EP0790848B1 - Gaming equipment for professional use of table games with playing cards and gaming chips, in particular for the game of "black jack" - Google Patents

Abstract

The object of the invention is to create a games system for use in professional card or token table games such as 'blackjack' with automated monitoring and automatic recording and evaluation of all moves in a game. This is achieved by providing a card dispenser with a recognition device to recognise the value of a drawn card (by optical sensing of the card value mark (31) and reflection of it into an image sensor based on a charge-coupled device); a games table with photodiodes (52) positioned underneath the baize (51) which, for each set field (53, 54) for the tokens (41) and each laying field (55, 56) for the cards (3), register the attenuation of the ambient casino light penetrating the baize whenever a card or token (3, 41) is deposited or moved above them; a device for automatically sensing the stakes (scanner or RFID system with transmit-receive station and transponder tokens); a computer which operates an electronic data processing program based on the game rules in order to evaluate all the data on developments in the game fed to it from the functional components of the system; and a screen for displaying and monitoring the current state of play including the winnings of the participating players.

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a game system for professional exercise of gambling "black jack" and related games below Use of playing cards and tokens.

The following explanations mainly concern the game "Black Jack" as an example.

Conventionally, a play facility for "black jack" includes essentially a gaming table and a card dispenser in the Function of a card sled, which because of its shape also as Card shoe is called.

"Black Jack" comes with 1 to 8 52-card games (Playing cards) played, with the player playing against the bank and represented the croupier’s bank, known as the “black jack” dealer becomes.

Each game is made up of four rows of colored cards or cards "Colors" cross, spades, hearts and diamonds together, each color row nine number cards and four figure cards with the pictures boy, lady, Has king and ace. The number cards have a card value the numbers 2 to 10 and the figure cards one of the letters J (Jack; Jack), Q (Queen; Queen), K (King; King) and A (As; Ace). The card name is made up of the color and the card value (e.g. diamond check). In the game "Black Jack" the game value is or point value of the aces either 1 or 11, the game value of the Pictures (Jack, Queen, King) 10 and the play value of the remaining cards equal to their card value; who play color signs or "colors" not matter.

The playing cards are preferred by the dealer before the start of the game using a card shuffler, shuffled carefully and then inserted into the card sled so that the neutral one Back of the sheet to the front, i.e. to the delivery opening of the card carriage there, shows.

The "Black Jack" game table is covered with a cloth (play cloth), which is essentially divided into an arc next to each other arranged, rectangular or round sentence fields or "boxes" for placing bets using tokens, where an insurance line assigned to it (left) next to each box located, and in a gaming table area for storing the the card sled drawn for each player and for the dealer Cards.

The main features of the game "Black Jack" are as follows.

So many players (or player groups) can participate, how the playing field has boxes (regularly seven boxes).

The goal of the players is to get a higher score than the bank reach, being the highest score, neither from the player may still be exceeded by the bank that is 21. Of the Players or the bank have "black jack" and have won if for the two cards received first, the score 21 was achieved. Otherwise, the party that wins the score 21 comes closest. In the event of a tie, lose and win the player does not and can withdraw his bet or leave or change for the next game.

The betting takes place according to the internationally determined course of the game of use and card issuance as follows.

Each player first places his bet, that in the case several tokens stacked in a column shape so that the lowest token and the lowest token Value is top. The dealer then divides against the Clockwise the cards in such a way that first everyone Players and then the dealer receive an open card, after which each player and the dealer receive a second card for the players are also open, but face down to the dealer will. If the player does not have a "black jack", he can from Dealers request additional cards that are dealt face up.

When the cards are dealt to the players, the dealer covers his second card on. If he gets 17 points or more, he may no more cards, he has less than 17 points, he must pull until he reaches or exceeds 17 Has.

The game variants also apply under certain conditions "Box or Hand", "Double Up", "Split into Two Games" and "Insurance".

At "Box" several players (community of players) place their bets on the same box.

With "doubling" the player can double his bet after the start of the game, for which he arranges the doubling next to the original bet on his box.
In "Split", the player divides his first two cards and continues his game in two games ("hands") with two rows of cards, which at the same time requires the original bet to be doubled.

With "insurance" - as insurance against "black-jack" the Bench - the player divides his bet by half his Bet on the insurance line.

The player wins one and a half times at "Black Jack", otherwise the simple of its use, and in "insurance" wins he doubled his stake in the bank's "black jack"; if the bank does not have a black jack, it loses insurance to the bank and keeps half the stake.

In everything, the cards of the players are laid out in stages so that all card values of the face up cards are still recognizable stay; the bank cards are laid out side by side, without overlapping.

Disc-shaped plastic brands, their play value, serve as tokens on the one hand by means of an imprint (for example 10, 20, 50, 100, 500) and on the other hand by one assigned to the game value Color (e.g. blue, red, green, orange, violet) is specified.

The invention is based on the following problem area.

There is a lack of technical control in the casino system the so-called table games (live games); this applies in particular the varied card game "Black Jack". Even at high personnel costs due to the use of a large number of control persons despite optical monitoring systems, there are considerable Security holes for the casino or casino operator can lead to a reduction in the box office results. On the other hand, the game master (dealer or dealer) has one responsible task and requires high concentration for the strictly regulated gameplay and the correct payment of the Profit to the player and has ended his service opposite to settle the bank, taking care of all of these obligations Can make mistakes.

It is therefore necessary to look for a solution that is safe and secure reliable monitoring of the entire game without personnel Use allows for any mistakes or wrong decisions of the game leader can be recognized and corrected, in the event of discrepancies between the game master and the players or Game director and the casino operator the game flow of everyone Game verifiable; which the game master does not leaves illegal game design options and in particular not encouraging certain players to determine their winnings or intends to favor payment of winnings; the the game manager has a less demanding job poses; and, among other advantages, the correct one Accounting between game manager and casino manager more convenient designed. For the rest, the aim is to provide verifiable information the professional qualities of the game master and to win the personal game design peculiarities of the players.

To achieve the described solution concept for the described Problem area, the invention is based on the object especially for the "Black Jack" game an automatic one Monitoring, control and registration system available to provide the gameplay from the card withdrawal from the Monitored card sled until players' winnings were determined records, stores and allows the data obtained among the most diverse game-related or casino-related Evaluate and display aspects.

Among other things, this requires the following.

The course of the game should be in as many of its phases as possible automatically capture and using a computer and one record electronic data processing programs (EDP programs), save and on a display device, preferably a let the dealer view the screen.

The card sled is supposed to be a device for automatic detection and detection of the card value which is hidden from the card sled have drawn playing card.

The gaming table should have facilities for automatic detection the recorded and empty boxes, with multiple occupancy a box must be recognized; the same must apply or non-occupancy of insurance lines are recognized; furthermore, the gaming table should have a device for automatic detection the number of players or dealers Show cards.

The values of the tokens used should be recognized, processed and get saved.

The computer program is intended in particular to value the stake or stakes process per box and insurance line, the consequence of Check the output of the cards for each player or for the Check the dealer's current card storage and the total number of points all cards of each player and the dealer determine, compare the total score of player and dealer and calculate the player winnings.

All of the essential game data should then with the help of EDP programs on the display device in sync with the gameplay or later retrieval of the stored data or evaluation results are displayed or can be displayed, whereby the There are no limits to the variety of the IT program.

This complex task is based on a game system the preamble of claim 1 according to the characterizing Features of claim 1 solved, wherein in the dependent Claims 2 to 14 special refinements and developments find the invention specified.

State of the art

It should be noted that there are no solutions in the prior art are known for the complex task.

A device for detection is known from DE 38 07 127 A1 of the value of playing cards, however, this facility represents no card sled for the hidden distribution of playing cards is a facility for determining the total number of points the total of those playing cards that each player Card games like skat, rummy, bridge, poker after the game round holds in hand. The device is used for quick addition and storing the game results, which are preferred display on a facility display. The Playing cards are preferably used to identify their game value a machine readable barcode and are prepared as Packing used in the facility and go through automatically promoted the establishment card by card.

On the other hand, according to US 5 078 405 A, gaming tables are for casino games known as black jack and poker, which is an additional game allow for a jackpot. In addition, the conventional shows Games table facilities for inserting coins, a Counter, which each time a coin is inserted and in the jackpot existing number of coins registered, and a calculator for the calculation of the profit distribution. Every player has that Option, besides the main game, for example blackjack or poker, to play the additional game and a single coin with defined Unit value (e.g. from a dollar) in one of his Throw in the slot assigned to the playground. Depending on Result of the main game played and the rules of the game for the additional game, the player wins in the additional game nothing or part of the jackpot or all of the jackpot. This feature for the feature game has nothing to do with that To do the course of the main game and in particular is neither provided, still suitable, a surveillance, a control or to enable a display of the game progress of the main game.

The invention is as follows for a more immediate understanding immediately as an example and based on principle figures in general and the example of the game "Black Jack" in particular explained in more detail.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

einen Kartenschlitten gemäß der Erfindung im Vertikalschnitt von der Seite;

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht im Horizontalschnitt auf den Kartenschlitten nach Fig.1;

Fig. 3

eine Vorderansicht auf den Kartenschlitten nach Fig. 1;

Fig. 4

die Draufsicht auf den wesentlichen Teil der Spielfläche eines "Black Jack"-Spieltisches gemäß der Erfindung mit unsichtbar unter dem Spieltuch angeordneten Einrichtungen zur automatischen Erkennung einerseits der Belegung der Boxen und der Versicherungslinien mit Jetons und andererseits der Ablageplätze für die Spielkarten.

It shows

Fig. 1

a card carriage according to the invention in vertical section from the side;

Fig. 2

a plan view in horizontal section on the card carriage according to Fig.1;

Fig. 3

a front view of the card carriage according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 4

the top view of the essential part of the playing surface of a "black jack" game table according to the invention with devices arranged invisibly under the play cloth for automatic detection of the occupancy of the boxes and the insurance lines with tokens and the storage spaces for the playing cards.

Ways of Carrying Out the Invention

The following explanations relate to a card sled according to the invention.

The embodiment of the card carriage shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 1 corresponds in its outlines and with regard to the upper one Partly essentially the conventional design. According to the invention is a device for automatic in the card carriage 1 Recognition of the card value from the card issue 2 Playing cards 3 'drawn face down are provided (card value recognition device). This card value recognition device comprises essentially the following functional parts: a television camera or a CCD imager 4 (charged-coupeled device imager); a pulse light source 5 (flash lamp) for lighting of the part of the card 3 'drawn that has the imprint Contains 31 of the card value; a right-angled optical Deflection prism 6 for illuminating the imprint 31 of the card value and to initiate the printing of the illuminated card value 31 emitted image over an optical path in the CCD imager 4; and two optoelectronic motion and position sensors or sensors 7, 8 for determining the movement of the drawn card 3 'and for controlling the pulse light source 5.

The playing cards 3, of which a checker in figure is an example 4 is indicated correspond to the card format and the international standard, according to which each playing card 3 the portrait format is 88 mm x 62 mm and around the central part of the image has a white border that extends to the edges of the map. The left vertical stripe of this frame bears just below that card value print 31 (e.g. the letter Q) and - separated by a colorless zone - including that Color symbol 32 (e.g. the checked image). This comes from the color sign 32 and the card value imprint 31 composing card name repeats itself, mirrored on the diagonal of the map, at the bottom on the left Vertical stripes of the white frame standing upside down. Of the Card name is for the color symbols cross and spades in black and printed in red for the hearts and diamonds; the height of the imprint 31 of the card value is up to to 15 mm.

The playing cards 3 are arranged in the card carriage 1 in such a way that with one of its transverse edges 33 on a forward inclined Stand up or bevel 9 and at the same time backwards are inclined against the slope 9 and so with the picture side after show below. The inclination of the cards 3 to the slope 9 is determined by a trapezoidal wedge 10 determines the same time Packing cards 3 to issue 2 presses. For better clarity 1, however, only two playing cards 3, 3 'are shown, of which the card 3 'is in a position during the Pulling out by the dealer.

The slope 9 continues beyond the card issue 2 and contains in the area of the card issue, but still inside the Card slide 1 located, a window 11 through one of the filled optical surfaces of the right-angled deflection prism 6 is and in the path of movement (in the track) of the imprint 31 of the card value lies. Therefore, the prism 6 must always be on the left or on the right edge of the glide path of the drawn card 3 ' lie.

The prism 6 is arranged in such a way that its right Angle opposite surface 12, hereinafter as a mirror plane referred to, pointing away from the CCD imager 4. The window 11 forming surface 13 of the prism 6 as a window plane and the CCD image converter 4 pointing surface 14 of the prism 6 as an exit plane designated.

The pulse light source 5 is located just below the mirror plane 12 near that end of the deflection prism 6, the forms the angle (of 45 °) with the window plane 13. The light the pulse light source 5 falls through the mirror plane 12 and Window level 13 on the image side of the card 3 ', is illuminated by the Map 3 'through the window level 13 to the mirror level 12 reflected and from there through the exit plane 14 in Direction of the image converter 4 mirrored, the one above the window 11 located part of the card 3 'in the image converter 4 by means of a converging lens 15 is imaged. One in the light path 16 in front of the Red light filter 17 (> 600 nm) located on lens 15 serves for registrability of card values printed in red (31). According to the Optogeometric arrangement of the light source 5 to the prism 6 can the light source 5 does not radiate directly into the image converter 4.

Instead of a deflection prism 6 to initiate the illuminated by the Card value imprint 31 emitted image via an optical Route in the CCD imager 4 can be advantageously use an opaque flat mirror (not shown), which occupies the position of the mirror plane 12 of the prism 6. In In this case, the pulse light source 5 is behind the mirror plane instead 12 then to be placed in front of the mirror plane 12 (of the mirror) and shield so that the light source 5 neither in the image converter 4 still shines directly on the mirror.

The intended image of the one printed on the drawn card 3 ' Card value 31 in the image converter 4 requires that the pulse light source 5 flashes just at the time the (downward facing) imprint 31 of the card value above the Window 11 is located.

The one of the two card value prints is expediently printed 31 measured, who looks at the card issue 2 is located on the right-hand white longitudinal edge of card 3 '. Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 4, the prism 6 is on the right arranged. When you draw a card 3 ', the following move Features of card 3 'across window 11: The front one Card edge 33, the unprinted long part of the white stripe field, the color symbol 32, the narrow one between the color symbol 32 and white horizontal stripes located on the imprint 31 of the card value, the card value imprint 31 and the rear edge of the card 3 '.

The sensor arrangement mentioned must now be the fact that a card 3 'is drawn, recognize and the pulse light lamp 5 to the Ignite time at which the card value imprint 31 is as possible is located exactly above the window 11.

Two basic solutions are given below, one way with only one sensor and the other Way, as shown in Fig. 2, uses two sensors 7, 8.

If only a single sensor is provided, for example the front and the back edge of the card as reference features use, the sensor in the card carriage 1 at any lateral position and, seen in the direction of movement of the map, at a defined vertical distance in front of the window 11 is arranged so that the rear edge of the card leaves the sensor, if the card value imprint 31 is just above the window 11 located. Said sensor can be a pressure sensor or a Be a light barrier. The front edge of the card touching the sensor switches the measuring arrangement into the operating position of the sensor Leaving rear card edge causes the actuation of the pulse light source 5, after which the measuring device switches off again.

According to the arrangement shown in Fig. 2, two optoelectronic are used Sensors 7, 8. The one in the card carriage 1 further inside standing sensor 7 serves as a motion detector for the drawn Card 3 'and the measuring device is ready for measurement. Of the However, sensor 7 does not need the immediate one shown in FIG. 2 To take neighborhood of window 11. The one in the lane of the moving card value imprint 31 located on the window 11 subsequent, sensor 8 has the task of recognizing when the card value imprint 31 is just above the window 11, and to switch the light source 5.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the sensor 8 borders directly to the window 11 and thus registers the between the color symbol 32 and the card value imprint 31 narrow white horizontal stripes. The sensor 8 could also be in one correspondingly dimensioned distance to the window 11, to the incoming as a reference feature for igniting the lamp 5 Detect color characters 32.

The technology with two sensors 7, 8 has compared to the technology with only one sensor the advantage that the sensor 8 that for the determination of the exact location of the card value imprint 31 on the window 11 is responsible, fully covered by the card 3 'and is therefore not disturbed by extraneous light, as is the case with the arrangement with only one sensor regarding the rear edge of the card is possible, provided there is no pressure sensor but a light barrier is provided.

The sensor 8 switches the pulse light source 5 without any noteworthy Time delay, which, as described above, causes the card value to be printed 31, or at least a representative part of it, is imaged in the CCD imager 4 and the received Signals registered as the card value of the drawn card 3 ' will.

The technical requirements required to implement the aforementioned processes and in particular electronic measures and switching programs are familiar to a person skilled in the art and do not require any own explanation.

However, it should be mentioned that the card value recognition device first "learn" to recognize the card values on the one hand and on the other hand, to judge according to the rules of the game. For this purpose, in the card values (the numbers 2 to 10 and the letters A, J, K, Q) superimposed in the image converter 4 and the signals generated in this regard by the image converter 4 encoded according to the card value. The one as a number camera functioning CCD image converter 4 and the connected signal and Data processing system are also in the event that Draw a card 3 'whose card value imprint 31 at the time the flashing of the pulse light source 5 is not exactly above the window 11 should lie, so that only a portion of the card value print 31 is imaged in the image converter 4, in which Ability to identify the "overall picture" of the imprint 31. This results from the fact that each number or letter imprint 31 in its upper half or in its lower half of any related fragment of the other number or letter images differs.

In game practice, the speed of movement becomes one the card slide 1 drawn card 3 'does not have the value of 1 m / s exceed. So you put a card movement speed of 1 m / s, each imaginary pixel needs to be printed on the card 31 of 15 mm in length with a length of the window 11 of also 15 mm a time of 15 ms to look over the window 11 to move away. With a response time of approximately 0.1 ms from registration the flashing reference feature of the card 3 'until the pulse light source 5 flashes (flash lamp) the card value imprint 31 becomes full or almost over stand the window 11 and completely or almost completely from CCD image converter 4 are recorded, with a flash duration a quiescent picture of the card value imprint of about 10 µs 31 captured and consequently a non-blurred image of the Card value print 31 generated on the target of the image converter 4 becomes.

When the card value imprint 31 of a card 3 'is illuminated with a xenon lamp from a distance of 20 mm (through the Edge region of a deflection prism 6, as described above), resulted in a power of 0.01 W with 500 volt powered xenon lamp and a pulse duration of the flash of light of 10 µs taking into account the weakening effects the color filter 17 flawless and reliable registrations of the card value imprint 31 to be recorded, itself for movement speeds of the playing cards of over 1 m / s.

The following explanations relate to a gaming table according to the invention.

According to the system shown in Fig. 4 for a "black jack" table detectors arranged below the play cloth 51 to use. Such detectors could in principle be different based on mechanical or physical principles, For example, be sensitive to pressure (piezo sensors; compression spring sensors) or - with appropriate material properties of tokens and playing cards - on electromagnetic or on Based on other technical principles.

According to the invention, light-sensitive detectors, in particular of photodiodes 52 in the execution of infrared-sensitive ones Silicon diodes, used with the advantage that these photodiodes for detection in a consistent manner the table allocation with both chips 41 and with the playing cards 3 are suitable.

The photodiodes 52 must, in order to the usual external appearance Playing surface not to be changed, arranged below the playing cloth 51 be what the material of the play cloth 51 a certain Translucency, especially for that of artificial Casino lighting outgoing near infrared (IR) light got to.

In this regard, the game cloth 51 should be in the near IR range striking light in the order of 30% of the radiated Allow IR light energy to pass through. Indicates the conventional Material from which play cloths 51 are made, Such light transmission is not already on For the purposes of the invention a correspondingly suitable material that allows enough light to shine through.

The principle of detection is as follows. All areas of the play sheet 51, on which the chips and playing cards are placed according to the rules of the game are to be discarded, depending on the type of game with a adapted network or with an adapted series of light detectors so that it is properly placed on the cloth Item (token, playing card) two for safety reasons, even better three to four, the 52 covered photodiodes and the photodiodes 52 excluded from light incidence in the sense of the operating system lets work.

4, each of the rectangular boxes 53 is a geometric one Network of photodiodes 52 underlaid, while the rest Zones of the playing surface put the playing cloth 51 in series Photodiodes 52 are underlaid, so with insurance lines 54, at storage spaces 55 for the cards of the players and at the storage space 56 for the dealer's cards.

According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 are for the boxes 53 seven longitudinal rows of photodiodes 52 of five diodes each Longitudinal row arranged in such a way that the two outside Longitudinal rows outside of those printed on the game cloth 51 Mark the box 53.

For insurance lines 54, four are arranged in a row Photodiodes 52 shown; however, more diodes 52 or a double row of such diodes 52 may be provided.

According to the normal dimensions of a "black jack" table, the boxes 53 and the insurance lines 54 have the in Fig. 4 shows the example of the photodiodes of a box within each Row a distance of 19 mm to each other and from row to Row a distance of 15 mm, so that a placed chip of for example 40 mm diameter in the worst case four and in the best case five diodes covered. Now the darkening effect for those photodiodes made by the chip only just be covered with its edge because of the edge of the Jeton's stray light may be imperfect, at least but always darkened at least two diodes as best as possible. Incidentally, it can be assumed that the best possible darkened photodiodes still about 10% of that by the Spieletuch 51 penetrating light energy density occurs, so that the sensitivity of the photodiodes 52 to this ultimately only adjust feasible lighter-darker effects accordingly is.

According to the staggered arrangement shown for box 53.7 of the playing cards should be the distances between the photodiodes 52 from one another be smaller, for example 7 mm, while for the registration of the dealer's cards that are not on top of each other staggered but laid out side by side, a distance between the photodiodes of 25 mm is completely sufficient, so that at least two photodiodes are always covered by each card will.

For the boxes 53 are different positions of the storage of Tokens 41 shown as "Box", "Double", "Split" and "Insurance".

That explained for the coverage of the photodiodes 52 by the chips 41 is basically designed for the registration of the Playing cards 3 to note.

As a result, the signals coming from the photodiodes 52 are to be grouped together or processed separately, that the electronic circuit logic also has multiple assignments of boxes 53 with tokens 41 and also the number of each card deposit laid out cards recognizes this, if necessary for a second row of cards ("split"), and also on the with the game variants "Double", "Split", "Insurance" associated shift or additional placement of tokens or reacted by cards and processed according to the rules.

The given revelation of the technical principle becomes the one concerned Specialists, such as designers, electronics engineers, data processing program creators, because of their craftsmanship enable a gaming table according to the invention realize, including the integration of self-employed Control devices for adjusting the sensitivity of the photodiodes on changes in the brightness of the game room, for example when switching lights on and off.

Furthermore, the expert is free, due to economic considerations and depending on the desired work reliability of the systems from the values given above as an example Density of the mounting of the photodiodes 52 of the respective field units (Boxes, insurance lines, card fields).

To complete the game table equipment in the sense of one if possible are finally fully electronic control of the game system another switch button (not shown) that after the end bet placement is to be operated by the dealer, and signal buttons 57 or the like is provided for the players with whom the players recognize that they no longer admit any playing cards to wish.

The following explanations refer to principles and Devices for recording the tokens bet per game according to the game value of the tokens and the sum of the token values for token stacks (Game insert detector).

With "black jack" gaming tables, so-called "American tokens" are used, which differ in their various Differentiate values with different colors. Depending on Table maximum (maximum bet allowed per game), however, come only three to four chip values and thus chip colors for Commitment.

The inserts can now be automatically used, for example record that the dealer is using a handheld device with the function a TV camera or scanner for each player separate the laid out token or the placed token stack records or scans, and that from the camera or scanner received image by chip colors and by the number of each The chip color of existing chips is analyzed in an evaluation unit which is the same according to chip colors and number of tokens Color discriminates and the total value of each Then forwarded to the central EDP system. Point graphic markings all around the tokens on, which is also representative of the game value of the token can make it easier to scan the insert.

Furthermore, so-called "smart chips", which are also known as "Security tokens" are used. These smart chips have integrated, battery-free electronic Components that act as transponders (responders) of a radio frequency identification system (radio frequency identification (RFID) system), on which radio signals (e.g. under the Table-top) transceiver respond and for the Play value of the token specific signals to the transceiver To transfer.

The RFID principle is as follows: there is an inductive data transmission system for a mutual signal transfer between a transceiver station (S / R station) and an or several batteryless transponders. Communication between the S / R station and a transponder is done by inductive Antennas. From the S / R station are data and energy sent to the transponder, whereupon the transponder essentially Data transmitted to S / R station only.

The transponder contains an antenna circuit that consists of a or several coils for wireless inductive signal transfer is trained. The coil is connected to a chip, which all necessary equipment for reception, for transmission and for sending a signal from or to the S / R station contains; the chip also contains a memory data memory.

The S / R station contains an oscillator and is capable of high-frequency Signals for the simultaneous transmission of energy, time pulses and generate information to the transponder. The S / R station also contains a demodulator and modulator, a control unit and interfaces.

Using the RFID system on casino chips with transponders (hereinafter also referred to as transpoder token) contains the S / R station is an electronic read / write unit and is with several coils wired as inductive antennas for signal transfer to and from the transponder chips, each box (including their insurance line) the gaming table one such an inductive antenna (loop antenna) for the communication of the S / R station with the transponder tokens on the box assigned.

The game value of the token is in the memory of its chip fixed.

The read / write unit maintains a special anti-collision algorithm, which enables that within the antenna field of the read / write unit of the S / R station located different Let smartchips work and differentiate at the same time.

All smart chips are located within the antenna field of the S / R station parallel to the table and must be stacked on top of each other.

The read / write unit selects and identifies those in the Electronic unit containing token.

The data registered in the read / write unit of the S / R station can be connected to an interface via an interface Transfer host computer.

There is a stake detector one of those described above Functions not available, the game bet from Dealer determined as before and, in the sense of electronically oriented Overall function of the game system, using a data input device can be entered into the computer and evaluation system.

The following explanations concern all of the Play structure according to the invention.

That of every functional technical unit - among other things the playing card value recognition device of the card carriage 1, the gaming device's token and playing card detection devices and the game insert detector (camera or scanner; RFID system) or the manually operated input device for the values of the stakes - recorded data are one as output signals to forward central computer directly or indirectly. This The output signals can optionally be forwarded via a cable connection or wirelessly, for example by radio data transmission. So represented the device 18 shown in Fig. 1 either a cable connection or a transmitter for the forwarding of the CCD imager signals coming.

The central computer has the task of all of the routed to it Evaluate the data in accordance with the IT program, the game manager, if desired, on a screen or the like display and generally save for later retrieval. Indeed In "black jack" game, the dealer should value the value of his second card face down is not shown until it is turned over and remain unknown, so far none new source for any improper influence by the dealer in favor of certain players.

The game data obtained can also be used for acoustic or use optical display, for example, the game master a game error has occurred, such as the card issue in the intended sequence has occurred, or if the card sled to be loaded with the next set of playing cards. Further can the saved game data to evaluate the Game master, the player, of individual days or parts of a day, for statistical purposes, for networking all gaming tables one or more casinos or, in the case of games other than "Black Jack", for cumulative jackpot systems of one or more Pull up the gaming tables.

However, a game system according to the invention is not in the Able to automatically check whether the game master Has paid out player winnings in the correct amount. Under the Aspect of the profit or loss statement between the game master and the casino, which can now be determined on the basis of the computer program Daily balance can take place, but this does not play a decisive role Role.

Reference list

1

Card sledge

2nd

Card issue

3rd

Playing card

3 '

Playing card (while drawing)

4th

CCD imager

5

Pulse light source

6

Deflection prism

7

Sensor (card sled)

8th

Sensor (card sled)

9

Weird

10th

Wedge

11

window

12th

Mirror plane (prism)

13

Window level (prism)

14

Exit plane (prism)

15

lens

16

Light path

17th

Red light filter

18th

Connection / transmitter

31

Card value imprint

32

Color characters

33

Cross border (playing card)

41

Chip

51

Play towel

52

Sensor, photodiode (gaming table)

53

box

54

Insurance line

55

Storage space (cards of the player)

56

Storage space (cards from the dealer)

57

Signal button

Claims (14)

1. Gaming equipment suitable for professional use with games of chance using playing cards and gaming chips (jettons), in particular for the game of "Black Jack", comprising

   a gaming table with gaming table cloth (layout), and, designated on this cloth, betting boxes and possibly further areas for placement of jettons, and areas for placement of the playing cards

   and a card shoe to store a stack of playing cards, whereby the card shoe has the function of a card dispenser for drawing out the playing cards face down (picture side down),
   characterized in that in order to automatically register, evaluate, display and store the results and data of the run of the game,

   the card shoe (1) is equipped with a card value recognition device to register the card value imprint (31) of the drawn card (3'), whereby the card value imprint (31) of all cards (3) is located at a fixed pre-defined position on each card,

   the gaming table under its table cloth (51) has occupation detector units consisting of a multiple number of single detectors, whereby the occupation detector units are provided to register the number of the jettons (41) and playing cards (3) placed directly on the table cloth (51) at the respective gaming table areas (53, 54; 55, 56), and whereby such an occupation detector unit is allocated to each box (33), to each area (54) for the placement of jettons (41), and to each area (55, 56) for the placement of playing cards (3),

   a gaming bet detector is provided acting as an automatic recognition unit to register the gaming bets, or, alternatively, is provided a device for the manual input of the gaming bets,

   there are provided a computer and an EDP program created according to the gaming rules, designated to evaluate the signals transmitted to the computer from the card value recognition device, from the occupation detector units, from the gaming bet recognition unit or the manual gaming bet input device, respectively, and, possibly, from further signal transmitters (57),

   and a monitoring device is provided, preferably a display unit, to display the evaluated data related to the run of the game coming from the computer.
2. Gaming equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that the card shoe (1) comprises:

   an optical window (11) placed in the movement track of a card image imprint (31) of the drawn card (3'),

   an optical device to depict in a CCD-image converter (4) that part of the picture side of the card (3'), which is positioned over the window (11), whereby the optical device includes a deviating device to transmit the reflected image of the card imprint value (31) over an optical path into the CCD-image converter, a red light filter (17) situated in the light path (16) from the deviating device to the image converter (4), and an impulse light source (5) to illuminate that part of the card (3') which is over the window (11),

   and a sensor device to determine the movement of the drawn card (3'), to switch the measuring device (5, 4) of the card value recognition device into standby for measuring, and to determine the correct timing for activation of the impulse light source (5) at that moment when the card value imprint (31) of the drawn card (3') is exactly over the window (11).
3. Gaming equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that as the deviating device to depict in the CCD-image converter (4) that part of the picture side of the card (3') which is positioned over the window (11), there is provided a deviating optical prism (6) positioned below the window (11), whereby the one plane (13) of the prism (6) forming the right angle covers the window (11), the other plane (14) forming the right angle faces the CCD-image converter (4), and that the impulse light source (5) is arranged behind a mirror plane (12), the mirror plane being the prism plane opposite the right angle,
   to illuminate through the prism (6) that part of the picture side of the card (3') which is positioned over the window (11).
4. Gaming equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that as the deviating device to depict in the CCD-image converter (4) that part of the picture side of the card (3') which is positioned over the window (11), a mirror is provided, whereby the impulse light source (5) is arranged in front of the mirror.
5. Gaming equipment according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the sensor device of the card shoe (1) has a single sensor having the function, by way of sensing the front edge (33) of the card (3') first, to determine that the card (3) is being drawn and to activate the measuring device and then to light up the impulse light source (5) at the moment when the back edge of the card is going past.
6. Gaming equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that the sensor of the card shoe (1) is either a pressure sensor or a photoelectric detector.
7. Gaming equipment according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the sensor device of the card shoe (1) includes two optoelectronic sensors (7, 8), whereby the one sensor (7) is located outside of the movement track of the card value imprint (31) to be recognized and serves as a movement sensor to activate the measuring device, and the other sensor (8) is situated in the movement track of the card value imprint (31) behind the window (11) and activates the impulse light source (5) by sensing a color trigger (printed or colorless area) at that moment when the card value imprint (31) is passing over the window (11).
8. Gaming equipment according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized by a xenon lamp used as the impulse light source (5) of the card shoe (1).
9. Gaming equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that the single detectors of the occupation detector units of the gaming table are light-sensitive sensors (52) to register the light coming through the table cloth (51) depending on the arrangement of the jettons (41) and the playing cards (3) over the sensors (52).
10. Gaming equipment according to claim 9, characterized by IR-light-sensitive photodiodes, in particular silicium diodes, as the light-sensitive sensors of an occupation detector unit of the gaming table.
11. Gaming equipment according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by a geometrical arrangement of the sensors (52) of a betting occupation detector unit, so that each object (jetton, playing card) which is placed on the table cloth (51) in accordance with the gaming rules, will cover at least two sensors (52).
12. Gaming equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that the gaming bet detector for automatic recognition of the bet being placed either as a single jetton (41) or as a stack of jettons (41) - whereby the jettons (41) used have different colors in accordance with their gaming value and may, optionally, have colored markings around their edge, whereby the colored markings may also be representative of the value of the jetton - is a scanner which can discriminate the color and the number of jettons of same color.
13. Gaming equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that as the gaming bet detector for automatic detection and registration of the bet placed in form of jettons, a radio frequency identification (RFID) system is used, and for that purpose there is provided a transmitting and receiving station (S/R station) and jettons with integrated transponder, whereby S/R station and transponder interact in such a way that as a response to the high frequency signals of the S/R station the transponder transmits back to the S/R station data which is characteristic of the value of the jetton and will be evaluated in the S/R station.
14. Gaming equipment according to Claim 1, wherein the card shoe is according to any one of claims 2 to 8, the gaming table is according to any one of claims 9 to 11, and the gaming bet detector is according to either claim 12 or 13, characterised in that the functional units of the equipment are connected by way of cable connection, or wireless by radio data transmission and reception devices, to the computer which collects, evaluates, stores and displays the data.

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