Card Shuffler Vision System for Marked Card Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Casinos face challenges in detecting anomalies and undesirable markings on playing cards, which can be exploited by cheats and advantage players to gain an unfair advantage, as existing technologies are inadequate in preventing such manipulations.
Innovation Solution
An automatic playing card shuffler incorporating cameras, non-imaging sensors, and embedded vision systems to detect anomalies and markings on cards, utilizing a combination of camera and sensor technologies to identify card value, suit, and anomalies, and alerting casino personnel to potential cheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual card handling is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but detection precision of card markings and anomalies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection technologies (cameras, non-imaging sensors, micro-vision systems, and embedded systems) into a single integrated card handling device. This merging of different sensing modalities enables comprehensive detection of card markings, anomalies, and features while maintaining a unified system architecture that manages complexity through integration rather than separate manual processes
Solution Approach 2:
The card handling device is designed with multi-functional capabilities including card shuffling, card detection, anomaly identification, and marking detection all within a single system. This universal device performs multiple functions that would otherwise require separate manual operations, thereby improving detection precision without proportionally increasing operational complexity
2Reliability
If advanced detection systems are implemented, then reliability of game integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical card handling and visual inspection with automated detection systems including cameras, non-imaging sensors, and embedded systems. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with electronic and optical detection methods enhances the reliability of game integrity by providing objective, consistent detection of card markings and anomalies, while the automated nature of these systems manages operational complexity through standardization
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensor types are integrated, then measurement precision of card features is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The card handling device is designed to autonomously perform detection, analysis, and identification of card features using integrated sensors and processing systems. The system self-services by automatically capturing images, analyzing sensor data, identifying markings and anomalies, and making determinations about card validity without requiring manual intervention or complex user operations, thereby maintaining ease of operation despite advanced measurement capabilities
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
The system effectively prevents cheating by accurately detecting and alerting casino staff to marked cards, maintaining game integrity and reducing the risk of advantage play, while also extending the service life of playing cards by identifying normal wear and tear.
Implementation Method 1
a non-imaging sensor can be a very small, discrete, pass/fail device like a 'luster sensor' that detects the difference between specular and diffusive reflection
Implementation Method 2
a non-imaging sensor can be a very small, discrete, pass/fail device like a 'luster sensor' that detects the difference between specular and diffusive reflection
Implementation Method 3
an automatic playing card shuffler incorporates a camera in combination with one or more non-imaging sensors to detect card anomalies and undesirable markings
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic playing card shuffler incorporating cameras, non-imaging sensors, embedded systems and/or micro-vision systems for detecting anomalies and undesired markings on playing cards. Combinations of cameras, non-imaging sensors, embedded systems and/or micro-vision systems integrated in or proximate to automatic playing cards shufflers collect images and card information for analysis to determine if anomalies and undesired markings on playing cards are indicative of a scam or worn cards, or provide skilled players with an advantage to determine if anomalies and undesired markings on playing cards are indicative of a scam, unintentional, or the result of normal manufacturing variances, which could provide skilled players with an advantage.