Gaming chips and money exchange device

Abstract

To provide a gaming chip and money exchange device equipped with a function for recognizing an exchanger.SOLUTION: A gaming chip and money exchange device 201 for exchanging a gaming chip G having a color or marking indicating its value on an outer surface thereof and money C includes: a money insertion port 211; a money reader 2160 for acquiring authenticity information and money information of money inserted into the money insertion port; an inserted money amount display unit 232 for displaying the amount of money acquired by the money reader; a gaming chip storage unit 215 that stores gaming chips by type; a gaming chip dispensing unit 216 that dispenses gaming chips corresponding to the amount of money obtained by the money reader from the gaming chip storage unit; a retrieval unit 217 where the dispensed gaming chips are placed; and a user recognition unit 22 that recognizes an exchanger.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an exchange device for gaming chips and currency. [Background technology]

[0002] Baccarat and blackjack are among the many table games played in casinos and other gaming establishments. Casinos use gaming chips as tokens for these games. Gaming chips are exchanged for currency (banknotes and coins) at designated exchange offices within the casino or at game tables face-to-face with a currency exchanger or a dealer in charge of the game table.

[0003] Meanwhile, an automatic chip and currency exchange device for use in gaming facilities has been proposed. The automatic prize chip purchasing device described in Patent Document 1 automatically sorts inserted prize chips, identifies their authenticity, and automatically pays out the exchange amount corresponding to the value of the prize chip. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 2689054 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Casinos are also seeking to introduce unmanned gaming chip and currency exchange devices, but conventional chip and currency exchange devices cannot identify the person who is making the exchange, which poses a problem: they are unable to obtain information on exchanges made by customers suspected of having received large amounts of gaming chips as a result of fraudulent activity.

[0006] The present invention has been invented in view of the circumstances, and provides a gaming chip and a currency exchange device having a function of recognizing a person performing currency exchange.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the gaming chip and the currency exchange device of the present invention of the present application are as follows. The gaming chip has a color or display representing value on its outer surface. A currency insertion slot, A currency reading unit that acquires authenticity information and currency information of the currency inserted from the currency insertion slot, An inserted currency amount display unit that displays the amount of the currency acquired by the currency reading unit, A gaming chip storage unit that stores the gaming chips by type, A gaming chip payout unit that pays out a gaming chip corresponding to the amount of the currency acquired by the currency reading unit from the gaming chip storage unit, A take-out unit on which the paid-out gaming chip is placed, And are provided.

[0008] Furthermore, it is provided with a user recognition unit that recognizes a person performing currency exchange.

[0009] Furthermore, the user recognition unit may have a function of imaging a person performing currency exchange using a camera during currency exchange, and extracting and specifying an image of the face of the person performing currency exchange from the captured camera image.

[0010] Furthermore, it may be provided with a user ID information input unit for inputting ID information of a person performing currency exchange, and the user recognition unit may have a function of specifying the person performing currency exchange from the person performing currency exchange information acquired by the user ID information input unit.

[0011] Furthermore, the user ID information input unit may be configured to acquire information of the person performing currency exchange by a members card.

[0012] Furthermore, it may include a user management unit that stores in a database information on the number of currency exchange transactions or the amount of currency exchanged by a specific user recognized by the user recognition unit during a predetermined period.

[0013] Furthermore, the user management unit may be configured to assign points or status to the user under predetermined conditions and output the same.

[0014] Furthermore, the user management unit may be configured to be able to set a predetermined exchange ratio for each user under predetermined conditions.

[0015] Furthermore, it may include a currency storage unit that stores the currency by type, and a currency holding unit that temporarily holds the currency inserted from the insertion slot. The currency holding unit may be configured to move the inserted currency to the currency storage unit by type when currency exchange is executed.

[0016] Furthermore, the gaming chip payout unit may be configured to have a function of paying out gaming chips individually or in batches.

[0017] Furthermore, the withdrawal unit may be provided with an openable and closable door. While the determination unit is making a determination, the door is closed, and when the determination unit determines that there is no abnormality, it may be configured to open the door.

[0018] Furthermore, the gaming chip may incorporate a wireless tag storing chip information, and include a wireless tag reader that reads the wireless tag of the gaming chip placed in the withdrawal unit to acquire the chip information of the gaming chip, a determination unit that determines the presence or absence of an abnormality in the chip information of the gaming chip acquired from the wireless tag reader, and a control unit that enables the gaming chip in the withdrawal unit to be withdrawn when the determination unit determines that there is no abnormality.

[0019] Furthermore, it may include an appearance inspection unit that inspects the appearance of the gaming chip placed in the withdrawal unit.

[0020] Furthermore, it may be configured to include an appearance inspection unit that inspects the appearance of the gaming chip placed in the extraction unit. The appearance inspection unit optically grasps the number or value of the gaming chips placed in the extraction unit, and the determination unit compares and determines the chip information of the gaming chip acquired from the wireless tag reader unit with the number or value of the gaming chips obtained from the appearance inspection unit. When both match, it may be configured to determine that the gaming chips placed in the extraction unit are normal.

[0021] Furthermore, the gaming chip has a multilayer structure in which a plurality of plastic layers of different colors are laminated, with at least a colored layer in the middle, and a white layer or a light-colored layer is laminated on both sides of the middle colored layer to form a stripe pattern in the lamination direction on the side surface. The type of the gaming chip can be specified by the colored layer, and the appearance inspection unit may be configured to grasp the number or value of the gaming chips by the colored layer.

[0022] An apparatus for exchanging a gaming chip and currency according to another aspect of the present invention The gaming chip incorporates a wireless tag storing currency information and has a color or display representing value on the outer surface. An insertion slot through which the gaming chip can pass, A wireless tag reader unit that reads the wireless tag of the gaming chip inserted from the insertion slot and acquires the currency information of the gaming chip, A determination unit that determines whether there is an abnormality in the currency information of the gaming chip acquired from the wireless tag reader unit, An inserted amount display unit that displays the amount of the gaming chip determined to be normal by the determination unit, A currency storage unit that stores currencies by type, A currency payout unit that pays out the currency corresponding to the amount of the gaming chip determined to be normal by the determination unit from the currency storage unit.

[0023] Furthermore, it is provided with a user recognition unit that recognizes the exchanger.

[0024] Furthermore, the user recognition unit may have a function of imaging the currency exchanger at the time of currency exchange using a camera, extracting and identifying an image of the face of the currency exchanger from the captured camera image.

[0025] Furthermore, it may include a user ID information input unit for inputting the ID information of the currency exchanger, and the user recognition unit may have a function of identifying the currency exchanger from the currency exchanger information acquired by the user ID information input unit.

[0026] Furthermore, the user ID information input unit may be configured to acquire the information of the currency exchanger by using a members card.

[0027] Furthermore, it may include a user management unit for storing in a database the information on the number of currency exchanges or the amount of currency exchanged by a specific user recognized by the user ID recognition unit during a predetermined period.

[0028] Furthermore, the user management unit may be configured to assign points or status to the user under predetermined conditions and output the same.

[0029] Furthermore, the user management unit may be configured to be able to set a predetermined exchange ratio for each user under predetermined conditions.

[0030] Furthermore, it may include a gaming chip storage unit for storing gaming chips by type and a gaming chip holding unit for temporarily holding the gaming chips inserted from the insertion port. The gaming chip holding unit may have a function of moving the inserted gaming chips to the gaming chip storage unit by type at the time of currency exchange.

[0031] Furthermore, it may include an appearance inspection unit for inspecting the appearance of the gaming chips inserted from the insertion port.

[0032] Furthermore, the appearance inspection unit has a function of optically grasping the number or value of the gaming chips inserted from the insertion port, and the determination unit compares and determines the chip information of the gaming chips acquired from the wireless tag reader unit with the number or value of the gaming chips obtained from the appearance inspection unit, and when both match, determines that the gaming chips are normal. This configuration may also be used.

[0033] Furthermore, the gaming chip has a multilayer structure in which a plurality of layers of plastics with different colors are laminated, and at least has a colored layer in the middle, and a white layer or a light-colored layer is laminated on both sides of the middle colored layer to form a stripe pattern in the lamination direction on the side surface. The type of the gaming chip can be specified by the colored layer, and the appearance inspection unit may be configured to grasp the number or value of the gaming chips by the colored layer.

[0034] In addition, in the gaming chip and currency exchange device according to another aspect of the present invention, The gaming chip incorporates a wireless tag storing currency information and has a color or display representing value on the outer surface. An insertion port through which currency or the gaming chip can pass, A currency reading unit that acquires authenticity information and currency information of the currency inserted from the insertion port, A wireless tag reader unit that reads the wireless tag of the gaming chip inserted from the insertion port and acquires the currency information of the gaming chip, A determination unit that determines whether there is an abnormality in the currency information of the gaming chip acquired from the wireless tag reader unit, An inserted amount display unit that displays the amount of the currency acquired by the currency reading unit or the amount of the gaming chip determined to be normal by the determination unit, A gaming chip storage unit that stores the gaming chips by type, A currency storage unit that stores currency by type, A gaming chip payout unit that pays out a gaming chip corresponding to the amount of the currency acquired by the currency reading unit from the gaming chip storage unit. A dispensing section where the dispensed gaming chips are placed, and a currency dispensing section that dispenses currency corresponding to the amount of the gaming chips determined by the determination section to be normal from the currency storage section.

Advantages of the Invention

[0035] According to the gaming chip and currency exchange device of the present invention, it is possible to identify a user who has exchanged gaming chips and currency using the device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0036]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0038] Note that the currency used in this description refers to banknotes and coins.

[0039] First, the details of the gaming chip G used in this device will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming chip G has at least a colored layer 101 in the middle, and a white layer 102 or a light-colored layer (not shown, but any layer lighter in color than the colored layer 101) is laminated on both sides of this middle colored layer 101, forming a multi-layer structure. By adopting such a multi-layer structure, as shown in FIG. 1, a stripe pattern in the lamination direction is formed on the side surface, and by changing the color of the colored layer 101, the types of the gaming chips G can be specified. Also, a wireless tag 103 is built into the gaming chip G. Specifically, a partial cutout is provided in the colored layer 101, and the wireless tag 103 is installed therein. In the wireless tag 103, in addition to the value (amount of money) information of the gaming chip G, unique ID information set for each casino, information related to manufacturing information such as the manufacturing line and manufacturing date, individual ID information for each chip, etc. are stored as currency information.

[0040] FIG. 2 shows an exchanging device 1 for the gaming chip G and the currency C according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The exchanging device 1 for the gaming chip G and the currency C includes an insertion port 11 through which the gaming chip G can pass, for inserting the gaming chip G to be exchanged into the exchanging device 1.

[0041] The exchanging device 1 includes a gaming chip holding part 12 for temporarily holding the gaming chip G inserted from the insertion port 11.

[0042] The exchange device 1 includes a wireless tag reading unit 131 that reads the wireless tag 103 of the gaming chip G inserted from the insertion port 11 and held by the gaming chip holding unit 12, and acquires the currency information of the gaming chip G. Further, it includes a determination unit 21 that determines whether there is an abnormality in the currency information of the gaming chip G acquired from the wireless tag reading unit 131. The determination unit 21 presets, as an abnormality in the currency information, cases where, for example, the unique ID information of the casino cannot be read, or the chip has reached the expiration date based on the manufacturing date information of the gaming chip G, and determines whether there is an abnormality based on the preset abnormality criteria. When the determination unit 21 determines an abnormality, it processes it as an error and displays the error content on the display 31 provided in the exchange device 1. Details of the display 31 will be described later.

[0043] The exchange device 1 further includes an appearance inspection unit 132 that inspects the appearance of the gaming chip G held by the gaming chip holding unit 12. The appearance inspection unit 132 can optically grasp the state of the gaming chip, for example, by using a camera, and detect damage, dirt, etc. Also, it may read special marks M, etc. applied to the surface of the gaming chip using an infrared camera or the like, and perform authenticity determination. Based on the appearance information of the gaming chip G acquired from the appearance inspection unit 132, the determination unit 21 determines whether there is an abnormality based on the preset abnormality criteria. When the determination unit 21 determines an abnormality, it processes it as an error and displays the error content on the display 31 provided in the exchange device 1. Further, the appearance inspection unit 132 may read the information on the outer surface (for example, the amount information described on the surface and the color information of the coloring layer 101) to grasp the type and number of the inserted gaming chips G.

[0044] Note that the determination unit 21 compares and determines the currency information of the gaming chip G acquired from the wireless tag reading unit 131 and the currency information of the gaming chip G acquired from the appearance inspection unit 132, determines whether the two match, and when they match, can also determine that the inserted gaming chip G has no abnormality.

[0045] The exchange device 1 includes a chip counter 133 that counts the number of inserted gaming chips G for each type based on the currency information of the gaming chips G obtained from the wireless tag reader 131 or the appearance inspection unit 132. The chip counter 133 further adds the individual amounts of the gaming chips G determined by the determination unit 21 to be normal and calculates the total amount of the inserted gaming chips G.

[0046] The total amount of the gaming chips G calculated by the chip counter 133 is displayed on the inserted amount display unit 32. Note that the inserted amount display unit 32 may be integrated with the display 31.

[0047] Here, the display 31 provided in the exchange device 1 will be described. The display 31 has a currency exchange start button 31a, a currency exchange execution button 31b, and a currency exchange cancellation button 31c. Note that the currency exchange start button 31a, the currency exchange execution button 31b, and the currency exchange cancellation button 31c do not necessarily have to be displayed on the display 31 and may be provided separately from the display 31. The currency exchange start button 31a will be described later.

[0048] When the total amount of the gaming chips G inserted is displayed on the inserted amount display unit 32, the currency exchange execution button 31b and the currency exchange cancellation button 31c are displayed on the display 31. When the amount displayed on the inserted amount display unit 32 is confirmed by the currency exchanger P and the currency exchange is cancelled, the currency exchange cancellation button 31c is pressed to return the gaming chips G held in the gaming chip holding unit 12 to the currency exchanger P through a predetermined return port (not shown). When the currency exchange is executed, the currency exchange execution button 31b is pressed to execute the currency exchange, and the chips held in the gaming chip holding unit 12 are sent to the gaming chip storage unit 14 using a pusher or a conveyor.

[0049] The gaming chip storage unit 14 stores the gaming chips G sent from the gaming chip holding unit 12 when currency exchange is executed. The gaming chip storage unit 14 can store the gaming chips G by type. The gaming chip storage unit 14 has a structure that can be removed from the main body of the exchange device, thereby facilitating the collection work of the gaming chips G in the exchange device 1 performed by the casino staff.

[0050] The exchange device 1 is provided with a currency storage unit 15 that stores the payout currency C by type. The setting of the currency C into the currency storage unit 15 is regularly performed by the casino staff or the person in charge of managing the exchange device 1, and it may have a structure that can store currencies of multiple denominations. Further, the exchange device 1 is provided with a currency payout unit 16 that pays out the payout currency from the currency storage unit 15. The currency payout unit 16 pays out the currency C corresponding to the total amount of the gaming chips G determined to be normal by the determination unit 21 from the currency storage unit 15 using a pusher or a conveyor according to the instruction of the control device 2 that controls the entire device. The currency payout unit 16 is provided with a currency counter 161 to confirm the type and number of the currencies paid out from the currency storage unit 15. The currency exchanger P receives the paid-out currency C from the outlet (not shown).

[0051] The control device 2 that controls the entire device is provided with a user recognition unit 22 and a user management unit 23.

[0052] The user recognition unit 22 obtains specific information for identifying the currency exchanger P. The specific information is the face image information of the customer registered in the database D or the user ID. The two are associated on the database.

[0053] In the standby state, the exchange device 1 displays the currency exchange start button 31a on the display. When the currency exchange start button 31a is pressed, the user recognition unit 22 captures an image of the currency exchange performer P using the camera 41, and extracts the face of the currency exchange performer from the captured image. The extracted face image is compared with the face image data of the casino customers on the database D, and when it matches a specific face image data in the database D and the face image data is identified, it is considered that specific information has been obtained, and the currency exchange performer P can be identified.

[0054] When the face image of the currency exchange performer P cannot be extracted, or when the currency exchange performer P is a new user not registered in the database D, etc., when specific information cannot be obtained because it is impossible to compare with the face image data in the database D, a message indicating that the exchange cannot be performed is displayed on the display 31. In addition, a message prompting an exchange at a predetermined exchange location within the casino may be displayed.

[0055] When extracting the face image of the currency exchange performer P from the image captured by the camera 41 or when identifying the currency exchange performer P by comparing the extracted face image with the face images on the database D, an artificial intelligence type device using deep learning technology can be used.

[0056] The camera 41 captures an image of the currency exchange performer P when the currency exchange performer P presses the currency exchange start button 31a displayed on the display 31, but it may also be captured after the currency exchange or continuously.

[0057] The exchange device 1 may obtain specific information by the user ID information input unit 42 instead of the camera 41 to identify the exchanger P. In this case, when the specific information is obtained by collating with the customer information in the database D by reading a membership card or a passport and identifying the user ID on the database D, the exchanger P is identified. Further, the user ID information input unit may directly input the user ID by keyboard input or touch panel input on the display 31 to obtain the specific information. Further, a configuration may be adopted in which the fingerprint information or vein information of the customer is in the database D as specific information, and the exchanger P is identified by identifying the customer on the database D by fingerprint authentication or vein authentication.

[0058] Furthermore, both the identification of the exchanger P by the above-described camera 41 and the identification of the exchanger P by the above-described user ID information input unit 42 may be performed. Further, a configuration may be adopted in which, when the identification by the above-described camera 41 cannot be performed, the identification is switched to the identification of the exchanger P by the user ID information input unit 42.

[0059] The user management unit 23 stores information on the number of exchanges or the amount of exchange of the user (exchanger P) identified by the user recognition unit 22 in a predetermined period in the database D. Further, according to a predetermined condition, points or status can be given to the user and output. By using the points, for example, preferential treatment at a hotel or a restaurant attached to a casino can be utilized, or by obtaining a predetermined status, entry qualification to a special area such as a VIP room may be obtained.

[0060] Furthermore, it is possible to set a predetermined exchange ratio for each user under a predetermined condition. For example, a setting may be made such that a user whose total monthly exchange amount is $10,000 or more pays out currency C equivalent to $110 for an inserted gaming chip G equivalent to $100. Further, a configuration may be adopted in which special gaming chips G having different exchange rates and dividend rates are provided.

[0061] Note that the user management unit 23 may be connected to an external system or an external server either by wire or wirelessly. Thereby, for example, it is possible to access an external database O in a casino's customer management system for comparison and determination, or to share acquired data among a plurality of exchange devices 1 within the casino.

[0062] Next, the exchange process operation from the gaming chip G to the currency C will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the exchange process from the gaming chip G to the currency C.

[0063] In the standby state, the exchange device 1 displays an exchange start button 31a on the display 31. Alternatively, when the exchanger P comes in front of the exchange device 1, the presence of the exchanger P may be detected by a sensing sensor or the like, the display 31 may be activated, and the exchange start button 31a may be displayed. Note that the exchange start button 31a, the exchange execution button 31b, and the exchange cancellation button 31c described later do not necessarily have to be displayed on the display 31 and may be provided separately from the display 31.

[0064] When the exchange start button 31a is pressed by the exchanger P, the exchange process is started (step S10). The exchange operation starts with recognizing the exchanger P. The user recognition unit 22 captures an image of the exchanger P using the camera 41 (step S111), extracts the face of the exchanger from the captured image, and compares the extracted face image with the face image data of casino customers on the database D to identify the exchanger P (step S12). Another recognition method is a method of identifying the exchanger P by inputting a user ID using a membership card or the like by the user ID information input unit 42 (step S112).

[0065] When the user recognition unit 22 fails to identify the exchanger P, an error signal is output, and an error message indicating that the exchange cannot be performed is displayed on the display 31. Also, when it is recognized that the user is subject to usage restrictions of the exchange device 1, such as a user on a so-called blacklist, the function of the exchange device 1 may be stopped, the insertion of the chip into the insertion slot 11 may be made impossible, and the display 31 may display a message or an alarm to notify that the exchange device 1 cannot be used.

[0066] After the user recognition unit 22 identifies the exchanger P, a determination process (step S131) of the exchange ratio of the gaming chip G to the currency C for the exchanger P is performed based on the past exchange information and privilege information stored in the database D.

[0067] When the exchanger P is identified, a notification prompting the insertion of the gaming chip G is displayed on the display 31, and the exchanger P inserts the gaming chip G (S14). The inserted gaming chip G is sent to the gaming chip holding unit 12.

[0068] The gaming chip G held in the gaming chip holding unit 12 has the wireless tag 103 built into the gaming chip G read by the wireless tag reader 131, and information on the authenticity and value of the inserted gaming chip G is acquired (step S151).

[0069] Also, the appearance inspection unit 132 grasps the state of the gaming chip G, detects damage, dirt, etc., and information on authenticity and value is acquired (S152).

[0070] The currency information of the gaming chip G acquired by the wireless tag reader 131 and the appearance inspection unit 132 is determined by the determination unit 21, and it is determined whether the gaming chip G meets the predetermined criteria set in the casino and the authenticity and value of the gaming chip G are determined (step S16). A gaming chip G that does not meet the criteria is regarded as a defective product, an error signal is output, and error information is notified to the display 31.

[0071] When there is no abnormality in the gaming chip G, the inserted amount of the inserted gaming chip G is displayed on the inserted amount display unit 32 (step S17), and the money changer P confirms the amount displayed on the inserted amount display unit 32. Further, a money changing execution button 31b and a money changing cancellation button 31c are displayed on the display 31. When canceling the money change, by pressing the money changing cancellation button 31c, the gaming chip held in the gaming chip holding unit 12 is returned from a predetermined return port (not shown).

[0072] By pressing the money changing execution button 31b, the money change is executed, and the money corresponding to the amount of the inserted gaming chip, which is determined based on the exchange ratio between the gaming chip and the currency for each user defined by the user management unit 23, is paid out from the currency payout unit 16 (step S18), and the money changer P receives the paid-out currency C from an outlet (not shown).

[0073] The user management unit 23 stores the money change information (such as the money change amount and the money change time) in a database (step S132), and gives points to the money changer P based on the money change information (step S133).

[0074] After the payout of the currency C, the gaming chip holding unit 12 moves the gaming chip G held in the gaming chip holding unit 12 to the gaming chip storage unit 14 by a pusher or a conveyor mechanism (step S19).

[0075] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it becomes possible to identify the money changer P when exchanging the gaming chip G for the currency C, and it becomes possible to associate the money changer P with the money change information.

[0076] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 4. Note that, for the components that perform the same operations as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in the description of the first embodiment will be used in the description of the second embodiment.

[0077] Figure 4 shows an exchanger 201 for currency C and gaming chips G according to the second embodiment. The exchanger 201 for currency C and gaming chips G includes a currency insertion slot 211 through which currency can pass for inserting the currency C to be exchanged into the exchanger 201.

[0078] The exchanger 201 includes a currency holding section 212 for temporarily holding the currency C inserted from the currency insertion slot 211.

[0079] The exchanger 201 includes a currency reading section 2160 for obtaining the authenticity and currency information of the currency C inserted from the currency insertion slot 211 and held in the currency holding section 212. Further, the exchanger 1 includes a currency determination section 2211 for determining currency anomalies based on the authenticity and currency information of the currency obtained from the currency reading section 2160. The currency determination section 2211 sets in advance, for example, cases where the authenticity of the currency is unknown or the type of the currency cannot be identified as currency information anomalies, and determines the presence or absence of anomalies based on the preset anomaly criteria. If the currency determination section 2211 determines an anomaly, it is processed as an error, and the error content is displayed on a display 31 provided in the exchanger 201. Details of the display 31 will be described later.

[0080] The exchanger 201 includes a currency counter 2161 for counting the number of each type of the inserted currency C based on the currency information obtained from the currency reading section 2160. The currency counter 2161 further adds up the individual amounts of the currency C determined by the currency determination section 2211 to be normal, and calculates the total amount of the inserted currency C.

[0081] The total amount of the currency C calculated by the currency counter 2126 is displayed on an inserted currency amount display section 232. Note that the inserted currency amount display section 232 may be integrated with the display 31.

[0082] When the total amount of the currency C inserted into the inserted currency amount display unit 232 is displayed, an exchange execution button 31b and an exchange cancellation button 31c are displayed on the display 31. When the amount displayed on the inserted currency amount display unit 232 is confirmed by the exchanger P and the exchange is canceled, the currency C held in the currency holding unit 212 is returned to the exchanger P from a predetermined return port (not shown) by pressing the exchange cancellation button 31c. When the exchange is executed, the exchange is executed by pressing the exchange execution button 31b, and the currency C held in the currency holding unit 212 is sent to the currency storage unit 214 using a pusher or a conveyor.

[0083] The currency storage unit 214 stores the currency C sent from the currency holding unit 212 at the time of exchange execution. The currency storage unit 214 can store the currency C by type. The currency storage unit 214 has a structure that can be removed from the exchange device main body, whereby the casino staff can easily perform the work of collecting the currency C in the exchange device 201.

[0084] The exchange device 201 includes a gaming chip storage unit 215 that stores gaming chips G for payout by type. The setting of the gaming chips G to the gaming chip storage unit 215 is regularly performed by the casino staff or the administrator of the exchange device 201. Further, the exchange device 201 includes a gaming chip payout unit 216 that pays out the gaming chips G for payout from the gaming chip storage unit 215. The gaming chip payout unit 216 confirms the type and number of the gaming chips G to be paid out from the gaming chip storage unit 215 using a pusher or a conveyor for the gaming chips G corresponding to the total amount of the currency C determined to be normal by the currency determination unit 2211 according to the instruction of the control device 202 that controls the entire device.

[0085] The gaming chips G paid out from the gaming chip payout unit 216 are sent to the gaming chip extraction unit 217.

[0086] The exchange device 201 includes a wireless tag reader 2131 that reads the wireless tag 103 of the gaming chip G sent from the gaming chip payout unit 216 to the gaming chip extraction unit 217 and acquires the currency information of the gaming chip G. Furthermore, it includes a determination unit 2212 that determines whether there is an abnormality in the currency information of the gaming chip G acquired from the wireless tag reader 2131. The determination unit 2212 presets, for example, cases where the unique ID information of the casino cannot be read or the chip has reached its expiration date based on the manufacturing date information of the gaming chip G as an abnormality in the currency information, and determines the presence or absence of an abnormality based on the preset abnormality criteria. When the determination unit 2212 determines an abnormality, it processes it as an error and displays the error content on the display 31 provided in the exchange device 201.

[0087] The exchange device 201 further includes an appearance inspection unit 2132 that inspects the appearance of the gaming chip G sent to the gaming chip extraction unit 217. The appearance inspection unit 2132 can optically grasp the state of the gaming chip, for example, by using a camera, and detect damage, dirt, etc. It may also use an infrared camera or the like to read special marks M or the like applied to the surface of the gaming chip and perform authenticity determination. Based on the appearance information of the gaming chip G acquired from the appearance inspection unit 2132, the determination unit 2212 determines the presence or absence of an abnormality based on the preset abnormality criteria. When the determination unit 2212 determines an abnormality, it processes it as an error and displays the error content on the display 31 provided in the exchange device 201. In addition, the appearance inspection unit 2132 may read the information on the outer surface (for example, the amount information described on the surface and the color information of the coloring layer 101) to grasp the type and number of the gaming chips G sent to the gaming chip extraction unit 217.

[0088] Note that the determination unit 2212 can also compare and determine the currency information of the gaming chip G acquired from the wireless tag reader 2131 with the currency information of the gaming chip G acquired from the appearance inspection unit 2132, determine whether the two match, and if they match, determine that the inserted gaming chip G has no abnormality.

[0089] Based on the currency information of the gaming chip G obtained from the wireless tag reader 2131 or the appearance inspection unit 2132, the exchange device 201 includes a chip counter 2133 that counts the number of gaming chips G of each type sent to the gaming chip extraction unit 217. The chip counter 2133 further adds up the individual amounts of the gaming chips G determined by the determination unit 2212 to be normal, and calculates the total amount of the gaming chips G sent to the gaming chip extraction unit 217.

[0090] The gaming chip extraction unit 217 is provided with a door 2171 that restricts the extraction of the gaming chip G. The door 2171 is closed while the determination unit 2212 is making a determination, restricting the extraction of the gaming chip G from the gaming chip extraction unit 217. When the determination unit 2212 determines that there is no abnormality, the control unit 224 opens the door 2171, enabling the extraction of the gaming chip G placed in the gaming chip extraction unit 217.

[0091] The control device 202 that controls the entire device includes a user recognition unit 22 and a user management unit 23.

[0092] The user recognition unit 22 obtains specific information for identifying the exchanger P. The specific information is the face image information of the customer registered in the database D or the user ID. The two are associated on the database.

[0093] In the standby state, the exchange device 201 displays the exchange start button 31a on the display. When the exchange start button 31a is pressed, the user recognition unit 22 captures an image of the exchanger P using the camera 41, and extracts the face of the exchanger from the captured image. The extracted face image is compared with the face image data of the casino customer on the database D, and when it matches a specific face image data in the database D and the face image data is identified, it is considered that specific information has been obtained, and the exchanger P can be identified.

[0094] When the face image of the exchanger P cannot be extracted, or when the exchanger P is a new user not registered in the database D, etc., when the specific information cannot be obtained without being able to match with the face image data in the database D, a message indicating that the exchange cannot be performed is displayed on the display 31. In addition, a message prompting the exchange at a predetermined exchange place in the casino may be displayed.

[0095] When extracting the face image of the exchanger P from the image captured by the camera 41, or when identifying the exchanger P by comparing the extracted face image with the face images on the database D, an artificial intelligence device using deep learning technology can be used.

[0096] The camera 41 captures the exchanger P when the exchanger P presses the exchange start button 31a displayed on the display 31, but it may also be captured after the exchange is performed, or may be continuously photographed.

[0097] The exchange device 201 may obtain specific information by the user ID information input unit 42 instead of the camera 41 and identify the exchanger P. In this case, when the member card or passport is read and matched with the customer information in the database D, and the user ID is identified on the database D, it is assumed that the specific information is obtained, and the exchanger P is identified. Also, the user ID information input unit may directly input the user ID by keyboard input or touch panel input on the display 31 to obtain specific information. Further, the fingerprint information or vein information of the customer is in the database D as specific information, and the exchanger P may be identified by identifying the customer on the database D by fingerprint authentication or vein authentication.

[0098] Furthermore, both the identification of the exchanger P by the above-mentioned camera 41 and the identification of the exchanger P by the above-mentioned user ID information input unit 42 may be performed. Also, when the identification by the above-mentioned camera 41 cannot be performed, a configuration may be adopted in which the identification is switched to the identification of the exchanger P by the user ID information input unit 42.

[0099] The user management unit 23 stores in the database D information on the number of currency exchange transactions or the amount of currency exchanged by the user (currency exchanger P) identified by the user recognition unit 22 during a predetermined period. Also, according to predetermined conditions, points or status can be assigned to the user and output. By using the points, for example, privileges at hotels or restaurants attached to the casino can be utilized, or by obtaining a predetermined status, entry qualifications to special areas such as VIP rooms can be obtained.

[0100] Furthermore, it is possible to set a predetermined exchange ratio for each user under predetermined conditions. For example, for a user whose total monthly currency exchange amount is $10,000 or more, a configuration can be set such that for $100 worth of inserted currency C, $110 worth of gaming chips G are paid out. Also, a configuration may be adopted in which special gaming chips G with different exchange rates and dividend rates are provided.

[0101] Note that the user management unit 23 may be connected to an external system or an external server by wire or wirelessly. Thereby, for example, access can be made to an external database O in the casino's customer management system for comparison and determination, or data acquired between multiple currency exchange devices 201 in the casino can be shared.

[0102] Next, the operation of the currency exchange process from currency C to gaming chips G will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the currency exchange process from currency C to gaming chips G.

[0103] In the standby state, the currency exchange device 201 has an exchange start button 31a displayed on the display 31. Alternatively, when the currency exchanger P comes in front of the currency exchange device 201, the presence of the currency exchanger P may be detected by a sensing sensor or the like, the display 31 may be activated, and the exchange start button 31a may be displayed. Note that the exchange start button 31a, the exchange execution button 31b, and the exchange cancellation button 31c described later do not necessarily have to be displayed on the display 31 and may be provided separately from the display 31.

[0104] When the currency exchange performer P presses the currency exchange start button 31a, the currency exchange process is started (step S10). The currency exchange operation starts with recognizing the currency exchange performer P. The user recognition unit 22 images the currency exchange performer P using the camera 41 (step S111), extracts the face of the currency exchange performer from the captured image, and compares the extracted face image with the face image data of the casino customers on the database D to identify the currency exchange performer P (step S12). Another recognition method is to identify the currency exchange performer P by inputting the user ID using a membership card or the like by the user ID information input unit 42 (step S112).

[0105] If the user recognition unit 22 fails to identify the currency exchange performer P, an error signal is output, and an error message indicating that the exchange cannot be performed is displayed on the display 31. Also, if it is recognized that the user is a user subject to the use restriction of the exchange device 201, such as a user on the so-called blacklist, the function of the exchange device 201 may be stopped, the insertion of the currency C into the currency insertion slot 211 may be made impossible, and the display on the display 31 or an alarm may be used to notify that the exchange device 201 cannot be used.

[0106] After the user recognition unit 22 identifies the currency exchange performer P, a determination process (step S2131) of the exchange ratio of the currency C and the gaming chip G for the currency exchange performer P is performed based on the past currency exchange information and privilege information stored in the database D.

[0107] When the currency exchange performer P is identified, a notification prompting the insertion of the currency C is displayed on the display 31, and the currency exchange performer P inserts the currency C (S214). The inserted currency C is sent to the currency holding unit 212.

[0108] For the currency C held in the currency holding unit 212, information on the authenticity and type of the inserted currency C is obtained by the currency reading unit 2160 (step S215).

[0109] The information of the currency C acquired by the currency reading unit 2160 is determined by the currency determination unit 2211 to determine whether the currency C meets the predetermined criteria set in the casino, and to determine the authenticity and value of the currency C (step S216). The currency C that does not meet the criteria is regarded as an abnormal item, an error signal is output, and error information is notified to the display 31.

[0110] If there is no abnormality in the currency C, the inserted amount of the inserted currency C is displayed on the inserted currency amount display unit 232 (step S217), and the money exchanger P confirms the amount displayed on the inserted currency amount display unit 232. Further, a money exchange execution button 31b and a money exchange cancellation button 31c are displayed on the display 31. When canceling the money exchange, by pressing the money exchange cancellation button 31c, the currency C held in the currency holding unit 212 is returned from a predetermined return port (not shown).

[0111] By pressing the money exchange execution button 31b, the money exchange is executed, and based on the exchange ratio of the currency C to the gaming chip G for each user determined by the user management unit 23, the gaming chip G of the amount corresponding to the amount of the inserted currency C is moved from the gaming chip payout unit 216 to the gaming chip extraction unit 217 by a pusher or a conveyor mechanism (step S218).

[0112] The gaming chip G sent to the gaming chip extraction unit 217 has the wireless tag 103 built in the gaming chip G read by the wireless tag reading unit 2131, and information on the authenticity and value of the gaming chip G sent to the gaming chip extraction unit 217 is acquired (step S2191).

[0113] Also, the appearance inspection unit 2132 grasps the state of the gaming chip G, detects damage, dirt, etc., and acquires information on authenticity and value (S2192).

[0114] The currency information of the gaming chip G acquired by the wireless tag reading unit 2131 and the appearance inspection unit 2132 is determined by the determination unit 2212 to determine whether the gaming chip G meets the predetermined criteria set in the casino, and to determine the authenticity and value of the gaming chip G (step S220). The gaming chip G that does not meet the criteria is regarded as a defective product, an error signal is output, and error information is notified to the display 31.

[0115] If there is no abnormality in the state of the gaming chip G, the control unit 224 opens the door 2171 of the gaming chip dispensing unit 217 (step S221).

[0116] The user management unit 23 stores the exchange information (such as the exchange amount and exchange time) in the database (step S2132) and awards points to the exchanger P based on the exchange information (step S2133).

[0117] After the gaming chip G is dispensed, the currency holding unit 212 moves the currency C held in the currency holding unit 212 to the currency storage unit 214 by a pusher or a conveyor mechanism (step S222).

[0118] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to identify the exchanger P when exchanging the currency C for the gaming chip G, and it is possible to associate the exchanger P with the exchange information.

[0119] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Components that perform the same operations as those in the first and second embodiments will be described with the same reference numerals as those in the descriptions of the first and second embodiments in the description of the third embodiment.

[0120] FIG. 6 shows an exchange device 301 for the gaming chip G and the currency C according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] The exchange device 301 includes an insertion port 11 for inserting the gaming chip G into the exchange device 301 and a currency insertion port 211 for inserting the currency C into the exchange device 301.

[0122] The exchange device 301 is provided with a display 31, and on the display 31, there are an exchange start button 31a, an exchange execution button 31b, and an exchange cancellation button 31c. Note that the exchange start button 31a, the exchange execution button 31b, and the exchange cancellation button 31c do not necessarily have to be displayed on the display 31 and may be provided separately from the display 31.

[0123] The gaming chip G inserted from the insertion port 11 is exchanged with the currency C in the same procedure as described in Example 1.

[0124] The currency C inserted from the currency insertion port 211 is exchanged with the gaming chip G in the same procedure as in Example 2.

[0125] Note that the insertion port 11 and the currency insertion port 211 may share one insertion port (not shown) that enables the insertion of both the gaming chip and the currency C.

[0126] The inserted amount display unit 32 for displaying the amount of the inserted gaming chip G and the inserted amount display unit 232 for displaying the amount of the inserted currency C may share one inserted amount display unit (not shown) that displays both the amount of the inserted gaming chip G and the amount of the inserted currency C.

[0127] The gaming chip storage unit 14 provided in the exchange device 301 for storing the inserted gaming chip G when exchanging the gaming chip G for the currency C and the gaming chip storage unit 214 for storing the gaming chip G for payout when exchanging the currency C for the gaming chip G may share one gaming chip storage unit (not shown) that can both receive and pay out the gaming chip G.

[0128] The gaming chip storage unit 15 provided in the exchange device 301 and storing the currency C for payout when exchanging the gaming chip G for the currency C, and the currency storage unit 214 that stores the inserted currency C when exchanging the currency C for the gaming chip G may share one currency storage unit (not shown) that can both receive and pay out the currency C.

[0129] The determination unit 21 that determines the presence or absence of an abnormality in the gaming chip G when the gaming chip G is inserted, and the determination unit 2212 that determines the presence or absence of an abnormality in the gaming chip G when the gaming chip G is taken out may share one determination unit (not shown) that determines the presence or absence of an abnormality in the gaming chip G both when the gaming chip G is inserted and taken out.

[0130] The exchange device 301 recognizes the user in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments when exchanging the gaming chip G for the currency C and when exchanging the currency C for the gaming chip G. The camera 42, user ID information input unit 42, user recognition unit 22, user management unit 23, and database D used for user recognition are the same both when exchanging the gaming chip G for the currency C and when exchanging the currency C for the gaming chip G.

[0131] When the user recognition unit 22 fails to recognize the user or when it is recognized that the user is a restricted user of the exchange device 301, such as a user on the so-called blacklist, the function of the exchange device 301 may be stopped, the insertion of the gaming chip G and the currency C may be made impossible, and it may be notified by the display 31 or an alarm that the exchange device 301 cannot be used.

Explanation of Signs

[0132] G Gaming chip C Currency P Exchanger D Database O External database M Mark 1 Exchange device 11 Insertion Port 12 Gaming Chip Holder 131 Wireless Tag Reader 132 Appearance Inspection Unit 133 Chip Counter 14 Gaming Chip Storage 15 Currency Storage 16 Currency Payout Unit 161 Currency Counter 2 Control Device 21 Judgment Unit 22 User Recognition Unit 23 User Management Unit 31 Display 31a Exchange Start Button 31b Exchange Execution Button 31c Exchange Cancel Button 32 Inserted Amount Display 41 Camera 42 User ID Information Input

Claims

1. An exchange system for exchanging gaming chips and currency, wherein the gaming chip incorporates a wireless tag storing chip information and has a color or display representing value on its outer surface, and the exchange system includes a recognition device for recognizing the ID information of an exchanger who conducts the exchange, a chip reader for reading the chip information of the gaming chip related to the exchange from the wireless tag of the gaming chip, a determination device for determining whether the gaming chip is normal based on the chip information of the gaming chip read by the chip reader, an amount display device for displaying the amount related to the exchange, an inspection device for inspecting the currency related to the exchange, a storage device for storing in association the details of the exchange including the amount related to the exchange and the ID information of the exchanger, and is provided with the recognition device comprises a camera for photographing the exchanger attempting to conduct the exchange to generate an image, and recognizing the ID information of the exchanger by extracting an image of the face of the exchanger from the image, or comprises a reader for reading the member card of the exchanger, and recognizing the ID information of the exchanger based on the reading result of the reader, after it is determined by the determination device that the gaming chip provided by the exchanger is normal, the currency to be provided to the exchanger by the exchange is provided to the exchanger, or after the currency provided by the exchanger is inspected by the inspection device, the gaming chip to be provided to the exchanger by the exchange is provided to the exchanger, Exchange system.

2. The chip reader reads the chip information of the gaming chip provided by the exchanger, the determination device determines the presence or absence of abnormality of the gaming chip provided by the exchanger, the amount display device displays the amount of the gaming chip provided by the exchanger, The exchange system according to Claim 1.

3. The inspection device inspects the currency provided by the exchanger, the amount display device displays the amount of the currency provided by the exchanger, The exchange system according to Claim 1.

4. further comprising a storage mechanism for storing the gaming chip. The gaming chips equal in amount to the currency provided by the exchange performer are taken out from the storage mechanism and determined to be normal by the determination device. The exchange system according to claim 1.

5. The exchange system further comprising a user management device that stores, in the storage device, information on the number of exchanges or the amount of exchange within a predetermined period for each exchange performer. The exchange system according to claim 1.

6. The user management device assigns points or status to the exchange performer under predetermined conditions and outputs the same. The exchange system according to claim 5.

7. The user management device sets a predetermined exchange ratio for each exchange performer under predetermined conditions. The exchange system according to claim 5.

8. The exchange system further comprising an appearance inspection device that inspects the appearance of the gaming chips provided by the exchange performer. The exchange system according to claim 1.

9. The appearance inspection device optically recognizes the number and / or value of the gaming chips provided by the exchange performer. The determination device compares the chip information of the gaming chips read by the chip reading device with the number and / or value of the gaming chips recognized by the appearance inspection device, and determines that the gaming chips provided by the exchange performer are normal on the condition that both match. The exchange system according to claim 8.

10. The gaming chips have a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of layers of different colored plastics are laminated, with at least a colored layer in the middle, and a white layer or a light-colored layer is laminated on both sides of the middle colored layer to form a stripe pattern in the lamination direction on the side surface, and the type of the gaming chips can be specified by the color of the colored layer. The appearance inspection device recognizes the number and / or value of the gaming chips by the colored layer. The exchange system according to claim 9.

11. The storage device stores the date and time when the exchange was made as the content of the exchange. The exchange system according to claim 1.

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