Gaming System Card Recognition via Image Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Casinos face challenges in advancing card games due to a shortage of proficient dealers and high costs associated with using IC chips or special ink on cards, which can lead to fraud and increased operational expenses.
Innovation Solution
A gaming system that utilizes an image input device to capture and recognize cards placed on a game surface, comparing the images with stored comparative data to calculate game scores, allowing inexperienced dealers to manage games while preventing fraud and reducing costs by eliminating the need for special card recognition devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If IC chips or special ink are embedded in cards for automated recognition, then card reading accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost and running cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying technology where an image input device captures images of cards, and image recognition processing creates digital copies of card information. This eliminates the need for physical IC chips or special ink while achieving accurate card identification through image-based recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/electronic card reading systems (IC chips, special ink sensors) with an optical image recognition system. The image input device and image recognition processing substitute for complex hardware embedded in cards, using light-based detection instead of electrical or chemical markers.
2Reliability
If experienced dealers are required to ensure proper game advancement, then game integrity is maintained, but operational cost and availability decrease due to dealer shortage
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the gaming system automatically performs card recognition, score calculation, and game advancement control without requiring skilled human dealers. The image recognition system and automated control allow the system to serve itself, maintaining game integrity through programmed rules rather than human expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
This principle metaphorically applies to the use of a strong automated control mechanism (image recognition + rule-based control) that accelerates and ensures proper game advancement, replacing the need for gradual training and experience accumulation in human dealers.
3Extent of automation
If complex reading devices are added to card shoes or tables for automated card recognition, then game advancement automation is improved, but system complexity and failure rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The image input device serves multiple functions: it captures images for card recognition, provides visual display to players, and supports fraud prevention through image analysis. This multi-functional approach avoids adding separate specialized devices, reducing overall system complexity while achieving automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image as an intermediary between the physical card and the digital recognition system. Instead of direct electrical or mechanical interaction between reading devices and cards, the optical image serves as a mediator that simplifies the interaction while enabling accurate recognition and automation.
4Reliability
If cards are discarded after single use to prevent fraud, then fraud prevention is improved, but operational cost increases due to continuous card replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical card disposal with digital image verification. Instead of discarding cards after use, the system uses image recognition to verify card authenticity and track usage, allowing cards to be reused while maintaining fraud prevention through optical verification rather than physical destruction.
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 the accurate and secure advancement of card games by inexperienced dealers, reducing operational costs and preventing fraud through image recognition, thus ensuring game integrity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an image input device that captures an image of a side of the game portion on which a dealer is positioned
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a gaming system that can allow a game to be appropriately advanced even by an inexperienced dealer by way of navigating the dealer in game advancement, thereby allowing fraud to be avoided and cost to be reduced. An image input device, which captures images for displaying to players playing the game at a plurality of stations, captures an image of a side of a game portion on which the dealer is positioned to include card placement areas. Then, a controller performs image recognition processing of comparing image data of the card placement areas captured by the image input device with comparative image data stored in memory. Thereafter, in a case in which image recognition processing results in an image showing a card being included, the score of the card game is calculated based on recognition results of the images showing cards.