Robotic Card Manipulation Device for Fraud Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing card manipulation devices do not adequately prevent fraudulent activities by minimizing direct handling and manipulation of playing cards, which can lead to compromised or reused cards, and do not efficiently facilitate safe storage and transportation of cards.

Innovation Solution

A playing cards manipulation device comprising an open box with specific dimensions and features, such as inclined edges and a grip, that allows for safe storage and transportation of cards without direct handling, and includes a cover to prevent cards from falling out during transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If playing cards are manually handled and manipulated after use, then cards can be accessed and reused, but fraudulent activities can occur and card integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecard integrityVSAvoidcard access
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A robotic manipulation device acts as an intermediary between the playing cards and human operators. The device includes a robotic arm with gripper that automatically picks up cards from the play area and places them in collection receptacles, eliminating direct human contact with the cards after use and preventing fraudulent manipulation while maintaining operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If card handling time is extended, then safe storage and transportation can be ensured, but the possibility for fraudulent actions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefraud preventionVSAvoidhandling time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically collecting and securing cards immediately after each hand or round of play, before any potential fraud can occur. The robotic device continuously monitors and collects cards as they are played, placing them in sealed receptacles without delay, thus preventing fraudulent activities while minimizing handling time through automated efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical card handling by dealers and players is replaced with an automated robotic mechanical system. The robotic arm with precision gripper and controlled movement replaces human hands, and the automated card collection and storage system replaces manual card securing, thereby reducing handling time while enhancing fraud prevention through consistent automated operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If direct manipulation of playing cards is restricted, then fraudulent activities are prevented, but safe and ergonomic loading of cards becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefraud preventionVSAvoidcard loading
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The card collection system is designed to be self-servicing, with the robotic device autonomously navigating the play area, identifying played cards, grasping them with the gripper, and placing them in appropriate receptacles without human assistance. The system independently manages the entire card collection and storage process, maintaining fraud prevention while ensuring ergonomic and efficient card loading through automated design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4201493B1Playing cards manipulation device
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 CARTAMUNDI SERVICES
  • EP4201493B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4201493B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4201493B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A playing cards manipulation device for holding and/or manipulating a set of playing cards is provided, wherein the playing card manipulation device comprises an open box comprising at least two mutually opposite lateral walls, a bottom wall between the lateral walls and a backwall between the lateral walls, the bottom wall and the backwall being connected along a coupling rib. In longitudinal direction and a sense from the backwall towards the inner side of the box, the outmost point of the side of the lateral walls opposite to the bottom wall extends beyond the outmost point of the side of the lateral walls contacting the bottom wall.