JP2016093458A - Table game system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of preventing a card package from being lost or replaced while a casino using a package of a large number of cards is operated.SOLUTION: A table game system includes a card chute device S including a card storage part 102 for storing a plurality of playing cards 1, and a management control device 7 for managing a package 2. The card storage part of the card chute device is equipped with an ID code reader capable of reading an ID code 4 attached to the package. The ID code reader is capable of reading the ID code attached to the package in a state that the package is set in the card storage part of the card chute device. The management control device is connected to the card chute device, and checks if the ID code of the package read to be used next has reached a game table in a proper manner and it has arrived at a proper timing or during a proper period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a table game system for preventing loss or replacement of card packages while operating a casino that uses a large number of card packages in a casino or other card game facility that uses a card game table.

  Among the many live table games played in casinos and gaming facilities are baccarat and blackjack. These games use a standard deck of 52 playing cards and are usually distributed from card shooter devices with multiple decks (6 to 9 or 10 decks) shuffled before play begins. When a casino operator (hereinafter referred to as a “dealer”) distributes playing cards to a game table for use in such a game, the outcome of the game is determined by the arrangement of multiple deck cards from the card shooter device (winner or winner). ). Before the casino uses these packages for these purposes, a predetermined number of decks of game cards are shuffled in random order and individually packaged in one package.

Card shortage or exchange should not happen in the casino because when someone reads the sequence of cards in the package and returns the package to the casino, someone will play the game when the dealer uses the read package It is because the result of this can be predicted.
To ensure a fair game by preventing shortage and exchange of shuffle game card packages at the casino, the casino manages the shuffle game card packages to ensure that the games at the table are played properly (i.e., shuffle). No exchange of game card packages or other inadvertent or illegal acts). Shuffle game card packages are known and disclosed in US Pat. No. 2010/0327525.

US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0327525

  The present invention provides for real-time monitoring of the casino shuffle game card package, and the casino will immediately respond when something unpredictable happens by managing all of the casino shuffle game card packages. The game can be canceled. This management is important because once the shuffled playing cards on the table have been lost in the casino, someone may know the order.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and by managing all packages of shuffle game cards in the casino, the casino can stop any suspicious shuffle game card packages in the casino. It is for providing the table game system for doing.
When a casino operator distributes a playing card package used for a game to a game table, the package should not be lost or replaced. For example, if a card or an entire package of cards is being read or exchanged by someone in advance while carrying the package on the game table, the exchanged or read package is carried. The person may win the game at the open table.

In order to solve the above conventional problems, the present invention provides:
A package in which a deck of a predetermined number of playing cards is shuffled in random order, individually wrapped, and individually attached with a unique ID code;
A card shooter device including a card accommodating portion for accommodating a plurality of playing cards;
A management control device for managing the package;
A table game system composed of
The card housing portion of the card shooter device includes an ID code reader that can read the ID code attached to the package,
The ID code reader can read an ID code attached to the package in a state where the package is set in a card accommodating portion of the card shooter device,
The management control device is connected to the card shooter device, and the ID code of the package read for next use is properly delivered to the game table, or has arrived at an appropriate timing or period There is provided a table game system, which is inspected by the management control device to determine whether it is.

  In the table game system according to the present invention, the card housing portion of the card shooter device may include an opening for pulling out cards one by one in front of the card housing portion, and the ID code reader behind the card housing portion. .

    In the table game system according to the present invention, the card shooter device further includes an output unit, and the output unit warns of the existence of a suspicious package based on a result of an inspection by the management control device in order to prevent use of the suspicious package. You may be able to.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package and a card shooter device used in a card shooter device of a table game system according to an embodiment of the present invention.   FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the entire table game system according to the embodiment of the present invention.   FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing that one shuffled playing card according to the embodiment of the present invention is carried from the factory to the backyard and casino table pits in a package, a carton, or a pallet. is there.   FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a storage box according to an embodiment of the present invention, which stores a plurality of packages and includes a barcode reader.   FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an outline of the entire table game system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.   FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a shuffle playing card used in the table game system according to the embodiment of the present invention.   FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the card shooter device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.   FIG. 8 is a plan view of the card according to the embodiment of the present invention.   FIG. 9 is an enlarged plan view of a main part in a state in which the card guide of the card shooter device is partially broken.   FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the output waveform of the sensors and the mark in the card shooter device.   FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional side view of a principal part showing a card entry / exit restriction part for restricting card entry / exit from the card storage part of the card shooter device, and FIG. 11 (b) is a modified example of the card entry / exit restriction means. FIG.   FIG. 12 is a plan view of a card according to the third embodiment of the present invention.   FIG. 13 is an enlarged plan view of a main part in a state in which the card guide of the card shooter device according to the third embodiment of the present invention is partially broken.

  DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

  An embodiment of the table game system will be described below. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a card shooter device S used in a shuffle playing card package and a table game at a casino. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the entire table game system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Each shuffle playing card 1s is composed of a predetermined number of decks (usually 6, 8, 9 or 10 decks), is shuffled in a random order, is arranged in a unique and random order, and can be uniquely identified. The code 3 or the RFID tag) is packaged so as to be the package 2 attached as the ID code 4 at the factory 5. In this embodiment, the barcode reader R of the card shooter device S or other RFID tag reading means (not shown) reads the barcode 3 (which may be a two-dimensional code such as a QR code), an RFID tag, or the like. The ID code 4 is attached to the package 2 in the form of The package 2 is sealed with a sealing material or shrink wrapping material at the factory 5 (see FIG. 2).

  The management system 7 in the casino 6 is used to manage whether the packages 2 are lost or more than the number accepted in the backyard 8 of the casino 6. If package 2 is lost or missing, it is possible for someone to break package 2 and read the order of the cards in package 2, or mix their own cards, or go around to win the game The several cards in the package 2 are exchanged so that the incoming cards are arranged in advance, and the package used at the game table is returned to the casino pit or table. In order to solve the above problems, the management system 7 provides management or monitoring of all shuffled playing card packages 2 in the casino 6.

  The package 2 with the barcode 3 as a unique ID code is supplied to the backyard 8 of the casino 6. All ID codes 4 of the package 2 carried to the backyard 8 are registered in the database 7b (memory or the like) of the management system 7 (as a registration step for registering all ID codes 4 in the database). At this stage, all ID codes 4 (barcode 3 (which may be a two-dimensional code such as QR code)) of the package 2 carried to the backyard 8 are registered to create a basic database. . In order to register all ID codes of the package 2 supplied to the casino 6, data from the factory or carton ID 30 or pallet ID 40 may be used instead of reading all the barcodes 3 of the package. In the practice of the present invention, a camera 12 or RFID tag reader (not shown) may be used in place of the barcode reader R to register or read the ID code 4. The packages may be transported from a factory or the like in a carton CA containing 18 packages of shuffled playing cards 1s (see FIG. 3) (some cartons CA may be placed on the pallet PA). The carton ID 30 or the pallet ID 40 may be used to register the ID code of the package 2 carried from the factory 5 to the backyard 8.

  The package 2 with the barcode 3 is stored in the carton CA while being transported to the casino 6, and the carton CA is placed on the pallet PA and stored in the backyard 8 (see FIG. 3). A unique carton ID 30 is assigned to each carton CA, and a unique pallet ID 40 is assigned to each pallet PA. The carton ID 30 is registered in advance in the database 7b of the management system 7 in association with the ID code of the package stored in the carton CA. The pallet ID 40 is registered in advance in the database 7b of the management system 7 in association with the carton ID 30 on the corresponding pallet PA stored in the carton CA and the ID code of the package 2. All ID codes of the package 2 are associated with the carton ID 30 and the pallet ID 40 in which the package 2 is stored.

  The package 2 is carried from the backyard 8 to the pit 10 and from the pit 10 to the game table 11 on which a game is played by a plurality of cars 9, 9c. All packages 2 in the casino 6 are monitored by reading the ID codes of all packages on the shuffled playing card at a predetermined location by the camera 12 or the barcode reader R. Because the surveillance camera 12 can read all the barcodes 3 (as ID codes) of all the packages 2 having shuffled playing cards in the casino 6 at the pit 10 and the game table 11 from the backyard 8 Arranged or equipped.

  In this implementation, a plurality of AGVs (automatic transport vehicles) carry a package 2 of shuffle playing cards 1 s used for a game from the backyard 8 to the pit 10 as the car 9. A plurality of packages 2 (at least 16 packages) are stored in each pit 10 and carried to the game table 11 by another vehicle 9c. The AGV (car 9) is transported through a programmed path 13 in the casino 6 when carrying a plurality of packages 2 from the backyard 8 to each pit 10. At that time, the vehicle 9 holding the package 2 is monitored by the management system 7 by using the camera 12 or the like at a predetermined place on the path 13 in the casino 6.

  The management system 7 is realized by computer equipment (as a management control apparatus having the following functions), and the functions of the method and process are realized by installing a program executed by a computer processor in the computer. The management system 7 performs management as follows.

1) A registration step of registering all ID codes 4 of the package 2 carried to the backyard 8 in the database 7b. Instead of reading all the barcodes 3 of the package 2 to register all the ID codes 4 of the package 2 supplied to the casino 6 or reading the ID code 4 by a camera 12 or RFID tag reader (not shown) In addition, data from the factory, carton ID 30 or pallet ID 40 can be used. Instead of the barcode reader R, a two-dimensional code reader such as a QR code reader can be used in the practice of the present invention.
2) The package 2 carried to the pit 10 by obtaining each ID code 4 of the package 2 of all the shuffle game cards existing in the pit 10 with an ID code reader R (a camera 12 or other reading device can be used). The management step of monitoring all ID codes 4 of the package 2 in which all the shuffle game cards are present in the pit 10.

  In the management step at the pit 10, it is inspected whether all the ID codes 4 of the package 2 have entered the backyard 8 in advance and are registered in the database 7b. An image obtained by the monitoring camera 12 is sent to the management system 7 by a transmission device (wired or wirelessly), analyzed by the management system 7, and monitored by all the ID codes of all the packages 2 of the image and the monitoring camera 12. The ID code read or read by the barcode reader R is confirmed as evidence that the pit 10 actually exists. An image is obtained by the monitoring camera 12 and transmitted at a predetermined timing (for example, every 5 minutes or every hour). In each pit 10, the management system 7 registers all ID codes 4 of all existing packages 2 obtained by the monitoring camera 12 or read by the barcode reader R, with the registered registration of the package 2 in the database 7b. The ID code 4 is matched at a predetermined timing (for example, every 5 minutes or every hour). The registration ID code 4 of the package 2 in the database 7b was (or was) basic data that was considered to have existed in the casino 6 as being carried (or assumed to have been carried) to the backyard 8.

  The ID code 4 of the package 2 at the pit 10 is checked every time when each package 2 reaches the pit 10 and when it leaves the pit 10 for monitoring. Whether or not the package 2 in the pit 10 is in the pit 10 is also monitored by the management system 7 at a predetermined timing (for example, every 1 minute, every 5 minutes, every hour, or longer). A storage box can be used to store a plurality of packages 2 of shuffled game cards and monitor the ID code 4 affixed to the package at the pit 10.

  Package 2 in pit 10 is transported to game table 11 by car 9c and placed on the game table for use in games (eg, baccarat games). When the shuffle playing card 1s is used in the game on the game table 11, the package 2 is unwrapped so that the shuffle playing card 1s can be pulled out one by one from the card shooter device S (see FIG. 1). It is installed in the card shooter device S. During the game, the dealer D pulls the card 1 from the card shooter device S and distributes it to the game table 11.

  When the package 2 is used on the game table 11, in order to authenticate the ID code of the package 2 used in each playing table 11, a part of the package 2 is removed and the package 2 is stored in the card shooter device S. The ID code 4 of the package 2 is read from the bar code reader R provided in the card accommodation unit 102 in the state set in the unit 102. When the registered ID code 4 of the package 2 in the database is deleted from the database 7b or when the package 2 is selected for use in the next game on the playing table 11 and is read by the barcode reader R Each game table 11 is authenticated and registered as being used. The ID code 4 of the package 2 read for use next time is determined by the management control device 7 to determine whether the package 2 should be in the game table 11 or at least one of the following. Whether it arrived at the timing, whether it is a non-genuine suspicious package 2, or should be on the game table 11, or a regular timing or duration (not the original expected time) It is inspected for anything that arrived at.

1) Whether it was transported via a predetermined delivery route 13 2) Whether it was unknown until now 3) Whether it was not registered 4) In the pit 10 beyond a predetermined period Whether it was unused 5) Carried from an unexpected pit 10 or not via any pit 10 6) Whether it was used at any game table 11 in the past

  The inspection result of the ID code 4 of the package 2 can be reported to the card shooter S about the existence of the suspicious package 2 so that the suspicious package 2 is not used by the management control device 7. The card shooter device S may be provided with an alarm or notification output means for the inspection result of the ID code 4 of the package 2 so as not to use the suspicious package 2 or stop further use of the package 2. The management step further determines whether all of the registered ID codes 4 of the package 2 in the database 7b have been erased or authenticated for use in any game table 11 during a certain period (for a certain period ( There may be a step of managing whether or not there is a package 2 that is not used in the game table in a week or month). The ID code reader is configured to send the ID code of the package 2 to the management control device 7 for identifying the ID code of the package 2 to be used next, and the card shooter device S issues a command from the management control device 7. receive.

  A storage box 50 for storing a plurality of packages 2 of shuffle game cards used in the table game system of the present invention can be used according to the modification of the present invention. Whether the package 2 in the pit 10 is in the pit 10 at a predetermined timing (for example, every 1 minute, every 5 minutes, every hour or more) is monitored by the management system 7 using the storage box 50. Good. In the storage box 50 (see FIG. 4), a reader 51 for reading the ID code of the shuffle game card package 2 may be disposed on the cover 52 inside the storage box. The reader 51 of the storage box 50 may be a barcode reader R or a monitoring camera 12 (or an RFID tag reader or a QR code reader (not shown) may be used in place of the barcode reader R). The reader 51 is installed so as to be able to scan in the X direction and the Y direction in order to read all ID codes of the package 2 by scanning means 53 and 54 (see FIG. 4) installed in the cover 52. A transmission means 55 is also provided for transmitting information obtained by the reader 51 to the outside of the storage box 50 (to the management control device 7 or the like). The storage box 50 has a locking means 56 for preventing the package 2 from being taken out from the storage box 50 by opening the cover 52. The lock means 56 is unlocked (the cover 52 is opened) only while an authorized person at the casino 6 takes the package 2 out of the storage box 50. Only those who have authority in the casino 6 can operate the locking means 56.

  The storage box 50 includes a lock unit 56 that prevents the cover 52 from being opened, and the lock unit 56 may also include a notification unit or a warning unit (which may be wireless) for notifying that the cover 52 is open. When a notification is received that the cover 52 has been opened (or from time to time), an image of the storage box is taken by the nearest monitoring camera 12 in order to record the removal of the package 2 from the storage box 50 by an authorized person or another person. May be. By recording these actions (images with the storage box opened), the package 2 is removed from the storage box 50 only while the locking means 56 is unlocked (the cover 52 is open) by an authorized person. You can see the fact that you can move in and out. By monitoring these images, the existence of all the packages 2 in the storage box 56 can be confirmed.

  A large number of AGVs (automatic transport vehicles) in this embodiment may be used as the car 9 to carry the package 2 of the shuffled playing card 1s for the game from the backyard 8 to the pit 10 using the storage box 50. A plurality of packages 2 (at least 18 packages) may be stored in the storage box 50 in each pit 10. The ID code of the package 2 obtained by the reader 51 in the storage box 50 is evidence that the package 2 is in the pit 10.

  The management system 7 determines all the ID codes 4 of all existing packages 2 obtained by the reader 51 in each pit 10 and the registered ID codes 4 of the packages 2 in the database 7b at a predetermined timing (5 minutes). Check every other hour or every hour. The registration ID code 4 of the package 2 in the database 7b was (that was) the basic data that was considered to have been present in the casino 6 as being carried (possibly) to the backyard 8. By comparing all ID codes 4 of all existing packages 2 obtained by the reader 51 in each pit 10 with the registered ID codes 4 of the packages 2 in the database 7b, all packages 2 existing in the pit 10 are identified. Is monitored at a fixed timing (every 5 minutes or less or more). The management system 7 can check whether there is a surplus package 2 that is considered missing or not present in the pit 10. The management system 7 may report the result of the above management (the results of these comparisons) to the management department of the casino 6.

  The ID code 4 is monitored and captured by comparing all ID codes with those that have been carried to the backyard 8 as new packages, so that the registered ID code of the shuffled playing card package 2 is used as a card used after the game is over. It can be confirmed whether everything has been deleted during an appropriate timing (for example, when the backyard 8 is reached). If one of the package IDs is certified not deleted or used, this means that the casino has inadequate or suspicious inventory in the casino.

You may analyze the image obtained with the surveillance camera 12 with the management system 7 as follows.
1) Recognize all bar codes 3 related to ID codes of all packages 2 in the image.
2) The barcode 3 identified by the barcode reading program is read as an ID code.
3) Each ID code is registered together with its read location as evidence that exists at a predetermined timing, such as every 5 minutes or every hour.
4) All ID codes of all existing packages 2 obtained by the monitoring camera 12 are collated with the registered ID codes of the package 2 in the database in the database 7b.
5) In the database, it is calculated whether all registered ID codes of the package 2 which are considered to exist in the casino 6 after being carried to the backyard 8 exist or whether the ID code of the package is left over.
6) The management system 7 may report the management result to the management department of the casino 6.

  Calculated ID code = All ID codes of the package 2 registered in the backyard 8 (lowered)-(minus) including the ID codes that have been deleted or certified as used Alternatively, all ID codes of the package 2 obtained by the barcode reader R. These calculations are performed at all locations (the backyard 8, the pit 10 of the game table 11, the game table 11, and everything on the car 9 at each location). The ID code, the number of packages lost after being confirmed, and the location where the missing package existed (the last location where it was confirmed) are reported. The lost or surplus ID code or the number of other monitoring results may be displayed on the monitor display 60 in the management department or the like.

  In these steps of managing the package 2 of the shuffled playing card, each ID code of the package 2 on the delivery route 13 and all the vehicles 9 carrying the package 2 from the backyard 8 may be monitored by the camera 12, and Nine locations are determined by sensors (not shown) and controlled by an automated guided vehicle system known as AGV system technology.

  The management system 7 is programmed to monitor each ID code of the actual package and each individual ID from all the actual ID codes present and the information acquired and analyzed by the camera 12 and the management system 7. By calculating and registering the code at every location based on the location at each location, comparing the registration ID of each location obtained by the surveillance camera with each location of the game table 11 Recognize elsewhere.

  This method manages the number of all existing packages 2 of shuffled playing cards in the backyard 8 and the pits 10 and game tables 11 of all play tables, and all the actual ID codes on each car 9 By comparing the information of all ID codes of the packages obtained when these packages are transported to the backyard 8, it is determined whether the packages on the carrier 9 are lost during the transporting step. A management step is further provided.

  This management step is very important for the safe operation of the casino. By comparing all the actual ID codes present with the ID code information of all packages obtained when the package is carried to the backyard 8 (or all the pits 10 or the game table 11 of the playing table), By recognizing whether there are missing packages or additional packages at all locations, all actual packages 2 of the shuffled playing cards at the backyard 8 or all the pits 10 or the game table 11 of the playing table This ensures that all packages in the casino are controlled.

  Another embodiment of the table game system of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an outline of the entire table game system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a shuffle playing card used in the table game system. The shuffle playing card set 1s is packaged in the table game system according to the present embodiment. When the shuffle playing card set 1s is used in a game, the cards 1 of the shuffle playing card set 1s can be drawn one by one. After the packaging is removed, the card shooter device S is mounted. During the game, dealer D pulls card 1 from card shooter device S and places it on the game table. Cards 1 of each shuffled playing card set 1s are made with a predetermined number of decks (usually 6, 8, 9, or 10 decks), shuffled so as to be arranged in an individual random order, and a barcode 3 as an ID code 4 It is packaged as a package 2 with (RFID or RF-tag can be used instead).

  In the assembled state, the packing box 4 of the shuffle playing card set 1s has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and wraps the shuffle playing card set 1s as shown in FIG. The package 2 has zippers 105 at two predetermined intervals, and has zipper-shaped cut lines arranged in parallel with each other in the longitudinal direction of the rectangular parallelepiped, and is located at the center position determined by the zipper arranged at two locations. There is a central band 106. With this configuration, by removing the two zippers 105 along the cut line, the left and right surfaces of the package 2 are removed, and the side surface of the shuffled playing card set 1s can be exposed (see FIG. 5).

  The cut card 1c is inserted before the shuffle playing card set 1s is set in the card shooter device S. The cut card 1c is inserted into the latter half of the shuffled playing card set 1s (the remainder is about one fourth or one fifth) when used in a game. In the cut card 1c, the rank of each card 1 distributed during the game is counted by a player or the like, and the card 1 is used as a card shooter device to prevent the rank from being predicted when the number of cards that have not yet been drawn is low. Used to end the game on the game table with about 20 to 40 left in S. Normally, when the cut card 1s is drawn during the game, the use of the currently used shuffle playing card set 1s is stopped after the game or after a few games, and the game ends. The shuffle playing card set 1s in the card shooter device S is replaced with a new set, and a new game is started.

  In FIG. 8, the card shooter device S of the table game system in the second embodiment includes a lid 102f that enables insertion and withdrawal of the shuffled playing card set 1s. The card shooter device S includes a card guide unit 107 that guides the cards 1 that are manually pulled out one by one from the card storage unit 102 toward the game table, and the card 1 from the card storage unit 102 by a casino dealer D or the like. A card reading unit 108 that reads the code C representing the number (number, rank) of the card 1 from the card 1 when the card is manually pulled out, and a card based on the number (rank) of the cards 1 that are sequentially read by the code reading unit 108 A winning / losing determining unit 110 that determines whether the game is won or lost, and an output unit 111 that outputs a determination result of the winning / losing determining unit 110 are included.

  FIG. 8 shows the cards 1 constituting the shuffle playing card set 1s. On each card 1 used in a table game such as a baccarat, numbers are coded and printed with UV ink or the like as a mark M that is normally invisible. A code C composed of marks M is provided point-symmetrically on the upper side and the lower side of the card 1. The code C is preferably printed with a paint that is visualized by receiving ultraviolet light, and is printed at a position that does not overlap with the card type notation or index.

  Next, details of the code reading unit 108 that reads the code C representing the number (number, rank) of the card 1 from the card 1 when the card 1 is manually pulled out from the card accommodation unit 102 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a plan view of an essential part of the card shooter device S. In FIG. 9, the code reading unit 108 is provided in a card guide unit 107 that guides the cards 1 that are manually taken out one by one from the opening 113 in the front of the card storage unit 102 onto the game table 106. The card guide portion 107 is an inclined surface, and a card guide cover 114 that also serves as a sensor cover is attached to the edge portions on both sides. Each of the two card guide covers 114 can be attached and detached with screws or the like (not shown). When the card guide 114 is removed, the sensor group 115 of the code reading unit 108 is exposed. The sensor group 115 includes four sensors, and includes two ultraviolet reaction sensors (UV sensors) 120 and 121 and object detection sensors 122 and 123.

  The object detection sensors 122 and 123 are optical fiber sensors that detect the presence or absence of the card 1 and can detect the movement of the card 1. The object detection sensor 122 is located on the upstream side of the card guide unit 107 along the flow direction (arrow D) of the card 1, and the other object detection sensor 123 is located on the downstream side. As shown in FIG. 9, both object detection sensors 122 and 123 are provided on the upstream side and the downstream side with the UV sensors 120 and 121 interposed therebetween. The UV sensors 120 and 121 include LEDs that emit ultraviolet rays (ultraviolet LEDs) and detectors. The card 1 is printed with a mark M of a code C with ultraviolet light emitting ink that develops color when exposed to ultraviolet light. The card 1 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays (black light), and the reflected light of the mark M of the code C of the card 1 is detected by a detector. The UV sensors 120 and 121 are connected to the control device 112 of the code reading unit 108 via a cable. In the code reading unit 108, the combination of the marks M is determined from the output signals of the detectors of the UV sensors 120 and 121, and the number (rank) corresponding to each code C is determined.

  The code reading unit 108 is controlled by the control device 112 to start and end reading of the UV sensors 120 and 121 based on detection signals of the object detection sensors 122 and 123. The control device 112 also determines whether or not the card 1 has normally passed through the card guide unit 107 based on detection signals from the object detection sensors 122 and 123. As shown in FIG. 8, square marks M representing the rank (number) and soot (heart, spade, etc.) of the card are arranged in two columns and four rows on the edge of the card 1. When detecting the mark M, the UV sensors 120 and 121 output an ON signal. The code reading unit 8 determines the relative relationship between both signals input from the two UV sensors 120 and 121. Accordingly, the code reading unit 108 identifies the code based on the relative difference between the two marks M detected by the two UV sensors 120 and 121, and the number (rank) and type (suit) of the corresponding card 1. Identify

  The relationship between the code C and the output of the ON signals of the two UV sensors 120 and 121 is shown in FIG. A predetermined combination of the marks M can be identified based on the comparison result of the relative change in the ON signal output of the UV sensors 120 and 121. As a result, when four types of combinations of the upper and lower two rows of marks M are printed, and four of these are printed, 256 types of codes can be configured with the fourth power of the four types. 52 kinds of playing cards are assigned to any of 256 kinds of codes, and these are stored in a memory or a program as a comparison table. The code reading unit 108 is configured to identify each code C, thereby identifying the number (rank) and type (suit) of the card 1 from a predetermined comparison table (not shown). In addition, since 256 codes can be stored in a comparison table in association with 52 cards in any combination, the combination can be complicated, and combinations of 256 codes and 52 cards depending on time and place. Can be changed. The code is preferably printed with a paint that is visualized by receiving ultraviolet light, and is printed at a position that does not overlap with the card type notation or the index 102.

  Next, the configuration of the control device 112 will be described. The control device 112 is realized by a computer device and includes, for example, a processing function (win / loss determination unit 110) that automatically determines whether a game has been won or lost. This processing function (in the control device 112) is realized by incorporating a win / loss determination program into the computer, and this program is executed by the processor of the computer. Further, the control device 112 reads the shuffle card ID from the barcode 3 (which may be a two-dimensional code such as a QR code) by the barcode reader R, uniquely identifies the shuffle playing card set 1s, and shuffles it into the reading memory 112M. Save the card ID. The control device 112 reads the barcode 3 with the barcode reader 100 and stores a shuffle card ID that can be uniquely identified. Then, the control device 112 identifies the shuffle playing card set 1s currently used in the game, and stores them in association with the shuffle card ID. The control device 112 registers each subsequent characteristic event that occurs while the shuffle playing card set 1s identified by the shuffle card ID is used in the game table in the memory 112M in association with the occurrence time. To. Further, the number of the target card in which the related event has occurred in the shuffle playing card set 1s currently set in the card shooter device S, or the event related to such a shuffle playing card in each game (individual game) The number of the target game in which the winner (player or bunker) is determined and the next game starts after the betting chips are determined is stored.

Specific events to be registered regarding the shuffle card ID include at least one of the following.
(1) Card reading error in the code reading unit 108 of the identified shuffled playing card set (2) Operation of the end button 53 for ending use of the shuffled playing card set 1s currently set in the card shooter device S, or End of the game by drawing the cut card 1c from the shuffled playing card set 1s currently set in the card shooter device S. (3) Trying to draw a card when the card game rules do not allow the card to be drawn (4 ) Trying to move or insert a card in the direction opposite to the direction in which the opening 113 is pulled out (5) Occurrence of a predetermined non-regular operation determined by the card shooter device S to be non-regular

The reading error in the above (1) is caused by the code reading unit 108 that reads the two marks M on the card 1, the code that is not a predetermined code or the number (rank) and type (suit) of the card 1 corresponding to the read code. ) To fail to identify the card based on the correspondence table. For (2) above, the end button 53 is pressed to end the use of the set 1s of the shuffled playing cards currently set in the card shooter device S.
By this operation, the end of the game is registered in the card shooter device S. Also, if the cut card 1c from the shuffle playing card set 1s currently set in the card shooter device S is pulled out, the game ends after the next game or a few games, and the remaining cards in the shuffle playing card set 1s. Is no longer used. An attempt to draw a card when it should not be drawn according to the card game rules described in (3) above will be described later. Attempting to insert a card in the direction opposite to the direction in which the opening 113 is drawn, as described in (4) above, is illegal such as inserting a card that moves in the opposite direction to the movement of the card 1 in the appropriate state (arrow D). Is detected by the object detection sensors 122 and 123, and it is assumed that the object detection sensors 122 and 123 detect the movement of the card 1 in the direction opposite to the arrow D. The occurrence of the predetermined operation determined to be irregular by the card shooter device S described in (5) above is, for example, a situation in which the card 1 remains in the object detection sensors 122 and 123 for a longer period of time than the predetermined period. Such an irregular situation is input and stored in the memory 112M in advance as a program.

  The memory 112M stores that a security item related to an appropriate shuffle card ID read by the bar code 3 has occurred, and stores the generation time of the security item when storing the security item. For this purpose, the memory 112M includes a clock 112t. Also provided is an external transmission device 300 that informs the outside that a security item related to the shuffle card ID has occurred. The occurrence of the security item related to the appropriate shuffle card ID and the notification of the occurrence time are transmitted to the management department or the casino pit via the external transmission device 300. The casino administration department stores and registers in the database 400 transmission items related to such related shuffle card IDs. The dealer D or the like is also informed by the display formed by the lamp 151 and the liquid crystal display device 152 about the occurrence of the security item.

  Next, a modification in which the input unit 200 is provided instead of the barcode reader R that can identify the shuffled card ID will be described. Instead of reading the bar code 3 with the bar code reader R in order to identify the shuffle card ID of the card set currently in use, another device installed on the game table (for example, the card 1 discarding device or the card 1 The device that confirms the disposal of the card) is provided with a bar code reader, and the shuffle card ID [ID code 4 of the card set] to be used is obtained by such a bar code reader, and the shuffle card ID [ID code] is obtained. 4] is input to the card shooter device S by communication 201 with such a device. In this case, it functions as an input device that can identify another device shuffle card ID [ID code 4] provided with a barcode reader.

  Next, the card entry / exit restriction unit 130 for restricting entry / exit of the card 1 from the card storage unit 102 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 11A, the card entry / exit restriction unit 130 is provided on the card guide cover 114 of the card guide unit 107 that guides the cards 1 to be taken out one by one from the opening 113 in the front of the card storage unit 5 onto the game table. It has been. When the card 1 passes through the slot 133 between the card guide unit 107 and the card guide cover 114, the card entry / exit restriction unit 130 presses the card 1 to prevent the card 1 from entering and exiting the slot 133. It has a structure to do. The lock member 134 can take two states: a position where the card 1 is pressed (restricted position) by a drive unit 135 such as an electromagnetic solenoid or a piezoelectric element, and a passable position where the card 1 can pass. Move as indicated by arrow Mo. The drive unit 135 is controlled by the control device 112 and moves the lock member 134 into two states: a position where the card 1 is pressed and a passable position where the card 1 can pass. Baccarat game rules are programmed and stored in the control device 112 in advance.

  Next, a modification of the card entry / exit restriction unit 130 will be described with reference to FIG. In the modified example, the card entry / exit restriction unit 140 prevents the movement of the card 1 by the locking member 136 protruding into the slot 133 when the card 1 passes through the slot 133 between the card guide unit 107 and the card guide cover 114. It has a structure to do. The lock member 136 can take two states, a position where the movement of the card 1 is prevented (restricted position) and a passable position where the card 1 is allowed to pass by the driving unit 137 such as an electromagnetic solenoid or a piezoelectric element. Move as shown by the arrow Mo. The drive unit 137 is controlled by the control device 112 and moves the lock member 136 into two states: a position where the card 1 is prevented from moving and a passable position where the card 1 is allowed to pass.

  By controlling the drive units 135 and 137 so as to prevent unauthorized entry / exit of the card 1 by the program of the control device 112, the card entry / exit restriction unit 130 (140) is caused to function. The card entry / exit restriction unit 130 (140) is provided with object detection sensors 122 and 123 as sensors for detecting the movement of the card 1, and the movement of the card 1 is detected by these sensors 122 and 123. It has a function to limit the movement of. Content (programmed content) that is subject to control as unauthorized entry / exit of the card 1 includes at least one of the following.

1) A function of preventing the card 1 being inserted from the outside through the opening 113 toward the card storage portion 102 in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow D.
In this case, when the card 1 for improper use is inserted, the card 1 passes through the slot 133 between the card guide portion 107 and the card guide cover 114. However, based on the detection signals of the object detection sensors 122 and 123, the card 1 is inserted. Is detected in the direction opposite to the normal direction (the direction opposite to the arrow D in FIG. 9), and the lock members 134 and 136 are moved to positions where the drive units 135 and 137 press or block the card 1 according to the program of the control device 112. Moving. In this case, the controller 112 determines that this situation corresponds to the security item (4), ie, trying to move or insert the card in the reverse direction through the opening.

  2) Card 1 read by the card reading unit (meaning the code reading unit 108 that reads the code C representing the number (number, rank) of the card 1 from the card 1 when the card 1 is drawn from the card storage unit 102) A function of preventing the card 1 from being drawn when it should not be drawn out from the card storage unit 102 based on the soot and rank information. In this case, the rules of the baccarat game are programmed in the control device 112 in advance as described above. In the baccarat game, whether or not the bunker and the player should draw two or more cards 1 is uniquely determined by the total rank (number) of the two cards already distributed by the bunker and the player. For this reason, when the dealer D of each table tries to distribute the card 1 when the third card should not be drawn, the rule is violated, and the movement of the card 1 is restricted. If the card 1 is to be pulled in a timing or situation that should not be pulled, the movement of the card 1 is detected on the basis of the detection signal of the card 1 of the object detection sensor 122, and the drive unit 135, The lock members 134 and 136 are moved to positions where the 137 presses or blocks the card 1. As a result, the locking members 134 and 136 move to positions where the card 1 is pressed or blocked, and further distribution of the card 1 is blocked (position shown in FIG. 11). In this case, it corresponds to the security item 3 which tries to draw a card when the card should not be drawn according to the rules of the card game, that is, when the card is not drawn according to the rules of the card game. To do. This corresponds to the characteristic event item 3 described above which is registered in association with the shuffle card ID. This indicates that, regarding the security item 3 described above, an attempt has been made to draw a card when the card game rule registered in the control device 112 should not be drawn.

  Each shuffle card ID of the shuffle playing card set 1 s is related to the shuffle card ID related to the shuffle card ID related to the management department or the casino pit when an event corresponding to any characteristic event (security item) occurs. The fact and time at which this event occurred is informed and such information is communicated to the database 400 and stored. Further, the dealer D or the like is also informed by the display formed by the lamp 151 and the liquid crystal display device 152 about the occurrence of the security item. Items transmitted in this way are registered in the casino administration database 400, and at least one of the following items is registered for the shuffled card ID identified for the card set currently used in the game: As a result, the overall management of the casino and the efficient management thereof are performed.

In order to be used for the control of the entire casino operations and the efficiency, the casino management department registers the following data in the database and uses them together.
(1) used game table,
(2) Dealer D in charge of the used game table (the person who draws the card),
(3) Use start time of the identified shuffled playing card set,
(4) Use end time of the identified shuffled playing card set,
(5) The time that the identified shuffled playing card set was on the game table,
(6) Information regarding the pit or card room that manages the shuffled playing card set identified before being carried to the game table;
(7) Information regarding the disposal process until the identified shuffled playing card set is discarded after being used at the game table;
(8) Information on whether or not all identified shuffled playing card sets have reached the disposal device;
(9) Information about a pit or card room that manages a pre-identified shuffle playing card set before being carried to the game table;
(10) Information about winning or losing at the game table in which the identified shuffled playing card set is used,
(11) Time from the end of the game using the identified shuffle playing card set to the replacement of the next shuffle playing card set and the start of the next game,
(12) Time from the start of the game using the identified shuffled playing card set to the end of the game,
(13) Information regarding purchase or purchase of the identified shuffled playing card set.

  Further details of the set code SC will be described. As shown in FIG. 12, the card 1 is provided with a set code SC that is encoded in information representing a set of cards and is normally invisible (for example, ultraviolet reaction ink). The set code SC is attached to the same position in at least one set of cards. The set code SC is made of a substance or a material that emits light of different wavelength spectra for light of different wavelengths as a code, and light of different wavelengths is emitted when the set code SC is irradiated with light of different wavelengths. Is configured to do. Whether or not the identified set code SC matches the set code SC read by the reading unit 108 is determined by the control unit 112 based on whether or not the light of the predetermined wavelength matches the wavelength of the read set code SC. The At the start of the game, the shuffle card ID of the shuffle playing card set 1s that is stored in the card shooter device S and starts to be used is first identified by reading the barcode 3 (as the ID code 4) by the barcode reader 100. When the shuffle playing card set 1s to be used is identified, the shuffle card ID and the pair code SC are associated with each other so that the set code SC attached to the shuffle playing card set 1s that starts use can be identified from the shuffle card ID at the same time. ing. Whether or not the set code SC identified by the control unit 112 of the card shooter device S matches the set code SC read by the reading unit 108 when the set code SC attached to the card 1 to be used is actually read. Is determined. It is impossible to know how the set code SC is identified from the outside.

  A polymer material having a molecular structure that emits a specific wavelength with respect to light is printed as a set code SC on the upper and lower sides of the card 1 as shown in FIG. The set code SC cannot be discriminated by human vision under normal use conditions (daylight, natural light, etc.). The set code SC is read by the ultraviolet reaction sensor 124. The set code SC is read by the ultraviolet reaction sensor 124 provided in the card guide unit 107 when the card 1 is guided by the card guide unit 107 and slides. The set code SC may be printed by mixing with infrared or ultraviolet reaction ink for printing the code C for identifying the number (rank) of the cards 1. The individual set codes SC in the infrared or ultraviolet reaction ink cannot be discriminated by human vision under normal use conditions (daylight, natural light, etc.). A light source for reading the set code SC is provided integrally with the ultraviolet reaction sensor 124 itself. In this embodiment, the light source (not shown) is an LED that emits ultraviolet rays (ultraviolet LED), and LEDs having two different wavelengths are used.

  The set code SC is printed independently at the same position as described above in at least one set of cards. However, as the set code SC, a code is made up of a substance or material, and this is printed on a card coating paint, anchor paint, a back pattern printed on the card surface, a mark, an index, or a code representing the number of marks. It can also be configured to be included in the ink. As an application example of this embodiment, a set code may be further printed on the card 1 in the same form as the mark M or the barcode 3. The set information indicating the set of set codes may be for each deck of a set of cards 1 or for a plurality of decks. The group information may further include group information for each unit such as a casino where a card is used, a table, or the like. The group information may be group information of a different type for each card providing source (card shoe or the like). Furthermore, a different set code may be set for each production lot or for each casino to be used.

The following combinations belong to our invention.
A shuffle game card package management system,
A predetermined number of decks of game cards are shuffled in a random order, individually wrapped in one package, and an individual ID code is attached to each individual shuffle game card package,
the system,
Next, an ID code reader arranged on the game table for reading the package ID code for identifying the package used in the card shooter device with the game table;
And a management control device that monitors the ID code of the shuffle game card package,
further,
The management control device checks whether the ID code of the next package to be used has properly reached the game table, or has arrived at an appropriate timing or period,
In association with the card set currently used in the card shooter device in the game, at least the following items relating to the shuffle card ID or the ID code of the shuffle game card package are stored in a memory or database.
(1) used game table,
(2) Dealer D in charge of the used game table (the person who draws the card),
(3) Use start time of the identified shuffled playing card,
(4) Use end time of the identified shuffled playing card,
(5) the time that the identified shuffled playing card was on the game table;
(6) Information about the pit or card room that manages the shuffled playing cards identified before being carried to the game table;
(7) Information relating to the disposal process until the identified shuffled playing card is discarded after being used at the game table;
(8) Information regarding whether all identified shuffled playing cards have reached the disposal device,
(9) Information about a pit or card room that manages a pre-identified shuffled playing card before being carried to the game table;
(10) Information about winning or losing at the game table where the identified shuffled playing card is used,
(11) Time from the end of the game using the identified shuffled playing card until the next game is started after being replaced with the next shuffled playing card,
(12) Time from the start of the game using the identified shuffle playing card to the end of the game,
(13) Information regarding purchase or purchase of the identified shuffled playing card.

A card shooter device equipped with an ID code reader used in a shuffle game card package management system,
A predetermined number of decks of game cards are shuffled in a random order, individually packaged as a system package, and an individual ID code is attached to each individual shuffle game card package,
further,
The card shooter device on the game table can be connected to the package management control device,
further,
The management control unit checks whether the ID code of the package read for the next use has reached the game table properly or has arrived at an appropriate timing or period.

The shuffle game card package for management
A predetermined number of decks of game cards are shuffled in a random order, individually packaged as a system package, and an individual ID code is attached to each individual shuffle game card package,
An ID code that is read on the game table when a package that is read on the game table and then used on the card shooter device is selected by the ID code reader
The management system checks whether the ID code of the package read by the ID code reader has properly arrived at the game table or arrived at an appropriate timing or period,
The ID code reader is selected from at least a bar code reader (or a two-dimensional code reader such as a QR code reader), a camera, or an RFID tag reading means.

  Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments can of course be modified by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention. For example, the present invention may detect fraud in games other than baccarat. At this time, the apparatus according to the present embodiment may be appropriately modified as necessary in the game to be applied.

1 Card 1s Shuffle Playing Card Set 2 Package 3 Bar Code 4 ID Code 6 Casino 7 Management System 8 Backyard 12 Camera 102 Card Storage S Card Shooter Device

Claims (3)

A package in which a deck of a predetermined number of playing cards is shuffled in random order, individually wrapped, and individually attached with a unique ID code;
A card shooter device including a card accommodating portion for accommodating a plurality of playing cards;
A management control device for managing the package;
A table game system composed of
The card housing portion of the card shooter device includes an ID code reader that can read the ID code attached to the package,
The ID code reader can read an ID code attached to the package in a state where the package is set in a card accommodating portion of the card shooter device,
The management control device is connected to the card shooter device, and the ID code of the package read for next use is properly delivered to the game table, or has arrived at an appropriate timing or period A table game system, which is inspected by the management control device to determine whether it is a thing.   2. The table game according to claim 1, wherein the card storage unit of the card shooter device includes an opening for pulling out cards one by one in front of the card storage unit and the ID code reader at the rear of the card storage unit. system. The card shooter device further includes output means,
The table game system according to claim 1, wherein the output unit can warn of the existence of a suspicious package based on a result of an inspection by the management control device in order to prevent use of the suspicious package.

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