CARD ARRANGING DEVICE

Abstract

A card arranging device for arranging, in particular shuffling a set of cards, for example one or more decks of playing cards used in the game of Poker, Blackjack, Baccarat, Bridge or Skat by executing a card arranging procedure. The card arranging procedure includes repeatedly executing a position change procedure. In the position change procedure, a card is removed from the set of cards as change position card and re-inserted into the set of cards at a different position. The movement of the change position card for removing from the set of cards and reinsertion into the set of cards may be a movement along a primary lateral axis. Apart from shuffling, the card arranging device may be used for sorting the cards of a set of cards. An integrity checking device to determine if a set of cards is fit for being used.

Claims

1. A card arranging device for arranging a set of cards, the set of cards including a number of playing cards in a target card order, wherein the cards each have a proximal card front and a distal card front, the proximal and the distal card front being parallel to each other, wherein the cards each further have a circumferential card edging, the circumferential card edging extending between and connecting the proximal and the distal card front of the respective card, the card arranging device including: a set receptacle, the set receptacle having a proximal receptacle wall, a distal receptacle wall and a receptacle ground, the distal receptacle wall being spaced apart with respect to the proximal receptacle wall in a distal direction along a normal axis by a receptacle clearance, the proximal receptacle wall, the distal receptacle wall and the receptacle ground delimiting a receptacle room in which the set of cards can be accommodated with the proximal card front of a most proximal card facing the proximal receptacle wall and the distal card front of a most distal card facing the distal receptacle wall and with a base section of the circumferential card edging of each card resting on the receptacle ground, a first and second pusher, the first and second pusher being arranged spaced apart with respect to each other along a primary lateral axis, the primary lateral axis extending transverse to the normal axis and opposed second lateral direction, the first and second pusher being arranged to project into the receptacle room, a receptacle-pusher moving unit, the receptacle-pusher moving unit being arranged to vary a relative position between the set receptacle and second pusher along the normal axis and along the primary lateral axis, a card transfer unit, the card transfer unit being configured to move a change position card along the primary lateral axis between the set receptable and an auxiliary card position, wherein the card arranging device is configured to execute a card arranging procedure, the card arranging procedure including repeatedly executing a position change procedure, the position change procedure including: a) controlling the receptacle-pusher moving unit to move the first pusher and the set receptacle with respect to each other along the normal axis into a removal position, wherein, in the removal position, the first pusher covers along the normal axis a proximal removal subset of the set of cards and does not cover along the normal axis a distal removal subset of the set of cards, the proximal and distal removal subset being adjacent to each other, b) controlling the receptacle-pusher moving unit to move the first pusher and the set receptacle with respect to each other along the primary lateral axis, thereby pushing the proximal removal subset by the first pusher in the first lateral direction from a standard set configuration into a removal offset set configuration were the proximal removal subset is offset with respect to the distal removal subset in the first lateral direction in an overlapping manner, wherein a most distal card of the proximal removal subset is the change position card, c) controlling the card transfer unit to move the change position card from the set receptacle into the auxiliary card position, thereby removing the change position card from the proximal removal subset, d) controlling the receptacle-pusher moving unit to move the second pusher and the set receptacle with respect to each other along the primary lateral axis, thereby pushing the proximal removal subset by second pusher in a second lateral direction, the second lateral direction being opposed to the first lateral direction, into the standard set configuration, e) controlling the receptacle-pusher moving unit to move the first pusher and the set receptacle with respect to each other along the normal axis into an insertion position different from the removal position, wherein, in the insertion position, the first pusher covers along the normal axis a proximal insertion subset of the set of cards and does not cover along the normal axis a distal insertion subset of the set of cards, the proximal and distal f) controlling the receptacle-pusher moving unit to move the first pusher and the set receptacle with respect to each other along the primary lateral axis, thereby pushing the proximal insertion subset by the first pusher in the first lateral direction from the standard set configuration into an insertion offset set configuration were the proximal insertion subset is offset with respect to the distal insertion subset in the first lateral direction in an overlapping manner, g) controlling the card transfer unit to move the change position card from the auxiliary card position into the set receptacle, thereby inserting the change position card into the set of cards at a position corresponding to an interface between the proximal and the distal insertion subset, h) controlling the receptacle-pusher moving unit to move the second pusher and the set receptacle with respect to each other along the primary lateral axis, thereby pushing the cards of the set of cards by the second pusher into the standard set configuration.

2. The card arranging device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second pusher are rigidly coupled by being formed integral with each other.

3. The card arranging device according to claim 1, wherein the set receptacle is movable with respect to a support structure of the card arranging device by the receptacle-pusher moving unit along the normal axis only, and wherein the first and second pusher are movable with respect to the support structure by the receptacle-pusher moving unit along the primary lateral axis only.

4. The card arranging device according to claim 1, wherein the receptacle-pusher moving unit includes a receptacle displacement actuator to move the set receptacle with respect to the first and second pusher along the normal axis, and a pusher displacement actuator, being a linear motor, distinct from the receptacle displacement actuator, to displace the first and second pusher with respect to the set receptacle along the primary later axis.

5. The card arranging device according to claim 4, wherein the receptacle displacement actuator is a voice coil actuator.

6. (canceled)

7. The card arranging device according to any claim 1, wherein the receptacle clearance is variable.

8. The card arranging device according to claim 7, wherein one of the proximal and the distal receptacle wall is a movable wall and the other of the proximal and distal receptacle wall is a reference wall, wherein the card arranging device further includes a wall moving device, the wall moving device including either a retraction solenoid and a biasing spring member or a wall moving voice coil actuator, wherein the movable wall is changeable via the wall moving device between a biasing configuration where the movable wall is biased towards the reference wall and an alternative clearance configuration where the receptacle clearance is larger than an extension of the set of cards along the normal axis.

9. The card arranging device according to claim 1, wherein the card transfer unit is configured to interact with the change position card by way of friction.

10. The card arranging device according to claim 9, wherein the card transfer unit includes a pickup roller, the pickup roller being rotatable about a pickup roller axis by a pickup roller drive, wherein the pickup roller axis extends transverse to the normal axis, parallel to a secondary lateral axis, the secondary lateral axis being transverse to the primary lateral axis, wherein the proximal removal subset can be clamped between the pickup roller and the proximal receptacle wall.

11. The card arranging device according to claim 10, wherein a card-contacting circumferential surface of the pickup roller includes a number of pickup roller flat sections and at least one pickup roller cylindrical section.

12. The card arranging device according to claim 10, wherein the card transfer unit includes a number of transport rollers, the transport rollers being each rotatable about a respective transport roller axis by a transport roller drive, wherein the transport roller axes extends in each case parallel with the pickup roller axis, wherein the transport rollers are arranged offset with respect to the pickup roller in the primary lateral direction.

13. The card arranging device according to claim 12, wherein the transport rollers includes a number of card contact members, the card contact members being axially distributed and spaced apart along the pickup roller axis respectively transport roller axis.

14. The card arranging device according to claim 1, wherein an outer side of the second pusher, pointing away from the first pusher, is chamfered or bevelled.

15. The card arranging device according to claim 1, wherein the card transfer unit and/or the auxiliary receptacle are designed such that a peripheral region of the change position card is bent in an S-shaped manner in the auxiliary card position.

16. The card arranging device according to claim 1, wherein the target card order is a generally random card order.

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. The nard arranging device according to claim 1, wherein the card arranging device is configured to execute a card arranging planning procedure, wherein the card arranging planning procedure includes determining, based on the target card order and an initial card order, the initial card order corresponding to an order of the cards prior to executing the card arranging procedure, a sequence of card position changes, wherein each card position change corresponds to an altering of a card position of one of the cards within the set of cards.

20. The card arranging device according to claim 1, wherein the card arranging device includes an initial card order determination device, the initial card order determination device including a camera unit and an image processing unit, wherein the initial card order determination device is configured to execute an initial card order determination procedure, the initial card order determination procedure including capturing at least one card image of at least part of proximal card front or distal card front of each card of the set of cards one after the other with the camera unit and determining by the image processing unit the initial card order from the captured images.

21. The card arranging device according to claim 20, the initial card order determination device including: a tilting member, wherein the tilting member is configured to project into the receptacle room with a tilting member end being positioned within the receptacle room, a receptacle tilting member moving unit, the receptacle tilting member moving unit being arranged to vary a relative position between the tilting member and the set receptacle along the normal axis, wherein the receptacle tilting member moving unit is integral with the receptacle-pusher moving unit, wherein the cards of the set of cards may in each case assume a levelled card configuration and an alternative tilted card configuration, wherein the base section of the circumferential card edging of each card rests on the receptacle ground in its levelled configuration, and wherein each card is in its tilted card configuration tilted around a tilting axis parallel to the normal axis with respect to the levelled card configuration by the tilting member pushing against the base section of its circumferential card edging, wherein the initial card order determination procedure includes: staring from an initial set configuration where all cards of the set of cards are in their respective tilted card configuration, controlling the receptacle tilting member moving unit to displace the set receptacle and the tilting member with respect to each other along the normal axis such that the cards pass the tilting member end and lose contact with the tilting member one after the other, thereby moving from their tilted card configuration into their respective levelled card configuration, and capturing the at least one card image of each card before, while or subsequent to moving into its respective levelled card configuration.

22. The card arranging device according to claim 21, wherein the initial card order determination device is configured to determine from the captured images an actual set composition of the set of cards, to compare the actual set composition with a given expected set composition and to provide an indication if the actual set composition does not match the expected set composition.

23. A method for arranging a set of cards, the set of cards including a number of playing cards in a target card order using a card arranging device, the method including executing a card arranging procedure, the card arranging procedure including repeatedly executing a position change procedure, the position change procedure including: removing a change position card from the set of cards, the change position card having an initial card position within the set of cards, the removing of the change position card including moving the change position card along a primary lateral axis j in a first lateral direction and inserting the change position card into the set of cards at a target card position within the set of cards, the inserting of the change position card including moving the change position card in a second lateral direction, the second lateral direction being opposite to the first lateral direction, wherein the target card position within the set of cards is different from the initial card position within the set of cards.

24. (canceled)

25. The card arranging device according to claim 10, wherein the pickup roller includes a number of card contact members, the card contact members being axially distributed and spaced apart along the pickup roller axis respectively transport roller axis.

26. An integrity checking device for checking the integrity of a set of cards, the set of cards including a number of playing cards, wherein the cards each have a proximal card front and a distal card front, the proximal and the distal card front being parallel to each other, wherein the cards each further have a circumferential card edging, the circumferential card edging extending between and connecting the proximal and the distal card front of the respective card, the integrity checking device including: a set receptacle, the set receptacle having a proximal receptacle wall, a distal receptacle wall and a receptacle ground, the distal receptacle wall being spaced apart with respect to the proximal receptacle wall in a distal direction along a normal axis by a receptacle clearance, the proximal receptacle wall, the distal receptacle wall and the receptacle ground delimiting a receptacle room in which the set of cards can be accommodated with a proximal card front of a most proximal card facing the proximal receptacle wall and the distal card front of a most distal card facing the distal receptacle wall and with a base section of the circumferential card edging of each card resting on the receptacle ground, a tilting member, the tilting member being configured to project into the receptacle room with a tilting member end being positioned within the receptacle room, a receptacle tilting member moving unit, the receptacle tilting member moving unit being arranged to vary a relative position between the tilting member and the set receptacle along the normal axis, a camera unit and an image processing unit, wherein the cards of the set of cards may in each case assume a levelled card configuration and an alternative tilted card configuration, wherein the base section of the circumferential card edging of each card rests on the receptacle ground in its levelled configuration and wherein and wherein in its respective tilted card configuration, each card is tilted around a tilting axis parallel to the normal axis with respect to the levelled card configuration by the tilting member pushing against the base section of its circumferential card edging, wherein the integrity checking device is configured to execute an integrity checking procedure, the integrity checking procedure including: staring from an initial set configuration where all cards of the set of cards are in their respective tilted card configuration, controlling the receptacle tilting member moving unit to displace the set receptacle and the tilting member with respect to each other along the normal axis such that the cards pass the tilting member end and lose contact with the tilting member one after the other, thereby moving from their tilted card configuration into their respective levelled card configuration, capturing at least one card image of at least part of the proximal card front or distal card front of each card of the set of cards one after the other with the camera unit, the integrity checking procedure further including: determining from the captured images an actual set composition of the set of cards, comparing by the image processing unit the actual set composition with a given expected set composition and providing an indication if the actual set composition does not match the expected set composition.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0186] The herein described invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying figures which should not be considered limiting to the invention described in the appended claims. The figures show:

[0187] FIG. 1 a card arranging device in accordance with the present disclosure in a schematic top view;

[0188] FIG. 2 the card arranging device of FIG. 1 in a view corresponding to FIG. 1 together with a set of cards and further features of the card arranging device;

[0189] FIG. 3 an exemplary configuration in a position change procedure executed by a card arranging device pursuant to FIG. 2 at the beginning of the position change procedure;

[0190] FIG. 4 an exemplary further configuration in a position change procedure, subsequent to the configuration FIG. 3;

[0191] FIG. 5 an exemplary further configuration in a position change procedure, subsequent to the configuration FIG. 4;

[0192] FIG. 6 an exemplary further configuration in a position change procedure, subsequent to the configuration FIG. 5;

[0193] FIG. 7 an exemplary further configuration in a position change procedure, subsequent to the configuration FIG. 6;

[0194] FIG. 8 an exemplary further configuration in a position change procedure, subsequent to the configuration FIG. 7;

[0195] FIG. 9 an exemplary further configuration in a position change procedure, subsequent to the configuration FIG. 8;

[0196] FIG. 10 an exemplary further configuration in a position change procedure, subsequent to the configuration FIG. 9;

[0197] FIG. 11 an exemplary further configuration in a position change procedure, subsequent to the configuration FIG. 10;

[0198] FIG. 12 an exemplary further configuration in a position change procedure, subsequent to the configuration FIG. 11;

[0199] FIG. 13 an exemplary further configuration in a position change procedure, subsequent to the configuration FIG. 12;

[0200] FIG. 14 an exemplary further configuration in a position change procedure, subsequent to the configuration FIG. 13;

[0201] FIG. 15 an exemplary further configuration in a position change procedure, subsequent to the configuration FIG. 14;

[0202] FIG. 16 an exemplary further configuration in a position change procedure, subsequent to the configuration FIG. 15;

[0203] FIG. 17 an exemplary further configuration in a position change procedure, subsequent to the configuration FIG. 16 at the end of the position change procedure;

[0204] FIG. 18 An integrity checking device in accordance with the present disclosure together with a set of cards in a schematic front view in a configuration at the beginning of an integrity checking procedure;

[0205] FIG. 19 A schematic side view corresponding to FIG. 18;

[0206] FIG. 20 A schematic top view corresponding to FIG. 18;

[0207] FIG. 21 The integrity checking device of FIG. 18 in a further configuration in an integrity checking procedure, subsequent to the configuration of FIG. 18, in a view corresponding to FIG. 18;

[0208] FIG. 22 A schematic side view corresponding to FIG. 21;

[0209] FIG. 23 The integrity checking device of FIG. 18 in a further configuration in an integrity checking procedure, subsequent to the configuration of FIG. 21;

[0210] FIG. 24 A schematic side view corresponding to FIG. 23;

[0211] FIG. 25 A card arranging device and/or integrity checking device in accordance with the present disclosure after ejecting a set of cards in a schematic side view;

[0212] FIG. 26 A schematic side view corresponding to FIG. 25;

[0213] FIG. 27 An exemplary configuration of a card arranging device according to a further embodiment together with a set of cards prior to the execution of a position change procedure;

[0214] FIG. 28 An exemplary further configuration of the card arranging device of FIG. 27, subsequent to the configuration of FIG. 27;

[0215] FIG. 29 An exemplary further configuration of the card arranging device of FIG. 27, subsequent to the configuration of FIG. 28;

[0216] FIG. 30 An exemplary further configuration of the card arranging device of FIG. 27, subsequent to the configuration of FIG. 29;

[0217] FIG. 31 An exemplary further configuration of the card arranging device of FIG. 27, subsequent to the configuration of FIG. 30;

[0218] FIG. 32 An exemplary further configuration of the card arranging device of FIG. 27, subsequent to the configuration of FIG. 31;

[0219] FIG. 33 An exemplary further configuration of the card arranging device of FIG. 27, subsequent to the configuration of FIG. 32;

[0220] FIG. 34 An exemplary further configuration of the card arranging device of FIG. 27, subsequent to the configuration of FIG. 33;

[0221] FIG. 35 An exemplary further configuration of the card arranging device of FIG. 27, subsequent to the configuration of FIG. 34;

[0222] FIG. 36 An exemplary further configuration of the card arranging device of FIG. 27, subsequent to the configuration of FIG. 35;

[0223] FIG. 37 An exemplary further configuration of the card arranging device of FIG. 27, subsequent to the configuration of FIG. 36 at the end of the position change procedure;

[0224] FIG. 38 A pickup roller of a further embodiment of card arranging device in a perspective view;

[0225] FIG. 39 A top view corresponding to FIG. 38;

[0226] FIG. 40 A subassembly of a card arranging device according to a further embodiment in a perspective view;

[0227] FIG. 41 A transport roller of a further embodiment of card arranging device in a perspective view.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0228] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all features are shown. Indeed, embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein, rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible and appropriate, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like features, in particular components or parts. However, for clarity reasons not every feature may be referenced in each and every figure showing the respective feature. Further, relative dimensions and distances as appearing in the figures may not correspond to the actual physical design in the interest of clarity.

[0229] In the following, reference is first made to FIGS. 1, 2, both showing a card arranging device 1 in accordance with the present disclosure in a schematic top view. The shown card arranging device is in particular a shuffling device but may also serve as a sorting device. The card arranging device 1 has in integrated initial card order determination unit and integrity checking device. While major components of the initial card order determination device and integrity checking device are also shown in FIGS. 1, 2, the operation of an initial card order determination device and integrity checking device will be mainly discussed further below in the context of FIG. 18 to FIG. 24. The view of FIG. 2 generally corresponds to FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, however, a set of cards 9 which may in particular form a deck of cards used for the game of Poker or the game of Bridge is additionally shown, while FIG. 1 shows the card arranging device as such, without the deck of cards 9. A most proximal card is referenced as 91p and a most distal card is referenced as 91d. Cards in general are referenced as 91, the circumferential card edging as 91E. It is noted that for illustrative and clarity reasons the shown number of cards 91 is smaller than it would typically be the case.

[0230] The normal axis N, defining a proximal direction p and a distal direction d, and a primary lateral axis L-1 transverse to the normal axis N, with the primary lateral axis L-1 defining a first lateral direction l-1 and a second lateral direction l-2 are indicated by dashed lines and arrows, respectively. (See e.g. FIG. 19 for a secondary lateral axis L-2 which is transverse to the normal axis N and the primary lateral axis L-1, defining a third lateral direction l-3 and a fourth lateral direction l-4). The fourth lateral direction l-4 is assumed to exemplarily correspond to the direction of gravity, and the expression top view is used with respect to a viewing direction towards the fourth lateral direction. It is noted that the exact position of the axes N, L-1, L2 is merely exemplary. In particular, any of the axes may generally be parallel shifted.

[0231] The card arranging device 1 includes a set receptacle 11 with a proximal receptacle wall 11p and a distal receptacle wall 11d spaced apart from each other along the normal axis N by a receptacle clearance c to receive the set of cards 9 in a receptacle room (not referenced) between them. The card receptacle 11 further includes a receptacle ground 111 (best visible e.g. in FIG. 19) on which the cards of the set of cards 9 rest when received in the receptacle room. In the shown design, the proximal receptacle wall is also the force exerting receptacle wall.

[0232] The proximal receptacle wall 11p is a reference wall and the distal receptacle wall 11d is a movable wall in the shown design. The proximal receptacle wall 11p is generally fixed (but in part bendable as explained below), while the distal receptacle wall 11d is displaceable along the normal axis N relative to the proximal receptacle wall 11p, thereby allowing a variation of the receptacle clearance c. A wall moving device 17 is foreseen to allow moving the distal receptacle wall 11d as movable wall from a biasing configuration where the distal receptacle wall 11d contacts the most proximal card 91d into a clearance configuration. For this purpose, the wall moving device 17 may include a retraction solenoid 171 as wall moving drive which, when energized, forces the distal receptacle wall 11d into the distal direction d against the force of a biasing spring member 173, for example a coil spring, that exerts a force onto the distal receptacle wall 11d in the proximal direction p. In the biasing configuration where the retraction solenoid 171 is de-energized, the set of cards 9 is clamped between the proximal receptacle wall 11p and the distal receptacle wall 11d, with the proximal receptacle wall 11d contacting the most proximal card 91p and the distal receptacle wall 11d contacting the most distal card 91d of the set of cards 9. Alternatively. the wall moving drive 171 may be a wall moving voice coil actuator. In such design, the biasing spring as well as a locking solenoid 172 as explained further below may be omitted.

[0233] The set receptacle 11 is as a whole movable along the normal axis N by way of a voice coil actuator 142 as exemplary receptacle displacement actuator in a guided manner.

[0234] A first pusher 131 and a second pusher 132 are arranged spaced apart with respect to each other along the primary lateral axis L-1. In the shown design, the first pusher 131 and the second pusher 132 are formed integrally with each other and connected via a pusher linkage member 133 that extends between them, resulting in a U-shape in the top view. The first pusher 131 and the second pusher 132 are sufficiently spaced apart along the primary lateral axis L-1 to allow the set of cards 9 to be received between them without contact respectively with clearance along the primary lateral axis L-1. Via a pusher displacement actuator that is exemplarily realized as linear motor 141, the first pusher 131 and the second pusher 132 may be moved along the primary lateral axis L-1 in the first lateral direction l-1 respectively the second lateral direction l-2 together with each other in a guided manner. The voice coil actuator 142 and the linear motor 141 form, together with linear guides (not shown in detail), a receptacle pusher moving unit.

[0235] In a particularly favourable design, the second pusher 132 is at its at its side pointing away from the first pusher 131 respectively at the side towards the auxiliary receptacle 12 as explained below (corresponding to the first lateral direction l-1) chamfered or bevelled. This allows the second pusher 132 to overlap along the primary lateral axis L-1 with a change position card in the auxiliary receptacle 12.

[0236] The first pusher 131 and the second pusher 132 are arranged to project into the receptacle room from proximal towards distal via cut-outs of the proximal receptacle wall 11p in dependence of the position of the set receptacle 11 along the normal axis N.

[0237] An auxiliary receptacle 12 as auxiliary card support is arranged spaced apart with respect to the set receptacle 11 in the first lateral direction l-1, with the set receptacle 11 and the auxiliary receptacle 12 being fixed to each other along the primary lateral axis L-1. The auxiliary receptacle 12 comprises a proximal auxiliary receptacle wall 12p and a distal auxiliary receptacle wall 12d which are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart to receive a single card between them, i.e. with a clearance slightly wider than the card thickness. In the shown example, the auxiliary receptacle 12 is symmetrical with respect to the primary lateral axis L-1.

[0238] A card transfer unit 15 is arranged along the primary lateral axis L-1 between the set receptacle 11 and the auxiliary receptacle 12. The card transfer unit 15 serves the purpose of moving a change position card between the set receptacle 11 and the auxiliary receptacle 12 as discussed further below in more detail. The card transfer unit 15 includes a pickup roller 151 and exemplarily two transport rollers 153, with the transport rollers 153 being displaced with respect to the pickup roller 151 in the first lateral direction l-1. The transport rollers 153 are aligned with each other along the primary lateral axis L-1 and spaced apart from each other along the normal axis N with a gap between them that allows a single card, in particular a change position card, to pass between them under frictional contact. The transport rollers 153 are arranged along the normal axis N symmetrical with respect to the auxiliary receptacle 12. The transport rollers 153 as well as the pickup roller 151 extend along axes parallel to the secondary lateral axis L-2 and are rotatable about such axes. The transport rollers 153 may be coupled to a transport roller drive (not separately shown) to rotate in opposite rotational directions with respect to each other in a reversible manner. The pickup roller 151 is coupled to a separate pickup roller drive (not separately shown) to rotate in a reversible manner. As will become apparent further below, the pickup roller 151 generally rotates by less than a full revolution, in contrast to the transport rollers 153.

[0239] In a design variant, only one of the transport rollers 153 is directly coupled to and driven by the transport roller drive, while the other transport roller 153 is non-driven respectively passive and rotates due to its contact with a change-position card as explained further below. The non-driven respectively passive transport roller 153 is favourably arranged in a spring-biased manner against the other driven transport roller 153.

[0240] The pickup roller 151 further includes a bending protrusion 152 that exemplarily has the shape of a cylinder section with diameter that is equal or similar to the pickup roller 151 as such and is radially displaced to the pickup roller axis. The bending protrusion serves the purpose of bending a proximal insertion subset in the proximal direction p as discussed further below.

[0241] In the shown design, the proximal receptacle wall 11p further has a larger extension along the primary lateral axis L-1 as compared to the distal receptacle wall 11d and in particular extends further in the first lateral direction l-1 towards the auxiliary receptacle 12 by a peripheral proximal receptacle wall region 11p. In contrast to the receptacle walls 11p, 11d which are in principle stiff, the peripheral proximal receptacle wall region 11p is elastically bendable in the proximal direction p.

[0242] In the shown design, the card arranging device 1 further includes an ejection device with exemplarily two ejection pins 161, 162 as ejection members. The ejection pins 161, 162 are exemplarily separately movable by corresponding ejection pin drives 163, 164 as ejection member drives which may in particular be servo drives, between a respective retracted ejection pin position and a respective advanced ejection pin position. In their respective retracted ejection pin position, the ejection pins 161, 162 stand back or are flush with the receptacle ground 111 and do in particular not project into the receptacle room, while they do project into the receptacle room in their respective advanced ejection pin position respectively may project into the receptacle room in dependence of the position of the set receptacle along the normal axis N. By moving both pins 161, 162 together from their respective retracted ejection member position into their respective advanced ejection member position, a set of cards may be pushed in the fourth lateral direction l-4 to be ejected. In the shown design, one of the ejection pins, namely ejection pin 161 also serves as tilting member respectively tilting pin as discussed further below.

[0243] FIGS. 1, 2 further show a camera unit 22 with a field of view 22, with the camera unit 22 having a viewing direction from proximal towards distal and being arranged proximal with respect to the set receptacle 11. Further, a dropping roller 21 is shown that is rotatable by a dropping roller drive (not separately shown) around a dropping roller axis which extends parallel to the primary lateral axis L-1. The camera unit 22 as well as the dropping roller 21 are used in the context of initial card order determination and integrity checking as discussed further below in more detail.

[0244] A number of further elements are only schematically shown In FIG. 2 for clarity reasons. A control unit 5 controls the operation of the card arranging device 1 and/or an integrity checking device 2 as discussed further below in a manner according to the general description and as further discussed in the following. The control unit is configured to execute respectively control execution of procedures such as the card arranging procedure for shuffling and/or sorting, an arranging planning procedure, an initial card order determination procedure and/or an integrity checking procedure. In particular, the control unit 5 controls the operation of the drives and actuators, evaluates feedback and general sensor information. Favourably, the control unit 5 includes a hardware random number generator 51. The control unit 5 may further include an image processing unit 52 for processing images as captured by the camera unit 22.

[0245] A user interface respectively human machine interface 6 is provided in operative coupling with the control unit 5. As mentioned in the general description, the human machine interface 6 may, for example, be realized by a single pushbutton and a ring of RGB-LEDs. The card arranging device further includes a pickup roller drive 151a, for example a motorized servo drive, for driving the dropping roller, as well as a transport roller drive 153a for driving the transport rollers 153.

[0246] Further, a communication interface, such as an USB interface, may be present for the purposes as discussed in the general description. Such USB port or generally communication interface may be hidden or locked and accessible only with particular authorization.

[0247] Further, FIG. 2 schematically shows an anti-rotation device 7 that prevents a change position card from rotating beyond a critical angle as discussed above around the normal axis respectively an axis parallel thereto. The anti-rotation device 7 is a stop that is arranged above the cards respectively displaced in the third lateral direction with respect to the card and is hit by the circumferential card edging of the change position card when rotating.

[0248] The structural components of the card arranging device 1 are generally mounted to a housing structure respectively support structure 999 from which a base plate is visible (see also FIG. 18).

[0249] In the following, the operation of the card arranging device when executing a position change procedure is discussed in more detail with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 17. All of these figures show a top view of the card arranging device 1, similar to FIGS. 1, 2. For the sake of clarity, however, elements that are not relevant in the context of a position change procedure are generally not shown. As explained in the general description, a number of position change procedures are generally executed in a sequential manner under control of a control unit for shuffling, but also for sorting. The following discussion accordingly refers to both cases. Movements are indicated by bold arrows as appropriate. A double-sided arrow indicates, in particular for the set receptacle 11, that the movement may generally be in two opposite directions in particular the proximal or the distal direction. Otherwise, the movement direction is indicated by a single-sided arrow. Rotations of rollers are indicated by curved arrows.

[0250] Regarding the control mode of the voice coil actuator 142 as receptacle displacement actuator, and the configuration of the distal receptacle wall 11d as movable wall, it is assumed that such modes are maintained where not stated differently. Further, the distal receptacle wall may generally be locked in position by way of the locking solenoid 172 in the biasing configuration in situations where the movable wall is in the biasing configuration during a position change procedure. This, however, depends on the specific design and is not mandatory. It is noted that if a wall moving voice coil actuator as mentioned before is used, a desired position can be maintained by corresponding control of the wall moving voice coil actuator, and the locking solenoid 172 is accordingly not required.

[0251] In FIG. 3, the set receptacle 11 (with the proximal receptacle wall 11p and the distal receptacle wall 11d being referenced) has been moved as step (a) of the position change procedure via the voice coil actuator 142 along the normal axis N into a removal position. It can be seen that the pushers, in particular the first pusher 131 covers part of the set of cards 9 along the normal axis N. The cards that the first pusher 131 covers form the proximal removal subset pr and the other cards form the distal removal subset dr, with the most distal card of the proximal removal subset pr being the change position card 91 (see FIG. 4). The distal receptacle wall 11d as movable wall is in the biasing configuration and the voice coil actuator 142 is operated in the position control mode. It is noted that the pushers 131, 132 are for this step in a position where they do not interfere with respectively not contact the cards of the set of cards 9.

[0252] Subsequently, step (b) of the position change procedure is carried out where the pushers, in particular the first pusher 131, are moved in the first lateral direction l-1. Thereby, the cards that are covered by the first pusher 131 along the normal axis N are pushed by the first pusher 131 in the first lateral direction l-1. FIG. 4 illustrates the situation at the end of step (b) of the position change procedure where the set of cards 9 is in its removal offset set configuration. It can be seen that the proximal removal subset pr and in particular the change position card 91 overlaps with and respectively is covered by the pickup roller 151 along the primary lateral axis L-1, but are spaced apart along the normal axis N, such that the change position card 91 does not contact the pickup roller 151.

[0253] For moving the change position card 91 into the auxiliary receptacle 12 as step (c) of the position change procedure, the set receptacle 11 is first displaced in the distal direction d, thereby forcing the change position card 91 with its distal card front against the pickup roller 151, as illustrated in FIG. 5. This is typically done in force control mode, but position control mode is also possible. This step forms an intermediate step (c0) as preparatory step for the transfer of the change position card 91 into the auxiliary receptacle 12 in step (c) of the position change procedure.

[0254] Subsequently, the pickup roller 151 is controlled to rotate such that it further displaces the change position card 91 in the first lateral direction l-1 by way of frictional contact, until an end region of the change position card 91 is located between the transport rollers 153 respectively is in a catching area of the transport rollers 153, as illustrated in FIG. 6. This step forms sub-step (c1) of the position change procedure as explained in the general description and is typically carried out in force control mode but could also carried out in position control mode. It can be seen that the change position card is now displaced in the first lateral direction l-1 with respect to both the proximal removal subset pr and the distal removal subset dr in the set receptacle 11.

[0255] Subsequently, the change position card 91 is moved, as sub-step (c2) of the position change procedure, into the auxiliary receptacle 12 via the transport rollers 153 which are rotated by the transport roller drive in opposite directions as indicated. FIG. 7 illustrates the situation upon the movement of the change position card being completed. It is noted that, while the auxiliary receptacle 12 is exemplarily shown as having continuous respectively through-going, plate- or sheet-shaped proximal and distal auxiliary receptacle walls, 12p, 12d in addition to an auxiliary receptacle ground 121 extending between them, this is not essential. Instead, a number of spaced apart support posts and/or a number of spaced apart non-driven rotatable rollers that extend parallel to the transport rollers 153 respectively along the secondary lateral axis L-2 may be foreseen, for example. Further in a variant, the proximal 12p and distal 12d auxiliary receptacle walls may not be present, but only an auxiliary card support that corresponds to the auxiliary receptacle ground 121 as abutment for gravity acting in the fourth lateral direction l-4.

[0256] As can be seen, the auxiliary receptacle 12 is shorter as compared to the cards 91, in particular the change position card 91 along the primary lateral axis L-1 such that the change position card 91 projects beyond the auxiliary receptacle 12 in the first lateral direction I-1. As mentioned in the general description, the movement into the auxiliary receptacle 12 may be carried out, for example under force control with a favourably reduced force, in a passive mode where the voice coil actuator 142 is non-energized, or in position control mode with the position of the set receptacle 11 as obtained in sub-step (c1) respectively shown in FIG. 6 being maintained. Further, the distal receptacle wall 11d as movable wall is favourable in the clearance configuration. Alternatively, however, the biasing configuration could be used. In this case, the set receptacle 11 may be somewhat moved into the proximal direction p as discussed below. Thereby, it is ensured that the second pusher 132 will contact all cards of the proximal removal subset pr, since some distal cards of the proximal removal subset pr may have moved into the distal direction.

[0257] Subsequently, an intermediate step (d0) as illustrated in FIG. 8 is carried out as preparatory step for step (d) of the position change procedure. In step (do), the set receptacle 11 is moved in the proximal direction p such that the pushers, in particular the second pusher 132, covers along the normal axis N the proximal removal subset pr, which at this point does not include the change position card 91. The most distal card of the proximal removal subset is referenced 91.

[0258] Subsequently, step (d) of the position change procedure is carried out where the pushers, in particular the second pusher 132, are moved in the second lateral direction l-2. Thereby, cards of the proximal removal subset pr are pushed by the second pusher 132 in the second lateral direction l-2 into the standard set configuration where the proximal removal subset pr (without change position card 91) and the distal removal subset dr are aligned along the primary lateral axis L-1. This step is favourably carried out in position control mode with the distal receptacle wall 11d as movable wall being in the clearance configuration. FIG. 9 illustrates the situation at the end of this step where the whole set of cards 9 (with exception of the change position card 91) is accommodated in the set receptacle 11 between the proximal receptacle wall 11p and the distal receptacle wall 11d. In this situation, the distal receptacle wall 11d as movable wall is moved into the biasing configuration, thereby clamping the set of cards 9 between the proximal receptacle wall 11p and the distal receptacle wall 11d.

[0259] Subsequently, the set receptacle 11 is moved as step (e) of the position change procedure via the voice coil actuator 142 along the normal axis N into an insertion position where the pushers, in particular the first pusher 131, partly covers the set of cards 9 along the normal axis N. This step is in principle similar to step (b) of the position change routine as discussed before. The cards of the set of cards 9 that are covered by first pusher 131 along the normal axis N form a proximal insertion subset pi, while the other cards form a distal insertion subset di. The distal pusher end of 131d of the first pusher 131 is along the normal axis N generally between the proximal front and the distal front of the most distal card of the proximal insertion subset pi, for example approximately in the middle between the card fronts. The situation after moving the set receptacle 11 into the insertion position is illustrated in FIG. 10. Prior to moving the set receptacle into the insertion position, the pushers 131, 132 may be moved as compared to the situation as shown in FIG. 9, into the first lateral direction l-1 into a position where they do not interfere with the cards when the set receptacle (11) is subsequently moved along the normal axis N.

[0260] It is noted that the rotational position of the pickup roller 151 is, like in the preceding steps, such that the bending protrusion 152 does not interfere with the change position card 91.

[0261] Subsequently, step (f) of the position change procedure is carried out where the pushers, in particular the first pusher 131, are moved in the first lateral direction l-1, as illustrated in FIG. 11. Thereby, the cards that are covered by the first pusher 131 along the normal axis N are pushed by the first pusher 131 in the first lateral direction l-1. FIG. 11 illustrates the situation at the end of step (f) of the position change procedure with the set of cards 9 being in its insertion offset set configuration. It can further be seen that the proximal insertion subset pi overlaps with respectively is covered by the pickup roller 151 along the primary lateral axis L-1, but are spaced apart along the normal axis N. This step is generally similar to step (b) of the position change procedure as explained before. The insertion position, however, is different from the removal position. The proximal pi and distal di insertion subsets are accordingly different from the proximal pr and distal dr removal subset. As explained in the following, the change position card 91 is subsequently placed between the most distal card of the proximal insertion subset pi and the most proximal card of the distal insertion subset di.

[0262] Subsequently, step (g) of the position change procedure is carried out, where the change position card is again inserted respectively moved back into the set receptacle 11 at its appropriate new position. First, the pickup roller 151 is rotated into a position where the bending protrusion 152 points in proximal direction p respectively towards the proximal insertion subset pi, as illustrated in FIG. 12. However, the bending protrusion is separated from the proximal insertion subset pi by a gap and does therefore not yet contact the proximal insertion subset pi. It is noted that the rotational position of the pickup roller 151 was in all preceding steps such that no interference or interaction occurred between the bending protrusion 152 and any card of the set of cards 9.

[0263] Next, the proximal insertion subset, pi, in particular the distal card front of its most distal card, is forced in distal direction against the bending protrusion 152, typically in force control mode of the voice coil actuator 142. Thereby, a peripheral region of the proximal insertion subset pi is bent in the proximal direction under the controlled force exerted by the proximal receptacle wall 11p and the counterforce that is exerted by the bending protrusion 152 and the pickup roller as abutment. Along with the peripheral region of the proximal insertion subset pi, the elastically bendable peripheral proximal receptacle wall region 11p which supports the proximal insertion subset pi is bent in the proximal direction. A gap G opens under the force at the interface of the proximal pi and distal di insertion subset at the (generally vertical oriented) side facing the auxiliary receptacle 12, as illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0264] Next, the transport rollers 153 are controlled to rotate, thereby moving the change position card 91 from the auxiliary receptacle 12 back into the set receptacle 11, with the change position card 91 being inserted into the gap G between the proximal pi and the distal insertion subset, as illustrated in FIG. 14. In this process, the change position card passes under frictional contact between the bending protrusion 152 and the proximal insertion subset pi and is therefore also somewhat elastically deformed, as illustrated. The rotational direction of the transport rollers 153 is opposite to FIG. 7. The step is favourably carried in force control mode and with the movable wall 11d in the biasing configuration.

[0265] In a here-assumed design, the rotational speed of the transport rollers 153 is sufficiently high to allow the change position card 91 to continue its movement in the second lateral direction l-2 when losing contact with the transport rollers such that it is inserted into the set receptacle without a driving force being applied. The configuration at the end of the movement of the change position card is shown in FIG. 15. It is noted, however that in a variant the change position card could stay in contact with the transport rollers 151 and be subsequently moved by the second pusher 132, with a preceding movement of the set receptacle 11 in the proximal direction. In a further variant the pickup roller 151 may be rotated such that the bending protrusion 152 does not interfere with the change position card 91, force the change position card 91 against the pickup roller 151 and rotate the pickup to displace the change position card 91 in the second lateral direction l-2 towards the set receptacle 11.

[0266] Subsequently, two intermediate steps (h01), (h02) are carried out in the here-described embodiment that are illustrated, in combination, in FIG. 16. In step (h01), pushers, in particular the first pusher 131, are moved in the second lateral direction l-2 into a position where the first pusher 131 is displaced in the second lateral direction l-2 with respect to the set of cards 9, in particular the cards of the distal insertion subset di, i.e. into a position where a gap G is present between the circumferential card edging 91E of the cards of the distal insertion subset di and the first pusher 131. This step is carried out to allow movement of the set receptacle 11 in the proximal direction in subsequent step (h02) without interference. When moving the pushers 131, 132 as described, the proximal insertion subset pi is pushed in the shown embodiment into the second lateral direction l-2 by the second pusher 132.

[0267] In subsequent step (h02), the set receptacle is moved into the proximal direction p into a position where the pushers, in particular the second pusher 132 covers the proximal insertion subset pi and the change position card 91.

[0268] Subsequently, step (h) of the position change procedure is carried out where the cards of the set of cards 9 are again brought into the standard set configuration. This is carried out by moving the pushers 131, 132, in particular the second pusher 132, into the second lateral direction l-2, such that the cards of the proximal insertion subset pi together with the change position card 91 are pushed into the second lateral direction l-2 until they are aligned along the primary lateral axis L-1 with the cards of the distal insertion subset and the standard configuration is accordingly reached. The resulting configuration which in this design given at the end of the position change procedure is shown in FIG. 17.

[0269] Subsequently, the position change procedure may again be executed as necessary with different removal and insertion position. Subsequent to the situation as illustrated in FIG. 17 and the next following execution of the position change procedure, however, the pushers 131, 132 are favourably somewhat moved into the first lateral direction l-1 such that the second pusher 132 loses contact with the cards.

[0270] FIGS. 18, 19, 20 schematically show an exemplary embodiment of an integrity checking device 2 in accordance with the present disclosure in a frontal view (FIG. 18) with a viewing direction from proximal towards distal, a side view (FIG. 19) and a top view (FIG. 20). In the shown design, the integrity checking device 2 may be a standalone device. The operation, however, corresponds to the operation of an integrity checking device as part of a card arranging device 1 and as discussed before with reference to the preceding figures. The integrity checking device 2 may at the same time be an initial card order determination device of a card arranging device 1 as discussed before, with the control unit 5 also controlling operation of the initial card order determination device and card arranging device. In this case, the integrity checking procedure and initial card order determination are carried out along with each other as discussed before under control of the control unit 5. If the integrity checking device 2 is a standalone device and not part of a card arranging device 1, no initial card order determination may be required. Further, if the integrity checking device 2 is a standalone device, a corresponding control unit and user interface of adopted, generally limited functionality are present.

[0271] It is noted that features that are features of a card arranging device 1 that are not relevant in the context of integrity checking and initial card order determination may not be shown. It is further noted that FIGS. 1, 2 as discussed above, illustrate the integration of the integrity checking device 2 into a card arranging device 1.

[0272] FIGS. 18, 19, 20 show an initial configuration, after the set of cards 9 has been inserted into the set receptacle 11 and before the integrity checking procedure is carried out. The ejection pin 161 which in this design also serves as tilting pin is in its retracted ejection pin position, with the associated ejection pin drive 163, see FIG. 1, also serving as tilting pin drive. The other ejection pin 162 and its associated injection pin drive 164 are not shown for clarity reasons.

[0273] All cards of the set of cards 9 are accordingly in their levelled configuration and rest on the receptacle ground 111. The distal receptacle wall 11d as movable wall is shown in its biasing configuration, resulting in the set of cards 9 being clamped between the proximal receptacle wall 11p and the distal receptacle wall 11d, respectively.

[0274] The camera unit 22 is arranged such that it can capture an image of a corner section 91C of a card 91, in particular of a most proximal card of a levelled subset as discussed further below. The corner section 91C of a card carries the card identification information, e.g. suit and rank of a poker card.

[0275] Further, a door arrangement 4 with a door 41 and a door coupling solenoid 42 is shown. By the control unit energizing the door coupling solenoid 42, the door 41 is mechanically and generally rigidly coupled to the set receptacle 11, such that any movement of the set receptacle 11 along the normal axis N is followed by the door 41. The door coupling solenoid may be arranged auxiliary receptacle 12 any desired location. In a particular design, it is for example arranged at the distal respectively movable wall 11d.

[0276] The integrity checking device 2 respectively card arranging device 1 is mounted below the tabletop 4 of a game table. The tabletop 4 has a table cut-out 4a via which a set of cards can be inserted into respectively removed out of the set receptacle 11 respectively its receptacle room as explained in the following. Reference 4 may in a further embodiment refer to a top side of a housing if a card arranging device 1 and/or integrity checking device 2 is a stand-alone device, and reference 4a may refer to a housing cut-out. Also, the device may have a generally closed housing that is mounted under the tabletop 4 of a game table.

[0277] The door 41 is linearly guided in door guide 43, e.g. which may, e.g. include or consist of guide rails, along the normal axis N. For inserting respectively loading a set of cards 9 into the set receptacle 11 respectively ejecting a set of cards 9 from the set receptacle, the door coupling solenoid 42 is activated and the voice coil actuator is controlled to move the set receptacle into a position under cut-out 4a in the tabletop of a game table such that the set receptacle is accessible from top of table top 4 via the table cut-out 4a. Along with the movement of the set receptacle 11, the door 41 moves from a closed-door position where the table cut-out 4a is covered by the door 41 into an open-door position. After inserting respectively removing the set of cards 9, the door 41 may be closed in an analogue opposite manner. It is noted that a door, for example but not necessarily of the here-described design, is generally present also in a card arranging device 1 that does not include an initial card order determination device and/or integrity checking device 2. Also, a door is generally present in a stand-alone integrity checking device.

[0278] As initial step of the integrity check, illustrated in FIGS. 21, 22 in a front view and side view, respectively, the ejection pin 161, which also serves as tilting pin as mentioned, is moved by its ejection member drive 163 into an intermediate ejection pin position where it is displaced in the third lateral direction l-3 as compared to the retracted ejection member position. As mentioned in the general description, the intermediate ejection pin position is along the secondary lateral axis L-2, between the retracted ejection pin position and an advanced ejection pin position as discussed further below and corresponds to an advanced tilting member position respectively advanced tilting pin position. In doing so, the ejection pin 161 pushes against the base section 91E of the circumferential card edging 91E, with the set of cards respectively its cards 91 being tilted in each case and moved from a previous levelled card configuration into a respective tilted card configuration where the base section 91E is skewed respectively angled with respect to the receptacle ground. After moving the ejection pin 161 as tilting pin into its intermediate ejection pin position, the distal receptacle wall 11d as movable wall is brought into the clearance configuration via the retraction solenoid 171. It is noted that the integrity checking device could also be provided with the ejection pin 161 being directly in its intermediate ejection member position.

[0279] Further, the dropping drive 21a (schematically shown in FIG. 18) is activated, resulting in the dropping roller 21 to rotate as indicated in FIG. 22. The dropping roller 21 is arranged to overlap with the set of cards when tilted, such that it can contact the distal card front of the most distal card 91d (respectively the most distal card of a tilted subset as discussed below), as visible, e.g. in FIG. 22. In the configuration of FIGS. 19, 20, however, a gap is present between the dropping roller and the most distal card 91d, such they are not in contact. As best visible in FIG. 21, a sufficient portion of the set of cards 9 respectively its cards 91 remain located between the proximal 11p and distal 11d to ensure appropriate positioning of the cards with the cards 91 respectively their card fronts being substantially parallel to a plane as defined by the primary lateral axis L-1 and secondary lateral axis L-2.

[0280] It is noted that especially the arrangement of the dropping roller 21 is schematic and in particular the extension of the dropping roller 21 along its axis may be significantly smaller. Ideally, the dropping roller 21 is dimensioned and arranged to contact the most distal card 91d only in a small peripheral region.

[0281] Subsequently, as illustrated in FIGS. 23, 24 which generally correspond to FIGS. 21, 22, the set receptacle 11 is moved by the voice coil actuator 142 in distal direction. As explained in the general description, the (distal) ejection pin end 161e respectively tilting pin end of the ejection pin 161 is aligned respectively adjusted with respect to the dropping roller 21. By moving the set receptacle 11 in distal direction, the set of cards 9 is forced against the rotating dropping roller. Since the ejection pin 161 does not move, the card 91 facing and contacting the dropping roller 21 loses contact with the ejection pin 161 and moves respectively is forced back into its levelled card configuration, referred to as dropping. The dropping happens sequentially for all cards 91 one after the other, beginning with the most distal card 91d and ending with the most proximal card 91p. The cards 91 that have not yet been dropped form, in combination, a tilted subset 9T, and the cards 91 that have already been dropped form, in combination, a levelled subset 9L, with the levelled subset 9L being distal from the tilted subset 9T.

[0282] A corner section 91C (see FIG. 20) is covered by the field of view 22 of the camera unit 22 for each card 91 respectively directly subsequent to being dropped, i.e. the most proximal card of the levelled subset 9L, since it is not hidden by the even more proximal cards which are still in their respective tilted card configuration respectively belong to the tilted subset. A card image or a number of card images of each dropped card is captured accordingly.

[0283] This process continues until all cards of the set of cards 9 have been dropped and the respective card images captured.

[0284] It is noted that moving the set receptacle in the distal direction and dropping the cards 91 one after the other as explained, results in the distance by which the ejection pin 161 projects into the receptacle room of the set receptacle continuously decreasing. As the most proximal card 91p as last card is dropped, the ejection pin 161 does not further project into the receptacle room.

[0285] It is assumed that the face side that shows the card identification information, e.g. suit and rank shall be the proximal card front. If, for one or more cards, this is not the case, the card identification information is not present in the card image, resulting in the integrity check having failed. Further, the control unit stores an expected set composition as explained in the general description and determines from the captured images if the actual set composition of the set of cards 9 matches the expected set composition. If this is not the case because e.g. any card is missing or a card e.g. of a particular suit and rank duplicated respectively present more often than expected, the integrity check has failed. Only if the integrity check has not failed, it has passed. The control unit is configured to determine if the integrity check has passed and controls further action as appropriate and discussed before.

[0286] If the integrity checking device 2 is at the same time an initial card order determination device of a card arranging device, the control unit, in particular the control unit 5 of the card arranging device, is further configured to store the card order as determined from the card images as initial card order and input for a subsequent card arranging planning procedure. Further prior to proceeding with a card arranging procedure as discussed before, the ejection pin 161 is moved back into its retracted ejection pin configuration.

[0287] In the following, reference is additionally made to FIGS. 25, 26 which illustrate the ejection of a set of cards from the set receptacle 11 for the purpose of removal. Starting from a configuration where the set of cards 9 is accommodated in the set receptacle 11 and the door 41 is closed, the door 41 is moved from its closed into its opened door position as explained before. Subsequently, both ejection pins 161, 162 are moved from their respective retracted ejection pin position into their respective advanced ejection pin position (see, e.g. FIGS. 25, 26) via their respective injection pin drives 163, 164 in a synchronous manner. Thereby, the set of cards 9 with its cards 91 is pushed respectively lifted into the third lateral direction l-3 and partly passes through the table cut-out 4a. In the advanced ejection pin position of ejection pins 161, 162, the set of cards 9 projects beyond the tabletop 4 to be grasped and removed by a user. The distal receptacle wall 11d as movable wall is favourably in the clearance configuration to allow easy removal of the set of cards 9.

[0288] After removing the set of cards 9, a further set of cards can be inserted for arrangement and/or integrity checking in the clearance configuration. Subsequently, the ejection pins 161, 162 are moved into their retracted position, thereby placing the further set of cards in the set receptacle 11 and the door 41 is closed.

[0289] In the following, the operation of a further embodiment of the card arranging device 1 when executing a position change procedure is discussed with reference to FIG. 27 to FIG. 37. In the interest of conciseness, not all steps are necessarily explained in full detail, but the description is mainly focused on particular aspects that differ from the before discussed embodiment. Also the description of the structure focusses on particular aspects of this embodiment.

[0290] In the here-discussed design, the arrangement of retraction solenoid 171, locking solenoid 172 and biasing spring member 173 is favourably replaced by a wall moving voice coil actuator 171 (schematically shown in FIG. 27 only) as explained in the general description. Instead of selectively energizing the solenoids 171, 172, the wall moving voice coil actuator 171 is controlled accordingly to compress the cards within the set receptacle 11 with an appropriate force as required respectively to adjust the receptacle clearance c. A voice coil actuator allows bidirectional movement of the moving wall via the control signal of the voice coil actuator.

[0291] Regarding the pushers, the second pusher 132 is somewhat longer as compared to the first pusher 131, such that the distal pusher end 132d of the second pusher 132 is displaced in distal direction d along the normal axis N with respect to the distal pusher end 131d of the first pusher. Further, an outer side of the second pusher 132 that points away from the first pusher 132 is chamfered or bevelled. Due to the design of the second pusher 132, it move into the l-1 and deflect the change position card 91 that is held between the transport rollers 153 (see FIGS. 32, 33), without damaging or marking the change-position card 91. In the vertical direction respectively along the secondary normal axis L-2, the second pusher 132 is arranged above the card transfer unit 15 respectively its rollers as well as the auxiliary receptacle 12, in order to allow its movement without interfering.

[0292] As referenced in FIGS. 33, 34, the pickup roller 151 has in this embodiment along its circumference pickup roller flat sections 151 and between them a pickup roller cylindrical section 151 that may in each case contact a card and are made from an elastic respectively resilient material, in particular rubber. Between the pickup roller flat sections 151, a separation protrusion 152 is present that is generally designed similar to the bending protrusion 152 of the before discussed embodiment but fulfilling a somewhat different function as explained further below. The separation protrusion 152 is favourably made from a hard respectively low-friction material such as metal or plastics, like in the before-discussed embodiment. Along the rotational axis of the pickup roller 151, the flat pickup roller sections 151 and the cylindrical pickup roller section are not continuous. Instead but are in each case split into two card contact elements that are such that a resulting force that is exerted onto contacting points is aligned with the primary lateral axis L-1 and corresponds to the centreline of the contacted card. A corresponding design is given for the transport rollers 153. The separation protrusion 152 is also not axially continuous but has in this design three axially separated segments, each segment being formed by a separation element.

[0293] Further, the auxiliary receptacle 12 is designed somewhat differently as follows: In a top view respectively a viewing direction along the secondary lateral axis, the auxiliary receptacle 12 has an auxiliary receptacle interface section 12 that is displaced in proximal direction d as compared to an auxiliary receptacle main section 12. The auxiliary receptacle interface section 12 and the auxiliary receptacle main section 12 extend parallel to each other. Specifically, the proximal auxiliary wall 12p and the distal auxiliary receptacle wall 12d extend parallel to each other and parallel to the primary lateral axis L-1 (see, e.g. FIG. 2). In the auxiliary receptacle interface section 12 and the auxiliary receptacle main section 12. It is noted that the auxiliary receptacle interface section 12 is short as compared to the auxiliary receptacle main section 12. The auxiliary receptacle interface section serves the purpose of receiving a change-position card from the card transfer unit 15 respectively transfer it into the card transfer unit 15 in a correctly aligned manner. The auxiliary receptacle 12 further has an auxiliary transition section 12 that is adjacent to and connects the auxiliary receptacle interface section 12 and the auxiliary receptacle main section 12. In a top view, the overall shape of the auxiliary receptacle 12 is accordingly substantially S-shape and a change position card that is accommodated in the auxiliary receptacle will be bent correspondingly.

[0294] It is noted that, while different designs and variations are possible, FIGS. 38, 39 shows a pickup roller that may be uses in the context of the here-described embodiment. Similarly, FIG. 40 shows a subunit of a card arranging device 1, specifically major elements of the transport unit 15 and an auxiliary receptacle 12, that may be used.

[0295] In the configuration as shown in FIG. 27, step (a) of the position change procedure has been executed, similar to FIG. 3 as explained before.

[0296] In the configuration shown in FIG. 28, step (b) of the position change procedure has been executed, generally similar to FIG. 4, however, with some difference as follows:

[0297] The pickup roller 151 is in a rotational position where a flat portion 151 thereof faces the change position card 91, with the distal card front of the change position card 91 and the pickup roller 151 being spaced apart by a minimal gap. It is noted that no dedicated elastically bendable peripheral proximal receptacle wall region 11p as in the before described embedment is required.

[0298] Due to the design of the pickup roller 151 in this embodiment, however, an explicit step of forcing the change position card 91 against the pickup roller 151, as shown above in FIG. 4, is not required. Instead, the pickup roller 151 is, starting from the configuration as shown in FIG. 28, moved to rotate such that its cylindrical portions 151 contact the distal card front of the change position card 91 and displaces the change position card in the first lateral direction l1, until an end region of the change position card 91 is located between the transport rollers 153 respectively is in a catching area of the transport rollers 153, as illustrated in FIG. 29, with FIG. 29 also indicating the rotation of the pickup roller 151.

[0299] The rotation of the pickup roller 151 between the configurations of FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 is such that different flat sections 151 (referenced in FIG. 34, see also FIGS. 38, 39) of the pickup roller 151 face the proximal removal subset pr and in particular the change position card 91.

[0300] From the configuration shown in FIG. 29, the change position card is transferred into the into the auxiliary receptacle 12 where it assumes the auxiliary card position by rotating the transport rollers 153 as indicated. The configuration when the transfer of the change position card 91 into the auxiliary receptacle 12 and accordingly step (c) of the position change procedure is completed is shown in FIG. 30, generally corresponding to FIG. 7 for the before-discussed embodiment. It can be seen that the change position card is 91 is bent to an S-shape due to the design of the proximal and distal auxiliary receptacle wall, 12p, 12d, as mentioned before. In order to prevent the proximal removal subset pr from being unintentionally displaced in the first lateral direction l-1 due to the frictional contact with the change position card 91, an abutment is foreseen which is realized in this design as a proximal stopping wall 154p that extends along the normal axis N and is along the primary lateral axis L-1 arranged between the proximal receptacle wall 11p and the transport rollers 153. Similarly, in order to prevent the distal removal subset dr from being unintentionally displaced in the first lateral direction l-1, an abutment is foreseen which is realized in this design as a distal stopping wall 154d that extends along the normal axis N and is along the primary lateral axis L-1 arranged between the distal receptacle wall 11d and the pickup roller 151.

[0301] Subsequently, step (d) of the position change procedure is carried out in generally the same way is discussed before. FIG. 31 shows the configuration after completing the step, where the set of cards is again in the standard set configuration, respectively all cards in the set receptacle 11 are aligned along the primary lateral axis L-1. It is noted that in the here-described design the intermediate step (d0) as discussed above with reference to FIG. 8 is not required. That is, the pushers, in particular the second pusher 132 can be directly moved into the second lateral direction l-2 without prior movement of the set receptacle 11 in the proximal direction p and can further directly push cards of the proximal removal subset pr respectively of the distal insertion subset as well as the change position card 91, into the set receptacle 11 respectively into the standard set configuration.

[0302] Subsequently, step (e) of the position change procedure is executed, thereby moving the set receptacle 11 into the insertion position. FIG. 32 illustrates the configuration at the end of this step, corresponding to FIG. 10 for the before-discussed embodiment.

[0303] For creating a configuration where the proximal insertion subset pr is offset with respect to the distal insertion subset dr pursuant to step (f) of the position change procedure, the proximal insertion subset pi pushed into the insertion offset configuration via the first pusher 131. The configuration at the end of this step is shown in FIG. 33. The step is carried out in substantially the same manner as step (b), with FIG. 33 generally corresponding to FIG. 28. Similar to the change position card 91 in FIG. 28, a flat portion 151 of the pickup roller 151 faces the most distal card 91 of the proximal insertion subset pi with a minimal gap.

[0304] It is noted that due to the cards being bendable and since the second pusher 132 is chamfered or bevelled as explained before, the second pusher 132 can enter the room of the auxiliary receptacle 12 and interfere with the change position card 91 without damaging respectively marking the same.

[0305] The re-insertion of the change position card 91 in step (g) is in this embodiment carried out as follows.

[0306] First, the voice coil actuator 142 respectively receptacle displacement actuator is controlled to move the receptacle 11 somewhat in proximal direction p as indicated. At the same time, the distal receptacle wall 11d as movable wall forces the distal insertion subset di against the first pusher 131 respectively its distal end 131d. In dependence of the design, this can be achieved e.g. as follows: In an embodiment with a retraction solenoid 171 and a biasing spring member 173, the retraction solenoid 171 may be de-energized, such that the biasing spring member 172 forces the distal receptacle wall 11d in proximal direction. In embodiments with a wall moving voice coil actuator 171, the wall moving voice coil actuator 171 is controlled to exert a force onto the distal receptacle wall 11d in proximal direction. In any case, the position of the distal receptacle wall 11d and the distal insertion subset di along the normal axis is maintained, and only the proximal receptacle wall 11p moves, generally together with the proximal insertion subset 11p, in proximal direction, thereby increasing the receptacle clearance (c) and generating a gap between the proximal insertion subset pi and the distal insertion subset di. It is noted that the force that can be exerted by the receptacle displacement actuator is larger than the force via which the distal insertion subset is forced against the first pusher 131 as mentioned. Further, it is noted that clamping the distal insertion subset di between the distal receptacle wall 11d and the first pusher 131 is not mandatory, but found favourable for the subsequent re-insertion of the change position card 91 into the set receptacle 11.

[0307] Subsequently, the pickup roller 151 is rotated as indicated such that separation protrusion 152 points in proximal direction. The amount of the previous movement of the set receptacle 11 in proximal direction as explained before is selected such that favourably the separation protrusion 152 contacts the most distal card 91 of the proximal insertion subset pi without exerting significant force, or small gap remains between the separation protrusion and the most distal card 91 of the proximal insertion subset pi. In any case, the separation protrusion 152 ensures that the gap between the proximal and distal insertion subset is maintained and undesired card moments in particular of the proximal insertion subset are prevented.

[0308] Subsequently, the change position card is moved in the second lateral direction l-2 via the transport rollers 153. thereby, the change position card is inserted between the proximal insertion subset pi, respectively its most distal card 92, and the distal insertion subset di under contact with the separation protrusion 152, as illustrated in FIG. 35. FIG. 36 illustrates the configuration when the change position card 91 has left the auxiliary receptacle 12 and is largely re-inserted into the set receptacle 12.

[0309] In dependence of the rotational speed of the transport rollers 153 and the frictional conditions, the change position card 91 may fully move into the set receptacle 11 after losing contact with the transport rollers 153 due to its inertia as discussed before. However, in dependence of the frictional conditions, the movement of the change position card 91 may end before. In this case, the change position card is further pushed into the set receptacle 11 via the second pusher 132 in step (h), as illustrated in FIG. 37, illustrating the configuration after completing the position change procedure. FIG. 37 generally corresponds to FIG. 17 for the first described embodiment. It is noted that the intermediate steps (h01), (h02) are not necessary for this embodiment.

[0310] In the following, reference is additionally made to FIGS. 38, 39, showing a pickup roller 151 in a perspective view and a top view, respectively. The pickup roller 151 comprises in this design two pickup roller card contact elements 151b that are made, at least at their circumferential surface, from a high-friction material, such as rubber. Each pickup roller card contact element 151 comprises, along its circumference, two flat sections 151b that are arranged orthogonal to each other, while on the further portions of the circumference cylindrical sections 151b are foreseen. The pickup roller card contact elements 151b arranged such that the cylinder contours of the cylindrical sections 152b are aligned with each other and their cylinder axes coincide with a pickup roller drive shaft 155 on which the card contact elements 151b are arranged in a rotationally fixed manner. The pickup drive shaft 151 is coupled to a pickup roller drive 151a as mentioned before. In combination, the flat sections 151b form a pickup roller flat section 151 and the cylindrical sections 151b form a pickup roller cylindrical section 151.

[0311] Alternating with the pickup roller card contact elements 151b, a total number of exemplary three in the shown design disk-shaped elements 152b is foreseen, the separation elements 152b forming, in combination a separation member. The separation elements 152b are made from low-friction material, e.g. metal or plastics. The separation elements 152b are cylindrical, but a flat section 152b is foreseen at their circumference. The flat sections 152b lie in each case in a common plane with a flat section 151b of each circumferential surface of each pickup roller card contact elements 151b.

[0312] While the separation elements 152b are, like the pickup roller card contact elements 151a, rotationally fixed on the pickup roller drive shaft 155, they are arranged eccentrically and further have a smaller diameter. As a result, a separation portion S of each separation 152b projects beyond the contour as determined by the pickup roller card contact elements 151b. The separation portions S form, in combination, an axially distributed bending protrusion 152.

[0313] In the following, reference is additionally made to FIG. 41, showing a showing transport roller 153 in a perspective view and a top view, respectively. Similar to the pickup roller 151 illustrated in FIGS. 39, 39, the transport roller 153 comprises two cylindrical transport roller card contact elements 153b that are arranged axially distributed on a transport roller drive shaft 157 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0314] In the following, reference is additionally made to FIG. 40, showing a subassembly of a card arranging device 1 in accordance with the present disclosure in particular auxiliary receptacle 12 and i card transfer unit 15. It is noted that the transport rollers 153, while being present and arranged between the pickup roller 151 and the auxiliary card receptacle 12 and parallel to the pickup roller 151, are hidden in this view. The pickup roller may in particular be designed as explained before with reference to FIGS. 38, 39. The pickup roller 151 as well as the transport rollers 153 are rotationally beard by transfer unit support structure 156.

[0315] The inner room of the auxiliary receptacle 12 as defined by the proximal auxiliary receptacle wall 12p and distal auxiliary receptacle wall 12d is slot-shaped and generally extends parallel to the primary lateral axis L1. In a peripheral section of the auxiliary receptacle 12, however the auxiliary receptacle walls 12p, 12d are bent in proximal direction. thereby forming an auxiliary receptacle transition section 12. In a thereto directly adjacent section of the transport unit support structure 156 an auxiliary receptacle interface section 12 is formed, that extends, like to main portion of the auxiliary receptacle 12, parallel to the primary lateral axis L-1, but is offset with respect to the main portion of the auxiliary receptacle 12 in proximal direction. As a result, a peripheral region of change position card 91 will, in the auxiliary card position, be bent in an S-shaped manner. In the shown design, an additional lateral stopping wall 12l is foreseen that limits the possible movement of the change position card in the l-2 direction beyond the auxiliary card position respectively beyond the auxiliary receptacle 12. Damping material such as rubber foam may be foreseen for damping the noise that occurs upon a change-position card hitting the lateral stopping wall 12d.

[0316] Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS

[0317] 1 card arranging device [0318] 11 set receptacle [0319] 11p proximal receptacle wall (reference wall)/force exerting receptacle wall [0320] 11p peripheral proximal receptacle wall region [0321] 11d distal receptacle wall (movable wall) [0322] 111 receptacle ground [0323] 12 auxiliary receptacle [0324] 12 auxiliary receptacle interface section [0325] 12 auxiliary receptacle transition section [0326] 12 auxiliary receptacle main section [0327] 12p proximal auxiliary receptacle wall [0328] 12d distal auxiliary receptacle wall [0329] 12l lateral stopping wall [0330] 121 auxiliary receptacles ground/auxiliary card support [0331] 131 first pusher [0332] 131d distal pusher end (first pusher) [0333] 132 second pusher [0334] 132d distal pusher end (second pusher) [0335] 133 pusher linkage member [0336] 142 voice coil actuator (receptacle displacement actuator) [0337] 141 linear motor (pusher displacement actuator) [0338] 15 card transfer unit [0339] 151 pickup roller [0340] 151 pickup roller flat section [0341] 151 pickup roller cylindrical section [0342] 151b pickup roller card contact element [0343] 151b flat section of pickup roller card contact element [0344] 151b cylindrical section of pickup roller card contact element [0345] 151a pickup roller drive [0346] 152 bending protrusion [0347] 152 separation protrusion [0348] 152b separation element [0349] 152b flat section of separation element [0350] 153 transport roller [0351] 153 transport roller card contact element [0352] 153a transport roller drive [0353] 154p proximal stopping wall [0354] 154d distal stopping wall [0355] 155 pickup roller drive shaft [0356] 156 transfer unit support structure [0357] 157 transport roller drive shaft [0358] 161 ejection pin/tilting pin [0359] 162 ejection pin [0360] 161e ejection pin end/tilting pin end [0361] 163 ejection pin drive/tilting pin drive [0362] 164 ejection pin drive [0363] 17 wall moving device [0364] 171 retraction solenoid [0365] 171 wall moving voice coil actuator [0366] 172 locking solenoid [0367] 173 biasing spring member [0368] 2 integrity checking device [0369] 21 dropping roller [0370] 21a dropping roller drive [0371] 22 camera unit [0372] 22 field of view [0373] 4 door arrangement [0374] 41 door [0375] 42 door coupling solenoid [0376] 43 door guide [0377] 4 tabletop [0378] 4a table cut-out [0379] control unit [0380] 51 hardware number generator [0381] 52 image processing unit [0382] 6 human-machine interface [0383] 7 anti rotation device [0384] 9 set of cards [0385] 9T tilted subset [0386] 9L levelled subset [0387] 91 card [0388] 91p most proximal card [0389] 91d most distal card [0390] 91E card edging [0391] 91E base section of circumferential card edging [0392] 91C card corner (with card identification information) [0393] 91 change position card [0394] 91 most distal card of proximal removal subset [0395] 999 support structure [0396] c receptacle clearance [0397] p proximal direction [0398] d distal direction [0399] pr proximal removal subset [0400] dr distal removal subset [0401] pi proximal insertion subset [0402] di distal insertion subset [0403] l-1 first lateral direction [0404] l-2 second lateral direction [0405] l-3 third lateral direction [0406] l-4 fourth lateral direction [0407] S Separation portion of separation element [0408] N normal axis [0409] G gap [0410] L-1 primary lateral axis [0411] L-2 secondary lateral axis