DESC:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETESPECIFICATION
(See sections 10; rule 13)
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ORCHESTRATING REAL CARD GAMES AMONG IN-PERSON PLAYERS AND REMOTE PLAYERS

NAME: BOTIFAI TECHNOLOGIES PRIVATE LIMITED
NATIONALITY: INDIAN
ADDRESS: 204/B 6THMAIN, 27TH CROSS III BLOCK JAYANAGAR,
BENGALURU,
KARNATAKA -560011,
INDIA.

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION:
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ORCHESTRATING REAL CARD GAMES AMONG IN-PERSON PLAYERS AND REMOTE PLAYERS
Background
Technical Field
[0001] The embodiments herein generally relate to card games, and more particularly, to a system and method for orchestrating card games among one or more playerswith real cards, both in local and remote settingsusing a turn-table card dispenser.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] In fast-moving technology, players may play card games in both physical and virtual manner using mobile applications. On the online platform, the players play card games without using original cards or their boards. In the offline platform, shuffling the cards is a difficult task for players. The difficulty may be due to improper shuffling and dealing of the cards. A few recreational clubs have introduced a shuffling machine to overcome thecumbersome task of the players. However, offline shuffling of cards may lead to turn-up cards, and hence many cards are visible to all the players. Frequent shuffling is needed withsingle-pack shufflers to shuffle 3 packs. Ideally seven times each pack, so a total of 3*7 or 21 shuffles are required to do a proper shuffle. The shuffling machine may lead to more noise and change the atmosphere of the game due to the noise. The shuffling machine includes a roller that produces heat while shuffling the cards, which may end up tearing cards. Due to improper dealing, the players may get more or fewer cards during the distribution of the cards and this can lead to a reshuffle deal.
[0003] Nowadays, gaming houseshave many problems with the shuffling machine. The scores are manually entered and converted into digital format at alater stage. Due to the improper point calculations in manual mode, it is difficult to identify the winner of the game in a genuine way. Hence, the player may cheat and try to win the game by undetected wrong scoring or showing false cards picked from others or the deck itself. So, the gaming housesfound it difficult to organize and maintain the tournament scores.
[0004] Further, if any player raises problems during the game, management analyzes the situation and takes necessary actions. The majordisadvantages of online card games are related to various health problems such as eye vision, obesity, musculoskeletal issues, etc. Hence, it is difficult, especially for elderly people who play onlinecard games, and difficult to socialize among the team.
[0005] Therefore, there arises a need to address the aforementioned technical drawbacks in existing technologies in configuring card games among players situated locally or remotely using real cards with proper shuffling and dealing.
SUMMARY
[0006] In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides a system for orchestrating card games among one or more playerswith real cards, both in local and remote settings using at least one turn-table card dispenser.Each turn-table card dispenser includes a spring (or blades) platform that includes one or more slots. One or more cards are loaded in the one or more slots. The turn-table card dispenser further includes an imaging device that is configured to capture one or more images of the one or more cards in the one or more slots; and a controllerthat is communicatively connected with theimaging device. The controller is configured to (i) create a table with information associated with each card including a card identifier (ID) and a position of each card, in a device memory by (a) recognizing the one or more cards in the one or more slots from the one or more images using an image recognition method and (b) mapping the one or more cards that are recognized to corresponding slots; (ii) determine, using a virtual random number generator-based shuffling method, a deck order of the one or more cards by simulating shuffling of the one or more slots, when a deal is initiated,each slot is assigned, by the virtual random number generator-based shuffling method, with a number that provides a simulated position of each slot; (iii) determine a deal order of the one or more slots based on the deck order, and the informationassociated with each card to initiate a game-play,the one or more cards are dispensed to the one or more players for thegame-play based on the deal order; (iv) recognize a disposed card that is disposed by the one or more players each time before dispensing the disposed card to a next player to pick at each time during the game-play; (v) update the table dynamically during the game-play with an updated information associated with each card including at least one of the card ID, simulated position, actual position, and dispensed time; and (vi) automatically determine a score for each player based on one or more dispensed cards to each player and one or more picked cards of each player. Thereby, orchestrating the real card games among the one or more players.
[0007] In some embodiments, eachturn-table card dispenser includes, (a) a carousel that is configured to rotate the spring (or blades) platform in at least one of a clockwise direction or ananti-clockwise direction; and (b) a loader that is configured to load the one or more cards into the one or more slots one by one by rotating the spring (or blades) platform, when a game event is initiated by at least one player.
[0008] In some embodiments, the loader includes, (i) a loader card holder that holds the one or more cards,the one or more cards are conveyed from the loader card holder to a slanted card holder in a slant position using rods and springs; (ii) a loader card barrier that includes a bottom slit through which theone or more cards are passed; and (iii) one or more rollers that are rotated by one or more servo motors and are configured to (a) push each card one by one through the bottom slit and load each card in parallel to the closest available slotby rotating the spring (or blades) platform until the one or more cards are loaded, and (b) hold each card behind the one being dispensed during a reverse rotation of the one or more servo motors. In some embodiments, each slot is inserted with one card atan inclined angle.
[0009] In some embodiments, the carousel includes at least one planetary-type gear and a stepper motor mounted on a bearing that enablesthe one or more slots in the spring (or blades) platform to receive each card per slot from the loader through the bottom slit by rotating the spring (or blades) platform. In some embodiments, thebottom of the one or more slots is elevated radially for providing banking when the spring (or blades) platform is rotated.
[0010] In some embodiments,the controller is configured to control a rotation of the carousel by (i) fixing a direction of the rotation of the carousel based on a current position and theclosest direction to enable a required slot in the spring (or blades) platform to receive the one or more cards; (ii) determining a number of gear teeth of at least one planetary type gear to be moved by the stepper motor based on a total number of gear teeth of the at least one planetary type gear, and a degree or a revolution of the rotation of the stepper motor; and (iii) controlling the stepper motor to rotate the carousel according to a determined number of gear teeth to be moved.
[0011] In some embodiments, the imaging device is configured to focusa pre-set number of slots at a time to capture the one or moreimages of the one or more cards at the corresponding slots.
[0012] In some embodiments, eachturn-table card dispenser includes a card dispenser to dispense the plurality of cards to the one or more players. The card dispenser includes a solenoid and an arm assembly that is activated to push each card from the one or more slots based on the deal order to a dispense card tray by facing downwardly for the one or more players when the carousel rotates the spring (or blades) platform.
[0013] In some embodiments, thecard dispenser includesa flat bottom door with one or more electromagnetic locks at the carousel. Each electromagnetic lock opens downward to dispense each card from the one or more slots by gravity when a card to be dispensed is above the flat bottom door.
[0014] In some embodiments, the controlleris configured to determine a winning event based on the best hand-possible arrangement of the one or more cards using a machine learning model.
[0015] In some embodiments, the system includes a game server that is in communication with the at least turn-table card dispenser associated with the one or more playersto enable remote play among the one or more players. The game server is configured to:(i) send a synchronization request to the at least turn-table card dispenserto synchronize a deck associated with each turn-table card dispenser, when a game session is initiated by the at least one player; (ii) receive the table with the information associated with each card from the at least one turn-table card dispenser, after the synchronization of the decks; (iii) determine the deck order of the plurality of cards by simulating shuffling of the one or more slots using thevirtual random number generator-based shuffling method; (iv) determine a deal order of the one or more slots based on the deck order, and the informationassociated with each card to initiate a game-play,the one or more cards are dispensedto the one or more players for the game-play based on the deal order by syncing the at least one the turn-table card dispenser associated with the one or more players based on the recognized card-slots mapping; (v) receive an information of a disposed card from the one or more players through the at least oneturn-table card dispenserduring the game-play,the table is dynamically updated during the game-play with the updated information associated with each card to synchronize the card game between the one or more turn-table dispensers; and (vi) automatically determine a score for each player based on one or more dispensed cards to each player and one or more picked cards of each player.
[0016] In one aspect, a method of orchestrating card games among one or more playerswith real cards, both in local and remote settingsis provided. The method includes(i) providing at least one turn-table card dispenser,each turn-table card dispenser includes a spring (or blades) platform consisting of one or more slots,one or more cards are loaded in the one or more slots; (ii) capturing, using an imaging device, one or more images of the one or more cards in the one or more slots; (iii) creating, by a controller, a table with information associated with each card including a card identifier (ID) and a position of each card, in a device memory by recognizing the one or more cards in the one or more slots from the one or more images using an image recognition method and mapping the one or more cards that is recognized to corresponding slots; (iv) determining, by the controller, a deck order of the one or more cards by simulating shuffling of the one or more slots using a virtual random number generator-based shuffling method, when a deal is initiated,each slot is assigned with a number that provides a simulated position of each slot; (v) determining, by the controller, a deal order of the one or more slots based on the deck order, and the card informationto initiate a game-play,the one or more cards are dispensed to the one or more players for thegame-play based on the deal order; (vi) recognizing, by the controller, a disposed card that is disposed by the one or more players each time, before dispensing the disposed card to a next player to pick at each time during the game-play; (vii) updating, by the controller, the table dynamically during the game-play with an updated information associated with each card including at least one of the card ID, simulated position, actual position, and dispensed time; and (viii) automatically determining, by the controller, a score for each player based on one or more dispensed cards to each player and one or more picked cards of each player. Thereby, orchestrating the real card games among the one or more players.
[0017] The system is used for playing the card games over online platforms, especially for players (i) who are not comfortable playing on user devices, for example, mobiles, smartphones, etc. due to visibility issues, headaches, and the like, (ii) who are playing remotely and are unable to use mobile based applications. Further, the system may enhance the feel of the real cards to the players who are not comfortable playing on the user devices in case of long hours of playing the card game. The system provides comfort to the players to play the card game together from their places. The system enables both audio chat and video chat for both in-person players and remote players, thereby making it a true social interaction instead of the hassle of shuffling and dealing with 3-4 players. Further, the system provides a flexible game engine adaptable to any card game. Also, the system is customizable for totally new, and player-created games using artificial intelligence (AI)-based superior game core. The system can be used as a math or any other subject and soft-skills/ life skills teaching curriculum and mechanism.
[0018] The loader in the turn-table card dispenser of the system has two stepper motors with rollers that can both rotate bi-directional and independently of each other. This helps in the smooth loading of the one or more cards and alsotroubleshoots in case the cards are stuck. In the turn-table card dispenser, the one or more cards are stored in the spring platform or blades platform at an inclined angle. This enables the imaging device to capture multiple (maximum of 5) cards in a single click. Further, the turn-table card dispenser uses simple image comparison for quick recognition of cards in live game-play, and the image recognition can be done in parallel to speed up the game-play. Hence, the system saves time. Moreover, the imaging device is fixed near the loader and is configured to only record the position of cards and recognize disposed of cards that are put back into the loader. Hence, privacy or security issues with an external player-facing imaging device are eliminated.
[0019] In the turn-table card dispenser, the 3D twisted spring configuration of the spring platform or blades platform keeps the cards fixed in the carousel and does not push outward due to centripetal force. Moreover, since one or more slotsin the spring platform or blades platform are slanted, the one or more cards are visible to the imaging device, enabling it to capture images. Further, as the bottom of the one or more slots is elevated radially, the effect of centripetal force is negated by providing banking during fast rotation. In addition, the planetary gear motor mechanism of the turn-table card dispenser arrests the carousel at the right angle without much error and saves on high-end motor costs. Moreover, the planetary gears reduce the lag, jerk, or lead produced by an alternative central motor, thereby significantly increasing accuracy for the loader and the dispenser to work properly. Overall, the system quickens the process for a real game of cards both live and remote using a carousel mechanism.
[0020] Further, the turn-table card dispenser dispenses the one or more cards that always fall face down when pushed by the solenoid and arm assembly of the card dispenser or dispensed by gravity. Hence, the cards are not visible to other players. Moreover, though the solenoid and arm assembly are designed to hit just one card, it has maximum coverage by being aligned horizontally. Also, the turn-table card dispenser does parallel dispensing of one or more cards with the flat bottom door using one or more electromagnetic locks. Hence, reduces the time in dispensing one or more cards to one or more players. For example, the turn-table card dispenser uses eight electromagnetic actuators or locks for dispensing cards to upto eight players. If the slots match, the turn-table card dispenser dispenses upto a maximum of 8 cards simultaneously while dealing. This saves on average 30-50% ofthe time. Moreover, a single card dispenser slit is used in turn-table card dispenser, where at least one player dispenses a card to the next player during the game-play. The single card dispenser slit can be used as the loader for parallel loading to speed things up.
[0021] In the system, virtual shuffling enables random and instant shuffling, thereby reducing time than in a physical shuffling device. For example, the virtual shufflingfor 3 decks of cards ((52 + 1joker) * 3 = 159 cards) is instantaneous, while physical shuffling devices require lengthy inter-leaving shuffling (7 times) to achieve near-randomness. Further, syncing the card deck for a game between two remote devices is enabled through virtual shuffling and card recognition. That is, the virtual random shuffling and syncing of cards (two-way sync possible) between the game server and/or devices enables remote play.
[0022] As the turn-table card dispenser employs optimization techniques for the simultaneous dealing of cards to multiple players and/or simultaneous loading with simultaneous dealing, unnecessary rotations of the carouselare minimized. Thereby,allowing for faster and smoother gameplay. With the turn-table card dispenser, a loading time, as well as a shuffling time, are optimized, as the turn-table card dispenser only loads the cards dispensed in the previous gameplay. For example, with a single remote player, the average load is limited to the player's hand cards * 2. It increases for more players but remains manageable (e.g., number of players * hand size for rummy) + (number of active players * 6)).
[0023] The system recognizes the accurate scores of all players automatically and determines a winner among all players, thereby cheating among players is prevented. As the imaging device is configured to focus only one or more cards in one or more slots, the system is unable to view and verify sequences or sets of cards in the player’s hand. Though the system cannot verify sequences or sets of players in the player’s hand, the system correctly predicts the best hand possible to win. As the system views the player’s starting hand and the game progression, the system can calculate the optimal strategy that could have been followed at every decision step for the player (for example,the decision on picking the card disposed of by the previous player or picking a card from the deck). The system further provides the best combinations that the player could have made at every step of the game (to minimize points or take a risk for a win). The system further advises the players on which hand is drop-worthy and which is play-worthy. Each decision will be supplemented with probabilities and game situation analysis in the system.
[0024] As the system automatically loads, shuffles, and dispenses the correct cards to the player with the turn-table card dispenser, it relieves the players from doing the cumbersome task and makes the game more interesting for players. The system can be used for coaching purposes for any user to play card games. Monitoring the game, tracking, and maintaining the score of each player becomes easy, and helpful for the recreation event handlers. Further, the players can opt to play the card game in a physical manner. The system can be reprogrammed by changing the game logic for any game - poker, bridge, uno, blackjack, and the like. Overall, the system speeds up all operations and improves overall time for the entire orchestration better than a human dealer.
[0025] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0027] FIG.1 is a block diagram that illustrates a system for orchestrating card games among one or more players both in local and remote settings, according to some embodiments herein;
[0028] FIG.2 is a block diagram that illustrates at least one turn-table card dispenser of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments herein;
[0029] FIG.3 is a block diagram that illustrates a game server of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments herein;
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of at least one turn-table card dispenser of FIG. 2 according to some embodiments herein;
[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of a loader of FIG. 2 according to some embodiments herein;
[0032] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate schematic diagrams of a carousel of FIG. 2 according to some embodiments herein;
[0033] FIGS. 7A-7B are flow diagrams that illustrate a method of orchestrating card games among one or more players with real cards, both in local and remote settings, according to some embodiments herein; and
[0034] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the computer architecture of a computing device, in accordance with the embodiments herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0036] As mentioned, there is a need for a system and a method for configuring card games among players situated locally or remotelyusing real cards with proper shuffling and dealing. The embodiments herein achieve this by proposing a systemfor orchestrating card games among one or more players with real cards, both in local and remote settings using a turn-table card dispenser. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 8, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.
[0037] FIG.1 is a block diagram that illustrates a system for orchestrating card games among one or more playersboth in local and remote settings, according to some embodiments herein. The system 100 includes a turn-table card dispenser 102, a network 104, and a game server 106. The turn-table card dispenser 102is configured to dispense one or more cards to the one or more players to play card games. The turn-table card dispenser 102 may be a physical device. The turn-table card dispenser 102 may be enabled with Internet-of-Things (IoT). In some embodiments, the turn-table card dispenser 102 configures as a fully offline server-less independent machine capable of shuffling, dealing, orchestrating, and scoring. Thereby, enabling the card game among only in-person players. The turn-table card dispenser 102 includes a carousel, a loader, an imaging device, a dispenser, and a controller.
[0038] The carousel includes a spring platform or blades platform that includes one or more slots. The carousel is configured to rotate the spring platform or blades platform in at least one clockwise direction or an anti-clockwise direction.
[0039] The loader is configured to insert one or more cards into the one or more slots at the carousel one by one by rotating the spring platform or blades platform of the carousel, when the one or more cards are placed in the loader and a game event is initiated by at least one player. In some embodiments, each slot is inserted with one card at the inclined angle.
[0040] The imaging device is configured to capture one or more images of the one or more cards in the one or more slots. The imaging device may focus on a pre-set number of slots at a time to capture one or more images of one or more cards that are inserted in the inclined angle at the corresponding slots. In some embodiments, the imaging device may capture the one or more images of the one or more cards in sequence. In some embodiments, one or more imaging devices can be employed to speed up the recognition process of the one or more cards during the loading and the gameplay.
[0041] The controller is configured to (i) recognize the one or more cards in the one or more slots from the one or more images, and (ii) map the one or more recognized cards to corresponding slots. The controller may process the one or more images using an image recognition method to recognize the one or more cards. The controller is further configured to create a table with informationassociated with each card in a device'smemory. The card information may include a card identifier (ID) and the position of each card.
[0042] The controller is further configured to determine a deck order of the one or more cards by simulating shuffling of the one or more slots when a deal is initiated. The controllermay use a virtual random number generator-based shuffling method for simulating shufflingof the one or more slots. The virtual random number generator-based shuffling method may assign a number for each slot. The number may provide a simulated position of each slot.
[0043] The controller determines a deal order of the one or more slots based on the deck order, and the card information to initiate a game-play. The deal order may be determined to deal or dispense the one or more cards one or more players for playing (the game-play). The one or more cards may be dispensed to the one or more playersfor the game-play based on the deal order.
[0044] The controller recognizes a disposed card that is disposed of by the one or more players each time before dispensing the disposed card to the next player to pick at each time during the game-play. In some embodiments, the disposed card that is disposed of by the one or more players each time is captured using the imaging device and recognized by the controller.
[0045] The controller updates the table dynamically during the gameplay with updated information associated with each card consisting of at least one of the card ID, simulated position, actual position, and dispensed time.
[0046] The controller automatically determines a score or win for each player based on one or more dispensed cards to each player and one or more picked cards of each player.Thereby, orchestrating the real card games among the one or more players.
[0047] In some embodiments, the system 100 in a user nodeenables remote play among the one or more players using the game server 106.The turn-table card dispenser 102 may be configured as a server-independent machine capable of orchestrating card games remotely among one or more players.The turn-table card dispenser 102 may double up as a game server and a gaming machine. If the game server 106 fails, the turn-table card dispenser 102switches to gaming mode to provide redundancy and ensure uninterrupted gameplay for the one or more players.
[0048] Thegame server 106 is communicatively connected with the turn-table card dispenser 102 through the network 104. The game server 106 includes a memory, and a processor in communication with the memory. The memory stores a database and a set of modules of the game server 106. The processor executes the set of modules in the memory fororchestrating card games and enabling remote play among the one or more players.For example, a first turn-table card dispenser may be present locally, and a second turn-table card dispenser may be present remotely. Both the first and second turn-table card dispensers are connected using the game server 106 for enabling remote play.
[0049] The card game may be a rummy, a bridge, a poker, an uno, a set, a teen patti, and other related card games. The game server 106 may be a handheld device, a mobile phone, a kindle, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a tablet, a computer, an electronic notebook, or a Smartphone. The game server 106 may be a cloud-based server. The network 104 may be selected from a group consisting of Bluetooth, Long Range (LoRa), WiFi, Narrow Band-Internet of Things (NB-IoT), GSM/GPRS module, ZigbeeWiFi, Radio Frequency (RF), Zigbee, or combinations thereof.
[0050] In some embodiments, the game server (106) is configured to: (i) receive the table with the card information from the turn-table card dispenser 102; (ii) determine the deck order of the one or more cards by simulating shuffling of the one or more slots using the virtual random number generator-based shuffling method; (iii) determine a deal order of the one or more slots based on the deck order, and the card information to initiate a game-play; (iv) receive information of a disposed card from the one or more players through the turn-table card dispenser 102 during the gameplay; and (v) automatically determine a score or win for each player based on one or more dispensed cards to each player and one or more picked cards of each player. Thereby, enabling remote play among the one or more players.The one or more cards are dispensed to the one or more players for the gameplay based on the deal order by syncing the turn-table card dispenser 102 associated with the one or more players based on the recognized card-slots mapping.
[0051] In some embodiments, the table is dynamically updated during the gameplay with updated information associated with each card to synchronize the card game between the one or more turn-table dispenser 102. The updated informationassociated with each card includes at least one of the card ID, simulated position, actual position, and dispensed time.
[0052] FIG.2 is a block diagram that illustratesturn-table card dispenser 102 of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments herein.Theturn-table card dispenser 102 includes a power unit 200, a loader 202, an imaging device 204, a card dispenser 206, a carousel 208, a controller 210, a microphone 212, a display 214, a spring platform (or blades platform) 216, one or more buttons 218, a device memory 220, a speaker 222, a card disposal slit 224. In some embodiments, the loader 202, the imaging device 204, the card dispenser 206, the carousel 208, the controller 210, the microphone 212, the one or more buttons 218, the speaker 222, the display 214, the power unit 200, the spring platform or blades platform 216 are integrated as a single circuit. The integrated circuit may be a chip.
[0053] The turn-table card dispenser 102 holographically displays the card game board to all the players and synchronizes the entire game in real-time using a game server 106 and the network 104. In some embodiments, theturn-table card dispenser 102 configures a fully offline server-less independent machine capable of shuffling, dealing, orchestrating, and scoring. Theturn-table card dispenser 102 can independently orchestrate the card game with and/or without any server.
[0054] The power unit 200 supplies power to the turn-table card dispenser 102 for its operation. The turn-table card dispenser 102 may receive energy from a power supply unit directly or stores the energy from the power supply unit in a power storage unit for its operation. The power supply unit may be a grid, a power bank or any external power supply meansfor supplying power continuously. The power storage unit may be a battery. The turn-table card dispenser 102 is portable and rechargeable. The power supply 200 includes a power bank 122.
[0055] The turn-table card dispenser 102 is configured to dispense one or more cards to one or more players. The one or more cards are loaded by the loader 202 in one or more slots in thespring platform or blades platform 216 before dispensing the cards to one or more players. The spring platform or blades platform 216 may include the one or more cards that are required for playing. The carousel 208 is configured to rotate the spring platform or blades platform 216 in at least one clockwise direction or an anti-clockwise direction to enable the loading of the one or more cards into the one or more slots. In some embodiments, the loader 202, the imaging device 204, and the card dispenser 206 are connected electrically in a series connection.
[0056] The controller 210 is configured to allocate time for each process concurrently, in parallel, or serially.The controller 210 initiates the card game once a game event gets initiated byat least one player. The at least one player may initiate the game event by pressing a “Play” button through the one or more buttons 218. In some embodiments, the at least one player provides an audio signal to initiate the game event through a microphone212.
[0057] The loader 202 is configured to load the one or more cards into the one or more slots one by one by rotating the spring platform or blades platform 216, when the game event is initiated by the at least one player. The loader 202 includes (i) a loader card holder that holds the one or more cards, (ii) a slanted card holder to which the one or more cards are conveyed from the loader card holder in a slant position using rods and springs, (iii) a loader card barrier that includes a bottom slit through which the one or more cards are passed; and (iv) one or more rollers that are rotated by one or more servo motors to push each card one by one through the bottom slit and load each card to a closest available slot by rotating the spring platform or blades platform 216 until the one or more cards are loaded. In some embodiments, the one or more rollers are configured to hold each card behind the one being dispensed when the reverse rotation of the one or more servo motors. In some embodiments, each slot is inserted with one card at an inclined angle. Theone or more servo motors of the loader 202 may be stopped and run to drop one card. In some embodiments, the turn-table card dispenser 102 includes one or more sensors to check whether the one or more cardsare loaded properly. The one or more sensors may be an infrared (IR) distance sensor.
[0058] In some embodiments, the carousel 208 includes at least one planetary-type gear and a stepper motor mounted on a bearing that enablesthe one or more slots in the spring platform or blades platform 216 to receive each card per slot from the loader 202 through the bottom slit by rotating the spring platform or blades platform 216. In some embodiments, thebottom of the one or more slots is elevated radially for providing banking when the spring platform or blades platform 216 is rotated. In some embodiments, the controller 210 is configured to control the rotation of the carousel 208 by (i) fixing a direction of rotation of the carousel 208 based on a current position and the closest direction to enable a required slot in the spring platform or blades platform 216 to receive the one or more cards; (ii) determining a number of gear teeth of at least one planetary type gear to be moved by the stepper motor based on a total number of gear teeth of the at least one planetary type gear, and a degree or a revolution of rotation of the stepper motor; and (iii) controlling the stepper motor to rotate the carousel 208 according to the determined number of gear teeth to be moved.For example, if the gear ratio is 1:4, the driver gear has 40 teeth and each driver gear tooth is separated by 9 degrees, and the stepper motor has 1.8 degrees rotation step, then it is required 5 steps to move one gear tooth of the driver. For one step, the carousel 208 needs to move 50 slots, then sendpulses to the stepper motor to move 50 * 5 = 250 steps or 250 * 1.8 or 450 degrees or 1.25 revolutions.The carousel 208 may rotate in both directions for feedback and error correction.In some embodiments, the spring platform or blades platform 216 is a card platform that may be in any configuration, for example, spiral.
[0059] The imaging device 204 is configured to capture one or more images of the one or more cards in one or more slots when the one or more cards are completely loaded by the loader 202. In some embodiments, the imaging device 204 focuses on a pre-set number of slots at a time to capture one or moreimagesof one or more cards at the corresponding slots. The imaging device 204 may capture the one or more images of the one or more cards in the sequence. In some embodiments, the imaging device 204 captures ten (10) cards in a single image, that is, the imaging device 204 captures sixteen (16) images for all the cards. In some embodiments, the imaging device 204captures five cards at a time. The imaging device 204 may be a camera. The imaging device 204 may include a light-emitting diode (LED) flash. The imaging device 204 may act as feedback to the rotor and correct any errors if necessary.
[0060] The controller 210 recognizes the one or more cards in the one or more slots by processing the one or more images of the one or more cards and maps the one or more recognized cards to corresponding slots. The controller 210 may use at least one of an image recognition methodor a machine vision method to recognize the one or more cards. The controller 210 is further configured to create a table with information associated with each card in the device memory 220. The information associated with each card may include a card identifier (ID) and a position of each card. The controller 210 is configured to update and maintain the table in the device memory 220 based on one or more received images. In some embodiments, the device memory 220 includes a database. The device memory 220 may be a secure data (SD) card. In some embodiments, the table is updated continuously with new entries of cards that are recognized and mapped.The controller 210 communicates the table to the game server 106 through the network 104 while enabling remote play.
[0061] In some embodiments, the turn-table card dispenser 102 recognizes and counts in a flat deck with no carousel. The flat deck arrangement may employ a camera. The one or more cards may be recognized while loading and arranged in a stack. The counting of cards may be done accurately to access the required card and dispense the same card.
[0062] In some embodiments, the controller 210 is also configured to handle errors in loading and recognizing the one or more cards. To handle errors, the controller 210 recognizes empty slots that are not loaded with cards, if any using the image recognition method.In some embodiments, the controller 210 is configured to identify whether two or more cards are loaded, or the cards are wrongly loaded. In some embodiments, the controller 210 is configured to drop all the cards, if the controller 210 is not able to read the one or more cards, or if the at least one player instructs “Drop all cards”. In some embodiments, if any card is wrongly loaded or unrecognizable or two cards have fallen, then the controller 210 controls the card dispenser 206 to dispense the slot and asks the at least one player to reload again.The controller 210 is further configured to provide information about the errors to the at least one player using the display 214. In some embodiments, the error information is provided to the at least one player using an audio signal through the speaker 222, or an alert displayed on the display 214. In some embodiments, a USB audio is used for providing the audio signal.
[0063] Once the controller 210 is configured to read all the cards, a success message is sent to the at least one player using the display 214. The display 214 may be a touchscreen display that includes buttons for configuring and orchestrating the card game. The buttons may include shuffle, cut, deal, joker-pick, dispose of, ask for deck card, declare a win, drop, and others. Once all the cards are read successfully, a “start dealing” button is enabled for at least one player. The turn-table card dispenser 102 waits until the at least one player initiates the “start dealing” button. Thereby, a new gaming session gets initiated.
[0064] When a deal is initiated, the controller 210determines a deck order of the one or more cards by simulating shuffling of the one or more slots using a virtual random number generator-based shuffling method. The shuffling may be performed to change the positions of the slots in the order. Each slot may be provided with a number. The numbers for each slot may provide an order of the slots to deal from. The at least one player may override the number that is generated using a custom manual shuffle. In some embodiments, the shuffling is performed by the game server 106 to determine the deck order.In some embodiments, the shuffling is provided physically using a shuffler. When using the shuffler, the virtual shuffling needs to be overridden and the full deck needs to be loaded again. Hence, loading takes time. A double-blind shuffle option may also be available to deal from. Theturn-table card dispenser 102 may provide a completely anonymous, off-camera shuffling and dealing mode.
[0065] In some embodiments, the deck order is maintained through a data structure called a LinkedList. The LinkedList may be beneficial in maintaining the order of slots and their connections in various scenarios. For example, when cutting a card and rejoining the ends, the LinkedList ensures that the slot order and the subsequent slot connections are preserved. Similarly, when picking a joker, which requires establishing new connections, the LinkedList facilitates this process. The information about the next slot in the sequence holds great importance. Additionally, as cards are exhausted and need to be reloaded, the LinkedList allows for efficient appending of new cards at the end, ensuring the continuity of the card sequence.
[0066] The controller 210 is configured to maintain the table while simulating a card stackwith updated informationassociated with each card. The updated informationassociated with each card may includethe card ID, simulated position, actual position, dispensed time, and player dispensed time is null for undealt cards.
[0067] The controller 210 further determines a deal order of one or more slots to deal the one or more cards based on the deck order, and the card information. The controller 210 is configured to deal with a number of players. The controller210 collects the names of the players to deal with initially. The slider/cut that is shown on the display 214 is used to select any number between 1 and 159. For example, if the position to slide/cut is x, then the deal starts from (x, x+number of players, x+2 number of players …x+12 number of players). For example, if the position of slide/cut is 2, and the number of players is5, then the deal starts from 2, 7, 12, 17, 22, 27, 32, 37, 42, 47, 52, 57, and 62. In some embodiments, the joker slot is selected for sliding/cutting through a display of a user device associated with at least one player.The user device may include a mobile application through which at least one player may define cut or choose the joker slot. If the cut is not defined by at least one player, the controller 210 selects auto or random cut as default. In some embodiments, the deal order is determined by the game server 106.
[0068] The card dispenser 206 is configured to dispense the one or more cards to the one or more players for a game-play based on the deal order and the number of players. The card dispenser 206 includes at least one of a solenoid and arm assembly or a flat bottom door assembly to dispense the one or more cards. The solenoid and arm assemblyare activated to push each card from the one or more slots into a dispensed card traybased on the deal order when the carousel 208 rotates the spring platform or blades platform 216. The card that is dispensed may be placed in the dispensed card tray by facing downward for at least one player. The solenoid and arm assembly may be positioned at the next card to dispense. The solenoid and arm assembly may be moved in advance to the next slot based on the deal order.
[0069] In some embodiments, the carousel 208 includes a flat bottom door with one or more electromagnetic locks. Each electromagnetic lock opens downward to parallely dispense each card from one or more slots by gravity when a card to be dispensed is above the flat bottom door.One or more cameras or sensors may be employed to verify whether the one or more cards are dispensed properly.
[0070] In some embodiments, the controller 210 controls the loader 202, and the card dispenser 206 loads and dispenses one or more cards in a simultaneousmanner by optimizing the rotation of the carousel 208 in order to speed up the gameplay. The optimization techniques improve the efficiency of the gameplay by reducing the energy requirements and time associated with rotating the carousel 208.By aligning the available cards during loading and dealing with the correct player positions, the need for unnecessary rotations can be minimized. For example, when dispensing cards to Player A (pA1, pA2, pA3, ..., pA13) and Player B (pB1, pB2, pB3, ..., pB13), if any of the card slots align in such a way that the correct card for Player A (pAx) is already at the proper dispensing slot for Player A, it can be directly dealt without any rotation. This alignment can be determined by conditions like pAx = pBy + 1 * G or pAx = pCz + 2 * G, where G represents the gap between dispensing slots (e.g., 20 for 8 players).Another optimization technique involves determining the cards to be dispensed to all players in advance, even while cards are still being loaded onto the carousel 208. By parallelizing the loading and dealing processes, cards can be dispensed to players while the remaining cards are still being loaded. This approach reduces the overall waiting time and enables more efficient gameplay.
[0071] An option ‘drop’ in display 214 can be enabled by at least one player at any time during the game to drop the card game.The option "drop" means a player chooses to end the hand prematurely by opting not to play any more turns. By doing so, the player incurs a fixed penalty (e.g., 20 points in rummy) to minimize potential losses if their hand is unfavorable, aiming to improve their overall score for the game. In some embodiments, the turn-table card dispenser 102 is controlled using the user device through the mobile application. For example, the option ‘drop’ can be enabled by the player via the mobile application.In some embodiments, the turn-table card dispenser 102 may not have any buttons other than the power and reset buttons, or any display other than a few light indicators to denote on/off, busy, waiting, warning, and the like. In such embodiments, all control is through pairing via the mobile application installed on the user device (for example, an android or IOS mobile or any other device).
[0072] The at least one player is instructed to drop a disposed of card into the card disposal slit 224 during the game-play within a certain timeframe. The disposed card that is disposed of by the at least one player each time during the game-play is loaded into the one or more slots by the loader 202. The carousel 208 may be moved in advance to an empty slot below the card disposal slit 224. In some embodiments, the card disposal slit 224 is used as the loader for parallel loading of the disposed card to speed things up. The controller 210 is configured to recognize the disposed ofcard by reading an image of the disposed card when the disposed card is loaded in one or more slots. The image of the disposed card is captured using the imaging device 204 before dispensing the disposed card to thenext player to pick at each time. Theimaging device 204 may beplaced near loader 202 to make the dispensing process faster. Then, the disposed card is dispensed by the card dispenser 206 to the next player.
[0073] In some embodiments, the controller 210usestime-based criteria to determine whether the next player has picked the disposed of card that is disposed of by the previous player. If the card is disposed of within a certain timeframe, the controller 210considers the card as invalid for the player to choose. This prevents the at least one player from selecting their own discarded card. The controller 210 further verifieswhether the selected card originated from the player's hand.
[0074] The at least one player may be enabled to pick (i) the dispensed card that is disposed of by the at least one player or (ii) a deck card by pressing a button. The at least one player has a specific time limit to decide to pick the disposed card or draw from the deck. The at least one player may ask for the deck card if the player does not require the disposed card, thereby the deal top card is dealt. The top card of the deck may be marked as “T”. In some embodiments, it is configured to not pick a joker card even if at least one player disposes of it.
[0075] The controller 210 may provide relevant information and feedback to the one or more players during the game-play with LED indicators. The status of “currently loading” is visually indicated in orange color. The status of “currently dealing” is visually indicated in green color. The status ofdispensingof the card from the deck during the game-playis indicated in light green color.If an error occurs during loading, dispensing, or when incorrect cards are detected, a red light is triggered. A pink light indicates that the turn-table card dispenser 102 is engaged in processing or reading cards. It signifies that the turn-table card dispenser 102is currently busy performing certain tasks such as updating game progress or processing player actions. When the deck has been exhausted and no more cards are available, a red light accompanied by a beeping sound istriggered. In some embodiments, the controller 210 is configured to analyze the entire card game (a) using dealt hands, and (b) recognizing disposed cards by each player into theturn-table card dispenser through the card disposal slit 224. The controller 210is configured to recognize the card and dispense the card back immediately for the next player to pick up and play. The player may ask for the deck card if the user does not require the disposed card, thereby the deal top card is dealt.
[0076] The controller 210 may be configured to update the table once the one or more cards are dispensed to one or more players. A joker may becut using the slider/cut on the display 214 to pick a stack order number. When the turn-table card dispenser 102 runs out of cards, controller 210 asks at least one player to reload and “Play” again. While dispensing one or more cards, controller 210 prompts an audio message that a particular card is dispensed for a particular player. The audio message may be pre-programmed. The turn-table card dispenser 102 is configured to drop one card from a particular slot/position and the card is always ready to dispense by moving in advance to top of the card stack or pile (T) position. The disposed cards are read and dispensed again. The points are calculated at every step.
[0077] The controller 210 automatically determines a score or win for each player based on one or more dispensed cards to each player and one or more picked cards of each player based on the table.The controller 210 may employ an artificial intelligencebased algorithm to determine accurate scores of the players. The controller 210 correctly predicts the best hand possible for win and count optimization using an optimization algorithm that can be assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) to improve performance further. In some embodiments, if the player needs to play the game without updating the score, the turn-table card dispenser 102 is configured to enable the game without scoring. The controller 210 further provides suggestions or tips to the at least one player based on the analysis of the entire card game. The controller 210 may calculate an optimal strategy for the player’s decision by observing the player’s starting hand and the game progression when the card is picked or disposed of by the player. The controller 210 may guide the player about the best combination of the moves to minimize the point. The suggestion module 312 provides suggestions on which hand is drop-worthy and which hand is play-worthy. Each suggestion is supplemented with probabilities and game situation analysis. The controller 210 may provide suggestions to the players through speaker 222 or display 214 in turn-table card dispenser 102 or through the mobile application to the user's device.
[0078] In some embodiments, the at least one turn-table card dispenser 102 provides a bot mode option to play the card game when other players are not available. In some embodiments, the turn-table card dispenser 102 enablesa hybrid model of game-play. The hybrid game-play model combines real cards with digital devices, enabling some players to use physical cards and others to participate online via laptops or mobile devices.
[0079] FIG.3 is a block diagram that illustrates a game server 106 of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments herein. The game server 106 includes a database 300, a processor 301, a receiving module 302, a deck order determining module 304, a deal order determining module 306, a synchronizing module 308, a score determining module 310, and a suggestion module 312. The processor 301 executes the set of modules fororchestrating card games among one or more players in remote settings using one or more turn-table card dispensers. That is, remote play is enabled by syncing of decks of multiple turn-table card dispensers through the game server 106.
[0080] The synchronization module 308 sends a synchronization request to the one or more turn-table card dispensers 102 to synchronize a deck associated with the turn-table card dispenser 102, when a game session is initiated by at least one player. This ensures that all players have the same cards in their respective decks.
[0081] The receiving module 302receivesa table with card information from theturn-table card dispenser 102 through a network 104and stores the table in the database 300after the synchronization of the decks.The table may provide information on which card is in a particular slot. The card information includes a card identifier (ID) and the position of each card in one or more slots. This information includes the current state of the cards in turn-table card dispenser 102.
[0082] The deck order determining module 304 determinesa deck order of the one or more cards by simulating shuffling of the one or more slots when a deal is initiated. The deck order determining module 304may use a virtual random number generator-based shuffling method for simulating shufflingof the one or more slots. The virtual random number generator-based shuffling method may assign a number for each slot. The number may provide a simulated position of each slot. In some embodiments, the deck order determining module 304uses a Knuthshuffling algorithm with a changing seed to produce a random order of the numbers 1-159 (Spades – A234...., Hearts – A234...Diamonds – A234...., Clubs – A234.... Original Joker – 53 cards * 3 packs). The deck order is determined based on the random order of the numbers. For example, if the first few numbers are 32, 12, 140, 9 ... then the corresponding cards are 6D, QS, 8D, 9S ...
[0083] The deal order determining module 306 determines a deal order of the one or more slots to deal the one or more cards based on the deck order, and the card information. The deal order determining module 306 determines the deal order to deal the one or more cards by mapping each of the cards in the deck order to their corresponding slots using the card information.The synchronization module 308 synchronizes the deal order to one or more turn-table card dispensers 102which are in play. The deal order for each device may differ due to the next free slot loading of cards, however, the card denominations order (deck order) may be the same.
[0084] The synchronization module 308 synchronizes the card game among one or more players by receiving input from each player, processing the input, and updating the table accordingly to update the game state. The input may be associated with player actions during the game-play, for example, a disposed card information. In some embodiments, the receiving module 302receives information about a disposed card from at least one player through the one or more turn-table card dispensers 102 during the gameplay. The synchronization module208 further sends the updated game state back to all connected turn-table card dispensers 102, thereby updating the local game instances accordingly.In some embodiments, the table is dynamically updated during the gameplay with updated informationassociated with each card to synchronize the card game between the one or more turn-table dispensers102 through the network 104. The updated information associated with each card includes at least one of the card ID, simulated position, actual position, and dispensed time.
[0085] The score determining module 310 automatically determines a score or win for each player based on one or more dispensed cards to each player and one or more picked cards of each player. The score determining module 310 may employ an artificial intelligence-based algorithm to determine the accurate scores of the players. The score-determining module 310 correctly predicts the best hand possible for the win and count optimization using an optimization algorithm that can be assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) to improve performance further.In some embodiments, if the player needs to play the game without updating the score, the turn-table card dispenser 102 is configured to enable the game without scoring.
[0086] The suggestion module 312 is configured to provide suggestions or tips to at least one player based on the analysis of the entire card game.The suggestion module 312 may calculate an optimal strategy of the player’s decision by observing the player’s starting hand and the game progression when the card is picked or disposed of by the player. The suggestion module312 may guide the player about the best combination of the moves to minimize the point. The suggestion module 312 provides suggestions on which hand is drop-worthy and which hand is play-worthy. Each suggestion is supplemented with probabilities and game situation analysis. The suggestion module 312 may provide suggestions to the players through the speaker or display in the turn-table card dispenser 102.
[0087] In some embodiments, rummy algorithms are also implemented in the game server 106 to improve players’ gaming experience. In some embodiments, machine learning models are implemented to improve the performance of the rummy algorithms.
[0088] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of turn-table card dispenser 102of FIG. 2according to some embodiments herein. Theturn-table card dispenser 102 includes a top cover 402, a carousel 208, a stepper motor 404, acarousel spinning axis with bearing 406, a bottom cover 408, a top and bottom fixing part 410, anda dispensed card tray 412. The top cover 402 holds a loader 202 and a display 214 and covers both the loader 202 and the carousel 208 from being exposed outside and tampered with. The stepper motor 404 is mounted on the bearing and rotates the one or more cards by the carousel 208 along the carousel spinning axis with the bearing 406 during the card games. The carousel spinning axis with the bearing 406 allows for smooth rotation. The bottom cover 408 is used for fixing the carousel 208 and stepper motor 404. The top and bottom fixing part 410 separatethe top cover 308 and the bottom cover 302. The dispensed card tray 412 holds the one or more dispensed cards.The functions of the components of the turn-table card dispenser 102 aredescribed in FIG. 2 in detail.
[0089] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of a loader 202 of FIG. 2 according to some embodiments herein. The schematic diagram of the loader 202 includes a loader top plate cover 502, a loader card holder 504, a slanted card holder 506, a loader card barrier 508, one or more rollers 510, springs 512, and rods 514. The loader top plate cover 502 covers the loader card holder 504, the slanted card loader 506, and the loader card barrier 508. The loader card holder 504 holds the one or more cards to be loaded. The one or more cards are conveyed to the slanted card holder 506 in a slant position using rods 514 and springs 512. The rods 514 and springs 512 apply a push force on the one or more cards to push the one or more cards to the slanted card loader 506. The slanted card holder 506 loads the one or more cards at 30-40 degrees (inclined angle) at the carousel 208, thereby enabling the imaging device 204to focus all cards to recognize accurately and quickly. The loader card barrier 508 includes a bottom slit through which the one or more cards are passed. The one or more rollers 510 are rotated by one or more servo motors to push each card one by one through the bottom slit and load each card to the closest available slot.
[0090] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate schematic diagrams of a carousel 208 of FIG. 2 according to some embodiments herein. The schematic diagram of the carousel 208 includes a carousel top frame 602, a spring platform or blades platform 216, one or more slots604A-N, and a bottom carousel plate 606.The spring platform or blades platform 216 is fixed onto the bottom carousel plate 606 and includes the one or more slots 604A-N. In some embodiments, the carousel top frame 602 is loaded with a solenoid and arm assembly of the card dispenser 206 to dispense the one or more cards to at least one player. In some embodiments, the carousel 208 includes a flat bottom door (not shown) with one or more electromagnetic locks 608A-N at the bottom carousel plate 606 as shown in FIG. 6B to parallelly dispense the one or more cards to at least one player. The one or more electromagnetic locks 608A-N may be very narrow in size to dispense the one or more cards with a width of (0.35mm *2). The one or more electromagnetic locks 608A-N may have sliding design or door open/close design. The working mechanism of the carousel 208 and the card dispenser 206 to load and dispense the one or more cards is explained in FIG. 2.
[0091] FIGS. 7A-7B are flow diagrams that illustrate a method of orchestrating card games among one or more players with real cards, both in local and remote settings, according to some embodiments herein. At step 702, the method includes, providing the turn-table card dispenser 102. The turn-table card dispenser 102 includes a spring platform or blades platform 216 consisting of one or more slots in the springplatform or blades platform 216. In some embodiments, the one or more cards are loaded in the one or more slots in thespring platform or blades platform 216.At step 704, the method includes, capturing, using an imaging device 204, one or more images of the plurality of cards in the one or more slots.
[0092] At step 706, the method includes, creating, by acontroller 210, a table withinformation associated with each card including a card identifier (ID) and a position of each card, in a device memory 220 by recognizing the one or more cards in the one or more slots from the one or more images using an image recognition methodand mapping the one or more cards that are recognized to corresponding slots.At step 708, the method includes, determining, by the controller 210, a deck order of the one or more cards by simulating shuffling of the one or more slots using a virtual random number generator-based shuffling method, when a deal is initiated. In some embodiments, each slot is assigned with a number that provides a simulated position of each slot.At step 710, the method includes, determining, by the controller 210, a deal order of the one or more slots based on the deck order, and the card information to initiate a game-play.
[0093] At step 712, the method includes, dispensing, by a card dispenser 206,the one or more cards to the one or more players for thegame-play based on the deal order.At step 714, the method includes, recognizing, by the controller 210, a disposed card that is disposed of by the one or more players each time, before dispensing the disposed card to a next player to pick at each timeduring the game-play.
[0094] At step 716, the method includes, updating, by the controller 210, the table dynamically during the game-play with an updated information associated with each card including at least one of the card ID, simulated position, actual position, and dispensed time.
[0095] At step 718, the method includes, automatically determining, by the controller 210, a score for each player based on one or more dispensed cards to each player and one or more picked cards of each player. Thereby, orchestrating the real card games among the one or more players.
[0096] In some embodiments, the one or more cards are loaded into the one or more slots using the loader 202 one by one by rotating the spring platform or blades platform216 using the carousel 208, when a game event is initiated by at least one player.
[0097] In some embodiments, the one or more cards are dispensed by a carddispenser 206 by activating at least one of (i) a solenoid and an arm assembly or a flat bottom door assembly.
[0098] In some embodiments, the method further comprisesorchestrating card games (or enabling a remote play) among one or more players in the remote settings with one or more turn-table card dispenser 102 using a game server 106. The method includes, (i) sending a synchronization request to the turn-table card dispenser 102 to synchronize a deck associated with the turn-table card dispenser 102, when a game session is initiated by the at least one player; (ii) receiving the table with the card information from the turn-table card dispenser 102, after the synchronization of the decks; (iii) determining the deck order of the one or more cards by simulating shuffling of the one or more slots using the virtual random number generator-based shuffling method; (iv) determining a deal order of the one or more slots based on the deck order, and the card informationto initiate a game-play. The one or more cards are dispensed to the one or more players for a game-play based on the deal order by syncing the turn-table card dispenser 102 associated with the one or more players based on the recognized card-slots mapping; (v) receiving information of disposed card from the one or more players through the turn-table card dispenser 102 during the gameplay; and (vi) automatically determine a score for each player based on one or more dispensed cards to each player and one or more picked cards of each player.
[0099] The method involves optimizing the dispensing action to enhance the speed of gameplay. This may be achieved by dealing cards simultaneously to multiple players if the corresponding cards align with each player's specific card dispenser, leading to a more efficient and faster gaming experience.The method may involve optimizing the process by simultaneously loading and dispensing cards. This means that while the loading process is ongoing, available cards can be dispensed at the same time, allowing for more efficient and parallel operations. The method may involve optimizing the rotation of the carousel allows for completing the dispensing and loading processes in minimal time, thereby reducing the number of rotations required for the carousel. This optimization ensures a more efficient and faster card dispensing system. In some embodiments, a winning event is determined by the controller 210 or the game server 106 based on the best hand possible arrangement of the one or more cards using a machine learning model. The controller 210 or the game server 106 may use at least one optimization, neural networks, or clustering-based machine learning algorithm to determine the winning event.
[00100] A representative hardware environment for practicing the embodiments herein is depicted in FIG. 8, with reference to FIGS. 1 through 7B. This schematic drawing illustrates a hardware configuration of a game server 106/computer system/ computing device in accordance with the embodiments herein. The system includes at least one processing device CPU 10 that may be interconnected via system bus 15 to various devices such as a random-access memory (RAM) 12, read-only memory (ROM) 16, and an input/output (I/O) adapter 18. The I/O adapter 18 can connect to peripheral devices, such as disk units 58 and program storage devices 50 that are readable by the system. The system can read the inventive instructions on the program storage devices 50 and follow these instructions to execute the methodology of the embodiments herein. The system further includes a user interface adapter 22 that connects a keyboard 28, mouse 50, speaker 52, microphone 55, and/or other user interface devices such as a touch screen device (not shown) to the bus 15 to gather user input. Additionally, a communication adapter 20 connects the bus 15 to a data processing network 52, and a display adapter 25 connects the bus 15 to a display device 26, which provides a graphical user interface (GUI) 56 of the output data in accordance with the embodiments herein, or which may be embodied as an output device such as a monitor, printer, or transmitter, for example.
[00101] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. ,CLAIMS:I/ We Claim:

1. A system (100) for orchestrating card games among one or more playerswith real cards, both in local and remote settingsusing at least one turn-table card dispenser (102), wherein each turn-table card dispenser (102) comprising:
a spring platform (216) that comprisesone or more slots, wherein a plurality of cards are loaded in the one or more slots;
an imaging device (204) that is configured to capture one or more images of the plurality of cards in the one or more slots; and
a controller(210) that is communicatively connected with theimaging device (204) and is configured to:
create a table with information associated with each card comprising of a card identifier (ID) and a position of each card, in a device memory (220) by (i) recognizing the plurality of cards in the one or more slots from the one or more images using an image recognition methodand (ii) mapping the plurality of cards that are recognized to corresponding slots;
determine, using a virtual random number generator-based shuffling method, a deck order of the plurality of cards by simulating shuffling of the one or more slots, when a deal is initiated, wherein each slot is assigned, by the virtual random number generator-based shuffling method, with a number that provides a simulated position of each slot;
determine a deal order of the one or more slots based on the deck order, and the informationassociated with each card to initiate a game-play, wherein the plurality of cards are dispensed to the one or more playersfor the game-playbased on the deal order;
recognize adisposed card that is disposed by the one or more players each time before dispensing the disposed card to a next player to pick at each timeduring the game-play;
update the table dynamically during the game-play with an updated information associated with each card comprising of at least one of the card ID, simulated position, actual position, and dispensed time; and
automatically determine a score for each player based on one or more dispensed cards to each player and one or more picked cards of each player, thereby, orchestrating the real card games among the one or more players.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein eachturn-table card dispenser (102) comprises,
a carousel (208) that is configured to rotate the spring platform (216) in at least one of a clock wise direction or an anti-clock wise direction; and
a loader (202) that is configured to load the plurality of cards into the one or more slots one by one by rotating the spring platform (216), when a game event is initiated by at least one player, wherein the loader (202) comprises,
a loader card holder (504) that holds the plurality of cards, wherein the plurality of cards are conveyed from the loader card holder (504) to a slanted card holder (506) in a slant position using rods (514) and springs (512);
a loader card barrier (508) that comprises a bottom slit through which the plurality of cards are passed; and
one or more rollers (510) that are rotated by one or more servo motors and are configured to (i) push each card one by one through the bottom slit and load each card in parallel to aclosest available slotby rotating the spring platform (216) until the plurality of cards are loaded, and (ii) hold each card behind the one being dispensed during a reverse rotation of the one or more servo motors, wherein each slot is inserted with one card in an inclined angle.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the carousel (208) comprises at least one planetary type gear and a stepper motor (404) mounted on a bearing (406), wherein the bearing (406) enables the one or more slots in the spring platform (216) to receive each card per slot from the loader (202) through the bottom slit by rotating the spring platform (216), wherein a bottom of the one or more slots is elevated radially for providing banking when the spring platform (216) is rotated.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (210) is configured to control a rotation of the carousel (208) by
(i) fixing a direction of the rotation of the carousel (208) based on a current position and a closest direction to enable a required slot in the spring platform (216) to receive the plurality of cards;
(ii) determining a number of gear teeth of the at least one planetary type gear to be moved by the stepper motor (404) based on a total number of gear teeth of the at least one planetary type gear, and a degree or a revolution of the rotation of the stepper motor (404); and
(iii) controlling the stepper motor (404) to rotate the carousel (208) according to a determinednumber of gear teeth to be moved.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the imaging device (204) is configured to focus a pre-set number of slots at a time to capture the plurality of images of the plurality of cardsat the corresponding slots.


6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each turn-table card dispenser (102) comprises a card dispenser (206) to dispense the plurality of cards to the one or more players, wherein the card dispenser (206) comprises a solenoid and an arm assembly that is activated to push each card from the one or more slots based on the deal order to a dispensed card tray (412) by facing downwardly for the one or more players when the carousel (208) rotates the spring platform (216).

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the card dispenser (206)comprises a flat bottom door with one or more electromagnetic locks at the carousel (208), wherein each electromagnetic lock opens downward to dispense each card from the one or more slots by gravity when a card to be dispensed is above the flat bottom door.

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller(210) is configured to determine a win event based on a best hand possible arrangement of the plurality of cards using a machine learning model.

9. The system(102) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a game server (106) that is in communication with the at least one the turn-table card dispenser (102) associated with the one or more playersto enable a remote play among the one or more players, wherein the game server (106) is configured to:
send a synchronization request to the at least oneturn-table card dispenser (102) to synchronize a deck associated with each turn-table card dispenser (102), when a game session is initiated by the at least one player;
receive the table with the card information from the at least oneturn-table card dispensers (102), after the synchronization of the decks;
determine the deck order of the plurality of cards by simulating shuffling of the one or more slotsusing thevirtual random number generator-based shuffling method;
determine a deal order of the one or more slots based on the deck order, and the card informationto initiate a game-play, wherein the plurality of cards are dispensedto the one or more players for the game-play based on the deal order by syncing the at least one the turn-table card dispenser (102) associated with the one or more playersbased on the recognized card-slots mapping;
receive an information of a disposed card from the one or more players through the at least oneturn-table card dispensers (102) during the game-play, wherein the table is dynamically updated during the game-play with the updated information associated with each card to synchronize the card game between one or more turn-table dispensers; and
automatically determine a score for each player based on one or more dispensed cards to each player and one or more picked cards of each player.

10.A method of orchestrating card games among one or more players with real cards, both in local and remote settings, wherein the method comprising,
providing at least oneturn-table card dispenser (102), wherein each turn-table card dispenser (102) comprises a spring platform (216) consisting of one or more slots, wherein a plurality of cards are loaded in the one or more slots;
capturing, using an imaging device (204), one or more images of the plurality of cards in the one or more slots;
creating, by acontroller (210), a table with informationassociated with each card comprising of a card identifier (ID) and a position of each card, in a device memory (220) by recognizing the plurality of cards in the one or more slots from the one or more images using an image recognition methodand mapping the plurality of cards that are recognized to corresponding slots;
determining, by the controller (210), a deck order of the plurality of cards by simulating shuffling of the one or more slots using a virtual random number generator-based shuffling method, when a deal is initiated, wherein each slot is assigned with a number that provides a simulated position of each slot;
determining, by the controller (210), a deal order of the one or more slots based on the deck order, and the card informationto initiate a game-play, wherein the plurality of cards are dispensed to the one or more players for thegame-play based on the deal order;
recognizing, by the controller (210), a disposed card that is disposed by the one or more players each time, before dispensing the disposed card to a next player to pick at each timeduring the game-play;
updating, by the controller (210), the table dynamically during the game-play with an updated information associated with each card comprising of at least one of the card ID, simulated position, actual position, and dispensed time; and
automatically determining, by the controller (210), a score for each player based on one or more dispensed cards to each player and one or more picked cards of each player, thereby, orchestrating the real card games among the one or more players.

Dated this 03rd August 2023

ArjunKarthik Bala
(IN/PA 1021) Agent for Applicant