Gaming chip and currency exchange device

Abstract

To provide an exchange device used for exchange between gaming chips and coins, that comprises a function of recognizing an exchanging person.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to an exchange device used for exchange between gaming chips G and coins, and the gaming chip has a color or presentation indicating its value on an outer surface. The exchange device comprises: a currency insertion slot; a currency read part which acquires authenticity information on currency inserted from the currency insertion slot, and currency information; an inserted currency amount display part which displays an amount of the currency acquired by the currency read part; a gaming chip storage part which stores the gaming chips by kinds; a gaming chip payout part which pays the gaming chips corresponding to the amount of the currency acquired by the currency read part out of the gaming chip storage part; a takeout part where the paid-out gaming chips are placed; and a user recognition part which recognizes an exchanging person.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an exchange device for gaming chips and currency. [Background technology]

[0002] Among the many table games played in casinos and other gaming establishments are baccarat and blackjack. Casinos use gaming chips as substitute currency for these games. Gaming chips are exchanged for currency (bills and coins) at designated exchange offices in the casino, or at game tables, face-to-face with a currency exchanger or a dealer in charge of the game tables.

[0003] On the other hand, an automatic chip and currency exchange device used in game facilities has been proposed. The automatic prize chip purchase device described in Patent Document 1 automatically sorts inserted prize chips, checks whether they are genuine, and automatically pays out the exchange amount corresponding to the value of the prize chip. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 2689054 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Casinos are also demanding the introduction of unmanned gaming chip and currency exchange devices, but conventional chip and currency exchange devices cannot identify the person performing the exchange, meaning that it is not possible to obtain information on exchanges made by customers suspected of having received large amounts of gaming chips as a result of fraudulent activity.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an exchange device for gaming chips and currency that has a function for recognizing the exchanger. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the gaming chip and currency exchange device of the present invention comprises: The gaming chips have a color or marking on their exterior that indicates their value; A coin insertion slot; a currency reading unit that acquires authenticity information and currency information of the currency inserted through 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 for storing the gaming chips by type; a gaming chip payout unit that pays out gaming chips corresponding to the amount of the currency acquired by the currency reading unit from the gaming chip storage unit; a take-out section in which the dispensed gaming chips are placed; Equipped with.

[0008] Furthermore, it is provided with a user recognition unit that recognizes the person who carried out the currency exchange.

[0009] Furthermore, the user recognition unit may have a function of capturing an image of the person performing the currency exchange using a camera when performing the currency exchange, and extracting and identifying an image of the face of the person performing the currency exchange from the captured camera image.

[0010] Furthermore, the device may be provided with a user ID information input unit for inputting ID information of the currency exchanger, and the user recognition unit may have a function for identifying the currency exchanger from the currency exchanger information acquired by the user ID information input unit.

[0011] Furthermore, the user ID information input unit may be configured to obtain information about the currency exchanger from a member's card.

[0012] The system may further comprise a user management unit that stores in a database information on the number of times or amount of currency exchange for a specific user recognized by the user recognition unit during a predetermined period.

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

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

[0015] The machine may further include a currency storage unit that stores the currency by type, and a currency holding unit that temporarily holds the currency inserted through the insertion port, and the currency holding unit may have a function of moving the inserted currency to the currency storage unit by type when the currency exchange is performed.

[0016] Furthermore, the gaming chip payout section may have a function of paying out gaming chips individually or all at once.

[0017] Furthermore, the removal section may be provided with a door that can be opened and closed, and the door may be closed while the judgment section is making a judgment, and may have a function of opening the door when the judgment section judges that there is no abnormality.

[0018] Furthermore, the gaming chip may have a built-in wireless tag that stores chip information, and may be equipped with a wireless tag reading unit that reads the wireless tag of the gaming chip placed in the removal unit and acquires the chip information of the gaming chip, a judgment unit that judges whether or not there is an abnormality in the chip information of the gaming chip acquired from the wireless tag reading unit, and a control unit that enables the gaming chip in the removal unit to be removed when the judgment unit judges that there is no abnormality.

[0019] Furthermore, the gaming chip machine may be provided with an appearance inspection section that inspects the appearance of the gaming chips placed on the removal section.

[0020] The gaming chip may further include an appearance inspection unit that inspects the appearance of the gaming chip placed in the removal section, the appearance inspection unit optically grasping the number or value of the gaming chip placed in the removal section, and the judgment unit comparing and judging the chip information of the gaming chip obtained from the wireless tag reading unit with the number or value of the gaming chip obtained from the appearance inspection unit, and if the two match, judging that the gaming chip placed in the removal section is normal.

[0021] Furthermore, the gaming chip may have a multi-layer structure in which multiple plastic layers of different colors are laminated, with at least a colored layer in the middle, and white or light-colored layers are laminated on both sides of the middle colored layer, forming a striped pattern in the stacking direction on the side, and the type of gaming chip may be identified by the colored layers, and the appearance inspection unit may be configured to grasp the number or value of the gaming chips by the colored layers.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for exchanging gaming chips and currency, comprising: The gaming chip has a built-in wireless tag that stores currency information and has a color or marking on its exterior that indicates its value. An insertion port through which the gaming chip can pass; a wireless tag reader that reads the wireless tag of the gaming chip inserted through the insertion port and acquires currency information of the gaming chip; a determination unit that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the currency information of the gaming chip acquired from the wireless tag reading unit; an insertion amount display unit that displays the amount of gaming chips that the determination unit has determined to be normal; a currency storage unit for storing currency by type; The gaming machine includes a currency payout unit that pays out currency from the currency storage unit, the currency corresponding to the amount of the gaming chip that the judgment unit judges to be normal.

[0023] Furthermore, it is provided with a user recognition unit that recognizes the person who carries out the currency exchange.

[0024] Furthermore, the user recognition unit may have a function of capturing an image of the person performing the currency exchange using a camera when performing the currency exchange, and extracting and identifying an image of the face of the person performing the currency exchange from the captured camera image.

[0025] Further, the device may be provided with a user ID information input unit for inputting ID information of the currency exchanger, and the user recognition unit may have a function of identifying the currency exchanger from the currency exchanger information acquired by the user ID information input unit.

[0026] Furthermore, the user ID information input unit may be configured to obtain information about the currency exchanger from a member's card.

[0027] The device may further comprise a user management unit that stores in a database information on the number of times or amount of currency exchange during a predetermined period of time for a specific user recognized by the user ID recognition unit.

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

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

[0030] Furthermore, the game machine may be provided with a gaming chip storage unit that stores the gaming chips by type, and a gaming chip holding unit that temporarily holds the gaming chips inserted through the insertion port, and the gaming chip holding unit may have a function of moving the inserted gaming chips to the gaming chip storage unit by type when an exchange is performed.

[0031] Furthermore, the gaming chip may be provided with an appearance inspection section that inspects the appearance of the gaming chip inserted through the insertion opening.

[0032] Furthermore, the visual inspection unit may be configured to have a function of optically grasping the number or value of the gaming chips inserted through the insertion port, and the judgment unit may compare and determine the chip information of the gaming chip obtained from the wireless tag reading unit with the number or value of the gaming chips obtained from the visual inspection unit, and if the two match, judge the gaming chip to be normal.

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

[0034] In another aspect of the present invention, a gaming chip and currency exchange device includes: The gaming chip has a built-in wireless tag that stores currency information and has a color or marking on its exterior that indicates its value. an insertion port through which currency or the gaming chip can pass; a currency reading unit that acquires authenticity information and currency information of the currency inserted through the insertion slot; a wireless tag reader that reads the wireless tag of the gaming chip inserted through the insertion port and acquires currency information of the gaming chip; a determination unit that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the currency information of the gaming chip acquired from the wireless tag reading unit; an insertion amount display unit that displays the amount of the currency acquired by the currency reading unit or the amount of the gaming chip that the determination unit has determined to be normal; a gaming chip storage unit for storing the gaming chips by type; a currency storage unit for storing currency by type; a gaming chip payout unit that pays out gaming chips corresponding to the amount of the currency acquired by the currency reading unit from the gaming chip storage unit; a take-out section in which the dispensed gaming chips are placed; The gaming machine includes a currency payout unit that pays out currency from the currency storage unit, the currency corresponding to the amount of the gaming chip that the judgment unit judges to be normal. Effect of the Invention

[0035] According to the gaming chip / 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 description of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which gaming chips are stacked in an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the gaming chip and currency exchange device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an exchange process in the gaming chip and currency exchange device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a gaming chip and currency exchange device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an exchange process in the gaming chip and currency exchange device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a gaming chip and currency exchange device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

[0038] In this description, currency refers to paper money and coins.

[0039] First, the gaming chip G used in this device will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming chip G has a multi-layer 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 a layer of a lighter color than the colored layer 101 may be provided) is laminated on both sides of the intermediate colored layer 101. By forming a multi-layer structure in this way, a striped pattern is formed in the lamination direction on the side as shown in FIG. 1, and the type of the gaming chip G can be identified by changing the color of the colored layer 101. In addition, a wireless tag 103 is built in the gaming chip G. Specifically, a part of the colored layer 101 is hollowed out, and the wireless tag 103 is installed in the hollow. In addition to the value (amount) information of the gaming chip G, the wireless tag 103 stores unique ID information set for each casino, information related to manufacturing information such as the manufacturing line and manufacturing date, individual ID information for each chip, etc. as monetary information.

[0040] 2 shows an exchange device 1 for gaming chips G and currency C according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The exchange device 1 for gaming chips G and currency C has an insertion port 11 through which the gaming chips G can pass in order to insert the gaming chips G to be exchanged into the exchange device 1.

[0041] The exchange device 1 includes a gaming chip holding section 12 that temporarily holds the gaming chips G inserted from the insertion slot 11.

[0042] The exchange device 1 includes a wireless tag reading unit 131 that reads the wireless tag 103 of the gaming chip G inserted from the insertion slot 11 and held in the gaming chip holding unit 12, and acquires the currency information of the gaming chip G. The exchange device 1 further includes a determination unit 21 that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the currency information of the gaming chip G acquired from the wireless tag reading unit 131. The determination unit 21 pre-sets, for example, a case where the unique ID information of the casino cannot be read, or a case where the expiration date of the gaming chip G based on the manufacturing date information of the gaming chip G has been reached, as an abnormality in the currency information, and determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on the pre-set abnormality criteria. When the determination unit 21 determines that there is an abnormality, it processes it as an error, and displays the error content on a display 31 provided in 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 chip G held in the gaming chip holding unit 12. The appearance inspection unit 132 can optically grasp the state of the gaming chip by using, for example, a camera and detect damage, dirt, and the like. Also, an infrared camera or the like may be used to read a special mark M or the like given to the surface of the gaming chip to perform authenticity judgment. Based on the appearance information of the gaming chip G acquired from the appearance inspection unit 132, the judgment unit 21 judges the presence or absence of an abnormality based on a preset abnormality criterion. If the judgment unit 21 judges that there is an abnormality, it processes it as an error and displays the error content on the display 31 provided in the exchange device 1. Also, the appearance inspection unit 132 may grasp the type and number of the gaming chip G inserted by reading the information on the outer surface (for example, the amount information written on the surface and the color information of the colored layer 101).

[0044] In addition, the judgment unit 21 compares the currency information of the gaming chip G obtained from the wireless tag reading unit 131 with the currency information of the gaming chip G obtained from the appearance inspection unit 132 to determine whether the two match, and if they match, it can also 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 inserted gaming chip G based on the currency information of the gaming chip G acquired from the wireless tag reading unit 131 or the appearance inspection unit 132. The chip counter 133 further adds up the individual values ​​of the gaming chips G that the determination unit 21 has determined to be normal, and calculates the total value of the inserted gaming chips G.

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

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

[0048] When the total amount of the gaming chips G inserted is displayed in the inserted amount display section 32, an exchange execution button 31b and an exchange cancellation button 31c are displayed on the display 31. The exchanger P confirms the amount displayed in the inserted amount display section 32, and if the exchange is to be canceled, the exchange cancellation button 31c is pressed, and the gaming chips G held in the gaming chip holding section 12 are returned to the exchanger P from a predetermined return port (not shown). If the exchange is to be executed, the exchange execution button 31b is pressed to execute the exchange, and the chips held in the gaming chip holding section 12 are sent to the gaming chip storage section 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 exchanging money. The gaming chip storage unit 14 can store the gaming chips G by type. The gaming chip storage unit 14 is structured so that it can be removed from the exchange device main body, which makes it easy for casino staff to collect the gaming chips G in the exchange device 1.

[0050] The exchange device 1 includes a currency storage unit 15 that stores currency C for payment by type. The currency C is periodically set in the currency storage unit 15 by casino staff or a manager of the exchange device 1, and the currency storage unit 15 may be configured to store currency of multiple currencies. The exchange device 1 further includes a currency dispensing unit 16 that dispenses currency for payment from the currency storage unit 15. In response to an instruction from the control device 2 that controls the entire device, the currency dispensing unit 16 uses a pusher or a conveyor to dispense currency C corresponding to the total amount of gaming chips G that the judgment unit 21 has determined to be normal, from the currency storage unit 15. The currency dispensing unit 16 includes a currency counter 161, and checks the type and number of currency to be paid out from the currency storage unit 15. The currency exchanger P receives the dispensed currency C from an outlet (not shown).

[0051] A control device 2 that controls the entire device includes a user recognition unit 22 and a user management unit 23.

[0052] The user recognition unit 22 obtains specific information for identifying the currency exchanger P. The specific information is face image information of the customer registered in the database D, or a user ID. The two are associated on the database.

[0053] In the standby state, the exchange device 1 displays a start money exchange button 31a on the display. When the start money exchange button 31a is pressed, the user recognition unit 22 captures an image of the money exchanger P using the camera 41 and extracts the face of the money exchanger from the captured image. The extracted facial image is collated with facial image data of casino customers in the database D. When the facial image data matches specific facial image data in the database D and is identified, it is deemed that identification information has been obtained, and the money exchanger P can be identified.

[0054] If the facial image of the money exchanger P cannot be extracted, or if the money exchanger P is a new user not registered in the database D, and identification information cannot be obtained because the facial image data cannot be matched with that in the database D, a message indicating that the exchange cannot be performed is displayed on the display 31. Additionally, a message encouraging the exchange to be performed at a specified exchange office in the casino may be displayed.

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

[0056] The camera 41 captures an image of the money exchanger P when the money exchanger P presses the money exchange start button 31a displayed on the display 31, but it may also capture an image after the money exchange is completed, or it may continue capturing images at all times.

[0057] The exchange device 1 may obtain specific information by the user ID information input unit 42 instead of the camera 41 to identify the money exchanger P. In this case, the member's card or passport is read and compared with customer information in the database D, and the specific information is obtained when the user ID is identified in the database D, and the money exchanger P is identified. The user ID information input unit may obtain specific information by directly inputting the user ID by keyboard input or touch panel input on the display 31. Alternatively, the customer's fingerprint information or vein information may be stored in the database D as specific information, and the money exchanger P may be identified by identifying the customer in the database D by fingerprint authentication or vein authentication.

[0058] Furthermore, it is possible to perform both the identification of the money exchanger P by the camera 41 and the identification of the money exchanger P by the user ID information input unit 42. Also, if the identification by the camera 41 is not possible, it is possible to switch to the identification of the money exchanger P by the user ID information input unit 42.

[0059] The user management unit 23 stores information on the number of times or amount of exchanges made by the user (exchanger P) identified by the user recognition unit 22 during a predetermined period in a database D. In addition, points or status can be awarded to the user according to predetermined conditions and output. For example, points can be used to receive preferential treatment at hotels and restaurants attached to the casino, and a predetermined status can be acquired to qualify for admission to special areas such as VIP rooms.

[0060] Furthermore, it is possible to set a predetermined exchange rate for each user under a predetermined condition. For example, it is possible to set a setting such that a user who exchanges a total amount of money of 10,000 dollars or more in a month will receive 110 dollars of currency C for 100 dollars of inserted gaming chips G. It is also possible to provide special gaming chips G with different exchange rates and payout rates.

[0061] The user management unit 23 may be connected to an external system or an external server via wired or wireless connection. This allows, for example, accessing an external database O in the casino's customer management system to make a comparison and judgment, or sharing acquired data among multiple exchange devices 1 in the casino.

[0062] Next, a description will be given of the process of exchanging the gaming chips G into currency C. FIG.

[0063] In the standby state, the exchange device 1 displays a start exchange button 31a on the display 31. Alternatively, when the exchanger P comes to the exchange device 1, a sensor or the like may be used to detect the presence of the exchanger P, and the display 31 may be activated to display the start exchange button 31a. Note that the start exchange button 31a, as well as the execute exchange button 31b and cancel exchange button 31c described below do not necessarily need to be displayed on the display 31, and may be provided separately from the display 31.

[0064] When the exchange start button 31a is pressed by the money exchanger P, the exchange process is started (step S10). The exchange operation begins with recognizing the money exchanger P. The user recognition unit 22 captures an image of the money exchanger P using the camera 41 (step S111), extracts the face of the money exchanger from the captured image, and compares the extracted facial image with facial image data of casino customers in the database D to identify the money exchanger P (step S12). Another recognition method is to identify the money exchanger P by inputting a user ID using a member's card or the like by the user ID information input unit 42 (step S112).

[0065] If the user recognition unit 22 cannot identify the exchanger P, it outputs an error signal and displays an error message on the display 31 indicating that the exchange cannot be performed. If the user is recognized as a user who is on a so-called blacklist or who has restrictions on the use of the exchange device 1, it may stop 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 by displaying a message on the display 31 or by issuing an alarm.

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

[0067] When the money exchanger P is identified, a notification prompting the exchanger P to insert gaming chips G is displayed on the display 31, and the money exchanger P inserts the gaming chips G (S14). The inserted gaming chips G are sent to the gaming chip holding unit 12.

[0068] The gaming chip G held in the gaming chip holding unit 12 has the wireless tag 103 built into the gaming chip G read by the wireless tag reading unit 131, and information regarding the authenticity and value of the inserted gaming chip G is obtained (step S151).

[0069] Also, the appearance inspection unit 132 grasps the condition of the gaming chip G, detects damage or dirt, and obtains information on authenticity and value (S152).

[0070] The currency information of the gaming chip G acquired by the wireless tag reading unit 131 and the appearance inspection unit 132 is judged by the judging unit 21 to determine whether the gaming chip G meets the predetermined standards set by the casino, and to judge the authenticity and value of the gaming chip G (step S16). Gaming chips G that do not meet the standards are regarded as abnormal products, and an error signal is outputted, and the error information is notified to the display 31.

[0071] If there is no abnormality in the gaming chips G, the inserted amount of the gaming chips G is displayed on the inserted amount display section 32 (step S17), and the exchanger P checks the amount displayed on the inserted amount display section 32. In addition, an exchange execution button 31b and an exchange cancellation button 31c are displayed on the display 31. When canceling the exchange, the gaming chips held in the gaming chip holding section 12 are returned from a predetermined return port (not shown) by pressing the exchange cancellation button 31c.

[0072] The exchange is executed by pressing the exchange execution button 31b, and an amount of currency corresponding to the value 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 exchanger P receives the dispensed currency C from a withdrawal port (not shown).

[0073] The user management unit 23 stores the exchange information (exchange amount, exchange time, etc.) in a database (step S132), and gives points to the exchanger P based on the exchange information (step S133).

[0074] After the currency C is paid out, the gaming chip holding unit 12 moves the gaming chips G held in the gaming chip holding unit 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 exchanger P when exchanging gaming chips G for currency C, and it becomes possible to associate the exchanger P with the exchange information.

[0076] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Note that parts that perform the same operations as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals in the second embodiment as in the first embodiment.

[0077] 4 shows an exchange device 201 for currency C and gaming chips G according to the second embodiment. The exchange device 201 for currency C and gaming chips G includes a currency insertion port 211 through which currency can pass, for inserting currency C to be exchanged into the exchange device 201.

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

[0079] The exchange device 201 includes a currency reading unit 2160 that acquires the authenticity and currency information of the currency C inserted through the currency insertion slot 211 and held in the currency holding unit 212. The exchange device 1 further includes a currency determination unit 2211 that determines abnormalities in the currency based on the authenticity and currency information of the currency acquired from the currency reading unit 2160. The currency determination unit 2211 presets cases where the authenticity of the currency is unknown or where the type of currency cannot be identified as abnormalities in the currency information, and determines whether or not there is an abnormality based on the preset abnormality criteria. If the currency determination unit 2211 determines there is an abnormality, it processes it as an error and displays the details of the error on a display 31 provided in 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 inserted currency C of each type based on currency information acquired from the currency reading unit 2160. The currency counter 2161 further adds up the individual values ​​of currency C that the currency determination unit 2211 has determined to be normal, and calculates the total amount of the inserted currency C.

[0081] The total amount of the 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, an exchange execution button 31b and an exchange cancellation button 31c are displayed on the display 31. The currency exchanger P checks the amount displayed in the inserted currency amount display unit 232, and if the exchange is to be canceled, the exchange cancellation button 31c is pressed, and the currency C held in the currency holding unit 212 is returned to the currency exchanger P from a predetermined return port (not shown). If the exchange is to be executed, the exchange execution button 31b is pressed to execute 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 structured so that it can be removed from the exchange device main body, which makes it easy for casino staff to collect the currency C within the exchange device 201.

[0084] The exchange device 201 includes a gaming chip storage unit 215 that stores gaming chips G for payout by type. The gaming chips G are set in the gaming chip storage unit 215 periodically by a casino staff member or an administrator of the exchange device 201. Furthermore, the exchange device 201 includes a gaming chip payout unit 216 that pays out gaming chips G for payout from the gaming chip storage unit 215. The gaming chip payout unit 216, in response to an instruction from the control device 202 that controls the entire device, checks the type and number of gaming chips G to be paid out from the gaming chip storage unit 215 using a pusher or conveyor, the gaming chips G corresponding to the total amount of currency C that the currency determination unit 2211 has determined to be normal.

[0085] The gaming chips G paid out from the gaming chip payout unit 216 are sent to the gaming chip removal unit 217 .

[0086] The exchange device 201 includes a wireless tag reading unit 2131 that reads the wireless tag 103 of the gaming chip G sent from the gaming chip payout unit 216 to the gaming chip take-out unit 217 and acquires the currency information of the gaming chip G. The exchange device 201 further includes a judgment unit 2212 that judges whether or not there is an abnormality in the currency information of the gaming chip G acquired from the wireless tag reading unit 2131. The judgment unit 2212 presets, for example, a case where the unique ID information of the casino cannot be read, or a case where the expiration date of the gaming chip based on the manufacturing date information of the gaming chip G has been reached, as an abnormality in the currency information, and judges whether or not there is an abnormality based on the preset abnormality criteria. If the judgment unit 2212 judges there is an abnormality, it processes it as an error and displays the error content on the display 31 provided in the exchange device 201.

[0087] The exchange device 201 further includes an appearance inspection unit 2132 that inspects the appearance of the gaming chip G sent to the gaming chip take-out unit 217. The appearance inspection unit 2132 can optically grasp the state of the gaming chip using, for example, a camera and detect damage, dirt, and the like. Also, an infrared camera or the like may be used to read a special mark M or the like attached to the surface of the gaming chip to perform authenticity judgment. Based on the appearance information of the gaming chip G acquired from the appearance inspection unit 2132, the judgment unit 2212 judges the presence or absence of an abnormality based on a preset abnormality criterion. If the judgment unit 2212 judges an abnormality, it processes it as an error and displays the error content on the display 31 provided in the exchange device 201. Also, the appearance inspection unit 2132 may read information on the outer surface (for example, amount information written on the surface and color information of the colored layer 101) to grasp the type and number of gaming chips G sent to the gaming chip take-out unit 217.

[0088] In addition, the judgment unit 2212 compares the currency information of the gaming chip G obtained from the wireless tag reading unit 2131 with the currency information of the gaming chip G obtained from the appearance inspection unit 2132, and determines whether the two match, and if they match, it can also 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 take-out unit 217 based on the currency information of the gaming chip G acquired from the wireless tag reading unit 2131 or the appearance inspection unit 2132. The chip counter 2133 further adds up the individual amounts of the gaming chips G that the determination unit 2212 has determined to be normal, and calculates the total amount of the gaming chips G sent to the gaming chip take-out unit 217.

[0090] The gaming chip removal portion 217 is provided with a door 2171 that restricts removal of the gaming chips G. The door 2171 is closed while the determination portion 2212 is making a determination, and restricts removal of the gaming chips G from the gaming chip removal portion 217. When the determination portion 2212 determines that there is no abnormality, the control portion 224 opens the door 2171, and allows the gaming chips G placed in the gaming chip removal portion 217 to be removed.

[0091] A control device 202 that controls the entire device includes a user recognition unit 22 and a user management unit 23.

[0092] The user recognition unit 22 obtains specific information for identifying the currency exchanger P. The specific information is face image information of the customer registered in the database D, or a user ID. The two are associated on the database.

[0093] In the standby state, the exchange device 201 displays a start money exchange button 31a on the display. When the start money exchange button 31a is pressed, the user recognition unit 22 captures an image of the money exchanger P using the camera 41 and extracts the face of the money exchanger from the captured image. The extracted facial image is collated with facial image data of casino customers in the database D. When the facial image data matches specific facial image data in the database D and is identified, it is deemed that identification information has been obtained, and the money exchanger P can be identified.

[0094] If the facial image of the money exchanger P cannot be extracted, or if the money exchanger P is a new user not registered in the database D, and identification information cannot be obtained because the facial image data cannot be matched with that in the database D, a message indicating that the exchange cannot be performed is displayed on the display 31. Additionally, a message encouraging the exchange to be performed at a specified exchange office in the casino may be displayed.

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

[0096] The camera 41 captures an image of the money exchanger P when the money exchanger P presses the money exchange start button 31a displayed on the display 31, but it may also capture an image after the money exchange is completed, or it may continue capturing images at all times.

[0097] The exchange device 201 may obtain specific information by the user ID information input unit 42 instead of the camera 41 to identify the money exchanger P. In this case, the member's card or passport is read and compared with customer information in database D, and the specific information is obtained when the user ID is identified in database D, and the money exchanger P is identified. The user ID information input unit may obtain specific information by directly inputting the user ID by keyboard input or touch panel input on the display 31. Alternatively, the customer's fingerprint information or vein information may be stored in database D as specific information, and the money exchanger P may be identified by identifying the customer in database D by fingerprint authentication or vein authentication.

[0098] Furthermore, it is possible to perform both the identification of the money exchanger P by the camera 41 and the identification of the money exchanger P by the user ID information input unit 42. Also, if the identification by the camera 41 is not possible, it is possible to switch to the identification of the money exchanger P by the user ID information input unit 42.

[0099] The user management unit 23 stores information on the number of times or amount of exchanges made by the user (exchanger P) identified by the user recognition unit 22 during a predetermined period in a database D. In addition, points or status can be awarded to the user according to predetermined conditions and output. For example, points can be used to receive preferential treatment at hotels and restaurants attached to the casino, and a predetermined status can be acquired to qualify for admission to special areas such as VIP rooms.

[0100] Furthermore, it is possible to set a predetermined exchange rate for each user under a predetermined condition. For example, for a user who exchanges a total of 10,000 dollars or more in a month, it is possible to set a payout of gaming chips G worth 110 dollars for inserted currency C worth 100 dollars. It is also possible to provide special gaming chips G with different conversion rates and payout rates.

[0101] The user management unit 23 may be connected to an external system or an external server via wired or wireless connection. This allows, for example, accessing an external database O in the casino's customer management system to make a comparison and judgment, or sharing acquired data between multiple exchange devices 201 in the casino.

[0102] Next, a description will be given of the process of exchanging the currency C into gaming chips G. Fig. 5 is a flow chart of the process of exchanging the currency C into gaming chips G.

[0103] In the standby state, the exchange device 201 displays a start exchange button 31a on the display 31. Alternatively, when the exchanger P comes in front of the exchange device 201, a sensor or the like may be used to detect the presence of the exchanger P, and the display 31 may be activated to display the start exchange button 31a. Note that the start exchange button 31a, as well as the execute exchange button 31b and cancel exchange button 31c described below do not necessarily need to be displayed on the display 31, and may be provided separately from the display 31.

[0104] When the exchange start button 31a is pressed by the money exchanger P, the exchange process is started (step S10). The exchange operation begins with recognizing the money exchanger P. The user recognition unit 22 captures an image of the money exchanger P using the camera 41 (step S111), extracts the face of the money exchanger from the captured image, and compares the extracted facial image with facial image data of casino customers in the database D to identify the money exchanger P (step S12). Another recognition method is to identify the money exchanger P by inputting a user ID using a member's card or the like by the user ID information input unit 42 (step S112).

[0105] If the user recognition unit 22 cannot identify the exchanger P, it outputs an error signal and displays an error message on the display 31 indicating that the exchange cannot be performed. If the user is recognized as a user who has restrictions on the use of the exchange device 201, such as a user on a so-called blacklist, the functions of the exchange device 201 may be stopped, insertion of currency C into the currency insertion slot 211 may be made impossible, and a message may be displayed on the display 31 or an alarm may be issued to notify that the exchange device 201 cannot be used.

[0106] After the user recognition unit 22 identifies the exchanger P, a process is performed to determine the exchange rate between the currency C and gaming chips G for the exchanger P based on past exchange information and bonus information stored in the database D (step S2131).

[0107] When the exchanger P is identified, a notification prompting the exchanger P to insert the currency C is displayed on the display 31, and the exchanger P inserts the currency C (S214). The inserted currency C is sent to the currency holding unit 212.

[0108] The currency C held in the currency holding unit 212 has information regarding the authenticity and type of the inserted currency C obtained by the currency reading unit 2160 (step S215).

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

[0110] If there is no abnormality in the currency C, the inserted amount of the currency C is displayed on the inserted currency amount display unit 232 (step S217), and the currency exchanger P checks the amount displayed on the inserted currency amount display unit 232. In addition, an exchange execution button 31b and a cancel exchange button 31c are displayed on the display 31. To cancel the exchange, the user presses the cancel exchange button 31c, and the currency C held in the currency holding unit 212 is returned from a specified return port (not shown).

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

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

[0113] Also, the appearance inspection unit 2132 grasps the condition of the gaming chip G, detects damage or dirt, and obtains information on authenticity and value (S2192).

[0114] The currency information of the gaming chip G acquired by the wireless tag reading unit 2131 and the appearance inspection unit 2132 is judged by the judgment unit 2212 to determine whether the gaming chip G meets a predetermined standard set by the casino, and to judge the authenticity and value of the gaming chip G (step S220). The gaming chip G that does not meet the standard is regarded as an abnormal product, and an error signal is outputted, and the error information is notified to the display 31.

[0115] If there is no abnormality in the state of the gaming chips 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 (exchange amount, exchange time, etc.) in a database (step S2132), and gives points to the exchanger P based on the exchange information (step S2133).

[0117] After the gaming chips G are paid out, the currency holding unit 212 moves the currency C held in the currency holding unit 212 to the currency storage unit 214 by a pusher or conveyor mechanism (step S222).

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

[0119] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Note that parts that perform the same operations as those in the first and second embodiments will be described with the same reference numerals in the third embodiment as in the first and second embodiments.

[0120] FIG. 6 shows an exchange device 301 for gaming chips G and currency C according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] The exchange device 301 has an insertion slot 11 for inserting gaming chips G into the exchange device 301 and a currency insertion slot 211 for inserting currency C into the exchange device 301.

[0122] The exchange device 301 is provided with a display 31, which has a start exchange button 31a, an execute exchange button 31b, and a cancel exchange button 31c. Note that the start exchange button 31a, the execute exchange button 31b, and the cancel exchange button 31c do not necessarily need 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 in the same manner as described in the first embodiment.

[0124] The currency C inserted through the currency insertion slot 211 is exchanged for gaming chips G in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

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

[0126] The insertion amount display unit 32, which displays the amount of the inserted gaming chip G, and the insertion amount display unit 232, which displays the amount of the inserted currency C, may share a single insertion 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 gaming chips G inserted when exchanging gaming chips G for currency C, and the gaming chip storage unit 214, which stores the gaming chips G for payout when exchanging currency C for gaming chips G, may share a single gaming chip storage unit (not shown) that is capable of both accepting and paying out gaming chips G.

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

[0129] The judgment unit 21 that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the gaming chip G when the gaming chip G is inserted, and the judgment unit 2212 that determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the gaming chip G when the gaming chip G is removed may share a single judgment 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 the first and second embodiments 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 is unable to recognize the user or recognizes that the user is on a so-called blacklist, or is otherwise restricted from using the exchange device 301, the functions of the exchange device 301 may be stopped, the insertion of gaming chips G and currency C may be made impossible, and a notice may be displayed on the display 31 or an alarm may be displayed to notify the user that the exchange device 301 cannot be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] G Gaming Chip C money P Exchanger 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 15 Coin Storage Department 16 Money dispensing section 161 Currency Counter 2. Control device 21 Judgment section 22 User Recognition Section 23 User Management Department 31 Display 31a Start exchange button 31b Exchange button 31c Cancel exchange button 32 Insertion amount display section 41 Camera 42 Enter user ID information

Claims

1. An exchange system for exchanging gaming chips and currency, comprising: the gaming chip has a built-in wireless tag storing chip information and a color or marking on its outer surface that indicates its value; The switching system comprises: A recognition device that recognizes ID information of an exchange executor who performs the exchange; a chip reader that reads chip information of the gaming chip from the wireless tag of the gaming chip involved in the exchange; a determination device that determines whether the gaming chip is normal based on the chip information of the gaming chip read by the chip reader; an amount display device that displays an amount related to the exchange; an inspection device that inspects the currency involved in the exchange; a storage device that stores the details of the exchange, including the amount of the exchange, in association with the ID information of the exchanger; Equipped with The recognition device includes: A camera is provided for taking an image of the exchanger who is about to make the exchange, and an image of the face of the exchanger is extracted from the image to recognize ID information of the exchanger, or a reading device for reading the member card of the exchange executor, and recognizing ID information of the exchange executor based on the reading result of the reading device; After the gaming chips provided by the exchange executor are determined to be normal by the determination device, the currency to be provided to the exchange executor through the exchange is provided to the exchange executor, or after the currency provided by the exchange executor is inspected by the inspection device, the gaming chips to be provided to the exchange executor through the exchange are provided to the exchange executor; The storage device stores a user who is subject to a restriction on the exchange by the exchange system; When the recognition device recognizes that the exchange executor is a user who is subject to a restriction on the exchange by the exchange system, the recognition device restricts the exchange by the exchange executor. Exchange system.

2. The chip reader reads the chip information of the gaming chip provided by the exchange operator, The determination device determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the gaming chip provided by the exchanger, the amount display device displays the amount of the gaming chips provided by the exchange facilitator; 2. The switching system according to claim 1.

3. The inspection device inspects the currency provided by the exchange facilitator, The amount display device displays the amount of the currency provided by the exchange facilitator.

2. The switching system according to claim 1.

4. Further comprising a storage mechanism for storing the gaming chips; The gaming chips having the same amount as the currency provided by the exchanger are taken out from the storage mechanism, and are judged by the judgment device as to whether they are normal.

2. The switching system according to claim 1.

5. The method further includes a user management device that stores information on the number of exchanges or the exchange amount in a predetermined period for each of the exchangers in the storage device.

2. The switching system according to claim 1.

6. The user management device grants points or status to the exchanger under predetermined conditions and outputs the points or status.

6. The switching system according to claim 5.

7. The user management device sets a predetermined exchange rate under predetermined conditions for each of the exchangers.

6. The switching system according to claim 5.

8. Further comprising an appearance inspection device for inspecting the appearance of the gaming chips provided by the exchange operator, 2. The switching system according to claim 1.

9. The appearance inspection device optically recognizes the number and / or value of the gaming chips provided by the exchange operator, the determination device compares the chip information of the gaming chip read by the chip reader with the number and / or value of the gaming chip recognized by the appearance inspection device, and, if the two match, determines that the gaming chip provided by the exchanger is normal; 9. The switching system according to claim 8.

10. The gaming chip has a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of plastic layers of different colors are laminated, and at least a colored layer is provided in the middle, and white or light-colored layers are laminated on both sides of the colored layer in the middle, forming a striped pattern in the lamination direction on the side, and the type of gaming chip can be identified by the color of the colored layer. The appearance inspection device recognizes the number and / or value of the gaming chips based on the colored layer.

10. The switching system according to claim 9.

11. 2. The exchange system according to claim 1, wherein said storage device stores the date and time when said exchange was carried out as the content of said exchange.

Images