Cage system and chip management system

Abstract

The present invention provides a cage system for monitoring the movement of gaming chips within a cage and between the cage and various locations within the casino, and a gaming chip management system for managing gaming chips within the casino, including the cage system. [Solution] The cage 10 is divided into multiple locations, including a cashier room 14. Gaming chips have RFID tags that store chip IDs. The cage system for managing the movement of gaming chips within the cage in the casino hall 1 includes a chip reader that reads chip IDs from the RFID tags of gaming chips moving between multiple locations within the cage, a chip reader that reads chip IDs from the RFID tags of gaming chips leaving the cage for the casino hall, and a chip management database that records the chip IDs read by the chip readers as the movement history of the gaming chips.

Description

Cross-reference to Related Applications

[0001] In this application, the benefit of Patent Application No. 2020-102729 filed in Japan on June 12, 2020 is claimed, and the content of the said application is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a cage system for managing gaming chips in a cage in a casino and a chip management system including the cage system.

Background Art

[0003] As a system for managing gaming chips in a casino, a gaming chip tracing system is known that embeds an RFID tag storing at least a gaming chip ID in a gaming chip and monitors which user holds which gaming chip by associating the gaming chip ID with a user ID.

[0004] Also, a gaming chip security system is known that stores valid gaming chip IDs in a database and determines the validity or authenticity of a gaming chip by reading the gaming chip ID from the RFID tag of the gaming chip in the casino (e.g., on a table) and comparing it with the database (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-5565).

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Gaming chips are brought into the casino through the cage in the casino, and discarded gaming chips are also taken out of the cage to the outside. Conventional gaming chip tracing systems cannot necessarily monitor the movement of all gaming chips in the casino, including the movement of gaming chips inside the cage and the movement between the cage and each location in the casino.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides 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.

[0007] A cage system according to one aspect of the present invention is a cage system for managing the movement of gaming chips within a cage in a casino hall, wherein the cage is divided into a plurality of locations including a cashier, the gaming chips have RFID tags storing 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 plurality of locations, a second reading means for reading the chip IDs from the RFID tags of gaming chips leaving the cage into the casino hall, and a recording means for recording the chip IDs read by the first reading means and the 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] A chip management system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises any of the cage systems described above and a fourth reading means installed on a 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 a casino hall, including the cages.

[0015] In the 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.

[0016] In the 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.

[0017] In the 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.

[0018] In the above-described chip management system, 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. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a casino according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a gaming chip according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a gaming chip management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a game table according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the mode of movement of the gaming chip according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of data in a chip management database updated by the first method of gaming chip movement management according to an 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 an 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 an 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 an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of data of a chip management database updated by a fourth method of moving management of a gaming chip according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, a cage system and a gaming chip management system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and the components in the following embodiments include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art or those that are substantially the same.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a casino according to an embodiment of the present invention. The casino hall 1 is provided with a cage 10 and a plurality of game tables 42 to 45. The floor on which the game tables 42 to 45 are provided may be divided into a VIP floor and a general public floor. The cage 10 is a room that only security staff can 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.

[0022] The vault 11 is provided with a gate 21 leading to the outside of the cage 10, a gate 22 is provided between the vault 11 and the main bank room 12, a gate 23 is provided between the main bank room 12 and the F / C bank room 13, a gate 24 is provided between the main bank room 12 and the cashier room 14, and the F / C bank room 13 is provided with a gate 24 leading to the casino hall 1 where the game tables 42 to 45 are placed. The cashier room 14 is provided with gates (windows) 26 to 28 leading to the casino hall 1. Each of the gates 21 to 25 may allow people and gaming chips to pass through, or only gaming chips may pass through, and a door for people to enter and exit may be provided separately from the gate. The windows 26 to 28 are opened to such an extent that gaming chips and cash can be exchanged.

[0023] Vault 11 is staffed by vault staff 31, main bank 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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 at Cage 10 can bet them at game tables 42-45 and enjoy the games. If a player loses a game, the dealer collects their gaming chips from them, and if they win a game, they receive a payout from the dealer according to the game rules and bet amount. In this way, the amount 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.

[0026] 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 is a shortage of 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 in a table game is also called "filling". Conversely, if there is an excess of 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".

[0027] In Game 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.

[0028] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a gaming chip according to an 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a chip management system according to an 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The table system 502 comprises a table computer 151, a table card reader 152, a table chip reader 153, a chip tray chip reader 154, and multiple betting area chip readers 155 connected to it. Although only one table system 502 is shown in Figure 3, multiple table systems 502 are provided to accommodate multiple game tables.

[0033] 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 101 and chip management data 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.

[0034] 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 management computer 100.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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).

[0037] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a game table according to an 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.

[0038] The chip tray is equipped with a 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 dealer antenna 513 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] (Management of gaming chip movement) Figure 5 is a diagram showing the movement of gaming chips according to an 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.

[0043] (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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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 and the designation that the destination is the source and that the source is main bank room 12 to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101 in response to this report.

[0046] Figure 6 shows an example of data in a chip management database updated by the first method of gaming chip movement management according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the example in Figure 6, 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, entry / exit information 602, source information 603, destination information 604, and date and time 605 of the gaming chip.

[0047] 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.

[0048] (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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Figure 7 shows an example of data in a chip management database updated by a second method of managing the movement of gaming chips according to an 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] (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.

[0054] (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 inbound / outbound information and location information in the chip management database 101.

[0055] Figure 8 shows an example of data in a chip management database updated by a fourth method of managing the movement of gaming chips according to an embodiment of the present invention. The chip management database 101 stores information such as the chip ID 601, entry / exit information 602, location information 603, and date and time 604 of the gaming chip 70 as information on the movement history of the gaming chip 70.

[0056] According to the fourth method, as shown in Figure 8, the entry / exit information 602 and location information 603 are recorded, so that 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.

[0057] (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.

[0058] Figure 9 shows an example of data in a chip management database updated by a fifth method of gaming chip movement management according to an embodiment of the present invention. The chip management database 101 stores information such as the chip ID 601, location information 603, and date and time 604 of the gaming chip 70 as information on the movement history of the gaming chip 70.

[0059] By the fifth method, as shown in Figure 9, location information 603 is also recorded, so it can be confirmed based on history 91 and history 92 that the gaming chip 70 has indeed left the vault 11 and been received in the main bank room 12.

[0060] 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 11, 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.

[0061] (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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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 an 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] This makes it possible to clearly determine 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.

[0066] (Collection and reimbursement) 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 gaming chips 70 placed in a single betting area, treating multiple betting areas as one, without distinguishing between individual player positions. Furthermore, betting area antennas may be omitted.

[0067] If a player loses a game at the 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.

[0068] The table computer 151 reports to the chip management computer 100 the chip ID read by the chip tray antenna 14, along with the designation that the gaming chip 70, which has been recovered 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.

[0069] 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 to 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 603 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 to be collected has not been properly collected.

[0070] 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.

[0071] Alternatively, the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 to be collected can be identified by having the dealer antenna read the RFID 71 while the chip is being moved from the betting area to the chip tray.

[0072] When a player wins a game, they receive a gaming chip 70 as a reward. The dealer first places the gaming chip 70 to be dispensed to the player from the chip tray into the dealer area of ​​the game table. At this time, the dealer antenna 513 reads the chip ID from the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chip 70 in the dealer area. The table computer 151 knows which player is playing in each betting area, so it can associate the gaming chip 70 to be redeemed with the player who will receive the redemption (the location information of the redeemed gaming chip 70 is associated with that player).

[0073] The method for identifying the chip ID of the redeemed gaming chip 70 and linking it to the player is not limited to the above. For example, the table computer 151 may identify the chip ID of the redeemed gaming chip 70 by reading the chip IDs of the gaming chips 70 stored in the chip tray before and after redemption, and link it to the player receiving the redemption.

[0074] Alternatively, when a redeemed gaming chip 70 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 redeemed gaming chip 70 (which is linked to the dealer or casino) and the chip ID of the bet gaming chip 70 (which is linked to the player) will both be read, but the chip management computer 100 will link the chip ID of the redeemed gaming chip 70 to the player associated with the chip ID of the bet gaming chip 70.

[0075] Furthermore, an antenna and reading area for reading the RFID tag 71 of the redeemable 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 redeemable gaming chip 70 can be linked to the player ID. In this case, the dealer may first have the redeemable gaming chip 70 read by the antenna in the reading area of ​​the corresponding player position, and then move the redeemable gaming chip 70 to the side of the betting chips in the betting area, or the dealer may place the redeemable gaming chip 70 in the reading area and have the corresponding player take it.

[0076] The table computer 151 reports to the chip management computer 100 the combination of the chip ID of the redeemed gaming chip 70 and the player ID of the player receiving the redemption. 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.

[0077] During redemption, the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 to be redeemed may be identified by having the RFID tag 71 read by the dealer antenna after removing the gaming chip 70 from the chip tray.

[0078] 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. In addition, each movement history may record status information for the gaming chip 70, such as "valid," "invalid," "missing," "suspected," "cannot be redeemed," or "cannot be played." Alternatively, a flag may be used to indicate whether it is valid or invalid. Moreover, 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] (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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] (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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] (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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] (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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] (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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] When multiple gaming chips 70 are moved from the game table to the F / C bank room 13 (for credits), the process is as follows: When gaming chips 70 are moved from the game table to the F / C bank room 13, the dealer uses the table chip reader 153 on the game table to read the chip IDs of the gaming chips 70 being moved. The table computer 151 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 related to the credits, and, based on the report, refers to the chip management database 101 to obtain the face value of those chip IDs and grasp the total amount of gaming chips 70 related to the credits (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 credits (total source number), and the total source amount based on the information from the table computer 151.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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."

[0098] 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.

[0099] (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.

[0100] 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).

[0101] At the game table, when gaming chips 70 are brought in from the F / C bank room 13, the table chip reader 153 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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."

[0105] 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.

[0106] (Managing credits through reductions at the game table) When excess gaming chips 70 at a game table are transferred from the game table to the F / C bank room 13 (credits), the table chip reader 153 reads the chip IDs of the gaming chips 70 being transferred 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] The chip management computer 100 compares the theoretical total after credits with the actual total after credits and issues an alert if the two do not match. This configuration allows for verification that the gaming chips 70 are correctly reduced at the game table by credits.

[0111] 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."

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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 table chip reader 153, 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 execution, and the game table performs credit execution 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 execution.

[0114] (Verification based on staff work shifts) Cage 10 is locked to prevent unauthorized entry by people, 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 allow the staff member to exit if there has been any inappropriate movement of the gaming chip 70.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] (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.

[0118] (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.

[0119] 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 on the table.

[0120] (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.

[0121] (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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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, a chip tray on a game table where a dealer stores collected chips and dispenses redeemed chips from it, a cabinet on the table for storing gaming chips, 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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 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.

[0130] When credits are issued, the gaming chips 70 that are transported to the F / C bank room 13 are read by 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 credit operations, and the gaming chips 70 in the chip tray before credits are compared with the gaming chips 70 after credits are issued, recognizing the gaming chips 70 that have been reduced by credits as the gaming chips 70 to be credited.

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 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

Claims

1. A cage system for managing the movement of gaming chips within a casino hall cage, The aforementioned cage is divided into multiple locations, including the cashier. The gaming chip has an RFID tag that stores the chip ID, The aforementioned cage system, A first reading means for reading the chip ID from the RFID tag of the gaming chip as it moves between the multiple locations, A second reading means reads the chip ID from the RFID tag of the gaming chip as it exits the cage into the casino hall, A recording means for recording the chip ID read by the first reading means and the second reading means as the movement history of the gaming chip, A cage system equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

2. The cage system according to claim 1, wherein the recording means records the destination and / or source of movement along with the chip ID in the movement history.

3. The cage system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a management means for determining whether movement is appropriate based on the aforementioned movement history.

4. The cage system according to claim 3, wherein the management means records in the recording means that the gaming chip having a movement history that does not match a predetermined set of possible movement histories is fraudulent or suspected of being fraudulent.

5. The cage system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a third reading means for reading the chip ID from the RFID tag of the gaming chip that enters the cage from the casino hall.

6. The cage system according to claim 3, reference to claim 2, wherein the management means issues an alert or records when the destination is not received at the destination, in the case where the destination is recorded in the movement history of the gaming chips going out to the casino hall.

7. The cage system according to claim 6, wherein the management means issues the alert or makes a record if the gaming chip is not received at the destination within a predetermined time.

8. A cage system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A fourth reading means is installed on the game table and reads the chip ID from the RFID tag of the gaming chip, A chip management system equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

9. The chip management system according to claim 8, wherein the management means calculates the total amount of gaming chips held by players in a casino hall.

10. The chip management system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the management means records date and time information in the movement history.

11. The chip management system according to claim 10, wherein the management means detects suspicious movement of the gaming chip based on the date and time information.

12. The chip management system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the management means records information of the staff involved in the movement in the movement history.

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