Rolling encoding schema for RFID tags

Abstract

To provide a system for preventing a forged gaming chip from being used.SOLUTION: The gaming chip reader may read one or more gaming chips from the antenna. The drawer can be read from the gaming chip. The version may be identified from the drawer. The memory map may be decrypted and the decrypted memory map may be used to decrypt the data describing the gaming chips from the drawer. The data describing the gaming chips may be matched against a gaming chip inventory data set.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

background

[0001] Gaming chips can be used in casinos instead of currency. Gaming chips can be made from a variety of materials, including colored metal, injection-molded plastic, and compression-molded clay. Some casinos may include technology to identify gaming chips, such as RFID tags. RFID tags may contain memory. Summary of the Invention

[0002] These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments illustrating the currently known best mode. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0003] For a more complete understanding of embodiments of the present invention and its advantages, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below.

[0004] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an illustration of data fields stored on a gaming chip in various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a gaming environment in accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an illustration of data fields stored in a drawer of a gaming chip in various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an illustration of encoded data fields stored in a drawer of a gaming chip in various exemplary embodiments. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exemplary flowchart illustration of certain functions implemented by portions of a chip verification system executing in the computing environment in the gaming environment of FIG. 2 in accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is an illustrative flowchart of certain functions implemented by portions of software executing within a computing device in various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an exemplary computing device employed in the gaming environment of FIG. 2 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0005] The drawings depict only exemplary embodiments and should not be considered as limiting the scope described herein, as other equally effective embodiments are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions may be exaggerated to help visually convey certain principles. In the drawings, like reference numerals between the figures indicate similar or corresponding elements, but are not necessarily identical. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] In the following paragraphs, the embodiments are exemplarily described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Herein, well-known components, methods, and / or processing techniques are omitted or briefly described so as not to obscure the embodiments. As used herein, "the present disclosure" refers to any one of the embodiments described herein and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of "embodiments of the present disclosure" does not imply that all embodiments must include the referenced feature(s).

[0007] In embodiments, some aspects of the present disclosure are implemented by computer programs executed by one or more processors, as described and illustrated. As will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, one or more embodiments may be implemented, at least in part, by computer-readable instructions in various forms, and the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to any particular set or sequence of instructions executed by a processor.

[0008] The embodiments described herein are not limited to the details set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed subject matter is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Additionally, the phraseology and terminology used herein are for purposes of description and should not be considered limiting. As used herein, the use of "comprising," "comprising," or "having," and variations thereof, is meant to encompass the subsequently listed items, additional items, and their equivalents. The terms "connected" and "coupled" are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect connections and couplings. Furthermore, the terms "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to electrical, physical, or mechanical connections or couplings. As used herein, the terms "machine," "computer," "server," and "workstation" are not limited to devices with a single processor, but can encompass multiple devices (e.g., computers) linked in a system, devices with multiple processors, special-purpose devices, devices with various peripherals and input / output devices, software functioning as a computer or server, and combinations of the above.

[0009] Although various aspects of the present disclosure refer to gaming tables, it can be understood that various aspects can be used with respect to any gaming area, including a casino cage, bank, safe, gaming table, or other location where gaming chips are used. A dealer can facilitate wagering games at the gaming table. The wagering games can include card games, dice games, wheel-based games, or other wagering games. One or more patrons can wager gaming chips at the gaming table. The gaming chips can be counted and verified by various components of the networked environment as discussed herein.

[0010] Gaming chips may include any chips, plaques, jetons, or other gaming currency that may be used in a casino or gaming room. Gaming chips may represent a predetermined value or may represent an undefined value. Gaming chips may be made from a rigid plastic material or clay to provide a structure that is sturdy enough to withstand the conditions of use in a casino. Gaming chips may be used throughout a casino. For example, at a gaming table, gaming chips may be received at the end of a play or game or hand, cash may be received and gaming chips may be dispensed (buy-in), or gaming chips may be dispensed during play. At a cashier's area, gaming chips may be received and cash may be dispensed (cash-out). Alternatively, cash may be received and gaming chips may be dispensed (buy-in).

[0011] Referring now to the drawings, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail. Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a gaming chip 103 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. FIG. 1 illustrates 0s and 1s flowing through the gaming chip 103 to graphically represent the concept of data being stored in a memory device within the gaming chip 103. The gaming chip 103 may include storage that may store, among other data, information about the gaming chip 103. The data may be encrypted when stored in the memory device using a key 106. The memory device may store various data 109, including one or more data fields.

[0012] A memory device can be separated into various drawers that can correspond to memory pages, memory blocks, bytes, words, a preset number of bits or bytes, a file in a file system, or some other segment of storage. In some embodiments, the memory device can be one-time programmable (OTP). In other embodiments, the memory device can be lockable so that the memory device is read / write until a lock event occurs, at which point the memory device becomes read-only. In yet other embodiments, various segments of memory within a memory device can have different characteristics. As an example, a first segment can be read-only memory, a second segment can be lockable, and a third segment can be read / write memory.

[0013] The casino industry can use RFID technology to secure and track monetary products such as gaming chips 103. The gaming chips 103 can include an RFID tag that provides an identifier for each gaming chip 103 and can include a memory device for storing information about the gaming chip 103. The information can include, but is not limited to, the gaming chip's 103 value, its currency, transferability, set information, gaming room information, the casino identifier that owns the gaming chip 103, and manufacturing information. The read / write memory area of ​​the storage device can store information that can be updated during casino operations. A serial number can be burned into or locked into the RFID tag during manufacturing. Additionally, other information can be programmed or locked into the gaming chip 103 during manufacturing.

[0014] The RFID tag's storage device can include functionality such as a lock pointer or OTP memory to ensure that information can be irreversibly burned so that it cannot be altered. To store currency information in the memory device before shipping, the gaming chip 103 manufacturer can write and lock the memory device using a software system combined with the RFID transceiver and antenna. Memory in a memory device is typically organized into blocks or pages, referred to herein as drawers, for locating each piece of information. For example, a PJM STACKTAG integrated circuit can include 4 kilobits of user memory organized into 256 16-bit pages. An ICODE ILT-M integrated circuit can include 1 kilobit of ROM memory organized into 64 16-bit pages. These pages can also be referred to as words or blocks. A drawer can receive 16-bit binary values, although values ​​of other sizes can be received in some embodiments. The 16-bit pages can be divided into two or more groups to allow for the storage of different information. For example, bits 0 through 11 can be used to define the monetary value, and bits 12 through 15 can be used to define the currency identifier.

[0015] 2, a gaming environment 200 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The gaming environment 200 includes a computing environment 203 and one or more gaming tables 206 in data communication with each other via a network 209. The network 209 may include, for example, the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a wired network, a wireless network, or any other suitable network, or any combination of two or more such networks. For example, such a network may be comprised of a satellite network, a cable network, an Ethernet network, and other types of networks.

[0016] Computing environment 203 may include, for example, a server computer or any other system that provides computing power. Alternatively, computing environment 203 may employ multiple computing devices that may be located, for example, in one or more server banks or computer banks or other arrangements. Such computing devices may be located at a single site or may be distributed across many different geographic locations. For example, computing environment 203 may include multiple computing devices that together may comprise host computing resources, grid computing resources, and / or any other distributed computing arrangement. In some embodiments, computing environment 203 may correspond to elastic computing resources, where the allocated capacity of processing, network, storage, or other computing-related resources changes over time.

[0017] According to various embodiments, various applications and / or other functions may be executed in computing environment 203. Additionally, various data may be stored in data store 212 accessible to computing environment 203. Data store 212 may be representative of multiple data stores 212, as may be appreciated. Data stored in data store 212 may be associated with the operation of various applications and / or functional entities, for example, as described below.

[0018] Components executing on the computing environment 203 include, for example, a chip validation system 215 and other applications, services, processes, systems, engines, or functionality not discussed in detail herein. The chip validation system 215 executes to validate gaming chips 103 used within the casino. As an example, the RFID tags of RFID-enabled gaming chips can be read by a gaming chip reader at the gaming table 206.

[0019] The data stored in data store 212 includes, for example, memory mapping 218, currency data 221, encrypted data 224, and potentially other data. Currency data 221 can include variable data 227, and memory mapping 218 can include versions 230 and mappings 233. Mapping 233 can include information for decrypting data stored on gaming chips 103 for each version 230. Currency data 221 can include a list of all active gaming chips, including any identifiers associated with the gaming chips, such as, for example, RFID tag identifiers. Currency data 221 can include all gaming chips 103 authorized for use in one or more casinos. Currency data 221 can be a gaming chip inventory data set.

[0020] The memory mapping 218 may be stored in an encrypted format. To access the memory mapping 218, the chip verification system 215 may first decrypt the encrypted memory mapping 218 to generate a decrypted memory mapping. The chip verification system 215 may identify an encryption key that corresponds to the memory mapping 218.

[0021] The encryption key can be stored in a protected location or on a local drive. The encryption key or the location of the encryption key can be stored in the encrypted data 224. The encryption key can be signed by a trusted certificate authority. In some embodiments, the chip verification system 215 can receive the encryption key from a secure server (not shown). The secure server can be trusted based on secure communications. The chip verification system 215 can secure communications using a public key infrastructure, such as the Simple Certificate Enrollment Protocol (SCEP) system, or other key infrastructure.

[0022] Currency data 221 may be stored in encrypted form. Currency data 221 may be encrypted with a different encryption key or method than memory mapping 218. The encryption key or location of the encryption key for the currency data may be stored in encrypted data 224. In this way, an intruder who is able to gain access to memory mapping 218 will not be able to access currency data 221, and vice versa. According to one example embodiment, currency data 221 may be stored in a database, while memory mapping 218 may be stored as a flat file.

[0023] The memory mapping 218 and the currency data 221 may be stored in two different protected locations. In one example, the chip validation system 215 may use authentication credentials to gain access to the two different protected locations. The authentication credentials for each protected location may be different. The protected locations may correspond to a disk drive, a memory location, a file, a database service, an external server, or some other storage location. The currency data 221 may store information about where each gaming chip 103 is read within the casino. Using this data, the chip validation system 215 may track where the gaming chips 103 move within the casino.

[0024] Gaming table 206 is representative of multiple gaming tables that may be coupled to network 209. Gaming table 206 may include one or more computing devices having a processor-based system, such as, for example, a computer system. Such a computer system may be embodied in the form of an embedded computing device or other device having similar capabilities. Gaming table 206 may include a chip tray 236, one or more bet spots 239, a chip recycler 242, a bill validator 245, and a display 248.

[0025] Gaming chip readers, such as RFID antennas, can be located in the chip tray 236, each betting spot 239, the chip recycler 242, or other locations. Gaming chip readers can also be located in casino cages, banks, safes, or other locations where gaming chips are used. The gaming table 206 can use the gaming chip reader to read RFID tags from RFID-enabled gaming chips 103. As an example, the gaming table 206 can read one or more drawers from each gaming chip 103 placed on the gaming chip reader. The data stored in the drawers can correspond to encrypted information about the gaming chips 103. The drawers from the RFID tags can be transmitted to the chip verification system 215.

[0026] The chip verification system 215 can receive the drawer from the gaming table 206. The chip verification system 215 can identify the version from the drawer. In some embodiments, the version can be stored in a predetermined location in the drawer for all gaming chip versions. In other embodiments, the version can be retrieved based on a serial number read from an RFID tag in the gaming chip 103. The chip verification system 215 can search the version 230 for the identified version in the memory mapping 218. To retrieve the memory mapping 218, the chip verification system 215 can obtain a decryption key corresponding to the encrypted memory mapping 218 and decrypt the encrypted memory mapping 218 to generate a decrypted memory mapping. The chip verification system 215 can identify a mapping 233 from the gaming chip 103 that corresponds to the identified version. The mapping 233 can include a schema for encoding or decoding data stored in the drawer.

[0027] The chip verification system 215 can decode data describing the gaming chip 103 from the drawer using a mapping 233 corresponding to the version of the gaming chip 103. The chip verification system 215 can decode a mapping of memory bits / bytes corresponding to segments of variables stored in the drawer. During the decoding process, the chip verification system 215 can assemble the different segments for each variable in the order defined in the mapping 233. In some embodiments, the decoding process can include decrypting the data stored in the drawer. If one or more gaming chips 103 being read correspond to different versions 230, the chip verification system 215 can use different mappings 233 to decode each of the gaming chips 103. As an example, a first cipher from a first mapping 233 can be used for a gaming chip 103 of the first version 230, and a second cipher from a second mapping 233 can be used for another gaming chip 103 corresponding to the second version 230.

[0028] The chip verification system 215 can perform the decryption using a decryption key corresponding to a particular version of the gaming chip 103 stored in the mapping 233. The decryption key can also correspond to all gaming chips 103 across all versions. In some embodiments, the data in the drawer is decrypted before decrypting the variable segments. In other embodiments, the data in the drawer is decrypted after decrypting the variable segments. In yet other embodiments, decryption is used to decrypt the variables without requiring a decryption operation.

[0029] The currency data 221 may be rewritten every time the RFID tag of the gaming chip 103 is read by a gaming chip reader, or periodically. Along with this rewriting, the currency data 221 of the gaming chip 103 stored in the database is also rewritten. The gaming chip 103 is verified by comparing the currency data 221 rewritten in this way in the database with the currency data 221 read from the RFID tag of the gaming chip 103. As a result, even if a counterfeiter copies the information stored in the RFID tag of the gaming chip 103 to create a counterfeit gaming chip, by the time such a counterfeit gaming chip is used, the currency data 221 of the gaming chip will already have been rewritten in the database, and the verification of such a counterfeit gaming chip 103 will fail, making it possible to determine that it is a counterfeit gaming chip.

[0030] The chip verification system 215 can verify the gaming chip 103 against a gaming chip inventory data set, such as currency data 221. Validating the gaming chip 103 can include authenticating the gaming chip 103 against the currency data 221 to ensure that the gaming chip 103 is authentic. The chip verification system 215 can decrypt the currency data 221 to generate decrypted currency data 221. The chip verification system 215 can look up the serial number of the gaming chip 103 in the currency data 221. The chip verification system 215 can also authenticate the gaming chip 103 by verifying that one or more variables match the currency data 221. As an example, the chip verification system 215 can verify that the denomination, casino name, currency, and sales order number all match the values ​​programmed into the gaming chip 103 when it was originally manufactured. The originally manufactured values ​​stored on each gaming chip 103 can be stored in variable data 227. As new gaming chips 103 are placed in the casino, information about each new gaming chip 103 can be added to the currency data 221 .

[0031] If a gaming chip 103 or set of gaming chips 103 is retired, the chip verification system 215 may refuse to verify the retired gaming chips 103. Furthermore, the chip verification system 215 may initiate corrective action if the retired gaming chips 103 are read over the antenna. As an example, an indicator may be illuminated or activated to signal the dealer to confiscate the retired gaming chips 103. The display 248 may render specified information details of the retired gaming chips 103. As an example, the display 248 may render a visual indication of the deactivated gaming chips 103, including a color pattern and denomination.

[0032] Other corrective actions may include stopping future games, stopping games until authorized user approval is obtained, alerting security, identifying the patron corresponding to the discrepancy and storing an indication of the discrepancy associated with the patron's account, and other corrective actions. The level of authorized users may be based on the identified discrepancy. For example, if gaming chips 103 are identified in currency data 221 as stolen, or if the count, denomination, or total value of deactivated gaming chips 103 exceeds a threshold, a higher level of authorized user may be required.

[0033] The chip verification system 215 may have multiple threshold tiers corresponding to different levels of authenticated users. In one example, a dealer may approve play to resume if the value of a deactivated gaming chip 103 falls below a first threshold, such as $10, a pit boss may approve play to resume if the value of a deactivated gaming chip 103 falls below a second threshold, such as $100, and security may approve play to resume if the value of a deactivated gaming chip 103 falls below a third threshold, such as $1000. Additionally, casino management may be required to resume play when the value of a deactivated gaming chip 103 exceeds the first threshold.

[0034] The threshold may be based on the patron's, dealer's, or other authorized user's past behavior related to the discrepancy. For example, the chip verification system 215 may identify a patron whose usage pattern or total amount of deactivated gaming chips 103 exceeds a threshold and initiate more restrictive corrective action based on that recurrence. For example, the more restrictive corrective action may require approval from a user with the authority to approve the total of all historical discrepancies for the patron, or may require pulling the patron aside for further questioning.

[0035] In some embodiments, the total of all past discrepancies may be limited to discrepancies that have occurred since a previous, more restrictive corrective action. Similarly, the chip verification system 215 may identify dealers, pit bosses, security officers, casino managers, or other casino employees who have a history of using deactivated gaming chips 103. The chip verification system 215 may identify users with certain statistical characteristics that exceed a threshold. As an example, the chip verification system 215 may calculate the ratio of games played to identified deactivated gaming chips 103. If this ratio exceeds a threshold, the chip verification system 215 may initiate corrective action.

[0036] The chip verification system 215 can store information regarding the reading of the gaming chips 103. The gaming table 206 can determine that a patron associated with a patron account has placed a wager with a gaming chip 103 corresponding to a particular bet spot 239. The gaming table 206 can transmit a count of the gaming chips read by each gaming chip reader, including the identifier and drawer from each gaming chip 103. In one embodiment, the gaming table 206 performs a reading of all gaming chip readers at least once per game being played and transmits that information to the chip verification system 215. The gaming table 206 can perform a reading of all gaming chip readers several times per game. In some embodiments, the gaming table 206 transmits changes in the reading of the gaming chips 103 that occur during the game. Verification of each gaming chip 103 can be limited to once per time the gaming chip 103 is used on the gaming table 206.

[0037] The chip recycler 242 can operate in a manner similar to a coin recycler. The chip recycler 242 can be used in addition to or instead of the chip tray 236. When the dealer collects the gaming chips 103 from the patron at the end of a game or hand, the gaming chips 103 can be placed in an input area, such as a funnel, hopper, or tube, and then verified (authenticated), counted, sorted, and stored by the chip recycler 242. When the gaming chips 103 are dispensed to the patron, exchanged for cash, or exchanged for other gaming chips 103, the gaming table 206 or chip validation system 215 can instruct the chip recycler 242 how much money is in the gaming chip 103 and can also specify the denomination to be dispensed. A chip recycler 242 in a cashier's cart, in a bank or safe, or in a kiosk (not shown) can operate in a similar manner. A user places gaming chips 103 into chip recycler 242, which processes the gaming chips 103, and chip recycler 242 automatically outputs gaming chips 103 of other denominations or outputs cash of the same amount as the input amount.

[0038] Existing systems rely solely on RFID technology to read the serial numbers of gaming chips. The security of these systems relies solely on two things: 1) the uniqueness of the tag serial numbers provided by the microchip or integrated circuit manufacturer, and 2) protecting the system database from unauthorized access that might reactivate tags or add records for erroneous gaming chips not manufactured by authorized currency manufacturers. Hacking of the database could result in manipulation of a casino's currency system. Counterfeiters could change the denomination of associated tags in the database. Counterfeiters could salvage RFID tags from low-denomination chips and produce counterfeit chips of much higher denominations.

[0039] In this disclosure, gaming chips 103 are secured via multiple faucets to ensure that a security breach of any one does not compromise the gaming chips 103. As a faucet, each gaming chip 103 is assigned a unique serial number. To compromise a gaming chip 103, a counterfeiter must create an RFID tag with a serial number that matches a valid gaming chip 103 in currency data 221. Additionally, data stored on the counterfeit gaming chip 103 must be encoded based on secure memory mapping 218.

[0040] If an intruder were able to decrypt the currency data 221 and edit the value of an existing gaming chip 103, the denomination and other variable information stored on the gaming chip 103 would not match the currency data 221. Furthermore, the denomination indicated by the appearance of the gaming chip 103 would not match.

[0041] If an intruder is able to decrypt the memory mapping 218 to allow encoding / decoding of information to store new information on the gaming chip 103, the currency data 221 will not match the edited data. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the data may be permanently locked on the gaming chip 103. A counterfeiter would need to create an RFID tag with a serial number that matches a valid gaming chip 103 from the currency data 221. The counterfeiter would need at least a subset of the data stored on the counterfeit gaming chip 103 to match a valid gaming chip 103 from the currency data 221. In this way, the security methods described herein prevent access from counterfeiters on the gaming floor, from employees inside the casino who may be conspiring to steal from the casino, and from employees developing gaming chip technology.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 3, shown is a set of drawers 300 for storing variables according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The set of drawers 300 may include, among other drawers, a first drawer 303a and a second drawer 303b. The set of drawers corresponds to gaming chips used in a casino. Drawer 303a may store, among other components, a serial number in component 306a, component 306b, and other components, as shown. Drawer 303a may also store, among other components, a version in component 306c. Drawer 303b may store, among other components, currency in component 306d. The set of drawers 300 corresponds to data stored unencoded on the gaming chips.

[0043] When the gaming chips 103 are created, the variables written to each gaming chip 103 can be generated in memory similar to the mapping shown in the set of drawers 300. The generated memory can be encoded before being written to the gaming chips 103. Similarly, when the encoded data is read from the gaming chips 103, the chip verification system 215 can decode the encoded data so that the decoded data looks like the set of drawers 300.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 4, a set of drawers 400 for storing coded variables is shown in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The set of drawers 400 can include, among other drawers, a first drawer 403a and a second drawer 403b. The set of drawers 400 can store various components, including components 406a-d and 409a-b, and the set of drawers corresponds to the gaming chips 103 used in the casino. The set of drawers can store various components of coded variables among themselves. The schema used to encode variables within a drawer can roll over over time. By way of example, the schema can change, and version numbers can be incremented semi-annually, annually, after each order, after every 10 orders, after a predetermined number of gaming chips 103 have been manufactured, or at another frequency. Each variable stored in a set of drawers can have multiple components stored in different drawers. The location of each component is determined based on memory mapping 218. In one embodiment, for example, a version number may have four components stored as components 406a-d. Other variables may have components stored in drawers, such as components 409a and 409b. The set of drawers 400 may be read by a gaming chip reader, such as an RFID antenna. As an example, a gaming chip reader on the gaming table 206 (FIG. 2) may read the set of drawers 400 when a gaming chip 103 is placed on a bet spot 239. The gaming table 206 may transmit the set of drawers 400 to the chip verification system 215 via the network 209.

[0045] When the chip verification system 215 receives the set of drawers 400, the chip verification system 215 can identify the version of the gaming chip 103. A component of the version number can be stored in a predetermined location within the set of drawers 400. In some embodiments, the serial number can be identified without decoding the set of drawers 400, and the chip verification system 215 can identify the version number of the gaming chip 103 by examining the serial number within the currency data 221. In some embodiments, the serial number or version can be read separately from the drawer.

[0046] The chip verification system 215 can decode the memory mapping 218 to decode the data stored in the set of drawers 400. As an example, the chip verification system 215 can decode the variables stored in the set of drawers 400 to appear as the set of drawers 300. The chip verification system 215 can load the data from the set of drawers 400 into the variables corresponding to the list of variables 412.

[0047] In some embodiments, the location of the version number component may be fixed across all versions, while the locations of other variable components may vary across versions. Drawer 403a may store a serial number as component 406a, component 406b, and other components. Drawer 403a may also store a version in 406c, among other components. Drawer 403b may store currency in component 406d, among other components. A set of drawers 400 corresponds to data stored unencoded on the gaming chip.

[0048] According to some embodiments, data can be stored in the drawer 400 according to the illustrated memory mapping. As an example, each page of memory can carry a series of 16 bits, or other size, that describe information based on a method of calculating the information or a reference chart. This encoding solution can be used by the gaming chip 103 manufacturer when programming or personalizing the gaming chip 103 before shipping it to a customer. A similar solution can be used to decode information read from the gaming chip 103 when it is received by the casino using a chip validation system 215, which can be provided by the chip manufacturer. The chip validation system 215 can not only accept the gaming chip 103, but also authenticate and track the gaming chip 103 throughout the casino where gaming chip readers are located, e.g., in cages, safes, tables, etc. The manufacturer can provide a database with all of the gaming chip 103 information in an encrypted format that can be imported into the currency data 221. The database can provide a list of gaming chips 103, including details of which should be accepted and evaluated to be considered authentic when validation is performed.

[0049] As an example, the chip verification system 215 can use a gaming chip reader to read the serial number of each gaming chip 103. The chip verification system 215 can verify that all read serial numbers are authentic and authorized by matching them with the currency data 221, signifying that the serial numbers are in circulation on this property. Based on the serial number, the chip verification system 215 can extract all information and characteristics of each gaming chip 103. The chip verification system 215 can use the gaming chip reader to read the memory of each RFID tag in the gaming chip 103 and check all pages or drawers. The chip verification system 215 can decode the pages or drawers to determine information about the gaming chip 103. The chip verification system 215 can compare the decoded information with information extracted from the currency data 221. In addition to the above authentication process, the chip verification system 215 can verify the movement of the gaming chip 103 and its previous location within the casino.

[0050] Before referring to the process flow diagrams of FIGS. 5 and 6 , it should be noted that the embodiments described herein may be practiced using alternative sequences of the steps illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 . That is, the process flows illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 are provided by way of example only, and embodiments may be implemented using process flows different from those illustrated. Furthermore, it should be noted that not all steps are required in all embodiments. In other words, one or more steps may be omitted or substituted without departing from the scope of the embodiments. Furthermore, steps may be performed in different sequences, in parallel with each other, or omitted entirely, and / or certain additional steps may be performed without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments.

[0051] 5, a flow diagram of a process 500 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In box 503, the process 500 includes receiving drawers from one or more gaming chips. For example, the chip verification system 215 can receive data from one or more gaming chips 103 from the gaming table 206. The gaming chip reader can read a set of drawers that individually correspond to different gaming chips 103 placed on the gaming chip reader. The chip verification system 215 can process the set of drawers for the gaming chips 103.

[0052] In box 506, the process 500 includes identifying a version of the gaming chip. For example, the chip verification system 215 can identify the version of the gaming chip 103 from the drawer. In one example, the chip verification system 215 can calculate various pointers to a memory segment that includes multiple drawers. The chip verification system 215 can copy bits, bytes, words, or other sizes of memory from the pointers to memory locations to fragment the version. In another example, the version may be stored without being encoded.

[0053] In box 509, process 500 includes decrypting the memory mapping. For example, chip verification system 215 can load an encryption key for memory mapping 218. The encryption key can be stored in encrypted data 224. Memory mapping 218 can be encrypted with Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption, Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) encryption, or some other type of encryption.

[0054] In box 512, process 500 includes decrypting the chip inventory data store. For example, chip verification system 215 can decrypt currency data 221. In some embodiments, currency data 221 can correspond to an encrypted database, such as an encrypted Structured Query Language (SQL) server among other encrypted databases. Similarly, memory mapping 218 can be an encrypted database. The encrypted database can be loaded with an encryption key to enable decryption during use by chip verification system 215. The encryption key for currency data 221 can be different from the encryption key for memory mapping 218.

[0055] In box 515, the process 500 includes decrypting data from the gaming chip based on the memory mapping. The chip verification system 215 can load a formula for decrypting the gaming chip 103 from the memory mapping 218. The memory mapping 218 can include information for decrypting data stored in different versions of the gaming chip 103. The chip verification system 215 can load data for each of the sets of variables from a drawer of each gaming chip 103 into memory.

[0056] In box 518, the process 500 includes validating the gaming chip against the chip inventory data store. The chip verification system 215 can verify that the set of variables loaded from the drawer matches the variables 227 loaded into the gaming chip 103 when the gaming chip 103 was manufactured. The chip verification system 215 can verify that the gaming chip 103 is currently in use at the casino. If the verification fails, the chip verification system 215 can initiate corrective action.

[0057] In box 521, process 500 includes determining whether another gaming chip is to be processed. If another gaming chip is to be processed, process 500 moves to box 515. If another gaming chip is not to be processed, process 500 ends.

[0058] Referring to Figure 6, a flow diagram of a process 600 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In box 603, the process 600 includes generating an order for gaming chips. For example, the computing environment 203 (Figure 2) may receive an order to purchase gaming chips 103 from a casino. The order may include a quantity of gaming chips 103 of each denomination. The order may also include the currency of the currency used, a sales order number, the name of the casino placing the order, and other information.

[0059] In box 606, the process 600 includes generating a data set for the gaming chips. For example, the computing environment 203 can compile a set of variables to be written to each gaming chip 103 from the order. The set of variables can be stored in a memory segment that mirrors the unencoded version of the drawer, as shown in FIG. 3 . The computing environment 203 can verify that the gaming chip 103 has not been previously programmed before proceeding. Some of the variables in the set can come from the order, such as the currency of money being used, the sales order number, the name of the casino placing the order, and other information. Other variables in the set can be generated by the computing environment 203. As an example, the computing environment 203 can determine the chipset, version, and product information. In some embodiments, the computing environment 203 can generate a random number for the serial number. In other embodiments, the serial number is pre-programmed into the RFID tag when the RFID tag is manufactured. When writing data, the computing environment 203 may read the serial number from the pre-programmed RFID tag and store the serial number in a variable 227 associated with the set of variables for the gaming chip 103 .

[0060] In box 609, process 600 includes encoding a data set based on the current version. For example, the computing environment can encode a variable for storage in a drawer of the gaming chip 103 using the memory mapping 218 for the current version being manufactured. The current version can be incremented at a predetermined frequency to ensure that gaming chips 103 used in the field are encoded with different schemes using different encryptions. Each version of the gaming chip 103 can be encoded with a different scheme / encryption. Also, different encryption keys can be used to encrypt data on the gaming chip 103. In some embodiments, different gaming chips of a single sequence can be encoded with different version numbers using different encryptions.

[0061] In box 612, the process 600 includes writing the data set to the gaming chip. The computing environment 203 can write the encoded data from box 609 to the gaming chip 103. The computing environment 203 can be coupled to an RFID transceiver and RFID antenna configured to write and lock the data to the gaming chip 103. The data stored on the gaming chip 103 can be locked to prevent future editing.

[0062] In box 615, process 600 includes determining whether another gaming chip is in order. If another gaming chip is in order, process 600 moves to box 606. Otherwise, process 600 ends.

[0063] 7, an exemplary hardware diagram of a computing device 700 is shown. The chip verification system 215, the gaming table 206, or any of the other functions discussed herein may be implemented in part using one or more elements of the computing device 700. The computing device 700 may include one or more of a processor 710, a random access memory (“RAM”) 720, a read-only memory (“ROM”) 730, a memory device 740, a network interface 750, and an input / output (“I / O”) interface 760. The elements of the computing device 700 are communicatively coupled via a bus 702.

[0064] Processor 710 may include an arithmetic processor, an application specific integrated circuit ("ASIC"), or other type of hardware or software processor. RAM and ROM 720 and 730 may include memory that stores computer-readable instructions executed by processor 710. Storage device 740 stores computer-readable instructions therein that, when executed by processor 710, directs processor 710 to perform various aspects of the disclosure described herein. If processor 710 includes an ASIC, the processes described herein may be performed according to the ASIC's embedded circuit design, by the ASIC, by the ASIC's firmware, or by both the ASIC's embedded circuit design and firmware. As a non-limiting exemplary group, storage device 740 may be comprised of one or more of an optical disk, a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory (i.e., semiconductor, floating gate, or similar flash-based memory), a magnetic tape memory, a removable memory, a combination thereof, or any other known storage means for storing computer-readable instructions. Network interface 750 may include a hardware interface for communicating over a data network. The I / O interface 760 may include device input / output interfaces such as a keyboard, pointing device, display, communication, and other interfaces. The bus 702 electrically and communicatively couples the processor 710, RAM 720, ROM 730, memory device 740, network interface 750, and I / O interface 760 so that data and instructions can be communicated therebetween.

[0065] In operation, the processor 710 is configured to retrieve computer-readable instructions stored in the memory device 740, RAM 720, ROM 730, or another storage means and copy the computer-readable instructions to the RAM 720 or ROM 730, for example, for execution. The processor 710 is further configured to execute the computer-readable instructions to implement various aspects and features of the present disclosure. For example, the processor 710 may be adapted and configured to perform the processes described above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, including the processes described as being performed by the computing environment 203, including the chip verification system 215 and the gaming table 206. The storage device 740 may also store data stored in the data store 212.

[0066] Phrases such as "at least one of X, Y, or Z," unless specifically stated otherwise, should be understood with the context in which they are generally used to indicate that an item, term, etc. can be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and / or Z). Similarly, "at least one of X, Y, and Z," unless specifically stated otherwise, should be understood to indicate that an item, term, etc. can be either X, Y, and Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and / or Z). Thus, as used herein, such phrases generally do not imply that a particular embodiment requires that at least one of either X, Y, or Z is present, but does not require, for example, that one X and one Y are present, nor should such phrases imply that a particular embodiment requires that at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z are present.

[0067] Although embodiments have been described in detail herein, the description is for illustrative purposes only. The features of the embodiments described herein are exemplary, and alternative embodiments may add or omit certain features and elements. Furthermore, modifications to aspects of the embodiments described herein may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as defined in the following claims, which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass such modifications and equivalent structures.

Claims

1. a data store containing encrypted memory mappings and a gaming chip inventory data set; Gaming chip reader, At least one computing device in communication with the data store and the gaming chip reader, the at least one computing device comprising at least: receiving a plurality of drawers corresponding to the gaming chips from the gaming chip reader; Identifying a version from one of the plurality of drawers; decrypting the encrypted memory mapping to generate a decrypted memory mapping; decrypting data describing the gaming chip from the plurality of drawers based at least in part on the decrypted memory mapping; verifying the gaming chip against the gaming chip inventory data set based at least in part on data describing the gaming chip; The system is configured as follows:

2. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein each drawer of the plurality of drawers comprises at least one of a memory page, a memory block, a byte, or a word.

3. The at least one computing device further comprises at least: receiving a plurality of second drawers corresponding to second gaming chips from the gaming chip reader; identifying a second version from one of the plurality of second drawers; decrypting data describing the second gaming chip from the plurality of second drawers based at least in part on the decrypted memory mapping; verifying the second gaming chip against the gaming chip inventory data set based at least in part on data describing the gaming chip; The system of claim 1 , configured to:

4. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the version is different from the second version, the data describing the gaming chip is encoded with a first cipher corresponding to the version, and the data describing the second gaming chip is encoded with a second cipher corresponding to the second version.

5. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one computing device is further configured to at least decrypt the gaming chip inventory dataset before verifying the gaming chip against the gaming chip inventory dataset.

6. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the encrypted memory mapping is encrypted based at least in part on a first encryption key and the gaming chip inventory data set is encrypted based at least in part on a second encryption key.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein each of a plurality of components of each of the plurality of variables is stored individually in a respective one of the plurality of drawers.

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein each of a plurality of drawers stores a respective component from the plurality of variables.

9. Through the gaming chip reader, multiple drawers corresponding to the gaming chip are read, Identifying, via at least one computing device, a version of the plurality of drawers; decrypting, via the at least one computing device, the encrypted memory mapping to generate a decrypted memory mapping; via the at least one computing device, decrypting data describing the gaming chip from the plurality of drawers based at least in part on the decrypted memory mapping; and validating, via the at least one computing device, the gaming chip against the gaming chip inventory dataset based at least in part on data describing the gaming chip.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the gaming chip inventory data set consists of all gaming chips authorized for use in the casino.

11. moreover, reading a plurality of second drawers corresponding to second gaming chips through the gaming chip reader; Identifying, via the at least one computing device, a second version from one of the plurality of second drawers; via the at least one computing device, decrypting data describing the second gaming chip from the plurality of second drawers based at least in part on the decrypted memory mapping; 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising verifying, via the at least one computing device, the second gaming chip against the gaming chip inventory data set based at least in part on data describing the gaming chip.

12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the version is different from the second version, the data describing the gaming chip is encoded with a first cipher corresponding to the version, and the data describing the second gaming chip is encoded with a second cipher corresponding to the second version.

13. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising decrypting the gaming chip inventory dataset via the at least one computing device before verifying the gaming chip against the gaming chip inventory dataset.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the encrypted memory mapping is encrypted based at least in part on a first encryption key and the gaming chip inventory data set is encrypted based at least in part on a second encryption key.

15. The method of claim 9 , wherein each of a plurality of components of each of the plurality of variables is stored individually in a respective one of the plurality of drawers.

16. The method of claim 9 , wherein each of a plurality of drawers stores a respective component of the plurality of variables.

17. When executed by at least one computing device, the at least one computing device receiving a plurality of drawers corresponding to the gaming chip; Identifying a version from the gaming chip; decrypting the encrypted memory mapping to generate a decrypted memory mapping; decrypting data describing the gaming chips from the plurality of drawers based at least in part on the decrypted memory mapping; and verifying the gaming chip against the gaming chip inventory data set based at least in part on data describing the gaming chip; A non-transitory computer-readable medium that embodies a program for executing the above.

18. The program further comprises causing the at least one computing device to: receiving a plurality of second drawers corresponding to the second gaming chips; identifying a second version from one of the plurality of second drawers; Decoding data describing the second gaming chip from the second plurality of drawers based at least in part on the decoded memory mapping; and verifying the second gaming chip against the gaming chip inventory data set based at least in part on data describing the gaming chip; 20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17,

19. 20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the encrypted memory mapping comprises an encrypted file and the gaming chip inventory data set comprises an encrypted database.

20. 20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the program further causes the at least one computing device to identify at least a serial number from a gaming chip, and wherein the version is based at least in part on the serial number.

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