Card Handling Device Calibration via Automatic Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional card recognition systems in card handling devices require substantial manual effort and time to create and update calibration files for different deck designs, leading to inefficiencies and variations in card recognition accuracy across devices.
Innovation Solution
A method for automatically generating calibration files using a processor to identify card features and generate master images, allowing for seamless recognition of various deck types without user interaction, and correcting for image distortions and lighting issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement and analysis is used to create calibration files for each deck type, then the card recognition system can be configured for specific deck designs, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically capturing images of cards and generating calibration files without requiring manual measurement and analysis by technicians. The processor automatically analyzes captured card images to create calibration data for different deck types.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of measuring and analyzing card features is replaced with an automated image processing system using a camera and processor that automatically captures and analyzes card images to generate calibration files.
2Reliability
If manual creation of calibration files is performed for each device, then each card shuffler can be configured for its specific setup, but the complexity and effort required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Each card shuffler automatically performs its own calibration by capturing images and generating calibration files specific to its device setup, eliminating the need for technicians to manually configure each device individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts calibration parameters based on captured card images, adapting to different device configurations and deck types without requiring manual parameter entry or complex technician intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If technicians manually update deck libraries for new deck designs, then the system can support updated card formats, but the burden on technicians increases and updates become cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects and adapts to new deck designs by capturing images of the cards and generating appropriate calibration files and deck library entries without requiring technician intervention for updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automatic analysis of card images to pre-generate calibration data and deck library information, so that when new deck designs are introduced, they are automatically recognized and configured without manual updates.
4Loss of information
If a camera captures images for card recognition, then visual identification of cards is enabled, but image distortions and lighting issues can affect recognition accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses captured card images to automatically generate calibration files that compensate for device-specific image distortions and lighting conditions, creating a feedback loop that improves recognition accuracy for each individual device.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic calibration process adjusts image processing parameters based on captured samples, compensating for distortions and lighting variations specific to each device's camera and optical path to maintain consistent recognition accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of automatically generating a calibration file for a card handling device comprises automatically generating a calibration file stored in memory of a main control system for a card handling device. Automatically generating the calibration file comprises identifying at least one parameter associated with a rank area around a rank of the at least a portion of the card, identifying at least one parameter associated with a suit area around a suit of the at least a portion of the card, and storing the at least one parameter associated with the rank area and the at least one parameter associated with the suit area in the calibration file. Additionally, a method of automatically generating deck libraries for one or more decks of cards comprises automatically generate a plurality of master images for the cards of the first deck type using the parameters from the calibration file.