Tip measurement system

Abstract

To solve the problem that in an image analysis technique, it is difficult to determine the total amount of tips as token coins for a game on a game table (4) because of complexity of patters of tips as the token coins for the game on the game table.SOLUTION: A measurement system comprises a management controller (14) for measuring the total amount of tips (120) bet on a game table (4) using an image analysis result by an image recorder (300). The tips (120) as token coins for a game used in the system are obtained by laminating plastic layers with a plurality of different colors, and each provided with at least a colored layer (121) in an intermediate position. The tips each have a multi-layer structure in which a white layer (122) or a pale-color layer (which may be a layer with a color lighter than the colored layer (121), although not shown in the figure) is laminated on both sides of the colored layer (121) at the intermediate position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring system for gaming chips used in gaming establishments. [Background technology]

[0002] It has been proposed to attach a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag to each gaming token in order to keep track of the number and total amount of gaming tokens placed on a gaming table and to keep track of the value of the gaming tokens.

[0003] In the card game monitoring system described in Patent Document 1, whether or not gaming tokens placed on a gaming table have been collected or redeemed in accordance with the outcome of a game is determined by image analysis of the movement of the gaming tokens, thereby monitoring for fraudulent activity. In addition, in gaming establishments such as casinos, it has been proposed to attach an IC tag to each gaming token chip in order to keep track of the number of gaming token chips bet and the total amount. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2015 / 107902 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Chips as gaming tokens are piled up and placed on a gaming table, but in the conventional technology where an IC tag is attached to each chip and the stacked chips are read by an IC tag reader installed under the gaming table, there is a problem that the total amount cannot be read accurately because the chips are overlapped, and if the sensitivity of the reader is increased, chips as gaming tokens placed in different positions (where winning or losing depends on the position) are added up, and there is a problem that the total amount of chips as gaming tokens for each position cannot be grasped. Also, when capturing images from a camera, there is a problem that blind spots are created due to the camera's viewing angle, and chips are overlapped and cast into shadows, making it impossible to grasp the total amount of chips as gaming tokens.

[0006] In gaming places such as casinos, chips as gaming tokens are piled up high and placed on the gaming table, but there is a problem that the total amount cannot be read accurately by the IC tag reader installed under the gaming table, and if the sensitivity of the reader is increased, chips as gaming tokens placed in different positions (where winning or losing depends on the position) are added up, and the total amount of chips as gaming tokens for each position cannot be grasped. The object of the present invention is to provide a new system for measuring the total amount of chips stacked in games at gaming places. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the chip measurement system of the present invention comprises: an image recording device that records, as an image, the state of measurement target chips of a predetermined thickness stacked in a game played on a gaming table using a camera; A plurality of height measurement cameras for obtaining images of the stacked measurement target chips from different positions or angles; a chip number measuring device that uses the plurality of height measuring cameras to obtain the height of the chip to be measured from each of the horizontal and vertical viewing angles of the chip to be measured obtained from the plurality of height measuring cameras, and calculates the number of the chips to be measured; and a management control device that controls the image recording device and the chip number measuring device.

[0008] a total chip counting device for calculating the total amount of chips to be counted from the number of chips to be counted obtained from the chip number counting device; The machine may further include a management control device that controls the total tip measurement device in addition to the image recording device and the chip number measurement device.

[0009] The device may further include a total chip counting device which identifies the type of each chip from the number of chips to be measured obtained from the chip number measuring device and the image analysis results of the image recording device, and calculates the total amount of the stacked chips to be measured.

[0010] The chip measurement system may be configured such that the management control device can grasp the positions, types and numbers of measurement target chips bet by each player through the image recording device and can grasp the total amount of all chips bet by each player. The chip measurement system may further include a chip tray camera for obtaining an image of a chip tray of a dealer at the gaming table, and a chip tray chip measurement device for grasping the total amount of chips on the chip tray from the image from the chip tray camera.

[0011] The present invention may be a chip measurement system further comprising a win / loss result determination device which obtains the win / loss result of each game at the gaming table, and the management control device may be configured to be able to determine the total amount of chips bet by a losing player in a game from the position, type and number of chips bet by the losing player based on the information obtained from the win / loss result determination device.

[0012] Furthermore, the management control device may grasp the total amount of chips to be measured on the dealer's chip tray at the gaming table, add / subtract from the total amount of chips to be measured on the chip tray before settlement of each game an increase / decrease in the amount of chips to be measured in the game calculated from the positions, types and numbers of chips to be measured bet by all players in the game and the outcome of the game obtained by the win / loss result determination device, compare the total amount of chips to be measured on the chip tray after settlement at the end of the game with the actual total amount of chips to be measured on the chip tray at the end of the game obtained via the image recording device, and determine whether there is a discrepancy between the actual total amount and the total amount that should be.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention may be a chip measurement system having a plurality of image recording devices, wherein the total chip measurement device calculates the total amount of the chips to be measured using images of the stacked chips to be measured taken from different positions or angles of each of the image recording devices.

[0014] In addition, the chip to be measured in the chip measurement system is At least a colored layer and a white or light-colored layer are laminated to form a laminated structure consisting of multiple plastic layers, forming a striped pattern in the stacking direction on the side, and the colored layer is configured to enable the type of game token to be identified, and furthermore, printed layers indicating the type of game token are applied to the top and bottom surfaces of the laminated structure, and the layers are heat-pressed to form a layered structure.

[0015] In order to solve the above problems, the chip measurement system of the present invention further comprises: an image recording device that records, as an image, the state of measurement target chips stacked to a predetermined thickness in a game played on a gaming table using a camera; A plurality of height measurement cameras for obtaining images of the stacked measurement target chips from different positions or angles; a chip number measuring device that uses the plurality of height measuring cameras to obtain the height of the chip to be measured from each of the horizontal and vertical viewing angles of the chip to be measured obtained from the plurality of height measuring cameras, and calculates the number of the chips to be measured; a chip total counting device for calculating the total amount of the chips to be counted from the number of chips to be counted obtained from the chip number counting device and the image analysis result of the image recording device; a management control device for controlling the image recording device, the chip number measuring device, and the total chip amount measuring device; The chip to be measured is At least a colored layer and a white or light-colored layer are laminated to form a laminated structure consisting of multiple plastic layers, forming a striped pattern in the stacking direction on the side, and the colored layer is configured to enable the type of game token to be identified.In addition, printed layers indicating the type of game token are applied to the top and bottom surfaces of the laminated structure, and the layers are heat-pressed to form the layered structure.

[0016] The chip to be measured may be at least one of multiple plastic layers, the heavy layer containing metal powder for weight increase. The colored layer may be sandwiched between white or light-colored layers, and the thicknesses of the upper and lower layers of the white or light-colored layer may be different from each other. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the measurement system of the present invention, by measuring the number of chips placed in the pile and calculating the total amount of chips bet, it is possible to determine whether the chips have been collected and redeemed correctly according to the outcome of the game. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the entire measurement system for chips as gaming tokens according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of chips as gaming tokens showing examples of different stacking states of chips as gaming tokens grasped in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a chip serving as a game token in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a diagram showing another example of chips as game tokens in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a diagram showing another example of chips as game tokens in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a chip serving as a gaming token in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which chips serving as game tokens are piled up in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective explanatory photograph illustrating a state in which different types of chips serving as game tokens are piled up. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is a diagram showing details of the chip tray according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a diagram showing another example of the chip tray according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a diagram showing the relationship between the two-tiered chip tray and the camera device 2, showing the two tiers stacked together. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a diagram showing the relationship between the two-tiered chip tray and the camera device 2, and shows a state in which the two tiers are shifted. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a method for counting the number of chips as game tokens according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a method for counting the number of chips serving as game tokens according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a method for counting the number of chips serving as game tokens according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a method for counting the number of chips serving as game tokens according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] In gaming establishments such as casinos, chips used as gaming tokens are stacked high and placed on gaming tables, but there is a problem in that the total amount cannot be accurately read by the IC tag reading device installed under the gaming table. If the sensitivity of the reading device is increased, chips used as gaming tokens placed in different positions (where winning or losing depends on the position) will be added up, creating the problem that the total amount of chips used as gaming tokens for each position cannot be determined.

[0020] In addition, conventionally, as shown in FIG. 2, the patterns of chips 120 as gaming tokens are complex, and when a large number of gaming tokens are stacked, there is a problem that the camera cannot accurately grasp the number of chips stacked.

[0021] The chips 120 as gaming tokens may not only be stacked in a vertical line, but may also be stacked in a misaligned manner as shown in Fig. 2. In this case, when the camera device 2 is positioned in the direction of the arrow X shown in Fig. 2 (or when the orientation of the chips 120 as gaming tokens is relatively in a blind spot), it is expected that the chips 120 as gaming tokens will not be visible (will be in a blind spot).

[0022] In addition, the dealer needs to collect or redeem the chips 120 as gaming tokens placed on the gaming table according to the winning or losing results. Even if an attempt is made to determine this by image analysis of the chips 120 as gaming tokens, because the patterns of the chips 120 as gaming tokens are complex, it is not possible with currently available practical image analysis technology to determine whether or not the dealer has correctly redeemed the chips 120 as gaming tokens corresponding to the chips 120 as gaming tokens that were bet, and there is a problem in that mistakes cannot be sufficiently prevented.

[0023] According to the system of this embodiment, even if a large number of chips 120 as gaming tokens are piled up, the number of chips 120 as gaming tokens can be determined by image analysis, and the total amount of relatively overlapping chips 120 as gaming tokens can be grasped by their position and color.

[0024] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a chip measurement system for table games in a game parlor having a game table 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the system. The system according to this embodiment in a game parlor having a plurality of game tables 4 includes a chip total measurement device 302 equipped with an image recording device 300 that records the progress of the game played at the game table 4 as images including the game participants 6 and the dealer 5 through a plurality of camera devices 2 and performs image analysis of the recorded images of the progress of the game, and further includes a card distribution device 3 that determines and displays the results of the win or loss of each game at the game table 4. The card distribution device 3 is a so-called electronic shoe that is already used and known by those skilled in the art, and is programmed with the rules of the game in advance, and is structured to read the information (rank and suit) of the cards 1 to be distributed and determine the win or loss of the game. For example, in a baccarat game, the banker's win, the player's win, and a tie (draw) are basically determined by the ranks of two or three cards each, and the determination results (win or loss results) are displayed by an indicator lamp 13.

[0025] The management control device 14 reads the information (rank and suit) of the cards 1 obtained from the card distribution device 3 to determine the outcome of each game, and also determines the winners 6W and losers 6L of the participants 6 in each game using the measurement results of the positions, types, and numbers of chips 120 placed by the game participants 6 as gaming tokens. It also has a calculation function for calculating the casino's income and expenditure at the gaming table 4 for each game (the total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens bet by losers 6L minus the total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens redeemed to winners 6W of the participants 6).

[0026] The image recording device 300, the total tip measurement device 302 and the management control device 14 in this measurement system are structured to include a computer, a program and a memory, which are integrated or comprised of multiple components.

[0027] Next, the details of the chip as a gaming token used in this measurement will be described. Fig. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the chip 120 as a gaming token used in this measurement system, which has a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of plastic layers of different colors are laminated, and at least a colored layer 121 is provided in the middle, and a white layer 122 or a light-colored layer (not shown, but it is sufficient that the layer is lighter in color than the colored layer 121) is laminated on both sides of this intermediate colored layer 121. By providing the colored layer 121 in this way and laminating the white layer 122 or a light-colored layer (not shown, but it is sufficient that the layer is lighter in color than the colored layer 121) on both sides of this intermediate colored layer 121, a striped pattern is formed on the side in the lamination direction as shown in Fig. 6, and the color of the colored layer 121 is changed (red, green, yellow, blue, etc.) for each type of chip 120 as a gaming token (10 points, 20 points, 100 points, 1000 points, etc.) so that the type of chip 120 as a gaming token can be identified.

[0028] The chip 120 as a gaming token is a structure having a colored layer 121 and a white layer 122 or a light-colored layer at least in appearance so as to form an axial striped pattern on the side, and has a configuration that makes it possible to identify the type of chip 120 as a gaming token by the colored layer 121. Figures 4A and 4B each show a different embodiment, but are examples in which the colored layer 121 and the white layer 122 or the light-colored layer are formed by injection molding, and are produced by so-called two-color molding in which the colored layer 121 is first molded in a molding die (not shown), and then the white layer 122 or the light-colored layer is molded.

[0029] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the chip 120 as a gaming token has a print 123 (such as 100 points) on the surface (upper and lower surfaces) of the white layer 122, which indicates the type of the chip 120 as a gaming token. As shown in FIG. 3, a transparent layer 124 is provided on the outermost layer, and each layer is thermocompressed to form at least a five-layer structure. These chips 120 as gaming tokens are made of a long, thin plastic material, and each layer (colored layer 121, white layer 122, transparent layer 124) is thermocompressed to form a tightly adhered state (such as a five-layer structure) in a long state, and then punched into a circle, rectangle, or the like by a press or the like. When punching out by a press, the dimensions of the die and punch of the metal mold for punching are designed, and R processing (rounded corners) is applied to the edge of the outermost transparent layer 124.

[0030] That is, when manufacturing the chips 120 as gaming tokens, first, a plate-shaped plastic colored layer 121 and a plate-shaped plastic white layer 122 or light-colored layer are laminated to form a laminated structure consisting of multiple plastic layers. Then, a pattern is printed on the upper and lower surfaces of this laminated structure, and a transparent layer 124 is further provided thereon. Then, each layer of the laminated structure and the transparent layer 124 are heat-pressed to heat-weld each layer to create a token original plate. The token original plate thus obtained is punched with a die to obtain multiple chips 120 as gaming tokens of a predetermined shape. During this punching process, the upper and lower outer corners of the chips 120 as gaming tokens are rounded with a die.

[0031] Furthermore, the chip 120 as a gaming token has a face code made of UV ink or carbon black ink on the surface of the white layer 122 (see FIG. 5). This face code indicates the authenticity of the chip 120 as a gaming token, and when exposed to ultraviolet (or infrared) light, the mark becomes visible, and the combination of the shape and number indicates the authenticity. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the chips 120 as a gaming token stacked up, and a combination of a long code FL and a short code FS forms a face code F. A transparent layer (printed layer) 124 is thermocompressed or coated (applied) on the outermost layer so as to cover the print 123 and the face code, and this transparent layer 124 is embossed to prevent the chips 120 as a gaming token from sticking to each other. In this embodiment, an example in which a face code is printed on the surface of the white layer 122 has been described, but instead of or together with the face code, either a security mark or an optical variable device (OVD) or both may be printed.

[0032] The edges of the outermost transparent layer (printed layer) 124, which is printed with print 123 (100 points, etc.), are rounded (R), to prevent the surface of the white layer 122 from deforming and appearing on the sides during the process of punching out chips 120 as gaming tokens. Also, the chips 120 as gaming tokens are prevented from having sharp edges that could damage hands or other chips 120 as gaming tokens.

[0033] The colored layer 121 may be formed of a plurality of colored layers (three layers in FIG. 3) as shown in Fig. 3. The plurality of colored layers (three layers in FIG. 3) are thermocompression bonded to each other, so the three-layer structure is not visible as in Fig. 3, and Fig. 3 shows three layers for the sake of explanation. Furthermore, a cutout B is provided in the middle layer of the three layers of the colored layer 121, and an RFID 125 is embedded therein.

[0034] The RFID 125 may be placed between the colored layer 121 having a flat surface and the white layer 122 having a flat surface without providing the cutout B in the colored layer 121, and may be embedded in the chip 120 as a gaming token by thermocompression bonding the colored layer 121 and the white layer 122 together. By forming at least one of the colored layer 121 and the white layer 122 from a thermally deformable material such as plastic, the plastic layer of the colored layer 121 and the white layer 122 that sandwich the RFID 125 is thermally deformed by thermocompression bonding, so that the RFID 125 is tightly fixed between these layers even without providing the cutout B.

[0035] 7 is a perspective explanatory photographic diagram illustrating a state where different kinds of chips 120 as gaming tokens are piled up. In the figure, the management control device 14 takes images of the chips 120 as gaming tokens placed by the game players 6 on the gaming table 4 with the camera device 2, measures the chips 120 by area 8 (whether they were bet on the banker, the player, the pair, or the tie) with the chip total amount measuring device 302 equipped with the image recording device 300, and analyzes and measures the number and color of the colored layers 121 (or light color layers) or white layers 122 of the chips 120 as gaming tokens piled up in each area (using information obtained by the image recording device 300) to determine the type and number of the chips 120 as gaming tokens. The management control device 14 controls the camera device 2 so that an image is taken by the camera device 2 when the first card is drawn from the card dealing device, or before or after the first card is drawn, or after the dealer signs the end of betting.

[0036] The management control device 14 may be a control device that utilizes artificial intelligence or has a deep learning structure. The management control device 14 is capable of grasping the position 8 (position where the player, banker, or pair bet is made) and type (different amounts are assigned to the chips 120 as gaming tokens for each color) and number of chips 120 as gaming tokens bet by each participant 6 via the camera device 2 and the image recording device 300. In a computer or control system utilizing artificial intelligence, or in deep learning (structure) technology, it is possible to grasp the position 8 (position where the player, banker, or pair bet was made), type (different values ​​are assigned to each color of chips as gaming tokens) and number of chips 120 as gaming tokens by using a self-learning function, etc., so that in accordance with the outcome of each game determined by the card distribution device 3, the management control device 14 determines whether the collection (indicated by arrow E) of the chips 120 as gaming tokens bet by the losing participant 6L of each game and the redemption (payment (120W)) of the chips 120 as winning gaming tokens to the winning game participant 6W of each game were properly carried out in accordance with the outcome of the game by analyzing the video of the game progress via the image recording device 300.

[0037] In such a case, as shown in FIG. 6 (compared to the chips as conventional gaming tokens shown in FIG. 2), a multi-layered structure is formed, and a striped pattern in the stacking direction is clearly formed on the side, so that the total chip counting device 302 including the image recording device 300 can easily and accurately measure the type and number of chips as gaming tokens. Furthermore, if an artificial intelligence-based computer or control system and deep learning (structure) technology are used, image analysis and judgment can be made more accurately. Since artificial intelligence-based computers or control systems and deep learning (structure) technology are already known and available to those skilled in the art, detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0038] The management control device 14 can analyze and grasp the total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens in the chip tray 17 of the dealer 5 of the gaming table 4 using the image recording device 300, and after the game is over and settled, can compare and calculate whether the total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens in the chip tray 17 has increased or decreased according to the winning or losing result of the game, depending on the collection of chips 120 as losing gaming tokens bet by each game participant 6 and the amount of chips 120W paid to the winning game participant 6W as winning gaming tokens. Even if the total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens in the chip tray 17 is always grasped by means such as RFID, the management control device 14 determines whether the increase or decrease is correct by analyzing the video of the game progress state via the image recording device 300. These may also utilize artificial intelligence or deep learning structures.

[0039] The management control device 14 may be an artificial intelligence-based or deep learning-based management control device that grasps the position (position where the player, banker, or pair is bet) and amount (type and number) of chips as gaming tokens bet at each play position 7 of the gaming table 4, and compares the win / loss history of each game participant 6 obtained by the win / loss result of each game and the amount of chips as gaming tokens obtained (amount won) with statistical data of many past games (big data) to extract it as a unique situation (set by the casino). Typically, the management control device 14 is equipped with an artificial intelligence-based or deep learning-based management control device that can extract it as a unique situation compared with statistical data (big data, etc.) of past games, such as the occurrence of a win amount of a certain amount (1 million dollars) or a situation in which the amount of chips as gaming tokens for betting when losing is small and the amount of chips as gaming tokens for betting when winning continues for several games at a play position 7 of a certain gaming table 4.

[0040] The management control device 14 is structured to be able to compare and calculate whether the increase or decrease in the amount of chips as gaming tokens corresponding to the settlement is correct after the total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens in the chip tray 17 of the dealer 5 at the gaming table 4 is settled with the chips 120 as gaming tokens bet by each participant 6 after each game.

[0041] In the chip tray 17 for holding chips 120 as gaming tokens of the dealer 5 shown in Fig. 1, the total chip amount measuring device 302 (using information obtained by the image recording device 300) analyzes and measures the number and color of the colored layers 121 or white layers 122 of the chips 120 as gaming tokens stacked horizontally, thereby making it possible to determine the type and number of the chips 120 as gaming tokens. The total amount of the chips 120 as gaming tokens in the holding chip tray 17 is thus constantly (or at a predetermined time interval) grasped. The management control device 14 has a calculation function (see above) for calculating the settlement amount of each game (calculating the casino's income and expenditure at the gaming table 4 (the total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens bet by losers 6L minus the total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens redeemed to winners 6W among the participants 6)) for each game, so the total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens in the chip tray 17 is always (or at specified time intervals) verified. In other words, it is verified whether the increase or decrease in chips as gaming tokens matches the image analysis results by the image recording device 300 and the settlement amount for each game by the dealer 5.

[0042] FIG. 8A is a diagram showing details of the chip tray as a gaming token in this embodiment, and FIG. 8B is a diagram showing another example of the chip tray as a gaming token. The chip tray 17 is provided with a collection chip tray 171 for collecting and temporarily storing the chips 120L as gaming tokens bet by the losing player 6L, and a redemption chip tray 172 for storing the chips 120W as gaming tokens to be redeemed. The image recording device 300 and the management control device 14 grasp the position, type, and number of the chips 120L as gaming tokens bet by the losing player 6L, and calculate the increase in the chips 120L as gaming tokens in the game (the amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens that should be in the collection chip tray 171). Furthermore, the image recording device 300 and the management control device 14 grasp the actual total amount of the chips 120 as gaming tokens in the chip tray 171 after collection, and compare the expected total amount with the actual total amount to determine whether there is a difference.

[0043] Here, the chip tray 17 shown above has a two-tier structure consisting of an upper chip tray 17a and a lower chip tray 17b. Figures 9A and 9B are diagrams showing the relationship between the two-tier chip tray 17 and the camera device 2, with Figure 9A showing a state in which the two tiers are stacked, and Figure 9B showing a state in which the two tiers are shifted. The lower chip tray 17b is located below the upper chip tray 17a, and they are connected to each other by a hinge 18. When the chips 120 as gaming tokens in the upper chip tray 17a are insufficient, the chips 120 as gaming tokens are replenished from the lower chip tray 17b to the upper chip tray 17a, and when the chips 120 as gaming tokens in the upper chip tray 17a are excessive, the chips 120 as gaming tokens are moved to the lower chip tray 17b.

[0044] In order to insert or remove chips 120 as gaming tokens from the lower chip tray 17b, the upper chip tray 17a is moved by the hinge 18 to the state shown in FIG. 9B. In the state shown in FIG. 9A, the upper chip tray 17a is imaged by the camera device 2, and in the state shown in FIG. 9B, the lower chip tray 17b can be imaged by the camera device 2. In the state shown in FIG. 9B, the upper chip tray 17a and the lower chip tray 17b can be imaged simultaneously and in a state where they can be distinguished from each other by the camera device 2c. Also, in the state shown in FIG. 9B, the upper chip tray 17a and the lower chip tray 17b may be imaged separately.

[0045] The management control device 14 can grasp, via the camera device 2 and the image recording device 300, on which position (player, banker, or pair) of the betting area 8 each player 6 has bet the chips 120 as gaming tokens, the type of chips 120 as gaming tokens bet (different values ​​are assigned to each color of the chips 120 as gaming tokens), and the number of chips 120. The chips 120 as gaming tokens may not only be stacked vertically in an aligned manner, but may also be stacked in a shifted manner as shown in FIG. 2. In this case, when the camera device 2 is located in the direction of the arrow X shown in FIG. 2 (or when the orientation of the chips 120 as gaming tokens is relatively in a blind spot), it is assumed that the chips 120 as gaming tokens will not be visible (will be in a blind spot).

[0046] In this way, it is necessary to know which position (player, banker, or pair) of the gaming tokens 120 bet on the betting area 8, the type of gaming tokens 120 bet (each color of the gaming tokens 120 is assigned a different value) and the number of chips 120 bet. Then, in accordance with the outcome of each game as determined by the card distribution device 3, the management control device 14 determines whether the collection of chips as losing gaming tokens bet by each player 6 (as indicated by arrow E) and the payment of chips as winning gaming tokens to the winning player 6W (120W) were properly performed in accordance with the outcome of the game by analyzing the video of the game progress via the image recording device 300. If the determination result analyzed by the management control device 14 via the image recording device 300 differs from the reading result by other means (for example, the reading result by RFID), the analysis image can be saved and verified later.

[0047] The management control device 14 can analyze and grasp the total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens in the chip tray 17 of the dealer 5 of the gaming table 4 using the image recording device 300, and after the game is over and settled, can compare and calculate whether the total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens in the chip tray 17 has increased or decreased according to the outcome of the game, depending on the collection of chips 120 as losing gaming tokens bet by each player 6 and the amount of chips 120W paid to the winning player 6W as winning gaming tokens. Although the total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens in the chip tray 17 is always grasped by means of RFID or the like, the management control device 14 determines whether the increase or decrease is correct by analyzing the video of the game progress state via the image recording device 300.

[0048] In this example, fraud or mistakes are detected based on the outcome of the game, information on how many of what type of gaming tokens 120 were bet and on which position (player, banker, or pair) in the betting area 8, and the increase or decrease in the amount of the gaming tokens 120 in the chip tray 17 after the collection of the losing gaming tokens and the redemption of the winning gaming tokens 120. Therefore, fraud or mistakes can be detected without knowing the movement of the gaming tokens 120 after the game ends, i.e., whether the bet gaming tokens 120 moved to the player's side or the dealer's side.

[0049] Here, in the case of baccarat, for example, the outcome of the game can be determined in accordance with the rules of baccarat by reading the rank of the card 1 dealt in the game in the card dealing device 3. The outcome of the game can also be determined by photographing the gaming table 4 with the camera device 2, analyzing the image with the image recording device 300, and comparing the analysis result with the rules of the game in the management control device 14. In this case, the camera device 2, the image recording device 300, and the management control device 14 constitute the outcome determination device of the present invention.

[0050] Information on how many chips 120 as gaming tokens have been bet by the player at each play position 7 and on which position (player, banker, or pair) of the betting area 8, is obtained by photographing the chips 120 as gaming tokens placed in the betting area 8 with the camera device 2 and analyzing the image for each play position 7 with the image recording device 300. Details will be explained later.

[0051] In addition, the increase or decrease in the amount of chips 120 as gaming substitute currency in the chip tray 17 before and after the collection of chips 120 as gaming substitute currency for losing games and the redemption of chips 120 as gaming substitute currency for winning games is performed can be calculated by comparing the total amount of chips 120 as gaming substitute currency in the chip tray 17 before the collection of chips 120 as gaming substitute currency for losing games and the redemption of chips 120 as gaming substitute currency for winning games with the total amount of chips 120 as gaming substitute currency in the chip tray 17 after the collection of chips 120 as gaming substitute currency for losing games and the redemption of chips 120 as gaming substitute currency for winning games is performed. The total amount of the chips 120 as gaming tokens in the chip tray 17 before collecting the chips 120 as losing gaming tokens and redeeming the chips 120 as winning gaming tokens, and the total amount of the chips 120 as gaming tokens in the chip tray 17 after collecting the chips 120 as losing gaming tokens and redeeming the chips 120 as winning gaming tokens, can be detected by photographing the chip tray 17 containing the chips 120 as gaming tokens with the camera device 2 and analyzing the image with the image recording device 300. Also, the total amount of the chips 120 as gaming tokens contained in the chip tray 17 may be detected by embedding an RFID indicating the amount in the chips 120 as gaming tokens and providing an RFID reader in the chip tray 17.

[0052] For example, let us assume that the total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens in the chip tray 17 before the start of a game is Bb, and that the total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens in the chip tray 17 after the game is over and the collection of chips as losing gaming tokens and the redemption of chips as winning gaming tokens are completed is Ba. Also, let us assume that the total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens bet on the player area at all play positions 7 in this game is bp, the total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens bet on the banker area at all play positions 7 is bb, and the total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens bet on the tie area at all play positions 7 is bt. For example, if the outcome of this game is a win for the banker, Ba-Bb=bp-bb+bt should be established. Alternatively, the total amount Ba of the gaming token chips 120 in the chip tray 17 after the game ends should be (Bb+bp-bb+bt). If this is not the case, it can be determined that there has been fraud or a mistake in the collection or redemption of the gaming token chips.

[0053] As described above, in this embodiment, the management control device 14 calculates the income and expenditure of gaming token chips from the amount of chips bet on the gaming table 4 and the outcome of the game, and verifies the increase in the balance of gaming token chips in the chip tray 17 after the game. If a discrepancy is detected in this verification, the management control device 14 issues an alarm or adds a record to that effect to the video record captured by the camera device 2. The casino operator can investigate the cause of the discrepancy by checking the video.

[0054] The measurement system of this embodiment adds or subtracts the increase or decrease in the amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens in the game, which is calculated from the positions, types and numbers of chips 120 as gaming tokens bet by all players 6 in that game and the win / loss result of that game obtained by the win / loss result determination device, from the total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens in the chip tray 17 before the settlement of each game, and compares the total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens in the chip tray 17 after settlement at the end of the game with the actual total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens in the chip tray 17 at the end of the game obtained via the image recording device 300, and determines whether there is a difference between the actual total amount and the total amount that should be.

[0055] The management control device 14 grasps the position, type and number of chips as gaming tokens bet by each player via the image recording device 300, and when all of the losing gaming tokens bet by each player have been collected, grasps the actual total amount of chips as gaming tokens in the chip tray as gaming tokens, and compares the total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens in the chip tray 17 that should be, calculated by adding the increase in the chip tray 17 for that game based on the position, type and number of chips as gaming tokens bet by the losing player from the total amount of chips as gaming tokens in the chip tray as gaming tokens before the settlement of each game, with the actual total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens in the chip tray 17, and determines whether there is a difference between the actual total amount and the total amount that should be.

[0056] The management control device 14 compares the total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens in the chip tray 17 before the settlement of each game, which is calculated by adding the increase in the chip tray 17 for that game based on the position, type and number of chips 120 as gaming tokens bet by the losing player, with the actual total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens in the chip tray 17, and determines that there is no difference between the total amount that should be and the actual total amount, and compares the total amount that should be in the chip tray 17 after settlement at the end of the game with the actual total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens in the chip tray 17 at the end of the game obtained via the image recording device 300, and if it determines that there is a difference between the total amount that should be and the actual total amount, it determines that a payment error has occurred and generates a payment error signal to notify of the payment error.

[0057] The chip tray 17 is provided with a collection chip tray 171 for collecting and temporarily storing chips 120 as gaming tokens bet by losing players, and the image recording device 300 compares the total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens in the collection chip tray 171 that should be, which is calculated by adding an increase in the amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens in the game calculated from the position, type and number of chips 120L as gaming tokens bet by the losing player, with the actual total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens in the collection chip tray 171, and determines whether there is a difference between the actual total amount and the total amount that should be.

[0058] When the management control device 14 determines that the actual total amount of chips 120 as gaming tokens grasped in the chip tray 17 of the dealer 5 at the gaming table 4 does not correspond to the increase or decrease in the amount of chips as gaming tokens bet by all players and the outcome of the game, the image recording device 300 can add an index or time to the captured image, or identify and play back the scene of collection or payment of chips 120 as gaming tokens, so that the record of the game in which the above-mentioned difference occurred can be analyzed in the image recording device 300.

[0059] In this way, the management control device 14 obtains the total amount of chips (chips) as gaming tokens in the chip tray 17 after settlement at the end of the game via the image recording device 300. In this case, the judgment after settlement is made when any of the following 1) to 4) occurs. 1) When the redemption of the winning chips (winning chips) 120 as tokens for playing a game is completed, 2) When Card 1 used in the game is collected and discarded in the discard area or discard slot of the table, 3) When a predetermined button associated with the winning / losing result determination device is pressed, 4) When the marker indicating victory or defeat (not shown) is replaced.

[0060] In the above measurement system, the management control device 14 takes images of the positions, types, and numbers of chips placed by game players as gaming tokens in each game when it detects any of the following 1) to 3). 1) when the card dealing device detects that a first card is being drawn; 2) Before and after being pulled, 3) After the supervisory control device recognizes the dealer's signal to end betting.

[0061] The management control device 14 is an artificial intelligence-based or deep learning-based management control device that can grasp the position (position where the player, banker, or pair is bet) and amount (type and number) of chips as gaming tokens bet at each play position 7 of the gaming table 4, and can extract the win / loss history of each player 6 obtained by the win / loss result of each game and the amount of chips as gaming tokens obtained (amount won) as a unique situation (set by the casino) by comparing it with statistical data of many past games (big data). Typically, the management control device 14 is equipped with an artificial intelligence-based or deep learning-based management control device that can extract the occurrence of a win amount of more than a certain amount (1 million dollars) or a situation in which the amount of chips as gaming tokens for betting when losing is small and the amount of chips as gaming tokens for betting when winning continues for several games by comparing it with statistical data (big data, etc.) of past games.

[0062] Furthermore, the management control device 14 of this measurement system (integrated with the image recording device 300) is configured to be able to identify individual players 6 at playing positions 7 who have been extracted as peculiar situations or have won a predetermined amount or more. Such identification of players 6 is performed by obtaining facial images in the image recording device 300 by extracting feature points or the like, and assigning identity numbers (IDs, etc.) to the players 6. When the identified player 6 leaves his / her seat and sits at another gaming table, the management control device 14 has a warning function to notify the other gaming table of the presence of the identified player. Specifically, the management control device 14 notifies the pit manager who manages each gaming table 4 or the person in charge of each table (which may be a dealer) to prevent further peculiar phenomena.

[0063] In the above example, the winning / losing history and the amount of chips (winning amount) as gaming tokens for each playing position 7 may be monitored without identifying each individual player 6. In this case, if each player 6 leaves the seat, the player 6 cannot be tracked, but it is possible to detect a peculiar situation in which the amount of chips as gaming tokens for betting when losing at a specific playing position 7 of one gaming table 4 is small and the amount of chips as gaming tokens for betting when winning is large for several consecutive games. If such a playing position 7 is detected, there is a suspicion of fraud or a mistake at that playing position 7. Then, by verifying the video of the playing position 7, the fraud or mistake can be discovered.

[0064] Specifically, the camera device 2 is installed so as to capture at least the chips 120 as gaming tokens placed in the betting area 8 of the gaming table 4. The image recording device 300 analyzes the image captured by the camera device 2 to detect whether the chips as gaming tokens are placed in the player, banker, or tie position of the betting area 8 for each user position 7, and the amount of the placed chips as gaming tokens. The card distribution device 3 also functions as a win / loss result determination device and determines the win / loss result of the game. The management control device 14 records (monitors) the win / loss history for each play position 7 and the amount of chips as gaming tokens (amount of chips acquired as gaming tokens) based on the position (player, banker, or tie) in the betting area 8 where the chips 120 as gaming tokens are placed and the win / loss result of the game. Note that only one of the win / loss history and the amount of chips acquired as gaming tokens may be recorded. If the winning / losing history and / or the history of the amount of chips won as gaming tokens are in a unique situation (set by the casino) compared with the statistical data of a large number of past games (big data), the management control device 14 identifies the player position 7 as a playing position suspected of fraudulent activity.

[0065] If cheating is suspected at a certain player position 7, the cheating detection system may generate an alarm (light, sound, or vibration) that is perceptible at least to the dealer at that time. This makes it possible to at least halt the game thereafter and prevent the cheating from continuing. Also, information indicating that cheating is suspected may be added to the video captured and recorded by the camera device 2. This allows the cause of the suspected cheating to be identified by checking the video.

[0066] As described above, the chip 120 as a gaming token of this embodiment has a laminated structure made of multiple plastic layers, in which the colored layer 121 and the white layer 122 or light-colored layer sandwiching the colored layer 121 are laminated, and a striped pattern is formed on the side in the lamination direction. The chip 120 as a gaming token has a configuration in which the type of the chip 120 as a gaming token can be identified by the colored layer 121 that appears on the side. In addition, the upper and lower surfaces of the chip 120 as a gaming token are printed. Specifically, the surface of the white layer 122 or light-colored layer is printed, and a transparent layer 124 is provided on the upper surface. The colored layer 121, the white layer 122 or light-colored layer, and the printed layer 124 are thermally compressed between each other to form a layered structure.

[0067] The white layer 122 or the light-colored layer sandwiching the colored layer 121 may be configured to have different thicknesses above and below. In this embodiment, the outer edges of the upper and lower surfaces of the chip 120 as a gaming token are rounded. This prevents the player's hand handling the chip 120 as a gaming token from being injured, and prevents other chips 120 as gaming tokens from being damaged. In this embodiment, the RFID 125 is fixed in close contact between the plastic layers forming the colored layer 121, the white layer 122, or the light-colored layer.

[0068] In this embodiment, a face code made of UV luminescent ink or infrared absorbing ink such as ink that absorbs infrared rays (carbon black ink) is provided on the upper and / or lower surfaces of the chip 120 as a gaming token. As a modification of this embodiment, instead of or together with the face code, either or both of a security mark and an optical variable device (OVD) may be printed on the surface of the chip 120 as a gaming token.

[0069] In this embodiment, the management control device 14 takes images to determine the position, type, and number of chips placed by game players in each game as gaming tokens when the first card is drawn from the card distribution device 3, or before or after the first card is drawn, or after the dealer signs the end of betting.

[0070] The measurement system of this embodiment also includes a card distribution device 13 that determines and displays the results of each game at the gaming table 4, a camera device 2 that captures images of chips 120 as gaming tokens placed on the gaming table 4, and a management control device 14 that uses the captured images by the camera device 2 to identify and store the positions, types, and numbers of chips as gaming tokens placed on the gaming table 4 by the game players 6. The chips 120 as gaming tokens are laminated structures in which a colored layer 121 and a white layer 122 or a light-colored layer are laminated, and have stripes on the sides in the stacking direction. The management control device 14 has a calculation function that calculates the casino's income and expenditure at the gaming table 4 for each game, based on the results of the games and losses obtained from the card distribution device 13 and the positions, types, and numbers of chips 120 as gaming tokens identified using the captured images by the camera device 2.

[0071] The management control device 14 has the function of counting the number of colored layers 121, white layers 122, or light-colored layers of the chips 120 as gaming tokens placed by each game participant 6, determining the type and value of the chips as gaming tokens based on the color of the colored layers 121, and determining the number of chips 120 as gaming tokens.

[0072] As described above, the chips 120 as gaming tokens may be stacked not only aligned vertically, but also shifted as shown in FIG. 2. In this case, when the camera device 2 is located in the direction of the arrow X shown in FIG. 2 (or when the orientation of the chips 120 as gaming tokens is in a blind spot), it is assumed that the chips 120 as gaming tokens are not visible (are in a blind spot). Information on the player at each play position 7, the type of chips 120 as gaming tokens, and the number of chips bet at each position (player, banker, or pair) in the betting area 8 can be obtained by photographing the chips 120 as gaming tokens placed in the betting area 8 with the camera device 2 and analyzing the image for each play position 7 with the image recording device 300. However, if this is to be done only with the camera device 2, an extremely advanced and expensive image analysis device is required due to problems such as blind spots. This embodiment has a special configuration for solving this problem. Details will be described below.

[0073] 10 and 11, the measurement system of this embodiment includes, in addition to the camera device 2 that photographs the chip 120 as a gaming token, height measurement camera devices 2R, 2L that are disposed at a predetermined height position from the gaming table 4 and photograph the chip 120 as a gaming token from different positions or angles. In the following, it is assumed that the height measurement cameras 2R, 2L and the chip 120 as a gaming token are on the same plane perpendicular to the gaming table 4. The relational equation between the angle α between the straight line connecting the height measuring camera 2R and the center C of the chip 120 as the topmost gaming token and the gaming table 4, the angle β between the straight line connecting the height measuring camera 2L and the center C of the topmost gaming token 120 and the gaming table 4, the distance L between the intersection KR of the straight line connecting the height measuring camera 2R and the center C of the topmost gaming token 120 and the gaming table 4 and the intersection KL of the straight line connecting the height measuring camera 2L and the center C of the topmost gaming token 120 and the gaming table 4, and the height H of the overlapping chips 120 as gaming tokens is expressed by the following equation.

number

number

number

[0074] FIG. 13 is a diagram of the measurement system of this embodiment for roulette. Chips 220 as gaming tokens are stacked and placed on a gaming table 201. In this case, too, the height measuring cameras 2R and 2L can obtain the distance L between the intersection KR of the straight line connecting the height measuring camera 2R and the center C of the top gaming token 220 with the gaming table 201 and the intersection KL of the straight line connecting the height measuring camera 2L and the center C of the top gaming token 220 with the gaming table 201 by the method described above, and the height H of the chips 220 as gaming tokens can be obtained. The number of chips 220 as gaming tokens can be obtained from the height H and the thickness t of the chips 220 as gaming tokens. In roulette, one type of chips 220 as gaming tokens with different colors is used for each player. Therefore, the total amount of the chips 220 as gaming tokens can be obtained simply from the number of chips 220 as gaming tokens obtained by the height measurement cameras 2R, 2L and the chip number measurement device 301, and the player 6 who made the bet can be identified from the color of the chip 220 as the highest-ranking gaming token.

[0075] In the measurement system of this embodiment, the management control device 14 etc. may have an artificial intelligence-utilizing or deep learning structure, but artificial intelligence-utilizing or deep learning structures are described in U.S. Patent No. 9,361,577, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016-171336, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015-036920, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-110232, etc., and these descriptions are incorporated herein by reference.

[0076] Various embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, it goes without saying that the above-mentioned embodiments can be modified by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention, and the device of the present embodiments may be appropriately modified according to the needs of the game to which it is applied. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1. Playing Cards 1s Multiple shuffled playing cards 2 Camera equipment 3 Card distribution device 4 Gaming Table 5 Dealer 6 Customers (game participants / players) 7 Chairs 8 Betting Area 13 Result display lamp 14 Management control device 120 Chips as substitute currency for gaming 121 Colored layer 122 White layer 123 Printing 124 Transparent layer (printing layer) 125 RFID 200 Gaming Tables 220 Chips as substitute currency for gaming 300 Image recording device 301 Chip counting device 302 Total Tip Counting Device

Claims

1. A measurement system for measuring the number of chips on a gaming table in a gaming facility having the gaming table, comprising: A plurality of stacks of chips are arranged on the gaming table; a first camera for capturing an image of a plurality of chips stacked on the gaming table from a first position to obtain a first image; a second camera that captures a second image of a plurality of chips stacked on the gaming table from a second position different from the first position; wherein the first camera and the second camera photograph a plurality of chips in the same stack to obtain the first image and the second image, respectively; one or more computers; Equipped with The one or more computers determining, using artificial intelligence or deep learning, a first parameter based on the first image, the first parameter being responsive to a number of chips in the same stack; determining, using artificial intelligence or deep learning, a second parameter based on the second image, the second parameter corresponding to the number of chips in the same stack; A metrology system that determines a correct number of chips in the same stack based on the first parameter and the second parameter.

2. The measurement system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more computers further use artificial intelligence or deep learning to determine the type of each of the plurality of chips.

3. The measurement system of claim 2, wherein the one or more computers are capable of determining the correct type and number of the multiple chips in the same stack based on the judgment results between the first parameter and the second parameter, even if at least a portion of the multiple chips in the same stack are hidden in the first image due to a blind spot of the first camera.

4. The measurement system according to claim 1 , wherein the first camera and the second camera are installed at symmetrical positions on the left and right of the gaming table.

5. The gaming table has a plurality of betting areas, The first camera photographs all of the plurality of betting areas, The measurement system according to claim 1 , wherein the second camera photographs all of the plurality of betting areas.

6. The metrology system of claim 1 , wherein a distance from the first camera to the chips of the same stack is different from a distance from the second camera to the chips of the same stack.

7. The one or more computers extracting a first chip region and a second chip region from the first image and the second image, respectively; determining the type and number of the chips in the first chip area; The measurement system according to claim 1 , further comprising: a measuring unit configured to determine the type and number of the chips in the second chip area.

8. The measurement system according to claim 1 , wherein, when the determined number differs from a number determined by another means, the one or more computers store the images related to the determination.

Images