Patent ID: 6726205
Filing Date: 2004-04-27
Classification: A63F

Abstract:
A method for automatically checking the integrity of a pack of cards prior to play, which includes the steps of:a) assessing for a particular card game the desired number and suit of cards and the maker of the cards; b) passing cards from a deck individually past a digital camera; c) illuminating the playing face of the cards with only a blue light source and collecting images in said camera from the card face, containing the suit and value of the card; d) matching the images for each card against stored templates for cards by the same card manufacturer and for each card identifying the value and suit of the card or detecting it as unrecognized; e) counting each card as its image is matched; f) deducing if all cards are present, identifying any missing cards and if any superfluous cards are present; and g) preparing a status report based on the deductions of step f).