Casino system, game article, and game article providing method

Abstract

The present application aims at strengthening the safety management of game supplies. The present application provides an entertainment system for an entertainment system (30) in an entertainment (300) using game coins (72) to which RFID tags (721) storing identification information are attached, which comprises: an activation reader (322) provided in the entertainment (300) to read the identification information from the RFID tags (721) of the game coins (72); and a registration device (325) to determine the authenticity of the game coins (72) and register the game coins (72) determined to be authentic as usable supplies. The registration device (325) determines the authenticity according to whether the identification information attached by the manufacturer of the game coins (72) and the identification information read by the activation reader (322) from the RFID tags (721) of the game coins (72) are consistent, and registers the identification information of the game coins (72) determined to be authentic as the identification information of the usable game coins (72).

Description

[0001] Divisional application This application is a divisional application of patent application filed on July 27, 2021, with application number 202180047359.2, entitled "Casino System, Gaming Supplies and Method for Providing Gaming Supplies".

[0002] Cross-referencing of related applications This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-128075, filed on July 29, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to an entertainment system for use in amusement parks that use gaming equipment, gaming equipment that can be used in amusement parks, and a method for providing gaming equipment that manufactures gaming equipment. Background Technology

[0004] Gaming equipment used in casinos requires high security and should be strictly managed (e.g., International Application Publication No. WO2008 / 120749). For example, gaming equipment may be manufactured in a factory, but there is a risk of theft by malicious individuals during its transport from the factory to the casino and its use in the gaming pool. Furthermore, there is a risk that players may use counterfeit gaming equipment in the casino's gaming pools to unfairly win games. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to strengthen the safety management of gaming supplies.

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention discloses an entertainment system in an entertainment venue that uses gaming equipment attached with RFID tags storing identification information. The entertainment system comprises: a first reading device disposed in the entertainment venue to read the identification information from the RFID tags of the gaming equipment; and a registration device that determines the authenticity of the gaming equipment and registers genuine gaming equipment as usable equipment. The registration device determines authenticity based on whether the identification information provided by the manufacturer of the gaming equipment matches the identification information read by the first reading device from the RFID tags of the gaming equipment.

[0007] According to this structure, gaming equipment is registered as usable items at the casino's back office. If stolen and unregistered gaming equipment is used in the casino's gaming pools during transport, the illegitimate equipment can be detected. Furthermore, within the casino, registration is based on comparing the identification information provided by the manufacturer of the gaming equipment with the identification information stored in the RFID tags on the equipment. Therefore, registration can be made only after confirming that the gaming equipment was indeed manufactured by the same factory.

[0008] The aforementioned casino system may also include a comparison device, which is located at the game item processing position within the casino and compares the identification information read from the game item with the identification information of the game item registered in the registration device.

[0009] In the aforementioned casino system, the registration device can invalidate the registration of identification information that is used as identification information for playable game items under specified conditions.

[0010] In the aforementioned casino system, the registration device can invalidate the registration of game items whose identification information cannot be read.

[0011] In the aforementioned casino system, the gaming equipment can carry information for identifying the gaming equipment in a manner other than the RFID tag. For gaming equipment for which the identification information cannot be read, the registration device can use the information for identifying the gaming equipment to determine the identification information that should invalidate the registration and thus invalidate the registration.

[0012] In the aforementioned casino system, the identification information may include tag identification information provided by the manufacturer of the RFID tag and product identification information provided by the manufacturer of the gaming products.

[0013] In the aforementioned casino system, the comparison device typically compares the identification information of the game item read from the game item at the game item processing location within the casino with the identification information of the game item read in the past. At a specified time and / or under specified conditions, it can compare the tag identification information read from the game item at the game item processing location with the tag identification information of the game item registered with the registration device.

[0014] In the aforementioned casino system, the identification information provided by the manufacturer of the gaming equipment can be encrypted, and the registration device can have the function of decrypting the encrypted identification information.

[0015] In the aforementioned casino system, the registration device can attach and store the conditional branch indicating availability to the identification information of the available gaming items.

[0016] In the aforementioned casino system, the first reading device can simultaneously read the identification information from the RFID tags of multiple gaming items, and the registration device can simultaneously determine the authenticity of multiple gaming items.

[0017] In the aforementioned casino system, multiple gaming items can be stored in a box, and the box can be equipped with box identification information. The registration device can determine the authenticity of each box. The casino system can also have a second reading device to read the box identification information. The registration device can also determine whether the box identification information provided by the manufacturer of the gaming items is consistent with the box identification information read by the second reading device.

[0018] In the aforementioned casino system, multiple game items can be housed in a box that can hold a specified number of game items. The registration device can determine the authenticity of each box. The registration device compares the number of game items obtained based on the number of identification information read from the first reading device with the specified number that the game coin container can hold.

[0019] In the aforementioned casino system, the multiple gaming items can be housed in a box, which may be equipped with box identification information. The registration device can determine the authenticity of each box. The casino system may also include a second reading device that reads the box identification information. The registration device can determine the identification information of the multiple gaming items housed in the box based on the box identification information read by the second reading device. The authenticity is determined by whether the determined identification information matches the identification information read by the first reading device from the RFID tag of the gaming item.

[0020] In the aforementioned casino system, the RFID tag may store manufacturing information indicating the manufacturing status of the gaming equipment, type information indicating the type of the gaming equipment, and / or information about the casino using the gaming equipment. The identification information, together with the corresponding manufacturing information, type information, and / or casino information, may be provided to the registration device by the manufacturer of the gaming equipment.

[0021] In the aforementioned casino system, the manufacturer of the game equipment can provide the identification information and the category information to the registration device, and the operator of the registration device can specify the category of the game equipment to be determined. The registration device can determine whether the category information provided by the manufacturer of the game equipment corresponding to the identification information read by the first reading device is consistent with the category information specified by the operator.

[0022] In the aforementioned casino system, the RFID tag can store type information indicating the type of game item. The type of game item can be specified and determined by the operator of the registration device. The registration device can determine whether the type information read by the first reading device is consistent with the type information specified by the operator.

[0023] The aforementioned casino system also includes an identification device that captures images of the gaming items and determines the type information of the gaming items based on the captured images. The manufacturer of the gaming items provides the identification information and the type information together to the registration device. Furthermore, the type information determined by the identification device can also be provided to the registration device. The registration device can determine whether the type information provided by the manufacturer of the gaming items corresponding to the identification information read by the first reading device is consistent with the type information determined by the identification device.

[0024] The aforementioned casino system may also include an identification device that photographs the gaming items and determines the type information of the gaming items based on the photographed images. The RFID tag may store type information indicating the type of the gaming item. The registration device may determine whether the type information read by the first reading device is consistent with the type information determined by the identification device.

[0025] In the aforementioned casino system, the category information may be information representing the value of the gaming items.

[0026] In the aforementioned casino system, the gaming equipment may also carry the identification information in a manner other than the RFID tag.

[0027] In the aforementioned casino system, date information may be attached to the identification information provided by the manufacturer of the entertainment products. The registration device can determine whether the difference between the date information provided by the manufacturer of the entertainment products and the current date exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0028] In the aforementioned casino system, the gaming items can be placed by players in the casino during gameplay and can be redeemed.

[0029] The gaming equipment according to one embodiment of the present invention is used in the above-mentioned casino system and is equipped with an RFID tag storing identification information.

[0030] An embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for providing gaming supplies, which provides gaming supplies usable in casinos. The method involves preparing RFID tags with identification information at a manufacturing plant, manufacturing gaming supplies including the RFID tags at the manufacturing plant, storing supply identification information in the RFID tags, transferring the gaming supplies from the manufacturing plant to the casino via a route different from the usual transport route, transferring a combination of the tag identification information and the supply identification information from the manufacturing plant to the casino, and at the casino, reading the tag identification information and the supply identification information from the RFID tags of the gaming supplies, determining whether the combination of the tag identification information and the supply identification information transferred from the manufacturing plant is consistent with the combination of the tag identification information and the supply identification information read from the casino, and registering the gaming supplies that are consistent as usable gaming supplies. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the process of providing and using game supplies according to embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 A perspective view showing game coins, which are game supplies used as embodiments of the present invention; Figure 3 A diagram illustrating the information stored in the RFID tag of a game coin according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the overall structure of an entertainment system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 A diagram illustrating the data structure of the database recording information about each game coin in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating the operation of the game table system in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 A perspective view of game coins (without decals) as game supplies, which is an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the procedure room system according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the procedure room system according to a modified example two of the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the overall structure of the management system for a desktop game, as shown in Modified Example 4 of the present invention. Figure 11 A diagram illustrating the database of a variant four of the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 12 An explanatory diagram illustrating the RFID tag of the game coin in the second example of the fourth variation of the embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a method for recording game coin data in the second example of a variation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the overall outline of the game coin management system in the second example of the fourth variation of the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 15 The figure shows the reading device and writing device for game coins in the second example of the fourth variation of the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 16A This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of the game coin data in the second example of a variation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 16B An explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of game coin data in another example of a variation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 17 A diagram of a database illustrating other examples of variations of the fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating the overall outline of a tabletop game management system in an amusement park with multiple game tables, according to a fourth variation of the present invention. Figure 19 A diagram illustrating the camera and the reading result of RFID-based game coins in a modified example four of the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 20 A diagram illustrating a game table according to a modified example four of the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 21 A diagram illustrating the state of game coins placed on a game table according to a modified example four of the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 22 A diagram illustrating the state of game coins placed on a game table according to a modified example four of the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 23A A diagram illustrating the details of the game coin tray in a modified example four of the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 23B Figures illustrating other examples of a game coin tray, a variation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 24 A diagram illustrating a game table according to a modified example four of the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 25 A diagram illustrating the camera and the reading result of RFID-based game coins in a modified example four of the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 26 A diagram of a game table illustrating another example of a variation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 27 A diagram of a game table illustrating another example of a variation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 28 A diagram of a game table illustrating another example of a variation of the fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 29 A perspective view of a game coin, representing a variation of the present invention, in embodiment four; Figure 30 A cross-sectional view of a game coin, illustrating a variation of the present invention, in embodiment four; Figure 31 A cross-sectional view of a game coin, representing a variation of the present invention, in embodiment four. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Hereinafter, the casino system and method of providing gaming equipment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited by the following embodiments, and the constituent elements in the following embodiments include elements that are readily conceived by those skilled in the art or are substantially the same.

[0033] The following explanation uses game items as an example of game currency, but game items can also be items other than game currency. For example, it can be a shuffled card pack containing multiple shuffled game cards. Furthermore, game items do not have to be items that circulate within the casino like game currency, nor do they have to be items that are consumed in large quantities and discarded in the casino like a shuffled card pack.

[0034] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the process of providing and using game supplies according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing game coins, which are game supplies used as embodiments of the present invention. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the side of the game coin 72 displays a pattern indicating its value, and a decal 723 is affixed to the center of its surface and back, the decal 723 indicating the price of the game coin 72. Furthermore, the game coin 72 has a built-in RFID tag 721.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the game coin manufacturing plant 200, acting as the manufacturer of game coins, purchases RFID tags 721 from the RFID tag manufacturing plant 100, uses these RFID tags to manufacture game coins 72 with embedded RFID tags 721, and supplies them to the casino 300. In the casino 300, game coins 72 with embedded RFID tags 721 are purchased from the game coin manufacturing plant 200, and games using game coins 72 are operated in the game pool 302.

[0036] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating the information stored in the RFID tag of a game coin according to an embodiment of the present invention. (See diagram) Figure 3 As shown, the RFID tag 721 includes the following areas as storage areas: a TID area 211 storing tag identification information attached by the manufacturer of the RFID tag 721 (RFID tag manufacturing plant 100), and an EPC area 212 storing item identification information attached by the manufacturer of the game coin 72, which has the RFID tag 721 embedded in it (game coin manufacturing plant 200). In the TID area 211, the tag identification information is stored by the RFID tag manufacturing plant 100 that manufactures the RFID tag 721, and in the EPC area 212, the item identification information is stored by the game coin manufacturing plant 200 that manufactures the game coin 72.

[0037] In TID area 211, the RFID tag 721 stores a unique tag ID as tag identification information. In EPC area 212, the game coin 72 stores a unique game coin ID as item identification information. Furthermore, in EPC area 212, in addition to the game coin ID, the game coin's attributes (whether it's a non-exchangeable NN game coin) and value (10 points, 100 points, 1000 points, etc.) are stored as category information. The manufacturing plant ID used to identify the manufacturing plant that produced the game coin 72 and the manufacturing date of the game coin 72 are stored as manufacturing information. The casino ID used to identify the casino using the game coin 72 is stored. Furthermore, the usability status and its update time and date are also stored as activation information. In this embodiment, the usability status is defined as "valid" indicating usability and "invalid" indicating unusability. It should be noted that at the time the game coin manufacturing plant 200 manufactures the game coin 72, the usability status is "invalid".

[0038] It should be noted that the usability status can be represented by a conditional branch (Flag). In this case, it can be interpreted as "valid" when the condition is met, and "invalid" or "not valid" when the condition is not met. Furthermore, some or all of the category information, manufacturing information, casino ID, game coin ID (item identification information), and activation information may not be stored in EPC area 212, but rather in the unshown user area of ​​RFID tag 721.

[0039] In the game coin manufacturing plant 200, to manufacture game coins 72 with built-in RFID tags 721, firstly, RFID tags 721 are manufactured in the RFID tag manufacturing plant 100. At this time, tag identification information for identifying the RFID tag 721 is written into the TID area 211 of the RFID tag 72. The RFID tags 72 manufactured in the RFID tag manufacturing plant 100 are provided to the game coin manufacturing plant 200. In the game coin manufacturing plant 200, game coins 72 with built-in RFID tags 721 are manufactured. Furthermore, in the game coin manufacturing plant 200, the game coin ID and other information (see reference) are written into the EPC area 212 of the RFID tag 721. Figure 3 ).

[0040] In the coin manufacturing plant 200, parallel to the manufacturing of coin 72, a data file 73 is prepared that records a combination of tag ID and coin ID (hereinafter, tag ID and coin ID are collectively referred to as "identification information"). While providing the manufactured coin 72 to the casino 300, the coin manufacturing plant 200 also provides the data file 73 to the casino 300 through a different means. It should be noted that the data file 73 can be sent to the casino 300 by the coin manufacturer via email, or it can be recorded by the coin manufacturer on a removable storage medium and given to the casino 300, or it can be stored by the coin manufacturer in a cloud storage device and then downloaded by the casino 300. At this time, the data file 73 is provided to the casino 300 by the coin manufacturing plant 200 in an encrypted state using an appropriate method.

[0041] Casino 300 has a back office 301, which is a secure area inaccessible to player 74, and a game pool 302 for player 74 to play games. The back office 301 includes: a warehouse 31 for storing game items, including game coins 72; a processing room 32 for activating game coins 72; and a cashier's room 33 and a bank room 34 connected to the game pool 302.

[0042] The cashier's room 33 has a window that connects to the game pool 302. In the cashier's room 33, game coins 72 are given to player 74 in the game pool 302 for purchase. That is, player 74 can purchase game coins 72 through the window of the cashier's room 33.

[0043] The bank room 34 and the game table 35 are used for replenishing and depositing game coins 72. Replenishment refers to supplying game coins 72 from the bank room 34 to the game table 35 when the supply of game coins 72 to the game table 36 is insufficient. Deposit refers to returning game coins 72 from the game table 35 to the bank room 34 when there are sufficient game coins 72. Therefore, the bank room 34 is equipped with a passage or window for depositing and retrieving game coins 72 between itself and the game pool 302.

[0044] Game coins 72 supplied from the game coin manufacturing plant 200 to the casino 300 are first stored in warehouse 31 of the back office 301. In the processing room 32, the game coins 72 stored in warehouse 31 undergo an activation procedure. After activation, the game coins 72 are taken to the game pool 302 via cashier's room 33 or bank room 34. It should be noted that once activated, the game coins 72 are stored in warehouse 31, they can be provided from warehouse 31 to cashier's room 33 or bank room 34.

[0045] Player 74 can purchase game coins 72 at the cashier's room 33 or at game table 36. Player 74 places game coins 72 in the game played at game table 36. If the player wins the game, they receive a refund of game coins 72 from the dealer 75. If the player loses the game, the placed game coins 72 are taken back by the dealer 75. Thus, the number of game coins 72 held by the dealer 75 at game table 36 increases or decreases with the games played. If there are insufficient game coins 72 on game table 36, they are replenished from game table 35. If there is a surplus of game coins 72 on game table 36, they are moved from game table 36 to game table 35. Furthermore, player 74 can enter and exit the game pool 302 via entrance 38. Depending on the casino, it may be permitted to carry game coins 72 directly into and out of the game pool 302. Game table 35 manages multiple game tables 36.

[0046] The warehouse 31, processing room 32, cashier's room 33, bank room 34, game tables 35, game desks 36, and entrance / exit 38 in casino 300 are all places for processing game coins 72, which are game supplies. These places will be collectively referred to as "game supply processing locations" below. It should be noted that the structure of casino 300 is not limited to the above example. In particular, the structure of back office 301 is not limited to the above example; for example, it can be formed by combining warehouse 31, processing room 32, and bank room 34 into one unit, and can be referred to as back office, counter, bank room, etc. Furthermore, game tables 35 that manage multiple game desks 36 may not be provided. In this case, replenishment and deposit are carried out by moving game coins 72 between back office 301 and each game desk 36.

[0047] Figure 4This is a block diagram illustrating the overall structure of a casino system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The casino system 30 includes a check-in room system 320 installed in the check-in room 32, a cashier system 330 installed in the cashier room 33, a bank system 340 installed in the bank room 34, a game table system 350 installed in each game table 3, and a game table system 360 installed in each game table 36.

[0048] These processing room systems 320, cashier system 330, bank system 340, game table system 350, and game table system 360 are communicatively connected to each other. Communication between these systems can be wired or wireless. Thus, the casino system 30 is a network system comprising multiple subsystems (i.e., processing room system 320, cashier system 330, bank system 340, game table system 350, and game table system 360) located at various game supply processing locations.

[0049] The processing room system 320 includes: an antenna 321 and an activation reader 322 for reading the RFID tag 721 embedded in the game tokens 72 brought into the processing room 32; a central comparison device 323 for comparing whether the game tokens 72 at each game item processing location are registered game tokens; an input device 324 for inputting data; a registration device 325 for activating (validating, registering) the game tokens 72; and a database 326 for storing information on each game token 72, including identification information and its usability status.

[0050] The cashier system 330 includes: an antenna 331 and a cashier reader 332, which is used to read the RFID tag 721 of the game coin 72 brought into the cashier room 33 or taken out of the cashier room 33 to the game pool 302; and a cashier verification device 333, which is used to verify the game coin 72 using the information read by the cashier reader 332.

[0051] The banking system 340 includes: an antenna 341 and a bank reader 342 for reading RFID tags 721 of game tokens 72 brought into the banking room 34 or taken out of the banking room 34 to the game pool 302; and a bank verification device 343 for verifying the game token 72 using the information read by the bank reader 342.

[0052] The game table system 350 includes: an antenna 351 and a game table reader 352, which is used to read RFID tags 721 of game coins 72 brought into the game table 350 from the game table 36 or the bank room 34 or taken out of the game table 350 to the game table 36 or the bank room 34; and a game table matching device 353, which is used to match the game coin 72 using the information read by the game table reader 352.

[0053] The game table 36 is equipped with a coin tray or coin floating platform (hereinafter referred to as "coin tray") for storing the dealer's coins 72. In addition, the game table 36 has a placement area for each player's position to place the coins 72. The game table system 360 includes: an antenna 361a and a coin tray reader 362a, which is mounted on the coin tray for reading the RFID tag 721 of the coins 72 stored in the coin tray; an antenna 361b and a coin reader 362b, which are respectively disposed in the placement area of ​​the game table 36 for reading the RFID tag 721 of the coins 72 placed in the placement area of ​​the game table 36.

[0054] The game table system 360 also includes: a game table matching device 363, which uses information read by the coin tray reader 362a and the coin placement reader 362b to match the game coin 72; and a game table storage device 364, which stores the information read by the coin tray reader 362a and the coin placement reader 362b. It should be noted that the entrance / exit 38 may also have the same entrance / exit system as the aforementioned subsystems.

[0055] (activation) The activation procedure performed in the processing room 32 is explained below. Game coins 72 manufactured in the game coin manufacturing factory 200 are brought to the back office 301 of the casino 300 and stored in the warehouse 31. In the processing room 32, the game coins 72 stored in the warehouse 31 are retrieved, and the activation procedure for the game coins 72 is performed using the processing room system 320.

[0056] The processing room system 320 has a data file 73 containing identification information provided by the game coin manufacturing plant 200 (the manufacturer of game coins 72). The processing room system 320 receives this data file 73 using an input device 324. Since the data file 73 is encrypted, the input device 324 decrypts it. It should be noted that, in addition to identification information, the data file 73 may also record some or all of the other information stored in the RFID tag 721 of each game coin 72 (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0057] Antenna 321 and Activation Reader 322 read the tag ID and game coin ID, which serve as identification information, from the RFID tag 721 of the game coin 72 to be activated. Registration device 325 determines whether the game coin 72 is a genuine game coin officially manufactured by game coin manufacturer 200, a counterfeit game coin not officially manufactured by game coin manufacturer 200, or a game coin with a malfunctioning RFID tag 721, by comparing the identification information stored in the RFID tag 721 of the game coin 72 with the identification information stored in the data file 73. In other words, registration device 325 determines the authenticity of game coin 72 (first verification) based on whether the identification information stored in the RFID tag 721 of the game coin 72 matches the identification information stored in the data file 73.

[0058] If the registration device 325 determines that the game coin 72 is genuine during the authenticity check, it records its identification information (tag ID and game coin ID) in the database 326, thereby registering the game coin 72. At this time, if other information such as manufacturing information is recorded on the RFID tag 721 and / or data file 73 of the game coin 72, this information is also recorded in the database 326 in association with the identification information. Furthermore, the registration device 325 records the activation information of each game coin 72 in the database 326.

[0059] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the data structure of the database recording information for each game coin in an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, for each game coin 72, the database 326 records the following information: a tag ID as tag identification information 261, attributes and value as category information 262, a manufacturing factory ID and manufacturing date as manufacturing information 263, a game coin ID and game coin symbol ID as game coin identification information 264, usability status and update time and date as activation information 265, and a historical record of the combination of location and read time and date as location historical record information 266.

[0060] When the registration device 325 registers a game coin 72 that has been successfully matched and determined to be genuine into the database 326, it records the usability status of its activation information 265 as "valid" and records the time and date at that time as the update time and date, thereby activating (validating) the game coin 72 as a usable game coin. Thus, by referring to the database 326, it is possible to determine whether the usability status of each game coin 72 is "valid" or "invalid," and it is also possible to know when activation (registration) was performed.

[0061] In this embodiment, the EPC area 212 of the RFID 721 of the game coin 72 also records activation information. Therefore, the registration device 325, as the registration process for the usable game coin 72, controls the writing function of the activation reader 322, thereby changing the usability status recorded in the RFID tag 721 of the game coin 72 that has been successfully matched and determined to be genuine from "invalid" to "valid" via the antenna 321. Thus, the systems 330-360 at each game item processing location can know whether the usability status of the game coin 72 is "valid" or "invalid" simply by reading the RFID tag 721 of the game coin 72.

[0062] As described above, game token 72 is invalid until it is activated by the processing room system 320 after being transported from the game token manufacturing plant 200 to the casino 300. Therefore, even if game token 72 is stolen during the transfer process, the stolen game token 72 cannot be used in the game pool 302 of the casino 300. The casino only needs to strictly manage game token 72 after it has been activated, which improves security and reduces security costs compared to having to strictly manage it from the game token 72 manufacturing stage. Furthermore, after game token 72 is registered in the backend, its usability status is registered as "invalid" until it is actually used, so even if game token 72 stored in the backend is stolen, it cannot be used, ensuring security.

[0063] (Comparison of game item processing locations) In the cashier's room 33, bank room 34, game table 35, and game table 36, which serve as game item processing locations, the cashier system 330, bank system 340, game table system 350, and game table system 360, respectively, are used to compare the identification information of the game coins 72 to be processed there and confirm their usability. The following is a description of each game item processing location.

[0064] In the cashier's room 33, the antenna 331 of the cashier system 330 and the cashier reader 332 read the RFID tag 721 of the game coin 72 stored in the cashier's room 33 to obtain the tag ID, game coin ID, and usability status. First, if the cashier verification device 333 reads an "invalid" usability status from the RFID tag 721 of the game coin 72, it outputs an error signal indicating this status. Upon outputting an error signal, the cashier's room 33 suspends the processing of the game coin 72.

[0065] The cashier verification device 333 also sends the identification information (tag ID and game coin ID) obtained by the cashier reader 332 to the processing room system 320. The central verification device 323 of the processing room 330 checks whether the identification information received from the cashier system 330 is stored in the database 326, and confirms whether the usability status associated with the identification information is valid.

[0066] If the corresponding identification information is stored in database 326 (i.e., it is a genuine game coin) and the usability status is valid, the central comparison device 323 sends a response signal indicating that the game coin 72 is a genuine game coin and is valid to the cashier system 330. On the other hand, if the game coin 72 being compared is not a genuine game coin, the central comparison device 323 sends an error signal indicating that it is not a genuine game coin to the cashier system 330 as a response signal. Even if the game coin 72 being compared is a genuine game coin, but the usability status is invalid, an error signal indicating that it is a genuine game coin but invalid will also be sent to the cashier system 330 as a response signal.

[0067] It should be noted that if the usability status of a game coin 72 read from the RFID tag 721 of the game coin 72 is valid in the cashier comparison device 333, but is recorded as invalid in the database 326, the cashier comparison device 333 determines that the game coin 72 is counterfeit and controls the writing function of the cashier reader 332 to rewrite the usability status of the RFID tag 721 of the game coin 72 to "invalid" via the antenna 331. Alternatively, the cashier comparison device 33 can rewrite the usability status to "unknown".

[0068] Furthermore, if the database 326 records a usability status as "valid," but the RFID tag 721 of the game coin 72 reads an "invalid" usability status from the cashier's comparison device 333, it is determined that the usability status of the game coin 72 stored in the RFID tag 721 of the game coin 72 has been rewritten for some reason. The usability status of the RFID tag 721 of the game coin 72 can be rewritten to "valid." Alternatively, the usability status of the game coin 72 can be rewritten to "invalid" or "unknown," and its processing can be suspended.

[0069] For game tokens 72 brought directly from the processing room 32 or via the warehouse 31 to the cashier's room 33, the possibility of counterfeit or illegitimate game tokens is low since they have already been activated in the processing room 32. However, for game tokens 72 brought in by users from the game pool 302 and exchanged, counterfeit or illegitimate game tokens 72 may exist. Therefore, in particular, for game tokens 72 involved in exchange, the cashier's verification device 333 can verify the identification information and confirm their usability, and present the results to the player 74 and the cashier staff. Alternatively, when the player 74 purchases game tokens 72, the device can read the value information stored in the RFID tag 721 of the game token 72 and present this information to the player 74, while simultaneously verifying the identification information and confirming their usability, and presenting the results along with the value information to the player 74.

[0070] The bank system 340 essentially performs the same operations as the teller system 330. The replenished game tokens 72 are moved from the bank room 34 to the game table 35 in the game pool 302. These game tokens 72 are activated in the processing room 32, making it difficult to consider them counterfeit or improperly obtained game tokens 72. However, for game tokens 72 brought from the game pool 302 to the bank room 34 during deposit, including those temporarily given to players 74 and then collected by the dealer, counterfeit or improperly obtained game tokens 72 may be mixed in. Therefore, in particular, for game tokens 72 brought from the game pool 302, the bank system 340 can refer to the database 326 to compare identification information and confirm their usability.

[0071] The game table system 350 essentially performs the same operations as the cashier system 330. Game table 35 receives game coins 72 replenished from the bank 34, as well as excess game coins 72 on the game table 36. The game table system 350 compares the game coins 72 received into game table 35 in this manner. Furthermore, excess game coins 72 on game table 35 are moved to the bank 34 (deposited), or if game coins 72 are insufficient on game table 36, game coins 72 are replenished from game table 35 to game table 36. The game table system 350 also compares the game coins 72 removed from game table 35 in this manner.

[0072] The operation of the game table system 360 is as follows. In the game table 36, the dealer 75 returns game coins 72 from the coin tray 36a to the winning player 74. An antenna 361a is mounted on the coin tray, and a coin tray reader 362a reads identification information and usability status from the RFID tags 721 of the game coins 72 stored in the coin tray. The identification information read by the coin tray reader 362a is compared with the game table comparison device 363 and stored in the game table storage device 364. When multiple game coins 72 are stored in the coin tray, the game table storage device 364 stores multiple identification information corresponding to the multiple game coins 72.

[0073] The game table comparison device 363 first compares the latest past identification information stored in the game table storage device 364 with the current identification information read by the game coin tray reader 362a, and determines whether the two are consistent.

[0074] If the identification information read by the game coin tray reader 362a contains identification information that is not present in the latest identification information stored in the game table storage device 364, then for such game coin 72, the game table comparison device 363, like the aforementioned cashier comparison device 333, checks whether the identification information is stored in the database 326 and confirms whether the usability status corresponding to the identification information in the database is "valid".

[0075] Specifically, the game table comparison device 363 typically compares the game coin ID read from the RFID tag 721 of the game coin 72 with the latest past game coin IDs registered in the game table storage device 364. If a new game coin ID of the game coin 72 that was not read at the time of the previous reading is found, the device compares the identification information containing the tag ID read from the RFID tag 721 of the game coin 72 with the identification information containing the tag ID recorded in the database 326.

[0076] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the game table system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Antenna 361a and the game coin tray reader read game coin IDs from the RFID tags 721 of all game coins 72 within the game coin tray 36a (step S61). The game table comparison device 363 compares these read game coin ID combinations with the game coin ID combinations stored in the game table storage device 364 as the latest past game coin IDs, and determines whether any new game coin IDs not stored in the game table storage device 364 exist among the read game coin IDs (step S62).

[0077] Upon receiving a new game coin ID ("Yes" in step S62), antenna 361a and game coin tray reader 362a designate the new game coin ID, read the tag ID from the RFID tag 721 of the game coin 72 with the new game coin ID, and send the combination of the game coin ID and tag ID to the processing room system 320, comparing it with the information stored in database 326 (step S63). Furthermore, the game table storage device 364 stores all the combinations of game coin IDs received as a new combination of past game coin IDs (step S64).

[0078] It should be noted that when the game table comparison device 363 does not read a new game coin ID, that is, when no new game coin 72 has been added to the game coin tray since the last read, it determines whether there is a game coin ID that was read in the previous read but not read in the current read by comparing the combination of game coin IDs read with the combination of the latest game coin IDs stored in the past by the game table storage device 364 (step S65).

[0079] If there are unread game coin IDs, that is, when game coin 72 is removed from the game coin tray ("Yes" in step S65), the game table storage device 364 stores the combination of all read game coin IDs as the combination of the latest past game coin IDs (step S64). On the other hand, if there are no unread game coin IDs ("No" in step S65), that is, if there is no addition, removal or change of game coin 72 in the game coin tray, the game table storage device 364 is not updated.

[0080] In this embodiment, the game coin IDs stored in the EPC area 212 are typically read from the game coin tray of the game table 36 at predetermined time intervals to monitor their changes. When a game coin ID changes, particularly when a new game coin ID is read, the game coin 72 with the new game coin ID is compared with the database 326, and the usability status of the database 326 is confirmed. This reduces the processing burden and shortens the processing time required for one cycle (improving processing speed).

[0081] It should be noted that, regardless of whether a new game coin ID is read, the game table comparison device 363 can compare with the database 326 and confirm the usability status of the database 326 at a specified time and / or under specified conditions.

[0082] When player 74 places a game coin 72 in the designated area on the game table, the antenna 361b is positioned below the placement area on the game table surface. A game coin reader 362b reads identification information from the RFID tag 721 of the placed game coin 72. The identification information read by the game coin reader 362b is compared with the information by the game table matching device 363 and stored in the game table storage device 364. When multiple game coins 72 are placed in the placement area, the game table storage device 364 stores multiple identification information corresponding to each game coin 72.

[0083] Antenna 361b and coin reader 362b not only read the coins 72 placed in the placement area by player 74, but also read the RFID tag 721 of the coins 72 dispensed from the coin tray by dealer 75. Game table storage device 364 also reads the RFID tag 721 of the coins 72 dispensed in this way.

[0084] The game table comparison device 363, in the same manner as the game coins 72 stored in the game coin tray, checks the usability status and compares the identification information read from the RFID tag 721 by the game coin reader 362b with the identification information read from the game coin reader 362b. Specifically, the game table comparison device 363 does not frequently compare the identification information read by the game coin reader 362b with the database 326. Instead, when new identification information not present in the latest past identification information stored in the game table storage device 364 (which is the information read by the game coin reader 362b) is read by the antenna 361b and the game coin reader 362b, the central comparison device 323 compares it with the identification information stored in the database 326 and confirms the usability status stored in the database 326.

[0085] It should be noted that in this embodiment, when the registration device 325 registers a new game coin 72, it registers the usability status as "valid". However, it is not limited to this. If the game coin is stored in the background for a long time from the time of registration until it is transported to the game pool 302, the usability status may be temporarily registered as "invalid". Before it is transported to the game pool 302 or when it is moved to the cashier room 33, the usability status may be registered as "valid".

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the registration device 325 performs both initial verification and changes the usability status to "valid" (activated), but the device performing the initial verification (determination device) and the device performing the activation (registration device) can be different devices. Additionally, the initial verification can be performed at the game coin manufacturing plant 200.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, for game coins 72 that are determined to be genuine through the first verification, a record is made in the database 326. Then, for usable game coins 72, the usability status of the game coin 72 recorded in the database 326 is registered as "valid." However, as an alternative, the database (usable database) can be constructed solely with usable game coins 72. In this case, game coins 72 recorded in the usable database are determined to be usable. In addition to the usable database recording such usable game coins 72, a genuine game coin database for game coins 72 that are determined to be genuine in the first verification can also be prepared. In this case, for game coins read at each game item processing location, a comparison is made with the usable database. For game coins 72 that are not recorded in the usable database, the genuine game coin database can be consulted to determine whether the game coin 72 is a game coin provided by the game coin manufacturing plant 200.

[0088] (Registration invalidated) As described above, the registration device 325 registers the game coin 72 in the database 326 by storing the identification information of the new game coin 72 obtained from the factory in the database 326. On the other hand, for malfunctioning game coins 72 and old game coins 72, the registration device 325 can temporarily invalidate the usability status of the valid game coins 72.

[0089] At each game item processing location, game coins 72 for which no information is read from the RFID tag 721 (i.e., game coins 72 with damaged RFID tags 721) are immediately excluded from usable game coins 72. Furthermore, game coins 72 for which the identification information read from the RFID tag 721 fails to match are also immediately excluded from usable game coins 72. Further, game coins 72 with an invalid status are also excluded. The registration device 325 performs invalidation or activation procedures on these problematic game coins 72. Further, for game coins 72 that are not problematic but have been in use for a specified period (e.g., 1 year) since their initial activation time and date, invalidation procedures are performed to discard these game coins 72.

[0090] In the invalidation process, the registration device 325 updates the usability status of the game coin 72 recorded in the database 326 to "invalid," recording the update time and date. Alternatively, the registration device 325 can remove the information of the invalidated game coin 72 from the database 326. In the event of a malfunction in the RFID tag 721 of the game coin 72, the identification information requiring invalidation cannot be read from such a game coin 72. Therefore, the registration device 325 invalidates such a game coin 72 as described below.

[0091] Figure 7This is a perspective view of a game coin in a decal-peeled state according to an embodiment of the present invention. The game coin 72 carries information for identifying the game coin 72 by means other than an RFID tag 721. The game coin 72 has a circular recess in the center, and a decal 723 is attached to the bottom surface 722 of the recess. The decal 723 displays a number indicating the value of the game coin 72. If the decal 723 peels off, its bottom surface (decal attachment surface) 722 displays a game coin identification ID, serving as the inherent identification information of the game coin 72. The game coin identification ID can be laser-engraved on the bottom surface 722 of the recess of the game coin 72, or it can be printed on the decal attachment surface 722 using some kind of ink. It should be noted that the game coin identification ID can also be printed on the surface of the decal 723. In this case, visible ink or invisible ink that is not visible under normal conditions can be used, such as UV luminescent ink that emits light when exposed to UV light or infrared absorbing ink that absorbs infrared light, to print the game coin symbol ID on the surface of decal 723.

[0092] For game coins 72 whose identification information cannot be read from RFID tag 721, registration device 325 uses the game coin mark ID used to determine the game coin 72 to determine the identification information that should be invalidated and invalidates the registration. For game coins 72 whose identification information cannot be read due to RFID tag 721 malfunction, when invalidating them, the operator removes sticker 723, visually confirms the game coin mark ID marked on sticker affix 722, and inputs it into registration device 325 via input device 324. Registration device 325 refers to database 326 to determine the identification information corresponding to the input game coin mark ID (refer to...). Figure 5 Therefore, even if the game coin 72 with the RFID tag 721 is faulty, the game coin 72 can be identified in the database 326 and invalidated.

[0093] As described above, the game coins 72 given to player 74 circulate among multiple players 74 or game tables 36 due to being placed by player 74 or spent by dealer 75, and finally return to bank room 34 via game table 35. At this time, as described above, the game coins 72 excluded from the various game item processing positions are invalidated by registration device 325.

[0094] Furthermore, for game tokens 72 that are problematic, not excluded, and returned to the bank 34, the bank system 34 performs a check on the identification information and confirms their usability status. It further determines whether the prescribed period has elapsed since initial activation. At this point, if game tokens 72 are detected as having failed identification information checks, not being "valid" in usability status, or having elapsed the prescribed period since initial activation, the game tokens 72 are invalidated.

[0095] It should be noted that, at each game item processing location, after comparing the read identification information with the database 326, if the result is that a game coin 72 not registered in the database 326 or a game coin 72 whose usability status is not "valid," the registration device 325 can immediately invalidate the game coin 72 without waiting for it to be returned to the backend 301. Furthermore, if the usability status of such a game coin 72 is "valid," the reader / writer at each game item processing location can rewrite its usability status to "invalid."

[0096] When game coins 72 are read at each game item processing location, the central comparison device 323 can confirm the historical record of game coins 72 based on information in the database 326. If the historical record is inappropriate according to the prescribed judgment criteria, the central comparison device 323 considers the game coin 72 a suspicious game coin 72 and sets its usability status to invalid. For example, if in the historical record, the game coin 72 is moved directly from one player 74 to another player 74 without going through the game coin tray 36a, the historical record of the game coin 72 is deemed suspicious (there is a possibility of money laundering). Alternatively, a list (blacklist) of suspicious game coins 72 can be pre-created on the database 326 side. If the game coin 72 being compared is included in the blacklist, the registration device 325 can effectively invalidate the game coin 72.

[0097] (Tracking game currency) As described above, the information for each game coin 72 in database 326 includes location history information 266. Each time the central comparison device 323 receives a comparison of identification information from each game item processing location, it updates the location history information 266 corresponding to that identification information. Specifically, when the central comparison device 323 receives a comparison of identification information from each game item processing location, it records the information determining the game item processing location as location information in the location history information 266 corresponding to that identification information, and records the time and date at that time as the reading time and date. In database 326, a predetermined number of information entries can be recorded as location history information; after recording this predetermined number of location history entries, the old information is overwritten.

[0098] As described above, the location information is used to determine the processing location of game supplies. For example, if there are multiple windows in the cashier's room 33, the window ID that identifies that window can be recorded as the location information. Since there are multiple game tables 35 and game desks 36, the game table ID and game desk ID used to identify which game table 35 and which game desk are recorded as the location information.

[0099] Furthermore, when game coin 72 is given to player 74, player ID of player 74 is recorded as location information. For example, if antenna 361b is set up for each player position on game table 36, player ID of each player position can be determined by the membership card held by player 74 or by facial recognition of the image of the player playing the game on game table 36.

[0100] Furthermore, by detecting which player's location the game currency 72 paid to was, it is possible to determine which player ID the game currency 72 was paid to. In addition, when player 74 purchases game currency 72 in the cashier's room 33, the player ID of player 74 is determined and recorded as part of the location information.

[0101] In this way, by recording the historical information of its location and the time and date of its reading in the database 326, it is possible to know how the game coin 72 was moved simply by referring to the database 326.

[0102] (Variation Example 1) Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a processing room system according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. In this modified embodiment, the processing room system 320' simultaneously activates multiple game tokens 72. The multiple game tokens 72 are activated while stored in a game token box 71. The game token box 71 is affixed with a barcode 722, which identifies the box's identification information.

[0103] In the data file 73 provided to the casino 300 by the manufacturer of the game supplies, the information of each game coin 72 corresponds to the code information represented by the barcode 722. The check-in system 320' also includes a barcode reader 327. The barcode reader 327 reads the barcode 722 of the game coin box 71 containing the activated game coins 72.

[0104] Antenna 321 and Activator Reader 322 simultaneously read the RFID tags 721 of the multiple game coins 72 stored in the coin box 720. The multiple identification information read from the RFID tags 721 of the multiple game coins 72 by Antenna 321 and Activator Reader 322, the information of the data file 73' decrypted by Input Device 324, and the code information of the barcode 722 of the coin box 71 read by Barcode Reader 327 are input into Registration Device 325. Registration Device 325 first determines whether the code information of the coin box 71 provided by the manufacturer of the game coins 72 matches the code information of the coin box 71 read by Barcode Reader 327. That is, Registration Device 325 first determines whether the coin box 71 itself is the coin box that should be present at that location.

[0105] Next, the registration device 325 determines the identification information of the game coin 72 corresponding to the code information of the barcode 722 based on the data file 73', that is, it identifies the multiple activated game coins 72. The registration device 325 compares the identification information of the identified game coins 72 with the identification information read from the RFID tag 721 of the activated game coin 72 by the activation reader 322 to determine the authenticity of these game coins 72. If all activated game coins 72 are successfully matched, the registration device 325 considers the usability status of these game coins 72 as "valid" and stores the information of these game coins 72 in the database 326, thereby registering these game coins 72.

[0106] According to this structure, game coins 72 can be stored in game coin boxes 720 and managed from manufacturing to activation, thereby ensuring that there is no surplus or shortage of game coins 72 that should be stored in each game coin box 720.

[0107] (Variation Example 2) Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a processing room system according to a second variation of the present invention. The processing room system 320″ of this second variation can also simultaneously activate multiple game tokens 72. The game tokens 72 store information other than identification information. The processing room system 320″ includes: a camera 3291 that captures images of the sides of multiple game tokens 72 whose RFID tags 721 are read via an antenna 321; and an image recognition device 3292 that performs image recognition on the images generated by the camera 329.

[0108] Multiple game tokens 72 are stacked and photographed by camera 329. Camera 3291 generates image data by capturing the images. Image recognition device 3292 performs image recognition on the image data, thereby determining the type of the multiple game tokens 72 based on the patterns displayed on their sides. In this embodiment, as... Figure 2 As shown, the side of the game coin 72 has a center line as a pattern, and the color of the center line indicates the type of game coin 72. Therefore, the image recognition device 3292 identifies the center line from the image and determines the type of game coin 3292 in the image based on its color.

[0109] The registration device 325 determines whether the types of game coins read by the activation reader 322, i.e., the number of each type, are consistent with the types of game coins identified by the image recognition device 3292, i.e., the number of each type.

[0110] According to this structure, for the game coin 72 involved in activation, it can be checked whether the type determined by appearance matches the type stored in the RFID tag 721. Furthermore, it can also be checked whether the number of game coins 72 obtained by appearance matches the number read from the RFID tag 721.

[0111] It should be noted that in this modified example, the type of the game coin 72 is determined based on its appearance, and it is judged whether the type is consistent with that stored in the RFID tag 721. However, it is also possible to determine the type without using the image and RFID tag 721. Instead, the image recognition device 3292 can identify the number of coins based on the image and judge whether the number of coins is consistent with the number of coins read by the activated reader 322 from the RFID tag 721 to check the game coin 72. Furthermore, in this modified example, for multiple game coins 72, they can be checked one by one instead of all at the same time.

[0112] It should be noted that in the first variation described above, for the multiple game coins 72 stored in the coin box 720, the identification information and other information of the game coins 72 stored in the coin box 720 are obtained by reading the RFID tag 721. On the other hand, the barcode reader 327 reads the barcode 722 and refers to the data file 73' to obtain the identification information and other information of the game coins 72 stored in the coin box 720. By comparing this information, the game coins 72 are inspected. Furthermore, in the second variation described above, for the multiple game coins 72, the type of these game coins 72 is obtained by reading the RFID tag 721. On the other hand, the camera 329 takes pictures of the sides of the multiple game coins 72 for image recognition to obtain the type of game coins 72 stored in the coin box 720. By comparing this information, the game coins 72 are inspected.

[0113] As another example, instead of using a barcode reader 327 or a camera 329, the number of game coins 72 stored in the coin box 720 can be used to check the game coins 72. That is, since the processing room system 320 uses a known coin box 720, the number of game coins 72 stored in the coin box 720 is known. By confirming whether the number of RFID tags 721 read by the antenna 321 and the activated reader 322 is the known number, the game coins 72 can be checked.

[0114] Alternatively, instead of camera 3291 and image recognition device 3292, the operator performing the activation procedure can check based on information input from operating device 328. For example, the operator can visually inspect multiple game tokens 72 to determine their type information and input it into the input device. In this case, registration device 325 can also check the game tokens 72 by determining whether the type information of the game tokens 72 input by the operator into operating device 328 matches the type information read by activation reader 322 from the RFID tag 721 of the game tokens 72.

[0115] In addition, the registration device 325 can check the game coin 72 by determining whether the type information input by the operator to the operation device 328 is consistent with the type information recorded in the data file 73 provided by the manufacturer of the game items.

[0116] In the processing room system 320″ of the above-described variant two and its variants, an inspection is performed by comparing the number of game coins 72 determined by the RFID tag 721 with the number of game coins 72 determined by image recognition, the known number based on the game coin box 720, or the number entered by the operator. Through this inspection, game coins 72 with faulty RFID tags 721 (hereinafter referred to as "faulty game coins") can be detected. That is, the processing room system 320″ can be used as an inspection device for detecting faulty game coins.

[0117] In the processing room 32 of the back office 301, in addition to detecting faulty game coins 72 that are being activated, the system can also detect faulty game coins 72 that have been replenished to any game table 35 in the game pool 302, and game coins 72 that have been used in the game pool 302 and then deposited back to the back office 301. Furthermore, a similar inspection device to the processing room system 320″ is installed in the cashier room 33, which can also detect faulty game coins 72 sold to players from the cashier room 33.

[0118] Furthermore, the same inspection device as the procedure room system 320″ is installed on the game table 35, which can also perform faulty game coin inspection on the game coins 72 transported from the back office 301, the game coins 72 deposited from the game table 35 into the back office 301, the game coins 72 replenished from the game table 35 to the game table 36, and the game coins 72 moved from the game table 36 to the game table 35.

[0119] The registration device 325 can invalidate game coins 72 that are detected as damaged during inspection in such a manner. When the above inspection is performed during replenishment or deposit, replenishment or deposit is carried out only if it is confirmed that the replenished or deposited game coins 72 are not damaged. Furthermore, when the above inspection is performed during exchange, exchange is carried out only if it is confirmed that the exchanged game coins 72 are not damaged.

[0120] Furthermore, during replenishment and storage, faulty game coins 72 moving between the game table 35 and the backstage 301 can be detected by performing a faulty game coin inspection. In this case, the same inspection device as the processing room system 320″ can be installed on the shelf (bogie) used to transfer the game coins 72.

[0121] It should be noted that in the above-described embodiments and variations 1 and 2, a game table 35 managing multiple game tables 36 is provided in the game pool 302. During replenishment, game coins 72 are supplied from the bank room 34 in the back office 301 to the game tables 36 via the game table 35. During deposit, game coins 72 are transported from the game tables 36 to the bank room 34 in the back office 301 via the game table 35. However, the game table 35 may not be provided. In the absence of the game table 35, replenishment and deposit are performed directly between the bank room 34 and each game table 36. Furthermore, in this case, the checks performed at the game table 35 are performed at the game tables 36.

[0122] (Example 3) In the above embodiment, the usability status is stored as activation information in the database 326 and the RFID tag 721 embedded in the game coin 72. However, it is also possible not to record the activation information in the RFID tag 721. Furthermore, the database 326 may not record the activation information, but instead create a table in the database 326 containing only activated and valid game coins 72. The central comparison device 323 determines whether the game coin 72 is an activated and valid game coin 72 based on whether there is identification information in the table that corresponds to the identification information read from the RFID tag 721 of the game coin 72 being compared.

[0123] (Example 4) In the above embodiments Figure 3 and Figure 5 In the example, although the location history information is stored in database 326, the location history information can also be recorded in the RFID tag 721 of the game coin 72.

[0124] In existing gaming tokens, RFID reading can capture information written to the storage area and determine the token's authenticity. However, it cannot record and verify information acquired during actual use in the casino, particularly information related to the token's owner. Therefore, even genuine tokens with unusual usage histories (such as being used or exchanged by owners different from the original owner) cannot be identified through RFID reading, making it impossible to prevent the use of such tokens with questionable usage histories in casinos.

[0125] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a system in which, in order to monitor and manage the owner information of each game coin in real time and improve security, the system can monitor and record which player the game coin has been transferred to when the dealer pays game coins to the player and the owner of the game coin changes from the casino to the player.

[0126] (first example) use Figure 10 This section will provide an overview of the desktop game management system in the first example of Variation Example 4. Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the overall structure of the system. A card game table 1004 has placement areas for each player position 1131-1135: Player 1441, Banker 1442, Tie 1443, Player Pair 1444, and Banker Pair 1445. Furthermore, a coin placement area 1025 is provided for each player position, and an RFID coin reader 1002 is provided for reading the coins 1001 placed in this coin placement area.

[0127] Furthermore, each game coin configuration area 1025 has a payment area 1026, which is used by the dealer to place the game coin 1001 taken from the game coin tray 1009 when the winning player pays the game coin 1001 from the game coin tray 1009 of the game table 1004.

[0128] Furthermore, it also includes a control device 1003, which monitors the RFID reading results of the game coin 1001 read by the game coin reading device 1002.

[0129] Players starting the game place game coins 1001 in the designated placement area within the game coin configuration zone. Game coin reading device 1002 reads the RFID tag of the placed game coin 1001, thereby enabling control device 1003 to access information about the owner of the game coin 1001, which is associated with the ID information of the RFID tag, in the database.

[0130] Based on the game's outcome, if the casino wins, the dealer collects the losing player's game coin 1001 and places it in the game coin tray 1009. The game coin reader 1002 detects the RFID of the game coin 1001 in the game coin tray 1009, and the control device 1003 records in the database that the casino owns the game coin 1001 collected from the casino side.

[0131] Based on the game's outcome, the dealer, in accordance with the game rules, pays the winning player an amount of game coins, 1001, from the game coin tray, corresponding to the amount of game coins placed there.

[0132] When making a payment, the game currency can be placed in the payment area 1026 mentioned above, or it can be placed in the game currency configuration area outside the payment area.

[0133] Among them, utilizing Figure 11 This section explains the method for recording the owner information of the game currency used for payment. Figure 11The document illustrates a method for recording information related to the owner of game coin 1001 when the winning player pays game coins.

[0134] When multiple players place game coins at the same player's position, creating more than two stacks, the game coin reading device 1002 reads all game coins 1001 placed in the game coin placement area 1025. Therefore, during the game, it doesn't know which game coin 1001 belongs to which player, but rather obtains the ID 1010 of the placed game coin. After the game's outcome is determined, when paying the winning player, the dealer pays each player (per stack) from the game coin tray 1009. The game coin 1001 taken from the game coin tray 1009 is placed in the game coin placement area 1025. The game coin reading device 1002 reads the ID 1011 of the paid game coin placed in the game coin placement area 1025.

[0135] The paid game coin 1001, along with the initially placed game coin 1001, is received by the winning player. At this time, the placed and paid game coins move outside the game coin configuration area 1025, and therefore, the IDs of the placed and paid game coins disappear from the reading results of the game coin reading device 1002. Thus, the control device 1003, by associating with information related to the owner of the placed game coin, determines which player the paid game coin was given to.

[0136] The control device 1003 stores information about the owners of the game coins it possesses in a database, associating the game coin's ID with that information.

[0137] As mentioned above, it is possible to track the owner of game currency 1001, and in cases of improper delivery of game currency 1001, it is possible to discover that the owner information stored in the database is different from the actual owner.

[0138] It should be noted that the actual owner can be identified using facial recognition technology or ID such as a membership card.

[0139] Furthermore, while the above description mentions managing the IDs of each game coin in a database, it could also be configured to store the owner information within the game coin 1001 itself.

[0140] In addition, the aforementioned payment area 1026 can exist at each player's location, or it can be formed independently of each player's location, or it can be read independently by the game coin reading device 1002.

[0141] Furthermore, it can be configured to select whether to use the payment area 1026 or not, depending on the reading performance of the game coin reading device 1002.

[0142] Furthermore, this desktop game management system can also be configured to be combined with an RFID reader that reads game coins in the game coin tray 1009 via RFID, a camera that reads the game coins placed therein, a card shoe that determines the outcome of the game, etc., so as to mutually utilize information.

[0143] (Second example) First, let's explain the game currency used in the management system of the game currency in the second example of Variation Example 4. Figure 12 A game coin 1 used in the same system is shown. In the same figure, the game coin 1 is embedded with an RFID tag 2 capable of storing various information. The RFID tag 2 has a non-rewritable data area 21 and a rewritable data area 22.

[0144] The non-modifiable data area 21 stores information that remains unchanged or unaltered during the use of game coin 1, or information that cannot be changed, as fixed information 3. Specifically, as fixed information 3, it stores information such as the production information, product information, casino information, amount information, and serial number of game coin 1. The production information includes the time and date of production of the game coin, the manufacturing machine, etc., and the product information includes, for example, information indicating that the game coin is used in the VIP area of ​​the casino, information indicating the type of game coin (e.g., information indicating that it is a transcoded coin), etc.

[0145] The unwritable data area 21 can be an area of ​​the RFID tag that is not rewritable in terms of specifications or functions, or it can be an area that is locked as unwritable after the necessary information is written in the writable area.

[0146] The rewritable data area 22 stores information that changes continuously during the use of game currency 1, referred to as change information 4. For example, as change information 4, such as... Figure 12 As shown, it stores location-related information 220, including information 221 related to time and date, information 222 related to location and event, or information 223 related to owner.

[0147] Fixed information 3 and variable information 4 can be encrypted to prevent unauthorized reading or writing of the information. Furthermore, fixed information 3 and variable information 4 can be stored as metadata.

[0148] Figure 13 This illustrates an example of a method for recording data related to the change information 4 of game coin 1. For example... Figure 13As shown, the configuration is as follows: information 220 related to the location, including time and date, time information 221, location, event information 222, and owner information 223, is treated as a block, and this block of information is linked together to obtain the historical record of the information 220 related to the location of the game coin 1.

[0149] exist Figure 13 The following example illustrates the movement information 4 stored in Game Coin 1, allowing you to track its activity as shown below. At 16:02 on January 28, 2019, Mr. A exchanged cash for Game Coin 1 at counter 5. At 16:15 on the same day, Mr. A placed Game Coin 1 at game table No. 325. At 16:43 on the same day, Mr. B received Game Coin 1 at game table No. 325 as payment for a winning placement. At 17:01 on the same day, Mr. B left the casino with Game Coin 1.

[0150] like Figure 13 As shown, the change information 4 can be configured to store only the latest information, or it can store all the relevant information that has been written. Furthermore, several pieces of relevant information can be selected for storage. When several pieces are selected for storage, multiple pieces of relevant information 220, including at least the latest relevant information 220, can be stored. Based on the above structure, the usage or movement history of a game coin 1 can be known based on the change information 4 of that game coin 1. That is, the tracking information of the game coin 1 can be written into the game coin 1 itself and is thus controlled.

[0151] Next, we will explain the management system for game currency 1 in this example. Figure 14 An overall overview of the same system is shown.

[0152] In game coin 1, firstly, at factory 6, the change information 4 containing information about manufacturing completion or factory shipment is written as information 220 related to the location into the rewritable data area 22 of RFID tag 2 by writing device 14.

[0153] In the casino's back office 7, the process of receiving game tokens 1 shipped from factory 6 is implemented. In back office 7, reading device 13 reads the change information 4 stored in the rewritable data area 22 of game token 1. Based on the reading result, management control device 15 determines whether the relevant information 220, which indicates information to be written and was written in factory 6, has been written as the latest change information 4. If there is no write record in factory 6, an error signal is generated as the game token is suspected of being fraudulent. Therefore, the casino can refuse to accept the game token and request the factory to investigate. If there is no problem with the write record, the relevant information 220 indicating the back office is written into the rewritable data area 22 of RFID tag 2 via writing device 14. During writing, information indicating the factory's location can be added and recorded along with information indicating the back office's location, or information indicating the factory's location can be deleted and recorded along with information indicating the back office's location. Furthermore, the reading or writing of game tokens in back office 7 can be performed simultaneously with the normal verification or activation of game tokens.

[0154] The game token 1, received and inspected in the background 7, is transported to the casino's warehouse 8 or counter 9. In warehouse 8 or counter 9, the reading device 13 reads the change information 4 stored in the rewritable data area 22 of the game token 1. Based on the reading result, the management control device 15 determines whether the relevant information 220, which should be written in the background 7, has been written as the latest change information 4. Furthermore, it can also check whether information representing factory 6 has been written into the history of change information 4. Similar to the checks performed in the background 7, the management control device 15 determines whether there are any anomalies in the history of the relevant information. If the reading result is correct, the writing device 14 writes the relevant information 22 representing warehouse 8 or counter 9 into the rewritable data area 22.

[0155] A player purchases game token 1 at counter 9. Upon purchase, the time of purchase and information indicating the change of ownership (from casino owner to customer) are written as change information 4 via the writing device 14 located at counter 9. This can be configured to identify and record the player using facial recognition technology or an ID card such as a casino membership card or identity verification card.

[0156] Players use game token 1, which is redeemed, to place it on the game table in placement area 11. Reading device 13 reads information 220 related to the game token 1 from its RFID tag 2, including time and date, time information 221, location and event information 222, or owner information 223. Management and control device 15 then determines if there are any anomalies. For example, if a certain period has passed since the last written usage information on the game table or the redemption information at the counter, or if the owner information 223 stored in the game token 1 differs from the owner information 223 determined through facial recognition or an ID card, an anomaly can be identified.

[0157] If there are no issues with reading, the writing device 14 adds associated information 220 to the writable data area 22 for the placed game coin 1. The associated information 220 includes time and date, time information 221, location, event information 222, and owner information 223. On the game table, for example, the writing device 14 writes change information 4 containing the player's location number and player information. The player's information can be identified via ID card or facial recognition. Typically, several game coins 1 are stacked in the placement area 11; therefore, they are written together in a stacked state.

[0158] When a player takes game token 1 out of the casino's game pool, an exit process is initiated at entrance / exit 10. During exit, the reading device 14 reads the relevant information 220, and the management control device 15 determines whether there are any anomalies in the change information 4. Furthermore, at entrance / exit 10, the writing device 14 writes change information 4, which includes information indicating the exit location, event information 222, and owner information 223.

[0159] When a player enters the casino's gaming pool, if they bring in game tokens 1 that they previously took out, the reading device 13 reads the relevant information, and the management control device determines whether there are any anomalies in the change information 4. For example, if the owner of game tokens 1 that has been taken out of the casino is different from the owner at the time of entry, it can be determined that there was an act of delivering game tokens outside the casino.

[0160] If the reading result from the reading device 13 indicates an anomaly, the aforementioned management control device 15 can output an alarm to the counter 9 or the entrance / exit 10. When the owner of the game token 1 exchanges it at the counter 9 or leaves through the entrance / exit 10, they can refuse to exchange it based on the alarm output by the management control device 15, or undergo individual checks upon leaving. Furthermore, if the determination result is abnormal, the management control device 15 can make the following judgments: issue a warning to the dealer at each game table to interrupt the game, or issue a warning to the game table manager, who then decides whether to interrupt or continue the game; or process the exchange of game token 1, etc. Alternatively, the management control device 15 can be configured to connect to the overall management control device 18 of the casino and issue a warning to all management control devices 18.

[0161] Similar to the management control device 15, when exchanging items at the counter, the reading device 13 can read the change information 4 and determine if there is an anomaly. Specifically, anomalies can be determined if a certain period has passed since the last written information, the usage information on the game table, or the exchange information at the counter, or if the person making the exchange is different from the owner information 223 stored in the game coin 1. In the case of an anomaly, the management control device 15 can output a warning and refuse the exchange of the game coin 1.

[0162] Furthermore, in the above description, the writing device 14 performs writing after the reading and management control device of the reading device 13 makes a determination, but it can also be configured to perform reading and writing simultaneously.

[0163] The following shows the details of an application example of this example.

[0164] In factory 6, RFID tags 2 are read and / or written when production is completed or when shipment is made. Production information and product information are written as fixed information 3, locked so that they cannot be rewritten as needed, and change information 4 is written.

[0165] In the background 6, when receiving game coin 1 shipped from the factory as usable game coin 1 for activation, the RFID tag 2 is read and / or written.

[0166] In warehouse 8, when game token 1 is moved from warehouse 8 to counter 9, or from counter 9 to warehouse 8, RFID tag 2 is read and / or written. Alternatively, for game token 1 stored in warehouse 8, RFID tag 2 can be read and / or written at fixed intervals or at specified times.

[0167] At counter 9, RFID tags 2 are read and / or written during movement from or to warehouse 8, and during the exchange of cash and game tokens 1 by customers. In the case of an exchange at counter 9, change information 4 is written as owner information 223, indicating the location of the exchange, event information 222, and player information. Owner information 223 can be obtained from the player's casino ID card, facial recognition system, credit card, etc.

[0168] At entrance / exit 10, RFID tags 2 are read and / or written when players enter or leave. When a player leaves, all game tokens 1 taken out of the casino are registered by writing information indicating the location and event 222 to indicate the location, the player's ownership information 223 to indicate the location, the player's ownership information 223 as change information 4. When a player enters, the game tokens 1 brought into the casino are also registered by writing information indicating the location and event 222 to indicate the location, the player's ownership information 223 ...

[0169] In placement area 11, RFID tags 2 are read and / or written to game coins 1 placed by players in placement area 11 for the purpose of participating in placement. In addition, RFID tags 2 are read and / or written to game coins 1 placed by the dealer in placement area 11 as compensation to players.

[0170] In the game coin tray 12, the RFID tag 2 is read and / or written to the game coins 1 that have been returned to the game coin tray and the game coins 1 that are stored.

[0171] The game table also has a payment area 2007 and a payment area 1026. The game coins 1 placed in the placement area 11 by the dealer as compensation to the players can be read and / or written to by RFID tags 2.

[0172] The management control device 15 has the function of determining whether the information 220 related to the location obtained from the reading results of the reading device 13 at each location is normal. As a determination of whether there is an anomaly, it can determine whether there is any event such as not using the information for a specified period of time since the last writing, or the failure to write the information related to the location that should have been written.

[0173] The event that has not been used for more than the specified period since the last write includes any of the following conditions: 1) The latest information related to the location is the information for counter 9, and the next information will be written after a specified period of time; 2) The latest information related to the location is the entry information at entrance / exit 10. The next information will be written after a specified time. 3) The latest information related to the location is the information indicating that the person left through entrance / exit 10. The next information will be written after a specified period of time.

[0174] An event in which the information that should have been written but was not written includes any of the following situations: 4) When entering the amusement park, the information related to the latest location of the rewritable data area 22 of the game coin 1 is not written, indicating that the player will leave through entrance / exit 10. 5) When used at counter 9, information representing backend 7 was not written; 6) When leaving the amusement park, information indicating counter 9 or backstage 7 was not written.

[0175] Based on the owner-related information 223 obtained from the reading device 13, the management control device 15 can determine any one of the following situations as an event for judging whether an anomaly is occurring: 1) A person who is different from the final owner stored in the rewritable data area 22 may exchange Game Coin 1 or leave the amusement park; 2) A person who is different from the owner at the time of departure stored in the rewritable data area 22 brings the game coin into the amusement park.

[0176] The management control device 15, based on information obtained from the reading device 13 indicating the location of the placement area 11, or the location of the game coin tray 12, or the payment area, determines, as an event of abnormality, any one of the following conditions 1) to 4): 1) A person different from the final owner stored in the rewritable data area 22 uses the game coin 1 on the game table; 2) Game Coin 1, which has no record of use at the game table, is exchanged at counter 9 by a different person than the one who purchased Game Coin 1 at counter 9; 3) Use game token 1 within the amusement park that does not indicate counter 9 or backstage 7; 4) The latest information related to the location is the information of the placement area 11 or the payment area. After a specified period, it can be exchanged at counter 9 or used at the game table.

[0177] Figure 17 The database of another example of Variation 4 is shown. The management system also has a database 17 that records the same fixed information 3 and variable information 4, in addition to game coin 1. The management control device 15 can record information in the database 17 based on the reading results of the reading device 13, and compare the fixed information 3 and variable information 4 stored in game coin 1 with the information in the database to determine anomalies.

[0178] In the RFID tag 2 in this example, the non-functionally writable data area 21 can be a TID. The area locked after necessary information is written to the non-rewritable data area 21, preventing further data writing, can be an EPC or a user area. The rewritable data area 22 can be an EPC or a user area.

[0179] The reading device 13 and the writing device 14 can change their form depending on the location. For example, in factory 6, for Figure 15 The device on the platform shown is box-shaped at the entrance / exit 10, and in the placement area 11 or the coin tray 12, the placement area 11 or the coin tray 12 itself can have the functions of a reading device 13 and a writing device 14. Furthermore, the coins 1 can be directly stacked, and reading and / or writing can be performed while they are stored in the coin box, etc. Moreover, the reading device 13 and the writing device 14 can be integrated into one unit.

[0180] In the above variation example four, the case where the game coin has a single RFID tag with both a non-writable and a writable data area was explained. Conversely, another approach could be considered: placing two RFID tags into the game coin, one tag locked to store fixed information so that no data can be written to it, and the other tag set to be writable to record changing information.

[0181] However, in this case, when reading multiple game coins together, such as Figure 16A As shown, the information groups of fixed information 3 and variable information 4 are read respectively. Therefore, it is impossible to determine the combination of fixed information and variable information of game currency, and it is impossible to determine the game currency with abnormal variable information.

[0182] In this case, if there is only one RFID tag, such as Figure 16B As shown, even when reading multiple game coins together, it is believed that implementing a single RFID tag is better because the reading device can grasp the correspondence between the fixed and variable information read.

[0183] Furthermore, generally speaking, the larger the diameter of the RFID tag, the higher the reading accuracy. Therefore, when RFID tags are inserted into game coins, the RFID tags are preferably sized with a diameter at least equal to the radius of the game coin. However, since two RFID tags are inserted into the game coin, the smaller the diameter of each RFID tag, the better. Additionally, inserting two RFID tags increases the number of RFID tags to be read, thus reducing the reading speed when reading multiple game coins.

[0184] Based on the above points, it is believed that implementing this through a single RFID tag will yield better results.

[0185] (Third case) The following is a general overview of the management system for tabletop games in an amusement park with multiple game tables in the third example of Variation 4. Figure 18 As shown in the diagram illustrating the overall structure of the same system, the management system for tabletop games in an amusement park with multiple game tables 2004 includes: a game recording device 2011 that records the games played on the game tables 2004, including game coins 1, as images using multiple cameras 2002; an image analysis device 2012 that performs image analysis on the recorded images; a game coin reading device 25 that reads the RFID tag attached to the game coin 1; and a game result determination device 18 that determines and displays the game results of each game on the game tables 2004.

[0186] The game result determination device 18 is, for example, a card dispensing device 2003, which is the so-called electronic card shoe already used by those skilled in the art. It can be configured such that the game rules are pre-programmed, the information of the dispensed cards C is read, and the winner of the game is determined. For example, in a certain card game, the dealer's win, the player's win, and a draw are basically determined by the face value of 2-3 cards, and the determination result (win / loss result) is displayed by the result display light 2013.

[0187] In the same attached diagram, game table 2004 is a card game table with 5 seats 13 ("Seat No. 1" 131, "Seat No. 2" 132, "Seat No. 3" 133, "Seat No. 5" 134, and "Seat No. 6" 135), allowing 5 players to participate. Each seat 13 has a placement area 44. Placement areas 44 for seat 13 include areas for Player 441, Banker 442, Tie 443, Player Pair (P) 444, and Banker Pair (B) 445. Each player places a game coin 1 in the position corresponding to the placed object, thus initiating the game. Figure 19 For example, two game coins 1 are placed for a tie 443 at seat number 5, and two game coins 1 are placed for player 441. Game table 2004 has a player card area 45 for placing the drawn player card and a banker card area 46 for placing the drawn banker card.

[0188] The control device 2014, through the camera 2002 and the image analysis device 2012, can determine the location (player, banker, tie, or pair) of each player 2006 in the placement area 2008, the type (each color of the game coin has a different value) of the game coin 1 placed, and the number of coins placed. For example, it can determine that two coins were placed in seat 5 (tie 443) and two coins were placed in seat 441.

[0189] like Figure 18 As shown, the game coin reading device 25 is configured to treat the entire placement area as a reading area for each seat number, and read the RFID tags of the game coins 1 present within the reading area. The RFID tags attached to the game coins 1 contain inherent ID information, the amount, type, manufacturing information, and owner information of the game coins 1. Alternatively, the ID information can be stored in a database in association with the amount, type, manufacturing information, and owner information of the game coins 1. By reading the RFID tags attached to the game coins 1, the game coin reading device 25 can grasp the game coins 1 for each seat number, and can grasp the total amount or number of coins. That is, for example, if 4 game coins are placed at seat number 5, it can grasp the type, amount, and ID of each game coin.

[0190] like Figure 19 As shown, the control device 2014 obtains the type and number of game coins 1 placed in each seating area based on the image analysis results from the image analysis device 2012, and determines the total amount or total number of game coins 1 for each seating number. This is then compared with the total amount or total number of game coins 1 for each seating number obtained from the RFID information of the game coins 1 read by the game coin reading device 25 to determine if they match. Furthermore, the control device can output the seating numbers determined to be inconsistent, thus identifying problematic seating numbers.

[0191] If the total amount or number of game coins 1 for each seat number obtained from image analysis based on the image analysis device is less than the total amount or number of game coins 1 for each seat number obtained from the reading results of the game coin reading device 25, it is possible that the RFID tag attached to the game coin 1 is damaged, is unreadable, or that the game coin 1 does not have an RFID tag attached. Figure 19 Regarding game coin 1 placed at seat number 1, the total number of reads obtained from image analysis by image analysis device 2012 is 4, while the total number of reads obtained from RFID reading by game coin reading device 25 is 3. Therefore, for game coin 1 placed at seat number 1, it can be considered that RFID cannot be read for 1 out of 4 coins.

[0192] Compared to the total amount or number of game coins 1 per seat number obtained from the image analysis results of the image analysis device, if the total amount or number of game coins 1 per seat number obtained from the reading results of the game coin reading device 25 is larger, it can be considered that there may be situations where game coins 1 are not read by the image analysis device 2012 due to reasons such as entering the blind spot of the camera. Figure 19 Regarding the game coin 1 placed at seat number 3, the total number of reads obtained from image analysis by image analysis device 2012 is 1, while the total number of reads obtained from RFID reading by game coin reading device 25 is 2. Therefore, it is possible that there are 2 game coins 1 placed at seat number 3, but the image analysis device only identifies 1 coin.

[0193] The RFID ID information attached to game token 1 is registered in the casino's database, recording information on its production and shipment at the factory, or its receipt, verification, and activation at the casino. Control device 2014 can compare the RFID information read by game token reader 25 with the information in the database to determine the authenticity of the game token registered for use in the casino.

[0194] According to this structure, the type and number of game coins 1 placed in each placement area are monitored by the camera, and the authenticity of the game coins 1 is determined based on the RFID information of the game coins 1 read by the game coin reading device 25, and the game coins 1 are determined to be illegitimate or defective for each seat number.

[0195] In addition, the system also includes a participant identification mechanism using facial recognition or player ID cards. The control device 2014 can associate the participant information identified through this mechanism with their seat number. The control device 2014 can store the placement amount, repayment or recovery amount, and win / loss information for each seat number for each participant. Furthermore, it can aggregate and store data from multiple games played by participants at multiple game tables.

[0196] The control device 2014 uses the coin tray determining device 12 to determine the total amount of game coins 1 in the coin tray 17 of the dealer 2005 at the game table 2004. After the game ends and is settled, it can compare and calculate whether the total amount of game coins 1 in the coin tray 17 has increased or decreased based on the game's outcome, including the recovery of lost game coins 1 by each player 2006 and the payout of 90,000 game coins to the winning player 2006W. The coin tray determining device uses a camera 2002 to photograph the game coins 1 stored in the coin tray 17. Based on the analysis of the image, it determines the total amount of game coins 1 in the coin tray 17. An RFID reader is installed in the coin tray 17 to detect the total amount of game coins 1 stored therein.

[0197] In this example, based on the game's outcome, the information of which type of game coin 1 was placed in which position in the placement area 2008 (player, banker, tie, pair) and how many coins were placed, and the increase or decrease in the amount of game coin 1 in the game coin tray 17 after the recovery of lost game coins and the repayment of won game coin 1, cheating or errors can be detected. Therefore, even without knowing the movement of game coin 1 after the game ends, i.e., whether the placed game coin 1 moved to the player's side or to the dealer's side, cheating or errors can be detected.

[0198] In the case of a card game, for example, the card dispensing device 2003 reads the face value of the card C drawn in the game, thereby determining the outcome of the game according to the rules of the card game. Alternatively, the game table 2004 can be filmed by a camera 2002, the image analysis device 2012 can analyze the image, and the control device 2014 can compare the analysis results with the game rules to determine the outcome of the game. In this case, the camera 2002, the image analysis device 2012, and the control device 2014 constitute the game result determination device. Information about which position (player, banker, tie, player pair, banker pair) and what type of game coin 1 each player at seat number 7 placed in the placement area 2008 is obtained by filming the game coin 1 placed in the placement area 2008 with the camera 2002, and analyzing the image for each player's position 7 with the image analysis device 2012.

[0199] Furthermore, by comparing the total amount of game coins 1 in the game coin tray 17 before the recovery of lost game coins 1 and the repayment of winning game coins 1, and the total amount of game coins 1 in the game coin tray 17 after the recovery of lost game coins 1 and the repayment of winning game coins 1, the increase or decrease in the amount of game coins 1 in the game coin tray 17 before and after the recovery of lost game coins 1 and the repayment of winning game coins 1 can be calculated.

[0200] For example, let's define the total amount of Game Coin 1 in Game Coin Tray 17 before the game starts as Bb, and the total amount of Game Coin 1 in Game Coin Tray 17 after the game ends, including the recovery of lost Game Coins and the repayment of won Game Coins, as Ba. Furthermore, in this game, the total amount of Game Coin 1 placed in the Player's area across all player positions 7 is bp, the total amount of Game Coin 1 placed in the Banker's area across all player positions 7 is bb, and the total amount of Game Coin 1 placed in the Tie area across all positions 7 is bt. For example, if the Banker wins the game, Ba - Bb = bp - bb + bt should hold true. Alternatively, the total amount of Game Coin 1 in Game Coin Tray 17, Ba, after the game ends should be (Bb + bp - bb + bt). If this is not the case, it can be determined that there was cheating or error in the recovery or repayment of Game Coins.

[0201] Figure 23A A diagram illustrating the details of the game coin tray in this example. Figure 23B The diagram illustrates another example of a game coin tray. The game coin tray 17 includes a return game coin tray 171 for temporarily storing and collecting game coins 1L placed by the losing player 2006L, and a repayment game coin tray 172 for storing game coins 1W used for repayment. The image analysis device 2012 and control device 2014 determine the location, type, and number of game coins 1L placed by the losing player 2006L, and calculate the increase in the amount of game coins 1L in the game (the expected amount of game coins 1 in the return game coin tray 171). Furthermore, the image analysis device 2012 and control device 2014 determine the actual total amount of game coins 1 in the returned game coin tray 171, compare the expected total amount with the actual total amount, and determine if there is a discrepancy.

[0202] The control device 2014 can also compare the total amount due in the game coin tray obtained based on the amount due in the game coin 1 and the actual total amount in the game coin tray after the repayment is completed, and determine whether there is a difference between the total amount due and the actual total amount. The amount due in the game coin is calculated based on the position, type and number of game coins placed by each game participant in the game table and the game result.

[0203] Furthermore, by using the game coin 1 in the game coin tray 172 to repay the game coin 1W of the winning player 2006W, it is possible to ensure that the image analysis device 2012 and the control device 2014 have sufficient time to grasp the actual total amount of game coins 1 in the recycled game coin tray 171.

[0204] As described above, in the third example, the control device 2014 calculates the inflow and outflow of game coins in each game based on the amount of game coins placed on the game table 2004 and the game's outcome, and detects any increase in the balance of game coins in the game coin tray 17 after the game. If a discrepancy is detected in this detection, the control device 2014 issues an alarm or adds a record indicating the situation to the video recording taken by the camera 2002. The casino operator can determine the cause of the discrepancy by reviewing the video.

[0205] In the third example, the tabletop game management system adds or subtracts the total amount of game coins 1 in the game coin tray 17 before each game's settlement, based on the position, type, and number of game coins 1 placed by all players 2006 in the game and the game's win / loss result obtained by the win / loss result determination device. It then compares the expected total amount of game coins 1 in the game coin tray 17 after the game's settlement with the actual total amount of game coins 1 in the game coin tray 17 at the end of the game, obtained by the image analysis device 2012, to determine whether there is a difference between the expected total amount and the actual total amount.

[0206] The control device 2014 uses the image analysis device 2012 to grasp the position, type, and number of game coins placed by each player. After all the lost game coins placed by each player are collected, the control device 2014 grasps the actual total amount of game coins in the game coin tray. It compares the expected total amount of game coins 1 in the game coin tray 17 with the actual total amount of game coins 1 in the game coin tray 17 and determines whether there is a difference between the expected total amount and the actual total amount. The expected total amount of game coins 1 in the game coin tray 17 is obtained by adding the total amount of game coins in the game coin tray before the settlement of each game to the increase in the game coin tray 17 in the game based on the position, type, and number of game coins placed by the losing players.

[0207] The control device 2014 compares the total amount of game coins 1 in the game coin tray 17 before each game settlement with the increased amount of game coin tray 17 in the game, calculated by adding the amount of game coin tray 17 based on the position, type, and number of game coins 1 placed by the losing player, to the actual total amount of game coins 1 in the game coin tray 17. If there is no difference between the expected total amount and the actual total amount, and the control device 2014 compares the expected total amount in the game coin tray 17 after the game ends with the actual total amount of game coins 1 in the game coin tray 17 obtained by the image analysis device 2012 at the end of the game, and determines that there is a difference between the expected total amount and the actual total amount, a payment error is determined, and a payment error signal is issued to notify of the payment error.

[0208] The game coin tray 17 is equipped with a game coin collection tray 171 for collecting and temporarily storing the game coins 1 placed by the losing player. The image analysis device 2012 compares the expected total amount of game coins 1 in the game collection tray 171, which is calculated by adding the amount of game coins 1 in the game based on the position, type and number of game coins 1L placed by the losing player, with the actual total amount of game coins 1 in the game collection tray 171, and determines whether there is a difference between the expected total amount and the actual total amount.

[0209] When the control device 2014 determines that there is a discrepancy between the actual total amount of game coins 1 held in the game coin tray 17 of the dealer 2005 at the game table 2004 and the increase or decrease of game coins calculated based on the amount of game coins placed by all players and the winning or losing result of the game, the game recording device 2011 adds an index or time to the acquired image, or determines and recreates the recycling scene or payment scene of game coins 1, so that the game recording device 2011 can analyze the game record that caused the above discrepancy.

[0210] In this way, the control device 2014 obtains the total amount of game coins in the game coin tray 17 after the game ends by means of the image analysis device 2012. The determination after the settlement in this case can be made under any of the following 1) to 4).

[0211] 1) When the winning game coin 1 is repaid at the end; 2) When card C used in the game is recycled and discarded to the discard area 41 or discard slit 42 of the game table; 3) When the designated button attached to the win / loss result determination device is pressed; 4) Restore the marker 43 indicating win or loss.

[0212] Furthermore, the control device 2014 employs an AI-efficient or deep learning structure that: it grasps the position (placement in the player, banker, or pair position) and amount (type and number of coins) of game coins placed on each player's position 7 at the game table 2004; it compares the win / loss history of each player 2006 obtained from the win / loss results of each game with the statistical data of a large number of past games (big data), and extracts it as an anomaly (set by the casino). Typically, the control device 2014, possessing an AI-efficient or deep learning structure, can: generate a winning amount of more than 1 million points, or a situation where the amount of game coins placed on a player's position 7 at a game table 2004 is small when losing but large when winning for several consecutive games, compare this with past game statistics (big data, etc.), and extract it as an anomaly.

[0213] Furthermore, the control device 2014 of this tabletop game management system is configured (integrated with the image analysis device 2012) to extract abnormal situations or identify individual players 2006 at position 7 who have won a specified amount or more. Such players 2006 can be pre-determined in the image analysis device 2012 by extracting feature points from facial images and attaching an identification number (ID, etc.). Moreover, the control device 2014 has a warning function that notifies the other game table of the presence of the identified player 2006 when the identified player leaves to sit at another game table. Specifically, it notifies the game table manager or the person in charge of each game table (which could be the dealer) to prevent further abnormalities.

[0214] The control device 2014 can determine the game coin 1 that has been recycled for each seat number based on the RFID ID information of the recycled game coin 1 determined by the game coin tray determination device and the RFID ID information of the game coin 1 read by the game coin reading device 25.

[0215] exist Figure 20 In, such as Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown in the detailed table, game token 1 was placed. The image analysis device 2012 can determine the location (player, banker, etc.) where game token 1 was placed, the number of tokens (and the amount). On the other hand, the game token reader 25 can determine the RFID ID of the game token 1 attached to each seat number. Furthermore, the game token tray determining device can determine the ID of the game token 1 within the game token tray 9, thus determining the ID added before and after recycling, thereby determining the recycled game token 1. Figures 20-22 If the dealer wins the game, the analysis results from the image analysis device 2012 indicate that the two game coins placed on the dealer's pair should be recycled. It can be seen that the two game coins ID6 and ID18 placed on seat number 5, which are determined by the game coin tray determination device and read by the game coin reading device 25, are recycled.

[0216] The control device 2014 also knows the total amount or total number of game coins 1 to be recovered for each seat number, determined by the game results obtained from the game result determination device and the image analysis results based on the image analysis device, based on the determination results of the position, amount, and number of game coins 1. Therefore, the control device 2014 can compare the total amount or total number of game coins 1 recovered for each seat number determined based on RFID with the total amount or total number of game coins 1 to be recovered based on the image analysis results, and determine whether they are consistent.

[0217] For example, if the reading result of the game coin reading device 25 for seat number 1 is "A, B, C, D, E", the analysis result of the image analysis device 2012 is "2 coins placed in the tie, 2 coins placed by the banker", the game result is "the banker wins", and the reading result of the game coin tray determination device 18 is "A, B", then it can be known that the A and B game coins placed in the tie were correctly recovered.

[0218] The control device 2014 can also determine whether the RFID ID information of the game coin 1 recovered by the game coin tray determination device is consistent with the RFID ID information of the game coin 1 placed on the table read by the game coin reading device 25. Based on this determination, it can be determined whether the game coin 1 recovered by the game coin tray is the game coin 1 placed on the game table, or the game coin 1 improperly recovered from other places.

[0219] The control device 2014 can also determine the type of game currency, such as cash code, transfer code, and promotion code, based on the RFID information read by the game currency reader 25, and can store the amount of the game currency, or the amount of the game currency to be redeemed or repaid according to the determined type of game currency.

[0220] Transcodes are special game tokens that can be purchased by designated members but cannot be exchanged for cash. The amount of transcodes purchased by each member is managed. They must be placed for use and consumption, and repayment for transcodes is made via cash codes. By storing the amount of transcodes placed or retrieved based on RFID information read by the game token reader 25, the amount of transcodes that should be held by each member can be determined.

[0221] The game coin reader 25 also has a confirmation area function, capable of reading game coins 1 placed for repayment. For example... Figure 24 As shown, in the case of repaying the dealer's position 2, game coin 1 for repayment is placed in the game coin reading device 25, and the coin is read. Figure 24 The winning game coin 1 is placed next to the dealer's winning game coin 1 at seat number 2. The control device 2014 compares the repayment amount determined using the game result from the game result determination device and the image analysis result from the image analysis device with the amount of the game coin 1 placed at each seat number based on the reading result from the game coin reading device 25, determines whether the repayment amounts are consistent or inconsistent, and outputs the result. Figure 25In the case of seat number 1, the total number of game coins 1 payable is 4, while the game coin reading device 25 reads 3, indicating a discrepancy. In the event of a discrepancy in the repayment amount, a discrepancy signal is output, and the dealer can reposition the game coins 1 used for repayment based on the output signal. After repositioning the game coins 1, a second judgment can be made, and the judgment result is output. The area where the game coins 1 used for repayment are placed can be any position within the game coin reading device 25. Furthermore, as... Figure 24 As shown, a payment confirmation area 26 can be configured separately from the placement area, on the dealer's side of the placement area. Figure 24 In the process, the game coin 1 used for repayment is placed in the payment confirmation area 26 of seat number 6. The game coin reading device 25 reads it, and the control device 2014 makes a judgment. The repayment game coin is placed next to the winning game coin 1 of the dealer.

[0222] In addition, the image analysis device 2012 also performs image analysis on the confirmed area, and the control device 2014 can compare the reading results with those of the game coin reading device 25 to determine whether the total number of coins is consistent.

[0223] Based on the judgment made by the control device 2014, the system can output a signal. The signal can be displayed on the display unit of the coin tray 9 or the display unit of the card dispensing device 13, and can be output to the game table manager or the casino's back office.

[0224] Game coin reader 25 can be like Figure 26 As shown, the entire placement area can be treated as a single reading area based on each seat number, or as follows: Figure 27 As shown, according to each seat number, the player's placement area and the banker's placement area are combined into one retrieval area, while the placement areas for a tie, player's pairs, and banker's pairs are combined into one read area. Furthermore, as... Figure 28 , 31 As shown, the side placement areas for the tie, player pair, and banker pair can also be used as a single reading area.

[0225] The following is an explanation of the game coin 1 used in this example. Figure 29 This is the appearance image of game currency 1 used in this system. Figure 30This is a front sectional view. It is formed by stacking multiple plastic layers of different colors, with a colored layer 101 at least in the middle, and white layers 102 or light-colored layers (although not shown, any layer lighter than the colored layer 101) stacked on both sides of the colored layer 101. By forming a multi-layer structure with a colored layer 101 and white layers 102 or light-colored layers (although not shown, any layer lighter than the colored layer 101) stacked on both sides of the colored layer 101, it achieves the desired effect. Figure 30 The striped pattern formed on the side has a stacked direction, which can change the color of the coloring layer 101 (red, green, yellow or blue, etc.) to determine the type of game coin 1 (10 points, 20 points, 100 points, 1000 points, etc.).

[0226] Shading layer 101 as Figure 31 The diagram shows that multiple layers can be colored (in...) Figure 30 The middle three layers are formed. Due to the multiple layers of coloring ( Figure 30 The middle layer consists of 3 layers that are heat-pressed together, therefore, as Figure 30 As shown, the three-layer structure is not in a visually confirmable state. Figure 30 The diagram shows three layers. Further, a portion of the central layer within the three layers of the colored layer 101 has a cutout B, in which an RFID tag is embedded.

[0227] Furthermore, the game coin 1 is not limited to a structure of plastic layers, but may also have a structure that does not have the same appearance as the coloring layer 101.

[0228] The following describes in detail the method by which the image analysis device 2012 analyzes the game coin 1. The image analysis device 2012 performs image analysis on the image recorded by the recording device 11, identifying at least two colors: a specific color 121 at least partially attached to the game coin 1, and a reference color R present in the image that is different from the specific color 121. It should be noted that the specific color 121 is at least partially attached to a predetermined location on the game coin 1 or at least partially attached in a predetermined shape. For example, it can be attached as a coloring layer 101, attached circumferentially to the side of the game coin 1, or attached as a predetermined mark on the surface of the game coin 1. Furthermore, the reference color R can be, for example, the color of a predetermined area of ​​the game table 2004, or the color of a location on the game coin 1 that is different from the specific color 121.

[0229] The image analysis device 2012 includes an artificial intelligence device 12a that determines color, for example, through deep learning technology, and determines the number and type of game coins 1 placed on the game table 2004. The recognition device 12 can also determine the position of the game coins 1 on the game table 2004.

[0230] The image analysis device 2012 acquires multiple images of the game coin 1 and the reference color R under different illumination levels. The acquired images, along with the correct colors of the game coin 1 (specific color 121) and the reference color R in each image, are used as teacher data for instruction, thereby creating a learning mode 13a (recognition program). It should be noted that for images of the game coin 1 and the reference color R under the same illumination conditions, by illuminating the specific color 121 and the reference color R with the same illumination, the relative relationship between the specific color 121 and the reference color R can be obtained. For example, this relative relationship can be used for the recognition of the specific color 121.

[0231] Furthermore, the game coin recognition device 12 can extract the center line C of the game coin 1 by taking and recording images with the camera 200212, and then using the results of image analysis to measure features on the image such as shape, brightness, saturation, and hue.

[0232] The artificial intelligence device 12a also includes the following structure: it performs image analysis on a predetermined range of surrounding images (e.g., a range of 8 pixels perpendicular to the center line, centered on the center line) around the extracted center line C, thereby identifying at least two colors in the surrounding images: the determined color 121 and the reference color R, which is different from the determined color 121. It should be noted that when performing image analysis on the predetermined range of surrounding images around the extracted center line C, the image can be analyzed directly, or it can be analyzed after image processing such as color enhancement and noise removal, to facilitate the identification of the determined color 121.

[0233] In summary, the artificial intelligence device 12a of the recognition device 12 is an artificial intelligence device that is capable of extracting the center line C from the image of the game coin 1, performing image analysis on the surrounding image within a specified range centered on the center line C, thereby identifying the structure of at least two colors in the surrounding image, namely a certain color 121 and a reference color R different from the certain color 121, and using multiple surrounding images of the game coin 1 and the reference color R obtained by illuminating them with different illuminances as teacher data for teaching.

[0234] In other examples, the control device 2014 also has the function of determining at least one of the following conditions: 1) In each game, from the time the cards are drawn or from the start of the dealer's game until the game's outcome is displayed by the card-distributing device, is there any movement of game coins? 2) During the period after each game ends, when the dealer collects the game coins placed by the losers among the game participants, is there any movement of game coins by anyone other than the dealer? 3) After each game ends, during the period when the dealer collects the game coins placed by the losers among the game participants, are additional game coins added? 4) After each game, did the dealer pay out the winning coins placed by the players? 5) After each game ends, did the winners among the game participants take away the placed game coins and the game coins that were paid out?

[0235] Furthermore, the control device 2014 may be configured to use the analysis results of the image analysis device to detect the hand movements of the dealer and the game participants, the movement of game coins, or the hand movements and the movement of game coins, thereby determining at least one of 1) to 5).

[0236] The control device 2014, according to the rules of a certain card game, has the functions shown in 1) to 5) below. As a characteristic function of this invention, it determines whether cheating that violates the rules has occurred. That is, 1) In each game, from the time the card drawing starts signal received by the free card dispensing device 2003 or the dealer 2005 presses the start button for 4 seconds to start the game until the card dispensing device 2003 displays the game's winning or losing result, the image analysis device 2012 uses information obtained by the camera 2002 to monitor whether there is any movement of game coin 1. 2) After each game ends, during the period when the dealer 2005 collects the game coins 1 placed by the losers among the game participants 2006, the image analysis device 2012 uses the information obtained by the camera 2002 to monitor whether the loser 6 has improperly taken away the game coins 1. 3) After each game ends, during the period when the dealer 2005 collects the game coins 1 placed by the losers among the game participants, the image analysis device 2012 uses the information obtained by the camera 2002 to monitor whether anyone other than the dealer 2005 (winner or loser) adds the winning game coins 10,000 or replaces new game coins 1 on the winning side where no coins were placed. 4) After each game, the image analysis device 2012 uses the information obtained by the camera 2002 to monitor whether the dealer 2005 has correctly placed the game coin 1W to the winner among the game participants 2006; 5) After each game ends (the dealer 2005 operates the card distribution device 2003 to display the win / loss results on the display light 13), the image analysis device 2012 uses the information obtained by the camera 2002 to monitor whether the winner 6W among the game participants 2006 has taken away the placed game coin 1 and the game coin 1W that was paid out.

[0237] It should be noted that in the above example, the image analysis device 2012 and the control device 2014 are devices with artificial intelligence-efficient or deep learning structures. Specifically, the image analysis device 2012 and the control device 2014 can use Scale-Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) algorithms, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), deep learning, mechanical learning, or similar devices to perform image analysis or the various controls described above. These technologies are techniques for image recognition of captured images and for identifying objects contained within the images. In particular, in recent years, deep learning techniques that utilize multi-layered neural networks have been used to identify objects with high accuracy. This deep learning technique generally involves stacking multiple layers in the intermediate layers between the input and output layers of the neural network to identify objects with high accuracy. Among these deep learning techniques, convolutional neural networks, in particular, have attracted attention due to their higher performance compared to object recognition based on conventional image feature quantities.

[0238] In a convolutional neural network, labels are learned on the image to identify the main objects within that image. When multiple main objects exist within the image, they are designated as rectangular regions, and labels are added to the images corresponding to these regions for learning. Furthermore, the convolutional neural network can determine the main objects within the image and their locations.

[0239] To further explain the convolutional neural network, in the object recognition step, edge extraction and other processing are performed on the image of the object to be recognized, thereby extracting a supplementary region based on local features. This supplementary region is then input into the convolutional neural network, and classification is performed based on the extracted feature vectors. The supplementary region with the highest certainty factor is selected as the recognition result. The certainty factor refers to the measure of how much higher the similarity of the subject in an image region and its label is compared to other levels of similarity.

[0240] The above examples illustrate various embodiments. However, it is natural that those skilled in the art can make modifications within the scope of this invention, and can appropriately change the apparatus of this embodiment according to the needs of the game to which it is applied.

[0241] (Fu Ji) To solve the aforementioned problems, the game currency management system of the present invention is configured as follows: The game tokens are attached to a single RFID tag with both non-rewritable and rewritable data areas. The non-tamperable data area of ​​the RFID tag stores at least one of the following as fixed information: production information, product information, casino information, amount information, and serial number of the game coin. The rewritable data area stores information related to the location of the game currency, serving as change information. It is possible to extract the variable information stored in the rewritable data area of ​​the same RFID tag from the fixed information stored in the non-rewritable data area. The system also features: A writing device that writes information about the game coin's location to the area of ​​the rewritable data; A reading device that simultaneously reads the fixed information stored in the immutable data areas of multiple game coins, and based on the read fixed information, can read information related to the location stored in the immutable data areas in pairs with each piece of fixed information; and A management and control device that reviews information related to the location obtained from the reading device. The rewritable data area stores multiple pieces of information related to a location in such a manner that it includes at least the most recent information related to the location from all information related to the location written by the writing device. The management and control device is configured to determine whether there are any anomalies in the historical records of information related to the location obtained from the reading device. If an anomaly is found, an error signal is generated to determine the fixed information of the game currency that is determined to be abnormal.

[0242] Furthermore, the rewritable data area is configured to store information related to the location and information about the time when the writing device writes the game coin. The management and control device is configured to determine, based on the information related to the location obtained from the reading device, whether there is any of the following situations: either the information that has not been used since the last specified writing period has not been written, or the information related to the location that should have been written has not been written, as a determination of whether it is the abnormality.

[0243] Furthermore, in the management and control device, the information related to the location includes at least one of the following: information indicating the counter, information indicating entry or exit, or information indicating the back office. The situation where the data has not been used since the last write can be any of the following: 1) The latest information related to the location is the counter information, and the next information will be written after a specified period of time; 2) The latest information related to the location indicates entry information; the next information will be written after a specified period of time. 3) The latest information related to the location indicates the exit information, and the next information will be written after a specified time.

[0244] The situation where the relevant information that should have been written has not been written can be any of the following: 4) Upon entering the amusement park, the latest information related to the location of the rewritable data area of ​​the game coin was not written with information indicating exit; 5) When used at the counter, no information indicating the backend was written; 6) When leaving the amusement park, no information indicating the counter or backstage was written.

[0245] Furthermore, the information related to the location may include information related to the owner of the game currency.

[0246] Furthermore, as a means of determining whether an anomaly exists based on information related to the owner obtained from the reading device, the management device may be configured to have the function of determining either 1) or 2) below. 1) A person who is different from the final owner stored in the rewritable data area may exchange the game token for cash or make an exchange or leave the amusement park within the amusement park; 2) A person who is different from the owner at the time of departure stored in the rewritable data area brings the game coin into the amusement park.

[0247] Furthermore, information related to the owner of the game currency can be determined through facial recognition or ID card reading.

[0248] In addition, the information related to the location may also include information indicating the location of the game coin tray of the determined game table, or information indicating the location of the placement area, or information indicating the payment area.

[0249] Furthermore, as a means to determine whether an abnormal situation exists based on information indicating the location of the game coin tray on the game table, the location of the placement area, or the payment area obtained from the reading device, the control device may have the function of determining any one of the following conditions 1) to 4). 1) A person different from the final owner stored in the rewritable data area uses the game coin at the game table; 2) Game tokens with no usage record at the game table were exchanged at the counter by a different person who purchased them at the counter; 3) Using game tokens in amusement parks that do not indicate a counter or back office; 4) The latest relevant information indicates the placement area or payment area. After a specified period, it can be redeemed at the counter or used at the game table.

[0250] Furthermore, the information contained in the RFID tag can be encrypted.

[0251] Furthermore, the unwritable data region can be a structure that cannot be functionally written to or a structure that is locked to prevent data from being written to.

[0252] Furthermore, the reading device is configured to read together the fixed information stored in the non-writable data area and the related information stored in the writable data area. The management and control device can be configured to extract and grasp the information related to the location stored in the rewritable data area of ​​the same RFID tag from the fixed information of the multiple game coins read by the reading device.

[0253] To address the aforementioned problems, the game coin of the present invention possesses a single RFID tag having a non-rewritable data area and a rewritable data area. The non-rewritable data area stores at least one of the following as fixed information: production information, product information, casino information, amount information, and serial number of the game coin. The rewritable data area is configured to store information related to the location of the game coin, written by the writing device, as change information. The configuration is such that the variable information stored in the same RFID tag in the same RFID tag can be extracted from the fixed information stored in the non-rewritable data area.

[0254] Furthermore, the game tokens can be configured such that a reading device can read the fixed information stored in the non-rewritable data areas of multiple game tokens together, and based on the read fixed information, information related to the location stored in the rewritable data areas can be read.

[0255] To address the aforementioned problems, the desktop game management system of the present invention has the following features: Game tokens, each with an attached RFID tag that can be individually identified; A game table for playing games using the game coins; A game recording device that records images of game coins placed by each player at the game table via a camera. An image analysis device that performs image analysis on the recorded image of the game coin; A game coin reading device that reads the RFID tags attached to the game coins placed by each game participant; and The control device monitors the image analysis results from the image analysis device and the reading results from the game coin reading device. The game table has multiple placement areas, each including at least a player's area and a banker's area for each seat number. The game coin reading device is configured to read the game coins by treating the entire placement area as a single reading area for each seat number, or to divide the entire placement area into multiple reading areas (less than the number of placement areas) and read the game coins for each reading area. Based on the image analysis results of the image analysis device, the control device independently determines the type and number of game coins placed in each placement area, which includes at least the player's placement area and the banker's placement area. It then determines whether the total amount or number of game coins for each seat number or each reading area, based on the image analysis results of the image analysis device, is consistent with the total amount or number of game coins for each seat number or each reading area, based on the reading results of the game coin reading device, and outputs the determination result.

[0256] Furthermore, the control device may be configured to output seat numbers where the determination results are inconsistent.

[0257] Furthermore, the control device may also be configured to generate a signal indicating that the RFID tag attached to the game coin may be damaged or that the game coin is not attached to the RFID tag when the total amount or number of game coins for each seat number is less than the total amount or number of game coins for each seat number based on the reading result of the game coin reading device, compared to the total amount or number of game coins for each seat number based on the image analysis result of the image analysis device.

[0258] Furthermore, the control device may also be configured to generate a signal indicating the possibility that the image analysis device has made a reading error on the game coins when the total number of game coins for each seat number is greater than the total number of game coins for each seat number based on the image analysis results of the image analysis device.

[0259] In addition, it has a database that stores the IDs of the RFID tags attached to the game tokens. The control device can be configured to compare the RFID ID obtained from the reading result of the game coin reading device with the ID stored in the database to determine the authenticity of the game coin and output the determination result.

[0260] In addition, it also has: A coin tray that holds coins for the dealer to use on the game table; A game coin tray detection device, capable of determining the type and quantity of game coins stored in the game coin tray; and The game result determination device determines the game results of each game on the game table. The control device has the following calculation function: using the game results obtained from the game result determination device and the image analysis results from the image analysis device, as well as the determination results of the position, amount, and number of game coins, it calculates the income and expenditure on the casino side of the game table according to each round of collection and repayment in each game. It can also have: The coin recycling judgment function, at the end of the recycling of game coins placed by each game participant, compares the amount of game coins to be recycled (calculated based on the position, type, and number of game coins placed by each player on the game table and the game results) with the actual amount recycled from the coin tray to determine if there is a discrepancy between the amount to be recycled and the actual amount recycled, thereby determining whether there was cheating or error in the recycling of game coins; and The repayment determination function performs the repayment of corresponding game coins. At the end of the repayment, it compares the total amount of game coins due to be repaid with the actual total amount in the game coin tray. If there is a difference between the total amount due and the actual total amount, it is determined that there is cheating or error in the repayment. The amount of game coins due to be repaid is calculated based on the position, type, and number of game coins placed by each player on the game table and the game result.

[0261] Furthermore, the control device determines the number of game coins collected for each seat number based on the RFID ID information of the collected game coins determined by the game coin tray determination device and the RFID ID information of the game coins read by the game coin reading device. The ID, amount, or number of game coins determined by the game coin's location, amount, and number of game coins used are compared with the ID, amount, or number of game coins to be recovered for each seat number, and it is determined whether they are consistent for each seat number. The determination results of the game coin's location, amount, and number of game coins are based on the game results obtained from the game result determination device and the image analysis results from the image analysis device.

[0262] Furthermore, the control device can be configured such that, in each game, the game coin reading device reads the RFID ID information of the game coin, determines the category of the game coin's usage purpose or purpose, and can store the amount placed, the amount recovered, or the amount repaid for each game coin of the category for each seat number.

[0263] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to, in multiple games, store, redeem, or repay the accumulated amount of each type of game coin for each seat number.

[0264] Furthermore, the game currency can be categorized as at least as a cash code, a transfer code, or a promotion code.

[0265] Furthermore, the control device may be configured to determine the owner based on the ID information of the transcode, and for each owner, store the cumulative amount of the transcode placed, or the cumulative amount of recovery or repayment.

[0266] Furthermore, the game coin reading device reads the game coins placed in the device for repayment for each seat number. The control device may be configured to compare the repayment amount determined by measuring the position, amount, and number of game coins with the amount of game coins placed at each of the seat numbers based on the reading results of the game coin reading device, and determine and output whether the repayment amount is consistent or inconsistent, wherein the measurement results of the position, amount, and number of game coins are obtained based on the game results obtained from the game result determination device and the image analysis results of the image analysis device.

[0267] Furthermore, the control device may be configured to display an inconsistency when the determination result of the repayment amount is inconsistent; furthermore, if the amount of game coins read by the game coin reading device and placed in the game coin reading device of each seat number changes, a determination may be made here, and the consistent or inconsistent result may be output again.

[0268] Furthermore, the control device may be configured to compare the amount of game coins placed at each of the seat numbers for repayment with the increase or decrease in the amount of game coins in the tray before and after repayment, and determine whether there is a difference.

[0269] In addition, the game coin reading device may have a payment confirmation area, which is configured on the dealer side of the placement area for placing the game coins for repayment.

[0270] In addition, it also has the capability to identify game participants using facial recognition systems or player ID cards. The control device may be configured to associate the seat number with the information of the game participant determined by the game participant determination agency.

[0271] In addition, a display device may be provided, which displays the output of the control device.

[0272] In addition, the game table also has a side-mounted placement area. The side placement area is arranged adjacent to the placement area for each seat number. The game coin reading device is capable of reading at least one of the side-placed placement areas in a comprehensive manner. The control device may be configured to, based on the image analysis results of the image analysis device, determine the type and number of game coins placed in at least one of the side placement areas, and output a signal indicating whether the total amount or total number of game coins in the at least one side placement area based on the image analysis results of the image analysis device is consistent with the total amount or total number of game coins in the side placement area based on the reading results of the game coin reading device.

[0273] Furthermore, another aspect of the present invention is a management system for desktop games, wherein, The management system of this desktop game includes: Game tokens, each with an attached RFID tag that can be individually identified; A game table used for playing games using the game coins; A game recording device that records images of game coins placed by each player during a game on the game table via a camera. An image analysis device that performs image analysis on the recorded image of the game coin; A game coin reading device that reads the RFID tags attached to the game coins placed by each game participant; and The control device monitors the image analysis results from the image analysis device and the reading results from the game coin reading device. The game table has a placement area, which includes a placement area for players, a placement area for the banker, and a side placement area. The side placement area is arranged adjacent to the placement area for each seat number. The game coin reading device is capable of reading at least one of the side-placed placement areas in a comprehensive manner. The control device is configured to, based on the image analysis results of the image analysis device, independently determine the type and number of game coins placed in the at least one side placement area, and determine whether the total amount or total number of game coins in the at least one side placement area based on the image analysis results of the image analysis device is consistent with the total amount or total number of game coins placed on that side based on the reading results of the game coin reading device, and output a signal of the determination result.

[0274] Furthermore, the control device may be configured to output the side placement as inconsistent with the determination result.

[0275] Furthermore, the control device may also be configured to generate a signal indicating that the RFID tag attached to the game coin may be damaged or that the game coin is not attached to the RFID tag when the total number of game coins placed on each side is less than the total number of game coins placed on each side based on the image analysis results of the image analysis device.

[0276] Furthermore, the control device may also be configured to generate a signal indicating the possibility of a reading error of the game coins by the image analysis device when the total number or total number of game coins placed on each side is greater than the total number or total number of game coins placed on each side based on the reading results of the game coin reading device.

[0277] In addition, it has a database that stores the IDs of the RFID tags attached to the game tokens. The control device can be configured to compare the RFID ID obtained from the reading result of the game coin reading device with the ID stored in the database to determine the authenticity of the game coin.

[0278] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to determine the game coins placed on each side based on the RFID ID information of the game coins recovered as determined by the game coin tray determination device and the RFID ID information of the game coins read by the game coin reading device. It can compare the ID, amount, or number of game coins to be recovered on each side, determined by the measurement results of the position, amount, and number of game coins, with the ID, amount, or number of game coins recovered on each side, and determine whether the amount of recovered game coins is consistent or inconsistent for each side. The measurement results of the position, amount, and number of game coins are based on the game results obtained from the game result determination device and the image analysis results from the image analysis device.

[0279] When a game coin or a stack of game coins that should be accepted for payment is present in a game coin reader 25, the placed game coin can be paired with the payment game coin and associated with the owner information even without detecting whether the game coin has moved outside the area of ​​the game coin reader 25. That is, when a game coin 1001 or a stack of several game coins 1001 is present in a game coin reader 25, the placed game coin and the payment game coin can be paired based on information that the payment game coin has disappeared from the game coin tray or information about the payment game coin read by the game coin reader 25 on the game table, and thus associated with the owner information. Of course, it can be configured such that, based on information that the game coin has moved outside the area of ​​the game coin reader 25, the placed game coin is identified, and using several pieces of information—including information about the game coin removed from the game coin tray, information about the game coin placed in the placement area, and information about the game coin moved outside the area of ​​the game coin reader 25—the payment game coin and the placed game coin are paired, thereby associating the owner information of the placed game coin with information related to the owner of the payment game coin. Alternatively, it can be configured such that the ID of the game coin is read via RFID, and the type and quantity of game coins, including stack identification, are performed using a camera.

[0280] In a coin reader 25, the presence of a single stack of coins or game coins that are to be paid includes situations where, at the time of placement, there is only one stack of coins or game coins in the area, or where, at the time of placement, there are several stacks, but during payment, the stack becomes the last one. It can be configured to pair only the last stack of placed game coins with the payment coin and associate it with the owner information. In this case, the remaining last stack is designated as the coin placed by a member, thereby enabling reliable tracking of the member's game coins. Preferably, one member places coins at each coin reader (e.g., each player position), while several non-members may place coins. With one member at each player position, since the game coins are associated with the owner, information about the member assigned to each player position can be obtained from the information on the placed game coins. Furthermore, in cases where there is a rule that members place game coins before non-members, within a player position, the first placed game coin can be associated with the member information assigned to that player position (e.g., sitting in player position 1), or it can be confirmed that the first placed game coin is associated with the member information assigned to that player position. Use membership cards when assigning members to player positions.

[0281] The coin reader 25 can be placed in each area of ​​the player, banker, tie, and pair zones, or the game table can be divided into multiple zones based on player positions, such as player positions 1-3 and player positions 4-6, with each zone being a single large reader 25. In either case, it can match placed coins with paid coins and update owner information based on information such as coins moving outside the area of ​​the coin reader 25 (coins not read by the coin reader 25), the ID of paid coins disappearing from the coin tray, and the ID information of paid coins placed in the placement area.

[0282] Symbol explanation: Warehouse 31 Procedure Room 32 33. Cashier 34 Bank Room 35 Game Console 36 Game Table 72 game coins 73 Data Files 74 players 75 Dealers 100 RFID tag manufacturing plants 200 Game Coin Manufacturing Factory 211 TID area 212 EPC Area 300 Casino 301 Back Office 302 Game Pool 320 Procedure Room System 321 antenna 322 Activate reader / writer 323 Central Comparison Device 324 Input Device 325 Registration Device 326 Database 327 Barcode Reader 328 Operating device 330 Cashier System 340 Banking System 350 Game Console System 360 Game Table System 720 Game Coin Box 722 barcode 721 RFID tag 3291 Camera 3292 Image recognition device.

Claims

1. A casino system comprising casino equipment using gaming equipment affixed with RFID tags, wherein the RFID tags store identification information, wherein... The casino system has the following features: Database; and A recording device that records the identification information of the gaming equipment used in the amusement park, as well as status information indicating whether the gaming equipment is usable, in the database. The database stores the identification information and the status information recorded by the recording device. The casino system also includes an activation device that, when a game item recorded in the database is used in the casino, sets the status information of the game item to usable.

2. The casino system according to claim 1, wherein, When the gaming item, which is recorded in the database and stored in the storage location, is retrieved from the storage location for use in the casino, the activation device sets the status information of the gaming item to be usable.

3. The casino system according to claim 1, wherein, If the identification information in the data file provided by the manufacturer of the game product matches the identification information stored in the RFID tag of the game product, the recording device records the identification information in the database.

4. The casino system according to claim 1, wherein, When a game item is used in an entertainment venue, and the identification information in the data file provided by the manufacturer matches the identification information stored in the RFID tag of the game item, the activation device sets the status information of the game item to usable.

5. The casino system according to claim 1, wherein, The recording device and the activation device are the same device.

6. The casino system according to claim 1, wherein, For a game item that is determined to have identification information in a data file at the manufacturer of the game item that matches the identification information stored in the RFID tag of the game item, the recording device records the identification information of the game item in the list of the database.

7. The casino system according to claim 1, wherein, The casino system also includes a reading device that reads the RFID tags on multiple gaming items stored in the cabinet. The recording device records the identification information read by the reading device into the database.

8. The casino system according to claim 1, wherein, If the game item whose status information is set to usable meets the specified conditions, the activation device will perform a process to deactivate the game item's status information from being set to unusable.

9. The casino system according to claim 8, wherein, If the game item that has undergone the deactivation process meets the specified conditions, the activation device sets the status information of the game item to be usable again.

10. The casino system according to claim 8, wherein, The casino system also includes a reader that reads the identification information from the RFID tags on the gaming equipment. For game items whose identification information cannot be effectively read by the reading device, the activation device performs the deactivation process.

11. The casino system according to claim 10, wherein, The casino system also includes a reader that reads the identification information from the RFID tags on the gaming equipment. The gaming item carries information for identifying the gaming item in a manner other than the RFID tag. For game items whose identification information cannot be read by the reading device, the activation device uses the information used to determine the game item to determine the game item that should undergo the deactivation process, and performs the deactivation process.

12. The casino system according to claim 8, wherein, The casino system also includes a reader that reads the identification information from the RFID tags on the gaming equipment. The gaming item has information for identifying the gaming item in a manner other than the RFID tag. If the identification information read from the RFID tag of the game item by the reading device is not recorded in the database as identification information of the usable game item, the activation device uses the information used to determine the game item to determine the game item that should be deactivated, and performs the deactivation process.

13. The casino system according to claim 8, wherein, The RFID tag stores manufacturing information indicating the manufacturing status of the game item, type information indicating the type of game item, and / or information about the amusement park using the game item. The identification information, along with the corresponding manufacturing information, category information, and / or casino information, are stored together in the database. If the manufacturing information, type information, and / or casino information stored in the RFID tag are inconsistent with the manufacturing information, type information, and / or casino information stored in the database, the activation device performs the deactivation process on the gaming product with the identification information.

14. The casino system according to claim 8, wherein, The activation device causes the database to store information representing the date of registration of the game item's identification information, and refers to the database to perform the deactivation process on game items that have been registered for a specified period since the date of registration.

15. The casino system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The gaming items can be placed by players in the casino during gameplay and are redeemable.

16. A gaming device for use in a casino system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, and affixed with an RFID tag storing identification information.

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