CN1539116A

CN1539116A - Method, apparatus and product for veifying card games, such as playing card distribution

Info

Publication number: CN1539116A
Application number: CNA028154614A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 理查德・索尔蒂斯; 理查德·索尔蒂斯; ・休伊金加; 理查德·休伊金加
Original assignee: ARL Inc
Current assignee: MindPlay LLC
Priority date: 2001-06-08
Filing date: 2002-05-20
Publication date: 2004-10-20
Also published as: CN102764501B; CN102764501A; WO2002101630A1; AU2002311957A2; CA2460850C; EP1399865A1; CA2460850A1

Abstract

One or more actual hands of playing cards are verified against respective expected hands of playing cards, to determine whether the playing cards actually dealt correspond to the playing cards that should have been dealt based on a starting sequence of playing card values. The starting sequence of playing card values can be computationally pseudo-randomly generated, where playing cards will be ordered, for example by printing or sorting, according to the sequence for distribution to the player and/or dealer. The starting sequence of playing card values can be determined by reading identifiers from a number of playing cards prior to dealing.

Description

Examine method, equipment and product such as the Card Games of playing cards distribution

Background of invention

Technical field

The present invention is relevant, specifically relevant with Card Games with the recreation of opportunity class with skill.

Background technology

Card Games is a kind of well-known pastime and entertainment form.Usually play with a pair or how secondary board, every secondary board has 52 usually.Every secondary board has red heart, square, plum blossom and four kinds of patterns of spade usually, and every kind of pattern has 14 boards, and seniority among brothers and sisters (rank) is: 2-10, J, Q, K and A.Card Games can comprise and also can not comprise according to the color notes of game result victory or defeat.

A kind of popular Card Games is called 21 points (blackjack).In this 21 Card Games, each competes one or more players (player) with a banker (dealer).The player tries hard to collect and on the other hand always totally equals or be no more than 21 board as far as possible near 21.The point value of Yarborough is determined by the seniority among brothers and sisters of board.Therefore, the board of ranking to 2-10 has point value 2-10 respectively.Court cards (being J, Q and K) has point value 10, and A can freely be treated to by the player and has point value 1 or 11.Playing two boards of hand has (that is, an A adds one 10 or court cards) of 21 point values to be called talent " 21 " or blackjack, defeats other point values and be each hand board of 21.Pattern is inoperative in 21 recreation.

In 21 recreation, issue two boards of each player the two-wheeled that it is banker oneself at last that banker at first encloses bidge table rightmost from the leftmost player of banker (being first hand) to banker (i.e. the 3rd family).In recreation,, face up with regard to board and deal out the cards, and board faces down and deals out the cards to the player in handheld games (i.e. the recreation of dealing out the cards with hand) to the player if deal out the cards from board boots (shoe).The rule of playing games for banker is strict regulations, and almost nothing will be determined by banker.Therefore, banker and other players can see each hand board of other players and not influence the result of recreation.

Banker trump card the one card (that is, top board (top card)) in preceding two boards of sending out banker of facing up that turns over can be seen the player of seniority among brothers and sisters on bidge table of this board.Banker that is to say same as before to face and issues second board (that is, card in one's hand (hole card)) then, and the player of the seniority among brothers and sisters of this board on bidge table is invisible.In 21 of some modification, banker will be determined the point value of card in one's hand immediately, and banker will wait until that all players have gone out the point value of seeing card in one's hand behind their Yarborough again in the recreation of other modification.

Banker can want the chance of extra board in succession to the right from the left side of banker then each player.Banker can want the chance of extra board for next player again after a player's Yarborough was finished.Want board to be commonly referred to " rich (hit) " " rich one " in other words.When taking turns to a player, this player can want board, one time one, try hard to constitute on the other hand point value is no more than 21 board as far as possible near 21.The player can at any time no longer want board, and this is commonly referred to " (standing) stops ".Just stop immediately if its point value of player's Yarborough surpasses at 21, this is commonly referred to " quick-fried fall (busted) ".Fall if the player is quick-fried, (that is, blackjack), banker is just finished this player's Yarborough, this player's board is put into one lose the board frame perhaps to have 21 points of talent.Before wanting the 3rd board, the player can split his a hand board having been sent out a hand bridge queen.This is commonly referred to tears board (splitting) open.Play the one card that family expenses rise in the hand board and form new Yarborough,, and will play the part that another Zhang Liuzuo in the hand board is original Yarborough for this new Yarborough is given as security last color a notes.

All no longer want the bridge queen each player who takes turns to, banker can be wanted board again from this deck.Public place of entertainment has some rules based on the point value of banker Yarborough, stipulate when that banker must be wanted one card (that is, rich) again from this secondary board and when banker must no longer want board (that is, stopping).For example, many publics place of entertainment require bankers to be or to stop when surpassing at the point value of his Yarborough at ten seven at ten seven.Some publics place of entertainment allow banker when the point value of his Yarborough is at soft ten seven when the A that he is taken can be regarded as at 11 the point value of his Yarborough be to want one card again under ten seven the situation.

Fall if banker is quick-fried, also do not have the quick-fried player who falls just to win.If banker does not have quick-friedly to fall, all remaining player and bankers all must be revealed their board, and banker can be compared each hand player's board and his this hand board.Those Yarboroughs have the player who does not have the point value above 21 than the height of banker and win.The player who wins can obtain based on their the color fluence and the compensation of odds.Defeated player's coloured silk is annotated and is put away, and banker is regained these boards of staying on the bidge table by specific order.21 recreation comprise ancillary rules such as " doubling striking out (doublingdown) " and " insurance (insurance) " gambling and some other for playing the modification known to 21 the people, and these just are not described further for the sake of brevity.

Card Games such as 21 is popular especially in public place of entertainment and other play places.Player's coloured silk is annotated very big.Therefore, guarantee that importantly the people who plays games does not cheat.It is also important that in a kind of comparatively unobtrusive mode recreation is monitored, the client of public place of entertainment is not felt constraint in their environment.

Must periodically shuffle to each secondary playing cards, to prevent that these boards are by identical order continuous reproducing.Shuffle and to disturb even to prevent that the player from obtaining inequitable advantage by calculating board.Known have an a variety of calculation board system, all is usually to rely on player's heart to remember some even all boards of having appeared.For example, in 21 recreation, determine that all seniority among brothers and sisters when are that 5 board has all been sent out be good (that is 5 strategies).More help the player because value is 10 board, therefore determining to also have in this pair (or these several pairs) board what point values is 10 board also be good (that is 10 strategies).Some other modification of calculating board is well-known in this area.Shuffle can be at this every board in secondary or several secondary boards carry out after all having sent out, for example carry out having played a few hand bridge queens, also can shuffle more continually.

Therefore now manually shuffling makes recreation very slow, and the recreation industry adopts machinery to shuffle, with accelerate recreation and make board wash can be more thorough.Usually, before a pair (or a few pair) board distributes, just shuffle during also surplus boards, especially effectively calculate board (, terminal tactics of the game) when the remaining few a few hand board only to hinder as far as possible.The number of the board of having distributed in one pair (or a few pair) board is commonly referred to consumption board degree (deck penetration) with the ratio of the sum of residue board.The recreation industry is introduced continuous card shuffling machine now, further to try hard to stop the attempt of calculating board.As its name suggests, continuously card shuffling machine on the other hand or a few hand board with machinery the board that is left to send out is shuffled when playing.

Though machinery shuffle with manual shuffle to compare improved speed and the board played and washed more thoroughly because the intrinsic consistency operation of mechanical hook-up, and also restricted on the total secondary number of their manipulable boards, machinery is shuffled and can be caused shuffling not exclusively.

Summary of the invention

With regard to an aspect, the method for examining Card Games of the present invention comprises the identity of every playing cards in some playing cards of finishing board of determining formation proficiency player automatically; The identity of every playing cards in those playing cards of finishing board of this hand player and one group of expection playing cards finishing board of this hand player are compared; If the identity of every playing cards in those playing cards of finishing board of this hand player does not expect that with this group of finishing board of this hand player a corresponding playing cards coupling in playing cards just produces a notice.Under a kind of relevant situation, a computer-readable media can be stored and make a computing machine examine the instruction of Card Games in this way.

In another case, the method for examining Card Games of the present invention has adopted one and has calculated the pseudorandom playing cards value sequence that produces.This method comprises according to the pseudorandom playing cards value sequence that calculate to produce, has sent out one group of expection playing cards value that a few hand boards and the relative position of this hand board in the order of dealing out the cards are determined this hand board; And determine whether the identifier that each playing cards from those playing cards that form this hand board read expects that with this group of this hand board playing cards value is corresponding.This method can comprise and produce pseudorandom playing cards value sequence, also can comprise receiving a pseudorandom playing cards value sequence that has produced.This method can comprise that every playing cards from the some playing cards that form Yarborough read an identifier, also can comprise the identifier that reception is read.Under a kind of relevant situation, a computer-readable media can be stored and make a computing machine examine the instruction of Card Games in this way.

With regard to another aspect, the method for examining Card Games of the present invention has adopted a pseudorandom playing cards value sequence that reads.This method comprises according to becoming secondary playing cards value sequence, having sent out one group of expection playing cards value that a few hand boards and the relative position of Yarborough in the order of dealing out the cards are determined this hand board; And determine whether the identifier that every playing cards from those playing cards that form this hand board read expects that with this group of this hand board playing cards value is corresponding.This method can comprise that every playing cards from some playing cards that a Card Games will therefrom be dealt out the cards read an identifier successively, also can comprise receiving a playing cards value sequence that reads, those playing cards that each playing cards value in this sequence and Card Games will therefrom be dealt out the cards are corresponding one by one.This method can comprise that every playing cards from the some playing cards that form Yarborough read an identifier, can comprise that also receiving one reclaims the playing cards value sequence, and it is corresponding that the playing cards value in this sequence and each hand of regaining from player and/or banker are finished board.Under a kind of relevant situation, a computer-readable media can be stored and make a computing machine examine the instruction of Card Games in this way.

In yet another aspect, the system that examines Card Games of the present invention comprises the playing cards interface arrangement of the mark on reading and writing and/or the printing playing cards.This playing cards interface arrangement can be an independent device, also can network with a host computer system, server and/or other electronic units.This playing cards interface arrangement can comprise a reader such as photoscanner, photoimaging device or Magnetic Sensor, is used for reading identity marking from playing cards.In some cases, the playing cards interface arrangement can comprise write head one or more printheads and/or magnetic or other forms of, is used for printing on playing cards identity marking.Reader and printing or write head can be configured in the same housing, also can separate configuration in housing separately.In some cases, the playing cards interface arrangement can comprise that a processor that is configured to produce a pseudorandom playing cards value sequence and/or one are used for printing or write the print head controller with the corresponding mark of pseudorandom playing cards value sequence on playing cards.

Brief Description Of Drawings

In the accompanying drawing of this instructions, identical label identifies similar ingredient or action.The size of each ingredient in the accompanying drawing and relative position are not necessarily drawn in proportion.For example, the shape of each ingredient and angle are not drawn in proportion, and wherein some are also arbitrarily amplified and located, so that figure is more clear.In addition, be not that the true form that means these ingredients comes to this as the concrete shape of these ingredients of being drawn, make these accompanying drawings be easy to identification and just select for use.In these accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is comprising according to play the automatically isometric schematic view of surveillance of the networking of the networking playing cards interface arrangement of exemplary embodiments design of the present invention in a game environment;

Fig. 2 comprises a synoptic diagram according to the table for game of the independent playing cards interface arrangement of another exemplary embodiments design of the present invention, and this playing cards interface arrangement comprises a playing cards printing equipment and a related card reader;

Fig. 3 is play the automatically functional-block diagram of surveillance of the networking of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is the partial sectional view of the playing cards interface arrangement of Fig. 2, shows the various piece of playing cards printing equipment;

Fig. 5 is the front elevation in the front of exemplary playing cards;

Fig. 6 is the skeleton view of some selected parts of the card reader of Fig. 2, shows lens subassembly imager, catoptron, light fixture and connector;

Fig. 7 is the side view of some selected parts of the card reader of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is the part side view of the playing cards interface arrangement that is rendered as a combined type playing cards printing and reading device of Fig. 1;

Fig. 9 is the part side view of another card reader, and this card reader comprises a reading magnetic head that is used for reading the magnetic mark on the playing cards;

Figure 10 A-10B is the process flow diagram of method of operating that the playing cards dispensing device of the host computer system of Fig. 1 and Fig. 6 is shown;

Figure 11 is the process flow diagram of method of operating that the playing cards dispensing device of Fig. 4 is shown;

Figure 12 is the process flow diagram of the method for operating of Card Games evaluating system 9;

Figure 13 examines the process flow diagram that each hand is finished the method for board;

Figure 14 is the synoptic diagram that the playing cards value sequence that produced is illustrated as an orderly playing card sequence form;

Figure 15 is at the synoptic diagram that connects the playing cards that banker reclaims after one innings of 21 recreation of four players altogether;

Figure 16 is for finishing the contrast synoptic diagram of board in first player's from the recreation that the board boots are dealt out the cards and in a recreation of dealing out the cards with hand proficiency; And

Figure 17 is the sectional view of the secondary board reader of one-tenth in a board boots housing.

Detailed description of the invention

In the following description, some details have been provided, so that can thoroughly understand each embodiment of the present invention.Yet the personnel that are familiar with this technical field are appreciated that the present invention can realize under the situation of these details not having.In some other example, the well-known structure related with computing machine, server, network, imager and game device do not illustrate or describes in detail, in order to avoid unnecessarily make the explanation of embodiments of the invention smudgy on the contrary.

Unless context needs, in whole instructions and claims thereafter, speech " comprises " need be interpreted as " including but are not limited to: " in comprising on the meaning of opening.

Here the title that is provided is for convenience, rather than claimed basis is described

Scope of invention or meaning.

The game environment summary

Fig. 1 shows networking recreation surveillance 10 automatically, and it comprises host computer system 12, server 14 and network 16.Server 14 and network 16 with host computer system 12 be connected to a plurality of such as each recreation sensor, recreation driver and/or game processor on the different table for games 21 point (blackjack) table for games 18 (for represent clear for the purpose of, only show a game tables 18 among the figure).

In one embodiment, host computer system 12 plays a part the center calculation system of one or more each game tables of public place of entertainment of interconnection.In another embodiment, host computer system 12 is related with a bidge table or group's bidge table.In yet another embodiment, host computer system 12 is related with a bidge table or one group of bidge table, and interconnects with some other host computer system.

Recreation sensor, recreation driver and/or game processor and other electronic equipments can be configured in the bidge table 18, various other devices can also be arranged on the bidge table 18, for example chip tray 22 and/or such as the combined type playing cards that are used to print and read the mark on the playing cards print, playing cards interface arrangement 24 the reading device 24A.Chip tray 22 can comprise that is read the one-tenth hand card-reader (card hand reader) 25 that banker plays the hand board, perhaps, also can be that an one-tenth hand card-reader of installing separately is configured on the bidge table or in the bidge table.The structure of this card-reader and operation can be referring to being listed in some last common U.S. Patent applications of transferring the possession of of this instructions.Make the example that monitors and play such as 21 can be referring to being listed in some last common U.S. Patent applications to be examined of transferring the possession of of this instructions based on some suitable hardware and softwares of the recreation robotization of playing cards.

Player 26 can be for example by appropriate locations will giving as security on 21 bidge tables 18 such as one or more chips 32, the result of the game events such as the result of the Yarboroughs 28 of 30 of bankers in one innings of 21 recreation is made a bet.

Fig. 2 shows another embodiment of bidge table 18.Some other embodiment of this embodiment and explanation here is similar with the embodiment that illustrates previously basically, and some common actions are designated as identical label with structure.Below only operation and structural marked difference are described.

In Fig. 2, bidge table 18 comprises the playing cards interface arrangement 24 of an absolute version, and it is not networked with host computer system 12 or server 14.As shown in Figure 2, playing cards interface arrangement 24 can comprise a playing cards printing equipment 24B and an independently card reader 24C who is connected with playing cards printing equipment 24B by communication.In addition, bidge table 18 does not adopt the electronic equipment of Fig. 1.Therefore, banker and/or public place of entertainment boss manually monitor the carrying out of recreation and make a bet.

Perhaps, networking pattern (Fig. 1) can adopt the playing cards of separate configuration to print and card reader, and independent pattern (Fig. 2) can adopt the playing cards of configured in one piece to print and card reader.

System hardware

Fig. 3 and following discussion have provided and can realize the particularly brief overview explanation of the suitable computing environment of the embodiment of Fig. 1 of embodiments of the invention.Embodiments of the invention will such as the program application module of carrying out by computing machine, object or grand the general linguistic context of computer executable instructions in describe, though be not essential.The personnel that are familiar with relevant technologies are appreciated that the present invention can be with comprising handheld device, multicomputer system, realizing based on other computer system configurations of microprocessor or programmable home electronics, personal computer (" PC "), network PC, small-size computer, supercomputer and so on.The present invention can realize in distributed computing environment, wherein carries out each task or module by some by the teleprocessing equipment of communication network link.In distributed computing environment, program module can be configured in local and far in the memory device.

Referring to Fig. 3, general huge or small-size computer that is designated as host computer system 12 here comprises processing unit 34, system storage 36 and will comprise the system bus 38 that each system's ingredient of system storage 36 is connected with processing unit 34.Host computer system 12 here will call with odd number sometimes, but this to be not the present invention be confined to use single principal computer because in some typical embodiment, will be referred to a plurality of principal computers or other equipment.The recreation surveillance 10 of robotization can adopt other computing machines such as general purpose personal computer, if the size of system or scale allow.Processing unit 34 can be any Logical processing unit, such as one or more CPU (central processing unit) (CPU), digital signal processor (DSP), special IC (ASIC).Except as otherwise noted, the structure of the functional block of each shown in Fig. 3 and operation all are conventional design.Therefore, here not needing more such functional blocks are elaborated, all is clearly because be familiar with the personnel of relevant technologies.

System bus 38 can adopt any known bus structure or system, comprises memory bus, peripheral bus and local bus with Memory Controller.System storage 36 comprises ROM (read-only memory) (" ROM ") 40 and random access memory (" RAM ") 42.The basic input/output (" BIOS ") 44 that can form the part of ROM 40 contains such as the basic routine that transmits information in help between elementary period in host computer system 12 between each parts.

Host computer system 12 also comprises CD drive 50 and the disc driver 52 that hard disk 48 is carried out the hard disk drive 46 of reading and writing and respectively removably CD 54 and disk 56 carried out reading and writing.CD 54 can be a CD-ROM, and disk 56 can be a disk or floppy disk.Hard disk drive 46, CD drive 50 and disc driver 52 are communicated by letter with processing unit 34 by bus 38.Hard disk drive 46, CD drive 50 and disc driver 52 can comprise interface or the controller (not shown) that is connected between these drivers and the bus 38, and this is that to be familiar with the personnel of relevant technologies well-known.Driver 46,50 and 52 and the computer-readable media that cooperates with them provide non-volatile memory for host computer system 12 to computer-readable instruction, data structure, program module and other data.Though shown host computer system 12 uses hard disk 46, CD 50 and disk 52, but the personnel that are familiar with relevant technologies are appreciated that, also can use the addressable data computing machine of the energy storage computation machine readable media of other types, such as tape cassete, fast erasable storage card, digital video disk (" DVD "), Bernoulli box, RAM, ROM, smart card.

In system storage 36, can store some program modules, such as operating system 58, one or more application program 60, other programs or module 62 and routine data 64.System storage 36 can also comprise allow host computer system 12 insert some such as WWW (Web) website of the Internet, corporations' in-house network or other networks as described below data source and with the Web CLIENT PROGRAM or the browser 66 of their swap datas, and such as other server applications on the following server computer that also will describe in detail.Browser 66 in an illustrated embodiment is based on such as HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) (HTML), can expands mark language mark language (XML) or the wireless mark language (WML), represents that with the grammer delimiting character that adds the data of giving a document with some the mark language of the structure of this document operates.Commercially available have many Web CLIENT PROGRAM or a browser, such as NETSCAPENAVIGATOR and Microsoft (Redmond, INTERNETEXPLORER Washington) of America Online.

Though operating system 58, application program 60, other procedures/modules 62, routine data 64 and browser 66 are shown in Fig. 3 and are stored in the system storage 36, also can be stored on the hard disk 48 of hard disk drive 46, on the CD 54 of CD drive 50 and/or on the disk 56 of disc driver 52.Operator such as authorized casino personnel can use the input media such as keyboard 68 and the positioning equipment such as mouse 70 will be ordered and information input host computer system 12.Other input media can comprise acoustic pickup, operating rod, game mat, scanner etc.These and the interface 72 of some other input medias by the serial port interface on receiving bus 38 is connected with processing unit 34, can certainly use other interfaces such as parallel port, game port or wave point or USB (universal serial bus) (" USB ").Monitor 74 or other display device are received on the bus 38 by the video interface such as video card 76.Host computer system 12 can also comprise other output devices, such as loudspeaker, printer.

Host computer system 12 can utilize the logic with one or more remote computers such as server computer 14 to be connected in the networked environment and work.Server computer 14 can be another personal computer, server, another kind of computing machine, or is linked at together a plurality of set of computers with communication mode, and many or whole parts illustrated to host computer system 12 above generally including.Server computer 14 is with the method for any known permission compunication, such as by LAN (Local Area Network) (" LAN ") 78 or wide area network (" WAN ") or the Internet 80, is connected with one or more host computer system 12 logics.Such networked environment is well-known in wired and wireless enterprise computer network, in-house network, extranets and the Internet.Other embodiment comprise the communication network of other types, comprising telecommunicatio network, Cellular Networks, paging network and other mobile networks.

When using in the LAN networked environment, host computer system 12 is connected with LAN 78 by adapter or network interface 82 (being linked on the bus 38) with communication mode.Host computer system 12 can comprise a modulator-demodular unit 84 or other devices such as network interface 82 when using in the WAN networked environment, to set up the communication by WAN/ the Internet 80.In Fig. 3, modulator-demodular unit 84 is shown with communication mode and is linked between interface 72 and the WAN/ the Internet 80.In network environment, program module, application program or data or some parts wherein can be stored in the server computer 14.Shown among this embodiment, host computer system 12 links with server computer 14 by LAN 78 or WAN/ the Internet 80 usefulness TCP/IP mid-level network agreements with communication mode; Yet, in other embodiments can be with other similar network protocol layers, such as User Datagram Protoco (UDP) (" UDP ").The personnel that are familiar with relevant technologies are easy to recognize that the network shown in Fig. 3 connects some examples of just setting up communication linkage between the computing machine, also can adopt some other link, comprises wireless link.

Server computer 14 links by LAN 78 or WAN/ the Internet 80 or other networked deployment such as direct asynchronous connection (not shown) sensor, driver and the game processor 86 with one or more bidge tables 18 usually with communication mode.Server computer 14 also passes through LAN 78 or WAN/ the Internet 80 or other networked deployment such as direct asynchronous connection (not shown) usually with communication mode and links with playing cards interface arrangement 24.

Server computer 14 is included in move instruction between game processor 86 and the host computer system 12, program, data and agency's server application 88.For example, server application 88 can comprise (Redmond, the traditional server application program of WINDOWS NT 4.0 servers Washington) and/or WINDOWS 2000 servers and so on such as Microsoft company.In addition, perhaps as an alternative, server application 88 can comprise any some commercially available Web servers, such as the INTERNETINFORMATION SERVICE of Microsoft company and/or the IPLANET of Netscape company.

Game processor 86 can comprise recreation application 90 and game data 92.Recreation application 90 can comprise from obtaining the real-time game of game position makes a bet and the game events information instruction, such as the instruction of the image that obtains the identifier on color notes and the playing cards.Recreation uses 90 can also comprise that processing is making a bet and the game events information instruction of obtaining of section processes at least, for example identification each annotate the value of color position of annotating and size, every hand board and/or examine and whether deal out the cards by correct order.Some suitable application can be referring to the U.S. Patent application that is listed in the last one or more common transfers of this instructions.

In addition, recreation is used 90 and can be comprised that the recreation that is used to produce a relevant specific bidge table carries out the statistical package of statistical information of the actual achievement of situation, one or more players' actual achievement and/or banker 30 and/or game operator.Recreation application 90 can also comprise the instruction of the situation that some or all game positions of video feed are provided.Game data can comprise game result, the average color notes of color fluence, player identification information, free of cost information (" comps "), player's actual achievement data, banker actual achievement data, chip tray accounting information, playing card sequence etc.Recreation application 90 can also comprise the instruction of the safety practice processing such as password or other access protections and the communication encryption.Therefore, server 12 can transmit between bidge table and host computer system 12 and make a bet relevant information.

The playing cards interface arrangement

Fig. 4 shows among Fig. 2 an embodiment with the playing cards interface arrangement 24 shown in the form of the card reader 24C that communicates to connect with playing cards printing equipment 24B of printing equipment 24B and separate configuration.

Playing cards printing equipment 24B comprises a housing 100, wherein has hold board frame 106 and one of playing cards 108 that connect board device 102, kept printing of accepting blank playing cards 104 connecing board device 102 and hold the playing cards passage that is designated as arrow 110 that extends between the board frame 106.Though be shown separately receive board device 102,106, some embodiment of playing cards printing equipment 24B can receive the playing cards 108 that the board device holds blank playing cards 104 and printed with single.Playing cards printing equipment 24B generally includes driving mechanism 112, printing mechanism 114 and control gear 116.

As shown in Figure 4, driving mechanism 112 comprises a driven roller 118 that is installed in rotation on the end of pivot arm 120, is driven by driving-belt 124 by motor 122.The motor that drives driven roller 118 for example is a step motor 122, can drive driven roller 118 with little increment stepping in other words ground, make blank playing cards 104 little by little or stepping ground by the playing cards passage 110 of playing cards printing equipment 24B, between each step, slightly suspend.Step motor and and working condition be well-known.Spring 126 makes the blank playing cards 104 of pivot arm 120 deflections, and driven roller 118 is kept in touch with outmost one that connects board device 102 interior blank playing cards 104.Therefore, along with the rotation (rotating counterclockwise) of driven roller 118, just outmost blank board 128 is advanced along playing cards passage 110 with regard to this figure.

In addition, perhaps as a kind of alternative, a board holder 130 that is positioned at behind the blank board 104 is supported by one or more carrying rollers 134 along the inclined-plane such as gathering sill 132.The weight of board holder 130 and/or additional counterweight (not shown) make board holder 130 and blank board 104 deflection playing cards passages 110.Driving mechanism 112 also comprises several guiding rollers 136 along playing cards passage 110 leader blank boards 104.Usually guiding roller 136 is not driven, and has one or more to be driven in the roller 136 though guide in some embodiments, if suitably.For example, under the situation of playing cards passage 110 than the length length of blank board 104, one or more guiding roller 136 can be driven.Though illustrated is a concrete driving mechanism 112, the personnel that are familiar with printing technique obviously know many other suitable driving mechanisms, such as the example of many driving mechanisms that are used for impact type and/or non-impact printer.

Printing mechanism 114 comprises printhead 138 and platen 140.Printhead 138 can be taked any form, such as thermal printer head, ink jet-print head, electrostatic printheads or impact the printhead.Platen 140 cooperates the smooth print surface that the blank playing cards 104 that are positioned under the printhead 138 are provided alone or with guiding one or more (i.e. " pinch roll ") in the roller 136.Though be shown platen 140, playing cards printing equipment 24B also can use the fixing paper platform that holds, if this is fit to concrete playing cards material and printhead 138.In another embodiment, platen 140 can be driven or be driven by another independent motors by motor 122.

Control gear 116 comprises microprocessor (MP) 142, the volatile memory such as random access memory (" RAM ") 144 and the nonvolatile memory such as ROM (read-only memory) (" ROM ") 146.Microprocessor 142 is carried out the instruction that is stored in the register (not shown) that RAM 144, RAM146 and/or microprocessor 142 carry, and produces a randomized playing cards sequence, and prints suitable mark according to the order of randomized playing cards sequence on each playing cards.Control gear 116 also comprise a response from the motor controller 148 of the motor control signal control step motor 112 of microprocessor 142 and response from the print control unit 150 of the print control signal control printhead 138 of microprocessor 142, therefore make the operation of step motor 112 and printhead 138 synchronous.

Control gear 116 can comprise also that a detection holds the height of playing cards in the board frame 106 or the card level detectors 152 of number.Card level detectors 152 can comprise that a light source and receiver are to holding the catoptron of board frame with one with this light source and receiver to being separated by.Therefore, the height of playing cards 108 drops to when being lower than light-path in holding board frame 106, and card level detectors 152 just detects the light of mirror reflects, thereby provides a signal to microprocessor 142, shows and print additional playing cards 108.Playing cards printing equipment 24B can adopt other height sensor, such as mechanical detector.

At work, microprocessor 142 is carried out the instruction that is stored in the register that RAM 144, ROM 146 and/or microprocessor carry, and calculates and produces a randomized playing cards sequence of being made up of one group of playing cards value.As here and employed in claims, so-called " playing cards value " is meant the calculated value of each playing cards of sign.For example, every playing cards in a pair or how secondary playing cards can be defined uniquely by a sequence number, for the ease of people identification decimally form represent, but for the use of the various calculation elements of the recreation surveillance 10 of robotization, adopt binary mode usually.Though every playing cards have a seniority among brothers and sisters, therefore have a point value, this point value is not used here playing cards value usually, although a point value is related with each playing cards value directly or indirectly.In addition, as used herein, so-called " pair " or " secondary playing cards " is meant any set of the playing cards that one innings of recreation will be sent out, and includes but is not limited to four kinds of traditional patterns, seniority among brothers and sisters is 52 playing cards of 2-10, J, Q, K and A.

It is well-known in the computing technique field that computing machine produces random number.The mathematician does not think that usually the random number that computing machine produces is a true random, therefore will count so usually to be called pseudo random number.Yet such number is enough at random for the most of practical uses such as randomly playing cards being distributed to the player.So, though we are " pseudorandom " with the value called after that computing machine produces, as here and the term used in claims should comprise any value with suitable stochastic distribution, no matter on mathematics, whether really be at random.

Microprocessor 142 is according to producing print data by calculating the randomized playing cards sequence that produces.Print data be included on each blank playing cards 104 print respectively with the randomized playing cards sequence in separately the instruction of the corresponding mark of playing cards value.For example, print data can be identified at 122 each step of step motor and will activate which unit on the printhead 138 to print a required image.At the motor 122 each pause between each step, the sub-fraction of blank playing cards 104 is aimed at printhead 138, selected unit's activation on the printhead 138, thereby blank playing cards 104 aim at printhead 138 this part on the part of an image of generation.This part image is the sub-fraction of the entire image of a need printing.Usually, by make blank playing cards 104 steppings ground make by printhead 138, after each step blank playing cards 104 make a short pause, determine image with the corresponding part of this step sequence number, determine which unit that will activate on the printhead 138 produces determined this part image to produce determined this part image and to activate determined unit on blank playing cards 104, the generation entire image.Microprocessor 142 provides as the print data of motor order with to print control unit 150 to motor controller 148 print data as print command is provided, respectively synchronously and control motor 122 and printhead 138.Playing cards printing equipment 24B can also comprise that some print multiple color and comprise the printhead that is printed on common sightless color under common " white " light source.

Therefore, the playing cards printing equipment 24B of Fig. 4 provides a kind of independently playing cards dispensing device of playing cards of the printing pseudo-random sequence that can use under any game state.Because playing cards printing equipment 24B comprises a microprocessor 142, so playing cards printing equipment 24B is particularly suitable for the bidge table 18 of artificial watch circle 2, and wherein playing cards interface arrangement 24 is with independently pattern work.Yet playing cards printing equipment 24B also can be used as an ingredient job of automated game surveillance 10, perhaps cooperates 10 work of such system.

As shown in Figure 5, these marks on the playing cards 108 (Fig. 4) can comprise expression playing cards seniority among brothers and sisters (that is: 2-10, J, Q, K, A) 154 and the conventional symbol of pattern (that is: square, red heart, spade and plum blossom) 156.Mark can also comprise the mark 158 such as the image of the J, the Q that see usually and K on playing cards.

Mark can also comprise an identifier, and for example unique regulation is the sequence number which secondary playing cards which innings recreation and/or used playing cards belong to.Identifier can be rendered as bar code (barcode), district sign indicating number (area code) or the pile (stack code) of the easy machine recognition of reader of a usefulness standard of selecting from suitable machine readable symbolism.Though be shown visiblely in the drawings, bar code symbol 160 can be with a kind of visible ink printed just under such as the light of the characteristic frequency in the UV frequency band of electromagnetic wave spectrum.This has prevented that player 26 from seeing these sequence numbers during playing.Bar code symbol 160 can be positioned at the edge of playing cards 108, so that can read a plurality of symbols 160 simultaneously.

Mark can comprise other marks such as notification message 162 on demand.Notification message 162 can be player or game-specific, can only offer some specific players, offers some players at random, and/or offers all players.Notification message 162 can be rendered as the sales promotion information form, for example notifies the player to hold the service that this board can obtain meals, beverage, lodging, souvenir, commodity and/or casino facilities or other facilities.A sequence number is arranged on the playing cards, sequence number 160 particularly with machine-readable form coding, automatic data acquisition (" the ADC ") device that makes sales promotion playing cards 164 in the playing cards 108 be easy to when consumption is shown with standard is examined.

Fig. 6 and 7 shows the structure with the card-reader 24C of playing cards printing equipment 24B separate configuration.Card-reader 24C is used for reading the identifier such as machine-readable character 160 from playing cards 61, these playing cards 61 are to collect proficiency or many hands of returning from player and/or banker to finish board.

Housing 500 comprise one hold playing cards 504 with guarantee playing cards 504 relative one group such as electronics as described below and the reading device the optical device suitably the location lead board box 502.Lead board box 502 and comprise a playing cards area supported 506.The slanted floor of license bearing face 506 relative housings 500 makes that lead the playing cards 504 that held in the board box 502 adjacent relatively board when losing level table 26 (Fig. 1 and 2) that board boots 500 are placed on bidge table 18 and go up has displacement or stagger arrangement slightly.Base end wall 508 makes 504 on board on the license bearing face 506 that tilts, and forms an acute angle 510 with it.It is suitable that angle 510 is approximately 45 degree.Top end wall 512 is transparent, perhaps has a window, leads the end 54 of the board face 56 of the playing cards 504 in the board box 502 with exposure.Sidewall 514 helps to guarantee that playing cards 504 suitably aim at, and forms one folded in leading board box 502.

The reading device of electronics and optics can comprise optical lens module 516, catoptron 518 and the imager of aiming at along the optical path shown in the dotted arrow 522 520.Lens subassembly 516 can comprise one or more optical lenses and optical filter.For example, (Carlsbad, 9.9FL lens subassembly DSL900 California) is as suitable lens can to use Sunex company.In addition, for example lens subassembly 516 can comprise the arrowband bandpass filter that a light that makes wavelength be approximately 450 millimicrons passes through by other the light that stops such as the light of directly coming from light source 524.Suitable optical filter can be used the optical filter 00151-11859 of Edmond Scientific company (Barrington, New Jersey).

Imager 520 comprises that some are such as charge-coupled image sensor (" CCD ") be fit to produce photosensitive device the electron device of numeral of the image of being caught.Can use that (Pasadena, the CMOS color sensor of CMOS color sensor PB300 California) and so on is as a suitable imager 520 such as Photobit company.Card-reader 24C is particularly suitable for reading nearly two secondary playing cards, and imager 520 has usually can see the nearly visual field of two secondary playing cards.

Catoptron 518 can be positioned to and the angles of 520 one-tenth of top end wall 512 and imagers such as 45 degree, makes the image of end 54 of each playing cards 504 can send imager 520 to.Card-reader 24C can comprise the optical device that some are additional, such as catoptron, polariscope, spectroscope, polariscope, optical filter and camera lens, if these are suitable for concrete application.For example, card-reader 24C can comprise an aperture 526 that is configured between catoptron 518 and the top end wall 512, is used for improving the depth of field of imager 520.Optical path 522 determined by the optical property of these optical device and position, if therefore straight line not necessarily.Many devices can be installed in the arm 528 that is formed by a pair of half and half molded plastic parts.

Card-reader 24C comprises an illuminator with one or more light sources 524, for playing cards 504 provide low intensive illumination.These light sources 524 can be rendered as the form of one or more lamps.Light source 524 produces the light that is fit to specific embodiment.For example, be that it mainly is the light source 524 of UV light that card-reader 24C can adopt generation under visible situation under the UV illumination at machine-readable character.Suitable lamp can comprise that (Pacoima, diameter California) are that 3 mm lengths are 50 millimeters ultraviolet ray (" UV ") lamp BF350-UV1 in JKL Components company.Light source 524 is configured near the top end wall 512 of leading board box 502.Light source 524 obtains the power supply of high-voltage power transducer 530 by the printed circuit board (PCB) 532 by 534 power supplies of 5V power supply.Suitable high-voltage power transducer can be the BXA 501A of JKL Components company.

Card-reader 24C is connected with playing cards printing equipment 24B by the connector such as FIREWIRE (burning hot line) connector or USB (universal serial bus) (" USB ") connector.In addition, perhaps as a kind of alternative, card-reader 24C is connected on network 18 or the principal computer 12 by connector 536.Suitable connector 536 can comprise the FIREWIRE connector 524502-05041 of Molex electronics, inc. (Canada).Connector 536 can send the numeral of the image of being caught to microprocessor 142 or suitable client computes system 12 gives Flame Image Process and playing cards are examined.

Fig. 8 shows another embodiment of playing cards interface arrangement 24, is rendered as that playing cards are printed and reading device is incorporated in the interior form 24A of a housing 165.The combined type playing cards are printed and reading device 24A puts it briefly comprises reading mechanism 166, wipe mechanism 168, driving mechanism 170, printing mechanism 172 and control gear 174.

Be in the one group of playing cards that connects in the board device 102 and comprise the identity marking that is printed in advance on the blank playing cards.These identity markings comprise with the corresponding mark 154 of seniority among brothers and sisters, with the corresponding mark 156 of pattern be rendered as the mark 160 that the unique serial number coding to identifying concrete playing cards and/or secondary playing cards of machine-readable bar code symbol 160 forms draws.Though be shown visiblely in the drawings, bar code symbol 160 can be with a kind of visible ink printed just under such as the light of the characteristic frequency in the UV scope of electromagnetic wave spectrum, is discerned by player 26 preventing.

Reading mechanism 166 comprises light source 176 and read head 178, is used for making identity marking 154,156,160 imagings on the playing cards.Reading mechanism 166 also may comprise some optical device such as reflective mirror, catoptron, camera lens, optical filter.

Light source 176 can respond the read command that receives from host computer system 12 and/or connect the situation that has playing cards 108 in the board device 102 and carry out work selectively.Reading mechanism 166 can comprise determines when have the playing cards of one or more playing cards 108 to have detecting device 180 for one in connecing board device 102.Playing cards exist detecting device 180 can be rendered as one with light direct beam to a light source and form that receives catoptrical photodetector on the catoptron that connects board device 102 opposites.Connect in the board device 102 once there being playing cards 108 to block light, thereby can directly trigger light source 176 and/or send an appropriate signals to host computer system 12, host computer system 12 can beam back a signal and trigger light source 176.Equally, read head 178 also can be existed detecting device 180 directly to trigger or triggered indirectly by host computer system 12 by playing cards.Perhaps, in certain embodiments, read head 178 can remain on ON state of activation in other words always, and light source 176 1 activates, and it just catches the image that connects playing cards 108 in the board device 102.

In one embodiment, read head 178 comprises a regional imaging device, a two dimensional area of surrounding the machine-readable character on each playing cards can be formed single image.For example, read head 178 can comprise that some form the charge-coupled image sensor (" CCD ") of a two-dimensional array.

In another embodiment, read head 178 can be rendered as a linear imager with visual field of a machine-readable character 160 on can inswept in succession every playing cards 108.Reading mechanism 166 can adopt the whole bag of tricks and structure to be used for the visual field scanning of read head 178.For example, read head 178 can become playing cards 108 motions relatively with pivotal mounting.Perhaps, also can use reflective mirror of pivotal mounting or other optical device (not shown), relatively read head 178 and playing cards 108 motions.Perhaps, also light source 176 usefulness pivotal mounting can be become playing cards 108 motions relatively.Perhaps, also can use reflective mirror of pivotal mounting or other optical device (not shown), relatively light source 176 and playing cards 108 motions.

In yet another embodiment, the visual field of read head 178 and read head 178 can be maintained fixed, and transmits playing cards 108, makes the visual field of playing cards 108 by read head 178.

In also having an embodiment, read head 178 can be rendered as a scanner form such as laser scanner, obtains machine-readable character 160.In such an embodiment, read head 178 comprises lasing light emitter, photodetector, amplifier and waveform shaper.Laser scanner does not use the additional source of light such as light source 176 usually.

Reading the imager of machine-readable symbol and the structure and the working condition of scanner is well-known in automatic data acquisition (" ADC ") field usually, describes in detail for brevity so no longer.The structure of the reader of machine-readable symbol and working condition can be referring to " bar code book " (" The Bar Code Book ", Palmer, Roger, C., HelmersPublishing, Inc., Peterborough, New Hampshire (ThirdEdition)).

Wipe mechanism 168 and comprise an erasing head 182 that can be positioned to wipe selected mark on the playing cards 108.In a simple embodiment, erasing head 182 comprises a rotatable eraser 184 of installing and a motor 186 that eraser is rotated that is connected with eraser 184.Eraser 184 can be columniform, and the longitudinal axis is vertical with playing cards passage 110.

Driving mechanism 170 comprises that is connected a motor 122 that directly drives a platen roller, so that playing cards 108 advance along playing cards path 110.Driving mechanism 170 can also comprise some guiding rollers 136, is used for making playing cards 108 orientations and guides playing cards 108 along playing cards path 110.

Printing mechanism 172 comprises one first printhead 188 and one second printhead 190.First printhead 188 can be printed witness marking on playing cards, and second printhead 190 is printed invisible mark (for example, only under UV light just visible mark) on playing cards.Two printheads 188,190 may be suitable especially, if printhead the 188, the 190th, need are printed the ink jet-print head of visible and invisible mark with print cartridge separately.Printing mechanism 172 can comprise other or less printhead, and this depends on concrete printing requirement.For example, printing mechanism 172 can use the printhead of printing red ink and black ink respectively, also can use the printhead of other other colors of printing curve on playing cards.Perhaps, printing mechanism 172 can use the single printhead that can handle multiple color (for example, color thermal is printed, coating distils prints).Printhead 188,190 receives print control signals from control gear 174, such as which that is identified at that concrete time or position need activate printhead 188,190 printed the signal of first (not shown).

Control gear 174 comprises a controller 192, and it makes each miscellaneous part be connected with communication port 194 by I/O (" I/O ") buffer 196.Communication port 194 can be rendered as any various communication port, such as the D9 connector of FIREWIRE connector, USB (universal serial bus) (" USB ") connector and/or employing RS232 agreement.Communication port 194 can allow to communicate by letter with host computer system 12 by LAN 78 and/or WAN 80.I/O buffer 196 is as the maintenance district of the data that will enter and leave communication port 194.Controller 192 carries out Route Selection for data, and can carry out some simple control function.Though the combined type playing cards are printed and reading device 24A can adopt a microprocessor such as microprocessor 142 (Fig. 4), but a kind of possibility of less expensive also can be provided with a controller 192, particularly allow that in network environment other devices are distributed in many processing and for example distribute under the situation of host computer system 12.

Control gear 174 can also comprise that a detection holds the height of playing cards in the board frame 106 or the card level detectors 152 of number.Card level detectors 152 can comprise a light source and receiver 198 with one with this light source and receiver 198 every holding the relative catoptron 200 of board frame 106.Therefore, the height of playing cards drops to when being lower than light-path in holding board frame 106, light source and receiver 198 just detect the light of catoptron 200 reflections, thereby card level detectors 152 provides a signal by controller 192 to host computer system 12, shows print some playing cards again.Printing of combined type playing cards and reading device 24A can adopt other card level detectors, such as the detecting device of machinery.

Control gear 174 comprises a print control unit 202 that they are controlled that is connected with printhead 188,190 with motor 122.

In this embodiment of Fig. 8, host computer system 12 determines the playing cards value and produces pseudorandom playing card sequence.Host computer system 12 also produces print data and offers print control unit 202 by controller 192, is used for controlling the operation with syncmotor 122 and printhead 188,190.Print data is included in the instruction of printing respectively on each playing cards 108 through wiping with according to the corresponding mark of the playing cards value of the randomized playing cards sequence of host computer system 12 generations.Perhaps, also can be that host computer system 12 directly provides motor control signal and print control signal to motor 122 and printhead 188,190 by controller 192.In another scheme, controller 192 can be configured to also be used as print control unit, receives print data and provides motor control signal and print control signal to motor 122 and printhead 188,190.In also having a kind of scheme, host computer system 12 can provide print data to the motor controller shown in Fig. 4 148 and print control unit 150 such motor controller and print control units, controls motor 122 and printhead 188,190 respectively.

Because playing cards are printed and reading device 24A resembles data and/or a print data the randomized playing cards sequence from 12 receptions of host computer system, this combined type playing cards of Fig. 8 print and reading device 24A can be a kind of lower-cost device, and it adopts a simple controllers 192 and/or print control unit 202 rather than a comparison expensive microprocessor.Therefore, printing of combined type playing cards and reading device 24A are particularly suitable for cooperating the automated game surveillance 10 of this networking of Fig. 1 to use.Therefore, printing of combined type playing cards and reading device 24A provide a kind of integrated interconnection device of printing the playing cards of pseudo-random sequence.

The combined type playing cards are printed and reading device 24A also reads the playing cards 108 that connect in the board device 102, allow according to method illustrated in the U.S. Patent application that is listed in the last common transfer of this instructions recreation to be followed the tracks of.In addition, the combined type playing cards are printed and reading device 24A can reuse playing cards 108, wipe previous mark and print new mark again after reading playing cards 108 on playing cards 108.

In real time, or almost real-time playing cards print to shuffle to compare and have some significant advantages with mechanical type.For example, playing cards printing equipment 24A, 24B can play the limited Zhang Shiji playing cards that recreation is required yet only print with secondary number unrestricted " virtual " board (being the playing cards values) in producing the randomized playing cards sequence.For example, playing cards printing equipment 24A, 24B can corresponding receptions or are produced by 500 secondary or randomized playing cards sequences that how secondary board constitutes, yet only print one or two secondary playing cards or several delivery of hands of cards on demand.Playing cards printing equipment 24A, 24B can also produce than the more real random series of mechanical type card shuffling machine, and the mechanical type card shuffling machine is because the intrinsic consistance of mechanical system is shuffled insufficient easily.Playing cards printing equipment 24A, 24B can also improve game rate, because playing cards printing equipment 24A, 24B do not need playing cards are carried out mechanically actuated repeatedly.

Fig. 9 illustration another embodiment, this embodiment is used for the identification data of magnetic coding, for example identification data of encoding in the entrained magnetic stripe of playing cards.Also be as top, similarly action is marked with identical label with device, and only in structure and the operation describing of marked difference being arranged.

Playing cards print with writing station 24D comprise many with playing cards printing equipment 24A, 24B is identical or similar parts, such as motor 122, motor controller 148, printhead 138 and print head controller 150.Yet playing cards are printed and are also comprised a write head 560 and a write head controller 562 that is connected with write head 560 with writing station 24D.Write head is well-known with controller in relevant technical field.Though do not illustrate, playing cards are printed and writing station 24E can also comprise that one is configured in the erase head before the write head 560 in the playing cards passage 110, is used for wiping coded data previous on the playing cards.

Card reader 24E comprises one or more reading magnetic heads 564, is used for reading in coded data in the magnetic stripe (not shown) from the playing cards that regain the back of playing.Reading magnetic head controller 566 control reading magnetic heads 564, the information that is read offered that playing cards are printed and writing station 24D in microprocessor 142.Therefore, card reader 24E can be provided at one by the situation of playing games with collect each hand and finish one group of playing cards identifier in the playing card sequence that the order of board determines for microprocessor 142.Microprocessor 142 can with the similar mode of the embodiment (Fig. 1-8) of machine-readable symbol, according to initial playing card sequence with finish that playing card sequence is rebuild or the assessment recreation.In another scheme, playing cards are printed and writing station 24D can provide the pseudo-random sequence that is produced for card reader 24E, if card reader 24E contains the suitable electronic equipment of handling this information.

Operation

Figure 10 A-10B shows the combined type playing cards printing of Fig. 8 and the method for operating 300 in step 302 beginning of reading device 24A.Though following 12 remote-controlled operations describe with regard to the host computer system, a suitable playing cards printing and the reading device 24A of configuration can carry out all these functions or some of them function.The some parts of method 300 is applicable to also that the playing cards with the separate configuration shown in Fig. 4 and 6,7 and 9 are printed and the non-integrated embodiment of

reading device

24B, 24C, 24D.

In step 304, the combined type playing cards print and reading device 24A with read head 178 from connecing the interior readable symbol 160 of playing cards 108 read machine of board device 102, as top general description.Though be familiar with the personnel of this technical field be appreciated that can read the seniority among brothers and sisters and suit markings 154, the read machine readable symbol is for more convenient usually with existing hardware and software is handled.In step 306, host computer system 12 handles each previous hand board according to the identifier of encoding with the machine-readable character 160 that is read.Host computer system 12 can adopt the method and apparatus that is disclosed in the U.S. Patent application that is listed in the last common transfer of this instructions.For example, comprise under the situation of an imager, catch the digitized image of the symbol 160 on every playing cards 108 by imager at read head 178 (Fig. 8).Digitized image sends to server computing system 14 (Fig. 1) or a client computes system sending in the client computes system 12 handles.This client computes system in server computing system 14 or the client computes system 12 resolves into some machine-readable characters with digitized image.This client computes system in server computing system 14 or the client computes system 12 is transformed into machine-readable character corresponding sequence number and/or playing cards seniority among brothers and sisters then.Perhaps, also can be that some of them or whole the processing by one are located at the processors execution that playing cards interface arrangement 24 interior warps suitably dispose.

In step 308, the casino advantage that host computer system 12 determines for this recreation.Usually, casino advantage depends on a number of factors, and comprises type of card game, the ad hoc rules and these playing cards that adopt for this Card Games public place of entertainment send from how many pairs or what boards.In another embodiment, casino advantage can also depend on the composition of these secondary boards, if for example taken out in these secondary boards or added certain playing cards (5 A are for example arranged and/or have only 3 K in a secondary or how secondary board) in a secondary or how secondary board.Host computer system 12 can just according to type of play, game rule and how many secondary boards of previous regulation, one or several parameter that also can allow banker 30 even player 26 select in these parameters.For example, banker 30 can be selected desirable advantage and provide suitable object for appreciation field odds according to this advantage for player 26.Perhaps, also can be that player 26 selects one group of desirable object for appreciation odds, and select to play the corresponding suitable casino advantage of an odds with these by host computer system 12.Therefore, public place of entertainment can be given player 26 higher odds, if player 26 is willing to play the Yarboroughs from 108 in more playing cards.Public place of entertainment can also be given player 26 higher odds, if taken out certain playing cards from a secondary or how secondary board.In addition, perhaps as a kind of alternative, public place of entertainment can be given and obtain the higher odds or the award of player of the special board such as 57 on the other hand.

In step 310, how many secondary boards the 12 definite recreation with determined casino advantage of host computer system need deal out the cards with.In step 312, host computer system 12 determines one group of playing cards value according to the secondary number of determined board.Usually, host computer system 12 for every kind of playing cards seniority among brothers and sisters of the every secondary board in determined these secondary boards and suit combinations with a playing cards value (for example, every secondary board has 52 playing cards values).Therefore, host computer system 12 uses " virtual " playing cards, promptly represents the value of the playing cards in a pair or the how secondary virtual board.

These playing cards values can take various each board and being convenient to of identifying one by one to calculate any form in the form of use.For example, can specify a round values 1-52 for every playing cards in the traditional board of a pair.If, just can specify integer in succession in succession with how secondary board.For example, can be a corresponding integer playing cards value the combination appointment from 53 to 104 of each playing cards seniority among brothers and sisters and pattern in the traditional board of second pair.The playing cards seniority among brothers and sisters in every pair " virtual " board and the combination of pattern can be arranged by consistent predefined procedure.For example, can be to be 1 and be 53 with red heart 2 corresponding playing cards values, and the playing cards value of spade A can be to be 52 and be 104 for the second secondary board for deck for the second secondary board for deck.With same order the playing cards value is mapped as and after the combination of seniority among brothers and sisters and pattern helps in many secondary " virtual " boards board is discerned, and can not hinder the generation pseudo-random sequence.Adopt longer and discrete sequence number and/or encryption can realize maintaining secrecy of higher level.

In step 314, host computer system 12 produces a pseudorandom playing card sequence according to determined these playing cards values.The method that produces random number is well-known in field of computer technology, therefore no longer describes in detail.Produce the used codomain of random number and comprise that at the beginning determined playing cards value is all.Therefore, host computer system 12 can produce a random series, not influenced by the mechanically conforming of any device, and the sum of playing cards is not had mechanically restriction yet.

In step 316, host computer system 12 determines the identifier of playing cards 108, such as unique serial number.Which deck identifier can belong to by specific playing cards and/or this playing cards of unique identification.Discontinuous specified identifier can improve security.In another embodiment discussed below, the machine-readable character 160 that identifier is encoded keeps being printed on the blank playing cards, therefore need not determine new identifier.

In step 318, host computer system 12 sets up the logic association between identifier and the playing cards value.For example, host computer system 12 can store the logic association between playing cards value and the corresponding identifier, is stored in a database in the computer-readable memory as one.Thereby logic association is mapped as the identifier that is rendered as machine-readable character 160 that need be printed on same the playing cards 108 with seniority among brothers and sisters and the suit markings 154,156 that the playing cards value just is printed on need on a piece of paper board 108.

In step 320, host computer system 12 determines print data according to playing cards value and identifier.As described above, print data is included in the special instruction of printing various marks 154,156 and/or 160 on the corresponding playing cards 108.In another embodiment, print control unit 202 can be determined print data according to playing cards value, identifier or other information that host computer system 12 provides.For example, the combined type playing cards are printed the print data that can have 52 different board faces in secondary typical playing cards with an interior computer-readable memory (not shown) of reading device 24A.Some or all playing cards values that host computer system 12 provides can be printed the suitable print data of corresponding playing cards 108 for print control unit 202 signs.

After determining the step of randomized playing cards sequence 314 immediately under execution in step 316,318 and/or 320 the situation, host computer system 12 can determine identifier for all the playing cards values in the randomized playing cards sequence, set up logic association and definite print data in host computer system 12.Perhaps, also can be that step 316,318 and/or 320 is carried out for some less playing cards groups, or even carry out one by one, for example just before printing every playing cards, carry out.Therefore, can not be the board specified identifier that never can use in the recreation, thereby have the advantage of saving unique identifier.This method can also reduce the load of host computer system 12, thereby has the advantage that basic facilities are little and/or travelling speed is high.

202 pairs of individual count devices of host computer system 12 and/or print control unit carry out initialization, get ready for printing actual playing cards 108 according to the pseudorandom playing card sequence that calculates the playing cards value that produces.For example, in step 322, host computer system 12 and/or print control unit 202 first counter J are set to equal 0 (being J=0).In step 324, the number that host computer system 12 and/or print control unit 202 second counter I are set to equal the board that need cut (for example, I=3).Several boards that public place of entertainment will be skipped when the board of newly washing since a pair is dealt out the cards usually, this is commonly referred to " cutting board ".This can prevent that the player from accurately calculating board.The first counter J is set to equal the number of the board that need cut, and can prevent that playing cards from printing and reading device 24A prints these playing cards, thereby can save blank playing cards, ink and/or time.Perhaps, also can be that the board number that need cut is set to equal 0, banker 30 is actual deals out the cards after cutting suitable some playing cards 108 again.Public place of entertainment can find that this method is as to the prevention factor directly perceived of calculating board and/or to make Card Games seem to resemble as far as possible the Card Games of dealing out the cards with tradition more desirable.

In step 326, host computer system 12 and/or print control unit 202 add 1 with the second counter I and (that is, I=I+1), get ready for printing next playing cards.In step 328, the combined type playing cards are printed and the driving mechanism 170 usefulness motors 122 of reading device 24A make a piece of paper board 108 transmit along playing cards passage 110, as top general description.In step 330, the combined type playing cards are printed and the mechanism 168 of wiping of reading device 24A rubs off marks 154,156 with erasing head 182 from the playing cards face as top general description.In some embodiments, machine-readable character 160 can in preparation be wiped, so that a machine-readable character 160 to a new identifier coding such as unique serial number to be provided.This measure can provide higher security, makes the acquisition identifier more more difficult.In other embodiments, machine-readable character 160 can be temporarily no matter, with the identifier or the sequence number of machine-readable character 160 codings be new logic association of formation between the new playing cards value of specific playing cards 108 appointments and/or seniority among brothers and sisters and the suit markings 154,156.

In step 332, playing cards are printed and the printing mechanism 172 usefulness printheads 188,190 of reading device 24A are printed on new mark 154,156 and/or 160 on the playing cards 108.

In step 334, host computer system 12 and/or print control unit 202 determine that whether the second counter I is greater than a group length value.This group length value can be set to any length easily.For example, will be held under the situation of dealing out the cards the board from an assistant by banker 30 at playing cards, group length can be set to 52 playing cards.If second counter is not more than group length, step 350 is returned in control, and the second counter I adds 1, for next playing cards is got ready.If second counter is greater than group length, control forwards step 348 to.

In step 336, host computer system 12 and/or print control unit 202 determine whether also remaining enough playing cards values are used to print next group playing cards in playing card sequence.Therefore, 202 pairs of consumptions of host computer system 12 and/or print control unit board degree (what promptly also have open board can send out) is assessed.A kind of mode of assessment consumption board degree is that the sum whether counting of determining current board is equal to or greater than board multiply by consumption board degree number percent.A suitable mathematical expression is: J * group length+I 〉=((the secondary number of 52 * board)-cut board number) * number percent.Perhaps, also can be that consumption board kilsyth basalt is shown the number that does not allow the board sent out.Therefore, mathematic(al) representation will be the number of the board of: J * group length+I 〉=(number of the board of (the secondary number of 52 * board)-cut)-should not send out.

If host computer system 12 and/or print control unit 202 determine that this secondary board has met or exceeded consumption board degree, control forwards step 338 to, and method finishes, and carries out or carries out with multithreading though method 300 can circulate continuously by concrete environment.Method 300 can restart to be created in one group of new playing cards in the pseudo-random sequence then.If host computer system 12 and/or print control unit 202 are determined this secondary board 108 and are not also reached consumption board degree that control forwards step 340 to.In step 340, host computer system 12 and/or print control unit 202 determine whether to print some playing cards again.For example, host computer system 12 and/or print control unit 202 can be checked the state of card level detectors 152, and whether determine to hold also to remain in the board frame 106 has enough playing cards.

If there are not enough playing cards, control just forwards step 342 to.If surplus have enough playing cards, in step 344, controller 192 and/or host computer system 12 determine whether to ask to reset.Can respond to a situation of makeing mistakes occurring, request resets automatically, also can manual request reset.Can for example when dealing out the cards, one group of new board select the switch that resets or newly shuffle to come manual request to reset in hope by banker 30.Banker 30 or other casino personnel can suspect that player 26 selects this option when calculating board for example banker 30.If occurred reset condition, control just forwards step 338 to, and method finishes.If a reset condition do not occur, it is to be recycled 346 that host computer system 12 and/or print control unit 202 carried out etc., and step 340 is returned in control.

In step 342, host computer system 12 and/or print control unit 202 add 1 with the first counter J, and (that is, I=0), next organizes playing cards ready-to-print to carry out initialization at the step 348 couple second counter I again.Host computer system 12 and/or print control unit 202 make control get back to step 326, print next playing cards 108.

Though this embodiment of Figure 10 A-10B use host computer system 12 to carry out for the major part of handling, processing also can be distributed to and be distributed in public place of entertainment or related with one or more bidge table 18 other computing systems and/or processor everywhere.Allocation process can reduce to be added in the working load in the host computer system, allows a less processor processing more play, perhaps can also provide the result quickly.Yet host computer system 12 left processing poweies can provide the better control to software, can make these softwares more simpler.Above illustrated system can also mix adopt above these means, for example will stay host computer system 12 and handle, and will distribute to playing cards printing equipment 24A, 24B such as other aspects producing print data and/or printing such as some aspects producing random number.

Figure 11 is illustrated in the method for operating 400 of playing cards printing equipment 24B of Fig. 4 of step 402 beginning.Though following remote-controlled operation with regard to microprocessor 142 describes, a playing cards printing equipment 24B who suitably disposes can distribute to an outside computing system or processor with some function in those functions or all functions.The method 300 of the some parts of method 400 and Figure 10 A-10B similar, therefore common action and structure will be marked with similar label, be highest significant position different (for example, 312 and 412 is similar), and below will be only to describing that there were significant differences in the operation.

Method 400 begins in step 402.In step 408, microprocessor 142 is determined the casino advantage of recreation hereto.Determine to go through above the casino advantage.

In step 410, microprocessor 142 is determined the number of decks that a recreation with determined casino advantage need therefrom be dealt out the cards.In step 412, microprocessor 142 is determined one group of playing cards value according to determined number of decks.In step 414, microprocessor 142 produces a pseudorandom playing card sequence according to determined these playing cards values.In step 416, microprocessor 142 is determined the identifier of playing cards 108, such as unique serial number.In the step 418 that can select on demand, microprocessor 142 is set up the logic association between identifier and the playing cards value.In step 420, microprocessor 142 is determined print data according to playing cards value and identifier.Step 416,418 and/or 420 can be carried out for some less playing cards groups, or even carries out one by one, for example just carries out before printing every playing cards.In step 424, first playing cards value (for example, I=3) after microprocessor 142 first counter I were set to equal to cut any playing cards.In step 428, the driving mechanism 112 (Fig. 4) of playing cards printing equipment 24B transmits a piece of paper board 108 along playing cards passage 110.In step 432, the printing mechanism 114 (Fig. 4) of playing cards printing equipment 24B is printed on new mark 154,156 and/or 160 on playing cards 108 with printhead 138.

In step 434, microprocessor 142 determines whether to also have other playing cards value in playing card sequence at random.For example, microprocessor 142 can determine that sum that whether the first counter I is equal to or greater than the playing cards value deducts the board number (for example, consumption board degree) of any board number that cuts and/or reservation.If other playing cards value is arranged, control forwards step 426 to, and first counter adds 1 (I=I+1), and next opens playing cards ready-to-print.If there is not other playing cards value, method 400 finishes in step 438, perhaps turns back to the beginning step, continues to carry out.

Operation is examined in recreation

Figure 12 shows the overview of the method for operating 600 of illustration Card Games evaluating system 10.Another process flow diagram (Figure 13) and some playing card sequences (Figure 14-16) illustration the more detailed condition of operation of Card Games evaluating system 10 and the action that banker is used recreation evaluating system 10.

Method of operating 600 is in step 602 beginning, for example because some blank playing cards have been inserted playing cards printing equipment 24A, 24B.In step 604, Card Games evaluating system 10 is determined the initiation sequence of playing cards value.In step 606, playing cards printing equipment 24A, 24B or playing cards are printed and writing station 24D produces the playing cards that meet determined initial playing cards value sequence.

In step 608, banker is issued playing cards player and banker oneself in a conventional manner.For example, banker is that to issue each player be first hand board of banker oneself (i.e. top board) again on the right (i.e. the 3rd family) from the left side (being first hand) of banker to banker in 21 recreation, then, issuing each player to the right from the left side of banker again is second hand board of banker oneself (being card in one's hand) again.

In step 610, Card Games evaluating system 10 is determined all players' that comprise banker of this particular game of object for appreciation number.In one embodiment, banker is put into a card-reader (not shown) with the hand board (i.e. top board and card in one's hand) of banker and reads board.What card-reader 25 read banker as illustrated in the U.S. Patent application of the common transfer listed in the back plays the hand board.As mentioned above, Card Games evaluating system 10 can be according to such as the bar code of the SEQ.XFER of the pattern of the board that card-reader 15 is read and seniority among brothers and sisters or the machine-readable character of magnetic stripe.Card Games evaluating system 10 is according to the number of determining the player in the initiation sequence of playing cards value at the number that forms the playing cards between two boards (i.e. top board and card in one's hand) that banker plays the hand board.Owing to be to have sent out second playing cards after each player has sent out first playing cards again, so the number of top board of banker and the playing cards between the card in one's hand just equals to comprise all players' in recreation of banker number.

In another embodiment, Card Games evaluating system 10 can be for example be determined the number of player position on the bidge table by the position of detecting playing cards and/or chip, as illustrated in the U.S. Patent application of the common transfer listed at last at this instructions.

In step 612, banker from the left side of banker to the right for each player finishes every hand board, finish the Yarborough of banker oneself then.For example, in 21 recreation, banker determines whether player's Yarborough is finished.This hand board of player is only in that to have total value be 21 or play 21 in a hand and just finish.If this Yarborough of player is finished (that is, rise hand 21 points), banker can be paid for immediately in step 614 and be given the player, also can wait until when each hand board is all played end execution in step 614 again.Then, banker is regained player's board, puts into and loses the board boots.If this hand board of player is not finished and will be won one card again, banker is just issued player's one card again, determines whether the player has stopped.If the player does not stop, banker is just issued player's one card again, falls or stops up to the player is quick-fried for the player repeats this process.Banker is finished each hand board for every other player in a similar fashion.

Then, banker determines whether own this hand board finishes (that is, being 21 points).If this hand board of banker is finished, just compensate winner's coloured silk notes and eat into loser's coloured silk notes step 614 banker.If this hand board of banker is not finished, banker just determines whether and will stop.The usually definite banker of public place of entertainment rule will stop and still will win one card again.For example, rule can require banker to be or just to stop when bigger in the value of his hand board at 17.Under some rule, banker can be wanted one card again when the value of his hand board is soft 17 points (that is being 17 points when, A be can be regarded as at 11).If banker does not stop, the just rich again one card of banker repeats this process and falls or stop up to banker is quick-fried.

Step 614 compensate the winner color annotate and eat into the loser is color annotate after, regain any each remaining hand board in a conventional manner step 616 banker and put into and lose the board boots.In step 618, determine to reclaim playing card sequence.For example, read identifier by read head 178 or

card reader

24C, 24E from the board of each withdrawal.

In step 620, Card Games evaluating system 10 is examined each hand automatically and is finished board, with guarantee these boards of issuing all players that comprise banker meet according to initial playing cards value sequence, player each other relative position and each player want again richly want the number of board should issue these players' board.

In the step 622 that can select on demand, Card Games evaluating system 10 is examined the game result that each hand is finished board automatically, meets relative position and the rich number of wanting board wanted again of each player result that should occur each other according to initial playing cards value sequence, player to guarantee the determined result of banker.

In step 624, Card Games evaluating system 10 notice bankers, public place of entertainment and/or other members that authorizes of institute are about the verification result of each hand board and/or the verification result of game result.Method 600 finishes in step 628.

Figure 13 shows the exemplary method of operation 630 of Card Games evaluating system 10 in 21 game environment.Specifically, show Card Games evaluating system 10 in the method 630 of step 632 beginning and finish the concrete operations of board examining every hand.Method 630 will be illustrated in conjunction with the example of 21 recreation shown in Figure 14-16.This example is exemplary, and other playing cards value sequence, recovery playing card sequence, game rule and game play also are fine certainly.

In step 634, Card Games evaluating system 10 determines that each player's theory plays hand board (that is, first and second initial board).Because board is issued each player from the left side of banker to the right be banker again, so Card Games evaluating system 10 can be determined these theoretical hand boards that rises according to initial playing cards value sequence shown in Figure 14 93.Initial playing card sequence 93 is known, itself produces because this initial playing card sequence 93 is Card Games evaluating systems 10.

Should obtain i from the left side of banker to each player i on the right and banker and open with n+i and open board, wherein red heart 2 is one cards and n is the sum that comprises all players of banker.Therefore, play the hand board in player's's (that is first hand) on the banker left side theory and comprise first playing cards value and n+1 playing cards value in the initial playing cards value sequence 93.Next player's theory plays the hand board and comprises second and n+2 playing cards value in the initial playing cards value sequence to the right.The theory of banker plays the hand board and comprises n and n+n playing cards value in the initial playing cards value sequence.

The hand sign of player in this example and banker is in following table 1.

	Play the hand board
	Play the hand board	The player 1	Red heart 2, plum blossom 8
The player 2	Spade 9, spade 10	The player 1	Red heart 2, plum blossom 8
The player 2	Spade 9, spade 10	The player 3	Plum blossom 7, spade 7
Banker	Spade A, red heart 8	The player 3	Plum blossom 7, spade 7

Table 1: play the hand board

In 21 recreation, the player can be split as the independent board of two hands with their hand board (for example being two one classes) under certain situation, the part of the Yarborough in the two hand boards after every board formation in the hand board splits.Therefore, determine at step 636 Card Games evaluating system 10 whether each player has split a hand board.The understanding that Card Games evaluating system 10 can play the hand board according to the theory to the player is determined the fractionation boards by the recovery playing card sequence 94 of checking Figure 15 institute.If a player's the hand board that rises is not close in recovery playing card sequence 94 mutually, this player has just split his a hand board.

In step 638, Card Games evaluating system 10 is determined the rich number of wanting board of every hand board of each player.Equally, Card Games evaluating system 10 is according to reclaiming playing card sequences 94 (Figure 15) and the theory of issuing player and banker being played the understanding of hand board.The player wants, and rich board is in the player in reclaiming playing card sequence 94 a hand board and next wanted organized between the hand board.If Yarborough splits, some and the every hand board related rich board of wanting that has split are just arranged.Second winning of Yarborough of playing the hand board according to the player wants board to rise between the hand board second first of playing hand board and player, and will rising between the hand board first hand board and next player according to first rich board of wanting that plays the Yarborough of hand board of player.Therefore, reclaim playing card sequence 94 (Figure 15) by checking, Card Games evaluating system 10 can be determined the rich actual number of wanting board that every player wants for every hand board.For example, as shown in figure 15, first player has wanted one rich to want board, second player not to have to win to want board, and the 3rd player wanted two richly to want board, and banker does not have to win and wants board.

In step 640, Card Games evaluating system 10 is determined the composition of each player's the theoretical board of every hand.The initial playing cards value sequences 93 of Card Games evaluating system 10 usefulness (Figure 14) are determined the theoretical board of each hand with the understanding of the board that each player is got for every hand board (playing hand board and the rich board of wanting) number.For example, each player's theory plays the hand board and as explained abovely is easy to according to initial playing cards value sequence 93 (Figure 14) like that, the understanding and the mutual relative position between each player of all players' of comprising banker sum are determined.Card Games evaluating system 10 can richly be wanted the board number will win the value of wanting board in succession to distribute to each theory hand board according to what player's order and each player wanted.

For example, in this example shown in Figure 14, preceding 8 playing cards values have formed the theoretical hand board (that is: red heart 2 and plum blossom 8, spade 9 and spade 10, plum blossom 7 and spade 7, and spade A and red heart 8) that rises of four hands.The 9th playing cards value (that is red heart Q) is first rich board of wanting.If first player has wanted a rich board of wanting, the theoretical board of this hand of first player just comprises red heart 2, plum blossom 8 and red heart Q.Do not want board if second player has to win, the theoretical board of this hand of second player comprises spade 9 and spade 10.If the 3rd player wanted two rich boards of wanting in succession, the theoretical board of this hand of the 3rd player comprises plum blossom 7, spade 7, plum blossom A and square 10.Do not want board if banker has to win then, the theoretical board of this hand of banker comprises spade A and red heart 8.

In table 2, show below in this example comprised hand board and rich these hands theory boards of board and the result of every hand board of wanting.These results finish board with the proficiency of banker and compare definite by every player's proficiency being finished board.Card Games evaluating system 10 can be determined the value of player's Yarborough and the value of banker Yarborough automatically, thereby can determine the game result between each player and the banker automatically.

	Play the hand board	The rich board of wanting	The result
	Play the hand board	The rich board of wanting	The result	The player 1	Red heart 2, plum blossom 8	Red heart Q	Win
The player 2	Spade 9, spade 10		Defeated	The player 1	Red heart 2, plum blossom 8	Red heart Q	Win
The player 2	Spade 9, spade 10		Defeated	The player 3	Plum blossom 7, spade 7	Plum blossom A, square 10	Quick-friedly fall
Banker	Spade A, red heart 8			The player 3	Plum blossom 7, spade 7	Plum blossom A, square 10	Quick-friedly fall

Table 2: the result of office

In step 642, Card Games evaluating system 10 compares the composition of each player's the theoretical board of this hand and the composition of his actual board of proficiency.Card Games evaluating system 10 usefulness reclaim the actual board of proficiency that playing card sequence 94 is determined each player.If first player has wanted one rich to want board, second player not to have to win to want board, the 3rd player to want two richly to want board and banker does not have to win and wants board, recovery playing card sequence 94 is rendered as shown in figure 15.

In step 644, Card Games evaluating system 10 is notified banker, public place of entertainment and/or other authorized personnel with the difference between the composition of the composition of the theoretical board of each hand and the actual board of each hand.

In the step 646 that can select on demand, Card Games evaluating system 10 is determined the theoretical value of every hand board of each player.Theoretical value according to initial playing cards value sequence 93 from give the seniority among brothers and sisters of forming each board of theoretical board on the other hand be worth.In the step 648 that can select on demand, Card Games evaluating system 10 is determined the actual value of every hand board of each player.Actual value according to reclaim playing card sequence 94 from give the seniority among brothers and sisters of forming each board of actual board on the other hand be worth.In the step 650 that can select on demand, Card Games evaluating system 10 compares the theoretical value and the actual value of every hand board of each player.In the step 652 that can select on demand, Card Games evaluating system 10 is with the notice of the difference between theoretical value and the actual value banker, public place of entertainment and/or other authorized personnel.Method 630 finishes in step 654.

Figure 16 show according to board be deal out the cards from board boots or with the order that the proficiency a player that hand is dealt out the cards is finished the board the board different situations will be arranged.Board is dealt out the cards red heart 2, plum blossom 8 and red heart Q by the order shown in the table.Finishing board 1 has order red heart 2, plum blossom 8 and red heart Q on the other hand the recreation of dealing out the cards from the board boots.In the recreation of dealing out the cards with hand, this hand is finished board 2 and is had order red heart Q, red heart 2 and plum blossom 8.

Recreation under the situation that does not produce pseudo-random sequence is examined

Can examine with the equipment realization Card Games of a different basically definite initial playing cards value sequence.Figure 17 shows one and becomes secondary card-reader (card deck reader) 700.Initial playing cards value sequence before this card-reader 700 can be used for determining dealing out the cards or become secondary playing cards value sequence.Therefore, present embodiment is independent of the embodiment that the pseudorandom playing cards value sequence that produces is calculated in the use that illustrates previously.This embodiment allow with one group of existing board with manually shuffle or recreation that machine is shuffled in examine.Therefore, this embodiment may be more acceptant for current public place of entertainment and player.On the contrary, the embodiment that discuss the front can make the playing cards stochastic distribution comparatively thorough, and can handle how secondary board and be used for dealing out the cards and play.

As shown in the figure, card-reader 700 is rendered as the form of board boots 702, is used for the Card Games of dealing out the cards from the board boots.Perhaps, also can be that card-reader 700 is hand-held form, be used for the recreation of dealing out the cards with hand.Board boots 702 comprise a housing 704, it formed one hold one secondary or many secondary with playing cards 708,710 be representative playing cards connect board device 706.Housing 704 comprises an opening 712, and playing cards 708,710 can be packed into by this opening connects board device 706, also comprises a seam 714, and its size makes banker can once extract one card (shown in the playing cards 710 that part is extracted out) out.

Housing 704 comprises the license bearing face 716 of an inclination, be used for propping up the board of accepting in the board device 706, make that board 708,710 has displacement or stagger arrangement mutually slightly when board boots 702 are placed on the table top of level, expose an identifier such as bar code symbol 160 (Fig. 5) on every playing cards 708,710.(bar code symbol 160 is for example dealt out the cards for hand-held and is played and can print along the minor face edge of playing cards as shown in Figure 5.Perhaps, the recreation that also can be bar code symbol 160 deal out the cards for the board boots is along the long edge printing of playing cards).The part 718 with symbols at that expose license bearing face 716 that tilts is transparent.Board boots 702 comprise a weight slide block 718 that makes playing cards 708,710 deflection seams 714.Weight slide block 718 comprises the surface 720 that makes playing cards 708,710 keep displacement to stagger of an inclination.

Card-reader 700 have a unique identifier that can read every playing cards in the board boots such as the optical image former of photoscanner, one dimension or bidimensional or the reading mechanism the Magnetic Sensor.For example, two-dimensional optical imager 722 can have a visual field consistent with the transparent part 718 of the license bearing face 716 that tilts.Imager 722 can be with being installed on the circuit board 724 such as light source 726 that the exposed portions serve of playing cards 708,710 is thrown light on and/or the some other Electrical and Electronic devices such as image processing circuit 728 such as CPU (central processing unit) (CPU), digital signal processor (DSP) and/or special IC (ASIC).Card-reader 700 can comprise a data interface 730, and other electronic units that are used for each parts on host computer system 12 (Fig. 1), server 14 and/or bidge table communicate.Processing to the playing cards identification data that reads from playing cards 708,710 can be carried out in card-reader 700, host computer system 12 and/or server computing system 14.Certainly, also can use other card-readers, such as in the above in conjunction with the illustrated card-reader of Fig. 6-9 with in the U.S. Patent application of the common transfer that this instructions is listed at last the illustrated card-reader.

Therefore, the sequence of the playing cards that 10 recreation will be sent out for the Card Games evaluating system is exactly known before dealing out the cards when the recreation beginning.In case initial playing cards value order or playing cards value sequence are known, automated game surveillance 10 just can be used with the similar process of top illustrated process (Figure 13-16) and examine playing cards.

Though some specific embodiments and the example of playing cards dispensing device and method of operating thereof here just have been described illustratively; but as the personnel that are familiar with relevant technologies are understandable, under the situation that does not deviate from spirit of the present invention and scope of patent protection, can make the modification of various equivalences.Given here principle of the present invention can be applied to any network system, comprises WWW (the World Wide Web) part of the Internet.These principles can also adopt some autonomous systems and/or be used for independence in same game environment and the combination of the playing cards dispensing device 24 of networking.These principles can be applied to wish the Card Games of any kind of playing cards stochastic distribution, such as baccarat, 5-card stud poker, Caribbeanstud poker, Tai Gow poker, Hi/Low and Let-It-Ride ^TMThough illustrated these embodiment show the independent embodiment of networking, the present invention is not limited to these embodiment, and the personnel that are familiar with this technical field are easy to described principle here is modified as and are fit to more senior recreation.Playing cards interface arrangement 24 can cooperate more player to use.Playing cards interface arrangement 24 can be used for other environment outside the public place of entertainment, such as hotel, the bet Room, or even family.In addition, method illustrated above can comprise the other step, omit some steps with to carry out some step with illustrated different order.

These principles can also be applicable to by Xerox Palo Alto research centre (Palo Alto, California) playing cards of development product " dexterous paper (smart paper) " formation.Dexterous paper bag is drawn together containing of a slice softness countless beads and the polymkeric substance of electronic circuit.Each bead has the part of one first color and the part of one second color, and each part has the electric charge opposite with another part.Add electric charge these balls are rotated in polymer architecture, show first or second color.Add electric charge selectively and can be used for forming some different beads or bead group, thereby on playing cards 108, form corresponding mark 154-160.As seen mark 154-160 keeps, up to applying another electric charge.

Perhaps, these principles go for color-change ink, such as the thermochromic inks (for example, liquid crystal, white dyestuff (leucodyes)) of response temperature fluctuation variable color and the autochromy ink of response UV light change.

Above each illustrated embodiment can be combined into certain other embodiments.All United States Patent (USP)s of quoting in this manual, patented claim and publication and the common U.S. Patent application of transferring the possession of all are incorporated herein by reference, and comprising: 60/130,368 of proposition on April 21st, 1999; 09/474,858 " monitoring the method and apparatus of casino game " (" the METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORINGCASINO GAMING ") that proposed on Dec 30th, 1999 (lawyer's case number 120109.401); 60/259,658 of proposition on January 4 calendar year 2001; 09/849 of proposition on May 4 calendar year 2001,456 " examining method, equipment and the product of the Card Games such as 21 o'clock " (" METHOD; APPARATUS ANDARTICLE FOR VERIFYING CARD GAMES, SUCH ASBLACKJACK ") (lawyer's case number 120109.402); 09/790 of proposition on February 21 calendar year 2001,480 " method, equipment and the product of Card Games of assessment such as 21 o'clock " (" METHOD; APPARATUS AND ARTICLE FOR EVALUATINGCARD GAMES, SUCH AS BLACKJACK ") (lawyer's case number 120109.403); 60/300253 " method, equipment and the product of classification recreation " (" METHOD, APPARATUS AND ARTICLE FORHIERARCHAL WAGERING ") (the lawyer's case 120109.404P1) that proposes June 21 calendar year 2001; And " random series produces and playing cards are distributed method, equipment and product " (" METHOD, APPARATUS AND ARTICLE FOR RANDOMSEQUENCE GENERATION AND PLAYING CARDDISTRIBUTION ") (lawyer's case 120109.406P1) of proposition on June 8 calendar year 2001.If necessary, can make amendment,, thereby provide other embodiment of the present invention with system, circuit and the design of adopting these patents, application and publication to be disclosed to aspects more of the present invention.

Though illustrated embodiment has discussed the situation of several secondary playing cards typically, but some embodiment can use more still less or more more playing cards, also can use with traditional playing cards (promptly, every secondary 52 boards, seniority among brothers and sisters has red heart, square, four kinds of patterns of spade and plum blossom for 2-10, J, Q, K and A) different playing cards.

Can make these and other some changes to the present invention according to above detailed description.Put it briefly, in the following claims, used term should be not to limit the present invention to these specific embodiments that disclosed in this instructions and claims with regard to literal interpretation, but should be interpreted as comprising all playing cards dispensing device and methods according to the operation of these claims.Therefore, these embodiment that the present invention is not limited to be disclosed, scope of patent protection of the present invention is determined by following claims fully.

Claims

1. method of examining Card Games, described method comprises the following steps:

Calculate and produce one first pseudorandom playing cards value sequence;

Every playing cards from the some playing cards that form Yarborough are read an identifier;

According to the first pseudorandom playing cards value sequence that calculate to produce, sent out one group of expection playing cards value that a few hand boards and the relative position of this hand board in the order of dealing out the cards are determined this hand board; And

Determine whether the identifier that each playing cards from those playing cards that form this hand board are read expects that with this group of this hand board playing cards value is corresponding.

2. in accordance with the method for claim 1, described method also comprises the following steps:

Print on every playing cards in the plurality of sheets of paper board that comprises those playing cards that form this hand board one group with separately the corresponding mark of playing cards value; And

Printed playing cards are issued at least one player.

3. the process of claim 1 wherein that step that described every playing cards from the some playing cards that form Yarborough are read an identifier comprises with optical mode reads the mark on the playing cards and reads one of mark on the playing cards in the magnetics mode.

4. in accordance with the method for claim 1, described method also comprises the following steps:

Just do not produce a notice if the identifier that every playing cards from those playing cards that form this hand board are read is corresponding with this group expection playing cards value of this hand board.

5. computer-readable media, described computer-readable media has makes a computing machine carry out the instruction of the step of a Card Games of following evaluation:

Calculate and produce one first pseudorandom playing cards value sequence;

Determine whether the identifier that every playing cards from those playing cards that form this hand board are read expects that with this group of this hand board playing cards value is corresponding.

6. method of examining a Card Games, described method comprises the following steps:

Receive one and calculate the first pseudorandom playing cards value sequence that produces;

7. in accordance with the method for claim 6, described method also comprises the following steps:

Printed playing cards are issued at least one player.

8. the method for claim 6, the first pseudorandom playing cards value sequence that wherein said calculating produces are that the communication channel by a networking receives from a remote source.

9. computer-readable media, described computer-readable media has makes a computing machine carry out the instruction of the step of a Card Games of following evaluation:

10. method of examining a Card Games, described method comprises the following steps:

Receive the identifier of every playing cards in some playing cards that a group id forms Yarborough;

Determine whether the sign that receives forms the identifier of every playing cards in those playing cards of this hand board corresponding with this group expection playing cards value of this hand board.

11. in accordance with the method for claim 10, described method also comprises the following steps:

Printed playing cards are issued at least one player.

12. the method for claim 10, the identifier of every playing cards in some playing cards of wherein said this group id formation Yarborough receives from a remote source by a connected network communication channel.

Make a computing machine carry out the instruction of the step of a Card Games of following evaluation 13. a computer-readable media, described computer-readable media have:

14. a method of examining Card Games, described method comprises the following steps:

Calculate and produce one first pseudorandom playing cards value sequence;

This group expection playing cards value with this hand board is not corresponding to determine the sign that receives to form the identifier of every playing cards in those playing cards of this hand board.

15. the method for claim 14, the identifier of every playing cards in some playing cards of wherein said this group id formation Yarborough receives from a remote source by a connected network communication channel.

16. the method for claim 14, the identifier of every playing cards in some playing cards of wherein said this group id formation Yarborough receives from a remote source by a connected network communication channel, and described method also comprises the following steps:

If the identifier that every playing cards from those playing cards that form this hand board are read not this group expection playing cards value with this hand board is corresponding just to notice of this remote source transmission.

17. a method of examining the playing cards distribution, described method comprises the following steps:

Calculate one first pseudorandom playing card sequence of generation according to first group of playing cards value; And

For the every Yarborough in some hand boards, examine those playing cards that form each hand board and have and the corresponding mark of mark by a kind of each playing cards value of order distribution of at least one part that meets the first pseudorandom playing card sequence that is produced.

18. in accordance with the method for claim 17, described method also comprises the following steps:

By the past backward directions that meet the pseudorandom playing card sequence and from after forward the order of one of direction print some playing cards.

Make a computing machine carry out the instruction of the step of a Card Games of following evaluation 19. a computer-readable media, described computer-readable media have:

20. a method of identifying a Card Games, described method comprises the following steps:

The identity of every playing cards in some playing cards of finishing board of definite automatically formation proficiency player;

The identity of every playing cards in those playing cards of finishing board of this hand player and one group of expection playing cards finishing board of this hand player are compared; And

If meeting this group of finishing board of this hand player, the identity of every playing cards in those playing cards of finishing board of this hand player do not expect that the corresponding playing cards in playing cards just produce a notice.

21. the method for claim 20, the step of the identity of every playing cards in some playing cards of finishing board of wherein said definite formation proficiency player comprises with every the playing cards of optical mode from those playing cards of finishing board that form this hand player reads one group of signal and reads one of one group of magnetic mark with every playing cards of magnetics mode from those playing cards of finishing board that form this hand player.

22. the described method of claim 20, described method also comprises the following steps:

Determine one group of expection playing cards finishing board of this hand player.

23. a method of identifying Card Games, described method comprises the following steps:

Determine that will therefrom issue the every family of making of some players and a banker for one forms the actual expection playing card sequence of finishing the plurality of sheets of paper board of board at least on the other hand;

Every playing cards from some playing cards of the formation hand board of banker are on the other hand read an identifier;

Automatically determine to finish the identity of every playing cards in some playing cards in the actual playing card sequence that board forms by every hand of each player and banker;

Play the definite number of playing the player of this Card Games of number of the playing cards of first delivery of hands of cards front in the hand board according to banker in the expection playing card sequence;

For each family in these players and the banker, the proficiency of determining to form every family according to the player's of expection playing card sequence and determined this Card Games of object for appreciation number has been expected the identity of every playing cards in some playing cards of hand board;

For each player among these players, according to the number of wanting board of winning that number that hand board and preceding proficiency plays the playing cards between the hand board determines that the player wants that rises of player in actual playing card sequence;

For banker, play the playing cards of hand board front according to banker in actual playing card sequence and open the rich number of wanting board of determining that banker is wanted;

For each family in these players and the banker, richly want the number of board and play the hand board and determine the rich rich identity of wanting in the board of wanting board of every expection of these expections that the player wants at this player's the rich accumulative total of board of wanting that other each players before the hand board want that rises in actual playing card sequence according to what expection playing card sequence, player wanted, these are expected to win and want board to play proficiency that the hand board forms the player with player's expection to expect and finish board;

For banker, determine the rich rich identity of wanting in the board of wanting board of every expection of these expections that banker is wanted according to the rich number of board and the rich accumulative total of board of wanting that each player wants wanted that expection playing card sequence, banker are wanted, these are expected to win and want board to play proficiency that the hand board forms banker with the expection of banker to expect and finish board;

For each player among these players, board is finished in player's the actual proficiency expection of finishing board and player of proficiency compared; And

For banker, board is finished in the actual proficiency expection of finishing board and banker of proficiency of banker compared.

24. the method for claim 23, wherein said determine a step of therefrom sending the playing card sequence of the plurality of sheets of paper board of finishing board that forms each hand player be included in deal out the cards before every playing cards from these playing cards read some marks.

25. the method for claim 23, a wherein said definite step of therefrom sending the playing card sequence of the plurality of sheets of paper board of finishing board that forms each hand player comprises that calculating produces a pseudorandom playing cards value sequence.

26. the method for claim 23, the step of the player's of wherein said definite this Card Games of object for appreciation number are after determining the expection playing card sequence of these playing cards and carry out before any one tame Fa Renhebo in these players and banker wants board.

27. a method of identifying Card Games, described method comprises the following steps:

Determine that therefrom will issue the every family of making of some players and a banker for one forms the actual expection playing card sequence of finishing the plurality of sheets of paper board of board at least on the other hand;

Determine the player's of this Card Games of object for appreciation number;

28. comprising detecting to have on the bidge table, the method for claim 27, the step of the player's of wherein said definite this Card Games of object for appreciation number what have annotate on how many hand boards and the bidge table colorly annotate at least one of them.

29. a method of identifying Card Games, described method comprises the following steps:

Automatically determine the secondary playing cards value sequence of one-tenth of the plurality of sheets of paper board of some hand boards that therefrom will send a Card Games, this becomes sub-sequence to have a series of playing cards values, and these playing cards values are sequentially arranged in from for being numbered on each relative position with the integer numbering of 1 beginning with the corresponding playing cards value of the one card that will send out;

Automatically determine a recovery playing cards value sequence from the playing cards value of the some playing cards of finishing board at least on the other hand of finishing a board and a banker at least on the other hand that comprise at least one player of some players and a banker withdrawal;

Determine the number of the player in this Card Games;

For each player among these players,

Determine to rise on the other hand the hand board;

Determine that this hand plays the hand board and whether split;

If this hand plays the hand board and does not split,

Determine that this hand finishes the rich number j that wants board of board, the rich number of board of wanting equals the hand board of player in recovery playing cards value sequence and the number that preceding proficiency plays the playing cards between the hand board;

Determine player's proficiency expection board, this hand expection board comprises:

I locational playing cards value in becoming secondary playing cards value sequence;

N+1+i locational playing cards value in becoming secondary board playing cards value sequence, wherein n equals the number of player in this Card Games; And

In becoming secondary board playing cards value sequence since the individual locational playing cards value of j in succession of the position of a rich number of wanting board that equals all each hand boards of front player of 2n+2+;

If this hand plays the hand board and is split,

Determine that every hand finishes the rich number of wanting board of board, player first-hand finished board, and the rich number of wanting board equals first playing cards that plays the hand board and the number that preceding proficiency plays the playing cards between the hand board of player in reclaiming the playing cards value sequence, and the number of the playing cards between first playing cards of second playing cards of the second-hand finishes board the rich number of wanting board equals player's in recovery playing cards value sequence a hand board and player's a hand board;

Determine player's first-hand expection board, this hand expection board comprises:

In becoming secondary playing cards value sequence since the individual locational playing cards value of j in succession of the position of a rich number of wanting board that equals each hand board of all fronts of 2n+2+; And

The second-hand who determines the player expects board, and this hand expection board comprises:

N+1+i locational playing cards value in becoming secondary playing cards value sequence, wherein n equals to have the hand number of the effective board of how many hands in this Card Games;

Playing cards value on the position of j in succession of the position of the rich number of wanting board that in becoming secondary playing cards value sequence, equals each hand board of all fronts of 2n+2+ since one; And

For every hand board, proficiency is finished board expect that board compares on the other hand with corresponding.

30. the method for claim 29, the step of the secondary playing cards value sequence of one-tenth of the wherein said plurality of sheets of paper board of automatically determining some hand boards that therefrom will send a Card Games comprises:

Calculate and produce a pseudorandom playing cards value sequence.

31. the method for claim 29, the step of the secondary playing cards value sequence of one-tenth of the wherein said plurality of sheets of paper board of automatically determining some hand boards that therefrom will send a Card Games comprises:

Every playing cards some playing cards of these playing cards that will therefrom deal out the cards from this Card Games are read and the corresponding mark of playing cards value.

32. a method of examining Card Games, described method comprises the following steps:

Every playing cards from some playing cards that a Card Games will therefrom be dealt out the cards are read an identifier successively;

Determine that becomes a secondary playing cards value sequence, these playing cards values in the sequence are corresponding one by one with the identifier of reading successively respectively;

According to becoming secondary playing cards value sequence, having sent out one group of expection playing cards value that a few hand boards and the relative position of this hand board in the order of dealing out the cards are determined this hand board; And

33. the method for claim 32 is wherein said according to becoming secondary playing cards value sequence, having sent out how many hand boards and the relative position of this hand board in the order of dealing out the cards determines that the step of one group of expection playing cards value of this hand board comprises:

Determine to rise on the other hand a pair of expection playing cards value of hand board according to the sum that becomes secondary playing cards value sequence and player;

Determine the rich number of wanting board of expection of Yarborough according to the number that ensues the playing cards value between the hand board in becoming sub-sequence at this mutually; And

Determine these rich expection playing cards values of wanting board according to the rich number of board and the rich accumulative total of board of wanting of expection of each hand board of front wanted of the expection that becomes secondary playing cards value sequence, this hand board.

Read the mark on the playing cards and read one of mark on the playing cards 34. the method for claim 32, wherein said step of reading an identifier comprise with optical mode in the magnetics mode.

35. a system that examines the playing cards distribution, described system comprises:

One is configured to by calculating the processor of one first pseudorandom playing cards value sequence of generation; And

The card-reader of every playing cards read-out mark symbol from the some playing cards that form Yarborough at least, described card-reader is connected with processor, provide and the corresponding playing cards identification information of identifier read to processor, wherein said processor also is configured to examine and forms those playing cards of Yarborough at least and have and the corresponding mark of mark by a kind of each playing cards value of the order distribution that meets at least a portion of calculating the first pseudorandom playing cards value sequence that produces.

36. the system of claim 35, wherein said processor and card-reader are configured in the single housing.

37. the system of claim 35, wherein said processor and card-reader are configured in respectively independently in the housing.

38. a system that examines the playing cards distribution, described system comprises:

The card-reader of every playing cards read-out mark symbol from the some playing cards that form Yarborough at least; And

One can receive a processor that calculates the first pseudorandom playing cards value sequence that produces by connecting from a remote source, described processor is connected with card-reader, receive and the corresponding playing cards identification information of being read of identifier from card-reader, described processor is configured to examine and forms those playing cards of Yarborough at least and have and the corresponding mark of mark by a kind of each playing cards value of order distribution of at least a portion that meets the first pseudorandom playing cards value sequence that the calculating that received produces.

39. a system that examines the playing cards distribution, described system comprises:

One can receive a processor that calculates the first pseudorandom playing cards value sequence that produces by connecting from a remote source, described processor is connected with card-reader, receive and the corresponding playing cards identification information of being read of identifier from card-reader, wherein said processor is configured to examine and forms those playing cards of Yarborough at least and have and the corresponding mark of mark by a kind of each playing cards value of order distribution of at least a portion that meets the first pseudorandom playing cards value sequence that the calculating that received produces.

40. a system that examines the playing cards distribution, described system comprises:

By calculating the pseudo-random sequence generation device that produces one first pseudorandom playing cards value sequence;

Every playing cards from the some playing cards that form Yarborough are at least read the playing cards readout device of some identifiers; And

Examining those playing cards that form this hand board has and validation apparatus by a kind of corresponding mark of mark of each playing cards value of the order distribution that meets at least a portion of calculating the pseudorandom playing cards value sequence that produces.

41. a system that examines the playing cards distribution, described system comprises:

Receive a communicator that calculates the first pseudorandom playing cards value sequence that produces;

Examining those playing cards that form this hand board has and validation apparatus by a kind of corresponding mark of mark of each playing cards value of order distribution of at least a portion that meets the pseudorandom playing cards value sequence that the calculating that received produces.

42. a system that examines the playing cards distribution, described system comprises:

Receive a pseudorandom playing cards value sequence that calculate to produce and receive the communicator of some identifiers that every playing cards from the some playing cards that form Yarborough at least read; And