Cage System and Chip Management System

Abstract

To provide: a cage system for managing gaming chips in a cage in a casino; and a chip management system including the cage system.SOLUTION: In a casino hall, a cage system 501 is divided into a plurality of locations including a cashier room (vault, main bank room, F / C bank room, cashier room). Gaming chips each have an RFID tag that stores a chip ID. A cage system 1000 that manages movement of the gaming chips within a cage in the casino hall, includes: a chip reader that reads the chip IDs from the RFID tags of gaming chips that move among the plurality of locations within the cage; chip readers that read the chip IDs from the RFID tags of gaming chips that leave the cage for the casino hall; and a chip management database that records the chip IDs read by the chip readers as a movement history of the gaming chips.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Cross - reference to related applications

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

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

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

Summary of the Invention

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

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a cage system for monitoring the movement of gaming chips within a cage and the movement between the cage and each location within a casino, and a gaming chip management system for managing gaming chips within a casino, which includes the cage system.

[0007] A cage system according to one aspect of the present invention is a cage system for managing the movement of gaming chips within a cage in a casino hall, wherein the cage is divided into a plurality of locations including a cashier, the gaming chip has an RFID tag storing a chip ID, and the cage system includes: a first reading means for reading the chip ID from the RFID tag of the gaming chip moving between the plurality of locations; a second reading means for reading the chip ID from the RFID tag of the gaming chip going out of the cage to the casino hall; and a recording means for recording the chip ID read by the first reading means and the second reading means as a movement history of the gaming chip. With this configuration, the movement of gaming chips within the cage can be managed.

[0008] In the above cage system, the recording means may record the destination and / or the source of movement together with the chip ID in the movement history. With this configuration, it is possible to grasp whether the movement is being performed accurately.

[0009] The above cage system may further include a management means for determining whether the movement is appropriate based on the movement history. With this configuration, inappropriate movement can be detected.

[0010] In the above cage system, for a gaming chip having a movement history that does not match a predefined possible movement history, the recording means may record that there is a suspicion of fraud or irregularity.

[0011] The above cage system may further include third reading means for reading the chip ID from the RFID tag of the gaming chip entering the cage from the casino hall. With this configuration, the gaming chips in the cage can be completely managed.

[0012] In the above cage system, when the destination is recorded in the movement history of the gaming chip going out to the casino hall, the management means may issue an alert or make a record if the gaming chip is not received at the destination. With this configuration, it is possible to detect that the movement from the cage to a predetermined location in the casino hall has not been completed normally.

[0013] In the above cage system, the management means may issue the alert or make the record if the gaming chip is not received at the destination within a predetermined time. With this configuration, it can be determined that there is an abnormality if the movement is not completed within a predetermined time.

[0014] A chip management system according to one aspect of the present invention has a configuration including any of the above cage systems and fourth reading means installed on a game table for reading the chip ID from the RFID tag of the gaming chip. With this configuration, the gaming chips in the casino hall including the cage can be managed.

[0015] In the above chip management system, the management means may calculate the total amount of the gaming chips held by the player in the casino hall. With this configuration, the total debt amount of the casino in real time can be grasped.

[0016] In the above chip management system, the management means may record date and time information in the movement history. With this configuration, the movement history can be recorded in more detail.

[0017] In the above chip management system, the management means may detect a suspicious movement of the gaming chip based on the information of the date and time. With this configuration, various suspicious movements can be detected.

[0018] In the above chip management system, the management means may record the information of the staff involved in the movement in the movement history. With this configuration, when there is an inappropriate movement, the staff involved can be identified.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a casino according to an embodiment of the present invention. The casino hall 1 is provided with a cage 10 and a plurality of game tables 42 to 45. The floor where the game tables 42 to 45 are provided may be divided into a VIP floor and a general public floor. The cage 10 is a room where only security staff can enter. The cage 10 is divided into a vault 11, a main bank room 12, an F / C bank room 13, and a cashier's room 14.

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

[0023] A bolt staff 31 is arranged on the bolt 11, a main bank staff 32 is arranged on the main bank 12, an F / C bank staff 33 is arranged in the F / C bank chamber 13, and cashiers 34 to 36 corresponding to the windows 26 to 28 are arranged in the cashier's chamber 14.

[0024] In the casino hall 1, game tables 42 to 45 are installed, and one dealer 52 to 55 is arranged on each of the game tables 42 to 45. In the example of FIG. 1, only four game tables are shown, but actually more game tables are arranged in the casino hall 1. Also, for a plurality of adjacent game tables 42, a pit manager 56 is arranged.

[0025] In the example of FIG. 1, there are players 61 to 69 in the casino hall 1. The players in the casino hall 1 can purchase gaming chips or exchange gaming chips through any of the windows 26 to 28, like the player 61 shown in FIG. 1. A player who purchases gaming chips at the cage 10 can bet the gaming chips on the game tables 42 to 45 and enjoy the game. When a player loses the game, the dealer will collect the gaming chips, and when the player wins the game, the player will receive a repayment from the dealer according to the game rules and the bet amount. In this way, the gaming chips held by the player increase or decrease according to the game. When the player runs out of gaming chips, the player can purchase (buy-in) the gaming chips at the cage 10 again. Also, when the player finishes playing, the player can exchange (cash out) the gaming chips at the cage.

[0026] At gaming tables 42 - 45, gaming chips are collected from players who lost the game and paid to players who won the game. As a result, the number of gaming chips held by the dealer (casino) at the gaming table increases or decreases. When there is a shortage of gaming chips at the gaming table, the gaming chip carrier staff 51 receives gaming chips from gate 24 of the F / C bank room 13 and transports them to the gaming table for replenishment. Refilling the gaming chips for table games in this way is also called "fill". Also, when there are excessive gaming chips at the gaming table, the gaming chip carrier staff 51 transports the gaming chips from the gaming table to the cage 10, and the gaming chips are stored in the F / C bank room 13 through gate 24. Returning the gaming chips from the gaming table to the cage 10 in this way is also called "credit".

[0027] When managing the movement history of gaming chips in the gaming hall 1, the source of movement, the destination of movement, and the possible locations between them are hereinafter referred to as locations. In the case of the example in FIG. 1, for example, each room and each gaming table in the cage 10 are each referred to as a location.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a gaming chip according to an embodiment of the present invention. A $100 gaming chip is shown in FIG. 2. The gaming chip 70 has a disk shape, and the face value ($100 in the case of FIG. 1) is shown on both sides. A plurality of layers are laminated in the order of a white layer, a colored layer, and a white layer in the thickness direction, and it has a stripe pattern with the colored layer sandwiched between white layers on the side surface. The color of the colored layer varies depending on the face value, so the face value of the chip can be determined by discriminating the color of the colored layer.

[0029] Inside the gaming chip 70, an RFID tag 71 is built in. The RFID tag 71 stores information on the chip ID and face value of the chip. Note that the RFID tag 71 may be writable. In that case, information on the current location or the holder of the gaming chip may be recorded in the RFID tag 71, and further, a history of past locations or holders may be recorded. The gaming chip 70 may be formed by pressing a plurality of plate materials together, or may be formed by resin molding.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a chip management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The chip management system 1000 includes a cage system 501 and a plurality of table systems 502. The table system 502 is provided for each game table. The cage system 501 includes a chip management computer 100 and a chip management database 101 for integrally managing the chips in the cage 10 and in the casino hall 1.

[0031] In addition, the cage system 501 includes a bolt computer 111 installed on the bolt 11, a bolt card reader 112 and a bolt chip reader 113 connected thereto. The cage system 501 also includes a main bank computer 121 installed in the main bank room 12, a main bank card reader 122 and a main bank chip reader 123 connected thereto. The cage system 501 further includes an F / C bank computer 131 installed in the F / C bank room 13, an F / C bank card reader 132 and an F / C bank chip reader 133 connected thereto. The cage system 501 also includes a cashier computer 141 installed corresponding to each of the windows 26 to 28 in the cashier room 14, a cashier card reader 142 and a cashier chip reader 143 connected thereto.

[0032] The table system 502 includes a table computer 151, and a table card reader 152, a table chip reader 153, a chip tray chip reader 154, and a plurality of bet area chip readers 155 connected thereto. In FIG. 3, only one table system 502 is shown, but a plurality of table systems 502 are provided corresponding to a plurality of game tables.

[0033] The ball computer 111, the main bank computer 121, the F / C bank computer 131, the cashier computer 141, the table computer 151, and the chip management database 101 are each connected to the chip management computer 100. Note that the chip management computer 100 and other computers and the chip management database 101 may be connected by wire or wirelessly via a local network. Alternatively, the chip management computer 101 and the chip management data 101 may be installed on a wide area network (for example, the Internet) and connected to other computers via the wide area network. That is, the chip management computer 100 and the chip management database 101 may be installed in the cloud instead of in the casino.

[0034] An input device (not shown) for receiving an operation input by a corresponding staff is connected to each of the computers 100, 111, 121, 131, 141, 151. The input device is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a button, a touch pad, a touch panel, or a voice input device. Note that the functions of each computer may be aggregated in the chip management computer 100, leaving only these input devices and communication devices at the corresponding locations. In this case, various signals (for example, an input signal input to the input device, a signal read by the chip reader, etc.) may be directly transmitted between the input device, the card reader, the chip reader at each location, and the management computer 100.

[0035] The card readers 112, 122, 132, 142, 152 at each location read the staff ID or player ID from the ID card held by the staff or player. Specifically, the bolt card reader 112, the main bank card reader 122, and the F / C bank card reader 132 read the staff ID from the ID card of the corresponding staff, the cashier card reader 142 reads the staff ID from the ID card of the cashier staff and also reads the player ID of the player who purchases gaming chips or exchanges gaming chips at the cashier. Also, the table card reader 152 reads the staff ID of the corresponding dealer and the player ID of the player who plays.

[0036] The chip readers 113, 123, 133, 143, 153, 155 at each location read information from the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chip 70 and write information to the RFID tag 71. In particular, each chip reader 113, 123, 133, 143, 153 reads the RFID tag 71 when the gaming chip 70 moves from another location to the current location and when the gaming chip moves from the current location to another location (i.e., when the gaming chip 70 leaves the current location).

[0037] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a game table according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, the game table 42 is illustrated. The game table 42 is provided with a plurality of play positions. The game table 42 has, on the table surface, a plurality of bet areas corresponding to the plurality of play positions, a chip tray for accommodating the dealer's chips, a dealer area for reading and writing information to and from the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chip 70, and an ID card area for reading the ID cards of the dealer and the players.

[0038] The chip tray is provided with a tray antenna 514 for reading the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chip 70 housed therein. Each of the plurality of bet areas is provided inside the table surface with bet area antennas 515a to 515e for reading the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chip 70 placed there. The dealer area is provided inside the table surface with a dealer antenna 513 for reading the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chip 70 placed there. The ID card area is provided inside the table surface with an ID card antenna 512.

[0039] Each of the antennas 512 to 515 is connected to the table computer 151 and transmits the read signal to the table computer 151. The table computer 151 acquires various information stored in the RFID tag 71 and the ID card by decoding the signals from the respective antennas.

[0040] The staff located at each location reads their card ID with the corresponding card reader and then starts working. The computer at each location transmits the read staff ID and the date and time to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 stores the staff ID read by the card reader at each location in the chip management database 101 together with the location and date and time information.

[0041] The chip management database 101 stores a player table, a chip table, a game table table, a staff table, and a movement history table. The player table stores the registration information of the player. In the player table, for each player, a player ID, various player attributes, and player statuses such as VIP, suspicion, and blacklist are recorded. In the chip table, a chip ID, face value, type, manufacturing information, and chip statuses such as valid, missing, stolen, and invalid are recorded. In the game table table, a table ID, game type, etc. are recorded. In the staff table, a staff ID, various staff attributes, etc. are recorded. The movement history table records the location or holder history of the gaming chip 70.

[0042] (Movement Management of Gaming Chips) FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the movement mode of a gaming chip according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, when a gaming chip enters each location except the bolt, there is a possibility of movement from a plurality of sources, and when it exits, there is also a possibility of movement to a plurality of destinations. The chip management system of this embodiment recognizes these movements. For this purpose, several methods described below can be adopted.

[0043] (First Method) In the first method, when the gaming chip 70 enters at the computer of each location, the source of the movement is specified at the computer of that location, and the specification is reported to the chip management computer 100 together with the chip ID of the incoming gaming chip 70. When the gaming chip 70 exits from each location, the information of that location, i.e., the source of the movement, and the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 are reported to the chip management computer 100.

[0044] For example, when the gaming chip 70 moves from the main bank room 12 to the F / C bank room 13, the main bank computer 121 reads the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 with the main bank chip reader 123 and reports to the chip management computer 100 that it is going out from the main bank room 12 together with the read chip ID. The chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101 in response to this report.

[0045] Then, in the F / C bank room 13 that has received the gaming chip 70 from the main bank room 12, the F / C bank staff 33 operates the input device of the F / C bank computer 131 to input that the gaming chip 70 is the gaming chip 70 coming from the main bank room 12 (source of movement), and reads the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 with the F / C bank chip reader 133. The F / C bank computer 131 reports to the chip management computer 100 the designated chip ID together with the designation that the destination of movement is the main bank room 12 which is the source of movement. The chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101 in response to this report.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data in the chip management database updated by the first method of movement management of the gaming chip according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 6, the movement history of the gaming chip 70 with the chip ID of "24825" is shown. The chip management database 101 stores, as information on the movement history of the gaming chip 70, information on the chip ID 601, entry / exit information 602, source of movement information 603, destination of movement information 604, and date and time 605 of the gaming chip.

[0047] According to the first method, as shown in FIG. 6, for the gaming chip 70 going out of the location, the information of its source is obtained (history H61), and for the gaming chip 70 entering the location, the information of its source and destination is obtained (history H62). Therefore, based on the history H61 and history H62, it can be confirmed that the gaming chip 70 has indeed come out of the main bank chamber 12 and was received in the F / C bank chamber 13.

[0048] (The second method) In the second method, in the computer of each location, when the gaming chip 70 goes out, the destination is specified in the computer of that location, and this specification together with the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 going out is reported to the chip management computer 100. When the gaming chip 70 enters each location, the information of that location, i.e., the destination, and the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 are reported to the chip management computer 100.

[0049] For example, when the gaming chip 70 moves from Table - 4 to the F / C bank chamber 13 (credit), the dealer reads the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 with the table chip reader 153 on the game table and operates the input device of the table computer 151 to specify the F / C bank chamber 13 as the destination (specify the credit). The table computer 151 reports the chip ID, the F / C bank chamber 13 as the destination, and the table ID of Table - 4 as the source to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101 in response to this report.

[0050] In the F / C bank room 13 which is the destination, when receiving the gaming chip 70, the F / C bank staff 33 reads the chip ID of this gaming chip 70 with the F / C bank chip reader 133. The F / C bank computer 131 reports the read chip ID and the fact of entering the F / C bank room 13 to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101 according to this report.

[0051] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of data in the chip management database updated by the second method of movement management of the gaming chip according to the embodiment of the present invention. Also in the example of FIG. 7, it shows the movement history of the gaming chip 70 whose chip ID is "24825". The chip management database 101 stores, as information on the movement history of the gaming chip 70, information on the chip ID 601, entry / exit information 602, source information 603, destination information 604, and date / time 605 of the gaming chip.

[0052] According to the second method, as shown in FIG. 7, for the gaming chip 70 going out from the location, information on its source and destination is obtained (history H71), and for the gaming chip 70 entering the location, information on its destination is obtained (history H72). Therefore, based on the history H71 and the history H72, it can be confirmed that the gaming chip 70 has indeed come out of Table-4 and has been received in the F / C bank room 13.

[0053] (The third method) The third method is a combination of the first method and the second method. That is, in the computer of each location, when the gaming chip 70 enters, its source is specified, and when the gaming chip 70 goes out, its destination is specified.

[0054] (The fourth method) In the fourth method, the staff at each location uses the input device of the computer at each location to specify whether the gaming chip 70 is coming out or going in, and reports this specification together with the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 read by the chip reader to the chip management computer 100. Based on this report, the chip management computer 100 updates the incoming / outgoing information and location information in the chip management database 101.

[0055] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data in the chip management database updated by the fourth method of managing the movement of the gaming chip according to the embodiment of the present invention. The chip management database 101 stores information on the chip ID 601, incoming / outgoing information 602, location information 603, and date / time 604 of the gaming chip as information on the movement history of the gaming chip 70.

[0056] According to the fourth method, as shown in FIG. 8, since the incoming / outgoing information 602 and the location information 603 are recorded, it can be confirmed that the gaming chip 70 has indeed come out of the bolt 11 and has been received in the main bank room 12 based on the history H81 and the history H82.

[0057] (Fifth method) In the fifth method, only the location information is recorded. That is, the staff at each location reads the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 with the chip reader at that location when the gaming chip 70 is at that location, and reports it to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101 in response to this report. The staff at each location may read the chip ID at the timing when the gaming chip 70 moves to that location, or may read the chip ID at the timing when the gaming chip 70 moves out of that location, or may read the chip ID at any timing.

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

[0059] Also, as shown in FIG. 9, even by the fifth method, since the location information 603 is recorded, it can be confirmed that the gaming chip 70 has indeed come out of the bolt 11 and has been received in the main bank room 12 based on the history 91 and the history 92.

[0060] For each combination of the source and destination of the movement, it may be determined which of the above first to fifth methods is used. For example, for the movement of the gaming chip 70 within the cage 11, the fourth or fifth method may be used, and for the movement from the F / C bank room 13 to the game table, the second method of designating the destination at the source may be used, and for the movement from the game table to the F / C bank room 13, the first method of designating the source at the destination may be used.

[0061] (Purchase and Cashing by the Cashier) Also, when the gaming chip 70 is moved from the cashier's room 14 to the player (the player purchases the gaming chip 70 at the cashier), the cashier computer 141 reads the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 with the cashier chip reader 143, reads the player ID from the player's ID card with the cashier card reader 142, and reports the designation of the player as the destination together with the read chip ID to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101 in response to this report.

[0062] When the gaming chip 70 is transferred from the player to the cashier's room 14 (the player exchanges the gaming chip 70 with the cashier), the cashier computer 141 reads the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 with the cashier chip reader 143, reads the player ID from the player's ID card with the cashier card reader 142, and reports the designation of the player as the source of transfer together with the read chip ID to the chip management computer 100. In response to this report, the chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101.

[0063] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the data of the chip management database updated by the fourth method of the movement management of the gaming chip according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 10, player - 5 purchases the gaming chip 70 with cashier - 2 (histories H101, H102), and then player - 5 exchanges the gaming chip 70 with cashier - 3 (histories H103, H104). In the case of the first to third methods, the incoming / outgoing information 602 may be set to N / A, and only the information of the source (cashier) and the destination (player) of the transfer may be recorded.

[0064] Also, for example, at the cashier, when the cashier staff receives the gaming chip 70 from the player, after designating the receipt, the cashier chip reader 143 is used to read the chip ID of the gaming chip 70, and when the cashier staff hands the gaming chip 70 to the player, after designating the handover, the cashier chip reader 143 may be used to read the chip ID of the gaming chip 70.

[0065] Thereby, by using one chip reader, it is possible to clarify whether the gaming chip 70 whose chip ID has been read by the chip reader enters or exits the location. Also, in the case of chip exchange, it is possible to clearly distinguish between the gaming chip 70 received from the player and the gaming chip 70 handed to the player and specify its chip ID using the chip reader.

[0066] (Recovery and Repayment) Players who have purchased gaming chips 70 can play games on the game table. At this time, on the game table, first, the table card reader 152 equipped with the ID card antenna 512 reads the player's ID card. When reading the player's ID card with the table card reader 152, the player's playing position is specified. Thereby, it can be recognized which player is in which bet area. Note that the bet area antennas 515a to 515e may be one or a plurality of antennas that read the gaming chips 70 placed in the one bet area by treating a plurality of bet areas as one bet area without distinguishing each player position. Also, the antenna in the bet area may be omitted.

[0067] If a player loses the game at the table, the bet gaming chips 70 are collected. In this case, the chip tray antenna 514 reads the chip ID of the gaming chips 70 stored in the chip tray before collection and also reads the chip ID of the gaming chips 70 stored in the chip tray after collection. The table computer 151 recognizes the chip ID of the gaming chips 70 newly brought into the chip tray (that is, collected from the player) by comparing the chip IDs of the chip tray before and after collection.

[0068] The table computer 151 reports the chip ID read by the chip tray antenna 14 to the chip management computer 100 along with the designation that it is a transfer to the chip tray of the game table for the gaming chips 70 collected from the player. The chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101 in response to this report.

[0069] In addition, when the table computer 151 can determine whether each gaming chip 70 to be recovered should be recovered or not by recognizing the chip ID of the placed gaming chip 70 and the game result using the bed area antennas 515a to 515e, if it is determined that it should be recovered, in response to this determination, in the chip management database 101, for the gaming chip 70, the movement history indicating that it has left the player and moved to the game table may be updated. By such an update and the subsequent update indicating that it has been received in the chip tray, it is possible to confirm whether the gaming chip 70 to be recovered has indeed been recovered in the chip tray. That is, if the movement history with the incoming / outgoing information 602 set to "OUT" and the location information 603 set to any player is recorded, but subsequently the movement history of acceptance in the chip tray is not recorded, it becomes clear that the gaming chip 70 to be recovered has not been correctly recovered.

[0070] Also, in this embodiment, by comparing the chip IDs read from the chip tray before and after recovery, the chip ID newly brought into the chip tray by recovery is grasped. Instead of this, a special recovery chip area for temporarily accommodating the recovered chip tray in the chip tray may be provided, and an antenna independent of other chip tray parts may be provided in the recovery chip area to grasp the chip ID of the recovered gaming chip 70.

[0071] Alternatively, for the gaming chip 70 to be recovered, the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 to be recovered may be specified by having the dealer antenna read the RFID 71 during the movement from the bet area to the chip tray.

[0072] When a player wins the game, the player receives the repayment of the gaming chip 70. The dealer first places the gaming chip 70 to be paid out to the player from the chip tray in the dealer area of the game table. At this time, the dealer antenna 513 reads the chip ID from the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chip 70 in the dealer area. Since the table computer 151 knows which player is playing in each bet area, it can associate the gaming chip 70 to be repaid with the player who receives the repayment (regard the location information of the gaming chip 70 to be repaid as the player).

[0073] Note that the method of identifying the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 to be repaid and associating it with the player is not limited to the above. For example, the table computer 151 can identify the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 to be repaid by reading the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 stored in the chip tray before and after the repayment, and associate it with the player who receives the repayment.

[0074] Also, when the gaming chip 70 to be repaid is placed in the bet area, the bet area antenna 515 of the bet area may read the chip ID of the gaming chip 70. In this case, although the chip ID of the bet gaming chip 70 (associated with the player) as well as the chip ID of the repaid gaming chip 70 (associated with the dealer or the casino) will be read, the chip management computer 100 associates the chip ID of the repaid gaming chip 70 with the player associated with the chip ID of the bet gaming chip 70.

[0075] In addition, an antenna and a reading area for reading the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chip 70 to be redeemed may be provided for each player position. Such an antenna and a reading area may be installed between the bet area of each player position and the dealer. Also in this case, since it is known which player is at each player position, the gaming chip 70 to be redeemed can be associated with the player ID. In this case, the dealer first causes the antenna in the reading area of the corresponding player position to read the gaming chip 70 to be redeemed, and then may move the gaming chip 70 to be redeemed to beside the bet chips in the bet area, or may let the corresponding player take the gaming chip 70 placed in the reading area by the dealer.

[0076] The table computer 151 reports to the chip management computer 100 the combination of the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 to be redeemed and the player ID of the player receiving the redemption. In response to this report, the chip management computer 100 updates the movement history in the chip management database 101 to indicate that the gaming chip 70 that was on the game table has moved to the player.

[0077] Also at the time of redemption, for the gaming chip 70 taken out from the chip tray, the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 to be redeemed may be specified by once having the dealer antenna read the RFID tag 71.

[0078] In addition, in the examples of FIGS. 6 to 10 described above, in each movement history of each gaming chip 70, not only the location information but also the staff ID of the staff involved in the movement at that location may be recorded. Also, in each movement history, statuses such as "valid", "invalid", "missing", "suspected", "non-redeemable", "unplayable", etc. may be recorded as the status information of the gaming chip 70. Further, whether it is valid or invalid may be indicated by a flag. Furthermore, in the examples of FIGS. 6 to 10 described above, each record of the movement history may also have information on the face value amount together with the chip ID of each gaming chip 70.

[0079] As described above, by reading the chip ID at each location, the movement history of each gaming chip 70 can be recorded in the chip management database 101. Thereby, the chip management computer 100 can realize various functions described below.

[0080] (Detection of time limit and different destination) In this function, the chip management computer 100 monitors the movement of the gaming chip 70 between the F / C bank room 13 and the game table and issues an alert if there is a problem. That is, when the chip management computer 100 receives a report from the F / C bank computer 131 that a certain gaming chip 70 has left the F / C bank room 13 with a game table as the destination, it starts timing. Then, if the chip management computer 100 does not receive a report from the table computer 151 of the destination game table that the gaming chip 70 has been received within a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes), it may issue an alert. This alert may be sent to the dealer of the corresponding game table, the pit manager who manages the corresponding game table, etc. At this time, the chip management computer 100 may update the status of the gaming chip 70 to "missing", "non-redeemable", "unplayable", etc. in the chip management database 101.

[0081] In addition, when the chip management computer 100 receives a report from the F / C bank computer 131 that it has specified a certain game table as the destination and has left the F / C bank room 13 for a gaming chip 70, and when it receives a report from the table computer 151 of a game table other than the game table specified as the destination that it has received the gaming chip 70, the chip management computer 100 may issue an alert. Also, in this case, the chip management computer 100 may update the status of the gaming chip 70 to "wrong destination", "non-cashable", "unplayable", etc. in the chip management database 101.

[0082] (Detection of Improper Movement) In this function, the chip management computer 100 refers to the chip management database 101 and issues an alert when there is an improper movement of the gaming chip 70. The movement of the gaming chip 70 is limited to the patterns shown in FIG. 5, and movements other than these are improper movements. Therefore, every time the chip management computer 100 updates the chip management database 101, it determines whether the movement related to the update is appropriate.

[0083] For example, when the cage 10 has the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the gaming chip 70 does not move directly from the bolt 11 to the cashier's room 14. Also, for example, a gaming chip 70 that has not moved from the cashier's room 14 to the player is not collected at the game table. If these movement histories are discovered, the chip management computer 100 determines that it is an improper movement. Also, when a gaming chip 70 that should be in the possession of a certain player is cashed by another player at the cashier, the possibility of money laundering is suspected. Thus, the chip management computer 100 detects an improper movement and issues an alert.

[0084] (Real-Time Total Player Chips) In this function, the chip management computer 100 refers to the chip management database 101 to extract only the gaming chips 70 held by any player in the latest information of the movement history, and calculates their total amount, thereby calculating how much total amount of gaming chips 70 all players hold at that time, that is, calculating the remaining debt of the casino at that time.

[0085] Also, the total amount of player chips may be calculated as the amount obtained by subtracting the total amount of all gaming chips in the cage 10 and the total amount of all gaming chips 70 on the game tables from the total amount of all gaming chips managed in the chip management database 101.

[0086] (Centralized Management of Fill / Credit) In this function, the chip management computer 100 refers to the chip management database 101 to extract the gaming chips 70 on each game table and detect the number of chips for each face value. And when there are gaming chips 70 with a face value for which the number is not sufficient, notifications may be issued to the F / C bank computer 131 in the F / C bank room 13 and the table computer 151 of the game table to replenish (fill) the gaming chips 70 with that face value. In this notification, the number of chips for each face value of the gaming chips 70 to be replenished, or the total amount for each face value of the gaming chips 70 to be replenished is specified.

[0087] Also, by referring to the chip management database 101, the chip management computer 100 extracts the gaming chips 70 on each game table and detects the total number of gaming chips 70 on that game table for each game table. Then, when the total number is equal to or more than a predetermined number close to the upper limit that can be accommodated on the game table, the F / C bank computer 131 in the F / C bank room 13 and the table computer 151 of the game table may be notified to collect (credit) the gaming chips 70 from the table. In this notification, the number of chips for each denomination of the gaming chips 70 to be replenished or the total amount for each denomination of the gaming chips 70 to be replenished is specified.

[0088] Also, regarding the movement of the gaming chips 70 within the cage 10, a notification may be issued in the same manner. For example, when the number of gaming chips 70 decreases at a window in the cashier's room 14, a notification prompting the replenishment of the gaming chips 70 to the cashier's room 14 may be issued to the cashier computer 141 and the main bank computer 121.

[0089] In the above description, a notification prompting movement is issued to both the destination and the source of the movement. Instead, a notification may be issued to only one of the destination and the source. At the location that receives the notification prompting movement, the staff instructs the computer at that location via the input device whether to accept the proposal for movement. If one of the locations of the destination and the source accepts the proposal, the computer at that location may notify the other location of the movement instruction.

[0090] (Movement management of multiple gaming chips) In the above description, a method of performing movement management by updating the movement history in the chip management database 101 for each gaming chip 70 has been described. However, when a plurality of gaming chips 70 move between locations, it may be managed whether those plurality of gaming chips 70 have moved without excess or deficiency.

[0091] Hereinafter, an example of the case (fill) where a plurality of gaming chips 70 are moved from the F / C bank room 13 to the game table will be described. When the gaming chips 70 are moved from the F / C bank room 13 to a predetermined game table, the F / C bank staff 33 uses the F / C bank chip reader 133 in the F / C bank room 13 to read the chip ID of the moving gaming chip 70. The F / C bank computer 131 reports the read chip ID to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 stores the chip IDs (source chip IDs) of the plurality of gaming chips 70 related to the fill, and refers to the chip management database 101 based on the report to obtain the face value amounts of those chip IDs, and grasps the total amount (source total amount) of the gaming chips 70 related to the fill. Thereby, the chip management computer 100 grasps the source chip ID, the total number of gaming chips 70 related to the fill (source total number), and the source total amount based on the information from the F / C bank computer 131.

[0092] When the gaming chips 70 are carried to the game table, the dealer reads the chip ID of the carried gaming chips 70 by the table chip reader of the game table, and the table computer 151 reports the read plurality of chip IDs to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 stores those plurality of chip IDs (destination chip IDs), and refers to the chip management database 101 based on the report to obtain the face value amounts of those chip IDs, and grasps the total amount (destination total amount) of the gaming chips 70 related to the fill. Thereby, the chip management computer 100 grasps the destination chip ID, the total number of gaming chips 70 related to the fill (destination total number), and the destination total amount based on the information from the table computer 151.

[0093] The chip management computer 100 compares the source chip ID with the destination chip ID to determine whether they exactly match. Also, the chip management computer 100 compares the source total amount with the destination total amount to determine whether they match. Furthermore, the chip management computer 100 compares the source total number of chips with the destination total number of chips to determine whether they match. If there is a mismatch in any of the above comparisons, the chip management computer 100 determines that the transfer was not accurately performed and issues an alert.

[0094] When moving a plurality of gaming chips 70 from the game table to the F / C bank room 13 (credit), the following steps are taken. When the gaming chips 70 are moved from the game table to the F / C bank room 13, the dealer uses the table chip reader 153 on the game table to read the chip ID of the gaming chips 70 to be moved. The table computer 151 reports the read chip ID to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 stores the chip IDs (source chip IDs) of the plurality of gaming chips 70 related to the credit, and based on the report, refers to the chip management database 101 to obtain the face value amounts of those chip IDs and grasp the total amount (source total amount) of the gaming chips 70 related to the credit. Thereby, the chip management computer 100 grasps the source chip ID, the total number of gaming chips 70 related to the credit (source total number of chips), and the source total amount based on the information from the table computer 151.

[0095] When the gaming chip 70 is transported to the F / C bank room 13, the F / C bank staff 33 reads the chip ID of the transported gaming chip 70 by the F / C bank chip reader 133, and the F / C bank computer 131 reports the read multiple chip IDs to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 stores those multiple chip IDs (destination chip IDs), refers to the chip management database 101 based on the report, obtains the face value amounts of those chip IDs, and grasps the total amount (destination total amount) of the gaming chips 70 related to credit. Thereby, the chip management computer 100 grasps the destination chip ID, the total number of gaming chips 70 related to credit (destination total number), and the destination total amount based on the information from the F / C bank computer 131.

[0096] The chip management computer 100 compares the source chip ID and the destination chip ID and determines whether they exactly match. Also, the chip management computer 100 compares the source total amount and the destination total amount and determines whether they match. Further, the chip management computer 100 compares the source total number and the destination total number and determines whether they match. If there is a mismatch in any of the above comparisons, the chip management computer 100 determines that the transfer was not accurately performed and issues an alert.

[0097] Note that in the above, all of the chip ID, the total amount, and the total number are compared, but it is also possible to determine whether the transfer was accurately performed by comparing only any one of them. Also, for the total amount and the total number, they may be calculated and compared for each face value amount of the gaming chip 70. For example, the source total amount and the destination total amount may be calculated as "600 dollars for 10 - dollar chips, 400 dollars for 100 - dollar chips".

[0098] Also, when a notification prompting a transfer is received from the chip management computer 100 to the destination or the source, it may be determined whether the transfer was accurately performed by performing at least one of a comparison between the notification and the total amount at the source, a comparison between the notification and the total amount at the destination, a comparison between the notification and the total number of chips at the source, and a comparison between the notification and the total number of chips at the destination.

[0099] (Management of chips by increasing the amount on the game table) When gaming chips 70 are transported from the F / C bank room 13 to the game table and the game table is replenished with the gaming chips 70 (fill), the chip ID of the gaming chips 70 being transported towards the game table is read by the F / C bank chip reader 133, and those chip IDs are reported from the F / C bank computer 131 to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 calculates the total amount (fill total amount) of the reported gaming chips 70 by referring to the chip management database 101.

[0100] The chip management computer 100 extracts the gaming chips 70 on the game table before the fill by referring to the chip management database 101 and calculates their total amount (existing total amount). Then, the chip management computer 100 calculates the theoretical total amount (theoretical post-fill total amount) of the gaming chips 70 on the game table after the fill by adding the fill total amount to the calculated existing total amount.

[0101] On the game table, when gaming chips 70 are transported from the F / C bank room 13, the chip ID of the transported gaming chips 70 is read by the table chip reader 153 of the game table and reported to the chip management computer 100 by the table computer 151. The chip management computer 100 refers to the chip management database 101 for the reported chip ID to obtain the face value amount and calculates the actual total amount (actual post-fill total amount) of the gaming chips 70 in the chip tray.

[0102] In addition, if a cabinet is provided on the game table, or the chip tray is double-layered, that is, if there is a place to store chips other than the chip tray on the game table, the table computer 151 calculates the total amount of the gaming chips 70 on the entire game table including such storage locations in the chip tray (however, excluding the gaming chips of the player placed in the bet area) as the total amount after actual filling.

[0103] The chip management computer 100 compares the total amount after theoretical filling and the total amount after actual filling, and issues an alert when the two do not match. With this configuration, it is possible to confirm whether the gaming chips 70 are correctly incremented on the game table by filling.

[0104] Also, in the F / C bank room 13, the chip IDs of all the gaming chips 70 going out of the F / C bank room 13 are grasped, and also on the game table, the chip IDs of all the gaming chips 70 moved from the F / C bank room 13 are detected. Therefore, when the total amount after theoretical filling and the total amount after actual filling do not match, the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 that caused the discrepancy can be grasped. The chip management computer 100 changes the status of the gaming chip 70 that caused the discrepancy to statuses such as "invalid", "non-cashable", "unplayable".

[0105] In the above, the total amount after theoretical filling and the total amount after actual filling are compared. However, in addition to or instead of the amount (total amount) of the gaming chips 70, the total number of theoretical gaming chips 70 after filling (total number after theoretical filling) on the game table and the total number of actual gaming chips 70 after filling (total number after actual filling) on the game table can be compared to determine whether the filling is completed without excess or deficiency.

[0106] (Management of Credit by Reducing the Amount on the Game Table) When gaming chips 70 that are in excess on the game table are transported from the game table to the F / C bank room 13 (credit), the table chip reader 153 reads the chip ID of the gaming chips 70 being transported towards the F / C bank room 13, and those chip IDs are reported from the table computer 151 to the chip management computer 100. The chip management computer 100 calculates the total amount (credit total amount) of the reported gaming chips 70 by referring to the chip management database 101.

[0107] The chip management computer 100 extracts the gaming chips 70 on the game table before the credit by referring to the chip management database 101 and calculates their total amount (existing total amount). Then, the chip management computer 100 subtracts the credit total amount from the calculated existing total amount to calculate the theoretically total amount of the gaming chips 70 on the game table after the credit (theoretical credit - after total amount).

[0108] On the game table, when the gaming chips 70 are being transported towards the F / C bank room 13, the chip tray chip reader 154 on the game table reads the chip ID of the gaming chips 70 stored on the game table and reports it to the chip management computer 100 by the table computer 151. The chip management computer 100 refers to the chip management database 101 for the reported chip ID to obtain the face value amount and calculates the actual total amount of the gaming chips 70 in the chip tray (actual credit - after total amount).

[0109] In addition, if a cabinet is provided on the game table, or if the chip tray is double - layered, that is, if there is a place to store chips other than the chip tray on the game table, the table computer 151 calculates the total amount of all the gaming chips 70 on the entire game table (including the storage place like this in addition to the chip tray, but not including the gaming chips of the players placed in the bet area) as the actual credit - after total amount.

[0110] The chip management computer 100 compares the total amount after theoretical credit and the total amount after actual credit, and issues an alert if the two do not match. With this configuration, it is possible to confirm whether the gaming chips 70 are correctly debited on the game table by credit.

[0111] Also, on the game table, the chip IDs of all the gaming chips 70 transported from the game table to the F / C bank room 13 are grasped, and also in the F / C bank room 13, the chip IDs of all the gaming chips 70 transferred from the game table are detected. Therefore, when the total amount after theoretical credit and the total amount after actual credit do not match, it is possible to grasp the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 that caused the discrepancy. The chip management computer 100 changes the status of the gaming chip 70 that caused the discrepancy to a status such as "invalid", "non-cashable", "unplayable".

[0112] In the above, the total amount after theoretical credit and the total amount after actual credit were compared. However, in addition to, or instead of, the amount (total amount) of the gaming chips 70, the number of pieces (total number of pieces) can be used to compare the total number of theoretical gaming chips 70 after credit (total number of pieces after theoretical credit) on the game table with the total number of actual gaming chips 70 after credit (total number of pieces after actual credit) on the game table, and it may be determined whether the credit is completed without excess or deficiency.

[0113] Also, in the above description, by reading the gaming chips 70 carried to the F / C bank room 13 with the table chip reader 153, the total credit amount is grasped, and the theoretical total amount after credit is calculated by subtracting the total credit amount from the existing total amount (the total amount of the gaming chips 70 on the game table before credit execution). Instead of this, the following method may be used. That is, when the chip management computer 100 issues a notice prompting credit to the game table, and if the game table performs credit in response to this notice, the total amount or total number of gaming chips 70 related to the credit (both may be specified for each face value amount) specified in this notice is used as the total credit amount, and the theoretical total amount after credit may be calculated by subtracting this total credit amount from the existing total amount. When the chip management computer 100 calculates the theoretical total credit amount, similar to the above, by comparing this theoretical total amount after credit with the actual total amount after credit (the actual total amount of the gaming chips 70 on the game table after credit), it is confirmed whether the specified amount or number of gaming chips 70 has left the game table for credit.

[0114] (Verification according to the staff's work shift) To prevent any unauthorized entry into the cage 10, the door is locked, and the staff can enter and exit by meeting the security conditions. Also, the same entry and exit security is implemented between the rooms inside the cage 10. The staff working inside the cage 10 is required to be authenticated when entering and leaving the rooms inside the gauge 10 or the holding rooms. When the chip management computer 100 performs authentication for the staff to exit, it verifies whether there has been any inappropriate movement of the gaming chips 70 since the staff entered the room. The chip management computer 100 is linked with the locking system and does not permit exit if there has been any inappropriate movement of the gaming chips 70.

[0115] Similarly, at the gaming table, when the dealer leaves the gaming table, after designating the end of work, the dealer makes the table card reader 152 read their ID card. At this time, the chip management computer 100 verifies whether there has been any inappropriate movement of the gaming chips 70 since the dealer arrived at the gaming table, and issues an alert if there has been an inappropriate movement. Also, when changing dealers, the chip management computer 100 verifies whether the gaming chips 70 that should be on the gaming table are indeed there, that is, whether the dealer leaving the table has taken out the gaming chips 70 from the gaming table, after the dealer leaves the table and before the next dealer takes their seat at the table, and issues an alert if there is a problem.

[0116] Note that at the gaming table, the gaming chips 70 may also be stored in places other than the chip tray. For example, the chip tray may be double-decked, and the replenishment gaming chips 70 may be stored in the lower chip tray, or the replenishment gaming chips 70 may be stored in the cabinet provided in the gaming table. In these cases, it is desirable that the gaming table is also equipped with an antenna for reading the RFID tags 71 of the gaming chips 70 stored in this way, and the table computer 151 can always read the RFID tags 71 of all the gaming chips 70 on the gaming table.

[0117] (Monitoring of Improper Purchases / Exchanges by Players) In this function, the chip management computer 100 verifies the purchase and redemption history of gaming chips for each player and issues an alert if there are suspicious movements. For example, if there are purchases of gaming chips 70 above a certain amount and redemptions of gaming chips 70 above a certain amount within a predetermined time, an alert is issued considering such actions as suspicious. Also, if a gaming chip 70 is about to be redeemed without being used on the game table after being purchased, and the amount is above a certain amount, an alert is issued considering such actions as suspicious. Alternatively, for a player who has purchased gaming chips 70 above a certain amount within a predetermined time, an alert is issued considering such actions as suspicious.

[0118] (Activation / Deactivation in the Cage) The gaming chip 70 may be activated within the cage 10. This ensures security as even if the gaming chip 70 is stolen between the time it is manufactured and the time it is transported into the cage 10, such a gaming chip 70 is not activated and thus cannot be used. For this purpose, the chip management database 101 has a table storing the chip IDs of valid gaming chips 70, and the chip management computer 100 refers to the table to verify whether the chip ID is valid each time the chip ID of the gaming chip 70 is read by a cashier or a chip reader on the game table.

[0119] Also, when disposing of the gaming chip 70, the gaming chip 70 is taken out of the cage 10 after performing the deactivation process within the cage 10. This ensures security as even if the gaming chip 70 taken out of the cage 10 for disposal is stolen, such a gaming chip 70 cannot be used by the cashier or the table.

[0120] (Unregistered Players) Even unregistered players can purchase gaming chips 70 and use them to play games on the game table. For unregistered players, a common anonymous player ID is used. This allows the trace of the gaming chip 70 to be maintained without interruption as it moves from location to location between leaving and returning to the cage 10, even if it moves to an unregistered player.

[0121] (Others) A display device may be provided at the cashier's window to display the total amount and the verification result of the validity of the gaming chips 70. The cashier staff places the gaming chips 70 to be passed to the player or received from the player on the cashier chip reader 143. The cashier chip reader 143 reads the face value and status stored in the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chips 70 (usually multiple). The cashier computer 141 displays the total value obtained by summing up the face values read by the cashier chip reader 143 on the display device. In addition to the total amount, the number of gaming chips 70 of each face value may also be displayed.

[0122] Also, if there is a gaming chip 70 with an invalid status among the read RFID tags 71, the cashier computer 141 displays an error on the display device. If the status of all gaming chips 70 is valid, it displays a pass indication on the display device or does not display anything. Also, in addition to the status, it may display whether there has been no inappropriate movement history up to that point. This allows the gaming chips passed to or received from the player to be valid and for the transfer of the gaming chips 70 to be carried out after reaching an agreement on the total amount between the cashier staff and the player.

[0123] In the above embodiment, when the RFID tag 71 of the gaming chip 70 is read by the chip reader at each location, the chip management computer 100 may verify whether the read chip ID is the chip ID of a valid chip, confirm the validity of the chip ID, and issue an alert when there is a problem. For this purpose, a table of valid chip IDs is recorded in the chip management database 101, and the chip management computer 100 refers to this table to verify whether the chip ID read at each location is valid. Note that the chip ID may be encrypted.

[0124] In the above embodiment, in addition to or instead of issuing an alert, the chip management computer 100 may also set a flag indicating an abnormality in the corresponding player, gaming chip 70, or movement history record and record the time.

[0125] Also, the configuration of the rooms in the cage 10 is not limited to that described above, and the number of rooms and the arrangement of the rooms may be arbitrary. Also, the game table may be a table for playing baccarat, blackjack, or other card games, and in addition to the game table, locations for playing other games such as roulette may also be included.

[0126] Each of the above computers includes a processor and a memory, and the processor executes a computer program stored in the memory to perform the above operations. The program may be provided to the computer by a non-transitory storage medium or may be provided to the computer in a downloadable format. Also, the communication between the computers may be wired or wireless. Also, in the above embodiment, each card reader reads an ID card to identify staff and players at each location, but instead of the ID card, biometric authentication such as fingerprint, face image, iris, voiceprint, etc. may be used to identify staff and players.

[0127] In the above-described embodiment, as an example of a location, each room in the cage 10 and the game table were taken as examples to explain the management of the movement of the gaming chips 70 between locations. However, the examples of locations are not limited to this. For example, in a game table, a chip tray where a dealer stores collected chips and dispenses repayment chips, a cabinet for storing gaming chips on the table, and each of the upper and lower chip trays when the chip tray is composed of two tiers can each be a location in the above-described embodiment, and the movement of the gaming chips 70 between each location can be managed in the same manner as above.

[0128] For example, when the chip ID, total amount, and / or total number of gaming chips 70 taken out from a cabinet of a certain game table are grasped, and if the chip ID, total amount, and / or total number do not move to a chip tray of the same game table within a predetermined time, an alert may be issued. Also, for example, in a certain double chip tray, it may be possible to confirm that the gaming chips 70 taken out from the lower chip tray have moved to the upper chip tray, or that the gaming chips 70 taken out from the upper chip tray have moved to the lower chip tray.

[0129] Also, when filling, the gaming chips 70 carried from the F / C bank room 13 to the game table are read using the dealer antenna 513, the bet area antenna 515, or the tray antenna 514. The chip tray is provided with a button so that the start and end of the filling operation can be recognized. By comparing the gaming chips 70 in the chip tray before filling with the gaming chips 70 in the chip tray after filling, the gaming chips 70 increased by filling are recognized as the filled gaming chips 70.

[0130] When conducting credit, the gaming chips 70 to be transported to the F / C bank room 13 are read by the dealer antenna 513, the bet area antenna 515, or the chip tray antenna 514. The chip tray is equipped with buttons so that the start and end of credit operations can be recognized. The gaming chips 70 in the chip tray before credit are compared with the gaming chips 70 of the credit statement, and the gaming chips 70 reduced by the credit are recognized as the gaming chips 70 to be credited.

[0131] The chip management computer 100 may be able to output the chip inventory (chip ID) at each location (such as the cage, chip tray, etc.). The chip management computer 100 may also be able to output the inventory at a specified past time point.

[0132] Also, an alert may be issued when a suspicious gaming chip (a gaming chip with a flag set) attempts to be redeemed by a cashier.

[0133] The chip management database 101 may also be able to store the redemption history of each player. The chip management computer 100 may also be able to output the chip ID that a player should possess.

[0134] Information such as chip set, casino information, location information, and redeemability may be written on the RFID tag 71. Alternatively, that information may be associated with the chip ID and stored in the chip management database 101. The chip management computer 100 or the computer at each location may, when the RFID tag 71 is read at a certain location, perform an inspection based on that information to determine whether the gaming chips 70 at that location are the correct ones.

[0135] Also, a set (chipset) of gaming chips 70 available for each area and the types of gaming chips may be set. For example, when an RFID tag 71 is read on a certain game table, the table computer 151 or the chip management computer 100 checks whether it is the chipset to be used on that game table.

[0136] A flag may be set in association with the chip ID for the gaming chip 70 after a certain number of years have passed since the start of use. For the gaming chip 70 after a certain number of years have passed since the start of use, the location can be specified and it can be recovered. When a player holds a gaming chip 70 after a certain number of years have passed since the start of use, a signal is output when the chip ID is detected by the cashier or at the game table.

[0137] When a player who may have a stolen gaming chip 70 arrives at the table, the table computer 151 or the chip management computer may issue a warning to the staff (monitor). The cashier computer 141 or the chip management computer 100 detects chips that are purchased but not played and are cashed in to prevent money laundering.

[0138] At the cashier, when cashing in or purchasing chips for an amount equal to or greater than the threshold, the player's photo is associated with the chip ID. Also, a unique ID is assigned to anonymous players (players without a membership card) to trace the chips. For anonymous players, their face is photographed at the time of chip purchase, the player ID is linked to the face image and registered in the chip management database 101, and at each subsequent location (table, cashier, etc.), the player ID may be identified by face recognition. The chip management computer 100 may invalidate the status of all chips associated with players on the blacklist.

[0139] When a player without a membership card bets gaming chips 70 on a game table, the chip management computer 100 records the play in the chip management database 101 by associating it with a unique ID issued on the spot and / or a player ID associated with the gaming chips 70. At this time, a face image or an ID based on face recognition may be associated with the play. Also, when a membership card is recognized later, the play record may be retrospectively associated with the membership card ID and recorded.

Explanation of Signs

[0140] 1 Casino Hall 10 Cage 11 Bolt 12 Main Bank Room 13 F / C Bank Room 14 Cashier Room 21~28 Gate 31~36 Staff 42~45 Game Table 52~55 Dealer 61~69 Player 70 Gaming Chip 71 RFID Tag 1000 Chip Management System 501 Cage System 502 Table System 100 Chip Management Computer 101 Chip Management Database 111 Bolt Computer 112 Bolt Card Reader 113 Bolt Chip Reader 121 Main Bank Computer 122 Main Bank Card Reader 123 Main Bank Chip Reader 131 F / C Bank Computer 132 F / C Bank Card Reader 133 F / C Bank Chip Reader 141 Cashier Computer 142 Cashier card reader 143 Cashier chip reader 151 Table computer 152 Table card reader 153 Table chip reader 154 Chip tray reader 155 Bet area chip reader

Claims

1. A movement management system for managing the movement of gaming chips in a casino hall, comprising: a storage device that stores the status information of the gaming chips in a changeable manner; a management device that manages the movement of the gaming chips from the source to the destination; a source reader that reads the gaming chip at the source and issues a report to the management device when the gaming chip starts to move; a destination reader that reads the gaming chip at the destination and issues a receipt report to the management device when the movement of the gaming chip ends; wherein the management device starts timing in response to receiving the issue report from the source reader, and if the receipt report is not received from the destination reader before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the timing, the management device changes the status information of the gaming chip related to the movement stored in the storage device, thereby making the gaming chip related to the movement unusable. A movement management system.

2. The movement management system according to claim 1, wherein the management device further issues an alert if the receipt report is not received from the destination reader before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the timing.

3. The gaming chip comprises an RFID tag storing a chip ID; the storage device stores the status information for each chip ID; the source reader and the destination reader read the chip ID stored in the RFID tag of the gaming chip; the management device manages the elapse of the predetermined time from the start of the timing for each chip ID. The movement management system according to claim 1.

4. Location information is assigned to the source reader and the destination reader. The management device acquires, from the source reading device, the location information of the source reading device together with the chip ID of the gaming chip related to the movement, associates the chip ID with the location information, and stores the association in the storage device. Further, the management device acquires, from the destination reading device, the location information of the destination reading device together with the chip ID of the gaming chip related to the movement, associates the chip ID with the location information, and stores the association in the storage device. The movement management system according to claim 3.

5. The management device ends the timekeeping in response to receiving the receipt report. The movement management system according to claim 1.

6. The source is a cage for storing the gaming chip. The movement management system according to claim 1.

7. The destination is a game table where a game using the gaming chip is played. The movement management system according to claim 1.

8. The source is a game table where a game using the gaming chip is played. The movement management system according to claim 1.

9. The destination is a cage for storing the gaming chip. The movement management system according to claim 1.

Images