System and game currency

Abstract

To provide a system for managing game currency.SOLUTION: A system for managing shuffled playing card packages and game currency (3) includes a storage box (200) and a control device (204). The storage box (200) is provided in association with a game table (21), stores a plurality of shuffled playing cards and a plurality of chip cases (100), and includes a card reader for reading playing card ID codes of the shuffled playing cards and a chip reader (202) for reading the case ID codes of the chip cases (100). The control device (204) monitors the read playing card ID codes and case ID codes, and outputs the total number of shuffled playing cards and chip cases stored in the storage box (200), and the playing card IDs and case ID codes stored in the storage box (200).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Patent Application No. 2016-258007, filed in Japan on December 30, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Technical Field]

[0002] The present invention relates to a system for managing playing cards and gaming coins, and a storage box for storing playing cards and gaming coins. [Background technology]

[0003] Among the many table games played in casinos and gaming establishments are baccarat and blackjack. These games use a standard deck of 52 playing cards, usually dealt by a shooter with multiple decks (6 to 9 or 10 decks) that are shuffled before play begins. Casinos and gaming establishments also use a large number of gaming coins (chips) for use in these games.

[0004] Gaming currency (chips) are placed in a chip tray on the game table, and after each game is over, the casino collects the winning chips (and the loser's chips) and stores them in the chip tray, and also pays chips from the chip tray to the winner as settlement of their bets.

[0005] If there are not enough gaming coins (chips) in the chip tray, the missing chips are transported directly from the casino cage (cashier) to the chip tray and replenished. When transporting chips from the cage to the chip tray, the chips are stored in a special case (for example, a case that can hold 100 chips). Conversely, if there are too many chips in the chip tray, the excess chips are stored in a special case and transported directly to the casino cage.

[0006] There is a conventional technology for measuring gaming currency (chips) used in casinos by embedding RFID tags in the gaming currency (chips) and measuring and monitoring the quantity and value of the gaming currency (chips) by reading the RFID. The technology for using RFID-equipped chips to manage chips on game tables, chips stored in chip trays, and chips in cages is well known and is disclosed in Patent Document 1 (U.S. Patent No. 5,735,742). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] It is difficult to prevent fraud and loss by simply managing gaming currency (chips) in certain areas of the casino, such as on the tables, in chip trays, and in cages. It is particularly difficult to prevent theft and loss of gaming currency (chips) when they are moved between chip trays and cages, so there is a need to constantly monitor gaming currency (chips) within the casino. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A system according to one aspect of the present invention is a system for managing packages of shuffled playing cards and gaming currency (chips), the system comprising: shuffled playing cards in which a predetermined number of playing cards constituting a deck are shuffled in a random order and individually configured as a single container or package, with a unique playing card ID code attached to the container or package; a chip case that stores gaming currency (chips) with chip ID codes and is also provided with a case ID code; a game table where a game is played using the shuffled playing cards and the gaming currency (chips); and an associated device associated with the game table. a storage box provided with an opening and closing device that stores a plurality of shuffled playing cards to be brought from a card room and attached to a card shooter device on the game table, and that stores a plurality of chip cases containing the gaming currency (chips) to be used on the game table, and that enables the shuffled playing cards and the chip cases to be taken out; and a control device for managing the shuffled playing cards and the gaming currency (chips), wherein the storage box is provided with one or more card readers that read the playing card ID codes of all the shuffled playing cards stored therein, and one or more chip readers that read the case ID codes of all the chip cases stored therein, and the control device has the function of monitoring the playing card ID codes read by the card readers and the case ID codes read by the chip readers, and outputting the total number of shuffled playing cards and chip cases stored in the storage box, as well as all playing card IDs and case ID codes stored in the storage box.

[0009] In the above system, the storage box may include a locking means configured to prevent the chip cases containing the shuffled playing cards and gaming currency (chips) from being removed from the storage box.

[0010] In the above system, the storage box may include a shuffled playing card storage box for storing the shuffled playing cards, and a chip storage box for storing the gaming currency (chips) so that the gaming currency (chips) can be taken in and out independently.

[0011] In the above system, the case ID code of the chip case may be associated with the chip ID codes of the gaming currency (chips) in the case, and the control device may have the function of outputting the total value of all gaming currency (chips) stored in the storage box by obtaining all of the case ID codes stored in the storage box.

[0012] In the above system, the control device may have the function of periodically monitoring the case ID codes of the chip cases to determine whether the number of chip cases stored in the storage box has increased or decreased, and when the increase or decrease is determined, outputting the total amount of the value of all gaming currency (chips) stored in the storage box after the increase or decrease.

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention is a system for managing shuffled playing cards and gaming currency (chips), in which playing cards constituting a predetermined number of decks are shuffled in a random order and individually configured as a single container or package, and the shuffled playing cards have unique playing card ID codes attached to the container or package, and a chip case for storing gaming currency (chips) with chip ID codes; a game table where a game is played using the shuffled playing cards and the gaming currency (chips); and an associated a shuffled playing card storage box for storing a plurality of shuffled playing cards to be carried from a card room and attached to a card shooter device on the game table; a chip storage box for storing a plurality of chip cases containing the gaming currency (chips) to be used on the game table; and a control device for managing the shuffled playing cards and the gaming currency (chips), wherein the control device has the function of monitoring playing card IDs read by a card reader that reads the playing card ID codes of all shuffled playing cards stored in the shuffled playing card storage box and chip IDs read by a chip reader that reads the chip ID codes of all gaming currency (chips) stored in the chip storage box, and outputting the total number of shuffled playing cards stored in the shuffled playing card storage box and the gaming currency (chips) stored in the chip storage box, as well as all playing card IDs stored in the shuffled playing card storage box and all chip IDs stored in the chip storage box.

[0014] In the above system, the control device may have the function of reading all chip ID codes present in the chip storage box and outputting the total value of all gaming currency (chips) stored in the chip storage box.

[0015] In the above system, the case ID code of the chip case may be associated with the chip ID codes of the gaming currency (chips) in the case, and the control device may have the function of outputting the total value of all gaming currency (chips) stored in the chip storage box by obtaining all of the case ID codes stored in the chip storage box.

[0016] In the above system, the control device may have the function of periodically monitoring the chip ID codes of the gaming currency (chips) stored in the chip storage box, thereby determining the increase or decrease in the gaming currency (chips) stored in the chip storage box, and outputting the total amount after the increase or decrease in value of all gaming currency (chips) stored in the chip storage box when the increase or decrease is determined.

[0017] In the above system, the shuffled playing card storage box may include locking means configured to prevent the shuffled playing cards from being removed from the shuffled playing card storage box.

[0018] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a storage box for managing shuffled playing cards and gaming currency (chips), which stores a plurality of shuffled playing cards brought from a card room and enables the shuffled playing cards to be individually removed and attached to a card shooter device on a game table for use in a game, and further stores a plurality of chip cases containing the gaming currency (chips) to be used on the game table, and uses the chip cases to adjust the amount of gaming currency (chips) on the game table when there is an excess or shortage of gaming currency (chips) on the game table depending on the progress of the game at the game table, and can store surplus gaming currency (chips) before being transferred to a cage for managing casino chips, and is provided in association with the game table and has an opening and closing device that enables the shuffled playing cards and the chip cases to be removed as needed, and the shuffled playing cards are shuffled in a manner that allows the playing cards constituting a predetermined number of decks to be shuffled in a random order. The shuffled playing cards are individually configured as a single container or package, and a unique playing card ID code is attached to the container or package. The gaming currency (chips) are equipped with chip ID codes and stored in chip cases with case ID codes attached. The storage box is equipped with one or more card readers that read the playing card ID codes of all the shuffled playing cards stored therein, and also one or more chip readers that read the case ID codes of all the stored chip cases or the chip ID codes of the gaming currency (chips) in the chip cases. The control device has the function of monitoring the playing card ID codes read by the card readers and the case ID codes or chip ID codes read by the chip readers, and outputting the total number of shuffled playing cards and chip cases stored in the storage box, and all the playing card IDs and case ID codes or chip ID codes stored in the storage box.

[0019] The storage box may be provided with a locking means configured to prevent removal of shuffled playing cards or gaming coins (chips) from the storage box.

[0020] The storage box may include a shuffled playing card storage box for storing the shuffled playing cards, and a chip storage box for allowing the gaming currency (chips) to be stored and taken out independently.

[0021] In the above-mentioned storage box, the control device may have the function of reading all chip ID codes present in the storage box and outputting the total value of all gaming currency (chips) stored in the storage box.

[0022] In the above-mentioned storage box, the case ID code of the chip case may be associated with the chip ID codes of the gaming currency (chips) in the case, and the control device may have the function of acquiring all the case ID codes stored in the storage box and outputting the total value of all the gaming currency (chips) stored in the storage box based on the case ID codes.

[0023] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a system that stores a plurality of chip cases each storing gaming currency (chips) with a chip ID code and the gaming currency (chips) used on a game table, and when there is an excess or shortage of gaming currency (chips) placed on the chip float of the game table according to the progress of the game at the game table, the chip cases are used to adjust the amount of gaming currency (chips) on the chip float of the game table, and are capable of storing surplus gaming currency (chips) before they are transferred to a cage that manages casino chips, The game machine comprises a storage box equipped with an opening and closing device that allows gaming currency (chips) to be removed as needed, a game table where games are played using the gaming currency (chips), and a control device for managing the gaming currency (chips), wherein the storage box is equipped with one or more chip readers that read the chip ID codes of all gaming currency (chips) stored therein, and the control device has the function of monitoring the chip ID codes read by the chip readers and outputting the total number of gaming currency (chips) stored in the storage box and all chip ID codes stored in the storage box.

[0024] In the above system, the control device may have the function of reading all chip ID codes present in the storage box and outputting the total value of all gaming currency (chips) stored in the storage box.

[0025] In the above system, the storage box may include a locking means configured to prevent the chip case for the gaming currency (chip) from being removed from the storage box.

[0026] In the above system, the control device may have the function of periodically monitoring the chip ID codes of the gaming currency (chips) stored in the storage box, thereby determining the increase or decrease in the gaming currency (chips) stored in the storage box, and outputting the total amount after the increase or decrease in value of all gaming currency (chips) stored in the storage box when the increase or decrease is determined.

[0027] In the above system, the control device may have a function to output whether the amount or value of increase / decrease of the gaming currency (chips) placed on the chip float of the game table, or the amount or value of increase / decrease of the gaming currency (chips) placed in the cage that manages the gaming currency (chips) of the casino, matches the amount or value of increase / decrease of the gaming currency (chips) stored in the storage box.

[0028] In the above system, the chip case may be provided with a case ID code that is associated with the chip ID code of the gaming currency (chip) inside the case.

[0029] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a gaming currency (chip) used in a system for managing gaming currency (chips), which has a unique chip ID code and is stored in a chip case, and the chip case is stored in a storage box equipped with an opening and closing device together with shuffled playing cards, and the chip ID code is read by a chip reader attached to the storage box and is configured to be managed by a control device that outputs the total number of gaming currency (chips) stored in the storage box and all chip ID codes stored in the storage box.

[0030] Yet another aspect of the present invention is gaming currency (chips) managed by the above system.

[0031] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a chip case for storing gaming currency (chips) used in a system for managing gaming currency (chips), wherein the gaming currency (chips) has a unique chip ID code, the chip case for storing the gaming currency (chips) has a shape in which columns for storing the gaming currency (chips) stacked in the axial direction are formed in parallel, and the chip case is stored together with shuffled playing cards in a storage box equipped with an opening and closing device, and the chip case is configured so that the chip ID codes of the gaming currency (chips) stacked in the axial direction can be read from outside the chip case in the axial direction of the gaming currency (chips) by a chip reader attached to the storage box.

[0032] In the above chip case, the chip case that stores the gaming coins (chips) may further be constructed by combining an upper part and a lower part, and the upper surface of the upper part may be formed as a flat surface, and the lower surface of the lower part may be shaped in such a way that columns that store the gaming coins (chips) stacked in the axial direction are formed in parallel.

[0033] In the above system, the playing card ID code and the case ID code may be identified using a radio tag.

[0034] In the above system, the playing card ID code may use a UHF wireless tag, and the case ID code may use a HF wireless tag. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of a table game system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing a chip case according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing a chip case according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an overview of the entire system for managing chip cases that store chips according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the chip according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front cross-sectional view of the chip according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a package used in a card dealing shooter of a management system and shuffled playing cards with the package removed, according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a storage box according to an embodiment of the present invention, which stores a plurality of packages and a plurality of chip cases according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an outline of a system for managing packages of shuffled playing cards and chip cases for storing chips according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an outline of a system for managing packages of shuffled playing cards and chip cases for storing chips according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a system configuration according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example of a card drawer according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view of another example of a card drawer according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view of an example of a tip drawer according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the movement of the card 6 in the management system using the tube box according to the third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] (First embodiment) The first embodiment provides a system for monitoring gaming currency (chips) in a casino in real time, managing all gaming currency (chips) in the casino and taking action when an abnormality occurs. In addition to managing gaming currency (chips), a system is also provided for constantly monitoring shuffled playing card packages to prevent them from being lost, since if a package is lost in the casino, someone may know the order of the cards and the package cannot be used in a game.

[0037] A chip management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is described below. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a casino table game according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a game table 21 has a betting area 24 where a bettor 2 places chips 3 as a bet, and a chip tray 17 capable of storing multiple chips for collecting losing chips 3L and redeeming winning chips 3W after each game. Also installed on the game table 21 is a card shooter device 25 having a card reader that reads the numbers (ranks) and suits of cards 6, and a control unit 27 that determines a winning hand in accordance with the rules of the table game based on the information on the numbers (ranks) of cards 6 sequentially read by the card shooter device 25.

[0038] The increase or decrease in the amount of chips 3 in the chip tray 17 before and after the collection of losing chips 3L and the redemption of winning chips 3W can be calculated by comparing the total amount of chips 3 in the chip tray 17 before the collection of losing chips 3L and the redemption of winning chips 3W with the total amount of chips 3 in the chip tray 17 after the collection of losing chips 3L and the redemption of winning chips 3W. The total amount of chips 3 in the chip tray 17 before the collection of losing chips 3L and the redemption of winning chips 3W and the total amount of chips 3 in the chip tray 17 after the collection of losing chips 3L and the redemption of winning chips 3W can be detected by embedding RFID indicating the amount in the chips 3 and providing an RFID reader 18 on the chip tray 17.

[0039] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a dedicated chip case 100 for storing a plurality of chips 120 used in casinos. The chip case 100 is composed of an upper portion 101 and a lower portion 102 joined together. In this embodiment, the upper portion 101 and the lower portion 102 are made of transparent resin. A light-transmitting portion may be provided so that images of the stored chips can be taken using a camera. Also, in this embodiment, the case 100 has a sealed structure consisting of the upper portion 101 and the lower portion 102, but the light-transmitting portion may be perforated.

[0040] In this embodiment, the case 100 has a shape in which five parallel columns are formed, each containing 20 chips 3 stacked on top of each other, and in the example of Figure 2A, the cross section of each column is polygonal (octagonal) so that the upper and lower parts 101 and 102 roughly conform to the shape of the gaming currency C to be contained therein.

[0041] A unique chip case ID code 103 is affixed to the chip case 100. The chip case ID code 103 is associated with the chip ID code 4 of the chip 3 housed in the chip case.

[0042] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a modified case 100'. The case 100' also consists of an upper portion 101' and a lower portion 102 made of transparent resin. In this modified example, the top surface is formed as a flat surface. By making it flat in this way, linear shadows caused by the corners of the polygonal cross section of the case 100' are not cast on the camera, and information about the side surface of the chip 3 can be accurately identified in image analysis of the image captured by the camera.

[0043] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a chip management system according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is installed beside a game table 21 and uses a storage box 200 for storing a plurality of chip cases 100, each containing chips 3. Refill chips 3 are stored in the storage box 200, and when the chip tray 17 runs low on chips 3, the dealer 11 removes the refill chips 3 together with the chip case 100 from the storage box 200 and sets them in the chip tray 17. When the chip tray 17 runs low on chips 3, the dealer 11 can store the excess chips 3 in the chip case 100 and then store them in the storage box 200. For this reason, the storage box 200 is placed next to the dealer 11, beside the game table 21.

[0044] When the chip cases 100 containing chips 3 stored in the storage box 200 are insufficient, the required number of chip cases 100 can be replenished from a cage (cashier) 201 in the casino. Also, when there are too many chip cases 100 stored in the storage box 200, the excess chip cases 100 can be moved to the cage 201.

[0045] A chip case ID code 103 is attached to the chip case 100, and the chip case ID code 103 attached to the chip case 100 is constantly read by one or more chip case ID reading readers 202 installed in the storage box 200.

[0046] The storage box 200 also includes one or more chip readers for reading the chip ID codes 4 of all the stored chips 3 .

[0047] The control device 204 has the function of monitoring the chip ID code 4 read by the chip reader 203 and outputting the total number of chips 3 stored in the storage box and all chip ID codes 4 stored in the storage box.

[0048] The control device 204 has a function of outputting whether the amount or value of increase / decrease of chips 3 placed on the chip float 17 of the game table 21, or the amount or value of increase / decrease of chips 3 placed in a cage 201 that manages the casino's chips 3, matches the amount or value of increase / decrease of chips 3 stored in the storage box 200.

[0049] The control device 204 may monitor whether the chip cases 100 in the storage box 200 are present in the storage box 200 at a predetermined timing (for example, every minute, every five minutes, every hour, or more). The storage box 200 may have a chip case ID reading reader 202 disposed in a drawer 205 of the storage box 200 for reading the chip case ID codes 103 of the chip cases 100. The chip case ID reading reader 202 and the chip reader 203 of the storage box 200 may be a barcode reader R (alternatively, an RFID tag reader or a QR code (registered trademark) reader (not shown) may be used instead of the barcode reader R). The chip case ID reading reader 202 and the chip reader 203 may be installed so that scanning means 53 installed in the drawer 205 can scan in the X and Y directions to read all of the ID codes of the chip cases 100. Transmission means 206 is also provided to transmit information obtained by chip case ID reading reader 202 and chip reader 203 to the outside of storage box 200. Storage box 200 has locking means 207 to prevent drawer 205 from being opened and chip case 100 from being removed from storage box 200. Locking means 207 is unlocked only when an authorized person in the casino is putting chip case 100 in or taking it out of storage box 200. Only authorized people in the casino can operate locking means 207.

[0050] The storage box 200 is equipped with a locking means 207 that prevents the drawer 205 from being opened, and the locking means 207 may also be equipped with a notification or warning means (which may be wireless) for notifying that the drawer 205 is open. When a notification that the drawer 205 is open is received (or at any time), images of the storage box 200 may be taken by the nearest surveillance camera 29 to record the insertion and removal of chip cases 100 from the storage box 200 by an authorized person or other persons. By recording these actions (images of the storage box 200 in an open state), it is possible to confirm the fact that chip cases 100 can only be inserted and removed from the storage box 200 while the locking means 27 is unlocked (drawer 205 is open) by an authorized person. By monitoring these images, the presence of all chip cases 100 in the storage box 200 can be confirmed.

[0051] The storage box 200 may have a plurality of readers 202 at the top of the interior of the storage box 200 for reading the chip case ID code 103. The storage box 200 has a drawer 205, which can be opened and closed to take in and out chip cases 100. The storage box 200 is provided with a locking means 207 for preventing unauthorized removal of the chip cases 100. As another idea, the storage box 200 may have, at the top of the interior of the storage box 200, the same number of readers 202 as the maximum number of chip cases 2 that can be stored.

[0052] <Chip Description> Next, chips according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of stacked chips 3, and FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of chip 3. As shown in FIG. 4, chip 3 has a common color layer 122 printed on its surface (top and bottom) with a print 123 (e.g., 100 points) indicating the type (value) of chip 3. A transparent layer 120 is provided as the outermost layer, and the layers are thermocompressed together to form at least a five-layer structure. These chips 3 are made of a long, thin plastic material, and while in a long state, the layers (specific color layer 121, common color layer 122, transparent layer 120) are thermocompressed together to form a tightly adhered structure (e.g., a five-layer structure), which is then punched into a circle, rectangle, or the like using a press or the like. When punching using a press, the dimensions of the die and punch used for punching are designed so that the edge of the outermost transparent layer 120 is rounded (rounded corners).

[0053] Furthermore, the chip 3 has a mark M made of UV ink or carbon black ink on the surface of the common color layer 122. This mark M indicates the authenticity of the chip 3; when exposed to ultraviolet (or infrared) light, the mark M becomes visible, and the combination of its shape and number indicates authenticity. A transparent layer 120 is thermocompressed or coated (applied) on the outermost layer to cover the print 123 and mark M, and this transparent layer 120 is embossed to prevent the chips 3 from sticking together.

[0054] The edges of the outermost transparent layer 120, which is printed with a print 123 (such as 100 points), are rounded (R), which prevents the surface of the common color layer 122 from deforming and appearing on the sides during the punching process of the chip 3. The chip 3 also prevents sharp edges from remaining on the chip 3 and damaging hands and other chips 3.

[0055] The designated color layer 121 may be formed of multiple layers (three layers in FIG. 5) colored in designated colors, as shown in Fig. 5. The multiple layers (three layers in FIG. 5) colored in designated colors are thermocompressed together, so the three-layer structure is not visible as in Fig. 5, and for the sake of explanation, Fig. 5 shows three layers of the designated color layer 121. Furthermore, a cutout B is provided in the middle layer of the three layers of the designated color layer 121, and the RFDI tag 125 is embedded therein.

[0056] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the chip 3 has a laminated multi-layer structure with clearly formed stripes on the side in the stacking direction. This makes it easier and more accurate to measure the color (type of gaming coin) and number of coins in the designated color layer 121 through image analysis than conventional chips. By photographing the side of the chip 3 with a camera, the designated color layer 121 can be clearly identified. Furthermore, if an artificial intelligence-based computer or control system, or deep learning (structure) technology is used for this image analysis, image analysis and judgment can be performed 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.

[0057] Next, an outline of a management system for packages of chips and shuffled playing cards using a storage box according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the second embodiment of the present invention, both packages of chips and shuffled playing cards are managed.

[0058] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a package of randomly arranged shuffled playing cards used in a casino table game according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the shuffled playing cards 301S are packaged in a package 302. The package 302 is unwrapped and placed in the card shooter device 25 so that the shuffled playing cards 301S can be used in a game at the table. During a game, the dealer 11 removes the cards 301 from the card shooter device 25 and deals them to the game table 21. Each shuffled playing card 301S, consisting of a predetermined number of decks (usually 6, 8, 9, or 10 decks), is randomly shuffled and individually manufactured to have a unique random arrangement. The cards are packaged together with a package ID code 304 affixed to the package 302 as a barcode 303 that can be individually identified by a barcode reader R. An RFID (or RF tag) may be attached as the ID code 304 instead of or together with the barcode 303.

[0059] (Second embodiment) 7 and 8 are explanatory diagrams showing an overview of a management system for packages of chips and shuffled playing cards using a storage box according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment of the present invention provides a management system for chips 3 and packages 302 of shuffled playing cards 301S for playing a game (baccarat). Replacement chips 3 are stored in chip cases 100 in the storage box 200. When chips 3 are in short supply in the chip tray 17, the dealer 11 removes the replacement chips 3 together with the chip cases 100 from the storage box 200 and sets them in the chip tray 17. When chips 3 are in excess in the chip tray 17, the excess chips 3 can be stored in the chip cases 100 and then stored in the storage box 200. The storage box 200 also stores packages 302 to be used in the next game. The dealer 11 removes the package 302 to be used in the next game from the storage box 200 and sets shuffled playing cards 301S in the card shooter device 25.

[0060] Chip case 100 has chip case ID code 103 attached thereto, and chip case ID reader 202 installed in storage box 200 continuously reads chip case ID code 103 attached thereto. Also, package 302 has package ID code 304 attached thereto, and package ID reader 305 installed in storage box 200 continuously reads package ID code 304 attached thereto.

[0061] The storage box 200 is equipped with one or more package ID readers 305 that read the playing card ID codes of all the shuffled playing cards stored therein, and one or more chip readers 202, 203 that read the case ID codes of all the chip cases stored therein.

[0062] The control device 204 has a function of monitoring the playing card ID codes read by the package ID reader 305 and the chip case ID codes 103 read by the chip reader 203, and outputting the total number of shuffled playing cards 301s and chip cases 100 stored in the storage box 200, as well as all package ID codes 304 and chip case ID codes 103 stored in the storage box 200.

[0063] The control device 204 periodically monitors the case ID code 103 of the chip case 100 to grasp the increase or decrease in the number of chip cases 100 stored in the storage box 200, and has the function of outputting the total amount after the increase or decrease in value of all chips 3 stored in the storage box 200 when the increase or decrease is grasped.

[0064] The control device 204 may monitor whether the chip cases 100 and packages 302 in the storage box 200 are present in the storage box 200 at a predetermined timing (for example, every minute, every five minutes, every hour, or more). The storage box 200 may have a package ID reader 305 for reading the ID code 304 of the package 302 of shuffled playing cards and a chip case ID reader 202 for reading the chip case ID code 103 of the chip case 100, disposed in a drawer 205 of the storage box 200. The package ID reader 305 and the chip case ID reader 202 of the storage box 200 may be a barcode reader R or a surveillance camera 29 (alternatively, an RFID tag reader or a QR code (registered trademark) reader (not shown) may be used instead of the barcode reader R). The package ID reader 305 and the chip case ID reader 202 are installed so that a scanning means 53 installed in the drawer 205 can scan in the X and Y directions to read all of the ID codes 304 of the packages 302. A transmission means 206 is also provided for transmitting information obtained by the package ID reading reader 305 and the chip case ID reading reader 202 to the outside of the storage box 200. The storage box 200 has a locking means 207 for preventing the drawer 205 from being opened and the package 302 from being removed from the storage box 200. The locking means 207 is unlocked (the drawer 205 is opened) only when an authorized person in the casino is putting a package 302 in or taking it out of the storage box 200. Only authorized people in the casino can operate the locking means 207.

[0065] Storage box 200 is equipped with locking means 207 to prevent drawer 205 from opening, and locking means 207 may also be equipped with a notification or warning means (which may be wireless) to notify that drawer 205 is open. When notification that drawer 205 is open is received (or at any time), images of the storage box may be taken by the nearest surveillance camera 29 to record the insertion and removal of chip case packages 302 from storage box 200 by authorized personnel or others. By recording these actions (images of storage box 200 with open state), it is possible to confirm the fact that packages 302 can only be inserted and removed from storage box 200 while locking means 207 is unlocked (drawer 205 is open) by authorized personnel. By monitoring these images, the presence of all packages 302 in storage box 200 can be confirmed.

[0066] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an overview of a system for managing packages of shuffled playing cards and chip cases for storing chips according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As another example of a storage box 200, the storage box 200 has, at the top of the interior thereof, multiple package ID readers 305 for reading package ID codes 304 and multiple chip case ID readers 202 for reading chip case ID codes 103. By moving each scanning means 53 arranged at the top of the storage box 200 in the Y direction, each ID code reader moves in the Y direction to read all of the package ID codes 304 of the packages 302 and the chip case ID codes 103 of the chip cases 100 in each row below each ID code reader. The storage box 200 has a drawer that can be opened and closed to insert and remove packages 302 and chip cases 100. The storage box 200 also has a locking means 56 for preventing unauthorized removal of the packages 302 and chip cases 100. Furthermore, as another idea, the storage box 200 may be provided with ID code readers at the top inside the storage box 200 in the same number as the maximum number of packages 302 and chip cases 100 that can be stored.

[0067] (Third embodiment) This embodiment relates to an improvement of the technology for reading IDs of the gaming currency 3 and playing cards 6 in the storage box 200, as in the second embodiment described above. Note that the matters explained in the first or second embodiment can also be applied to the third embodiment.

[0068] When RFID tags are attached to different items, such as gaming currency and playing cards, and they are managed, RFID tags with the same frequency are usually used, and the details of the items are written to the RFID tags. This allows the details of the items to be identified by reading the RFID tags. For example, in a clothing store, RF tags that use the same frequency of radio waves are attached to socks and shirts, and information about whether the item is a sock or a shirt (information indicating the type of item) is written to the RF tag. Then, by reading this RF tag, it can be identified whether the item is a sock or a shirt.

[0069] However, in the case of security items such as gaming currency and playing cards used in casinos, the required security level may differ for each item. Also, it is dangerous if the same reading device (RFID reader) can read the RFID tags of all types of security items, so it is desirable to use separate reading devices for each security item.

[0070] The present embodiment has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to improve security when managing multiple types of security items using RFID tags.

[0071] The system of this embodiment will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, elements that are the same as those in the above embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the system of this embodiment. The system 500 manages packages 302 of shuffled playing cards 301s and gaming currency (chips) 3. The system 500 includes a game table 21 for playing a card game, and a storage box 200 for storing playing cards 6 and gaming currency 3 used in the card game.

[0072] The game table 21 has a straight side corresponding to the dealer position where the dealer is located, and an elliptical side corresponding to the player positions where multiple players are located. A chip tray 17 for storing the dealer's gaming currency 3 is provided in front of the dealer position on the game table 21. A game is played on the game table 21 using playing cards 6 and gaming currency 3.

[0073] The chip tray 17 is detachably embedded in the game table 21. In a card game, the dealer collects gaming currency 3 bet by a losing player from the game table 21 and stores it in the chip tray 17, and pays out gaming currency 3 from the chip tray 17 to a winning player.

[0074] The gaming currency 3 used is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and has an RFID tag 125 built in as a wireless tag and striped patterns on its side. The RFID tag 125 stores a chip ID that uniquely identifies the gaming currency 3 and information indicating the value of the gaming currency 3. The color of the striped patterns on the side indicates the value of the gaming currency 3.

[0075] A card shooter device 25 is installed on the game table 21. The configuration of this card shooter device 25 is also the same as that of the first embodiment, and the card shooter device 25 stores a predetermined number of playing cards taken out of the package 302, and the cards are taken out one by one from the takeout opening by the dealer and provided for the card game.

[0076] The playing cards housed in the card shooter device 25 are provided as a package or container (hereinafter simply referred to as a "package") 302. A predetermined number of playing cards constituting a deck are shuffled in random order and individually organized into one package 302. The configuration of the package 302 is the same as that of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, an RFID tag 306 is attached to the package 302 as a wireless tag. A package ID that uniquely identifies each package 302 is stored in the RFID tag 306. The RFID tag 306 may be embedded in or contained within the package 302.

[0077] The storage box 200 has a cabinet-like shape and has a plurality of drawers. In this embodiment, the upper drawer is a chip drawer 210 serving as a chip storage box or chip storage means for storing gaming currency 3, and the lower drawer is a card drawer 220 serving as a card storage box or card storage means for storing packages 302 of shuffled playing cards. That is, in the storage box 200, the gaming currency 3 and the packages 302 are stored in different drawers. The storage box 200 is integrally configured to include the chip drawer 210, which is a chip storage box, and the card drawer 220, which is a card storage box.

[0078] The chip drawer 210 stores a plurality of gaming currencies 3 to be used on the game table 21. The card drawer 220 stores a plurality of packages 302 of shuffled playing cards that are brought from the card room and loaded into the card shooter device 25 on the game table 21. The chip drawer 210 and the card drawer 220 are equipped with locking means 207 as an opening / closing locking device.

[0079] The storage box 200 is placed below the dealer position of the game table 21, at a location that is easily accessible to the dealer but difficult for players to access. The storage box 200 is also provided with a control means 204 and a transmission means 206 similar to those in the first embodiment. The control means 204 is configured by a computer including a storage device executing a management program of this embodiment. The transmission means 206 communicates with other devices via wire or wirelessly.

[0080] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of an example of a card drawer 220. The card drawer 220 in the example of Fig. 11 is large enough to accommodate three packages 302 in the width direction and three in the depth direction, and can accommodate a maximum of nine packages 302. Card antennas 602 for reading RFID tags 306 attached to the packages 302 are built into the left and right side walls of the card drawer 220. The card antennas 602 may be attached to the inner surfaces of the side walls.

[0081] The storage box 200 further includes a package ID reader 601 connected to a card antenna 602, and the package ID reader 601 is connected to the control means 204. The package ID reader 601 is an RFID reader, and reads information stored in an RFID tag 306 attached to the package 302 via the card antenna 602. The card antenna 602 extends in the depth direction of the side wall, and is capable of reading the RFID tags 306 of all the packages 302 stored in the card drawer 220. The card RFID reader 601, the card antenna 602, and the RFID tags 306 attached to the packages 302 constitute a card RFID system 600.

[0082] 12 is a plan view of another example of a card RFID system 600. The card drawer 220 of the card RFID system 600 of this example is large enough to accommodate three packages 302 in the horizontal direction and six in the vertical direction, for a total of 18 packages 302. A total of six card antennas 602 are provided on the underside of a member (a plate separating the chip drawer 210 and the card drawer 220) that covers the card drawer 220 from above in the storage box 200. Two are provided in the horizontal direction and three are provided in the vertical direction. These six card antennas 602 are used to read the RFID tags 306 attached to the 18 packages 302 that can be accommodated.

[0083] The six card antennas 602 are connected to a card RFID reader 601 as a reader for reading package IDs. In this case, a plurality of card RFID readers 601 may be provided, and one card RFID reader 601 may be connected to one card antenna 602, or one card RFID reader 601 may be connected to multiple card antennas 602. In this way, the RFDI tags 306 of all packages 302 stored in the card drawer 220 can be read by one or more RFID readers 601.

[0084] In the example of Figure 12, the card antenna 602 is provided on a plate separating the chip drawer 210 and the card drawer 220 in the storage box 200, but instead, it may be provided on the bottom surface of the card drawer 220 in an arrangement similar to that of Figure 12.

[0085] Fig. 13 is a plan view of an example of a chip RFID system 700. The example of Fig. 13 has a size that can accommodate three chip cases 100 in the width direction and two in the depth direction, and can accommodate a maximum of six chip cases 100. The chip case 100 has the same configuration as the chip case 100 of the first embodiment. That is, the chip case 100 has multiple columns formed parallel to each other that accommodate gaming currencies 3 stacked in the thickness direction, and the chip case 100 can accommodate 100 gaming currencies 3.

[0086] A pair of chip antennas 702, one on each side, is provided at each storage position of the six chip cases 100, sandwiching the chip case 100 from both sides. The chip antennas 702 are provided on the underside of a member (the top plate of the storage box 200) that covers the chip drawer 210 in the storage box 200, and extend downward. The chip antennas 702 are connected to a chip RFID reader 701 that serves as a chip ID reading reader. In this case, a plurality of chip RFID readers 701 may be provided, and one chip RFID reader 701 may be connected to one chip antenna 702, or one chip RFID reader 701 may be connected to multiple chip antennas 702. In this way, one or more RFID readers 701 can read information stored in the RFID tags 125 of all gaming currencies 3 stored in the chip drawer 210. The chip RFID reader 701, the chip antenna 702, and the RFID tag 125 embedded in the game currency 3 constitute a chip RFID system 700.

[0087] In the example of Figure 13, the chip antenna 702 is provided on the top plate of the storage box 200, but instead, it may be provided on the upper surface of the bottom surface of the chip drawer 210 in an arrangement similar to that of Figure 13 and extend upward.

[0088] The control of the control means 204 will be described below. First, the control means 204 has the same functions as those in the first and second embodiments. The control means 204 grasps the number of packages 302 stored in the card drawer 220 of the storage box 200 and their package IDs based on the results of reading the RFID tags 306 attached to the packages 302 by the card RFID system 600.

[0089] Furthermore, the control means 204 grasps the quantity, chip ID, and value of the gaming currency 3 stored in the chip drawer 210 of the storage box 200 based on the results of reading the RFID tags 125 embedded in the gaming currency 3 by the chip RFID system 700. The control means 204 further calculates the total value of the gaming currency 3 stored in the chip drawer 210 based on the number of gaming currency 3 of each value stored in the chip drawer 210.

[0090] The card RFID system 600 and the chip RFID system 700 periodically read the RFID tags 125 and 306 at predetermined time intervals and output the read results together with a table ID that identifies the corresponding game table 21 to the control means 204. The control means 204 monitors the read results of the card RFID system 600 and the chip RFID system 700, and if there is a change in the read results, detects the change and records the table ID and read results together with the date and time in a storage device. Alternatively, the control means 204 may record all read results of the card RFID system 600 and the chip RFID system 700 together with the date and time and table ID in a storage device. Alternatively, the control means 204 and the locking means 207 may work together so that the control means 204 records the read results when the locking means 207 is unlocked.

[0091] The control means 204 may be connected to an alarm means (for example, an alarm lamp, an alarm sound output speaker). In this case, all detectable package IDs and chip IDs are stored in a storage device of the control means 204, and the control means 204 determines whether the read package ID or chip ID matches any of the package IDs or chip IDs stored in the storage device. If the read package ID or chip ID does not match any of the package IDs or chip IDs stored in the storage device, the control means 204 may control the alarm means to output an alarm from the alarm means (for example, turn on an alarm lamp or output an alarm sound from an alarm sound output speaker).

[0092] The control means 204 may also detect the loss of two or more packages 302 at a time (usually, the packages 302 are removed one by one) or the number of gaming coins 3 is not a multiple of 100 (usually, gaming coins 3 are stored in the chip case 100 with a maximum capacity of 100 coins and stored in the chip drawer 210) as an unauthorized movement of the packages 302 or gaming coins 3, and record this or output an alarm.

[0093] As described above, in the storage box 200, the storage area for the game currency 3 and the storage area for the packages 302 are physically separated, but they are merely separated within the storage box 200 and are not separated by distances on the order of meters. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid interference between the card RFID system 600 and the chip RFID system 700.

[0094] Therefore, in this embodiment, different frequencies are adopted for the card RFID system 600 and the chip RFID system 700. Specifically, this is as follows. In this embodiment, an electromagnetic induction method is adopted for the chip RFID system 700, and the frequency band used is the HF band (MODE 3). The HF band (MODE 3) is a shortwave band of 13.56 MHz. The chip antenna 702 is formed in a coil shape. In addition, a coil-shaped antenna is also provided in the RFID tag 125 built into the gaming currency 3. The antenna of the gaming currency 3 transmits and receives HF band radio waves to and from the chip antenna 701, and receives HF band radio waves from the chip antenna 701 to obtain operating power for the RFID tag 125.

[0095] The HF band has a short communication distance (readable distance) and is directional, so the reading area can be limited to a predetermined range, and reading of gaming currency 3 in a position where reading should not be intentionally avoided. Furthermore, when reading the RFID tags 125 of gaming currency 3 stored in the chip tray 17, it is possible to avoid reading the RFID tags 125 of gaming currency 3 on the game table 21. Furthermore, when reading the gaming currency 3 stored in the chip tray 17, by using separate antennas for each column, it is possible to read each column while avoiding interference between the columns. Furthermore, gaming currency 3 is used and managed in a stacked state, and by using the HF band, reading is possible even when the gaming currency 3 is stacked and multiple RFID tags 125 are closely spaced.

[0096] On the other hand, the card RFID system 600 employs a radio wave method. The frequency band is the UHF band, and ultra-high frequency waves in the 900 MHz band are used. The card antenna 602 emits radio waves into space. The RFID tag 306 is also provided with an antenna, which receives the radio waves emitted into space. The UHF band (ultra-high frequency waves) has a higher frequency than the HF band (short wave band), and therefore a shorter wavelength, which is advantageous for miniaturizing the antenna. Furthermore, the UHF band generally has a longer communication distance than the HF band.

[0097] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, a patch antenna is used as the card antenna 601 of the card RFID system 600 using the UHF band, and a dipole-type antenna is used for the RFID tag 306 of the package 302. RFID tags used in the UHF band are generally small and have a small memory capacity, so they can be manufactured inexpensively. Since the package 302 is discarded along with the playing card after use, being inexpensive is an advantage. Furthermore, because the UHF band has a long communication distance, even if the packages 302 are placed in a carton or stacked on a pallet, it is possible to read all of the packages 302 contained in the carton or pallet at once.

[0098] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the movement of cards 6 in a management system using a storage box according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Playing cards 6 are housed and stored in packages 302 in a card room. Each package 302 contains eight decks of playing cards 6 (shuffled playing cards 301s) that have been shuffled and arranged in a random order. A storage box 200 is provided for each game table 21. When the stock of packages 302 in the storage box 200 runs low, new packages 302 are replenished from the card room to the storage box 200. In this case, the storage box 200 may be replenished from the card room in pallets each containing a plurality of packages 302 (for example, nine packages).

[0099] A card shooter device 25 is installed on the game table 21. The game table 21 is also provided with a discard port 28 into which playing cards 6 to be discarded are placed. In a card game (baccarat in this embodiment), the dealer draws the playing cards 6 one by one from the card shooter device 25 and places them on the game table 21. When one game is over, the playing cards 6a on the game table 21 that were used in the game are discarded from the discard port 28. When a cut card is drawn from the card shooter device 25, the playing cards 6b remaining in the card shooter device 25 are discarded from the discard port 28. The playing cards 6 discarded from the discard port 28 are carried to the discard location.

[0100] As described above, according to this embodiment, the card RFID system 600 and the chip RFID system 700 use different frequencies to prevent interference between their radio waves and minimize reading errors caused by interference between the package ID attached to the package 302 and the chip ID attached to the gaming currency 3. To more reliably prevent interference, a shielding means (for example, a shielding plate) that blocks radio waves may be provided between the chip drawer 210 and the card drawer 220.

[0101] In the above embodiment, a card ID that uniquely identifies the package 302 of shuffled playing cards is assigned to the package 302. However, as a modified example, instead of or in addition to this, an RFID tag may be embedded in each playing card 6 to configure the card RFID system 600. In this case, the RFID tag embedded in each playing card 6 stores a card ID that uniquely identifies each playing card 6.

[0102] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a chip ID that uniquely identifies each gaming currency 3 is assigned to each gaming currency 3, but as a modified example, instead of or in addition to this, an RFID tag may be attached to the chip case 100 to configure the chip RFID system 700. In this case, a chip case ID that uniquely identifies the chip case is stored in the RFID tag attached to each chip case 100.

[0103] In these modified examples, by using different radio wave frequencies in the card RFID system 600 and the chip RFID system 700, interference between them can be prevented.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment and its modifications, the RFID tag stores code information that uniquely identifies the item to which the RFID tag is attached (package 302, gaming currency 3, etc.), but the information stored in the RFID tag may be other information. For example, the RFID tag may store information indicating the type of item to which the RFID tag is attached (for example, information indicating that it is a package in the RFID tag 306 attached to the package 302, and information indicating that it is gaming currency in the RFID tag 125 built into the gaming currency 3). In this case, too, the card RFID system 600 can grasp the quantity of packages 302 and playing cards 6, and the chip RFID system 700 can grasp the quantity of gaming currency 3 and chip trays 100.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, UHF band frequencies are used for the card RFID system 600 and HF band frequencies are used for the chip RFID system 700, but as long as the frequency bands used by the card RFID system 600 and the chip RFID system 700 are different, the radio wave frequencies used by the card RFID system 600 and the chip RFID system 700 are not limited to the above example.

[0106] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the card RFID system 600 employs a radio wave system and the chip RFID system 700 employs an electromagnetic induction system, but the systems of the card RFID system 600 and the chip RFID system 700 are not limited to these, and an appropriate system can be adopted depending on the frequency band of the radio waves used or other factors.

[0107] (Addendum) In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the system for managing shuffled playing card packages and gaming coins of the present invention comprises: A shuffled playing card system in which a predetermined number of playing cards constituting a deck are shuffled in a random order and each of the playing cards is integrated into a cage for managing a single container or package, and a unique playing card ID code is attached to the cage for managing the container or package; a chip case that stores gaming currency (chips) having chip ID codes and has a case ID code attached thereto; a game table where a game is played using the shuffled playing cards and the gaming coins (chips); a storage box that is installed beside the game table, stores a plurality of shuffled playing cards that are brought from a card room and are to be attached to a card shooter device on the game table, stores a plurality of chip cases that contain the gaming currency (chips) to be used on the game table, and has an opening / closing device that enables the shuffled playing cards and the chip tray to be taken out; a control device for managing the shuffled playing cards and the gaming currency (chips), The storage box is equipped with one or more card readers for reading the playing card ID codes of all shuffled playing cards stored therein, and one or more chip readers for reading the case ID codes of all chip cases stored therein; The control device has a function of monitoring the playing card ID codes read by the card reader and the case ID codes read by the chip reader, and outputting the total number of shuffled playing cards and chip cases stored in the storage box, as well as all playing card IDs and case ID codes stored in the storage box.

[0108] Furthermore, the storage box is provided with a locking means configured to prevent the chip cases containing the shuffled playing cards and gaming coins (chips) from being removed from the storage box.

[0109] Furthermore, the storage box may include a shuffled playing card storage box for storing the shuffled playing cards, and a chip storage box for allowing the gaming currency (chips) to be stored and taken out independently.

[0110] Furthermore, the case ID code of the chip case is associated with the chip ID code of the gaming currency (chip) in the case, The control device has the function of outputting the total value of all gaming coins (chips) stored in the storage box by acquiring all the case ID codes stored in the storage box.

[0111] Furthermore, the control device has the function of periodically monitoring the case ID code of the chip case to determine the increase or decrease in the number of chip cases stored in the storage box, and when the increase or decrease is determined, outputting the total value of all gaming currency (chips) stored in the storage box after the increase or decrease.

[0112] In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the system for managing packages of shuffled playing cards and gaming currency (chips) of the present invention may be in the following form: That is, a shuffled playing card system in which playing cards constituting a predetermined number of decks are shuffled in random order and individually configured as a single container or package, with a unique playing card ID code attached to the container or package; a chip case for storing gaming currency (chips) having chip ID codes; a game table where a game is played using the shuffled playing cards and the gaming coins (chips); a storage box that is installed beside the game table, stores a plurality of shuffled playing cards that are brought from a card room and are to be attached to a card shooter device on the game table, stores a plurality of chip cases that contain the gaming currency (chips) to be used on the game table, and has an opening / closing device that enables the shuffled playing cards and the chip tray to be taken out; a control device for managing the shuffled playing cards and the gaming currency (chips), The storage box is provided with one or more card readers for reading the playing card ID codes of all shuffled playing cards stored therein, and one or more chip readers for reading the chip ID codes of all gaming currency (chips) stored therein; The control device has a function of monitoring the playing card ID codes read by the card reader and the chip ID codes read by the chip reader, and outputting the total number of shuffled playing cards and gaming coins (chips) stored in the storage box, as well as all playing card IDs and chip ID codes stored in the storage box.

[0113] Furthermore, the control device has the function of reading all chip ID codes present in the storage box and outputting the total value of all gaming currency (chips) stored in the storage box.

[0114] Furthermore, the storage box is provided with a locking means configured to prevent the chip cases containing the shuffled playing cards and gaming coins (chips) from being removed from the storage box.

[0115] Furthermore, the storage box includes a shuffled playing card storage box for storing the shuffled playing cards, and a chip storage box for allowing the gaming currency (chips) to be stored and taken out independently.

[0116] Furthermore, the control device has the function of periodically monitoring the chip ID codes of the gaming currency (chips) stored in the storage box, thereby determining the increase or decrease in the gaming currency (chips) stored in the storage box, and outputting the total amount after the increase or decrease in value of all gaming currency (chips) stored in the storage box when the increase or decrease is determined.

[0117] In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the storage box of the present invention comprises: a storage box for storing a plurality of shuffled playing cards brought from a card room, and for allowing the shuffled playing cards to be individually removed and attached to a card shooter device on a game table for use in a game; a storage box for storing a plurality of chip cases for storing gaming currency (chips) to be used on the game table; a chip case for adjusting the amount of gaming currency (chips) on the game table when there is an excess or shortage of gaming currency (chips) on the game table according to the progress of the game on the game table; and a storage box for storing surplus gaming currency (chips) before being transferred to a cage for managing chips in the casino; a storage box provided in association with the game table and having an opening and closing device for allowing the shuffled playing cards and the chip tray to be removed as needed, The shuffled playing cards are made by shuffling a predetermined number of playing cards into a random order and assembling them into a single container or package, and a unique playing card ID code is attached to the container or package. The gaming currency (chip) has a chip ID code and is stored in a chip case with a case ID code attached, The storage box is provided with one or more card readers for reading the playing card ID codes of all shuffled playing cards stored therein, and one or more chip readers for reading the case ID codes of all chip cases stored therein or the chip ID codes of the gaming currency (chips) in the chip cases, The control device monitors the playing card ID codes read by the card reader and the case ID codes or chip ID codes read by the chip reader, and has the function of outputting the total number of shuffled playing cards and chip cases stored in the storage box, and all playing card IDs and case ID codes or chip ID codes stored in the storage box, thereby managing the shuffled playing cards and gaming currency (chips).

[0118] Furthermore, the storage box may be provided with a locking means configured to prevent shuffled playing cards or gaming coins (chips) from being removed from the storage box.

[0119] Furthermore, the storage box may include a shuffled playing card storage box for storing the shuffled playing cards, and a chip storage box for allowing the gaming currency (chips) to be stored and taken out independently.

[0120] Furthermore, the control device may have a function of reading all chip ID codes present in the storage box and outputting the total value of all gaming currency (chips) stored in the storage box.

[0121] Furthermore, the case ID code of the chip case is associated with the chip ID code of the gaming currency (chip) in the case, The control device may have a function of acquiring all the case ID codes stored in the storage box and outputting the total value of all gaming currency (chips) stored in the storage box based on the case ID codes.

[0122] In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the system for managing gaming currency (chips) of the present invention comprises: a chip case for storing gaming currency (chips) having chip ID codes; a storage box that stores a plurality of chip cases containing gaming currency (chips) used on the game table, adjusts the amount of gaming currency (chips) on the chip float of the game table using the chip cases when there is an excess or shortage of gaming currency (chips) placed on the chip float of the game table according to the progress of the game at the game table, and can store surplus gaming currency (chips) before transferring them to a cage that manages casino chips, and is provided in association with the game table and has an opening and closing device that enables shuffled playing cards and the chip tray to be removed as needed; a game table where games are played using the gaming currency (chips); A control device for managing the gaming currency (chips), The storage box is equipped with one or more chip readers that read the chip ID codes of all stored gaming currencies (chips), The control device has the function of monitoring the chip ID code read by the chip reader and outputting the total number of gaming coins (chips) stored in the storage box and all chip ID codes stored in the storage box.

[0123] Furthermore, the control device may have a function of reading all chip ID codes present in the storage box and outputting the total value of all gaming currency (chips) stored in the storage box.

[0124] Furthermore, the storage box may be provided with a locking means configured to prevent the chip case of the gaming currency (chip) from being removed from the storage box.

[0125] Furthermore, the control device may have a function to periodically monitor the chip ID codes of the gaming currency (chips) stored in the storage box, thereby determining the increase or decrease in the gaming currency (chips) stored in the storage box, and output the total amount after the increase or decrease in value of all gaming currency (chips) stored in the storage box when the increase or decrease is determined.

[0126] Furthermore, the control device controls the amount or value of increase or decrease of the gaming currency (chips) placed on the chip float of the game table, or the amount or value of increase or decrease of the gaming currency (chips) placed on the cage that manages casino chips, The device may have a function of outputting whether or not the amount of increase or decrease in the gaming currency (chips) stored in the storage box matches.

[0127] Furthermore, the chip case may be provided with a case ID code that is associated with the chip ID code of the gaming currency (chip) inside the case.

[0128] (Addendum) One aspect of the present invention is a system for managing packages of shuffled playing cards and gaming currency (chips), the system comprising: shuffled playing cards in which a predetermined number of playing cards constituting a deck are shuffled in a random order and organized into individual containers or packages, with unique card IDs attached to the containers or packages; gaming currency (chips) equipped with chip IDs; a game table on which a game is played using the shuffled playing cards and the gaming currency (chips); a card storage box for storing a plurality of shuffled playing cards that are carried from a card room and attached to a card shooter device on the game table; and a card storage box for use on the game table. and a chip storage box that stores a plurality of gaming currencies (chips) and is equipped with an opening / closing lock device, wherein the card IDs and chip IDs are identified using wireless tags, and the card storage box and chip storage box are equipped with one or more card readers that read the card IDs of all stored shuffled playing cards, and one or more chip readers that read the chip IDs of all stored chips, and the card readers and chip readers are each composed of readers that use different frequencies or modes, and the shuffled playing cards and gaming currencies (chips) are managed with minimal reading errors by the wireless tags of the card IDs and chip IDs.

[0129] In the above system, the card ID may use a UHF wireless tag, and the chip ID may use a HF wireless tag.

[0130] The above system may further comprise a control means connected to the card reader and the chip reader, for detecting any fluctuation in the information read by the card reader or the information read by the chip reader.

[0131] In the above system, the card reader may read the information on the wireless tag by radio wave method, and the chip reader may read the information on the wireless tag by electromagnetic induction method.

[0132] Another aspect of the present invention is a system for managing playing cards to which card information is assigned by card RFID tags and gaming currency to which chip information is assigned by chip RFID tags, comprising storage means integrally configured to include card storage means for storing the playing cards and chip storage means for storing the gaming currency, a card RFID reader that reads information from the RFID tags assigned to the playing cards stored in the card storage means, and a chip RFID reader that reads information from the RFID tags assigned to the gaming currency stored in the chip storage means, wherein the card RFID reader and the chip RFID reader read information from each RFID tag using different frequencies.

[0133] In the above system, the card information may be attached to a package consisting of a plurality of the playing cards, and the chip information may be attached to each of the gaming currencies.

[0134] In the above system, the package may be provided with an RFID tag for the card, and the gaming currency may have an RFID tag for the chip built in.

[0135] In the above system, the playing cards may have the RFID tags embedded therein, and the card information may be attached to each of the playing cards.

[0136] The above system may further include a control means connected to the card RFID reader and the chip RFID reader, for detecting any fluctuation in the information read by the card RFID reader or the information read by the chip RFID reader.

[0137] In the above system, the card RFID reader may read information from the card RFID tag by radio wave method, and the chip RFID reader may read information from the chip RFID tag by electromagnetic induction method.

[0138] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a storage box for storing playing cards to which card information has been assigned by a card RFID tag and gaming currency to which chip information has been assigned by a chip RFID tag, comprising: card storage means for storing the playing cards; chip storage means for storing the gaming currency; a card antenna for reading the card information of the playing cards stored in the card storage means; and a chip antenna for reading the chip information of the gaming currency stored in the chip storage means, wherein the card antenna and the chip antenna read information using radio waves of different frequencies.

Claims

1. an open depository at the gaming table, into which chips are deposited and withdrawn by a dealer for each game in order to collect chips bet by losing players and to redeem chips bet by winning players; a closed storage facility for storing a plurality of chips so as to adjust the amount of chips in the open storage facility when the chips become excessive or insufficient due to the progress of the game on the game table, the closed storage facility having an opening and closing means for allowing the chips to be taken out when necessary; at least one chip reader for reading chip ID codes of the chips of the gaming table including the closed repository and the open repository; a control device that manages the chip; When the chips on the game table are in excess, the chips on the game table are transferred to a cage that manages chips in the casino, and when the chips on the game table are insufficient, the chips are transferred from the cage to the game table; The system, wherein the control device has the function of repeatedly determining the total number or value of the chips on the game table using the at least one chip reader to determine the transfer of the chips between the cage and the game table.

2. The system described in claim 1, wherein the control device has the function of outputting whether the amount or value of the increase / decrease of the chips in the open storage facility, or the amount or value of the increase / decrease of the chips in the cage, matches the amount or value of the increase / decrease of the chips stored in the closed storage facility.

3. 3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the closed storage includes locking means configured to prevent removal of the chips from the closed storage.

4. The system described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the control device has the function of determining whether to increase or decrease the chips stored in the closed storage by periodically monitoring the chip ID codes of the chips on the game table, and when the increase or decrease is determined, outputting the total number or total amount of the chips on the game table after the increase or decrease.

5. 1. A chip management method for managing chips used for games on a game table, each chip having a unique chip ID code, comprising: A step of collecting the chips bet by the losing player into an open repository; redeeming the winning player's bet chips from the open repository; If there are excess chips in the open storage due to the progress of the game, transferring chips from the open storage to a closed storage; When the chips in the open storage become insufficient as the game progresses, a step of transferring chips from the closed storage to the open storage; using an ID reader to read the unique chip ID code of the chip to determine at least the total number or value of chips on the gaming table; transferring the chips from the gaming table to a cage in a casino that manages the chips based on the total number of chips; and transferring the chips from the cage to the closed storage facility based on the total number of chips.

6. A chip management system for managing chips used for games on a game table, each chip having a chip ID code, comprising: When the chips on the game table are in excess, the chips on the game table are transferred to a cage in the casino that manages the chips, and when the chips on the game table are insufficient, the chips are transferred from the cage to the game table; The chip management system includes: a chip tray into which chips are put and taken out by the dealer for each game in order to collect chips bet by losing players and to redeem chips bet by winning players; and at least one chip reader that reads the chip ID codes of the chips transferred from the cage and placed in predetermined positions on the gaming table before they are replenished in the chip tray.

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