Casino Card Reader Using Optical Detection for Down Card
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for obtaining information about the dealer's down card in the Down Under Blackjack casino game require modified or special playing cards, which is inconvenient and costly for casinos, whereas conventional card reading devices are not efficiently integrated into the game setup.
Innovation Solution
A card reading apparatus comprising a camera and computer assembly housed in a casino table layout, capable of identifying the rank of a conventional playing card by analyzing pixel information and activating LEDs to indicate the card's rank category, eliminating the need for special cards and simplifying installation with adjustable shims for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If modified playing cards with markings are used to provide information about the dealer's down card, then players can obtain information about the card rank, but casinos incur additional costs for special cards and inventory management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture an image of the dealer's down card and processes it to extract rank information. This optical copying approach eliminates the need for physical modifications to playing cards, allowing casinos to use standard cards while still providing information about the down card to players through electronic display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of marked cards with an electronic image processing system. Instead of relying on physical markings on cards, the system uses a camera, processor, and display to provide card information, eliminating inventory costs for special cards.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional card reading devices are used to identify playing card ranks, then information can be obtained without special cards, but the devices are not efficiently integrated into the casino table game setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the card reading function directly into the casino table game layout by positioning the camera assembly within the table structure and connecting it to the game's electronic display system. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate card reading devices and simplifies the overall game setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera assembly and processing system serve multiple functions: capturing images of cards, processing the images to determine card ranks, and displaying the information to players. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate specialized devices and simplifies integration into the game setup.
3Measurement precision
If a card reading apparatus is integrated into the casino table, then accurate information about the dealer's down card can be provided, but the installation and positioning require precise adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable shims that allow the camera assembly to be dynamically positioned at different heights and angles. This adjustability enables precise alignment with the playing card surface during installation, ensuring accurate image capture while maintaining ease of setup through simple mechanical adjustment rather than complex calibration procedures.
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 efficient and straightforward use of conventional playing cards in Down Under Blackjack by providing accurate information about the dealer's down card without requiring special card markings, reducing inventory costs and facilitating game play decisions for players.
Implementation Method 1
a camera assembly and computer, which can include at least one processor, operatively associated together whereby image pixel-related information can be output by the camera assembly for use by the computer
Data Source
AI summary
A card reading apparatus is provided for playing a casino table game identified as Down Under Blackjack™. The apparatus includes a camera assembly, a computer, a housing assembly and a plurality of color indicators. The computer receives pixel-based image data from the camera assembly. This data is obtained from the dealer's down card during play of the game. The computer processes this data to output information related to a predetermined set of playing cards associated with the down card. Such output activates one of the color indicators corresponding to that particular predetermined set. The information associated with the activated indicator can be used by players in playing the Down Under Blackjack™ game. Use of the apparatus enables the game to be played using conventional playing cards.