Card Arranging Mechanism for Reliable Shuffle and Sort Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing card shuffling and integrity checking devices are large, complex, costly, and require frequent maintenance, with integrity checking being cumbersome due to the need for recalibration for different card decks, and they suffer from malfunctions that disrupt games.
Innovation Solution
A card arranging device that includes a set receptacle, pushers, and a card transfer unit, controlled by a microcontroller, to efficiently shuffle or sort cards by moving them along defined axes without rotation, ensuring compact design and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional shuffling devices are used, then cards can be shuffled, but the devices are large, complex, costly and require frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into functional modules: a receptacle for holding cards, pushers for moving cards, and a control unit for coordination. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and reliable while the system achieves complex shuffling functionality through coordinated operation of these simple parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically coordinates the pushers to perform shuffling operations without manual intervention. The system self-manages the card arrangement process, reducing the need for complex mechanical mechanisms and frequent maintenance while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If image processing algorithms are used for integrity checking, then card composition can be verified, but recalibration is required for each different card deck type which is cumbersome and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces image processing algorithms with a mechanical verification approach. The device uses physical sensors and mechanical means to detect card presence and orientation, eliminating the need for complex image recognition and recalibration for different card designs. This mechanical substitution provides universal adaptability across all card deck types without time-consuming setup.
3Productivity
If complex shuffling devices are used, then cards can be shuffled, but malfunctions result in long and costly interruption of the game
Solution Approach 1:
Each pusher is designed to perform a specific local function (moving cards in specific directions), and the control unit coordinates these localized actions to achieve overall shuffling. This localized functional assignment simplifies each component, reducing failure points while maintaining shuffling effectiveness and ensuring game continuity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a card arranging device (1) for arranging, in particular shuffling a set of cards (9), for example one or more decks of playing cards used in the game of Poker, Blackjack, Baccarat, Bridge or Skat by executing a card arranging procedure. The card arranging procedure includes repeatedly executing a position change procedure. In the position change procedure, a card is removed from the set of cards as change position card and re-inserted into the set of cards (9) at a different position. The movement of the change position card for removing from the set of cards and reinsertion into the set of cards may be a movement along a primary lateral axis (L-1). Apart from shuffling, the card arranging device (1) may be used for sorting the cards of a set of cards. Disclosed is further an integrity checking device to determine if a set of cards is fit for being used.