control unit (14) can set a corresponding standard reference time. When the set standard reference time is exceeded, the management control unit (14) can transmit a signal to the card shooter (S) or backyard (208), display an indication that the standard reference time has been exceeded on the output unit (11) or side monitor (13) of the card shooter (S), and record that the standard reference time has been exceeded in memory (14M).

[0047] In addition, the memory (14M) of the above management control unit (14) stores rules of the baccarat game or matters to be detected as predetermined errors, and the above management control unit (14) detects rule violations or predetermined error states in the game, transmits a signal to the card shooter (S) or backyard (208), displays an indication that an error state has been detected on the output unit (11) of the card shooter (S) or the side monitor (13), and can also record that an error state has been detected in the memory (14M). In addition, the error state is, for example, the following state.

[0048] (a) In each game, after the win / loss is determined by the win / loss determination unit (9) and before the output of the win / loss determination result is initiated by the output unit (11), if the shuffle playing card (1) is further drawn out from the card shooter device (S) or is drawn out

[0049] (b) In each game, after the output of the win / loss determination result by the output unit (11) has started, and before the output of the win / loss determination result has stopped, if the shuffle playing card (1) is further drawn out from the card shooter device (S) or has been drawn out

[0050] (c) When the shuffle playing card (1) is withdrawn from the card shooter device (S), if the shuffle playing card (1) has stayed near the opening (6) for a predetermined amount of time or longer, or if the shuffle playing card (1) has moved in the reverse direction of the withdrawal direction (F) (see FIG. 12).

[0051] (d) When the shuffle playing card (1) is drawn from the card shooter device (S), if the reading result of the shuffle playing card (1) by the card reading unit (8) does not satisfy a predetermined standard, or if it is not read by the card reading unit (8)

[0052] In addition, the above management control unit (14) can detect that it has recovered from the above error state, calculate the error recovery time from the time of detecting the above error state to the time of detecting that it has recovered from the above error state, and record the calculation result in memory (14M). In addition, the recovery from the error state is, for example, the following state.

[0053] (a) A state in which the output of the win / loss determination result is initiated by the output unit (11) (after the win / loss determination unit (9) determines the win / loss in each game, and before the output of the win / loss determination result is initiated by the output unit (11), the shuffle playing card (1) is further drawn from the card shooter device (S), or in response to an error in the case where it is drawn)

[0054] (b) A state in which the output of the win / loss judgment result is stopped by the output unit (11) (in each game, after the output of the win / loss judgment result is initiated by the output unit (11) and before the output of the win / loss judgment result is stopped, the shuffle playing card (1) is further drawn from the card shooter device (S), or in response to an error in the case where it is drawn)

[0055] (c) (in response to an error in which, when the shuffle playing card (1) is drawn from the card shooter device (S), the shuffle playing card (1) stays near the opening (6) for a predetermined amount of time or longer, or moves in the reverse direction of the drawing direction (F) (see FIG. 12), or in response to an error in which, when the shuffle playing card (1) is drawn from the card shooter device (S), the reading result of the shuffle playing card (1) by the card reading unit (8) does not satisfy a predetermined standard, or is not read by the card reading unit (8)) a state in which a successor shuffle playing card (1) is drawn from the card shooter device (S) as a continuation of the game.

[0056] (d) A state in which an input signal indicating recovery from the error state is received by a reset switch (not shown) provided in the card shooter device (S) or the management control unit (14), or provided separately from them.

[0057] Additionally, the management control unit (14) is provided with a mode switching unit (14s) for switching to a time-measurement exclusion mode, which does not measure the time between the occurrence of a specific item stored after receiving a signal. While the time-measurement exclusion mode is switched by the operation of a dealer (D), etc., that is, the time from the time the time-measurement exclusion mode is switched by the mode switching unit (14s) to the time the normal mode is restored is calculated as the time-measurement exclusion time, and the "dealing time Ax," "players' time Ay," "settlement time By," "betting time Bx," "play time A(Ax+Ay)," "non-play time B(Bx+By)," and "game time G" are also measured by excluding them from the "error recovery time." For example, in the case of a time when the game is not started due to the absence of a customer (player) (C) (a time called "time waiting for a customer EX," during which the previous game has ended including settlement and the time has started to be measured as the betting time for the next game by the management control unit (14)), the dealer (D) can operate the mode switching unit (14s) to switch to a time measurement exclusion mode, thereby preventing the situation in which the time is included in the aforementioned "betting time Bx," "time other than play B(Bx+By)," and "game time G." Additionally, the mode switching unit (14s) may be provided separately from the card shooter device (S) or the above.

[0058] Next, the time measured by the management control unit (14) during the period from the point in time when the "in-shoe package exchange operation" is completed, that is, the point in time when the use of a new shuffle playing card set (1s) begins, until the use of the shuffle playing card set (1s) ends, the "in-shoe package exchange operation" is performed again, and the "in-shoe package exchange operation" is completed is described (see FIG. 8).

[0059] (1) The time taken to start is based on receiving a signal indicating the end of the package exchange operation within the shoe or turning on the power of the card shooter device (S), and the time taken to end is based on receiving a signal indicating the start of the package exchange operation within the shoe or turning off the power of the card shooter device. The “time taken to use a shuffle playing card in a 1-package unit or 1-set unit” is measured.

[0060] (2) A “shoe package exchange time SC” is measured, starting at the time measured based on receiving a signal indicating the start of the shoe package exchange operation or the power of the card shooter device being turned off, and ending at the time measured based on receiving a signal indicating the end of the shoe package exchange operation or the power of the card shooter device being turned on.

[0061] In addition, the signal indicating the initiation of the package exchange operation within the shoe mentioned above is, for example, the following signal.

[0062] (a) A signal received from a sensor (3s) that detects the opening and closing of a cover (3) provided on the upper part of the card receiving portion (2) of the card shooter device (S), indicating that the cover (3) has changed from a closed state to an open state.

[0063] (b) A signal indicating the cessation of output of the win / loss judgment result of a game in which a cut card (1c) inserted into a shuffle playing card (1s) stored in the card receiving part (2) was drawn, or a predetermined number of times after the cut card (1c) was drawn.

[0064] (c) A signal indicating that after the cut card (1c) is withdrawn from the cover opening / closing detection sensor (3s), the cover (3) provided on the upper part of the card receiving portion (2) has been opened from a closed state.

[0065] (d) An input signal received from a separately provided input interface (not shown) indicating the end of use of the shuffle playing card or the start of a package exchange operation within the shoe.

[0066] In addition, the signal indicating the termination of the package exchange operation within the shoe mentioned above is, for example, the following signal.

[0067] (e) A signal received from a sensor (3s) that detects the opening and closing of the cover (3) provided on the upper part of the card receiving portion (2) of the card shooter device (S), indicating that the cover (3) has changed from an open state to a closed state.

[0068] (f) A signal indicating that a predetermined number of shuffle playing cards (1) (burning cards) have appeared from the card shooter device (S).

[0069] (g) A signal indicating that betting on the game has begun

[0070] (h) An input signal indicating the start of use of a shuffled playing card or the end of a package exchange operation within the shoe, received from a separately provided input interface (not shown).

[0071] By using the “usage time GT of shuffle playing cards in 1 package unit or 1 set unit” and “package exchange time SC within the shoe” measured by the above management control unit (14), the mutual ratio of these (the ratio of the time of the other one when based on the time of one one) can be calculated and analyzed, for example, and can be usefully used for countermeasures, such as providing guidance on “package exchange work within the shoe” to dealers (D) whose ratio of “package exchange time SC within the shoe” to “usage time GT of shuffle playing cards in 1 package unit or 1 set unit” is high.

[0072] In addition, regarding the period from when the “in-shoe package exchange operation” is completed, that is, when the use of a new shuffle playing card set (1s) begins, until the use of the shuffle playing card set (1s) ends and the “in-shoe package exchange operation” is performed again, the detailed time that the management control unit (14) further measures and calculates is described (see FIG. 9).

[0073] (1) The time taken to start is based on receiving a signal indicating the end of the package exchange operation within the shoe or turning on the power of the card shooter device (S), and the time taken to end is based on receiving a signal indicating the start of the package exchange operation within the shoe or turning off the power of the card shooter device. The “time taken to use a shuffle playing card in a 1-package unit or 1-set unit” is measured.

[0074] In addition, the signal indicating the initiation of the package exchange operation within the shoe mentioned above is, for example, the following signal.

[0075] (a) A signal received from a sensor (3s) that detects the opening and closing of a cover (3) provided on the upper part of the card receiving portion (2) of the card shooter device (S), indicating that the cover (3) has changed from a closed state to an open state.

[0076] (b) A signal indicating the cessation of output of the win / loss judgment result of a game in which a cut card (1c) inserted into a shuffle playing card (1s) stored in the card receiving part (2) was drawn, or a predetermined number of times after the cut card (1c) was drawn.

[0077] (c) A signal indicating that after the cut card (1c) is withdrawn from the cover opening / closing detection sensor (3s), the cover (3) provided on the upper part of the card receiving portion (2) has been opened from a closed state.

[0078] (d) An input signal received from a separately provided input interface (not shown) indicating the end of use of the shuffle playing card or the start of a package exchange operation within the shoe.

[0079] In addition, the signal indicating the termination of the package exchange operation within the shoe mentioned above is, for example, the following signal.

[0080] (e) A signal received from a sensor (3s) that detects the opening and closing of the cover (3) provided on the upper part of the card receiving portion (2) of the card shooter device (S), indicating that the cover (3) has changed from an open state to a closed state.

[0081] (f) A signal indicating that a predetermined number of shuffle playing cards (1) (burning cards) have appeared from the card shooter device (S).

[0082] (g) A signal indicating that betting on the game has begun

[0083] (h) An input signal received from a separately provided input interface (not shown) indicating the start of use of the shuffle playing card or the end of the package exchange operation in the shoe.

[0084] (2) A “dealing time Ax” is measured based on a signal indicating that the shuffle playing card (1) has appeared, received from the card detection unit (7), starting from the time of drawing the first card and ending at the time of drawing the fourth card, and a total time, average time, and variance (value representing the deviation of the data) are calculated for the “dealing time Ax” of each game in the “usage time GT of shuffle playing cards in one package or one set.” Here, the total time is the time obtained by adding up the “dealing time Ax” of each game of all games (e.g., games 1 to 73 in FIG. 9) performed in the “usage time GT of shuffle playing cards in one package or one set,” and the average time is the time obtained by dividing the total time by the number of games (e.g., “73 games” in FIG. 9). The number of games mentioned above can be determined, for example, by a counter (not shown) further provided by the management control unit (14) that detects the start or end of a game or measures the number of times the “dealing time Ax” is measured. In addition, the variance is a numerical value representing the deviation of the data, calculated using the difference between the “dealing time Ax” of each game and the average time. Furthermore, by using these values ​​to display how the “dealing time Ax” of each game changes as the game is played repeatedly using a graph or table, the trend or distribution can be determined.

[0085] (3) The time of drawing the fourth card is used as the starting time, and the time of the start of the output of the win / loss judgment result is used as the end time. The time of the start of the output of the win / loss judgment result is measured based on the signal indicating that the output of the win / loss judgment result of the game received from the result output control unit (12). The total time, average time, and variance are calculated for each game's "Player's Time Ay" in the "time of use of shuffle playing cards in one package or one set," and are used for detailed analysis (such as identifying trends or distributions) and consideration of countermeasures.

[0086] (4) A “settlement time By” is measured based on a signal indicating that the output of the win / loss judgment result has started, which is received from the result output control unit (12), and the time of the output of the win / loss judgment result has stopped, which is measured based on a signal indicating that the output of the win / loss judgment result has stopped, which is then measured, and the “settlement time By” for each game in the “usage time of a shuffle playing card in a package unit or a set unit” is calculated in the same way, and the total time, average time, and variance are calculated and used for detailed analysis (such as identifying trends or distributions) and consideration of countermeasures.

[0087] (5) In the previous game, the time of stopping the output of the win / loss judgment result, measured based on the signal indicating that the output of the win / loss judgment result has stopped, is used as the start time, and the time of drawing the first card in this game is used as the end time. Then, for the "time of use of shuffle playing cards in one package or one set" of each game, the total time, average time, and variance are calculated in the same way, and used for detailed analysis (such as identifying trends or distributions) and consideration of countermeasures.

[0088] (6) A “play time A (Ax+Ay)” is measured, starting from the time of drawing the first card, measured based on a signal indicating that the shuffle playing card (1) received from the card detection unit (7), and ending from the time of starting the output of the win / loss judgment result, measured based on a signal indicating that the output of the game win / loss judgment result received from the result output control unit (12). For the “play time A (Ax+Ay)” of each game in the “usage time of shuffle playing cards in one package unit or one set unit,” the total time, average time, and variance are calculated in the same way and used for detailed analysis (such as identifying trends or distributions) and consideration of countermeasures.

[0089] (7) The measured “settlement time By” and “betting time Bx” are all added together to calculate “non-play time B (Bx+By)”, and for the “non-play time B (Bx+By)” of each game in the “time of use of shuffled playing cards in 1 package unit or 1 set unit”, the total time, average time, and variance are calculated in the same way and used for detailed analysis (identifying trends or distributions, etc.) and consideration of countermeasures.

[0090] (8) In the previous game, the time of the stop of the output of the win / loss judgment result, measured based on the signal indicating that the output of the win / loss judgment result has stopped, received from the result output control unit (12), is used as the start time, and the time of the stop of the output of the win / loss judgment result, measured based on the signal indicating that the output of the win / loss judgment result of this game has stopped, is used as the end time. Then, for the "game time G" of each game in the "time of use of shuffle playing cards in 1 package unit or 1 set unit," the total time, average time, and variance are calculated in the same way and used for detailed analysis (such as identifying trends or distributions) and consideration of countermeasures.

[0091] In addition, the memory (14M) of the management control unit (14) stores rules of the baccarat game or predetermined matters to be detected as errors, and the management control unit (14) detects rule violations in the game or predetermined error states, transmits information regarding the number and content of the detected errors in the “usage time GT of shuffle playing cards in 1 package unit or 1 set unit” to the card shooter device (S) or backyard (208), displays it on the output unit (11) or side monitor (13) of the card shooter (S), and can also record the detected error state and the number and content of the errors in the memory (14M). Here, the number of errors may be configured to be detected by, for example, a counter (not shown) further provided by the management control unit (14). In addition, the content of the error state is, for example, the following state.

[0092] (a) In each game, after the win / loss is determined by the win / loss determination unit (9) and before the output of the win / loss determination result is initiated by the output unit (11), if the shuffle playing card (1) is further drawn out from the card shooter device (S) or is drawn out

[0093] (b) In each game, after the output of the win / loss determination result by the output unit (11) has started, and before the output of the win / loss determination result has stopped, if the shuffle playing card (1) is further drawn out from the card shooter device (S) or has been drawn out

[0094] (c) When the shuffle playing card (1) is withdrawn from the card shooter device (S), if the shuffle playing card (1) has stayed near the opening (6) for a predetermined amount of time or longer, or if the shuffle playing card (1) has moved in the reverse direction of the withdrawal direction (F) (see FIG. 12).

[0095] (d) When the shuffle playing card (1) is drawn from the card shooter device (S), if the reading result of the shuffle playing card (1) by the card reading unit (8) does not satisfy a predetermined standard, or if it is not read by the card reading unit (8)

[0096] In addition, the above management control unit (14) detects that it has recovered from the above error state, and in the “usage time GT of shuffle playing cards in 1 package unit or 1 set unit,” calculates the error recovery time from the time when the above error state is detected to the time when it has recovered from the above error state, and also calculates the total time, average time, and variance for the above error recovery time, and can also record the calculation results in memory (14M) and use them for detailed analysis (identifying trends or distributions, etc.) and consideration of countermeasures. Here, the total time is the time obtained by adding up all the above error recovery times calculated in the “usage time GT of shuffle playing cards in 1 package unit or 1 set unit,” and the average time is the value obtained by dividing the total time of the above error recovery times by the number of errors. In addition, the variance is a numerical value representing the deviation of the data calculated using the difference between each above error recovery time and the above average time when the error state occurs. In addition, by using these figures to display how error recovery time changes as recovery from errors is repeated using graphs or tables, trends and distributions can be identified. Furthermore, by identifying how the number and nature of errors, as well as error recovery time, change as the game progresses, one can determine error trends and the extent to which countermeasures are helpful. Additionally, recovery from an error state is, for example, the following states.

[0097] (a) A state in which the output of the win / loss determination result is initiated by the output unit (11) (after the win / loss determination unit (9) determines the win / loss in each game, and before the output of the win / loss determination result is initiated by the output unit (11), the shuffle playing card (1) is further drawn from the card shooter device (S), or in response to an error in the case where it is drawn)

[0098] (b) A state in which the output of the win / loss judgment result is stopped by the output unit (11) (in each game, after the output of the win / loss judgment result is initiated by the output unit (11) and before the output of the win / loss judgment result is stopped, the shuffle playing card (1) is further drawn from the card shooter device (S), or in response to an error in the case where it is drawn)

[0099] (c) (in response to an error in which, when the shuffle playing card (1) is drawn from the card shooter device (S), the shuffle playing card (1) stays near the opening (6) for a predetermined amount of time or longer, or moves in the reverse direction of the drawing direction (F) (see FIG. 12), or in response to an error in which, when the shuffle playing card (1) is drawn from the card shooter device (S), the reading result of the shuffle playing card (1) by the card reading unit (8) does not satisfy a predetermined standard, or is not read by the card reading unit (8)) a state in which a successor shuffle playing card (1) is drawn from the card shooter device (S) as a continuation of the game.

[0100] (d) A state in which an input signal indicating recovery from the error state is received by a reset switch (not shown) provided in the card shooter device (S) or the management control unit (14), or provided separately from them.

[0101] By using the “total time or average time of dealing time Ax,” “total time or average time of players’ time Ay,” “total time or average time of settlement time By,” “total time or average time of betting time Bx,” “total time or average time of play time A (Ax+Ay),” “total time or average time of non-play time B (Bx+By),” and “total time or average time of game time G,” as well as “in-shoe package exchange time SC” and “total time or average time of error recovery time,” the ratios of multiple items among these can be calculated and analyzed, and can be used effectively for countermeasures. For example, for a dealer (D) whose ratio of “average time of error recovery time” to “average time of game time G” is large, it can be used effectively for countermeasures such as providing guidance or training regarding error recovery. In addition, by measuring and comparing each dealer (D), the results of the “total time or average time of game time G” can be usefully applied to evaluate the performance of each dealer (D). Furthermore, by calculating the number of errors generated by each dealer (D), measures to prevent errors and performance evaluation can be usefully applied.

[0102] Additionally, based on data regarding how long each of the following takes—"dealing time Ax," "players' time Ay," "settlement time By," "betting time Bx," "play time A(Ax+Ay)," "non-play time B(Bx+By)," "game time G," "in-shoe package exchange time SC," and "total time or average time of the above error recovery time"—is determined by the casino based on past experience or performance, the management control unit (14) can set a corresponding standard reference time. When the set standard reference time is exceeded, or when the average of each of these calculated by the management control unit (14) in multiple games exceeds the set standard reference time, the management control unit (14) transmits a signal to the card shooter (S) or backyard (208), displays an indication that the standard reference time has been exceeded on the output unit (11) or side monitor (13) of the card shooter (S), and records that the standard reference time has been exceeded in memory (14M). For example, if a dealer exceeds the standard reference time when the average of the “game time G” at the end of 10 games, the side monitor (14) of the card shooter device (S) displays that the average of the “game time G” has exceeded the standard reference time, and measures can be taken to advance the time of subsequent games. Additionally, the fact that the average of the “game time G” has exceeded the standard reference time is transmitted to the backyard (208), and personnel waiting at the backyard (208) can investigate the cause or review countermeasures on the spot.

[0103] The identification of the dealer (D) can be performed by a management control unit (14), a card shooter device (S), or a dealer ID detection means (not shown) provided separately from these. The dealer ID detection means is configured to read an ID code identifying the dealer (D) assigned to the dealer's name tag, etc. In addition, as another embodiment, it may be configured to input a number or alphabet identifying the dealer (D). The identification information of the detected dealer (D) is stored together with, or associated with, the time between the occurrence times of specific events measured by the management control unit (14).

[0104] In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, in the table game system, a surveillance camera (212) for monitoring the betting area (BA) of the game table (4) is installed on the upper part of the game table (4), and the management control unit (14) is connected via wired or wireless connection to a betting area detection means (not shown) that detects chips (W) placed in the betting area (BA) based on information from the surveillance camera (212). And the management control unit (14) detects,

[0105] (1) Whether chips (W) are being bet on the player area of ​​the betting area (BA)

[0106] (2) Whether chips (W) are being bet on the banker area of ​​the betting area (BA)

[0107] Based on the information regarding, "whether only the player's hand (including the 1st and 3rd cards, and also the 5th and 6th cards) is squeezed by the guest (player) (C), whether only the banker's hand (including the 2nd and 4th cards, and also the 5th and 6th cards) is squeezed, or whether both hands are squeezed by the guest (player) (C)," that is, "whether the hands squeezed by the guest (player) (C) are of one type (only the player's hand or only the banker's hand) or two types (both the player's hand and the banker's hand)." Squeezing is an action that is interesting for a guest (player) (C) in a baccarat game, and since some guests (players) (C) spend time on this squeeze, the squeeze time may have a significant impact on “player time Ay,” “play time A(Ax+Ay),” and “game time G.” Here, the management control unit (14) stores information regarding the squeeze in relation to “player time Ay,” “play time A(Ax+Ay),” and “game time G.”

[0108] In addition, the above management control unit (14) is configured to calculate the number of guests (players) (C) participating in the game among guests around the game table (4) from the information of chips (W) placed in the betting area (BA) detected by the betting area detection means (not shown). The number of guests (players) (C) may have a significant impact on "betting time Bx", "settlement time By", "non-play time B(Bx+By)", and "game time G". For example, in the case of 1 guest (player) (C) versus 6 guests, the time required for "betting time Bx" and "settlement time By" will inevitably be different. Here, the above management control unit (14) stores information regarding the number of guests (players) (C) in relation to "betting time Bx", "settlement time By", "non-play time B(Bx+By)", and "game time G". By storing "betting time Bx", "settlement time By", "time other than play B(Bx+By)", and "game time G" separately for each number of guests (players) (C), a more precise analysis of game time can be performed.

[0109] In addition, the structure of the management control unit (14) is described. FIG. 10 shows a side view of a card shooter device (S) and a management control unit (14) connected to the card shooter device (S) in an embodiment of the present invention. The management control unit (14) is included in a box-shaped device (300), and the box-shaped device (300) is structured to be detachable from the rear of the card shooter device (S). The management control unit (14) is connected via wired or wireless connection to a control unit (10) including a win / loss judgment unit (9), an output unit (11), a result output control unit (12), and a side monitor (13) in the card shooter device (S). Additionally, the box-shaped device (300) is equipped with a barcode reader (301) that reads a barcode (BC) assigned to a package (PA) of a shuffle playing card (1) to be used next, a lock button (302) that stops the operation of the management control unit (14), releases the stop, and switches the operation, a lock release button (303), a key switch (304), a power switch (305) that turns the power of the management control unit (14) on and off, and a power connector (306), each of which is connected to the management control unit (14) via a wired or wireless connection. Additionally, the barcode reader (301) may be configured to also serve as a dealer ID detection means, and the power switch (305) and power connector (306) may also serve as a power switch and power connector of the card shooter device (S). By combining the power switch (305) and the power connector (306) with the power switch and power connector of the card shooter device (S), the card shooter device (S) can be prevented from being used while the power of the management control unit (14) is turned off, thereby increasing security. In addition, as another embodiment of the present invention, the management control unit (14) may be configured internally within the card shooter device (S), or may be included in the control unit (10) of the card shooter device (S).

[0110] Finally, details of the card detection unit (7) and card reading unit (8), which read a code C representing the rank (number) of the card (1) from the card (1) when the card (1) is withdrawn from the card receiving unit (2), are explained with reference to FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 12, the card detection unit (7) includes object detection sensors (122, 123), and the card reading unit (8) includes ultraviolet reaction sensors (UV sensors) (120, 121). FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the card detection unit (7) and card reading unit (8) at the tip of the card shooter device (S) in an exposed state. In FIG. 12, the card detection unit (7) and card reading unit (8) are provided in a card guide unit (5) that guides the card (1), which is withdrawn one by one from the front opening (6) of the card storage unit (2), onto the game table (4). The card guide section (5) is an inclined surface, and card guide covers (114) that also serve as sensor covers are mounted on the edges of both sides. Additionally, each of the two card guide covers (114) can be attached and detached using screws, etc. (not shown). When the card guide (114) is removed, four sensors of the card detection section (7) and the card reading section (8) are exposed. The four sensors consist of two ultraviolet reaction sensors (UV sensors) (120, 121) and object detection sensors (122, 123).

[0111] The object detection sensors (122, 123) are optical fiber type sensors that detect the presence or absence of the card (1) and can detect the movement of the card (1). The object detection sensor (122) is located on the upstream side of the card guide section (5) following the flow direction (arrow (F)) of the card (1), and the other object detection sensor (123) is located on the downstream side. As shown in FIG. 12, both object detection sensors (122, 123) are provided on the upstream and downstream sides with UV sensors (120, 121) in between. The UV sensors (120, 121) are equipped with an LED (UV LED) that emits ultraviolet light and a detector. The card (1) has a mark (M) of Code C printed on it, which has ultraviolet light-emitting ink that emits color when exposed to ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light (black light) is irradiated onto the card (1), and the reflected light of the mark (M) of Code C on the card (1) is detected by a detector. The UV sensors (120, 121) are connected to the card detection unit (7), the card reading unit (8), and the control unit (10) via a cable. In the card detection unit (7) and the card reading unit (8), the combination of the mark (M) is determined from the output signal of the detector of the UV sensors (120, 121), and the number (rank) corresponding to each Code C is determined.

[0112] The card detection unit (7) and the card reading unit (8) control the start and end of reading by the UV sensors (120, 121) based on the detection signal of the object detection sensors (122, 123) by the control unit (10). Additionally, the control unit (10) determines whether the card (1) has passed through the card guide unit (5) normally based on the detection signal of the object detection sensors (122, 123). As shown in FIG. 11, square marks (M) indicating the rank (number) and suit (heart or spade, etc.) of the card are arranged in 2 columns and 4 rows on the edge of the card (1). When the UV sensors (120, 121) detect the marks (M), they output an ON signal. The card detection unit (7) and the card reading unit (8) determine the relative relationship between the two signals input from the two UV sensors (120, 121). By this, the card detection unit (7) and the card reading unit (8) identify the code based on the relative difference between two marks (M) detected by two UV sensors (120, 121), and identify the number (rank) and type (suit) of the corresponding card (1).

[0113] FIG. 13 illustrates the relationship between Code C and the output of the ON signal of two UV sensors (120, 121). Based on the comparison result of the relative change in the output of the ON signal of the UV sensors (120, 121), a predetermined combination of marks (M) can be identified. Consequently, there are 4 types of combinations of marks (M) in the upper and lower two columns, and if this is printed in 4 columns, 256 types of codes can be formed by raising 4 types to the power of 4. 52 types of playing cards are each assigned to one of the 256 types of codes, and this is stored in memory or a program as a comparison table. The card detection unit (7) and the card reading unit (8) are configured such that by identifying each Code C, the number (rank) and type (suit) of the card (1) are identified from a predetermined comparison table (not shown). In addition, since the 256 types of codes can be freely combined with 52 types of cards and can be remembered using a comparison table, the combinations can be made complex, and the combinations of the 256 types of codes and 52 types of cards can be changed depending on the time or place. The codes are preferably printed with a paint that becomes visible when exposed to ultraviolet light, and are printed in a position that does not overlap with the card type markings or indexes.

[0114] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments may be modified by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention, and the device of the present embodiment may be appropriately modified to meet the needs of the game to which it is applied. Explanation of the symbols

[0115] 1: Shuffle playing cards 1s: Shuffle playing card set 1c: Cut card 2: Card Reception Section 3: Cover 3s: Cover opening / closing detection sensor 4: Game Table 5: Card Guide Section 6: Opening 7: Card detection unit (card detection sensor) 8: Card Reading Section 9: Win / Loss Judgment Division 10: Control unit 10M: Memory 11: Output section 12: Result Output Control Unit 13: Side monitor 14: Management Control Unit 14M: Memory 14o: Transmitter 14s: Mode switching section 100: Code 114: Sensor cover 120: UV-responsive sensor 121: UV-responsive sensor 122: Object detection sensor 123: Object detection sensor 201: Chair 205: Factory 206: Casino 207: Management Department 207b: Database 208: Backyard 209: Car 210: Cabinet 212: Surveillance Camera 260: Monitor Display 300: Box-type device 301: Barcode reader 302: Lock button 303: Unlock button 304: Key Switch 305: Power switch 306: Power connector BA: Betting Area BC: Barcode C: Guest (Player) CA: Carton D: Dealer F: Card withdrawal direction I: ID code M: Mark PA: Package R: Barcode reader S: Card shooter device W: Betting money Z: Cut line A: Playtime Ax: Dealing time Ay: Players' Time B: Time other than play Bx: Betting time By: Settlement Time EX: Time spent waiting for customers G: Game time GT: Usage time for 1 package or 1 set of shuffled playing cards SC: Shu package exchange time

Claims

Claim 1 A table game system comprising: a game item detection device configured to detect game items placed on a game table; a management control unit configured to recognize that any one of a plurality of events in a card game has occurred based on the detection result of the game items, and to measure the time between at least two specific events based on the time of occurrence of the specific events in the card game, and to measure the time between the time between the at least two specific events as the time excluded from measurement as the time between the time between the at least two specific events, and a mode switching unit configured to switch the mode to the time excluded from measurement when the card game is not started, wherein in the time excluded from measurement mode, the management control unit stops measuring the time between the at least two specific events. Claim 2 A table game system according to claim 1, wherein the management control unit is configured to set a corresponding standard reference time for at least one of a measured dealing time, players' time, betting settlement time, betting time, play time, time other than play, and game time, and to output that any measured time exceeds the standard reference time. Claim 3 A table game system according to claim 1, wherein the management control unit is also configured to calculate an average time for at least one of a measured dealing time, players' time, betting settlement time, betting time, play time, non-play time, and game time in a plurality of games. Claim 4 A table game system according to claim 1, wherein the management control unit is configured to calculate a ratio based on at least one of measured dealing time, players' time, betting settlement time, betting time, play time, time other than play, and game time. Claim 5 A table game system according to claim 1, wherein the management control unit is configured to exclude the measured measurement exclusion time from at least one of the betting time, non-play time, and game time in a game immediately after switching to the time measurement exclusion mode.

Images