Gaming tokens, gaming token manufacturing method, and inspection system

Abstract

To provide a play token having a laminate structure with an embedding part visible from the front face or side face.SOLUTION: A play token (10) is provided with a plurality of plastic layers laminated by thermocompression bonding and a colored layer (12) at least therebetween, and configured so that light-colored layers (11) are laminated on both sides of the colored layer (12), a stripe pattern is formed on the side face in the direction of lamination, and the colored layer (12) specifies the value of the play token (10). The plurality of plastic layers except the outermost layers contain an RFID (16), and a type part (13) indicating the play token (10) type is embedded in at least one of the light-colored layers (11). The play token (10) is shaped such that the type part (13) is visible from the side face and front face. The RFID (16) is provided with information relating to the play token (10) value and type, the latter being held by the type part (13).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of patent application number 2017-144920, filed in Japan on July 26, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Technical Field]

[0002] The present invention relates to gaming tokens used in games at gaming parlors, a manufacturing method thereof, and a gaming token inspection system. [Background technology]

[0003] Conventionally, gaming tokens have been known that have a plurality of embedded portions spaced apart in the circumferential direction around the periphery. Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a conventional gaming token. In this gaming token 190, the embedded portion 191 and the other portions are made of materials of different colors. Therefore, the embedded portions are visible on the surface and side of the gaming token.

[0004] Conventional gaming tokens are manufactured by injection molding, and a material of a different color is injected into the embedded portion from that of the other portions. This results in a gaming token in which the color of the embedded portion 191 changes from that of the other portions along the circumferential direction on the side. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present applicant has proposed a method for manufacturing gaming tokens with a multilayer structure by stacking and thermocompressing a plurality of sheet-like members to form a multilayer laminate, and then punching out the multilayer laminate (for example, International Application No. PCT / JP2016 / 072673). By making the plurality of sheet-like members in such a multilayer laminate different colors from one another, the gaming token obtained by punching out can be seen from the side of the gaming token, with multiple layers of different colors.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming token having a laminated structure with embedded portions that are visible from the surface and sides, and a method for manufacturing the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007]

[0010] In one aspect of the present invention, a gaming token is formed by laminating multiple plastic layers by thermocompression, with at least a colored layer in the middle, with light-colored layers laminated on both sides of the colored layer to form a striped pattern on the side in the stacking direction, with the colored layers being able to identify the value of the gaming token, with RFID tags embedded in layers other than the outermost layer of the multiple plastic layers, with type parts indicating the type of gaming token embedded in at least one of the light-colored layers so that the type parts can be recognized from the side and the surface, and the RFID tags have information related to the value of the gaming token and the type information of the gaming token held by the type parts. With this configuration, a gaming token having a laminated structure in which multiple plastic layers are laminated can have embedded parts that are visible from the surface and the side.

[0008] In the above gaming token, the color of the type parts may be different from the color of the colored layer.

[0009] In the above gaming token, the color of the type parts may be the same as the color of the colored layer.

[0010] In the above gaming token, the type parts may include a plurality of colors different from each other.

[0011] In the above gaming token, the type part may indicate whether the type of gaming token is for VIP or for mass play.

[0012] In the gaming tokens described above, the type parts may indicate the type of gaming token, whether it is a cash chip, a rolling chip, or a promotional chip.

[0013] In the gaming token described above, a plurality of the type parts may be arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the gaming token. With this configuration, the type parts can be seen from the side regardless of the angle in the circumferential direction of the gaming token.

[0014] A method for manufacturing gaming tokens according to one aspect of the present invention includes the steps of preparing a plurality of plastic layers including a colored layer and a light-colored layer, embedding type parts representing the type of gaming token in the light-colored layer to form a type part-containing layer, arranging a colored layer at least in the middle, laminating type part-containing layers on both sides of the colored layer, and further arranging an RFID tag between the plurality of plastic layers and bonding the layers together by thermocompression to form a multilayer laminate, and punching out individual gaming tokens from the multilayer laminate, wherein the punching step involves punching the multilayer laminate so that a punching line for punching the gaming tokens from the multilayer laminate crosses the type parts, and punching the multilayer laminate so that the type parts are recognizable from the sides and front of the punched gaming token. With this configuration, the type parts are exposed on the cut surfaces obtained by punching, resulting in a gaming token whose type parts are visible not only from the front but also from the sides.

[0015] In the manufacturing method described above, in the step of forming the type part-containing layer, a plurality of the type parts may be embedded at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the gaming token to be punched. With this configuration, the type parts can be seen from the side regardless of the angle in the circumferential direction of the gaming token.

[0016] The manufacturing method may further include a database creation step of associating the value information of the gaming token and the type information of the gaming token held by the type part with the RFID information. With this configuration, the value information and type information of the gaming token associated with the RFID information can be identified by referring to the database.

[0017] The gaming token of one aspect of the present invention has a display on its surface that indicates the value of the gaming token, has a colored layer at least in the middle to form a striped pattern in the stacking direction on the side, has a configuration in which the value of the gaming token can be identified by the colored layer, and has type parts formed in a color different from the colored layer and embedded in positions that can be recognized from the side and the surface, the type parts indicating the type other than the value of the gaming token. With this configuration, the type parts can be recognized on both the side and the surface, and the type of gaming token can be identified.

[0018] The gaming token may have an RFID tag built in, and the RFID tag may include information related to the value of the gaming token and the type of gaming token held by the type part. With this configuration, the information related to the value and type can be obtained by reading the RFID tag.

[0019] In the gaming token described above, the colored layer and type part may be recognized from the outside by a camera, and the value and type of the gaming token obtained from the camera may be collated with information obtained from the RFID to enable inspection. With this configuration, the gaming token can be inspected by utilizing a combination of the value and type and the RFID.

[0020] In the gaming token described above, a plurality of the type parts may be arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction of the gaming token. With this configuration, the type parts can be seen from the side regardless of the angle in the circumferential direction of the gaming token.

[0021] One embodiment of the gaming token of the present invention is a gaming token formed by laminating multiple layers including a surface layer having a visible surface and an intermediate layer located inside the surface layer, wherein a notch is formed on the outer edge of the surface layer and a type part representing the type of gaming token is embedded in the notch, and the surface layer and the type part are visible on the surface of the gaming token, and the surface layer, the type part and the intermediate layer are visible on the side of the gaming token.

[0022] A method for manufacturing gaming tokens according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of preparing a sheet-like surface layer having missing portions, fitting type parts into the missing portions to form a type part-containing layer, thermocompressing multiple layers including the type part-containing layer and a sheet-like intermediate layer to form a multilayer laminate, and punching out the multilayer laminate so that punching lines cross the type parts to obtain gaming tokens.

[0023] An inspection system according to one embodiment of the present invention is an inspection system for inspecting the gaming tokens described above, and includes a camera that photographs the surface of the gaming token to generate a surface image, a camera that photographs the side of the gaming token to generate a side image, and an inspection device that identifies the color of the type part from the surface image and identifies the color of the type part from the side image. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a game token according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a method for producing game tokens according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a sheet-like member that serves as a surface layer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a sheet-like member for manufacturing various parts according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing various parts obtained by punching out from a sheet-like member according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a sheet-like member into which various parts are fitted according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating lamination of a plurality of sheet members according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a plan view of the punched multilayer laminate according to the embodiment of the present invention and the game token obtained by punching. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of installation of cameras according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of installation of a camera and an RF reader according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a sheet-like member into which various parts are fitted according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a sheet-like member into which various parts are fitted according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view of a sheet-like member for producing various parts according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing various parts obtained by punching out from a sheet-like member according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a plan view of a sheet-like member into which various parts members according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention are fitted. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a game token in which type parts are embedded according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a plan view of a sheet-like member into which various parts members are fitted according to a modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a conventional game token. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a modified game token in which type parts are embedded. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a modified game token in which type parts are embedded. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a modified game token in which type parts are embedded. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a modified game token in which type parts are embedded. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a modified game token in which type parts are embedded. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a modified game token in which type parts are embedded. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a modified game token in which type parts are embedded. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a modified game token in which type parts are embedded. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a modified game token in which type parts are embedded. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a modified game token in which type parts are embedded. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a modified game token in which type parts are embedded. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming token according to an embodiment of the present invention. The gaming token 10 according to this embodiment is manufactured by stacking a plurality of plastic sheet-like members, thermocompressing them, and then punching them into a circle. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the gaming token 10 has a laminated structure in which a plurality of layers are stacked in the thickness direction. The laminated structure of the stacked plurality of sheet-like members is exposed on the side of the gaming token 10, and a striped pattern is formed in the stacking direction.

[0026] The gaming token 10 has a colored layer 12 as an intermediate layer, and light-colored layers 11 as surface layers laminated on both sides of the colored layer 12. The surface of the light-colored layer 11 is visible from the outside. The color of the colored layer 12 corresponds to the value of the gaming token 10 (20 dollars, 100 dollars, 1000 dollars, etc.). In other words, the gaming token 10 has a colored layer 12 of a different color depending on its value. The color of the light-colored layer 11 is lighter than the color of any of the colored layers 12 and is a color common to multiple types of value. The light-colored layer 11 is typically white. Therefore, the value of the gaming token 10 can be identified by observing the side from the color of the colored layer 12.

[0027] The surface of the light-colored layer 11 is printed as described below, and a transparent layer is provided on top of that. Therefore, the printing on the surface of the light-colored layer 11 can be seen through the transparent layer. Notches 11a are formed on the outer edge of the light-colored layer 11. Type parts 13 are embedded in the notches 11a of the light-colored layer 11. A plurality of type parts 13 are arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction (rotational direction) on the outer edge of the gaming token 10; in the example of FIG. 1, four type parts 13 are arranged at 90-degree angular intervals.

[0028] The gaming token 10 is provided with value information, identification information, and type information. Here, the value information is information that indicates the value of the gaming token 10 (10 dollars, 20 dollars, 100 dollars, 1000 dollars, etc.), the identification information is unique information that can uniquely identify each gaming token 10, and the type information is information that indicates the type other than the value of each gaming token 10. The type information may be, for example, information that distinguishes between rolling chips and cash chips, junket information that differs for each junket and is used to identify the junket, or casino information that differs for each casino and is used to identify the casino.

[0029] The value information, identification information, and type information are visible on the surface of the gaming token 10. Specifically, the value information is written as numbers 17 on the surface of the gaming token 10. The identification information is coded and written as marks 14, 15 on the surface of the gaming token 10. Furthermore, the type parts 13 are colored according to the type, and the type information is expressed by the color of the type parts 13. The color of the type parts 13 is different from any color of the colored layer 12. Therefore, the type of the gaming token 10 can be identified by the color of the type parts 13.

[0030] Moreover, the value information and type information are visible on the side of the gaming token 19. Specifically, the value information is expressed by the color of the colored layer 12 observed on the side of the gaming token 10. Moreover, the type parts 13, which represent type information by color, are also visible on the side.

[0031] Furthermore, the identification information is stored in an RFID chip (hereinafter simply referred to as "RFID") 16 built into the gaming token 10. Therefore, the identification information stored in the RFID 16 can be read by reading the gaming token 10 with an RF reader.

[0032] In this way, the value information and identification information are each given to the gaming token 10 in multiple formats, but the multiple pieces of value information and identification information given to genuine gaming tokens are all consistent. Furthermore, the correspondence between the identification information and the value information and type information is stored in a database, and when identification information is identified from the marks 14, 15 or RFID 16, the value information and type information corresponding to the identification information can be identified by referring to the database.

[0033] Next, a manufacturing method of the gaming token 10 will be described. Fig. 2 is a flow diagram of the manufacturing method of the gaming token 10. First, numbers 17, marks 14, 15 and other patterns representing value information are printed on a plastic sheet-like member 110 constituting the light-colored layer 11 that becomes the surface layer (step S21). As will be described later, the gaming token 10 is manufactured by punching out a sheet-like member, and multiple gaming tokens 10 are obtained from one sheet-like member, so corresponding to this, printing corresponding to the gaming tokens 10 is performed within multiple planned punching areas 111 of the sheet-like member 110 that becomes the surface layer.

[0034] Next, in order to form missing portions 112 into which the type part members 131 are fitted in the sheet-like member 110 that will become the surface layer, the sheet-like member 110 that will become the surface layer is punched into a shape corresponding to the shape of the type part member 131 (step S22). FIG. 3 is a plan view of the sheet-like member 110 that will become the surface layer. As shown in FIG. 3, the sheet-like member 110 is provided with a plurality of planned punching areas 111, and although not shown in FIG. 3, printing corresponding to the gaming token 10 is performed within these areas. The missing portions 112 are formed so as to straddle the inside and outside of each planned punching area 111 and intersect with the outer edge of the planned punching area 111. In this embodiment, since the type parts 13 are embedded at equal angular intervals of 90 degrees as described above, four missing portions 112 are also formed at equal angular intervals of 90 degrees along the periphery of the outer edge of the planned punching area 111.

[0035] Meanwhile, type part members 131 to be fitted into missing portions 112 are also produced by punching them out of a plastic sheet-like member 130. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the sheet-like member 130 used to produce type part members 131. This sheet-like member 130 has the same thickness as the sheet-like member 110 that will become the surface layer, and has a different color from the sheet-like member 110. As shown in FIG. 4, type part members 131 having a shape corresponding to missing portions 112 are punched out of the sheet-like member 130.

[0036] Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a variety of parts 131 obtained by punching out from the sheet-like member 130. As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the missing portion 112 and the variety of parts 131 fitted therein are roughly rectangular with both ends rounded in the longitudinal direction, and have shapes that are symmetrical in the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0037] Next, the type part members 131 obtained by punching out from the sheet-like member 130 are fitted into the missing portions 112 of the sheet-like member 110 that will become the surface layer (step S23). Fig. 6 is a plan view of the sheet-like member 110 with the type part members 131 fitted in. Note that the type part members 131 are pressure-bonded to the sheet-like member 110 and the sheet-like member 120 that will become the colored layer 12 in a thermocompression bonding process that will be described later, so there is no need to adhere the sheet-like member 110 and the type part members 131 when fitting them in.

[0038] Next, a plurality of sheet-like members including the sheet-like members 110 and 120 into which the above-described type part members 131 are fitted are stacked (step S24). Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating the stacking of a plurality of sheet members. In this embodiment, the colored layer 12 is formed of two sheet members 120. Between the two sheet members 120 that form the colored layer 12, an RFID 16 is placed in the center of the intended punching area 111.

[0039] On both outer sides of the two sheet members 120 sandwiching the RFID 16 therebetween, sheet members 110 (type part-containing layers) with type part members 131 fitted in missing portions 112 are laminated with the printed layers 113 facing outward. Furthermore, a transparent layer 170 serving as a protective layer is laminated on the outer side of each of the two type part-containing layers. Note that although there is a gap between each layer in FIG. 7, in the lamination process (step S24), multiple layers are laminated together without any gaps.

[0040] In this state, the plurality of sheet members are laminated together and then subjected to thermocompression bonding (step S25). This thermocompression bonding bonds adjacent layers together, thereby forming the multilayer laminated plate 100 as a whole. The RFID 16 is embedded between the two sheet members 120 as the sheet members 120 are deformed by heat.

[0041] Next, gaming tokens 10 are punched out from the multilayer laminate 100 (step S26). Fig. 8 is a plan view of the multilayer laminate 100 after punching and the gaming tokens 10 obtained by punching. As described above, the type part members 131 are arranged so as to intersect with the outer edge of the planned punching range 111 of each gaming token 10, so that the outer edge (punching line) of the planned punching range 111 crosses the type part members 131, and the type part members 131 are cut.

[0042] As a result, the missing portions 112 become cutouts 11a, and the cut type parts 13 are embedded in the cutouts 11a to obtain the gaming token 10 as shown in Fig. 1, with the cut surfaces of the type parts 13 exposed on the side surfaces of the light-colored layer 11. Thus, the type parts 13 are visible from both the front and side surfaces. In this way, the type parts 13 embedded in the cutouts 11a formed on the outer edge of the light-colored layer 11, which is the surface layer, cause a color change in the circumferential direction when the light-colored layer 11 of the gaming token 10 is observed from the side.

[0043] It should be noted that printing on the surface layer may be performed after punching out the gaming token 10. In this case, a transparent paint may be applied to the printed layer as a protective layer after printing.

[0044] Next, an inspection system for inspecting the gaming tokens 10 manufactured as described above will be described. Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the inspection system of this embodiment. The inspection system 50 includes the gaming tokens 10, a camera 51, a camera 52, and an RF reader 53.

[0045] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of installation of the camera 51, and Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of installation of the camera 52 and RF reader 53. As shown in Fig. 10, the camera 51 is installed above the table Tb. The camera 51 is equipped with an optical system 511 configured and arranged to photograph the surface of the gaming token 10 placed on the table Tb. The camera 51 photographs the surface of the gaming token 10 using the optical system 511 to generate an image (surface image).

[0046] Furthermore, the camera 52 is installed above the chip tray Tr, as shown in FIG. 11. The camera 52 includes an optical system 521 configured and arranged to capture an image of the side of the gaming token 10. The camera 52 captures an image of the side of the gaming token 10 using the optical system 521 to generate an image (side image). Furthermore, the RF reader 53 includes an antenna 531 configured and arranged to transmit radio waves to the RFID 16 of the gaming token 10 and receive radio waves from the RFID 16. As shown in FIG. 11, the RF reader 53 uses the antenna 531 to read information stored in the RFID 16 of the gaming token 10 accommodated in the chip tray Tr.

[0047] The inspection system 50 further includes a recording device 54, an inspection device 55, a database 56, and an output device 57. The recording device 54 records the surface image obtained by the camera 51, the side image obtained by the camera 52, and information read by the RF reader 53. The inspection device 55 performs inspection based on the images and information recorded in the recording device 54.

[0048] As described above, on the surface of the gaming token 10, value information is represented by the numeral 17 in the center, identification information is represented by the marks 14 and 15, and type information is represented by the color of the type part 13. The inspection device 55 recognizes each of the value information, identification information, and type information by performing image recognition processing on the surface image. Note that a neural network may be used for this image recognition processing.

[0049] Furthermore, on the side of the gaming token 10, value information is represented by the color of the intermediate layer (colored layer 12), and type information is represented by the color of the type part 13. The inspection device 55 recognizes the value information and type information by performing image recognition processing on the side image. Note that a neural network may be used for this image recognition processing.

[0050] The database 56 stores value information and type information in association with the identification information. When the inspection device 55 identifies identification information based on the marks 14 and 15 from the surface image captured by the camera 51, it refers to the database 56 to identify the value information and type information stored in association with the identification information. The inspection device 55 compares the value information and type information thus identified with the value information and type information identified from the surface image captured by the camera 51 based on the numbers and the colors of the type parts 13 to determine whether they match, i.e., to determine the authenticity of the gaming token 10. If the two do not match, i.e., if the gaming token 10 is counterfeit, the output device 57 outputs an alarm. The output device 57 may be a buzzer, lamp, or the like that outputs an alarm.

[0051] On the other hand, when the RF reader 53 reads the identification information stored in the RFID 16, the inspection device 55 refers to the database 56 to identify the value information and type information stored in association with the identification information. The inspection device 55 compares the value information and type information identified in this way with the value information and type information identified based on the color of the colored layer 12 and the color of the type part 13 from the side image of the camera 52 to determine whether they match, i.e., to determine the authenticity of the gaming token 10. If the two do not match, i.e., if the gaming token 10 is counterfeit, the output device 57 outputs an alarm.

[0052] As described above, according to this embodiment, a portion (the portion of the type part 13) that can be seen from both the front and side of the laminated gaming token 10 is formed in a portion of the circumferential direction. The color of this portion can represent type information, for example. Since this type information can be seen from both the front and side, it can be recognized by a camera that photographs the front, such as camera 51, or by a camera that photographs the side, such as camera 52.

[0053] A modified example of the manufacturing method of the gaming token 10 of the above embodiment will be described below. FIG. 12 is a plan view of the sheet-shaped member 110 into which a type part member 1311 of the modified example is fitted, and is a view corresponding to FIG. 6. In this example, one type part member 1311 is used in common for adjacent gaming tokens 10. That is, one end portion of the type part member 1311 becomes the type part 13 of one gaming token 10 by punching, and the other end portion becomes the type part 13 of the gaming token 10 adjacent to the one gaming token 10 by punching. According to this modified example, the number of type part members fitted into the sheet-shaped member 110 can be reduced, which is advantageous for reducing manufacturing costs.

[0054] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a sheet-shaped member 110 into which a modified type part member 1312 is fitted, and corresponds to FIG. 6. In this example, type part members 1311 arranged vertically are connected to each other to form a single type part member 1312. FIG. 14 is a plan view of a sheet-shaped member 130 used to produce the type part 1312, and corresponds to FIG. 4. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a type part member 1312 obtained by punching out from the sheet-shaped member 130. By connecting multiple type part members 1311 in this way, the number of type part members fitted into the sheet-shaped member 110 can be reduced, which is advantageous in reducing manufacturing costs.

[0055] 16 is a plan view of a sheet-shaped member 110 into which a modified type part member 1313 is fitted, and corresponds to FIG. 6. In this example, type part members 1311 arranged vertically and horizontally are connected to each other to form one type part member 1313. In other words, all type part members 1311 except for type part members 131 fitted to the periphery of the sheet-shaped member 110 are connected to form the type part member 1313. This example allows the number of type part members to be further reduced, which is further advantageous in reducing manufacturing costs.

[0056] Next, modified examples of the type parts will be described. Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the gaming token 10 in which a modified type part 13' is embedded. The type part 13' is made up of a central part 138 and side parts 139 that sandwich the central part 138. The type part 13' of this modified example can express two pieces of information by making the central part 138 and the side parts 139 different in color. For example, one piece of type information (e.g., casino information) can be expressed with the color of the central part 138, and another piece of type information (e.g., junket information) can be expressed with the color of the side part 139.

[0057] FIG. 18 is a plan view of the sheet-like member 110 into which the various parts member 131′ is fitted. 6. One central part member 1381 and two side part members 1391 are fitted into each missing portion 112 of the sheet-shaped member 110. The central part member 138 and the side part members 1391 are produced by punching out from a sheet-shaped member of the same thickness as the sheet-shaped member 110 but of a different color.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the RFID 16 is inserted between the two sheet-like members 120 that constitute the colored layer 12, but the RFID 16 may be embedded in the gaming token 10, and may be disposed, for example, between the light-colored layer 11 and the colored layer 12. In this case, the colored layer 12 may be formed of a single sheet-like member 120. Furthermore, the number of layers that constitute the gaming token 10 may be more or less than that in the above embodiment.

[0059] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the intermediate layer is the colored layer 12 and the surface layer is the light-colored layer 11, but conversely, the intermediate layer may be the light-colored layer 11 and the surface layer may be the colored layer 12. In this case, notches are formed in the colored layer 12 and the type parts 13 are embedded therein. In the above embodiment, a transparent protective layer is provided on the outside of the light-colored layer 11, which is the surface layer, and it is this protective layer that actually constitutes the surface of the gaming token 10. However, since the surface (printing on) the light-colored layer 11 can be seen by observing the surface, in this application, a layer having such a surface that can be seen from the surface side of the gaming token 10 is referred to as the surface layer. The surface layer may be the outermost layer.

[0060] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the type part member 131 is fitted into the missing portion 112 of the sheet-shaped member 110 and then superimposed on another sheet-shaped member, but instead, the sheet-shaped member 110 on which the missing portion 112 has been formed may be superimposed on another sheet-shaped member, and then the type part member 131 may be fitted into the missing portion 112.

[0061] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the type parts 13 are embedded in both the front and back surface layers of the gaming token 10, but the type parts 13 may be embedded in only one of the surface layers. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, four type parts are embedded at 90-degree intervals in one surface layer, but the number of type parts 13 may be more or less than this. If there are two or more type parts 13 at equal angular intervals, as shown in FIG. 11 , when the gaming token 10 is placed in the chip tray Tr with more than half exposed, at least one type part 13 can be observed by the camera 52 regardless of the circumferential orientation of the gaming token 10. Therefore, it is desirable to provide two or more type parts 13 on one surface layer.

[0062] Furthermore, although the gaming token 10 in the above embodiment is provided with identification information in the form of marks 14, 15 or RFID 16, the gaming token 10 may not have any identification information.

[0063] Modified examples of the type parts will be further explained below. Figure 20 is a perspective view of a modified gaming token 10 in which type parts are embedded. The type parts 31 are the same color as the colored layer 12. For this reason, the type parts 31 are made of the same material as the colored layer 12. A plurality of type parts 31 are arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer edge of the gaming token 10. In this modified example, each type part 31 is relatively wide, and four type parts 31 are arranged at 90-degree angular intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0064] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another modified gaming token 10 in which type parts are embedded. The type parts 32 are the same color as the colored layer 12. For this reason, the type parts 32 are made of the same material as the colored layer 12. A plurality of type parts 32 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer edge of the gaming token 10. In this modified example, the type parts 32 have a relatively narrow shape. Also, in this modified example, four type parts 32 are arranged at 90-degree intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0065] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another modified gaming token 10 in which type parts are embedded. The type parts 33 are the same color as the colored layer 12. For this reason, the type parts 33 are made of the same material as the colored layer 12. In this modified example, the type parts 33 have a relatively narrow shape. In addition, in this modified example, two type parts 33 are arranged at a relatively narrow interval in the circumferential direction to form a set, and multiple sets of each set are arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer edge of the gaming token 10. In this modified example, four sets of type parts 33 are arranged at angular intervals of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction.

[0066] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another modified gaming token 10 in which type parts are embedded. The type parts 34 are the same color as the colored layer 12. For this reason, the type parts 34 are made of the same material as the colored layer 12. In this modified example, the type parts 34 have a relatively narrow shape. Also, in this modified example, two type parts 34 arranged at a relatively wide interval in the circumferential direction form a set, and multiple sets are arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer edge of the gaming token 10. In this modified example, four sets of type parts 34 are arranged at angular intervals of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction.

[0067] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another modified gaming token 10 in which type parts are embedded. The type parts 35 are the same color as the colored layer 12. For this reason, the type parts 35 are made of the same material as the colored layer 12. In this modified example, the type parts 35 have a relatively narrow shape. In addition, in this modified example, three type parts 35 arranged at relatively close intervals in the circumferential direction form a set, and multiple sets are arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer edge of the gaming token 10. In this modified example, four sets of type parts 35 are arranged at 90-degree angular intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0068] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of another modified gaming token 10 in which type parts are embedded. The type parts 36 are a different color from the colored layer 12. For this reason, the type parts 36 are made of a different material from that of the colored layer 12. A plurality of type parts 36 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer edge of the gaming token 10. In this modified example, the type parts 36 have a relatively narrow shape. Furthermore, in this modified example, four type parts 36 are arranged at 90-degree intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0069] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another modified gaming token 10 in which type parts are embedded. The type parts 37 are a different color from the colored layer 12. For this reason, the type parts 37 are made of a different material from that of the colored layer 12. In this modified example, the type parts 37 have a relatively narrow shape. In addition, in this modified example, two type parts 37 arranged at a relatively narrow interval in the circumferential direction form a set, and multiple sets are arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer edge of the gaming token 10. In this modified example, four sets of type parts 37 are arranged at angular intervals of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction.

[0070] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of another modified gaming token 10 in which type parts are embedded. The type parts 38 are a different color from the colored layer 12. For this reason, the type parts 38 are made of a different material from that of the colored layer 12. In this modified example, the type parts 38 have a relatively narrow shape. Also, in this modified example, two type parts 38 arranged at a relatively narrow interval in the circumferential direction form a set, and multiple sets are arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer edge of the gaming token 10. In this modified example, four sets of type parts 38 are arranged at angular intervals of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction.

[0071] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of another modified gaming token 10 in which type parts are embedded. The type parts 39 are a different color from the colored layer 12. For this reason, the type parts 39 are made of a different material from that of the colored layer 12. In this modified example, the type parts 39 have a relatively narrow shape. Also, in this modified example, three type parts 39 are arranged at relatively close intervals in the circumferential direction to form a set, and multiple sets are arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer edge of the gaming token 10. In this modified example, four sets of type parts 39 are arranged at 90-degree angular intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0072] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of another modified gaming token 10 in which type parts are embedded. In this modified example, two types of type parts 401 and 402 of different colors form a set, and multiple sets are arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer edge of the gaming token 10. In this modified example, four sets of type parts 401 and 402 are arranged at angular intervals of 90 degrees in the circumferential direction. The type parts 401 and 402 are different in color from each other, and the colors of the type parts 401 and 402 are both different from the color of the colored layer 12. Each type part has a relatively narrow shape.

[0073] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of another modified gaming token 10 in which type parts are embedded. In this modified example, two types of type parts 411 and 412 of different colors form a set, and multiple sets are arranged at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer edge of the gaming token 10. In this modified example, one set is made up of two type parts 411 and one type part 412. In this modified example, four sets of type parts 401 and 402 are arranged at 90-degree angular intervals in the circumferential direction. The type parts 401 and 402 are different in color from each other, and the colors of the type parts 401 and 402 are both different from the color of the colored layer 12. Each type part has a relatively narrow shape.

[0074] In the examples of Figures 20 to 30, the central number 17 representing value information and the marks 14 and 15 representing identification information are omitted from the illustration, but the gaming tokens of each modified example may be written in the same way as in the above embodiment or differently from the above embodiment.

[0075] Next, the uses of the gaming token 10 with the type parts embedded therein will be described. As described above, the type parts represent type information, and the type information may be, for example, information distinguishing whether it is a rolling chip or a cash chip, junket information that is different for each junket and is used to identify the junket, or casino information that is different for each casino and is used to identify the casino.

[0076] Furthermore, there are two main types of gaming tokens 10: VIP chips and regular mass chips. VIP chips are gaming tokens that can be used by VIP players, and to become a VIP player, certain conditions must be met, such as making a certain amount of deposit to the casino.

[0077] For both VIP chips and mass chips, various types are available, including cash chips, rolling chips, and promotional chips. Cash chips are gaming tokens that can be converted into cash. Rolling chips are gaming tokens that can be used to participate in games and earn cap chips when winning. Promotional chips are gaming tokens that are distributed during promotions.

[0078] Here, we will explain rolling chips in more detail. "Rolling" refers to the act of exchanging cash chips for rolling chips. Rolling chips can only be purchased by players who have paid a certain deposit to the casino and opened the rolling program. When a player participates in a game using rolling chips and wins, they are paid in cash chips. Players can exchange cash chips (or cash) for rolling chips, and each time this rolling is performed, a commission of a certain percentage of the total amount of that rolling is returned to the player. Therefore, the larger the amount of the rolling, the larger the commission the player can earn. In this way, the act of continuing to exchange rolling chips for cash chips (rotating) is what gives it the name "rolling." The amount of commission generated during rolling is entered into and managed by the system.

[0079] Next, we will explain junket chips in more detail. The gaming tokens used by junkets have marks specific to each junket. In order to distinguish between the many junkets, the shape and arrangement of the type parts alone are not enough. In such cases, it is advantageous to add type information to distinguish between junkets using a combination of multiple colors, as in the examples of Figures 17, 29, and 30. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 10 Substitute coins for games 11 Light-colored layer 12 Colored layer 13, 13´ types of parts 14 marks 15 marks 16 RFID 31~39, 401, 402, 411, 412 types of parts 100 multilayer laminate 110 Sheet-like member 111 Planned punching range 112 Missing Parts 113 Printing layer 120 Sheet-like member 130 Sheet-like member 131 types of parts and components 138 Central Part 139 Side Parts 1311~1313 types of parts 1381 Central part material 1391 Side part material 170 Transparent layer 50 Inspection Systems 51 Camera 52 Camera 53 RF Reader 54 Recording Device 55 Inspection equipment 56 databases 57 Output Device

Claims

1. A reading system for reading the type and value of one or more gaming tokens among a plurality of gaming tokens having a plurality of values ​​for each set of types other than a plurality of values, a camera that photographs the one or more gaming tokens to generate an image; a recognition device that recognizes the type and value of each of the one or more gaming tokens by performing image recognition processing using a neural network on a first image of the images generated by the camera; Equipped with The gaming tokens are: a first portion representing the type of the gaming token; a second portion representing the value of the gaming token; and the first portion does not represent identification information of the gaming token; the first portion is formed from the front or back surface of the gaming token to a side surface, the gaming token comprises a first layer including the first portion, and a second layer stacked on the first layer, the second layer not including the first portion; the first layer includes a third portion having a color that does not depend on the type and value of the gaming token; the first portion and the third portion form a contrast in a circumferential direction; A reading system in which the recognition device recognizes the type of the gaming token other than its value based on the first portion appearing in the first image, and recognizes the value of the gaming token based on the second portion appearing in the first image.

2. 2. The reading system according to claim 1, wherein the type represents information about a place where the gaming token is to be used.

3. 3. The reading system according to claim 2, wherein the type indicates whether the gaming token is for a VIP or for a general player.

4. 3. The reading system according to claim 2, wherein the type indicates a junket in which the gaming token is used.

5. 2. The reading system according to claim 1, wherein the type indicates whether the gaming token is a cash chip, a rolling chip, or a promotional chip.

6. The reading system according to claim 1 , wherein the first portion represents the type of the gaming token by color, pattern, and / or shape.

7. The reading system according to claim 1 , wherein the second portion represents the value of the gaming token by a color and / or a pattern.

8. the gaming token has the first portion and the second portion on a side surface, The reading system according to claim 1 , wherein the camera is installed so as to photograph at least the side surface of the one or more gaming tokens.

9. 2. The reading system according to claim 1, wherein the recognition device is capable of recognizing the type and value of each of the one or more gaming tokens even if the amount of light received by each of the one or more gaming tokens is different.

10. Each of the gaming tokens in the set is provided with an RFID that stores information that can identify at least the type and value of the gaming token; The reading system further comprises:

2. The reading system according to claim 1, comprising an RFID reading device that reads the RFID of the one or more gaming tokens to recognize the type and value of the one or more gaming tokens.

11. the type and value of the one or more gaming tokens recognized by the recognition device; The reading system of claim 10, further comprising an inspection device that determines the authenticity of the one or more gaming tokens by comparing the type and value of the one or more gaming tokens recognized by the RFID reading device.

12. 9. The reading system according to claim 8, wherein the first portion is a side portion of a type part formed from the obverse or reverse surface of the gaming token to the side surface.

13. The reading system according to claim 12 , wherein the plurality of type parts are arranged at equal angular intervals from each other in the circumferential direction.

14. The reading system of claim 8 , wherein the second portion extends in a circumferential direction of the side surface.

15. The reading system according to claim 14 , wherein the second portion is a layer-shaped portion provided at the center of the side surface in the thickness direction.

Images