Game substitution coin and management system

Abstract

To provide a novel game substitution coin by which authenticity of a coin can be determined based on an image obtained by imaging.SOLUTION: A management system 100 comprises: a recording device 55 for recording an image of a game substitution coin 10; and an inspection device 56 for determining a kind and authenticity of the game substitution coin 10 by using a recording result of the recording device 55. The game substitution coin 10 has a multi layer structure in which both sides of a colored layer 11 are sandwiched by light color layers 12a, 12b, on outside of the light color layer 12a, 12b, a surface printing for indicating a kind of the game substitution coin 10 is performed, and in a colored layer 11 on inside of the light color layer 12a, 12b, an authenticity recognition mark formed of an infrared absorption material is printed as inside printing. A visible light camera 52 images a visible light image of the surface printing, and an infrared camera 51 radiates an infrared ray to the surface printing side for imaging the infrared image of the inside printing. The inspection device 55 uses the visible light image and the infrared image for determining the kind and authenticity of the game substitution coin 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming token and a management system for a table game using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in gaming facilities such as casinos, table games are played using gaming tokens. Since gaming tokens can be converted into cash, counterfeiting of gaming tokens is strictly controlled. In order to distinguish counterfeit gaming tokens from genuine gaming tokens, various techniques have been proposed and adopted. For example, a method is known in which a wireless tag recording identification information is embedded in the gaming token and the identification information is read by a reader to determine its authenticity (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] On the other hand, different values ​​are defined for each type of gaming token, and technology for detecting the value of gaming tokens has been proposed to automate table games. For example, a method is known in which a wireless tag that records information on the type or value of gaming tokens is embedded in the gaming tokens, and the authenticity is determined by reading the information with a reader (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-246103 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention provides a novel token for gaming whose authenticity can be determined based on an image obtained by photographing it. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a management system for a table game using a gaming table, comprising a recording device which records images of gaming tokens, and an inspection device which uses the recording results of the recording device to determine the type and authenticity of the gaming tokens, the gaming tokens having a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of plastic layers are laminated by thermocompression bonding, a display plastic layer is disposed on the outer layer of the plurality of plastic layers, a display indicating the type of the gaming token is printed on the outer side of the display plastic layer, and an infrared absorbing material is used for authenticity recognition on the back side of the display plastic layer or on a plastic layer inside the display plastic layer. The recording device is connected to a normal camera for recording and determining the indication indicating the type of the gaming token printed on the outside of the indication plastic layer, and an infrared camera for recording and determining an authenticity recognition mark made of infrared absorbing material printed on the back side of the indication plastic layer or on a plastic layer inside the indication plastic layer by irradiating infrared light from the side on which the indication indicating the type of the gaming token printed on the outside of the indication plastic layer is printed, and the inspection device is configured to determine the type and authenticity of the gaming token using the normal camera and the infrared camera.

[0007] With this configuration, the authenticity of the token can be determined based on not only the contents printed on the surface but also the contents printed inside with infrared absorbing material. Since the infrared absorbing material is inside the token, it cannot be visually confirmed from the outside, and it will not peel off or fade with use.

[0008] In the above management system, the authenticity verification mark of the gaming token may be printed with a transparent or semi-transparent infrared absorbing material.

[0009] With this configuration, the infrared absorbing material used for internal printing can be made less visible from the outside.

[0010] In the above management system, the gaming tokens may have at least a colored layer in the middle, and a multi-layer structure in which light-colored layers are laminated on both sides of the middle colored layer, forming a striped pattern in the stacking direction on the sides, and the inspection device may be configured to use the normal camera to identify the type of gaming token by the colored layer.

[0011] With this configuration, the type of gaming token can be identified by the striped pattern on the side.

[0012] In the above management system, the authenticity verification mark of the gaming token may be a letter or a pattern.

[0013] With this configuration, the authenticity checking mark can be formed by characters or patterns.

[0014] The above management system may further comprise a database that stores the authenticity recognition mark and the type of gaming token in association with each other.

[0015] With this configuration, the type of gaming token can be identified by reading the authenticity recognition mark and referring to the database.

[0016] In the above management system, the gaming tokens may have built-in RF tags that store RF tag information.

[0017] With this configuration, RF tag information can be read from gaming tokens.

[0018] The above management system may further comprise a database that stores the authenticity identification mark and the RF tag information in association with each other.

[0019] This configuration associates the authenticity checking mark with the RF tag information.

[0020] In the above management system, the inspection device may inspect whether or not the authenticity checking mark is associated with at least the type specified by the colored layer in the database.

[0021] With this configuration, the authenticity of the game token is determined by judging whether or not the combination of the authenticity recognition mark and the type specified by the colored layer is correct.

[0022] In the above management system, the inspection device may inspect whether or not the authenticity identification mark and the RF tag information are associated with each other in the database.

[0023] With this configuration, the authenticity of the gaming token can be determined based on whether the combination of the authenticity recognition mark and the RF tag information is correct.

[0024] One aspect of the present invention is a gaming token having a multi-layer structure in which multiple plastic layers are laminated by thermocompression, wherein an indication plastic layer is disposed on the outer layer of the multiple plastic layers, an indication indicating the type of the gaming token is printed on the outside of the indication plastic layer, and an authenticity recognition mark made of infrared absorbing material is printed on the back side of the indication plastic layer or on a plastic layer inside the indication plastic layer, and the authenticity recognition mark is printed in such a way that it is permissible to record and identify the authenticity recognition mark made of infrared absorbing material printed on the back side of the indication plastic layer or on the plastic layer inside the indication plastic layer by irradiating infrared rays using an infrared camera from the side on which the indication indicating the type of the gaming token printed on the outside of the indication plastic layer is printed.

[0025] With this configuration, the authenticity of the gaming token can be determined based not only on the contents printed on the surface but also on the contents printed inside with infrared absorbing material. Since the infrared absorbing material is inside the gaming token, it cannot be visually confirmed from the outside, and it will not peel off or fade with use.

[0026] The authenticity recognition mark of the above-mentioned gaming token may be distinguishable by irradiating it with infrared rays, and the relationship between this mark and the indication representing the type of gaming token read using a normal camera may be determined.

[0027] With this configuration, it is possible to determine the relationship between the authenticity checking mark, which can be distinguished by irradiating it with ultraviolet light, and the type of gaming token read by a normal camera.

[0028] The authenticity verification mark of the gaming token may be printed with a transparent or semi-transparent infrared absorbing material.

[0029] With this configuration, the infrared absorbing material used for internal printing can be made less visible from the outside.

[0030] The gaming tokens described above may have a multi-layer structure with at least a colored layer in the middle, and thin-colored layers laminated on both sides of the colored layer in the middle, thereby forming stripes on the sides in the layering direction.

[0031] With this configuration, the type of gaming token can be identified by the striped pattern on the side.

[0032] The authenticity verification mark of the gaming token may be a letter or a pattern.

[0033] With this configuration, the authenticity checking mark can be formed by characters or patterns.

[0034] In the above gaming token, the authenticity recognition mark may be associated with the type of gaming token specified by at least the colored layer through a database.

[0035] With this configuration, the type of gaming token can be identified by reading the authenticity recognition mark and referring to the database.

[0036] The gaming tokens may have an RF tag built in that stores RF tag information.

[0037] With this configuration, RF tag information can be read from gaming tokens.

[0038] In the above gaming token, the authenticity identification mark may be associated with at least the RF tag information via a database.

[0039] This configuration associates the authenticity checking mark with the RF tag information.

[0040] The gaming token may have an ID mark made of UV ink or carbon black ink provided on the outer peripheral surface of the light-colored layer.

[0041] This configuration allows an ID mark to be provided on the side.

[0042] In the above gaming token, the authenticity identification mark may be associated with at least the ID mark via a database.

[0043] With this configuration, the authenticity recognition mark and the ID mark are associated with each other.

[0044] One aspect of the present invention is a management system for a table game using a gaming table, the management system comprising: a recording device which records an image of a gaming token; and an inspection device which uses the recording results of the recording device to determine the type and authenticity of the gaming token, the gaming token having a representation indicating the type of the gaming token printed on its surface, and a genuineness recognition mark made of an infrared absorbing material printed on the surface of the gaming token and inside the printing of the representation indicating the type of the gaming token, the recording device recording an image of the gaming token and an inspection device which uses the recording results of the recording device to determine the type and authenticity of the gaming token, The inspection device is configured to be connected to a normal camera for recording and identifying the indication indicating the type of gaming token, and an infrared camera for recording and identifying an authenticity recognition mark made of infrared absorbing material printed on the surface of the gaming token and inside the printing of the indication indicating the type of gaming token by irradiating infrared rays from the side on which the indication indicating the type of gaming token is printed on the surface of the gaming token, and the inspection device is configured to determine the type and authenticity of the gaming token using the normal camera and the infrared camera.

[0045] With this configuration, the authenticity of the gaming token can be determined based not only on the contents printed on the surface but also on the contents printed inside with infrared absorbing material. Since the infrared absorbing material is inside the gaming token, it cannot be visually confirmed from the outside, and it will not peel off or fade with use.

[0046] In the above management system, the authenticity verification mark of the gaming token may be printed with a transparent or semi-transparent infrared absorbing material.

[0047] With this configuration, the infrared absorbing material used for internal printing can be made less visible from the outside.

[0048] In the above management system, the gaming tokens may have at least a colored layer in the middle, and a multi-layer structure in which light-colored layers are laminated on both sides of the middle colored layer, forming a striped pattern in the stacking direction on the sides, and the inspection device may be configured to use the normal camera to identify the type of gaming token by the colored layer.

[0049] With this configuration, the type of gaming token can be identified by the striped pattern on the side.

[0050] In the above management system, the authenticity verification mark of the gaming token may be a letter or a pattern.

[0051] With this configuration, the authenticity checking mark can be formed by characters or patterns.

[0052] The above management system may further comprise a database that stores the authenticity recognition mark and the type of gaming token in association with each other.

[0053] With this configuration, the type of gaming token can be identified by reading the authenticity recognition mark and referring to the database.

[0054] In the above management system, the gaming tokens may have built-in RF tags that store RF tag information.

[0055] With this configuration, RF tag information can be read from gaming tokens.

[0056] The above management system may further comprise a database that stores the authenticity identification mark and the RF tag information in association with each other.

[0057] This configuration associates the authenticity checking mark with the RF tag information.

[0058] In the above management system, the inspection device may inspect whether or not the authenticity checking mark is associated with at least the type specified by the colored layer in a database.

[0059] With this configuration, the authenticity of the game token is determined by judging whether or not the combination of the authenticity recognition mark and the type specified by the colored layer is correct.

[0060] In the above management system, the inspection device may inspect whether or not the authenticity identification mark and the RF tag information are associated with each other in the database.

[0061] With this configuration, the authenticity of the gaming token can be determined based on whether the combination of the authenticity recognition mark and the RF tag information is correct.

[0062] One aspect of the present invention is a gaming token, which has a display printed on its surface indicating the type of the gaming token, and an authenticity verification mark made of infrared absorbing material printed on its surface and inside the printed display indicating the type of the gaming token, and which allows the authenticity verification mark to be recorded and identified by irradiating infrared light using an infrared camera from the side where the display printed on the surface of the gaming token indicating the type of the gaming token is printed, the authenticity verification mark made of infrared absorbing material printed on the surface of the gaming token and inside the printed display indicating the type of the gaming token.

[0063] With this configuration, the authenticity of the gaming token can be determined based not only on the contents printed on the surface but also on the contents printed inside with infrared absorbing material. Since the infrared absorbing material is inside the gaming token, it cannot be visually confirmed from the outside, and it will not peel off or fade with use.

[0064] The authenticity recognition mark of the above-mentioned gaming token may be distinguishable by irradiating it with infrared rays, and the relationship between this mark and the indication representing the type of gaming token read using a normal camera may be determined.

[0065] With this configuration, it is possible to determine the relationship between the authenticity checking mark, which can be distinguished by irradiating it with ultraviolet light, and the type of gaming token read by a normal camera.

[0066] The authenticity verification mark of the gaming token may be printed with a transparent or semi-transparent infrared absorbing material.

[0067] With this configuration, the infrared absorbing material used for internal printing can be made less visible from the outside.

[0068] The gaming tokens described above may have a multi-layer structure with at least a colored layer in the middle, and thin-colored layers laminated on both sides of the colored layer in the middle, thereby forming stripes on the sides in the layering direction.

[0069] With this configuration, the type of gaming token can be identified by the striped pattern on the side.

[0070] The authenticity verification mark of the gaming token may be a letter or a pattern.

[0071] With this configuration, the authenticity checking mark can be formed by characters or patterns.

[0072] In the above gaming token, the authenticity recognition mark may be associated with the type of gaming token specified by at least the colored layer through a database.

[0073] With this configuration, the type of gaming token can be identified by reading the authenticity recognition mark and referring to the database.

[0074] The gaming tokens may have an RF tag built in that stores RF tag information.

[0075] With this configuration, RF tag information can be read from gaming tokens.

[0076] In the above gaming token, the authenticity identification mark may be associated with at least the RF tag information via a database.

[0077] This configuration associates the authenticity checking mark with the RF tag information.

[0078] The gaming token may have an ID mark made of UV ink or carbon black ink provided on the outer peripheral surface of the light-colored layer.

[0079] This configuration allows an ID mark to be provided on the side.

[0080] In the above gaming token, the authenticity identification mark may be associated with at least the ID mark via a database.

[0081] With this configuration, the authenticity recognition mark and the ID mark are associated with each other.

[0082] One aspect of the present invention is a gaming token that is internally printed with an infrared absorbing material, and the internal printing displays an infrared image.

[0083] With this configuration, since the inside of the coin is printed with an infrared absorbing material to display an infrared image, the authenticity of the token can be determined at least based on the presence or absence of this infrared image.

[0084] In the above-mentioned gaming token, a surface print showing a visible light image may be applied to the outer surface.

[0085] With this configuration, the authenticity of the gaming token can be determined based on the infrared image represented by the internal printing and the visible light image represented by the surface printing.

[0086] In the above gaming token, the internal printing may be performed below the surface printing.

[0087] With this configuration, the internal printing is covered by the surface printing, making the internal printing less visible from the outside.

[0088] The gaming tokens described above may be made up of multiple layers, and the internal printing may be on the surface of any of the layers.

[0089] With this configuration, the interior printing can be applied to any surface of the multiple layers.

[0090] One aspect of the present invention is a management system for a table game using the above-mentioned gaming tokens, comprising an infrared camera that captures an infrared image represented by the internal printing to generate an infrared image, and an inspection device that determines the authenticity of the gaming tokens based on the infrared image.

[0091] With this configuration, the inside of the coin is printed with an infrared absorbing material and an infrared image of the internal printing is captured by an infrared camera, so that the authenticity of the gaming token can be determined based on at least the presence or absence of this infrared image.

[0092] The above-mentioned management system may further include a visible light camera that captures a visible light image of the gaming token and generates a visible light image, and the inspection device may further determine the authenticity of the gaming token based on the visible light image.

[0093] With this configuration, the authenticity of the gaming token can be determined based on the infrared image represented by the internal printing and the visible light image represented by the surface printing.

[0094] In the above management system, the inspection device may perform image recognition on the visible light image to recognize the content of the surface printing, and may perform image recognition on the infrared image to recognize the content of the internal printing.

[0095] With this configuration, the contents of the surface printing can be recognized from the visible light image, and the contents of the interior printing can be recognized from the infrared image.

[0096] In the above management system, the inspection device may determine that the gaming token is counterfeit if the recognized content of the internal printing does not correspond to the content of the surface printing.

[0097] With this configuration, the authenticity of the gaming token can be determined by comparing the contents printed inside with the contents printed on the surface. Effect of the Invention

[0098] According to the present invention, the authenticity of game tokens can be determined based on the content printed on the inside of the tokens using infrared absorbing material. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0099] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a token for gaming according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] Cross section AA of Figure 1 [Figure 3A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing examples of types of internal printing patterns according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing examples of types of internal printing patterns according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a visible light image generated by photographing with a visible light camera in an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6B] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an infrared image generated by capturing an image with an infrared camera according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6C] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a visible light image generated by photographing with a visible light camera in an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing internal printing of a gaming token in a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing internal printing of a gaming token in a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a token for gaming in a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a token for gaming in yet another modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a token for gaming in yet another modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a token for gaming in yet another modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] A side view of a token for gaming in a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a code formed by a token for gaming in a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 shows several variations of the side ID according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing yet another modified example of the aspect information according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an inspection system in which the configuration of a management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is adopted; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0100] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below shows an example of a case where the present invention is implemented, and the present invention is not limited to the specific configuration described below. In implementing the present invention, a specific configuration according to the embodiment may be appropriately adopted.

[0101] First, the gaming token will be described. Fig. 1 is a plan view of the gaming token of this embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 1. Note that, in the following, a gaming token 10 with symmetrical front and back will be described, but the gaming token of the present invention is not limited to being symmetrical on the front and back, and the front and back may be asymmetrical.

[0102] The gaming tokens 10 are used for betting and making payments in table games. In gaming establishments such as casinos, the gaming tokens 10 can be purchased and exchanged for cash. There are multiple types of gaming tokens 10, and each type has a different value. Values ​​of the gaming tokens 10 include, for example, $10, $20, $100, and $1000.

[0103] As shown in Fig. 1, the gaming token 10 of the present embodiment has a disk shape. The gaming token 10 is also called a gaming chip, a gaming token, etc., and the shape is not limited to a disk shape, but may be a rectangular plate shape or a shape other than a plate shape (for example, a three-dimensional shape).

[0104] The gaming token 10 of this embodiment is formed by laminating a plurality of plastic layers of different colors, as shown in Fig. 2. The gaming token 10 has a multi-layer structure (three layers in this embodiment) in which a layer (colored layer) 11 of a specific color is provided at least in the middle, and light-colored layers (light-colored layers) 12a, 12b are laminated on both sides of the colored layer 11.

[0105] Both sides of the colored layer 11 are printed with a material that absorbs infrared rays, specifically carbon black. The printing on the inside of the gaming token 10 is called internal printing. By internally printing on both sides of the colored layer 11, internal printed layers 14a and 14b are formed between the colored layer 11 and the upper and lower light-colored layers 12, respectively. The internal printed layers 14a and 14b may be printed with a transparent or semi-transparent material that absorbs infrared rays. Examples of transparent infrared absorbing materials that can be used include indium tin oxide, antimony tin oxide, lanthanum hexaboride, and cesium tungsten oxide.

[0106] The upper side of the upper light-colored layer 12a and the lower side of the lower light-colored layer 12b are printed with normal ink. Printing on the two surfaces of the gaming token 10 in this manner is called surface printing. By performing surface printing on the surfaces of the gaming token 10, the light-colored layers 12a and 12b are configured with surface print layers 13a and 13b on their surfaces. The layer on which the surface is printed in this manner is called a display plastic layer. A transparent protective layer may be further provided on the outside of the surface print layers 13a and 13b.

[0107] In Fig. 2, the surface printed layers 13a, 13b and the internal printed layers 14a, 14b are depicted as having a certain thickness, but in reality these printed layers are very thin and are barely visible when observing the gaming token 10 from the side (this is also true for other figures). These surface printing and internal printing may be done over the entire surface of the printing target surface, or may be done partially on the printing target surface.

[0108] In this embodiment, the surface printed layers 13a, 13b and the light-colored layers 12a, 12b are made of a material and have a thickness that allows infrared rays to pass through. The surface printed layers 13a, 13b and the light-colored layers 12a, 12b do not need to transmit 100% of infrared rays, and may reflect or absorb infrared rays to a certain extent. With this configuration, when infrared rays are irradiated toward the gaming token 10 from the outside of the gaming token 10, the infrared rays pass through the surface printed layer 13a (or 13b) and the light-colored layer 12a (or 12b) in this order, and reach the internal printed layer 14a (or 14b).

[0109] Of the infrared rays that reach the internal printed layer 14a (or 14b), the infrared rays are absorbed in areas where there is carbon black, and are reflected in areas where there is no carbon black. The reflected infrared rays, carrying information about the image of the internal printing, pass through the light color layer 12a (or 12b) and the surface printed layer 13a (or 13b) in that order, and propagate to the outside of the gaming token 10. The infrared rays that propagate to the outside of the gaming token 10 in this manner form an image corresponding to the internal printing, and this image is called an infrared image.

[0110] An RF tag (also called an RF chip or non-contact tag) 15, which is a wireless tag, is embedded between the lower surface of the colored layer 11 on which the interior is printed and the lower thin-colored layer 12b. Thus, the RF tag 15 is built into the gaming token 10.

[0111] [Method of manufacturing tokens for gaming] When manufacturing the gaming tokens 10, a plurality of plastic plate materials are laminated and thermocompressed to obtain a plurality of gaming tokens 10, and then punched. Specifically, first, a surface print is applied to the lower surface of the light-colored plastic plate material that will become the lower light-colored layer 12b, and internal printing is applied with carbon black to both sides of a plastic plate material of a specific color that will become the colored layer 11, and a surface print is applied to the upper surface of the plastic plate material that will become the upper light-colored layer 12a, and these are laminated in this order to form a laminated structure consisting of a plurality of plastic layers. At this time, an RF tag 15 is embedded at approximately the center of each punching process to obtain a plurality of gaming tokens 10. Specifically, the RF tag 15 is placed between the colored layer 11 and the lower light-colored layer 12b.

[0112] Then, each layer of the laminated structure is heated, thermally welded, and compressed to create a game token original plate. At this time, in the portion overlapping with the RF tag 15, the plastic plate material is deformed by heat to correspond to the RF tag 15 (also, in FIG. 2, the RF tag 15 is drawn thicker than it actually is, but in reality it is thinner), so that the upper and lower surfaces of the game token 10 after each layer is thermally compressed are formed flat without being raised by the RF tag 15.

[0113] The game token original plate thus produced is punched with a die to obtain a plurality of game tokens 10 of a predetermined shape. During this punching process, the upper and lower outer corners of the game token 10 are rounded with the die. Note that surface printing may be performed after the punching process.

[0114] [Information contained in gaming tokens] Next, information contained in the gaming token 10 will be described.

[0115] (Surface printing information) Information represented by the surface printing is called surface printing information. As shown in Fig. 1, a number indicating the type or value of the gaming token 10 (in the example of Fig. 1, "100" indicating 100 dollars) is printed on each of the two surfaces of the gaming token 10 as surface printing. In addition to the numbers, patterns and the mark of the casino used are printed on each of the two surfaces of the gaming token 10 as surface printing, although not shown in the figure.

[0116] (Internal printing information) The information represented by the internal printing is called internal printed information. A pattern corresponding to the type of gaming token 10 is printed as the internal printing. This pattern also functions as a mark (authenticity recognition mark) for authenticity recognition. In other words, a gaming token 10 that does not have this authenticity recognition mark can be determined to be counterfeit, or, if the pattern does not represent any type of gaming token 10, the gaming token 10 can also be determined to be counterfeit.

[0117] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing examples of types of patterns (authenticity checking marks) printed internally on the internal print layer 14a. Fig. 3A shows a lattice pattern, which can indicate, for example, that the value of the gaming token 10 is 10 dollars or 20 dollars. Fig. 3B shows a striped pattern, which can indicate, for example, that the value of the gaming token 10 is 100 dollars or 1000 dollars.

[0118] As described above, in this embodiment, there is no one-to-one correspondence between the type of pattern of the internal printing and the type of the gaming token 10. Instead of this, there may be a one-to-one correspondence between the type of pattern of the internal printing and the type of the gaming token 10, and the type of the gaming token 10 may be identified by the pattern of the internal printing, or all types of gaming tokens 10 may have the same pattern of internal printing, and the internal printing may only function as an authenticity recognition mark.

[0119] In this embodiment, the authenticity recognition mark printed as the internal printing is printed on both the front and back sides, i.e., on both sides of the colored layer 11, as shown in Fig. 2, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this, and the internal printing may be on only one side. Also, when the internal printing is on both sides, the contents (patterns) of the internal printing on both sides may be different.

[0120] (side information) The information represented by the side of the gaming token 10 is called side information. As described above, by forming the gaming token 10 into a multi-layer structure in which the colored layer 11 and the light-colored layers 12a and 12b are laminated, a striped pattern is formed on the side in the lamination direction, in which the colored layer 11 is sandwiched between the light-colored layers 12a and 12b, as shown in Fig. 2. Here, as described above, each printed layer is almost invisible when viewed from the side.

[0121] The color (specific color) of the colored layer 11 of the gaming token 10 differs depending on the type (value) of the gaming token 10. For example, the specific color of a $10 gaming token 10 may be red, the specific color of a $20 gaming token 10 may be green, the specific color of a $100 gaming token 10 may be yellow, and the specific color of a $1000 gaming token 10 may be blue.

[0122] The colors of the light-colored layers 12a, 12b are used in common for all types of gaming tokens 10. That is, the colors of the light-colored layers 12a, 12b are the same for all types of gaming tokens 10. The colors of the light-colored layers 12a, 12b may be white as long as they are lighter (brighter) than any of the specific colors. That is, the light-colored layers 12a, 12b may be white layers.

[0123] In this way, the gaming token 10 has at least the colored layer 11 and the light-colored layers 12a, 12b in appearance so as to form stripes in the axial direction (thickness direction) on the side surface, and has a configuration that allows the type of the gaming token 10 to be identified by the color of the colored layer 11. As a result, even when multiple gaming tokens 10 are stacked, the type can be identified by the color of the colored layer 11 sandwiched between the light-colored layers 12a, 12b by observing the side surface. Note that other information may be written on the side surface of the gaming token 10 as side surface information in addition to or instead of the above.

[0124] (RF tag information) The information stored in the RF tag 15 is referred to as RF tag information. In this embodiment, the RF tag 15 stores, as the RF tag information, identification information that uniquely identifies the gaming token 10, the type (value) of the gaming token 10, and information on the manufacturing date. Note that, in addition to or instead of the above, other information may be stored as the RF tag information.

[0125] [Method of reading information contained in gaming tokens] As described above, the gaming token 10 has a plurality of readable pieces of information, namely, the surface printed information, the internal printed information, the side information, and the RF tag information. Below, a method for reading each piece of information from the outside will be described.

[0126] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a management system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 5 is a block diagram of the management system according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the management system 100 is configured to read information from gaming tokens 10 placed on a gaming table T, which is a support base. Poles P1 and P2 are erected on the gaming table T, and an infrared camera 51 is attached at a high point on the pole P1, a visible light camera 52, which is a normal camera, is attached at a high point on the pole P2, and a visible light camera 53, which is a normal camera, is attached at a position lower than the visible light camera 52 on the pole P2. An RF reader 54 is embedded below the table surface of the gaming table T.

[0127] The infrared camera 51 and the visible light camera 52 are installed facing downward at a relatively high position so that they can clearly photograph the surface of the gaming token 10 from above the gaming token 10 placed horizontally on the gaming table T. The visible light camera 53 is installed facing sideways at a relatively low position so that they can clearly photograph the side of the gaming token 10 from the side of the gaming token 10 placed horizontally on the gaming table T.

[0128] 5, the management system 100 includes the infrared camera 51, the visible light camera 52, the visible light camera 53, and the RF reader 54 shown in FIG. 4, and further includes a recording device 55, an inspection device 56, a database 57, and an output device 58. The infrared camera 51 includes an infrared irradiating light 511 and an imaging optical system 512 including a lens, an aperture, a shutter, and the like. The infrared irradiating light 511 irradiates infrared rays onto the viewing area of ​​the imaging optical system 512. The infrared camera 51 includes an infrared detecting element. The infrared detecting element detects an infrared image from a subject through the imaging optical system 512 and generates an infrared image.

[0129] The visible light cameras 52 and 53 are normal cameras and each include an imaging optical system 521 or 531 including a lens, an aperture, a shutter, etc. The visible light cameras 52 and 53 each include an imaging element that detects visible light. The imaging element detects a visible light image from a subject through the imaging optical system 521 or 531 and generates a visible light image.

[0130] The RF reader 54 has an antenna 541 for transmitting radio waves to the RF tag 15 embedded in the gaming token 10 and receiving radio waves from the RF tag 15. The RF reader 54 receives the radio waves from the RF tag 15 to read information stored in the RF tag 15 (RF tag information).

[0131] Fig. 6A is a diagram showing an example of a visible light image generated by photographing with the visible light camera 52, Fig. 6B is a diagram showing an example of an infrared image generated by photographing with the infrared camera 51, and Fig. 6C is a diagram showing an example of a visible light image generated by photographing with the visible light camera 53. As shown in Fig. 6A, the contents of the surface printing of the gaming token 10 can be clearly observed in the visible light image obtained by the visible light camera 52, as shown in Fig. 6B, the contents of the internal printing of the gaming token 10 can be clearly observed in the infrared image, and as shown in Fig. 6C, the side of the gaming token 10 can be clearly observed in the visible light image obtained by the visible light camera 53.

[0132] The recording device 55 records the infrared image generated by the infrared camera 51, the visible light images generated by each of the visible light cameras 52 and 53, and the RF tag information read by the RF reader 54. The inspection device 56 performs image recognition processing on the infrared images and visible light images recorded in the recording device 55, thereby identifying the images.

[0133] Specifically, the inspection device 56 can identify the type of the gaming token 10 by classifying the gaming token 10 into classes labeled with the type of the gaming token 10 using machine learning techniques such as a neural network. The inspection device 56 is equipped with a machine learning model for classifying the infrared image of the infrared camera 51, the visible light image of the visible light camera 52, and the visible light image of the visible light camera 53 into classes. More specifically, the inspection device 56 can perform class classification using a neural network.

[0134] The database 57 stores RF tag information (identification information, information on the type (value) of the gaming token 10, and information on the date of manufacture) for each gaming token 10. The database 57 also stores internal printed information (patterns shown in infrared images) associated with the types of gaming tokens 10 that correspond thereto. In this embodiment, the types of gaming tokens 10 of $10 and $20 are associated with the internal printed patterns shown in FIG. 3A, and the types of gaming tokens 10 of $100 and $1000 are associated with the internal printed patterns shown in FIG. 3B.

[0135] Furthermore, the database 57 stores the surface printing information and the corresponding type of gaming token 10 in association with each other, and stores the side information and the corresponding type of gaming token 10 in association with each other.

[0136] The inspection device 56 identifies the type of gaming token 10 corresponding to each of the recognized internal printed information, surface printed information, and side information by referring to the database 57. As described above, the internal printed information does not correspond one-to-one to the type of gaming token 10, so the type of gaming token 10 is identified as $10 or $20 for the internal printing in Fig. 3A, and the type of gaming token 10 is identified as $100 or $100 for the internal printing in Fig. 3B.

[0137] The inspection device 56 further inspects the gaming token 10 using the result of image recognition and / or the RF tag information to determine the authenticity of the gaming token 10. The authenticity determination will be described later.

[0138] The output device 58 outputs the results of the inspection in the inspection device 56. The output device 58 may be, for example, a monitor that displays the inspection results, a communication module that transmits the inspection results to an external device, or a device that outputs the inspection results in other ways.

[0139] [Method of determining the authenticity of gaming tokens] First, the inspection device 56 determines that the gaming token 10 is counterfeit if any of the internal printed information, surface printed information, side information, and RF tag information cannot be read from the gaming token 10. The inspection device 56 also determines that the gaming token 10 is counterfeit if any of the internal printed information, surface printed information, side information, and RF tag information can be read from the gaming token 10 but the read information is not stored in the database 57.

[0140] Furthermore, the inspection device 56 inspects whether the type of the gaming token 10 shown in the visible light image of the visible light camera 52, the type of the gaming token 10 shown in the visible light image of the visible light camera 53, and the type of the gaming token 10 read by the RF reader 54 all match, and if at least one of these three pieces of information does not match the other pieces of information, it determines that the gaming token 10 is counterfeit.

[0141] The inspection device 56 determines that the gaming token 10 is genuine when the type of the gaming token 10 can be identified from all of the internal printed information, the surface printed information, the side information, and the RF tag information, and when all of the identified four types of the gaming token 10 match or correspond to each other. For example, when the type of the gaming token 10 is identified as $10 or $20 from the internal printed information, and the type of the gaming token 10 is identified as $10 from the surface printed information, the side information, and the RF tag information, the inspection device 56 determines that the gaming token 10 is genuine. For example, when some pattern is read as the internal printed information, but it does not correspond to any of the patterns in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the inspection device 56 determines that the gaming token 10 is counterfeit.

[0142] As described above, the gaming token 10 of the present embodiment is internally printed with an infrared image that is displayed by infrared rays. Therefore, even if a counterfeit gaming token 10 is made by imitating the visually visible surface pattern or marking, it will be determined to be a counterfeit unless the internal printing is also imitated. Furthermore, by placing such printing inside the gaming token 10, it is possible to prevent the printing from peeling off or fading with use, and it is possible to make the contents of the internally printed information and the existence of the internal printing invisible to the naked eye. Furthermore, according to the management system 100 of the present embodiment, the internally printed information of the gaming token 10 is compared and collated with other information held by the gaming token 10, so that the authenticity of the gaming token 10 can be determined using the internally printed information that cannot be visually confirmed.

[0143] The gaming token 10 and management system 100 of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, the structure of the gaming token 10, the information contained in the gaming token 10, the position of the internal printed layer in the gaming token 10, etc. are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. Furthermore, the configuration of the management system 100, the method of authenticity determination in the management system, etc. are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. Modified examples are described below.

[0144] 7 and 8 are diagrams showing the internal printing patterns (authenticity recognition marks) of the internal printing layer 14a of the gaming token 10 of the modified example. In this example, instead of a pattern, the internal printing is inscribed in four places with symbols and numbers indicating the type (value) of the gaming token 10. The four symbols are inscribed along the periphery, and are offset from each other by 90 degrees. In the example of FIG. 7, the symbols and numbers indicating the type (value) of the gaming token 10 are inscribed within an oval frame, and in the example of FIG. 8, they are inscribed in white within a black oval.

[0145] In the examples of Figures 7 and 8, the internal printed information indicates the type of gaming token 10, and there is a one-to-one correspondence between the internal printed information, the surface printed information, and the side information, so the inspection device 56 can determine the authenticity of the gaming token 10 by comparing the type of gaming token 10 indicated by the internal printed information with the type of gaming token 10 indicated by the surface printed information, the side information, and / or the type of gaming token 10 indicated by the RF tag information to determine whether they match.

[0146] 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a modified gaming token 10. In the above embodiment, the internal printed layer is located between a plurality of plastic plates, but in this embodiment, the internal printed layers 14a, 14b are provided on the outside of the laminated structure consisting of the laminated colored layer 11 and the thin colored layers 12a, 12b sandwiching it, and the surface printed layers 13a, 13b are provided on top of the internal printed layers 14a, 14b. In this way, the internal printed layers 14a, 14b do not necessarily have to be inside the plastic layer, but may be located inside the surface printed layers 13a, 13b.

[0147] When manufacturing this gaming token 10, a plurality of plastic plates are thermocompression-bonded with the RF tag 15 sandwiched therebetween, and then internal printing is performed on the surface, followed by surface printing on top of that. Note that the internal printing and surface printing may be performed before thermocompression bonding, or may be performed after punching. Even with this configuration, the internal printing layers 14a, 14b are not exposed to the surface, but are covered by the surface printing layers 13a, 13b, making them invisible from the outside and protected by the surface printing layers 13a, 13b.

[0148] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the gaming token 10 of yet another modified example. In the above embodiment, the gaming token 10 is constructed by laminating a plurality of plastic plate materials, but in this modified example, as shown in Fig. 10, the gaming token 10 is integrally constructed as the gaming token body 16 by injection molding of resin. And, similar to the example of Fig. 9, the internal printed layers 14a, 14b are provided between the gaming token body 16 and the surface printed layers 13a, 13b.

[0149] In the present example of the gaming token 10, similarly to the example of Figure 9, internal printing is performed on the surface of the gaming token body 16 to form internal printed layers 14a, 14b, and then surface printing is performed on top of that to form surface printed layers 13a, 13b on the internal printed layers 14a, 14b, resulting in the configuration shown in Figure 10.

[0150] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of yet another modified gaming token 10. In this modified example, like the example of Fig. 10, the gaming token body 16 is integrally constructed, but recesses 161a, 161b are formed in the center of the two surfaces, and internal printed layers 14a, 14b and surface printed layers 13a, 13b are formed in the recesses 161a, 161b in this order.

[0151] As with the example of Figure 10, the gaming token 10 of this modified example is configured as shown in Figure 11 by performing internal printing in the recess 161 of the gaming token body 16 to form internal printed layers 14a, 14b, and then performing surface printing on top of that to form surface printed layers 13a, 13b on the internal printed layers 14a, 14b.

[0152] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a gaming token 10 of yet another modified example. In this modified example, the gaming token 10 is composed of three plastic layers, as in the above embodiment. However, in the gaming token 10 of this modified example, the internal printed layer 14a is provided only between the colored layer 11 and the light-colored layer 12a, and the internal printed layer 14b is not provided between the colored layer 11 and the light-colored layer 12b. That is, in the gaming token 10 of the above embodiment and its modified example, two internal printed layers 14a are provided so as to be vertically symmetrical, but in this modified example, the internal printed layers 14a are provided asymmetrically in the vertical direction.

[0153] The gaming token 10 of this modified example may be configured such that the colored layer 11 is a layer that does not transmit infrared rays, so that the internal printing by the internal printed layer 14a can be observed by the infrared camera 51 only from the upper side of Figure 12, or the colored layer 11, in addition to the light-colored layers 12a, 12b, may be configured as a layer that transmits infrared rays, so that the internal printing of the single internal printed layer 14a can be observed by the infrared camera 51 from both sides.

[0154] In the gaming tokens 10 of the above-mentioned embodiment and its modified examples, the internal printed layers 14a, 14b are provided with different patterns or notations for each type (value) of the gaming tokens 10, but instead of or in addition to this, the same authenticity recognition mark may be printed as the internal printing in all types of gaming tokens 10. In this case, the authenticity recognition mark is stored in the database as the internal printed information, and the inspection device 56 can determine the authenticity of the gaming tokens 10 by the presence or absence of the authenticity recognition mark by referring to the database 57.

[0155] Furthermore, the printing content of the internal printing (internal printing information) may include other information. For example, a two-dimensional barcode indicating identification information may be printed as the internal printing on the internal printing layers 14a and 14b. In this case, the inspection device 56 has a function of a two-dimensional barcode reader. Alternatively, numbers or letters indicating the identification information may be written as the internal printing. In this case, the inspection device 56 recognizes the identification information by recognizing the numbers or letters written on the internal printing layers using a machine learning model.

[0156] In this way, when identification information is printed as the internal printed information, the identification information may be the same as the identification information of the RF tag information, or may be different. When the identification information of the internal printed information and the identification information of the RF tag information are different, their correspondence is stored in the database 57. By referring to the database 57, the inspection device 56 can determine whether the identification information of the internal printed information and the identification information of the RF tag information correspond to each other, and judge the authenticity of the gaming token 10.

[0157] Next, a modified example of the side information will be described. Fig. 13 is a side view of the gaming token 10 of this modified example. As in the above embodiment, the gaming token 10 is formed by laminating a plurality of different colored plate-shaped plastic layers, integrating them by means of thermocompression or the like, and then punching them into a circle or a rectangle. The gaming token 10 manufactured in this manner has a multi-layer structure in which a colored layer 11 is provided at least in the middle, and light-colored layers 12a, 12b (not shown, but layers of a lighter color than the colored layer 11 may be laminated on both sides (upper and lower in Fig. 13) of this intermediate colored layer 11.

[0158] In this way, by providing a colored layer 11 and laminating thin-colored layers 12a, 12b on both sides of this intermediate colored layer 11 to form a multi-layer structure, a striped pattern (in the lamination direction) is formed when viewed from the side as shown in Figure 13, and by changing the color of the colored layer 11 (red, green, yellow, blue, etc.) for each type of gaming token 10 (10 points, 20 points, 100 points, 1000 points, etc.), the type of gaming token 10 can be identified.

[0159] 13, the gaming token 10 of this modified example has a side ID 126 on the side surface of the light-colored layers 12a, 12b as an ID mark showing the identification information of the gaming token 10. The two surfaces are provided with, from the inside, inner printed layers 14a, 14b, surface printed layers 13a, 13b, and transparent layers 124a, 124b as the outermost layers.

[0160] When manufacturing this gaming token 10, first, internal printing 14a and surface printing 13a are applied, and then a light-colored plastic plate material which becomes the light-colored layer 12a coated with a transparent layer 124a, internal printing 14b and surface printing 13b are applied, and then a light-colored plastic plate material which becomes the light-colored layer 12b coated with a transparent layer 124b and a plastic plate material of a specific color which becomes the colored layer 11 are thermocompression-bonded to form an intimate contact state, and then the plate material is punched out into a circle, rectangle, etc. using a press or the like to form the token.

[0161] When punching out by a press, the dimensions of the die and punch of the metal mold used for punching are designed so that R processing (rounded corners) is applied to the edge of the outermost transparent layer 124. The transparent layer 124 may be a varnish coating layer. The side ID 126 is attached to at least three locations on the side surface of the gaming token 10 at intervals in the circumferential direction. The side ID 126 is attached by inkjet printing using ink that is visible under visible light.

[0162] In particular, in this modified example, the side ID 126 is attached with or without multiple rows and columns of marks C. As shown in Fig. 13, the multiple rows and columns of marks C are paired with upper and lower marks C to form a code, which is a 10-digit code in Fig. 13. The configuration in which upper and lower marks C are paired to form a code (4 types) is shown in Fig. 14.

[0163] The letter Y next to the mark C is an identification mark for distinguishing between the upper and lower sides of the mark. The code composed of the marks C is configured so that a predetermined combination of the marks C can be specified. As a result, in the modified example shown in FIG. 14, when four types of combinations of the marks C in two rows, one above the other, are printed in ten rows, four types of codes, totaling 10 different codes, can be configured. In this way, the side ID 126 can represent 4 to the power of 10 different pieces of information, so that identification information by the ID 126 can be given again to a sufficient amount of gaming tokens 10.

[0164] The gaming token 10 has a multi-layer structure in which multiple plastic layers of different colors are laminated, at least one of which is provided with a colored layer 11, and light-colored layers 12a, 12b are laminated outside the colored layer 11 to form a striped pattern in the lamination direction on the side, and the colored layer 11 allows the type of gaming token 10 to be identified. Side IDs 126 are provided in at least three places (preferably six places) on the side of the light-colored layers 12a, 12b. In this modified example, six side IDs 126 are provided at a predetermined pitch of 60 degrees in the rotational direction (circumferential direction).

[0165] The gaming tokens 10 are provided with individually identifiable (different) side IDs 126, which are arranged at a predetermined pitch of 60 degrees in the rotational direction (circumferential direction) so that the side IDs 126 are always visible from the side. The side IDs 126 provided on the gaming tokens 10 are read by an inspection device 56. By reading the side IDs 126 with the inspection device 56, it is possible to identify the identification information of the gaming tokens 10, and the side IDs 126 can be managed on a database 57.

[0166] The database 57 stores the internal printed information and the side ID 126 in association with each other, and the inspection device 56 refers to the database 57 to determine the authenticity of the gaming token 10 based on whether the read internal printed information and the side ID 126 are stored in association with each other in the database 57.

[0167] In this modification, the side ID 126 is applied by inkjet printing with ink that is visible under visible light, but the side ID 126 may be printed with either ink that is invisible under visible light (for example, ink that absorbs infrared light, UV ink, etc.) or ink that is at least visible under visible light (including ink that is very small and difficult to see). The side ID 126 may also be printed with a combination of these types of inks.

[0168] The management system 100 is provided with at least a plurality of cameras corresponding to the ink used to print the side ID 126 (i.e., a visible light camera if the ink is a visible ink, an infrared camera if the ink is an infrared-sensitive ink, and an ultraviolet camera (UV irradiator and visible light camera) if the ink is a UV ink), or is provided with a camera that can switch between multiple functions corresponding to the ink (visible light camera, infrared camera, ultraviolet camera (UV irradiator and visible light camera, etc.)).

[0169] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing several modified examples of the side ID 126. Note that the surface printed layer and the internal printed layer are omitted from FIG. 15. In the gaming token 10-1, the side ID 126 is printed with ink that is invisible to visible light (ink that absorbs infrared light). In the gaming token 10-2, multiple rows and columns of marks C are printed with ink that appears black in visible light. In the gaming token 10-3, marks C are further printed between the side IDs 126 with ink that appears black in visible light, making the side IDs 126 blend into the design and less noticeable.

[0170] In the gaming token 10-4, the start and end points of the side ID 126 are indicated by marks Cf indicating the ends. When the gaming tokens 10-1 to 10-4 are viewed with an infrared camera, the ink that absorbs infrared rays appears black as it absorbs infrared rays, and the side ID 126 can be imaged in a readable state (shown as gaming token 10-5). Furthermore, the top and bottom of the side ID 126 are indicated by marks CL indicating the top and bottom. The top and bottom relationship of the marks is as shown in FIG. 13. The side ID 126 may be printed using a combination of ink that is visible with visible light and infrared absorbing ink.

[0171] 13 to 15, the identification information of the side ID 126 and the internally printed information are stored in association with each other in the database 57. The inspection device 56 refers to the database 57 and inspects whether the identification information read from the side ID 126 corresponds to the type information read from the infrared image of the internal printing, and if they do not correspond, judges the gaming token 10 to be counterfeit.

[0172] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing yet another modified example of the side information. In this modified example, the gaming token 10 has a three-layer laminated structure similar to the above embodiment, but a light-colored layer 12 is provided in the center, and colored layers 11a and 11b are provided on both sides of the light-colored layer 12. An internal printed layer 14a, a surface printed layer 13a, and a transparent layer 124a are provided in this order on the upper surface of the colored layer 11a, and an internal printed layer 14b, a surface printed layer 13b, and a transparent layer 124b are provided in this order on the lower surface of the colored layer 12b.

[0173] Seven digits of numbers are printed on the side of the gaming token 10 as a side ID 126. Specifically, numbers are printed as marks on the central light color layer 12 to form the side ID 126. There are 10 types of number combinations, and when seven digits are printed, 10 to the power of 7 codes can be formed, so that the side ID 126 of the gaming token 10 can be given sufficiently.

[0174] In the above embodiment and its modified examples, for example, by photographing a relatively wide range of the gaming table T with the visible light camera 52, the inspection device 56 may recognize the type of the gaming tokens 10 placed on the gaming table T as well as the positions on the gaming table T where they are placed (for example, positions where the gaming tokens 10 are bet on player, banker, pair, etc. in baccarat) and the number of tokens. In this case, too, machine learning technology may be used in the inspection device 56 for this recognition.

[0175] In the game token 10 of the above embodiment and its modified example, a weighted layer may be provided to increase the weight. This weighted layer may contain metal or ceramic. Also, the receiving layer 11 may be made to be a weighted layer by, for example, including metal powder (e.g., one or more metal oxides selected from zinc oxide and titanium oxide) in the material of a layer within the colored layer 11 to increase the weight.

[0176] In the above embodiment, the inside is printed using an infrared absorbing material, but the inside may be printed using an infrared reflective material or a fluorescent material that reacts to infrared light and becomes excited.

[0177] In the above embodiment, the management system 100 is configured in the gaming table T, and the inspection device 56 judges the authenticity of the gaming token 10 on the gaming table T, but the management system 100 of the present invention may be applied to an inspection system for judging the authenticity of the gaming token 10. This inspection system may be used, for example, in the back yard of a casino gaming facility, by a cashier who exchanges cash for the gaming token 10, or on the dealer side of each gaming table T.

[0178] 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of an inspection system in which the configuration of the management system according to the embodiment of the present invention is adopted. The inspection system 300 includes a visible light camera 52 for photographing the surface printing, an infrared camera 51 (including an infrared irradiation light) for photographing the internal printing, a visible light camera 53 for photographing the stripe pattern and / or side ID 126 on the side, an RF reader 54 for reading information on the RF tag (not shown) of the gaming token 10, and a control device 207 including a recording device 55, an inspection device 56, a database 57, and an output device 58.

[0179] This inspection system 300 includes a push-out device 302 that moves a push-out section 301 in the direction of the arrow Z, and the stacked gaming tokens 10 are supplied one by one to a reading stage 309 by moving the push-out section 301 in the direction of the arrow Z by the push-out device 302. At the reading stage 309, the visible light camera 52, the infrared camera 51, and the visible light camera 53 photograph the surface printing, the internal printing, and the side surfaces, respectively, and the RF tag 15 embedded in the gaming token 10 is read by an RF reader 54. The gaming token 10 that has been read is pushed out by the next gaming token 10 and falls in the direction of the arrow X, and the gaming token 10 that has fallen in the direction of the arrow X is held by a holding stage 310.

[0180] The method of authenticity determination in the inspection device 56 may be the same as that in the above-mentioned embodiment. In the case where the internal print layer of the gaming token 10 is asymmetrically provided on the front and back sides in this inspection system 300, the infrared cameras 51 may be provided on both the front and back sides. This allows the internal print to be photographed by at least one of the infrared cameras 51 on the front and back sides. [Industrial Applicability]

[0181] The present invention can determine the authenticity of gaming tokens based on the content printed on the inside using infrared absorbing material, and is useful as a management system for gaming tokens and table games using them. [Explanation of symbols]

[0182] 10 Substitute coins for games 11 Colored layer 12a, 12b light color layer 124a, 124b transparent layer 126 Side ID 13a, 13b Surface printing layer 14a, 14b internal printing layer 15 RF Tag 16. Tokens for gaming 161a, 161b Recess 100 Management Systems 51 Infrared Camera 511 Infrared Light 512 Imaging Optical System 52 Visible Light Camera 521 Imaging Optical System 53 Visible Light Camera 531 Imaging Optical System 54 RF Reader 541 Antenna 55 Recording Devices 56 Inspection Equipment 57 Database 58 Output Device 207 Control Device 300 Inspection System 301 Extrusion section 302 Extrusion Equipment 309 Reading Stage 310 Holding Stage

Claims

1. A token for gaming, A depression is formed in the central portion of the flat surface, Within the recess, a first printed layer having an authenticity checking mark printed thereon using an infrared absorbing material and a second printed layer having an indication showing the type of the token for gaming are formed; The authenticity recognition mark is used to determine the authenticity of the gaming token by using an infrared camera to irradiate infrared rays from the side on which the indication indicating the type of the gaming token is printed.

2. The gaming token as described in claim 1, wherein the authenticity recognition mark of the gaming token can be distinguished by irradiating it with infrared rays, and the relationship between the mark and the type of the gaming token read using a normal camera can be determined.

3. 3. The gaming token according to claim 1, wherein the authenticity checking mark of the gaming token is printed with a transparent or semi-transparent infrared absorbing material.

4. The gaming token described in any one of claims 1 to 3 has a multi-layer structure in which a colored layer is provided at least in the middle and thin-colored layers are laminated on both sides of the middle colored layer, thereby forming a striped pattern on the side in the stacking direction.

5. 5. The token for gaming according to claim 1, wherein the authenticity checking mark is a character or a pattern.

6. 5. The gaming token according to claim 4, wherein the authenticity checking mark is associated with the type of gaming token specified by at least the colored layer through a database.

7. 7. The gaming token according to claim 1, wherein an RF tag storing RF tag information is built into the gaming token.

8. 8. The token for gaming according to claim 7, wherein the authenticity recognition mark is associated with at least the RF tag information through a database.

9. 5. The gaming token according to claim 4, wherein an ID mark is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the thin-colored layer using UV ink or carbon black ink.

10. 10. The token for gaming according to claim 9, wherein the authenticity identification mark is associated with at least the ID mark through a database.

Images