U.S. patent application number 11/152776 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-05 for automated playing card identification system for casino-type card games.
This patent application is currently assigned to Real Time Graphics, LLC.. Invention is credited to Frank A. Lewis, Kelly J.M. Lewis, Larry Rogers.
Application Number | 20060001211 11/152776 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35510281 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060001211 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lewis; Frank A. ; et
al. |
January 5, 2006 |
Automated playing card identification system for casino-type card
games
Abstract
Systems and methods for the automatic recognition of playing
cards for casino-type card games. The systems include an automatic
card-recognition system, an electronic card data processor or
processors which allow automatic collection, storage and hand
ranking of historic and current card and player information, and
statistical entry, analysis and retrieval systems. When used in the
television industry, the invention provides multiple graphics
generator interfaces, allowing television broadcasters to
immediately generate and display computer-generated graphics
detailing current hand and potential win percentage information, as
well as historical or summary graphics information, for use in a
live or post-produced television broadcast.
Inventors: |
Lewis; Frank A.; (Toronto,
CA) ; Lewis; Kelly J.M.; (Toronto, CA) ;
Rogers; Larry; (Altamonte Springs, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBERG-TRAURIG
1750 TYSONS BOULEVARD, 12TH FLOOR
MCLEAN
VA
22102
US
|
Assignee: |
Real Time Graphics, LLC.
Altamonte Springs
FL
|
Family ID: |
35510281 |
Appl. No.: |
11/152776 |
Filed: |
June 15, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60579268 |
Jun 15, 2004 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/149R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2009/2489 20130101;
A63F 2009/2411 20130101; A63F 1/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/149.00R |
International
Class: |
A63F 1/12 20060101
A63F001/12 |
Claims
1. An automated system for identifying playing cards comprising: at
least one deck of laminated playing cards, wherein each playing
card is comprised of at least a front substrate and a rear
substrate, wherein each playing card contains at least one
wirelessly pollable identifier positioned between the front
substrate and the rear substrate, and wherein the wirelessly
pollable identifier is attached directly to either the front
substrate or the rear substrate; at least one antenna, wherein the
antenna is capable of transmitting a frequency necessary to cause
the at least one wirelessly pollable identifier to transmit an
identifier; at least one reader, wherein the reader is capable of
receiving the identifier transmitted by the at least one wirelessly
pollable identifier; a game processor; a win percentage processor;
and, a graphics generator.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the game processor is comprised
of at least one database that correlates an identifier associated
with an individual playing card to the rank and suit of the playing
card.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the game processor validates the
transmitted identifier, determines the rank and suit of the playing
card associated with the transmitted identifier by polling the at
least one database, and associates the playing card with the player
to whom the card was dealt.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the game processor transmits hand
information for all players to the win percentage processor after a
required minimum number of cards have been dealt.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the game processor further
transmits to the win percentage processor information on any dead
or discarded cards.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein win percentage processor analyzes
every possible hand for each player based on the cards remaining in
the deck.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the win percentage processor
returns an estimate of the percentage of hands that could be won
using the cards currently held by each player.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the graphics generator converts
information received from other system components into outputs
appropriate for insertion into a broadcast data stream.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein information from the win
processor is made available to the graphics generator.
10. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one manual
bet recorder station, wherein the manual bet recorder station
allows the inputting of card information when such data is
unavailable from the game processor.
11. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one
statistics monitor workstation.
12. An automated system for identifying playing cards comprising:
at least one deck of laminated playing cards, wherein each playing
card is comprised of at least a front substrate and a rear
substrate, wherein each playing card contains at least one
wirelessly pollable identifier positioned between the front
substrate and the rear substrate, and wherein the wirelessly
pollable identifier is attached directly to either the front
substrate or the rear substrate; at least one antenna, wherein the
antenna is capable of transmitting a frequency necessary to cause
the at least one wirelessly pollable identifier to transmit an
identifier; at least one reader, wherein the reader is capable of
receiving the identifier transmitted by the at least one wirelessly
pollable identifier; a game processor, wherein the game processor
is comprised of at least one database that correlates an identifier
associated with an individual playing card to the rank and suit of
the playing card; a win percentage processor, wherein win
percentage processor analyzes every possible hand for each player
based on the cards remaining in the deck and returns an estimate of
the percentage of hands that could be won using the cards currently
held by each player; a graphics generator, wherein the graphics
generator converts information received from other system
components into outputs appropriate for insertion into a broadcast
data stream; and at least one manual bet recorder station, wherein
the manual bet recorder station allows the inputting of card
information when such data is unavailable from the game
processor.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the game processor validates
the transmitted identifier, determines the rank and suit of the
playing card associated with the transmitted identifier by polling
the at least one database, and associates the playing card with the
player to whom the card was dealt, wherein the game processor
transmits the hand information for all players to the win
percentage processor after the required minimum number of cards
have been dealt, and wherein the game processor transmits to the
win percentage processor information on any dead or discarded
cards.
14. An automated system for identifying playing cards comprising:
at least one deck of laminated playing cards, wherein each playing
card is comprised of at least a front substrate and a rear
substrate, wherein each playing card contains at least one
wirelessly pollable identifier positioned between the front
substrate and the rear substrate, and wherein the wirelessly
pollable identifier is attached directly to either the front
substrate or the rear substrate; at least one antenna, wherein the
antenna is capable of transmitting a frequency necessary to cause
the at least one wirelessly pollable identifier to transmit an
identifier; at least one reader, wherein the reader is capable of
receiving the identifier transmitted by the at least one wirelessly
pollable identifier; a game processor; and a graphics generator.
Description
[0001] This application is related to, and claims the benefit of,
Provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/579,268, filed Jun.
15, 2004, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
[0002] This application includes material which is subject to
copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the
facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it
appears in the Patent and Trademark Office files or records, but
otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to the field of automatic
recognition, data storage, hand ranking, and/or statistical
analysis of playing card ranks and suits for playing table playing
card games. More specifically, an embodiment of the invention
relates to games which use playing cards and are played at a
casino, card room or other gaming table with live human
participants.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In the gaming industry there is a significant volume of
gambling which occurs at live table games which involve the use of
playing cards. Exemplary live table games include blackjack,
baccarat, a large number of versions of poker, and the like.
[0005] It has long been a desire for some television programs to
broadcast coverage of live table games. However, a major limitation
and disadvantage of games using playing cards is that, depending on
the rules of the game being played, a number of playing cards are
dealt face down or are discarded by either the dealer or the
players throughout the hand. This makes it impossible for
broadcasters to supply the audience with background information,
"color commentary", or the like during lulls in the action. By way
of example, since the rank and suit of the face-down or discarded
playing cards is not generally known, it is impossible to
accurately calculate win percentages of each player's hand. Thus,
there have been relatively few live broadcasts of games using
playing cards.
[0006] Rather than broadcasting the game live, the camera crews
record the game as it progresses, including manually recording each
card dealt, the amount or amounts of each bet made, and each
individual player's action. These recordings are sent to a
production studio for post-production processing. The production
studio generates graphic images representing various aspects of the
game, such as the cards held by each player, the amount bet, and
the win percentage for each player's hand.
[0007] Some attempts have been made to streamline the recording
process to expedite the post-production process. For example, some
in the prior art have recorded card game action using video cameras
mounted in the cushion which surrounds the table playing surface, a
well as cameras mounted above the table. This approach is
disadvantaged by the fact that the rank and suit of cards dealt
face-down, whether dealt to a player or discarded by either a
player or the dealer, cannot be determined through the use of an
overhead camera, and is available to the cushion-mounted cameras
only when the player lifts the cards from the playing surface to
determine his hand. Even when the player lifts his cards from the
table, it is possible that the suit and rank of the top cards in
the hand may not be visible to the camera, as they may be covered
by the lower card or cards of the hand. Discarded cards are
typically not lifted from the table, and the rank and suit of the
discarded playing cards remains unknown. This information must be
gathered at the end of the hand if it is to be supplied to the
post-production team.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] What is need is a system and methods through which game play
information can be monitored and collected in or near real time,
thus allowing broadcasters to provide live coverage of playing card
games. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an
automated playing card identification system for games using
playing cards that substantially obviates one or more of the
problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
The invention addresses the limitations present in the prior art
and provides a means of automatically determining the rank and suit
of all cards dealt or discarded. This allows accurate calculation
of potential win percentages and the generation of virtually
instantaneous graphics images and statistical information for use
in live television broadcasts.
[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide systems and
methods for the automatic recognition of playing cards for
casino-type card games. Additional features and advantages of the
invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and
in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by
practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of
the invention will be realized and attained by the structure
particularly pointed out in the written description and claims
hereof as well as the appended drawings.
[0010] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with
the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly
described, in one aspect of the present invention there is provided
an automatic card-recognition system, an electronic card data
processor or processors which allow automatic collection, storage
and hand ranking of historic and current card and player
information, and statistical entry, analysis and retrieval
systems.
[0011] In another aspect of the present invention there is provided
embedded radio-frequency identification tags or other wirelessly
pollable tags to provide a unique identification serial number for
each card in the playing card deck or decks, or computer-generated
barcode information printed on the back of each playing card; and a
plurality of radio-frequency identification readers, built into the
game playing surface, and being controlled to provide automatic
identification of playing cards dealt or played, or at least one
barcode scanner to provide the same function
[0012] In yet another aspect of the present invention there is
provided a plurality of radio-frequency identification readers,
built into the game playing surface, and being controlled to
provide automatic identification of playing cards dealt or played,
or at least one barcode scanner to provide the same function.
[0013] An embodiment of the invention includes both internal and
external graphics generator interfaces which allow television
broadcasters to immediately display graphics related to the game or
hand in progress. Statistical data on cards and player hands, as
well as bet amounts, summary totals and individual player actions
are available from the system for use as computer printouts,
statistical analysis screens on locally-connected personal
computers, as television broadcast graphics, or for other such
purposes.
[0014] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of
the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and together with the description serve to explain
the principles of the invention.
[0016] In the drawings:
[0017] FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b are top views of playing cards
containing radio-frequency identification chips, the back of the
playing cards having been removed for clarity.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a card identification system
embodiment, including a television graphics output, utilizing a
single radio-frequency identification reader.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a card identification system
embodiment, including a television graphics output, utilizing a
plurality of radio-frequency identification readers.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a playing surface
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT
[0021] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings. For clarity, similar
components in the various figures have been given the same
reference numerals.
[0022] FIG. 1a represents laminated playing card 200 incorporating
a self-adhesive radio-frequency identification tag consisting of a
microchip transceiver 203 and associated antenna 202 mounted on a
thin polyvinyl chloride carrier 204. The complete assembly
incorporates a front substrate that includes the playing card face,
the radio-frequency identification tag, and a rear substrate that
includes the playing card back, which are bonded together to form a
complete playing card assembly. In this figure, the playing card
back has been removed for clarity.
[0023] FIG. 1b represents an alternative configuration of a
laminated playing card assembly, utilizing a self adhesive
radio-frequency identification ("RFID") tag consisting of a
microchip transceiver 203 and associated antennas 202, mounted
directly on a playing card surface 200. The complete assembly
incorporates a front substrate that includes the playing card face,
the radio-frequency identification tag and a rear substrate that
includes the playing card back, which are bonded together to form a
complete playing card assembly. In this figure, the playing card
back has been removed for clarity.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a single-sensor automatic
playing card identification system, including an optional graphics
generator output for television. In this embodiment, the playing
cards used as part of the game include at least one RFID tag, with
each card assigned a unique identifier. Each card dealt at card
table 100 is passed over antenna 101 during the dealing process,
and may also pass over antenna 101 during game play. When a card
passes over antenna 101, the card transmits its unique
identification number. The transmitted identification number is
received and decoded by radio-frequency identification reader 102.
In the illustrated embodiment, the identification number data is
transmitted to game processor 103 by means of RS232 or RS485 serial
communications link 114. It should be apparent to one skilled in
the art that alternative communications means, such as, but not
limited to, a communication means employing BlueTooth.TM.
technology, may be substituted therefor without departing from the
spirit or the scope of the invention.
[0025] Game processor 103 validates the radio-frequency
identification tag data, searches an internal database to determine
the rank and suit of the card, and assigns that card to the
appropriate player depending on the rules of the game in play. This
card and player information can be displayed on one or more system
console monitors 106.
[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, when the required minimum
number of cards have been dealt (depending on the rules of the game
in play and the number of players), the game processor transmits
the hand information for all players, plus information on any dead
or discarded cards, to Win Percentage processor 104. Such
transmission may occur via Ethernet link 115 or other wired or
wireless communication means. Win Percentage processor 104 performs
an analysis of every possible hand for each player based on the
cards remaining in the deck and returns an estimate of the
percentage of hands that could be won using the cards currently
held by each player. This information is relayed to game processor
103 and can also be made available on system console monitor 106.
The win percentage information is also available to graphics
generator 105 for output to a television truck or other
transmission source. In the illustrated embodiment, graphics
generator 105 provides serial-digital (RS601) outputs for video
fill 108 and video key 109 signals required for insertion of the
image over standard television pictures, high definition television
pictures, or other broadcast data streams. The signals can be
synchronized to reference signal 110 generated by the television
truck or other transmission source.
[0027] An embodiment of the system supports manual entry of wager
amounts and player actions through system console terminal 106 or
through Manual Bet Recorder station 111. This allows the inputting
of card information when such data is unavailable through the
automatic system and provides a manual backup for the automatic
playing card recognition system. Information entered through system
console terminal 106 or Manual Bet Recorder station 111 is stored
in Game Processor 103 for use in statistical analysis of the game,
tournament, or event, and for the generation of appropriate
graphics for the television broadcast.
[0028] An embodiment of the system also provides for a plurality of
Statistics Monitoring workstations 113. These workstations can be
connected to game processor 103 via Ethernet link 115 or an
alternative wired or wireless communication means. By way of
example, without intending to limit the present invention, such
connectivity allows users to monitor and analyze various aspects of
the game, including the current hand, wager amounts, win
percentages, player actions, and game results.
[0029] The proposed system can also incorporate a plurality of
printers 107, interfaced to game processor 103 via Ethernet link
115 or other wireless or wired communication means, or directly
connected to game processor 103 or any of the Statistics Monitor
workstations 113. This allows the system to provide hard-copy
output of each hand played and other associated statistics.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a block schematic diagram of a multi-sensor
automatic playing card identification system, including an optional
graphics generator output for television. In this configuration, an
individual antenna 101 is located at each player position, with an
additional antenna and reader located at both the discard area and
"community card" area on the playing surface, depending on the type
of game being played. Each antenna has an associated
radio-frequency identification reader 102. All readers can be
connected through an RS485 communications link 117 or other wired
or wireless communication means to Data Concentrator 116, which can
transmit all received radio-frequency tag data to game processor
103 via Ethernet connection 115 or other wired or wireless
communication means.
[0031] Game processor 103 validates the radio-frequency
identification tag data, searches a database to determine the rank
and suit of the card just dealt, and assigns that card to the
appropriate player, depending on the rules of the game in play.
This card and player information can be displayed on system console
monitor 106. When the required minimum number of cards have been
dealt (depending on the rules of the game in play and the number of
players), game processor 103 transmits the hand information for all
players, plus information on any dead or discarded cards, to Win
Percentage processor 104 via Ethernet link 115 or an alternative
wired or wireless communication means. Win Percentage processor 104
performs an analysis of every possible hand for each player based
on the cards available in the deck and returns an estimate of the
percentage of hands that could be won using the cards currently
held by each player. This information can be made immediately
available to a user via system console monitor 106, and can also be
made available to graphics generator 105 for output to a television
truck or other broadcast source. In the illustrated embodiment,
graphics generator 105 provides serial-digital (RS601) outputs for
video fill 108 and video key 109 signals required for insertion of
the generated images over standard television pictures, high
definition television pictures, or other broadcast data streams.
These signals can be synchronized to reference signal 110 generated
by a television truck or other broadcast source.
[0032] Manual entry of wager amounts and player actions is
supported through the system console terminal 106 or through Manual
Bet Recorder station 111. Information entered through system
console terminal 106 or Manual Bet Recorder station 111 is stored
in game processor 103 for use in statistical analysis of the game,
tournament, or event, and for the generation of appropriate
graphics for the television broadcast.
[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, manual card data entry may
also be accomplished through system console terminal 106, or
through Manual Data Entry station 112. This allows the inputting of
card information when such data is unavailable through the
automatic system and provides a manual backup for the automatic
playing card recognition system.
[0034] The illustrated embodiment provides a plurality of
Statistics Monitor workstations 113 which are connected to game
processor 103 via Ethernet link 115 or other wired or wireless
communication means. These workstations allow monitoring and
statistical analysis of various aspects of the game, including the
current hand, wager amounts, win percentages, player actions, and
game results.
[0035] The illustrated embodiment also incorporates an optional
plurality of system printers 107, interfaced to game processor 103
via Ethernet link 115 or other wireless or wired communication
means, or directly connected to either game processor 103 or any of
the Statistics Monitor workstations 113. This allows the system to
provide hard-copy output of each hand played and other associated
statistics.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a typical playing
surface. A groove 301 of suitable size and shape is machined into
plywood playing surface 300 and a loop-wire antenna 101 is inserted
into the groove. The antenna connector (not shown) is routed
through a hole in the playing surface, and is mechanically and
electrically connected to Radio-frequency Identification reader 102
using a suitable shielded cable. After assembly, the entire playing
surface is covered with the standard felt material 303 normally
used on playing card gaming surfaces.
[0037] Radio-frequency Identification Reader 102 may be mounted
directly to the bottom of the playing surface (as shown), or may
alternately be located within a protective housing within the
playing table structure or framework.
[0038] While the invention has been described in detail and with
reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to
those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can
be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope
thereof. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the
modifications and variations of this invention provided they come
within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *