Card Shuffler with CMOS Sensor Rank Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current playing card shufflers are not fast enough, are not compact enough, and lack the capability to read the rank and/or suit of each card efficiently, which is necessary for rapid and random shuffling in gaming environments.
Innovation Solution
A device with a card reading system using a CMOS sensor and FPGA hardware to determine card rank and suit, combined with a randomizing system that includes an elevator for card positioning and a microprocessor for randomizing and verifying card sets, allowing for rapid and efficient shuffling and verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional card shuffling machines are used, then cards can be shuffled, but the shuffling speed is too slow and causes downtime in gaming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by verifying card completeness and randomness before the shuffling process begins. The sensor array scans cards to detect their presence and orientation, ensuring the deck is ready for shuffling. This preliminary verification prevents interruptions during gaming by catching issues before they affect shuffling speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical card handling with a sensor array and automated positioning system. Sensors detect card positions and orientations, and an automated mechanism adjusts card alignment without manual intervention. This substitution of mechanical sensing and positioning systems significantly increases shuffling speed while reducing gaming downtime.
2Productivity
If card reading capability is added to verify card rank and suit, then card management efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array serves multiple functions: it detects card presence, determines card orientation, reads card rank and suit, and verifies deck completeness. By making the sensor system multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate devices for each function, thereby improving card management efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary processing unit that receives raw sensor data and converts it into meaningful card information. This intermediary layer simplifies the complexity by handling data processing centrally, allowing the sensor array to focus on detection while the processor manages the complexity of interpreting card rank, suit, and position information.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated card positioning with elevator is implemented, then randomization accuracy improves, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The card positioning system is segmented into discrete steps corresponding to individual card positions in the deck. The elevator mechanism moves in precise increments to position each card accurately. By segmenting the positioning into discrete, manageable steps, the system achieves high randomization accuracy without requiring overly complex continuous positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic adjustment where the elevator speed and positioning are automatically adjusted based on real-time sensor feedback. If cards are detected in incorrect positions, the system dynamically corrects their placement. This dynamic approach improves randomization accuracy while keeping the mechanism relatively simple by using feedback control rather than complex pre-programmed positioning.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables faster, more compact shuffling with the ability to read card values, ensuring randomization and verification of card sets, reducing downtime in gaming and improving card management efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The image capture device illuminates a face of the card displaying the rank and suit with electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
The image capture device illuminates a face of the card displaying the rank and suit with electromagnetic radiation selected from the group consisting of ultraviolet radiation, near infrared radiation, infrared radiation, far infrared radiation, and wavelengths comprising a fluence consisting of at least 40% wavelengths between 490 and 520 nm
Data Source
AI summary
A device for forming a random set of playing cards comprises a card infeed area, a shuffling system, a card removal area; and a card reading system located within the device, the card reading system employing a CMOS sensor and a hardware component, the hardware component capable of converting signals from the CMOS sensor into vector sets and comparing the vector sets to known vectors to determine rank and suit.