Gaming chip and currency exchange device

Abstract

The present invention provides a gaming chip and currency exchange device equipped with a function to recognize the person performing the exchange. [Solution] The gaming chip and currency exchange device of the present invention comprises a currency insertion slot, a currency reading unit that acquires authenticity information and currency information of currency inserted from the currency insertion slot, an inserted currency amount display unit that displays the amount of currency acquired by the currency reading unit, a gaming chip storage unit that stores the gaming chips by type, a gaming chip dispensing unit that dispenses gaming chips corresponding to the amount of currency acquired by the currency reading unit from the gaming chip storage unit, a retrieval unit where the dispensed gaming chips are placed, and a user recognition unit that recognizes the person performing the currency exchange.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming chip and a currency exchange device.

Background Art

[0002] Among many table games played in gaming establishments such as casinos, there are baccarat and blackjack. In casinos, gaming chips are used as substitute currency for such games. The exchange of gaming chips and currency (banknotes and coins) is carried out face-to-face by a currency exchange clerk or a dealer in charge of the game table at a predetermined exchange place within the casino or on the game table.

[0003] On the other hand, an automatic exchange device for chips and currency used in gaming facilities has been proposed. In the automatic prize chip purchasing device described in Patent Document 1, the inserted prize chips are automatically sorted, authenticity is identified, and then the redemption amount corresponding to the value of the prize chips is automatically paid out.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Even in casinos, the introduction of an unmanned gaming chip and currency exchange device is required. However, in the conventional chip and currency exchange device, since the person who performs the exchange cannot be identified, there is a problem that it is impossible to grasp the exchange implementation information of a customer who is suspected of receiving a large number of gaming chips as a result of fraud.

[0006] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances and provides a gaming chip and currency exchange device equipped with a function to recognize the person performing the exchange. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the gaming chip and currency exchange device of the present invention is: Gaming chips have a color or marking on their exterior that indicates their value. The coin slot and A currency reading unit that acquires information on the authenticity and currency of the currency inserted through the currency slot, The inserted currency amount display unit displays the amount of currency acquired by the currency reading unit, A gaming chip storage unit for storing the aforementioned gaming chips by type, A gaming chip dispensing unit dispenses gaming chips corresponding to the amount of money acquired by the currency reading unit from the gaming chip storage unit, The dispensing section where the dispensed gaming chips are placed, It is equipped with.

[0008] Furthermore, it includes a user recognition unit that recognizes the person performing the currency exchange.

[0009] Furthermore, the user recognition unit may also include a function to capture an image of the person performing the currency exchange using a camera when the exchange is performed, and to extract and identify the face image of the person performing the currency exchange from the captured camera image.

[0010] Furthermore, the system may include a user ID information input unit for inputting the ID information of the currency exchange provider, and the user recognition unit may have a function to identify the currency exchange provider from the currency exchange provider information obtained by the user ID information input unit.

[0011] Furthermore, the user ID information input unit may be configured to acquire information about the person performing the currency exchange using a membership card.

[0012] Furthermore, the system may include a user management unit that stores in a database information on the number of currency exchanges or the amount of currency exchanged for a specific user recognized by the user recognition unit over a predetermined period.

[0013] Furthermore, the user management unit may be configured to grant points or status to the user under predetermined conditions and output this information.

[0014] Furthermore, the user management unit may be configured to set a predetermined exchange rate for each user under predetermined conditions.

[0015] Furthermore, the system includes a currency storage section for storing the currency by type, and a currency holding section for temporarily holding the currency inserted through the insertion slot. The currency holding section may also have a function to move the inserted currency to the currency storage section by type when currency exchange is performed.

[0016] Furthermore, the gaming chip dispensing unit may also be equipped with a function to dispense gaming chips individually or in a batch.

[0017] Furthermore, the retrieval unit may be equipped with an openable and closable door, and while the determination unit is making a determination, the door is closed, and the door is opened when the determination unit determines that there is no abnormality.

[0018] Furthermore, the gaming chip may include a built-in wireless tag storing chip information, a wireless tag reader that reads the wireless tag of the gaming chip placed in the extraction unit and acquires the chip information of the gaming chip, a determination unit that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the chip information of the gaming chip acquired from the wireless tag reader, and a control unit that makes the gaming chip in the extraction unit removable when the determination unit determines that there is no abnormality.

[0019] Furthermore, the system may include an appearance inspection unit for inspecting the appearance of the gaming chips placed in the extraction unit.

[0020] Furthermore, it may be configured to include an appearance inspection unit that inspects the appearance of the gaming chip placed in the extraction unit. The appearance inspection unit optically grasps the number or value of the gaming chips placed in the extraction unit, and the determination unit compares and determines the chip information of the gaming chip acquired from the wireless tag reading unit with the number or value of the gaming chips obtained from the appearance inspection unit. When both match, it may be configured to determine that the gaming chips placed in the extraction unit are normal.

[0021] Furthermore, the gaming chip has a multilayer structure in which a plurality of plastic layers of different colors are laminated, and at least an intermediate colored layer is provided, and a white layer or a light-colored layer is laminated on both sides of the intermediate colored layer to form a stripe pattern in the lamination direction on the side surface. The type of the gaming chip can be specified by the colored layer, and the appearance inspection unit may be configured to grasp the number or value of the gaming chips by the colored layer.

[0022] An apparatus for exchanging a gaming chip and currency according to another aspect of the present invention The gaming chip incorporates a wireless tag storing currency information and has a color or display representing value on the outer surface. An insertion port through which the gaming chip can pass A wireless tag reading unit that reads the wireless tag of the gaming chip inserted from the insertion port and acquires the currency information of the gaming chip A determination unit that determines whether there is any abnormality in the currency information of the gaming chip acquired from the wireless tag reading unit An inserted amount display unit that displays the amount of the gaming chip determined to be normal by the determination unit A currency storage unit that stores currencies by type A currency payout unit that pays out the currency corresponding to the amount of the gaming chip determined to be normal by the determination unit from the currency storage unit.

[0023] Furthermore, it is provided with a user recognition unit that recognizes the exchanger.

[0024] Furthermore, the user recognition unit may also include a function to capture an image of the person performing the currency exchange using a camera when the exchange is performed, and to extract and identify the face image of the person performing the currency exchange from the captured camera image.

[0025] Furthermore, the system may include a user ID information input unit for inputting the ID information of the currency exchange operator, and the user recognition unit may have a function to identify the currency exchange operator from the currency exchange operator information obtained by the user ID information input unit.

[0026] Furthermore, the user ID information input unit may be configured to acquire information about the person performing the currency exchange using a membership card.

[0027] Furthermore, the system may include a user management unit that stores in a database information on the number of currency exchanges or the amount of currency exchanged for a specific user recognized by the user ID recognition unit over a predetermined period.

[0028] Furthermore, the user management unit may be configured to grant points or status to the user under predetermined conditions and output this information.

[0029] Furthermore, the user management unit may be configured to set a predetermined exchange rate for each user under predetermined conditions.

[0030] Furthermore, the device may include a gaming chip storage section for storing the gaming chips by type, and a gaming chip holding section for temporarily holding the gaming chips inserted through the insertion slot, wherein the gaming chip holding section may have a function to move the inserted gaming chips by type to the gaming chip storage section when currency exchange is performed.

[0031] Furthermore, it may include an appearance inspection unit for inspecting the appearance of the gaming chip inserted through the insertion port.

[0032] Furthermore, the visual inspection unit may be configured to optically determine the number or value of gaming chips inserted through the insertion slot, and the determination unit may compare the chip information of the gaming chips obtained from the wireless tag reader with the number or value of the gaming chips obtained from the visual inspection unit, and determine that the gaming chips are normal if they match.

[0033] Furthermore, the gaming chip may have a multilayer structure in which multiple layers of plastic of different colors are laminated, with at least one colored layer in the middle, and white or light-colored layers are laminated on both sides of the intermediate colored layer, thereby forming a striped pattern on the side in the direction of lamination, and the type of gaming chip can be identified by the colored layer, and the visual inspection unit may be configured to determine the number or value of the gaming chips by the colored layer.

[0034] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present invention, a gaming chip and currency exchange device, The gaming chip incorporates a wireless tag that stores monetary information and has a color or display on its exterior that indicates its value. An insertion slot through which coins or the aforementioned gaming chip can pass, A currency reading unit that acquires information on the authenticity and currency of the currency inserted through the aforementioned slot, A wireless tag reader unit reads the wireless tag of a gaming chip inserted through the aforementioned slot and obtains the monetary information of the gaming chip. A determination unit that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the monetary information of the gaming chip acquired from the wireless tag reader, An insertion amount display unit that displays the amount of money acquired by the money reading unit, or the amount of gaming chips that the determination unit has determined to be normal, A gaming chip storage unit for storing the aforementioned gaming chips by type, A coin storage section for storing coins by type, A gaming chip dispensing unit dispenses gaming chips corresponding to the amount of money acquired by the currency reading unit from the gaming chip storage unit, The dispensing section where the dispensed gaming chips are placed, The system includes a currency dispensing unit that dispenses currency from the currency storage unit corresponding to the amount of the gaming chip that the determination unit has determined to be normal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0035] According to the gaming chip and currency exchange device of the present invention, it is possible to identify the user who has used the device to exchange gaming chips for currency. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the gaming chips stacked according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the overall configuration of a gaming chip and currency exchange device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart of the exchange process in a gaming chip and currency exchange device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the overall configuration of a gaming chip and currency exchange device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the exchange process in a gaming chip and currency exchange device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the overall configuration of a gaming chip and currency exchange device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0038] In this explanation, "currency" refers to both banknotes and coins.

[0039] First, the details of the gaming chip G used in this device will be explained. As shown in Figure 1, the gaming chip G has a multilayer structure in which at least a colored layer 101 is provided in the middle, and a white layer 102 or a light-colored layer (not shown, but any layer lighter in color than the colored layer 101 is acceptable) is stacked on both sides of this intermediate colored layer 101. This multilayer structure creates a striped pattern on the side in the direction of stacking, as shown in Figure 1, and the type of gaming chip G can be identified by changing the color of the colored layer 101. A wireless tag 103 is also embedded inside the gaming chip G. Specifically, a cutout is made in the colored layer 101, and the wireless tag 103 is installed inside. In addition to the value (amount) information of the gaming chip G, the wireless tag 103 stores monetary information such as unique ID information set for each casino, information related to manufacturing information such as the manufacturing line and manufacturing date, and individual ID information for each chip.

[0040] Figure 2 shows a gaming chip G and currency C exchange device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The gaming chip G and currency C exchange device 1 is equipped with an insertion opening 11 through which the gaming chip G can pass, for inserting the gaming chip G to be exchanged into the exchange device 1.

[0041] The replacement device 1 includes a gaming chip holder 12 that temporarily holds the gaming chip G inserted through the insertion port 11.

[0042] The exchange device 1 includes a wireless tag reader 131 that reads the wireless tag 103 of the gaming chip G inserted through the insertion slot 11 and held in the gaming chip holder 12, and acquires the monetary information of the gaming chip G. Furthermore, it includes a determination unit 21 that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the monetary information of the gaming chip G acquired from the wireless tag reader 131. The determination unit 21 has pre-set abnormalities in monetary information, such as when the unique ID information of the casino cannot be read or when the expiration date of the chip based on the manufacturing date information of the gaming chip G has been reached, and determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on the pre-set abnormality criteria. If the determination unit 21 determines that there is an abnormality, it processes it as an error and displays the error details on a display 31 provided on the exchange device 1. Details of the display 31 will be described later.

[0043] The exchange device 1 further includes an appearance inspection unit 132 that inspects the appearance of the gaming chips G held in the gaming chip holding unit 12. The appearance inspection unit 132 can optically grasp the condition of the gaming chips, for example, using a camera, and can detect damage, dirt, etc. Alternatively, it may use an infrared camera or the like to read special marks M applied to the surface of the gaming chips and perform authenticity determination. Based on the appearance information of the gaming chips G obtained from the appearance inspection unit 132, the determination unit 21 determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on a preset abnormality criterion. If the determination unit 21 determines that there is an abnormality, it processes it as an error and displays the error details on the display 31 provided in the exchange device 1. The appearance inspection unit 132 may also read external information (for example, monetary information written on the surface or color information of the colored layer 101) to determine the type and number of inserted gaming chips G.

[0044] Furthermore, the determination unit 21 can compare the monetary information of the gaming chip G obtained from the wireless tag reader unit 131 with the monetary information of the gaming chip G obtained from the visual inspection unit 132, determine whether the two match, and if they match, determine that the inserted gaming chip G is normal.

[0045] The exchange device 1 includes a chip counter 133 that counts the number of each type of gaming chip G inserted, based on the monetary information of the gaming chip G obtained from the wireless tag reader 131 or the visual inspection unit 132. The chip counter 133 further adds the individual amounts of the gaming chip G that the determination unit 21 has determined to be normal, and calculates the total value of the inserted gaming chip G.

[0046] The total amount of gaming chips G calculated by the chip counter 133 is displayed on the inserted amount display unit 32. The inserted amount display unit 32 may be integrated with the display 31.

[0047] Here, we will describe the display 31 provided in the exchange device 1. The display 31 has a currency exchange start button 31a, a currency exchange execution button 31b, and a currency exchange cancellation button 31c. Note that the currency exchange start button 31a, the currency exchange execution button 31b, and the currency exchange cancellation button 31c do not necessarily have to be displayed on the display 31, and may be provided separately from the display 31. The currency exchange start button 31a will be described later.

[0048] When the total amount of the inserted gaming chips G is displayed in the inserted amount display unit 32, the display 31 shows an exchange execution button 31b and an exchange cancellation button 31c. If the exchange operator P confirms the amount displayed in the inserted amount display unit 32 and decides to cancel the exchange, pressing the exchange cancellation button 31c returns the gaming chips G held in the gaming chip holder 12 to the exchange operator P through a designated return slot (not shown). If the exchange is to be executed, pressing the exchange execution button 31b executes the exchange, and the chips held in the gaming chip holder 12 are sent to the gaming chip storage unit 14 using a pusher or conveyor.

[0049] The gaming chip storage unit 14 stores the gaming chips G sent from the gaming chip holding unit 12 when an exchange is performed. The gaming chip storage unit 14 can store the gaming chips G by type. The gaming chip storage unit 14 is designed to be detachable from the exchange device body, which makes it easy for casino staff to retrieve the gaming chips G from the exchange device 1.

[0050] The exchange device 1 includes a currency storage unit 15 for storing payout currency C by type. The currency C is set into the currency storage unit 15 periodically by casino staff or the manager of the exchange device 1, and the unit may be structured to store currency of multiple currencies. Furthermore, the exchange device 1 includes a currency dispensing unit 16 for dispensing payout currency from the currency storage unit 15. The currency dispensing unit 16, under the instruction of the control device 2 which controls the entire device, dispenses currency C corresponding to the total amount of gaming chips G that the determination unit 21 has determined to be normal, from the currency storage unit 15 using a pusher or conveyor. The currency dispensing unit 16 is equipped with a currency counter 161 to confirm the type and number of currency to be dispensed from the currency storage unit 15. The exchange operator P receives the dispensed currency C from an outlet (not shown).

[0051] The control device 2, which controls the entire device, includes a user recognition unit 22 and a user management unit 23.

[0052] The user recognition unit 22 obtains identification information to identify the currency exchange operator P. This identification information is either the customer's facial image information or user ID registered in database D. The two are linked in the database.

[0053] In standby mode, the exchange device 1 displays a currency exchange start button 31a on its display. When the currency exchange start button 31a is pressed, the user recognition unit 22 uses the camera 41 to capture an image of the person performing the currency exchange P and extracts the face of the person performing the currency exchange from the captured image. The extracted face image is compared with the face image data of casino customers in the database D, and when it matches a specific face image data in the database D and that face image data is identified, the identification information is obtained, and the person performing the currency exchange P can be identified.

[0054] If the facial image of the currency exchange operator P cannot be extracted, or if the currency exchange operator P is a new user not registered in database D, or if identification information cannot be obtained because the facial image data in database D cannot be matched, a message indicating that the exchange cannot be performed will be displayed on display 31. In addition, a message prompting the user to exchange the currency at a designated exchange counter within the casino may also be displayed.

[0055] When extracting the facial image of the currency exchange operator P from the images captured by camera 41, and when identifying the currency exchange operator P by comparing the extracted facial image with facial images in database D, an artificial intelligence device using deep learning technology can be used.

[0056] The camera 41 captures an image of the currency exchange operator P when the currency exchange operator P presses the currency exchange start button 31a displayed on the display 31, but the image may also be taken after the currency exchange is completed, or the camera may take images continuously.

[0057] The exchange device 1 may identify the currency exchange operator P by obtaining specific information through the user ID information input unit 42 instead of the camera 41. In this case, the user ID is read from a membership card or passport and compared with customer information in database D. When the user ID is identified in database D, the specific information is considered to have been obtained, and the currency exchange operator P is identified. Alternatively, the user ID information input unit may obtain specific information by directly inputting the user ID via keyboard input or touch panel input on the display 31. Furthermore, customer fingerprint information or vein information may be stored in database D as specific information, and the currency exchange operator P may be identified by identifying the customer in database D through fingerprint authentication or vein authentication.

[0058] Furthermore, the system may perform both the identification of the currency exchange operator P using the camera 41 and the identification of the currency exchange operator P using the user ID information input unit 42. Alternatively, if identification by the camera 41 fails, the system may switch to identifying the currency exchange operator P using the user ID information input unit 42.

[0059] The user management unit 23 stores information in database D regarding the number of currency exchanges or the amount of currency exchanged by the user (currency exchange operator P) identified by the user recognition unit 22 during a predetermined period. It can also award points or status to the user according to predetermined conditions and output this information. Points can be used, for example, to receive preferential treatment at hotels or restaurants attached to the casino, or by achieving a predetermined status, users may gain access to special areas such as VIP rooms.

[0060] Furthermore, it is possible to set a predetermined exchange rate for each user under certain conditions. For example, a user whose total monthly exchange amount exceeds $10,000 could be set to receive $110 worth of currency C for every $100 worth of inserted gaming chips G. Alternatively, the system could offer special gaming chips G with different exchange rates or payout rates.

[0061] The user management unit 23 may be connected to external systems or servers via wired or wireless connections. This allows, for example, access to an external database O in the casino's customer management system to perform comparisons and judgments, or to share acquired data among multiple exchange devices 1 within the casino.

[0062] Next, we will explain the process of exchanging gaming chips G for currency C. Figure 2 is a flowchart of the exchange process from gaming chips G to currency C.

[0063] In standby mode, the exchange device 1 displays the "Start Exchange" button 31a on the display 31. Alternatively, when the person performing the exchange P approaches the exchange device 1, the presence of the person performing the exchange P may be detected by a sensing sensor or the like, and the display 31 may be activated to display the "Start Exchange" button 31a. Note that the "Start Exchange" button 31a, and the "Execute Exchange" button 31b and the "Cancel Exchange" button 31c, which will be described later, do not necessarily need to be displayed on the display 31 and may be provided separately from the display 31.

[0064] When the currency exchange operator P presses the currency exchange start button 31a, the currency exchange process begins (step S10). The currency exchange operation starts with recognizing the currency exchange operator P. The user recognition unit 22 uses the camera 41 to capture an image of the currency exchange operator P (step S111), extracts the face of the currency exchange operator from the captured image, and compares the extracted face image with the face image data of casino customers in the database D to identify the currency exchange operator P (step S12). Another recognition method is to identify the currency exchange operator P by inputting a user ID using a membership card or the like using the user ID information input unit 42 (step S112).

[0065] If the user recognition unit 22 cannot identify the currency exchange operator P, it outputs an error signal and displays an error message on the display 31 indicating that the exchange cannot be performed. Furthermore, if it recognizes that the user is a user who is subject to restrictions on the use of the exchange device 1, such as a user on a so-called blacklist, it may disable the functions of the exchange device 1, make it impossible to insert a chip into the insertion slot 11, and notify the user that the exchange device 1 cannot be used through a display on the display 31 or an alarm.

[0066] After the user recognition unit 22 identifies the currency exchange operator P, the system performs a process (step S131) ​​to determine the exchange rate between gaming chips G and currency C for the currency exchange operator P, based on past currency exchange information and benefit information stored in the database D.

[0067] Once the currency exchange operator P is identified, a notification prompting the insertion of the gaming chip G is displayed on the display 31, and the currency exchange operator P inserts the gaming chip G (S14). The inserted gaming chip G is then sent to the gaming chip holder 12.

[0068] The gaming chip G held in the gaming chip holder 12 is read by the wireless tag reader 131, which reads the wireless tag 103 embedded in the gaming chip G, and information on the authenticity and value of the inserted gaming chip G is obtained (step S151).

[0069] Furthermore, the visual inspection unit 132 assesses the condition of the gaming chip G, detecting damage, dirt, etc., and obtaining information on its authenticity and value (S152).

[0070] The monetary information of the gaming chip G acquired by the wireless tag reader 131 and the visual inspection unit 132 is judged by the determination unit 21 to determine whether the gaming chip G meets the predetermined standards set by the casino, and to determine the authenticity and value of the gaming chip G (step S16). Gaming chip G that does not meet the standards are treated as defective products, an error signal is output, and the error information is notified to the display 31.

[0071] If there is no abnormality with the gaming chip G, the amount of the inserted gaming chip G is displayed on the inserted amount display unit 32 (step S17), and the person performing the exchange P confirms the amount displayed on the inserted amount display unit 32. The display 31 also shows an exchange execution button 31b and an exchange cancellation button 31c. To cancel the exchange, the person presses the exchange cancellation button 31c, and the gaming chip held in the gaming chip holder 12 is returned from a designated return slot (not shown).

[0072] By pressing the exchange execution button 31b, the exchange is executed, and an amount of currency corresponding to the amount of the inserted gaming chips, determined based on the exchange rate between gaming chips and currency for each user as set by the user management unit 23, is dispensed from the currency dispensing unit 16 (step S18), and the exchange operator P receives the dispensed currency C from the dispensing slot (not shown).

[0073] The user management unit 23 stores the exchange information (such as the amount and time of exchange) in the database (step S132) and awards points to the exchange operator P based on the exchange information (step S133).

[0074] After the dispensing of currency C, the gaming chip holder 12 moves the gaming chips G that were held in the gaming chip holder 12 to the gaming chip storage unit 14 by a pusher or conveyor mechanism (step S19).

[0075] As described above, according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to identify the exchange operator P when exchanging a gaming chip G for currency C, and to associate the exchange operator P with the exchange information.

[0076] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 4. Note that components performing the same operations as in the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment.

[0077] Figure 4 shows a currency exchange device 201 for currency C and gaming chip G according to a second embodiment. The currency exchange device 201 for currency C and gaming chip G is equipped with a currency insertion slot 211 through which currency can pass for inserting the currency C to be exchanged into the exchange device 201.

[0078] The exchange device 201 includes a coin holding section 212 that temporarily holds the coins C inserted through the coin insertion slot 211.

[0079] The exchange device 201 includes a currency reading unit 2160 that acquires the authenticity and currency information of currency C inserted through the currency insertion slot 211 and held in the currency holding unit 212. Furthermore, the exchange device 1 includes a currency determination unit 2211 that determines currency abnormalities based on the authenticity and currency information of the currency acquired from the currency reading unit 2160. The currency determination unit 2211 pre-sets cases such as when the authenticity of the currency is unknown or when the type of currency cannot be identified as currency information abnormalities, and determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on the pre-set abnormality criteria. If the currency determination unit 2211 determines that there is an abnormality, it processes it as an error and displays the error details on a display 31 provided on the exchange device 201. Details of the display 31 will be described later.

[0080] The exchange device 201 includes a currency counter 2161 that counts the number of each type of inserted currency C based on currency information acquired from the currency reading unit 2160. The currency counter 2161 further adds the individual amounts of currency C that the currency determination unit 2211 has determined to be normal, and calculates the total amount of inserted currency C.

[0081] The total amount of currency C calculated by the currency counter 2126 is displayed on the inserted currency amount display unit 232. The inserted currency amount display unit 232 may be integrated with the display 31.

[0082] When the total amount of the inserted currency C is displayed in the inserted currency amount display unit 232, the display 31 shows an exchange execution button 31b and an exchange cancellation button 31c. If the exchange operator P confirms the amount displayed in the inserted currency amount display unit 232 and cancels the exchange, pressing the exchange cancellation button 31c returns the currency C held in the currency holding unit 212 to the exchange operator P through a designated return slot (not shown). If the exchange is to be executed, pressing the exchange execution button 31b executes the exchange, and the currency C held in the currency holding unit 212 is sent to the currency storage unit 214 using a pusher or conveyor.

[0083] The currency storage unit 214 stores the currency C sent from the currency holding unit 212 when an exchange is performed. The currency storage unit 214 can store the currency C by type. The currency storage unit 214 is designed to be detachable from the exchange device body, which makes it easy for casino staff to retrieve the currency C from the exchange device 201.

[0084] The exchange device 201 includes a gaming chip storage unit 215 for storing gaming chips G for payout by type. The setting of gaming chips G into the gaming chip storage unit 215 is performed periodically by casino staff or the manager of the exchange device 201. Furthermore, the exchange device 201 includes a gaming chip payout unit 216 for dispensing gaming chips G from the gaming chip storage unit 215. The gaming chip payout unit 216, under the instruction of the control device 202 which controls the entire device, verifies the type and number of gaming chips G to be dispensed from the gaming chip storage unit 215 using a pusher or conveyor, corresponding to the total amount of currency C that the currency determination unit 2211 has determined to be normal.

[0085] The gaming chips G dispensed from the gaming chip dispensing unit 216 are sent to the gaming chip retrieval unit 217.

[0086] The exchange device 201 includes a wireless tag reader 2131 that reads the wireless tag 103 of the gaming chip G sent from the gaming chip dispensing unit 216 to the gaming chip retrieval unit 217 and acquires the monetary information of the gaming chip G. Furthermore, it includes a determination unit 2212 that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the monetary information of the gaming chip G acquired from the wireless tag reader 2131. The determination unit 2212 has pre-set abnormalities in monetary information, such as when the casino's unique ID information cannot be read or when the chip has reached its expiration date based on the manufacturing date information of the gaming chip G, and determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on the pre-set abnormality criteria. If the determination unit 2212 determines that there is an abnormality, it processes it as an error and displays the error details on the display 31 provided on the exchange device 201.

[0087] The exchange device 201 further includes an appearance inspection unit 2132 that inspects the appearance of the gaming chips G sent to the gaming chip extraction unit 217. The appearance inspection unit 2132 can optically grasp the condition of the gaming chips, for example, using a camera, and detect damage, dirt, etc. Alternatively, it may use an infrared camera or the like to read special marks M applied to the surface of the gaming chips and perform authenticity determination. Based on the appearance information of the gaming chips G obtained from the appearance inspection unit 2132, the determination unit 2212 determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on a preset abnormality criterion. If the determination unit 2212 determines that there is an abnormality, it processes it as an error and displays the error details on the display 31 provided on the exchange device 201. The appearance inspection unit 2132 may also read external information (for example, monetary information written on the surface or color information of the colored layer 101) to determine the type and number of gaming chips G sent to the gaming chip extraction unit 217.

[0088] Furthermore, the determination unit 2212 can compare the monetary information of the gaming chip G obtained from the wireless tag reader unit 2131 with the monetary information of the gaming chip G obtained from the visual inspection unit 2132, determine whether the two match, and if they match, determine that the inserted gaming chip G is normal.

[0089] The exchange device 201 includes a chip counter 2133 that counts the number of each type of gaming chip G sent to the gaming chip extraction unit 217 based on the monetary information of the gaming chip G obtained from the wireless tag reading unit 2131 or the visual inspection unit 2132. The chip counter 2133 further adds the individual monetary values ​​of the gaming chip G that the determination unit 2212 has determined to be normal, and calculates the total amount of gaming chip G sent to the gaming chip extraction unit 217.

[0090] The gaming chip extraction unit 217 is equipped with a door 2171 that restricts the extraction of gaming chips G. The door 2171 is closed while the determination unit 2212 is making a determination, restricting the extraction of gaming chips G from the gaming chip extraction unit 217. When the determination unit 2212 determines that there is no abnormality, the control unit 224 opens the door 2171, making it possible to extract the gaming chips G placed in the gaming chip extraction unit 217.

[0091] The control device 202, which controls the entire device, includes a user recognition unit 22 and a user management unit 23.

[0092] The user recognition unit 22 obtains identification information to identify the currency exchange operator P. This identification information is either the customer's facial image information or user ID registered in database D. The two are linked in the database.

[0093] In standby mode, the exchange device 201 displays a currency exchange start button 31a on its display. When the currency exchange start button 31a is pressed, the user recognition unit 22 uses the camera 41 to capture an image of the person performing the currency exchange P and extracts the face of the person performing the currency exchange from the captured image. The extracted face image is compared with the face image data of casino customers in the database D, and when it matches a specific face image data in the database D and that face image data is identified, the identification information is obtained, and the person performing the currency exchange P can be identified.

[0094] If the facial image of the currency exchange operator P cannot be extracted, or if the currency exchange operator P is a new user not registered in database D, or if identification information cannot be obtained because the facial image data in database D cannot be matched, a message indicating that the exchange cannot be performed will be displayed on display 31. In addition, a message prompting the user to exchange the currency at a designated exchange counter within the casino may also be displayed.

[0095] When extracting the facial image of the currency exchange operator P from the images captured by camera 41, and when identifying the currency exchange operator P by comparing the extracted facial image with facial images in database D, an artificial intelligence device using deep learning technology can be used.

[0096] The camera 41 captures an image of the currency exchange operator P when the currency exchange operator P presses the currency exchange start button 31a displayed on the display 31, but the image may also be taken after the currency exchange is completed, or the camera may take images continuously.

[0097] The exchange device 201 may identify the currency exchange operator P by obtaining specific information through the user ID information input unit 42 instead of the camera 41. In this case, the user ID is read from a membership card or passport and compared with customer information in database D. When the user ID is identified in database D, the specific information is considered to have been obtained, and the currency exchange operator P is identified. Alternatively, the user ID information input unit may obtain specific information by directly inputting the user ID via keyboard input or touch panel input on the display 31. Furthermore, customer fingerprint information or vein information may be stored in database D as specific information, and the currency exchange operator P may be identified by identifying the customer in database D through fingerprint authentication or vein authentication.

[0098] Furthermore, the system may perform both the identification of the currency exchange operator P using the camera 41 and the identification of the currency exchange operator P using the user ID information input unit 42. Alternatively, if identification by the camera 41 fails, the system may switch to identifying the currency exchange operator P using the user ID information input unit 42.

[0099] The user management unit 23 stores information in database D regarding the number of currency exchanges or the amount of currency exchanged by the user (currency exchange operator P) identified by the user recognition unit 22 during a predetermined period. It can also award points or status to the user according to predetermined conditions and output this information. Points can be used, for example, to receive preferential treatment at hotels or restaurants attached to the casino, or by achieving a predetermined status, users may gain access to special areas such as VIP rooms.

[0100] Furthermore, it is possible to set a predetermined exchange rate for each user under certain conditions. For example, a user whose total monthly exchange amount exceeds $10,000 could be set to receive $110 worth of gaming chips G for every $100 worth of inserted currency C. Alternatively, the system could offer special gaming chips G with different exchange rates or payout rates.

[0101] The user management unit 23 may be connected to external systems or servers via wired or wireless connections. This allows, for example, access to an external database O in the casino's customer management system to perform comparisons and judgments, or to share acquired data among multiple exchange devices 201 within the casino.

[0102] Next, we will explain the process of exchanging currency C for gaming chips G. Figure 5 is a flowchart of the exchange process from currency C to gaming chips G.

[0103] In standby mode, the exchange device 201 displays the "Start Exchange" button 31a on the display 31. Alternatively, when the person performing the exchange P approaches the exchange device 201, the device may detect the presence of the person performing the exchange P using a sensing sensor or the like, activate the display 31, and display the "Start Exchange" button 31a. Note that the "Start Exchange" button 31a, as well as the "Execute Exchange" button 31b and the "Cancel Exchange" button 31c (described later), do not necessarily need to be displayed on the display 31 and may be provided separately from the display 31.

[0104] When the currency exchange operator P presses the currency exchange start button 31a, the currency exchange process begins (step S10). The currency exchange operation starts with recognizing the currency exchange operator P. The user recognition unit 22 uses the camera 41 to capture an image of the currency exchange operator P (step S111), extracts the face of the currency exchange operator from the captured image, and compares the extracted face image with the face image data of casino customers in the database D to identify the currency exchange operator P (step S12). Another recognition method is to identify the currency exchange operator P by inputting a user ID using a membership card or the like using the user ID information input unit 42 (step S112).

[0105] If the user recognition unit 22 cannot identify the currency exchange operator P, it outputs an error signal and displays an error message on the display 31 indicating that the exchange cannot be performed. Furthermore, if it recognizes that the user is a user who is on a so-called blacklist or is otherwise subject to restrictions on the use of the exchange device 201, the function of the exchange device 201 may be stopped, or it may be made impossible to insert coins C into the coin slot 211, and the user may be notified by a display on the display 31 or an alarm that the exchange device 201 cannot be used.

[0106] After the user recognition unit 22 identifies the currency exchange operator P, the system performs a process to determine the exchange ratio between currency C and gaming chips G for the currency exchange operator P based on past currency exchange information and benefit information stored in the database D (step S2131).

[0107] Once the currency exchange operator P is identified, a notification prompting the insertion of currency C appears on the display 31, and the currency exchange operator P inserts the currency C (S214). The inserted currency C is sent to the currency holding unit 212.

[0108] The coins C held in the coin holding unit 212 have their authenticity and type information acquired by the coin reading unit 2160 (step S215).

[0109] The information on coin C acquired by the coin reading unit 2160 is judged by the coin determination unit 2211 to determine whether coin C meets the predetermined standards set by the casino, and to determine the authenticity and value of coin C (step S216). Coin C that does not meet the standards is treated as an abnormal item, an error signal is output, and error information is notified to the display 31.

[0110] If there is no abnormality with the currency C, the amount of the inserted currency C is displayed on the inserted currency amount display unit 232 (step S217), and the currency exchange operator P confirms the amount displayed on the inserted currency amount display unit 232. The display 31 also shows the currency exchange execution button 31b and the currency exchange cancellation button 31c. To cancel the currency exchange, pressing the currency exchange cancellation button 31c causes the currency C held in the currency holding unit 212 to be returned from a predetermined return slot (not shown).

[0111] By pressing the exchange execution button 31b, the exchange is executed, and gaming chips G corresponding to the amount of inserted currency C, determined based on the exchange ratio between currency C and gaming chips G for each user as determined by the user management unit 23, are moved from the gaming chip dispensing unit 216 to the gaming chip retrieval unit 217 by a pusher or conveyor mechanism (step S218).

[0112] The gaming chip G sent to the gaming chip extraction unit 217 has its built-in wireless tag 103 read by the wireless tag reader 2131, and information on the authenticity and value of the gaming chip G sent to the gaming chip extraction unit 217 is obtained (step S2191).

[0113] Furthermore, the visual inspection unit 2132 checks the condition of the gaming chip G, detecting damage, dirt, etc., and obtaining information on its authenticity and value (S2192).

[0114] The monetary information of the gaming chip G acquired by the wireless tag reader 2131 and the visual inspection unit 2132 is judged by the determination unit 2212 to determine whether the gaming chip G meets the predetermined standards set by the casino, and to determine the authenticity and value of the gaming chip G (step S220). Gaming chip G that does not meet the standards is treated as an abnormal product, an error signal is output, and the error information is notified to the display 31.

[0115] If there is no abnormality in the gaming chip G, the control unit 224 opens the door 2171 of the gaming chip removal unit 217 (step S221).

[0116] The user management unit 23 stores the exchange information (such as the amount and time of exchange) in the database (step S2132) and awards points to the exchange operator P based on the exchange information (step S2133).

[0117] After the gaming chip G is dispensed, the currency holding unit 212 moves the currency C that was held in the currency holding unit 212 to the currency storage unit 214 using a pusher or conveyor mechanism (step S222).

[0118] As described above, according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to identify the exchange operator P when exchanging currency C for gaming chip G, and to associate the exchange operator P with the exchange information.

[0119] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 6. Note that components performing the same operations as in the first and second embodiments will be described using the same reference numerals as in the first and second embodiments.

[0120] Figure 6 shows a gaming chip G and currency exchange device 301 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] The exchange device 301 includes an insertion slot 11 for inserting a gaming chip G into the exchange device 301 and a coin insertion slot 211 for inserting coins C into the exchange device 301.

[0122] The exchange device 301 is equipped with a display 31, which has a start exchange button 31a, an execution exchange button 31b, and a cancel exchange button 31c. However, the start exchange button 31a, the execution exchange button 31b, and the cancel exchange button 31c do not necessarily have to be displayed on the display 31 and may be provided separately from the display 31.

[0123] The gaming chip G inserted through the insertion slot 11 is exchanged for currency C using the same procedure as described in Example 1.

[0124] The coin C inserted through the coin slot 211 is replaced with the gaming chip G using the same procedure as in Example 2.

[0125] The insertion slot 11 and the coin insertion slot 211 may share a single insertion slot (not shown) that allows both the gaming chip and coins C to be inserted.

[0126] The inserted amount display unit 32, which displays the amount of the inserted gaming chip G, and the inserted amount display unit 232, which displays the amount of the inserted currency C, may share a single inserted amount display unit (not shown) that displays both the amount of the inserted gaming chip G and the amount of the inserted currency C.

[0127] The gaming chip storage unit 14, provided in the exchange device 301, which stores the inserted gaming chip G when exchanging gaming chip G for currency C, and the gaming chip storage unit 214, which stores the gaming chip G to be dispensed when exchanging currency C for gaming chip G, may share a single gaming chip storage unit (not shown) that is capable of both receiving and dispensing gaming chip G.

[0128] The gaming chip storage unit 15, provided in the exchange device 301, which stores the currency C to be dispensed when a gaming chip G is exchanged for currency C, and the currency storage unit 214, which stores the inserted currency C when currency C is exchanged for a gaming chip G, may share a single currency storage unit (not shown) that is capable of both receiving and dispensing currency C.

[0129] The determination unit 21, which determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the gaming chip G when the gaming chip G is inserted, and the determination unit 2212, which determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the gaming chip G when the gaming chip G is removed, may share one determination unit (not shown) that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the gaming chip G both when the gaming chip G is inserted and when it is removed.

[0130] The exchange device 301 recognizes the user in the same manner as in Examples 1 and 2 when exchanging gaming chips G for currency C and when exchanging currency C for gaming chips G. The camera 42, user ID information input unit 42, user recognition unit 22, user management unit 23, and database D used for user recognition are the same when exchanging gaming chips G for currency C and when exchanging currency C for gaming chips G.

[0131] If the user recognition unit 22 fails to recognize a user, or if it recognizes a user who is on a so-called blacklist or otherwise restricted from using the exchange device 301, it may disable the functions of the exchange device 301, make it impossible to insert the gaming chip G and currency C, and notify the user via the display 31 or an alarm that the exchange device 301 is unusable. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0132] G Gaming Chip C money P Currency exchange provider D Database O External Database M mark 1 Exchange device 11 Insertion port 12 Gaming chip holder 131 Wireless tag reader 132 Visual Inspection Department 133 Chip counter 14 Gaming chip storage section 15 Coin Storage Department 16 Money dispensing section 161 Currency Counter 2 Control device 21 Judgment section 22 User Recognition Unit 23 User Management Department 31 displays 31a Start currency exchange button 31b Exchange button 31c Cancel exchange button 32 Insertion Amount Display Section 41 Camera 42 User ID Information Entry

Claims

1. An exchange system for exchanging game currency for cash currency, wherein the game currency has a built-in wireless tag for storing currency information and has a color or marking on its outer surface indicating its value. The aforementioned exchange system is An identification device that recognizes the ID information of the person who wishes to exchange, An inspection device for inspecting the cash currency to be exchanged, A storage device that stores the ID information of the person who wishes to make the exchange and the details of the exchange, including the amount of cash currency to be exchanged, Equipped with, The recognition device includes a camera that captures an image of the person who wishes to exchange, and recognizes the ID information of the person who wishes to exchange by extracting the facial image of the person who wishes to exchange from the image, or includes a reader that reads the member card of the person who wishes to exchange, and recognizes the ID information of the person who wishes to exchange based on the reading result of the reader. The substitute currency for the game is provided to the person who wishes to exchange it after the cash currency provided by the person who wishes to exchange it has been inspected by the inspection device. The storage device stores the users who have been restricted in using the exchange system. The recognition device, by referring to the storage device, recognizes that the person requesting the exchange is a user who has been restricted from using the exchange system, and then restricts the exchange by the person requesting the exchange. A replacement system.

2. An exchange system for exchanging game currency for cash currency, wherein the game currency has a built-in wireless tag for storing currency information and has a color or marking on its outer surface indicating its value. The aforementioned exchange system is An identification device that recognizes the ID information of the person who wishes to exchange, A chip reader that reads the currency information of the substitute game currency from the wireless tag of the substitute game currency to be exchanged, A determination device that determines whether the substitute currency for the game is normal or not based on the currency information of the substitute currency for the game read by the chip reader, A currency display device that shows the amount of cash currency to be exchanged, A storage device that stores the ID information of the person who wishes to make the exchange and the details of the exchange, including the amount of cash currency to be exchanged, in association with each other. Equipped with, The recognition device includes a camera that captures an image of the person who wishes to exchange, and recognizes the ID information of the person who wishes to exchange by extracting the facial image of the person who wishes to exchange from the image, or includes a reader that reads the member card of the person who wishes to exchange, and recognizes the ID information of the person who wishes to exchange based on the reading result of the reader. The cash currency provided to the person requesting the exchange is provided to the person requesting the exchange after the determination device has determined that the substitute currency for the game provided by the person requesting the exchange is valid. The storage device stores the users who have been restricted in using the exchange system. The recognition device, by referring to the storage device, recognizes that the person requesting the exchange is a user who has set the restrictions on the use of the exchange system, and then restricts the exchange by the person requesting the exchange. A replacement system.

3. An exchange system for exchanging game currency for cash currency, wherein the game currency has a built-in wireless tag for storing currency information and has a color or marking on its outer surface indicating its value. The aforementioned exchange system is An identification device that recognizes the ID information of the person who wishes to exchange, A currency display device that displays the amount of the cash currency to be exchanged, An inspection device for inspecting the cash currency to be exchanged, A storage device that stores the ID information of the person who wishes to make the exchange and the details of the exchange, including the amount of cash currency to be exchanged, in association with each other. The storage device includes a user management device that stores the number of exchanges or the amount of exchanges within a predetermined period for each person who wishes to exchange, Equipped with, The recognition device includes a camera that captures an image of the person who wishes to exchange, and recognizes the ID information of the person who wishes to exchange by extracting the facial image of the person who wishes to exchange from the image, or includes a reader that reads the member card of the person who wishes to exchange, and recognizes the ID information of the person who wishes to exchange based on the reading result of the reader. The user management device grants points or status to those who wish to make the exchange, according to the number of exchanges or the amount of the exchange within the predetermined period. A replacement system.

4. The chip reader reads the currency information of the substitute currency for the game provided by the person who wishes to exchange it. The determination device determines whether the substitute currency for the game, provided by the person who wishes to exchange it, is normal or not. The amount display device displays the amount of the substitute currency for the game provided by the person who wishes to exchange it. The exchange system according to claim 2.

5. The inspection device inspects the cash currency provided by the person requesting the exchange, The aforementioned amount display device displays the amount of cash currency provided by the person wishing to exchange it. The exchange system according to claim 3.

6. The system further includes a storage section for storing the aforementioned substitute currency for games, The game substitute currency corresponding to the amount of cash currency provided by the person requesting the exchange is taken out of the storage unit, and the determination device determines whether the taken out game substitute currency is normal or not. The exchange system according to claim 1.

7. The exchange system according to claim 6, further comprising a user management device in the storage unit that stores the number of exchanges or the amount of exchanges within a predetermined period for each person who wishes to exchange items.

8. The exchange system according to claim 7, wherein the user management device, under predetermined conditions, assigns points or a status to a person who wishes to make the exchange and outputs it.

9. The exchange system according to claim 7, wherein the user management device sets a predetermined exchange rate for each person who wishes to exchange under predetermined conditions.

10. The exchange system according to claim 2, further comprising a visual inspection device for inspecting the appearance of the substitute currency for games provided by the person who wishes to exchange it.

11. The visual inspection device optically recognizes the number and / or value of the substitute currency for the game provided by the person who wishes to exchange it. The determination device compares the currency information of the substitute currency for gaming read by the chip reader with the number and / or value of the substitute currency for gaming recognized by the visual inspection device, and determines, under related conditions, whether the substitute currency for gaming provided by the person wishing to exchange it is normal. The exchange system according to claim 10.

12. The aforementioned substitute currency for games has a multilayer structure in which multiple resin layers of different colors are laminated, with at least an intermediate layer having a colored layer, and white or light-colored layers on both sides of the colored layer in the intermediate layer, forming a striped pattern on the side surface in the lamination direction, and the type of the substitute currency for games can be identified by the color of the colored layer. The determination device recognizes the number and / or value of the substitute currency for the game based on the colored layer. The exchange system according to claim 11.

13. The exchange system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the storage device stores the date and time of the exchange as the content of the exchange.

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