Field of the Invention:
[0001] The present invention relates to card shuffler devices for live card games and, more
particularly, to a card shuffling system controlled by a computer which is able to
capture an image, store, keep track of, and deliver random playing cards and display
the images of the cards.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Discussion of the Prior Art
[0002] Card shuffling machines are electro-mechanical devices that are designed to reorder
a deck or multiple decks of playing cards for use in casino games. Recently, games
have been developed that require shuffling a single deck of cards into a random order
and the delivery of hands of cards to each player. These hands are removed from the
machine by an operator and given to the players. Several game strategies require the
hands of cards to be delivered to the players in different amounts depending on the
selected game. For example, there may be 3, 5, 7, or more cards per hand in each different
game. For security reasons, some shufflers count the number of cards in the deck each
time a game is dealt.
[0003] With players at numerous remote sites for the live card games, a security problem
exists that becomes critically important, as there exists a substantial risk of cheating
and/or card counting. A need, therefore, exists to create a secure environment that
permits the operation of live card games while providing significant security to prevent
cheating and counting.
[0004] Pfeiffer, et al., (U.S. Patent No. 4,667,959) disclose an apparatus for storing and selecting cards. The apparatus contains a
rotatably mounted carousel which dispenses playing cards with rollers to slots of
an output port. Cards are pre-marked with known markings, such as bar codes, so that
the apparatus can keep track of which slot holds which card. A sensor reads the identification
markings on the cards.
[0005] Soules, et al., (U.S. Patent No. 5,067,713) teach of coded playing cards and apparatus for dealing a set of cards. There is
provided a deck of cards which are encoded with a bar code that is invisible to the
human eye. The cards are coded using an essentially invisible bar code that can be
read by an electro-optical reading means which uses light in the infrared or ultra-violet
range. The object of this apparatus is to allow the dealer to deal coded playing cards
in the essence of teaching.
[0006] The patent to
Albrecht (U.S. Patent No. 5,374,061) discloses a card dispensing shoe having a counting device and method of using. A
system is described which uses a specially coded deck of cards indicating the value
and suit of the card. The system involves using a special pack of cards encoded with
information carrying two types of data: numerical digit and alphabetical character.
The numerical information corresponds to the card value, and the alphabetical information
indicates the series of the pack of cards. This information is in the form of the
bar code, or some other machine readable format. The sensor senses the code on each
card as it is being dealt.
[0007] Hill, et al., (U.S. Patent No. 5,722,893) disclose a card dispensing shoe that has a card scanner. The scanner senses each
card as it moves downwardly and out from the shoe. The scanner may be an infrared
laser scanner capable of reading a bar code imprinted on the cards. Hill, et al.,
also disclose the optical scanning of the cards resulting in a high resolution array
which is stored in memory for converting into word vectors. These vectors are subsequently
used as input to a feed-forward neural network which is trained using error-back propagation
to sense and recognize the possible card suits and card values.
[0008] Meissner et al. (U.S. Patent No. 5,779,546) teach of an automated gaming system and method of automated gaming. An automated
dealing shoe automatically advances and interprets the value of a playing card and
provides an interface to a computing system. Optical sensors are employed to record
the number of spots and their respective spatial relations to thereby determine the
card value.
[0009] McCrea, Jr. has a series of patents teaching of a card shuffling device having image
capturing means. These
U.S. Patents: 5,605,334;
5,707,287;
5,735,525;
6,093,103; and
6,117,012 disclose the need for game control via accurately collecting and storing the suit
and value of each card received by each player position. The game control stores this
information in a memory so that a history of each card dealt is recorded. The game
control can thus detect winning progressions and automatically issue an award signal.
[0010] None of these patents either teaches or suggests a card shuffling device that can
shuffle the playing cards in a random order, capture images of the playing cards before
output, process the images of the cards, and display the images of the cards, all
within the confines of the shuffler. There is no need for complicated card-recognition
software, or transforming the image into word vectors, or other card value data expressions,
because the images are relayed directly to a display on the shuffler device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In the essence of security, this invention expands game security to a higher level.
Through the use of image capturing means, e.g., a small digital camera, an image of
the face value of each card is taken and stored in computer memory. This image is
stored in the format of a bit map image. The operator of the machine would be able
to recall, through the use of a key pad, the images of the cards that comprised the
individual hands in the previous game or games. This feature would allow the verification
of a winning hand after the game had been completed.
[0012] One of the biggest game security issues is that of two adjacent players trading cards
to produce a winning hand for one of them. The present invention would allow a quick
recheck of hands before paying a winning hand. These card images would be stored in
memory for archival access for use in monitoring the randomness of the game and determining
the number of winning hands. Such information would be very valuable in managing game
play.
[0013] Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a card playing system which
shuffles and deals playing cards, and provided with a means for capturing images of
the cards being dealt for use in verification, thereby enhancing security matters
regarding casino games.
[0014] It is another object of the invention to provide a card shuffle which can selectively
shuffle playing cards for different card games and/or for different shuffling modes
of operation, and capable of capturing the images of the cards that are dealt.
[0015] It is another object of the invention to provide a card shuffler capable of displaying
the images of the playing cards to an operator for verification of winning hands.
[0016] It is an additional object of the invention to provide a card shuffling machine that
selectively shuffles cards for at least two different card games having different
shuffling requirements and between at least two selectable modes of operation which
can be defined by at least the two different card games, with the added security of
card image capturing and relaying of the images for each play station.
[0017] It is another object of the invention to provide a card playing system which is simplified
and inexpensive to manufacture which provides image capture and on-site image display
of the cards being dealt.
[0018] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent
to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. It is to be understood,
however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred
embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation.
Many changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention may be made
without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to
the accompanying drawings, when taken in conjunction with the detailed description
thereof and in which:
FIGURE 1 is a plan view of the preferred embodiment of the invention.
FIGURE 2 is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrating
the components in operation.
FIGURE 3 is a plan view of the control panel in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0020] This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional
purposes of the United States Patent Laws "to promote the progress of science and
useful arts" (Article 1, Section 8).
[0021] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, herein is described
a card shuffler machine which is capable of eliminating one of the most significant
security issues, cheating by the substitution of cards. These security issues are
more prevalent in specialty card games, such as, but not limited to Pai Glow Poker.
The nature of these games provide possibilities of interactions between card players
and/or card counters to manipulate the outcomes of the winnings. As novel means of
enhancing game security are needed, the present invention addresses this need by featuring
a card shuffler device 100 which can capture an image of the playing cards being dealt,
as illustrated generally in Figure 1.
[0022] Figure 1 generally illustrates a diagrammatic or schematic depiction of the card
shuffler system 100 of the present invention. The system 100 includes six major components
of operation: the controller 10, the shuffling device 20, image capturing means 30,
control panel 40, a card input receptacle 50, and card output bin 60.
[0023] Preferably, the housing 15 is made of sheet metal (such as aluminum), durable plastic
or other tough, durable materials. The keys 45 on keypad 44 are preferably tactile
feedback keys, and include indicia thereon for identifying the command the key communicates
to the microprocessor 12 (Fig. 2). The keys can also be made of silicon ribber-carbon
as is typical for such keys, or the key pad can be a membrane keypad. Controller 10
(and ultimately microprocessor 12) controls the operation of the shuffler system 100
by accepting input data from control panel 40, displaying output data on display 42.
However, it will be understood that other display technologies known in the art, for
example, vacuum flourescent, flat panel display, and segmented LED's, are within the
scope of the present invention.
[0024] The controller 10 is a system that controls the operation of the shuffling device
20, image capturing means 30, and display means 40 as well as the movement of the
cards through the shuffler system 100. The controller 10 contains a suitable microprocessor
which serves to orchastrate the operation of all of the components of the shuffler
system 100.
[0025] This invention includes novel methods for performing automated shuffling of playing
cards. The methods include shuffling the cards in a face-to-back relationship which
results in a random order. The face-to-back relationship refers to the standard condition
in which playing cards are sold wherein the face of one card is adjacent to the back
of the next adjacent card. Herein, the present invention dismisses the need for pre-marked
playing cards. Ordinary, un-marked playing cards may be used with ease.
[0026] The novel shuffling methods further include the ability to shuffle cards in more
than one mode and for a plurality of card games as desired. In the card shuffling
arts, two types of shufflers have been introduced. One is a batch mode shuffler, the
other is a continuous mode shuffler.
[0027] The batch mode shuffler is a device that shuffles a deck or multiple decks of playing
cards into a random order. The deck or decks are, at one time, loaded into the shuffler
system 100, usually into an input receptacle 50. The cards are shuffled or re-ordered
and presented to the output bin 60. The decks are removed all at once by a person
(dealer) who divides the stack of cards, records (cuts) them, and places a marked
cut card in the deck in a random position. The dealer then places the cards into a
dealing shoe for individual dealing to players in a card game.
[0028] At the conclusion of each game, the cards of the hands that have been played by the
players are collected from each playing station and discarded face down by the dealer
into a discard shoe (not shown). The decks are then placed into the input receptacle
50 and forwarded to the shuffling device 20 to be re-shuffled to begin a new game.
This process may include two sets of decks of different color card backs. One set
would be shuffling while the other is being played. This reduces the time the game
is stopped for shuffling, allowing the dealer to play more hands with the players.
[0029] The continuous shuffler is a device that shuffles or re-orders a deck or multiple
decks of playing cards into a random order. In the use of this mechanism, the cards
are constantly being shuffled by the shuffle system 100. At the end of each game,
the cards are discarded directly into the input receptacle 50 of the shuffler 100.
A dealing shoe (not shown) is generally built into the output bin 60 of the shuffler
100. The shuffling never stops as long as the game is being played or being prepared
to play.
[0030] The process of discharging the playing cards is preferably performed by the ejection
and displacing of playing cards and forcing them into an output bin 60, for example,
as described in detail in
U. S. Patent No. 6,299,167, incorporated herein by reference. Extracting the cards is accomplished by engaging
edges of the selected displaced card using a movable extractor. The step is more preferably
accomplished by rolling the edges of the selected card using an extraction roller
or rollers (not shown). The cards are further guided toward the output bin via an
output roller. The image capturing means 30 may be placed between the extraction roller(s)
and the output bin 60 (Fig. 1).
[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the image capturing means 30
may be a digital camera. A conventional digital camera employing charge-coupled device
(CCD) technology to obtain the light information of the captured image may be used.
The CCD's consist of a semiconducting array of tightly packed rows of light receptors
that can detect variation in light intensity and frequency.
[0032] The controller 10 has an image processor 16, as shown in Fig. 2, which digitizes
the light information gathered by the camera. This information is digitized by translating
the recorded images into bitmaps. The bit maps will then make use of the digitized
information by translating it into an image-representation consisting of rows and
columns of dots. The present invention includes an on-site image processor 16 which
further translates the bitmaps into pixels for display on the display means 42.
[0033] Alternatively, the image capturing means 30 can comprise a digital camera (not shown)
utilizing (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) CMOS technology. Herein, CMOS
chips have the advantage of using lower power requirements than CCD's. In addition,
the CMOS sensor can be loaded with a host of other tasks that can be translated to
the operation of the controller, such as analogue to digital converting, load signal
processing, handling white balance and more camera controls. For example, CMOS chips
are high resolution sensors with space efficiency capability enabling sensor designs
with the possibility of increasing density and bit depth without significant cost
increases.
[0034] A digital video camera (DV camera) may also be employed to capture digital video
images, thereby reducing steps of video microprocessing. The output of a DV camera
is already in compressed format. Therefore, all that is needed is to transfer the
recorded images straight from the camera for post capture processing.
[0035] Analog cameras (non-digital) may be used to capture the image of the cards. These
may include video recording cameras. Herein, an analogue-to-digital converter may
be used to simplify the image data for display output. Any suitable camera or camera-type
device known in the art may be used to capture the image of the playing cards.
[0036] Any suitable means for capturing image data known in the art, such as, but not limited
to, lenses, mirrors, fiber optics, fiber optical transmission tubes, optical sensor
arrays, photosensitive diodes and/or any combinations thereof may be used to capture
the photonic information and relayed to any choice of camera means to thereby obtain
an image of the playing card.
[0037] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a systems approach to the operation
of the shuffler system 100. A playing card is put into motion by extraction rollers
after the shuffling is performed via instruction from the shuffler controller 10.
Once the leading edge of this moving card is sensed by sensor 25, an image of the
card is taken by the image capturing means 30. This image data is relayed to the image
processor 16. The image processor 16 performs the post-capture processing steps. Herein
the image data may be converted, mapped, sharpened and compressed. The controller
10 stores the image data in memory into a non-volatile RAM storage 14.
[0038] This stored data may then be recalled, by way of prompt messaging from the keypad
44, located on the control panel 40, for display by the graphics display 42. Figure
3 provides an exemplary illustration of the control panel 40 including the operations
controlled by the keypad 44 and images displayed on the display 42.
[0039] The microprocessor 12 controls the various functions of the shuffler system 100,
for example, without limitation, the manner of shuffling; whether the shuffling is
in batch or continuous mode; the card game, or games, to be shuffled for or dealt,
such as Pai-Gow poker, etc. (again, it will be understood that the type of card game
is not a limitation on the present invention). The microprocessor 12 can control the
output of the cards such that each player is dealt either a packet of consecutive
cards from the shuffled deck or every Nth card from the shuffled deck, N being the
number of players plus the dealer (if applicable) at the table.
[0040] The microprocessor 12 operates under instruction of programmed software. This software
can either be stored as firmware in an application specific memory chip, in a solid
state non-volatile memory device or on a magnetic disk from which the software is
loaded into an addressable RAM in shuffler system 100 when power is turned on. When
the shuffler system 100 is first powered on, the software initializes and clears the
display 42.
[0041] The operation of selected commands associated with the keys 45 of the control panel
40 will now be described. It will be understood that any of the keys 45 can be included
anywhere on the shuffler system 100, and not limited to the control panel 40.In operation,
when any key, switch or button is activated by depressing, switching or the like,
a signal is electrically transmitted to controller 20. A predetermined command is
transmitted then from the controller 20. A predetermined command is transmitted then
from the controller 20 to the shuffler 100 via transmission means. The shuffler 100
then performs the function associated with the command.
[0042] The control panel 40 can also include a "GAME". The "GAME" key (as shown in Fig.
3) allows the operator to select the type of card game to be played. Different card
games require different shuffling and/or dealing methods. When the "GAME" key is depressed,
the name of a card game appears on the display 42. The operator can cycle through
the different games programmed into the microprocessor's memory by repeatedly pressing
the "GAME" key until the desired game is selected. In an alternative embodiment, the
control panel 40 can include separate keys for each different card game or a conventional
query keyboard may be used.
[0043] The number of players may be entered by a "NUMBER OF PLAYERS" key (also shown in
Fig. 3), thereby instructing the microprocessor 12 to deal a desired number of hands.
If there are any particular rules or other information that may alter gameplay, a
"PROGRAM" key may be employed to make appropriate changes.
[0044] The keypad 44 can include a "VERIFY" key. The "VERIFY" key is provided so that the
operator can verify the number of cards that are in the deck at a desired time. Via
the microprocessor 12, the shuffler system 100 keeps track of the number of cards
that have been dealt during a dealing sequence. After a game, when the "VERIFY" key
is pressed, the remaining cards are ejected out of the shuffler 100 into the output
bin 60 and counted as they are ejected. This number is added to the number of cards
that have been dealt to verify that there is a correct amount of cards in the deck
(for example, 52, if one deck is being used). If the number of cards counted is incorrect,
the dealer is notified, for example, by a phrase on the display 42, and/or an audible
sound via an internal speaker (not shown).
[0045] The keypad 44 can also include a key or keys, such as a "GAME" key (as shown in Fig.3
)that prompts the shuffler system 100 to deal a certain number of cards, although
it will be understood that any number is within the scope of the present invention.
[0046] Also, on the keypad 42 is a "RECALL" key that propmts the shuffler system 100 to
recall the present hand or hands dealt to the playing stations. Herein, the images
of the cards that are stored in memory 14 are recalled for display on the display
means 42. Along with the images of the cards being displayed, textual messages are
displayed to designate the cards of each playing station, accordingly.
[0047] For example, the phrase "PLAYER" may be displayed along with the images of the cards
dealt to that particular player, and so forth. A "MEMORY" key may be used, as shown
in Fig. 3, to recall the playing hands dealt for past card games. This "MEMORY" key
may have subkeys to cycle through the hands, games, and/or playing stations. The images
of the past games are accessed from the memory 14 and displayed on the display means
42.
[0048] The keypad 44 can also include other keys such as "SHUFFLE MODE" for selecting the
mode of the shuffler, namely , continuous mode, batch mode, the game or games being
played, or specialty game mode. The function of the various keys, switches or buttons
recited herein is intended to be merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will
be able to make numerous modifications and additions to them without departing from
the spirit of the present invention. Moreover, various keys may be soft keys, the
function of which is defined by the bottom line on the display 14. The function of
the soft keys may change, for example, with the type of game that is selected. This
allows for a plurality of functions to be performed while minimizing the number of
keys needed.
[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the shuffler system 100 includes an indicator for indicating
an error condition. Preferably, a designated portion of the display 42 flashes to
indicate an error condition. Such error conditions may include, but are not limited
to, malfunction of the shuffler, such as a mis-shuffle or a jam in the shuffler, a
failure in the electronics, bad deck count, i.e., too many or too few cards in the
deck, etc. When the controller 10 receives an error signal, the controller 10 communicates
a signal to the "ERROR" indicator, thereby activating the display 42 to indicate the
error condition to the operator. Preferably, the display 42 indicates to the operator
what the error condition is via an accompanying text message adjacent the "ERROR"
indicator.
[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the shuffler system 100 includes a device for emitting
an audible signal when an error condition is detected. For example, a speaker (not
shown) such as an electro-magnetic or piezoelectric speaker or the like that emits
a beep or buzz when an error condition is detected. Preferably, the electro-magnetic
speaker is in communication and cooperates with the "ERROR" indicator on the display
42. However, it may be noted that the "ERROR" indicator may be located exterior to
the display 42 and may be included on any portion of the housing 15.
[0051] In another embodiment, the controller 10 can be programmed to display messages on
the display 42 in different languages, such as French, Spanish, Italian, etc. A key
can be included for cycling through the various language choices.
[0052] The display may preferably be in the form of a conventional liquid crystal display
format (LCD). The display means 42 can be a color or non-color LCD display panel.
The display panel 42 may also display image and text data in a plurality of sections
to show a plurality of playing station information simultaneously. However, the display
screen may have a scroll feature to display different screens of information which
cannot be container in a single display. The subsequent screens can be prompted by
a "SCREEN" key, as shown in Fig. 3.
[0053] Since other modifications and changes varied to fit a particular operating requirements
and environment will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not
considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all
changes and modifications which do not constitute a departure from the true spirit
and scope of the invention.
[0054] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more
or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood,
however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described,
since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention
into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its form or modifications
within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance
with the doctrine of equivalents.
[0055] Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent
is presented in the subsequent appended claims.
[0056] Preferred features:
- 1. A card shuffling apparatus comprising: a housing, a card input receptacle located
on said housing adapted to receive at least one deck of unshuffled playing cards,
a shuffling device adapted to receive the cards from said card input receptacle and
for selectively shuffling the cards for at least two different card games having different
card shuffling requirements, and a controller disposed within said housing, image
capturing means disposed within said housing for obtaining image data of a playing
card, display means located on said housing for displaying images captured by said
image capturing means, and a card output bin adapted to discharge shuffled playing
cards.
- 2. The card shuffler apparatus, as in clause 1, further comprising : a control panel
located on said housing, said control panel having keys operatively connected to said
controller for selecting operation functions of the card shuffler.
- 3. The card shuffler apparatus of clause 2 wherein said display means is located on
said control panel.
- 4. The card shuffler apparatus of clause 3, wherein said controlled comprise: a microprocessor,
non-volatile memory storage means for storing images of said playing cards, image
processing means for processing the image data collected by said image capturing means.
- 5. The card shuffler apparatus of clause 4, wherein said controller contains software
adapted to control the operation of the image capturing means.
- 6. The card shuffler apparatus of clause 4, wherein said non-volatile memory storage
means has the capacity to store image data of multiple playing cards, for a plurality
of playing stations, for a plurality of games.
- 7. The card shuffler apparatus of clause 6, wherein said controller contains software
adapted to control said display means; said display means adapted to display images
of multiple playing cards for a plurality of play stations upon command.
- 8. The card shuffler of clause 3, wherein said display means is a liquid crystal display
adapted to display card images in conjunction with textual messages.
- 9. The card shuffler apparatus of clause 1, wherein said image capturing means in
a camera.
- 10. The card shuffler apparatus of clause 9, wherein said camera is a digital camera.
- 11. The card shuffler apparatus of clause 9, wherein said camera is a digital video
camera.
- 12. A method for shuffling and dealing playing cards for card games, said method comprising
the steps of: a) providing a card shuffle having a housing, a card input receptacle
located on said housing adapted to receive at least one deck of unshuffled playing
cards, a shuffling device adapted to receive the cards from said card input receptacle
and for selectively shuffling the cards for at least two different card games having
different card shuffling requirements, and a controller disposed within said housing
said controller having a microprocessor, non-volatile memory storage means for storing
images of said playing cards, image processing means for processing the image data
collected by said image capturing means, image capturing means disposed within said
housing for obtaining image data of a playing card, display means located on said
housing for displaying images captured by said image capturing means, and a card output
bin adapted to discharge shuffled playing cards; b) receiving unshuffled cards in
the input receptacle c) shuffling said cards in random order for selective card games
having at least two different game requirements and shuffling modes, d) obtaining
an image of said playing card before output in the output bin, e) processing said
image, and f) displaying said images on said display means.
- 13. The method for shuffling playing cards, as in clause 12, wherein said processing
step further comprises: converting said image from analog to digital form, mapping
said converted data for bit map format, and compressing said image.
- 14. The method for shuffling playing cards, as in clause 13, wherein said processing
step further includes storing said image data, of multiple playing stations for a
plurality of games played, into bitmap images.
- 15. The method of shuffling playing cards, as in clause 14, wherein said step of displaying
further includes displaying said bit map images on a liquid crystal display.
- 16. The method of shuffling playing cards, as in clause 15, wherein said displaying
step further comprises displaying multiple card images, for multiple playing stations
for a plurality of games played, for verification of winning hands.
1. A card shuffling apparatus comprising:
a housing,
a card input receptacle located on said housing adapted to receive at least one deck
of unshuffled playing cards,
a shuffling device adapted to receive the cards from said card input receptacle,
a controller disposed within said housing,
image capturing means disposed within said housing for obtaining image data of a playing
card,
display means located on said housing for displaying images captured by said image
capturing means; and
a card output bin adapted to discharge shuffled playing cards.
2. The card shuffler apparatus, as in claim 1, further comprising : a control panel located
on said housing, said control panel having keys operatively connected to said controller
for selecting operation functions of the card shuffler.
3. The card shuffler apparatus of claim 2 wherein said display means is located on said
control panel.
4. The card shuffler apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein said controller comprises:
a microprocessor, non-volatile memory storage means for storing images of said playing
cards, image processing means for processing the image data collected by said image
capturing means.
5. The card shuffler apparatus of claim 4, wherein said controller contains software
adapted to control the operation of the image capturing means.
6. The card shuffler apparatus of claim 4, wherein said non-volatile memory storage means
has the capacity to store image data of multiple playing cards, for a plurality of
playing stations, for a plurality of games.
7. The card shuffler apparatus of claim 6, wherein said controller contains software
adapted to control said display means; said display means adapted to display images
of multiple playing cards for a plurality of play stations upon command.
8. The card shuffler of claim 3, wherein said display means is a liquid crystal display
adapted to display card images in conjunction with textual messages.
9. The card shuffler apparatus of claim 1, wherein said image capturing means in a camera.
10. The card shuffler apparatus of claim 9, wherein said camera is a digital camera.
11. The card shuffler apparatus of claim 9, wherein said camera is a digital video camera.