Method for shuffling playing cards

Abstract

Conventional shuffling systems present the problem of the possibility of shuffling-related information being stolen or divulged as the result of illicit access to the CPU, etc., information on the shuffled cards being illicitly obtained therefrom, and illicit actions being performed. The shuffling system according to the present invention provides a system comprising a plurality of shuffling devices connected in series, and a plurality of independent CPUs connected to each of the plurality of shuffling devices; wherein the CPUs are used to shuffle cards across each of the plurality of shuffling devices to randomize the order of the cards, so that, even if information related to the shuffling performed by the shuffling devices is stolen as the result of illicit access to the CPUs or the like, it is more difficult to identify the cards to which the shuffling information applies over all of the shuffling devices, thereby reducing the risk of the order of the shuffled cards being ascertained.

Description

Method of shuffling playing cards

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of shuffling playing cards used in card games, and more particularly to a method of shuffling playing cards and a shuffling method thereof in which a plurality of shuffling devices are used to perform shuffling independently a plurality of times so that the order is completely random.

[0002] In various card games such as poker, baccarat, bridge, or blackjack, a dealer sets one deck or a plurality of decks (6 to 9 or 10 decks) of playing cards in a card shooter or the like, and then deals the cards one by one to the game participants. At this time, in order to ensure the fairness of the game, it is necessary to deal cards in a random order rather than a regular order. Therefore, the game organizer must shuffle the playing cards sufficiently randomly before setting them in the card shooter, and the order of the playing cards set in the card shooter must not be known to anyone, including players and dealers.

[0003] In the shuffling process, a method of manufacturing and shipping a product obtained by shuffling playing cards using a shuffling device to make a random and unique order and then packaging it is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In order to use randomly arranged cards in a game, it is conceivable that the organizer shuffles the cards using a shuffling device or the like before the start of the game. However, this document provides a shuffling playing card and a manufacturing method thereof that eliminate the need for the game organizer to spend a long time shuffling before the game and have no room for illegal acts. Further, this document describes that in a shuffling device, the randomness of the order of the cards can be further improved by repeating a process of randomly sorting the cards a plurality of times.

[0004] International Application Publication No. WO2009 / 069708

[0005] In conventional systems, shuffling devices often use a method where a set of random numbers output from a random generator by a command from the CPU (processor) is used to shuffle the cards. In this case, there is a problem that information about the set of random numbers can be extracted or leaked to the outside through unauthorized access to the CPU (processor), and from there, information about the arrangement of the shuffled cards can be illegally obtained, leaving room for fraudulent activity.

[0006] The present invention was made against this background, and its purpose is to provide a system in which, by using a set of random numbers output from a random generator by commands from a set of independent CPUs (processors) connected in series with each of the set of shuffle devices, the cards are shuffled in each shuffle device, and then similarly shuffled in the next shuffle device connected in series, and this is done across multiple shuffle devices, the order of the cards is randomized. Furthermore, even if information on the sets of random numbers from the multiple random generators is extracted due to unauthorized access to the multiple CPUs (processors), it becomes difficult to determine which cards those sets of numbers were assigned to shuffling across all the shuffle devices, thereby reducing the risk of the order of the shuffled cards being discovered.

[0007] Furthermore, in each shuffling device, the cards are shuffled using a set of random numbers selected from multiple sets of random numbers output from a random generator at the command of the CPU (processor). This makes it difficult to determine which set was selected and used to shuffle the cards, even if information about multiple sets of random numbers from the random generator is extracted due to unauthorized access to the CPU (processor). This further reduces the risk of the shuffled cards being identified.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present invention provides a shuffle system comprising: a set of playing cards constituting a predetermined number of decks; a plurality of shuffle devices for shuffling the set of cards; a plurality of independent sequencers or controllers for controlling the movement of the plurality of shuffle devices; and a plurality of independent processors for controlling the plurality of sequencers or controllers, wherein the plurality of processors each have one or more independent random generators, and each sequencer or controller is configured to control the shuffle device using a set of numerical values ​​output from the random generators according to the commands of the processors, and the sequencer or controller controls the movement of the shuffle device so as to randomly sort the cards of the card set one by one using the set of numerical values ​​output from the random generators, and the shuffle system is configured such that the arrangement of the cards in the set of cards becomes random when shuffled using the plurality of shuffle devices.

[0009] Furthermore, the number of sorting operations performed by each of the shuffling devices may be configured such that the product of the sorting operations performed by the multiple shuffling devices is equal to or greater than the number of cards in the set of cards.

[0010] Furthermore, the processor may output multiple sets of random numbers from a random generator, and the sequencer or controller may each select and use one of the multiple sets of random numbers to control the shuffling device.

[0011] Furthermore, among the multiple shuffling devices, the last shuffling device that shuffles the cards of the card set last may further include a collection means for mechanically collecting the cards sorted by the last shuffling device, and the sorted cards may be gathered together and stacked by the collection means, and the shuffled set of cards may be packaged in a package by an automatic packaging machine to complete the manufacturing of shuffled playing cards.

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

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention includes shuffle playing cards manufactured using the shuffle system described above.

[0014] Furthermore, the shuffled playing cards packaged by the automatic packaging machine may be double-packaged.

[0015] To solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present invention provides a shuffling system for shuffling cards in one or more decks, comprising: a plurality of shuffling devices for shuffling the cards; a plurality of sequencers or controllers for controlling the movement of the plurality of shuffling devices; and a plurality of processors for controlling the plurality of sequencers or controllers, wherein each of the plurality of processors has a random generator, and the plurality of shuffling devices are configured to shuffle one set of cards in one or more decks using a set of numerical values ​​commanded from the random generators of at least two different processors.

[0016] To solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the present invention provides a shuffling system for shuffling cards in one or more decks, comprising: a plurality of shuffling devices for shuffling the cards; a plurality of sequencers or controllers for independently controlling the movement of the plurality of shuffling devices; and a processor for controlling the plurality of sequencers or controllers, wherein the processor has a random generator, each of the shuffling devices is controlled by an independent sequencer or controller, and the sequencer or controller controls the shuffling device using a set of random numbers commanded from the random generator, the processor outputs a plurality of sets of random numbers from the random generator, and each of the sequencers or controllers selects and uses one of the plurality of sets of random numbers to shuffle one set of cards from one or more decks.

[0017] Furthermore, the number of sorting operations performed by each of the shuffling devices may be configured such that the product of the sorting operations performed by the multiple shuffling devices is equal to or greater than the number of cards in the set of cards.

[0018] Alternatively, the processor may output multiple sets of random numbers from a random generator, and the sequencer or controller may select and use one of these sets of random numbers to control the shuffling device.

[0019] Furthermore, among the multiple shuffling devices, the last shuffling device that shuffles the cards of the card set last may further include a collection means for mechanically collecting the cards sorted by the last shuffling device, and the sorted cards may be collected and stacked together by the collection means and packaged in a package by an automatic packaging machine to complete the manufacturing of the shuffled playing cards.

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

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention includes shuffle playing cards manufactured using the shuffle system described above.

[0022] Furthermore, shuffled playing cards packaged by an automatic packaging machine may be double-packaged.

[0023] Figure 1(A) is an explanatory diagram showing the mechanism for randomizing the arrangement of cards by shuffling (when the number of pockets is greater than or equal to the number of cards). Figure 1(B) is an explanatory diagram showing the mechanism for randomizing the arrangement of cards by shuffling (when shuffling is performed multiple times). Figure 2 is a diagram showing an overall overview of the shuffling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3(A) is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the shuffling device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3(B) is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a part of the shuffling process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3(C) is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a part of the shuffling process according to an embodiment of the present invention (when multiple sets of random numbers are output from a random generator). Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a packaged shuffle playing card with an ID attached according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Before describing embodiments of the shuffling system of the present invention, we will first explain a mechanism in which a shuffling device equipped with multiple pockets arranges cards in a random order by performing multiple shuffling operations, each time distributing the cards of a set to be shuffled into one of the pockets.

[0025] For example, consider shuffling eight decks of cards (416 cards in total, 52 cards per deck) to create a random arrangement. As shown in Figure 1(A), if the shuffling device has 416 pockets, then by randomly sorting each card into one of the 416 pockets and then collecting the sorted cards from the pockets in order, any arrangement of cards can be achieved, and even a completely random arrangement can be created. In conventional systems, determining which of the 416 pockets each card should go into often involves using a set of random numbers output from a random generator by a command from the CPU (processor) (details will be discussed later). In this case, the CPU (processor) has information about which of the 416 pockets each card should go into (PC knows), and if this information is leaked to the outside due to unauthorized access to the CPU (processor), information about the arrangement of the cards after they have been sorted into the 416 pockets could be illegally obtained, potentially leading to fraudulent activity.

[0026] Therefore, as shown in Figure 1(B), we assume that multiple shuffling devices are used to shuffle each card into one of several pockets multiple times. This allows for any possible arrangement of cards, and can also result in a completely random arrangement. In this case, the number of pockets can be less than the number of cards in the set (for example, 52 in Figure 1(B)), and the scale of the system can be changed accordingly. Since there are multiple shuffling devices, each is configured to sort each card using a set of random numbers output from a random generator, based on commands from a different CPU (processor). By making each CPU (processor) independent of the others, each CPU (processor) only has information about the shuffling performed by the shuffling device that sorted the cards using a set of random numbers output from a random generator, based on its own commands. Even if information regarding sets of random numbers from multiple random generators is extracted through unauthorized access to multiple CPUs (processors), it becomes extremely difficult to determine which card shuffle each set of numbers is assigned to across all shuffling devices. Therefore, the possibility of knowing the order of the shuffled cards becomes extremely low.

[0027] <Embodiment 1> Next, an embodiment of the shuffle system of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the overall schematic configuration of the shuffle system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the shuffle system consists of a plurality of shuffle devices (100A to 100N), a plurality of sequencers or controllers (101A to 101N) provided inside or outside the plurality of shuffle devices or connected to control a predetermined shuffle device among the plurality of shuffle devices, a plurality of independent CPUs (processors 102a to 102k) separated from each other by a communication network, and random generators (103a to 103k) each of the plurality of CPUs that output a set of random numbers (10A to 10N) according to a predetermined CPU's command. The multiple shuffling devices (100A to 100N) are connected in series with each other. The set of cards 1t before shuffling is first shuffled in shuffling device 100A, and then similarly shuffled sequentially in shuffling devices 100B through 100N. In other words, the multiple shuffling devices (100A to 100N) are configured to shuffle the same set of cards 1t.

[0028] The sets of random numbers (10A to 10N) output from random generators (103a to 103k) by each command of a plurality of independent CPUs (processors 102a to 102k) are transmitted to sequencers or controllers (101A to 101N) connected to each of the plurality of CPUs (102a to 102k) by wired or wireless means. The plurality of sequencers or controllers (101A to 101N) then use the sets of random numbers (10A to 10N) they have received to control the shuffling of shuffling devices (100A to 100N) that are provided to or connected to each of them. Here, for example, as shown in the CPU 102j in Figure 2, some of the multiple CPUs (102a to 102k) may be configured to participate in the shuffling of two or more of the multiple shuffling devices, and in this case, the sequencer or controller 101LM may be configured to shuffle two shuffling devices (100L and 100M). The multiple shuffling devices (100A to 100N) do not necessarily have to be arranged in a straight line as shown in Figure 2, and may be bent or branched along the way. Furthermore, for example, a card set 1t that has been shuffled in shuffling device 100B may be returned to shuffling device 100A and shuffled again. Furthermore, the same shuffling device 100 may shuffle multiple times. In other words, for example, a card set 1t that has been shuffled in shuffling device 100A may be returned to shuffling device 100A and shuffled again. In this case, by selecting and switching between multiple CPUs (102a to 102k) or random generators (103a to 103k) for each shuffle, it is possible to shuffle using different CPUs or random generators.

[0029] As mentioned above, there are multiple shuffling devices (100A to 100N), and each is controlled by a corresponding sequencer or controller (101A to 101N) using a random set of numbers (10A to 10N) output from a random generator (103a to 103k) based on commands from a different CPU (102a to 102k). In the factory production line, a set of cards 1t is shuffled by shuffling device 100A, then shuffled by shuffling device 100B, and so on, shuffling is performed sequentially. To execute this, each random generator (103a to 103k) outputs a new set of random numbers (10A to 10N) in sequence, which is sent to the sequencer or controller (101A to 101N). For example, a set of random numbers is output from random generator 103a as the first 10A, the second 10A, the third 10A, and so on, and sent to the sequencer or controller 101A (the first 10A, the second 10A, the third 10A, etc. are all different from each other). Now, suppose that due to unauthorized access to multiple CPUs (102a to 102k), information regarding the sets of random numbers (10A to 10N) output from the multiple random generators (103a to 103k) over a certain period of time is extracted. For example, suppose that over a certain period of time, information for three sets of random numbers output from random generator 103a (the first 10A, the second 10A, and the third 10A) is extracted, and information for five sets of random numbers output from random generator 103b (the first 10B, the second 10B, the third 10B, the fourth 10B, and the fifth 10B) is extracted. In this case, it is not easy for the shuffling device 100A to accurately determine whether a set of random numbers 10A (for example, the first 10A) was used to shuffle the card set 1t or to shuffle the next card set 1t.Even if it were known which card set 1t a set of random numbers 10A (for example, the first 10A) was used to shuffle, the multiple CPUs (102a to 102k) are isolated from each other and have their communication networks cut off. Therefore, it is not possible to sequentially determine which card set 1t a set of random numbers generated by a random generator in another shuffling device was used to shuffle. For example, it is not possible to sequentially determine whether the set of random numbers 10B (for example, the first 10B) output from 103b was used to shuffle the aforementioned card set 1t or the next card set 1t, and it is not easy to make an accurate determination, similar to the case of the set of random numbers 10A (for example, the first 10A). The information about the order of cards in card set 1s after shuffling by multiple shuffling devices (100A to 100N) cannot be obtained unless all sets of random numbers (10A to 10N) used in shuffling card set 1s are accurately known (for example, it must be accurately known which number 10A in random number set 10A, which number 10B in random number set 10B, and so on). Therefore, it is extremely difficult to obtain information about the order of the cards.

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

[0031] The card stack 200 is equipped with a predetermined number of pockets 200a to 200g. In the configuration shown in Figure 3(A), the card stack 200 is shown as having seven pockets, but the number of pockets is arbitrary. Movable divider plates 205a to 205f are provided between each pocket. When a set of cards 1t to be shuffled is placed in the card feeder 201, the card feeder roller 204 located at its bottom rotates, causing the card 1 at the bottom of the card feeder 201 to be fed out toward the card stack 200 from a card feed opening (not shown) located on the lower side of the card feeder 201. The card feeder 201 is also configured to slide vertically (up and down) along a slide rail 202 by a feeder movement roller 203 driven by a drive means such as a motor (not shown).

[0032] With the above configuration, the shuffling device 100A is controlled via a sequencer or controller 101A to alternately slide the card feeder 201 to a position facing one of the pockets 200a to 200g, and to feed the card 1 from the card feeder 201 to the pockets (200a to 200g). The sequencer or controller 101A receives a set of random numbers 10A output from the random generator 103a by command from the CPU 102a, and uses this to determine which of the pockets 200a to 200g the card feeder 201 should move to. The sequencer or controller 101A is configured to have a memory (not shown) that stores a reference table for assigning one of the pockets 200a to 200g from the set of random numbers 10A. For example, if the first digit of the random number set 10A is "3", the card feeder 201 is moved to a position opposite the third pocket 200c from the top based on the reference table, and the first card 1 is fed into pocket 200c. In this way, the card set 1t set in the card feeder 201 is sent out one by one randomly into one of the pockets 200a to 200g of the card stack 200. Once all the cards 1 set in the card feeder 201 have been sent into the card stack 200, the divider plates 205a to 205f in the card stack 200 retract from inside the card stack 200, and the cards 1 sorted into pockets 200a to 200g are removed from the shuffling device 100A in a stacked state. However, the retraction of the divider plates 205a to 205f is not essential as a means of retrieving the cards 1 sorted into the above-mentioned pockets 200a to 200g, and any other alternative means can be used. For example, a configuration in which a robotic arm or the like sequentially removes the cards from each of the pockets 200a to 200g is also possible. This completes one shuffling process performed by the shuffling device 100A.

[0033] The structure of the shuffling device is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, a structure (not shown) is conceivable in which the cards of the set to be shuffled are first sorted into multiple pockets according to rank or suit, and then shuffling is performed by controlling the sequencer or controller to take out one card at a time from the multiple pockets and stack them based on a set of random numbers output from a random generator by a command from the CPU (processor). Furthermore, the sequencer or controller only needs to be connected by wire or wirelessly to a position where it can control the shuffling device, and may be located outside the shuffling device as well as inside it. Similarly, the random generator only needs to have the function of receiving a command from the CPU and directly or indirectly transmitting a set of random numbers to the sequencer or controller, and may be included in a separate external device as well as being built into the CPU.

[0034] Next, Figure 3(B) is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a part of the shuffling process in the shuffling system according to this embodiment, and shows a shuffling device 100A having the above configuration and a shuffling device 100B connected in series downstream of shuffling device 100A arranged side by side. In Figure 3(B), a line with two shuffling devices (shuffling device 100A, shuffling device 100B) arranged side by side is shown as an example, but the number of shuffling devices in the entire shuffling system of the present invention is not limited to this, and more devices may be provided. Also, in Figure 3(B), the two shuffling devices have the same structure, but they may have different structures, for example, the number of pockets in which the card 1 is sorted may be different. Furthermore, in Figure 3(B), the cards 1 sorted into pockets 200a to 200g by the shuffle device 100A are collected and stacked together before being sent to the shuffle device 100B, where they are similarly sorted into pockets 210a to 210g. However, in another embodiment, for example, the cards 1 sorted into pockets 200a to 200g by the shuffle device 100A may not be collected together but instead sorted directly into multiple pockets of the next shuffle device. In yet another embodiment, the cards 1 randomly sorted into pockets 200a to 200g by the shuffle device 100A may be randomly picked up one by one and stacked based on a set of random numbers 10B output from the random generator 103b by a command from the CPU 102b.

[0035] As described above, each of the sequencers or controllers (101A to 101N) is configured to receive sets of random numbers (10A to 10N) output from random generators (103a to 103k) according to the commands of each of the CPUs (102a to 102k), and to control the shuffle device (100A to 100N). Each CPU (102a to 102k) further commands the random generators (103a to 103k) to output sets of random numbers, either all at once or in multiple sets at short intervals, and as a result, each of the sequencers or controllers (101A to 101N) is configured to receive sets of random numbers either all at once or in multiple sets at short intervals. Each of the sequencers or controllers (101A to 101N) is configured to select one set from among multiple sets of random numbers it has received, and to use the set of random numbers it has selected to control the shuffle devices (100A to 100N). For example, Figure 3(C) shows a case where sequencer or controller 101A receives multiple sets of random numbers (10A to 20A) from CPU 102a, selects 11A from among them, and uses it to control shuffle device 100A, and sequencer or controller 101B receives multiple sets of random numbers (10B to 20B) from CPU 102b, selects 20B from among them, and uses it to control shuffle device 100B. Each CPU (102a to 102k) has information on multiple sets of random numbers output from the random generator according to its own commands. Even if information regarding multiple sets of random numerical values ​​in the random generator (103a to 103k) is extracted due to unauthorized access to the CPU (102a to 102k), it becomes difficult for the sequencer or controller (101A to 101N) to determine which set was selected and used to shuffle card set 1t. This reduces the risk of the order of card set 1s after shuffling being discovered, further enhancing security.In this embodiment, if each CPU (102a to 102k) instructs the random generator (103a to 103k) to output multiple sets of random numbers at once or at short intervals, sufficient security is maintained. Therefore, the multiple CPUs (102a to 102k) do not necessarily need to be independent of each other, and there may be only one CPU in the entire shuffle system.

[0036] Next, the flow of cards in the manufacturing process, including the shuffling process, of an embodiment of the shuffling system of the present invention will be described. After the printing process of the front surface (suit and rank) and back surface (picture) of the card base paper, and the cutting process to cut the cards into individual cards, a set 1t of cards, enough to constitute a predetermined number of decks, is set in the card feeder 201 of the shuffling device 100A as the first step in the shuffling process. Then, using a set of random numbers 10A output from the random generator 103a by command from the CPU 102a, the sequencer or controller 101A randomly sends one card at a time into one of the pockets (200a to 200g) of the card stack 200. When all the cards have been sent into the card stack 200, the divider plates 205a to 205f retract from inside the card stack 200, and the cards 1 sorted into pockets 200a to 200g are removed from the shuffling device 100A in a stacked state.

[0037] The stacked card set, removed from the shuffle device 100A by the above-described retrieval means, is automatically or manually placed in the card feeder 211 of the shuffle device 100B. Using a set of random numbers 10B output from the random generator 103b by command from the CPU 102b, the sequencer or controller 101B sorts the cards one by one into any of the pockets (210a to 210g) of the card stack 210 and shuffles them. A similar process is repeated until the last shuffle device (in Example 1, shuffle device 100N) located at the downstream end of a predetermined number of shuffle devices connected in series. Furthermore, by multiplying the number of pockets in each shuffling device (100A to 100N) (for example, 7 pockets in shuffling device 100A and 7 pockets in shuffling device 100B) across all shuffling devices (100A to 100N) that shuffle card set 1t, the product of these numbers must be greater than or equal to the total number of cards in card set 1t (for example, 416 cards in the case of 8 decks), thereby achieving a completely random arrangement of cards. The cards sorted into the multiple pockets of the last shuffling device are then automatically or manually removed from the last shuffling device in a stacked state by a retrieval mechanism in which the divider plates of the card stack retract from inside the card stack.

[0038] Furthermore, at each shuffling stage, it may be possible to check whether the card set contains the predetermined number of cards (416 cards for 8 decks). This allows for inspection to ensure that no cards are lost during the shuffling process, and that no cards are added or removed.

[0039] Furthermore, once shuffling is completed in the final shuffling device (shuffling device 100N in Example 1), a shuffled playing card ID is generated to be assigned to the completed set of shuffled playing cards after the final shuffling process. This shuffled playing card ID is generated as a unique ID for each set of shuffled playing cards 1s. The shuffled playing card ID is associated with predetermined information from the production-related information of the shuffled playing cards stored in a database (not shown). The type and volume of such information are arbitrary, but information that identifies the manufacturing line or shuffling device involved in the shuffling process is particularly important.

[0040] In other words, if the manufacturer of the shuffled playing card set 1s according to this embodiment has multiple production lines, a unique production line ID is assigned to each production line in advance. Then, when a shuffled playing card ID is generated, the generated shuffled playing card ID is associated with the production line ID of the production line that was involved in the production of that shuffled playing card and registered in the database. In addition to this production line-level ID, it is also possible to assign a shuffle device ID to each shuffle device in advance and register the shuffled playing card ID in the database in association with all shuffle device IDs involved in the shuffle process. The database may be located within the shuffle system or outside the shuffle system.

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

[0042] As an example of how the ID can be used, if a customer who has purchased a shuffle playing card set 1s notices that there is a defect in the purchased cards, the customer will inform the manufacturer of the shuffle playing card set 1s of the shuffle playing card ID. In this case, the customer may send a sticker 3 printed with the barcode 4 of the shuffle playing card ID to the manufacturer, and the manufacturer may read the shuffle playing card ID with a barcode reader, or the customer may read the shuffle playing card ID with a barcode reader and send the read data to the manufacturer via email or other means of communication. This allows the manufacturer to search a database based on the shuffle playing card ID and identify the manufacturing line or shuffling device that may have produced the defect. In such cases, the manufacturer can take measures such as alerting the customer about shuffle playing card sets 1s manufactured on the same manufacturing line or shuffling device at the same time, and, if necessary, requesting the disposal of the product or recalling the product. Furthermore, the manufacturer can prevent the recurrence of defective products by inspecting the identified manufacturing line or shuffling device.

[0043] Also, data related to the shuffle trump card set 1s to be delivered (shuffle trump ID and information associated therewith) may be downloaded from a database to a portable storage medium, and this storage medium may be attached and delivered to a customer. Note that the data structure (format) of the downloaded data from the database to the storage medium is arbitrary, provided that it can be referenced on the customer's computer. In this case, on the customer side, for example, when a defect such as a bent card is discovered, the shuffle trump ID of the shuffle trump card set 1s with the defect is read with a barcode reader or the like, and based on the read shuffle trump ID, the data on this storage medium can be searched. Also, based on the search result, it becomes possible to take measures such as discarding the shuffle trump card set 1s in which the same production line or shuffling device is involved. Also, even if a shuffle trump card set for an illegal purpose is mixed in among the items delivered to the customer, on the customer side, by collating and checking the shuffle trump ID stored in the storage medium and the shuffle trump ID of the delivered item, if it is found that there is a shuffle trump card set having a shuffle trump ID that does not exist in the storage medium provided at the time of delivery, it can be determined that the shuffle trump card set was mixed in for an illegal purpose. Thereby, the mixing in of counterfeit products by a third party can be prevented.

[0044] As described above, the set 1s of stacked cards taken out from the last shuffling device are automatically stored in the package 2 as shown in FIG. 4, and its lid is sealed by the seal 3. Note that in this example, the packaging form using a cardboard box is illustrated, but the packaging form is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to use a plastic box. Also, not limited to boxes, it may be in a form where it is packaged with wrapping paper such as paper or resin film and sealed with a seal. The main point is that it is a packaging form in which it is impossible to perform illegal acts such as opening the seal before the game starts, rearranging the order of the cards, inserting or removing the cards, or attaching some mark to the cards.

[0045] Furthermore, the present invention includes a shuffling system in which, among a plurality of shuffling devices, the last shuffling device that shuffles the cards of a card set last is further equipped with a collection means that mechanically collects the cards sorted by the last shuffling device, the sorted cards are gathered together and stacked by the collection means, and the shuffled set of cards is packaged in a package by an automatic packaging machine (not shown) to complete the production of shuffled playing cards.

[0046] Furthermore, the present invention includes a shuffling system that generates a unique ID corresponding to each shuffled set of cards and associates it with the set of shuffled cards. The present invention also includes shuffled playing cards manufactured using the shuffling system described above.

[0047] The sticker 3 has a barcode 4 and a specification 5 printed on it. As mentioned above, the barcode 4 represents an ID (shuffled playing card ID) that can individually identify each shuffled playing card set 1s. The specification 5 is not mandatory, but may include optional information such as manufacturing information for the playing cards (manufacturing number, manufacturing date, manufacturing plant information, etc.), product number, product name, color, and customer information (casino name, etc.). In addition to, or instead of, the barcode 4, an RFID tag may be attached to the sticker 3.

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

[0049] As described above, since the card set 1s that has been sufficiently shuffled randomly in the shuffling system of the present embodiment is placed in an individual package (package 2) sealed by the seal 3, when using this shuffled playing card set 1s in a game, the package 2 can be opened and the card set 1s can be immediately set in a card shooter (not shown). Therefore, the game organizer can save the trouble of shuffling the playing cards. Also, when shuffling, there is no room for improper acts such as inserting and removing or replacing the playing cards.

[0050] As described above, various embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, it is a matter of course that the above-described embodiments can 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 according to the requirements in the applicable game.

[0051] 1. Playing cards 1t Set of playing cards before shuffling 1s Set of playing cards after shuffling 2. Package (cardboard box) 3. Sealing sticker 4. Barcode 5. Specifications 10A Set of random numbers (up to 10N, set of random numbers) 11A Set of random numbers (up to 20A, set of random numbers) 11B Set of random numbers (up to 20B, set of random numbers) 100A Shuffler (up to 100N, shuffler) 101A Sequencer or controller (up to 101N, sequencer or controller) 102a CPU (processor) (up to 102k, CPU) 103a Random generator (up to 103k, random generator) 200 Card stack 200a Pocket (up to 200g, pocket) 201 Card feeder 202 Slide rail 203 Feeder movement roller 204 Card dispensing roller 205a Divider plate (up to 205f, divider plate) 210 Card stack 210a Pocket (up to 210g, pocket) 211 Card feeder

Claims

1. A shuffling system comprising: a set of playing cards constituting a predetermined number of decks; a plurality of shuffling devices for shuffling the set of cards; a plurality of sequencers or controllers that are independent of one another and that respectively control the operation of the plurality of shuffling devices; and a plurality of processors that are independent of one another and control the plurality of sequencers or controllers, wherein the plurality of processors have one or more random generators that are independent of one another, and the sequencers or controllers are configured to control the shuffling device using a set of numbers output from the random generator in response to instructions from the processors, and the sequencer or controller controls the operation of the shuffling device so as to randomly sort the cards of the set one by one using the set of numbers output from the random generator, and the shuffling system is configured so that the order of the cards in the set of cards is randomized by shuffling using the plurality of shuffling devices.

2. The shuffling system of claim 1, wherein the number of cards sorted by each of the shuffling devices is configured so that the product across the multiple shuffling devices is equal to or greater than the number of cards in the set of cards.

3. A shuffling system as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor outputs multiple sets of random numbers from a random generator, and the sequencer or controller each selects and uses one of the multiple sets of random numbers to control the shuffling device.

4. A shuffling system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the last shuffling device among the plurality of shuffling devices that shuffles the cards of the set last further comprises recovery means for mechanically recovering the cards sorted by the last shuffling device, the sorted cards being collected and stacked together by the recovery means, and the set of shuffled cards being packaged by an automatic packaging machine to produce a complete shuffled playing card set.

5. The shuffling system of claim 4, wherein a unique ID corresponding to each shuffled set of cards is generated and associated with the shuffled set of cards.

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

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

8. A system for shuffling one or more decks of cards, comprising: a plurality of shuffling devices for shuffling the cards; a plurality of sequencers or controllers for controlling the operation of each of the plurality of shuffling devices; and a plurality of processors for controlling each of the plurality of sequencers or controllers, wherein each of the plurality of processors has a random generator, and wherein the plurality of shuffling devices are configured to shuffle a set of cards from one or more decks using a set of numbers commanded by the random generators of at least different processors.

9. A system for shuffling one or more decks of cards, comprising: a plurality of shuffling devices for shuffling the cards; a plurality of sequencers or controllers for independently controlling the operation of the plurality of shuffling devices; and a processor for controlling the plurality of sequencers or controllers, wherein the processor has a random generator, the shuffling devices are controlled by independent sequencers or controllers, and the sequencers or controllers control the shuffling devices using sets of random numbers commanded by the random generator, the processor outputs multiple sets of random numbers from the random generator, and each of the sequencers or controllers selects and uses one of the plurality of sets of random numbers to shuffle one set of cards from one or more decks.

10. A shuffling system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the number of cards sorted when shuffling by each of the shuffling devices is configured so that the product across the multiple shuffling devices is equal to or greater than the number of cards in the set of cards.

11. A shuffling system as described in claim 8 or 9, wherein the processor outputs multiple sets of random numbers from a random generator, and the sequencer or controller each selects and uses one of the multiple sets of random numbers to control the shuffling device.

12. A shuffling system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the last shuffling device among said plurality of shuffling devices that shuffles the cards of said set last further comprises recovery means for mechanically recovering the cards sorted by said last shuffling device, and wherein said sorted cards are collected together by said recovery means, and the stacked set of cards is packaged by an automatic packaging machine to produce a complete shuffled playing card set.

13. The shuffling system of claim 12, wherein a unique ID corresponding to each shuffled set of cards is generated and associated with the shuffled set of cards.

14. Shuffled playing cards produced using the shuffling system of claim 12 or 13.

15. The shuffled playing cards according to claim 14, wherein the shuffled playing cards packed into a package by the automatic packing machine are double-packed.

16. A method of shuffling playing cards, comprising: a first shuffling step of shuffling a set of playing cards constituting a predetermined number of decks by a shuffling device controlled using a first processor or a random generator; a step of switching the first processor or random generator used in the shuffling device to a second processor or random generator different from the first processor or random generator and independent of each other; and a second shuffling step of setting the set of playing cards shuffled in the first shuffling step into the shuffling device and shuffling the set of playing cards by the shuffling device controlled using the second processor or random generator.

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