Counter system and game coin management system

Abstract

A counter system for monitoring movement of game coins in a counter is provided. The counter (10) is divided into a plurality of locations including the receptacles (14). The game coin (70) has an RFID tag (71) in which a game coin ID is stored. A counter system (501) for managing the movement of game coins in a counter (10) of a casino hall (1) is provided with: a game coin reader (123) for reading a game coin ID from an RFID tag (71) of a game coin (70) moving between a plurality of positions in the counter (10); game coin readers (133, 143) for reading a game coin ID from an RFID tag (71) of a game coin (70) removed from the counter (10) to the casino hall (1); and game coin readers (123, 133, 143) to be read by the game coin readers (123, 133, 143). And a coin management database (101) in which the read coin ID is recorded as a movement history of the coin (70).

Description

[0001] Divisional application

[0002] This application is a divisional application of the patent with an application date of June 8, 2021, a patent application number of 202180041856.1, and an invention title of "Counter System and Game Coin Management System".

[0003] Cross-reference of related applications

[0004] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-102729, filed on June 12, 2020, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0005] The present invention relates to a counter system for managing game coins in a counter in a casino and a game coin management system including the counter system. Background Art

[0006] As a system for managing game coins in a casino, there is known a game coin tracking system in which an RFID tag storing at least a game coin ID is embedded in a game coin, and the game coin ID is associated with a user ID to monitor which user holds which game coin.

[0007] In addition, there is known a game coin security system in which valid game coin IDs are stored in advance in a database, and in a casino (e.g., at a table), the game coin ID is read from the RFID tag of the game coin and compared with the database to determine the validity or authenticity of the game coin (e.g., refer to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2019-5565). Summary of the Invention

[0008] Game coins are brought into the casino through a counter in the casino, and discarded game coins are also transported out of the counter to the outside. The existing game coin tracking system does not necessarily monitor the movement of all game coins in the casino, including the movement of game coins inside the counter and the movement between the counter and various positions in the casino.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention provides a counter system for monitoring the movement of game coins in a counter and the movement between the counter and various positions in the casino, and a game coin management system including the system for managing game coins in the casino.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is a counter system that manages the movement of game coins within a counter in a casino hall. Among them, the counter is divided into multiple positions including a cash register, the game coins have RFID tags storing game coin IDs, and the counter system includes: a first reading mechanism that reads the game coin ID from the RFID tag of the game coin moving between the multiple positions; a second reading mechanism that reads the game coin ID from the RFID tag of the game coin moved out of the counter to the casino hall; and a recording mechanism that records the game coin ID read by the first reading mechanism and the second reading mechanism as the movement history record of the game coin. According to this structure, the movement of game coins within the counter can be managed.

[0011] In the above counter system, the recording mechanism records the movement destination and / or the movement source together with the game coin ID in the movement history record. According to this structure, it is possible to grasp whether the movement has been carried out correctly.

[0012] In the above counter system, there is also a management mechanism that judges whether the movement is appropriate based on the movement history record. According to this structure, inappropriate movements can be detected.

[0013] In the above counter system, for the game coin having a movement history record that does not match the possibility of the preset movement history record, the management mechanism can record it as cheating or suspected of cheating in the recording mechanism.

[0014] In the above counter system, there is also a third reading mechanism that reads the game coin ID from the RFID tag of the game coin put into the counter from the casino hall. According to this structure, the game coins within the counter can be completely managed.

[0015] In the above counter system, when the movement destination is recorded in the movement history record of the game coin moved out to the casino hall, if the game coin is not received at the movement destination, the management mechanism can issue an alarm or make a record. According to this structure, it is possible to detect whether the movement from the counter to a specified position in the casino hall has not been completed normally.

[0016] In the above counter system, when the game coin is not received at the movement destination within a specified time, the management mechanism can issue the alarm or make a record. According to this structure, in the case where the movement is not completed within the specified time, it is possible to determine that there is an abnormality.

[0017] One embodiment of the game coin management system of the present invention has a structure that includes: any of the above counter systems; and a fourth reading mechanism that is provided on the game table and reads the game coin ID from the RFID tag of the game coin. With this structure, it is possible to manage the game coins in the casino hall including the counters.

[0018] In the above game coin management system, the management agency can calculate the total amount of the game coins held by the player in the casino hall. With this structure, it is possible to immediately grasp the total debt of the casino.

[0019] In the above game coin management system, the management agency can record the information of the date and time in the movement history. With this structure, it is possible to record the movement history in more detail.

[0020] In the above game coin management system, the management agency can detect suspicious movements of the game coins based on the information of the date and time. With this structure, it is possible to detect various suspicious movements.

[0021] In the above game coin management system, the management agency can record the information of the staff related to the movement in the movement history. With this structure, in the case of improper movement, it is possible to identify the staff related to the improper movement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the overall structure of the casino related to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 A perspective view of the game coin related to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 A block diagram showing the structure of the game coin management system related to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the structure of the game table related to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 A diagram showing the movement state of the game coin related to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 A diagram showing an example of the data of the game coin management database updated by the first method of the game coin movement management related to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 A diagram showing an example of the data of the game coin management database updated by the second method of the game coin movement management related to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8 A diagram showing an example of data in a game coin management database updated by a fourth method for managing the movement of game coins according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 9 A diagram showing an example of data in a game coin management database updated by a fifth method for managing the movement of game coins according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 10 A diagram showing an example of data in a game coin management database updated by a fourth method for managing the movement of game coins according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Embodiments

[0032] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a counter system and a game coin management system according to the present invention will be described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited by the following embodiments, and the structural elements of the following embodiments include those that are easily conceivable by those skilled in the art or are substantially the same.

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the overall structure of a casino according to an embodiment of the present invention. The casino hall 1 is equipped with a counter 10 and a plurality of game tables 42 to 45. The game pool having the game tables 42 to 45 can be divided into a VIP game pool and a general public game pool. The counter 10 is a room that only security staff can enter. The counter 10 is divided into a vault 11, a main bank room 12, an F / C bank room 13, and a teller's room 14.

[0034] The vault 11 is provided with an entrance / exit 21 communicating with the outside of the counter 10, an entrance / exit 22 is provided between the vault 11 and the main bank room 12, an entrance / exit 23 is provided between the main bank room 12 and the F / C bank room 13, an entrance / exit 25 is provided between the main bank room 12 and the teller's room 14, and the F / C bank room 13 is provided with an entrance / exit 24 communicating with the casino hall 1 where the game tables 42 to 45 are placed. The teller's room 14 is provided with entrances / exits (windows) 26 to 28 communicating with the casino hall 1. Each of the entrances / exits 21 to 25 allows the passage of people and game coins, or can also allow only game coins to pass, and the doors for people to enter and exit are separately provided from the entrances / exits. The windows 26 to 28 are opened to an extent that game coins can be purchased.

[0035] The vault 11 is staffed by a vault staff member 31, the main bank 12 is staffed by a main bank staff member 32, the F / C bank room 13 is staffed by an F / C bank staff member 33, and the teller's room 14 is staffed by teller staff members 34 to 36 corresponding to the windows 26 to 28.

[0036] The casino hall 1 is provided with gaming tables 42 to 45, and each gaming table 42 to 45 is respectively equipped with one dealer 52 to 55. It should be noted that in Figure 1 's example, only 4 gaming tables are shown, but actually the casino hall 1 is equipped with more gaming tables. In addition, a gaming table manager 56 is provided for a plurality of adjacent gaming tables 42.

[0037] In Figure 1 's example, there are players 61 to 69 in the casino hall 1. The players in the casino hall 1, such as the player 61 as shown in Figure 1 , purchase game tokens through any one of the windows 26 to 28. The players who purchase game tokens at the counter 10 can place the game tokens on the gaming tables 42 to 45 and participate in the game. If a player loses the game, the game tokens are collected by the dealer, and if the player wins the game, the player receives a repayment corresponding to the game rules and the placed amount from the dealer. In this way, the number of game tokens held by the player increases or decreases through the game. If a player runs out of game tokens, the player can purchase game tokens again at the counter 10 (buy).

[0038] On the gaming tables 42 to 45, game tokens are collected from the players who lose the game and paid to the players who win the game. As a result, the number of game tokens held by the dealer (casino) on the gaming table increases or decreases. If there is a shortage of game tokens on the gaming table, the game token handling staff 51 receives game tokens from the entrance 24 of the F / C bank room 13 and transports them to the gaming table to replenish the gaming table. The act of replenishing game tokens in such a table game is called "fill". In addition, if there is an excess of game tokens on the gaming table, the game token handling staff 51 transports the game tokens from the gaming table to the counter 10, and the game tokens are stored in the F / C bank room 13 through the entrance 24. The act of returning game tokens from the gaming table to the counter 10 like this is called "credit".

[0039] It should be noted that when managing the movement history of game tokens in the game hall 1, the movement source, the movement destination, and the places that can exist between them are hereinafter referred to as "locations". In the case of Figure 1 's example, for example, each room and each gaming table in the counter 10 are respectively referred to as "locations".

[0040] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of the game token according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 A game token of 100 points is shown in. The game token 70 has a disc shape, and the face value amount is shown on both surfaces ( Figure 1In the case of, it is "100 points"). In the thickness direction, multiple layers are laminated in the order of a white layer, a colored layer, and a white layer. On the side surface, there is a stripe pattern in which the colored layer is sandwiched by the white layers. The color of the colored layer varies according to the face value amount. Thus, by discriminating the color of the colored layer, the face value amount of the game coin can be determined.

[0041] An RFID tag 71 is built into the game coin 70. Information on the game coin ID and the face value amount of the game coin is stored in the RFID tag 71. It should be noted that the RFID tag 71 can be a writable RFID tag. In this case, information on the current position and even the holder of the game coin can be recorded in the RFID tag 71, and also, a historical record of the past position and even the holder can be recorded in the RFID tag 71. The game coin 70 can be formed by pressing multiple plates together, or can also be formed by resin molding.

[0042] Figure 3 It is a block diagram showing the structure of a game coin management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The game coin management system 1000 includes a counter system 501 and a plurality of tabletop systems 502. The tabletop systems 502 are provided at each game table. The counter system 501 includes a game coin management computer 100 and a game coin management database 101 for uniformly managing the game coins in the counter 10 and the casino hall 1.

[0043] In addition, the counter system 501 includes a vault computer 111 provided in the vault 11, a vault card reader 112 and a vault game coin reader 113 connected to the vault computer 111. In addition, the counter system 501 includes a main bank computer 121 provided in the main bank room 12, a main bank card reader 122 and a main bank game coin reader 123 connected to the main bank computer 121. In addition, the counter system 501 includes an F / C bank computer 131 provided in the F / C bank room 13, an F / C bank card reader 132 and an F / C bank game coin reader 133 connected to the F / C bank computer 131. In addition, the counter system 501 includes a cashier computer 141 provided corresponding to each window 26 to 28 in the cashier's office 14, a cashier card reader 142 and a cashier game coin reader 143 connected to the cashier computer 141.

[0044] The tabletop system 502 includes a tabletop computer 151, a tabletop card reader 152, a tabletop game coin reader 153, a game coin tray game coin reader 154, and a plurality of placement area game coin readers 155 connected to the tabletop computer 151. It should be noted that in Figure 3 Although only one tabletop system 502 is shown, a plurality of tabletop systems 502 can be provided corresponding to a plurality of game tables.

[0045] The vault computer 111, the main bank computer 121, the F / C bank computer 131, the teller computer 141, the desktop computer 151, and the game coin management database 101 are respectively connected to the game coin management computer 100. It should be noted that the game coin management computer 100 and other computers and the game coin management database 101 can be connected by wire or wirelessly via a local network. Alternatively, the game coin management computer 101 and the game coin management data 101 can be set on a wide area network (for example, the Internet) and connected to other computers via the wide area network. That is, the game coin management computer 100 and the game coin management database 101 can be set in the cloud instead of in the casino.

[0046] Each of the computers 100, 111, 121, 131, 141, 151 is connected to an input device (not shown) for receiving input operations by the corresponding staff member. The input device is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a button, a touchpad, a touch panel, or a voice input device. It should be noted that only these input devices and communication devices are left in their respective positions, and the functions of each computer can be integrated into the game coin management computer 100. In this case, various signals (for example, input signals input to the input device, signals read by the game coin reader, etc.) can be directly transmitted between the input devices, card readers, and game coin readers at each position and the management computer 100.

[0047] The card readers 112, 122, 132, 142, 152 at each position read the staff ID or player ID from the ID cards held by the staff or players. Specifically, the vault card reader 112, the main bank card reader 122, and the F / C bank card reader 132 read the staff ID from the ID cards of the corresponding staff members, the teller card reader 142 reads the staff ID from the ID card of the teller staff member, and game coins are purchased at the teller machine. In addition, the desktop card reader 152 reads the staff ID of the corresponding dealer and the player ID of the player playing the game.

[0048] The game coin readers 113, 123, 133, 143, 153, 155 at each position read information from the RFID tag 71 of the game coin 70 and write information to the RFID tag 71. In particular, each game coin reader 113, 123, 133, 143, 153 reads the RFID tag 71 when the game coin 70 moves from another position to this position and when the game coin moves from this position to another position (that is, when the game coin 70 leaves this position).

[0049] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the game table according to the embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 4In it, a gaming table 42 is shown. The gaming table 42 is provided with a plurality of playing positions. The gaming table 42 has, on its tabletop, a plurality of placement areas corresponding to the plurality of playing positions, a game coin tray for storing the game coins of the dealer, a dealer area for reading and writing the information of the RFID tag 71 of the game coin 70, and an ID card area for reading the ID cards of the dealer and the players.

[0050] The game coin tray is provided with a tray antenna 514 for reading the RFID tag 71 of the game coin 70 stored in the game coin tray. Each of the plurality of placement areas has, inside the tabletop, placement area antennas 515a to 515e for reading the RFID tag 71 of the game coin 70 placed in the placement area. The dealer area has, inside the tabletop, a dealer antenna 513 for reading the RFID tag 71 of the game coin 70 placed in the dealer area. The ID card area has, inside the tabletop, an ID card antenna 512.

[0051] Each of the antennas 512 to 515 is connected to the tabletop computer 151 and transmits the read signal to the tabletop computer 151. The tabletop computer 151 decodes the signals from each antenna to obtain various information stored in the RFID tag 71 or the ID card.

[0052] The staff assigned to each position reads their card ID with the corresponding card reader and then starts working. The computers at each position transmit the read staff ID, date, and time to the game coin management computer 100. The game coin management computer 100 stores the staff ID read by the card readers at each position together with the information of the position, date, and time in the game coin management database 101.

[0053] The game coin management database 101 stores a player table, a game coin table, a gaming table table, a staff table, and a movement history record table. The player table stores the login information of the player. In addition to storing the player ID and various player attributes of each player, the player table also stores the player status such as VIP, suspect, and blacklist. The game coin table stores, in addition to the game coin ID, face value amount, type, and manufacturing information, the game coin status such as valid, missing, stolen, and invalid. The gaming table table stores the table ID, game type, etc. The staff table records the staff ID, various staff attributes, etc. The movement history record table records the history of the position and even the holder of the game coin 70.

[0054] (Movement Management of Game Coins)

[0055] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing the movement state of the game coins according to the embodiment of the present invention. As Figure 5As shown, at each location except the vault, when game coins are returned, there is a possibility of moving from multiple sources of movement, and when they are removed, there is also a possibility of moving to multiple destinations of movement. The game coin management system of this embodiment recognizes these movements. For this purpose, the following several methods can be adopted.

[0056] (First method)

[0057] In the first method, in the computer at each location, when game coins 70 are returned, the computer at that location designates its source of movement, and reports this designation together with the game coin ID of the returned game coins 70 to the game coin management computer 100. When the game coins 70 are removed from each location, the information of the location, i.e., the source of movement, and the game coin ID of the game coins 70 are reported to the game coin management computer 100.

[0058] For example, when the game coins 70 move from the main bank room 12 to the F / C bank room 13, the main bank computer 121 reads the game coin ID of the game coins 70 through the main bank game coin reader 123, and reports the situation of removing the game coins from the main bank room 12 together with the read game coin ID to the game coin management computer 100. The game coin management computer 100 updates the game coin management database 101 in response to this report.

[0059] Moreover, in the F / C bank room 13 that receives the game coins 70 from the main bank room 12, the F / C bank staff member 33 operates the input device of the F / C bank computer 131, inputs the designation that the game coins 70 are the game coins 70 removed from the main bank room 12 (source of movement), and reads the game coin ID of the game coins 70 with the F / C bank game coin reader 133. The F / C bank computer 131 reports the designation that the source of movement is the main bank room 12 together with the read game coin ID to the game coin management computer 100. The game coin management computer 100 updates the game coin management database 101 in response to this report.

[0060] Figure 6 A diagram showing an example of the data of the game coin management database updated by the first method for the movement management of game coins according to the embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 6 this example, the movement history of the game coins 70 with the game coin ID of "24825" is shown. As the movement history information of the game coins 70, the game coin management database 101 stores the game coin ID 601, access information 602, source of movement information 603, destination of movement information 604, and information of date and time 605 of the game coins.

[0061] According to the first method, as Figure 6As shown, for the game coin 70 moved out from a position, information on its source of movement (history H61) is obtained, and for the game coin 70 placed in a position, information on its source and destination of movement (history H62) is obtained. Therefore, based on history H61 and history H62, it can be confirmed that the game coin 70 is indeed moved out from the main bank room 12 and then received by the F / C bank room 13.

[0062] (Second method)

[0063] In the second method, in the computer at each position, when moving out the game coin 70, the destination of movement is specified on the computer at that position, and this specification is reported to the game coin management computer 100 together with the game coin ID of the moved-out game coin 70. When the game coin 70 is placed in each position, the information on the destination of movement, which is this position, and the game coin ID of this game coin 70 are reported to the game coin management computer 100.

[0064] For example, when moving the game coin 70 (depositing) from the table 4 to the F / C bank room 13, the dealer reads the game coin ID of this game coin 70 with the tabletop game coin reader 153 of the game table, operates the input device of the tabletop computer 151, and designates the F / C bank room 13 as the destination of movement (designates deposit). The tabletop computer 151 reports the table ID of the table 4 as the source of movement, this game coin ID, and the F / C bank room 13 as the destination of movement to the game coin management computer 100. The game coin management computer 100 updates the game coin management database 101 in response to this report.

[0065] In the F / C bank room 13 as the destination of movement, if the game coin 70 is received, the F / C bank staff member 33 reads the game coin ID of this game coin 70 with the F / C bank game coin reader 133. The F / C bank computer 131 reports the read game coin ID and the fact of being placed in the F / C bank room 13 to the game coin management computer 100. The game coin management computer 100 updates the game coin management database 101 in response to this report.

[0066] Figure 7 A diagram showing an example of the data of the game coin management database updated by the second method for managing the movement of game coins according to the embodiments of the present invention. In Figure 7 the example, the movement history of the game coin 70 with the game coin ID "24825" is also shown. As the movement history information of the game coin 70, the game coin management database 101 stores information on the game coin ID 601, entry / exit information 602, source of movement information 603, destination of movement information 604, and date and time 605 of this game coin.

[0067] According to the second method, as Figure 7As shown, for the game coin 70 moved out from a position, information on its movement source and movement destination (history record H71) is obtained, and for the game coin 70 placed at a position, information on its movement destination (history record H72) is obtained. Therefore, based on the history record H71 and the history record H72, it can be confirmed that the game coin 70 was indeed moved out from the table 4 and then received by the F / C bank room 13.

[0068] (Third method)

[0069] The third method is a combination of the first method and the second method. That is, in the computers at each position, when a game coin 70 is placed, its movement source is specified, and when the game coin 70 is moved out, its movement destination is specified.

[0070] (Fourth method)

[0071] In the fourth method, the staff at each position uses the input device of the computer at each position to specify whether the game coin 70 is moved out or placed, and reports this specification together with the game coin ID of the game coin 70 read by the game coin reader to the game coin management computer 100. Based on this report, the game coin management computer 100 updates the in-out information and position information in the game coin management database 101.

[0072] Figure 8 FIG. is an example of the data in the game coin management database updated by the fourth method for the movement management of the game coin according to the embodiment of the present invention. As the movement history record information of the game coin 70, the game coin management database 101 stores information on the game coin ID 601, in-out information 602, position information 603, and date and time 604 of this game coin.

[0073] According to the fourth method, as Figure 8 shown, since the in-out information 602 and the position information 603 are recorded, it can be confirmed that the game coin 70 was indeed moved out from the vault 11 and then received by the main bank room 12 based on the history record H81 and the history record H82.

[0074] (Fifth method)

[0075] In the fifth method, only the position information is recorded. That is, when the game coin 70 exists at a position, the staff at that position reads the game coin ID of the game coin 70 with the game coin reader at that position and reports it to the game coin management computer 100. The game coin management computer 100 updates the game coin management database 101 in response to this report. The staff at each position can read the game coin ID at the moment when the game coin 70 moves to that position, can read the game coin ID at the moment when the game coin 70 moves out from that position, or can read the game coin ID at any time.

[0076] Figure 9 A diagram showing an example of data in a game coin management database updated with the fifth method for managing the movement of game coins according to an embodiment of the present invention. As movement history information of game coin 70, the game coin management database 101 stores information on the game coin ID 601, location information 603, and date and time 604 of the game coin.

[0077] According to the fifth method, as Figure 9 shown, since the location information 603 is recorded, it is also possible to confirm based on history record 91 and history record 92 that game coin 70 was indeed removed from the vault 11 and then received by the main bank room 12.

[0078] Any one of the above first method to fifth method can be determined according to each combination of the movement source and the movement destination. For example, for the movement of game coin 70 within the counter 11, the fourth method or the fifth method is adopted. For the movement from the F / C bank room 13 to the game table, the second method of specifying the movement destination in the movement source is adopted. For the movement from the game table to the F / C bank room 13, the first method of specifying the movement source in the movement destination can be adopted.

[0079] (Purchase and exchange at the cashier)

[0080] In addition, when game coin 70 moves from the cashier's office 14 to the player (the player purchases game coin 70 at the cashier), the cashier computer 141 reads the game coin ID of game coin 70 through the cashier game coin reader 143, reads the player ID from the player's ID card through the cashier card reader 142, and reports the designation of the player as the movement destination together with the read game coin ID to the game coin management computer 100. The game coin management computer 100 updates the game coin management database 101 in response to this report.

[0081] And when game coin 70 moves from the player to the cashier's office 14, the cashier computer 141 reads the game coin ID of game coin 70 through the cashier game coin reader 143, reads the player ID from the player's ID card through the cashier card reader 142, and reports the designation of the player as the movement source together with the read game coin ID to the game coin management computer 100. The game coin management computer 100 updates the game coin management database 101 in response to this report.

[0082] Figure 10 A diagram showing an example of data in a game coin management database updated with the fourth method for managing the movement of game coins according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 10In the example, player 5 purchases 70 game coins at the vending machine 2 (history records H101, H102). Subsequently, player 5 exchanges the 70 game coins at the vending machine 3 (history records H103, H104). It should be noted that in the case of the first method to the third method 3, the access information 602 only records the information of the mobile source (vending machine) and the mobile destination (player) as N / A.

[0083] In addition, for example, at the vending machine, when the vending staff receives 70 game coins from the player, on the basis of designating that this has been received, the vending game coin reader 143 is used to read the game coin ID of the 70 game coins. When handing the 70 game coins to the player, on the basis of designating that this has been handed over, the vending game coin reader 143 is used to read the game coin ID of the 70 game coins.

[0084] Thus, with one game coin reader, it is possible to clarify whether the 70 game coins whose game coin IDs are read by the game coin reader are placed in this position or removed from this position. In addition, in the case of game coin exchange, it is possible to clearly distinguish between the 70 game coins received from the player and the 70 game coins handed to the player, and use the game coin reader to determine the game coin ID.

[0085] (Recovery and repayment)

[0086] The player who purchases 70 game coins can play games on the game table. At this time, on the game table, first, the desktop card reader 152 equipped with the ID card antenna 512 reads the player's ID card. When the desktop card reader 152 reads the player's ID card, the playing position of the player is designated. Thus, it is possible to identify which player is in which placement area. It should be noted that the placement area antennas 515a to 515e can be one or more antennas that read the 70 game coins placed in one placement area by unifying multiple placement areas without distinguishing the positions of each player. In addition, the antenna for the placement area may not be provided.

[0087] When the player loses the game on the table, the placed 70 game coins are recovered. In this case, the game coin tray antenna 514 reads the game coin ID of the 70 game coins stored in the game coin tray before recovery and also reads the game coin ID of the 70 game coins stored in the game coin tray after recovery. The desktop computer 151 identifies the game coin ID of the 70 game coins newly obtained in the game coin tray (that is, recovered from the player) by comparing the game coin IDs in the game coin tray before and after recovery.

[0088] For the game coins 70 recycled from the player, the desktop computer 151 designates them as moving to the game coin tray of the gaming table, and at the same time reports the game coin ID read by the game coin tray antenna 14 to the game coin management computer 100. The game coin management computer 100 updates the game coin management database 101 in response to this report.

[0089] It should be noted that by using the placement area antennas 515a to 515e to identify the game coin ID of the placed game coins 70 and identify the game result, when the desktop computer 151 can determine whether each placed game coin 70 should be recycled, when it is determined that it should be recycled, based on this judgment, in the game coin management database 101, for this game coin 70, the movement history of taking it out from the player and moving it to the gaming table can be updated. Through this update and the subsequent update of the situation of being received by the game coin tray, it is possible to confirm whether the game coins 70 that should be recycled are actually recycled to the game coin tray. That is, regardless of whether there is a movement history in which the access information 602 is marked as "OUT" as being recyclable and the position information 603 is marked for which player, as long as there is no recorded movement history of being received in the game coin tray after that, it is clear that the game coins 70 that should be recycled have not been correctly recycled.

[0090] In addition, in this embodiment, by comparing the game coin IDs read from the game coin tray before and after recycling, the game coin ID newly taken into the game coin tray through recycling is grasped. However, as an alternative, a recycling game coin area for temporarily storing the recycled game coins can be specially set in the game coin tray, and an antenna independent of other game coin tray parts can be set through this recycling game coin area to grasp the game coin ID of the recycled game coins 70.

[0091] Or, for the recycled game coins 70, the RFID 71 can be read by the dealer antenna on the way from the placement area to the game coin tray, so as to determine the game coin ID of the recycled game coins 70.

[0092] If the player wins the game, the repayment of the game coins 70 is accepted. The dealer first places the game coins 70 to be paid to the player from the game coin tray in the dealer area of the gaming table. At this time, the dealer antenna 513 reads the game coin ID from the RFID tag 71 of the game coins 70 in the dealer area. Since the desktop computer 151 knows which player is playing the game in each placement area, it is possible to associate the repaid game coins 70 with the player who accepts the repayment (regard the position information of the repaid game coins 70 as this player).

[0093] Note that the method of determining the game coin ID of the redeemed game coin 70 and associating it with the player is not limited to the above method. For example, the desktop computer 151 can determine the game coin ID of the redeemed game coin 70 by reading the game coin ID of the game coin 70 stored in the game coin tray before and after redemption, and associate it with the player who received the redemption.

[0094] In addition, when the redeemed game coin 70 is placed in the placement area, the game coin ID of the game coin 70 can be read by the placement area antenna 515 of the placement area. In this case, while reading the game coin ID of the redeemed game coin 70 (associated with the dealer or casino), the game coin ID of the placed game coin 70 (associated with the player) can be read, and the game coin management computer 100 associates the game coin ID of the redeemed game coin 70 with the player associated with the game coin ID of the placed game coin 70.

[0095] In addition, an antenna and a reading area for reading the RFID tag 71 of the redeemed game coin 70 can be set at each player's position. Such an antenna and reading area can be provided between the placement area at each player's position and the dealer. Even in this case, since it is known which player is at each player's position, the redeemed game coin 70 can be associated with the player ID. In this case, the dealer first reads the redeemed game coin 70 with this antenna in the reading area at the corresponding player's position, and then moves the redeemed game coin 70 to the side of the placed game coin in the placement area, and the dealer allows the corresponding player to take the redeemed game coin 70 placed in the reading area.

[0096] The desktop computer 151 reports the combination of the game coin ID of the redeemed game coin 70 and the player ID of the player who received the redemption to the game coin management computer 100. In response to this report, the game coin management computer 100 updates the movement history record of the movement of the game coin 70 on the game table to the player in the game coin management database 101.

[0097] Even at the time of redemption, for the game coin 70 taken out from the game coin tray, the RFID tag 71 can be temporarily read with the dealer antenna to determine the game coin ID of the redeemed game coin 70.

[0098] Note that in the above Figures 6 - 10 example, in each movement history record of each game coin 70, not only the position information can be recorded, but also the staff ID of the staff related to the movement at that position can be recorded. In addition, in each movement history record, status information such as "valid", "invalid", "missing", "suspicious", "not playable" can be recorded as the status of the game coin 70. In addition, it can be indicated whether it is valid or invalid. And in the aboveFigures 6 - 10 In the example, while each record of the movement history records the game coin ID of each game coin 70, it can also have information on its face value amount.

[0099] As described above, by reading the game coin ID at each position, the movement history of each game coin 70 can be recorded in the game coin management database 101. Thus, the game coin management computer 100 can implement various functions described below.

[0100] (Detection of time limit and movement destination error)

[0101] In this function, the game coin management computer 100 monitors the movement of the game coin 70 during its movement between the F / C bank room 13 and the game table, and issues an alarm in case of problems. That is, the game coin management computer 100 sets the movement destination of a certain game coin 70 to any game table, and starts timing when the F / C bank computer 131 receives a report of moving out from the F / C bank room 13. And the game coin management computer 100 can issue an alarm when it does not receive a report that the game coin 70 has been received from the desktop computer 151 of the game table as the movement destination within a specified time (for example, 5 minutes). This alarm can be sent to the dealer of the corresponding game table, the game table manager who manages the corresponding game table, etc. At this time, the game coin management computer 100 can update the status of the game coin 70 in the game coin management database 101 to "missing", "unplayable", etc.

[0102] In addition, the game coin management computer 100 can also issue an alarm when it designates any game table as the movement destination of a certain game coin 70 and receives a report of moving out from the F / C bank computer 131 from the F / C bank room 13, if it receives a report that the game coin 70 has been received from the desktop computer 151 of a game table other than the game table designated as the movement destination. In addition, in this case, the game coin management computer 100 can update the status of the game coin 70 in the game coin management database 101 to "destination error", "unplayable", etc.

[0103] (Detection of improper movement)

[0104] In this function, the game coin management computer 100 refers to the game coin management database 101 and issues an alarm when there is an improper movement of the game coin 70. The movement of the game coin 70 is limited to Figure 5 the modes shown, and any movement mode other than this is an improper movement. Thus, the game coin management computer 100 determines whether the movement related to the update is proper each time the game coin management database 101 is updated.

[0105] For example, in the case where the counter 10 has Figure 1 the structure shown, when the game coins 70 are not directly moved from the vault 11 to the cashier's office 14, and, for example, the game coins 70 that are not moved from the cashier's office 14 to the player and are not retrieved on the game table, but their movement history is found, the game coin management computer 100 determines it as inappropriate. In addition, when the game coins 70 that should be held by a certain player are exchanged by another player at the cash register, suspicious behavior is suspected. In such a case, the game coin management computer 100 detects inappropriate movement and issues an alarm.

[0106] (Total amount of players' game coins in real time)

[0107] In this function, the game coin management computer 100 refers to the game coin management database 101, extracts only the game coins 70 held by any player from the latest information of the movement history, calculates the total amount of these game coins, and thus calculates how much the total amount of game coins 70 is held by all players at that moment, that is, it has the function of calculating the debt balance of the casino at that moment.

[0108] In addition, the total amount of players' game coins can be calculated as the amount obtained by subtracting the total amount of all the game coins 70 on the counter 10 and the total amount of all the game coins 70 on the game table from the total amount of all the game coins managed by the game coin management database 101.

[0109] (Central management of replenishment / deposit)

[0110] In this function, the game coin management computer 100 refers to the game coin management database 101, extracts the game coins 70 on each game table, and detects the number of coins of each denomination. And when there are insufficient numbers of game coins 70 of a certain denomination, a notice can be sent to the F / C bank computer 131 in the F / C bank room 13 and the table computer 151 of that game table to replenish the game coins 70 of that denomination (replenishment). In this notice, the number of game coins 70 to be replenished for each denomination or the total amount of game coins 70 to be replenished for each denomination is specified.

[0111] In addition, the game coin management computer 100 refers to the game coin management database 101 to pick up the game coins 70 on each game table and detect the total number of game coins 70 on that game table. And when the total number is equal to or more than a specified number close to the upper limit that the game table can accommodate, a notice can be sent to the F / C bank computer 131 in the F / C bank room 13 and the table computer 151 of that game table to recycle (deposit) the game coins 70 from that table. In this notice, the number of game coins 70 to be replenished for each denomination or the total amount of game coins 70 to be replenished for each denomination is specified.

[0112] In addition, a notice can also be sent for the movement of the game coins 70 within the counter 10. For example, when the number of game coins 70 decreases at a certain window in the cashier's office 14, a notice can be sent to the cashier computer 141 and the main bank computer 121 to urge the replenishment of game coins 70 to the cashier's office 14.

[0113] It should be noted that in the above, a notice urging movement is sent to either the movement destination or the movement source. However, as an alternative, a notice can also be sent only to any one of the movement destination and the movement source. At the position receiving the notice urging movement, the staff indicates via the input device whether the computer at that position accepts the movement suggestion. When the computer at that position accepts the suggestion at one of the movement destination and the movement source, a movement command can be notified to the other position.

[0114] (Movement Management of Multiple Game Coins)

[0115] In the above, a method of movement management by updating the movement history records of each game coin 70 in the game coin management database 101 has been described. However, when multiple game coins 70 move between positions, it is possible to manage whether these multiple game coins 70 have moved without any shortage or surplus.

[0116] Hereinafter, taking the case (replenishment) where a plurality of game coins 70 are moved from the F / C bank room 13 to the game table as an example, an explanation will be given. When the game coins 70 are moved from the F / C bank room 13 to a specified game table, the F / C bank staff member 33 uses the F / C bank game coin reader 133 in the F / C bank room 13 to read the game coin ID of the game coins 70 to be moved. The F / C bank computer 131 reports the read game coin ID to the game coin management computer 100. While storing the game coin IDs (source game coin IDs) of the replenished plurality of game coins 70, the game coin management computer 100 refers to the game coin management database 101 based on the report to obtain the face value amounts of these game coin IDs, so as to grasp the total amount of the replenished game coins 70 (source total amount). Thus, based on the information from the F / C bank computer 131, the game coin management computer 100 grasps the source game coin IDs, the total number of the replenished game coins 70 (source total number) and the source total amount.

[0117] If the game coins 70 are transported to the game table, the dealer uses the tabletop game coin reader of the game table to read the game coin IDs of the transported game coins 70, and the table computer 151 reports the read plurality of game coin IDs to the game coin management computer 100. While storing these plurality of game coin IDs (destination game coin IDs), the game coin management computer 100 refers to the game coin management database 101 based on the report to obtain the face value amounts of these game coin IDs, so as to grasp the total amount of the replenished game coins 70 (destination total amount). Thus, based on the information from the table computer 151, the game coin management computer 100 grasps the destination game coin IDs, the total number of the replenished game coins 70 (destination total number) and the destination total amount.

[0118] The game coin management computer 100 compares the source game coin IDs with the destination game coin IDs and determines whether they are exactly the same. In addition, the game coin management computer 100 compares the source total amount with the destination total amount and determines whether they are the same. Further, the game coin management computer 100 compares the source total number with the destination total number and determines whether they are the same. If there is any inconsistency in the above comparisons, the game coin management computer 100 determines that the movement has not been correctly performed and issues an alarm.

[0119] The situation (deposit) where multiple game coins 70 are moved from the game table to the F / C bank room 13 is as follows. When the game coins 70 are moved from the game table to the F / C bank room 13, the dealer uses the table game coin reader 153 on the game table to read the game coin ID of the game coins 70 to be moved. The table computer 151 reports the read game coin ID to the game coin management computer 100. The game coin management computer 100 stores the game coin IDs (source game coin IDs) of the multiple deposited game coins 70, and based on the report, refers to the game coin management database 101 to obtain the face value amounts of these game coin IDs, so as to grasp the total amount (source total amount) of the deposited game coins 70. Thus, the game coin management computer 100 grasps the source game coin ID, the total number of the deposited game coins 70 (source total number) and the source total amount based on the information from the table computer 151.

[0120] If the game coins 70 are transported to the F / C bank room 13, the F / C bank staff member 33 uses the F / C bank game coin reader 133 to read the game coin ID of the transported game coins 70, and the F / C bank computer 131 reports the read multiple game coin IDs to the game coin management computer 100. The game coin management computer 100 stores these multiple game coin IDs (destination game coin IDs), and based on the report, refers to the game coin management database 101 to obtain the face value amounts of these game coin IDs, so as to grasp the total amount (destination total amount) of the deposited game coins 70. Thus, the game coin management computer 100 grasps the destination game coin ID, the total number of the deposited game coins 70 (destination total number) and the destination total amount based on the information from the F / C bank computer 131.

[0121] The game coin management computer 100 compares the source game coin ID with the destination game coin ID and judges whether they are exactly the same. In addition, the game coin management computer 100 compares the source total amount with the destination total amount and judges whether they are the same. Further, the game coin management computer 100 compares the source total number with the destination total number and judges whether they are the same. In the case where there is any inconsistency in the above comparisons, the game coin management computer 100 judges that the movement has not been correctly performed and issues an alarm.

[0122] It should be noted that in the above, although the game coin ID, the total amount and the total number are all compared, it is also possible to compare only any one of these to judge whether the movement has been correctly performed. In addition, the total amount and the total number can be calculated according to each face value amount of the game coins 70 and compared. For example, the source total amount and the destination total amount can be calculated as, for example, "a total of 600 points for 10-point game coins and a total of 400 points for 100-point game coins".

[0123] In addition, when the game coin management computer 100 issues a notice urging movement to the movement destination or the movement source, it is possible to judge whether the movement has been correctly performed by performing at least any one of the comparison between this notice and the total amount of the movement source, the comparison between this notice and the total amount of the movement destination, the comparison between this notice and the total number of coins of the movement source, and the comparison between this notice and the total number of coins of the movement destination.

[0124] (According to the replenishment management of the increase in the game table)

[0125] When replenishing (replenishing) the game table with 70 game coins carried from the F / C bank room 13, the F / C bank game coin reader 133 reads the game coin IDs of the 70 game coins carried to the game table and reports these game coin IDs from the F / C bank computer 131 to the game coin management computer 100. The game coin management computer 100 calculates the total amount (replenishment total amount) of the reported 70 game coins by referring to the game coin management database 101.

[0126] The game coin management computer 100 extracts the 70 game coins on the game table and calculates their total amount (existing total amount) on the premise of this replenishment by referring to the game coin management database 101. Then, the game coin management computer 100 adds the calculated existing total amount to the replenishment total amount to calculate the theoretically total amount (theoretically replenished total amount) of the 70 game coins on the game table after replenishment.

[0127] On the game table, when 70 game coins are carried from the F / C bank room 13, the tabletop game coin reader 153 of the game table reads the game coin IDs of the carried 70 game coins and reports them to the game coin management computer 100 through the tabletop computer 151. For the reported game coin IDs, the game coin management computer 100 refers to the game coin management database 101 and obtains the face value amounts to calculate the actual total amount (actual replenished total amount) of the 70 game coins in the game coin tray.

[0128] It should be noted that the game table is provided with a cabinet or the game coin tray has two layers, that is, when the game table has a place for storing game coins other than the game coin tray, the tabletop computer 151 calculates the total amount of the 70 game coins on the entire game table including the game coin tray and such a storage place (however, excluding the game coins of the players placed in the placement area) as the actual replenished total amount.

[0129] The game coin management computer 100 compares the theoretically replenished total amount with the actual replenished total amount, and issues an alarm when the two are inconsistent. According to this structure, it is possible to confirm whether the 70 game coins on the game table have been correctly increased in amount due to replenishment.

[0130] In addition, in the F / C bank room 13, the game coin IDs of all the game coins 70 leaving the F / C bank room 13 are mastered. Even on the game table, the game coin IDs of all the game coins 70 removed from the F / C bank room 13 can be detected. Therefore, when the total amount after theoretical replenishment is inconsistent with the total amount after actual replenishment, the game coin IDs of the game coins 70 causing the inconsistency can be mastered. The game coin management computer 100 changes the status of the game coins 70 causing the inconsistency to a status such as "invalid" or "not playable".

[0131] It should be noted that in the above, although the total amount after theoretical replenishment is compared with the total amount after actual replenishment, it is also possible to use the number of pieces (total number of pieces) on the basis of the amount (total amount) of the game coins 70, or use the number of pieces (total number of pieces) instead of the amount (total amount) of the game coins 70 to compare the theoretically total number of pieces (total number of pieces after theoretical replenishment) of the game coins 70 after replenishment on the game table and the actual total number of pieces (total number of pieces after actual replenishment) of the game coins 70 after replenishment on the game table, so as to judge whether the replenishment is completed without surplus or deficiency.

[0132] (Deposit management based on the reduction amount on the game table)

[0133] When the excess game coins 70 on the game table are transported from the game table to the transport F / C bank room 13 (deposit), the table game coin reader 153 reads the game coin IDs of the game coins 70 transported to the F / C bank room 13, and these game coin IDs are reported from the table computer 151 to the game coin management computer 100. The game coin management computer 100 refers to the game coin management database 101 to calculate the total amount (total deposit amount) of the reported game coins 70.

[0134] The game coin management computer 100 refers to the game coin management database 101, withdraws the game coins 70 on the game table under this deposit, and calculates their total amount (existing total amount). And the game coin management computer 100 subtracts the total deposit amount from the calculated existing total amount to calculate the theoretically total amount (theoretically total amount after deposit) of the game coins 70 on the game table after deposit.

[0135] On the game table, if the game coins 70 are transported to the F / C bank room 13, the game coin tray game coin reader 154 of the game table reads the game coin IDs of the game coins 70 stored on the game table and reports them to the game coin management computer 100 through the table computer 151. For the reported game coin IDs, the game coin management computer 100 refers to the game coin management database 101 to obtain the face value amount and calculates the actual total amount (actual total amount after deposit) of the game coins 70 in the game coin tray.

[0136] Note that the game table is provided with a cabinet or a game coin tray in two layers. That is, when there is a place for storing game coins other than the game coin tray on the game table, the desktop computer 151 calculates the total amount of game coins 70 on the entire game table including the game coin tray and such a storage place (however, excluding the game coins of the player placed in the placement area) as the total amount after actual deposit.

[0137] The game coin management computer 100 compares the total amount after theoretical deposit and the total amount after actual deposit, and issues an alarm when the two are inconsistent. With this structure, it is possible to confirm whether the amount of game coins 70 on the game table has been correctly reduced due to deposit.

[0138] In addition, on the game table, the game coin IDs of all game coins 70 carried from the game table to the F / C bank room 13 are grasped, and even in the F / C bank room 13, the game coin IDs of all game coins 70 removed from the game table can be detected. Therefore, when the total amount after theoretical deposit and the total amount after actual deposit are inconsistent, it is possible to grasp the game coin ID of the game coin 70 that causes the inconsistency. The game coin management computer 100 changes the status of the game coin 70 that causes the inconsistency to a status such as "invalid" or "not playable".

[0139] Note that in the above, the total amount after theoretical deposit and the total amount after actual deposit are compared, but it is also possible to use the number of pieces (total number of pieces) on the basis of the amount (total amount) of the game coins 70, or use the amount (total amount) of the game coins 70 instead of the number of pieces (total number of pieces), and compare the theoretically total number of game coins 70 after deposit on the game table (total number of pieces after theoretical deposit) and the actual total number of game coins 70 after deposit on the game table (total number of pieces after actual deposit) to determine whether the deposit has been completed without any shortage.

[0140] In addition, in the above, the game coins 70 carried from the F / C bank room 13 are read by the desktop game coin reader 153 to grasp the total deposit amount, and the total deposit amount is subtracted from the existing total amount (the total amount of game coins 70 on the game table before the deposit is executed) to calculate the total amount after theoretical deposit. However, it can also be replaced as follows. That is, the game coin management computer 100 issues a notice to the game table urging deposit. When the game table responds to this notice and makes a deposit, the total amount or the total number of pieces of the deposited game coins 70 specified in this notice (both can be specified according to the amount of each denomination) is used as the total deposit amount, and this total deposit amount is subtracted from the existing total amount to calculate the total amount after theoretical deposit. After calculating the total theoretical deposit amount, the game coin management computer 100 compares this total amount after theoretical deposit with the total amount after actual deposit (the actual total amount of game coins 70 after deposit on the game table) in the same way as above to confirm whether the specified amount or number of pieces of game coins 70 has left the game table for deposit.

[0141] (In response to the inspection of the staff's work schedule)

[0142] To prevent unauthorized entry of personnel, counter 10 should be locked, and when the staff meets the security conditions, they can enter or exit the room. In addition, the same security measures for entering or exiting the room should be implemented between the rooms inside counter 10. The staff working inside counter 10 are required to undergo authentication when entering and leaving the rooms inside counter 10 and their workstations. When performing the authentication for the staff to leave the room, the game coin management computer 100 checks whether there has been no improper movement of game coins 70 since the staff entered the room. The game coin management computer 100 collaborates with the locking system and does not allow the staff to leave the room if there has been an improper movement of game coins 70.

[0143] In addition, the same applies to the gaming table. When the dealer leaves the gaming table, after specifying the end of work, the dealer makes the tabletop card reader 152 read their ID card. At this time, the game coin management computer 100 checks whether there has been no improper movement of game coins 70 since the dealer arrived at the gaming table, and issues an alarm if there has been an improper movement. In addition, when the dealer changes shifts, the game coin management computer 100 checks whether the game coins 70 that should have been present on the gaming table during the period from when the dealer left the table until the next dealer arrived at the table actually exist, that is, checks whether the dealer who left the table did not take away the game coins 70 from the gaming table, and issues an alarm if there is a problem.

[0144] It should be noted that on the gaming table, the game coins 70 can also be stored in places other than the game coin tray. For example, the game coin tray is configured to have two layers, and the supplementary game coins 70 can be stored in the lower-layer game coin tray, and the supplementary game coins 70 can also be stored in the cabinet equipped on the gaming table. In these cases, the gaming table also has an antenna for reading the RFID tag 71 of the game coins 70 stored as described above, and preferably, the tabletop computer 151 can constantly read the RFID tags 71 of all the game coins 70 on the gaming table.

[0145] (Surveillance of improper purchases / exchanges by players)

[0146] In this function, for each player, the game currency management computer 100 checks the history of the purchase and exchange of game currency. In the case of a suspicious transfer, an alarm is issued. For example, if within a specified time period, there is a purchase of more than a specified amount of game currency 70 and an exchange of more than a specified amount of game currency 70, such an act is regarded as a suspicious act and an alarm is issued. In addition, after the game currency 70 is purchased, if it is not used on the game table but is to be exchanged and the amount is more than the specified amount, such an act is also regarded as a suspicious act and an alarm is issued. Or, for a player who has purchased more than a specified amount of game currency 70 within a specified time period, such an act is regarded as a suspicious act and an alarm is issued.

[0147] (Activation / Deactivation of the Counter)

[0148] The game currency 70 can be activated within the counter 10. Thus, in the case where the game currency 70 is stolen during the period from when it is manufactured until it is transported into the counter 10, such game currency 70 cannot be used because it has not been activated, and security can be ensured. For this purpose, the game currency management database 101 has a table storing the game currency IDs of valid game currency 70. Whenever the game currency reader of the cash register or the game table reads the game currency ID of the game currency 70, the game currency management computer 100 refers to the table to check whether the game currency ID is valid.

[0149] In addition, even when discarding the game currency 70, it can be deactivated within the counter 10 and then taken out of the counter 10. Thus, even if the game currency 70 taken out of the counter 10 for discarding is stolen, such game currency 70 cannot be used in the cash register or the game table, so security can be ensured.

[0150] (Unregistered Players)

[0151] Even unregistered players can purchase game currency 70 and play games on the game table with the game currency 70. For unregistered players, a common anonymous player ID is used. Thus, during the period when the game currency 70 circulates among various locations from when it leaves the counter 10 until it returns to the counter 10, even if it moves to an unregistered player, the tracking of the game currency 70 can be carried out without interruption.

[0152] (Others)

[0153] A display device for displaying the total amount of game coins 70 and the confirmation result of validity can be provided at the cashier's window. The cashier staff places the game coins 70 handed to the player or received from the player on the cashier game coin reader 143. The cashier game coin reader 143 reads the face value amount and status stored in the RFID tag 71 of the game coins 70 (usually multiple). The cashier computer 141 displays the total value obtained by totaling the face value amounts read by the cashier game coin reader 143 on the display device. It should be noted that in addition to the total amount, the number of game coins 70 of each face value can also be displayed.

[0154] In addition, when there is a game coin 70 with an invalid status among the read RFID tags 71, the cashier computer 141 displays an error message on the display device. When the status of all game coins 70 is valid, a qualified message is displayed on the display device or nothing is displayed. In addition, not only the status can be displayed, but also whether there has been no inappropriate movement history so far can be displayed. Thus, the receipt and payment of game coins 70 can be carried out on the basis that the game coins handed to the player or received from the player are valid and the total amount is agreed upon between the cashier staff and the player.

[0155] In the above embodiment, when the RFID tag 7 of the game coin 70 is read by the game coin readers at each position, the game coin management computer 100 can confirm the validity of the game coin ID by checking whether the read game coin ID is the ID of a valid game coin, and issue an alarm when there is a problem. For this purpose, the game coin management database 101 pre-records a table of valid game coin IDs, and the game coin management computer 100 refers to this table to check whether the game coin IDs read at each position are valid. It should be noted that the game coin ID can be encrypted.

[0156] In the above embodiment, on the basis of issuing an alarm, or as an alternative, the game coin management computer 100 can mark an indication representing an abnormality in the record of the corresponding player, game coin 70, or movement history and record the time.

[0157] In addition, the structure of the room of the counter 10 is not limited to the structure described above, and the number of rooms and the configuration of the rooms can be arbitrary. In addition, the game table can be a table for playing card games, or on the basis of the game table, it can include positions for playing other games such as roulette games.

[0158] Each of the above computers includes a processor and a memory, and the processor performs the above actions by executing a computer program stored in the memory. The program can be provided to the computer via a non-temporary storage medium or can be provided to the computer in a downloadable form. In addition, the communication between computers can be wired or wireless. Further, in the above embodiment, an ID card is read by each card reader to identify a staff member or a player at each location, but biometric measurements such as fingerprints, facial images, irises, and voiceprints can be used to identify the staff member or the player instead of the ID card.

[0159] It should be noted that, in the above embodiment, as an example of the location, each room and gaming table within the counter 10 are taken as examples to illustrate the management of the movement of the game coins 70 between the locations. However, the examples of the location are not limited to this. For example, the locations in the above embodiment can include: a game coin tray on the gaming table where the dealer places the collected game coins and pays back the game coins from it, a cabinet for storing game coins on the table, and the upper and lower game coin trays when the game coin tray is configured in two layers. And the movement of the game coins 70 between each location can be managed in the same way as above.

[0160] For example, it is possible to obtain the game coin ID, total amount, and / or total number of game coins 70 taken out from a cabinet of a certain gaming table. When the game coin ID, total amount, and / or total number do not move within a specified time in the game coin tray of the same gaming table, an alarm is issued. In addition, for example, in a two-layer game coin tray, it is possible to confirm that the game coins 70 taken out from the lower game coin tray move to the upper game coin tray or the game coins 70 taken out from the upper game coin tray move to the lower game coin tray.

[0161] In addition, when replenishing, the dealer antenna 513, the placement area antenna 515, or the tray antenna 514 is used to read the game coins 70 transported from the F / C bank room 13 to the gaming table. The game coin tray is equipped with buttons capable of identifying the start and end of the replenishment operation, compares the game coins 70 in the game coin tray before replenishment with the game coins 70 in the game coin tray after replenishment, and identifies the game coins 70 increased due to replenishment as the replenished game coins 70.

[0162] When depositing, the dealer antenna 513, the placement area antenna 515, or the game coin tray antenna 514 is used to read the game coins 70 transported to the F / C bank room 13. The game coin tray is equipped with buttons capable of identifying the start and end of the deposit operation, compares the game coins 70 in the game coin tray before deposit with the game coins 70 after deposit, and identifies the game coins 70 decreased due to deposit as the deposited game coins 70.

[0163] The game coin management computer 100 can output the inventory (game coin ID) of game coins at each location (such as the counter, game coin tray, etc.). The game coin management computer 100 can also specify a past time and output the inventory at that time.

[0164] In addition, an alarm can be issued when attempting to exchange a suspicious game coin (a game coin marked with an indication) at the cash register.

[0165] In addition, the game coin management database 101 can store the exchange history records of each player. In addition, the game coin management computer 100 can output the game coin ID that a player should hold.

[0166] The RFID tag 71 can be written with information such as a group of game coins, casino information, location information, exchange possibility, etc. Alternatively, this information can be stored in the game coin management database 101 in association with the game coin ID. When the RFID tag 71 is read at a certain location, the game coin management computer 100 or the computer at each location can check whether the game coin 70 is the one that should be present at that location based on this information.

[0167] In addition, a group of available game coins 70 (game coin group) and the types of game coins can be set for each area. For example, when the RFID tag 71 is read at a certain game table, the table computer 151 or the game coin management computer 100 checks whether it is the game coin group that should be used on that game table.

[0168] For game coins 70 that have passed a fixed number of years since the start of use, an indication can be marked in association with the game coin ID. Game coins 70 that have passed a fixed number of years since the start of use can be located and recycled. When a player holds a game coin 70 that has passed a fixed number of years since the start of use, a signal is output when the game coin ID is detected at the cash register or the game table.

[0169] When a player who may be holding stolen game coins 70 arrives at the table, the table computer 151 or the game coin management computer can issue a warning to the staff (monitoring personnel). The cashier computer 141 or the game coin management computer 100 detects game coins that have been exchanged without participating in the game after purchase to prevent suspicious behavior.

[0170] At the cash register, when exchanging an amount above the threshold or purchasing game coins, the player's photo is associated with the game coin ID. In addition, a unique ID is also attached to anonymous players (players without a membership card) to track the game coins. Furthermore, for anonymous players, when purchasing game coins, their faces are photographed, the player ID is associated with the face image and pre-registered in the game coin management database 101. After that, at each location (table, cash register, etc.), the player ID can be determined through face recognition. The game coin management computer 100 can set the status of all game coins associated with blacklisted players to invalid.

[0171] When a player without a membership card places game coins 70 on the game table, the game coin management computer 100 associates the unique ID issued on the spot and / or the player ID associated with the game coins 70, and records the game in the game coin management database 101. At this time, the ID based on the face image or face recognition can be associated with the game record. In addition, when the membership card is recognized later, the game record can be associated with the membership card ID and recorded through retroactive tracing.

[0172] Symbol Explanation:

[0173] 1 Casino Hall

[0174] 10 Counter

[0175] 11 Vault

[0176] 12 Main Bank Room

[0177] 13 F / C Bank Room

[0178] 14 Cashier's Office

[0179] 21 - 28 Entrances / Exits

[0180] 31 - 36 Personnel

[0181] 42 - 45 Game Tables

[0182] 52 - 55 Dealers

[0183] 61 - 69 Players

[0184] 70 Game Coins

[0185] 71 RFID Tag

[0186] 1000 Game Coin Management System

[0187] 501 Counter System

[0188] 502 Tabletop System

[0189] 100 Game Coin Management Computer

[0190] 101 Game Coin Management Database

[0191] 111 Vault Computer

[0192] 112 Vault Card Reader

[0193] 113 Vault Game Coin Reader

[0194] 121 Main Bank Computer

[0195] 122 Main Bank Card Reader

[0196] 123 Main Bank Game Coin Reader

[0197] 131 F / C Bank Computer

[0198] 132 F / C Bank Card Reader

[0199] 133 F / C Bank Game Coin Reader

[0200] 141 Teller Computer

[0201] 142 Teller Card Reader

[0202] 143 Teller Game Coin Reader

[0203] 151 Desktop Computer

[0204] 152 Desktop Card Reader

[0205] 153 Desktop Game Coin Reader

[0206] 154 Game Coin Tray Reader

[0207] 155 Placing Area Game Coin Reader.

Claims

1. A management system for managing the deposit of game coins in a casino, wherein, in the game pool of the casino, as the moving source of the deposit, a plurality of storage locations for storing the game coins that increase or decrease due to game settlement are provided. Each of the plurality of storage locations is assigned a storage location ID. Outside the game pool of the casino, a counter is provided as the moving destination of the deposit. The game coins are assigned game coin IDs. The management system includes: A storage device that stores the number of game coins increased or decreased in each of the plurality of storage locations. A game coin management device that refers to the storage device, uses the storage location where the number of game coins is equal to or more than a specified number as the moving source, and outputs a notice urging the deposit to that storage location. A moving source reading mechanism that is provided in each of the plurality of storage locations and reads the game coin ID of the game coins moving from that storage location to the moving destination in response to the obtained notice. And A moving source management device that is provided in each of the plurality of storage locations and outputs the game coin ID of the game coins read by the moving source reading mechanism and the storage location ID where the game coin ID is read to the game coin management device.

2. The management system according to claim 1, wherein, the storage device stores the movement history of each game coin ID. The game coin management device updates the movement history of the game coin ID in response to receiving the game coin ID and the storage location ID from the moving source management device.

3. The management system according to claim 1, wherein, the management system further includes: A moving destination reading mechanism that is provided at the moving destination and reads the game coin ID of the game coins moving from the storage location; and A moving destination management device that is provided at the moving destination and outputs the game coin ID read by the moving destination reading mechanism to the game coin management device. The storage device stores the movement history of each game coin ID. The game coin management device updates the movement history of the game coin ID in response to receiving the game coin ID from the moving destination management device.

4. The management system according to claim 1, wherein, the management system further includes: A moving destination reading mechanism that is provided at the moving destination and reads the game coin ID of the game coins moving from the storage location; and A moving destination management device that is provided at the moving destination and outputs the game coin ID read by the moving destination reading mechanism to the game coin management device. The game coin management device determines whether the game coin ID obtained from the moving destination management device is consistent with the game coin ID obtained from the moving source management device.

5. The management system according to claim 1, wherein, the notice urging the deposit includes information on the number of game coins for which the deposit should be made.

6. The management system according to claim 1, wherein, the storage device stores the number of the game coins according to each denomination, the game coin management device outputs a notice urging the deposit according to each denomination.

7. The management system according to claim 6, wherein, the notice urging the deposit includes information on the number of each denomination of the game coins for which the deposit should be made.

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