Gaming chip, inspection device, manufacturing method of gaming chip, and management system of table game

Abstract

To provide a new game token, an inspection device and a management system of a table game for detecting a fraud in a game in a game hall or a mistake or a fraud when betting or adjusting the game token.SOLUTION: The detection system includes the control device 14 that detects the fraud performed on the game table 4 using the image analysis result by the image analyzing apparatus 12, and the game token 120 used in the detection system has a multilayer structure in which a plurality of plastic layers having different colors are laminated, a colored layer is provided at least in the middle, and a white layer or a light color layer is laminated on both sides of the colored layer in the middle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of patent application number 2015-163213 filed in Japan on August 3, 2015, patent application number 2015-240631 filed in Japan on November 19, 2015, and patent application number 2016-30443 filed in Japan on February 1, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Technical Field]

[0002] The present invention relates to a management system for gaming chips, an inspection device, and a table game in an amusement facility, and in particular to a technology for detecting fraudulent activity. [Background technology]

[0003] Casinos and other gaming establishments are attempting to prevent various types of fraudulent activity. Gaming establishments are equipped with surveillance cameras to monitor for fraudulent activity, and images captured by the surveillance cameras are used to detect cheating in games and fraudulent withdrawal or redemption of gaming tokens that do not correspond to the winning or losing results.

[0004] On the other hand, it has been proposed to attach a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag to each gaming token to determine the amount of gaming tokens bet and the total amount.

[0005] The card game monitoring system described in WO 2015 / 107902 monitors for fraudulent activity by determining whether gaming tokens placed on a gaming table have been collected or redeemed in accordance with the winning or losing results through image analysis of the movement of the gaming tokens. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a new gaming token, an inspection device, and a table game management system that detects fraudulent behavior in games at amusement parlors, or errors or fraudulent behavior when betting or settling gaming tokens. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment of the gaming token of the present invention is a laminated structure made up of multiple plastic layers, with at least a colored layer and a white or light-colored layer stacked on top of each other, forming stripes on the sides in the stacking direction, and the colored layers make it possible to identify the type of gaming token.In addition, printed layers indicating the type of gaming token are applied to the top and bottom surfaces of the laminated structure, and the layers are heat-pressed together to form a layered structure.

[0008] In the above gaming token, an individually identifiable side ID may be attached to the outer surface of the white layer or the light-colored layer.

[0009] In the gaming token described above, the side IDs may be attached to at least three or more locations spaced apart in the rotational direction on the side surface of the gaming token.

[0010] In the gaming token described above, the side ID may be printed with ink that is invisible to visible light.

[0011] In the gaming token described above, the side ID may be printed with ink that absorbs infrared rays.

[0012] In the above gaming token, the side ID may be provided in multiple rows on each of the outer surfaces of the two layers, the white layer or the light-colored layer.

[0013] In the above gaming token, the outer corners of the upper and lower surfaces of the printing layer may be rounded.

[0014] In the above gaming token, at least one of the plurality of plastic layers may be a heavy layer containing metal powder for increasing the weight.

[0015] In the above gaming token, the metal powder for increasing the weight is a metal oxide, and in particular may be one or more metal oxides selected from zinc oxide and titanium oxide.

[0016] In the above-mentioned gaming token, white or light-colored layers may be provided on both sides of the colored layer, and the thicknesses of the upper and lower layers of the white or light-colored layer sandwiching the colored layer may be different from each other.

[0017] In the above gaming token, an RFID tag may be tightly fixed between the plastic layers that form the colored layer, the white layer or the light-colored layer.

[0018] In the above gaming token, the printing layer may be provided with a face code made of UV luminescent ink or infrared absorbing ink.

[0019] The above-mentioned gaming token may have a structure in which a side ID is attached to the side and an RFID is built in, and the printing layer has a face code made of UV-emitting ink or infrared-absorbing ink, and the information on the side ID attached to the side and the information on the RFID may be associated, or the information on the side ID and the information on the face code may be associated, or the information on the side ID, the information on the RFID and the information on the face code may be associated.

[0020] An inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an inspection device for inspecting the gaming tokens described above, and is equipped with an RFID reading device that reads the RFID information of the gaming tokens, an ID reading device that reads the side ID on the side, and a control device, and is configured to inspect the relationship between the side ID information obtained by the ID reading device and the information obtained from the RFID reading device.

[0021] Another aspect of the inspection device of the present invention is an inspection device for inspecting the above-mentioned gaming tokens, and is equipped with a face code reading device that reads a face code made of UV-emitting ink or infrared-absorbing ink provided on the surface of the gaming token, an ID reading device that reads a side ID on the side, and a control device, and the control device is configured to inspect the relationship between the side ID information obtained by the ID reading device and the information obtained from the face code reading device.

[0022] Yet another aspect of the inspection device of the present invention is an inspection device for inspecting the above-mentioned gaming tokens, and is equipped with a face code reading device that reads a face code made of UV-emitting ink or infrared-absorbing ink provided on the surface of the gaming token, an ID reading device that reads the side ID on the side, an RFID reading device that reads the RFID information of the gaming token, and a control device, wherein the control device is configured to inspect the relationship between the side ID information obtained by the ID reading device, the information obtained from the face code reading device, and the information obtained from the RFID reading device.

[0023] In the above inspection device, the side ID is printed using either ink that is visible to at least visible light or ink that absorbs infrared light, or a combination thereof, and the ID reading device may be equipped with a single or multiple visible light cameras or infrared cameras that correspond to the ink on which the side ID is printed, or may be equipped with a camera that can switch between multiple functions of a visible light camera and an infrared camera that correspond to the ink.

[0024] The above-mentioned inspection device may further include a gaming token type determination device that photographs the side of the gaming token and determines the color of the stripes in the stacking direction on the side, or a print inspection device that reads the printing on the printing layer provided on the gaming token, thereby inspecting the relationship between the type of the gaming token and the printing content of the printing layer.

[0025] A method for manufacturing gaming tokens in one embodiment of the present invention includes laminating at least a colored layer and a white or light-colored layer to form a laminated structure consisting of multiple plastic layers, providing a printed layer with a pattern printed on at least the upper or lower surface of the laminated structure of multiple plastics, heat-pressing each layer of the laminated structure and the printed layer to thermally weld each layer to create a token base plate, punching out the token base plate with a mold to obtain multiple gaming tokens of a predetermined shape, and rounding the outer top and bottom corners of the gaming tokens with the mold during the punching process.

[0026] Another aspect of the method for manufacturing gaming tokens of the present invention is to provide a laminated structure made up of multiple plastic layers by laminating white or light-colored layers above and below the intermediate colored layer, at least one of the multiple plastic layers contains metal powder or metal oxide for increasing weight, provide a printed layer with a pattern printed on at least the top or bottom of the laminated structure, heat-press the laminated structure and the printed layer to thermally weld the layers together to create a token base plate, and punch out the token base plate using a mold to obtain multiple gaming tokens of a predetermined shape.

[0027] In the above-mentioned method for manufacturing gaming tokens, the side ID may be attached by inkjet printing.

[0028] In the manufacturing method of the gaming tokens described above, an RFID tag may be sandwiched between the layers of the laminated structure, and when the layers are heat-pressed together, the layers sandwiching the RFID tag may be heat-welded to form a plastic layer tightly around the RFID tag.

[0029] In the above-mentioned method for manufacturing gaming tokens, one or more of a face code, a security mark, and an optical variable device (OVD) may be printed on the printing layer.

[0030] A table game management system in one embodiment of the present invention comprises a card dealing device that determines and displays the results of each game at a gaming table; a camera device that uses a camera to photograph and record gaming tokens placed on the gaming table; and a management control device that uses the image capture results of the camera device in each game to identify and store the position, type and number of gaming tokens placed on the gaming table by game participants, wherein the gaming tokens have a structure that has a colored layer and a white or light-colored layer on at least the exterior so as to form an axial striped pattern on the side, and the colored layer makes it possible to identify the type of gaming token, and the management control device has a calculation function that uses the win / loss results obtained from the card dealing device and the image capture results of the position, type and number of gaming tokens placed by game participants to calculate the casino's income and expenditure at the gaming table for each game.

[0031] In the above-mentioned table game management system, the management control device may have the function of counting the number of colored layers, white layers, or light-colored layers on the gaming tokens placed by each game participant, and determining the type and value of the gaming tokens based on the color of the colored layers.

[0032] In the above-mentioned table game management system, the management control device takes images of the positions, types, and numbers of tokens placed by game participants in each game, and this is done when the card distribution device detects that the first card has been drawn, or before or after the card is drawn, or after the management control device recognizes the dealer's signal that betting is over.

[0033] Another aspect of the table game management system of the present invention comprises a gaming token tray that is provided on the gaming table and that holds gaming tokens by type; a camera device that uses a camera to capture images of the gaming tokens placed on the gaming token tray; and a management control device that identifies and stores the type and number of gaming tokens on the gaming token tray using the image capture results of the camera device, wherein the gaming tokens have a structure that has a colored layer and a white or light-colored layer at least on the outside so as to form an axial stripe pattern on the side, and the type of gaming token can be identified by the colored layer, and the management control device is configured to be able to measure the total amount of the gaming tokens on the gaming token tray using the image capture results of the type and number of the gaming tokens on the gaming token tray.

[0034] In the above-mentioned table game management system, the management control device may have a function of counting the number of colored layers, white layers, or light-colored layers on the gaming tokens placed by each game participant, and determining the type and value of the gaming tokens based on the color of the colored layers.

[0035] In the above-mentioned table game management system, the management control device may be configured to be able to determine the difference between the actual total amount of gaming tokens after the end of the game, which is kept in the gaming token tray of the dealer at the gaming table, and the increase or decrease in gaming tokens calculated from the amount of gaming tokens bet by all players and the outcome of the game.

[0036] In the above-mentioned table game management system, the total amount of gaming tokens in the gaming token tray after settlement at the end of the game is obtained via the management control device by: 1) When the redemption of winning gaming tokens is completed, 2) When the cards used in the game are collected and discarded in the discard area of ​​the table, 3) When a predetermined button attached to the winning / losing result determination device is pressed, 4) When you return the marker indicating victory or defeat to its original position, It may be either of the following.

[0037] In the above-mentioned table game management system, the camera device may also be capable of capturing images of the banknotes used to exchange for the gaming tokens, and the management control device may be configured to use the results of capturing the images of the banknotes to identify the type and number of gaming tokens on the gaming token tray that will be reduced by exchanging the gaming tokens on the gaming token tray for banknotes, and to be able to measure and compare this with the actual total amount of the gaming tokens on the gaming token tray.

[0038] In the above-mentioned table game management system, the management control device may be capable of comparing and determining whether the total amount of gaming tokens held in the gaming token tray of the dealer at the gaming table corresponds to the increase or decrease in the amount of gaming tokens paid corresponding to the exchanged bills after the bills have been exchanged for gaming tokens, and whether it corresponds to the increase or decrease in gaming tokens calculated from the amount of gaming tokens bet by all players and the win / loss result of the game.

[0039] In the above-mentioned table game management system, the management control device may be an artificial intelligence-based or deep learning structure that can obtain information on the type and number of gaming tokens even when part or all of one token is hidden by the camera's blind spot when measuring and determining the type and number of gaming tokens.

[0040] In the above-mentioned table game management system, the gaming token may have side IDs attached to the white or light-colored layer on the side at at least three locations spaced apart in the rotational direction, and the type and manufacturing information of the gaming token may be identified by reading the side ID with an ID reading device, and the system may be configured to be able to measure and verify the measured and identified information against a predetermined database.

[0041] In the above-mentioned table game management system, the side ID may be printed in ink that is visible to at least visible light, ink that absorbs infrared light, or both, and the ID reading device may be equipped with multiple visible light cameras and infrared cameras that correspond to the ink on which the side ID is printed, or may be equipped with a camera that can switch between multiple functions of a visible light camera and an infrared camera that corresponds to the ink.

[0042] In the above-mentioned table game management system, the camera device that photographs and records the gaming tokens on the gaming table may be configured to photograph the gaming tokens using a single camera or multiple cameras at different heights placed at a predetermined position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0043] The system of the present invention can detect fraudulent practices in the collection and redemption of gaming tokens according to the results of games.

[0044] Furthermore, with the system of the present invention, even if a player bends a card by squeezing it, which is often done in games such as baccarat, the rank and suit of the card can be determined through image analysis, and the total amount and location of blind spots and overlapping tokens can be determined.Fraudulence when exchanging banknotes for tokens can also be detected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the entire fraud detection system in an amusement center having a plurality of gaming tables according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a gaming token showing examples of different stacking states of the gaming token grasped in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a gaming token showing an example of different stacking states of the gaming token grasped in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a mark for explaining stains on a card that are detected in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a plan view showing the front of the marker. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a plan view showing the back of the marker. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a simplified explanatory diagram showing an image of the exchange state between banknotes and game tokens grasped in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an overview of the entire management system for table games in a gaming center according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a conventional gaming token. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a game token according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a side view of a game token according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a plan view of the game token in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a diagram showing another example of game tokens in the second embodiment. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a diagram showing another example of gaming tokens in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which game tokens are piled up in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective explanatory photograph illustrating a state in which different types of gaming tokens are piled up. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing details of the gaming token tray according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a diagram showing another example of the game token tray according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14A]FIG. 14A is a diagram showing the relationship between a two-tiered gaming token tray and the camera device 2, showing the two tiers stacked on top of each other. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is a diagram showing the relationship between the two-tiered gaming token tray and the camera device 2, showing a state in which the two tiers are shifted. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an inspection device for inspecting game tokens according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an overview of the entire gaming token management system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a side view of a game token according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows game tokens in which upper and lower marks C are paired to form codes (four types). [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a gaming token on which the side ID is printed with ink that is invisible to visible light (ink that absorbs infrared rays). [Figure 20A] FIG. 20A is a plan view of a main part of a gaming token tray of a casino table, showing a state in which gaming tokens according to the third embodiment are held in the gaming token tray. [Figure 20B] FIG. 20B is a perspective view of the gaming tokens stacked one on top of another. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing another example of the gaming token according to the third embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another example of an inspection device for inspecting gaming tokens. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing another example of an inspection device for inspecting gaming tokens. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing another example of an inspection device for inspecting game tokens. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] (First embodiment) In gaming facilities such as casinos, gaming tokens are placed in high piles on gaming tables, but there is a problem that the IC tag reader installed under the gaming table cannot accurately read the total amount, and if the sensitivity of the reader is increased, gaming tokens placed in different positions (where winning or losing depends on the position) will be added together, making it impossible to grasp the total amount of gaming tokens at each position.In addition, when capturing images from a camera, there are problems such as blind spots due to the camera's viewing angle, and overlapping tokens falling into shadows, making it impossible to grasp the total amount of gaming tokens.

[0047] Furthermore, as is often the case in baccarat games, players may squeeze cards (bending face-down cards to look at them little by little while enjoying the card rank, etc.), which can cause the cards to become bent, making it impossible to determine the card rank and suit by analyzing the images from the camera.

[0048] Furthermore, as fraud at gaming tables becomes more sophisticated, new issues have been identified, such as fraud involving sophisticated betting methods that cannot be detected by simply detecting a large amount of winnings at a gaming table, and that cannot be detected by cameras or tracking winning amounts. Furthermore, conventional technology is not sufficient to prevent fraudulent acts involving collusion between dealers and players.

[0049] In order to solve the various problems described above, the first embodiment of the cheating detection system for an amusement facility having a plurality of gaming tables is a cheating detection system for an amusement facility having a plurality of gaming tables, and includes a game recording device that records the progress of games played at the gaming tables as video images via a camera, including the dealer and players, an image analysis device that performs image analysis of the recorded video images of the progress of the games, a card distribution device that determines and displays the win / loss results of each game at the gaming tables, and a control device that detects cheating at the gaming tables using the image analysis results from the image analysis device and the win / loss results determined by the card distribution device.

[0050] Furthermore, in the fraud detection system, the card distribution device is configured to be able to read the rank of the cards being distributed, and the control device is configured to be able to compare the rank information obtained by the image analysis device from the image of each card distributed at the gaming table with the rank information of the cards read by the card distribution device to determine whether they match or not.

[0051] Furthermore, the fraud detection system, in which the image analysis device or control device is an artificial intelligence or deep learning structure that can obtain card ranking information from cards that have been dealt at a gaming table and bent or soiled by a player.

[0052] Furthermore, in the fraud detection system, the control device grasps the location, type and number of gaming tokens bet by each player via the image analysis device, and determines whether the collection of losing gaming tokens bet by each player and the payment of winning gaming tokens have been carried out appropriately in accordance with the outcome of the game by analyzing the video of the game progress via the image analysis device.

[0053] Furthermore, the fraud detection system has an image analysis device or control device that utilizes artificial intelligence or a deep learning structure that can obtain information on the type, number and location of gaming tokens bet, even if some or all of the gaming tokens placed on the gaming table are hidden by the blind spot of the camera.

[0054] Furthermore, in the fraud detection system, the control device is an artificial intelligence-based or deep learning structure that can compare and calculate whether the amount of gaming tokens held in the gaming token tray of the dealer at the gaming table has increased or decreased in accordance with the recovery of losing gaming tokens bet by each player and the amount paid for winning gaming tokens after the game has ended and settlement has been made, based on the outcome of the game.

[0055] Furthermore, the fraud detection system has an artificial intelligence or deep learning structure in which the control device grasps the position and amount of gaming tokens bet at each playing position on the gaming table, and compares the win / loss history of each player obtained from the win / loss results of each game and the amount of gaming tokens obtained with statistical data from past games to extract any unusual situations.

[0056] Furthermore, the fraud detection system has a control device that utilizes artificial intelligence or has a deep learning structure that can extract, as a unique situation when, at a playing position on a certain gaming table, the amount of tokens used for betting when losing is smaller than the amount of tokens used for betting when winning, compared with statistical data from past games.

[0057] Furthermore, in the fraud detection system, the control device is configured to be able to extract the peculiar situation via the image analysis device or to identify individual players at playing positions who have won more than a predetermined amount.

[0058] Furthermore, in the fraud detection system, the control device has a warning function that, when the identified player leaves his / her seat and takes a seat at another gaming table, notifies the other gaming table of the presence of the identified player.

[0059] In order to solve the above-mentioned various problems, the fraud detection system of the present invention for an amusement facility having a plurality of gaming tables comprises: a game recording device that records the progress of the game played at the gaming table as video images including the dealer and the players via a camera; a card distribution device that determines and displays the results of each game at the gaming table; an image analysis device that performs image analysis on the recorded video of the game progress; a control device capable of detecting banknotes and tokens on the gaming table using the image analysis results of the image analysis device; The image analysis device or control device is an artificial intelligence or deep learning structure that can detect, based on information obtained from the card distribution device or the dealer, that banknotes are being exchanged for gaming tokens at the gaming table in situations other than when cards are being dealt, and can recognize the total amount of genuine banknotes that have been verified using a black light, and can recognize the total amount of gaming tokens placed on the gaming table as exchange items even if some or all of the tokens are hidden by the blind spot of the camera, and can compare the total amount of banknotes placed on the gaming table by players with the total amount of gaming tokens placed by the dealer and determine whether the amounts match.

[0060] Furthermore, in the fraud detection system, the control device is an artificial intelligence-based or deep learning structure that can perform comparative calculations to determine whether the amount of gaming tokens held in the gaming token tray of the dealer at the gaming table has increased or decreased in accordance with the payment amount of gaming tokens corresponding to the exchanged banknotes after the banknotes have been exchanged for gaming tokens and settlement has been made.

[0061] Furthermore, in the fraud detection system, the control device is an artificial intelligence-utilizing or deep learning structure that can compare and calculate whether the amount of banknotes deposited by the dealer based on input and the total amount of banknotes based on the image analysis results of the image analysis device match after the banknotes have been exchanged for gaming tokens and settlement has been made.Furthermore, the control device is an artificial intelligence-utilizing or deep learning structure that can compare and calculate whether the total amount of banknotes deposited by the dealer based on input and the total amount of banknotes based on the image analysis results of the image analysis device match.

[0062] According to the fraud detection system of this embodiment, even if a player bends a card by squeezing it, which is often done in games such as baccarat, the rank and suit of the card can be determined by image analysis, and the total amount and location of blind spots and overlapping tokens can be determined.Fraud can also be detected when exchanging banknotes for tokens.

[0063] A detailed description of the overall cheating detection system for a gaming parlor with multiple gaming tables according to a first embodiment of the present invention is provided below. Figure 1 shows the overall system. The cheating detection system for a gaming parlor with multiple gaming tables 4 includes a game recording device 11 that records video of the game progress at each gaming table 4 via multiple camera devices 2, including the player 6 and the dealer 5; an image analyzer 12 that analyzes the video of the recorded game progress; and a card dealing device 3 that determines and displays the outcome of each game at each gaming table 4. The card dealing device 3 is a so-called electronic shoe already used by those skilled in the art. It is pre-programmed with the game rules and is designed to read the information on the cards C dealt and determine the outcome of the game. For example, in a baccarat game, whether the banker wins, the player wins, or a tie (draw) is basically determined by the ranks of two or three cards, and the result (win or loss) is displayed by a result indicator lamp 13.

[0064] This cheating detection system further includes a control device 14 that compares the actual card ranks determined by the image analysis device 12 with the win / loss result determined by the card dealing device 3 to detect cheating at the gaming table 4 (such as a discrepancy between the total rank of the dealt cards and the win / loss result). The card dealing device 3 is configured to be able to read the rank (A, 2-10, J, Q, K) and suit (heart, spade, etc.) of cards C manually dealt by the dealer 5, and the control device 14 is configured to compare the rank and suit information obtained by the image analysis device 12 (using artificial intelligence) from images of each card dealt at the gaming table 4 (captured using the camera device 2) with the card and suit information read by the card dealing device 3 to determine whether they match. The image analysis device 12 and control device 14 in this cheating detection system are configured to be a composite of a computer, program, and memory, which may be an integrated or multiple-component configuration.

[0065] The image analysis device 12 and the control device 14 have an artificial intelligence or deep learning architecture that can obtain card rank information even for cards C dealt at the gaming table 4 that have been bent or soiled by the player 6. As shown in Figure 3, soiled cards C can make it difficult to distinguish between clubs and spades. Even in such cases, the suit can be determined by analyzing and determining the image using an artificial intelligence computer or control system and deep learning (structure) technology. Even if a card is bent due to squeezing by a player, as is often done in games such as baccarat, the suit and rank of the card before deformation can be recognized by the artificial intelligence computer or control system and deep learning (structure) technology, using self-learning of numerous image variations. Since artificial intelligence computer or control system and deep learning (structure) technology are already known and available to those skilled in the art, detailed description will be omitted.

[0066] The control device 14, which utilizes artificial intelligence or has a deep learning structure, can determine, via the camera device 2 and the image analysis device 12, on which position (player, banker, or pair) each player 6 bets their gaming tokens 120 in the betting area 8, as well as the type and number of gaming tokens 120 bet (each color of gaming token 120 is assigned a different value). The gaming tokens 120 may not only be stacked vertically in a vertically aligned fashion, but may also be stacked offset from one another as shown in FIG. 2A. In this case, if the camera device 2 is positioned in the direction of arrow X shown in FIG. 2A (or if the orientation of the gaming tokens 120 is in a blind spot relative to the camera device 2), it is assumed that the gaming tokens 120 will not be visible (will be in a blind spot) as shown in FIG. 2B. In artificial intelligence-based computers or control systems and deep learning (structural) technology, self-learning functions are used to recognize when gaming tokens 120 are hidden by blind spots (when part of a gaming token is hidden, or when the entire gaming token is hidden), and the number of tokens, etc. is accurately determined. In this way, it is possible to know which position in the betting area 8 the gaming tokens 120 have been bet on (player, banker, or pair), the type of gaming tokens 120 bet (different values ​​are assigned to each color of the gaming tokens 120), and the number of gaming tokens 120, so that in accordance with the outcome of each game determined by the card dealing device 3, the control device 14 determines whether the collection of the losing gaming tokens bet by each player 6 (indicated by arrow L) and the payment of winning gaming tokens (120W) to the winning player 6W have been carried out appropriately in accordance with the outcome of the game by analyzing the video of the game progress via the image analyzer 12. If the determination result analyzed by the intelligent control device 14 via the image analyzer 12 differs from the result read by other means (for example, the result read by RFID), the analysis image can be saved and verified later. If the verification reveals that the error was made by the intelligent control device 14, the analyzed image can be used as sample data for supervised learning in deep learning technology to improve the accuracy of the intelligent control device 14.

[0067] The control device 14 can analyze and grasp the total amount of gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 of the dealer 5 at the gaming table 4 using the image analysis device 12, and after the game is over and settlement is made, can compare and calculate whether the total amount of gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 has increased or decreased according to the outcome of the game, depending on the collection of the losing gaming tokens 120 bet by each player 6 and the amount of winning gaming tokens 120W paid to the winning player 6W. Even if the total amount of gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 is constantly grasped by means such as RFID, the control device 14 determines whether the increase or decrease is correct by analyzing video of the game progress via the image analysis device 12. These also utilize artificial intelligence or deep learning structures.

[0068] In this example, fraud and mistakes are detected based on the outcome of the game, information on how many of what type of gaming tokens 120 were bet and at what position in the betting area 8 (player, banker, or pair), and the increase or decrease in the amount of gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 after the collection of losing gaming tokens and the redemption of winning gaming tokens 120 are complete, so fraud and mistakes can be detected without knowing the movement of the gaming tokens 120 after the game ends, i.e., whether the bet gaming tokens 120 moved to the player's side or the dealer's side.

[0069] Here, in the case of baccarat, for example, the outcome of the game can be determined in accordance with the rules of baccarat by reading the rank of the card C dealt in the game with the card dealing device 3. The outcome of the game can also be determined by photographing the gaming table 4 with the camera device 2, analyzing the image with the image analysis device 12, and comparing the analysis results with the rules of the game with the control device 14. In this case, the camera device 2, the image analysis device 12, and the control device 14 constitute a win / loss result determination device. Information on the player at each playing position 7, what type of gaming token 120, and how many coins have been bet on which position (player, banker, or pair) in the betting area 8 can be obtained by photographing the gaming token 120 placed in the betting area 8 with the camera device 2 and analyzing the image for each playing position 7 with the image analysis device 12.

[0070] In addition, the increase or decrease in the amount of gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 before and after the collection of losing gaming tokens 120 and the redemption of winning gaming tokens 120 can be calculated by comparing the total amount of gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 before the collection of losing gaming tokens 120 and the redemption of winning gaming tokens 120 with the total amount of gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 after the collection of losing gaming tokens 120 and the redemption of winning gaming tokens 120. The total amount of gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 before the losing gaming tokens 120 are collected and redeemed for winning gaming tokens 120, and the total amount of gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 after the losing gaming tokens 120 are collected and redeemed for winning gaming tokens 120, can be detected by photographing the gaming token tray 17 containing the gaming tokens 120 with the camera device 2 and analyzing the image with the image analyzer 12. Alternatively, the total amount of gaming tokens 120 contained in the gaming token tray 17 may be detected by embedding RFID tags indicating the amount in the gaming tokens 120 and providing an RFID reader in the gaming token tray 17.

[0071] For example, let us assume that the total amount of gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 before the start of the game is Bb, and that the total amount of gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 after the game is over and the collection of losing gaming tokens and the redemption of winning gaming tokens are completed is Ba. Also, let us assume that in this game, the total amount of gaming tokens 120 bet on the player area at all playing positions 7 is bp, the total amount of gaming tokens 120 bet on the banker area at all playing positions 7 is bb, and the total amount of gaming tokens 120 bet on the tie area at all playing positions 7 is bt. For example, if the outcome of this game is a win for the banker, then Ba-Bb=bp-bb+bt should be established. Alternatively, the total amount Ba of the gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 after the game has ended should be (Bb+bp-bb+bt). If this is not the case, it can be determined that fraud or an error has occurred in the collection or redemption of the gaming tokens.

[0072] Fig. 13A is a diagram showing details of the gaming token tray of this embodiment, and Fig. 13B is a diagram showing another example of the gaming token tray. The gaming token tray 17 is provided with a recovered gaming token tray 171 that recovers and temporarily stores the gaming tokens 120L bet by the losing player 6L, and a redeemed gaming token tray 172 that stores the gaming tokens 120W to be redeemed. The image analysis device 12 and the control device 14 grasp the position, type, and number of the gaming tokens 120L bet by the losing player 6L, and calculate the increase in the gaming tokens 0L for the game (the amount of gaming tokens 120 that should be in the recovered gaming token tray 171). Furthermore, the image analysis device 12 and the control device 14 grasp the actual total amount of the gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 171 after collection, and compare the expected total amount with the actual total amount to determine whether there is a difference.

[0073] In addition, by using the gaming tokens 120 in the redeemed gaming token tray 172 to redeem the gaming tokens 120W to the winning player 6W, sufficient time can be secured to grasp the actual total amount of the gaming tokens 120 in the collected gaming token tray 171 after they have been collected by the image analysis device 12 and the control device 14.

[0074] 1, the gaming table 4 is provided with a discard area 41 and / or a discard slot 42 for discarding cards C used in a game. Every time a game ends, the cards C used in the game are collected and placed in the discard area 41 or the discard slot 42 on the gaming table 4 to be discarded.

[0075] The gaming table 4 further includes markers 43 that indicate the outcome of the game. FIG. 4A is a plan view showing the front of the marker, and FIG. 4B is a plan view showing the back of the marker. In a baccarat game, two types of markers are used: a marker 43a that indicates a player win and a marker 43b that indicates a banker win. When the game result is announced, the dealer 5 flips over the marker of either the player or the banker, whichever marker won. This makes it easy to see the outcome of the game on the table. The dealer 5 returns the flipped marker to its original position after the gaming tokens 120 have been collected and redeemed. Returning the marker to its original position also means that the next game is ready to start.

[0076] As described above, in this embodiment, the control device 14 calculates the income and expenditure of gaming tokens for each game from the amount of gaming tokens bet on the gaming table 4 and the results of the game, and verifies the increase in the balance of gaming tokens in the gaming token tray 17 after the game. If a discrepancy is detected in this verification, the control device 14 issues an alarm or adds a record to that effect to the video recorded by the camera device 2. The casino operator can investigate the cause of the discrepancy by reviewing the video.

[0077] The fraud detection system of this embodiment adds or subtracts the increase or decrease in the gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 before the settlement of each game by calculating the increase or decrease in the gaming tokens in that game from the position, type and number of gaming tokens 120 bet by all players 6 in that game and the win / loss result of that game obtained by the win / loss result determination device, and compares the total amount of gaming tokens 120 that should be in the gaming token tray 17 after settlement at the end of that game with the actual total amount of gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 at the end of that game obtained via the image analysis device 12, and determines whether there is a difference between the total amount that should be and the actual total amount.

[0078] The control device 14 grasps the position, type and number of gaming tokens bet by each player via the image analysis device 12, and when all of the losing gaming tokens bet by each player have been collected, grasps the actual total amount of gaming tokens in the gaming token tray, and compares the total amount that should be of gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17, which is calculated by adding the increase in the gaming token tray 17 for that game based on the position, type and number of gaming tokens bet by the losing player from the total amount of gaming tokens in the gaming token tray before the settlement of each game, with the actual total amount of gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17, and determines whether there is a difference between the actual total amount and the total amount that should be.

[0079] The control device 14 compares the total amount of gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 before the settlement of each game with the total amount of gaming tokens 120 that should be in the gaming token tray 17, which is calculated by adding the increase in the amount of gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 for that game based on the position, type, and number of gaming tokens 120 bet by the losing player, with the actual total amount of gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17, and calculates the total amount that should be. If it is determined that there is no difference between the total amount and the actual total amount, and the total amount that should be in the gaming token tray 17 after settlement at the end of the game is compared with the actual total amount of gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 at the end of the game obtained through the image analysis device 12, and if it is determined that there is a difference between the total amount that should be and the actual total amount, it is determined that there is a payment error, and a payment error signal is generated to notify the user of the payment error.

[0080] The gaming token tray 17 is provided with a recovered gaming token tray 171 for collecting and temporarily storing the gaming tokens 120 bet by losing players, and the image analysis device 12 compares the total amount of gaming tokens 120 that should be in the recovered gaming token tray 171, which is calculated by adding the increase in the gaming tokens 120 for the game in question, calculated from the position, type and number of the gaming tokens 120L bet by the losing player, with the actual total amount of gaming tokens 120 in the recovered gaming token tray 171, and determines whether there is a difference between the total amount that should be and the actual total amount.

[0081] When the control device 14 determines that the actual total amount of gaming tokens 120 held in the gaming token tray 17 of the dealer 5 at the gaming table 4 does not correspond to the increase or decrease in gaming tokens calculated from the gaming token amounts bet by all players and the win / loss result of the game, the game recording device 11 can assign an index or time to the captured video, or can identify and play back the scene of collecting or paying out the gaming tokens 120, so that the game recording device 11 can analyze the record of the game in which the above-mentioned difference occurred.

[0082] In this way, the control device 14 obtains the total amount of gaming tokens (chips) in the gaming token tray 17 after settlement at the end of the game via the image analysis device 12, and in this case, the judgment after settlement is made when any of the following 1) to 4) occurs. 1) When the redemption of winning gaming tokens (winning chips) 120 is completed, 2) When card C used in the game is collected and discarded in the discard area or discard slot of the table, 3) When a predetermined button attached to the winning / losing result determination device is pressed, 4) When marker 43, which indicates victory or defeat, is returned to its original position.

[0083] In the above-mentioned table game management system, the management control device takes images of the position, type, and number of gaming tokens placed by game participants in each game when it detects any of the following 1) to 3). 1) When the card dealing device detects that the first card is being drawn, 2) Before and after being pulled, 3) After the management control device recognizes the dealer's signal that betting is complete.

[0084] The control device 14 is an artificial intelligence or deep learning-based control device that can grasp the positions (positions where bets were made on player, banker, or pairs) and amounts (type and number) of gaming tokens bet at each playing position 7 of the gaming table 4, and compares the win / loss history of each player 6 obtained from the win / loss results of each game and the amount of gaming tokens obtained (amount won) with statistical data of many past games (big data) to extract peculiar situations (set by the casino). Typically, the control device 14 is an artificial intelligence or deep learning-based control device that can extract peculiar situations when winning an amount of more than a certain amount (1 million dollars) occurs, or when a situation occurs over several games at a playing position 7 of a certain gaming table 4 where the amount of gaming tokens bet when losing is small and the amount of gaming tokens bet when winning is large, and compares this situation with statistical data (big data, etc.) of past games.

[0085] Furthermore, the control device 14 of this fraud detection system (integrated with the image analysis device 12) is configured to be able to identify individual players 6 at playing positions 7 who have been identified as having anomalous circumstances or who have won a predetermined amount or more. To identify such players 6, the image analysis device 12 obtains facial images by extracting feature points or the like, and assigns them an identity number (ID, etc.). The control device 14 has a warning function that, when an identified player 6 leaves his or her seat and takes a seat at another gaming table, notifies the other gaming table of the presence of the identified player. Specifically, the control device 14 notifies the pit manager who manages each gaming table 4 or the person in charge of each table (which may be the dealer) to prevent further anomalous phenomena.

[0086] The control device 14 further has a database that records the history of exchanges of banknotes K and gaming tokens 120, and refers to the database at regular intervals or daily intervals to compare and determine whether the amount of gaming tokens 120 held in the gaming token tray 17 of the dealer 5 at the gaming table 4 has increased or decreased in accordance with the payment amount of gaming tokens 120 corresponding to the exchanged banknotes K, or the total amount of payment of banknotes K corresponding to the exchanged gaming tokens 120.

[0087] In the above example, the win / loss history and the amount of gaming tokens (winning amounts) obtained for each playing position 7 may be monitored without identifying individual players 6. In this case, if a player 6 leaves his / her seat, that player 6 cannot be tracked. However, it is possible to detect unusual situations, such as a situation where the amount of gaming tokens bet when a player loses at a specific playing position 7 of a single gaming table 4 is small and the amount of gaming tokens bet when a player wins is large, over several consecutive games. If such a playing position 7 is detected, there is a suspicion of fraud or an error at that playing position 7. Then, by examining the video captured at that playing position 7, fraud or an error can be discovered.

[0088] Specifically, the camera device 2 is installed so as to capture at least the gaming tokens 120 placed in the betting area 8 of the gaming table 4. The image analysis device 12 analyzes the images captured by the camera device 2 to detect whether the gaming tokens were placed in the player, banker, or tie position in the betting area 8 for each user position 7, and the amount of the gaming tokens placed. The card distribution device 3 also functions as a win / loss result determination device and determines the win / loss result of the game. The control device 14 records (monitors) the win / loss history and the amount of gaming tokens obtained (gaming token acquisition amount) for each playing position 7 based on the position (player, banker, or tie) in the betting area 8 where the gaming tokens 120 were placed and the win / loss result of the game. Note that only one of the win / loss history and the gaming token acquisition amount may be recorded. If the winning / losing history and / or the history of the amount of tokens acquired for gaming are in a unique situation (set by the casino) compared with the statistical data of a large number of past games (big data), the control device 14 identifies the player position 7 as a playing position suspected of fraudulent activity.

[0089] If cheating is suspected at a certain player position 7, the cheating detection system may generate an alarm (light, sound, or vibration) at that time so that at least a dealer can approach. This can at least stop the game from continuing immediately, thereby preventing further cheating. In addition, information indicating that cheating is suspected may be added to the video captured and recorded by the camera device 2. This allows the cause of the suspected cheating to be identified by reviewing the video.

[0090] The fraud detection system for an amusement facility having gaming tables in this embodiment further includes a function for inspecting the exchange of bills and gaming tokens, which is often performed at the gaming table 4. In a gaming facility such as a casino, before a game, a player 6 exchanges bills (cash, etc.) for gaming tokens at a designated gaming token exchange. However, if the player 6 runs out of gaming tokens, the player 6 can continue the game by exchanging cash (bills) for gaming tokens 120 at the gaming table (e.g., baccarat table) without leaving the gaming table 4. However, this creates an opportunity for fraud between the dealer 5 and the player. The exchange of cash (bills) for gaming tokens 120 at the gaming table (e.g., baccarat table) must be performed when a game is not in progress. The card dealing device 3 is capable of detecting the start and end of card dealing (the time when the win or loss is determined) in order to determine the outcome of the game. For this reason, the card dealing device 3 detects situations other than card dealing (dealing), and the control device 14 detects that banknotes are being exchanged for gaming tokens 120 at the gaming table 4 when cards are not being dealt (as shown in FIG. 5). When cards are being dealt (or other situations), they can be detected based on information obtained from the actions of the card dealing device 3 or the dealer 5.

[0091] The control device 14 can recognize the number and value of bills by performing image analysis of the surface of the bills K. Furthermore, at the gaming table 4, whether the bills K to be exchanged for the gaming tokens 120 are genuine or not is determined by shining a black light on the bill to detect the authenticity mark G. As shown in FIG. 5, the control device 14 also performs image analysis and verifies the authenticity mark G to recognize the total amount of genuine bills, and can recognize the total amount of gaming tokens even if multiple gaming tokens to be exchanged are hidden by the blind spot of the camera device 2. The control device 14 has an artificial intelligence or deep learning structure that can compare the total amount of the bills K placed on the gaming table 4 by the player with the total amount of the gaming tokens 120 placed on the gaming table 4 by the dealer 5 and determine whether the two amounts match.

[0092] The control device 14 has an artificial intelligence or deep learning structure that is capable of comparatively calculating whether the total amount of gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 of the dealer 5 at the gaming table 4 has increased or decreased in accordance with the payment amount of the gaming token corresponding to the exchanged bills after the bills have been exchanged for gaming tokens and settlement has been made. It is also possible that the total amount of gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 of the dealer 5 is always known in advance by RFID or the like on the gaming tokens 120. The total amount of gaming tokens 120 stored in the gaming token tray 17 can also be detected by photographing the gaming token tray 17 storing the gaming tokens 120 with the camera device 2 and analyzing the image with the image analyzer 12.

[0093] The control device 14 also verifies whether the increase or decrease in the amount of the gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 before and after the exchange of the banknotes for gaming tokens matches the exchange amount of the gaming tokens as a result of image analysis on the gaming table 4. The amount of the paid banknotes may be input to the control device 14 by the dealer 5 using a keyboard or the like, or may be identified by taking an image of the gaming table 4 where the banknotes are paid using the camera device 2 and analyzing the image using the image analyzer 12.

[0094] As described above, the control device 14 determines whether the amount of the gaming tokens 120 deducted from the gaming token tray 17 due to the exchange of banknotes for gaming tokens matches the amount of the banknotes paid by the player 6 to the dealer 5. Furthermore, the control device 14 is an intelligent control device that can compare and calculate whether the amount of banknotes deposited by the dealer 5 (usually by key input, etc.) matches the calculated amount of the banknotes as a result of image analysis by the image analyzer 12 after the exchange of banknotes for gaming tokens and settlement has been made, and may further be an artificial intelligence-utilizing or deep learning structure.

[0095] Furthermore, the control device 14 is an artificial intelligence-based or deep learning structure that can compare and calculate whether the total amount of bills entered by the dealer at the gaming table 4 that the dealer is in charge of matches the total amount of bills as a result of image analysis by the image analysis device 12.

[0096] The control device 14 compares and determines whether the amount of gaming tokens 120 held in the gaming token tray 17 of the dealer 5 at the gaming table 4 has increased or decreased in accordance with the payment amount of the gaming tokens 120 corresponding to the exchanged banknotes, or the payment amount of the banknotes corresponding to the exchanged gaming tokens 120, after the exchange of the banknotes with the gaming tokens 120 has been made.

[0097] The control device 14 is an artificial intelligence or deep learning type control device that can obtain information on the type and number of gaming tokens 120 even when part of the gaming token or an entire token is hidden when measuring and determining the type and number of gaming tokens 120.

[0098] (Second embodiment) The management system of the second embodiment relates to a management system for table games in a gaming facility.

[0099] Casinos and other gaming establishments have made various attempts to prevent dealers from mishandling gaming tokens. Gaming establishments are equipped with surveillance cameras to monitor dealers' mishandling of gaming tokens, and prevent such mishandling by using images from the surveillance cameras to identify errors and fraud caused by collecting or redeeming gaming tokens that are different from the winnings or losses.

[0100] On the other hand, it has been proposed to attach an IC tag to each gaming token to grasp the amount of gaming tokens bet and the total amount.

[0101] The card game monitoring system described in international application PCT / JP2015 / 000171 determines whether gaming tokens placed on a gaming table have been collected or redeemed in accordance with the winning or losing results by analyzing images of the movement of the gaming tokens, and monitors for errors in handling the gaming tokens by dealers.

[0102] In gaming facilities such as casinos, gaming tokens are piled up high and placed on gaming tables, but there is a problem that the IC tag reader installed under the gaming table cannot accurately read the total amount, and if the sensitivity of the reader is increased, gaming tokens placed in different positions (where winning or losing depends on the position) are added together, making it impossible to grasp the total amount of gaming tokens for each position. Also, conventionally, as shown in Figure 7, the patterns of gaming tokens (gaming tokens) 9 are complex, and when a large number of gaming tokens are piled up, there is a problem that the camera cannot accurately grasp the number of tokens stacked.

[0103] In addition, a new issue has been identified: fraud at gaming tables is becoming more sophisticated, and cameras cannot detect fraud involving sophisticated betting methods that cannot be detected simply by detecting the amount of money won at a particular gaming table.

[0104] In addition, dealers must collect or redeem gaming tokens placed on the gaming table in accordance with the winnings and losses. Even if attempts are made to determine this through image analysis of the gaming tokens, because the patterns on gaming tokens (gaming tokens) are complex, existing practical image analysis technology cannot determine whether the dealer has accurately redeemed the gaming tokens that correspond to the gaming tokens that were bet, posing the problem of insufficient prevention of errors.

[0105] In order to solve the various problems described above, the table game management system of this embodiment comprises a card dealing device that determines and displays the results of each game at the gaming table; a measurement device that uses a camera to measure the type and number of gaming tokens placed on the gaming table; and a management control device that uses the measurement results of the measurement device in each game to identify and store the position, type and number of gaming tokens placed on the gaming table by game participants, wherein the gaming tokens have a multi-layer structure in which multiple plastic layers of different colors are laminated together, with at least a colored layer in the middle, and white or light-colored layers are laminated on both sides of the middle colored layer, forming stripes on the sides in the layering direction, and the colored layers make it possible to identify the type of gaming token.The management control device uses the results of the win / loss obtained from the card dealing device and the measurement results of the position, type and number of gaming tokens placed by game participants to determine the winners and losers of the participants in each game, and has a calculation function that calculates the casino's profit and loss at the gaming table for each game.

[0106] Furthermore, the management system is structured such that the management control device has the function of measuring the number of colored layers, white layers, or light-colored layers of the gaming tokens placed by each game participant to determine the number of gaming tokens.

[0107] In order to solve the various problems mentioned above, the gaming token of this embodiment is configured so that multiple layers of plastic of different colors are laminated together, with a colored layer at least in the middle, and white or light-colored layers are laminated on both sides of the colored layer, forming a striped pattern on the side in the direction of lamination, and the type of gaming token can be identified by the colored layers.

[0108] Furthermore, the gaming token has a white or light-colored layer on the surface that is printed with information indicating the type of gaming token, a transparent layer on the outermost layer, and each layer is heat-pressed to form a structure of at least five layers.

[0109] Furthermore, the gaming tokens may have a mark made of UV ink or infrared absorbing ink (carbon black ink) on the surface of the white or light-colored layer, or the outermost transparent layer may be embossed, or the edge of the outermost transparent layer may be rounded, or the colored layer may be formed from multiple layers, and furthermore, the colored layer may have an RFID built in.

[0110] In order to solve the various problems described above, the inspection device for inspecting gaming tokens in this embodiment comprises a passageway having an entrance and exit through which gaming tokens can pass radially, a gaming token type determination device that photographs the side of the gaming token passing through the passageway and determines the color of the stripes on the side in the stacking direction, a mark reading device that reads marks made of UV ink or ink that absorbs infrared rays (carbon black ink) on the surface of the gaming tokens passing through, a print inspection device that reads the printing indicating the type on the surface of the gaming token from a direction perpendicular to the passageway, and a control device for the entire device, and the control device is configured to inspect whether the gaming token type determined by the gaming token type determination device matches the content of the printing indicating the type obtained from the print inspection device.

[0111] According to the system of this embodiment, even if a large number of gaming tokens (gaming tokens) are piled up, the number of gaming tokens can be determined by image analysis, and even if the gaming tokens are relatively piled up, the total amount can be determined by their position and color.

[0112] A table game management system for an amusement parlor having game tables according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 6 shows an overview of the system. This table game management system for an amusement parlor having multiple game tables 4 includes a measuring device 19 equipped with an image analyzer 18 that records the progress of games played at the game tables 4 via multiple camera devices 2, including the game participants 6 and the dealer 5, and analyzes the recorded images of the progress of the games. It also includes a card dealing device 3 that determines and displays the results of each game at the game tables 4. The card dealing device 3 is a so-called electronic shoe already known to those skilled in the art. It is pre-programmed with the game rules and is configured to read the information (rank and suit) of the cards C dealt and determine the outcome of the game. For example, in a baccarat game, whether the banker wins, the player wins, or a tie (draw) is basically determined by the ranks of two or three cards each, and the results (win or loss) are displayed by an indicator lamp 13.

[0113] The management control device 14 reads the information (rank and suit) of the cards C obtained from the card distribution device 3 to determine the outcome of each game, and also determines the winners 6W and losers 6L among the participants 6 in each game using the measurement results of the positions, types, and numbers of gaming tokens 120 placed by the game participants 6. Furthermore, it has a calculation function that calculates the casino's income and expenditure at the gaming table 1 for each game (the total amount of gaming tokens 120 bet by losers 6L minus the total amount of gaming tokens 120 redeemed to winners 6W among the participants 6).

[0114] The image analysis device 18, the measurement device 19 and the management control device 14 in this detection system are configured to be a composite of a computer, a program and a memory, which may be an integrated or multiple configuration.

[0115] Next, details of the gaming token used in this detection system will be described. Figure 8 is a front cross-sectional view of the gaming token 120 used in this detection system, which has a multilayer structure in which multiple plastic layers of different colors are laminated, with at least a colored layer 121 in the middle, and white layers 122 or light-colored layers (not shown, but which may be layers lighter in color than the colored layer 121) laminated on both sides of this intermediate colored layer 121. By providing this multilayer structure with the colored layer 121 and the white layers 122 or light-colored layers (not shown, but which may be layers lighter in color than the colored layer 121) laminated on both sides of this intermediate colored layer 121, a striped pattern is formed on the side in the stacking direction as shown in Figure 9A, and the color of the colored layer 121 is changed (red, green, yellow, blue, etc.) depending on the type of gaming token 120 (10 points, 20 points, 100 points, 1000 points, etc.), making it possible to identify the type of gaming token 120.

[0116] The gaming token 120 is a structure having a colored layer 121 and a white layer 122 or a light-colored layer at least in appearance so as to form an axial stripe pattern on the side, and has a configuration that makes it possible to identify the type of gaming token 120 by the colored layer 121. Figures 10A and 10B each show a different embodiment, but are examples in which the colored layer 121 and the white layer 122 or the light-colored layer are formed by injection molding, and are made by so-called two-color molding in which the colored layer 121 is first molded in a molding die (not shown), and then the white layer 122 or the light-colored layer is molded.

[0117] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9B , the gaming token 120 has a print 123 (e.g., 100 points) indicating the type of gaming token 120 on the surfaces (top and bottom) of the white layer 122. As shown in FIG. 8 , a transparent layer 124 is provided as the outermost layer, and each layer is thermocompression bonded to form at least a five-layer structure. These gaming tokens 120 are made of a long, thin plastic material, and while in a long state, each layer (the colored layer 121, the white layer 122, and the transparent layer 124) is thermocompression bonded to form a tightly adhered state (e.g., a five-layer structure), and then punched into a circle, rectangle, or the like using a press or the like. When punching out using a press, the dimensions of the die and punch of the punching mold are designed so that R processing (rounded corners) is applied to the edge of the outermost transparent layer 124.

[0118] That is, when manufacturing the gaming token 120, first, a plate-shaped plastic colored layer 121 and a plate-shaped plastic white layer 122 or light-colored layer are laminated to form a laminated structure consisting of multiple plastic layers. Then, a design is printed on the top and bottom surfaces of this laminated structure, and a transparent layer 124 is further provided on top of that. Then, each layer of the laminated structure and the transparent layer 124 are heat-pressed to thermally weld each layer, thereby creating a token original plate. The token original plate thus produced is punched using a mold to obtain multiple gaming tokens 120 of a predetermined shape. During this punching process, the top and bottom outer corners of the gaming token 120 are rounded using a mold.

[0119] Furthermore, the gaming token 120 has a face code made of UV ink or infrared-absorbing ink (carbon black ink) on the surface of the white layer 122 (see FIG. 9B). This face code indicates the authenticity of the gaming token 120; when exposed to ultraviolet (or infrared) light, the mark becomes visible, and the combination of its shape and number indicates authenticity. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of gaming tokens 120 stacked up, and the combination of long code L and short code S forms face code M. A transparent layer (printed layer) 124 is thermocompressed or coated (applied) on the outermost layer to cover the printing 123 and face code, and this transparent layer 124 is embossed to prevent the gaming tokens 120 from sticking together. In this embodiment, an example has been given in which a face code is printed on the surface of the white layer 122, but instead of or together with the face code, a security mark, an optical variable device (OVD), or both may be printed.

[0120] The edges of the outermost transparent layer (printed layer) 124, on which the printing 123 (100 points, etc.) is applied, are rounded (R), which prevents the surface of the white layer 122 from deforming and appearing on the sides during the punching process of the gaming token 120. In addition, the gaming token 120 is prevented from having sharp edges that could injure hands or other gaming tokens 120.

[0121] The colored layer 121 may be formed of a plurality of colored layers (three layers in FIG. 8) as shown in Fig. 8. The plurality of colored layers (three layers in FIG. 8) are thermocompression bonded to each other, so the three-layer structure is not visible as in Fig. 8, and Fig. 8 shows three layers for the sake of explanation. Furthermore, a cutout B is provided in the middle layer of the three layers of the colored layer 121, and an RFID 125 is embedded therein.

[0122] The RFID 125 may be placed between the colored layer 121 with a flat surface and the white layer 122 with a flat surface without providing the cutout B in the colored layer 121, and may be embedded in the gaming token 120 by thermocompression bonding the colored layer 121 and the white layer 122 together. By making at least one of the colored layer 121 and the white layer 122 out of a thermally deformable material such as plastic, the plastic layer of the colored layer 121 and the white layer 122 that sandwich the RFID 125 is thermally deformed by thermocompression bonding, so that the RFID 125 is tightly fixed between these layers even without providing the cutout B.

[0123] 12 is a perspective photograph illustrating a state in which different types of gaming tokens are stacked. The management control device 14 uses the camera device 2 to capture images of the gaming tokens 120 placed by the game participants 6 on the gaming table 1, and measures the gaming tokens 120 by area 8 (whether they bet on the banker, the player, a pair, or a tie) using a measuring device 19 equipped with an image analyzer 18. The measuring device 19 also analyzes and measures (using information obtained by the image analyzer 18) the number and color of the colored layers 121 (or light-colored layers) or white layers 122 of the gaming tokens 120 stacked in each area to determine the type and number of gaming tokens 120. The management control device 14 controls the camera device 2 to capture images when the first card is drawn from the card dealing device, or before and after the first card is drawn, or after the dealer signs the end of betting.

[0124] The management control device 14 may be a control device that utilizes artificial intelligence or has a deep learning structure. The management control device 14 is able to grasp the positions 8 (positions where bets are made on player, banker, or pairs), types (different values ​​are assigned to different colors of the gaming tokens 120) and numbers of gaming tokens 120 bet by each participant 6 via the camera device 2 and the image analysis device 18. In an artificial intelligence-based computer or control system, deep learning (structure) technology, it is possible to use a self-learning function, etc. to grasp the position 8 (position where the player, banker, or pair bet was made), type (different values ​​are assigned to each color of gaming token) and number of gaming tokens 120, so that in accordance with the outcome of each game determined by the card distribution device 3, the management control device 14 determines whether the collection of gaming tokens 120 bet by the losing participant 6L of each game (as shown by arrow L) and the redemption of winning gaming tokens 120 (payment (120W)) to the winning game participant 6W were carried out appropriately in accordance with the outcome of the game by analyzing the video of the game progress via the image analysis device 18.

[0125] In such cases, as shown in FIG. 11 (compared to the conventional gaming token shown in FIG. 7), the token has a stacked multi-layer structure with clearly defined stripes in the stacking direction on the side, making it easy for the measuring device 19 including the image analysis device 18 to accurately measure the type and number of gaming tokens. Furthermore, the use of an artificial intelligence-based computer or control system and deep learning (structure) technology allows for more accurate image analysis and judgment. Since artificial intelligence-based computers or control systems and deep learning (structure) technology are already known and available to those skilled in the art, detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0126] The management control device 14 can analyze and grasp the total amount of gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 of the dealer 5 at the gaming table 4 using the image analysis device 18, and after the game is over and settlement is made, can compare and calculate whether the total amount of gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 has increased or decreased in accordance with the outcome of the game, depending on the collection of the losing gaming tokens 120 bet by each game participant 6 and the amount of winning gaming tokens 120W paid to the winning game participant 6W. Even if the total amount of gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 is constantly grasped by means such as RFID, the management control device 14 determines whether the increase or decrease is correct by analyzing video of the game progress via the image analysis device 18. These may also utilize artificial intelligence or deep learning structures.

[0127] The management control device 14 may be an artificial intelligence or deep learning type that can grasp the position (position where bets were made on player, banker, or pairs) and amount (type and number) of gaming tokens bet at each playing position 7 of the gaming table 4, and can extract an unusual situation (set by the casino) by comparing the win / loss history of each game participant 6 and the amount of gaming tokens (winning amount) obtained from the win / loss results of each game with statistical data of many past games (big data). Typically, the management control device 14 has an artificial intelligence or deep learning type that can extract an unusual situation by comparing the win amount of more than a certain amount (1 million dollars) or a situation in which the amount of gaming tokens bet when losing is small and the amount of gaming tokens bet when winning is large for several consecutive games at a playing position 7 of a certain gaming table 4 with statistical data (big data, etc.) of past games.

[0128] The management control device 14 is structured so that it can compare and calculate whether the increase or decrease in the gaming tokens corresponding to the settlement is correct after the total amount of gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 of the dealer 5 at the gaming table 4 is settled with the gaming tokens 120 bet by each participant 6 after each game.

[0129] In the gaming token tray 17 for holding gaming tokens 120 of the dealer 5 shown in Fig. 6, the number and color of the colored layers 121 or white layers 122 of the gaming tokens 120 stacked horizontally are analyzed and measured by a measuring device 19 (using information obtained by an image analysis device 18), thereby making it possible to determine the type and number of gaming tokens 120. In this way, the total amount of the gaming tokens 120 in the holding gaming token tray 17 is constantly (or at predetermined time intervals) known. The management control device 14 has a calculation function (see above) that calculates the settlement amount for each game (calculation of the casino's income and expenditure at the gaming table 4 (the total amount of gaming tokens 120 bet by losers 6L minus the total amount of gaming tokens 120 redeemed to winners 6W among the participants 6)), so the total amount of gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 is constantly (or at predetermined time intervals) verified. In other words, it is verified whether the increase or decrease in gaming tokens matches the image analysis results by the image analysis device 18 and the settlement amount for each game by the dealer 5.

[0130] Fig. 13A is a diagram showing details of the gaming token tray of this embodiment, and Fig. 13B is a diagram showing another example of the gaming token tray. The gaming token tray 17 is provided with a collection gaming token tray 171 that collects and temporarily stores the gaming tokens 120L bet by the losing player 6L, and a redemption gaming token tray 172 that stores the gaming tokens 120W to be redeemed. The image analysis device 12 and the control device 14 grasp the position, type, and number of the gaming tokens 120L bet by the losing player 6L, and calculate the increase in the gaming tokens 120L in the game (the amount that should be in the collection gaming token tray 171). Furthermore, the image analysis device 12 and the control device 14 grasp the actual total amount of the gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 171 after collection, and compare the expected total amount with the actual total amount to determine whether there is a difference.

[0131] Here, the gaming token tray 17 shown previously has a two-tier structure consisting of an upper gaming token tray 17a and a lower gaming token tray 17b. Figures 14A and 14B are diagrams showing the relationship between the two-tier gaming token tray 17 and the camera device 2, with Figure 14A showing the two tiers stacked together and Figure 14B showing the two tiers offset from each other. Below the upper gaming token tray 17a is the lower gaming token tray 17b, which are connected to each other by a hinge 17c. When the gaming tokens 120 in the upper gaming token tray 17a are insufficient, the gaming tokens 120 are replenished from the lower gaming token tray 17b to the upper gaming token tray 17a, and when the gaming tokens 120 in the upper gaming token tray 17a are excessive, the gaming tokens 120 are moved to the lower gaming token tray 17b.

[0132] To insert or remove gaming tokens 120 from the lower gaming token tray 17b, the upper gaming token tray 17a is moved by the hinge 17c to the state shown in FIG. 14B. In the state shown in FIG. 14A, the upper gaming token tray 17a can be imaged by the camera device 2, and in the state shown in FIG. 14B, the lower gaming token tray 17b can be imaged by the camera device 2. In the state shown in FIG. 14B, the upper gaming token tray 17a and the lower gaming token tray 17b can also be imaged simultaneously and distinguishably by the camera device 2c. Also, in the state shown in FIG. 14B, the upper gaming token tray 17a and the lower gaming token tray 17b may be imaged separately. The camera device 2, 2c is either equipped with a visible light camera or an infrared camera that corresponds to the ink printed on the side ID 126, or is a camera that can switch between multiple functions of a visible light camera and an infrared camera that corresponds to the ink printed on the side ID 126.

[0133] Next, an inspection device 200 for inspecting gaming tokens 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 15. The inspection device 200 is provided with a passage 203 having an entrance 201 and an exit 202 through which the gaming tokens 120 can pass in the radial direction (the direction of the arrow Y). The passage 203 is inclined, and the gaming tokens 120 pass through in the direction of the arrow Y. The passage 203 is equipped with a gaming token type determination device 204 that photographs the side of the gaming token 120 and determines the color of the stripes on the side in the stacking direction, a mark reading device 205 that reads the face code made of UV ink or ink that absorbs infrared rays (carbon black ink) that is provided on the surface of the gaming token 120 that passes through, a print inspection device 206 that reads the printing 123 indicating the type provided on the surface of the gaming token from a direction perpendicular to the passage 203, and a control device 207 for the entire device, and the control device 207 is configured to check whether the gaming token type determined by the gaming token type determination device 204 matches the content of the printing indicating the type obtained from the print inspection device 206.

[0134] This inspection device 200 makes it possible to inspect whether the print 123 on the manufactured gaming token 120 is correctly printed in accordance with the gaming token type indicated by the striped color of the gaming token 120.

[0135] As described above, the gaming token 120 of this embodiment has a laminated structure made up of multiple plastic layers, with the colored layer 121 sandwiched between the white layer 122 or light-colored layer, thereby forming a striped pattern in the stacking direction on the side surface. The gaming token 120 has a configuration in which the type of gaming token 120 can be identified by the colored layer 121 that appears on the side surface. In addition, printing is applied to the top and bottom surfaces of the gaming token 120. Specifically, printing is applied to the surface of the white layer 122 or light-colored layer, and a transparent layer 124 is provided on the top surface of that. The colored layer 121, the white layer 122 or light-colored layer, and the printed layer 124 are thermocompression-bonded together to form a layered structure.

[0136] The white layer 122 or the light-colored layer sandwiching the colored layer 121 may be configured so that the thicknesses of the upper and lower layers are different.

[0137] In addition, in this embodiment, the outer edges of the upper and lower surfaces of the gaming token 120 are rounded. This prevents the hands of a player handling the gaming token 120 from being injured and prevents other gaming tokens 120 from being damaged.

[0138] In this embodiment, the RFID 125 is tightly fixed between the plastic layers that form the colored layer 121, the white layer 122, or the light-colored layer.

[0139] In this embodiment, a face code made of UV luminescent ink or infrared absorbing ink such as ink that absorbs infrared rays (carbon black ink) is provided on the upper and / or lower surfaces of the gaming token 120. As a variation of this embodiment, either or both of a security mark and an optical variable device (OVD) may be printed on the surface of the gaming token 120 in place of or together with the face code.

[0140] The gaming token 120 of this embodiment has a side ID 126 attached to its side and a built-in RFID 125, and has a face code made of UV luminescent ink or infrared absorbing ink on its upper or lower surface (printed layer 124). The information on the side ID 126 and the information on the RFID 125 are associated with each other, or the information on the side ID 126 and the information on the face code are associated with each other, or the information on the side ID 126, the information on the RFID 125 and the information on the face code are associated with each other.

[0141] The inspection device 200 of this embodiment is also equipped with a measuring device 19 for measuring the type of gaming token 120, which photographs the side of the gaming token 120 and determines the color of the stripes on the side in the stacking direction, and a mark reading device 205 for reading the printing on the gaming token. This makes it possible to inspect the relationship between the type of gaming token and the printed content.

[0142] The management control device 14 of this embodiment takes images to determine the position, type and number of gaming tokens placed by game participants in each game when the first card is drawn from the card distribution device 3, or before or after the first card is drawn, or after the dealer signs to end betting.

[0143] The gaming token 120 of this embodiment is manufactured as follows. First, the colored layer 121 and the white layer 122 or light-colored layer are heated and pressed together to form a laminated structure including multiple plastic layers. Then, a design is printed on at least the top or bottom surface of the laminated structure to create a token original plate. Then, the token original plate is punched using a mold to obtain multiple gaming tokens of a predetermined shape. Here, during the punching process, the outer edges of the top and bottom surfaces of the gaming token 120 are rounded using the mold.

[0144] When manufacturing a gaming token 120 having a side ID, the side ID is inkjet printed on the side surface of the white layer 122 or the light-colored layer. When manufacturing a gaming token 120 having an RFID, the RFID is sandwiched between layers of a laminated structure, and when the layers are heat-pressed together, the layers sandwiching the RFID are heat-welded to tightly seal the periphery of the RFID with a plastic layer.

[0145] The table game management system of this embodiment also includes a card dealing device 13 that determines and displays the results of each game at the gaming table 4, a camera device 2 that captures images of gaming tokens 120 placed on the gaming table 4, and a management control device 14 that identifies and stores the positions, types, and numbers of gaming tokens placed on the gaming table 4 by game participants 6 using the image capture results from the camera device 2. The gaming tokens 120 are laminated structures in which a colored layer 121 and a white layer 122 or a light-colored layer are laminated, and have stripes on the sides in the stacking direction. The management control device 14 has a calculation function that calculates the casino's income and expenditure at the gaming table 4 for each game, based on the results of the game played from the card dealing device 13 and the positions, types, and numbers of gaming tokens 120 identified using the image capture results from the camera device 2.

[0146] The management control device 14 has the function of counting the number of colored layers 121, white layers 122 or light-colored layers of the gaming tokens 120 placed by each game participant 6, determining the type and amount of the gaming tokens based on the color of the colored layers 121, and determining the number of gaming tokens 120.

[0147] (Third embodiment) The system of this embodiment relates to a gaming token management system that prevents counterfeit gaming tokens from being used in casinos and other gaming facilities that use gaming tokens.

[0148] Among the many live table games played in casinos and gaming establishments are baccarat and blackjack. These games use a standard deck of 52 playing cards, which are dealt to the game table by a shooter with multiple pre-shuffled decks (6 to 9 or 10 decks). Casinos and gaming establishments use tokens for these games.

[0149] The use of counterfeit gaming tokens must not occur in casinos. To prevent the use of counterfeit gaming tokens in casinos, casinos have technology that attaches RFID tags to gaming tokens to prevent the use of counterfeits. RFID-equipped gaming tokens are well known and are disclosed in International Application Publication No. WO2008 / 120749.

[0150] This embodiment provides a management system or gaming token that prevents the use of counterfeit gaming tokens used in casinos and gaming facilities, and can prevent the use of counterfeit gaming tokens and illegal exchanges in casinos and gaming facilities. In recent years, the technology for manufacturing counterfeit gaming tokens has evolved, and the technology has progressed to the point where authenticity determination marks and RFID tags can be copied almost perfectly. As a result, there is a problem in that counterfeit gaming tokens are marked with the same authenticity determination marks and RFID tags as genuine gaming tokens, making it impossible to distinguish between counterfeit and genuine gaming tokens and making it almost impossible to determine their authenticity.

[0151] In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the gaming token management system of this embodiment comprises gaming tokens to which individually identifiable side IDs are attached, an ID reading device that reads the side IDs attached to the gaming tokens, a storage cabinet that holds the gaming tokens in a cashier of an amusement facility, a gaming table gaming token tray that holds the gaming tokens in a gaming table, a gaming token determination device that specifies the type and number of the gaming tokens held in the gaming table gaming token tray and the storage cabinet using the ID reading device, and a management control device that manages the IDs attached to the gaming tokens in a database in the amusement facility, The processing control device registers the IDs of the gaming tokens that are expected to be used in the database in advance, and uses the database to manage the IDs of at least the gaming tokens that are present on the gaming table gaming token tray and the storage cabinet along with their location information in the database, identifies the gaming tokens on the gaming table gaming token tray and the storage cabinet at a predetermined timing and searches the database to determine the following events by searching the database, and has the function of generating an error signal if 1) a new ID that did not exist in the database exists, or 2) two or more of the same IDs exist, or if the above 1) or 2) situation occurs.

[0152] Furthermore, the management control device further has the function of, when there is a change in the presence of the gaming tokens at least in the gaming table gaming token tray and the storage, recording the time or location of the change in the database in association with the ID, searching the database, and if there is a situation where two or more identical IDs exist, extracting and saving from the database the ID and the time or location information recorded in association with the ID in the database, and identifying the time when the gaming token with the previously detected ID entered or left the gaming table gaming token tray or the storage, or the location of the gaming table gaming token tray or the storage where the gaming token was held.

[0153] Furthermore, the gaming token management system may be equipped with a gaming token determination device for a betting area that uses the ID reading device to identify the type and number of gaming tokens bet on the betting area of ​​the gaming table, and may also be equipped with a function that determines the following events for the IDs of gaming tokens present on the betting area of ​​the gaming table by searching a database, and generates an error signal if 1) a new ID that did not exist in the database exists, or 2) two or more identical IDs exist, or if either 1) or 2) above occurs.

[0154] Furthermore, the side ID is affixed to at least three locations on the side of the gaming token. The side ID is affixed by inkjet printing using ink that is visible under visible light. A particularly advantageous configuration is one in which the side ID is affixed by the presence or absence of marks in multiple rows and columns. Furthermore, a transparent coating layer or varnish is provided on the top and bottom surfaces of the gaming token.

[0155] To solve the above-mentioned problems of the related art, the gaming token of this embodiment has a multi-layer structure in which multiple plastic layers of different colors are laminated, at least one of which is a colored layer, and a white or light-colored layer is laminated outside the colored layer, thereby forming a striped pattern in the stacking direction on the side, and the colored layer allows the type of gaming token to be identified. Furthermore, side IDs are attached to at least three locations on the side of the side white or light-colored layer, and by reading the IDs with an ID reader, the type of gaming token and manufacturing information can be identified and the IDs can be managed in a database. The side IDs may be attached by inkjet printing using ink that is visible to visible light (visible ink). The side IDs may be attached by inkjet printing using ink that is invisible to visible light (infrared-absorbing ink, UV ink, etc.). The side IDs may also be printed using at least two or more of ink that is visible to visible light, infrared-absorbing ink, and UV ink.

[0156] In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the gaming tokens of this embodiment are assigned an individually identifiable side ID, and the side ID assigned to the gaming tokens is read by an ID reading device, and the ID reading device is capable of reading the gaming tokens held in a storage held by the gaming center cashier and in a gaming table gaming token tray at a gaming table, and further, the type and number of the gaming tokens held in the gaming table gaming token tray and the storage are identified by a gaming token determination device via the ID reading device, and the IDs of the gaming tokens present on the gaming table gaming token tray and the storage are managed in a database together with their location information, and at least 1) the existence of a new ID that did not exist in the database, and 2) the existence of two or more of the same IDs are checked, and the ID is capable of determining the occurrence of the above 1) or 2).

[0157] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a gaming token management system in an amusement parlor having gaming tables according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an overview of the entire system. The gaming token management system in an amusement parlor having multiple gaming tables 4 (only one is shown in FIG. 16) captures, stores, and manages images of the progress of games played at the gaming tables 4, including game participants 6 and dealers 5, via multiple camera devices 2. In particular, the gaming token management system identifies the type and number of gaming tokens 120 used in games at the gaming tables 4 by analyzing image information obtained by the camera devices 2. A side ID 126 is attached to the side of the gaming token 120, and the type and number of gaming tokens 120 can be obtained by determining and reading the side ID 126. In this specification, the terms "side ID" and "ID" are used both to refer to the ID as a physical entity attached to the side of the gaming token 120 and to refer to the identification information indicated by the ID. The ID reading device 53 inside the management control device 50 connected to the camera device 2 analyzes the image information obtained from the camera device 2 and identifies the side ID 126. In particular, the management control device 50 has an internal gaming token determination device 52 that analyzes the image data captured via the camera device 2 and identifies the type and number of gaming tokens 120 lined up or stacked from the results of reading the side ID 126.

[0158] Furthermore, the management system of this embodiment is configured such that, in addition to the camera device 2 that photographs and records the gaming tokens 120, multiple camera devices 2b-1 and 2b-2 that are placed at predetermined positions and have different heights photograph the gaming tokens 120 on the gaming table 4. The camera device 2b-1 can photograph gaming tokens 120 that are relatively far away on the gaming table 4, and the camera device 2b-2 photographs gaming tokens 120 that are relatively close on the gaming table 4. By photographing with the two camera devices 2b-1 and 2b-2, it is possible to photograph gaming tokens 120 in places that would be blind spots for one camera.

[0159] The gaming tokens 120 are exchanged for cash 61 paid by game players 6 at a plurality of cashiers 60 in the gaming parlor, and at each cashier 60, the gaming tokens 120 are stored in a storage 62 that holds them. At each cashier 60 in the gaming parlor, the gaming tokens 120 brought by game players 6 are also refunded in cash 61. At the gaming tables 4, the gaming tokens 120 are held in a gaming table gaming token tray 17, and the dealer 5 collects from the table 4 the gaming tokens 120 bet by game players 6 who lost in each game, returns them to the gaming table gaming token tray 17, and then redeems the gaming tokens 120 to game players 6 who won each game. All such interactions between the game participants 6 and the gaming parlor cashier 60 or dealer 5 are photographed and recorded by the camera device 2. In the storage 62 or the gaming token tray 17 for the gaming table, the number of gaming tokens 120 stored in the storage 62 or the gaming token tray 17 for the gaming table increases or decreases every time a gaming token 120 is exchanged between the game participants 6 and the game participants 6. The types and numbers of gaming tokens 120 held in the gaming token tray 17 for the gaming table and the storage 62 are monitored at predetermined times or constantly by the ID reader 53 and the gaming token determination device 52 via the camera device 2. The management control device 50 stores in advance in the database 51 the side IDs 126 of all gaming tokens 120 that are expected to be used in the gaming facility (the gaming facility registers the side IDs 126 of all gaming tokens 120 that are expected to be used).

[0160] In this embodiment, the gaming token tray 17 may also be configured with two upper and lower levels, an upper gaming token tray 17a and a lower gaming token tray 17b, as described in FIGS. 14A and 14B. This allows the camera device 2 to capture an image of the upper gaming token tray 17a in the state shown in FIG. 14A, and the camera device 2 to capture an image of the lower gaming token tray 17b in the state shown in FIG. 14B. Furthermore, in the state shown in FIG. 14B, the camera device 2c can capture images of the upper gaming token tray 17a and the lower gaming token tray 17b simultaneously and in a state where they can be distinguished from each other. Furthermore, the upper gaming token tray 17a and the lower gaming token tray 17b may be captured separately in the state shown in FIG. 14B. The camera device 2, 2c is either equipped with a visible light camera or an infrared camera that corresponds to the ink printed on the side ID 126, or is a camera that can switch between multiple functions of a visible light camera and an infrared camera that corresponds to the ink printed on the side ID 126.

[0161] In this way, the management control device 50, which manages the side IDs 126 attached to the gaming tokens 120 on a database, uses the database 51 to manage all of the side IDs 126 of the gaming tokens 120 present at least on the gaming table gaming token trays 17 and the storage 62 in the gaming facility, along with their location information (such as the storage 62 or the gaming table gaming token tray 17, or in transit from the back yard (not shown), or being held by a game participant 6), on the database 51. The management control device 50 identifies all of the gaming tokens 120 on the gaming table gaming token trays 17 and the storage 62 by their side IDs 126 at a predetermined timing or all the time, and searches the database 51 to determine the following events by searching the database 51. 1) It is determined that a side ID 126 that did not exist (or does not exist) in the database 51 is newly present. 2) It is determined that two or more identical IDs exist.

[0162] The management control device 50 has the function of generating an error signal indicating an abnormality if the above-mentioned situation 1) or 2) occurs, and notifying the gaming facility's management department and security department 54. The management control device 50 identifies all gaming tokens 120 in the gaming table gaming token trays 17 and storage cabinet 62 by side ID 126 at a predetermined timing or all the time, and stores them in the database 51, so that 1) it can determine that a new side ID 126 that did not exist (or did not exist) in the database 51 exists, and 2) it can also determine that two or more of the same IDs exist.

[0163] Furthermore, when there is a change in the presence of gaming tokens 120 at least in the gaming table gaming token tray 17 and the storage 62, the management control device 50 records the time or location of the change (storage 62, gaming table gaming token tray 17, etc.) in the database 51 in association with the side ID 126, and if a search of the database 51 reveals that two or more identical side IDs 126 exist, it extracts and saves from the database 51 the side ID 126 and the time or location information recorded in the database 51 in association with the side ID 126, making it possible to identify from the database 51 the time when the gaming token 120 attached with the previously detected (already used or cashed) side ID 126 entered or left the gaming table gaming token tray 17 or storage 13, or the location of the gaming table gaming token tray 17 or storage 13 where the gaming token 120 was held. Once the time and place can be identified, it becomes possible to identify the person suspected of using the fraudulent gaming token 120 from the video recorded by the camera device 2.

[0164] In this gaming token management system, the management control device 50 can identify the type and number of gaming tokens 120 bet on the betting area 8 of the gaming table 4 using the ID reading device 53. The gaming tokens 120 in the betting area 8 are photographed by a camera device 2b that particularly photographs the betting area 8, and the following events are also determined for the side ID 126 of the gaming token 120 present on the betting area 8 of the gaming table 4 by searching the database 51. 1) Side ID 126, which did not exist in database 51, is now present in betting area 16. 2) There are two or more identical IDs, The management control device 50 has a function of generating an error signal if the above-mentioned situation 1) or 2) occurs.

[0165] The management control device 50 in this system, the internal ID reading device 53, and the gaming token determination device 52 that identifies the type and number of gaming tokens 120 are structured as a composite of a computer, program, and memory, which may be one or more components.

[0166] Next, details of the gaming token 120 (so-called gaming token) used in this system will be described. Figure 17 is a side view of the gaming token 120 used in this system. The gaming token 120 is formed by laminating multiple plate-shaped plastic layers of different colors, combining them together by means such as thermocompression, and then punching them into a circle or a rectangle. The gaming token 120 manufactured in this manner has a multilayer structure in which a colored layer 121 is provided at least in the middle, and white layers 122 or light-colored layers (not shown, but which may be layers of a lighter color than the colored layer 121) are laminated on both sides of this colored layer 121 in the middle (top and bottom in Figure 17). In this way, by providing a colored layer 121 and laminating a white layer 122 or a light-colored layer (not shown, but a layer lighter in color than the colored layer 121) on both sides of this intermediate colored layer 121 to form a multi-layer structure, a striped pattern (in the lamination direction) is formed when viewed from the side as shown in Figure 17, and by changing the color of the colored layer 121 (red, green, yellow, blue, etc.) for each type of gaming token 120 (10 points, 20 points, 100 points, 1000 points, etc.), the type of gaming token 120 can be identified.

[0167] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 17 , the gaming token 120 has a side ID 126 on the side of the white layer 122, indicating the type of gaming token 120. A transparent layer 124 is provided as the outermost layer, and each layer is thermocompression-bonded to form at least a five-layer structure. These gaming tokens 120 are made of a long, thin plastic material, and while in a long state, each layer (at least the colored layer 121 and the white layer 122) is thermocompression-bonded to form a tightly adhered state (e.g., a five-layer structure), and then punched into a circle, rectangle, or the like using a press or the like. When punching out using a press, the dimensions of the die and punch of the punching mold are designed so that R processing (rounded corners) is applied to the edge of the outermost transparent layer 124. The transparent layer 124 may be a varnished layer. The side ID 126 is provided in at least three places on the side of the gaming token 120. The side ID 126 is applied by inkjet printing using ink that is visible under visible light.

[0168] In particular, in this embodiment, the side ID 126 is assigned with or without multiple rows and columns of marks C. As shown in FIG. 17, the multiple rows and columns of marks C are paired with upper and lower marks C to form a code, which in FIG. 17 is a 10-digit code. FIG. 18 shows a configuration in which upper and lower marks C are paired to form a code (four types). The letter Y next to the marks C is an identification mark for distinguishing the upper and lower sides of the marks. The code composed of marks C is configured to identify a predetermined combination of marks C. As a result, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, if four types of combinations of marks C in two upper and lower columns are printed in 10 columns, four types of 10-power codes can be configured. Since there are four types of 10-digit codes, four 10-power types of codes can be obtained, which is sufficient to assign the side ID 126 to the gaming token 120.

[0169] The gaming token 120 has a multilayer structure in which multiple layers of plastics of different colors are laminated, with at least one layer being a colored layer 121. A white layer 122 or a light-colored layer is laminated outside the colored layer 121, forming a striped pattern in the stacking direction on the side surface. The colored layer 121 allows the type of gaming token 120 to be identified. Side IDs 126 are provided in at least three locations (preferably six locations) on the side surface of the white layer 122 or light-colored layer. In this embodiment, six side IDs 126 are provided at predetermined intervals of 60 degrees in the rotational direction (circumferential direction). Each gaming token 120 is provided with an individually identifiable (each unique) side ID 126, which is provided at predetermined intervals of 60 degrees in the rotational direction (circumferential direction) so that the side ID 126 is always visible from the side. The side IDs 126 attached to the gaming token 120 are read by the ID reader 53 described above. By reading the side ID 126 with the ID reader 53, the type and manufacturing information of the gaming token 120 can be identified, and the side ID 126 can be managed in the database 51. In this embodiment, the side ID 126 is affixed by inkjet printing using ink that is visible to visible light. The side ID 126 may be printed using either or a combination of ink that is invisible to visible light (ink that absorbs infrared light) or ink that is at least visible to visible light (including ink that is very small and difficult to see). The side ID 126 may also be printed using a combination of these types of ink. The ID reader 53 is equipped with at least a plurality of cameras corresponding to the ink printed on the side ID 126 (i.e., a visible light camera if the ink is visible ink, an infrared camera if the ink is infrared-sensitive ink, and an ultraviolet camera (UV irradiator and visible light camera) if the ink is UV ink), or a camera that can switch between multiple functions corresponding to the ink (visible light camera, infrared camera, ultraviolet camera (UV irradiator and visible light camera, etc.)).

[0170] In FIG. 19, the side ID 126 of the gaming token 120-1 is printed with ink that is invisible to visible light (ink that absorbs infrared rays). The gaming token 120-2 has multiple rows and columns of marks C printed with ink that appears black in visible light. The gaming token 120-3 also has marks C printed between the side IDs 126 with ink that appears black in visible light, allowing the side IDs 126 to blend into the design and make them less noticeable. The gaming token 120-4 has marks Cf indicating the ends to indicate the start and end points of the side ID 126. When the gaming tokens 120-1 to 120-4 are viewed with an infrared camera, the infrared-absorbing ink appears black due to the infrared rays, and an image can be taken of the gaming token 120-5 with the side ID 126 in a readable state. The top and bottom of the side ID 126 are also indicated by marks CL indicating the top and bottom. The top-bottom relationship of the marks is as shown in Figure 17. The side ID 126 may be printed using a combination of ink that is visible to visible light and infrared absorbing ink.

[0171] The side ID 126 attached to the gaming token 120 is read by the above-mentioned ID reading device 53, and the ID reading device 53 can read the gaming tokens 120 held in the storage 62 held by the cashier of the gaming facility and in the gaming table gaming token tray 17 of the gaming table, and can read the side ID 126 even if the gaming tokens are actually stacked horizontally (horizontally) as shown in Fig. 20A. In addition, the ID reading device 53 can also read the gaming tokens 120 piled up in the betting area 8 or the like as shown in Fig. 20B.

[0172] Furthermore, the gaming token 120 has a face code made of UV ink or infrared-absorbing ink (carbon black ink) on the surface (X) of the white layer 122 (see Figure 9B). This face code indicates the authenticity of the gaming token 120; when exposed to ultraviolet (or infrared) light, the face code becomes visible, and its shape and number combination indicate authenticity. A transparent layer (printed layer) 124 is thermocompressed or coated (applied) on the outermost layer to cover the game parlor-specific printing 123 (e.g., 100 points) and face code on the surface. This transparent layer 124 is embossed or varnished to prevent the gaming tokens 120 from sticking to each other and to improve slippage. The gaming token 120 has circular depressions 127 in the centers of the top and bottom surfaces. The depressions 127 can prevent the gaming tokens 120 from sticking together, and by increasing the diameter of the depressions 127, the gaming tokens 120 can slide more easily.

[0173] The edges of the outermost transparent layer (printed layer) 124, on which the printing 123 (e.g., 100 points) is applied, are rounded (R) to prevent the surface of the white layer 122 from deforming and appearing on the side during the punching process of the gaming token 100. This also prevents sharp edges of the gaming token 100 from damaging the remaining hand or other gaming tokens 120. The colored layer 121 may be formed of one or more colored layers. Furthermore, a layer within the colored layer 121 may be embedded with metal or ceramic to increase its weight. Specifically, the material of a layer within the colored layer 121 may contain, for example, metal powder (e.g., one or more metal oxides selected from zinc oxide and titanium oxide) to increase its weight. Furthermore, a portion of the colored layer 121 may be hollowed out, or a space may be provided between the colored layer 121 and the white layer 122, and an RFID tag may be embedded within the space. In this case, the side ID 126 of the gaming token 120 is used in combination with the side ID 126 based on the code using mark C and the one based on RFID.

[0174] In the gaming tokens 120 configured in this manner, the type and number of gaming tokens 120 held in the gaming table gaming token tray 17 and storage 62 are identified by the gaming token determination device 52 via the camera device 2 and ID reading device 53, and the side IDs 126 of the gaming tokens 120 present on the gaming table gaming token tray 17 and storage 62 are managed in the database 51 together with their location information. 1) Side ID 126, which did not exist in database 51, is now present. 2) It is checked whether two or more identical side IDs 126 exist. The occurrence of the above 1) or 2) situation can be realized by searching and determining all side IDs 126.

[0175] As described above, the game participant 6 can exchange cash 61 for gaming tokens at the cashier 60, but the exchange from cash 61 to gaming tokens 120 can also be performed at the gaming table 4. The camera device 2 captures images of banknotes placed on the gaming table 4 to be exchanged for gaming tokens 120. In other words, the multiple camera devices 2 that capture images of the gaming tokens 120 on the gaming table 4 are each arranged at different positions and at different heights.

[0176] The management control device 50 uses the image capture results of the banknotes by the camera device 2 to identify the type and number of gaming tokens 120 to be dispensed from the gaming token tray 17 in exchange for the banknotes. The management control device 50 compares the actual total amount of the gaming tokens 120 stored in the gaming token tray 17 before and after dispensing, and determines whether or not the difference corresponds to the identified type and number of gaming tokens 120 to be dispensed. In other words, the management control device 50 compares and determines whether or not the total amount of gaming tokens 120 grasped in the gaming token tray 17 corresponds to an increase or decrease in the payment amount of the gaming tokens 120 corresponding to the exchanged banknotes after the exchange of the gaming tokens 120 with the banknotes. In addition, when collection and redemption are also carried out simultaneously according to the outcome of the game, the management control device 50 compares and determines whether it also corresponds to the increase or decrease in the gaming tokens 120 calculated from the amount of gaming tokens 120 bet by all players 6 and the outcome of the game.

[0177] Here, the management control device 50 is an artificial intelligence or deep learning structure control device that is capable of obtaining information on the type and number of gaming tokens 120 even when part of the gaming token 120 or an entire token 120 is hidden when measuring and determining the type and number of the gaming tokens 120.

[0178] As described above, the gaming token 120 has side IDs 126 attached to the white layer 122 or light-colored layer on the side at at least three locations spaced apart in the rotational direction (circumferential direction). By reading the side IDs 126 with the ID reader 53, it is possible to identify the type and manufacturing information of the gaming token 120. The information measured and identified in this way is configured to be collated and managed against the database 51.

[0179] The management control device 50 may be a control device that utilizes artificial intelligence or has a deep learning structure. The management control device 50 is capable of grasping the position 8 (the position where the player, banker, or pair bet is made), type (different values ​​are assigned to each color of gaming token) and number of gaming tokens 120 by using an artificial intelligence-based computer or control system, deep learning (structure) technology, self-learning function, etc.

[0180] Below, a modified example of the gaming token 120 will be described. In this modified example, seven digits of numbers are printed on the side of the gaming token 120 as a side ID 126. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, a white layer 122 is provided in the center, with colored layers 121 provided above and below it. Numbers are printed as marks on the white layer 122 in the center to form the side ID 126. There are ten types of number combinations, and when these are printed with digits, 10 types of codes to the power of seven can be formed, which is sufficient to provide the side ID 126 of the gaming token 120. It may be difficult to determine and read the numbers using the camera device 2 and its image analysis, so the combination of mark C in the embodiment shown above is considered to be advantageous in terms of image analysis.

[0181] Another inspection device 300 for inspecting gaming tokens 120 will be described with reference to FIG. 22. The device includes a face code reader 306 that reads the face code M, which is printed on the surface of the gaming token 120 using UV-emitting ink or infrared-absorbing ink; an ID reader 307 that reads the side ID 126 on the side; an RFID reader 308 that reads information from the RFID (not shown) on the gaming token 120; and a control device 207. The control device 207 is configured to inspect the correlation between the side ID 126 information obtained by the ID reader 307, the information obtained from the face code reader 306, and the information obtained from the RFID reader 308. The correlation between the above information is inspected by comparing the read results with a database (not shown) that contains the correct information. This inspection is used to detect printing errors in the face code M or side ID 126 to prevent defects or to distinguish them from counterfeits.

[0182] This embodiment (FIG. 22) is provided with a push-out device 302 that supplies gaming tokens 120 one by one to a reading stage 309 by a push-out section 301 that moves in the direction of the arrow Z, and the stacked gaming tokens 120 are supplied to the reading stage 309 by the push-out device 302. As a result, the previous gaming token 120 that has been inspected is pushed out and falls in the direction of the arrow X, and the gaming token 120 that has fallen in the direction of the arrow X is held on a holding stage 310.

[0183] Another inspection device 400 for inspecting gaming tokens 120 will be described with reference to FIG. 23. The inspection device 400 comprises an RFID reader 408 that reads information from the RFID (not shown) of the gaming token 120, an ID reader 307 that reads the side ID 126 on the side, and a control device 207, and is configured to inspect the correlation between the side ID 126 information obtained by the ID reader 307 and the information obtained from the RFID reader 408. The correlation of the above information is inspected by comparing the read results with a database (not shown) that should contain the correct information. This inspection is used to detect printing errors in the face code M or the side ID 126 to prevent defects or to distinguish them from counterfeits.

[0184] The ID reader 307 is configured to include a visible light camera or an infrared camera that is compatible with the ink printed on the side ID 126, and a camera 409 that can switch between multiple functions of a visible light camera and an infrared camera that is compatible with the printed ink. The visible light camera can read the number and color of the gaming token 120, and the infrared camera can read the side ID 126 of the gaming token 120.

[0185] Another inspection device 450 for inspecting gaming tokens 120 will be described with reference to Figure 24. The same parts as those in the inspection device 400 are given the same numbers (description omitted). The ID reading device 307 is configured to include multiple visible light cameras 304 or infrared cameras 305 that correspond to the ink printed on the side ID 126. The visible light cameras 304 can read the number and color of the gaming tokens 120, and the infrared cameras 305 can read the side ID 126 of the gaming token 120.

[0186] The management control device 50 obtains the total amount of gaming tokens (chips) in the gaming token tray 17 after settlement at the end of the game via the gaming token determination device 52. In this case, the determination after settlement is made when any of the following 1) to 4) occurs. 1) When the redemption of winning gaming tokens (winning chips) 120 is completed, 2) When card C used in the game is collected and discarded in the discard area or discard slot of the table, 3) When a predetermined button attached to the card distribution device 3 functioning as a winning / losing result determination device is pressed, 4) When marker 43, which indicates victory or defeat, is returned to its original position.

[0187] In addition, by combining this embodiment with the image analysis device 18 of the second embodiment, which records the progress of the game being played at the gaming table 4 as video via multiple camera devices 2 including the game participants 6 and the dealer 5 and performs image analysis of the recorded video of the progress of the game, thereby analyzing and grasping the total amount of gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 of the dealer 5 at the gaming table 4, a measuring device 19 which analyzes and measures using the information obtained by the image analysis device 18 to determine the type and number of gaming tokens 120, and / or a mark reading device 205 which reads face codes made of UV-emitting ink or infrared-absorbing ink provided on the surface of the gaming tokens 120, and further combining, if necessary, an RFID reading device 308 which reads information from the RFID 125 of the gaming tokens 120, an inspection device such as the one below including a management control device 50 can be configured.

[0188] That is, by combining the above configuration with an RFID reader 308 that reads information on the RFID 125 of the gaming token 120, an inspection device can be configured that includes an ID reader 53 that reads the side ID 126 on the side, and a management control device 50. In this inspection device, the management control device 50 inspects the correlation between the information on the side ID 126 read by the ID reader 53 and the information on the RFID 125 read by the RFID reader 308.

[0189] Furthermore, by combining the above configuration with the mark reading device 205 of the second embodiment that reads a face code made of UV luminescent ink or infrared absorbing ink provided on the top or bottom surface of the gaming token 120, an inspection device can be configured that includes an ID reading device 53 that reads the side ID 126 on the side, and a management control device 50. In this inspection device, the management control device 50 inspects the relationship between the information on the side ID 126 read by the ID reading device 53 and the information on the face code read by the mark reading device 205.

[0190] Furthermore, by combining the above configuration with the mark reading device 205 of the second embodiment that reads the face code made of UV luminescent ink or infrared absorbing ink provided on the surface of the gaming token 120, and an RFID reading device 308 that reads the information of the RFID 125 of the gaming token 120, it is possible to configure an inspection device that includes an ID reading device 53 that reads the side ID 126 on the side, and a management control device 50. In this inspection device, the management control device 50 inspects the correlation between the information of the side ID 126 read by the ID reading device 53, the information of the face code read by the mark reading device 205, and the information of the RFID 125 read by the RFID reading device 308.

[0191] As described above, in this embodiment, the gaming token 120 has the side ID 126 for identifying each individual piece attached to the outer surface of the white layer 122 or the light-colored layer.

[0192] The side IDs 126 are attached to at least three or more locations on the side surface of the gaming token 120 at intervals in the rotation direction (circumferential direction).

[0193] The side ID 126 is printed with invisible ink that is invisible under visible light (for example, infrared absorbing ink or UV emitting ink).

[0194] Furthermore, the side IDs 126 are provided in multiple rows on each of the two side surfaces of the white layer 122 or the light-colored layer.

[0195] Furthermore, at least one of the multiple plastic layers that make up the colored layer 121 and the white layer 122 contains metal powder (e.g., one or more metal oxides such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide) to increase the weight of the layer.

[0196] The side ID 126 may be printed with two or more of inks that are visible under visible light, infrared absorbing ink, and UV ink. In this case, the ID reader 53 may have multiple cameras corresponding to the inks used to print the side ID 126, or may have multiple cameras that can switch between imaging functions corresponding to the inks.

[0197] The gaming token 120 is manufactured as follows. First, a colored layer 121 and a white layer 122 or a light-colored layer sandwiching the colored layer 121 are heated and pressed together to form a laminated structure including multiple plastic layers. A design is then printed on at least the top or bottom surface of the laminated structure to create a token blank. The token blank is then punched using a mold to obtain multiple gaming tokens of predetermined shapes. At least one of the multiple plastic layers contains a layer containing metal powder or metal oxide for increasing weight. A side ID 126 for identifying each individual gaming token 120 is printed on the side of the gaming token 120 manufactured in this manner. The side ID 126 may be printed by inkjet printing.

[0198] Furthermore, the RFID 125 is sandwiched between the layers of the laminated structure, and when the layers are heated and pressed together, the layers sandwiching the RFID 125 are heat-welded together, and the RFID 125 is tightly fixed by a plastic layer around it.

[0199] In addition, the table game management system of this embodiment is provided with a gaming token tray 17 that is provided on the gaming table 4 and holds gaming tokens 120 by type, a camera device 2 that captures images of the gaming tokens 120 held in the gaming token tray 17, and a management control device 50 that uses the image capture results from the camera device 2 to identify the type and number of gaming tokens 120 held in the gaming token tray 17 and measure the total amount of gaming tokens 120 on the gaming token tray 17.

[0200] The gaming token 120 is a laminated structure in which a colored layer 121 and a white layer 122 or a light-colored layer are laminated, and has a striped pattern on the side in the stacking direction. The management control device 50 has the function of counting the number of colored layers 121 or white layers 122 or light-colored layers of the gaming token placed by each game player, and determining the type and value of the gaming token based on the color of the colored layer 121.

[0201] The management control device 50 determines whether the actual total amount of gaming tokens 120 after the end of the game as tracked in the gaming token tray 17 corresponds to the increase or decrease in the gaming tokens 120 calculated from the amount of gaming tokens 120 bet by all players 6 and the outcome of the game.

[0202] The management control device 50 obtains the total amount of the gaming tokens 120 in the gaming token tray 17 after the settlement at the end of the game in the following manner: 1) When the redemption of the winning gaming token 120W is completed, 2) When the cards used in the game are collected and discarded in the discard area of ​​the table, 3) When a predetermined button attached to the card distribution device 3 functioning as a winning / losing result determination device is pressed, 4) When you return the marker indicating victory or defeat to its original position, Either:

[0203] The camera device 2 is also capable of capturing images of banknotes placed on the gaming table 4 to be exchanged for gaming tokens 120, and the management control device 50 uses the results of capturing the images of the banknotes to identify the type and number of gaming tokens 120 on the gaming token tray 17 that should be reduced by exchanging the gaming tokens 120 on the gaming token tray 17 for banknotes, and compares this with the actual total amount of gaming tokens 120 on the gaming token tray 17.

[0204] The management control device 50 compares and determines whether the total amount of gaming tokens 120 grasped in the gaming token tray 17 corresponds to the increase or decrease in the payment amount of the gaming tokens 120 corresponding to the exchanged banknotes after the exchange of the banknotes with the gaming tokens 120, and the increase or decrease in the gaming tokens 120 calculated from the amount of gaming tokens 120 bet by all players 6 and the win or loss result of the game.

[0205] The management control device 50 is an artificial intelligence or deep learning structure control device that can obtain information on the type and number of gaming tokens 120 even when part of the gaming token 120 or an entire token 120 is hidden when measuring and determining the type and number of the gaming tokens 120.

[0206] The gaming token 120 has side IDs 126 attached to the white layer 122 or light-colored layer on the side at at least three locations spaced apart in the rotational direction (circumferential direction), and by reading the side IDs 126 with an ID reading device 53, the type and manufacturing information of the gaming token 120 can be identified, and the information identified by measurement can be collated and managed against a database 51.

[0207] The side ID 126 may be printed with two or more of ink visible under visible light (visible ink), infrared absorbing ink, or UV luminescent ink. In this case, the ID reader 53 is equipped with multiple types of cameras (multiple types among a visible light camera, an infrared camera, and an ultraviolet camera (such as a UV illuminator and a visible light camera)) corresponding to the ink printed on the side ID 126. Alternatively, the ID reader 53 may be equipped with a camera that can switch between multiple imaging functions, such as a visible light camera, an infrared camera, and an ultraviolet camera (such as a UV illuminator and a visible light camera), corresponding to each ink.

[0208] Alternatively, the gaming tokens 120 on the gaming table 4 may be photographed by a plurality of camera devices 2b-1, 2b-2 each of which is arranged at a predetermined position and has a different height.

[0209] In the above embodiment, the image analysis device 12 and the control device 14 are devices utilizing artificial intelligence or having a deep learning structure. However, the image analysis device 12 and the control device 14 may specifically perform image analysis and the above-mentioned various controls using a scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) algorithm, a convolutional neural network (CNN), deep learning, machine learning, or similar. These techniques perform image recognition on captured images to recognize objects contained in the images. In particular, deep learning techniques using multi-layered neural networks have been used in recent years to achieve high-accuracy object recognition. This deep learning technique generally achieves high-accuracy object recognition by stacking multiple layers in intermediate layers between the input layer and output layer of a neural network. Among these deep learning techniques, convolutional neural networks in particular have attracted attention for their superior performance in object recognition compared to conventional methods based on image features.

[0210] A convolutional neural network learns labeled target images and recognizes the main object contained in the target image. If there are multiple main objects in the training image, they are designated by a rectangular area, and the image corresponding to the designated area is labeled for training. Furthermore, the convolutional neural network can determine the main object and its location in the image.

[0211] To further explain convolutional neural networks, the target recognition process involves extracting candidate regions based on local features by performing edge extraction or other processing on the image to be recognized, inputting the candidate regions into the convolutional neural network to extract feature vectors and then classifying them, and obtaining the classified candidate region with the highest confidence as the recognition result. Confidence is a quantity that indicates how high the similarity of the subject of an image learned together with a certain image region and label is relative to the similarity of other classes.

[0212] Note that devices utilizing artificial intelligence or having a deep learning structure are described in U.S. Patent No. 9,361,577, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016-171336, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015-036920, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-110232, etc., and these descriptions are incorporated herein by reference.

[0213] Various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but it goes without saying that the above-mentioned embodiments can be modified by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention, and the device of this embodiment may be appropriately modified according to the needs of the game to which it is applied. [Explanation of symbols]

[0214] 1 Playing Cards 1s Multiple shuffled playing cards 2. Camera equipment 3 Card distribution device 4 Gaming Tables 5 Dealer 6 Customers (Game Participants / Players) 7 chairs 8 Betting Area 10 areas 10P player area 10B Bunker Area 11 Game Recording Device 12 Image analysis equipment 13 Result display lamp 14 Control device 14C Card distribution detection device 15 Output (abnormality judgment results, etc.) 16. Malfunction indicator lamp 30 Distribution Restriction Device 33 slots 34 Locking member 35 Drive unit 36 Locking member 37 Drive unit 40 Distribution Restriction Device 102 Card storage section 103 Index 105 Card guide part 106 Opening 107 Card Guide 109 Control Unit 112 Side monitor 120 Substitute coins for games 121 Colored layer 122 White layer 123 Printing 124 Transparent layer (printing layer) 125 RFID 126 Side ID 200 Inspection Equipment 201 Entrance 202 Exit Aisle 203 204 Judgment device 205 Mark reading device 206 Printing inspection equipment 207 Control Device

Claims

1. A gaming token management system, a gaming token to which a unique ID that can be individually identified is assigned; an ID reader that reads the unique ID assigned to the gaming token; a storage unit for storing the gaming tokens in a cashier of the gaming facility; a gaming table chip tray for storing the gaming tokens on the gaming table; a chip determination device that identifies the type and number of gaming tokens stored in the gaming table chip tray and the storage unit using the ID reader; a management control device in the gaming facility that manages the IDs assigned to the gaming tokens on a database; Equipped with The management control device The ID of the gaming token that is expected to be used is registered in advance in the database; The unique ID read by the ID reader is used to check the database to determine the following events: 1) There is an ID that did not exist in the database; 2) There are two or more identical IDs. a function of outputting an error signal together with the ID not existing in the database when the condition 1) is met, and an error signal together with the same ID when the condition 2) is met, A management system for gaming tokens.

2. The management control device further outputs the error signal together with information about the position where 1) or 2) is determined.

2. A gaming token management system according to claim 1.

3. The management control device further comprises: When there is a change in the presence of the gaming tokens in at least the gaming table chip tray and the storage unit, The time or place at which the change occurred is recorded in the database in association with the ID; The database is searched, and if two or more identical IDs exist, extracting from the database the ID and the time or the place recorded in the database in association with the ID, and storing the extracted ID and the place; a function of identifying the time when the gaming token to which the ID has been assigned and which has been determined entered or left the gaming table chip tray or the storage unit, or the location of the gaming table chip tray or the storage unit in which the gaming token was stored; 3. A gaming token management system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a bet area chip determination device that identifies the type and the number of the gaming tokens bet on the bet area of ​​the gaming table using the ID reading device, The database is searched for the following events for the ID of the gaming token present on the betting area of ​​the gaming table: 3) An ID that did not exist in the database is newly present; 4) There are two or more identical IDs. a function of outputting an error signal when the above 3) or 4) is recognized; The gaming token management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The unique ID is provided in at least three places on the side of the gaming token. The gaming token management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The unique ID is inkjet printed with ink that is visible under visible light. The gaming token management system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The unique ID is inkjet printed with ink that is invisible under visible light. The gaming token management system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The unique ID is determined by the presence or absence of marks in multiple rows and columns. The gaming token management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A transparent coating layer or varnish is provided on the side of the gaming token. A gaming token management system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The unique ID is an RFID. The gaming token management system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The gaming token has a unique ID printed on its side by inkjet printing and also has a built-in RFID. the management control device manages, in the database, information on the ID assigned to the side surface and information on the RFID ID in association with each other; The gaming token management system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The gaming token has a multi-layer structure including a plurality of laminated plastic layers of different colors, at least one of which is a colored layer, and a white or light-colored layer is laminated on the outside of the colored layer, and the multi-layer structure has a striped pattern on a side surface in the lamination direction, and the type of the gaming token can be identified by the colored layer. The gaming token management system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A gaming token having an individually identifiable unique ID, The unique ID assigned to the gaming token is read by an ID reader, and the ID reader is capable of reading the gaming token stored in a cashier's storage unit in an amusement facility and in a gaming table chip tray at a gaming table; and The type and number of the gaming tokens stored in the gaming table chip tray and the storage unit are identified by a chip determination device via the ID reading device, The IDs of the gaming tokens present on the gaming table chip tray and the storage unit are managed in a database together with location information; at least, 1) There is an ID that does not exist in the database; 2) There are two or more identical IDs. is inspected, The occurrence of 1) or 2) can be determined by the ID, If the above 1) is determined, an error signal is output together with the ID that does not exist in the database, If the condition 2) is met, an error signal is output together with the same ID. Substitute money for games.

Images