HK1123239B - Card game system - Google Patents

Abstract

A platform (12) is arranged on a game table (20). A card shooter (22) is mounted on the platform (12). The platform (12) has a card guide unit (50). The card guide unit (50) guides a card drawn one by one from the card shooter (22) toward the game table (20). The card guide unit (50) has a black light type sensor (60) for reading from a card, an ultraviolet ray reaction code including the number of cards. It is possible to use the existing card shooter and prevent an unauthorized action which has read accuracy not high and the card speed limit value not high during read.

Description

Card game system

This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application having an application date of 2005, 3/4, application number of 200580008328.7 and an invention name of "card reading device".

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a card game system for reading playing cards (hereinafter, simply referred to as "cards"), and more particularly to a system suitable for use in a card game using a card shooter (card shooter).

Background

Conventionally, card reading apparatuses used in card games such as casino have been proposed. For example, Japanese patent application laid-open No. Hei 10-508236 (page 12, FIG. 1) (International publication No. WO96/14115) discloses a card reading device provided in a card shoe machine. In the device of this document, the card shoe incorporates a CCD image sensor and associated optics components. Further, a card reading window is provided at the outlet of the card shoe. The cards are read through the read window as they pass through the outlet of the card shoe.

However, when a structure such as a CCD image sensor is incorporated in the card shoe, a special card shoe must be used. Therefore, many existing card shooters may be wasted when introducing a card reading device into cassino or the like.

In addition, the reading accuracy is restricted by the structure of the CCD image sensor and the associated optical system. It is desirable to improve the reading accuracy as much as possible. This is extremely important to reduce the impact on game play caused by reading errors.

In addition, in the conventional apparatus, when the cards are drawn from the card shoe, the speed of the cards must be low. If the card speed is not low, the reading capability cannot be ensured. For example, the maximum speed is about 1 m/s. However, it is desirable to be able to read cards accurately even at higher speeds. This is also of paramount importance for the playing of casino and like games.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned background. The invention provides a card game system which can effectively use the existing card shooter, has high reading precision and high card speed critical value during reading.

One embodiment of the present invention is a card game system including a card, a code element having a predetermined number of points as an ultraviolet response code indicating the number of the card; a card shooter provided on the game table and having a card reading function for reading code elements of the cards, the card shooter including a card guide section for guiding the cards drawn one by one from the card storage section onto the game table; an ultraviolet sensor for reading an ultraviolet response code indicating the number of the cards drawn out guided by the card guide unit from the cards; a first card detection sensor and a second card detection sensor arranged along a guide direction of the card guide unit and detecting presence/absence of a card; a measurement validity/invalidity determination device configured to determine whether or not a card has passed through the card guide section normally based on detection signals from the first card detection sensor and the second card detection sensor, wherein the ultraviolet sensor is configured to arrange a code element of a predetermined number in a card guide direction as the ultraviolet response code, and the ultraviolet sensor detects the code element and outputs a detection signal; the card shooter further includes: a rank determination device for determining the rank of the card associated with the ultraviolet ray reaction code based on a detection signal of the ultraviolet ray sensor; a win/loss judgment device for judging win/loss of the card game based on the number of the cards sequentially read by the ultraviolet sensor; and an output device for outputting the result judged by the win/lose judging device.

As described below, the present invention may have other embodiments. Accordingly, the disclosure of the present invention is intended to provide a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention described and claimed herein.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a card reading device according to an embodiment.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing the platform together with a gaming table and a card shoe.

Figure 3 is a top view of the platform and card shoe.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the sensor cover (cover) removed.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the platform.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a sensor arrangement.

Fig. 7 is a view showing the back surface of the stage.

Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing a control structure including a control box.

Fig. 9 is a graph showing sensor outputs in various situations.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of output waveforms of the sensor group.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the card reading device at the time of setting the normal mode.

Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the card reading device in the special mode setting.

Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of cards.

Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a structure in which a card reading device and a card shoe are integrated.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, a detailed description of the present invention will be described. However, the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings are not intended to limit the present invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

The card reading device of the present embodiment is provided on a game table, and includes: the platform is arranged on the game table and used for installing the card shooter; a card guide unit which is provided on the table and guides the cards drawn one by one from the card shooter to the game table; and an ultraviolet (black light) sensor provided in the card guide unit and configured to read an ultraviolet response code indicating the number of cards from the cards.

By adopting the structure, a platform is arranged between the game table and the card dealer, and the platform has a card reading function. Therefore, the card can be read while using the conventional card shooter. In addition, since the ultraviolet sensor is used, the reading accuracy is high. The threshold value of the card speed at the time of reading can be set large. The critical value is, for example, around 3.6 m/s. Further, the reading result of the card can be effectively used for preventing the illicit.

The card reading device of the present embodiment may be: the card guide section has a card guide surface, a card guide rail is provided at an edge portion of the card guide surface, a card passage gap is formed between the card guide surface and the card guide rail, and an ultraviolet sensor is provided to read a card from the card guide surface in the card passage gap. Thus, the influence of external light on the card reading section can be reduced, and reading accuracy can be improved.

The card reading device may include a win/loss determination unit that determines a win/loss of the card game based on the number of the cards sequentially read by the ultraviolet sensor, and an output unit that outputs a win/loss result determined by the win/loss determination unit. Can assist in the game. And it is possible to prevent an illegal act.

The card reading device may include an invalidation mode setting unit that sets a 1 st card invalidation mode for invalidating the 1 st drawn card in each game. Even when the rule for invalidating the 1 st card is adopted, the card reading device can perform the game result determination process conforming to the card game rule. Therefore, the card game can be smoothly performed.

The card reading device may include: a 1 st card detection sensor and a 2 nd card detection sensor, and a measurement validity/invalidity determination unit, wherein the 1 st card detection sensor and the 2 nd card detection sensor are arranged along a guide direction of the card guide unit and detect the presence or absence of a card; the measurement validity/invalidity determination unit determines whether or not the card has passed normally along the card guide unit based on detection signals from the 1 st card detection sensor and the 2 nd card detection sensor.

The measurement validity/invalidity determining unit may be configured to validate reading of the cards when the 1 st card detecting sensor and the 2 nd card detecting sensor sequentially detect the cards and then the 1 st card detecting sensor and the 2 nd card detecting sensor sequentially do not detect the cards.

The measurement validity/invalidity determining unit may be configured to invalidate the reading of the cards when the 1 st card detecting sensor and the 2 nd card detecting sensor sequentially detect the cards and the 2 nd card detecting sensor and the 1 st card detecting sensor sequentially do not detect the cards. The card can be well dealt when the return occurs.

The sensitivity of the 2 nd card detection sensor may be set so as to detect the playing card and not to detect the cut-card. The card reading device can be well handled when a base card is used.

The ultraviolet sensor may be configured to detect a code element from a predetermined number of code elements arranged in a card drawing direction as an ultraviolet response code, and output a detection signal. The card reading device includes a rank determination unit that determines the rank of the card associated with the number of code elements based on a detection signal of the ultraviolet sensor. The code elements are typically indicia printed with UV reactive ink.

The number of code elements is associated with at least the rank of the card. The number of code elements may be associated with a category (spade, heart, etc.) in addition to the number of cards. The number of code elements may also be associated with other information.

The UV-reactive code may have a plurality of columns of code elements. The cards may be determined by a combination of the number of code elements of the columns. In this case, the cards are determined based on a predetermined number of code elements of the plurality of columns. Therefore, in this case, a predetermined number of code elements are also read. Then, the rank determination section determines the rank of the card associated with the number of the code elements.

In such a configuration, an ultraviolet sensor is provided, and the code elements are detected by the ultraviolet sensor, and the cards are specified based on the number of the code elements. Therefore, the card can be detected with high accuracy.

From another perspective, a card-handing apparatus is disclosed. The card shooter device has a card reading function for reading the number of cards. The card shooter device includes an ultraviolet sensor for reading an ultraviolet response code indicating the number of cards drawn one by one from the card shooter. In this case, the card shoe and the card reading device may be separate or integrated. In this case, there is obtained an advantage that reading accuracy can be improved, and there is obtained an advantage that a threshold value of the speed of the card at the time of reading can be improved.

The card shoe device may include a housing (housing), a card shoe portion provided in the housing, and a card guide portion provided in the housing and guiding cards drawn one by one from the card shoe portion onto the game table. The ultraviolet sensor may be disposed in the housing. The housing may include a processing portion that processes read data of the ultraviolet sensor, and a display portion that displays a processing result of the processing portion.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a card reading device 10 according to an embodiment. A card reading device 10 includes a platform 12. A control box 14 is attached to the platform 12. A monitor 16 and a win-or-lose display box 18 are connected to the control box 14. The control box 14 is a computer device that controls the entire apparatus.

Referring to fig. 2, the platform 12 is disposed on a gaming table 20. Also, a card shoe 22 (shoe-shaped card shoe) is mounted on the platform 12.

The card shoe 22 may be an existing general type (type) card shoe. The card shooter 22 is constituted by a card storage unit 24, and a front leg 26 and a rear leg 27 below the card storage unit. The bottom plate 28 and the front wall 30 of the card storage unit 24 are inclined as shown in the drawing. In the card storage unit 24, the bundle of cards is pushed forward by the card pressing member 32 with rollers and abuts against the front wall 30. As shown in fig. 3, the front wall 30 has a U-shaped opening 34 at the lower side. The dealer (dealer) slides the cards to remove the cards from the opening 34.

A black cloth 36 (omitted in the other figures) is hung on the front wall 30 to block the opening 34. Although not shown, a cover (cover) is attached to an upper portion of the card storage unit 24. The card shoe 22 is made of resin and is black as a whole.

Next, the structure of the stage 12 will be described. The deck 12 is made of resin, and is black as in the card shoe 22. The platform 12 is in the form of a thin cuboid overall. The deck 12 has a game table mounting surface 40 on the lower side and a dealer setting surface 42 on the upper side. These faces are all flat.

The card shoe installation surface 42 is provided with shoe positioning blocks 44 and 46. The card shoe 22 is placed on the shoe setting surface 42 such that the front leg 26 and the rear leg 27 of the card shoe 22 are in contact with the shoe setting blocks 44, 46. In this manner, the card shoe 22 is positioned relative to the platform 12.

A dealer shoe 48 is attached to the front end of the dealer mounting surface 42. The card shoe 48 presses the front end portion of the card shoe 22 from above. In this manner, the card shoe 22 is retained on the platform 12.

The deck 12 has a card guide 50 at the front. The card guide unit 50 guides the cards drawn one by one from the card shoe 22 to the game table 20 as described below.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the card guide 50 has a card guide surface 52 that is an inclined surface. One end of the card guide surface 52 is connected to the card outlet opening 34 of the platform 12. The card guide surface 52 extends forward and downward from the card outlet. The other end of the card guide surface 52 is connected to the game table 20. The card guide surface 52 is a measuring surface for reading cards.

Card guide rails 54 are attached to both side edges of the card guide surface 52. As shown in fig. 2, a card passage gap 56 is formed between the card guide rail 54 and the card guide surface 52. The card pass gap 56 is sized to be slightly larger than the thickness of the card. The cards pass through the card guide surface 52 after being drawn from the card shoe 22. At this time, the opposite ends of the card pass through the card passage gap 56.

As shown in the drawing, the slope of the card guide surface 50 changes halfway. The card guide rail 54 is provided in a region before the slope is changed. Further, the card guide rail 54 is slightly longer than the short side of the card.

Further, a sensor cover 58 is attached to each of the 2 card guide rails 54 with screws. As shown in fig. 4, when the sensor cover 58 is removed, 4 sensors are exposed (present). The 4 sensors include 2 ultraviolet sensors 60, an object detection sensor 62, and a measurement validity determination sensor 64. These sensors are provided on the card guide surface 52 of the card guide unit 50. In the figure, the ultraviolet sensor 60 and the measurement valid judgment sensor 64 are visible from the sensor cleaning holes 66, 67. The sensor cleaning holes 66, 67 penetrate the card guide rail 54.

As shown in fig. 4, an ultraviolet sensor 60 (hereinafter, referred to as a UV sensor 60) is provided on the card guide surface 52 on the side relatively upstream in the card flow direction. As shown in fig. 2 and 5, the UV sensor 60 is disposed in the space inside the stage 12. The UV sensor 60 is fixed to the top plate (the back surface side of the card guide surface 52) by a fixing member (stay). The UV sensor 60 is exposed from the opening of the card guide surface 52.

The UV sensor 60 includes an LED (ultraviolet LED) and a detector. The LED emits ultraviolet (black light). Ultraviolet rays are irradiated onto the cards, and the codes on the cards are detected by a detector. The cards are printed with codes of the number of cards (rank), a, 1 to 10, J, Q, K) using ultraviolet light emitting ink which develops when irradiated with ultraviolet light.

The UV sensor 60 is connected to the control box 14 via a cable (cable). The control box 14 judges the number of cards based on the output signal of the detector of the UV sensor 60.

Here, the code of the rank of the card is, for example, a plurality of quadrangular markers arranged on the edge of the card. The number of cards is represented by the number of indicia. The UV sensor 60 outputs an ON signal when detecting the mark. Therefore, the UV sensors 60 of both edges output an ON signal of the number of marks. The control box 14 counts ON signals input from the 2 UV sensors 60. The control box 14 determines the number of 2 markers detected by the 2 UV sensors 60. The control box 14 then determines the rank of the cards based on the number of indicia.

The number of indicia may be the same or different than the number of playing cards. The number of the marks may correspond to the number of the cards in a one-to-one manner. In the control box 14, the number of detected marks can be compared with the number of previously entered marks. The rank of the cards may be determined based on the comparison.

In the baccarat game, "J", "Q", and "K" are treated in the same manner as "10". Therefore, "J", "Q", and "K" may be labeled with the same code as "10". Further, a code indicating the rank and suit (suit) of the card may be marked on the card. The flower color is black peach, red peach, diamond, plum blossom. Such a code may also be read. In this way, the form of the code is not limited as long as the number of cards required for the game can be expressed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the card reading device 10 includes the UC sensor 60 that detects the mark from the card and outputs a signal. The UV sensor 60 outputs an ON signal when the mark passes. A predetermined number of indicia are provided on the playing cards. The mark is set at the edge portion. The indicia are arranged in the card drawing direction such that the indicia pass through the UV sensor 60. The number of indicia is associated with the rank of the card. The control box 14 determines the cards based on the detection signal of the UV sensor 60.

As described above, the card reading device 10 is provided with 2 UV sensors 60 (fig. 4 and 5). Therefore, as shown in the example of fig. 13, marks are arranged on both edges of the card corresponding to the UV sensors 60 on both sides. These marks are read by the UV sensor 60 on both sides. The marks are suitably arranged in the areas without pattern as shown in the figure. While the actual indicia is typically not visible.

Indicating the association of the number of indicia with the cards. In an embodiment, a predetermined number of indicia are suitably arranged on each edge of the playing card. Or only the sum of the number of tokens may be associated with the rank of the card. Further, it is also possible that a combination of 2 columns of the number of indicia is associated with the rank of the card. In the latter method, more cards can be identified with fewer marks. Fig. 13 is an example. The number of label columns is not limited to 2 columns. The number of columns may also be 1. The number of columns may also be greater than or equal to 3. Two 2 mark columns may be provided at each edge as appropriate. In this case, the configuration of the UV sensor is also appropriately adjusted.

Further, the description of the structure of the control box 14 is supplemented. The control box 14 includes a counter, a memory (storage section), and a point determination section. The counter counts the detection signal from the UV sensor 60 to determine the number of marks. The memory stores information associating the number of indicia with the cards. The associated information is typically a table (table). The rank determining unit determines the rank of the card based on the number of the marks by referring to the information in the memory.

In the case of the present embodiment, the counter can obtain the number of 2 marks corresponding to 2 UV sensors 60. Combinations of the number of indicia of the plurality of columns may be associated with the playing cards as described above. In this case, the memory stores information associating combinations of the number of indicia with the playing cards. The rank specifying unit specifies cards corresponding to a combination of the number of cards.

Next, the object detection sensor 62 and the measurement validity determination sensor 64 are optical fiber sensors that detect the presence or absence of a card. The object detection sensor 62 is located on the card guide surface 52 and on the most upstream side in the card flow direction. The measurement validity determination sensor 64 is located downstream of the object detection sensor 62. As shown in fig. 6, the object detection sensor 62 and the measurement validity determination sensor 64 are provided on the upstream side and the downstream side with the reading point of the UV sensor 60 therebetween. The object detection sensor 62 and the measurement validity determination sensor 64 correspond to the 1 st card detection sensor and the 2 nd card detection sensor of the present invention, respectively.

The object detection sensor 62 and the measurement validity determination sensor 64 are disposed in the internal space of the table 12, fixed to the top plate, and exposed from the opening of the card guide surface 52, as in the case of the UV sensor.

As shown in fig. 2, the object detection sensor 62 and the measurement validity determination sensor 64 are connected to the control box 14 by a cable via a sense amplifier (sensor amplifier) 68. The sense amplifier 68 is of the 2ch type. The sense amplifier 68 can independently control the object detection sensor 62 and the measurement validity determination sensor 64. As will be described later, the control box 14 controls the start and end of reading by the UV sensor 60 based on the detection signals of the object detection sensor 62 and the measurement validity determination sensor 64, and determines whether or not the card has normally passed the card guide surface 52.

Further, as shown in fig. 2, a buzzer 70, a button 72 with an indicator light (lamp), a reset switch 74, an error indicator light 76 (red), a monitor changeover switch 78, and a normal indicator light 80 (green) are provided on the side surface of the platform 12. A button 72 with an indicator light that lights up or goes out each time the button is pressed. The reset switch 74 is a switch of a type that turns a key inserted into a key hole. The monitor switch 78 is a handle switch. Further, on the upper face of the platform 12, a standard/special mode changeover switch 82 is provided. The switch 82 is also a switch of the type that turns a key inserted into a keyhole. As shown in fig. 7, on the back surface of the platform 12, a power switch 84 and a cable connector (cableconnector)86 are provided. The various switches, indicator lamps, buzzers, and the like are connected to the control box 14 via cables, and used for various processes of the control box 14.

In the above, the structure of the stage 12 is explained. As shown in fig. 1, a monitor 16 and a win/lose display box 18 are also provided in the card reading device 10.

The monitor 16, which is controlled by the control box 14, displays the reading of the cards and information related to the game. On the victory or defeat display box 18, 3 indicator lights are provided. The 3 indicator lights are a player winning indicator light 90 (red), a tie indicator light 92 (yellow), and a banker winning indicator light 94 (green), respectively. These indicator lights, controlled by the control box 14, are illuminated to indicate the win or loss of the game. As described in the present description, the card reading device 10 according to the embodiment is applied to a baccarat game.

The monitor 16 and the win/lose display box 18 are provided at appropriate positions on the game table 20. The control box 14 is disposed at an appropriate position such as a lower side of the game table 20.

Fig. 8 is a functional block diagram of various structures associated with the control box 14. The control box 14 is a computer device as described above. The control box 14 is connected to the UV sensor 60, the object detection sensor 62, and the measurement validity determination sensor 64 of the platform 12. The control box 14 is connected to and controls various switches and indicator lamp groups of the platform 12. In addition, the control box 14 is connected to the monitor 16 and the 3 indicator lamps of the victory or defeat display box 18 to control their displays.

The computer of the control box 14 has a processing function of automatically judging the win or loss of the game. This function is realized by programming a program for win/loss judgment into a computer. The program is executed by a processor of a computer.

The judgment processing of the computer is as follows. The computer obtains the number of cards sequentially drawn from the card shoe 22 to the game table 20 using the UV sensor 60. The obtained card ranks are sequentially stored in a memory. At this time, information on which player each card has been dealt is also stored in the memory. That is, the rank of the card is stored in association with the player dealt.

Supplementing the description of this point. The card reading device 10 is used for baccarat game as described above. In the baccarat game, there are a player and a banker 2 person (here, both are referred to as players). Then, the player to whom the next card is dealt is uniquely determined based on the number of cards dealt before and the rank of each card. The computer refers to the number of cards stored in the memory and determines to which player the card read by the UV sensor 60 is dealt. Then, the rank of the dealt card is stored in the memory in association with each player.

Further, the computer reads out the number of cards dealt to the two players from the memory. The number of the read cards is compared to judge the win or loss. At this time, the number of cards of each player is summed. The aggregate of the two players is then compared. Then, it is determined which player wins. A determination is also made as to ties.

In this way, with respect to the baccarat game, the win or loss can be automatically determined only based on the number of cards sequentially drawn from the card reading device 10. It is also possible to detect which player the card has been dealt to without using a separate sensor or the like. For example, a sensor provided separately on the table may not be used.

The control box 14 outputs the win/lose result to the monitor 16 and the win/lose display box 18. The monitor 16 displays the read points, the win or lose result, and the like. Also, in the win/loss display box 18, any one of the dealer win indicator lamp 90, the tie indicator lamp 92, and the player win indicator lamp 94 is lit in accordance with the win/loss result.

Next, the functions of the object detection sensor 62 and the measurement validity determination sensor 64 will be described. As described above, the object detection sensor 62 and the measurement validity determination sensor 64 detect the presence or absence of a card and output a detection signal to the control box 14. In the embodiment, the signal is ON when there is a card and OFF when there is no card.

First, the detection signal of the object detection sensor 62 is used to control the start and end of reading by the UV sensor 60. That is, when the object detection sensor 62 detects a card (turns from OFF to ON), the control box 14 instructs the UV sensor 60 to start reading. In the UV sensor 60, the LED is lit and the detector reads the code. When the object detection sensor 62 does not detect a card (changes from ON to OFF), the control box 14 instructs the UV sensor 60 to end reading. In the UV sensor 60, the LED is off.

The object detection sensor 62 and the measurement validity determination sensor 64 are also used to determine whether or not the card has passed the card guide surface 52 normally.

The 1 st row in fig. 9 shows the sensor output at the time of normal measurement (when the card has passed normally). In this case, the signal is turned ON in the order of the object detection sensor 62 and the measurement validity determination sensor 64. Next, the signal is turned OFF in the order of the object detection sensor 62 and the measurement validity determination sensor 64. The reading result (measurement result) of the UV sensor 60 is valid (reading is established).

However, even if the passage of the cards is normal, the number of the marks read by the UV sensor 60 is abnormal. In this case, the control box 14 determines that the card itself is abnormal. For example, a card is abnormal when there is no mark on both edges of the card. The number of entered marks may also be compared to the number of detected marks.

The 2 nd row in fig. 9 shows the sensor output when the card is ejected a little above the card guide and then returned. The object detection sensor 62 is turned ON, and then the object detection sensor 62 is turned OFF. Since the card does not reach the measurement validity determination sensor 64, the measurement validity determination sensor 64 is not turned ON. In this case, the reading result of the UV sensor 60 is invalid.

The 3 rd row in fig. 9 shows the sensor output when the card is returned after reaching the measurement validity determination sensor 64. The signal is turned ON in the order of the object detection sensor 62 and the measurement validity determination sensor 64. Then, the signal is turned OFF in the order of the measurement validity determination sensor 64 and the object detection sensor 62. In this case, the reading result of the UV sensor 60 is also invalid.

The 4 th row in fig. 9 shows the sensor output when the bottom card is removed. Here, the bottom deck refers to a card used in casino and the like. The base card is inserted into the bundle of cards. Cards from the base card onwards are not used in the game. If the floor is not ignored, a read error will occur. Therefore, in order to omit the floor plate, the embodiment is configured as follows.

The bottom card is blue. The sensitivity of the object detection sensor 62 is adjusted to detect not only the blue object but also the white and marker colors. The marking color is a color when the ultraviolet-reactive ink develops color. On the other hand, the sensitivity of the measurement validity judgment sensor 64 is adjusted so that the blue object cannot be detected. Further, the sensitivity of the measurement validity judgment sensor 64 is adjusted so as to be able to detect white and marker colored objects. This adjustment is achieved by reducing the sensitivity of the measurement valid judgment sensor 64.

Since the sensitivity setting is performed in this manner, the sensor output is as in the 4 th case of fig. 9. When the bottom plate passes, the object detection sensor 62 is turned ON and then turned OFF. The measurement validity determines that the sensor 64 is unresponsive. Therefore, the same sensor output as in the 2 nd case of fig. 9 can be obtained. Therefore, the reading of the UV sensor 60 is invalid. Thus, the passing of the bottom plate can be ingeniously ignored.

In the above example, the floor is blue. But the invention is not limited thereto. It is sufficient if the sensor sensitivity can be adjusted so that only the bottom plate is not detected. Other colors may be used.

Fig. 10 shows an example of a sensor output waveform. When the measurement is valid, the object detection sensor 62 and the measurement valid determination sensor 64 are normally ON and OFF. During the measurement period (ON period of the object detection sensor 62), the UV sensor 60 is turned ON and OFF. The number of cards can be obtained from ON/OFF signals of the UV sensor 60.

In the next category, the card is returned. In this case, the object detection sensor 62 is already turned OFF before the measurement valid determination sensor 64 is turned ON. The reading of the UV sensor 60 during the measurement is set to invalid.

In the next category, the floor is passed. As in the previous type, only the object detection sensor 62 is turned ON and OFF. The UV sensor 60 does not output an ON signal. In this case, the read result is also set to invalid.

In the next category, cards without printed codes are passed. The object detection sensor 62 and the measurement validity determination sensor 64 are normally ON and OFF. However, during the measurement, the UV sensor 60 maintains the OFF state. In this case, the control box 14 determines that the abnormal card has passed.

The function of the sensor group is explained in detail above. Next, the operation of the card reading device 10 of the embodiment will be described.

Fig. 11 shows the operation of the card reading device 10 when 1 game is played. As a precondition of the operation of fig. 11, the power switch 84 is turned on. Then, the monitor switches the handle of the switch 78 to the "front of game" side. "before game" is displayed on the monitor 16. Further, the key of the reset switch 74 is rotated to the left. The left side is the usual position. Further, the standard/special mode setting switch 82 is turned to the standard side.

In this state, the 1 st card is read (S10). Whether or not reading (measurement) is valid is determined based on the outputs of the object detection sensor 62 and the measurement validity determination sensor 64 (S12). When S12 is NO (invalid), the process returns to S10. For example, when the card return occurs, the operation returns from S12 to S10. When the card passes through the bottom card, the flow returns from S12 to S10.

If YES at S12, it is judged whether the card code is normal (S14). For example, in the case of NO code, S14 is NO. In this case, the error indicator lamp 76 is turned on, and the buzzer 70 sounds an alarm sound (S16). The warning sound is, for example, a loud continuous sound. The alarm sound is stopped when the reset switch 74 is operated. The reset switch 74 is rotated from left to right and then back to the left.

When S14 is YES, the normal indicator lamp 80 is turned on, and the buzzer 70 sounds a sound indicating normal (S18). For example, a short and small sound is output.

Subsequently, the game processing is performed (S20). Here, as described above, the number of read cards is stored for each player or each dealer. Then, the stored card ranks are compared. Then, it is judged whether the game has ended. And, the win or loss of the game is judged. If the game has not ended (S22, NO), the operation returns to S10 to read the next card. If the game has ended (YES at S22), the operation of the monitor changeover switch 78 is awaited (S24).

When the handle of the monitor switch 78 is turned upside down toward the "after game" (YES at S24), the display of the monitor 16 is switched to "after game", and the win or loss is displayed (S26). Also, in the win/loss display box 18, an indicator lamp is lighted in accordance with the win/loss result (S28).

When the monitor switches the handle of the switch 78 to fall to the "before game" (YES at S30), the display on the monitor 16 is changed to "before game", and the process ends. Then, the next game is entered, and the process of fig. 11 is performed again.

Fig. 12 shows the operation of the card reading device 10 when the special mode is set. The special mode is set by the control box 14 when the standard/special mode changeover switch 82 is turned to the "special" side. In the special mode, the card drawn out at the 1 st card in each game is invalidated. That is, the special mode is the 1 st card invalidation mode.

Fig. 12 is different from fig. 11 in that the process of S40 is performed first before S10. At S40, it is determined whether or not the card is the 1 st card. For example, the object detection sensor 62 and the measurement validity determination sensor 64 are turned ON in this order, and turned OFF in this order. At this point, the passage of the card is detected. Then, it is judged whether the card is the 1 st card. If the card is the 1 st card, the operation does not proceed to S10, but returns to S40. If the card is not the 1 st card, the flow proceeds to S10. The cards after the 2 nd card are read.

For example, the flag (flag) is used to determine whether the card is the 1 st card. That is, in the case where no mark is made in the process of S40, it is determined that the card is the 1 st card. And then marked. If the card has been marked, it is judged that the card is not the 1 st card. When the game is over, the flag is reset.

The indicator light-carrying button 72 of the platform 12 is a button that turns on or off the indicator light each time the button is pressed. When the indicator lamp of the button 72 is turned off, the card reading device 10 reads the cards as described above. When the button 72 is turned on, the card reading device 10 does not read the card. The button 72 is used, for example, when temporarily suppressing reading by the card reading device 10.

The preferred embodiments have been described above. According to an embodiment, there is a platform 12 between the gaming table 20 and the card shoe 22, the platform 12 having card reading functionality. Therefore, the cards can be read while using the conventional card shooter 22. Further, since the ultraviolet sensor 60 is used, the reading accuracy can be improved. In addition, the threshold value of the card speed at the time of reading can be increased. The critical value is, for example, around 3.6 m/s. Thus, the conventional card shooter can be effectively used, the reading accuracy can be improved, and the threshold value of the card speed at the time of reading can be increased. Further, the reading result of the card can be effectively used for preventing the illicit.

In the embodiment, the card guide portion 50 has a card guide surface 52. A card guide rail 54 is provided at an edge of the card guide surface 52. A card passage gap 56 is formed between the card guide surface 52 and the card guide rail 54. Further, an ultraviolet sensor 60 is provided to read the card from the card guide surface 52 in the card passage gap 56. Therefore, the influence of the external light of the card reading portion can be reduced, and the reading accuracy can be improved.

In the embodiment, the computer of the control box 14 has a function of the win/loss determination unit. The control unit automatically determines the win or loss of the card game based on the number of the cards sequentially read by the ultraviolet sensor. Then, the control section outputs the judged win or loss result from the monitor 16 and the win or loss display box 18. Therefore, the progress of the game can be assisted. And it is possible to prevent an illegal act.

In the embodiment, the computer of the control box 14 has a function of the invalid mode setting unit. The control unit can set the 1 st card invalidation mode as described above. Even when the rule for invalidating the 1 st card is adopted, the card reading device 10 can perform the game result determination process conforming to the card game rule. Therefore, the card game can be smoothly performed.

In the embodiment, the 1 st card detection sensor and the 2 nd card detection sensor (the object detection sensor 62 and the measurement validity determination sensor 64) are arranged along the guide direction of the card guide unit 50. The computer of the control box 14 also has a function of a measurement validity/invalidity determination unit. The control unit can determine whether or not the card has passed normally along the card guide unit 50.

In the embodiment, when the 1 st card detection sensor and the 2 nd card detection sensor sequentially detect cards and then the 1 st card detection sensor and the 2 nd card detection sensor sequentially do not detect cards, the computer of the control box 14 can appropriately determine that the cards normally pass.

In the embodiment, when the 1 st card detection sensor and the 2 nd card detection sensor sequentially detect cards and the 2 nd card detection sensor and the 1 st card detection sensor sequentially do not detect cards, the computer of the control box 14 sets the reading of the cards to be invalid. Therefore, the card can be dealt with well when the card is returned.

In the embodiment, the sensitivity of the 2 nd card detection sensor is set to be low so that the playing card is detected and the base card is not detected. Therefore, the effect of the present invention can be suitably achieved when the base plate is used.

An ultraviolet sensor (UV sensor) detects code elements from cards in which a predetermined number of code elements are arranged in a card drawing direction as ultraviolet reaction codes, and outputs a detection signal. The card reading device 10 includes a rank determination unit that determines a card associated with the number of code elements based on a detection signal of the ultraviolet sensor. The code elements are in the above described embodiments marks printed with uv reactive ink. Further, the point determination section is a computer of the control box.

As in the above example, the UV reaction code may have multiple columns of code elements. The cards may be determined using a combination of the number of code elements of the columns. In this case, the cards are determined based on a predetermined number of code elements of the plurality of columns. Therefore, in this case, a predetermined number of code elements are also read. The rank determination section determines the rank of the card associated with the number of the code elements.

In an embodiment, as described above, the number of code elements is associated with at least the rank of the card. The number of code elements may be associated with a category (spade, red peach, etc.) in addition to the number of cards. The number of code elements may also be associated with other information.

According to an embodiment, an ultraviolet sensor is provided, and the code elements are detected by the ultraviolet sensor, and the cards are determined according to the number of the code elements. Therefore, the card can be detected with high accuracy.

The advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail here by comparison with the prior art.

The prior art uses visible light cameras. In the case of a visible light camera, the pattern that is originally on the card must be used. The code element as in the present invention cannot be used for the following reason. That is, when a visible light camera is used, only an object of visible light can be read. The code elements should be printed with visible ink. However, it is not allowed to add code elements of visible ink other than the original pattern to the cards. Because this impairs the appearance. Therefore, in the case of using a visible light camera, such a code element of the present invention cannot be used. In another aspect, the present invention uses an ultraviolet sensor. Therefore, the code element only needs to react to ultraviolet rays. That is, the code element may not be a visible-light subject in general. In this way, in the present invention, since the ultraviolet sensor is provided, the code element can be utilized. That is, a reading target other than the existing pattern of the card can be used.

In addition, since a visible light camera has been used conventionally, it is necessary to use the existing card pattern as described above. Therefore, the reading accuracy is low, and the threshold value of the card speed at the time of reading is also low. On the other hand, in the present invention, the ultraviolet sensor detects the code element. Cards are then determined based on the number of code elements. The code element is, for example, a tag. The number of marks may be counted instead of the image processing of the pattern. Such counting can be performed with high accuracy. Further, even if the card speed is increased, the counting of the number of marks can be performed with high accuracy.

In addition, the present invention is also different from a bar code reader. The barcode reader takes the thickness of a line as a reading object. Whereas the thickness of the lines is not detected in the present invention. Only the mark is detected and counted. Cards are then determined based on the number of indicia. Thus, reading is more accurate than barcode readers. Then, the threshold value of the card speed at the time of reading is increased.

As described above, in the present invention, (1) since the ultraviolet sensor is provided, the reading target is a code element other than the conventional pattern. (2) Unlike the conventional pattern image processing, code elements are detected, and cards are specified based on the number of code elements. Due to these factors, the accuracy of reading can be improved compared to the conventional one. In addition, the threshold value of the card speed at the time of reading can be increased.

As a further advantage, the code elements are assigned to all cards appropriately. Therefore, when the code element is not detected, the card is known to be abnormal. This works well in preventing illicit behavior.

In addition, as another advantage, by using the ultraviolet sensor, the device can be downsized compared to a conventional configuration having a visible light camera.

Further, in the card reading apparatus 10 of the embodiment, the platform 12, the control box 14, the monitor 16, and the win or loss display box 18 are separated. As a modification, some or all of these may be integrally formed. For example, the control box 14 may be built into the platform 12.

The card reading device 10 according to the embodiment can be used for card inspection for preventing a fraud or the like. Therefore, the card reading device 10 may be referred to as a card checking device, and the card reading device 10 may be used together with a shoe (card shoe). Therefore, the card reading device 10 may be referred to as a shoe shape inspection device. The reading of the code in the above-described embodiment may also be referred to as measurement for inspection. Accordingly, the UV sensor 60 may also be referred to as a code reading sensor. Also, the UV sensor 60 may also be referred to as a measurement sensor.

In another modification, the card reading device 10 of the embodiment is integrated with a card shoe. In this case, the advantage that the existing card shooter can be used cannot be obtained. However, an advantage of being able to improve the reading accuracy can be obtained. Further, the card reading apparatus can obtain an advantage that the threshold value of the card speed at the time of reading can be increased.

Fig. 14 shows an integrated structure. The card-handing device 200 includes a housing 202. The housing 202 corresponds to a structure in which the housing of the card shoe and the housing of the deck in the above-described embodiment are integrated. The housing 202 is provided with a card shoe portion 204. The card shoe 202 has various configurations of the card shoe.

The housing 202 is also provided with: a card reading unit 206, a control unit 208, a 1 st display unit 210, and a 2 nd display unit 212. The card reading unit 206 includes a card guide unit 214 and a sensor unit 216.

The card guide 214 has the same function and structure as those of the card guide in the above-described embodiment. In the above embodiment, the card guide portion is provided on the table. In this configuration, the card guide 214 is provided in the housing 202. The card guide 214 may be connected to the structure of the card outlet portion of the card shoe portion 204. Further, the card guide 214 may be integrated with the structure of the exit portion.

The sensor unit 216 is constituted by the sensor group of the above embodiment. That is, the sensor unit 216 includes an ultraviolet sensor 2161, an object detection sensor 2161, a measurement validity determination sensor 2163, and related components. In the above embodiments, the sensor is built into the platform. In the present configuration, the sensor unit 216 is incorporated in the housing 202. The sensor unit 216 is located at the card guide unit 206.

The control unit 208 is a control device corresponding to the control box of the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the control box is disposed separately from the stage. In the present configuration, the control unit 208 is incorporated in the housing 202.

The 1 st display unit 210 is the monitor of the above embodiment. The 2 nd display unit 212 corresponds to the 3 indicator lamps of the win/lose display box in the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, the monitor and the indicator lamp are disposed on the table apart from the platform. In this configuration, the monitor of the 1 st display unit 210 is provided on the side surface of the housing 202. The 2 nd display portion 212 is provided at the rear end portion of the upper surface of the housing 202.

The card shooter device 200 reads cards, processes the read data, and displays the processing result, as in the above-described embodiment.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it is to be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments and that all such modifications that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention are intended to be included in the following claims.

(availability in industry)

The present invention can improve the reading precision of the code of the card and is helpful to prevent the illegal action.

Claims (8)

1. A card gaming system comprising:

a card on which a code element is arranged as an ultraviolet ray reaction code indicating the number of cards;

an integrated card shooter device provided on a game table and having a card reading function of reading the number of cards,

the above-mentioned card game system is characterized in that,

the card shoe device includes:

a card guide unit that guides the cards drawn one by one from the card storage unit to the game table;

an ultraviolet sensor that reads an ultraviolet response code indicating the number of the card from the card guided by the card guide unit;

a card detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a card drawn out along the guide direction of the card guide section; and

a measurement validity/invalidity determination device for determining whether or not the card has passed normally on the card guide surface of the card guide section based on a detection signal of the card detection sensor,

the ultraviolet sensor is adapted to detect the code elements arranged in the card drawing direction as an ultraviolet response code, and outputs a detection signal;

the above-mentioned cards further include:

the code elements arranged along the side of the card in the card drawing direction,

the card shoe apparatus further includes:

a rank determination device for determining the rank of the card associated with the ultraviolet ray reaction code based on a detection signal of the ultraviolet ray sensor;

a win/loss judgment device for judging win/loss of the card game based on the number of the cards sequentially read by the ultraviolet sensor; and

an output device for outputting the game result judged by the win/lose judgment device,

and a control unit for comparing the detected mark with a mark recorded in advance and determining whether the code of the card including the detected mark is normal or not.

2. The card gaming system of claim 1, wherein:

the output device has a plurality of lights for displaying the game result judged by the win/lose judgment device.

3. The card gaming system of claim 1, wherein:

the output device includes a monitor provided on a side surface of a housing of the card shoe device.

4. The card gaming system of claim 1, wherein:

the card guide part has a card guide surface, a card guide rail is provided at the edge of the card guide surface,

the card shoe device may further include a sensor cover for covering the ultraviolet sensor on the card guide rail, and the sensor cover may protect the ultraviolet sensor from external light.

5. The card gaming system of claim 1, wherein:

the ultraviolet response code is a combination of a plurality of code elements.

6. The card gaming system of claim 1, wherein:

the ultraviolet response code is associated with the number of cards and a set of cards of the same suit.

7. The card gaming system of claim 1, wherein:

the ultraviolet response code is associated with the number and type of cards.

8. The card gaming system of claim 1, wherein:

the code elements of the cards are arranged on the areas of the cards without patterns.