Game currency reading system

Abstract

The present invention provides a reading system that reads game tokens placed in a designated area, without reading game tokens placed in other nearby areas. [Solution] The game substitute currency reading system is provided on the game table and includes a storage unit 102 for storing game substitute currency equipped with RFID tags, and a reading means equipped with an antenna 104 that generates electromagnetic waves for reading the RFID tags of the game substitute currency stored in the storage unit 102. The reading means is equipped with multiple antennas 104 corresponding to multiple regions R formed by dividing the storage unit 102, so that the electromagnetic waves from the multiple antennas 104 do not read the RFID tags of game substitute currency placed in predetermined areas other than the chip storage unit 102 where the game substitute currency is placed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming substitute currency reading system that reads gaming substitute currency with RFID tags in a gaming facility that uses casino or other gaming substitute currency.

Background Art

[0002] Among many table games played in gaming venues such as casinos, there are baccarat and blackjack. In casinos, gaming substitute currency is used for such games.

[0003] In casinos, by attaching RFID tags to gaming substitute currency, it is possible to confirm whether the payment amount and recovery amount in the game are correct, and to grasp and manage the location and owner of the gaming substitute currency. Gaming substitute currency with RFID tags is known and disclosed in Patent Document 1 (International Application Publication No. 2008 / 120749).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Traditionally, casinos have used RFID-equipped game currency, reading the RFID tags on the game currency in betting areas and chip trays to identify the currency within specific areas and prevent fraud. However, when areas for game currency, such as betting areas and chip trays, are located close together, the RFID readers in each area may read game currency in the other area, or the electromagnetic waves generated by the readers may interfere with each other, making it impossible to accurately distinguish between game currency placed in adjacent areas. This problem was not limited to distinguishing between betting areas and chip trays; similar problems arose with the upper and lower levels of double chip trays and the individual levels of cabinets storing game currency, where it was impossible to accurately distinguish between game currency placed in each area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a game substitute currency reading system provided on a game table, comprising: a storage section for storing game substitute currency equipped with RFID tags; and a reading means equipped with an antenna for generating electromagnetic waves to read the RFID tags of the game substitute currency stored in the storage section, wherein the reading means is equipped with a plurality of antennas corresponding to a plurality of regions formed by dividing the storage section, so that the electromagnetic waves from the plurality of antennas do not read the RFID tags of the game substitute currency placed in a predetermined area other than the chip storage section where the game substitute currency is placed. This configuration reduces the possibility that the magnetic field generated by the antennas may read game substitute currency placed in a location other than the storage section.

[0007] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the plurality of antennas may have three or more wiring sections extending in a predetermined direction.

[0008] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the antenna may have a dense and a sparse portion of wiring extending in the predetermined direction, and the direction of the current flowing through each of the dense portions of the wiring may be the same direction to each other.

[0009] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the RFID tag may store at least an ID assigned to the substitute currency for games, the reading system may have a control unit that identifies the ID of the substitute currency for games stored in the storage unit, and the control unit may be configured to determine that if the RFID tags attached to the same substitute currency for games are read multiple times by electromagnetic waves generated by multiple antennas, there is one substitute currency for games in the storage unit that has been assigned the ID stored in the RFID tag.

[0010] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the plurality of antennas may be positioned above or below the housing.

[0011] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the reading means may have a set of antennas comprising multiple antennas that enable reading of RFID tags attached to substitute currency for games that are arranged in the same area among the multiple areas.

[0012] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the reading means may have a single reader for reading RFID tags using all of the multiple antennas included in one set of antennas.

[0013] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the reading means may have a single reader that reads RFID tags using the multiple antennas.

[0014] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the reader may be configured to perform multiple readings by changing the antenna used.

[0015] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the reading means may be configured to perform readings multiple times by changing the antenna used from among the multiple antennas.

[0016] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the storage unit may be located near the betting area where game participants place the substitute currency for games, the predetermined direction may be the direction from the storage unit toward the betting area, and the wiring portion extending toward the predetermined direction may be arranged in stripes across the entire storage unit.

[0017] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the game table may have a betting area where game participants place the substitute currency, the predetermined direction may be perpendicular to the direction from the storage unit to the betting area, and the wiring portion extending in the predetermined direction may be arranged in stripes across the entire storage unit.

[0018] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, one of the antennas may contain three or more wiring portions extending along the predetermined direction.

[0019] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the multiple antennas may be arranged so that they have overlapping wiring portions.

[0020] The above-described system for reading substitute currency for games may further include a collection chip storage unit adjacent to the storage unit for temporarily storing the substitute currency for games collected from the player, and the collection chip storage unit may further include a collection chip antenna separate from the plurality of antennas provided corresponding to a plurality of partial areas of the storage unit.

[0021] The above-described system for reading substitute currency for games may further include a shielding member between the storage unit and the recovery chip storage unit, which prevents the plurality of antennas provided in accordance with the plurality of partial areas of the storage unit from reading the RFID tags of the substitute currency for games in the recovery chip storage unit, and / or prevents the recovery antenna from reading the RFID tags of the substitute currency for games in the storage unit.

[0022] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the RFID tag may store at least an ID assigned to the substitute currency for games, the reading system may be configured such that the plurality of antennas provided corresponding to the plurality of partial areas of the storage unit do not read the RFID tag of the substitute currency for games in the collection chip storage unit, the reading system may have a control unit that identifies the ID of the substitute currency for games stored in the storage unit and the collection chip storage unit, and the control unit may be configured to determine that a substitute currency for games to which the ID is assigned exists in the storage unit if the ID read by the antenna of the storage unit and the ID read by the collection antenna overlap.

[0023] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the RFID tag may store at least an ID assigned to the substitute currency for games, the reading system may be configured such that the collection antenna does not read the RFID tag of the substitute currency for games in the storage unit, the reading system may have a control unit that identifies the IDs of the substitute currency for games stored in the storage unit and the collection chip storage unit, and the control unit may be configured to determine that a substitute currency for games to which the ID assigned is present in the collection chip storage unit if the ID read by the antenna of the storage unit and the ID read by the collection antenna overlap.

[0024] One aspect of the present invention is a chip storage area for storing gaming tokens, a bet area where a game participant places the gaming tokens, and a reading means capable of reading an RFID tag provided on the gaming tokens. The reading means has an antenna disposed in the bet area. The antenna has a wiring portion extending in a direction along the boundary between the chip storage area and the bet area and a wiring portion extending in a direction crossing the boundary. The total length of the wiring portions extending in the direction crossing the boundary is configured to be longer than the total length of the wiring portions extending in the direction along the boundary. This configuration reduces the possibility that the magnetic field generated by the antenna reads gaming tokens placed in locations other than the bet area.

[0025] In the above-described gaming token reading system, the antenna may form an eight-shaped figure by crossing such that one of the wiring portions extending in the direction crossing the boundary crosses the other.

[0026] In the above-described gaming token reading system, the reading means may have a plurality of the antennas and may be arranged such that there are overlapping portions of the plurality of antennas.

[0027] In the above-described gaming token reading system, the reading means may be configured to perform multiple readings simultaneously using two or more of the antennas having the plurality of overlapping portions.

[0028] One aspect of the present invention provides a gaming table comprising: a storage section for storing game substitutes equipped with RFID tags; a first reading means equipped with a first antenna for generating electromagnetic waves to read the RFID tags of the game substitutes stored in the storage section; a betting area for game participants to place the game substitutes; and a second reading means capable of reading the RFID tags equipped on the game substitutes, wherein the first reading means is equipped with a plurality of first antennas corresponding to a plurality of regions formed by dividing the storage section, thereby enabling the multiple first antennas to generate electromagnetic waves. The reading system for game substitutes is configured such that magnetic waves do not read the RFID tags on the game substitutes placed in the betting area where the game substitutes are placed, the second reading means has a second antenna located in the betting area, the second antenna has a wiring portion extending in a direction along the boundary between the housing and the betting area and a wiring portion extending in a direction crossing the boundary, and the total length of the wiring portion extending in the direction crossing the boundary is longer than the total length of the wiring portion extending in the direction along the boundary.

[0029] One aspect of the present invention is a game substitute currency reading system comprising: a chip storage area for storing game substitute currency equipped with an RFID tag; a betting area for game participants to place the game substitute currency; a reading means capable of reading the RFID tag attached to the game substitute currency; and a control unit, wherein the reading means has antennas in the chip storage area and the betting area, respectively, and the reading means uses the antennas to read the game substitute currency in the chip storage area and the game substitute currency in the betting area at independent timings, and the control unit is configured to identify whether the read game substitute currency is placed in the chip storage area or the betting area.

[0030] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the control unit may be configured to independently grasp the increase or decrease in substitute currency for games placed in the chip storage area and the increase or decrease in substitute currency for games placed in the betting area.

[0031] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the control unit may be configured to detect the movement of substitute currency between the chip storage area and the betting area based on the increase or decrease in the amount of substitute currency for games that has been identified.

[0032] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the control unit may be configured to determine that substitute currency for games that has moved from the betting area to the chip storage area at a predetermined timing is a collected chip based on the game result.

[0033] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the control unit may be configured to determine that substitute currency for games that has moved from the chip storage area to the betting area at a predetermined timing is a redemption chip based on the game result.

[0034] One aspect of the present invention is a game substitute currency reading system comprising: a chip placement unit for arranging game substitute currency having an RFID tag on which an ID is recorded; a reading means equipped with a plurality of antennas for generating electromagnetic waves for reading the RFID tag; and a control unit for identifying the ID of the game substitute currency placed in the chip placement unit, wherein the plurality of antennas are arranged such that the respective reading ranges in which the RFID tag can be read by the electromagnetic waves generated by each antenna overlap, and the control unit is configured to determine that if the RFID tags on the same game substitute currency are read multiple times by the electromagnetic waves generated by the plurality of antennas, there is one game substitute currency in the storage unit to which the ID stored in the RFID tag is assigned.

[0035] One aspect of the present invention is a game substitute currency reading system comprising: a game substitute currency having an RFID tag on which an ID is recorded; a chip placement unit for arranging the game substitute currency; a reading means equipped with a plurality of antennas for generating electromagnetic waves for reading the RFID tag; and a control unit for identifying the ID of the game substitute currency placed in the chip placement unit, wherein the plurality of antennas are arranged such that the respective reading ranges in which the RFID tag can be read by the electromagnetic waves generated by each antenna overlap, and the control unit is configured to determine that if the RFID tags on the same game substitute currency are read multiple times by the electromagnetic waves generated by the plurality of antennas, there is one game substitute currency in the storage unit to which the ID stored in the RFID tag is assigned. This configuration reduces the possibility of missing reading the RFID of the game substitute currency.

[0036] One aspect of the present invention provides a storage unit having an upper storage unit and a lower storage unit for arranging game substitute currency equipped with RFID tags, an upper reading means for reading the RFID tags of game substitute currency arranged in the upper storage unit, a lower reading means for reading the RFID tags of game substitute currency arranged in the lower storage unit, and a control unit, wherein the upper storage unit is configured to be movable from above the lower storage unit to another area, and when the upper storage unit is stacked on top of the lower storage unit, the lower storage unit is closed. This is a game substitute currency reading system configured such that moving the upper storage section to the other area opens the lower storage section, allowing chips to be inserted into and removed from the lower storage section. At least one of the upper reading means or the lower reading means is equipped with multiple antennas, and the control unit is configured to distinguish and identify the game substitute currency placed in the upper storage section from the game substitute currency placed in the lower storage section using the upper reading means and the lower reading means. This configuration makes it easier to distinguish and manage the game substitute currency placed in the upper storage section from the game substitute currency stored in the lower storage section.

[0037] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the control unit may distinguish and identify the substitute currency for games located in the upper storage unit and the substitute currency for games located in the lower storage unit based on the reading result obtained by reading the RFID tag with the upper reading means and / or the lower reading means when the upper storage unit has been moved to the other area.

[0038] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the upper reading means may be equipped with multiple antennas, and the upper reading means may be configured not to read the RFID tags of the substitute currency for games placed in the lower storage section when the lower storage section is closed.

[0039] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the control unit may identify the substitute currency for games placed in the upper storage section based on the results of reading performed using the upper reading means, and the control unit may further identify the substitute currency for games placed in the lower storage section and the upper storage section using the lower reading means, and identify the substitute currency for games placed in the lower storage section by subtracting the substitute currency for games identified using the upper reading means from the substitute currency for games identified using the lower reading means.

[0040] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the lower reading means may be equipped with multiple antennas, and the lower reading means may not be configured to read the RFID tags of the substitute currency for games placed in the upper storage section.

[0041] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the control unit may identify the substitute currency for games placed in the lower storage section based on the reading results performed using the lower reading means, identify the substitute currency for games placed in the upper storage section and the lower storage section using the upper reading means, and identify the substitute currency for games placed in the upper storage section by subtracting the substitute currency for games identified using the lower reading means from the substitute currency for games identified using the upper reading means.

[0042] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the control unit may be configured to distinguish and identify substitute currency for games placed in the upper storage section from substitute currency for games placed in the lower storage section using the upper reading means and the lower reading means while the lower storage section is closed.

[0043] One aspect of the present invention is a game substitute currency reading system comprising: a storage unit for storing game substitute currency having an RFID tag; a reading means capable of reading the RFID tag provided on the game substitute currency; and a control unit, wherein the storage unit has a first storage unit and a second storage unit that can be opened and closed independently; the reading means has a first reading means for reading game substitute currency stored in the first storage unit and a second reading means for reading game substitute currency stored in the second storage unit; the first reading means does not read game substitute currency stored in the second storage unit when the second storage unit is closed, and / or the second reading means does not read game substitute currency stored in the first storage unit when the first storage unit is closed. This configuration makes it easier to distinguish and manage game substitute currency placed in the first storage unit and game substitute currency stored in the second storage unit.

[0044] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the control unit may be configured to distinguish and identify the substitute currency for games placed in the first storage unit and the substitute currency for games placed in the second storage unit using the reading results of the first reading means and the second reading means.

[0045] One aspect of the present invention is a game substitute currency reading system comprising: a storage unit for storing game substitute currency having an RFID tag; a reading means capable of reading the RFID tag attached to the game substitute currency; and a control unit, wherein the storage unit has a first storage unit and a second storage unit that can be opened and closed independently; and the reading means has a first reading means for reading game substitute currency stored in the first storage unit and a second reading means for reading game substitute currency stored in the second storage unit, wherein the first reading means does not read game substitute currency stored in the lower storage unit, or the second reading means does not read game substitute currency stored in the upper storage unit. This configuration makes it easier to distinguish and manage game substitute currency placed in the first storage unit and game substitute currency stored in the second storage unit.

[0046] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the first reading means may be configured not to read substitute currency for games stored in the second storage unit when the first storage unit is open and the second storage unit is closed, and / or the second reading means may be configured not to read substitute currency for games stored in the first storage unit when the second storage unit is open and the first storage unit is closed.

[0047] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the first reading means may be configured not to read substitute currency for games stored in the second storage unit when the first storage unit is closed and the second storage unit is open, and / or the second reading means may be configured not to read substitute currency for games stored in the first storage unit when the second storage unit is closed and the first storage unit is open.

[0048] One aspect of the present invention is a storage system for substitute currency used in games, comprising a storage unit for arranging substitute currency having RFID tags, a reading means, and a control unit, wherein the storage unit is composed of a plurality of independently openable and closable storage compartments, and when at least one of the plurality of storage compartments is open, the control unit is configured to perform a first reading using the reading means to identify the substitute currency used in the storage compartment that is closed. This configuration makes it easier to distinguish and manage substitute currency used in games stored in the first storage compartment and substitute currency used in games stored in the second storage compartment.

[0049] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, when all of the multiple storage compartments are in a closed state, the control unit may perform a second reading using the reading means and compare the result of the first reading with the result of the second reading to identify the substitute currency for games stored in the storage compartment that was in an open state immediately before.

[0050] In the above-described system for reading substitute currency for games, the control unit may be configured to distinguish and identify substitute currency for games placed in the upper storage section from substitute currency for games placed in the lower storage section using the reading results of the first reading means and the second reading means. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0051] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a reading system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of an antenna according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of antenna arrangement according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of antenna arrangement according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of the method for identifying an ID according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a reading system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of an antenna according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of the method for identifying an ID according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a reading system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a reading system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an external view of a double chip tray according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram of the method for identifying an ID according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a reading system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram of the method for identifying an ID according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0052] (First Embodiment) First, a reading system for game currency according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the reading system 101 of the present invention. The reading system 101 is used in a casino to store game currency held by a dealer and to manage game currency by reading the RFID tags attached to the game currency.

[0053] The reading system 101 includes a storage unit 102 for storing substitute currency for games, an antenna 104 for reading RFID tags attached to the substitute currency for games, an RFID reader 105 for controlling the antenna 104, and a control unit 107 that identifies and manages the stored substitute currency based on the RFID reading results. The combination of the antenna 104 and the RFID reader 105 may correspond to the reading means.

[0054] The storage section 102 is used to hold substitute currency for the game. The storage section 102 may be configured to have grooves 103 for holding substitute currency for the game, with the substitute currency being placed in the grooves 103.

[0055] The reading system 101 includes multiple antennas 104 that generate electromagnetic waves to form a magnetic field and enable the reading of the RFID tags of the game currency stored in the storage unit 102, and an RFID reader 105 that controls the antennas 104. The reading system 101 may have multiple RFID readers 105 or only one RFID reader 105. Furthermore, if it has multiple RFID readers 105, it may use the multiple RFID readers 105 one by one in sequence to perform reading, or it may use some of the multiple RFID readers 105 simultaneously to perform reading. In this embodiment, by using multiple antennas 104 to read the substitute game currency stored in the storage unit 102, the reading range of each antenna 104 can be smaller than in conventional systems. This reduces the magnetic field generated by the antennas 104, making it less likely to interfere with the magnetic field generated by another reading device for reading substitute game currency located near the reading system 101 (e.g., in the betting area). Furthermore, it is expected that the electromagnetic waves generated by 104 will have less impact on the dealer's body.

[0056] Antenna 104 generates electromagnetic waves and forms a magnetic field Z, thereby enabling the reading of RFID tags attached to game currency located within a predetermined range R. The multiple antennas 104 of the reading system 101 may have overlapping portions in the predetermined range R that each antenna 104 can read. Alternatively, the antennas 104 themselves may have overlapping portions. The specific configuration of antenna 104 will be described later.

[0057] The RFID reader 105 is connected to the antenna 104 and uses the antenna 104 to read RFID tags. A single RFID reader 105 may be connected to multiple antennas, or to only one antenna 104. Furthermore, if a single RFID reader uses multiple antennas 104, it may use each antenna 104 one by one in sequence to read, or it may use some of the antennas 104 simultaneously to read.

[0058] The control unit 107 is connected to the RFID reader 105 and identifies and manages the IDs of the game currency stored in the storage unit 102 based on the reading results using the RFID reader 105. Furthermore, it may obtain information such as the type, amount, and number of game currency stored in the storage unit 102 from the identified IDs, and may store the obtained information.

[0059] Next, the specific configuration of the antenna 104 will be described using Figure 2. Figure 2 shows the wiring of the antenna 104 in the first embodiment of the present invention. It is desirable that the antenna be installed above or below the housing 102. Alternatively, the antenna 104 may be installed by placing a base (not shown) on which the antenna is mounted below the housing 102, or the antenna 104 may be installed directly on the housing 102 without using a base.

[0060] Figure 2 shows an example configuration in which two antennas 104a and 104b are used to enable reading of RFID tags on game currency within the same range. In this example configuration, antennas 104a and 104b have the same configuration, so we will first explain the antenna configuration using antenna 104a. Antenna 104a contains multiple wires 108 extending in a predetermined direction (horizontal direction in the figure), and the wires 108 extending in the predetermined direction of antenna 104a are arranged more densely than in conventional antennas. In such a configuration, it is desirable to have three or more wires 108 extending in the predetermined direction. The dense presence of wires 108 extending in the predetermined direction reduces the number of game currency that must be made readable by the magnetic field formed by each wire 108 extending in the predetermined direction. Therefore, the magnetic field generated by each of the wires 108 in a predetermined direction can be small, making it less likely to interfere with the magnetic field generated by another reading device for reading substitute currency for games, which is placed near the reading system 101 (e.g., in the betting area). Furthermore, it can be expected that the electromagnetic waves generated by 104a will have less effect on the dealer's body.

[0061] The above configuration is not limited to the arrangement shown in Figure 2; for example, it can also be achieved by arranging the wiring in a spiral pattern.

[0062] Furthermore, in the arrangement example shown in Figure 2, the antenna 104a has dense and sparse sections formed by the wiring 108 extending in a predetermined direction. When current flows through the antenna 104a, the direction of the current 1A flowing through the wiring in each dense section is the same, so the magnetic fields generated by each wiring do not cancel each other out. Also, if the direction of the current 1A flowing through the wiring on both sides of the sparse section is opposite, the magnetic fields spreading in the front-to-back direction will have different directions, so they will cancel each other out, which is expected to prevent the magnetic field from spreading more than necessary. Furthermore, the magnetic fields spreading in the up-and-down direction will have the same direction, which is expected to make it easier to read the substitute currency C when it is lying down.

[0063] Furthermore, in the example configuration shown in Figure 2, two antennas 104a and 104b are used to read game tokens within the same range. By using these antennas with a time delay, the risk of missing RFID tags is reduced without interference between the readings of each antenna. The processing when the same game token is read by both antennas 104a and 104b will be described later.

[0064] In the arrangement shown in Figure 3, the wiring 108 extending in a predetermined direction extends in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the game substitute currency C placed in the housing unit 102. By using this arrangement, the magnetic field Z generated by the antenna 104 spreads in a direction perpendicular to the RFID tag T attached to the game substitute currency C placed in the housing unit 102, making it easier to read the RFID tag T.

[0065] When such an arrangement is adopted, it is desirable that the number of game substitute coins C that can be read by the magnetic field Z formed by each predetermined wiring 108, when the maximum amount of game substitute coins C is placed in the storage section 102, be eight or less, and that are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined wiring 108. These configurations may be realized by wiring 108 extending in a predetermined direction included in one antenna 104, or by summing up wiring 108 extending in a predetermined direction included in multiple antennas.

[0066] On the other hand, in Figure 4, the wiring 108 extending in a predetermined direction (vertical direction in Figure 4) extends in a direction perpendicular to the boundary between the storage unit 102 and the bet area B where the substitute game currency is placed, which is near the storage device, while the wiring 106 in the predetermined direction is arranged in stripes across the entire storage unit 102. By arranging it in this way, the magnetic field Z generated by the antenna 104 of the reader 101 does not spread easily toward the bet area B, making it difficult to read the RFID tags attached to the substitute game currency C placed in the bet area B. Furthermore, interference with the magnetic field generated by another reader used to read the substitute game currency placed in the bet area B is less likely to occur, so accurate reading can be performed even when the reader 101 and another reader are used simultaneously.

[0067] Figure 5 illustrates the process performed by the control unit 107 when the same game substitute currency is read multiple times using different antennas 104. Reading result Y11 represents the ID of the game substitute currency C read using the first antenna 104. Reading result Y12 represents the ID of the game substitute currency C read using a second antenna 104, which is different from the first antenna 104. The control unit 107 obtains reading result Y13 by determining that there is one game substitute currency C in the storage unit 102 that is assigned to an ID included in at least one of reading results Y11 and Y12, thereby determining the ID of the game substitute currency C stored in the storage unit 102.

[0068] A chip recovery section may be provided adjacent to the storage section 102 described above. The chip recovery section has grooves with the same configuration as the grooves 103 of the storage section 102. The grooves of the chip recovery section are formed to extend in a direction parallel to the grooves 103 of the storage section 102. The chip recovery section is used to temporarily store substitute game currency collected from players. The chip recovery section is equipped with chip recovery antennas separate from the multiple antennas 104 provided corresponding to multiple sub-regions of the storage section 12. The grooves of the chip recovery section may be formed to extend in a direction perpendicular to the multiple grooves 103 of the storage section 102.

[0069] The reading system 101 has a shielding member installed between the storage unit 102 and the recovery chip storage unit. This shielding member prevents multiple antennas 104, which are provided corresponding to multiple sub-regions of the storage unit 102, from reading the RFID tags of the game currency in the recovery chip storage unit. The shielding member also prevents the recovery antenna from reading the RFID tags of the game currency in the storage unit 102. As a result, the game currency (recovery chips) stored in the recovery chip storage unit can be read separately from the game currency stored in the storage unit 102.

[0070] The RFID tags embedded in the game currency store at least the ID assigned to that game currency. Multiple antennas 104, provided corresponding to multiple sub-regions of the storage unit 102, are configured not to read the RFID tags of the game currency in the collection chip storage unit. The control unit 107 identifies the IDs of the game currency stored in the storage unit 102 and the collection chip storage unit. If the ID read by the antenna 14 of the storage unit 102 and the ID read by the collection antenna overlap, the control unit 107 determines that a game currency with that ID assigned to it exists in the storage unit 102.

[0071] Alternatively, the retrieval antenna may be configured not to read the RFID tags of the game currency in the storage unit 102. In this case, if the ID read by the antenna 104 of the storage unit 102 and the ID read by the retrieval antenna overlap, the control unit 107 determines that the game currency to which the ID is assigned is present in the retrieval chip storage unit.

[0072] (Second Embodiment) Next, a reading system for substitute currency for games according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the reading system 201 of the present invention. The reading system 201 is used in a casino to manage substitute currency C by reading the RFID tags attached to the substitute currency C placed on the game table by a game participant P.

[0073] The reading system 201 includes a betting area B for game participant P to place game currency C, a storage area 209 for dealer D to hold game currency C, an antenna 204 for reading RFID tags attached to game currency C, an RFID reader 205 that controls the antenna 104, and a control unit 207 that understands and manages the stored game currency C based on the reading results using the RFID reader 205. The combination of antenna 204 and RFID reader 205 can be considered a reading means.

[0074] Betting area B is used by game participant P to place the substitute currency C used for the game. The betting area may have multiple player positions, and each player position may have a different placement area for each betting target.

[0075] Storage area 209 is used to hold the substitute currency C for games owned by dealer D. Storage area 209 may be a chip tray or a storage cabinet.

[0076] The reading system 201 includes multiple antennas 204 that generate electromagnetic waves to form a magnetic field and enable the reading of the RFID tags on the game currency C placed in the betting area B, and an RFID reader 205 that controls the antennas 204. The reading system 201 may have multiple RFID readers 205 or only one RFID reader 205.

[0077] Antenna 204 generates electromagnetic waves and forms a magnetic field, thereby enabling the reading of RFID tags attached to the substitute currency C for gaming that are present within a predetermined range. The multiple antennas 204 of the reading system 201 may have overlapping predetermined reading ranges for each antenna 204, and the antennas 204 themselves may be arranged to overlap. The specific configuration of antenna 204 will be described later.

[0078] The RFID reader 205 is connected to the antenna 204 and uses the antenna 204 to read RFID tags. A single RFID reader 205 may be connected to multiple antennas, or to only one antenna 204. Furthermore, if a single RFID reader uses multiple antennas 204, it may use each antenna 204 sequentially to read, or it may use some of the antennas 204 simultaneously to read.

[0079] The control unit 207 is connected to the RFID reader 205 and identifies and manages the IDs of the game currency C placed in the betting area B based on the reading results using the RFID reader 205. Furthermore, it may also obtain information such as the type, amount, and number of game currency C placed in the betting area B from the identified IDs, and may store the obtained information. Moreover, it may be configured to compare the obtained information with information such as the ID, type, number, and amount of game currency C identified by other methods such as cameras to determine if there are any abnormalities, and to issue an alert if there are any abnormalities.

[0080] Next, the specific configuration of the antenna 204 will be described using Figure 7. Figure 7 shows the wiring of the antenna 204 in the second embodiment of the present invention. The antenna 204 includes wiring 208a that crosses the boundary and wiring 208b that runs along the boundary. In this embodiment, the antenna 204 is configured such that the total length of the wiring 208a that crosses the boundary is longer than the total length of the wiring 208b that runs along the boundary. With this configuration, the magnetic field generated by the antenna is less likely to spread in the direction of the storage area or the dealer D. Therefore, the risk of reading the substitute currency for games in the storage area 209 is reduced. It is also expected to have the effect of reducing the impact on the dealer D's body.

[0081] Furthermore, in Figure 7, the antenna 204 of the present invention is arranged so that one of the wirings 208a that cross the boundary intersects with another wiring 208a that crosses the boundary, forming a figure-eight shape. With this arrangement, the direction of the current 2A flowing when current is passed through adjacent crossing wirings 208a is the same, so the generated magnetic fields do not cancel each other out. Moreover, the direction of the current 2A flowing when current is passed through adjacent parallel wirings 208b is in opposite directions, so the generated magnetic fields cancel each other out, and it is expected that the effect of further reducing the impact on the storage area 209 will be reduced.

[0082] Figure 8 illustrates the process performed by the control unit 207 when the same chip is read multiple times using different antennas 204. Reading result Y21 represents the ID of the game substitute currency C read using the first antenna 204. Reading result Y22 represents the ID of the game substitute currency C read using a second antenna 204, which is different from the first antenna 204. The control unit 207 determines that there is one game substitute currency C in betting area B that is assigned to an ID included in at least one of reading results Y21 and Y22, thereby obtaining reading result Y23 and determining the ID of the game substitute currency C contained in betting area B.

[0083] Furthermore, the reading system 201 may be equipped with means for acquiring game information such as a camera 212 and a win / loss determination device 213. The system may compare the state of the substitute currency C on the betting area B and the progress of the game acquired from these means with the state of the substitute currency C on the betting area B acquired using the RFID reader 205 to determine if there is an abnormality, and if there is an abnormality, the control unit 207 may issue an alert.

[0084] (Third embodiment) Next, a reading system for substitute currency for games according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the reading system 301 of the present invention. The reading system 301 is used in a casino to distinguish and manage whether the substitute currency C is in the storage means 302 or on the betting area B by reading the RFID tags attached to the substitute currency C held by the dealer and stored in the storage means 302, and the substitute currency C placed on the betting area B by the game participant P.

[0085] The reading system 301 includes a betting area B for game participant P to place game substitute currency C, a storage area 302 for dealer D to hold game substitute currency C, a betting area reading means 305 for reading the RFID tags of game substitute currency C placed in betting area B, a storage area reading means 304 for reading the RFID tags of game substitute currency C stored in storage area 302, and a control unit 303 that grasps and manages the stored game substitute currency C based on the reading results of the RFID tags attached to the game substitute currency C present in each area.

[0086] Storage area 302 is used to store the substitute currency C for games held by Dealer D.

[0087] The reading system 301 includes a storage area reading means 304 for reading the RFID tags of the substitute currency C for games stored in the storage area 302, and a betting area reading means 305 for reading the RFID tags of the substitute currency C for games placed in the betting area B. The storage area reading means 304 and the betting area reading means 305 correspond to the antenna and RFID reader combinations of the first and second embodiments described above, respectively. The storage area reading means 304 and the betting area reading means 305 may be controlled independently without any measures to stagger or synchronize the reading timing, and even if reading is performed at the same time, it is possible to read the RFID tags of the substitute currency C for games placed in each area.

[0088] The specific configurations of the storage area reading means 304 and the bed area reading means 305 are the same as those in the first and second embodiments of the present invention, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

[0089] The storage area reading means 304 and the bed area reading means 305 may be configured to perform repeated readings at predetermined intervals, and the reading results may be stored in the control unit 303.

[0090] The control unit 303 is connected to the storage area reading means 304 and the betting area reading means, and identifies the IDs of the substitute currency C placed in each area based on the reading results of the storage area reading means 304 and the betting area reading means. Furthermore, the control unit 303 may be configured to grasp the increase or decrease in the substitute currency C placed in each area based on the history of the information of the substitute currency C identified based on the reading results of the storage area reading means 304 and the betting area reading means 305.

[0091] Furthermore, based on the ID of the game substitute currency C identified based on the reading results, the control unit 303 may determine that if an ID that has disappeared from one area is read in the other area, the game substitute currency C to which that ID was assigned has moved from one area to the other.

[0092] Furthermore, the control unit 303 may determine that game substitute currency C that has moved from betting area B to storage area 302 at a predetermined timing is a collected chip, and may determine that game substitute currency C that has moved from storage area 302 to betting area B at a predetermined timing is a redemption chip. In addition, based on information about the disappearance, appearance, and movement of game substitute currency C in each area, and the area and timing in which these events occurred, the control unit may determine events such as the purchase, exchange, or conversion of game substitute currency C.

[0093] Furthermore, the reading system 301 may be equipped with means for acquiring game information such as a camera 306 and a win / loss determination device 307. If there is a discrepancy between the game state acquired from these means and the collected chips, redeemed chips, etc. determined based on the reading means in each area, the control unit 303 may be configured to issue an alert.

[0094] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a reading system for substitute currency for games according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the reading system 401 of the present invention. The reading system 401 is used in a casino to distinguish and manage whether the substitute currency C is in the upper or lower section of the double chip tray, by reading the RFID tags attached to the substitute currency C placed by the dealer D on the double chip tray on the game table.

[0095] The reading system 401 includes an upper storage section 402 and a lower storage section 403 for storing substitute currency C for games, an upper reading means 404 and a lower reading means 405 for reading RFID tags attached to the substitute currency C for games, and a control unit 406 for identifying and managing the stored substitute currency C based on the RFID tag reading results. In this embodiment, the upper reading means and the lower reading means refer to a combination of an antenna for reading RFID tags and an RFID reader for controlling the antenna.

[0096] Figure 11 is an external view of the dual chip tray used in the reading system 401. The upper storage section 402 is movable and can be in two states: one where the upper storage section 402 is on top of the lower storage section 403 and the lower storage section 403 is closed, and another where the upper storage section 402 is in a location other than on top of the lower storage section 403 and the lower storage section 403 is open. The reading system 401 may have detection means (not shown) such as a sensor or button to detect the open / closed state of the lower storage section 403.

[0097] The upper storage section 402 and the lower storage section 403 may be equipped with grooves 407 for holding the substitute game currency C, or they may be stored stacked without grooves 407. The substitute game currency C may also be stored in chip cases CC.

[0098] The upper reading means 404 reads the RFID tags of the game currency C stored in the upper storage section 402. The lower reading means 405 reads the RFID tags of the game currency C stored in the lower storage section 403.

[0099] The control unit 406 is connected to the upper reading means 404 and the lower reading means 405, and based on the reading results, it identifies and manages the IDs of the game substitute currency C stored in the upper storage unit 402 and the lower storage unit 403. Furthermore, it may obtain information such as the type, amount, and number of game substitute currency C stored in the upper storage unit 402 and the lower storage unit 403 from the identified IDs, and may store the obtained information.

[0100] In this embodiment, the upper reading means 404 is configured to read the RFID tags of the game substitute currency C stored in the upper storage unit 402 without reading the RFID tags of the game substitute currency C stored in the lower storage unit 403, or the lower reading means 405 is configured to read the RFID tags of the game substitute currency C stored in the lower storage unit 403 without reading the RFID tags of the game substitute currency C stored in the upper storage unit 402.

[0101] Regarding the configuration for preventing the reading of the substitute currency C for games placed in the other storage section as described above, as explained in the first embodiment of the present invention, a configuration may be used in which multiple antennas are used to reduce the magnetic field generated by each antenna, or a configuration may be used in which the wiring is made denser to reduce the magnetic field generated by each wiring. Alternatively, a shield (not shown) such as an electrostatic shield or magnetic shield may be provided between the upper storage section 402 and the lower storage section 403 using an aluminum plate or ferrite sheet. Alternatively, when the lower storage section 403 is open, the other storage section may be positioned outside the reading area of ​​one reading means, and by performing reading with the lower storage section 403 open, the substitute currency C for games in the other storage section may not be read. Furthermore, multiple of these means may be used in combination.

[0102] Next, using Figure 12, we will explain how to distinguish between the game substitute currency C located in the upper storage section 402 and the game substitute currency C located in the lower storage section 403 in this embodiment.

[0103] Figure 12 shows the case where the upper reading means 404 does not read the RFID tags of the game currency C stored in the lower storage unit 403. Based on the reading result Y41 of the upper reading means 404, the control unit 406 identifies the ID of the game currency C stored in the upper storage unit 402 and compares the reading result Y41 of the upper reading means 404 with the reading result Y42 of the lower reading means 404. Since the game currency C to which the ID read by both the upper reading means 404 and the lower reading means 405 has been assigned is considered to be stored in the upper storage unit C, the ID identification result Y43 of the game currency C stored in the lower storage unit 403 can be obtained by subtracting the reading result of the upper reading means 404 from the reading result of the lower reading means 405.

[0104] Similarly, even if the lower reading means 405 is configured not to read the RFID tags of the game substitute currency C stored in the upper storage unit 402, the control unit can identify the ID of the game substitute currency C stored in the lower storage unit 403 based on the reading result of the lower reading means, compare the reading result of the upper reading means 404 with the reading result of the lower reading means, and subtract the latter from the former to obtain the identification result of the ID of the game substitute currency C stored in the upper storage unit 402.

[0105] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a reading system for substitute currency for games according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the reading system 501 of the present invention. The reading system 501 is used in a casino to distinguish and manage which level of the storage unit the substitute currency C is stored in by reading the RFID tags attached to the substitute currency C stored in the storage unit which has storage units divided into multiple levels.

[0106] The reading system 501 includes an upper storage section 502 and a lower storage section 503 for storing substitute currency C for games, upper reading means 504 and 505 for reading RFID tags attached to the substitute currency C for games, and a control unit 506 that grasps and manages the stored substitute currency C based on the reading results of these reading means. In this embodiment, the upper reading means and the lower reading means refer to a combination of an antenna for reading RFID tags and an RFID reader for controlling the antenna.

[0107] The reading system 501 has an upper storage section 502 and a lower storage section 503. The upper storage section 502 and the lower storage section 503 are configured to be able to be opened and closed independently. The reading system 501 may also have detection means (not shown), such as sensors or buttons, to detect the open / closed state of the upper storage section 502 and the lower storage section 503.

[0108] The upper storage section 502 and the lower storage section 503 may be provided with grooves (not shown) for holding the substitute game currency C, or they may be stored stacked without grooves. The substitute game currency C may also be stored in chip cases CC.

[0109] The reading system 501 has an upper reading means 504 and a lower reading means 505. The upper reading means 504 reads the RFID tags of the game currency C stored in the upper storage section 502. The lower reading means 505 reads the RFID tags of the game currency C stored in the lower storage section 503.

[0110] The control unit 506 is connected to the upper reading means 504 and the lower reading means 505, and based on the reading results of these reading means, it identifies and manages the IDs of the game substitute currency C stored in the upper storage unit 502 and the lower storage unit 503. Furthermore, it may grasp information such as the type, amount, and number of game substitute currency C stored in the identified IDs, and may store the grasped information.

[0111] In this embodiment, the upper reading means 504 is configured to read the RFID tags of the game substitute currency C stored in the upper storage unit 502 without reading the RFID tags of the game substitute currency C stored in the lower storage unit 503, or the lower reading means 505 is configured to read the RFID tags of the game substitute currency C stored in the lower storage unit 503 without reading the RFID tags of the game substitute currency C stored in the upper storage unit 502.

[0112] Regarding the configuration for preventing the reading of the substitute currency C for games placed in the other storage section as described above, as explained in the first embodiment of the present invention, a configuration may be used in which multiple antennas are used to reduce the magnetic field generated by each antenna, or a configuration may be used in which the wiring is made denser to reduce the magnetic field generated by each wiring. Alternatively, a shield (not shown) such as an electrostatic shield or magnetic shield may be provided between the upper storage section 502 and the lower storage section 503 using an aluminum plate or ferrite sheet. Alternatively, when one storage section is open, the other storage section may be positioned outside the reading area of ​​one reading means, and by performing reading with one storage section open, the substitute currency C for games in the other storage section may not be read. Furthermore, multiple of these means may be used in combination.

[0113] Next, using Figure 14, we will explain how to distinguish between the game substitute currency C located in the upper storage section 502 and the game substitute currency C located in the lower storage section 503 in this embodiment.

[0114] Figure 14 shows a configuration in which the upper reading means 504 does not read the RFID tags of the game currency C stored in the lower storage unit 503. The control unit 506 identifies the ID of the game currency C stored in the upper storage unit 502 based on the reading result Y51 of the upper reading means 504. It also compares the reading result Y51 of the upper reading means 504 with the reading result Y52 of the lower reading means 505. Since the game currency C to which the IDs read by both the upper reading means 304 and the lower reading means 505 have been assigned is considered to be stored in the upper storage unit C, the identification result Y53 of the ID of the game currency C stored in the lower storage unit 503 can be obtained by subtracting the reading result of the upper reading means 504 from the reading result of the lower reading means 505.

[0115] Similarly, even if the lower reading means 505 is configured not to read the RFID tags of the game substitute currency C stored in the upper storage unit 502, the control unit can identify the ID of the game substitute currency C stored in the lower storage unit 503 based on the reading result of the lower reading means, and by comparing the reading result of the upper reading means 504 with the reading result of the lower reading means and subtracting the latter from the former, it is possible to identify the ID of the game substitute currency C stored in the upper storage unit 502. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 101 Reading System 102 Storage Unit 103 Groove 104 Antenna 105 RFID Reader 107 Control Unit 108 Wiring in a predetermined direction Y11 First Antenna Reading Results Y12 Second Antenna Reading Results ID located in Y13 containment area 201 Reading System 204 Antenna 205 RFID Reader 207 Control Unit 208a Wiring in a direction that crosses the boundary 208b Wiring along the boundary 209 Storage Area 212 Cameras 213 Win / Loss Judgment Device Y21 First Antenna Reading Results Y22 Second Antenna Reading Results IDs present in the Y23 bed area 301 Reading System 302 Storage Area 303 Control Unit 304 Storage area reading means 305 Bed Area Reading Method 306 Camera 307 Victory / Loss Judgment Means 401 Reading System 402 Upper storage compartment 403 Lower storage compartment 404 Upper reading means 405 Lower reading means 406 Control Unit Y41 Reading result of the upper reading means Y42 Reading result of the lower reading means ID located in the lower storage area of ​​Y43 501 Reading System 502 Upper storage compartment 503 Lower storage compartment 504 Upper reading means 505 Lower reading means 506 Control Unit Y51 Reading result of the upper reading means Y52 Reading result of the lower reading means ID located in the lower storage area of ​​Y53 B Bed Area D Dealer P Game Participant C Substitute money for games T RFID tag CC Chip Case

Claims

1. A chip storage area for storing substitute currency for games, A betting area where game participants place the aforementioned substitute currency for the game, A reading means capable of reading the RFID tag attached to the aforementioned substitute currency for gaming, Equipped with, The reading means has an antenna located in the bed area, The antenna has a wiring portion that extends in a direction along the boundary between the chip storage area and the bed area and a wiring portion that extends in a direction across the boundary. A game currency reading system configured such that the total length of the wiring portions extending across the boundary is greater than the total length of the wiring portions extending along the boundary.

2. The antenna is shaped like an eight by having one of the wiring portions extending across the boundary cross over another. A system for reading substitute currency for games according to claim 1.

3. The reading means has a plurality of antennas, The aforementioned multiple antennas are arranged so as to have overlapping portions, A game currency reading system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The reading means is configured to perform multiple readings using two or more of the antennas having overlapping portions simultaneously. A game currency reading system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A storage compartment equipped with an RFID tag for storing substitute currency for games, which is installed on the game table, A first reading means equipped with a first antenna that generates electromagnetic waves for reading the RFID tags of the game currency stored in the storage section, A betting area where game participants place the aforementioned substitute currency for the game, A second reading means capable of reading the RFID tag attached to the aforementioned substitute currency for games, Equipped with, The first reading means is configured such that the electromagnetic waves from the multiple first antennas do not read the RFID tags on the game substitutes placed in the betting area where the game substitutes are placed, by providing a plurality of first antennas corresponding to a plurality of regions formed by dividing the housing section. The second reading means has a second antenna located in the bed area, The second antenna has a wiring portion that extends in a direction along the boundary between the housing portion A and the bed area, and a wiring portion that extends in a direction crossing the boundary. A game currency reading system configured such that the total length of the wiring portions extending across the boundary is greater than the total length of the wiring portions extending along the boundary.

6. A chip storage area for storing game currency equipped with RFID tags, A betting area where game participants place the aforementioned substitute currency for the game, A reading means capable of reading the RFID tag attached to the aforementioned substitute currency for gaming, Control unit and Equipped with, The reading means has antennas in the chip housing area and the bed area, respectively. The reading means uses the antenna to read the substitute currency for games in the chip storage area and the substitute currency for games in the betting area at independent timings. The control unit is configured to identify whether the read game currency is placed in the chip storage area or the betting area. A system for reading substitute currency used in games.

7. The control unit is configured to independently track the increase or decrease in the amount of substitute currency for games placed in the chip storage area and the increase or decrease in the amount of substitute currency for games placed in the betting area. The game currency reading system according to claim 6.

8. The control unit is configured to detect the movement of the game currency between the chip storage area and the betting area based on the increase or decrease in the amount of game currency that has been identified. The game currency reading system according to claim 7.

9. The control unit is configured to determine, at a predetermined timing, that the substitute currency for games that has moved from the betting area to the chip storage area is to be collected as chips based on the game result. A system for reading substitute currency for games according to claim 8.

10. The control unit is configured to determine, at a predetermined timing, that the substitute currency for games that has moved from the chip storage area to the betting area is a redemption chip based on the game result. A system for reading substitute currency for games according to claim 8.

11. A chip placement section for arranging game currency having an RFID tag on which an ID is recorded, A reading means equipped with multiple antennas that generate electromagnetic waves for reading the RFID tag, A control unit that identifies the ID of the substitute currency for gaming placed in the chip placement section, Equipped with, The plurality of antennas are arranged such that the reading ranges of each antenna, which enable RFID tags to be read by the electromagnetic waves generated by each antenna, overlap in some portions. The control unit is configured to determine, when multiple antennas generate electromagnetic waves and the RFID tags on the same game currency are read multiple times, that there is one game currency in the storage unit to which the ID stored in the RFID tag has been assigned. A system for reading substitute currency used in games.

12. A substitute currency for games having an RFID tag on which an ID is recorded, A chip placement section for arranging the aforementioned substitute currency for the game, A reading means equipped with multiple antennas that generate electromagnetic waves for reading the RFID tag, A control unit that identifies the ID of the substitute currency for gaming placed in the chip placement section, Equipped with, The plurality of antennas are arranged such that the reading ranges of each antenna, which enable RFID tags to be read by the electromagnetic waves generated by each antenna, overlap in some portions. The control unit is configured to determine, when multiple antennas generate electromagnetic waves and the RFID tags on the same game currency are read multiple times, that there is one game currency in the storage unit to which the ID stored in the RFID tag has been assigned. A system for reading substitute currency used in games.

13. A storage unit having an upper storage section and a lower storage section for arranging substitute currency for games equipped with RFID tags, An upper reading means for reading the RFID tags of the substitute currency for games placed in the upper storage section, A lower reading means for reading the RFID tags of the substitute currency for games placed in the lower storage section, Control unit and Equipped with, The upper storage section is configured to be movable from above the lower storage section to other areas. When the upper storage section is stacked on top of the lower storage section, the lower storage section is closed, and by moving the upper storage section to the other area, the lower storage section is opened, allowing chips to be inserted into and removed from the lower storage section. At least one of the upper reading means or the lower reading means is equipped with multiple antennas. The control unit is configured to distinguish and identify the substitute game currency placed in the upper storage section from the substitute game currency placed in the lower storage section using the upper reading means and the lower reading means. A system for reading substitute currency used in games.

14. The game substitute currency reading system according to claim 13, wherein the control unit distinguishes and identifies the game substitute currency located in the upper storage unit and the game substitute currency located in the lower storage unit based on the reading result obtained by reading the RFID tag with the upper reading means and / or the lower reading means when the upper storage unit has been moved to the other area.

15. The aforementioned upper reading means is equipped with multiple antennas, The upper reading means is configured not to read the RFID tags of the game currency placed in the lower storage section when the lower storage section is closed. A system for reading substitute currency for games as described in claim 13.

16. The control unit, Based on the reading results obtained using the upper reading means, the substitute currency for games placed in the upper storage section is identified. The control unit further uses the lower reading means to identify the substitute currency for games placed in the lower storage section and the upper storage section, The game substitute currency placed in the lower storage section is identified by subtracting the game substitute currency identified using the upper reading means from the game substitute currency identified using the lower reading means. A system for reading substitute currency for games as described in claim 14.

17. The aforementioned lower reading means is equipped with multiple antennas, The lower reading means is configured not to read the RFID tags of the game currency placed in the upper storage section. A system for reading substitute currency for games as described in claim 13.

18. The control unit, Based on the reading results obtained using the lower reading means, the substitute currency for games placed in the lower storage section is identified. Using the upper reading means, the substitute currency for games placed in the upper storage section and the lower storage section is identified. The game substitute currency placed in the upper storage section is identified by subtracting the game substitute currency identified using the lower reading means from the game substitute currency identified using the upper reading means. A system for reading substitute currency for games as described in claim 17.

19. The control unit is configured to distinguish and identify the substitute game currency placed in the upper storage unit and the substitute game currency placed in the lower storage unit using the upper reading means and the lower reading means when the lower storage unit is closed. The game currency reading system according to claim 13.

20. A storage section for storing game currency equipped with RFID tags, A reading means capable of reading the RFID tag attached to the aforementioned substitute currency for gaming, It comprises a control unit and, The storage section has a first storage section and a second storage section that can be opened and closed independently. The reading means comprises a first reading means for reading the substitute currency for games stored in the first storage unit, and a second reading means for reading the substitute currency for games stored in the second storage unit. The first reading means does not read the substitute currency for games stored in the second storage compartment when the second storage compartment is closed, and / or the second reading means is configured not to read the substitute currency for games stored in the first storage compartment when the first storage compartment is closed. A system for reading substitute currency used in games.

21. The control unit is configured to distinguish and identify the substitute game currency placed in the first storage unit and the substitute game currency placed in the second storage unit using the reading results of the first reading means and the second reading means. A system for reading substitute currency for games according to claim 20.

22. A storage section for storing game currency equipped with RFID tags, A reading means capable of reading the RFID tag attached to the aforementioned substitute currency for gaming, It comprises a control unit and, The storage section has a first storage section and a second storage section that can be opened and closed independently. The reading means comprises a first reading means for reading the substitute currency for games stored in the first storage unit, and a second reading means for reading the substitute currency for games stored in the second storage unit. The first reading means is configured not to read the substitute currency stored in the lower storage compartment, or the second reading means is configured not to read the substitute currency stored in the upper storage compartment. A system for reading substitute currency used in games.

23. The first reading means is configured not to read the substitute currency for games stored in the second storage compartment when the first storage compartment is open and the second storage compartment is closed, and / or the second reading means is configured not to read the substitute currency for games stored in the first storage compartment when the second storage compartment is open and the first storage compartment is closed. The game currency reading system according to claim 22.

24. The first reading means does not read the substitute currency for games stored in the second storage compartment when the first storage compartment is closed and the second storage compartment is open, and / or the second reading means does not read the substitute currency for games stored in the first storage compartment when the second storage compartment is closed and the first storage compartment is open. The game currency reading system according to claim 22.

25. A storage unit for placing game currency equipped with RFID tags, Reading means and It comprises a control unit and, The aforementioned storage section is composed of multiple storage compartments that can be opened and closed independently. When at least one of the plurality of storage compartments is in an open state, the control unit is configured to perform a first read using the reading means to identify the substitute currency for games placed in the storage compartment that is in a closed state. A system for reading substitute currency used in games.

26. When all of the aforementioned storage compartments are in a closed state, the control unit further performs a second reading using the reading means and compares the result of the first reading with the result of the second reading to identify the substitute currency for games stored in the storage compartment that was in an open state immediately before. The game currency reading system according to claim 25.

27. The control unit is configured to distinguish and identify the substitute game currency placed in the upper storage section and the substitute game currency placed in the lower storage section using the reading results of the first reading means and the second reading means. The game currency reading system according to claim 26.

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