Management System

Abstract

It provides a management system that helps to electronically track gaming chip transactions within a casino, particularly at game tables. [Solution] The management system 2000 is a management system for a game table 42 for playing games using gaming chips with built-in RFID tags. The game table 42 includes a chip tray 421 for storing the dealer's gaming chips, betting areas 422a to 422e for placing gaming chips to bet on the game, and a collection area 423a and a payout area separate from the betting areas 422a to 422e and the chip tray 421. It also includes a collection dealer antenna 5131 for reading the RFID tags of gaming chips collected after a loss in the collection area 423a, and a payout dealer antenna for reading the RFID tags of gaming chips paid out to winning players in the payout area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a management system for managing gaming chips on a game table.

Background Art

[0002] In a game table, games are played using gaming chips. A player makes a bet by placing the gaming chip in the bet area of the game table. A player who wins the game receives payout of gaming chips from the dealer, and a player who loses the game has the gaming chips collected by the dealer. A chip tray is provided in front of the dealer. The dealer pays out gaming chips to the players who win the game from the chip tray and accommodates the gaming chips collected from the players who lose the game in the chip tray.

[0003] Attempts have been made to electronically grasp the transactions of gaming chips on such a game table. For this purpose, an RFID tag storing information capable of specifying the value of the gaming chip is built into the gaming chip, and RFID antennas for reading this RFID tag are provided in the bet area and the chip tray. By reading the RFID tag of the gaming chip with these antennas, the bet amount, the collected amount, the paid-out amount, etc. are grasped. Further, by linking with means for determining the game result (for example, in baccarat, the game result can be determined by reading the rank of the cards distributed by the shoe), it is possible to determine whether the amount to be collected has been collected or the amount to be paid out has been paid out, and to detect fraud and mistakes in collection and payout.

[0004] Furthermore, by storing the chip ID in the RFID tag and associating the chip ID with the information of its owner (casino, player ID) in the database, the gaming chip can be traced. In tracing, every time the owner of the gaming chip is changed, the owner associated with the chip ID is updated in the database.

[0005] Furthermore, by photographing the gaming chips with a camera and using image recognition with neural networks to identify the type (value) of gaming chips in the betting area and chip tray, the aforementioned fraud and errors can also be detected. Traceability can also be achieved by displaying the chip ID on the side of the gaming chip and recognizing the chip ID through image recognition.

[0006] Furthermore, nowadays, by performing pose tracking and facial recognition on players who manipulate gaming chips at a game table, it is possible to associate players with gaming chips with their betting actions. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-064386 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a management system that helps to electronically track transactions of gaming chips within a casino, particularly at game tables. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One embodiment of the management system is a management system for a game table used for a game using gaming chips with embedded RFID tags, wherein the game table comprises a chip tray for storing the dealer's gaming chips, a betting area for placing gaming chips to bet on the game, and a collection area and a payout area separate from the betting area and the chip tray, and is configured to include a collection reading means for reading the RFID tags of gaming chips collected after a loss in the collection area, and a payout reading means for reading the RFID tags of gaming chips to be paid out to a winning player in the payout area.

[0010] In the management system described above, the collection area and the dispensing area may both be located between the betting area and the chip tray, the collection reading means may read the RFID tag of the gaming chip before it is collected from the betting area and placed in the chip tray, and the dispensing reading means may read the RFID tag of the gaming chip before it is removed from the chip tray and dispensed to the betting area.

[0011] The above management system may further include a recovery determination means for determining whether a gaming chip to be recovered from the betting area has been recovered from the betting area and read by the recovery reading means.

[0012] In the management system described above, the RFID tag may store information for identifying the amount of the gaming chips, and the management system may further include a bet determination means provided on the game table for determining the bet target and bet amount of the gaming chips bet on the game, and a game result determination means for determining the game result, and the recovery determination means may determine whether the amount of the gaming chips read by the recovery reading means matches the recovery amount determined based on the bet target and bet amount determined by the bet determination means and the game result determined by the game result determination means.

[0013] In the management system described above, the collection reading means may read the RFID tag of the gaming chip to be collected in the collection area for each bet that is lost in the game, and the collection determination means may determine whether the amount of the gaming chip read by the collection reading means for each bet that is lost in the game matches the amount of the player's bet.

[0014] In the management system described above, the recovery determination means may determine whether the total amount of the gaming chips read by the recovery reading means for multiple bets that were lost in the game matches the total amount of bets made by those multiple players.

[0015] In the management system described above, the RFID tag may store information for identifying the amount of the gaming chips, and the system may further include a dispensing determination means for determining whether or not the amount of gaming chips to be dispensed has been read by the dispensing reading means.

[0016] The above management system may further include a bet determination means provided on the game table for determining the bet target and bet amount of gaming chips bet on the game, and a game result determination means for determining the game result, and the payout determination means may determine whether the amount of gaming chips read by the payout reading means matches the payout amount determined based on the bet target and bet amount determined by the bet determination means and the game result determined by the game result determination means.

[0017] The above management system may further include a currency exchange determination means that determines whether a currency exchange has taken place based on the fact that the RFID tag of the gaming chip has been read by the collection reading means and the dispensing reading means.

[0018] In the management system described above, the currency exchange determination means may determine that a currency exchange is taking place when it determines, based on the timing at which the collection reading means and the dispensing reading means read the RFID tag of the gaming chip, that gaming chips are simultaneously present in the collection area and the dispensing area.

[0019] In the management system described above, the RFID tag may store information for identifying the amount of the gaming chips, and the exchange determination means may, when it determines that an exchange has taken place, determine whether the total amount of gaming chips read by the collection reading means matches the total amount of gaming chips read by the dispensing reading means.

[0020] In the management system described above, when the currency exchange determination means determines that a currency exchange has taken place, it may determine whether the gaming chips read by the collection reading means and the dispensing reading means, respectively, are gaming chips submitted by the player and gaming chips dispensed from the chip tray.

[0021] The above management system may further include an alert device that outputs an alert to the effect that the total amount of gaming chips read by the recovery reading means does not match the total amount of gaming chips read by the dispensing reading means.

[0022] The above management system may further include an alert device that outputs an alert if the gaming chip read by the retrieval reading means and the dispensing reading means, respectively, is not a gaming chip submitted by the player or a gaming chip dispensed from the chip tray.

[0023] In the above management system, the collection reading means may include a collection antenna installed in the collection area and a collection reading device that controls the collection antenna and decodes the signal received by the collection antenna. The payout reading means may include a payout antenna installed in the payout area and a payout reading device that controls the payout antenna and decodes the signal received by the payout antenna.

[0024] In the above management system, the collection reading device and the payout reading device may perform reading at independent timings respectively.

[0025] In the above management system, the collection reading device and the payout reading device may be the same device.

[0026] In the above management system, the same device may alternately use the collection antenna and the payout antenna to alternately perform reading in the collection area and the payout area.

[0027] The above management system may further include a jamming antenna that restricts the collection antenna from reading the RFID tag of the gaming chip in the payout area, and / or a jamming antenna that restricts the payout antenna from reading the RFID tag of the gaming chip in the collection area.

[0028] In the above management system, the collection area and the payout area may be arranged at a distance from each other so that the collection reading means does not read the RFID tag of the gaming chip in the payout area, and / or the payout reading means does not read the RFID tag of the gaming chip in the collection area.

Advantages of the Invention

[0029] According to the present invention, a management system useful for electronically grasping the transaction of gaming chips can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a casino according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a gaming chip according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a gaming chip management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a game table according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the movement of the gaming chip according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of data in a chip management database updated by a first method for managing the movement of gaming chips according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of data in a chip management database updated by a second method of gaming chip movement management according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of data in a chip management database updated by a fourth method of gaming chip movement management according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of data in a chip management database updated by a fifth method of gaming chip movement management according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of data in a chip management database that is updated by a fourth method of gaming chip movement management according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the configuration of the management system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 illustrates image recognition in an image captured by a camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13A]Figure 13A shows another example of a gaming chip according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13B] Figure 13B shows yet another example of a gaming chip according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows an example of an image captured by a camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a table showing an example of data stored in a database according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a diagram showing an overall overview of a fraud detection system in a gaming arcade having multiple gaming tables according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17A] Figure 17A shows details of a chip tray according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17B] Figure 17B shows another example of a chip tray according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is an enlarged view of a mark illustrating the dirt on the card as detected in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a simplified explanatory diagram illustrating the video of the exchange state between banknotes and chips as observed in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is an explanatory diagram showing how the dealer collects the chips won by the casino in a baccarat game according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is an explanatory diagram showing how a dealer pays a winning customer (game participant) in a baccarat game according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is an explanatory diagram showing how a winning customer (game participant) receives chips and payment in a baccarat game according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23A] Figure 23A is an explanatory diagram illustrating the images subject to image analysis of the chips won by the casino by the dealer in the fraud detection system of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23B] Figure 23B is an explanatory diagram illustrating the images subject to image analysis of the chips won by the casino by the dealer in the fraud detection system of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23C] Figure 23C is an explanatory diagram illustrating the images subject to image analysis of the chips won by the casino by the dealer in the fraud detection system of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the images that are subject to image analysis of illegally recovered chips in the fraud detection system of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25A] Figure 25A is an explanatory diagram illustrating the images subject to image analysis of chips won by game participants in the fraud detection system of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25B] Figure 25B is an explanatory diagram illustrating the images subject to image analysis of chips won by game participants in the fraud detection system of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25C] Figure 25C is an explanatory diagram illustrating the images subject to image analysis of chips won by game participants in the fraud detection system of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25D] Figure 25D is an explanatory diagram illustrating the images subject to image analysis of chips won by game participants in the fraud detection system of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] Figure 26 shows the configuration of a management system in the first example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] Figure 27 illustrates an example of updating change information in the first example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] Figure 28 illustrates an example of updating change information in the first example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] Figure 29 illustrates an example of updating change information in the first example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] Figure 30 shows the configuration of a management system in a second example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31] Figure 31 shows the configuration of a management system in the third example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32] Figure 32 illustrates an example of updating a database in a third example of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] Figure 33 illustrates an example of updating a database in a third example of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] Figure 34 illustrates an example of updating a database in a third example of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] Figure 35 shows the configuration of a management system in a fourth example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 36] Figure 36 shows the configuration of a management system in a fifth example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] Figure 37 shows the configuration of a management system in a sixth example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38] Figure 38 illustrates an example of updating change information in a sixth example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39] Figure 39 illustrates an example of updating change information in a sixth example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 40] Figure 40 illustrates an example of updating change information in a sixth example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 41] Figure 41 illustrates an example of updating change information in a sixth example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 42] Figure 42 shows the configuration of a management system in the seventh example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 43] Figure 43 illustrates an example of updating a database in the seventh example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 44] Figure 44 illustrates an example of updating a database in the seventh example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 45]Figure 45 illustrates an example of updating a database in the seventh example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 46] Figure 46 illustrates an example of updating a database in the seventh example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 47] Figure 47 illustrates an example of updating a database in the seventh example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 48] Figure 48 shows the configuration of a management system in the eighth example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 49] Figure 49 shows the configuration of a management system in the ninth example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 50] Figure 50 illustrates an example of updating change information in the ninth example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 51] Figure 51 illustrates an example of updating change information in the ninth example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 52] Figure 52 illustrates an example of updating change information in the ninth example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 53] Figure 53 shows an example of a bed area in the 11th example of the 4th embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 54A] Figure 54A shows another example of the bed area of ​​the 11th example of the 4th embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 54B] Figure 54B shows another example of the bed area in the 11th example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] [First Embodiment: Management of Gaming Chips Across the Casino] Gaming chips are brought into the casino through cages, and discarded gaming chips are also taken out of the cages. Traditional gaming chip tracing systems cannot necessarily monitor the movement of gaming chips within the cages, or the movement of gaming chips between the cages and various locations within the casino, including the movement of all gaming chips within the casino.

[0032] Therefore, this embodiment describes a cage system for monitoring the movement of gaming chips in a cage and the movement of the cage between the cage and each location within the casino, and a gaming chip management system including the same for managing gaming chips within the casino.

[0033] The cage system of this embodiment is a cage system for managing the movement of gaming chips within a cage in a casino hall, wherein the cage is divided into multiple locations including a cashier, the gaming chips have RFID tags that store chip IDs, and the cage system comprises a first reading means for reading the chip IDs from the RFID tags of gaming chips moving between the multiple locations, a second reading means for reading the chip IDs from the RFID tags of gaming chips leaving the cage and going out into the casino hall, and a recording means for recording the chip IDs read by the first and second reading means as the movement history of the gaming chips. This configuration makes it possible to manage the movement of gaming chips within the cage.

[0034] In the cage system described above, the recording means may record the destination and / or source of movement along with the chip ID in the movement history. This configuration makes it possible to determine whether the movement is being carried out accurately.

[0035] The cage system described above may further include a management means for determining whether movement is appropriate based on the movement history. This configuration allows for the detection of inappropriate movement.

[0036] In the cage system described above, the management means may record in the recording means that the gaming chip has a movement history that does not match a predetermined set of possible movement histories, and that it is fraudulent or suspected of being fraudulent.

[0037] The cage system described above may further include a third reading means for reading the chip ID from the RFID tag of the gaming chip entering the cage from the casino hall. This configuration allows for complete management of the gaming chips within the cage.

[0038] In the cage system described above, the management means may issue or record an alert if the destination is not received at the destination when the destination is recorded in the movement history of the gaming chips going out to the casino hall. This configuration makes it possible to detect that the movement from the cage to a predetermined location in the casino hall was not completed successfully.

[0039] In the cage system described above, the management means may issue an alert or record a record if the gaming chip is not received at the destination within a predetermined time. This configuration allows for the determination of an abnormality if the movement is not completed within a predetermined time.

[0040] The gaming chip management system of this embodiment has a configuration comprising one of the cage systems described above and a fourth reading means installed on the game table for reading the chip ID from the RFID tag of the gaming chip. This configuration allows for the management of gaming chips within the casino hall, including the cages.

[0041] In the gaming chip management system described above, the management means may calculate the total amount of gaming chips held by players in the casino hall. This configuration allows for real-time tracking of the casino's total debt.

[0042] In the gaming chip management system described above, the management means may record date and time information in the movement history. This configuration allows for more detailed recording of the movement history.

[0043] In the gaming chip management system described above, the management means may detect suspicious movement of the gaming chip based on the date and time information. This configuration allows for the detection of various suspicious movements.

[0044] In the gaming chip management system described above, the management means may record information about the staff involved in the movement history. This configuration makes it possible to identify the staff involved in any inappropriate movement.

[0045] The cage system and gaming chip management system according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a casino according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The casino hall 1 is equipped with a cage 10 and a number of game tables 42-45. The floor where the game tables 42-45 are located may be divided into a VIP floor and a general floor. The cage 10 is a room that only security staff are allowed to enter. The cage 10 is divided into a vault 11, a main bank room 12, an F / C bank room 13, and a cashier room 14.

[0047] Vault 11 is provided with a gate 21 leading to the outside of cage 10, gate 22 between vault 11 and main bank room 12, gate 23 between main bank room 12 and F / C bank room 13, gate 25 between main bank room 12 and cashier room 14, and F / C bank room 13 is provided with a gate 24 leading to casino hall 1 where game tables 42-45 are located. Cashier room 14 is provided with gates (windows) 26-28 leading to casino hall 1. Each gate 21-25 may allow the passage of people and gaming chips, or only gaming chips may pass through, with separate doors for people entering and exiting. Windows 26-28 are open to the extent that gaming chips and cash can be exchanged.

[0048] Vault 11 is staffed by vault staff 31, main bank room 12 is staffed by main bank staff 32, F / C bank room 13 is staffed by F / C bank staff 33, and cashier room 14 is staffed by cashier staff 34-36 corresponding to windows 26-28.

[0049] Casino Hall 1 has game tables 42-45, and each game table 42-45 has one dealer 52-55 assigned to it. Although only four game tables are shown in the example in Figure 1, Casino Hall 1 actually has more game tables. In addition, pit managers 56 are assigned to multiple adjacent game tables 42.

[0050] In the example shown in Figure 1, there are players 61-69 in Casino Hall 1. Players in Casino Hall 1, like player 61 in Figure 1, can purchase or exchange gaming chips for cash through one of windows 26-28. Players who purchase gaming chips in Cage 10 can bet them at game tables 42-45 and enjoy the games. If a player loses a game, their gaming chips are collected by the dealer, and if they win, they receive a payout from the dealer according to the game rules and bet amount. In this way, the number of gaming chips a player possesses increases or decreases depending on the game. When a player runs out of gaming chips, they can purchase more (buy in) at Cage 10. Also, when a player finishes playing, they can exchange their gaming chips for cash (buy out) at Cage 10.

[0051] At game tables 42-45, gaming chips are collected from players who lose and paid to players who win. This increases or decreases the amount of gaming chips held by the dealer (casino) at the game tables. If there are insufficient gaming chips at a game table, gaming chip transport staff 51 receive gaming chips from gate 24 in the F / C bank room 13 and transport them to the game table to replenish it. This process of replenishing gaming chips at a game table is also called "filling". Conversely, if there are in excess gaming chips at a game table, gaming chip transport staff 51 transport the gaming chips from the game table to cage 10, where they are stored in the F / C bank room 13 via gate 24. This process of returning gaming chips from the game table to cage 10 is also called "crediting".

[0052] In Casino Hall 1, when managing the movement history of gaming chips, the source, destination, and any locations between them are referred to as "locations." In the example shown in Figure 1, for instance, each room and each game table within Cage 10 are referred to as locations.

[0053] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a gaming chip according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a $100 gaming chip. The gaming chip 70 has a disc shape and the face value (in the case of Figure 1, "$100") is shown on both sides. Multiple layers are stacked in the thickness direction in the order of white layer, colored layer, white layer, and the sides have a striped pattern in which the colored layer is sandwiched between white layers. The color of the colored layer differs depending on the face value, and therefore the face value of the chip can be determined by identifying the color of the colored layer.

[0054] An RFID tag 71 is embedded inside the gaming chip 70. The RFID tag 71 stores information about the chip's chip ID and face value. The RFID tag 71 may be writable, in which case it may record the gaming chip's current location or owner information, and may also record its past location or owner history. The gaming chip 70 may be constructed by pressing together multiple plates, or by resin molding.

[0055] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a chip management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The chip management system 1000 comprises a cage system 501 and a plurality of table systems 502. A table system 502 is provided for each game table. The cage system 501 comprises a chip management computer 100 and a chip management database 101 for the integrated management of chips within the cage 10 and the casino hall 1.

[0056] Furthermore, the cage system 501 includes a vault computer 111 installed in the vault 11, and a vault card reader 112 and a vault chip reader 113 connected thereto. The cage system 501 also includes a main bank computer 121 installed in the main bank room 12, and a main bank card reader 122 and a main bank chip reader 123 connected thereto. The cage system 501 also includes an F / C bank computer 131 installed in the F / C bank room 13, and an F / C bank card reader 132 and an F / C bank chip reader 133 connected thereto. The cage system 501 also includes a cashier computer 141 installed in the cashier room 14 corresponding to each of the windows 26 to 28, and a cashier card reader 142 and a cashier chip reader 143 connected thereto.

[0057] The table system 502 comprises a table computer 151, a table card reader 152 connected thereto, a collection table chip reader 1531, a payout table chip reader 1532, a chip tray chip reader 154, and multiple bet area chip readers 155. Although only one table system 502 is shown in Figure 3, multiple table systems 502 are provided to correspond to multiple game tables. Furthermore, the above-mentioned "reader" includes an antenna and a reader device that controls the antenna to transmit radio waves to the RFID tag and decodes the signal received by the antenna to obtain information from the RFID tag.

[0058] The vault computer 111, main bank computer 121, F / C bank computer 131, cashier computer 141, table computer 151, and chip management database 101 are each connected to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 and the other computers and chip management database 101 may be connected via a local network by wired or wireless connections. Alternatively, the chip management computer 100 and chip management database 101 may be installed on a wide area network (e.g., the Internet) and connected to other computers via the wide area network. In other words, the chip management computer 100 and chip management database 101 may be installed in the cloud instead of in the casino.

[0059] Each computer 100, 111, 121, 131, 141, and 151 is connected to an input device (not shown) for receiving operational input from the corresponding staff. Examples of input devices include keyboards, mice, buttons, touchpads, touch panels, and voice input devices. Alternatively, the functions of each computer may be consolidated into the chip management computer 100, leaving only these input devices and communication equipment at the corresponding locations. In this case, various signals (e.g., input signals received by the input devices, signals read by the chip readers, etc.) may be transmitted directly between the input devices, card readers, and chip readers at each location and the chip management computer 100.

[0060] Card readers 112, 122, 132, 142, and 152 at each location read staff IDs or player IDs from ID cards held by staff or players. Specifically, the vault card reader 112, main bank card reader 122, and F / C bank card reader 132 read staff IDs from the corresponding staff's ID cards, while the cashier card reader 142 reads staff IDs from cashier staff's ID cards and also reads the player IDs of players purchasing or exchanging gaming chips at the cashier. Additionally, the table card reader 152 reads the staff IDs of the corresponding dealers and the player IDs of the players playing.

[0061] Chip readers 113, 123, 133, 143, 153, and 155 at each location read information from the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chip 70 and write information to the RFID tag 71. In particular, each chip reader 113, 123, 133, 143, and 153 reads the RFID tag 71 when the gaming chip 70 moves to that location from another location, and when the gaming chip moves from that location to another location (i.e., when the gaming chip 70 leaves that location).

[0062] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a game table according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates a game table 42. The game table 42 is provided with multiple play positions. The game table 42 has on its table surface multiple betting areas corresponding to the multiple play positions, a chip tray for storing dealer chips, a dealer area for reading and writing information to the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chip 70, and an ID card area for reading the ID cards of the dealer and players.

[0063] The chip tray is equipped with a chip tray antenna 514 for reading the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chip 70 housed therein. Each of the multiple betting areas is equipped with betting area antennas 515a to 515e inside the table surface for reading the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chip 70 placed therein. The dealer area is equipped with a retrieval dealer antenna 5131 and a payout dealer antenna 5132 inside the table surface for reading the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chip 70 placed therein. The ID card area is equipped with an ID card antenna 512 inside the table surface.

[0064] Each antenna 512-515 is connected to a table computer 151 and transmits the read signals to the table computer 151. The table computer 151 decodes the signals from each antenna to obtain various information stored in the RFID tags 71 and ID cards.

[0065] Staff members stationed at each location scan their card IDs using a corresponding card reader before starting work. The computer at each location transmits the scanned staff ID and the date and time to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 stores the staff IDs scanned by the card readers at each location, along with location and date / time information, in the chip management database 101.

[0066] The chip management database 101 stores player tables, chip tables, game table tables, staff tables, and movement history tables. The player table stores the registration information of the player in question. For each player, the player table records the player ID, various player attributes, and player status such as VIP, suspected, or blacklisted. The chip table records the chip ID, face value, type, manufacturing information, and chip status such as valid, missing, stolen, or invalid. The game table table records the table ID, game type, etc. The staff table records the staff ID, various staff attributes, etc. The movement history table records the location or ownership history of gaming chips 70.

[0067] (Management of gaming chip movement) Figure 5 is a diagram showing the movement of gaming chips according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 5, each location excluding the vault has the potential for movement from multiple sources when a gaming chip enters, and the potential for movement to multiple destinations when a chip leaves. The chip management system of this embodiment recognizes these movements. To this end, several methods can be employed as follows.

[0068] (Method 1) In the first method, when a gaming chip 70 enters a computer at a location, the computer at that location specifies the source of the chip and reports this specification along with the chip ID of the incoming gaming chip 70 to the chip management computer 100. When a gaming chip 70 leaves a location, the computer reports the location information, i.e., the source of the chip, and the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 to the chip management computer 100.

[0069] For example, when a gaming chip 70 moves from the main bank room 12 to the F / C bank room 13, the main bank computer 121 reads the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 with the main bank chip reader 123 and reports to the chip management computer 100 that the chip is leaving the main bank room 12, along with the read chip ID. The chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101 in response to this report.

[0070] Then, in F / C bank room 13, which has received the gaming chip 70 from main bank room 12, F / C bank staff 33 operate the input device of F / C bank computer 131 to input a designation that the gaming chip 70 is the gaming chip 70 that came from main bank room 12 (source), and read the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 with F / C bank chip reader 133. F / C bank computer 131 reports the read chip ID, along with the designation that the source is main bank room 12, to chip management computer 100. Chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101 in response to this report.

[0071] Figure 6 shows an example of data in a chip management database updated by a first method of gaming chip movement management according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the example in Figure 6, the movement history of a gaming chip 70 with chip ID "24825" is shown. The chip management database 101 stores information on the movement history of the gaming chip 70, including the chip ID 601, entry / exit information 602, source information 603, destination information 604, and date and time 605 of the gaming chip.

[0072] According to the first method, as shown in Figure 6, for gaming chips 70 leaving a location, information about their origin is obtained (history H61), and for gaming chips 70 entering a location, information about their origin and destination is obtained (history H62). Based on history H61 and history H62, it can be confirmed that the gaming chips 70 have indeed left the main bank room 12 and been received in the F / C bank room 13.

[0073] (Second method) In the second method, when a gaming chip 70 leaves a computer at a location, the computer at that location specifies its destination and reports this specification, along with the chip ID of the departing gaming chip 70, to the chip management computer 100. When a gaming chip 70 enters a location, the computer reports the location information, i.e., the destination, and the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 to the chip management computer 100.

[0074] For example, when a gaming chip 70 is moved (credited) from Table-4 to F / C Bank Room 13, the dealer reads the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 using the table chip reader 153 on the game table and operates the input device of the table computer 151 to specify F / C Bank Room 13 as the destination (specify the credit). The table computer 151 reports this chip ID, the destination F / C Bank Room 13, and the table ID of Table-4, the source of the move, to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101 in response to this report.

[0075] Upon receiving the gaming chip 70 at the destination F / C bank room 13, the F / C bank staff member 33 reads the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 using the F / C bank chip reader 133. The F / C bank computer 131 reports the read chip ID and the fact that the chip has arrived at the F / C bank room 13 to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101 in response to this report.

[0076] Figure 7 shows an example of data in a chip management database updated by the second method of managing the movement of gaming chips according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example in Figure 7, the movement history of gaming chip 70 with chip ID "24825" is shown. The chip management database 101 stores information on the movement history of gaming chip 70, including the chip ID 601, inbound / outbound information 602, source information 603, destination information 604, and date and time 605 of the gaming chip.

[0077] According to the second method, as shown in Figure 7, for gaming chips 70 leaving a location, information on their source and destination is obtained (history H71), and for gaming chips 70 entering a location, information on their destination is obtained (history H72). Based on history H71 and history H72, it can be confirmed that the gaming chips 70 have indeed left table-4 and been received in F / C bank room 13.

[0078] (Third method) The third method is a combination of the first and second methods. That is, in each location's computer, when a gaming chip 70 enters, its source is specified, and when a gaming chip 70 leaves, its destination is specified.

[0079] (Fourth method) In the fourth method, staff at each location use the input device of the computer at that location to specify whether the gaming chip 70 is going out or coming in, and report this specification to the chip management computer 100 along with the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 read by the chip reader. Based on this report, the chip management computer 100 updates the in / out information and location information in the chip management database 101.

[0080] Figure 8 shows an example of data in a chip management database updated by the fourth method of managing the movement of gaming chips according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The chip management database 101 stores information such as the chip ID 601, entry / exit information 602, location information 606, and date and time 605 of the gaming chip 70 as information on the movement history of the gaming chip 70.

[0081] According to the fourth method, as shown in Figure 8, the entry / exit information 602 and location information 606 are recorded, so it can be confirmed based on history H81 and history H82 that the gaming chip 70 has indeed left the vault 11 and been received in the main bank room 12.

[0082] (Fifth method) In the fifth method, only location information is recorded. That is, when the gaming chip 70 is at that location, the staff at that location reads the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 with the chip reader at that location and reports it to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101 in response to this report. The staff at each location may read the chip ID when the gaming chip 70 moves to that location, when the gaming chip 70 moves out of that location, or at any time they choose.

[0083] Figure 9 shows an example of data in a chip management database updated by a fifth method of gaming chip movement management according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The chip management database 101 stores information such as the chip ID 601, location information 606, and date and time 605 of the gaming chip 70 as information on the movement history of the gaming chip 70.

[0084] By the fifth method, as shown in Figure 9, location information 606 is also recorded, so it can be confirmed based on history H91 and history H92 that the gaming chip 70 has indeed left the vault 11 and been received in the main bank room 12.

[0085] The choice of which of the first to fifth methods described above to use may be determined for each combination of source and destination. For example, the fourth or fifth method may be used for moving gaming chips 70 within cage 10, the second method, in which the destination is specified at the source, may be used for moving chips from F / C bank room 13 to game table, and the first method, in which the source is specified at the destination, may be used for moving chips from game table to F / C bank room 13.

[0086] (Purchases and exchanges at the cashier) Furthermore, when a gaming chip 70 is moved from the cashier room 14 to a player (when a player purchases a gaming chip 70 at the cashier), the cashier computer 141 reads the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 with the cashier chip reader 143, reads the player ID from the player's ID card with the cashier card reader 142, and reports the read chip ID along with the designated player to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101 in response to this report.

[0087] Then, when the gaming chip 70 is moved from the player to the cashier room 14 (when the player cashes in the gaming chip 70 at the cashier), the cashier computer 141 reads the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 with the cashier chip reader 143, reads the player ID from the player's ID card with the cashier card reader 142, and reports the chip ID and the originating player to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101 in response to this report.

[0088] Figure 10 shows an example of data in a chip management database updated by the fourth method of managing the movement of gaming chips according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the example in Figure 10, player-5 purchases gaming chips 70 at cashier-2 (history H101, H102), and then player-5 exchanges those gaming chips 70 for cash at cashier-3 (history H103, H104). Note that in the case of the first to third methods, the inflow / outflow information 602 may be set to N / A, and only the source (cashier) and destination (player) information may be recorded.

[0089] Furthermore, for example, in a cashier, when a cashier receives a gaming chip 70 from a player, the cashier staff may specify that they are receiving it and then use the cashier chip reader 143 to read the chip ID of the gaming chip 70. When handing a gaming chip 70 to a player, the cashier staff may specify that they are handing it over and then use the cashier chip reader 143 to read the chip ID of the gaming chip 70.

[0090] This makes it possible to clearly distinguish whether a gaming chip 70 whose chip ID has been read by a single chip reader is entering or leaving a location. Furthermore, in the case of chip exchange, it is possible to clearly distinguish between gaming chips 70 received from a player and gaming chips 70 given to a player, and to identify their chip IDs using the chip reader.

[0091] (Collection and Disbursement) Players who purchase a gaming chip 70 can play games at a game table. At the game table, a table card reader 152 equipped with an ID card antenna 512 first reads the player's ID card. When reading the player's ID card with the table card reader 152, the player's playing position is specified. This allows the system to recognize which player is in which betting area. Note that the betting area antennas 515a to 515e may be one or more antennas that read the gaming chip 70 placed in a single betting area, treating multiple betting areas as one betting area without distinguishing between player positions. Furthermore, the antennas in the betting areas are not required.

[0092] If a player loses a game at the game table, their bet of gaming chips 70 is collected. In this case, the chip tray antenna 514 reads the chip IDs of the gaming chips 70 contained in the chip tray before collection, and also reads the chip IDs of the gaming chips 70 contained in the chip tray after collection. The table computer 151 recognizes the chip IDs of the gaming chips 70 newly placed in the chip tray (i.e., collected from the player) by comparing the chip IDs of the chip tray before and after collection.

[0093] The table computer 151 reports to the chip management computer 100 the chip ID read by the chip tray antenna 514, along with the designation that the gaming chip 70 collected from the player is to be moved to the chip tray of the game table. The chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101 in response to this report.

[0094] Furthermore, if the table computer 151 can determine whether each bet gaming chip 70 should be collected by recognizing the chip ID of the bet gaming chip 70 using the bet area antennas 515a to 515e and recognizing the game result, and if it determines that the chip should be collected, it may update the movement history of the gaming chip 70 in the chip management database 101 accordingly, indicating that it has left the player and moved to the game table. This update, along with a subsequent update indicating that it has been accepted in the chip tray, allows for confirmation that the gaming chip 70 that should be collected has indeed been collected in the chip tray. In other words, if a movement history is recorded indicating that the chip should be collected, with the entry / exit information 602 set to "OUT" and the location information 606 set to any player, but no subsequent movement history of acceptance in the chip tray is recorded, it becomes clear that the gaming chip 70 that should be collected has not been properly collected.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the chip IDs of chips newly brought into the chip tray by retrieval are determined by comparing the chip IDs read from the chip tray before and after retrieval. Alternatively, a special retrieval chip area may be provided in the chip tray to temporarily accommodate the retrieved chip trays, and an antenna independent of the other chip tray parts may be provided in this retrieval chip area to determine the chip IDs of the retrieved gaming chips 70.

[0096] Alternatively, with respect to the gaming chips 70 to be collected, the chip ID of the collected gaming chip 70 may be identified by having the RFID tag 71 read by the collection dealer antenna 5131 in the collection area during its movement from the betting area to the chip tray.

[0097] When a player wins a game, they receive a payout of gaming chips 70. The dealer first places the gaming chips 70 to be paid out to the player from the chip tray into the payout area of ​​the game table. At this time, the payout dealer antenna 5132 reads the chip ID from the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chips 70 in the payout area. The table computer 151 knows which players are playing in each betting area, so it can associate the gaming chips 70 to be paid out with the player who receives them (the location information of the gaming chips 70 to be paid out is associated with that player).

[0098] The method for identifying the chip ID of the dispensed gaming chip 70 and linking it to a player is not limited to the above. For example, the table computer 151 may identify the chip ID of the dispensed gaming chip 70 by reading the chip IDs of the gaming chips 70 stored in the chip tray before and after dispensing, and link it to the player receiving the dispensed chip.

[0099] Alternatively, when a gaming chip 70 to be paid out is placed in a betting area, the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 may be read by the betting area antenna 515 in that betting area. In this case, the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 that was bet (linked to the player) will be read along with the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 that was paid out (linked to the dealer or casino), but the chip management computer 100 will link the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 that was paid out to the player that was linked to the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 that was bet.

[0100] Furthermore, an antenna and reading area for reading the RFID tag 71 of the dispensed gaming chip 70 may be provided at each player position. Such an antenna and reading area may be installed between the betting area and the dealer at each player position. In this case as well, since it is known which player is at each player position, the dispensed gaming chip 70 can be linked to the player ID. In this case, the dealer may first place the dispensed gaming chip 70 in the reading area of ​​the corresponding player position and have it read by the antenna there, and then move the dispensed gaming chip 70 to the side of the betting chips in the betting area, or the player may take the dispensed gaming chip 70 that the dealer has placed in the reading area.

[0101] The table computer 151 reports to the chip management computer 100 the combination of the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 to be dispensed and the player ID of the player receiving the dispensed chip. In response to this report, the chip management computer 100 updates the move history in the chip management database 101 to indicate that the gaming chip 70 that was on the game table has been moved to the player.

[0102] During dispensing, the gaming chip 70 removed from the chip tray may be read by the dispensing dealer antenna 5132 to identify the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 being dispensed.

[0103] Furthermore, in the examples shown in Figures 6 to 10 above, each movement history of each gaming chip 70 may record not only location information but also the staff ID of the staff involved in the movement at that location. Also, if the location information is the player ID or casino, the location information may also be the owner information. In addition, each movement history may record the status information of the gaming chip 70, such as "valid," "invalid," "missing," "suspected," "not redeemable," or "not playable." Alternatively, a flag may be used to indicate whether it is valid or invalid. Furthermore, in the examples shown in Figures 6 to 10 above, each movement history record may also contain information on the face value of each gaming chip 70 along with its chip ID.

[0104] As described above, by reading the chip ID at each location, the movement history of each gaming chip 70 can be recorded in the chip management database 101. This enables the chip management computer 100 to implement the various functions described below.

[0105] (Detection of time limits and incorrect destinations) In this function, the chip management computer 100 monitors the movement of gaming chips 70 between the F / C bank room 13 and the game tables and issues an alert if there is a problem. Specifically, the chip management computer 100 starts timing when it receives a report from the F / C bank computer 131 that a gaming chip 70 has left the F / C bank room 13 with a destination game table. The chip management computer 100 may then issue an alert if it does not receive a report from the table computer 151 of the destination game table that it has received the gaming chip 70 within a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes). This alert may be sent to the dealer of the game table in question, the pit manager who manages the game table in question, etc. At this time, the chip management computer 100 may update the status of the gaming chip 70 in the chip management database 101 to "Missing," "Not redeemable," "Not playable," etc.

[0106] Furthermore, if the chip management computer 100 receives a report from the F / C bank computer 131 that a gaming chip 70 has left the F / C bank room 13 with a designated game table as its destination, and also receives a report from the table computer 151 of a game table other than the designated game table that it has received the gaming chip 70, the chip management computer 100 may issue an alert. In this case, the chip management computer 100 may update the status of the gaming chip 70 in the chip management database 101 to "Wrong Destination," "Not Exchangeable," "Not Playable," etc.

[0107] (Detection of inappropriate movement) In this function, the chip management computer 100 refers to the chip management database 101 and issues an alert if there is an inappropriate movement of the gaming chip 70. Movements of the gaming chip 70 are limited to the patterns shown in Figure 5, and any other movement patterns are considered inappropriate. Therefore, each time the chip management database 101 is updated, the chip management computer 100 determines whether the movement related to that update is appropriate.

[0108] For example, if cage 10 has the configuration shown in Figure 1, gaming chips 70 will not move directly from vault 11 to cashier room 14, nor will gaming chips 70 that have not moved from cashier room 14 to a player be collected at the game table. If such movement history is discovered, the chip management computer 100 will determine that it is an inappropriate movement. Furthermore, if gaming chips 70 that should belong to a certain player are cashed in at the cashier by another player, money laundering may be suspected. In this way, the chip management computer 100 detects inappropriate movements and issues an alert.

[0109] (Total player chips in real time) In this function, the chip management computer 100 has the function of calculating the total amount of gaming chips 70 held by all players at that time, that is, the casino's outstanding debt at that time, by referring to the chip management database 101, extracting only the gaming chips 70 held by any player in the latest information of the movement history, and calculating the total amount of those chips 70.

[0110] Alternatively, the total amount of player chips may be calculated by subtracting the total amount of all gaming chips 70 in cage 10 and the total amount of all gaming chips 70 on the game table from the total amount of all gaming chips managed in the chip management database 101.

[0111] (Centralized management of fill / credits) In this function, the chip management computer 100 refers to the chip management database 101 to extract the gaming chips 70 present at each game table and detect the number of chips for each face value. If there are gaming chips 70 of a face value that are not sufficiently numerous, the computer may issue a notification to the F / C bank computer 131 in the F / C bank room 13 and the table computer 151 of the game table to replenish (fill) the gaming chips 70 of that face value. This notification specifies the number of gaming chips 70 of each face value to be replenished, or the total amount of gaming chips 70 of each face value to be replenished.

[0112] Furthermore, the chip management computer 100, by referring to the chip management database 101, extracts the gaming chips 70 present at each game table and detects the total number of gaming chips 70 at that game table. If the total number is equal to or greater than a predetermined number close to the upper limit that the game table can accommodate, it may issue a notification to the F / C bank computer 131 in the F / C bank room 13 and the table computer 151 of the game table to collect (credit) the gaming chips 70 from that table. This notification specifies the number of gaming chips 70 of each face value to be replenished, or the total amount of gaming chips 70 of each face value to be replenished.

[0113] Furthermore, notifications may be issued in a similar manner regarding the movement of gaming chips 70 within cage 10. For example, if the number of gaming chips 70 decreases in a window of the cashier room 14, notifications may be issued to the cashier computer 141 and the main bank computer 121 prompting them to replenish the gaming chips 70 in the cashier room 14.

[0114] In the above example, a notification prompting movement was issued to both the destination and the origin, but instead, the notification may be issued to only one of the destination or the origin. At a location that receives a notification prompting movement, the staff can instruct the location's computer via an input device whether or not to accept the proposed move, and the location's computer may, if one of the destination or origin locations accepts the proposal, notify the other location of the order to move.

[0115] (Managing the movement of multiple gaming chips) The above describes a method of managing the movement of each gaming chip 70 by updating its movement history in the chip management database 101. However, when multiple gaming chips 70 move between locations, it is also possible to manage whether all of those multiple gaming chips 70 have moved without any discrepancies.

[0116] The following describes an example of moving multiple gaming chips 70 from the F / C bank room 13 to a game table (fill). When gaming chips 70 are moved from the F / C bank room 13 to a designated game table, the F / C bank staff 33 read the chip IDs of the gaming chips 70 to be moved using the F / C bank chip reader 133 in the F / C bank room 13. The F / C bank computer 131 reports the read chip IDs to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 stores the chip IDs (source chip IDs) of the multiple gaming chips 70 involved in the fill, and, based on the report, refers to the chip management database 101 to obtain the face value of those chip IDs and grasps the total amount of gaming chips 70 involved in the fill (total source amount). As a result, the chip management computer 100 grasps the source chip IDs, the total number of gaming chips 70 involved in the fill (total source number), and the total source amount based on the information from the F / C bank computer 131.

[0117] When gaming chips 70 are brought to the game table, the dealer reads the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 brought to the game table using the table chip reader, and the table computer 151 reports the read chip IDs to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 stores these chip IDs (destination chip IDs) and, based on the report, refers to the chip management database 101 to obtain the face value of those chip IDs and determines the total amount of gaming chips 70 involved in the fill (total destination amount). Thus, the chip management computer 100 determines the destination chip IDs, the total number of gaming chips 70 involved in the fill (total destination number), and the total destination amount based on the information from the table computer 151.

[0118] The chip management computer 100 compares the source chip ID and the destination chip ID to determine if they are a perfect match. It also compares the total source value and the total destination value to determine if they match. Furthermore, it compares the total number of source chips and the total number of destination chips to determine if they match. If any of the above comparisons are inconsistent, the chip management computer 100 determines that the transfer was not performed correctly and issues an alert.

[0119] When multiple gaming chips 70 are moved from the game table to the F / C bank room 13 (credit), the process is as follows: When gaming chips 70 are moved from the game table to the F / C bank room 13, the dealer reads the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 to be moved using the payout table chip reader 1532 on the game table. The table computer 151 reports the read chip ID to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 stores the chip IDs (source chip IDs) of the multiple gaming chips 70 related to the credit, and, based on the report, refers to the chip management database 101 to obtain the face value of those chip IDs and grasps the total amount of gaming chips 70 related to the credit (total source amount). As a result, the chip management computer 100 grasps the source chip IDs, the total number of gaming chips 70 related to the credit (total source number), and the total source amount based on the information from the table computer 151.

[0120] When gaming chips 70 are delivered to the F / C bank room 13, F / C bank staff 33 read the chip IDs of the delivered gaming chips 70 using the F / C bank chip reader 133, and the F / C bank computer 131 reports the read chip IDs to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 stores these chip IDs (destination chip IDs) and, based on the report, refers to the chip management database 101 to obtain the face value of those chip IDs and grasps the total amount of gaming chips 70 related to credits (total destination amount). As a result, the chip management computer 100 grasps the destination chip IDs, the total number of gaming chips 70 related to credits (total destination number), and the total destination amount based on the information from the F / C bank computer 131.

[0121] The chip management computer 100 compares the source chip ID and the destination chip ID to determine if they are a perfect match. It also compares the total source value and the total destination value to determine if they match. Furthermore, it compares the total number of source chips and the total number of destination chips to determine if they match. If any of the above comparisons are inconsistent, the chip management computer 100 determines that the transfer was not performed correctly and issues an alert.

[0122] In the above, we compared the chip ID, total amount, and total number of chips, but it is also acceptable to determine whether the transfer was performed correctly by comparing only one of these. Furthermore, the total amount and total number of chips may be calculated and compared for each face value of Gaming Chip 70. For example, the total amount from the source and the total amount to the destination may be calculated as "$600 for $10 chips, $400 for $100 chips."

[0123] Furthermore, if the chip management computer 100 has sent a notification to the destination or source prompting a move, it is possible to determine whether the move was carried out correctly by comparing the notification with the total amount of the source, the notification with the total amount of the destination, the notification with the total number of source chips, or the notification with the total number of destination chips.

[0124] (Managing the increase in the amount at the game table) When gaming chips 70 are delivered from the F / C bank room 13 to a game table and the game table is replenished with gaming chips 70 (fill), the F / C bank chip reader 133 reads the chip IDs of the gaming chips 70 being delivered to the game table, and these chip IDs are reported from the F / C bank computer 131 to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 calculates the total amount of the reported gaming chips 70 (total fill amount) by referring to the chip management database 101.

[0125] The chip management computer 100 extracts the gaming chips 70 present at the game table before the fill by referring to the chip management database 101 and calculates their total value (existing total). Then, the chip management computer 100 adds the fill total to the calculated existing total to calculate the theoretical total value of gaming chips 70 at the game table after the fill (theoretical post-fill total).

[0126] At the game table, when a gaming chip 70 is brought in from the F / C bank room 13, the collection table chip reader 1531 at that game table reads the chip ID of the incoming gaming chip 70 and reports it to the chip management computer 100 via the table computer 151. The chip management computer 100 obtains the face value by referring to the chip management database 101 for the reported chip ID and calculates the actual total value (actual total value after actual filling) of the gaming chips 70 in the chip tray.

[0127] Furthermore, if the game table has a cabinet, or if there is a double chip tray, that is, if the game table has a place to store chips other than the chip tray, the table computer 151 calculates the total amount of gaming chips 70 for the entire game table (excluding the gaming chips of players placed in the betting area), including the chip tray and such storage space, as the total amount after actual fill.

[0128] The chip management computer 100 compares the theoretical total amount after the fill with the actual total amount after the fill, and issues an alert if the two do not match. This configuration allows for verification that the gaming chips 70 are correctly increased at the game table by the fill.

[0129] Furthermore, in the F / C bank room 13, the chip IDs of all gaming chips 70 leaving the F / C bank room 13 are recorded, and at the game tables, the chip IDs of all gaming chips 70 that have moved from the F / C bank room 13 are also detected. Therefore, if the total amount after theoretical filling does not match the total amount after actual filling, the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 that caused the discrepancy can be identified. The chip management computer 100 changes the status of the gaming chip 70 that caused the discrepancy to a status such as "invalid," "cannot be cashed out," or "cannot be played."

[0130] In addition, while the above comparison was made between the theoretical total amount after filling and the actual total amount after filling, it is also possible to determine whether the filling was completed without any surplus or deficit by comparing the theoretical total number of gaming chips 70 after filling at the game table (theoretical total number after filling) with the actual total number of gaming chips 70 after filling at the game table (actual total number after filling), using the number of chips (total number) in addition to or instead of the amount (total amount) of gaming chips 70.

[0131] (Managing credits through reductions at the game table) When excess gaming chips 70 at a game table are transported from the game table to the F / C bank room 13 (credits), the payout table chip reader 1532 reads the chip IDs of the gaming chips 70 being transported to the F / C bank room 13, and these chip IDs are reported from the table computer 151 to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 calculates the total amount of the reported gaming chips 70 (total credits) by referring to the chip management database 101.

[0132] The chip management computer 100 extracts the gaming chips 70 present at the game table before the credit is credited by referring to the chip management database 101 and calculates their total value (existing total). Then, the chip management computer 100 calculates the theoretical total value of gaming chips 70 at the game table after the credit is credited (theoretical post-credit total) by subtracting the total credit value from the calculated existing total value.

[0133] At the game table, as gaming chips 70 are transported to the F / C bank room 13, the chip tray chip reader 154 of the game table reads the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 stored at the game table, and the table computer 151 reports this to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 obtains the face value by referring to the chip management database 101 for the reported chip ID and calculates the actual total value (actual credit total) of the gaming chips 70 in the chip tray.

[0134] Furthermore, if the game table has a cabinet, or if there is a double chip tray, that is, if the game table has a place to store chips other than the chip tray, the table computer 151 calculates the total amount of gaming chips 70 for the entire game table (excluding the gaming chips of players placed in the betting area), including the chip tray and such storage space, as the total amount after real credits.

[0135] The chip management computer 100 compares the theoretical total after credits with the actual total after credits and issues an alert if they do not match. This configuration allows for verification that the gaming chips 70 are correctly reduced at the game table by credits.

[0136] Furthermore, at the game table, the chip IDs of all gaming chips 70 transported from the game table to the F / C bank room 13 are recorded, and in the F / C bank room 13, the chip IDs of all gaming chips 70 that have moved from the game table are also detected. Therefore, if the total amount after theoretical credits does not match the total amount after actual credits, the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 that caused the discrepancy can be identified. The chip management computer 100 changes the status of the gaming chip 70 that caused the discrepancy to a status such as "invalid," "cannot be cashed out," or "cannot be played."

[0137] In addition, while the above comparison was made between the theoretical total amount after credits and the actual total amount after credits, it is also possible to determine whether the credits were completed without any surplus or deficit by comparing the total number of gaming chips (theoretical total after credits) at the game table with the actual total number of gaming chips (actual total after credits) at the game table, using the number of chips (total number) in addition to or instead of the amount (total amount) of gaming chips 70.

[0138] Furthermore, in the above, the total amount of credits was determined by reading the gaming chips 70 delivered to the F / C bank room 13 with the payout table chip reader 1532, and the theoretical post-credit total was calculated by subtracting the total amount of credits from the existing total (the total amount of gaming chips 70 on the game table before credit execution). However, instead, the following method may be used. That is, if the chip management computer 100 issues a notification to the game table prompting credit, and the game table performs credit in response to this notification, the total amount or total number of gaming chips 70 related to the credit (which may be specified for each face value) specified in this notification may be used as the total amount of credits, and the theoretical post-credit total may be calculated by subtracting this total amount of credits from the existing total. Once the chip management computer 100 has calculated the theoretical total amount of credits, it compares this theoretical post-credit total with the actual post-credit total (the actual total amount of gaming chips 70 on the game table after credit execution) in the same manner as above to confirm whether the specified amount or number of gaming chips 70 have left the game table for credit.

[0139] (Verification based on staff work shifts) Cage 10 is locked to prevent unauthorized entry, and staff can only enter and exit after meeting security requirements. Similar entry and exit security is also in place between each room within Cage 10. Staff working in Cage 10 are required to authenticate themselves when entering and leaving Cage 10 or their assigned room. When authenticating a staff member to exit, the chip management computer 100 verifies whether there have been any inappropriate movements of the gaming chip 70 since the staff member entered the room. The chip management computer 100 works in conjunction with the locking system and will not permit exit if there has been any inappropriate movement of the gaming chip 70.

[0140] Similarly, at the game table, when a dealer leaves the game table, they specify the end of their shift and have their ID card read by the table card reader 152. At this time, the chip management computer 100 verifies whether there have been any inappropriate movements of gaming chips 70 since the dealer sat down at the game table, and issues an alert if there have been any inappropriate movements. Also, when a dealer changes, the chip management computer 100 verifies whether the gaming chips 70 that should be on the game table are indeed there between the time the dealer leaves the table and the time the next dealer sits down, that is, whether the dealer who leaves the table has taken any gaming chips 70 from the game table, and issues an alert if there is a problem.

[0141] Furthermore, in a game table, gaming chips 70 may be stored in locations other than the chip tray. For example, the chip tray may be double-layered, with replacement gaming chips 70 stored in the lower chip tray, or replacement gaming chips 70 may be stored in a cabinet provided by the game table. In these cases, the game table is also equipped with an antenna for reading the RFID tags 71 of the gaming chips 70 stored in this manner, and it is desirable that the table computer 151 be able to read the RFID tags 71 of all gaming chips 70 on the game table at all times.

[0142] (Monitoring inappropriate purchases / cash-outs by players) In this function, the chip management computer 100 verifies the purchase and redemption history of gaming chips for each player and issues an alert if there is any suspicious activity. For example, if a player purchases more than a predetermined amount of gaming chips 70 and redeems more than a predetermined amount of gaming chips 70 within a predetermined time, the computer will issue an alert as such activity is suspicious. Similarly, if gaming chips 70 are purchased and then redeemed without being used at the game table, and the amount redeemed exceeds a predetermined amount, the computer will issue an alert as such activity is suspicious. Alternatively, if a player purchases more than a predetermined amount of gaming chips 70 within a predetermined time, the computer will issue an alert as such activity is suspicious.

[0143] (Enable / Disable in the cage) The gaming chip 70 may be activated within the cage 10. This ensures security, as even if a gaming chip 70 is stolen between the time it is manufactured and when it is brought into the cage 10, it cannot be used because it is not activated. For this purpose, the chip management database 101 has a table that stores the chip IDs of valid gaming chips 70, and the chip management computer 100 checks the table each time the chip ID of a gaming chip 70 is read by a chip reader on a cashier or game table to verify whether the chip ID is valid.

[0144] Furthermore, when disposing of the gaming chip 70, it is deactivated within the cage 10 before being taken outside the cage 10. This ensures security because even if a gaming chip 70 taken outside the cage 10 for disposal is stolen, it cannot be used in the cashier or game table.

[0145] (Unregistered Player) Even unregistered players can purchase Gaming Chip 70 and use it to play games at game tables. Unregistered players are assigned a common anonymous player ID. This ensures that the Gaming Chip 70 can be traced uninterrupted, even if it is transferred to an unregistered player while moving between locations from cage 10 to cage 10.

[0146] (others) A display device may be provided in the cashier window to show the total value of the gaming chips 70 and the results of the validity check. The cashier staff places the gaming chips 70 to be given to the player or received from the player on the cashier chip reader 143. The cashier chip reader 143 reads the face value and status stored in the RFID tags 71 of the gaming chips 70 (usually multiple chips). The cashier computer 141 displays the total value obtained by summing the face values ​​read by the cashier chip reader 143 on the display device. In addition to the total amount, the number of gaming chips 70 of each face value may also be displayed.

[0147] Furthermore, the cashier computer 141 displays an error message on its display device if there are gaming chips 70 with invalid status among the read RFID tags 71, and displays a pass message or nothing on the display device if the status of all gaming chips 70 is valid. In addition to the status, it may also display whether there has been any inappropriate movement history up to that point. This ensures that the gaming chips to be given to or received from players are valid, and that the total amount is agreed upon between the cashier staff and the player before the gaming chips 70 are handed over.

[0148] In the above embodiment, when the chip reader at each location reads the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chip 70, the chip management computer 100 may verify the validity of the chip ID by checking whether the read chip ID is that of a valid chip, and may issue an alert if there is a problem. For this purpose, a table of valid chip IDs is recorded in the chip management database 101, and the chip management computer 100 refers to this table to verify whether the chip ID read at each location is valid. The chip ID may be encrypted.

[0149] In the above embodiment, in addition to issuing an alert, or instead, the chip management computer 100 may set a flag indicating an anomaly in the relevant player, gaming chip 70, or movement history record and record the time.

[0150] Furthermore, the configuration of the rooms in Cage 10 is not limited to those described above; the number of rooms and their arrangement are arbitrary. Also, the game tables may be tables for playing baccarat, blackjack, or other card games, and in addition to the game tables, locations for playing other games such as roulette may be included.

[0151] Each of the above-described computers is equipped with a processor and memory, and the above operations are performed by the processor executing a computer program stored in memory. The program may be provided to the computer by a non-temporary storage medium, or it may be provided to the computer in the form of a download. Communication between computers may be wired or wireless. In the above embodiment, staff and players were identified at each location by reading an ID card with a card reader, but instead of an ID card, staff and players may be identified by biometric authentication such as fingerprints, facial images, iris scans, or voiceprints.

[0152] In the above embodiment, the movement of gaming chips 70 between locations was explained using the rooms within the cage 10 and the game table as examples of locations. However, the examples of locations are not limited to these. For example, the chip tray where the dealer stores collected chips and dispenses winning chips at the game table, the cabinet for storing gaming chips at the table, and the upper and lower chip trays in a two-tiered chip tray system can each be considered a location in the above embodiment, and the movement of gaming chips 70 between each of these locations can be managed in the same manner as described above.

[0153] For example, the system may record the chip ID, total value, and / or total number of gaming chips 70 taken from a cabinet of a game table, and issue an alert if the chip ID, total value, and / or total number of chips do not move to the chip tray of the same game table within a predetermined time. Alternatively, for example, in a double chip tray system, the system may confirm that gaming chips 70 taken from the lower chip tray have moved to the upper chip tray, or that gaming chips 70 taken from the upper chip tray have moved to the lower chip tray.

[0154] Furthermore, when performing a fill, the gaming chips 70 brought from the F / C bank room 13 to the game table are read using the dealer antenna 513, the bet area antenna 515, or the chip tray antenna 514. The chip tray is equipped with buttons to recognize the start and end of the fill operation, and the gaming chips 70 in the chip tray before the fill and the gaming chips 70 in the chip tray after the fill are compared to recognize the gaming chips 70 that have increased due to the fill as the filled gaming chips 70.

[0155] When crediting, the gaming chips 70 to be transported to the F / C bank room 13 are read by the collection dealer antenna 5131, the payout dealer antenna 5132, the bet area antenna 515, or the chip tray antenna 514. The chip tray is equipped with buttons to recognize the start and end of credit operations, and the gaming chips 70 in the chip tray before crediting and the gaming chips 70 after crediting are compared to recognize the gaming chips 70 that have been reduced by crediting as the gaming chips 70 to be credited.

[0156] The chip management computer 100 may be able to output the inventory (chip ID) of chips at each location (cage, chip tray, etc.). The chip management computer 100 may also be able to specify a past point in time and output the inventory at that time.

[0157] Additionally, you could set up an alert to be issued when a suspicious gaming chip (a flagged gaming chip) is attempted to be cashed in at the cashier.

[0158] Furthermore, the chip management database 101 may be capable of storing the cash-out history of each player. Also, the chip management computer 100 may be capable of outputting the chip IDs that the players are supposed to possess.

[0159] The RFID tag 71 may have information such as chipset, casino information, location information, and redemption potential written on it. Alternatively, this information may be associated with the chip ID and stored in the chip management database 101. When an RFID tag 71 is read at a location, the chip management computer 100 or the computers at each location may check, based on this information, whether it is a gaming chip 70 that should be at that location.

[0160] Furthermore, a set of gaming chips 70 (chipset) and the type of gaming chip may be set for each area. For example, when an RFID tag 71 is read at a game table, the table computer 151 or the chip management computer 100 checks whether it is the chipset that should be used at that game table.

[0161] Gaming chips 70 that have been in use for a certain number of years may be flagged in association with their chip ID. Gaming chips 70 that have been in use for a certain number of years can be located and recovered. If a player possesses a gaming chip 70 that has been in use for a certain number of years, a signal will be output when the chip ID is detected at the cashier or game table.

[0162] When a player possessing a potentially stolen gaming chip 70 sits down at a table, the table computer 151 or chip management computer may issue a warning to the staff (supervisor). The cashier computer 141 or chip management computer 100 detects chips that have been purchased but are cashed in without being played, in order to prevent money laundering.

[0163] At the cashier, if a cash-out or chip purchase exceeds a threshold amount, the player's photo is associated with the chip ID. Anonymous players (players without a membership card) are also assigned a unique ID to trace their chips. For anonymous players, a photo of their face may be taken at the time of chip purchase, and the player ID may be linked to the face image and registered in the chip management database 101. Subsequently, at each location (table, cashier, etc.), the player ID may be identified by face recognition. The chip management computer 100 may invalidate the status of all chips associated with players on a blacklist.

[0164] When a player without a member card places a bet of gaming chips 70 at a game table, the chip management computer 100 records the play in the chip management database 101, linking it to a unique ID issued on the spot and / or a player ID associated with the gaming chips 70. At this time, a facial image or facial recognition ID may also be linked to the play. If a member card is recognized later, the play record may be retrospectively linked to the member card ID and recorded.

[0165] [Second Embodiment: Gaming Chip Management Using a Table Chip Reader] (Management system configuration) Figure 11 shows the configuration of a management system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The management system 2000 is a system for managing gaming chips 70 in a game table 42 for playing games using gaming chips 70 with built-in RFID tags 71. The game table 42 includes a chip tray 421 for storing the dealer's gaming chips 70, betting areas 422a to 422e for placing gaming chips to bet on the game, and a collection area 423a and a payout area 423b separate from the betting areas 422a to 422e and the chip tray 421. Both the collection area 423a and the payout area 423b are located between the betting areas 422a to 422e and the chip tray 421.

[0166] In the retrieval area 423a, a retrieval dealer antenna 5131 is embedded to read the RFID tags 71 of gaming chips 70 that are retrieved when a player loses a game. In the payout area 423b, a payout dealer antenna 5132 is embedded to read the RFID tags 71 of gaming chips 70 that are paid out to players who win games. The retrieval dealer antenna 5131 reads the RFID tags 71 of gaming chips 70 before they are retrieved from the betting areas 422a to 422e and placed in the chip tray 421. The payout dealer antenna 5132 reads the RFID tags 71 of gaming chips 70 before they are removed from the chip tray 421 and paid out to the betting areas 422a to 422e.

[0167] The chip tray 421 is provided with a chip tray antenna 514 for reading the RFID tags 71 of the gaming chips 70 housed in the chip tray 421. The retrieval dealer antenna 5131, the dispensing dealer antenna 5132, and the chip tray antenna 514 are each connected to the first reader 81.

[0168] The first reader 81 controls the retrieval dealer antenna 5131, the dispensing dealer antenna 5132, and the chip tray antenna 514 respectively to transmit radio waves to the RFID tag 71 and decode the signals received by each antenna to obtain information from the RFID tag 71. In this embodiment, since the retrieval dealer antenna 5131, the dispensing dealer antenna 5132, and the chip tray antenna 514 are all connected to the same first reader 81, the first reader 81 controls the retrieval dealer antenna 5131, the dispensing dealer antenna 5132, and the chip tray antenna 514 respectively in a time-division multiplexer to perform reading.

[0169] Furthermore, the recovery dealer antenna 5131, the dispensing dealer antenna 5132, and the tip tray antenna 514 may each be connected to a separate reading device. In this case, readings from the recovery dealer antenna 5131, the dispensing dealer antenna 5132, and the tip tray antenna 514 may be performed independently, and each antenna can perform readings at any desired timing.

[0170] Each of the bed areas 422a to 422e has a bed area antenna 515a to 515e embedded in it. The bed area antennas 515a to 515e read the RFID tags 71 of the gaming chips 70 placed in each of the bed areas 422a to 422e. Each of the bed area antennas 515a to 515e is connected to a second reader 82.

[0171] Cameras 91 and 92 are installed on the game table 42. Cameras 91 and 92 each capture images of the gaming chips 70 placed in the betting areas 422a to 422e from different angles and generate images. Cameras 91 and 92 each capture the table surface of the game table 42 from diagonally above. Cameras 91 and 92 also capture images of the players participating in the game. Cameras 91 and 92 are each connected to an image recognition device 83.

[0172] The image recognition device 83 performs image recognition processing on the images generated by cameras 91 and 92 to recognize the position, type, and number of gaming chips 70 placed in the betting areas 422a to 422e. Furthermore, the image recognition device 83 generates a skeletal model of the players participating in the game by performing image recognition processing on the images generated by cameras 91 and 92. Note that the image recognition device 83 for recognizing the gaming chips 70 and the image recognition device 83 for generating the player's skeletal model may be separate devices. Also, the camera that generates the image for recognizing the gaming chips 70 and the camera that generates the image for generating the player's skeletal model may be separate cameras.

[0173] The game table 42 is equipped with an electronic shoe 94, which serves as both a card distribution device and a game result determination device. The electronic shoe 94 has a mechanism that allows a dealer to dispense playing cards one at a time. The electronic shoe 94 reads the rank of the dispensed playing card. For this purpose, the playing cards are marked with a code mark indicating their rank, and the electronic shoe 94 is equipped with an optical sensor for reading this code mark. Alternatively, the electronic shoe 94 may be equipped with a camera that captures the rank markings on the dispensed playing cards and generates an image, and an image recognition device that performs image recognition on this image to recognize the rank markings.

[0174] The electronic shoe 94 is equipped with a processor that determines the game result according to the rules of baccarat based on the rank of the playing cards drawn. The electronic shoe 94 is also equipped with buttons for the dealer to operate. The baccarat game determines the game result, i.e., player win, banker win, tie, player pair, banker pair, lucky 6, etc., based solely on the rank of the playing cards drawn sequentially from the electronic shoe 94. The electronic shoe 94 recognizes button operation to recognize the start or end of the game and recognizes the rank of the playing cards drawn in a game and the order in which they were drawn.

[0175] The game table 42 is further equipped with a cash slot 93 for inserting cash. The cash slot 93 is equipped with a cash sensor 931 for detecting cash passing through it. When a player purchases gaming chips 70 at the game table 42, the dealer receives cash from the player and inserts it into the cash slot 93, and at the same time dispenses gaming chips of the same amount from the chip tray 421 to the player.

[0176] The management system 2000 further includes a management device 84. The management device 84 is connected to the first reader 81, the second reader 82, the image recognition device 83, and the electronic shoe 94. The management device 84 acquires the reading results of the RFID tags 71 of the gaming chip 70 from the first reader 81 and the second reader 82, the image recognition results from the image recognition device 83, and the game results from the electronic shoe 94, and manages the movement of the gaming chip 70 on the game table 42 based on these.

[0177] (Detection of fraud and errors in collection and dispensing) The management device 84, as a means for determining whether the gaming chips 70 to be recovered from the betting areas 422a to 422e have been recovered from the betting areas 422a to 422e and read by the recovery dealer antenna 5131, determines whether the amount of the gaming chips 70 read by the recovery dealer antenna 5131 matches the amount to be recovered. The management device 84 determines the amount to be recovered based on the betting target, the betting amount, and the game result.

[0178] To this end, the management system 2000 identifies the betting targets and betting amounts. The betting targets and betting amounts are recognized using cameras 91 and 92 and an image recognition device 83. The image recognition device 83, as a betting determination means, determines the betting targets and betting amounts of the gaming chips 70 bet in the betting areas 422a to 422e. In the betting areas 422a to 422e of each player position, the betting targets are provided as Player (P), Banker (B), Tie (T), Player Pair (PP), and Banker Pair (BP).

[0179] Figure 12 illustrates image recognition in an image captured by a camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The example in Figure 12 is an image captured by camera 91. Image 901 shows a betting area, gaming chips placed in the betting area, and a player. The image recognition device 83 performs image recognition processing on image 901 to detect gaming chips and detects gaming chips from image 901. A neural network can be used for this image recognition processing. The detected stack of gaming chips is enclosed by rectangular frames c1 and c2.

[0180] The image recognition device 83 further generates player skeleton models sm1 and sm2 by performing skeleton detection. The image recognition device 83 further performs face detection on the player and extracts face regions f1 and f2. Neural networks can also be used for these skeleton detection and face detection processes.

[0181] The image recognition device 83 recognizes the position where the gaming chip stack is placed, that is, the betting target to which the gaming chip stack is placed, based on the image positions of the centers cp1 and cp2 at the bottom edges of the rectangular frames c1 and c2 of the detected gaming chip stack. As shown in Figure 12, gaming chips being moved by the player are also recognized, so the image recognition device 83 may also detect gaming chips from the image at the time a signal indicating that the first playing card of the game has been drawn from the electronic shoe 94 has been received. At the time the first playing card is drawn, the player cannot touch the bet gaming chips, and the position of the gaming chips is fixed. In addition, as part of the image recognition process, segmentation may be performed to identify the region of the gaming chip stack. In this case, the image recognition device 83 recognizes the betting target to which the gaming chip stack is placed, based on the image position of the lowest point of the identified region of the gaming chip stack.

[0182] The image recognition device 83 may further recognize the type of each gaming chip constituting the stack by image recognition. As shown in Figure 12, the side surface of the gaming chip 70 is provided with a colored layer indicating the face value (type), so by further detecting this colored layer from the rectangular frames c1 and c2 of the detected stack, the type and number of gaming chips 70 included in the stack can be recognized.

[0183] Furthermore, the type and number of gaming chips in each betting area 422a to 422e may be recognized by the betting area antennas 515a to 515e and the second reader 82. That is, the location (betting target) of the gaming chips bet in betting areas 422a to 422e may be recognized by cameras 91 and 92 and the image recognition device 83, and the type and number may be recognized by the betting area antennas 515a to 515e and the second reader 82.

[0184] Furthermore, if the chip ID is indicated on the side of the gaming chip 70, the chip ID may be recognized by the image recognition device 83 recognizing the images generated by the cameras 91 and 92.

[0185] Figure 13A is a diagram showing another example of a gaming chip according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 13B is a diagram showing yet another example of a gaming chip according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the gaming chips 70', 70'' are The side of the gaming chip displays a side ID, which is identification information. In the example in Figure 13A, the side ID is represented by the presence or absence of multiple dots (dot pattern). In this example, the side ID is represented by the presence or absence of dots in a dot sequence consisting of 8 dots, so it can represent 2 to the power of 8 different pieces of information. In the example in Figure 13B, the side ID is represented by a sequence of numbers. In this example, it is represented by an 8-digit number, so it can represent 10 to the power of 8 different pieces of information. The side ID may also be represented by a matrix pattern, a barcode, or a string of characters. The side ID is displayed within a range of 1 / 6 or less of the circumference of the side of the gaming chip. Multiple side IDs are displayed on the side of the gaming chip at predetermined intervals in the circumference.

[0186] The side ID may be a unique ID that uniquely identifies each gaming chip, or it may be information indicating the group to which each gaming chip belongs (e.g., value), i.e., information that may overlap with other gaming chips. In particular, if the side ID is represented as a sequence of numbers, the side ID may be a unique ID, and if the side ID is represented as a dot pattern (sequence of dots), the side ID may be information about the group to which it belongs.

[0187] The sides of the gaming chips 70' and 70'' are divided into three layers in the thickness direction. In this configuration, the first and third layers are different colors according to the value of the gaming chip, while the central second layer (center line) is a common color (e.g., black) for gaming chips of any value, regardless of their value. The side ID can be indicated by printing or laser engraving.

[0188] The gaming chips 70' and 70'' have built-in RFID tags. The tag records at least a unique ID that uniquely identifies the gaming chip and information about the group to which the gaming chip belongs (e.g., value). In this embodiment, the unique ID stored in the RFID tag and the unique ID represented as the side ID are the same ID, but these may be different IDs, and the two IDs assigned to the same gaming chip may be associated in the database.

[0189] The gaming chips 70' and 70'' have a built-in capsule, and the RFID tag is The gaming chip is housed in a capsule. A decal containing information about the gaming chip's value and the casino where it will be used is affixed to the outside of the capsule. The capsule is printed with a unique ID that uniquely identifies the gaming chip. This unique ID printed on the capsule may be the same as or different from the unique ID stored in the RFID tag. If the unique ID printed on the capsule and the unique ID stored in the RFID tag are different, they may be associated and stored in a database. The unique ID may also be printed on the surface of the chip beneath the decal. Alternatively, the unique ID may be printed on the surface of the chip using invisible ink such as UV ink or infrared absorbing ink.

[0190] Figure 14 shows an example of an image captured by a camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the example in Figure 14, multiple stacks of gaming chips placed in multiple betting areas are shown. The sides of the chips are also observable in the images from cameras 91 and 92.

[0191] The image recognition device 83 receives the images captured by cameras 91 and 92 and performs image recognition on them to recognize at least the position, type, and side ID information of each of the multiple gaming chips. The image recognition device 83 performs image recognition using at least partially a neural network image recognition engine.

[0192] Since gaming chip stacks exist at arbitrary locations in the images captured by cameras 91 and 92, the image recognition device 83 first uses a neural network to extract the gaming chip stacks (or individual gaming chips) from the captured images. From the extracted stack portion, the image recognition device 83 uses another neural network to extract the colored layers (centerlines) of each of the multiple gaming chips.

[0193] The image recognition device 83 further determines the value of each gaming chip based on the colors above and below the extracted center line. The image recognition device 83 further reads the side ID from the center line portion and obtains the side ID information by decoding the dot pattern in the case of Figure 13A, and by decoding the numbers in the case of Figure 13B.

[0194] Figure 15 is a table showing an example of data stored in a database according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 15, the database 85 stores information such as face value (type), owner, and status for each chip ID represented by a side ID. Face values ​​are, for example, $10, $50, $100, $500, etc. If the gaming chip 70 is held by a player, the player ID is stored as the owner information, and if it is held by a casino, information indicating that the owner is the casino is stored. Status information such as valid, invalid, suspected, etc., is stored.

[0195] The management device 84 can determine the face value, owner, and status of each gaming chip 70 by referring to the database 85 based on the side ID (i.e., chip ID) recognized by the image recognition device 83.

[0196] The management device 84 calculates the total amount of gaming chips bet on each betting target, i.e., the bet amount, based on the value and number of gaming chips recognized as described above. In the above embodiment, the management device 84 uses cameras 91, 92 and image recognition device 83 to determine the amount of gaming chips bet on each betting target, or uses cameras 91, 92 and image recognition device 83 to recognize the position of the gaming chips 70 and uses bet area antennas 515a to 515e and second reader device 82 to recognize the bet amount for each betting area 422a to 422e. Alternatively, the bet area antennas 515a to 515e and second reader device 82 can be used to recognize the position, type, and number of gaming chips 70.

[0197] In other words, if separate antennas are provided for each betting target in the betting areas 422a to 422e, and the RFID tags 71 of the gaming chips 70 can be read separately for each betting target, then the location, type, and number of gaming chips can be recognized without using cameras 91, 92 and the image recognition device 83. In this case as well, the management device 84 recognizes the betting targets and bet amounts in each betting area 422a to 422e based on the location, type, and number information obtained from the second reader device 82.

[0198] Based on the information on the bet targets and bet amounts recognized as described above, and the game result information obtained from the electronic shoe 94, the management device 84 determines whether the stacks of gaming chips 70 bet in each bet area 422a to 422e have won or lost the game. It determines that the stacks of gaming chips 70 that have lost should be collected, and for the stacks of gaming chips 70 that have won, it calculates the amount of gaming chips 70 to be paid out based on the redemption rate defined for the bet target.

[0199] Once the game results are finalized, the dealer first collects the lost gaming chips (i.e., lost bets) from each player. At this time, the dealer places a stack of gaming chips 70 (lost bet stack) collected from a player in the collection area 423a and has it read by the collection dealer antenna 5131. After that, the stack of gaming chips 70 is placed in the chip tray 421. Then, another stack of lost gaming chips 70 (lost bet stack) is collected and placed in the collection area 423a, has it read by the collection dealer antenna 5131, and is placed in the chip tray 421. This process is repeated for all stacks of lost gaming chips 70 (lost bet stacks). At this time, the dealer collects the lost gaming chips 70 in order of player position (for example, in ascending order of player position number).

[0200] At this time, the management device 84 functions as a recovery determination means and determines whether the amount and chip ID of the gaming chips 70 read by the recovery dealer antenna 5131 in the recovery area 423a for each bet lost in the game matches the amount and chip ID of the lost bet stack placed in any of the bet areas 422a to 422e. The management device 84 uses the amount of gaming chips 70 to be recovered, determined as described above based on the bet target, bet amount, and game result, as the amount of the lost bet stack. Alternatively, the management device 84 may use the amount of gaming chips 70 that are no longer read from the bet areas 422a to 422e as the amount and chip ID of the lost bet stack and determine whether this amount and chip ID matches the amount and chip ID read in the recovery area 423a.

[0201] Once all lost bet stacks have been collected, the management device 84 determines whether the increase in gaming chips 70 in the chip tray 421, as read using the chip tray antenna 514, matches the total amount of lost bet stacks and chip IDs, i.e., the total amount to be collected and chip IDs. The management device 84 also determines whether the increase in gaming chips 70 in the chip tray 421 and the added chip IDs, as read using the chip tray antenna 514, match the total amount and chip IDs for all collected gaming chips 70, as read by the collection dealer antenna 5131 in the collection area 423a each time a lost bet stack is collected. To this end, the management device 84 obtains the total amount and chip IDs of the gaming chips 70 in the chip tray 421 as read by the chip tray antenna 514 before starting the collection, and then obtains the total amount and chip IDs of the gaming chips 70 in the chip tray 421 again as read by the chip tray antenna 514 after all collections are complete, and calculates the increase and added chip IDs by finding the difference between them.

[0202] Furthermore, the dealer's retrieval operation does not have to be carried out in the manner described above, where each stack is read in the retrieval area 423a and then placed in the chip tray 421. For example, each stack may be moved to the retrieval area 423a sequentially, and after all lost bet stacks have been retrieved in the retrieval area 423a, they may be placed in the chip tray 421. In this case, the management device 84 may acquire the information of the newly retrieved gaming chip 70 based on the information read by the retrieval dealer antenna 5131 each time a newly retrieved gaming chip 70 is added to the retrieval area 423a.

[0203] Furthermore, if there are multiple lost bet stacks, as described above, the order of retrieval is known, so the management device 84 also knows the total value and chip ID of the gaming chip stacks that should be read in the retrieval area 423a each time a lost bet stack is retrieved. The management device 84 determines whether the retrieval was performed correctly by comparing the known total value and chip ID of the gaming chips 70 that should be retrieved (to be read by the retrieval dealer antenna 5131) with the total value and chip ID of the gaming chips 70 that were actually read by the retrieval dealer antenna 5131. If the retrieval was not performed correctly, the management device 84 outputs or records the player position or player information of the bet stacks involved in such fraudulent retrieval.

[0204] Once the dealer has finished collecting, he pays out the winning gaming chips 70. At this time, the dealer places the stack of gaming chips 70 to be paid out from the chip tray 421 in the payout area 423b, has the payout dealer antenna 5132 read it, and then places the gaming chips 70 to be paid out next to the winning gaming chips, i.e., in the betting areas 422a to 422e. The player who won the game receives the gaming chips 70 placed in the betting areas 422a to 422e along with the gaming chips 70 they bet.

[0205] At this time, the management device 84 functions as a payout determination means and determines whether the amount of gaming chips 70 to be paid out has been read by the payout dealer antenna 5132 for each bet won in the game. The management device 84 determines whether the amount to be paid out matches the amount of gaming chips 70 read by the payout dealer antenna 5132 in the payout area 423b, using the payout amount calculated from the bet amount of the winning gaming chips and the redemption rate defined for the bet target as the amount to be paid out. In addition, when paying out, if there are multiple winning bet stacks, the dealer pays out the gaming chips 70 in the order of the player positions (for example, in ascending order of player position number). Therefore, the total amount of the stack of gaming chips 70 to be paid out, that is, to be read by the payout dealer antenna 5132, is known to the management device 84. Therefore, each time the dispensing dealer antenna 5132 reads a gaming chip 70, the management device 84 compares this known total amount with the actual total amount of gaming chips 70 read by the dispensing dealer antenna 5132. If there is a discrepancy, it identifies and outputs or records the player position or player involved in the discrepancy.

[0206] The management device 84 may further determine whether the amount of gaming chips added to the betting areas 422a to 422e matches the amount of gaming chips 70 read by the payout dealer antenna 5132 in the payout area 423b. This determination allows for confirmation that the gaming chips 70 placed in the payout area 423b were paid to the correct player positions.

[0207] Once all payouts for winning bet stacks have been completed, the management device 84 determines whether the decrease in gaming chips 70 in the chip tray 421, as read using the chip tray antenna 514, matches the total amount to be paid out. The management device 84 also determines whether the decrease in gaming chips in the chip tray 421, as read using the chip tray antenna 514, matches the total amount of gaming chips 70 read by the payout dealer antenna 5132 in the payout area 423b for all payouts, each time a payout is made for a winning bet stack. To this end, the management device 84 obtains the total amount of gaming chips 70 in the chip tray 421 as read by the chip tray antenna 514 after all collections are complete and before payouts begin. After all payouts are complete, it obtains the total amount of gaming chips 70 in the chip tray 421 again as read by the chip tray antenna 514, and calculates the decrease by finding the difference between these two amounts.

[0208] In the above embodiment, the increase in the chip tray 421 was determined to be correct when all collections were completed, and the decrease in the chip tray was determined to be correct when all payouts were completed. However, instead, the increase or decrease in gaming chips in the chip tray 421 due to all collections and payouts may be determined to be correct after all collections and payouts are completed. In this case as well, the management device 84 may determine whether the increase or decrease calculated from the bet target, bet amount, and game result matches the actual increase or decrease in the chip tray 421, or it may determine the increase or decrease by adding or subtracting the total amount of gaming chips 70 read by the collection dealer antenna 5131 in the collection area 423a and the total amount of gaming chips 70 read by the payout dealer antenna 5132 in the payout area 423b, and then determine whether the increase or decrease obtained in this way matches the actual increase or decrease in the chip tray 421.

[0209] As described above, when collecting, the management device 84 identifies the gaming chips 70 to be collected based on the bet target, bet amount, and game result, and determines whether the amount and / or chip ID of the gaming chips 70 read by the collection dealer antenna 5131 in collection area 423a is the amount and / or chip ID that should be collected. In addition, when collecting, the management device 84 determines whether the amount and / or chip ID of the gaming chips 70 that are no longer read by the bet area antennas 515a to 515e in bet area 422a matches the amount and / or chip ID of the gaming chips 70 read by the collection dealer antenna 5131 in collection area 423a. Furthermore, when collecting, the management device 84 determines whether the amount and / or chip ID of the gaming chips 70 read by the collection dealer antenna 5131 in collection area 423a matches the amount and / or chip ID of the gaming chips 70 that have been added to the chip tray 421.

[0210] Furthermore, regarding payouts, the management device 84 identifies the amount of gaming chips 70 to be paid out based on the bet target, bet amount, and game result, and determines whether the amount of gaming chips 70 read by the payout dealer antenna 5132 in the payout area 423b is the amount to be paid out. The management device 84 also determines, at the time of payout, whether the amount of gaming chips 70 and / or chip IDs that have been paid out from the chip tray 421 and reduced in the chip tray 421 match the amount of gaming chips 70 and / or chip IDs read by the payout dealer antenna 5132. In addition, the management device 84 determines, at the time of payout, whether the amount of gaming chips and / or chip IDs read by the payout dealer antenna 5132 in the payout area 423b match the amount of gaming chips 70 and / or chip IDs that have been added to the bet areas 422a to 422e and read by the bet area antennas 515a to 515e.

[0211] (Currency exchange decision) The management device 84 determines whether the currency exchange, that is, the equivalent exchange of gaming chips offered by the player and gaming chips offered by the dealer, has been performed correctly. To this end, the management device 84 recognizes that a currency exchange transaction has taken place when the exchange has occurred.

[0212] An exchange transaction begins when a player places their gaming chip 70, which they wish to exchange, in the collection area 423a, informing the dealer of their intention to exchange. The dealer then places a gaming chip 70 of equivalent value (but with a different face value / type) to the gaming chip 70 offered by the player and placed in the collection area 423a, in the payout area 423b. In other words, in an exchange transaction, the gaming chip 70 offered by the player is present in the collection area 423a, and at the same time, the gaming chip 70 offered by the dealer is present in the payout area 423b.

[0213] The management device 84 determines that an exchange transaction is taking place and activates the exchange mode when the recovery dealer antenna 5131 in the recovery area 423a and the payout dealer antenna 5132 in the payout area 423b detect gaming chips 70 simultaneously, or simultaneously within a predetermined time interval. In the exchange mode, if the management device 84 determines that an exchange transaction is taking place, it compares the total amount of gaming chips 70 read in the recovery area 423a with the total amount of gaming chips 70 read in the payout area 423b and determines whether the two are equal, thereby determining whether the exchange has been performed correctly.

[0214] Furthermore, in the exchange mode, the management device 84 may determine whether the number of gaming chips 70 read in the collection area 423a is different from the number of gaming chips 70 read in the payout area 423b, and then activate the exchange mode or determine whether the exchange was performed correctly. Alternatively, the management device 84 may refer to the database 85 for the gaming chips 70 read in the collection area 423a to identify their owner and confirm that it matches one of the player IDs, and also refer to the database 85 for the gaming chips 70 read in the payout area 423b to identify their owner and confirm that it matches the casino, and then activate the exchange mode or determine whether the exchange was performed correctly.

[0215] In the above embodiment, the area where the gaming chips 70 issued by the player should be placed during the exchange was designated as the collection area 423a, and the area where the gaming chips 70 issued by the dealer should be placed was designated as the payout area 423b. However, the exchange operation is not limited to this. For example, the area where the gaming chips 70 issued by the player should be placed may be designated as the payout area 423b, and the area where the gaming chips 70 issued by the dealer should be placed may be designated as the collection area 423a. Alternatively, if the gaming chips 70 issued by the player are placed in the collection area 423a, the gaming chips 70 issued by the dealer may be placed in the payout area 423b, and if the gaming chips 70 issued by the player are placed in the payout area 423b, the gaming chips 70 issued by the dealer may be placed in the collection area 423a. In other words, instead of fixing the location where the gaming chips 70 dispensed by the player and the gaming chips 70 dispensed by the dealer should be placed, one may be placed in either the collection area 423a or the payout area 423b, and the other in the other of the collection area 423a and the payout area 423b.

[0216] In this case as well, the management device 84 may activate the exchange mode when it detects that gaming chips 70 are present in both the collection area 423a and the payout area 423b simultaneously. Alternatively, it may further compare the total value of gaming chips 70 placed in the collection area 423a with the total value of gaming chips 70 placed in the payout area 423b and determine that they are equal, and / or compare the number of gaming chips 70 placed in the collection area 423a with the number of gaming chips 70 placed in the payout area 423b and determine that they are equal, in which case it may activate the exchange mode or determine that the exchange has been performed correctly.

[0217] In exchange mode, the management device 84 compares the total value of gaming chips 70 placed in the collection area 423a with the total value of gaming chips 70 placed in the payout area 423b. If the two do not match, the management device 84 controls the alert device 86 to output an alert. The management device 84 also determines whether the owner of the gaming chips 70 read in either the collection area 423a or the payout area 423b is one of the player IDs, and whether the owner of the gaming chips 70 read in the other of the collection area 423a or the payout area 423b is the casino. If this is not the case, for example, if the owner of all the gaming chips 70 is the casino, or if the owner of all the gaming chips 70 is one of the player IDs, the management device 84 controls the alert device 86 to output an alert. In this case, the alert device 86 specifically warns that the exchange is not between a player and the casino.

[0218] The alert device 86 may be equipped with an audio output device and output an alert by voice, or equipped with a lamp and output an alert by lighting the lamp, or equipped with a display device and output an alert on a display screen.

[0219] In the above embodiment, the management device 84 activated the exchange mode when it detected that gaming chips 70 were simultaneously present in the collection area 423a and the dispensing area 423b. However, the management device 84 may also activate the exchange mode when it detects that gaming chips 70 that were in the chip tray 421 and gaming chips 70 that were not in the chip tray 421 have been placed in the collection area 423a and the dispensing area 423b. Furthermore, the management device may also activate the exchange mode when it detects that gaming chips 70 owned by a player and gaming chips 70 owned by a non-player have been placed in the collection area 423a and the dispensing area 423b.

[0220] (Fill transactions and credit transactions) When the amount of gaming chips 70 stocked in the chip tray 421 of the game table 42 decreases, gaming chips 70 are replenished into the chip tray 421 from outside the game table 42 (fill transaction). Also, when the amount of gaming chips 70 stocked in the chip tray 421 of the game table 42 becomes excessive, gaming chips 70 are moved from the chip tray 421 to outside the game table (credit transaction).

[0221] In a fill transaction, similar to the first embodiment, the chip IDs of all gaming chips 70 leaving the F / C bank room 13 are recorded, and the chip IDs of all gaming chips 70 that have moved from the F / C bank room 13 are also detected at the game table 42. This allows for a comparison between the theoretical chip IDs and total value of all gaming chips 70 being filled and the actual chip IDs and total value of all gaming chips 70 that have been filled.

[0222] The dealer reads the RFID tags 71 of the gaming chips 70 that have been moved from the F / C bank room 13 to the game table 42 using the retrieval dealer antenna 5131 in the retrieval area 423a, and then places them in the chip tray 421. The chip tray antenna 514 on the chip tray 421 reads the RFID tags 71 of the gaming chips 70 that have been placed in the chip tray 421 after being filled.

[0223] The management device 84 acquires the chip IDs and total value of all gaming chips 70 that have left the F / C bank room 13, and compares these with the chip IDs and total value of the gaming chips 70 read by the recovery dealer antenna 5131. In addition, during a fill transaction, the management device 84 compares the chip IDs and total value of the RFID tags 71 of the gaming chips 70 that have been placed in the recovery area 423a and read by the recovery dealer antenna 5131 with the chip IDs and total value of the gaming chips 70 that have been newly added to the chip tray 421 by being placed in the chip tray 421.

[0224] If the management device 84 determines that there is a discrepancy in any of these comparisons, it controls the alert device 86 to output an alert. In this case, the alert device 86 specifically warns that the fill transaction was not performed correctly.

[0225] In the credit transaction, similar to the first embodiment, the chip IDs of all gaming chips 70 entering the F / C bank room 13 are recorded, and the chip IDs of all gaming chips 70 moving to the F / C bank room 13 are also detected at the game table 42. This allows for a comparison between the theoretical chip IDs and total value of all gaming chips 70 being credited and the actual chip IDs and total value of all gaming chips 70 that have been credited.

[0226] The management device 84 acquires the chip IDs and total value of all gaming chips 70 entering the F / C bank room 13 and compares these with the chip IDs and total value of the gaming chips 70 read by the payout dealer antenna 5132. In addition, during a credit transaction, the management device 84 compares the chip IDs and total value of the RFID tags 71 of the gaming chips 70 placed in the payout area 423b and read by the payout dealer antenna 5132 with the chip IDs and total value of the gaming chips 70 that have been removed from the chip tray 421.

[0227] If the management device 84 determines that there is a discrepancy in any of these comparisons, it controls the alert device 86 to output an alert. In this case, the alert device 86 specifically warns that the credit transaction was not performed correctly.

[0228] These fill transactions and credit transactions may only be performed when no game is in progress. In this case, the management device 84 recognizes the period after the game results have been finalized and all settlements have been completed, and before the first playing card of the next game is drawn from the electronic shoe 94, as the inter-game period during which fill transactions and credit transactions may be performed. If, during this period, the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chip 70 is read by the collection dealer antenna 5131 in the collection area 423a during the inter-game period, and the above exchange conditions are not met, and the chip buy-in conditions described later are not met, the management device 84 recognizes it as a fill transaction and activates fill mode. Similarly, if the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chip 70 is read by the payout dealer antenna 5132 in the payout area 423b during the inter-game period, and the above exchange conditions are not met, and the chip buy-in conditions described later are not met, the management device 84 recognizes it as a credit transaction and activates credit mode.

[0229] In addition, in fill transactions and credit transactions, the operator may manually input the amount of gaming chips 70 to be filled or credited to the management device 84. In this case, the management device 84 determines whether the total amount of gaming chips 70 read in the collection area 423a or the payout area 423b is the specified amount.

[0230] (Tip buy-in) As described in the first embodiment, players can purchase gaming chips 70 at the cashier, and they can also purchase gaming chips 70 from the dealer at the game table 42. The dealer receives cash from the player, puts it into the cash slot 93, and gives the player gaming chips 70 equivalent to the cash. At this time, the dealer places the gaming chips 70 to be dispensed to the player in the dispensing area 423b, and the dispensing dealer antenna 5132 reads the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chip 70.

[0231] The cash sensor 931, located in the cash slot 93, detects cash and notifies the management device 84. The management device 84 receives the notification of cash detection from the cash sensor 931 and activates the chip buy-in mode.

[0232] In chip buy-in mode, the management device 84 determines the chip ID and total value of the gaming chips 70 read by the payout dealer antenna 5132. The management device 84 further compares the chip ID and total value of the gaming chips 70 removed from the chip tray 421 by this chip buy-in with the chip ID and total value of the gaming chips 70 read by the payout dealer antenna 5132. If there is a discrepancy, it controls the alert device 86 to output an alert.

[0233] The cash sensor 931 only detects the presence of cash in the cash slot 93, but instead of the cash sensor 931, it may have a function to determine the denomination (amount) and authenticity of the cash. In this case, the management device 84 may determine whether the total amount of cash detected by the cash sensor 931 matches the total amount of gaming chips 70 placed in the payout area 423b, and if there is a discrepancy, it may control the alert device 86 to output an alert. In addition, the cash dispensed by the player during a chip buy-in may be recognized by cameras 91, 92 and the image recognition device 83. In this case as well, the management device 84 may compare the recognized total amount of cash with the total amount of gaming chips 70 read in the payout area 423b to determine whether the chip buy-in has been performed correctly.

[0234] Furthermore, when performing a chip buy-in, the cash may be placed in the collection area 423a, and cameras 91 and 92 may photograph the cash placed in the collection area 423a, and the image recognition device 83 may recognize the amount of this cash. In this case, the management device 84 may compare the amount of cash recognized by the image recognition device 83 with the total amount of gaming chips 70 that have been paid out to the payout area 423b and read by the payout dealer antenna 5132 to determine whether the chip buy-in has been performed correctly.

[0235] (modified version) In the second embodiment described above, the retrieval area 423a and the dispensing area 423b are provided adjacent to each other, and these retrieval area 423a and dispensing area 423b are located between the chip tray 421 and the betting areas 422a to 422e. Depending on the relationship between the distance of each of these areas and the strength of the electromagnetic waves emitted from the antennas provided in those areas, each antenna may read the RFID tag 71 of a gaming chip 70 that is located outside its corresponding area. For example, the retrieval dealer antenna 5131 may read the RFID tag 71 of a gaming chip 70 placed in the dispensing area 423b, or the dispensing dealer antenna 5132 may read the RFID tag 71 of a gaming chip 70 placed in the retrieval area 423a.

[0236] To prevent interference or misreading between such areas, jamming antennas may be provided in each area to block or deform electromagnetic waves from antennas in other areas. Alternatively, shielding members may be installed between each area to block electromagnetic waves from other areas. Furthermore, readings may be performed with staggered timings between adjacent areas. In addition, multiple antennas may be installed at intervals that do not cause interference or misreading, even without jamming antennas or shielding members.

[0237] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the first reading device 81 performed reading using the chip tray antenna 514, the recovery dealer antenna 5131, and the dispensing dealer antenna 5132, and the second reading device 82 performed reading using multiple bed areas 422a to 422e. However, the combination of antennas and reading devices is not limited to this. For example, each antenna may be provided with a reading device, and all antennas may be controlled by a single reading device.

[0238] In particular, if the recovery dealer antenna 5131 and the dispensing dealer antenna 5132 are controlled by the same reading device, the reading device may alternately use the recovery dealer antenna 5131 and the dispensing dealer antenna 5132 to alternately read the recovery area 423a and the dispensing area 423b. Alternatively, if the recovery dealer antenna 5131 and the dispensing dealer antenna 5132 are controlled by separate reading devices, each reading device may use the recovery dealer antenna 5131 and the dispensing dealer antenna 5132 at independent timings to read the recovery area 423a and the dispensing area 423b at independent timings.

[0239] In the above-described embodiment, the gaming chip 70 is placed in the collection area 423a and the payout area 423b, and the collection dealer antenna 5131 and the payout dealer antenna 5132 read the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chip 70 placed in the collection area 423a and the payout area 423b. However, the collection dealer antenna 5131 and the payout dealer antenna 5132 may read the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chip 70 passing through the collection area 423a and the payout area 423b. In this case, for example, the dealer may place the gaming chip 70 taken out from the chip tray 421 and paid out to the player in the payout area 423b while holding it in hand, let it be read by the payout dealer antenna 5132, and then move it directly to the bet areas 422a to 422e. Also, for example, the dealer may place the gaming chip 70 collected from the bet areas 422a to 422e in the collection area 423a while holding it in hand, let it be read by the collection dealer antenna 5131, and then move it directly to the chip tray 421.

[0240] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the management device 84 automatically recognizes that a currency exchange, a filter transaction, a credit transaction, or a chip buy-in is being performed. Instead of this, the management device 84 may receive an operation input from an operator (for example, receive an operation of a switch or a button) and recognize that a currency exchange or the like is being performed accordingly.

[0241] [Third Embodiment: Fraud Detection System for Detecting Fraud in Collection and Pay-Out] This embodiment relates to a system for detecting fraud in games at a casino or mistakes and fraud during wagering or settlement of gaming chips. The third embodiment can be used in combination with the second embodiment.

[0242] The fraud detection system of this embodiment is a fraud detection system in a casino having a plurality of gaming tables, and includes a game recording device that records, as video, the state of a game played on the gaming table by means of a camera, an image analysis device that performs image analysis on the recorded video of the game state, a win / loss result determination device that determines the win / loss result of each game on the gaming table, and a control device that detects fraudulent acts performed on the gaming table using the image analysis result by the image analysis device and the win / loss result determined by the win / loss result determination device. The control device grasps the position, type, and number of chips wagered by each player via the image analysis device, and grasps the total amount of chips in the dealer's chip tray on the gaming table. From the total amount of chips in the chip tray before settlement of each game, the increase or decrease amount of chips in the game is calculated from the position, type, and number of chips wagered by all players in the game and the win / loss result obtained by the win / loss result determination device for the game, and then added or subtracted. The control device compares the total amount of chips that should be in the chip tray after settlement at the end of the game with the actual total amount of chips in the chip tray at the end of the game obtained via the image analysis device, and determines whether there is a difference between the total amount that should be and the actual total amount.

[0243] In the above fraud detection system, the control device may grasp the position, type, and number of chips wagered by each player via the image analysis device, grasp the actual total amount of chips in the chip tray when all the losing chips wagered by each player have been collected, calculate the total amount of chips that should be in the chip tray from the total amount of chips in the chip tray before settlement of each game by adding the increase amount of the chip tray in the game from the position, type, and number of chips wagered by the losing player, and compare the total amount of chips that should be in the chip tray with the actual total amount of chips in the chip tray, and determine whether there is a difference between the total amount that should be and the actual total amount.

[0244] In the fraud detection system described above, the control device may compare the total amount of chips in the chip tray before settlement of each game with the actual total amount of chips in the chip tray, which is calculated by adding the increase in the chip tray for that game based on the position, type, and number of chips bet by the losing player, and determine that there is no difference between the expected total amount and the actual total amount. Furthermore, if the control device determines that there is a difference between the expected total amount and the actual total amount, it may determine that there is a payment error and generate a payment error signal to indicate the payment error.

[0245] In the fraud detection system described above, the chip tray is provided with a collection chip tray for collecting and temporarily storing chips bet by losing players. The image analysis device and the control device may compare the expected amount of chips in the collection chip tray, calculated from the position, type, and number of chips bet by the losing players, with the actual total amount of chips in the collection chip tray, and determine whether there is a difference between the expected total amount and the actual total amount in the collection chip tray.

[0246] In the above fraud detection system, obtaining the actual total amount of chips in the chip tray after settlement at the end of the game via the image analysis device is: 1) When the redemption of winning chips is complete, 2) When the cards used in the game are collected and discarded in the discard area of ​​the table, 3) When a predetermined button attached to the win / loss result determination device is pressed, 4) When the markers indicating the win or loss are returned to their original positions.

[0247] In the above fraud detection system, when the control device determines that the actual total amount of chips known in the dealer's chip tray at the gaming table does not correspond to the increase or decrease in chips calculated from the total amount of chips bet by all players and the outcome of the game, the game recording device may be configured to either assign an index or timestamp to the acquired video, or to identify and play back chip collection scenes or payment scenes, so that the record of the game in which the discrepancy occurred can be analyzed.

[0248] In the fraud detection system described above, the image analysis device or control device may be structured to be able to obtain information on the type, number, and location of the chips bet, even if some or all of the chips placed on the game table are hidden by the camera's blind spot.

[0249] In the above fraud detection system, the control device is 1) The position, type, and number of chips bet at each playing position on the gaming table are recorded, and the win / loss history and amount of chips obtained from the win / loss results of each game are compared with statistical data from past games to extract any unusual situations, or 2) At the playing position on the gaming table, situations where the amount of chips bet when losing is less than the amount of chips bet when winning are identified as unique situations compared to statistical data from past games. It may be a structure that allows for this.

[0250] In the fraud detection system described above, the control device may be able to compare and determine whether the amount of chips held in the dealer's chip tray at the gaming table has increased or decreased after the exchange of bills for chips, in accordance with the amount of chips paid for the exchanged bills, or the amount of bills paid for the exchanged chips.

[0251] In the fraud detection system described above, the control device may further include a database that records the history of the exchange of bills and chips, and may refer to the database at regular intervals or on a daily basis to compare and determine whether the amount of chips recorded in the dealer's chip tray at the gaming table has increased or decreased in accordance with the amount of chips paid corresponding to the exchanged bills, or the total amount of bills paid corresponding to the exchanged chips.

[0252] In the fraud detection system described above, the control device may be capable of identifying the player at the play position extracted as a difference or unusual situation via the image analysis device.

[0253] In the fraud detection system described above, the control device may have a warning function that notifies the other gaming table of the presence of the identified player when the identified player leaves their seat and sits at another gaming table.

[0254] In the above fraud detection system, the control device further 1) In each game, check for any movement of chips between the start of card drawing or the dealer's game start operation and the display of the game's outcome by the card distribution device. 2) After each game has finished, while the dealer is collecting the chips that the losers among the game participants had bet, check whether the losers have taken any chips. 3) After each game ends, while the dealer is collecting the chips bet by the losing players, check whether any additional chips were added. 4) After each game has finished, the dealer has checked whether he has paid out the chips that the winners among the game participants had placed. 5) After each game has finished, the winner among the game participants must determine whether they have taken the chips they wagered and the chips they have received. It may have a function to determine at least one of the following.

[0255] In the fraud detection system described above, the win / loss result determination device may be a card distribution device that distributes cards at the game table, or a control device that determines the win / loss result of each game from information of the image analysis device that reads the cards distributed at the game table with a camera.

[0256] According to the fraud detection system of this embodiment, fraud in the collection and redemption of chips according to the outcome of the game can be detected.

[0257] Furthermore, according to the system of this embodiment, even if a card is bent due to a squeeze by a player, which is often done in games such as baccarat, the rank and suit of the card can be determined by image analysis, and the total amount and location of chips in blind spots or overlapping chips can also be determined. In addition, fraud during the exchange of bills for chips can also be detected.

[0258] The overall outline of the fraud detection system in a gaming arcade having multiple gaming tables according to this embodiment will be described in more detail below. Figure 16 is a diagram showing the overall outline of the system, and the fraud detection system in a gaming arcade having multiple gaming tables 304 includes a game recording device 311 that records the progress of games played on the gaming tables 304 as video via multiple cameras 302, including players 306 and dealers 305; an image analysis device 312 that performs image analysis on the recorded video of the game progress; and a card distribution device 303 that determines and displays the win or loss result of each game on the gaming tables 304. The card distribution device 303 is a so-called electronic shoe already used by those skilled in the art, and is programmed with the rules of the game in advance. It is structured to read the information on the distributed cards C and determine the win or loss of the game. For example, in a baccarat game, a banker win, a player win, or a tie is basically determined by the rank of 2-3 cards, and the determination result (win or loss result) is displayed on the result display lamp 313.

[0259] This cheating detection system further includes a control device 314 that compares the actual rank of the card obtained from the image analysis result by the image analysis device 312 with the win / loss result determined by the card distribution device 303, and detects cheating acts (such as the mismatch between the total rank of the distributed cards and the win / loss result) occurring on the gaming table 304. The card distribution device 303 has a structure capable of reading the rank (A, 2-10, J, Q, K) and suit (hearts, spades, etc.) of the card C manually distributed by the dealer 305. The control device 314 is structured to be able to determine the match or mismatch by comparing the rank and suit information obtained by the image analysis device 312 (using artificial intelligence) from the video of each card distributed on the gaming table 304 (captured using the camera 302) with the rank and suit information of the card read by the card distribution device 303. The image analysis device 312 and the control device 314 in this cheating detection system have a structure that comprehensively includes a computer, a program, and a memory, which are composed of an integrated or multiple configurations.

[0260] The image analysis device 312 and the control device 314 have an artificial intelligence-utilizing or deep learning structure that can obtain the rank information of the card C even if the card C is bent or soiled by the player 306 on the gaming table 304. In the case of a soiled card C, as shown in FIG. 18, a situation where it is difficult to distinguish between clubs and spades may occur. Even in such a case, the suit can be discriminated by analyzing and determining the image using an artificial intelligence-utilizing computer or control system, or deep learning (structure) technology. Also, even if the card is bent due to the squeezing of the card by the player, which is often done in baccarat games, etc., by using self-learning of a large number of image deformation examples, etc., the suit and rank that the card had before deformation can be recognized by an artificial intelligence-utilizing computer or control system, or deep learning (structure) technology. Since the artificial intelligence-utilizing computer or control system, or deep learning (structure) technology is already known and available to those skilled in the art, a detailed description is omitted.

[0261] The control device 314, which utilizes artificial intelligence or has a deep learning structure, can determine, via the camera 302 and image analysis device 312, which position (player, banker, or pair) each player 306 has bet on in the betting area 308 with their chips 309, the type of chips 309 bet (each color of chip 309 is assigned a different value), and the number of chips. The chips 309 may not be aligned vertically and may be stacked unevenly. In this case, if the camera 302 is positioned to photograph the stacked chips from the side (or if the orientation of the chips 309 is in a blind spot), it is expected that the chips 309 may not be visible (enter a blind spot). In artificial intelligence-utilizing computers or control systems, or deep learning (structure) technology, self-learning functions, etc., are used to recognize when the chips 309 are hidden due to blind spots (when part of a chip is hidden, or when the entire chip is hidden), and accurately determine the number of chips, etc. In this way, it is possible to determine which position (player, banker, or pair) in the betting area 308 each chip 309 was bet on, the type of chip 309 bet (each color of chip 309 is assigned a different value), and the number of chips bet. Therefore, in each game, the control device 314 determines whether the collection of losing chips bet by each player 306 (indicated by arrow L) and the payment of winning chips (309W) to the winning player 306W were carried out appropriately, according to the win / loss result of the game determined by the card distribution device 303, by analyzing the video of the game's progress via the image analysis device 312.

[0262] The control device 314 can analyze and understand the total amount of chips 309 in the chip tray 317 of the dealer 305 at the gaming table 304 using the image analysis device 312. After the game ends and settlement is complete, the control device 314 can compare and calculate whether the total amount of chips 309 in the chip tray 317 has increased or decreased according to the game's outcome, based on the amount of lost chips 309 collected from each player 306 and the amount of winning chips 309W paid to the winning player 306W. Even though the total amount of chips 309 in the chip tray 317 is always known by means such as RFID, the control device 314 determines whether the increase or decrease is correct by analyzing video of the game's progress via the image analysis device 312. These also utilize artificial intelligence or deep learning structures.

[0263] In this example, fraud and errors are detected based on the game's outcome, information on how many of each type of chip 309 were bet on which position in the betting area 308 (player, banker, or pair), and the increase or decrease in the amount of chips 309 in the chip tray 317 after the collection of losing chips and redemption of winning chips 309. Therefore, fraud and errors can be detected without knowing the movement of the chips 309 after the game ends, i.e., whether the bet chips 309 moved to the player's side or the dealer's side.

[0264] Here, the outcome of a game can be determined according to the rules of baccarat, for example, by reading the rank of card C dealt in the game using the card distributing device 303. Alternatively, the outcome of a game can also be determined by taking a picture of the game table 304 with the camera 302, analyzing the image with the image analysis device 312, and comparing the analysis results with the game rules using the control device 314. In this case, the camera 302, the image analysis device 312, and the control device 314 constitute the win / loss determination device. Information on which players at each play position 307 placed how many chips of which type 309 on which position (player, banker, or pair) in the betting area 308 is obtained by taking a picture of the chips 309 placed in the betting area 308 with the camera 302 and analyzing the image for each play position 307 with the image analysis device 312.

[0265] Furthermore, the increase or decrease in the amount of chips 309 in the chip tray 317 before and after the recovery of losing chips 309 and the redemption of winning chips 309 can be calculated by comparing the total amount of chips 309 in the chip tray 317 before the recovery of losing chips 309 and the redemption of winning chips 309 with the total amount of chips 309 in the chip tray 317 after the recovery of losing chips 309 and the redemption of winning chips 309. The total amount of chips 309 in the chip tray 317 before the recovery of losing chips 309 and the redemption of winning chips 309, and the total amount of chips 309 in the chip tray 317 after the recovery of losing chips 309 and the redemption of winning chips 309, can be detected by photographing the chip tray 317 containing the chips 309 with the camera 302 and analyzing the image with the image analysis device 312. Alternatively, an RFID code indicating the amount may be embedded in the chip 309, and an RFID reader may be provided in the chip tray 317 to detect the total value of the chips 309 stored in the chip tray 317.

[0266] Figure 17A shows details of the chip tray in this embodiment, and Figure 17B shows another example of the chip tray. The chip tray 317 is provided with a collection chip tray 3171 for collecting and temporarily storing chips 309L bet by losing players 306L, and a redemption chip tray 3172 for storing redeemable chips 309W. The image analysis device 312 and the control device 314 determine the location, type, and number of chips 309L bet by losing players 306L, and calculate the increase in the value of the chips 309L in the game (the amount of chips 309 that should be in the collection chip tray 3171). Furthermore, the image analysis device 312 and the control device 314 determine the actual total value of the chips 309 in the collection chip tray 3171 after collection, and compare the expected total value with the actual total value to determine if there is a difference.

[0267] Furthermore, the redemption of the chips 309W for the winning player 306W is performed using the chips 309 in the redemption chip tray 3172, which allows sufficient time for the image analysis device 312 and the control device 314 to determine the actual total value of the chips 309 in the recovery chip tray 3171 after retrieval.

[0268] The game table 304 is equipped with a discard area 341 and / or a discard slot 342 for discarding cards C used in the game. After each game ends, the cards C used in that game are collected and discarded by placing them in the discard area 341 or discard slot 342 on the game table 304.

[0269] As described above, in this embodiment, the control device 314 calculates the chip balance for each game from the amount of chips bet on the game table 304 and the outcome of the game, and verifies the increase in the chip balance in the chip tray 317 after the game. If the control device 314 detects a difference in this verification, it issues an alarm or adds a record to that effect to the video recording captured by the camera 302. The casino operator can investigate the cause of the difference by reviewing the video.

[0270] The fraud detection system of this embodiment adds or subtracts the increase or decrease in chips in the game, calculated from the total amount of chips 309 in the chip tray 317 before settlement of each game, based on the position, type, and number of chips 309 bet by all players 306 in that game and the win / loss result of the game obtained by the win / loss result determination device. It then compares the expected total amount of chips 309 in the chip tray 317 after settlement at the end of the game with the actual total amount of chips 309 in the chip tray 317 at the end of the game, obtained via the image analysis device 312, and determines whether there is a difference between the expected total amount and the actual total amount.

[0271] The control device 314, via the image analysis device 312, grasps the position, type, and number of chips bet by each player. When all of the losing chips bet by each player have been collected, it grasps the actual total value of the chips in the chip tray. It then compares the actual total value of the chips in the chip tray 317 with the total value of the chips in the chip tray 317, which is calculated by adding the increase in the chips bet by the losing players to the total value of the chips in the chip tray 317 before the settlement of each game. The control device 314 then determines whether there is a difference between the expected total value and the actual total value.

[0272] The control device 314 compares the total amount of chips 309 in the chip tray 317 before settlement of each game with the actual total amount of chips 309 in the chip tray 317, which is calculated by adding the increase in the chip tray 317 for that game based on the position, type, and number of chips bet by losing players, to the total amount of chips 309 in the chip tray 317 before settlement of each game. If it determines that there is no difference between the total amount and the actual total, and if it determines that there is a difference between the total amount and the actual total, it determines that there is a payment error and generates a payment error signal to indicate the payment error.

[0273] The chip tray 317 is equipped with a collection chip tray 3171 for collecting and temporarily storing chips 309 bet by losing players. The image analysis device 312 compares the expected total amount of chips 309 in the collection chip tray 3171, which is calculated by adding the increase in the value of the chips 309 in the game based on the position, type, and number of chips 309L bet by the losing players, with the actual total amount of chips 309 in the collection chip tray 3171, and determines whether there is a difference between the expected total amount and the actual total amount.

[0274] When the control device 314 determines that the actual total amount of chips 309 tracked in the chip tray 317 of the dealer 305 at the gaming table 304 does not correspond to the increase or decrease in chips calculated from the total amount of chips bet by all players and the outcome of the game, the game recording device 311 can either assign an index or timestamp to the acquired video, or identify and play back the chip collection scene or payment scene, so that the record of the game in which the above difference occurred can be analyzed.

[0275] Thus, the control device 314 obtains the total amount of chips in the chip tray 317 after settlement at the end of the game via the image analysis device 312. In this case, the decision after settlement is made when any of the following 1) to 4) occurs. 1) When the redemption of the winning chips 309 is complete, 2) When card C used in the game is collected and discarded to the discard area 341 or discard slot 342 of the table, 3) When a predetermined button attached to the win / loss result determination device is pressed, 4) When the markers indicating the win or loss are returned to their original positions.

[0276] Furthermore, the control device 314 is an artificial intelligence-based or deep learning structure that can extract unique situations (set by the casino) when a player wins or loses a game, or when a player loses a game, by comparing the win / loss history and the amount of chips won (amount won) of each player 306 obtained from the win / loss results of each game with statistical data from a large number of past games (big data). Typically, it is equipped with an artificial intelligence-based or deep learning structure that can extract unique situations when a player wins a game, such as when a winning amount of more than a certain amount (1 million dollars) occurs, or when a player loses a game and wins a game, and the amount of chips bet is small, and the amount of chips bet is large, for several games in a row, by comparing this with statistical data from past games (big data, etc.).

[0277] Furthermore, the control device 314 of this fraud detection system (integrated with the image analysis device 312) is structured to identify individual players 306 at play positions 307 that have been extracted as unique situations or have won more than a predetermined amount. Such identification of players 306 is done by the image analysis device 312, which obtains facial images by feature point extraction, etc., and assigns an identity number (ID, etc.) to them. The control device 314 then has a warning function that notifies the other game table of the presence of the identified player 306 when the player leaves their seat and takes a seat at another game table. Specifically, it notifies the pit manager or the person in charge of each table (which may also be a dealer) who manages each game table 304, in order to prevent further unique phenomena.

[0278] The control device 314 further includes a database that records the history of the exchange of banknotes K and chips 309. At regular intervals or on a daily basis, it refers to the database and compares and determines whether the amount of chips 309 held in the chip tray 317 of the dealer 305 at the game table 304 has increased or decreased in accordance with the payment amount of chips 309 corresponding to the exchanged banknotes K, or the total amount of banknotes K corresponding to the exchanged chips 309.

[0279] In the above example, it is also possible to monitor the win / loss history and the amount of chips won (amount won) for each playing position 307 without identifying individual players 306. In this case, it would be impossible to track each player 306 when they leave their seat, but it would be possible to detect unusual situations such as a pattern where the amount of chips bet when losing is small and the amount of chips bet when winning is large for several games at a particular playing position 307 on a single gaming table 304. When such a playing position 307 is detected, there is suspicion that there was fraud or error at that playing position 307. Then, by reviewing the video footage taken at that playing position 307, the fraud or error can be discovered.

[0280] Specifically, camera 302 is installed to photograph at least the chips 309 placed in the betting area 308 of the game table 304. Image analysis device 312 analyzes the images captured by camera 302 to detect whether the chips were placed in the player, banker, or tie position in the betting area 308 for each play position 307, and the amount of chips placed. Card distribution device 303 also functions as a win / loss result determination device to determine the outcome of the game. Control device 314 records (monitors) the win / loss history and the amount of chips obtained (chips acquired) for each play position 307 based on the position (player, banker, or tie) of the chips 309 in the betting area 308 and the outcome of the game. Note that only one of the win / loss history or chips acquired may be recorded. The control device 314 identifies the play position 307 as a play position suspected of fraudulent activity if the win / loss history and / or chip acquisition history is an unusual situation (as set by the casino) compared with statistical data from a large number of past games (big data).

[0281] If cheating is suspected at a particular playing position 307, the cheating detection system may generate an alarm (light, sound, or vibration) that can be perceived by the dealer at least at that moment. This can prevent the cheating from continuing, at least by interrupting the game at that point. Additionally, information indicating that cheating was suspected may be added to the video footage captured and recorded by camera 302. This allows the cause of the suspected cheating to be investigated by reviewing the video.

[0282] The fraud detection system in this embodiment for a gaming establishment with a gaming table further includes a function to inspect the exchange of bills and chips, which often occurs at the gaming table 304. In amusement establishments such as casinos, before a game, the player 306 exchanges bills (cash, etc.) for game chips at a designated chip exchange. However, if the player 306 runs out of chips, they can continue the game by exchanging cash (bills) for chips 309 on the gaming table (baccarat table, etc.) without leaving their seat at the gaming table 304. However, this creates an opportunity for fraud to occur between the dealer 305 and the player. The exchange of cash (bills) for chips 309 on the gaming table (baccarat table, etc.) must be performed when the game is not in progress. The card distribution device 303 can detect the start and end of card dealing (the time when the winner is determined) in order to determine the winner of the game. Therefore, the card distribution device 303 detects situations other than card distribution (dealing), and the control device 314 detects when an exchange of banknotes and chips 309 is taking place at the game table 304 in a situation other than card dealing (as shown in Figure 19). Card dealing (or other situations) can be detected based on information obtained from the operation of the card distribution device 303 or the dealer 305.

[0283] The control device 314 can recognize the number and value of banknotes by performing image analysis on the surface of banknotes K. Furthermore, at the game table 304, whether the banknotes K to be exchanged for chips 309 are genuine is determined by detecting the genuineness mark G on the banknotes by shining a black light on them. As shown in Figure 21, the control device 314 also verifies this genuineness mark G by image analysis, recognizes the total value of genuine banknotes, and can recognize the total value of chips even if multiple chips placed on the game table for exchange are hidden by the blind spot of camera 302. It is an artificial intelligence-based or deep learning structure that can compare the total value of banknotes K placed on the game table 304 by the player with the total value of chips 309 placed by the dealer 305 and determine whether the amounts match.

[0284] The control device 314 is an artificial intelligence-based or deep learning structure capable of comparing and calculating whether the total amount of chips 309 in the dealer's 305 chip tray 317 of the gaming table 304 has increased or decreased in accordance with the amount of chips paid for the exchanged bills after the exchange of bills for chips and settlement. The total amount of chips 309 in the dealer's 305 chip tray 317 may be known in advance at all times by RFID or the like on the chips 309. Alternatively, the total amount of chips 309 contained in the chip tray 317 can be detected by photographing the chip tray 317 containing the chips 309 with a camera 302 and analyzing the image with an image analysis device 312.

[0285] Furthermore, the control device 314 verifies whether the increase or decrease in the amount of chips 309 in the chip tray 317 before and after the exchange of banknotes for chips matches the amount of chips exchanged as a result of image analysis on the game table 304. The amount of banknotes paid may be input to the control device 314 by the dealer 305 via key input or the like, or it may be determined by taking a picture of the game table 304 where the banknote payment is made with the camera 302 and analyzing the image with the image analysis device 312.

[0286] As described above, the control device 314 determines whether the reduction in chips 309 from the chip tray 317 due to the exchange of banknotes for chips matches the amount of banknotes paid by the player 306 to the dealer 305. Furthermore, the control device 314 is an intelligent control device that can compare and calculate the match or non-match between the amount of banknotes deposited by the dealer 305 (usually by key input, etc.) and the calculated amount of banknotes as a result of image analysis by the image analysis device 312 after the exchange of banknotes for chips and settlement. It may also utilize artificial intelligence or a deep learning structure.

[0287] Furthermore, the control device 314 is an artificial intelligence-based or deep learning structure capable of comparing and calculating the agreement or disagreement between the total amount of banknotes deposited by the dealer at the game table 304 in the dealer's jurisdiction and the total amount of banknotes determined by the image analysis results from the image analysis device 312.

[0288] The control device 314 compares and determines whether the amount of chips 309 held in the chip tray 317 of the dealer 305 of the game table 304 has increased or decreased after the exchange of bills for chips 309, in accordance with the payment amount of chips 309 corresponding to the exchanged bills, or the payment amount of bills corresponding to the exchanged chips 309.

[0289] The control device 314 further has the following functions, 1) to 5), in accordance with the rules of the baccarat game, and determines whether or not any fraudulent activity in violation of the rules has occurred. That is, 1) In each game, from the signal indicating the start of card dispensing from the card dispensing device 303, or from the start of the game when the dealer 305 presses the start button, until the card dispensing device 303 displays the game's win / loss result, the camera 302 is used to monitor for any movement of the chips 309 using information obtained by the image analysis device 312 (as shown in Figure 16). 2) After each game has finished, while the dealer 305 is collecting the chips 309 that the losers among the game participants 306 had bet (as shown in Figure 20), the camera 302 is used to monitor whether the losers 306L have taken the chips 309 illegally, using information obtained by the image analysis device 312. 3) After each game has ended, while the dealer 305 is collecting the chips 309 that the losers among the game participants had bet, the camera 302 is used to monitor, using information obtained by the image analysis device 312, whether anyone other than the dealer 305 (winners or losers) has added winning chips 309W or placed new chips 309 on the winning side that they had not bet on. 4) After each game ends, the dealer 305 monitors whether the dealer 305 has correctly placed the payment chip 309W in the position where the winning chip 309 among the game participants 306 had bet (as shown in Figure 21) using information obtained by the image analysis device 312 via the camera 302. 5) After each game has finished (the dealer 305 operates the card distribution device 303 to display the win / loss result on the display lamp 313), the image analysis device 312 uses the camera 302 to monitor whether the winner 306W among the game participants 306 has taken the chips they bet 309 and the chips 309W that were paid out (as shown in Figure 22).

[0290] The control device 314 uses the camera 302 to analyze the information obtained by the image analysis device 312 as follows. Specifically, it uses the analysis results of the image analysis device 312 to monitor items 1) to 5) above by detecting the hand movements of the dealer 305 and the game participants 306, the movement of the chips, or the hand movements and chip movements of the dealer 305 and the game participants 306. However, in the basic analysis, it is necessary to know who took the chips 309. The method of this analysis will be explained below using Figures 23 to 25.

[0291] Analysis of the dealer 305 taking the chips 309 bet by game participant 306L (Figure 23). The dealer 305 collects the chips 309 bet by game participant 306L who lost the game. Whether or not these chips were collected is monitored by analyzing the information obtained by the image analysis device 312 using the camera 302. First, the change from the state in which the bet chips 309 are present (Figure 27A) to the state in which they are absent (Figure 23C) is detected by image analysis. Then, the image between the state in which the chips 309 are present and the state in which they are absent (Figure 23B) is analyzed. In the image between the state in which the chips 309 are present and the state in which they are absent (Figure 23B), the direction from which the hand 305h is extending (from above in Figure 23 or elsewhere) is analyzed, and if it is extending from above (or the hand appears from above and then exits upwards), the hand 305h is determined to belong to the dealer 305, and if the hand extends from any other direction, it is determined to be fraudulent. Fraud is detected based on this rule.

[0292] While the dealer 305 is collecting the chips 309 bet by participant 306L who lost the game, monitoring is performed to ensure that no one else takes the lost chips 309 unfairly (Figures 23 and 26). In the images between the state in which the chips 309 are present and the state in which they are absent, as shown in Figure 24, the analysis of what the loser 306L and others among the participants 306 took is performed by detecting through image analysis that hand 306h extends or moves from below (originally from above) in Figure 24. This is determined to mean that a hand other than the dealer 305, such as hand 306h, took the chips 309, and this is determined to be an act of infidelity.

[0293] Analysis of whether the dealer 305 correctly paid (placed) the winning chip 309, and whether the winner 306W among the game participants 306 took it. First, as shown in Figure 25A, the winning chip 309W is redeemed according to the game rules as shown in Figure 25B. The change from the state shown in Figure 25A to the state shown in Figure 25B is detected, and at the same time, it is detected by image analysis whether the hand is the dealer 305h. After this, as shown in Figure 25C, the hand 306h of the winner 306W among the game participants 306 extends (moves) to the same betting area, and then the control device 314 checks from the image analysis results according to the game rules whether all the chips 309 are gone (state shown in Figure 25D) and determines whether or not there was any fraud.

[0294] Furthermore, the control device 314 is configured to determine whether the amount of chips paid to the winner by the dealer 305 is correct based on the amount bet by the winner 306W among the game participants 306. A specific example is given below. The position and total amount of chips 309 (whether the chips 309 were bet on the player's side or the banker's side of the betting area 308) are not normally readable, for example, if the chips 309 are shifted and overlapping, or if they are in a blind spot from the camera 302's position. The control device 314 is configured to accurately determine the position and number of chips by recognizing the blind spots of the chips 309 (cases where part of a chip is hidden, or where the entire chip is hidden) using existing artificial intelligence-based computers or control systems, or self-learning functions based on deep learning (structure) technology. Furthermore, the structure for detecting the position and type of chips 309 in the betting area 308 is not limited to this, and for example, it may be configured to detect by reading the ID embedded in the chip.

[0295] As described above, the control device 314 can determine the position (position of bets on player, banker, or pair), type (each color of chip 309 is assigned a different value), and number of chips placed by each player 306 via the camera 302 and image analysis device 312. It can also detect which customer 306 placed a bet on player (or, if multiple customers 306 placed a bet on player, which customer 306 placed the highest bet), and which customer 306 placed a bet on banker (or, if multiple customers 306 placed a bet on banker, which customer 306 placed the highest bet).

[0296] Furthermore, the control device 314 of the game's fraud detection system analyzes and monitors the information obtained by the image analysis device 312 using the camera 302 in accordance with the rules of the baccarat game. It performs the monitoring described in 1) to 5) above and determines whether or not fraud is being committed in violation of the rules. When fraud is detected, the control device 314 illuminates the abnormality indicator lamps installed on both the card distribution device 303 and the game table 304, respectively, and outputs the detection of fraud wirelessly or via wired connection to the casino management department, etc. A monitor or lamp that displays a warning or indication based on the determination result may be provided in another location.

[0297] As described above, fraudulent activity is detected by the control device 314, and at the time of detection or at an appropriate time, a display signal is emitted from the indicator lamp 313 or the abnormal indicator lamp of the card distribution device 303, or a warning is issued. In addition, the card distribution device 303 may activate a function to prevent the distribution of cards from the time fraud or error is detected, thereby preventing the distribution of cards.

[0298] In the above embodiment, the image analysis device 312 and the control device 314 were devices that utilized artificial intelligence or had a deep learning structure. Specifically, the image analysis device 312 and the control device 314 may use a scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) algorithm, a convolutional neural network (CNN), deep learning, machine learning, or similar methods to perform image analysis and the various controls described above. These technologies are techniques for recognizing objects contained in captured images by performing image recognition on the captured image. In particular, in recent years, deep learning techniques using multi-layered neural networks have been used to recognize objects with high accuracy. This deep learning technique generally recognizes objects with high accuracy by stacking multiple layers in the intermediate layers between the input and output layers of the neural network. In this deep learning technique, convolutional neural networks, in particular, have attracted attention because they have higher performance than conventional methods of recognizing objects based on image features.

[0299] In a convolutional neural network, labeled target images are trained to recognize the main object contained within those images. If multiple main objects exist within a training image, a region rectangle is used to specify it, and the corresponding image is labeled for training. Furthermore, a convolutional neural network can also determine the main object within an image and its position.

[0300] To further explain convolutional neural networks, the recognition process involves extracting candidate regions based on local features by performing edge extraction and other operations on the target image. These candidate regions are then input into a convolutional neural network to extract feature vectors, which are then classified. The candidate region with the highest confidence level is then recognized as the result. Confidence level is a measure of how much higher the similarity between a given image region and the subject of the image (as learned along with its label) is relative to the similarity between other classes.

[0301] Furthermore, devices utilizing artificial intelligence or having a deep learning structure are described in U.S. Patent No. 9361577, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016-171336, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015-036920, and Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-110232, etc., and these descriptions are incorporated herein by reference.

[0302] [Fourth Embodiment: Management of Gaming Chip Owners] The following describes a fourth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment relates to a system that enables a dealer to track and record which player has acquired ownership of a game currency when the dealer pays the game currency to a player and the ownership of the game currency has transferred from the casino to the player, in order to enhance security by constantly tracking and managing the information of the holders of each game currency. The fourth embodiment can be used in combination with the second embodiment.

[0303] (Example 1) Figure 26 shows the configuration of a management system in the first example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The management system 110 traces the holders of the substitute currency for games without using a database. For this purpose, the substitute currency for games stores the holder's information. The management system 110 is equipped with a roughly elliptical game table 4004. A player 282 is located on one side of the game table 4004 (the lower side in Figure 26), and a dealer (not shown) is located on the opposite side. On the top surface of the game table 4004, betting areas 422a to 422e (hereinafter collectively referred to as "betting area 422") are partitioned for each of the multiple play positions. The betting area 422 is an area where the player 282 places their substitute currency 283 to bet. On the dealer position side of the game table 4004, a chip tray 212 is provided for the dealer to place their substitute currency 283.

[0304] The substitute currency for gaming 283 has the same configuration as the substitute currency for gaming in the above embodiment. Specifically, the substitute currency for gaming 283 has an embedded RFID tag that has a non-rewritable area for storing fixed information and a rewritable area for storing variable information. The RFID tag stores a chip ID (identification information) that uniquely identifies the substitute currency for gaming 283 as fixed information. The RFID tag also stores a user ID that uniquely identifies the owner of the substitute currency for gaming 283 as variable information.

[0305] Furthermore, casinos and dealers are assigned a common user ID, and if a casino owns the substitute currency 283 for gaming (including when it is stored in the chip tray 212), the fluctuation information will store the user ID that identifies the casino or dealer.

[0306] Each betting area 422a to 422e of the gaming table 4004 is equipped with an RFID antenna 515a to 515e (hereinafter collectively referred to as "RFID antenna 515"). Specifically, each RFID antenna 515 is embedded under the felt of the gaming table 4004, in the area where the corresponding betting area 422 is partitioned. An RFID antenna 514 is also provided in the chip tray 212.

[0307] The RFID antenna 515 reads and writes data to the RFID tags embedded in the game currency 283 placed in the corresponding bet area 422. The RFID antenna 514 reads and writes data to the RFID tags embedded in the game currency 283 placed in the chip tray 212.

[0308] RFID antennas 515a to 515e and RFID antenna 514 are connected to the RF control device 254. In Figure 26, only the line connecting antenna 515e to the RF control device 254 is shown, and the lines connecting antennas 515a to 515d to the RF control device 254 are omitted for clarity. However, antennas 515a to 515d are also connected to the RF control device 254 in the same way as antenna 515e. The same applies to the following diagrams. The RF control device 254 controls reading and writing for each antenna. The RF control device 254 controls reading and writing for each antenna individually. For this purpose, each antenna is assigned an area ID that uniquely identifies the area in which reading and writing will be performed by that antenna. Furthermore, when the RF control device 254 performs reading, it performs reading periodically.

[0309] By referring to this area ID, it is possible to determine whether the read game currency 283 is in the chip tray 212 or the betting area 422, and for the betting area 422, it is also possible to determine which play position's betting area 422a to 422e it is.

[0310] When performing a read operation, the RF control device 254 receives data read from each antenna and identifies the area from which the data was read, i.e., the area ID. When performing a write operation, the RF control device 254 identifies the antenna to be written to, i.e., the area ID, and transmits the data to be written. In this way, the RF control device 254 can individually control reading and writing for each antenna.

[0311] The RF control device 254 outputs the user ID of the game currency 283 ("User ID" in Figure 26) and the area ID of the area where the user ID was read ("Area ID" in Figure 26) based on the data read by each antenna. The management system 110 further includes a management control device 256 connected to the RF control device 254. The management control device 256 receives the user ID and area ID from the RF control device 254 and specifies to the RF control device 254 the user ID to be written to the RFID tag.

[0312] As explained below, the user ID stored in the RFID tag of the game currency 283 changes when the game currency 283 is moved. However, the RFID tag also stores past user IDs as variable information, in addition to the latest user ID. Therefore, by referring to this variable information, it is possible to investigate the changes in ownership of each game currency 283. Furthermore, in the following explanation, expressions such as "rewriting the user ID" mean changing at least the latest user ID, and do not necessarily mean simultaneously deleting past user ID information.

[0313] The management control device 256 updates the fluctuation information of the game currency 283 based on the data (user ID and area ID) of the game currency 283 received from the RF control device 254. The method for updating the fluctuation information is described below.

[0314] Figures 27-29 illustrate an example of updating fluctuation information. As shown in Figure 27, the player has placed a game token 831 in the betting area 422b. The management control device 256 receives the user ID of the betting token 831 and the area ID of the betting area 422b, which are obtained by reading the RFID tag of the game token 831 that the player has placed in the betting area.

[0315] When a bet is placed, as shown in Figure 27, the same user ID (in the example in Figure 27, "P1") is read from the betting area 422b, and the same ID (in the example in Figure 24, "D", indicating that the holder is a casino or dealer) is read from the chip tray 212. If this player wins the game, as shown in Figure 28, the dealer dispenses (redeems) game currency (hereinafter also referred to as "payout chips 832") from the chip tray 212 and places it next to the betting chips 831 in the betting area 422b.

[0316] In this case, in addition to "P1", "D" will be read from bet area 422b as a user ID. The management control device 256 controls the RF control device 254 to rewrite the user IDs of all game currency 283 in the bet area 422 to the user ID assigned to that player (in the case of Figure 28, "P1") if there are two types of user IDs read from the same bet area 422, and one of them is "D" and the other is the user ID assigned to the player. In this case, the bet chip 831 that had "P1" stored as its user ID will have the same "P1" added as the latest user ID.

[0317] On the other hand, if a player loses the game, the dealer collects the bet chips 831 into the chip tray 212, as shown in Figure 29. In this case, in addition to "D", "P1" will be read from the chip tray 212 as a user ID. If the management control device 256 reads a user ID other than "D" from the game substitute currency 283 in the chip tray 212, such as a user ID assigned to the player (e.g., "P1" in the example in Figure 29), it rewrites the user IDs of all game substitute currency 283 in the chip tray 212 to "D".

[0318] Alternatively, a collection float may be provided in the chip tray 212 for temporarily storing the game substitute currency 283 collected, and the antennas may be separated from the collection float and other parts, so that the above processing is performed only on the game substitute currency 283 collected in the collection float.

[0319] The above processing by the management control device 256 updates the user ID stored in the game substitute currency 283 in accordance with the change in the actual holder. In other words, in this embodiment, the user ID is stored in the RFID tag of the game substitute currency 283, and the user ID of the payout chip 832 is updated to match the holder of the bet chip 831. Therefore, without using a database or player identification system described later, and without the management control device 256 knowing the progress of the game (betting stage, game stage, settlement stage), it is possible to trace the changes in holders due to games played at the game table 4004.

[0320] Furthermore, when a player purchases new game currency 283, the player is identified using the player identification system described later, and the casino or dealer's user ID is rewritten to the identified player's user ID before the game currency 283 is given to the player. Also, when a player exchanges game currency 283 for cash, the user ID of the game currency 283 given by the player is rewritten to the casino or dealer's user ID.

[0321] (Second example) Figure 30 shows the configuration of the management system in the second example of the fourth embodiment. The management system 120 includes a player identification system in addition to the configuration of the management system 110 in the first example. The player identification system includes an image recognition system consisting of a camera 252 and an image recognition device 255, and a card authentication system consisting of a card 281 and a card reader 253, but either one or the other may be included.

[0322] Camera 252 captures the face of player 282 positioned at the play position and outputs the image generated by the capture to image recognition device 255. Image recognition device 255 is equipped with a face recognition engine using a neural network that has been trained on the face images of multiple registered players 282 (hereinafter, registered players are also referred to as "members"). By inputting the image from camera 252 into the neural network, image recognition device 255 identifies which of the registered members the input face image belongs to. If image recognition device 255 determines that the image from camera 252 does not belong to any of the registered members, it outputs a result indicating that the face image is that of a non-member.

[0323] Furthermore, the image recognition device 255 identifies the play position of the member based on the position of the face in the image in which it was authenticated. The image recognition device 255 outputs the user ID of the member corresponding to the image from camera 252 ("User ID" in Figure 30) along with the area ID of the identified play position ("Area ID" in Figure 30). If the image recognition device 255 cannot identify which member it is, it outputs "Unknown" as the user ID.

[0324] The card reader 253 scans the membership card 281 handed to the dealer by the player 282 and reads the information stored on the membership card 281. The membership card 281 is a magnetic card with a magnetic stripe, and at least the user ID of the player 282 (member) is stored on the magnetic stripe. When the dealer receives the membership card 281 from the player 282, they scan the membership card 281 using the card reader 253 and input the player 282's play position into the card reader 253. The card reader 253 outputs the user ID read from the membership card 281 ("User ID" in Figure 30) and the area ID of the play position entered by the dealer ("Area ID" in Figure 30).

[0325] The management control device 256 receives the user ID and area ID stored in the game substitute currency 283 from the RF control device 254 and read using the antenna 515, the user ID and area ID identified based on the player's facial image from the image recognition device 255, and the user ID obtained by reading the membership card 281 from the card reader 253 and the area ID designated by the dealer.

[0326] If, for the same area ID, the management control device 256 does not match the user ID read from the antenna 515, i.e., the user ID stored as the holder of the game currency 283 bet in the betting area 422, with respect to the user ID read from the membership card 281 or the user ID identified by the image recognition device 255, i.e., the player identified by the player identification system, the management control device 256 controls the RF control device 254 to rewrite the user ID stored as the holder in the rewritable area of ​​the game currency 283 bet in the betting area 422 with the user ID of the player identified by the player identification system.

[0327] The RF control device 254 uses the antenna 515 to write the user ID of the player identified by the player identification system to the rewritable area of ​​the RFID tag of the substitute currency 283 placed in the betting area 422. At this time, the RF control device 254 also records in the rewritable area that the user ID as holder information has been rewritten due to a mismatch in the user ID. This allows the casino or dealer to know that there was a mismatch in the holder when they acquire the substitute currency 283 by referring to the history of changes in holder, and it is also possible to identify the player involved in such a mismatch.

[0328] Furthermore, the player identification system may use either facial recognition to identify the player or reading the membership card 281, but not both. In other words, registered members do not necessarily need to use the membership card 281 to identify themselves when they arrive at the playing position; in such cases, the player will be identified solely by the facial recognition system. Also, even if the player's face cannot be properly captured and facial recognition is not possible, the player may still be identified by the membership card 281.

[0329] Furthermore, a player may be identified by either facial recognition or the membership card 281. In this case, the user ID of the player identified by facial recognition may differ from the user ID of the player identified by the membership card 281. If either of these user IDs matches the user ID read from the game currency 283, the management control device 256 controls the RF control device 254 to record in the rewritable area of ​​the game currency 283 that there was a mismatch in the player identification by the player identification system, along with the user ID that does not match the user ID read from the game currency 283.

[0330] In this example, as in the first example, the user ID stored in the game currency 283 is updated according to the actual holder. Furthermore, in this example, if the user ID of a player identified by the player identification system does not match the user ID stored in the game currency 283, the mismatch is corrected, and the fact that such a mismatch occurred is recorded in the game currency 283. Therefore, by referring to this record in the game currency 283, it is possible to know that game currency 283 has been exchanged between players, and the players involved can be identified.

[0331] Furthermore, when exchanging the game currency 283 for cash, the same player identification system as described above may be used to output an alarm if the user ID of the player (the user attempting to exchange for cash) identified by facial recognition or membership card 281 differs from the user ID stored in the game currency 283 being exchanged, and the operator may refuse to allow the exchange.

[0332] (Third example) Figure 31 shows the configuration of the management system in the third example of the fourth embodiment. The management system 130 includes a database 57 in addition to the configuration of the management system 110 of the first example. The database 57 stores the chip ID ("Chip ID" in Figure 31) that uniquely identifies the substitute currency 283 for gaming, and the user ID of the player who possesses the substitute currency 283, in association with each other. As mentioned above, the ownership of the substitute currency 283 changes when it is purchased, used in a game, and exchanged for cash, but the database 57 records the history of past owners. Therefore, by referring to the database 57, it is possible to know the changes in ownership for each substitute currency 283.

[0333] In this example, the game substitute currency 283 only needs to have a non-rewritable area and does not need to have a rewritable area. That is, the game substitute currency 283 only needs to store at least a chip ID. Also, the RF control device 254 does not need to have a write function and may be an RF reader that only has a read function.

[0334] The management control device 256 updates the database 57 based on the data (chip ID and area ID) of the substitute currency 283 for gaming received from the RF control device 254. The method for updating the database 57 is described below.

[0335] Figures 32 to 34 illustrate an example of updating the database 57. As shown in Figure 32, the player places a game substitute currency 831 in the betting area 422b. The management control device 256 receives the chip ID of the betting chip 831 and the area ID of the betting area 422b, which are obtained by reading the RFID tag of the betting chip 831 that the player placed in the betting area 422b.

[0336] At the betting stage, as shown in Figure 32, chip IDs "C00001" to "C00005" are read from the betting area 422b, and chip IDs "C20001" to "C20100" are read from the chip tray 212. The RF control device 254 then outputs to the management control device 256 a pair of the chip IDs read by antennas 515 and 514 and the area IDs corresponding to those antennas 515 and 514. In the example in Figure 32, the RF control device 254 obtains the combination of chip IDs "C00001" to "C00005" and area ID "Area 2", and the combination of chip IDs "C20001" to "C20100" and area ID "Area T" (area ID representing chip tray 212), and outputs these to the management control device 256.

[0337] If this player wins the game, as shown in Figure 33, the dealer dispenses (redeems) the payout chip 832 from the chip tray 212 and places it next to the bet chip 831 in the bet area 422b. Then, the RF control device 254 obtains combinations of chip IDs "C00001" to "C00005" and "C20001" to "C20005" with area ID "Area 2", and combinations of chip IDs "C20006" to "C20100" with area ID "Area T", and outputs these to the management control device 256.

[0338] The management control device 256 refers to the database 57 for all read chip IDs to obtain the user ID associated with each chip ID. Then, the management control device 256 refers to the combination of chip ID and area ID obtained from the RF control device 254 and updates the database 57 to make the user IDs the same for multiple chip IDs associated with the same area ID if the user IDs are different.

[0339] Specifically, the management control device 256 unifies the user IDs of chip IDs paired with the same area ID by overwriting the casino or dealer's user ID with the player's user ID when there are multiple user IDs for game substitute currency 283 read with the same area ID of the same betting area 422.

[0340] On the other hand, if a player loses the game, the dealer collects the bet chips 831 into the chip tray 212, as shown in Figure 34. In this case, in addition to "C20001" to "C20100", "C00001" to "C00005" are read from the chip tray 212 as chip IDs. The RF control device 254 obtains a pair of these chip IDs "C20001" to "C20100" and "C00001" to "C00005" and the area ID "Area T" of the chip tray 212, and outputs this to the management control device 256.

[0341] The management control device 256 refers to the database 57 for all read chip IDs to obtain the user ID associated with each chip ID. Then, the management control device 256 refers to the combination of chip ID and area ID obtained from the RF control device 254 and updates the database 57 to make the user IDs the same for multiple chip IDs paired with the same area ID if the user IDs are different.

[0342] Specifically, if the management control device 256 reads multiple game substitute currency 283 from the area ID of the chip tray 212 and there are both a player's user ID and a casino or dealer's user ID, it rewrites the player's user ID to the casino or dealer's user ID, thereby making the user IDs of all chip IDs associated with the area ID of the chip tray 212 the casino or dealer's user ID.

[0343] The above processing by the management control device 256 updates the user IDs stored in the database 57 according to the actual holders. In other words, in this embodiment, for game substitute currency 283 associated with different user IDs in the same area, the database 57 is rewritten to unify them to one of the user IDs depending on the area. Therefore, without using the player identification system described above, and without the management control device 256 knowing the progress of the game (betting stage, game stage, settlement stage), it is possible to trace the changes in holders due to games played at the game table 4004.

[0344] Furthermore, in the above example, the management control device 256 determined that the payout chip 832 was a payout chip 832 based on the fact that it was read in the betting area 422 and that its user ID was "D" in the database 57, and then overwrote its user ID with the player's user ID. However, instead, the chip ID of the payout chip 832 may be identified based on the difference in chip IDs read from the chip tray 212 before and after payout.

[0345] For example, in the examples in Figures 32 and 33, before dispensing, as shown in Figure 32, chip IDs "C20001" to "C20100" are read from the chip tray 212, whereas after dispensing, as shown in Figure 33, chip IDs "C20006" to "C20100" are read from the chip tray 212. Therefore, the management control device 256 can determine from this difference that chip IDs "C20001" to "C20005" have been dispensed.

[0346] (Fourth example) Figure 35 shows the configuration of the management system in the fourth example of the fourth embodiment. The management system 140 includes, in addition to the configuration of the management system 110 of the first example, a player identification system, a database 57, and a card distribution device (electronic shoe) 4003. The game table 4004 is provided with pay areas 424a to 424e (hereinafter collectively referred to as "pay area 424") on the dealer side of the betting area 422 of each play position. Antennas 516a to 516e (hereinafter collectively referred to as "antenna 516") are provided in the pay areas 424a to 424e, corresponding to each area.

[0347] When the dealer pays out (redeems) game currency 283 to a player 282 who has won the game, the dealer takes the game currency 283 from the chip tray 212, places it in the winning player 282's pay area 424, and then places it in the player 282's betting area 422.

[0348] In this example, camera 252 photographs not only the player 282 but also the betting chips 831 placed in the betting area 422. The image recognition device 255 performs image recognition processing not only on the player's face but also on the betting chips 831 in the betting area 422, recognizing which betting target (player, banker, tie, player pair, banker pair, etc.) each betting chip 831 in the betting area 422 is betting on, and outputs the recognition result as the betting details ("Betting" in Figure 35).

[0349] Furthermore, the camera that photographs the player's face 282 and the camera that photographs the bet chip 831 may be separate cameras. Also, the image recognition device that identifies the player based on the image of the player's face and the image recognition device that recognizes the bet based on the image of the bet chip 831 may be separate devices.

[0350] In this example, the card distributing device 4003 determines the game's progress (i.e., whether betting is in progress, the game is in progress, or settlement is in progress) and outputs the result to the RF control device 254. The card distributing device 4003 determines that the game has started when the first card is drawn, and determines that the game has ended based on the reading results of the drawn card according to the rules of baccarat. The card distributing device 4003 also determines that settlement is complete and betting has started when the game start button is pressed.

[0351] Furthermore, the card dispensing device 4003 reads at least the rank of the drawn cards and determines the game result, such as a player win, banker win, tie, player pair, or banker pair, according to the rules of the baccarat game.

[0352] The control device 256 determines which play position will receive a payout based on the bet details obtained from the image recognition device 255 and the game results obtained from the card distribution device 4003. The control device 256 also obtains the user ID of each player from the image recognition device 255 and the card reader 253, and uses this information to determine which player will receive a payout.

[0353] When the game progress received from the card distribution device 4003 is being settled, the RF control device 254 activates the antenna 516 in the pay area 424 to read and write to the RFID tags of the game substitute currency 283.

[0354] The control device 256 refers to the database 57 and, if the user ID associated with the chip ID of the payout chip 832 read in the pay area 424 is the user ID of the casino or dealer, it overwrites that user ID with the user ID associated with the chip ID of the bet chip 831 placed in the corresponding bet area 422 at that time.

[0355] Furthermore, when the dealer collects the bet chips 831 from a losing player, the antenna 516 in pay area 424 may also read the chip ID of the bet chip 831. In this case, the chip ID read in pay area 424 will match the chip ID read immediately before in the corresponding bet area 422. Therefore, it is determined that the chip ID was read in pay area 424 during collection, and in this case, the user ID of the game substitute currency 283 read in pay area 424 is not rewritten.

[0356] In this example, the management system 140 was described as comprising a player identification system, a database 57, and a card distribution device (electronic shoe) 4003. However, similar to the first example, a management system without a player identification system, a database 57, and a card distribution device (electronic shoe) 4003 may also be provided with a pay area 424 and a corresponding antenna 516, similar to this example, to update the user ID.

[0357] In the management system 140 of this example, a pay area 424 is provided, separate from the betting area 422, to read and write RFID tags on the substitute currency 283 used for games. This allows for high-speed reading and writing of payout chips 832 dispensed from the chip tray 212. In other words, as in the first to third examples above, if the same antenna 516 is used to read and write the payout chips 832 as the betting chips 831, it is necessary to read and write the betting chips 831 in order to read and write the payout chips 832, which takes time. However, in the pay area 424, it is only necessary to read and write the payout chips 832, so reading and writing can be done in a relatively short time, and this does not significantly disrupt game operations.

[0358] (Example 5) Figure 36 shows the configuration of the management system in the fifth example of the fourth embodiment. The management system 150 has the same configuration as the management system 140 of the fourth example shown in Figure 35. That is, in addition to the configuration of the management system 110 of the first example, the management system 150 includes a player identification system, a database 57, and a card distribution device (electronic shoe) 4003.

[0359] In this example, camera 252 photographs not only the player 282 but also the betting chips 831 placed in the betting area 422. The image recognition device 255 performs image recognition processing not only on the player's face but also on the betting chips 831 in the betting area 422, recognizing which betting target (player, banker, tie, player pair, banker pair, etc.) each betting chip 831 in the betting area 422 is betting on, and outputs the recognition result as the betting details ("Betting" in Figure 33).

[0360] Furthermore, the camera that photographs the player's face 282 and the camera that photographs the bet chip 831 may be separate cameras. Also, the image recognition device that identifies the player based on the image of the player's face and the image recognition device that recognizes the bet based on the image of the bet chip 831 may be separate devices.

[0361] The card dispensing device 4003 reads at least the rank of the cards drawn in sequence and determines the game result, including player win, banker win, tie, player pair, and banker pair, according to the rules of the baccarat game.

[0362] The control device 256 determines which play position will receive a payout (redemption) based on the betting details obtained from the image recognition device 255 and the game results obtained from the card distribution device 4003. The control device 256 also obtains the user ID of each player from the image recognition device 255 and the card reader 253, and uses this information to determine which player will receive a payout (redemption).

[0363] The management control device 256 receives input from the RF control device 254 for each betting area 422, consisting of the area ID of the betting area 422 and the chip ID of the betting chip 831 read in that betting area 422. As described above, the management control device 256 determines which play position will receive the payout, so it refers to the database 57 to obtain the user ID associated with the chip ID read by the play position receiving the payout, and updates the user ID associated with the chip ID of the payout chip 832 using the obtained user ID.

[0364] The management control device 256 recognizes the chip ID that is no longer read from the chip tray 212 before and after dispensing as the chip ID of the payout chip 832. Furthermore, if there are multiple players receiving payouts, the dealer dispenses them sequentially in a predetermined direction from one end (for example, dispensing sequentially from the dealer's right-hand end to the left-hand end). This makes it possible to determine which play position or player each payout chip 832 removed from the chip tray 212 is intended for, even when there are multiple players receiving payouts.

[0365] Furthermore, since the management control device 256 can determine the playing position of a losing player, it updates the database 57 so that the user ID associated with the chip ID read from the betting area 422 of that playing position is set to "D," which represents the casino or dealer.

[0366] As described above, in this example, the management control device 256 can determine which player or play position's bet chips 831 are paid out for and which player or play position's bet chips 831 are collected by understanding the bet details and game results. It can also identify the chip IDs of those bet chips 831 and payout chips 832, and in the database 57, it can change the user ID associated with each chip ID and determine which user ID should be changed. This makes it possible to trace the holders of the game substitute currency 283.

[0367] (Example 6) Figure 37 shows the configuration of the management system in the sixth example of the fourth embodiment. The management system 160 has the same configuration as in the second example. In baccarat, as described above, multiple playing positions are provided on the game table 4004, and a betting area 422 is provided at the position corresponding to each playing position on the game table 4004. In principle, one player plays at each playing position.

[0368] However, if all play positions are occupied, a player (back bet player) may appear behind a player (sitting player) and place a bet in the betting area 422 assigned to that sitting player, and such bets may be permitted by the casino or the gaming table 4004. Back bets result in multiple gaming currency 283 with different user IDs being placed in the same betting area. The management system 160 in this example makes it possible to trace the holders of the gaming currency 283 even in such cases.

[0369] In the management system 160 of this example, similar to the second example, the user ID of the substitute currency 283 for gaming is stored in the rewritable area of ​​the RFID tag of the substitute currency 283, and a database is not used. However, it does have a player identification system to identify players.

[0370] In the example shown in Figure 38, bet chips 831a from user ID "P1" and bet chips 831b from user ID "P2" are placed in the same betting area 422b. At this time, "P1" and "P2" are read from betting area 422b as user IDs for the game currency 283.

[0371] Figures 39-41 illustrate an example of payouts when both players win the game. First, as shown in Figure 38, a payout is made to player 282a with user ID "P1". At this time, the management system 160 cannot distinguish whether the payout was made to player 282a with user ID "P1" or to player 282b with user ID "P2", and it cannot write different information to multiple game substitute currency 283 within a single betting area 422. Therefore, the management control device 256 controls the RF control device 254 to rewrite the user ID of all game substitute currency 283 in the betting area 422b to selective information, "P1 or P2".

[0372] When player 282a, who has received a payout, takes their bet chips 831a and payout chips 832a from the betting area 422b, as shown in Figure 40, bet chips 831b with user IDs of "P1 or P2" remain in the betting area 422b. The dealer confirms that player 282a has taken the game substitute currency 283 and, as shown in Figure 41, pays out a payout chip 832b with user ID "D" for the bet chips 831b. At this time, the management control device 256 controls the RF control device 254 to rewrite the user IDs of all game substitute currency 283 in the betting area 422 to "P1 or P2".

[0373] As a result, players 282a and 282b who placed bets in the same betting area 422 will both possess game currency 283 with "P1 or P2" recorded as their user ID.

[0374] If players 282a and 282b were to place bets again in the same betting area 422 using their substitute game currency 283, then the user ID "P1 or P2" would be recorded on both betting chips 831a and 831b. Alternatively, some betting chips may contain substitute game currency 283 with user IDs of "P1" or "P2". In these cases as well, when distributing payouts according to the game results, the management control device 256 controls the RF control device 254 to record "P1 or P2" as the user ID for all substitute game currency 283 placed in the betting area 422 at the time of payout. Selectively write "P2".

[0375] Furthermore, if a bet chip 831 with user ID "P1 or P2" is collected into the chip tray 212, the user ID will be "D," which represents the casino or dealer.

[0376] Subsequently, if players 282a and 282b individually place a bet in the betting area 422 using game currency 283, which selectively records the user IDs of multiple users, and the player's user ID identified by the player identification system matches one of the selected user IDs, the management control device 256 controls the RF control device 254 to rewrite the selective user ID of the game currency 283 to the matching user ID.

[0377] For example, if player 282a places a game substitute currency 283 with the user ID "P1 or P2" recorded on it in the betting area 422, the RF control device 254 will then retrieve the betting chip 831 in the betting area 422 and retrieve the user ID "P1 or P2". When "P2" is read, the player identification system recognizes that the user ID of the player who placed a bet in the betting area 422 is "P1". In this case, since the user ID "P1" matches, the management control device 256 controls the RF control device 254 to rewrite the user ID of the betting chip 831 in the betting area 422 to "P1".

[0378] On the other hand, when a player who possesses a game currency 283 in which a user ID is selectively recorded places a bet, and another player with a user ID not among the options places a bet in the same betting area 422 and receives a payout according to the game result, the user ID of that player is selectively written to the game currency 283 so as to be included as an option.

[0379] For example, if player 282a bets a substitute game currency 283 with user ID "P1 or P2" recorded in the betting area 422, and another player bets a substitute game currency 283 with user ID "P3" recorded in the same betting area 422, and a payout is to be made according to the game result, the management control device 256 controls the RF control device 254 to rewrite the user IDs of all substitute game currency 283, including the payout chips in the betting area 422, to "P1 or P2 or P3".

[0380] As described above, in this example, by allowing selective recording of user IDs, it is possible to trace the holder even when multiple players place bets in the same betting area. Furthermore, by using a player identification system, it becomes possible to definitively overwrite user IDs that were selectively recorded.

[0381] Furthermore, if multiple players place bets in the same betting area 422, and some players win while others lose, the betting chips of the losing players are collected first. When the collected betting chips are read by the chip tray 212, the user ID "D" is recorded, and the above processing should be performed on the betting chips that receive payout chips 832 and the payout chips that are paid out in return.

[0382] (Example 7) Figure 42 shows the configuration of the management system in the seventh example of the fourth embodiment. The management system 170 has the same configuration as the management system 130 of the third example. In the management system 170 as well, it is possible to trace the holders of the game currency 283 even when multiple players place bets in the same betting area 422.

[0383] Figures 43 to 47 illustrate an example of updating the database 57. When player 282a places a bet chip 831a in bet area 422b, and player 282b places a bet chip 831b in the same bet area 422b, as shown in Figure 43, the RF control device 254 reads the chip IDs "C00001" to "C00005" of bet chip 831a and the chip IDs "C10001" to "C10005" of bet chip 831b from this bet area 422b as a user ID, and outputs this to the management control device 256 as a combination with the area ID "Area 2" of the bet area 422. In addition, chip IDs "C20001" to "C20100" are read from the chip tray 212, and the management control device 256 obtains this combination with the area ID "Area T" of the chip tray 212.

[0384] As shown in Figure 43, at this point in database 57, chip IDs "C00001" to "C00005" are associated with user ID "P1", chip IDs "C10001" to "C10005" are associated with user ID "P2", and chip IDs "C20001" to "C20100" are associated with user ID "D".

[0385] Assuming that both players 282a and 282b win the game, the dealer first pays out to either bet chip 831a or bet chip 831b, as shown in Figure 44. At this time, the chip IDs "C00001" to "C00005" of bet chip 831a and chip IDs "C10001" to "C10005" of bet chip 831b, as well as the chip IDs "C20001" to "C20005" of payout chip 832a, are read from the betting area 422b and output to the management control device 256 as a combination with the area ID "Area 2" of the betting area 422.

[0386] At this stage, the management control device 256 cannot yet determine whether the payout chip 832a was paid out to bet chips 831a with chip IDs "C00001" to "C00005" or to bet chips 831b with chip IDs "C10001" to "C10005", so it does not update the database 57.

[0387] Next, when player 282a takes the bet chip 831a and the payout chip 832a issued for it from the betting area 422b, as shown in Figure 44, only the chip IDs "C10001" to "C10005" of the remaining bet chip 831b are read from the betting area 422b. Based on this change, the management control device 256 determines that the payout chips 832a with chip IDs "C20001" to "C20005" read in the betting area 422b have been paid out for the betting chips 831a with chip IDs "C00001" to "C00005", and rewrites the user IDs associated with chip IDs "C20001" to "C20005" in the database 57 from "D" to "P1", i.e., the user ID associated with the betting chips 831a that were removed from the betting area 422b along with the payout chips 832a with chip IDs "C20001" to "C20005".

[0388] The dealer confirms that the bet chip 831a and the payout chip 832a issued for it have been removed from the betting area 422b, and then, as shown in Figure 46, issues the payout chip 832b for the bet chip 831b to the same betting area 422b. At this point, the chip IDs "C10001" to "C10005" of the bet chip 831b and the chip IDs "C20006" to "C20010" of the payout chip 832b are read from the betting area 422b and recorded in the management control device 256 in combination with the area ID "Area 2" of the betting area 422.

[0389] Subsequently, when player 282b takes the bet chip 831b and payout chip 832b, as shown in Figure 47, the chip ID is not read from the bet area 422b, and only the chip ID read from the chip tray 212 is input to the management control device 256. Based on this change, the management control device 256 determines that the payout chips 832b with chip IDs "C20006" to "C20010" have been passed to the same player as the players with chip IDs "C10001" to "C10005", and updates the database 57 so that the user IDs associated with chip IDs "C20006" to "C20010" are the same as the user IDs associated with chip IDs "C10001" to "C10005".

[0390] As described above, according to the management system 170 in this example, when a bet chip 831 and a payout chip 832 are removed from the betting area together, the database 57 is updated so that the user ID of the payout chip 832 is the same as the user ID of the bet chip 831. Therefore, even when multiple players' game currency 283 are bet in the same betting area 422, by paying out to those players in order, it is possible to determine which player the payout chip 832 was paid out to, update the database 57, and trace the holder of the game currency.

[0391] (Example 8) Figure 48 shows the configuration of the management system in the eighth example of the fourth embodiment. The management system 180 has the same configuration as the management system 140 of the fourth example. However, in the management system 180, the game table 4004 is provided with a player pair area 444, a tie area 445, and a banker pair area 446 as betting areas. In addition, the game table 4004 is provided with antennas 517, 518, and 519 corresponding to the player pair area 444, the tie area 445, and the banker pair area 446.

[0392] Each of these areas, 444 through 446, is divided into sections corresponding to different play positions. When a player places a bet in these areas, they place their bet chips in the section corresponding to their play position within those areas.

[0393] In other words, the player pair area 444, the tie area 445, and the banker pair area 446 are all shared betting areas used by multiple players. In the example in Figure 48, players 282a to 282c are participating in the game, and players 282b and 282c have placed bet chips 831b and 831c, respectively, in the tie area 445.

[0394] In this example, the holders of the substitute currency 283 for gaming can be traced in the same manner as in the sixth or seventh example for shared betting areas 444-446. Furthermore, even if the management system 180 does not have a database 57, the holders of the substitute currency 283 for gaming can be traced in the same manner as in the sixth example, and even if the management system 180 does not have a player identification system, the holders of the substitute currency 283 for gaming can be traced in the same manner as in the seventh example for shared betting areas.

[0395] (Example 9) Figure 49 shows the configuration of the management system in the ninth example of the fourth embodiment. The management system 190 includes a player identification system. In this example, the game currency 283 is traced without using the database 57. The game table 4004 is provided with pay areas 424a to 424e and corresponding antennas 516a to 516e. The fixed information of the RFID tag of the game currency 283 stores information indicating the amount (value) of the game currency 283, and the fluctuation information stores the user ID of the holder.

[0396] In this example, database 57 may also be used. In that case, the game substitute currency 283 has a chip ID stored in it, and the amount (value) of the game substitute currency 283 and the user ID of the holder are stored in database 57 in association with the chip ID.

[0397] As shown in Figure 50, when player 282a's bet chips 831a (five chips with a value of "100") and player 282b's bet chips 831b (two chips with a value of "1000") are placed in the bet area 422b, five game substitute currency 283 chips with a value of "100" and user ID "P1" are read from the bet area 422b, and two game substitute currency 283 chips with a value of "1000" and user ID "P2" are read. These are output to the management control device 256 along with the area ID of the bet area 422, which is "Area 2".

[0398] The control device 256 detects the bet amount for each player by calculating the total amount of bet chips for each player in each betting area 422. In the case of Figure 50, the control device 256 detects that the bet amount for user ID "P1" is "500" and the bet amount for user ID "P2" is "2000".

[0399] If, as a result of the game, both players 282a and 282b win, the dealer will pay out (redeem) the bet chips 831a and 831b in order. As shown in Figure 51, first, when paying out a payout chip 832a for bet chip 831a, the dealer places the payout chip 832a in the pay area 424b.

[0400] At this time, the RF control device 254 reads the game substitute currency 283 in the pay area 424b, reads that there are five game substitute currency 283 with a value of "100", and outputs this to the management control device 256. The management control device 256 detects the payout amount by calculating the sum of the amounts of the payout chips 832a read in the pay area 424b.

[0401] The control device 256 compares the payout amount of the payout chip 832a with the bet amount of each player in the betting area 422b to identify the player whose bet amount matches the payout amount. In the case of Figure 51, five payout chips 832a with a value of "100" are read from the paying area 424b, and the payout amount is detected as "500". The control device 256 determines that this payout amount "500" matches the bet amount "500" of the bet chip 831a of user ID "P1", and rewrites the user ID of the payout chip 832a to "P1".

[0402] Subsequently, when player 282a takes the payout chip 832a and the bet chip 831a, as shown in Figure 52, player 282b's bet chip 831b remains in the bet area 422b. When the dealer places the payout chip 832b to be paid out for this bet chip 831b in the pay area 424b, the management control device 256 detects the payout amount of the payout chip 832b by calculating the total amount of this payout chip 832b.

[0403] The control device 256 compares the payout amount of the payout chip 832b with the bet amount of each player in the betting area 422b to identify the player whose bet amount matches the payout amount. In the case of Figure 52, two payout chips 832b with a value of "1000" are read from the paying area 424b, and the payout amount is detected as "2000". The control device 256 determines that this payout amount "2000" matches the bet amount "2000" of the bet chip 831b of user ID "P2", and rewrites the user ID of the payout chip 832b to "P2".

[0404] As described above, in the management system 190 of this example, even when multiple players place bets in the same betting area 422, if their bet amounts differ, the system determines which player the payout chips were paid to based on the bet amounts and the payout amounts of the payout chips.

[0405] (Example 10) In the first to ninth examples above, if player 282 is a non-member who is not registered as a member, such a non-member is not assigned a user ID, and therefore player 282 cannot be identified by the player identification system. Also, as mentioned above, for the substitute currency 283 for games owned by a non-member, it is not possible to store a valid user ID in the RFID tag or database 57, so "Unknown" is recorded as the user ID.

[0406] When the management system pays out payout chip 832 to a non-member player, it sets the user ID of the payout chip 832 to "Unknown," and when it collects a bet chip 831 from a non-member player, it sets the user ID of the bet chip 831 to "D."

[0407] When a member player and a non-member player place bets in the same betting area 422, and both players win the game, the dealer may always pay out to the non-member player, or pay out to the member player under a rule that payouts are always made to the member player.

[0408] For example, if a rule is in place that payouts are always made to non-members first, the management system will rewrite the user ID of the first payout chip 832 to "Unknown," and then, using the example above, rewrite the user ID of any subsequent payout chips 832 to that of a member player.

[0409] Furthermore, if, for example, a rule is in place that payouts are always made to members first, the management system will rewrite the user ID of the first payout chip 832 to the user ID identified from the bet chip 831, and rewrite the user ID of any payout chips 832 that are paid out later to "Unknown".

[0410] When a dealer identifies a player using a card authentication system, they scan the membership card 281 themselves and can therefore know which player is a member. However, when a player is identified using a facial recognition system, the dealer cannot determine which player is a member. Therefore, as a result of the facial recognition system, visual information indicating the play position or betting area where the user ID was recognized may be displayed to the dealer on a monitor or the like.

[0411] (Example 11) Figure 53 shows an example of a betting area in the 11th example of the fourth embodiment. In this example, the betting area 422 of each play position is divided into a betting area 411 for members and a betting area 412 for non-members, and the antennas are also divided into an antenna 5111 for members and an antenna 5112 for non-members.

[0412] The management control device 256 controls the RF control device 254 to rewrite the user ID of the game substitute currency 283 for bet chips 831 placed in the member bet area 411, as in the first to ninth examples above, and to rewrite all user IDs of the payout chips 832 dispensed for bet chips 831 placed in the non-member bet area 412 to "Unknown".

[0413] In this example, game substitute currency 283 whose assigned user ID is stored either by itself or in database 57 and game substitute currency 283 whose assigned user ID is not stored either by itself or in database 57 (i.e., the user ID is "Unknown") are not read together, and the game substitute currency 283 whose assigned user ID is stored either by itself or in database 57 can be traced effectively.

[0414] In this example, instead of antennas 5111 and 5112, a single antenna may be provided that spans both the member betting area 411 and the non-member betting area 412. In this case, when game substitute currency 283 is placed in both the member betting area 411 and the non-member betting area 412, the dealer can recognize which betting chips 831 belong to members and which belong to non-members.

[0415] Furthermore, when making payouts for any of the bet chips 831, the dealer may make the payouts under the operational rule that payouts to the member's bet chips 831 first. In this case, the management system can determine that the payout chips 832 that were paid out first were paid to the member. Alternatively, the dealer may make the payouts under the operational rule that payouts to the non-member's bet chips 831 first. In this case, the management system can determine that the payout chips 832 that were paid out first were paid to the non-member.

[0416] Figures 54A and 54B show other examples of betting areas in the 11th example of the fourth embodiment. In this example, the betting area 422 for each play position is selectively set to either a betting area 422 for members, as shown in Figure 54A, or a betting area 422 for non-members, as shown in Figure 54B.

[0417] Near each betting area 422, there is a display unit 413 that variably indicates whether the betting area 422 is set for members or for non-members. This display unit 413 is installed under the felt of the gaming table 4004, and the displayed information is visible to the player through the felt.

[0418] Furthermore, the means of visually indicating whether each betting area 422 is set for members or non-members is not limited to the display unit 413 embedded under the felt of the gaming table 4004. For example, a monitor installed on the gaming table 4004 so that it is visible to the player may display whether each betting area 422 is set for members or non-members.

[0419] The management control device 256 controls the RF control device 254 so that if the betting area 422 is set for members, it rewrites the user ID of the game substitute currency 283 for the betting chips 831 placed there, as in the first to ninth examples above, and if the betting area 422 is set for non-members, it rewrites all the user IDs of the payout chips 832 dispensed for the betting chips 831 placed there to "Unknown".

[0420] In this example, game substitute currency 283 whose assigned user ID is stored either by itself or in database 57 and game substitute currency 283 whose assigned user ID is not stored either by itself or in database 57 (i.e., the user ID is "Unknown") are not read together, and the tracing of game substitute currency 283 whose assigned user ID is stored either by itself or in database 57 can be effectively performed.

[0421] (Example 12) In the first to ninth examples above, even when the exchange of game currency 283 takes place between the dealer and the player at the game table 4004, it is possible to trace the holder of the game currency 283. In this case, the management system includes a progress determination means for determining the progress of the game (i.e., whether betting is in progress, the game is in progress, or settlement is in progress). The card distribution device 4003 can be used as such a progress determination means, but any other means may be used.

[0422] In the management system of this example, the management control device 256 controls the RF control device 254 during a bet to cause each antenna to periodically read at predetermined time intervals. The management control device 256 determines that a game substitute currency 283 exchange is taking place when a game substitute currency 283 with user ID "D" is read in any bet area 422 or any pay area 424 (hereinafter referred to as the "reading area of ​​the game table 4004") during a bet, and when a game substitute currency 283 with user ID assigned to a member is read in the chip tray 212.

[0423] This is because, in the operation of baccarat, during betting, the substitute currency 283 for gameplay cannot be moved from the chip tray 212 to the game table 4004 except for exchange, and the substitute currency 283 of the players on the game table 4004 cannot be moved to the chip tray 212. Furthermore, if the game is in progress, such movement of the substitute currency 283 constitutes fraudulent activity, and therefore the control device 256 may output an alarm when it detects such movement of the substitute currency 283 during gameplay.

[0424] If, during betting, a substitute game currency 283 whose user ID is either the user ID assigned to the member or "Unknown" is read by the chip tray 212, the management control device 256 determines that the substitute game currency 283 is a substitute game currency 283 (a chip before exchange) that was brought to the game table 4004 by the player for exchange between chips.

[0425] Specifically, the management control device 256 determines that an exchange has occurred when, if the user ID is stored in the game currency 283 itself, the user ID assigned to the member or "Unknown" is read from the chip tray 212 during betting. If the user ID is stored in the database 57, the management control device 256 determines that an exchange has occurred when the number of game currency 283 read from the chip tray 212 decreases during betting. Alternatively, if the user ID is stored in the database 57, the management control device 256 may determine that an exchange has occurred when the number of game currency 283 read from the chip tray increases during betting.

[0426] Furthermore, if, during betting, a substitute game currency 283 whose user ID is "D," indicating that it is held by the casino or dealer, is read in the reading area of ​​the game table 4004, the management control device 256 determines that the substitute game currency 283 is the substitute game currency 283 (exchanged chip) to be given to the player in correspondence with the chips before exchange.

[0427] Specifically, if the user ID is stored in the substitute currency 283 for gaming itself, the management control device 256 determines that an exchange has occurred when the user ID "D" is read from the reading area of ​​the gaming table 4004 during betting. If the user ID is stored in the database 57, the management control device 256 periodically reads the reading area of ​​the gaming table 4004 during betting and refers to the database 57 each time it reads to determine that the substitute currency 283 with user ID "D" has been read from the reading area of ​​the gaming table 4004.

[0428] The management control device 256 rewrites the user ID of the chip before exchange to "D" which represents the casino or dealer, and rewrites the user ID of the chip after exchange to the user ID of the chip before exchange. Specifically, if the user ID is stored in the RFID tag of the substitute currency 283 for gaming, the management control device 256 controls the RF control device 254 to rewrite the user ID stored in the corresponding chip before and after exchange. If the user ID is associated with a chip ID and stored in the database 57, the management control device 256 rewrites the user ID associated with the corresponding chip ID in the database 57.

[0429] Furthermore, the management control device 256 may, after identifying the chips before and after exchange, control the RF control device 254 to exchange their user IDs (if the user IDs are stored in the game substitute currency 283), or update the database 57 (if the user IDs are stored in the database 57).

[0430] In the above embodiment, the membership card 281 was a magnetic card, and the card reader 253 was a magnetic card reader that read information from the magnetic stripe of the membership card 281. However, instead, an RFID tag may be embedded in the membership card 281, and the user ID may be recorded on the RFID tag. In this case, the card reader 253 would be an RFID reader consisting of an antenna and an RF control device 254. Such antennas may also be provided at each play position. In this case, the player does not hand their membership card 281 to the dealer, but has it read at each play position. Each antenna transmits information identifying the play position, along with the user ID read from the membership card 281, to the RF control device 254. Furthermore, the antenna 515 and RF control device 254 provided in the betting area 422 may be used as an RFID reader for reading the membership card 281. In this case, the player can have the antenna 515 read their user ID by placing their membership card 281 in the betting area 422 at their playing position.

[0431] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the above embodiments can be modified by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention, and the apparatus of these embodiments may be appropriately modified as needed for the game to which they are applied. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0432] 1 Casino Hall 10 cages 11 Vault 12 Main Bank Office 13 F / C Bank Room 14 Cashier Room Gates 21-28 Staff 31-36 42-45 Game Tables 52-55 Dealer Players 61-69 70 Gaming Chips 71 RFID tags 1000 Chip Management System 501 Cage System 502 Table System 100 Chip Management Computer 101 Chip Management Database 111 Vault Computer 112 Vault Card Reader 113 Vault Tip Reader 121 Main Bank Computer 122 Main bank card reader 123 Main Bank Chip Reader 131 F / C Bank Computer 132 F / C Bank Card Reader 133 F / C Bank Chip Reader 141 Cashier Computer 142 Cashier Card Reader 143 Cashier Chip Reader 151 Table Computers 152 Table Card Reader 153 Table Chip Reader 154 Chip Tray Reader 155 Bet Area Chip Reader 421 Tip Tray 422a~422e Bed Area 423a Collection Area 423b Payout Area 5131 Recovery Dealer Antenna 5132 Dispatch Dealer Antenna 514 Tip tray antenna 515a~515e Bed Area Antenna 81 First reading device 82 Second reading device 83 Image recognition device 84 Management device 85 Databases 86 Alert device 91, 92 Camera 93 Cash slot 931 Cash Sensor 2000 Management System

Claims

1. A management system for managing equivalent exchanges between gaming chips of different denominations on a game table, The aforementioned gaming chip has an RFID tag built in, The gaming table includes a chip tray configured to hold the dealer's gaming chips, a betting area where the player's gaming chips are placed for betting in the game, and a first area and a second area separate from the betting area and the chip tray. The aforementioned management system is In the first region, a first reading means reads the RFID tag of the player's gaming chip which is to be replaced with the dealer's gaming chip, In the second region, a second reading means for reading the RFID tag of the dealer's gaming chip, An exchange determination means that determines that an exchange has taken place between the player's gaming chip and the dealer's gaming chip, based on the fact that the RFID tag of the gaming chip has been read by both the first reading means and the second reading means, A management system equipped with [specific features / features].

2. The management system according to claim 1, wherein the first region and the second region are arranged between the bed region and the chip tray.

3. The management system according to claim 1, wherein the replacement determination means determines that the replacement has been performed when it determines that gaming chips are simultaneously present in the first and second regions based on the timing at which the RFID tags of the gaming chips are read by the first and second reading means.

4. The RFID tag stores information for identifying the amount of the gaming chip, The management system according to claim 1, wherein the exchange determination means determines whether the total amount of gaming chips read by the first reading means matches the total amount of gaming chips read by the second reading means when it is determined that the exchange has taken place.

5. The management system according to claim 1, wherein, when the exchange determination means determines that the exchange has been performed, the first reading means determines whether the read gaming chip is a gaming chip provided by the player, and the second reading means determines whether the read gaming chip is a gaming chip dispensed from the chip tray.

6. The management system according to claim 4, further comprising an alert means that outputs an alert indicating that the total amount of gaming chips read by the first reading means does not match the total amount of gaming chips read by the second reading means.

7. The management system according to claim 5, further comprising an alert means that outputs an alert indicating that the gaming chip read by the first reading means and the second reading means, respectively, is not a gaming chip provided by the player or a gaming chip dispensed from the chip tray.

8. The first reading means comprises a first antenna arranged in the first region, and a first reader that controls the first antenna and decodes the signal received by the first antenna. The management system according to claim 1, wherein the second reading means comprises a second antenna arranged in the second region and a second reader that controls the second antenna and decodes the signal received by the second antenna.

9. The management system according to claim 8, wherein the first reader and the second reader each perform reading at independent timings.

10. The management system according to claim 8, wherein the first reader and the second reader are the same device.

11. The management system according to claim 10, wherein the same device alternately uses the first antenna and the second antenna to alternately read the first region and read the second region.

12. The management system according to claim 8, further comprising: a jamming antenna configured such that the first antenna restricts the reading of the RFID tag of the gaming chip in the second region, and / or a jamming antenna configured such that the second antenna restricts the reading of the RFID tag of the gaming chip in the first region.

13. The management system according to claim 1, wherein the first region and the second region are arranged at a distance from each other such that the first reading means does not read the RFID tag of the gaming chip in the second region, and / or the second reading means does not read the RFID tag of the gaming chip in the first region.

Images