U.S. patent application number 11/558810 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-15 for casino table game monitoring system.
Invention is credited to Zbigniew Czyzewski, David Pokorny.
Application Number | 20080113783 11/558810 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39410357 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080113783 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Czyzewski; Zbigniew ; et
al. |
May 15, 2008 |
CASINO TABLE GAME MONITORING SYSTEM
Abstract
A networked casino game rules violation alert system that
captures game data from numerous game security systems/devices in
real time, integrates the data, and compiles the integrated data.
The system interprets the compiled data, associates the interpreted
data with game rules, analyzes and compares the data to determine
if there have been invalid actions (i.e., cheating by the player
and/or dealer), detects any game anomalies, categorizes the
anomalies, generates alerts based on the anomalies and the priority
assigned to the anomaly, and dispatches alerts to various systems
and alert mechanisms linked to the network. The system can also be
used to collect game statistics, per player and dealer, and can
determine and respond to historical anomalies as deemed
appropriate.
Inventors: |
Czyzewski; Zbigniew;
(Henderson, NV) ; Pokorny; David; (Las Vegas,
NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Dickstein Shapiro LLP
1825 Eye Street NW
Washington
DC
20006
US
|
Family ID: |
39410357 |
Appl. No.: |
11/558810 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/29 ;
463/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 3/00157 20130101;
G07F 17/3241 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3232
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/29 ;
463/43 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A casino game table monitoring system comprising: at least one
video camera for outputting images of objects at the table; a video
interface for inputting the images from the at least one camera and
processing the images into first game data; a game device
comprising a rules module to track game states, said game device
outputting game state data and second game data; at least one
monetary sensing system for obtaining and outputting monetary
information at positions at the table; and a table manager unit for
inputting the first and second game data, the game state data and
the monetary information, said table manager unit determining if
there have been any game anomalies based on the input data and
monetary information.
2. The monitoring system of claim 1, wherein said table manager
unit generates an alert based on the determined anomaly.
3. The monitoring system of claim 2, further comprising a server
connected to receive the game state data, first and second game
data, monetary information and alert from the table manager unit,
said server outputting the alert to at least one surveillance
device based on the priority of the alert.
4. The monitoring system of claim 3, wherein the game is baccarat
and the server outputs the alert to a baccarat tracker unit, which
tracks results of the game over a period of time.
5. The monitoring system of claim 3, wherein the server outputs the
alert to a wireless device over a wireless communication
medium.
6. The monitoring system of claim 3, wherein the server outputs the
alert to a game management system that alerts casino personnel of
the anomaly.
7. The monitoring system of claim 3, wherein the server outputs the
alert over a network to a plurality of data sinks.
8. The monitoring system of claim 3, wherein the server stores the
first and second game data, monetary information and alert for
further processing.
9. The monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the game is baccarat,
the game device is a card shoe, and the second game data
corresponds to a rank and suit of cards dealt from the shoe.
10. The monitoring system of claim 9, wherein the first game data
comprises data corresponding to a rank and suit of cards on the
table and monetary data corresponding to chips wagered at the
table.
11. The monitoring system of claim 10, wherein the monetary sensing
system comprises: a plurality of game chips having RFID information
corresponding to a monetary value of each chip; and at least one
antenna corresponding to each player position for receiving the
RFID information and transmitting the information to the table
manager unit.
12. The monitoring system of claim 1, wherein said table manager
unit comprises a priority system for detected anomalies.
13. The monitoring system of claim 1, wherein said table manager
unit performs a statistical analysis of the input first and second
game data, game state data and the monetary information.
14. The monitoring system of claim 1, wherein said table manager
unit determines wins and losses based on the input first and second
game data, game state data and the monetary information.
15. A casino game data collection system comprising: at least one
video camera, said at least one camera adapted to output images of
objects at the table; a video interface adapted to input the images
from the at least one camera and process the images into game data;
at least one monetary sensing system adapted to obtain and output
monetary data corresponding to game chips at a plurality of
positions at the table; and a processor unit, said processor unit
adapted to input the game data and the monetary data, said unit
being further adapted to correlate the game data and monetary
data.
16. The collection system of claim 15, wherein the input game data
comprises data corresponding to a rank and suit of cards on the
table.
17. The collection system of claim 16, wherein the input game data
further comprises monetary data corresponding to images of chips
wagered at the table.
18. The collection system of claim 15, wherein the input game data
can be used to determine game state information.
19. The collection system of claim 15, wherein the processor unit
is further adapted to determine if there have been any game
anomalies based on the correlated data and to associate an anomaly
with a priority level.
20. The collection system of claim 19, wherein the anomalies
correspond to one of card switching, card reversal, capping of bets
and pinching of bets.
21. The collection system of claim 20, wherein the game is
baccarat.
22. The collection system of claim 20, wherein the game is
blackjack and the anomalies further correspond to one of improperly
dealt cards, improper insurance wagering, improper splitting of
cards, and improper double down wagering and card dealing.
23. A casino game data collection system comprising: a game device
comprising a rules module to track game states during a game based
on cards dealt from the device, said game device outputting game
state data and game data; at least one monetary sensing system for
obtaining and outputting monetary data corresponding to game chips
located at positions at the table; and a processor unit, said
processor unit adapted to input the game data, game state data and
the monetary data, said unit being further adapted to correlate the
game data, game state data and monetary data.
24. The collection system of claim 23, wherein the input game data
comprises data corresponding to a rank and suit of cards dealt from
the gaming device and the game state information corresponds to a
state of a baccarat game as determined by the cards dealt from the
device.
25. The collection system of claim 23, wherein the monetary data
corresponds to chips wagered and paid out at the table.
26. The collection system of claim 23, wherein the processor unit
is further adapted to determine if there have been any game
anomalies based on the correlated data and to associate an anomaly
with a priority level.
27. The collection system of claim 26, wherein the anomalies
comprise one of invalid actions taken during the game, capping of
bets and pinching of bets.
28. A casino game data collection system comprising: at least one
video camera, said at least one camera adapted to output images of
objects at the table; a video interface adapted to input the images
from the at least one camera and process the images into first game
data; a game device comprising a rules module to track game states
during a game based on cards dealt from the device, said game
device outputting game state data and second game data; and a
processor unit, said processor unit adapted to input the first and
second game data, and the game state data, said unit being further
adapted to correlate the first and second game data and game state
data to detect game anomalies.
29. The collection system of claim 28, wherein the second game data
comprises data corresponding to a rank and suit of cards dealt from
the gaming device and the first game data comprises data
corresponding to images of the cards.
30. The collection system of claim 28, wherein the game state
information corresponds to a state of a baccarat game as determined
by the cards dealt from the device.
31. The collection system of claim 28, wherein the processor unit
is further adapted to determine if there has been a card switching
anomaly from the first and second game data.
32. A casino game anomaly detection system comprising: means for
inputting first game data corresponding to video images of objects
at a gaming table; means for inputting second game data and game
state information from a gaming device; means for inputting
monetary data corresponding to chips located at different positions
at the table; means for correlating the first and second game data,
game state data and the monetary data; means for determining if
there have been any game anomalies based on the correlated data;
and means for associating an anomaly with a priority level and
generating an alert based on the anomaly and priority level.
33. The system of claim 32, wherein the means for inputting first
game data comprises means for inputting data corresponding to a
rank and suit of cards on the table and monetary data corresponding
to chips wagered at the table.
34. The system of claim 33, wherein the means for inputting second
game data comprises means for inputting data corresponding to the
rank and suit of the cards as the cards were dealt from the gaming
device and the game state information corresponds to a state of a
baccarat game as determined by the cards dealt from the device.
35. The system of claim 32, wherein the means for inputting
monetary data inputs data corresponding to chips wagered and paid
out at the table.
36. The system of claim 32, wherein alerts can be generated for one
of invalid game play actions, card switching, card reversal,
capping of bets and pinching of bets.
37. A casino game anomaly detection system comprising: means for
inputting first game data and game state information corresponding
to video images of objects at a gaming table; means for inputting
second game data from a gaming device; means for inputting monetary
data corresponding to chips located at different positions at the
table; means for correlating the first and second game data, game
state data and the monetary data; means for determining if there
have been any game anomalies based on the correlated data; and
means for associating an anomaly with a priority level and
generating an alert based on the anomaly and priority level.
38. The system of claim 37, wherein the input first game data
comprises data corresponding to a rank and suit of cards on the
table and monetary data corresponding to chips wagered at the
table.
39. The system of claim 37, wherein the input second game data
comprises data corresponding to the rank and suit of the cards as
the cards were dealt from the gaming device.
40. The system of claim 37, wherein alerts can be generated for one
of invalid game play actions, card switching, card reversal,
capping of bets and pinching of bets.
41. The system of claim 40, wherein the game is blackjack and the
invalid game actions comprise improperly dealt cards, improper
insurance wagering, improper splitting of cards, and improper
double down wagering and card dealing.
42. A casino game table monitoring system comprising: at least one
video camera for outputting images of objects at the table; a video
interface for inputting the images from the at least one camera and
processing the images into first game data and game state data; a
game device outputting second game data; at least one monetary
sensing system for obtaining and outputting monetary information at
positions at the table; and a table manager unit for inputting the
first and second game data, the game state data and the monetary
information, said table manager unit determining if there have been
any game anomalies based on the input data and monetary information
and if there has been an anomaly, associating the anomaly with a
priority level and generating an alert based on the anomaly and
priority level.
43. The monitoring system of claim 42, further comprising a server
connected to receive the game state data, first and second game
data, monetary information and alert from the table manager unit,
said server outputting the alert to at least one surveillance
device based on the priority of the alert.
44. The monitoring system of claim 43, wherein the game is
blackjack and the server outputs the alert to a blackjack tracker
unit, which tracks results of the game over a period of time.
45. The monitoring system of claim 43, wherein the game is
blackjack, the gaming device is a card shoe with an alert
notification device, and the server outputs the alert to the card
shoe.
46. The monitoring system of claim 43, wherein the server outputs
the alert to a game management system that alerts casino personnel
of the anomaly.
47. A casino game table monitoring system comprising: at least one
data acquisition device proximate a gaming table capable of
generating an output signal corresponding to a game event; a game
module, the module receiving data from at least one data
acquisition device and generating at least game state data; and a
table manager capable of receiving at least the game state data and
detecting anomalies in game play.
48. The casino game table monitoring system of claim 47, wherein
the data acquisition device is selected from the group consisting
of: a card reader, a card reading shoe, a card reading shuffler, a
monetary sensing system, a RFID antenna and chip system, a camera
imaging system, a proximity detector, and a magnetic detection
device.
49. The casino game table monitoring system of claim 48, wherein at
least one data acquisition device is a camera imaging system, and
further comprising a video interface for receiving output from the
camera imagers and processing the images into first game data.
50. The casino table game monitoring system of claim 49, wherein
the video interface and the game module resides on a computer.
51. The casino table game monitoring system of claim 48, wherein at
least one data acquisition device is a card reading shoe, the shoe
having an internal processor, wherein the game module resides on
the internal processor.
52. The casino table game monitoring system of claim 48, wherein at
least one data acquisition device is a monetary sensing system.
53. The casino table game monitoring system of claim 48, wherein at
least one data acquisition device is a card reading shoe, the shoe
having an internal processor, wherein the game module resides
outside of the internal processor.
54. The casino table game monitoring system of claim 47, wherein
alert signals are generated in response to the detection of an
anomaly.
55. The casino table game monitoring system of claim 54, wherein
the table manager is programmed to issue multiple levels of alert
signal.
56. The casino table game monitoring system of claim 54, wherein
alert signals are routed to at least one external data sink.
57. The casino table game monitoring system of claim 47, wherein
the game module is programmed to determine the state of a game
selected from the group consisting of blackjack and baccarat.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is related to concurrently filed
applications bearing the attorney docket numbers [PA1735.ap.US,
PA1701.ap.US and PA1700.ap.US]. The specifications of these
applications are incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] Embodiments of the invention relate generally to an
automated security monitoring system for a casino table game such
as e.g., baccarat and blackjack, and more particularly to an
automated security monitoring system that can capture game data,
detect anomalies, generate alerts, and dispatch alerts to various
data sinks and electronic devices in real time.
[0004] 2. Background of the Art
[0005] Security within a casino is focused upon a number of
different areas of concern. Those areas include, among others,
counterfeiting of currency or tokens, counterfeiting of gaming
implements (cards or dice), artificial manipulation of gaming
implements (marking cards, weighting dice, weighting roulette
wheels or balls, etc.), altering bet amounts or bet types during
play, switching cards between players, dealer conspiracy with
players, and wagering based upon a degree of intelligence of
foreknowledge of cards in play. Each of these different issues
requires distinct attention and different implementation of
security to be able to control crimes being committed against the
casino. The use of totally mechanical or totally electronic gaming
systems tends to eliminate the majority of these potential issues,
but game players tend to play as much for the social interaction of
live games with live players and dealers as they do for the
enjoyment of game play. It is therefore necessary for systems,
methods and apparatus to be developed that can assist in reducing
the potential for these criminal actions being taken at casinos
without destroying the live ambiance of a casino table game.
[0006] One particular casino table game that would benefit from
monitoring is baccarat. Baccarat is often a high stakes game. In
addition, players may touch the cards during play. Thus, there is a
particular need to monitor the game of baccarat. The basic play of
the casino table card game of baccarat is relatively simple and
relatively inflexible. The player may feel comfortable relying
solely upon the luck of the draw or his/her own luck in playing the
game, as opposed to feeling that, as in some other casino games,
there is a level of skill needed that is intimidating to the
player. Those rules are summarized below.
[0007] Baccarat or "Punto Banco" is usually played in a separate
casino area. The playing table is about the size of a craps table
with three casino dealers and up to 12 or 14 players. FIG. 1 shows
a portion of a conventional casino table 10 suitable for playing
baccarat. The table 10 includes a card shoe 12, player hand
positions 14, 16, banker hand positions 18, 20 and three player
wagering positions 22, 24, 26. Each player wagering position 22,
24, 26 includes a position P for wagering on the player hand
(comprising cards dealt to the player hand positions 14, 16), a
position B for wagering on the banker hand (comprising cards dealt
to the player hand positions 14, 16) and a position T for wagering
that there will be a tie (also known as a standoff) between the
player and banker hands.
[0008] Baccarat is typically played from a six-deck or an
eight-deck card shoe 12. All face cards and tens have no value.
Cards less than ten are counted at face value, Aces are worth 1.
Suits do not matter. Only single digit values are valid. Any count
that reaches a double digit value drops the left-most digit. For
example, a 15 is counted as 5 while a total of 25 is also counted
as 5. The object of the game is to bet on the hand that you think
will have the highest total value. The goal of the game is to
obtain a hand value of 8 or 9.
[0009] Some casinos let the players deal the cards in turn and
others have a casino dealer deal the cards. Each player, including
the player dealing (sometimes referred to as the banker), may place
a bet on the player, also known as Punto, by placing at least one
casino chip on wagering position P, the banker, also known as
Banco, by placing at least one casino chip on wagering position B,
or a tie/standoff by placing at least one casino chip on wagering
position T. It is customary, but not required, for the player
dealing the game to bet on the banker hand. Players may opt not to
deal, passing the shoe 12 to the next player. The shoe 12 remains
with one player as long as the bank wins. If the player hand wins,
the shoe 12 passes on to the next player.
[0010] The player's bets are made before any one of the cards in
either hand is displayed. The betting in baccarat is similar to
betting on black or red at a roulette table, and the payoff is even
money (i.e., 1:1), except for a tie, which typically pays out at
8:1 or 9:1. The only difference between the banker bet (B) and the
player bet (P) is that a winning banker bet will cost the player a
commission or tax levied by the casino, since it is known that the
odds favor the banker hand.
[0011] Each hand consists of a minimum of two and a maximum of
three cards. The person dealing will deal two cards, face down, and
will deal to the player with the largest bet on the player hand the
other two cards, face down. The player with the largest player bet
looks at the cards and gives them back to the player/dealer. Then,
the player who is dealing will turn over the cards of both hands
while one of the casino dealers announces the results and the
winner. If either hand has a total of 8 or 9 (nine is the highest),
known in the art as a "natural," no more cards are dealt. If there
are no naturals, then depending on the value of each hand the
casino dealer may instruct the card player/dealer to deal a third
card. The decision of when to deal a third card follows precise
rules used by all casinos and are summarized below. Once dealing is
completed, the hand with the highest count (9 being the highest
possible count, with first digits in two-digit totals being dropped
e.g., an 18 becoming a count of 8) wins. The casino's dealer will
collect the losing bets first and then pay out the winning
ones.
[0012] As stated above, once the two cards in the player/banker
hands have been uncovered, the rules of baccarat will dictate
whether a third must be dealt to the player and/or the banker based
on the following "three-card" rules. In practice, it is not
necessary for the players to learn these rules to play the game, as
the rules are compulsory and automatically enforced. Starting with
the player's hand total, if the player's hand total is less than or
equal to 5, the player's hand draws a third card. If the player's
hand does not draw a third card, then the banker's hand stands on a
6 or more, but takes a third card on a total of 5 or less. If the
player's hand takes a third card, then the following banker's hand
third-card-rules determine if the banker's hand takes a third
card.
[0013] If the banker's hand is a 2 or less, then banker's hand
draws a third card. If the banker's hand totals to a 3, then the
banker's hand draws a third card unless the player's hand third
card was an 8. If the banker's hand total is 4, then the banker's
hand draws a third card unless the player's hand third card is a 0,
1, 8, or 9. If the banker's hand total is 5, then the banker's hand
draws a third card if the player's hand third card is a 4, 5, 6, or
7. If the banker's hand total is 6, then the banker's hand draws a
third card if the player's hand third card is a 6 or 7. If the
banker's hand total is 7, then the banker stands.
[0014] As is apparent, there are many security concerns with a
hands-on game such as baccarat. These concerns include a phenomenon
known as "first card cheating," which is a statistical method of
cheating allowing a player to alter his/her betting based on the
player's impermissible knowledge of the first card to-be-dealt by
the dealer. The theory behind first card cheating is described in
U.S. application Ser. No. 11/394,055, filed on Mar. 29, 2006, which
is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Other concerns
associated with baccarat, as well as other casino table games,
include: pinching and/or capping of bets, card switching, and card
reversal.
[0015] Pinching is the illegal act of removing chips that were
wagered from the player's bet after a round/game has begun. Capping
is the illegal act of adding chips to those previously wagered from
the player's bet after the round has begun. These acts are
respectively designed to reduce the amount of money the casino
receives (on player losing bets) or increase the amount of money
the casino pays out (on player winning bets). Card switching is the
act of switching out cards that were dealt from the shoe with other
cards in order to modify one or both of the dealt hands. Card
reversal is a special case of card switching, which is the act of
moving cards that have been dealt to different areas of the table,
which results in modifying the dealt hands. The acts are designed
to influence the outcome of the game in a manner beneficial to the
cheater(s).
[0016] Moreover, the casino must also look out for discrepancies in
the casino table's chip trays and its payouts of winning bets. That
is, the casino must be aware of the chips at the table and must
also be aware of any discrepancies between expected payouts and
actual payouts.
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of a casino table 10' suitable
for playing blackjack. The table 10' includes a card shoe 12, chip
rack 13, game indicia 15 and a plurality of player wagering
positions 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29. In FIG. 2, the indicia 15 is
an inscription for an "insurance" bet, which is a unique wagering
feature of the game of blackjack (described below). Other indicia
15 could include pay-out odds, house rules and/or the rules of the
game.
[0018] Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games. Unlike
baccarat, blackjack requires some level of skill and game decisions
in order to be successful. The object of blackjack is to obtain a
card hand with a rank numerical value of twenty-one. All face cards
(i.e., kings, queens and jacks) have a rank value of ten. Aces can
have a value of one or eleven, depending on the value needed by the
player/dealer (as dictated by the other cards in the hand). The
remaining cards retain their rank values (i.e., a 2 has a value of
two, 3 has a value of three, etc.). The card suits do not matter in
blackjack.
[0019] After the players place their wagers, the dealer deals two
cards to each player. The dealer also deals herself two cards. All
player cards are dealt face down. The dealer's hand, however,
includes one card dealt face up (i.e., the "up card") and the
second card dealt face down (i.e., the "hole" card). Typically, the
last card dealt is the down card. The object of the game is to beat
the dealer's hand with a hand having a value of twenty-one, or as
close to twenty-one as possible without busting. After the players
view their hands and the dealer's up card, each player may decide
to draw an extra card (i.e., a "hit") to bring her total closer to
twenty-one. A skilled player uses the odds to decide whether to
"hit" or "stand" (i.e., not receive additional cards) based on the
present information about her cards and the dealer's up card. There
is no limit to the number of hits a player can take as long as the
player's hand total does not exceed twenty-one. On rare occasions,
the player may take five hit cards without busting. This event is
known as "Seven Card Charlie" and is often awarded a bonus
payout.
[0020] A hand total that exceeds twenty-one is known as a bust.
Players that bust are out of the game, must reveal all of their
cards and indicate to the dealer that they busted. The dealer
removes the player's cards and the player's wagers are forfeited to
the house. At any point during the game, the players may decide not
to be dealt any more additional cards and hope that their hand
total will exceed the dealer's hand total, or hope that the dealer
busts out of the game. After all the players have finished making
their game decisions, the dealer reveals the hole card and plays
out its hand. House rules may require the dealer to hit until its
hand reaches at least seventeen, regardless of what the players
have.
[0021] In blackjack, there is a special event when players are
offered an option to purchase "insurance". Insurance is a separate
wager designed to protect the player from losing her initial wager
when the dealer is dealt a twenty-one (i.e., blackjack). When the
dealer's up card is an Ace, the players are offered an opportunity
to place an insurance wager. The amount of the insurance wager may
be up to one half of the player's initial wager. For example, if a
player's initial wager was $10, then that player may make a $5
insurance wager. The insurance bet is typically placed on the
insurance indicia 15 on the table 10'. The purpose of the insurance
bet is to allow players to "protect" their initial wager when the
dealer's odds of reaching a twenty-one are high such as in the case
when the dealer is showing an Ace.
[0022] After a player responds to the offer to place an insurance
bet, the dealer peeks at her hole card to determine if the dealer's
hand is a twenty-one (i.e., blackjack). This is a mandatory
procedure. If the dealer's hole card has a rank value of ten, then
the player that placed an insurance bet, wins the insurance bet,
but loses the initial wager. If the player's insurance bet was one
half the initial wager, the player's insurance bet, which pays off
at 2:1 odds, essentially returns the players initial wager. If,
however, the dealer's hole card does not have a rank value of ten,
the player loses the insurance bet, but the player remains in the
game in a pursuit of wining the initial bet. As can be appreciated,
during the dealer's peeking of the hole card, the dealer can
inadvertently or intentionally reveal the rank of the hole card.
Insurance betting also provides the players with an opportunity to
illegally change wagers or cards when the dealer is not
looking.
[0023] The game of blackjack has other wagering and dealing
scenarios as is known in the art. These scenarios include a "double
down" wager or "split" of the player's hand. Double down allows the
player to double its initial wager at the cost of receiving only
one more card from the dealer. Splitting of a hand allows the
player to double its wager, but to use each initial card as a first
card in what becomes two new hands. Splitting is only available
when the initial cards have the same value. House rules may place
restrictions on when a player may double down or split. The
scenarios also provide the players with opportunities to illegally
change wagers or swap cards.
[0024] There are many security issues in high stakes games with
rules that permit players to touch/handle the cards that eventually
determine the outcome of the wagers placed by the players.
Likewise, there are many security issues in games in which multiple
cards may be dealt and multiple wagers may be made during the
course of the game. Today, there are many types of surveillance
systems available, but these systems require vast amounts of
manpower to implement. These systems typically rely on overhead
video cameras and security personnel to view the video on numerous
monitors. Other systems utilize radio frequency identifiers (RFID)
in casino chips to determine the value of chips wagered during a
game. Card shoes can be equipped with image sensors to determine
the card dealt from the shoe. All of these systems also require
personnel to walk the casino floor and investigate matters in
person, rather than on video.
[0025] An example of a surveillance system for the casino game of
blackjack is described in patent application publication
2005/0272501 (the "'0272501 publication"), which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety. The '0272501 publication
discloses a video system and image processing method for monitoring
players in a game of blackjack. Video image data is generally
retrieved through a series of cameras that capture images of game
play from different angles. The cameras or a computer system can
have an engine for processing the images into data. The system
extracts player and game data, and processes the data to determine
game events (i.e., a card being dealt, player placing a bet, etc.).
The video images are processed and presented to security personnel
to aid in game security and to track player/dealer progress and
history.
[0026] Conventional security systems, however, are not equipped to
handle all of the above potential cheating mechanisms, which are
particularly troublesome for the games of baccarat and blackjack.
Moreover, there is no system that exists today that can capture and
analyze game data in real time and also react to anomalies when
need (i.e., issue alerts) in real time.
[0027] Accordingly, there is a need and desire for an automated
data acquisition and security system that can capture game data,
detect anomalies, generate an alert, and dispatch the alert to
various source and electronic devices in real time. Moreover, there
is a desire for a networked alert system that is integrated with an
automated game data tracking system capable of associating compiled
data from an image data system and associating integrated
peripheral systems with the rules of baccarat and/or blackjack. It
is also desirable that the system is capable of detecting game
anomalies, interpreting the anomalies, correlating the anomalies,
categorizing the anomalies, generating an alert relative to an
anomaly's level of security infringement, and dispatching the alert
to various remote computer systems linked to a network as well as
wired and wireless communication devices.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0028] Embodiments of the invention provide novel combinations of
data acquisition equipment and a networked casino game rules
violation alert system that captures game data from numerous game
security systems/devices in real time, integrates the data, and
compiles the integrated data. The system interprets the compiled
data, associates the interpreted data with game rules, analyzes and
compares the data to detect invalid actions (i.e., cheating by the
player and/or dealer), detects any game anomalies, categorizes the
anomalies, generates alerts based on the anomalies and the priority
assigned to the anomaly, and dispatches alerts to various systems
and alert mechanisms linked to the network. The system can also be
used to collect game statistics, per player and dealer, and can
determine and respond to historical anomalies as deemed
appropriate.
[0029] In one example embodiment, the system is used to monitor a
game of baccarat at a baccarat table. In yet another example
embodiment, the system is used to monitor a game of blackjack at a
blackjack table.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional baccarat table.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a conventional blackjack table.
[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a monitoring system used to monitor
gaming at a casino table such as a blackjack table.
[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates an integrated monitoring system used to
monitor gaming at a baccarat table in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention.
[0034] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate processing performed by the system
illustrated in FIG. 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates an integrated monitoring system used to
monitor gaming at a blackjack table in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a surveillance system 40 suitable for
monitoring a game of blackjack. In system 40, a blackjack table 10'
is equipped with a card shoe 12 and chip rack 13 as described
above. The system 40 also includes overhead cameras 44, 46
connected to a ceiling 70 of the casino, and other cameras 42, 48
either mounted to or in the vicinity of the table 10'. These
cameras 42, 44, 46, 48 communicate with a computer system 50 that
is responsible for image processing (if necessary) and
automatically monitoring game play by gathering table data. Dealt
card values and table activity can be verified using this system
50. Typically, the components of the system 40 are connected to
each other by one gigabyte/sec network cabling 52, 54.
[0037] As an optional feature, a form of chip recognition may also
be implemented into the system 40 using the cameras 42, 44, 46, 48
and evaluation software in the computer system 50. As such, the
computer system 50 should be able to process chip images and values
on the gaming table 10'. The imaging system (either in the cameras
42, 44, 46, 48 or the computer system 50) requires at least ten
clean frames a second to provide the system 40 with the optimal
number of images. The number of pixels in an image translates to
the identity of an object. The information is transmitted to a
local processor equipped with an optical recognition
circuit/integrated circuit chip to speed up the pixel translation.
Image processing software continues the pixel translation. The
pixel density/mass is analyzed and compared to stored pixel
densities and stored relative shape data in the system 50. The
software detects relative features and performs a shape comparison
analysis. The system 50 utilizes a coordinate system to locate the
objects and determine the proper identification of the object. The
system 50 also has programmed table coordinates that give the
probable location of a specific object on the table 10' and the
object's relative shape according to pixel density. The new
object's analysis information and coordinates are compared with the
stored data and identification of the object is confirmed. The
software is sophisticated enough to recognize the rank and suit of
playing cards, recognize monetary denominations, and the relative
value of chips based on color or black and white.
[0038] As can been seen, the cameras 42, 44, 46, 48 are placed to
achieve a full view of the gaming table surface, and are positioned
to give the best vantage point for the desired application. The
cameras 42, 44, 46, 48 can be mounted to the ceiling 70 or on a
pole/post adjacent the table 10'. Every image is analyzed to
determine if it contains an expected object or game event. An
example of such as system for the casino game of blackjack is
described in patent application publication 2005/0272501.
[0039] The typical operation of the FIG. 3 system is as follows.
The cameras 42, 44, 46, 48 and image acquisition systems are
activated. An image or images are captured and the pixels in the
digitized data are analyzed. Objects are identified, indexed, and
compared with stored relative shape indexes. The location of the
object is determined by calculating the object's coordinates on the
gaming surface. The coordinates and shape of the object are
compared with the stored data to confirm the objects location on
the table, and to verify that an object of that pixel density and
relative shape is normally present at the determined coordinates.
The rank and suit of cards positioned face up on the gaming table
will be determined. Information is transmitted via communication
links to the computer system 50 to see if the rules of the game
have been followed. A security decision must be made by security
personnel. As described earlier, it is desirable to obtain more
automated information and to process and react to the information
in real time.
[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates an integrated monitoring system 100 used
to monitor gaming activities at a baccarat table 110 in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention. The system 100 contains many
components designed to capture various forms of information about
the game being played at the table 110 (e.g., baccarat), the
players playing the game, wager amounts and payouts, and the dealer
responsible for the game. As is described below in more detail, the
information is captured, processed and acted upon (e.g., generation
of alerts) in real time.
[0041] In system 100, the baccarat table 110 is equipped with a
card shoe 112 providing card rank and suit recognition
capabilities. That is, the shoe 112 contains optical character
recognition (OCR) capabilities (or other ways for determine card
rank and suit such as e.g., barcode reader to read barcodes on the
cards in the shoe 112) to determine the rank and suit of each card
dealt from the shoe. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the
card shoe 112 also contains a baccarat rules module (not shown),
which allows the shoe 112 to determine the outcome of the game
based on the cards dealt out of the shoe 112. One known device that
may be used as the shoe 112 is the Shuffle Master, Inc. iShoe.TM.
intelligent shoe device. Other examples of devices that are
suitable for use as shoe 112 are described in patent application
publication 2005/0242500 (U.S. application Ser. No. 11/152,475,
filed on Jun. 13, 2005), U.S. application Ser. No. 10/915,914,
filed Aug. 10, 2004, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,029,009, which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entireties.
[0042] The card shoe 112 is in two-way communication with a system
table manager 180 (described in more detail below), and transmits
the card shoe information and expected game results over a
communication medium 113 to the system table manager 180, which
inputs and processes the card shoe 112 information to determine if
there have been any anomalies during a round of the game (described
below in more detail). The medium 113 may be a wireless or wired
network communication medium. The card shoe 112, e.g., the
iShoe.TM., may also include a display region to provide dealer
instruction and game results to the dealer. The shoe 112 may also
include a dealer interface such that the dealer may reset the shoe
112, call for information and initiate a new round of play.
[0043] Also shown on the table 110 are game chip wagering areas in
the player specific wagering areas 22, 24, 26. In a preferred
embodiment of the invention, RFID tagged chips 130a are used in
conjunction with RFID antennas/transmitters 162, 164, 166 located
within or underneath the table 110. The RFID antennas/transmitters
162, 164, 166 respectively pick up the values of the game chips
130a using RFID or similar technology and then transmit the chip
information to the system table manager 180 via a communication
medium 168. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,651,548 and 5,735,742 describe RFID
chips and chip reading systems that may be used in connection with
game chip areas and game chips 130a and RFID antennas/transmitters
162, 164, 166. Although the illustrated system shows one antenna
per player position, in another embodiment, separate antennas are
provided to distinguish between player, banker and the bets. In the
illustrated system, proximity sensors (not shown) at wager
positions (B, P, T) are used to distinguish between wagers within a
single antenna.
[0044] The medium 168 may be a wireless or wired network
communication medium. As is described below in more detail, the
system table manager 180 will use the chip information to determine
the presence of and the amounts wagered by the players before and
after the round (to see if there has been capping or pinching of
bets) and may also use the chip information to determine if there
have been any payouts anomalies at the end of the round. As can be
appreciated, it is desirable to combine the a card reading shoe 112
and RFID chip sensing system at the same table as these components
of the system can be used to track the status of the game, invalid
player/dealer actions and payouts in a fast and reliable real time
manner. Alerts can be sent right to the table via the shoe without
the aid of any security personnel.
[0045] The system 100 also includes overhead cameras 44, 46
connected to a ceiling 70 of the casino, and at least one other
camera 42 either mounted to or in the vicinity of the table 110.
These cameras 42, 44, 46 respectively communicate with a video
interface 170 over communication media 158, 156, 154 (via video
switch or multiplexer 179). The cameras 42, 44, 46 may also
communicate with a surveillance computer system 150 over a
communication medium 152 and a plasma screen/monitor 177 (via video
switch or multiplexer 179) so that the video may be monitored by
casino or security personnel. It should be appreciated that
although only one connection to the surveillance computer system
150 from the cameras 42, 44, 46 is shown, video from all of the
cameras may be sent to the system 150 if desired. As with the other
communication media used in the system 100, the communication media
152, 154, 156, 158 may be wired, wireless or a combination of
wireless and wired connections.
[0046] The video interface 170 (e.g., a computer system) is
responsible for image processing, interpretation of game state, and
transmission of the items viewed by the cameras 42, 44, 46 in real
time. Dealt card values, wagers and other table activity can be
imaged using the cameras 42, 44, 46 and video interface 170. The
video interface 170 may be implemented in a general purpose
computer system, a network server or other processor system as is
generally known in the art.
[0047] As an optional feature, a form of optical chip recognition
may also be implemented using the cameras 42, 44, 46 and evaluation
software in the video interface 170. The system is best equipped to
detect the presence of a wager, but if cameras are positioned
proximate the gaming table, it is possible to extract wager amount
data also. As such, the video interface 170 may process chip images
and values on the gaming table 110. The video interface 170
processes the video images to create table data that is sent to the
system table manager 180. The video interface 170 is sophisticated
enough to recognize the rank and suit of playing cards, recognize
monetary denominations, and the relative value of the chips. In one
example, the video interface 170 does not contain any logic or game
rule software and cannot evaluate whether there have been any
anomalies. In another example embodiment, the video interface
contains game rules. In the illustrated embodiment, the
determination of anomalies is performed by the system table manager
180 (described in more detail below). It should be appreciated that
using video imaging for object sensing and RFID information for
value sensing of wagers is more reliable then using either
technique alone. Moreover, the overlap in information provides
inherent redundancy to the system.
[0048] As can been seen, the cameras 42, 44, 46 are placed to
achieve a full view of the gaming table surface, and are positioned
to give the best vantage point for the desired application. The
cameras 42, 44, 46 can be mounted to the ceiling 70 or on a
pole/post adjacent or on the table 110. An optical or magnetic
synchronizing sensor 33 can be used to detect the presence of an
object on the gaming surface of the table 110. The sensor, if used,
may activate the cameras 42, 44, 46 and trigger image acquisition.
Every image is processed and extracted data is transmitted to the
system table manager 180.
[0049] The remainder of the system 100 comprises a network 101 of
components that may be at the gaming table or in a back office or
other room of the casino. Part of this network 101 is the video
interface 170 described above, the other parts of the network
include the table manager 180, a central server 190, and the
surveillance system 150. Optional components of the network 101 may
also include a baccarat tracker 185 and/or a games management
system 175. The components of the network 101 may be connected by
wireless and/or wired communication media.
[0050] The system table manager 180 may be implemented in a general
purpose computer system, a network server or other processor system
as is generally known in the art. The table manager 180 will
contain computer implemented processing (i.e., process 200
illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C) that may be stored on a computer
readable medium of the general purpose computer system. As such,
the processing and functions of the table manager 180 may be stored
as a computer program on a computer readable medium, or downloaded
from a computer server over a network to the general purpose
computer. The table manager 180 will receive the real time card and
game data from the card shoe 112 over the wired/wireless
communication medium 113. The table manager 180 will receive the
real time chip data from antennas 162, 164, 166 over the
wired/wireless communication medium 168. The table manager 180 will
also receive the card, chip and other data from the video interface
170 over the network connection between the table manager 180 and
video interface 170. It should be appreciated that the combination
of video, card shoe and RFID information makes the system more
robust and error proof. Overlap in information (e.g., wager values
or card data) provides inherent redundancy not found in prior
systems. In addition, the use of optional sensor 33 provides
another means to initiate security measures and begin monitoring of
activities at a table.
[0051] As is described below in more detail with reference to FIGS.
5A-5C, the table manager 180 contains deviation analysis software
that integrates the various forms of input data, compiles,
interprets and associates the data with known anomaly references or
specific conditions that equate to baccarat game rule violations.
The table manager 180 analyzes and compares the data to determine
whether valid or invalid actions have occurred during and after a
round of the game, detects and categorizes any anomalies, and
generates alerts. The anomalies can be prioritized. Because some of
the data may overlap (e.g., card rank and suit data may be obtained
from the shoe 112 and the video data, wager data may be obtained
from the RFID information and the video data), the table manager
180 has redundancy. This way, if one of the sources of information
is malfunctioning or if it misses a card, chip, etc., the table
manager 180 can still detect anomalies. The redundancy of the
system also allows the operator to detect changes in the number of
cards card composition, wager placement, etc. and provides the
means to perform security checks unknown and unachievable prior to
this invention. Alerts are generated and distributed by the table
manager 180 to the central server 190. In one embodiment, the table
manager 180 can send the alerts to the games management system 175,
if included in the system 100. In another embodiment, the alerts
are sent to both the central server 190 and the games management
system 175. The table manager 180 operates in real time, something
the prior art security monitoring systems could not do.
[0052] In one embodiment, the table manager 180 tags game
deviations/anomalies with one of five sequential priority levels
illustrated in Table I below. The levels are used to determine what
type of alert to generate. The table manager 180 is capable of
detecting pinching and/or capping of bets, card switching, and card
reversal, as well as discrepancies in the casino table's chip trays
and its payouts of winning bets. All of these anomalies, as well as
others, may be assigned to any one of the levels illustrated in
Table I. In a desired embodiment, the casino personnel can set the
priority levels for all of the anomalies through a user interface
(not shown) to the table manager 180 or through a connection to the
network 101 (e.g., system 150). Alerts may be ranked numerically,
color coded, associated with unique sounds or otherwise configured
to attract the appropriate response from pit personnel.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I Alert Priority Index Priority Level
Description 1 Lowest level. Basic deviation alert regarding an
action that has little or no potential for influencing a game
outcome. 2 Alert regarding an action that warrants the attention of
pit personnel. 3 Alert regarding an action that warrants the
attention of pit and surveillance personnel. 4 Alert regarding an
action that warrants the attention of pit and surveillance
personnel and an immediate investigation by supervisors. 5 Highest
level. Gross deviation alert regarding an action with a crisis
status. The anomaly warrants an immediate "stop game" alert
dispatched to all wired and wireless devices of the security
network.
[0053] The central server 190 is connected to the table manager
180. The central server 190 may be implemented in a general purpose
computer system, a network server or other processor system as is
generally known in the art. Although shown as separate components,
in one embodiment, the table manager 180 is implemented as an
application on the central server 190. That is, the functions of
the table manager 180 and the central server 190 may reside in one
piece of hardware (e.g., a server or computer system). The central
server 190 is responsible for distributing the prioritized alerts
throughout the network 101 and outside the network (if desired)
over wired or wireless communications path 192. The alerts are
routed to various data sinks (i.e., destinations) based on the
alert priority. The higher the priority, the greater number of data
sinks the alert information is routed to. Alert transmissions may
be routed directly to the table 110 (via communications path 192 to
a device at the table or on the dealer), across the network 101 to
remote viewing stations (e.g., system 150), databases, and any
wired/wireless communication device that communicates with the
network 101. In one embodiment, the shoe 112 contains a display,
speaker or other alert notification device and an optional
communication path 113a from the table manager 180 to the shoe is
used to transmit an alert to the table via the shoe 112. One such
suitable shoe having an alert notification mechanism and two way
communications with a table manager 180 is disclosed in application
serial no. (reference PA1735.AP.us), filed on the same date as the
present application, which is incorporated by reference herein. In
one embodiment, the alert information can be projected onto one or
more plasma televisions/monitors/screens 177 used to view image
data from the cameras 42, 44, 46 and the video interface 170. The
central server 190 stores relevant gaming information (both real
time and historical information). The central server 190 may also
process alert information received from the table manager 180 if
needed. The central server 190 can email or otherwise transmit any
relevant information or reports using communications path 192 or
any connection to the network 101. The central server 190 may
generate and distribute reports based on the information received
from the table manager 180.
[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the central server 190 may
interface with and drive the baccarat tracker 185. The baccarat
tracker 185 is a statistical-based system that sequences through a
live game of baccarat (based on the data received from the central
server 190) to process actions taken during the round and over
numerous rounds. The tracker 185 is capable of compiling the data
to statistically determine anomalies that can only be detected by a
players betting habits using a larger sample set of data and
typically occurs over a time period. One such anomaly that may be
detected is first card cheating, described in U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/394,055, filed on Mar. 29, 2006. The baccarat tracker 185
may use the processing described in U.S. application Ser. No.
11/394,055. It should also be appreciated that the baccarat tracker
185 may be implemented as part of the central server 190, thus
alleviating the need for an additional server/computer system
dedicated solely to the baccarat tracking functions. It is
advantageous to locate the baccarat tracker 185 near the source of
the stored data.
[0055] In another embodiment, alerts are dispatched to a games
management system 175. The games management system 175 is a touch
screen table games application allowing for additional real time
bet tracking, clear views of the dealer rack count, quick
assessment of wins and losses at each table. The information can be
used to determine if a gambler's gambling habits are worthy of a
free room for the evening (known as comping). A system suitable for
use as the games management system 175 is the Table Touch.TM.
product sold by IGT. The games management system 175 includes an
intelligent alert package, which alerts pit personnel and
surveillance teams using a color coded alert system corresponding
to alert priority levels. The system management system 175 may also
dispatch the alerts across the network 101 to remote viewing
stations (e.g., system 150), databases, and any wired/wireless
communication device that communicates with the network 101. Player
profiling is also included in the games management system 175 so
that specific player bet attributes may be recorded and tracked.
The games management system 175 allows pit personnel more time to
do their jobs without being tied to a cumbersome data entry
system.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 5A-5C, the flowcharts illustrate
processing 200 performed by the table manager 180. As mentioned
above, the process 200 may be a computer implemented method that
runs on a general purpose computer. As such, the process 200 may be
stored as a computer program on a computer readable storage medium
and/or downloaded to a computer over the network 101. At step 202,
the table manager 180 inputs/collects game/table information from a
predetermined source or sources within the system 100. This initial
game state information (described below) is used to determine if a
new game or round of a game of baccarat is beginning (step 204).
Since the initial game state information is only being used for
this limited purpose, only one of the sources of game state and
game data (e.g., video data from the cameras 42, 44, 46, signals
from the shoe 112, signal from the antennas 162, 164, 166) need be
used.
[0057] In one embodiment, the initial game state information is
received from the shoe 112 after the dealer presses a new game key
or otherwise initiates a new game at the shoe 112 (e.g., resets a
game completion message, deals a new card, etc.). In other
examples, the shoe includes a time-out circuit that automatically
detects the beginning and end of each round. Other methods of round
counting are known in the art and could be used as an additional
data source. The shoe 112 has a games rule module and is capable of
setting a game state to a new game state and transmitting this
information to the table manager 180. In response, the shoe 112
transmits data to the table manager 180 indicating the start of a
new game. In another embodiment, video information from the cameras
42, 44, 46 and the video interface 170 can be used to indicate a
new game state corresponding to a new game (i.e., the dealing of
the new cards or the placement of new bets at the table 110). In
another embodiment, RFID chip data (i.e., initial wager) or a
combination of data from one or more of the sources is used. In
another embodiment, the sensor 33 can be used to determine the
dealing of a new hand or the placement of new wagers.
[0058] At step 204, the table manager 180 determines if a new game
has been started. If not, then there is an error or other anomaly,
which is processed and reported across the network 101 (if
necessary based on the priority level assigned to this "false
start" of the game). If at step 204, the table manager 180
determines that a new game has been started, the table manager 180
collects game/table data from all sources (step 206) i.e., the
video interface 170, antennas 162, 164, 166, and card shoe 112. At
step 208, the table manager 180 makes a series of real time, game
in progress (i.e., in-game) comparisons/investigations of the input
data. Non-limiting examples of these comparisons include a
comparison of: (1) game state versus player/dealer actions; (2)
cards on the table versus the cards dealt; (3) cards positions on
table versus the position on the table when dealt; and (4) the
values of chips wagered versus the value of the chips on table (and
on a per player basis).
EXAMPLE 1
Misdeal
[0059] For example, for the comparison of game state versus
player/dealer actions, the process 200 determines if a third card
has been dealt to one or both of the player and banker positions at
the table. The process 200 then determines, using the baccarat
third card rules whether the dealer should have dealt the third
card or not. If the dealer has dealt a third card to a position in
which the rules dictate that a card should not have been dealt,
then an anomaly has be found. Likewise, the process 200 determines
if a third card has not been dealt to the player and banker
positions at the table. The process 200 then determines, using the
baccarat third card rules whether the dealer should have dealt the
third card or not. If the dealer has not dealt a third card to a
position in which the rules dictate that a card should have been
dealt, then an anomaly has be found.
EXAMPLE 2
Card Switching
[0060] A comparison of the cards dealt versus the cards currently
at the table (e.g., via displayed or processed video information)
can be used to determine if there has been card switching. In a
desired embodiment, there will be dealt card information from both
the shoe 1 12 and the video interface 170. This provides built-in
error processing and redundancy that is not achievable in prior art
systems. The process 200 determines whether the cards that were
dealt are in different positions. If any of the cards are out of
position, then an anomaly has be found.
EXAMPLE 3
Capping/Pinching
[0061] Capping and/or pinching can be determined by comparing
initial wager information to current wager information. The
information can be determined solely from the RFID information. In
another embodiment, the wager information can be determined through
video images via the video interface 170 in addition to, or instead
of the RFID information. Using more than one mechanism is always
preferred, however. As with the other comparisons, anomalies may be
determined when any current wager amounts do not match initial
wager amounts.
EXAMPLE 4
Bet Moved from P to B Positions (or vice versa)
[0062] Movement of player wagers between the B and P positions (and
T when wagered) can be monitored by comparing the wager information
contained in the video images (via the video interface 170) with
the wager information contained in the RFID information. The wager
amounts are still the same, but they have been moved. This is a
unique situation that may be monitored by the illustrated
embodiment of the invention which uses two systems to determine if
there is an anomaly in the wagering areas.
EXAMPLE 5
New Card Added
[0063] The process 200 makes a comparison of the cards dealt versus
the cards currently at the table (e.g., via displayed or processed
video information). In a desired embodiment, there will be dealt
card information from both the shoe 112 and the video interface
170. This provides built-in error processing and redundancy that is
not achievable in prior art systems. The process 200 determines
whether there are new cards on the table that were not dealt from
the shoe. If any of the cards on the table do not match the cards
that were dealt, then an anomaly has be found. This is another
unique situation that may be monitored by the illustrated
embodiment of the invention, which uses two systems to determine if
cards have been added/removed from the table.
[0064] At step 210, the table manager 180 determines from the
various real time comparisons, whether there is an anomaly. The
table manager 180 can also determine if there have been any invalid
actions, by the player or dealer, based on the state of the game at
that time. One non-limiting example includes late wagering. If the
table manager 180 determines from the various real time comparisons
that there was at least one anomaly, then the process 200 continues
at step 240 (FIG. 5C) for anomaly processing (described below).
[0065] If the table manager 180 determines from the various real
time comparisons that there was no anomaly, then the process 200
continues at step 212 where the table manager 180 determines if the
round has been completed. If the round has not been completed, the
process 200 continues at step 206 for further real time, in-game
processing of the game/table information from the numerous data
sources in the system 100. If, at step 212, the table manager
determines that the round has been completed, the process 200
continues at step 214 where the table manager 180 collects
game/table data from all of the sources in the system 100.
[0066] At step 214, after a round of the game has ended, the table
manager 180 makes a series of real time, post game
comparisons/investigations of the input data. Some of these
non-limiting comparisons include a comparison of: (1) cards on the
table versus the cards dealt; (2) cards positions on table versus
the position on the table when dealt; (3) the values of chips
wagered versus the value of the chips on table (and on a per player
basis); and (4) the amount and values of the chips paid out versus
any expected payouts. At step 218, the table manager 180 determines
from the various real time comparisons, whether there is an
anomaly. For example, the table manager 180 can determine if there
has been any capping or pinching of bets, or if there has been any
card reversal or card switching. The table manager 180 can also
determine if there are any deviations in individual or total player
payouts. If the table manager 180 determines from the various real
time comparisons that there was at least one anomaly, then the
process 200 continues at step 240 for anomaly processing (described
below).
[0067] If the table manager 180 determines from the various real
time comparisons that there was no anomaly, then the process 200
continues at step 220 where the table manager 180 performs
history-based/statistical comparisons. History-based comparisons
can be made to track individual player performance (i.e., amount of
winning and losing bets) and gaming habits (types of wagers and
when made), and actions by the dealer. Alternatively, the
history-based comparisons maybe performed by the games management
system 175, tracker 185 or server 190. These comparisons can
determine if there have been several minor anomalies, that when
tallied amount to a much larger/major anomaly. Almost any time of
comparisons can be made at this time. If the table manager 180
determines from the comparisons that there was at least one
anomaly, then the process 200 continues at step 240 for anomaly
processing (described below). If the table manager 180 determines
from the comparisons that there is no anomaly, then the process 200
continues at step 202 to prepare for and initiate a new round of
the game.
[0068] If the table manager 180 determines from the various real
time comparisons that there was an anomaly at either steps 210
(in-game anomaly), 218 (post-game anomaly) or 222 (history-based
anomaly), then the process 200 continues at step 240, where the
anomaly is processed. At step 240, the table manager 180 determines
the priority index for the anomaly. Sample indexes which may be
used to assign priorities are illustrated above with respect to
table I, above. At step 242, the table manager 180 generates an
alert based on the anomaly and the priority index of the anomaly.
The alert is then output to the central server 190 for appropriate
dispersal throughout the network 101 (as described above). In a
preferred embodiment, particularly one in which historical
information is tracked and historical anomalies are to be reported,
the table manager 180 may output the alerts to the games management
system 175 in addition to, or instead of, outputting the alerts to
the central server 190.
[0069] Once the alerts are output, the table manager 180 determines
if it should be the end of the round (e.g., if the anomaly was a
level 5 anomaly, the game should be stopped regardless of the state
of the game). The table manager 180 can use the game state
information to allow the game to continue from the point at which
the anomaly was detected, assuming the anomaly has a low-level
priority index. However, the table manager 180 can determine that
the game should be terminated (i.e., the anomaly has a high-level
priority index). If it is determined that the game should continue,
the process 200 continues at step 206. Otherwise, the process 200
continues at step 202 to prepare for and initiate a new round of
the game.
[0070] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of system 300 that is
suitable for use with a blackjack casino table 310. Components of
the system 300, which are the same or substantially similar to
components within system 100 (FIG. 4) are labeled with the same
reference numbers. Similar to system 100, system 300 contains many
components designed to capture various forms of information about
the game being played at the table 310 (e.g., blackjack), the
players playing the game, wager amounts and payouts, and the dealer
responsible for the game. As is described below in more detail, the
information is captured, processed and acted upon (e.g., generation
of alerts) in real time. This system is necessarily more complex as
a variety of actions can be taken by players to play the game. The
game also requires the player to make strategic decisions that can
be unpredictable. It is therefore advantageous to use monitoring
equipment to track this type of game in particular.
[0071] In system 300, the blackjack table 310 is equipped with a
card shoe 312 providing card rank and suit recognition
capabilities. That is, the shoe 312 contains optical character
recognition (OCR) capabilities to determine the rank and suit of
each card dealt from the shoe. In one embodiment, the shoe 312 will
be equipped with a button and is programmed to display on a display
screen on the shoe 312 the rank and suit of the last card drawn
from the shoe 312. In another embodiment, the shoe 312 is
programmed to receive communications (via optional communication
medium 313a) from a table manager 380. One such communication
includes the detection that the dealer has dealt a twenty-one to
the dealer hand (i.e., an alert that the dealer has a blackjack).
One exemplary shoe 312 contains a display for displaying the alert
and/or a sound system for generating an audible dealer blackjack
alert. Suitable shoes, and means for operating the shoes, having
the button and/or alert notification mechanism and two way
communications with a table manager 380 are disclosed in co-pending
application serial no. (reference PA1735.AP.us), filed on the same
date as the present application. The shoe 312 is suitable for use
in implementing a no-peek blackjack determination that prevents a
player from seeing the dealer's hole card.
[0072] The card shoe 312 is in communication with the system table
manager 380 (described in more detail below), and transmits the
card shoe information over a communication medium 313 to the system
table manager 380, which inputs and processes the card shoe 312
information to determine if there have been any anomalies during a
round of the game (described below in more detail). The game rules
may reside in the video interface 370 and the table manager 380
uses data from both sources to detect anomalies. The data
transmission mediums 313, 313a may be wireless or wired network
communications medium. The card shoe 312 may also include a display
region to provide dealer instruction and game results to the
dealer. The shoe 312 may also include a dealer interface such that
the dealer may reset the shoe 312 and begin a new round of
play.
[0073] Also shown on the table 310 are game chips 130a in the
player wagering areas 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29. In a preferred
embodiment of the invention, RFID tagged chips are used in
conjunction with RFID antennas/transmitters 361, 362, 363, 364,
365, 366, 367 located within or underneath the table 310. The RFID
antennas/transmitters 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367
respectively pick up the values of the game chips using RFID or
similar technology and then transmit the chip information to the
system table manager 380 via a communication medium 368. French
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,651,548 and 5,735,742 describe RFID chips and chip
reading systems that may be used as the game chips 130a and RFID
antennas/transmitters 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367. Although
not shown, one RFID antenna/transmitter could be located in the
insurance area 15 of the table 310 to obtain the chip values of
insurance wagers. In another embodiment, multiple individual
antennas connected to medium 368 could be placed in the insurance
area 15, and one associated with each player position.
[0074] The medium 368 may be a wireless or wired network
communication medium. As is described below in more detail, the
system table manager 380 will use the chip information to determine
the amounts wagered by the players before and after the round (to
see if there has been capping or pinching of bets) and may also use
the chip information to determine if there have been any payouts
anomalies at the end of the round.
[0075] The system 300 also includes overhead cameras 44, 46
connected to a ceiling 70 of the casino, and at least one other
camera 42 either mounted to or in the vicinity of the table 310.
These cameras 42, 44, 46 respectively communicate with a video
interface 370 over communication media 158, 156, 154 (via video
switch or multiplexer 179). The cameras 42, 44, 46 may also
communicate with a surveillance computer system 150 over a
communication medium 152 and a plasma screen/monitor 177 (via video
switch or multiplexer 179) so that the video may be monitored by
casino or security personnel. It should be appreciated that
although only one connection to the surveillance computer system
150 from the cameras 42, 44, 46 is shown, video from all of the
cameras may be sent to the system 150 if desired. As with the other
communication media used in the system 300, the communication media
152, 154, 156, 158 may be wired, wireless or a combination of
wireless and wired connections.
[0076] The video interface 370 (e.g., a computer system) is
responsible for image processing and transmission of the items
viewed by the cameras 42, 44, 46 in real time. In this example, the
system is capable of tracking the progress of play, since the rules
of blackjack are stored in its memory. Game states such as (1)
active table, (2) dealer dealing, (3) place wagers, (4) close
wagers, (5) take hits, (6) double down, (7) insurance, (8) dealer
blackjack, (9) player blackjack, (10) player bust, and the like are
monitored. Dealt card values, wagers and other table activity can
be imaged using the cameras 42, 44, 46 and video interface 370. The
video interface 370 may be implemented in a general purpose
computer system, a network server or other processor system as is
generally known in the art. As an optional feature, a form of
optical chip recognition may also be implemented using the cameras
42, 44, 46 and evaluation software in the video interface 370. As
such, the video interface 370 may process chip images and values on
the gaming table 310. The video interface 370 processes the video
images to create table data that is sent to the system table
manager 380 via communication medium 313b. The medium 313b may be a
wireless or wired network communications medium. The video
interface 370 is sophisticated enough to recognize the rank and
suit of playing cards, recognize monetary denominations, and the
relative value of the chips 130a. It should be appreciated,
however, that adding RFID wagering information is desirable and
advantageous since video alone could be effected by lighting,
shading, player movement, etc. whereas the RFID chip information is
not subject to these effects.
[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the video interface 370
contains game rules software for tracking the state of the
blackjack game. In system 100, the video interface 170 did not have
this capability, which is one reason why the card shoe 112
contained a game rules module. In the illustrated embodiment, the
video interface 370 transmits, via communication medium 313b, the
game, table and game state data to the table manager 380, which
evaluates whether there have been any pre, post and in-game
anomalies.
[0078] As can been seen, the cameras 42, 44, 46 are placed to
achieve a full view of the gaming table surface, and are positioned
to give the best vantage point for the desired application. The
cameras 42, 44, 46 can be mounted to the ceiling 70 or on a
pole/post adjacent the table 310. Cameras can also be close to the
gaming surface, if it is desired to image chip stacks, for example.
An optical or magnetic synchronizing sensor 33 can be used to
detect the presence of an object on the gaming surface of the table
310. The sensor, if used, may activate the cameras 42, 44, 46 and
trigger image acquisition. Every image is processed and transmitted
to the system table manager 380.
[0079] The remainder of the system 300 comprises a network 301 of
components that may be at the table or in a back office or other
room of the casino. Part of this network 301 is the video interface
370 described above, the other parts of the network include the
table manager 380, a central server 390, and the surveillance
system 150. Optional components of the network 301 may also include
a blackjack tracker 385 and/or a games management system 175
(described above). The components of the network 301 may be
connected by wireless and/or wired communication media. The
blackjack tracker 385 (as well as the baccarat tracker 185) are
capable of generating reports and issuing alerts.
[0080] The system table manager 380 may be implemented in a general
purpose computer system, a network server or other processor system
as is generally known in the art. The table manager 380 will
contain computer implemented processing (i.e., process 200
illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C and described above) that may be stored
on a computer readable medium of the general purpose computer
system. As such, the processing and functions of the table manager
380 may be stored as a computer program on a computer readable
medium, or downloaded from a computer server over a network to the
general purpose computer. The table manager 380 will receive the
real time card data from the card shoe 312 over the wired/wireless
communication medium 313. The table manager 380 will receive the
real time chip data from antennas 361-367 over the wired/wireless
communication medium 368. The table manager 380 will also receive
the card, chip and game state data from the video interface 370
over the network connection between the table manager 380 and video
interface 370.
[0081] As is described above with reference to FIGS. 5A-5C, the
table manager 380 contains deviation analysis software that
integrates the various forms of input data, compiles, interprets
and associates the data with known anomaly references or specific
conditions that equate to blackjack game rule violations. The table
manager 380 analyzes and compares the data to determine whether
valid or invalid actions have occurred before, during and after a
round of the game, detects and categorizes any anomalies, and
generates alerts. The anomalies can be prioritized. Because some of
the data may overlap (e.g., card rank and suit data may be obtained
from the shoe 312 and the video data, chip data may be obtained
from the RFID information and the video data), the table manager
380 has built-in redundancy. Certain anomalies can only be detected
with redundant systems (i.e., cards dealt v. cards imaged).
Redundancy also improves reliability. For example, if one of the
sources of information is malfunctioning or if it misses a card,
chip, etc., the table manager 380 can still detect anomalies.
Alerts are generated and distributed by the table manager 380 to
the central server 390. In one embodiment, the table manager 380
can send the alerts to the games management system 175, if included
in the system 300. In another embodiment, the alerts are sent to
both the central server 390 and the games management system 175.
The table manager 380 operates in real time, something the prior
art security monitoring systems could not do.
[0082] In one embodiment, the table manager 380 tags game
deviations/anomalies with one of five sequential priority levels
illustrated in Table I described above. The levels are used to
determine what type of alert to generate. The table manager 380 is
capable of detecting pinching and/or capping of bets, card
switching, and card reversal, as well as discrepancies in the
casino table's chip trays (if monitored) and its payouts of winning
bets. In addition, the table manager 380 contains a plurality of
rules-based anomalies, which must also be monitored for a game of
blackjack. The table manager 380 would operate process 200
(described above with reference to FIGS. 5A-5C) to monitor all
possible anomalies.
[0083] It should be noted that the process 200 would input game
data, chip image data (if desired) and game state data from the
video interface 370 and would only receive card data from the card
shoe 312. In addition, the process 200 could output an alert to the
card shoe 312. In addition, the process 200 performs the same pre,
post and in-game monitoring steps to determine bet capping and
pinching, card reversal and card switching and payout
determinations. In addition, in-game and post-game monitoring steps
(i.e., steps 206-210 and 214-218) would make additional comparisons
designed to see if there have been any rules-based anomalies (shown
below in Table II). A complete description of a process 200 for
blackjack has been omitted for convenience purposes.
[0084] Table II below, lists exemplary blackjack rules-based
anomalies that are monitored by the table manager 380. The
monitoring of and/or the responses to some anomalies in Table II
may be set through system configuration options by casino personnel
using a user interface to the table manager 380 (not shown). All of
these anomalies, as well as others, may be assigned to any one of
the levels illustrated in Table I (described above). In a desired
embodiment, the casino personnel can set the priority levels for
all of the anomalies through the user interface to the table
manager 380 or through a connection to the network 301 (e.g.,
system 150).
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE II Blackjack Rules-based Anomalies Category
Anomaly/Response Correct initial deal For all wager locations with
a wager placed before start of the round, all players receive one
face up card, from dealer's left to dealer's right. Correct initial
deal Dealer gets one face down card after all wagered positions get
a face up card, but before a second card is dealt to a player.
Correct initial deal For all betting spots with a wager placed
before start of round, all players receive a second face up card
after the dealer receives a face down card. If cards are dealt out
of order, generate an alert. Correct initial deal Dealer gets a
second face down card after all wagered positions get a 2nd face up
card, but before any player receives an additional card, or any
wagers are paid. Dealer flips face up the first card received, and
places face down the second card under the first card. Dealer has
21 Two cards totaling 21 are face up in dealer's card region. No
additional cards are dealt to dealer or any wagered positions.
Insurance If an insurance bet is paid, and the dealer shows
anything but 2 cards totaling 21, generate an alert. Insurance If
an insurance bet is collected, and the dealer shows exactly 2 cards
totaling 21, generate an alert. Player reneges on If a pair is
split, and a second wager placed, but BEFORE an additional split or
double down card is dealt to the table and the second bet removed,
if the pair is reassembled, NO ALERT. If a second wager is placed,
appearing to be a double-down, but BEFORE an additional card is
dealt to the table, and the second bet removed, NO ALERT. If for
either condition the second bet is removed, after a card has been
delivered, or the cards are reconfigured into one hand, generate an
alert. Player split, or resplit A pair of cards with the same rank
ONLY can be split or resplit. A corresponding additional bet must
be seen to correspond to that split. If a split occurs that does
not meet these conditions, generate an alert. Player double (or Any
hand that receives an additional chip stack, and a card more than
double after split) 45 degrees off-center to the rest of the hand
is a double. If an additional chip stack appears for a hand, but
the card if not laid down as a double, generate an alert. If a card
is laid down as a double, but no additional chip stack exists,
generate an alert. Player double If a double down condition is
ascertained, and two or more hit cards after the double are
detected, generate an alert. Player Blackjack For players showing a
21 total on two cards, and system configuration option set to allow
pay-outs out of normal pay out of rotation, allow pay out. If
option is NOT selected, and a player is paid before dealer cards
are shown, generate an alert. Busted hand If a hand is removed from
the table that totals 21 or less before the dealer's cards are both
face up, generate an alert. Busted hand If a hand totaling 22 or
greater and bet is left on the table after both dealer's cards are
face up, OR if another player receives a card, generate an alert.
Dealer hit rules Allow configuration option for dealer hit rules to
specify on what total (or higher) a dealer should stand, and if the
dealer should hit on a "soft" of that total (i.e., soft 17). If
dealer fails to hit when he should, or fails to stand when he
should, generate an alert. Dealer has 21 If a dealer dealt a card
to any player, and a 21 on exactly 2 cards is exposed when the
dealer flips his hold card, generate an alert. Dealer hole card If
a dealer fails to show at least 2 cards face up in the dealer area
of the table after player cards are exposed, generate an alert.
[0085] The central server 390 is connected to the table manager
180. The central server 390 may be implemented in a general purpose
computer system, a network server or other processor system as is
generally known in the art. Although shown as separate components,
in one embodiment, the table manager 380 is implemented as an
application on the central server 390. That is, the functions of
the table manager 380 and the central server 390 may reside in one
piece of hardware (e.g., a server or computer system). The central
server 390 is responsible for distributing the prioritized alerts
throughout the network 301 and outside the network (if desired)
over wired or wireless communications path 392. The alerts are
routed to various data sinks based on the alert priority. The
higher the priority, the greater number of data sinks the alert
information is routed to. Alert transmissions may be routed
directly to the table 310 (via communications path 392 to a device
at the table or on the dealer), across the network 301 to remote
viewing stations (e.g., system 150), databases, and any
wired/wireless communication device that communicates with the
network 301.
[0086] In one embodiment, the shoe 312 contains a display, speaker
or other alert notification device. An optional communication path
313a from the table manager 380 to the shoe is used to transmit an
alert to the table via the shoe 312. In one embodiment, the alert
information can be projected onto one or more plasma
televisions/monitors/screens 177 used to view image data from the
cameras 42, 44, 46 and the video interface 370. The central server
390 stores relevant gaming information (both real time and
historical information). The central server 390 may also process
alert information received from the table manager 380 if needed.
The central server 390 can generate its own alerts and can email or
otherwise transmit any relevant information or reports using
communications path 392 or any connection to the network 301. The
central server 390 may generate and distribute reports based on the
information received from the table manager 380.
[0087] In a preferred embodiment, the central server 390 may
interface with and drive the blackjack tracker 385. The blackjack
tracker 385 is a statistical-based system that sequences through a
live game of blackjack (based on the data received from the central
server 390) to process actions taken during the round and over
numerous rounds. The tracker 385 is capable of compiling the data
that can only be obtained by collecting game play information over
a time period. One such anomaly that may be detected is card
counting, which is of particular concern to a casino administering
a game of blackjack. The blackjack tracker 385 may be implemented
as part of the central server 390, thus alleviating the need for an
additional server/computer system dedicated solely to the blackjack
tracking functions.
[0088] In another embodiment, alerts are dispatched to the games
management system 175 (described above). The system management
system 175 includes an intelligent alert package, which alerts pit
personnel and surveillance teams using a color coded or
numerical-based alert system corresponding to alert priority
levels. The system management system 175 may also dispatch the
alerts across the network 301 to remote viewing stations (e.g.,
system 150), databases, and any wired/wireless communication device
that communicates with the network 301. Player profiling is also
included in the system management system 175 so that specific
player bet attributes may be recorded and tracked. The games system
management system 175 allows pit personnel more time to do their
jobs without being tied to a cumbersome data entry system.
[0089] In a desired embodiment, the baccarat tracker 185 may be the
Bloodhound.TM. software product designed to monitor a game of
baccarat provided by Shuffle Master, Inc. Likewise, in another
desired embodiment, the blackjack tracker 385 may be the
Bloodhound.TM. software product designed to monitor a game of
blackjack also provided by Shuffle Master, Inc. The Bloodhound.TM.
products provide real-time and post-game session analysis of game
state, game data, player decisions and game outcome to e.g.,
determine a gambler's playing habits. For example, the baccarat
tracker 185 implementing the Bloodhound.TM. for baccarat product
can determine if the player is placing large bets only during hands
that are favorable to the player (i.e., first card cheating). For
example, the blackjack tracker 385 implementing the Bloodhound.TM.
for blackjack product can determine if the player is counting cards
or otherwise placing large bets with knowledge of the dealer's hold
card.
[0090] Although the embodiments of the invention have been
described with reference to a games of baccarat and blackjack, it
should be appreciated that they may be applicable to other casino
communal or non-communal games. That is, the systems 100, 300 and
process 200 may be modified to monitor a game of mini-baccarat, or
other card games. Games with side bets and large payout odds or
progressive payouts would benefit from a monitoring system of the
invention. Modifications to the rules and game events in the game
rules module in the shoe 112 (if used) and the processing of the
table managers 180, 380 would be required to implement the
different types of card games. The systems 100, 300 and process 200
could also be used for dice games (e.g., craps) and roulette, if
desired.
[0091] Other embodiments of the present invention include one or
more of the components described above in different combinations.
For example, a system could be configured to process the output of
the camera imagers and video interface as well as output from a
dealing shoe or card shuffler capable of determining the rank and
suit of dispensed cards. The information may be processed in a
manner to correlate the data for subsequent storage and data
analysis. An example of a suitable card shuffler that is capable of
reading the rank and/or suit of cards and dispensing cards into a
card game is included in co-pending application Ser. No.
11/481,407, filed Jul. 5, 2006. The processor may optionally
perform a variety of functions including detecting anomalies and
issuing alerts.
[0092] The camera imagers and video interface could be combined
with wager sensing equipment on the table. Data from the video
interface and wager sensing equipment may be inputted into a
processor and correlated for storage and data analysis. The
processor in this instance may also perform a variety of functions,
including detecting anomalies and issuing alerts.
[0093] In some examples of the invention, a card reading shoe and
or shuffler is the only device in the system that collects and
outputs card information. This information may be combined with
wager sensing equipment, such as RFID chips and antennas and
inputted into a processor, for correlation, storage and data
analysis. The processor may optionally detect anomalies and issue
alerts.
[0094] It might be desirable to provide redundant data collection
functions and collect the information in a processor capable of
correlating the data. For example, a desirable system might include
camera imagers, a video interface, a card-reading device such as a
card shoe or a shuffler, and also wager sensing equipment. The
processor may optionally be configured to detect anomalies and
issue alerts.
[0095] When the processor is configured to detect anomalies and
issue alerts, it is desirable to provide a game rule module. This
module may reside within one or more of the data acquisition
devices, may reside within the same computer as the video interface
or may be located at a distal computer. It is important to note
that some of the anomaly detections are not possible without a game
module to monitor game state and the progress of the game.
[0096] When a game module is part of the system, the module
preferably resides within the card handling device for a baccarat
system, and within the video interface for a blackjack system. In
other forms of the invention, the game module resides within the
table manager, or in a distal computer.
[0097] For embodiments that include provide the anomaly detection
and alert functionality, the systems would include a game rules
module and a table manager in combination with one or more of the
following: (1) a card handling device with card reading capability;
(2) wager sensing equipment; (3) a camera imaging system with video
interface; (4) one or more proximity detectors; and (5) other data
acquisition devices, such as player identification i.d. card swipe,
dealer i.d. card swipe, player tracking equipment, bet present
sensors, and the like.
[0098] While the embodiments of the invention have been described
in detail in connection with preferred embodiments known at the
time, it should be readily understood that the invention is not
limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be
modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations,
substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described,
but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the
invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited by the
foregoing description or drawings, but is only limited by the scope
of the appended claims.
* * * * *