Inspection system and substitute currency for games

Abstract

This invention provides a novel substitute currency for games that allows for the determination of authenticity based on images obtained through photography. [Solution] The inspection system 50 for inspecting substitute currency for games includes a substitute currency 1 to which code information is assigned by partially irradiating an ID mark area 121 coated with UV ink with laser light to alter or remove the partial area; an ultraviolet irradiation lamp that irradiates the substitute currency 1 with ultraviolet light to make the UV ink visible; a UV camera 51 that photographs the substitute currency 1 irradiated with ultraviolet light; and an inspection device 55 that recognizes the code information made visible by ultraviolet irradiation based on the image taken by the UV camera 51 and determines the authenticity of the substitute currency 1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection system for gaming substitute currency used in table games and gaming substitute currency.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in gaming establishments such as casinos, table games using gaming substitute currency are played. Since gaming substitute currency can be exchanged for money, its forgery is strictly regulated. Various techniques have been proposed and adopted to distinguish counterfeit gaming substitute currency from genuine gaming substitute currency. For example, a method is known in which an RF tag recording identification information is built into the gaming substitute currency, and the authenticity is determined by reading the identification information with an RF reader (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] On the other hand, different values are defined for each type of gaming substitute currency, and in order to automate table games, techniques for detecting the value of gaming substitute currency have also been proposed. For example, a method is known in which an RF tag recording information on the type or value is built into the gaming substitute currency, and the value is detected by reading the information with an RF reader (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a novel gaming substitute currency capable of determining authenticity based on an image obtained by photographing and an inspection system for inspecting the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a game substitute currency inspection system using a game table, comprising: a recording device that records the type and authenticity of the game substitute currency using a camera; and an inspection device that determines the authenticity of the game substitute currency using the recording results of the recording device, wherein the game substitute currency is provided with a unique ID that can be individually identified by appearance, the inspection device reads the unique ID attached to the game substitute currency to be inspected using a camera, and can determine the authenticity of the game substitute currency to be inspected based on the read unique ID, the unique ID is formed by irradiating an ID mark area composed of UV ink or an infrared absorbing material with laser light to partially alter or remove the UV ink or infrared absorbing material constituting the ID mark area, thereby forming a unique ID that can be individually identified or a unique ID that can be individually identified for each specific group in the ID mark area.

[0007] With this configuration, by irradiating the ID mark area of ​​the substitute currency used for gaming with ultraviolet or infrared light, a unique ID becomes visible in the ID mark area. Therefore, by reading the unique ID of the substitute currency used for gaming, it is possible to determine whether it is genuine or counterfeit.

[0008] In the inspection system described above, the ID code may be associated with one of the following in a database: the machine used for manufacturing, the order of manufacturing, the time of manufacturing, or manufacturing information.

[0009] This configuration allows for the determination of one of the following by reading the ID code: the machine used to manufacture the substitute currency for the game, the order of manufacture, the time of manufacture, or the manufacturing information.

[0010] The inspection system described above may further include an RFID or ID code in addition to the individually identifiable unique ID provided on the outside of the substitute currency for gaming, and the inspection device may have a database that associates the unique ID provided on the outer layer with the RFID or ID code further provided on the substitute currency for gaming, and the inspection device may read the unique ID attached to the substitute currency for gaming to be inspected using a camera, and determine the authenticity of the substitute currency for gaming to be inspected by comparing the read ID with the RFID or ID code further provided on the substitute currency for gaming with the contents of the database.

[0011] This configuration allows for the determination of the authenticity of game currency by comparing a unique ID, created using UV ink or infrared-absorbing material, with a separately provided RFID or ID code.

[0012] In the inspection system described above, the inspection device may be configured to determine the authenticity of the substitute currency for games using a regular camera and an infrared camera or a UV camera.

[0013] This configuration allows for the authenticity of game currency to be determined by photographing the unique ID revealed in the ID mark area with an infrared or UV camera.

[0014] In the inspection system described above, the unique ID of the substitute currency for gaming may be a code consisting of letters or marks.

[0015] This configuration allows a unique ID to be represented by letters or symbols.

[0016] In the inspection system described above, the unique ID of the substitute currency for gaming may be transparent.

[0017] This configuration allows for the assignment of unique IDs to substitute currency used for games without compromising its design aesthetics, while also improving security.

[0018] One embodiment of the present invention provides a game substitute currency with an individually identifiable unique ID on its exterior, the unique ID can be read using a camera, and the authenticity of the game substitute currency can be determined by the read unique ID, and the unique ID is formed by irradiating an ID mark area, which is composed of UV ink or an infrared absorbing material, with laser light to partially alter or remove the UV ink or infrared absorbing material constituting the ID mark area, thereby forming an individually identifiable unique ID or a unique ID that can be individually identifiable for each specific group on the ID mark area.

[0019] With this configuration, by irradiating the ID mark area of ​​the substitute currency used for gaming with ultraviolet or infrared light, a unique ID becomes visible in the ID mark area. Therefore, by reading the unique ID of the substitute currency used for gaming, it is possible to determine whether it is genuine or counterfeit.

[0020] In the above-mentioned substitute currency for games, the ID code may be linked to one of the following in a database: the machine used for manufacturing, the order of manufacturing, the time of manufacturing, or manufacturing information.

[0021] This configuration allows for the determination of one of the following by reading the ID code: the machine used to manufacture the substitute currency for the game, the order of manufacture, the time of manufacture, or the manufacturing information.

[0022] The above-mentioned substitute currency for gaming may further have an RFID or ID code in addition to the individually identifiable unique ID provided on the outside, and the authenticity of the substitute currency for gaming to be inspected may be determined by using a database that associates the unique ID provided on the outside with the RFID or ID code further provided on the substitute currency for gaming, and comparing the unique ID attached to the substitute currency for gaming to be inspected with the RFID or ID code further provided on the substitute currency for gaming with the contents of the database.

[0023] With this configuration, the authenticity of the gaming substitute currency can be determined by collating a unique ID made of UV ink or an infrared absorption material with an RFID or ID code provided separately therefrom.

[0024] The unique ID of the gaming substitute currency may be a code formed by characters or marks.

[0025] With this configuration, a unique ID is represented by characters or marks.

[0026] The unique ID of the gaming substitute currency may be transparent.

[0027] With this configuration, a unique ID can be given without degrading the design of the gaming substitute currency, and security can be improved.

[0028] Still another aspect of the present invention is an inspection system for inspecting gaming substitute currency, including a gaming substitute currency provided with code information by partially irradiating a laser beam on an ID mark area coated entirely with ink to alter or remove the partial area, a camera for photographing the gaming substitute currency, and an inspection device for determining the authenticity of the gaming substitute currency by reading the code information based on an image photographed by the camera.

[0029] With this configuration, the authenticity of the gaming substitute currency can be determined by reading the code information imparted by irradiation with a laser beam.

[0030] In the above inspection system, the ink applied entirely to the ID mark area may be invisible ink, and the inspection system may further include a lamp for irradiating the gaming substitute currency with a light beam for visualizing the invisible ink, and the inspection device may read the code information visualized by irradiation with the light beam.

[0031] This configuration makes the ID mark area invisible under visible light, allowing code information to be added without affecting the design of the substitute currency used for gaming, while also improving security.

[0032] A further aspect of the present invention is a substitute currency for games, comprising at least a display surface for displaying value and an ID mark area provided on the display surface, wherein first code information is assigned by partially irradiating the ID mark area with laser light to alter or remove the partial portion.

[0033] This configuration allows code information to be assigned by irradiating it with laser light.

[0034] In the above-mentioned substitute currency for games, the ink applied to the entire ID mark area may be UV ink that emits light when irradiated with ultraviolet light, and the portion irradiated with laser light may be altered or removed so that it does not emit light when irradiated with ultraviolet light.

[0035] This configuration allows the first code information to be visualized by irradiating the ID mark area with ultraviolet light.

[0036] In the above-mentioned substitute currency for games, the ink applied to the entire ID mark area may be an ink made of an infrared-absorbing material that absorbs infrared rays, and the portion irradiated with the laser light may be altered or removed so as not to absorb infrared rays.

[0037] This configuration allows the first code information to be visualized by irradiating the ID mark area with infrared light.

[0038] In the above-described substitute currency for games, the substitute currency for games may be manufactured by cutting it out from a substitute currency plate, and may be assigned a second code information by ink, the first code information may be information that uniquely identifies the substitute currency plate, and the second code information may be information indicating the position within the substitute currency plate.

[0039] This configuration allows for the creation of information that uniquely identifies the substitute currency used for gaming, using the first code information and the second code information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0040] [Figure 1] This is a side cross-sectional view of a substitute currency for games according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of a substitute currency for games according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing a stack of multiple substitute game currency according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows an enlarged view of the invisible ink region in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows a substitute currency plate in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the manufacturing process of substitute currency for games according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a plan view of a sheet member that forms the printing layer in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a side view of a sheet member coated with a protective film according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure illustrates the stacking order of the sheet members in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the manufacturing process of substitute currency for games. [Figure 11] This is a side cross-sectional view of a modified example of a substitute currency for games according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This diagram shows a configuration for inspecting substitute currency placed on a game table according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the inspection system in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a side cross-sectional view of a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention, a substitute currency 1 for games. [Figure 15] This figure shows a configuration for inspecting substitute currency for games, which has been collected for the purpose of inspecting a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a block diagram of an inspection system for a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are merely examples of how the present invention can be implemented, and the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations described below. In implementing the present invention, specific configurations may be adopted as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0042] The inspection system of this embodiment is a system for inspecting substitute currency used in table games using a game table. First, the configuration of the substitute currency will be described. Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of the substitute currency, Figure 2 is a top view of the substitute currency, and Figure 3 is a perspective view of multiple substitute currency stacked on top of each other.

[0043] The substitute currency 1 for games has a multilayer disc shape formed by heat-pressing multiple plastic sheet members together to create a substitute currency base, and then punching out a circular shape from the substitute currency base. In this embodiment, as will be described later, 50 circles are cut out from one substitute currency base to manufacture 50 substitute currency 1 for games.

[0044] As shown in Figure 1, the game currency 1 has a five-layer structure consisting of a three-layer structure in which a colored layer (specified color layer) 11 colored with a specified color is sandwiched on both sides by light-colored layers (common color layer) 12, and further sandwiched by a printed layer 14. A transparent protective film 15 such as varnish is formed on the surface of the printed layer 14, and if this protective film 15 is also counted as one layer, the game currency has a seven-layer structure. Furthermore, an RF tag 13 is sandwiched between the colored layer 11 and the light-colored layer 12, and the game currency 1 has an embedded RF tag 13. Specifically, a light-colored sheet material constituting the light-colored layer 12 sandwiches both sides of a colored sheet material constituting the colored layer 11. At this time, an RF tag 13 is sandwiched between the light-colored layer 12 and the colored layer 11 so as to be at the center of the area where the substitute currency 1 for gaming is punched out. Both sides of these three sheet materials are then sandwiched with sheet materials constituting the printing layer 14, and these five sheet materials are heat-pressed together to form the substitute currency plate 10. By punching out this substitute currency plate 10 in a circular shape, a striped pattern consisting of the colored layer 11 and the two light-colored layers 12 sandwiching it is formed on the side, and a substitute currency 1 for gaming is obtained with the RF tag 13 embedded in the center.

[0045] The game currency 1 comes in several types depending on its value (10 points, 20 points, 100 points, 1000 points, etc.), and the color of the colored layer 11 (designated color) differs depending on the type. In other words, the designated color represents the type of game currency 1; for example, 10 points, 20 points, 100 points, and 1000 points are represented by red, green, yellow, and blue, respectively.

[0046] The game substitute coin 1 has a structure in which a colored layer 11 is placed in the middle and sandwiched on both sides by light-colored layers 12. As shown in Figure 3, even when multiple game substitute coins 1 are stacked, each colored layer 11 is separated in the direction of stacking, and the number and type (value) of game substitute coins 1 can be detected by the color of the colored layer 11 that can be observed from the side. The light-colored layer 12 may be any color lighter than the colored layer 11, and may be white. The color of the colored layer 11 differs for each type of game substitute coin 1, whereas the color of the light-colored layer 12 is common to all types.

[0047] As shown in Figure 2, the printed layers 14 on both sides of the substitute currency 1 for gaming are displayed as display surfaces 120, on which at least a number indicating value is printed. In the example in Figure 2, the display surface 120 is printed with the number "100", indicating a value of 100 points. The display surface 120 also has code information for authenticity verification in a predetermined position.

[0048] The code information is printed on the display surface 120 using transparent, invisible ink that cannot be observed under visible light. The code information consists of first code information assigned to the ID mark area 121, which is filled with invisible ink, and second code information assigned outside the ID mark area 121. The second code information may also be assigned within the ID mark area 121.

[0049] The first code information is represented by the presence or absence of marks 122 at 10 predetermined positions (20 predetermined positions in total) arranged in two rows on the circumference, and can represent 4 to the power of 10 (2 to the power of 20) types of information.

[0050] Figure 4 shows a magnified view of the ID mark area 121. The ID mark area 121 is coated with invisible UV ink, and the mark 122 is formed by irradiating this UV ink with laser light. UV ink fluoresces when irradiated with ultraviolet light, but in the area of ​​the mark 122 that has been irradiated with laser light, the UV ink has been altered and no longer fluoresces when exposed to ultraviolet light. Therefore, by irradiating the entire ID mark area 121 with ultraviolet light, the parts of the ID mark area 121 that do not fluoresce become the mark 122 and can be observed visually.

[0051] The ID mark area 121 displays an L-shaped mark 124 that functions as a reference mark. By using this L-shaped mark 124 as a reference, the position of each mark 122, which is shown in a predetermined position in 2 rows and 10 columns, can be determined. The ID mark area 121 is provided with a unique ID as first code information, which is visually identifiable individually. This ID allows for the individual identification of the substitute currency plate 10 when manufacturing the substitute currency 1 for games.

[0052] In other words, the IDs in the ID mark area 121 of multiple (50 in this embodiment) game substitute coins 1 obtained from the same substitute coin plate 10 are the same. If we consider one substitute coin plate 10 as one group, the ID represented by the first code information in the ID mark area 121 is a unique ID that allows for the individual identification of game substitute coins 1 for each group. Thus, the ID mark area 121 is an area to which a unique ID is assigned by the mark 122.

[0053] The ID indicating the first code information is associated in database 56 with information regarding the machine used to manufacture the substitute coin plate 10, the order of manufacture, the time of manufacture, and / or a combination thereof.

[0054] On the other hand, the second code information represents information based on the presence or absence of marks 123 at six predetermined positions arranged on the circumference, and can represent 2 to the power of 6 types of information. This second code information also indicates a unique ID that can be individually identified by appearance. This ID can individually identify the position on the substitute coin plate 10 when manufacturing the substitute coin 1 for gaming. In other words, the second code information indicates the position on the substitute coin plate 10, and the second code information of substitute coins 1 for gaming cut from the same position on different substitute coin plates 10 will be the same, but the second code information will not be duplicated among multiple substitute coins 1 for gaming cut from the same substitute coin plate 10.

[0055] Figure 5 is a plan view of a single substitute coin plate 10 for manufacturing multiple substitute game coins 1. As described above, a total of 50 substitute game coins 1 are manufactured from a single substitute coin plate 10 in a 10x5 grid. As shown in Figure 5, each of the 50 substitute game coins 1 is assigned a different combination of marks 123 as second code information, indicating its position on the substitute coin plate 10.

[0056] As described above, the first code information uniquely identifies the substitute currency plate 10 for manufacturing the substitute currency 1 for games, and the second code information uniquely identifies the position of the substitute currency 1 on the substitute currency plate 10 for manufacturing the substitute currency for games. By identifying the first code information and the second code information, the substitute currency 1 for games can be uniquely identified. As described above, the first code information can represent 2 to the power of 20 different pieces of information, and the second code information can represent 2 to the power of 6 different pieces of information. By combining the first code information and the second code information, 2 to the power of 26 different pieces of code information can be used.

[0057] The RF tag 13 stores a unique ID (RFID) as information (RF tag information) that uniquely identifies the substitute currency 1 used for gaming. This RF tag information may be the same as, or may be different from, the code information consisting of a first code information and a second code information expressed in invisible ink on the display surface 120 of the printing layer 14.

[0058] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the manufacturing process of the substitute currency 1 for games. First, printing is performed on a sheet material that will become the printing layer 14 (step S61). Figure 7 is a plan view of the sheet material 140 that will become the printing layer 14. As shown in Figure 7, the sheet material 140 has an upper part that will become the printing layer 14 and a lower part that will become the printing layer 14 arranged side by side, and the second code information from 1 to 50 is arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line C in the middle of the left and right sides. In other words, 10 rows x 10 rows corresponding to the substitute currency 1 for games are printed on one sheet material 140. In Figure 7, #1 to #50 represent the second code information (i.e., information that identifies the position of the substitute currency 1 for games on the substitute currency plate 10), but in reality, the contents shown in Figure 5 are printed. After printing on the sheet material 140 is completed, a protective film 150 is applied on top of it (step S62).

[0059] Next, the sheet member 140 coated with the protective film 150, the sheet member 120 which will become the light-colored layer 12, and the sheet member 110 which will become the colored layer 11 are stacked on top of each other (step S63). Figure 8 is a side view of the sheet member 140 coated with the protective film 150, and Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the stacking order of the sheet members.

[0060] As shown in Figure 9, RF tags 13 are placed on the sheet member 110 which will be the colored layer, at positions corresponding to each substitute currency 1 used for the game. Sheet members 120 which will be the light-colored layer 12 are placed above and below the sheet member 110, and sheet members 140 are placed above and below those. At this time, the upper sheet member 140 is positioned so that the printed surface (the coated surface of the protective film 150) faces upward, and the lower sheet member 140 is positioned so that the printed surface (the coated surface of the protective film 150) faces downward.

[0061] At this time, as shown in Figure 7, the second code information is printed symmetrically with respect to the center line C. Therefore, as shown in Figure 8, if the 10x10 sheet member 140 is cut along the center line C and then rotated so that one side (the right side in Figure 8) is folded back, the positions of the second code information will match on the upper and lower sheet members 140 when the sheet members are stacked, as shown in Figure 9. In this way, the upper and lower sheet members 140 are printed as a single sheet member, and then separated and used as upper and lower sheets when stacking them, which reduces the occurrence of errors such as mixing up the upper and lower sheet members 140.

[0062] Next, the stacked sheet members are heat-pressed together in the order shown in Figure 9 (step S64). This creates the substitute currency plate 10. Using an RF reader, the RF tag information is read from the 50 RF tags 13 embedded in the substitute currency plate 10 (step S65), and this is associated with information that uniquely identifies the substitute currency plate 10 in the database (an ID that identifies the sheet member 140) (step S66).

[0063] Next, a punching process is performed to punch out 50 game substitute coins 1 from the substitute coin plate 10 (step S67). This yields 50 game substitute coins 1. For each of these 50 game substitute coins 1, the ID mark area 121 (printed on both sides) is written by laser irradiation (step S68). As described above, the RF tag information in the RF tag 13 is linked to the first code information (ID of the substitute coin plate 10) in the database, so when writing by laser irradiation, the RF tag information is read using an RF reader and the corresponding first code information is written.

[0064] Finally, information is written to the RF tag 13 using an RF writer (step S69). Here, in addition to the first code information and the second code information, the RF tag information includes the amount of the substitute currency used for the game, casino information, junket information, chip attributes such as whether it is a rolling chip or a cashing chip (whether it is a chip that can be exchanged for cash or not), and other information or codes requested by the user.

[0065] As described above, in this embodiment, the printing of the second code information and the ID mark area (step S61) is performed on the printed layer 14 of the sheet member 140 in the state before the die-cutting process (step S67), and the writing of the first code information by laser irradiation to the ID mark area 121 (step S68) is performed on the ID mark area 121 of each game substitute coin 1 that has been separated after the die-cutting process (step S67). If the laser irradiation (step S68) were to be performed before the die-cutting process (step S67) (i.e., if the laser irradiation were performed on the substitute coin original plate 10), it would be necessary to either line up multiple laser irradiators or use one laser irradiator and move either the laser irradiator or the substitute coin original plate 10. However, laser irradiators are relatively expensive, and providing multiple units would be disadvantageous in terms of cost. In addition, the mechanism for moving the laser irradiator or the substitute coin original plate 10 requires high precision. Furthermore, laser irradiators are heavy, and moving them is not easy. For these reasons, after the punching process (step S67), the first code information is written to each game substitute coin 1 by laser irradiation. The information to be written by laser irradiation can be determined by reading the RF tag information already written to the RF tag 13, so by reading the RF tag information when irradiating with laser, the correct information to be written can be written by laser irradiation without error.

[0066] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the manufacturing process for the substitute currency 1 for games. In this manufacturing process, the substitute currency 1 for games, which has a three-layer structure as shown in Figure 11, is manufactured. As shown in Figure 11, the substitute currency 1 for games has a three-layer structure consisting of a colored layer 11 and two light-colored layers 12 sandwiching it, with the surface of the light-colored layer 12 serving as the display surface 120. That is, printing is done directly on the surface of the light-colored layer 12. When manufacturing the substitute currency 1 for games, first, a light-colored sheet material is prepared, and an RF tag 13 is placed in the center of the punching position of the substitute currency 1 on top of it. Then, a sheet material colored with a specified color and a light-colored sheet material are stacked on top of it in this order to form a laminated structure consisting of multiple layers of plastic. Then, by heating this laminated structure and applying pressure in the stacking direction, each layer is heat-welded to manufacture a three-layer substitute currency plate 10 (step S101).

[0067] Next, a value-indicating number, an ID mark area 121 for indicating first code information, and a mark 123 for indicating second code information are printed on the display surface 120 of the substitute coin plate 10 (step S102). At this time, the ID mark area 121 is simply filled in at all positions, meaning that the first code information has not yet been assigned, while the combination of marks 123 indicating second code information differs depending on their position on the substitute coin plate 10.

[0068] In other words, during the printing stage on the substitute currency plate 10, the ID mark area 121 is completely coated with invisible UV ink (solid color), and the second code information is an ID corresponding to the position of each game substitute currency 1 on the substitute currency plate 10. As described above, the first code information for uniquely identifying the substitute currency plate 10 is applied by irradiating the ID mark area 121 with laser light, so at this printing stage, the same plate can be used to print on multiple substitute currency plates 10.

[0069] Once printing is complete, a laser beam is then shone onto multiple ID mark areas 121 of the substitute currency plate 10 to assign first code information (step S103). As described above, this first code information is information that allows for the individual identification of the substitute currency plate 10, and therefore, the same first code information is assigned to multiple ID mark areas 121 of the same substitute currency plate 10.

[0070] Next, RF tag information is written to each of the multiple RF tags 13 using an RF writer (step S104). Once the above steps are completed, a die is used to punch out the substitute currency plates 10 corresponding to the multiple substitute currency 1 for games (step S105), and a disc-shaped substitute currency 1 for games is obtained. Note that the writing of the RF tag information may be done before the laser irradiation step, before the printing step, or before the heat-sealing step.

[0071] Next, we will describe the inspection system including the game substitute currency 1 mentioned above. Figure 12 is a diagram showing the configuration for inspecting the game substitute currency 1 placed on the game table T, and Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the inspection system.

[0072] As shown in Figure 13, the inspection system 50 includes a UV camera 51, a visible light camera 52, an RF reader 53, a recording device 54, an inspection device 55, a database 56, and an output device 57. The UV camera 51 has a typical digital camera configuration including a lens 511 and an image sensor, as well as an ultraviolet irradiation lamp 512. The ultraviolet irradiation lamp 512 irradiates ultraviolet light into the field of view of the UV camera 51. The UV camera 51 captures an image (UV image) that emits light due to UV ink by illuminating the substitute currency 1 for the game with the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 512 turned on. The visible light camera 52 has a typical digital camera configuration including a lens 521 and an image sensor.

[0073] As shown in Figure 12, a pole P is erected on the gaming table T. The UV camera 51 is mounted relatively high above the pole P and is positioned at an angle downwards to photograph the table surface from above. The visible light camera 52 is mounted relatively low above the pole P and is positioned to face approximately horizontally so as to be able to clearly photograph the sides of the substitute game currency 1 placed on the gaming table T.

[0074] The RF reader 53 is equipped with an antenna 531 that transmits and receives electromagnetic waves to read RF tag information from the RF tag 13 of the game substitute currency 1. The RF reader 53 reads the RF tag information based on the electromagnetic waves received by the antenna 531. As shown in Figure 12, the RF reader 53 is built into the underside of the table surface of the game table T.

[0075] The UV image of the display surface 120 of the substitute currency 1 captured by the UV camera 51, the visible light image of the side of the substitute currency 1 captured by the visible light camera 52, and the RF tag information stored in the RF tag 13 of the substitute currency 1 read by the RF reader 53 are all recorded in the recording device 54.

[0076] The inspection device 55 performs image recognition processing on the recording results of the recording device 54, namely the UV image, visible light image, and RF tag information recorded in the recording device 54, to identify the image and determine the authenticity of the substitute currency 1 for gaming. The inspection device 55 reads code information based on the UV image of the display surface 120 and reads side information (color of the colored layer) based on the visible light image of the side. The inspection device 55 has machine learning models implemented for recognition of both the UV image from the UV camera 51 and the visible light image from the visible light camera 52. More specifically, the inspection device 55 can perform image recognition processing using a neural network.

[0077] If the code information and the RF tag information are the same, the database 56 stores the code information of the potentially used substitute currency 1 in association with the type of substitute currency 1, the machine used to manufacture the substitute currency plate 10 of the substitute currency 1, the manufacturing order, the manufacturing time, or manufacturing information, or a combination thereof.

[0078] The inspection device 55 determines whether the recognized code information matches the RF tag information read by the RF reader 53. In the case of a genuine substitute game currency 1, the recognized code information and the RF tag information read by the RF reader 53 should match, and the inspection device 55 determines that the substitute game currency 1 is a fraudulent substitute game currency 1 if this information does not match.

[0079] If the inspection device 55 finds that the code information and the RF tag information match, it further checks whether the code information is stored in the database 56. If the information recognized from the UV image and RF tag 13 is not stored in the database 56, it is determined that the substitute currency 1 is a fraudulent substitute currency 1.

[0080] The inspection device 55 further checks whether the type of game substitute currency 1 associated with the information recognized in the database 56 matches the type recognized from the visible light image on the side. If they do not match, the inspection device 55 determines that the game substitute currency 1 is a fraudulent game substitute currency 1.

[0081] If the code information and the RF tag information are not the same, the database 56 stores the code information of the potentially used substitute currency 1 in association with one or a combination of the following: the type of substitute currency 1, the RF tag information, the machine used to manufacture the substitute currency plate 10 of the substitute currency 1, the manufacturing order, the manufacturing time, or the manufacturing information.

[0082] The inspection device 55 determines the authenticity of the game substitute currency 1 by checking whether a combination of code information recognized from the UV image of the display surface 120, RF tag information read by the RF reader 53, and information on the type of game substitute currency 1 recognized from the visible light image of the side exists in the database 56.

[0083] The inspection device 55 determines that the substitute game currency 1 is genuine unless it determines that it is fraudulent. The output device 57 outputs the result of the determination of authenticity of the substitute game currency 1, that is, whether it is fraudulent or genuine. The output device 57 may be a display device that displays the determination result as an image, a speaker that outputs the determination result as sound, or a lamp that outputs the determination result as a color. The determination result by the inspection device 55 is recorded in the recording device 54.

[0084] As described above, in the substitute currency 1 for games of this embodiment, an invisible ink that is made visible by ultraviolet irradiation is applied to the ID mark area 121 of the display surface 120, and then the irradiated portion is altered by irradiating the ID mark area 121 with a laser to form a mark 122 that is not visible (emits light) even by ultraviolet irradiation, and the code information is assigned to the ID mark area 121 by selecting such an irradiated portion (position of the mark 122) according to the code information. This code information (first code information) can be made visible as a non-emitting mark 122 by irradiating the ID mark area 121 with ultraviolet light.

[0085] It is also possible to construct the first code information by ejecting invisible ink to draw the mark 122, but if done so, only the portion of the mark 122 will protrude from the display surface 120, and the mark 122 may wear down during the process of using the substitute currency 1 for gaming. In particular, if the mark is relatively small in order to represent a lot of information, such as the mark 122, there is a risk that it will no longer be able to represent the correct information due to wear. In contrast, in this embodiment, the mark 122 that constitutes the first code information does not protrude from the display surface 120, so there is no risk of the mark 122 disappearing due to wear.

[0086] Furthermore, the substitute currency 1 for games in this embodiment also has a mark 123 printed on the display surface 120 in invisible ink as second code information. While the first code information is information that uniquely identifies the substitute currency plate 10, the second code information is information that uniquely identifies the position on the substitute currency plate 10, and by combining these, a unique ID that uniquely identifies the substitute currency 1 for games is constructed. With this configuration, when printing the mark 123 of the second code information and the invisible ink area 120, the same printing only needs to be done for all substitute currency plates 10, and therefore the same printing plate can be used.

[0087] Furthermore, since a first code information that uniquely identifies the substitute currency plate 10 is assigned to the substitute currency plate 10 after the invisible ink coating has been completed by laser irradiation, the same first code information can be conveniently assigned to multiple game substitute currency 1 cut from the same substitute currency plate 10.

[0088] Furthermore, since the invisible ink is transparent, the code information cannot be seen during normal use (under visible light), and it does not affect the design of the display surface 120 of the substitute currency 1 for gaming, while also improving security.

[0089] (modified version) In the above embodiment, UV ink that emits fluorescence when irradiated with ultraviolet light was used as the invisible ink, but the invisible ink is not limited to this, and may be, for example, an infrared absorbing material. When an infrared absorbing material is used as the invisible ink, the ID mark area 121 is coated (printed) with ink made of the infrared absorbing material over its entire surface, and the ID mark area 121, which has been fully printed with the infrared absorbing material in this manner, is irradiated with laser light at a position corresponding to the first code information, thereby altering the irradiated portion and forming the mark 122.

[0090] In this case, the altered portion of mark 122 cannot absorb infrared light. Therefore, when reading the first code information, by irradiating this ID mark area 121 with infrared light, the infrared light is not absorbed but reflected at mark 122, and the infrared light is absorbed and not reflected, or the amount of reflection is reduced, in the parts of the ID mark area 121 other than mark 122. Therefore, by photographing this ID mark area 121 with an infrared camera, it becomes possible to read the first code information consisting of mark 122.

[0091] For this reason, the inspection system is equipped with an infrared camera instead of a UV camera 51. The infrared camera is equipped with an infrared light that emits infrared light and an infrared detection element that detects the infrared image from the subject through a lens and generates an infrared image.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the mark 123 was formed by partially irradiating the ID mark area 121 with laser light to alter the irradiated portion. Alternatively, the invisible ink in the irradiated portion may be removed by irradiating it with laser light. In this case, it is necessary to irradiate with a stronger laser light than in the above embodiment.

[0093] Even if marks 122 are formed by removing the invisible ink, as in the above embodiment, if the invisible ink is UV ink, the arrangement of marks 122 can be made visible by irradiating the ID mark area 121 with ultraviolet light, and if the invisible ink is an infrared absorbing material ink, the arrangement of marks 122 can be made visible by irradiating the ID mark area 121 with infrared light.

[0094] Figure 14 is a side cross-sectional view of a modified example of a substitute game currency 1'. The substitute game currency 1' has a multilayer structure in which multiple layers of different colored plastics are laminated, with at least one colored layer (specified color layer) 11 in the middle, and light-colored layers (common color layers) 12 laminated on both sides of this middle colored layer 11. It is desirable that the color of the light-colored layer 12 is lighter than the color of the colored layer 11. In this way, the substitute game currency 1' has a multilayer structure in which a colored layer 11 is provided, and light-colored layers 12 are laminated on both sides of this middle colored layer 11, forming a striped pattern in the direction of lamination on the side, and the type of substitute game currency 1' can be identified by changing the color of the colored layer 11.

[0095] In this modified example, the colored layer 11 is formed by multiple layers (three layers in Figure 14) colored with a specified color, as shown in Figure 14. However, since the multiple layers colored with the specified color are heat-pressed together, the three-layer structure is not visible to the naked eye. A cutout B is provided in the middle layer of the three layers of the colored layer 11, and the RF tag 13 is embedded within it.

[0096] Similar to the embodiment described above, the display surface 120 of the substitute currency 1' for games is: The currency 1' has a number printed on it that represents its type (value), and a transparent layer 16 is provided on the outermost layer, with each layer heat-sealed together to form at least a five-layer structure. This substitute currency 1' for games is formed by stacking plastic sheet members that make up each layer (colored layer 11, light-colored layer 12, and transparent layer 16), placing an RF tag 13 in the cutout B, and heat-sealing the stacked sheet members together to form a substitute currency plate 10 in a tightly bonded state (e.g., a five-layer structure), and then punching out circular or rectangular shapes from the substitute currency plate 10 using a press or the like.

[0097] When punching out the material using a press, the dimensions of the die and punch used for punching are designed so that the edges of the outermost transparent layer 16 are rounded (R-shaped). This prevents the surface of the light-colored layer 12 from deforming and becoming visible on the sides. It also prevents the edges of the game currency 1' from becoming sharp and damaging hands or other game currency 1'.

[0098] As shown in Figure 14, the game substitute currency 1' has a stacked multilayer structure, and a clear striped pattern in the direction of stacking is formed on its side surface. Therefore, the color of the colored layer 11 (type of game substitute currency 1) and the number of pieces can be easily and accurately measured by image recognition in the inspection device 55.

[0099] Figure 15 shows a modified configuration for inspecting game currency 1 collected for inspection, and Figure 16 is a block diagram of the inspection system of the modified configuration. In the inspection system 70 of Figure 16, the same symbols are used for components similar to those in the inspection system 50 shown in Figure 13, and detailed explanations are omitted. The configuration of the inspection system 70 is the same as that of the inspection system 50, but the inspection system 70 is provided with a visible light camera 58 for capturing surface printing information (especially numbers indicating the type) separately from the UV camera 51 for capturing code information using invisible ink. The visible light camera 58 has the configuration of a general digital camera equipped with a lens 581 and an image sensor.

[0100] The inspection system 70, like the inspection system 50, includes a UV camera 51 for capturing code information on the display surface 120 of the substitute currency 1 for gaming, a visible light camera 52 for capturing the striped pattern on the side, an RF reader 53 for reading information on the RF tag 13 of the substitute currency 1 for gaming, a recording device 54, an inspection device 55, a database 56, and an output device 57.

[0101] As shown in Figure 15, the inspection system 70 includes an extrusion device 102 that moves the extrusion unit 10 in the direction of arrow Z, and the extrusion device 102 moves the extrusion unit 101 in the direction of arrow Z, supplying the stacked game substitute coins 1 one by one to the reading stage 109. At the reading stage 109, the surface printing information, code information, and side view are captured by the visible light camera 58, UV camera 51, and visible light camera 52, respectively, and the RF tag 13 embedded in the game substitute coin 1 is read by the RF reader 53. After reading the game substitute coin 1, it is pushed out by the next game substitute coin 1 and falls in the direction of arrow X, and the game substitute coins 1 that have fallen in the direction of arrow X are held in the holding stage 110.

[0102] The method for determining authenticity in the inspection device 55 may be the same as in the embodiment described above. Although surface printing information and code information are printed on both of the two display surfaces of the substitute game currency 1 inspected by this inspection system 70, if the surface printing information and code information are provided on only one side of the substitute game currency 1, the UV camera 51 and visible light camera 58 may be provided on both the front and back sides. This allows the surface printing information and code information printed on only one side to be captured by at least one of the UV camera 51 and visible light camera 58 on either the front or back side.

[0103] Furthermore, in the game currency 1 of the above embodiment, in addition to code information using invisible ink, RF tag information is stored in the RF tag 13 and this RF tag information is read by the RF reader 53. However, instead of or in addition to the RF tag information from the RF tag 13, an ID code (side ID) may be printed on the side of the game currency 1. This side ID may be printed with normal ink or with invisible ink.

[0104] If a side ID is assigned, the database 56 stores the contents of the side ID in association with code information, in the same manner as in the embodiment described above. The inspection device 55 refers to the database 56 to determine whether or not the recognized side ID is stored in the database 56.

[0105] Furthermore, in the game substitute currency 1 of the above embodiment, the code information was represented by an arrangement of marks 122 and 123, but the code information may also be represented by numbers or letters. Similarly, the side ID may also be represented by an arrangement of marks, or by numbers or letters.

[0106] Furthermore, in the game substitute currency 1 of the above embodiment, the first code information was information that identified the substitute currency plate 10, but the first code information may also be identification information that uniquely identifies the game substitute currency 1. Also, the code information may consist only of the first code information, without the second code information.

[0107] The above embodiments and their modifications disclose at least the following inventions. (1) A system for inspecting substitute currency used in table games, A camera for photographing substitute currency used in games, A recording device for recording images of substitute currency used for games, captured by the aforementioned camera, The system includes an inspection device that uses images recorded in the recording device to determine the authenticity of the substitute currency used for the game, The aforementioned substitute currency for gaming is assigned code information, The inspection device determines the authenticity of the substitute currency for games by recognizing the code information from the image recorded in the recording device. An inspection system in which the code information is assigned to the game currency by irradiating an invisible ink area on which invisible ink is printed with a laser beam, thereby partially altering or removing the invisible ink constituting the invisible ink area.

[0108] (2) The inspection system of (1), wherein the code information is a unique ID that can individually identify the substitute currency for gaming, or a unique ID that can individually identify the group to which the substitute currency for gaming belongs.

[0109] (3) The inspection system of (1), wherein the code information is associated in a database with one of the following: the machine used for manufacturing, the order of manufacturing, the time of manufacturing, or the manufacturing information.

[0110] (4) The substitute currency for games further comprises, in addition to the code information, RF tag information stored in the RF tag or an ID code indicated on the side, The inspection system has a database that associates the code information with the RF tag information or the ID code. The camera captures the code information attached to the substitute currency used for gaming that is to be inspected. The inspection device is an inspection system according to any of (1) to (3), which determines the authenticity of the substitute currency for gaming by referring to the database and comparing the code information with the RF tag information or the ID code.

[0111] (5) An inspection system according to any of (1) to (4), wherein the camera is equipped with a lamp that makes the invisible ink visible and takes a picture of the visible code information.

[0112] (6) The code information is a code consisting of characters or marks, and is one of the inspection systems (1) to (5).

[0113] (7) The invisible ink is transparent, one of the inspection systems (1) to (6).

[0114] (8) Code information for determining authenticity is provided, The code information is provided to a substitute currency for games, which is obtained by irradiating an invisible ink region composed of UV ink or an infrared absorbing material with laser light to partially alter or remove the UV ink or infrared absorbing material constituting the invisible ink region.

[0115] (9) The game substitute currency in (8), wherein the code information is a unique ID that can individually identify the game substitute currency or a unique ID that can individually identify the group to which the game substitute currency belongs.

[0116] (10) The game substitute coins of (9) whose code information is associated in a database with at least one of the machine used to manufacture the game substitute coins, the order of manufacture, the time of manufacture, and the manufacturing information.

[0117] (11) The substitute currency for games further comprises, in addition to the code information, RF tag information stored in the RF tag or an ID code indicated on the side, Any of (8) to (10) of the substitute game currency whose authenticity can be determined by referring to a database that associates the code information with the RF tag information or the ID code, and comparing the code information attached to the substitute game currency to be inspected with the RF tag information or the ID code.

[0118] (12) The code information is a code consisting of letters or marks, and is a substitute currency for games from any of (8) to (11).

[0119] (13) A substitute currency for games, any of (8) to (12), wherein the invisible ink is transparent. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1 Substitute coin for games 10 Substitute coin original plate 11 Colored layer 12 Light-colored layer 13 RF tags 14 Printing layer 15 Protective film 16 Transparent layer 50 Inspection Systems 51 UV Camera 52 Visible light camera 53 RF Leader 54 Recording device 55 Inspection equipment 56 Databases 57 Output device 58 Visible light camera 70 Inspection Systems 120 Display surface 121 ID Mark Area 122 Mark 123 Mark 124 L-shaped mark 511 Lens 512 UV irradiation lamp 521 Lens 531 Antenna 581 Lens

Claims

1. This is an inspection system for substitute currency used in games. A substitute currency for games having a first ID recorded using an RFID tag and a second ID different from the first ID, which is indicated by laser irradiation, A database storing combinations of the first ID and the second ID possessed by identical substitute currency for games, An RF reader that reads the aforementioned first ID, A camera that photographs the aforementioned substitute currency for games and generates an image, An image analysis device that obtains the second ID by analyzing the aforementioned image, An inspection device for inspecting the substitute currency for games by comparing the first ID associated with the second ID acquired by the image analysis device in the database with the first ID read by the RF reader, An inspection system equipped with [the following features].

2. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the second ID is represented by changing the light reflection or absorption characteristics of the irradiated portion by the laser irradiation.

3. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the second ID is displayed in a way that it is not visible under normal use conditions.

4. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the first ID or the second ID is associated with any of the following in a database: the machine used for manufacturing, the order of manufacturing, the time of manufacturing, or manufacturing information.

5. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the second ID of the substitute currency for the game is a code consisting of letters or marks.

6. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the substitute currency for the game has a reference mark that serves as a reference for the area where the second ID is provided.

7. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the second ID of the substitute currency for gaming is represented by the presence or absence of a mark at a predetermined position.

8. It is a substitute currency for games, Equipped with an RFID tag that records the first ID, The second ID, which is stored in the database in combination with the first ID, is represented by laser irradiation. A substitute currency for games that can be inspected by reading the first ID and the second ID, and comparing the first ID associated with the read second ID in the database with the read first ID.

9. The substitute currency for games according to claim 8, wherein the second ID is represented by changing the light reflection or absorption characteristics of the irradiated portion by the laser irradiation.

10. The game substitute currency according to claim 8, wherein the second ID is displayed in a way that it is not visible under normal use.

11. The first ID or the second ID is associated with the machine used for manufacturing, the order of manufacturing, the time of manufacturing, or manufacturing information by a database, as described in claim 8.

12. The substitute currency for games according to claim 8, wherein the second ID is a code consisting of characters or marks.

13. The substitute currency for games according to claim 8, having a reference mark that serves as a reference for the area where the second ID is provided.

14. The game substitute currency according to claim 8, wherein the second ID is represented by the presence or absence of a mark at a predetermined position.

Images