CA2132467C - System for playing card games remotely - Google Patents
System for playing card games remotelyInfo
- Publication number
- CA2132467C CA2132467C CA002132467A CA2132467A CA2132467C CA 2132467 C CA2132467 C CA 2132467C CA 002132467 A CA002132467 A CA 002132467A CA 2132467 A CA2132467 A CA 2132467A CA 2132467 C CA2132467 C CA 2132467C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cards
- card
- game
- players
- toaster
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F1/00—Card games
- A63F1/06—Card games appurtenances
- A63F1/18—Score computers; Miscellaneous indicators
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
- A63F13/21—Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
- A63F13/21—Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types
- A63F13/213—Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types comprising photodetecting means, e.g. cameras, photodiodes or infrared cells
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F13/00—Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
- A63F13/20—Input arrangements for video game devices
- A63F13/21—Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types
- A63F13/215—Input arrangements for video game devices characterised by their sensors, purposes or types comprising means for detecting acoustic signals, e.g. using a microphone
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/24—Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for
- A63F2009/2401—Detail of input, input devices
- A63F2009/243—Detail of input, input devices with other kinds of input
- A63F2009/2435—Detail of input, input devices with other kinds of input using a video camera
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/10—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
- A63F2300/1081—Input via voice recognition
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F2300/00—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game
- A63F2300/10—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals
- A63F2300/1087—Features of games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions, e.g. on a television screen, showing representations related to the game characterized by input arrangements for converting player-generated signals into game device control signals comprising photodetecting means, e.g. a camera
Abstract
A system for playing card games remotely includes both a multimedia communication system that allows players located remotely from each other to seeand hear each other, and a "card toaster" and associated image recognition system at each game site which receives and manages a physical deck of cards at every site at which the game is being played. The toaster has the capability of (1) reading cards, for example, by scanning them, (2) finding particular cards, and, if necessary, sorting them, and (3) distributing cards, such as by dealing them. The system enables the players to deal and then play a game, such as the game of bridge, in a manner which closely approximates the manner in which a game is played when all players are co-located. Thus, once play is started, the image recognition system reads the cards played on a table at any site, and transmits information regarding those cards to the other sites. At the other sites, the card toaster is signaled and arranged to distribute the same cards, face up on the table. (Fig. 1)
Description
~132467 SYSTEM FOR PLAYING CARD GAMES REMOTELY
Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to the playing of card games by several persons not situated at the same physical location, and, in particular, to a system in 5 which real playing cards are automatically managed at all sites at which the card game is played.
Back~round of the Invention While various real games have been modeled electronically, the electronic versions suffer the disadvantage that they lose the important physical 10 characteristics that players are used to. For example, a person playing an electronic version of monopoly cannot move the game pieces around the board, receive and pay out money, roll the dice, or pick up and discard property deeds. Electronic cardgames do not let the players hold the hand that they are playing. Such electronic games can be played by players at remote sites, through the use of the 15 telecommunications network, but the quality of the game playing experience islessened by the inability to interact with real physical objects associated with the game.
Various multimedia or telepresence systems, have been developed to let persons at remote locations communicate and interact in a realistic way. They can 20 speak with each other, see each other, send handwriting in two directions, or share programs with each other. The people at each location can each have the same physical game apparatus available at their location, and attempt to physically manipulate the game objects as the game progress, as they would if they were in the same location. However, such an arrangement precludes secret distributi~n (dealing) 25 of cards, without the intervention of a third (neutral) party. Also, inp-~t to such systems is typically limited to actions with either a keyboard or a "mouse", so that such systems do not solve the problem of lack of physical connection to the game.
Certain other systems have been developed to play chess.
Summary of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, a system for playing card games remotely includes both a multimedia communication system that allows players located remotely from each other to see and hear each other, and a "cardtoaster" and associated image recognition system at each game site which receives and manages a physical deck of cards at every site at which the game is being 35 playcd. The toaster has the capability of (1) reading cards, for example, by scanning 21 3~467 -them, (2) finding particular cards, and, if necessary, sorting them, and (3) distributing cards, such as by dealing them.
A game is divided into two segments, dealing and playing. In the dealing 5 segment, a deck of cards is shuffled and manually dealt or distributed at a first (local) site, such that each player at that site receives his or her physical cards, and such that hands for the other players in the game who are not present at that local site are dealt "face down". At the second (remote) site, the entire deck is placed in the toaster, face down. Upon completion of dealing at the first site, the hands dealt for the players at 10 the remote site are placed in and "read" by the toaster. Signals are sent to the remote toaster, which, in turn, finds the corresponding cards, and distributes them, face down, to the remote players.
Once play is started, the image recognition system reads the cards played on a table at any site, and transmits information regarding those cards to the other sites. At 15 the other sites, the card toaster is signaled and arranged to distribute the same cards, face up on the table.
If the game being played is bridge, then a special sequence is used with respect to the dummy hand. In particular, the dummy hand dealt at any site is placed, face up, in the toaster, and the cards are read and returned at that site. Signals are sent 20 to the toasters at all remote sites, to find the corresponding cards and distribute them face up.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for playing card games remotely including: a multimedia communication system including audio and video communications means and arranged so that players 25 at a plurality of game sites can see and hear each other, and a card handling apparatus and an associated image recognition apparatus at each game site for receiving and m~n~ging a physical deck of cards at each of said game sites, wherein said card handling apparatus includes means arranged to read cards, means to find particular cards, and means to distribute cards.
30 Brief Description of the Drawing The invention will be fully appreciated by consideration of the following detailed description, which should be read in light of the accompanying drawing in which:
Fig. 1 is an overall illustration of a system for playing card games remotely 35 arranged in accordance with the present invention, showing four players at two different sites playing the game of bridge, 2 1 ~24-67 - 2a -Fig. 2 illustrates in more detail the appearance and functionality of card toaster 10 of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 illustrates the internal architecture and components of the system of theS present invention; and Fig. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the present invention, whenthe game of bridge is being played.
., 2132~67 Detailed Description Referring first to Fig. 1, there is shown an overall illustration of a system for playing card games remotely arranged in accordance with the present invention. Four players, 120-123 are shown, two of which, namely players 120 and5 121, are at a first or local site, shown in Fig. 1, and the other two of which, namely players 122 and 123, are at a remote site. The system includes a multimedia communication capability, so that players at each site can be seen and heard by players at other sites. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, video images of players 122 and 123 are displayed on video screens l lS and 116, respectively, while audio from the 10 remote site may be sent to a card toaster 10, described in more detail below, and output via a speaker contained therein. Cameras 117 and 118 may be disposed integral with video screens l lS and 116, and capture the images of players 120 and 121, so that those images may be transmitted to the remote site and displayed toplayers 122 and 123. Likewise, card toaster 10 may include a microphone for 15 receiving audio from players 120 and 121 at the local site, so that audio information may be output via a speaker at the remote site.
The arrangement of Fig. 1 is intended to be illustrative of multimedia communication arrangements, and it is to be understood that other comparable configurations may also be used. In particular, one screen can be used to illustrate 20 multiple players at a remote site. The screen size and configuration is not limited, and any video display method can be employed. Audio information can be conveyed by pairs of speakers, in monaural or stereo sound, and the speakers need not be integral with card toaster 10. Likewise, cameras 117 and 118 need not be integral with video screens 115 and 116, and a single camera may capture the images of all 25 players at a particular site.
The card playing functionality of the present system is implemented using card toaster 10 in combination with an image recognition system, such as acamera 130, which can read cards disposed on the playing surface 110 being used by the players. As described in more detail below, card toaster 10 is arranged to 30 distribute, receive and manage a physical deck of cards at every site that the game is being played. Card toaster 10 has the capability of (1) reading cards, for example, by sc~nning them, (2) finding particular cards, and, if necessary, sorting them, and (3) distributing cards, such as by dealing them. Note here that camera 130 may be a conventional video camera, or any other device having the capability of providing a 35 signal which can be processed to identify and differentiate particular cards that have been placed on playing surface 110.
Referring now to Fig. 2, there is shown in more detail the appearance and functionality of card toaster 10 of Fig. 1. Card toaster provides card handling functionality of reading, finding and distributing cards, based on inputs received on communication line 250 from the remote site, information from camera 130, and in5 response to the placement of cards in card deposit slot 230. Card toaster 10 also generates signals and commands, and transmits the signals to the card toaster at the remote site, also via communication line 250.
More specifically, card toaster 10 includes a card deposit slot 230 into which can be placed one or more cards, either face up or face down. As described10 below, card toaster 10 includes a card reader controller which reads the cards placed in card deposit slot 230 and can differentiate their value (suit and rank) and their orientation (face up or face down). 10 distributes cards via first and second slots 210 and 220, one slot (e.g., slot 210) being for distribution of cards face up, and the other slot (e.g., slot 220) being for distribution of cards face down.
A control panel on card toaster 10 includes an on-off switch 243, a reset button 242, and may include a telephone call dialing or initiation mechanism, such as a keypad 241. On-off switch 243 controls the main power to card toaster 10, and reset button 242 clears internal logic in card toaster 10, so that, for example, a new game may be started. Many optional features may be added to card toaster 10 by 20 persons skilled in the art, such as a display indicating system status, etc.
Referring now to Fig. 3, there is shown the internal architecture and components of the system of the present invention. A central bus 30 interconnects various functional modules which interact cooperatively to perform the functions of card toaster 10. Specifically, card deposit slot 230 is connected to a card reader 25 controller 355 which is in turn connected to central bus 30, so that the system can determine the value and orientation of each card placed in card deposit slot 230.
Slots 210 and 220 are both connected to an eject slot controller 360, which is in turn connected to central bus 30 and which receives signals indicating which cards should be distributed from either slot. Camera 130 provides signals to an image recognizer 30 365 which is also, in turn, connected to central bus 30, and which sends signals indicating which cards have been placed on playing surface 110. An input controller 350 receives signals generated by keypad 241, reset button 242 and on-off switch243, and couples applop.iate signals indicative of commands and instructions to central bus 30.
~13~67 A group of components shown in Fig. 3 controls the overall operation of card toaster 10, and essentially performs functions characteristic of a microprocessor. Specifically, a central processing unit (CPU) 310 is arranged toexecute program instructions, which may be stored in the form of microcode in a 5 read only memory (ROM) 320. The sequence of operations provided by the microcode when the system is used to play bridge, is discussed below in conjunction with Fig. 4. A random access memory (RAM) 315 is provided for temporary storage of state and other operation information, and a clock 325 provides suitable timing signals necessary for system operation. Interrupt controller 305 is arranged to handle 10 interrupt signals that may be placed on central bus 30 by other system components.
Communication circuitry 301 acts as an interface between central bus 30 and communication line 250. It provides signaling to the remote card toaster(s) as well as communications signals which may be used to establish and control connections to remote sites.
Other peripherals, designated generally as 330, may be connected to central bus 30. These peripherals may perform additional functions and features such as printing summaries of games played using the system, or provide for input/output capabilities and enhancements, such as voice recognition and control.
Referring now to Fig. 4, there is shown a flow chart illustrating the 20 operation of the present invention, when the game of bridge is being played. In step 401, card toaster 10 and the remote toaster to which card toaster 10 will becomeconnected, are each individually initialized, such as by actuating on-off switch 243.
Next, in step 404, communications are established between the two sites, so that card toaster 10 and the toaster at the remote site are interconnected, and can transmit and 25 receive control signals from and to each other. At this time, the multimedia communication connection between players 120 and 121, on the one hand, and players 122 and 123, on the other hand, may be established, if such a connection is not already established. The two toasters are synchronized in step 408, so that a game can commence. Synchronization includes determination of the configuration 30 of the game, such as the number of sites that are participating.
The players determine the identification of the dealer, and the cards at the non-dealing site are placed face down into the toaster at that site, in step 411.
The toasters confirm their roles in step 413, such that a signal is sent by the toaster receiving cards in card deposit slot 230 to the other toaster, indicating that the game 35 may cornmence. The game of bridge is actually begun in step 415, when the dealer deals cards for all players, face down, on the table. The hands for the players at the ~1324fi7 remote site are placed, face down, into card deposit slot 230, and card toaster 10 reads the value and orientation of the cards and transmits this information to the toaster at the remote site. There, the toaster finds cards of the same value, and ejects them, face down, from slots 210 or 220, so that the non dealing player can withdraw 5 them in step 419. Note here that the hands for each player are deposited in card deposit slot 230 separately, so that, at the remote site, the same hands are ejected separately, and may be physically given to the applopliate players.
At this point in the game, all players are holding cards that together comprise one complete deck. The players at the remote site each are holding cards 10 with the same values as the cards that were dealt to them at the dealing site. Now, as part of the game of bridge, the players examine their cards and commence bidding, so that a contract is made and a "dummy" is identified. Next, in step 421, the dummy player deposits the dummy hand, face up, in card deposit slot 230. The toaster that receives the cards reads the value and orientation of the cards and15 transmits this information to other toaster. The toaster at both locations are arranged to eject cards of the same value from slots 210 or 220, face up, in step 422. In step 426, the players arrange the dummy hands on playing surface 110, in the customary manner.
When play commences, a player puts a card on playing surface 110, face 20 up, in step 431. The value of the card that was played in read by camera 130,recognized by image recognizer 365, and communicated to the other toaster. If the remote toaster finds a card of the corresponding value, (i.e., a card played from a player's hand and not from the dummy hand), a positive result occurs in test step 433, and, as a result, the same card is ejected, face up, from the slots 210 or 220 of 25 the remote toaster in step 435. If the remote toaster does not find a card of the corresponding value, (i.e., a card played from the dummy hand), a negative result occurs in test step 433, and, as a result, the no card is ejected; rather, the player at the remote site will play the same card from the dummy hand, as is customary in the game of bridge.
Various modifications and adaptations may be made to the present invention by persons skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention should only be limited by the following claims. For example, while card reader controller 355 and image recognizer 365 may normally be arranged to identify and differentiate cards in a conventional deck, in an alternative arrangement, conventional cards could be 35 modified to include a bar code or other special information which is easily detected and discriminated in the scanning process.
Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to the playing of card games by several persons not situated at the same physical location, and, in particular, to a system in 5 which real playing cards are automatically managed at all sites at which the card game is played.
Back~round of the Invention While various real games have been modeled electronically, the electronic versions suffer the disadvantage that they lose the important physical 10 characteristics that players are used to. For example, a person playing an electronic version of monopoly cannot move the game pieces around the board, receive and pay out money, roll the dice, or pick up and discard property deeds. Electronic cardgames do not let the players hold the hand that they are playing. Such electronic games can be played by players at remote sites, through the use of the 15 telecommunications network, but the quality of the game playing experience islessened by the inability to interact with real physical objects associated with the game.
Various multimedia or telepresence systems, have been developed to let persons at remote locations communicate and interact in a realistic way. They can 20 speak with each other, see each other, send handwriting in two directions, or share programs with each other. The people at each location can each have the same physical game apparatus available at their location, and attempt to physically manipulate the game objects as the game progress, as they would if they were in the same location. However, such an arrangement precludes secret distributi~n (dealing) 25 of cards, without the intervention of a third (neutral) party. Also, inp-~t to such systems is typically limited to actions with either a keyboard or a "mouse", so that such systems do not solve the problem of lack of physical connection to the game.
Certain other systems have been developed to play chess.
Summary of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, a system for playing card games remotely includes both a multimedia communication system that allows players located remotely from each other to see and hear each other, and a "cardtoaster" and associated image recognition system at each game site which receives and manages a physical deck of cards at every site at which the game is being 35 playcd. The toaster has the capability of (1) reading cards, for example, by scanning 21 3~467 -them, (2) finding particular cards, and, if necessary, sorting them, and (3) distributing cards, such as by dealing them.
A game is divided into two segments, dealing and playing. In the dealing 5 segment, a deck of cards is shuffled and manually dealt or distributed at a first (local) site, such that each player at that site receives his or her physical cards, and such that hands for the other players in the game who are not present at that local site are dealt "face down". At the second (remote) site, the entire deck is placed in the toaster, face down. Upon completion of dealing at the first site, the hands dealt for the players at 10 the remote site are placed in and "read" by the toaster. Signals are sent to the remote toaster, which, in turn, finds the corresponding cards, and distributes them, face down, to the remote players.
Once play is started, the image recognition system reads the cards played on a table at any site, and transmits information regarding those cards to the other sites. At 15 the other sites, the card toaster is signaled and arranged to distribute the same cards, face up on the table.
If the game being played is bridge, then a special sequence is used with respect to the dummy hand. In particular, the dummy hand dealt at any site is placed, face up, in the toaster, and the cards are read and returned at that site. Signals are sent 20 to the toasters at all remote sites, to find the corresponding cards and distribute them face up.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for playing card games remotely including: a multimedia communication system including audio and video communications means and arranged so that players 25 at a plurality of game sites can see and hear each other, and a card handling apparatus and an associated image recognition apparatus at each game site for receiving and m~n~ging a physical deck of cards at each of said game sites, wherein said card handling apparatus includes means arranged to read cards, means to find particular cards, and means to distribute cards.
30 Brief Description of the Drawing The invention will be fully appreciated by consideration of the following detailed description, which should be read in light of the accompanying drawing in which:
Fig. 1 is an overall illustration of a system for playing card games remotely 35 arranged in accordance with the present invention, showing four players at two different sites playing the game of bridge, 2 1 ~24-67 - 2a -Fig. 2 illustrates in more detail the appearance and functionality of card toaster 10 of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 illustrates the internal architecture and components of the system of theS present invention; and Fig. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the present invention, whenthe game of bridge is being played.
., 2132~67 Detailed Description Referring first to Fig. 1, there is shown an overall illustration of a system for playing card games remotely arranged in accordance with the present invention. Four players, 120-123 are shown, two of which, namely players 120 and5 121, are at a first or local site, shown in Fig. 1, and the other two of which, namely players 122 and 123, are at a remote site. The system includes a multimedia communication capability, so that players at each site can be seen and heard by players at other sites. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, video images of players 122 and 123 are displayed on video screens l lS and 116, respectively, while audio from the 10 remote site may be sent to a card toaster 10, described in more detail below, and output via a speaker contained therein. Cameras 117 and 118 may be disposed integral with video screens l lS and 116, and capture the images of players 120 and 121, so that those images may be transmitted to the remote site and displayed toplayers 122 and 123. Likewise, card toaster 10 may include a microphone for 15 receiving audio from players 120 and 121 at the local site, so that audio information may be output via a speaker at the remote site.
The arrangement of Fig. 1 is intended to be illustrative of multimedia communication arrangements, and it is to be understood that other comparable configurations may also be used. In particular, one screen can be used to illustrate 20 multiple players at a remote site. The screen size and configuration is not limited, and any video display method can be employed. Audio information can be conveyed by pairs of speakers, in monaural or stereo sound, and the speakers need not be integral with card toaster 10. Likewise, cameras 117 and 118 need not be integral with video screens 115 and 116, and a single camera may capture the images of all 25 players at a particular site.
The card playing functionality of the present system is implemented using card toaster 10 in combination with an image recognition system, such as acamera 130, which can read cards disposed on the playing surface 110 being used by the players. As described in more detail below, card toaster 10 is arranged to 30 distribute, receive and manage a physical deck of cards at every site that the game is being played. Card toaster 10 has the capability of (1) reading cards, for example, by sc~nning them, (2) finding particular cards, and, if necessary, sorting them, and (3) distributing cards, such as by dealing them. Note here that camera 130 may be a conventional video camera, or any other device having the capability of providing a 35 signal which can be processed to identify and differentiate particular cards that have been placed on playing surface 110.
Referring now to Fig. 2, there is shown in more detail the appearance and functionality of card toaster 10 of Fig. 1. Card toaster provides card handling functionality of reading, finding and distributing cards, based on inputs received on communication line 250 from the remote site, information from camera 130, and in5 response to the placement of cards in card deposit slot 230. Card toaster 10 also generates signals and commands, and transmits the signals to the card toaster at the remote site, also via communication line 250.
More specifically, card toaster 10 includes a card deposit slot 230 into which can be placed one or more cards, either face up or face down. As described10 below, card toaster 10 includes a card reader controller which reads the cards placed in card deposit slot 230 and can differentiate their value (suit and rank) and their orientation (face up or face down). 10 distributes cards via first and second slots 210 and 220, one slot (e.g., slot 210) being for distribution of cards face up, and the other slot (e.g., slot 220) being for distribution of cards face down.
A control panel on card toaster 10 includes an on-off switch 243, a reset button 242, and may include a telephone call dialing or initiation mechanism, such as a keypad 241. On-off switch 243 controls the main power to card toaster 10, and reset button 242 clears internal logic in card toaster 10, so that, for example, a new game may be started. Many optional features may be added to card toaster 10 by 20 persons skilled in the art, such as a display indicating system status, etc.
Referring now to Fig. 3, there is shown the internal architecture and components of the system of the present invention. A central bus 30 interconnects various functional modules which interact cooperatively to perform the functions of card toaster 10. Specifically, card deposit slot 230 is connected to a card reader 25 controller 355 which is in turn connected to central bus 30, so that the system can determine the value and orientation of each card placed in card deposit slot 230.
Slots 210 and 220 are both connected to an eject slot controller 360, which is in turn connected to central bus 30 and which receives signals indicating which cards should be distributed from either slot. Camera 130 provides signals to an image recognizer 30 365 which is also, in turn, connected to central bus 30, and which sends signals indicating which cards have been placed on playing surface 110. An input controller 350 receives signals generated by keypad 241, reset button 242 and on-off switch243, and couples applop.iate signals indicative of commands and instructions to central bus 30.
~13~67 A group of components shown in Fig. 3 controls the overall operation of card toaster 10, and essentially performs functions characteristic of a microprocessor. Specifically, a central processing unit (CPU) 310 is arranged toexecute program instructions, which may be stored in the form of microcode in a 5 read only memory (ROM) 320. The sequence of operations provided by the microcode when the system is used to play bridge, is discussed below in conjunction with Fig. 4. A random access memory (RAM) 315 is provided for temporary storage of state and other operation information, and a clock 325 provides suitable timing signals necessary for system operation. Interrupt controller 305 is arranged to handle 10 interrupt signals that may be placed on central bus 30 by other system components.
Communication circuitry 301 acts as an interface between central bus 30 and communication line 250. It provides signaling to the remote card toaster(s) as well as communications signals which may be used to establish and control connections to remote sites.
Other peripherals, designated generally as 330, may be connected to central bus 30. These peripherals may perform additional functions and features such as printing summaries of games played using the system, or provide for input/output capabilities and enhancements, such as voice recognition and control.
Referring now to Fig. 4, there is shown a flow chart illustrating the 20 operation of the present invention, when the game of bridge is being played. In step 401, card toaster 10 and the remote toaster to which card toaster 10 will becomeconnected, are each individually initialized, such as by actuating on-off switch 243.
Next, in step 404, communications are established between the two sites, so that card toaster 10 and the toaster at the remote site are interconnected, and can transmit and 25 receive control signals from and to each other. At this time, the multimedia communication connection between players 120 and 121, on the one hand, and players 122 and 123, on the other hand, may be established, if such a connection is not already established. The two toasters are synchronized in step 408, so that a game can commence. Synchronization includes determination of the configuration 30 of the game, such as the number of sites that are participating.
The players determine the identification of the dealer, and the cards at the non-dealing site are placed face down into the toaster at that site, in step 411.
The toasters confirm their roles in step 413, such that a signal is sent by the toaster receiving cards in card deposit slot 230 to the other toaster, indicating that the game 35 may cornmence. The game of bridge is actually begun in step 415, when the dealer deals cards for all players, face down, on the table. The hands for the players at the ~1324fi7 remote site are placed, face down, into card deposit slot 230, and card toaster 10 reads the value and orientation of the cards and transmits this information to the toaster at the remote site. There, the toaster finds cards of the same value, and ejects them, face down, from slots 210 or 220, so that the non dealing player can withdraw 5 them in step 419. Note here that the hands for each player are deposited in card deposit slot 230 separately, so that, at the remote site, the same hands are ejected separately, and may be physically given to the applopliate players.
At this point in the game, all players are holding cards that together comprise one complete deck. The players at the remote site each are holding cards 10 with the same values as the cards that were dealt to them at the dealing site. Now, as part of the game of bridge, the players examine their cards and commence bidding, so that a contract is made and a "dummy" is identified. Next, in step 421, the dummy player deposits the dummy hand, face up, in card deposit slot 230. The toaster that receives the cards reads the value and orientation of the cards and15 transmits this information to other toaster. The toaster at both locations are arranged to eject cards of the same value from slots 210 or 220, face up, in step 422. In step 426, the players arrange the dummy hands on playing surface 110, in the customary manner.
When play commences, a player puts a card on playing surface 110, face 20 up, in step 431. The value of the card that was played in read by camera 130,recognized by image recognizer 365, and communicated to the other toaster. If the remote toaster finds a card of the corresponding value, (i.e., a card played from a player's hand and not from the dummy hand), a positive result occurs in test step 433, and, as a result, the same card is ejected, face up, from the slots 210 or 220 of 25 the remote toaster in step 435. If the remote toaster does not find a card of the corresponding value, (i.e., a card played from the dummy hand), a negative result occurs in test step 433, and, as a result, the no card is ejected; rather, the player at the remote site will play the same card from the dummy hand, as is customary in the game of bridge.
Various modifications and adaptations may be made to the present invention by persons skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention should only be limited by the following claims. For example, while card reader controller 355 and image recognizer 365 may normally be arranged to identify and differentiate cards in a conventional deck, in an alternative arrangement, conventional cards could be 35 modified to include a bar code or other special information which is easily detected and discriminated in the scanning process.
Claims (7)
1. A system for playing card games remotely including:
a multimedia communication system including audio and video communications means and arranged so that players at a plurality of game sites can see and hear each other, and a card handling apparatus and an associated image recognition apparatus at each game site for receiving and managing a physical deck of cards at each of said game sites, wherein said card handling apparatus includes means arranged to read cards, means to find particular cards, and means to distribute cards.
a multimedia communication system including audio and video communications means and arranged so that players at a plurality of game sites can see and hear each other, and a card handling apparatus and an associated image recognition apparatus at each game site for receiving and managing a physical deck of cards at each of said game sites, wherein said card handling apparatus includes means arranged to read cards, means to find particular cards, and means to distribute cards.
2. Apparatus for playing card games by players located at individual sites, said apparatus comprising:
a multimedia communication system arranged so that players at each site can be seen and heard by players at other sites;
means including an image recognition system arranged to read cards disposed on each playing surface being used by the players; and a card handling system arranged to distribute, receive and manage a physical deck of cards at every site that the game is being played.
a multimedia communication system arranged so that players at each site can be seen and heard by players at other sites;
means including an image recognition system arranged to read cards disposed on each playing surface being used by the players; and a card handling system arranged to distribute, receive and manage a physical deck of cards at every site that the game is being played.
3. The apparatus defined in claim 2 wherein said card handling system includes:
means for reading cards by scanning them, means for finding particular cards, and means for distributing cards by dealing them.
means for reading cards by scanning them, means for finding particular cards, and means for distributing cards by dealing them.
4. The apparatus defined in claim 2 wherein said image recognition system includes a camera and means arranged to differentiate particular cards that have been placed on said playing surface.
5. The apparatus defined in claim 2 wherein said card handling system further includes:
a card deposit slot arranged to receive one or more cards, either face up or face down, a card reader controller arranged to read the cards received by said card deposit slot and to differentiate the value (suit and rank) and the orientation (face up or face down) of said cards; and means responsive to said card reader controller for distributing cards face up or face down.
a card deposit slot arranged to receive one or more cards, either face up or face down, a card reader controller arranged to read the cards received by said card deposit slot and to differentiate the value (suit and rank) and the orientation (face up or face down) of said cards; and means responsive to said card reader controller for distributing cards face up or face down.
6. The apparatus defined in claim 5 wherein said card handling system includes:
a control panel having an on-off switch, a reset button and a telephone call initiation mechanism.
a control panel having an on-off switch, a reset button and a telephone call initiation mechanism.
7. The apparatus defined in claim 5 wherein said card handling system includes a microprocessor for controlling the overall operation of said card handling system and communication circuitry for acting as an interface between said card handling system and for providing signaling to similar card handling systems located at remote locations.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US129,564 | 1980-03-12 | ||
US08/129,564 US5397133A (en) | 1993-09-30 | 1993-09-30 | System for playing card games remotely |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA2132467A1 CA2132467A1 (en) | 1995-03-31 |
CA2132467C true CA2132467C (en) | 1998-09-22 |
Family
ID=22440602
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA002132467A Expired - Fee Related CA2132467C (en) | 1993-09-30 | 1994-09-20 | System for playing card games remotely |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US5397133A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0646397B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2132467C (en) |
DE (1) | DE69407377T2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (197)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5451054A (en) * | 1994-05-03 | 1995-09-19 | Toy Builders | Poker tournament |
US5802281A (en) | 1994-09-07 | 1998-09-01 | Rsi Systems, Inc. | Peripheral audio/video communication system that interfaces with a host computer and determines format of coded audio/video signals |
US5572248A (en) * | 1994-09-19 | 1996-11-05 | Teleport Corporation | Teleconferencing method and system for providing face-to-face, non-animated teleconference environment |
US5743797A (en) * | 1995-05-31 | 1998-04-28 | Jannersten; Per | Device for controlling, presenting and registering the bidding in a game of bridge |
SE510268C2 (en) * | 1995-05-31 | 1999-05-03 | Per Jannersten | Bid registering device for bridge game |
US5632483A (en) * | 1995-06-29 | 1997-05-27 | Peripheral Dynamics, Inc. | Blackjack scanner apparatus and method |
US5669816A (en) * | 1995-06-29 | 1997-09-23 | Peripheral Dynamics, Inc. | Blackjack scanner apparatus and method |
DE19611041C2 (en) * | 1996-03-20 | 2001-01-25 | Karl Stefan Riener | Shooting range management system and method for carrying out a local shooting operation |
US6175854B1 (en) | 1996-06-11 | 2001-01-16 | Ameritech Services, Inc. | Computer system architecture and method for multi-user, real-time applications |
US5791988A (en) * | 1996-07-22 | 1998-08-11 | Nomi; Shigehiko | Computer gaming device with playing pieces |
MXPA98006863A (en) * | 1996-12-25 | 2005-02-25 | Sony Corp | Game machine system, broadcasting system, data distribution system and its method, and program executing device and its method. |
US6099408A (en) | 1996-12-31 | 2000-08-08 | Walker Digital, Llc | Method and apparatus for securing electronic games |
US20030054879A1 (en) * | 1996-12-31 | 2003-03-20 | Bruce Schneier | System and method for securing electronic games |
US5989122A (en) * | 1997-01-03 | 1999-11-23 | Casino Concepts, Inc. | Apparatus and process for verifying, sorting, and randomizing sets of playing cards and process for playing card games |
US6217447B1 (en) * | 1997-01-31 | 2001-04-17 | Dp Stud, Inc. | Method and system for generating displays in relation to the play of baccarat |
US5839958A (en) * | 1997-02-24 | 1998-11-24 | Ozarow; Ruth | Voice synthesized bridge bidding module and method of using same |
US6676127B2 (en) | 1997-03-13 | 2004-01-13 | Shuffle Master, Inc. | Collating and sorting apparatus |
US20130203485A1 (en) | 2000-05-31 | 2013-08-08 | Igt | Method and apparatus for conducting focus groups using networked gaming devices |
US7190392B1 (en) | 1997-10-23 | 2007-03-13 | Maguire Jr Francis J | Telepresence system and active/passive mode display for use therein |
US6260757B1 (en) | 1997-10-31 | 2001-07-17 | John M. Strisower | Automatic cashier machine |
US6655684B2 (en) | 1998-04-15 | 2003-12-02 | Shuffle Master, Inc. | Device and method for forming and delivering hands from randomly arranged decks of playing cards |
US6254096B1 (en) | 1998-04-15 | 2001-07-03 | Shuffle Master, Inc. | Device and method for continuously shuffling cards |
US7355621B1 (en) * | 1998-06-10 | 2008-04-08 | Fernandez Dennis S | Digital television with subscriber conference overlay |
US6339842B1 (en) * | 1998-06-10 | 2002-01-15 | Dennis Sunga Fernandez | Digital television with subscriber conference overlay |
IL127957A (en) * | 1999-01-07 | 2004-12-15 | Yacob Rafaeli | Gambling game system and method for remotely-located players |
US6299531B1 (en) | 1999-03-19 | 2001-10-09 | Ted Bommarito | Baccarat display system and method |
US6460848B1 (en) | 1999-04-21 | 2002-10-08 | Mindplay Llc | Method and apparatus for monitoring casinos and gaming |
US6524189B1 (en) * | 1999-07-09 | 2003-02-25 | Nokia Corporation | Multi-player game system using mobile telephone and game unit |
US6893347B1 (en) * | 1999-07-09 | 2005-05-17 | Nokia Corporation | Method and apparatus for playing games between the clients of entities at different locations |
JP2001070655A (en) | 1999-08-31 | 2001-03-21 | Konami Co Ltd | Communication method, game system and information transmission method between game machines of different kinds |
RU2210111C2 (en) * | 1999-10-18 | 2003-08-10 | Ешан Борис Лейбович | Electronic chess clock |
JP4560952B2 (en) * | 1999-12-03 | 2010-10-13 | 株式会社セガ | GAME DEVICE AND GAME SYSTEM |
US6579184B1 (en) | 1999-12-10 | 2003-06-17 | Nokia Corporation | Multi-player game system |
US7057635B1 (en) * | 2000-01-27 | 2006-06-06 | Atheros Communications, Inc. | High-speed RF link for a multi-user meeting |
US8590896B2 (en) | 2000-04-12 | 2013-11-26 | Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg | Card-handling devices and systems |
EP1290571A4 (en) * | 2000-04-17 | 2005-11-02 | Igt Reno Nev | System and method of capturing a player's image for incorporation into a game |
AUPQ784100A0 (en) * | 2000-05-29 | 2000-06-22 | Harkham, Gabi | Method of and system for providing an on-line casino game |
US7384339B2 (en) * | 2000-10-11 | 2008-06-10 | Igt | Frame capture of actual game play |
US9626824B2 (en) * | 2000-10-11 | 2017-04-18 | Igt | Game result graphical verification on remote clients |
US6918831B2 (en) * | 2002-09-13 | 2005-07-19 | Igt | Method and apparatus for independently verifying game outcome |
US6857961B2 (en) * | 2001-02-21 | 2005-02-22 | Bally Gaming International, Inc. | Method, apparatus and article for evaluating card games, such as blackjack |
US6685568B2 (en) * | 2001-02-21 | 2004-02-03 | Mindplay Llc | Method, apparatus and article for evaluating card games, such as blackjack |
US6638161B2 (en) | 2001-02-21 | 2003-10-28 | Mindplay Llc | Method, apparatus and article for verifying card games, such as playing card distribution |
US7390256B2 (en) * | 2001-06-08 | 2008-06-24 | Arl, Inc. | Method, apparatus and article for random sequence generation and playing card distribution |
US6991544B2 (en) * | 2001-06-21 | 2006-01-31 | Bally Gaming International, Inc. | Method, apparatus and article for hierarchical wagering |
US6641484B2 (en) * | 2001-09-21 | 2003-11-04 | Igt | Gaming machine including security data collection device |
US8616552B2 (en) * | 2001-09-28 | 2013-12-31 | Shfl Entertainment, Inc. | Methods and apparatuses for an automatic card handling device and communication networks including same |
US7753373B2 (en) | 2001-09-28 | 2010-07-13 | Shuffle Master, Inc. | Multiple mode card shuffler and card reading device |
US7677565B2 (en) | 2001-09-28 | 2010-03-16 | Shuffle Master, Inc | Card shuffler with card rank and value reading capability |
US8337296B2 (en) | 2001-09-28 | 2012-12-25 | SHFL entertaiment, Inc. | Method and apparatus for using upstream communication in a card shuffler |
US8011661B2 (en) | 2001-09-28 | 2011-09-06 | Shuffle Master, Inc. | Shuffler with shuffling completion indicator |
US7892088B2 (en) * | 2001-10-18 | 2011-02-22 | Steve Brandstetter | Gaming device having a second separate bonusing event |
US8262090B2 (en) * | 2001-12-13 | 2012-09-11 | The United States Playing Card Company | Method, apparatus and article for random sequence generation and playing card distribution |
CN100541525C (en) * | 2002-02-05 | 2009-09-16 | 百利娱乐公司 | A kind of method and system that are used for discerning the stake of recreation |
DE60336631D1 (en) * | 2002-02-06 | 2011-05-19 | Bally Gaming Internat Inc | METHOD, PLANT AND MANUFACTURED SUBJECT USING MULTIPLE MACHINE-READABLE INDICATIONS ON PLAYING CARDS |
US6886829B2 (en) | 2002-02-08 | 2005-05-03 | Vendingdata Corporation | Image capturing card shuffler |
US7722466B2 (en) * | 2002-03-06 | 2010-05-25 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Integration of casino gaming and non-casino interactive gaming |
GB2389540A (en) * | 2002-05-30 | 2003-12-17 | Prime Table Games Isle Of Man | Game Playing Apparatus |
US20080274802A1 (en) * | 2002-05-31 | 2008-11-06 | Raymond Anthony Joao | Apparatus and method for facilitating gaming activity and/or gambling activity |
US20030232648A1 (en) * | 2002-06-14 | 2003-12-18 | Prindle Joseph Charles | Videophone and videoconferencing apparatus and method for a video game console |
US6926605B2 (en) * | 2002-09-13 | 2005-08-09 | Igt | Method and apparatus for independently verifying game outcome |
DE10261658A1 (en) * | 2002-12-20 | 2004-07-08 | Stöckel, Ralf | Card, especially skat, tournament implementation system comprises a central memory and evaluation unit linked to input and output units on each card table for data collection and output of results |
US20050143154A1 (en) * | 2003-04-15 | 2005-06-30 | Bush James R. | Method of engaging in basketball shooting contest from different locations |
WO2004094012A2 (en) | 2003-04-17 | 2004-11-04 | Alliance Gaming Corporation | Wireless monitoring of playing cards and/or wagers in gaming |
US8027508B2 (en) * | 2003-07-09 | 2011-09-27 | Digimarc Corporation | Interactive gaming objects |
EP1667546B1 (en) * | 2003-07-25 | 2011-01-26 | Bally Gaming International, Inc. | A method to produce uniquely identifiable casino gaming chips |
US7192351B2 (en) * | 2003-08-12 | 2007-03-20 | Cryptologic, Inc. | Multi-player gaming machines played on-line |
AU2004272018B2 (en) | 2003-09-05 | 2010-09-02 | Bally Gaming International, Inc. | Systems, methods, and devices for monitoring card games, such as baccarat |
AU2004278891C1 (en) | 2003-10-02 | 2009-01-22 | Games Global Operations Limited | Multiplayer gaming system and method of operation thereof |
CA2541377C (en) * | 2003-10-08 | 2017-03-21 | Arl, Inc. | Method, apparatus and article for computational sequence generation and playing card distribution |
US7736236B2 (en) * | 2003-11-07 | 2010-06-15 | Bally Gaming International, Inc. | Method, apparatus and article for evaluating card games, such as blackjack |
US7796155B1 (en) * | 2003-12-19 | 2010-09-14 | Hrl Laboratories, Llc | Method and apparatus for real-time group interactive augmented-reality area monitoring, suitable for enhancing the enjoyment of entertainment events |
EP1763853A1 (en) * | 2004-04-15 | 2007-03-21 | Bally Gaming International, Inc. | Systems and methods for scanning gaming chips placed on a gaming table |
EP1750815A1 (en) * | 2004-04-15 | 2007-02-14 | Bally Gaming International, Inc. | Systems and methods for monitoring activities on a gaming table |
GB0409224D0 (en) * | 2004-04-26 | 2004-05-26 | Waterleaf Ltd | Tournament system and method of operation thereof |
EP1778374A2 (en) * | 2004-06-15 | 2007-05-02 | Real Time Graphics, LLC | Automated playing card identification system for casino-type card games |
CA2572260A1 (en) * | 2004-06-30 | 2006-01-12 | Bally Gaming International, Inc. | Playing cards with separable components |
US20060066048A1 (en) | 2004-09-14 | 2006-03-30 | Shuffle Master, Inc. | Magnetic jam detection in a card shuffler |
JP2006145584A (en) * | 2004-11-16 | 2006-06-08 | Hitachi Via Mechanics Ltd | Method and apparatus for forming plurality of laser beams with wavelengths in ultraviolet region, and laser machining device |
GB0428213D0 (en) * | 2004-12-23 | 2005-01-26 | Waterleaf Ltd | Broadcast System |
US7914368B2 (en) | 2005-08-05 | 2011-03-29 | Jay Chun | Methods and systems for playing baccarat jackpot with an option for insurance betting |
US8308559B2 (en) | 2007-05-07 | 2012-11-13 | Jay Chun | Paradise box gaming system |
US8920238B2 (en) | 2005-01-24 | 2014-12-30 | Jay Chun | Gaming center allowing switching between games based upon historical results |
US9940778B2 (en) | 2005-01-24 | 2018-04-10 | Igt | System for monitoring and playing a plurality of live casino table games |
US20060175758A1 (en) * | 2005-02-07 | 2006-08-10 | Oneida Indian Nation | Team poker game |
US8074987B2 (en) * | 2005-02-10 | 2011-12-13 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Systems and methods for processing playing cards collected from a gaming table |
US7764836B2 (en) | 2005-06-13 | 2010-07-27 | Shuffle Master, Inc. | Card shuffler with card rank and value reading capability using CMOS sensor |
US8113932B2 (en) * | 2005-07-01 | 2012-02-14 | Gioia Systems, Llc | Method and computer readable medium relating to creating child virtual decks from a parent virtual deck |
US7591728B2 (en) * | 2005-07-01 | 2009-09-22 | Gioia Systems, Llc | Online gaming system configured for remote user interaction |
US7766331B2 (en) | 2005-07-01 | 2010-08-03 | Gioia Systems, Llc | Method and device for physically randomizing a plurality of playing instruments in absence of a random number generator |
US8313365B2 (en) * | 2005-07-01 | 2012-11-20 | Gioia Systems, Llc | Detecting duplicate collections of virtual playing instruments |
US20070045959A1 (en) * | 2005-08-31 | 2007-03-01 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Gaming table having an inductive interface and/or a point optical encoder |
US20070052167A1 (en) * | 2005-09-06 | 2007-03-08 | Galatan Harris J | Radio frequency identification (RFID) poker table |
GB0518198D0 (en) * | 2005-09-07 | 2005-10-19 | Elliot Brendan | Card game playing apparatus |
US8342533B2 (en) * | 2005-09-12 | 2013-01-01 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Systems, methods and articles to facilitate playing card games with multi-compartment playing card receivers |
US8342932B2 (en) * | 2005-09-12 | 2013-01-01 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Systems, methods and articles to facilitate playing card games with intermediary playing card receiver |
US8550464B2 (en) | 2005-09-12 | 2013-10-08 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Systems, methods and articles to facilitate playing card games with selectable odds |
US20070057453A1 (en) * | 2005-09-12 | 2007-03-15 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | System and method to handle playing cards, employing manual movable cover |
GB2430895A (en) * | 2005-10-05 | 2007-04-11 | Ct Ex Technologies Inc | Indoor network gaming system and method therefor |
US20070090599A1 (en) * | 2005-10-21 | 2007-04-26 | Russell Hamilton | Method and apparatus for a card game tournament |
JP3934662B1 (en) * | 2006-02-17 | 2007-06-20 | 株式会社コナミデジタルエンタテインメント | Game state presentation device, game state presentation method, and program |
US7971881B2 (en) * | 2006-02-21 | 2011-07-05 | Shuffle Tech International Llc | Apparatus and method for automatically shuffling cards |
US7900923B2 (en) * | 2006-02-21 | 2011-03-08 | Shuffle Tech International Llc | Apparatus and method for automatically shuffling cards |
US7556266B2 (en) | 2006-03-24 | 2009-07-07 | Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg | Card shuffler with gravity feed system for playing cards |
US7778492B2 (en) * | 2006-04-04 | 2010-08-17 | Oldford Group Limited | System and method for scaling digital images |
US7967682B2 (en) | 2006-04-12 | 2011-06-28 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Wireless gaming environment |
US8366109B2 (en) | 2006-04-12 | 2013-02-05 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | System and method to handle playing cards, employing elevator mechanism |
US7523937B2 (en) * | 2006-04-18 | 2009-04-28 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Device for use in playing card handling system |
US8038153B2 (en) * | 2006-05-23 | 2011-10-18 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Systems, methods and articles to facilitate playing card games |
US7510186B2 (en) * | 2006-05-23 | 2009-03-31 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Systems, methods and articles to facilitate delivery of playing cards |
US8100753B2 (en) | 2006-05-23 | 2012-01-24 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Systems, methods and articles to facilitate playing card games with selectable odds |
US7448626B2 (en) * | 2006-05-23 | 2008-11-11 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Systems, methods and articles to facilitate playing card games |
US8353513B2 (en) | 2006-05-31 | 2013-01-15 | Shfl Entertainment, Inc. | Card weight for gravity feed input for playing card shuffler |
US8579289B2 (en) | 2006-05-31 | 2013-11-12 | Shfl Entertainment, Inc. | Automatic system and methods for accurate card handling |
US8342525B2 (en) | 2006-07-05 | 2013-01-01 | Shfl Entertainment, Inc. | Card shuffler with adjacent card infeed and card output compartments |
US8052519B2 (en) | 2006-06-08 | 2011-11-08 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Systems, methods and articles to facilitate lockout of selectable odds/advantage in playing card games |
US7753779B2 (en) | 2006-06-16 | 2010-07-13 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Gaming chip communication system and method |
US8998692B2 (en) * | 2006-06-21 | 2015-04-07 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Systems, methods and articles to facilitate delivery of sets or packets of playing cards |
US8070574B2 (en) | 2007-06-06 | 2011-12-06 | Shuffle Master, Inc. | Apparatus, system, method, and computer-readable medium for casino card handling with multiple hand recall feature |
US8348763B2 (en) * | 2006-07-31 | 2013-01-08 | Cork Group Trading Ltd. | Method for implementing a live dealer game |
US20080064467A1 (en) * | 2006-08-02 | 2008-03-13 | Martin Reiner | Methods and system for game playability and expectation wager payout |
AU2007205809B2 (en) * | 2006-08-17 | 2012-05-17 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Systems, methods and articles to enhance play at gaming tables with bonuses |
US8206215B2 (en) * | 2006-08-31 | 2012-06-26 | Igt | Gaming machine systems and methods with memory efficient historical video re-creation |
US7637506B2 (en) * | 2006-09-14 | 2009-12-29 | Waterleaf Limited | Blackjack tournaments with rules encouraging card counting and broadcasts thereof |
US8357032B2 (en) | 2006-09-14 | 2013-01-22 | Cork Group Trading Ltd. | Online blackjack tournaments with option to purchase card counting report |
EP2086659A4 (en) * | 2006-10-15 | 2012-12-26 | Videob Holdings Ltd | Method and apparatus for online gaming on terminals |
US9101820B2 (en) | 2006-11-09 | 2015-08-11 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | System, method and apparatus to produce decks for and operate games played with playing cards |
US8919775B2 (en) | 2006-11-10 | 2014-12-30 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | System for billing usage of an automatic card handling device |
JP2008178596A (en) * | 2007-01-25 | 2008-08-07 | Aruze Corp | Game apparatus with plurality of stations including sub monitors installed |
JP2008178599A (en) * | 2007-01-25 | 2008-08-07 | Aruze Corp | Game apparatus for executing game in which multiple players can participate |
JP2008178595A (en) * | 2007-01-25 | 2008-08-07 | Aruze Corp | Game apparatus with common monitor to be made visible by multiple players |
US7854430B2 (en) * | 2007-05-24 | 2010-12-21 | Shuffle Tech International Llc | Card shuffling device and method |
TW200900121A (en) * | 2007-06-29 | 2009-01-01 | Astro Corp | Online live dealer game system and playing method |
DE102008032899A1 (en) * | 2007-07-25 | 2010-01-21 | Pokertronic Gmbh | Arrangement and method for the acquisition, storage and / or visualization of moves, games and procedures, especially in card games |
US20090088236A1 (en) * | 2007-09-28 | 2009-04-02 | Michael Laude | Game of Misdirection and Detection |
US20090098920A1 (en) * | 2007-10-10 | 2009-04-16 | Waterleaf Limited | Method and System for Auditing and Verifying User Spoken Instructions for an Electronic Casino Game |
US8920236B2 (en) * | 2007-11-02 | 2014-12-30 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Game related systems, methods, and articles that combine virtual and physical elements |
US9563898B2 (en) * | 2008-04-30 | 2017-02-07 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | System and method for automated customer account creation and management |
US8597107B2 (en) * | 2007-12-28 | 2013-12-03 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Systems, methods, and devices for providing purchases of instances of game play at a hybrid ticket/currency game machine |
WO2009126780A2 (en) * | 2008-04-09 | 2009-10-15 | Walker Digital,Llc | System and method for card shoe security at a table game |
US8251808B2 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2012-08-28 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Game transaction module interface to single port printer |
US20090275407A1 (en) * | 2008-04-30 | 2009-11-05 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Virtualization for gaming devices |
US8366542B2 (en) | 2008-05-24 | 2013-02-05 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Networked gaming system with enterprise accounting methods and apparatus |
JP6043482B2 (en) * | 2008-06-03 | 2016-12-14 | トウィードルテック リミテッド ライアビリティ カンパニー | Intelligent board game system, game piece, how to operate intelligent board game system, how to play intelligent board game |
US8602857B2 (en) | 2008-06-03 | 2013-12-10 | Tweedletech, Llc | Intelligent board game system with visual marker based game object tracking and identification |
US8974295B2 (en) | 2008-06-03 | 2015-03-10 | Tweedletech, Llc | Intelligent game system including intelligent foldable three-dimensional terrain |
US9649551B2 (en) | 2008-06-03 | 2017-05-16 | Tweedletech, Llc | Furniture and building structures comprising sensors for determining the position of one or more objects |
US10155156B2 (en) | 2008-06-03 | 2018-12-18 | Tweedletech, Llc | Multi-dimensional game comprising interactive physical and virtual components |
US8480088B2 (en) | 2008-06-23 | 2013-07-09 | Shuffle Tech International Llc | Flush mounting for card shuffler |
US8192283B2 (en) | 2009-03-10 | 2012-06-05 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Networked gaming system including a live floor view module |
US7988152B2 (en) | 2009-04-07 | 2011-08-02 | Shuffle Master, Inc. | Playing card shuffler |
US8967621B2 (en) | 2009-04-07 | 2015-03-03 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Card shuffling apparatuses and related methods |
US8313372B2 (en) * | 2009-08-07 | 2012-11-20 | Cork Group Trading Ltd. | Electronic gaming environment with display of multiple instances of single-player games and multiplayer bonus game |
US8285034B2 (en) * | 2009-08-26 | 2012-10-09 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for evaluating a stack of objects in an image |
US7934983B1 (en) * | 2009-11-24 | 2011-05-03 | Seth Eisner | Location-aware distributed sporting events |
US9757639B2 (en) | 2009-11-24 | 2017-09-12 | Seth E. Eisner Trust | Disparity correction for location-aware distributed sporting events |
SG182753A1 (en) * | 2010-01-29 | 2012-08-30 | Tung Kwong Lai | Systems and methods for facilitating participation in card games |
WO2011105983A1 (en) * | 2010-02-24 | 2011-09-01 | Eric Carnevale | Online beer pong game |
JP5993856B2 (en) | 2010-09-09 | 2016-09-14 | トウィードルテック リミテッド ライアビリティ カンパニー | Board game with dynamic feature tracking |
US8800993B2 (en) | 2010-10-14 | 2014-08-12 | Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg | Card handling systems, devices for use in card handling systems and related methods |
US9424579B2 (en) | 2011-03-22 | 2016-08-23 | Fmr Llc | System for group supervision |
US9058716B2 (en) | 2011-06-06 | 2015-06-16 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Remote game play in a wireless gaming environment |
US8485527B2 (en) | 2011-07-29 | 2013-07-16 | Savant Shuffler LLC | Card shuffler |
US9731190B2 (en) | 2011-07-29 | 2017-08-15 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Method and apparatus for shuffling and handling cards |
US8342526B1 (en) | 2011-07-29 | 2013-01-01 | Savant Shuffler LLC | Card shuffler |
JP2013132550A (en) * | 2011-12-26 | 2013-07-08 | Angel Playing Cards Co Ltd | Playing card and system |
US8979635B2 (en) | 2012-04-02 | 2015-03-17 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Systems, methods and devices for playing wagering games with distributed and shared partial outcome features |
US9564007B2 (en) | 2012-06-04 | 2017-02-07 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Wagering game content based on locations of player check-in |
US9305433B2 (en) | 2012-07-20 | 2016-04-05 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Systems, methods and devices for playing wagering games with distributed competition features |
US8960674B2 (en) | 2012-07-27 | 2015-02-24 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Batch card shuffling apparatuses including multi-card storage compartments, and related methods |
US8721436B2 (en) | 2012-08-17 | 2014-05-13 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Systems, methods and devices for configuring wagering game devices based on shared data |
US8616981B1 (en) | 2012-09-12 | 2013-12-31 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Systems, methods, and devices for playing wagering games with location-triggered game features |
US9378766B2 (en) | 2012-09-28 | 2016-06-28 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Card recognition system, card handling device, and method for tuning a card handling device |
US9511274B2 (en) | 2012-09-28 | 2016-12-06 | Bally Gaming Inc. | Methods for automatically generating a card deck library and master images for a deck of cards, and a related card processing apparatus |
US10029178B1 (en) * | 2013-01-22 | 2018-07-24 | Theodore M. Dunn | Computer-implemented method for facilitating the exchange of information between individuals |
CN103611289B (en) * | 2013-11-26 | 2016-05-11 | 林鑫 | Bridge competition Information input device and method |
SG11201608344WA (en) | 2014-04-11 | 2016-11-29 | Bally Gaming Inc | Method and apparatus for shuffling and handling cards |
US9474957B2 (en) | 2014-05-15 | 2016-10-25 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Playing card handling devices, systems, and methods for verifying sets of cards |
US9875618B2 (en) | 2014-07-24 | 2018-01-23 | Igt | Gaming system and method employing multi-directional interaction between multiple concurrently played games |
US9566501B2 (en) | 2014-08-01 | 2017-02-14 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Hand-forming card shuffling apparatuses including multi-card storage compartments, and related methods |
USD764599S1 (en) | 2014-08-01 | 2016-08-23 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Card shuffler device |
US9504905B2 (en) | 2014-09-19 | 2016-11-29 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Card shuffling device and calibration method |
US9993719B2 (en) | 2015-12-04 | 2018-06-12 | Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg | Card handling devices and related assemblies and components |
US10933300B2 (en) | 2016-09-26 | 2021-03-02 | Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg | Card handling devices and related assemblies and components |
US10339765B2 (en) | 2016-09-26 | 2019-07-02 | Shuffle Master Gmbh & Co Kg | Devices, systems, and related methods for real-time monitoring and display of related data for casino gaming devices |
US10885746B2 (en) | 2017-08-09 | 2021-01-05 | Raymond Anthony Joao | Sports betting apparatus and method |
US11069195B2 (en) | 2017-08-09 | 2021-07-20 | Raymond Anthony Joao | Sports betting apparatus and method |
GB201713651D0 (en) * | 2017-08-24 | 2017-10-11 | Fureal Ltd | Play Apparatus |
US11426649B2 (en) | 2018-04-19 | 2022-08-30 | Ags Llc | System and method for verifying the integrity of a deck of playing cards |
US11896891B2 (en) | 2018-09-14 | 2024-02-13 | Sg Gaming, Inc. | Card-handling devices and related methods, assemblies, and components |
US11376489B2 (en) | 2018-09-14 | 2022-07-05 | Sg Gaming, Inc. | Card-handling devices and related methods, assemblies, and components |
US11338194B2 (en) | 2018-09-28 | 2022-05-24 | Sg Gaming, Inc. | Automatic card shufflers and related methods of automatic jam recovery |
US11151831B1 (en) * | 2019-07-05 | 2021-10-19 | Karriem Adams | Card reader for augmented reality game system |
USD903771S1 (en) | 2019-08-02 | 2020-12-01 | Ags Llc | Hand forming shuffler |
PH12020050309A1 (en) | 2019-09-10 | 2021-03-22 | Shuffle Master Gmbh And Co Kg | Card-handling devices with defect detection and related methods |
US11173383B2 (en) | 2019-10-07 | 2021-11-16 | Sg Gaming, Inc. | Card-handling devices and related methods, assemblies, and components |
US11521467B2 (en) | 2020-12-07 | 2022-12-06 | Fabian Piorno | Remote playing card game |
Family Cites Families (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4093215A (en) * | 1976-06-04 | 1978-06-06 | Ballard Chester P | Chance operated simulated card game |
US4372558A (en) * | 1978-11-21 | 1983-02-08 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Remote game apparatus |
US4339798A (en) * | 1979-12-17 | 1982-07-13 | Remote Dynamics | Remote gaming system |
US4373719A (en) * | 1980-01-04 | 1983-02-15 | Fidelity Electronics, Ltd. | Electronic bridge game system |
US4659082A (en) * | 1982-09-13 | 1987-04-21 | Harold Lorber | Monte verde playing card dispenser |
US4760527A (en) * | 1983-04-05 | 1988-07-26 | Sidley Joseph D H | System for interactively playing poker with a plurality of players |
US4534562A (en) * | 1983-06-07 | 1985-08-13 | Tyler Griffin Company | Playing card coding system and apparatus for dealing coded cards |
US4667959A (en) * | 1985-07-25 | 1987-05-26 | Churkendoose, Incorporated | Apparatus for storing and selecting cards |
WO1989006405A1 (en) * | 1988-01-11 | 1989-07-13 | Countrywide Competitions Limited | Games machine |
US5114155A (en) * | 1990-06-15 | 1992-05-19 | Arachnid, Inc. | System for automatic collection and distribution of player statistics for electronic dart games |
FR2666672A1 (en) * | 1990-09-11 | 1992-03-13 | Blazevic Milos | INSTALLATION TO PARTICIPATE REMOTELY AND DIRECTLY TO CASINO GAMES. |
-
1993
- 1993-09-30 US US08/129,564 patent/US5397133A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1994
- 1994-09-20 CA CA002132467A patent/CA2132467C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1994-09-21 DE DE69407377T patent/DE69407377T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1994-09-21 EP EP94306922A patent/EP0646397B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0646397B1 (en) | 1997-12-17 |
CA2132467A1 (en) | 1995-03-31 |
DE69407377T2 (en) | 1998-04-09 |
DE69407377D1 (en) | 1998-01-29 |
US5397133A (en) | 1995-03-14 |
EP0646397A1 (en) | 1995-04-05 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CA2132467C (en) | System for playing card games remotely | |
US8657658B2 (en) | Baccarat game system, method of using baccarat game system, baccarat game program and recording medium | |
US5537143A (en) | Interactive communication system | |
RU2267342C2 (en) | System and method of remote access for playing roulette | |
US6755741B1 (en) | Gambling game system and method for remotely-located players | |
US20080020843A1 (en) | Method and apparatus using insertably-removable auxiliary devices to play games over a communications link | |
CN101229436A (en) | Game system in which plurality of players participate | |
CN101681539A (en) | Simulating real gaming environments with interactive host and players | |
CN101610821A (en) | Network game system, server, illegal act prevent method, illegal act detection method, information storage medium and program | |
US20020010032A1 (en) | System and method for bowling remotely | |
AU2000244331B2 (en) | Bowling system using network | |
CN101229433A (en) | Game system providing game in which a plurality of players participate | |
CN101616720A (en) | Games system, game control method, information recording carrier and program | |
EP1499096B1 (en) | Network game method, network game terminal, and server | |
US20020098881A1 (en) | Book of wishes game | |
KR101987759B1 (en) | System for billiard competition management | |
CN104722067B (en) | Board interface | |
CN1328692C (en) | Game picture display control device, game picture display control method and game picture display control program | |
WO2007028948A2 (en) | Card game playing apparatus | |
US20200070057A1 (en) | Method and system for improved playing of domino board games | |
JP2000262736A (en) | Game system | |
CN102215921A (en) | Gaming machine and method for controlling same | |
RU60870U1 (en) | ENTERTAINMENT AND GAME COMPLEX | |
RU1227U1 (en) | Automatic tote | |
JPWO2004077830A1 (en) | Image data providing apparatus and image data providing method |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
EEER | Examination request | ||
MKLA | Lapsed |