Intelligent Markers and Card Distribution Error Reduction System

Abstract

Intelligent markers and a card distribution error reduction system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention includes intelligent markers which are effectively “player acknowledgement” indicators. The markers preferably include a mechanism for signaling the receiving bettor to acknowledge receipt of the marker, which acknowledgement may turn off the indicating mechanism. The method of indication could be visual, audible or otherwise which would signal a bettor to interact with the marker. The intelligent markers communicate with table sensors and a shoe to monitor the status of games, and to signal alerts when a mistake occurs.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An intelligent marker comprising
 an acknowledgement detector for detecting an acknowledgement from a bettor;   an indicator; and   a processor connected to the acknowledgement detector and the indicator;   wherein the indicator is enabled when the intelligent marker is to be given to a bettor;   wherein upon detection of an acknowledgement from the bettor, the indicator is disabled.   
     
     
         2 . The intelligent marker as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one position sensor for determining the position of the intelligent maker. 
     
     
         3 . The intelligent marker as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein the indicator is enabled upon the at least one position sensor detecting that the position of the intelligent marker has been moved from a home position for the marker. 
     
     
         4 . The intelligent marker as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the indicator is enabled by the dealer. 
     
     
         5 . The intelligent marker as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein the indicator is enabled via the acknowledgement detector by the dealer. 
     
     
         6 . The intelligent maker as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the acknowledgement detector is at least one button. 
     
     
         7 . The intelligent maker as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the acknowledgement detector is at least one accelerometer. 
     
     
         8 . The intelligent marker as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein the indicator is at least one of an LED and a speaker. 
     
     
         9 . The intelligent marker as set forth in  claim 1 , further comprising a communication unit connect to the processor 
     
     
         10 . A system for reducing card distribution errors comprising:
 a shoe;   an intelligent marker including:   at least one position sensor for determining the position of the intelligent maker;   a communications unit for electronically communicating with the shoe;   an acknowledgement detector for detecting an acknowledgement from a bettor;   an indicator; and   a processor for receiving position data from the position sensor, said processor communicating with the shoe via the communications unit;   wherein the indicator is enabled when the intelligent marker is to be given to a bettor;   wherein upon detection of an acknowledgement from the bettor, the indicator is disabled.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the indicator is enabled upon the at least one position sensor detecting that the position of the intelligent marker has been moved from a home position for the marker. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the indicator is enabled by the dealer. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the shoe includes a gate. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one position sensor includes an accelerometer. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the indicator is at least one of an LED, a speaker, and a vibration emitter. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 10 , further comprising a table, the table including at least one table sensor. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the table sensor detects the position of the marker on the table. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the table sensor detects the rank and suit of cards placed on the table. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the indicator is enabled when a card is placed in an incorrect position on the table. 
     
     
         20 . A method for reducing card distribution errors during a playing cards game comprising the steps of:
 enabling an indicator in at least one marker;   distributing the at least one marker to at least one bettor;   the at least one better acknowledging receipt of the at least one marker by from the dealer;   disabling the indicator.