DEVICE FOR PRODUCTION OF SETS OF PLAYING CARDS

Abstract

A device for production of sets of playing cards is provided, and includes: a printing means for printing randomly ordered playing cards; an identification means to identify one or more defective playing cards, having a feedback unit to instruct the printing means to reprint the defective playing cards; and an evacuation means to evacuate the one or more defective playing cards.

Claims

1.-15. (canceled)

16. A device for production of sets of playing cards, the device comprising: a printing means for printing randomly ordered playing cards; an identification means to identify one or more defective playing cards, comprising a feedback unit to instruct said printing means to reprint the defective playing cards; an evacuation means to evacuate the one or more defective playing cards.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein said device further comprises a stacking means to stack the printed playing cards into a plurality of stacks of playing cards.

18. The device according to claim 16, wherein the device comprises a cutting means to cut individual playing cards from a tape or sheet of printed paper or cardboard, depicting the printed playing cards.

19. The device according to claim 16, wherein the device comprises a card arranging means to arrange playing cards in a train of playing cards.

20. The device according to claim 16, wherein the stacking means includes: a plurality of card stacking baskets; a distributing unit to distribute said identified playing cards to one of the card stacking baskets; a counting unit for counting per suit and rank the playing cards deposited in each of the card stacking baskets; a removal unit to remove complete sets of the card stacking baskets.

21. The device according to claim 16, wherein the device comprises a card recuperation means.

22. The device according to claim 16, wherein the printing means is a digital printer.

23. A method to produce sets of playing cards comprising the steps of printing playing cards using a digital printer, wherein said method comprises: (A) printing randomly ordered sets of playing cards; (B) identify defective playing cards; (C) instruct the digital printer to add defective cards in the randomly ordered set of playing cards being or to be printed; (D) evacuate defective playing cards from the printed playing cards.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the playing cards are printed in random order.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: (E) stack the printed playing cards into a plurality of stacks of printed cards using a stacking device, for each playing card identify said playing card; find the stack which is lacking said identified printed playing card and add the identified printed playing card to said stack; until one of the stacks is a complete set of cards; (F) evacuate said complete set of cards from the stacking device.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the steps A to F are taken by a device for production of sets of playing cards, the device comprising: a printing means for printing randomly ordered playing cards; an identification means to identify one or more defective playing cards, comprising a feedback unit to instruct said printing means to reprint the defective playing cards; an evacuation means to evacuate the one or more defective playing cards.

27. The method according to claim 25, wherein the method further comprises: providing playing cards recuperated from a dealt set of playing cards; Identify said recuperated playing cards; Instruct the printing device to remove cards with the identity of the recuperated playing cards from the randomly ordered set of playing cards being or to be printed; add the recuperated cards to the printed playing cards.

28. The method according to claim 25, wherein the playing cards are provided with a unique card identity, the identification of playing cards is done by reading said unique card identities.

29. The use of a device according to claim 16 to provide set of playing cards.

30. The use of a device according to claim 22 to provide set of playing cards.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0159] FIGS. 1 to 5 are is schematically views of device for production of sets of playing cards according to the invention.

[0160] FIG. 6 illustrates a laying card according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0161] FIG. 7 illustrates a scheme to develop a card identity for a group of cards

[0162] The same reference signs refer to the same, similar or analogous elements in the different figures.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0163] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments. It is to be noticed that the term “comprising”, used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression “a device comprising means A and B” should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

[0164] Throughout this specification, reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” are made. Such references indicate that a particular feature, described in relation to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, though they could.

[0165] Furthermore, the particular features or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0166] A device 100 for production of sets of playing cards is shown in FIG. 1. The device comprises a paper supply 110, in this case a roll of paper sheet. The roll is unrolled, and one end is provided to a printing means, being a digital printing apparatus 120 for printing randomly ordered sets of playing cards. Alternatively, sheets of paper can be supplied to the printing means instead of a roll of paper sheet. Groups of cards, here a matrix of 8 by 7 cards, i.e. 56 cards are printed. Each card is provided with a unique card identification or identity, as an example in form of a barcode. Alternatively, the card identity can be provided as an QR code, an OCR, a data matrix or any type of vision code. This code can be converted, using appropriate algorithms, into a number with 9 figures. The first 7 figures represent a number being the sheet number, e.g. the serial number of the sheet being printed during the course of the year, starting with 0000001 and ending 9999999. The last 2 figures provide a number between 1 and 56, representing the position of the card on the sheet being printed. The paper sheet is thereafter varnished in varnishing means 130. An identification means 140 is thereafter to identify one or more defective playing cards. Defects may be paper defects or printing defects, e.g. an excess of shortage of ink used, misplacement of the image on the card, visual defects in cardboard, etc. For this purpose, the identification means comprises a camera 141, and means to compare the image taken with the expected image. A second camara 143 is provided to inspect the backside of the cards. If the image does not match within the accepted tolerances, the feedback unit 142 instructs the printing means 120, via a processing unit 200 to add the detected defective card to the group of cards, or to the set of cards, which is to be printed next. The unique identity of the defective playing card is stored in the memory of the processing unit 200. Though not shown in FIG. 1, the identification means 140 my also check the backside of the cards for defects and will identify a card as defective if a defect is noticed on the backside.

[0167] By cutting means 150, the sheet of paper on which the matrix of printed playing cards is depicted, is cut into individual playing cards. The cut quality is checked by quality check means 151. If the cut is not performed according to the standards, the cut group of cards is removed to a waste bin 152. The cards are thereafter organized as a train of cards by a means 160.

[0168] The cards are now scanned by evacuation means 170, comprising a camera 171. If the card identity of the card passing the evacuation means matches with a card identity stored in the memory of the processing unit, the card with this card identity is diverted into a waste bin 172. The remaining cards, of which the camera of the evacuation means 170 has read the rank and suit, are now stacked by a stacking means 180 into a series of stacking baskets 181. For each basket, a camera 182 identifies the rank, suit and card identity, which information is sent to the processing unit 200. As such record is kept of the number of cards per rank and suit which are sent to a basket 181. If a set of cards in a basket 181 is complete, the complete set is removed from the basket by a removing means 191. The processing unit 200 has for this set of cards the content and the sequence of the card identities. When the set if given an identity, the set identity and the data on the content can be kept together. The data on the sequence of cards can be used to verify the sequence of cards when the set is used during playing of the game, e.g. by reading the card identities when being drawn from the shoe in which the set is located. If the sequence read does not match the sequence of the data, likely some erroneous action of fraud has been taken place.

[0169] As an alternative in FIG. 2, in device 101, the identification means 140 is integrated in the printing means, and the defective playing cards are detected and identified prior to the varnishing means.

[0170] It is possible that this process is a continuous process, though an interruption of the continuous flow can be made by stacking the sheets after the cutting means 150, where the roll is cut into sheets. A further cutting means to cut each sheet into cards may be provided, including a quality check means for this second cutting operation.

[0171] Though shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as a separate means, the evacuation means 170 and the stacking means 180 may form one device, where one of the baskets 181 functions as the waste bin 172.

[0172] In this device 101 and 100, as well as in the alternative devices, to deviate the direction of a card in the process, it may be advantageous to use air pressure, air guidance or air pressure guidance to deviate the direction of the moving card.

[0173] The card identity can be printed using UV visible ink. If this is the case, all cameras are further provided with a UV illumination source.

[0174] An alternative device 102 for production of sets of playing cards is shown in FIG. 3. The device comprises a paper supply 110, in this case a roll of paper sheet. The roll is unrolled, and one end is provided to a printing means, being a digital printing apparatus 120 for printing randomly ordered sets of playing cards. Groups of cards, here a matrix of 8 by 7 cards, i.e. 56 cards are printed. Identically as for the method and device shown in FIG. 1, each card is provided with the unique card identification or identity, as an example in form of a barcode. The paper sheet is thereafter varnished in varnishing means 130.

[0175] By cutting means 150, the sheet of paper on which the matrix of printed playing cards is depicted, is cut into individual playing cards. The cards are thereafter organized as a train of cards by means 160.

[0176] An identification means 140 is thereafter to identify one or more defective playing cards. Defects may be paper defects or printing defects, e.g. an excess of shortage of ink used, misplacement of the image on the card, visual defects in the paper or cardboard, etc., as well as cutting defects. For this purpose, the identification means comprises a camera 141, a second camara 143 to inspect the backside of the cards, and means to compare the image taken with the expected image. If the image does not match within the accepted tolerances, the feedback unit 142 instructs the printing means 120, via a processing unit 200 to add the detected defective card to the group of cards, or to the set of cards, which is to be printed next. The unique identity of the defective playing card is stored in the memory of the processing unit 200.

[0177] The cards are now scanned by evacuation means 170, comprising a camera 171. If the card identity of the card passing the evacuation means matches with a card identity stored in the memory of the processing unit, the card with this card identity is diverted into a waste bin 172. The remaining cards, of which the camera of the evacuation means 170 has read the rank and suit, are now stacked by a stacking means 180 into a series of stacking baskets 181. For each basket, a camera 182 identifies the rank, suit and card identity, which information is sent to the processing unit 200. As such record is kept of the number of cards per rank and suit which are sent to a basket 181. If a set of cards in a basket 181 is complete, the complete set is removed from the basket by a removing means 191. The processing unit 200 has for this set of cards the content and the sequence of the card identities. When the set if given an identity, the set identity and the data on the content can be kept together. The data on the sequence of cards can be used to verify the sequence of cards when the set is used during playing of the game, e.g. by reading the card identities when being drawn from the shoe in which the set is located. If the sequence read does not match the sequence of the data, likely some erroneous action of fraud has been taken place.

[0178] Though shown in FIG. 3 as a separate means, the evacuation means 170 and the stacking means 180 may form one device, where one of the baskets 181 functions as the waste bin 172.

[0179] As an alternative, the identification means, and the evacuation means may use the same camera.

[0180] Still another alternative device 103 for production of sets of playing cards is shown in FIG. 4. The device comprises a paper supply 110, in this case a roll of paper sheet. The roll is unrolled, and one end is provided to a printing means, being a digital printing apparatus 120 for printing randomly ordered sets of playing cards. Groups of cards, here a matrix of 8 by 7 cards, i.e. 56 cards are printed. Identically as for the method and device shown in FIG. 1, each card is provided with a unique card identification or identity, as an example in form of a barcode. The paper sheet is thereafter varnished in varnishing means 130.

[0181] By cutting means 150, the sheet of paper on which the matrix of printed playing cards is depicted, is cut into individual playing cards. The cards are thereafter organized as a train of cards by means 160. By means of a reclaiming means, reclaimed cards, preferably cards of sets which were used, and most preferably the cards which remained undealt from these sets, are stacked in the reclaiming means 300. These reclaimed cards, also carrying a card identity, are added to the newly printed flow of playing cards. The rank and suit of the reclaimed cards may be provided to the processing unit 200, which may instruct the printing means to omit the printing of the reclaimed cards.

[0182] An identification means 140 is thereafter to identify one or more defective playing cards. Defects may be paper defects or printing defects, e.g. an excess of shortage of ink used, misplacement of the image on the card, etc., as well as cutting defect or damage to reclaimed cards. For this purpose, the identification means comprises a camera 141, a second camara 143 to inspect the backside of the cards, and means to compare the image taken with the expected image. If the image does not match within the accepted tolerances, the feedback unit 142 instructs the printing means 120, via a processing unit 200 to add the detected defective card to the group of cards, or to the set of cards, which is to be printed next. The unique identity of the defective playing card is stored in the memory of the processing unit 200.

[0183] The cards are now scanned by evacuation means 170, comprising a camera 171. If the card identity of the card passing the evacuation means matches with a card identity stored in the memory of the processing unit, the card with this card identity is diverted into a waste bin 172. The remaining cards, of which the camera of the evacuation means 170 has read the rank and suit, are now stacked by a stacking means 180 into a series of stacking baskets 181. For each basket, a camera 182 identifies the rank, suit and card identity, which information is sent to the processing unit 200. As such record is kept of the number of cards per rank and suit which are sent to a basket 181. If a set of cards in a basket 181 is complete, the complete set is removed from the basket by a removing means 191. The processing unit 200 has for this set of cards the content and the sequence of the card identities. When the set if given an identity, the set identity and the data on the content can be kept together. The data on the sequence of cards can be used to verify the sequence of cards when the set is used during playing of the game, e.g. by reading the card identities when being drawn from the shoe in which the set is located. If the sequence read does not match the sequence of the data, likely some erroneous action of fraud has been taken place.

[0184] Though shown in FIG. 4 as a separate means, the evacuation means 170 and the stacking means 180 may form one device, where one of the baskets 181 functions as the waste bin 172.

[0185] As an alternative, the identification means, and the evacuation means may use the same camera.

[0186] As a further alternative, a process as shown in FIG. 5 can be provided, where a reclaiming means 300 identical as the one shown in FIG. 4, is positioned before the evacuation means 170, optionally also before the means 160 to make a card train. As the reclaimed cards typically are cards being never dealt or handled, no check for defects is strictly necessary. Hence new sets of cards can be composed using stacking means 180 by providing reclaimed cards using a reclaiming means 300, identifying the cards using the evacuation means 170, and sorting the reclaimed cards by the stacking means 180. New sets of cards can be composed using reclaimed cards only.

[0187] As a further alternative for the devices shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the cameras 182 may be replaced by sensors. The camera 141 or 171 may provide input to the sensors as to which card needs to be directed to which basket. The sensors check if the right card passes into the right basket. If a card is wrongly direct, the device may be set on hold.

[0188] A playing card 1000 according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is schematically shown in FIG. 6. The playing card, in this case the ace of diamonds, comprises the information on rank and suit on its face side 1001. Next to the rank and suit, the card 1000 further has a card identity code 1003 on its face side 1001, in this case being a barcode-like image. This card identity is imprinted with UV visible ink. With the naked eye, this card identity 1003, will not be visible.

[0189] As demonstrated in FIG. 7, the card identity code 1003 is an image representation of the card identity 2001. Encryption and possible encryption software (2010) will convert the card identity 2001 into the image of the card identity 1003, here a barcode-like image, this image being the card identity code 1003. When the card identity code 1003 is detected, suitable decoding software can convert the card identity code 1003 back into the card identity 2001.

[0190] An example how a card identity can be obtained, is shown in FIG. 6. Each card has its rank (2002) and suit (2003). This defines a card number (2004), being a number between 0 and 52. Possible other playing cards, necessary to play a given card game, may also be present in a set of playing cards. Such other cards are given a further card number, like 53, 54, etc.

[0191] By means of an encryption key (2005) and encryption software (2006), this card number is converted in a card type code (2007) being e.g. a series of zero and one using a bijective function. Hence this card type code (2007) is a binary string of data. This card type code is not unique, as all playing cards with the same rank and suit in a set of playing cards comprising more than one deck, will have the same card identity code.

[0192] To this card type code (2007) a randomly generated number (2008) of 14 figures (of 0 to 9) is added. The combination of the card type code and randomly generated FIG. 2008) together form the card identity (2001). This card identity data (2001) is detected, read out and fed to an encryption software (2010), using a bijective function to convert the card identity (2001) into the card identity code (1003). In this particular embodiment a bar code reading device is fit to read the card identity. It is understood that this device uses UV light to render the barcode “visible” for the bar code reading device.

[0193] These card identity 2001 and card identity code 1003 are unique. The risk that a second identical card with given suit and rank will have the same card identity 103, is 1015, or one too a trillion. The string of characters and numbers itself, being the card identity 2001, can be used as unique card identity. To detect and read the card identity data being used as card identity, a camera system and image analysis software may be used. It is understood that this camera system uses UV light to render the barcode “visible” for the bar code reading device.

[0194] It is to be understood that although preferred embodiments and/or materials have been discussed for providing embodiments according to the present invention, various modifications or changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention.