Game table reading system

Abstract

(Task) Distinguish and read RFID tags for multiple adjacent reading areas. (Solution means) A game table reading system (1) comprises a game table (2) having a plurality of reading areas including at least a plurality of bat areas (4), a plurality of reading antennas (7) installed corresponding to each of the plurality of reading areas and for reading an RFID tag embedded in an organic substitute currency (5) placed in the corresponding reading area, a reading limiting antenna (11) installed corresponding to each of the plurality of reading areas and for limiting the reading of an RFID tag embedded in an organic substitute currency (5) placed in the corresponding reading area by a reading antenna (7) corresponding to an adjacent reading area, a reading control device (9) connected to the plurality of reading antennas (7) and for controlling the plurality of reading antennas (7), and a reading limiting control device (12) connected to the plurality of reading limiting antennas (11) and for controlling the plurality of reading limiting antennas (11). The reading control device (9) performs reading in sequence on a plurality of reading antennas (7), and the reading restriction control device (12), in synchronization with the reading control device (9), restricts reading on a plurality of reading restriction antennas (11) corresponding to a plurality of reading areas adjacent to a reading area corresponding to the reading antenna (7) that the reading control device (9) is performing reading on.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a game table reading system for reading RFID tags in a game table used for table games. Background Technology

[0002] In casinos, game tables are used. On the game table, betting targets are drawn by lines or colors, and players place bets on the betting targets by placing organic substitute currency on the betting targets drawn on the game table. For example, in a baccarat table, multiple play positions are formed, and in each play position, betting targets such as Player, Banker, and Tie are drawn by distinguishing lines or colors.

[0003] Meanwhile, nowadays, RFID tags storing information such as identification data (chip ID) are embedded in organic substitutes for the purposes of preventing fraud or errors by players or dealers, utilizing bet amounts, payout amounts, and recovery amounts for casino management, and tracing the movement of organic substitutes within the casino. Additionally, multiple antennas are installed on game tables and the like to read the RFID tags. A management control unit acquires information on the RFID tags read from the multiple antennas and identifies the location of the organic substitute based on which antenna detected which RFID tag.

[0004] At the game table, in order to track the movement of the utilitarian substitute, it is effective to determine the location of the utilitarian substitute in greater detail. For example, to achieve the aforementioned objective more effectively, it is effective not only to identify where the utilitarian substitute is on the game table, but also to determine which play position it is in and furthermore, which betting target it is placed on. The problem to be solved

[0005] To determine the more precise location of organic substitute currency on a game table, it is effective to use many reading antennas with narrow reading ranges. However, if such reading antennas are located close to each other, a problem arises where RFID tags of organic substitute currency within the reading range handled by other antennas are read, exceeding the reading range intended for each antenna.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a game table reading system that alleviates the problem of multiple reading antennas of a game table reading RFID tags up to the reading range of other reading antennas. means of solving the problem

[0007] A game table reading system of one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a game table having a plurality of reading areas, at least including a plurality of bat areas for positioning organic substitute currency containing an RFID tag; a plurality of reading antennas installed corresponding to each of the plurality of reading areas and for reading an RFID tag embedded in an organic substitute currency placed in a corresponding reading area; a reading restriction antenna installed corresponding to each of the plurality of reading areas and for restricting the reading of an RFID tag embedded in an organic substitute currency placed in a corresponding reading area by the reading antennas corresponding to adjacent reading areas; a reading control device connected to the plurality of reading antennas and controlling the plurality of reading antennas; and a reading restriction control device connected to the plurality of reading restriction antennas and controlling the plurality of reading restriction antennas. The reading control device performs reading sequentially on the plurality of reading antennas, and the reading restriction control device, in synchronization with the reading control device, restricts reading on the plurality of reading restriction antennas corresponding to the plurality of reading areas adjacent to the reading area where the reading antenna is performing reading. It has a configuration that enables implementation.

[0008] With this configuration, reading is restricted in multiple reading areas adjacent to the reading area where the reading antenna performs reading, and by changing the reading area where the reading antenna performs reading in sequence, RFID tags can be appropriately distinguished and read in each reading area even when multiple reading areas are adjacent to each other and the reading areas are densely packed.

[0009] In the above game table reading system, the reading control device may control the plurality of reading antennas so that the plurality of reading antennas corresponding to the plurality of adjacent reading areas do not perform reading simultaneously.

[0010] With this configuration, since neighboring reading areas are controlled not to be read simultaneously, it is possible to more reliably distinguish and read multiple reading areas.

[0011] In the above game table reading system, the reading restriction control device may restrict reading to the reading restriction antenna within a predetermined distance from the reading antenna performing the reading.

[0012] With this configuration, reading can be restricted in a reading area that is not adjacent to the reading area where reading is being performed, but is read by the reading antenna.

[0013] In the above game table reading system, the reading control device may start reading the next reading antenna after a predetermined time has elapsed since no new information has been read from the reading antenna that performs the reading.

[0014] With this configuration, reading can be performed with high time efficiency while preventing unread data, whether there are many RFID tags in the reading area and reading takes time, or only a few RFID tags in the reading area, or no RFID tags in the reading area and reading is completed in a short time.

[0015] In the above game table reading system, the reading control device may be provided with a reading intensity setting unit for setting the intensity of an electromagnetic wave for reading by the reading antenna, and the reading restriction control device may determine the reading restriction antenna that implements a reading restriction according to the intensity set by the reading intensity setting unit.

[0016] With this configuration, reading can be limited to the required range depending on the intensity of the electromagnetic waves of the reading antenna.

[0017] In the above game table reading system, the reading restriction control device may determine a reading restriction antenna that restricts reading according to the size of the area where reading is performed by the reading control device.

[0018] With this configuration, the read limiting antennas that limit reading may be different depending on whether reading is performed over a wide area, such as when reading is performed simultaneously by multiple read antennas, or when reading is performed only over a relatively narrow area.

[0019] In the above game table reading system, the reading control device may perform reading simultaneously on a plurality of reading antennas in a portion of the plurality of reading antennas, and the reading restriction control device may restrict reading on the reading restriction antenna located between the plurality of reading antennas that perform reading simultaneously.

[0020] With this configuration, multiple reading antennas can simultaneously read multiple reading areas while avoiding the reading antenna reading RFID tags in reading areas other than the corresponding reading area.

[0021] In the above game table reading system, the reading control device may perform reading simultaneously on another portion of the plurality of reading antennas after all of the portion of the plurality of reading antennas have completed reading.

[0022] With this configuration, simultaneous reading of adjacent reading areas can be prevented.

[0023] The above game table reading system may additionally be equipped with a game situation judgment system for determining the progress of the game, and the reading control device may perform reading on the selected reading antenna according to the progress of the game determined by the game situation judgment system.

[0024] With this configuration, readings can be performed on the necessary reading areas depending on the progress of the game.

[0025] In the above game table reading system, the reading restriction control device may control the reading restriction by the plurality of reading restriction antennas so that the reading antenna and the reading restriction antenna corresponding to the same reading area do not simultaneously perform reading and reading restriction.

[0026] With this configuration, the read limit antenna can prevent the read by the read antenna corresponding to the same read area from interfering with the read.

[0027] In the above game table reading system, the reading antenna may be in the shape of a loop, and the reading control device may open the loop of the reading antenna in the reading area where reading is not performed.

[0028] In the above game table reading system, the game table may be a table for a baccarat game, and the plurality of reading areas may include a plurality of side bet areas formed for each play position and arranged adjacent to each other.

[0029] With this configuration, information on an RFID tag embedded in an organic substitute currency placed in the side betting area in a baccarat game can be read.

[0030] In the above game table reading system, the game table may have multiple play positions, and the multiple reading areas may be formed for each play position.

[0031] With this configuration, RFID tags can be distinguished and read for each play position.

[0032] In the above game table reading system, the plurality of reading areas may include a player area and a banker area formed adjacent to each other for each play position.

[0033] With this configuration, RFID tags can be distinguished and read for each play position and also for each bat target.

[0034] In the above game table reading system, the player area and the banker area may be divided into a plurality of reading areas.

[0035] With this configuration, even if different users bat in the same bat area, each stack of organic substitute currency can be read separately.

[0036] In the above game table reading system, the RFID tag may be embedded in a membership card assigned to a user playing at the game table, and the plurality of reading areas may include a card reading area for placing the membership card.

[0037] With this configuration, members' cards can be read on the game table.

[0038] In the above game table reading system, the plurality of reading areas may include a chip tray area for a dealer to receive the above-mentioned substitute currency, and when the reading control device is performing a reading on the reading antenna corresponding to the chip tray area, the reading restriction control device may restrict the reading on the reading restriction antenna corresponding to the reading area other than the chip tray area.

[0039] With this configuration, even if the reading antenna corresponding to the chip tray area uses electromagnetic waves of relatively high intensity, it is possible to prevent the RFID tag in the bat area from being read by it.

[0040] In the above game table reading system, the plurality of reading areas may include a pay area for reading the substitute currency for organic use that is paid to the winning player from the dealer, and the reading restriction control device may restrict reading to the reading restriction antenna corresponding to another reading area around the pay area when the reading antenna corresponding to the pay area is performing reading.

[0041] With this configuration, when reading a pay area, it is possible to prevent reading RFID tags in other surrounding reading areas.

[0042] In the above game table reading system, the plurality of bet areas may include a player area and a banker area formed for each of the plurality of play positions, and the reading limit control device may control the plurality of reading limit antennas such that when the reading antenna corresponding to the player area of ​​a certain play position is performing a reading, the reading limit antenna corresponding to the banker area of ​​the said play position performs a reading limit, and when the reading antenna corresponding to the banker area of ​​a certain play position is performing a reading, the reading limit antenna corresponding to the player area of ​​the said play position performs a reading limit.

[0043] With this configuration, the player area and banker area of ​​the same play position can be distinguished and read.

[0044] In the above game table reading system, the plurality of reading areas adjacent to each other may be divided by one or two lines and may be adjacent at a distance smaller than the size of the organic substitute currency.

[0045] The above game table reading system may additionally be equipped with a camera that captures an organic substitute currency placed in the reading area to generate an image, and an image recognition device that identifies the reading area where the organic substitute currency is placed, the type of organic substitute currency, and the number of coins by analyzing the image generated by the camera. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0046] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a game table reading system of a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a bat area of ​​a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing another example of a bat area of ​​the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a modified example of the bat area of ​​the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing another variation of the bat area of ​​the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a game table reading system of a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a game table reading system of a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a bat area of ​​a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a bat area of ​​the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a bat area of ​​the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of a game table reading system of the 6th embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a game table reading system of the 6th embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a cross-section of the bat area, which is the reading area of ​​the 6th embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the data structure of an organic substitute currency and a database of the 6th embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a drawing showing another example of a read antenna and a read limit antenna of the 6th embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a drawing showing another example of a read-limiting antenna of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17a is a diagram illustrating the switching of the drive of the read antenna and the read limit antenna of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17b is a diagram illustrating the switching of the drive of the read antenna and the read limit antenna of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18a is a diagram illustrating the switching of the drive of the read antenna and the read limit antenna of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18b is a diagram illustrating the switching of the drive of the read antenna and the read limit antenna of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18c is a diagram illustrating the switching of the drive of the read antenna and the read limit antenna of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18d is a diagram illustrating the switching of the drive of the read antenna and the read limit antenna of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18e is a diagram illustrating the switching of the drive of the read antenna and the read limit antenna of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a drawing showing another example of the layout of a game table of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a drawing showing an example of the arrangement of an antenna of the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a drawing showing the configuration of one player position antenna of the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a drawing showing the arrangement of an antenna of the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a drawing showing a bat area of ​​the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the relationship between the substrate, the antenna, and the bat area of ​​the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the configuration of a table reading system of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0047] Hereinafter, a game table reading system for reading RIFD tags in a game table is described. In the following embodiments, the case where the game table is a baccarat table for playing a baccarat game is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to a baccarat table and can be applied to any game table.

[0048] (First embodiment)

[0049] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a game table reading system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The game table reading system (1) is equipped with a roughly elliptical game table (2). A player (3) is positioned on one side of the game table (2) (the lower side in FIG. 1), and a dealer (not shown) is positioned on the opposite side. On the upper surface of the game table (2), a bat area (4a to 4e) (hereinafter collectively referred to as "bat area (4)") is partitioned for each of the multiple player positions. The bat area (4) is an area for the player (3) to bet by placing their substitute currency (5) for use. On the dealer position side of the game table (2), a chip tray (6) is formed for placing the dealer's substitute currency (5) for use. To make the drawing easier to view, the cities are omitted, but each bat area (4a to 4e) is divided into Player Pair Area, Banker Pair Area, Tie Area, Player Area, and Banker Area.

[0050] As described above, each betting area (4a to 4e) of the game table (2) is divided into a player pair area, a banker pair area, a tie area, a player area, and a banker area. Figure 2 illustrates the betting area (4a). Additionally, in each area of ​​each betting area, a reading antenna (71a to 75e) (hereinafter collectively referred to as "reading antenna (7)") is formed to read the RFID tag embedded in the organic substitute currency (5). Specifically, the reading antenna (7) is embedded in the position where the corresponding betting area (4) is partitioned, under the screw of the game table (2). Additionally, a reading antenna (8) is also formed in the chip tray (6).

[0051] In addition, in the following, each area where a reading antenna is installed may be referred to as a reading area. That is, the player pair area, banker pair area, tie area, player area, banker area, and chip tray (6) each correspond to a reading area.

[0052] The reading antenna (7) and the reading antenna (8) are connected to the reading control device (9). In addition, in FIG. 1, only the dashed line representing the reading antenna (71e) and the line connecting it to the reading control device (9) are shown, and the dashed line representing the reading antenna other than the reading antenna (71e) and the line connecting them to the reading control device (9) are omitted from the drawing to make it easier to view, but the reading antenna other than the reading antenna (71e) is also formed in each bat area (4) and is connected to the reading control device (9) in the same way as the reading antenna (71e). The same applies to the following drawings. The reading control device (9) distinguishes each reading antenna and controls the reading.

[0053] In each bat area (4a to 4e) of the game table (2), in addition to the reading antennas (71a to 75e), a reading restriction antenna (101a to 105e) (hereinafter collectively referred to as "reading restriction antenna (10)") is formed. The reading restriction antenna (10) has the function of restricting the reading of an RFID tag embedded in an organic substitute currency (5) placed in the reading area corresponding to each antenna by the reading antenna (7) corresponding to an adjacent reading area. Similar to the reading antenna (7), the reading restriction antenna (10) is embedded in a position where the corresponding bat area (4) is partitioned, under the screw of the game table (2). Also, a reading restriction antenna (11) is formed in the chip tray (6).

[0054] The read restriction antennas (101a to 105e) and the read restriction antenna (11) are connected to a read restriction control device (12). The read restriction control device (12) distinguishes each read restriction antenna and controls the read restriction.

[0055] The reading control device (9) performs reading in sequence on the reading antenna (7), and the reading limiting control device (12), in synchronization with the reading control device (9), performs a reading limit on the reading limiting antenna (10) corresponding to the reading area adjacent to the reading area corresponding to the reading antenna (7) that the reading control device (9) is performing reading on.

[0056] The specific reading process is explained using FIG. 2. For example, when reading is being performed in the tie area, the reading antenna (73a) performs the reading, and the reading restriction antenna (102a) of the banker pair area adjacent to the tie area and the reading restriction antenna (104a) of the player area are restricted from reading. In this way, readings of each area are performed in sequence.

[0057] Also, the bat area (4) includes a player area and a banker area, but these are not read simultaneously. In FIG. 2, when the reading antenna (74a) of the player area performs a reading, the reading restriction control device (12) restricts the reading of the banker area's reading restriction antenna (105a). Likewise, when the reading antenna (75a) of the banker area performs a reading, the reading restriction control device (12) restricts the reading of the player area's reading restriction antenna (104a). Additionally, in the example of FIG. 1, the reading control device (9) and the reading restriction device (12) are separate devices, but they may be configured as a single device. These devices may be devices that control an antenna board called an RFID reader.

[0058] With this configuration, the player area and banker area existing in the same play position can be accurately distinguished and read.

[0059] With the above configuration, by limiting reading in a plurality of reading areas adjacent to the reading area where the reading antenna (7) performs reading, and by changing the reading area where the reading antenna (7) performs reading in sequence, it becomes possible to appropriately distinguish and read RFID tags in each reading area even when the plurality of reading areas are adjacent to each other and the reading areas are densely packed.

[0060] In addition, even if the reading area is not adjacent, the configuration may be such that the reading is restricted on the reading restriction antenna (10) within a predetermined distance from the reading antenna (7) that is performing the reading.

[0061] In short, for example, when the reading of the banker area in FIG. 2 is performed by the reading antenna (75a), the configuration may be such that not only the reading limit antenna (104a) of the player area adjacent to the banker area but also the reading limit antenna (103a) of the tie area are functioned.

[0062] With this configuration, it is possible to limit reading in a reading area that may be read by the reading antenna (7) that is performing the reading, even if it is not adjacent to the reading area that is performing the reading.

[0063] In addition, the read restriction control device controls the reading restriction by multiple read restriction antennas so that the reading antenna (7) and the read restriction antenna (10) corresponding to the same reading area do not simultaneously perform reading and reading restriction.

[0064] In addition, in the illustration, the reading antenna (7) within the reading area is shown on the outside and the reading limit antenna (10) is shown on the inside, but this arrangement is not strictly necessary, and the arrangement of each antenna can be any configuration. The same applies below.

[0065] In addition, the area divisions within the bat area may be configured such that the player pair area and the banker pair area are arranged horizontally, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0066] Also, the reading of the bat area does not necessarily have to be done separately for the Player Pair Area, Banker Pair Area, Tie Area, Player Area, and Banker Area; it may be configured to read the entire bat area.

[0067] In addition, a side bat area is formed for each playing position, which is the area where the player plays. As shown in FIG. 2, the player pair area and the banker pair area correspond to the side bat areas. The reading may be configured to be performed for each side bat area.

[0068] With the above configuration, it becomes possible to distinguish and read RFID tags for each play position and each side bat area.

[0069] In Baccarat, as described above, multiple play positions are formed on the game table (2), and a betting area (4) is formed at a location corresponding to each play position on the game table (2). In principle, one player plays at one play position. However, when all play positions are occupied, a player (back betting player) appears behind the player (sitting player) playing at the play position and bets on the betting area (4) assigned to the sitting player, and depending on the casino or game table (2), such betting is permitted. Due to back betting, multiple organic substitute currencies (5) with different user IDs are bet on the same betting area. The game table reading system of the present example makes it possible to distinguish and read organic substitute currencies (5) even in such cases. This will be explained below using FIG. 4.

[0070] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a modified example of the bat area in the first embodiment. In this example, in addition to the configuration of the bat area shown in FIG. 2, each area is further divided into multiple areas. The reading antenna (7) and the reading limit antenna (10) are also formed by dividing them into each area.

[0071] With the above configuration, it is possible to distinguish and read each stack of organic substitute currency (5) even when a different user (such as a back bat player) bats in the same bat area for each bat target within the play position.

[0072] In addition, in FIG. 4, the bat area of ​​each play position is divided into two areas, but it may be configured to be divided into three or more areas. Also, the configuration of the game table (2) is such that for one play position, one banker area, one player area, one tie area, one banker pair area, and one player pair area are formed, as in FIG. 2, but the reading antenna (7) and the reading limit antenna (10) may be configured to be formed in multiple places in the same reading area, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0073] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a different variation of the bat area in the first embodiment. In this example, a plurality of reading antennas (7) are formed in the bat target area (in the example of FIG. 5, it is illustrated with respect to the banker area), and a plurality of reading limit antennas (10) are also formed corresponding to each reading antenna (7). This allows for distinguishing and reading the organic substitute currency (83) within the same bat target area. Thus, even when there are multiple stacks of organic substitute currency (83) in the same bat target, such as when a back bet is made, those stacks can be read by separate reading antennas (7), and thus, distinguishing and reading can be performed for multiple stacks in the same bat target area. By recognizing and identifying the player who bets it for each stack, it becomes possible to manage the user ID and the bat chip or payout chip information for the main player (sitting player) and the back bet player.

[0074] (Second embodiment)

[0075] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a game table reading system used in a second embodiment. In addition to the configuration of the game table reading system (1) of the first embodiment, a player identification system is introduced in the game table reading system (13). The player identification system includes a card authentication system consisting of a member card (14) and a card reading area (15). The member card (14) is assigned to a user (member) playing on the game table (2). An RFID tag is embedded in the member card (14), and the information of the member card (14) is read by placing the member card (14) in the card reading area (15). The RFID tag of the member card (14) stores identification information (user ID) for uniquely identifying the player.

[0076] With this configuration, it becomes possible to read the members card (14) on the game table (2).

[0077] In addition, in FIG. 6, the card reading area (15) is located at one point of the game table (2), but it may be configured to be formed at multiple points of the game table (2).

[0078] In addition, the configuration may be such that a card reading area (15) is formed at each play position on the game table (2). Also, the bat area (4) for each play position may serve as the card reading area (15) for each play position. In this case, a reading antenna (7) formed corresponding to the bat area (4) reads the RFID tag of the members card (14).

[0079] With this configuration, since the member information stored in the member card (14) is read from the play position, the member does not need to hand the member card (14) to the dealer, and the dealer does not need to manipulate the member card (14), and the game table reading system (13) can determine which member has arrived at which play position.

[0080] In addition, the reading area mentioned below also includes a card reading area (15).

[0081] (Third embodiment)

[0082] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a game table reading system used in a third embodiment. In addition to the configuration of the game table reading system (1) of the first embodiment, the game table reading system (16) is equipped with a reading intensity setting unit (17) in the reading control device (9). Generally, electromagnetic waves are used for reading RFID tags. The reading intensity setting unit (17) sets the intensity of the electromagnetic waves for reading by the reading antenna (7). In addition, the reading limit control device (12) determines a reading limit antenna (10) that implements a reading limit according to the intensity set by the reading intensity setting unit (17).

[0083] With this configuration, it is possible to limit reading within the required range depending on the strength of the electromagnetic waves of the reading antenna (7). When the strength of the electromagnetic waves of the reading antenna (7) is high, the reading area for limiting reading is widened, and conversely, when the strength of the electromagnetic waves of the reading antenna (7) is low, the reading area for limiting reading is narrowed, thereby enabling more accurate reading.

[0084] In the game table reading system used in the first, second, and third embodiments, it was described that one reading area is read at a time, but it may be configured to read multiple reading areas at a time. In short, it may be configured to perform reading simultaneously on a portion of multiple reading antennas, and the reading limit control device (12) may be configured to limit reading on a reading limit antenna located between the multiple reading antennas that perform reading simultaneously. This will be explained below using FIG. 8.

[0085] FIG. 8 shows only the reading antenna (7) and reading limit antenna (10) necessary for explanation, extracted from the game table (2) of FIG. 1, the bat area (4a), bat area (4b), and bat area (4c). For example, when reading the player pair area of ​​bat area (4a) and the player pair area of ​​bat area (4c) are performed simultaneously, reading is performed on the reading antenna (71a) and the reading antenna (71c), and reading is limited on the reading limit antenna (102a ~ 105a, 101b ~ 105b, 102c ~ 105c) located between the areas.

[0086] Although the above description describes a configuration for simultaneously reading each area within the multiple bat areas (4) (specifically, the player pair area of ​​bat area (4a) and the player pair area of ​​bat area (4c)), the configuration may also be for simultaneously reading the entire multiple bat areas (4) (for example, the entire bat area (4a) and the entire bat area (4c)).

[0087] With this configuration, it is possible to simultaneously read multiple reading areas by multiple reading antennas (7) while avoiding the reading antenna (7) reading RFID tags in reading areas other than the corresponding reading area.

[0088] In the game table reading system used in all of the above embodiments, the configuration may also perform the simultaneous multiple readings.

[0089] In this way, when reading multiple reading areas simultaneously, if the next reading is performed before all readings by the multiple reading antennas (7) performing the reading simultaneously are finished, there is a possibility of a reading error. Therefore, the game table reading system of the present invention performs simultaneous reading on the other multiple reading antennas (7) after all readings by some of the multiple reading antennas (7) performing the reading simultaneously have been completed. By doing this, it is possible to prevent simultaneous reading of adjacent reading areas.

[0090] In this way, the game table reading system of the present embodiment determines the reading limit antennas (10) that limit reading according to the size of the area where reading is performed by the reading control device (9) by the reading limit control device (12). Specifically, the larger the area where reading is performed simultaneously, the more reading limit antennas (10) limit reading is performed. For example, when each bat area (4) is configured as shown in FIG. 2, multiple reading antennas (71 to 75) corresponding to a bat area (4) may be used simultaneously to make the entire bat area (4) the reading area and perform reading, or such reading may be performed for each bat area. In this case, since the entire relatively wide bat area becomes the reading area, reading limiting may be performed on more reading limit antennas (10) around this reading area. Also, all reading control devices (9) may read all bat areas simultaneously. In this case, the read restriction control device (12) restricts reading on all read restriction antennas (10) corresponding to areas other than the bat area.

[0091] (Fourth embodiment)

[0092] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of a game table reading system used in a fourth embodiment. In addition to the configuration of the game table reading system (1) of the first embodiment, the game table reading system (18) is equipped with a game situation determination system (19) that determines the progress of the game. The reading control device (9) performs reading on a selected reading antenna (7) according to the progress of the game determined by the game situation determination system (19).

[0093] With this configuration, depending on the progress of the game, it becomes possible to determine which areas need to be read quickly to ensure smooth gameplay (e.g., reading pairs first) and to perform readings on the necessary reading areas.

[0094] In addition, in the first to fourth embodiments described above, the reading restriction control device (12) has the function of controlling the reading restriction by the reading restriction antenna (10) so that reading and reading restriction are not performed simultaneously in the same reading area in all readings described above.

[0095] (Fifth embodiment)

[0096] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a game table reading system used in the fifth embodiment. In addition to the configuration of the game table reading system (1) of the first embodiment, the game table reading system (20) is equipped with pay areas (21a to 21e) (hereinafter collectively referred to as “pay areas (21)”). The pay areas (21a to 21e) are reading areas where RFID tags placed therein are read, and, similar to the reading areas described above, reading antennas (22a to 22e) (hereinafter collectively referred to as “reading antennas (22)”) and reading limiting antennas (23a to 23e) (hereinafter collectively referred to as “reading limiting antennas (23)”) are formed in each pay area. Although the city is omitted to make the drawing easier to view, a reading antenna other than the reading antenna (22e) is also formed in each pay area (21) and is connected to a reading control device (9) in the same way as the reading antenna (22e). In addition, a reading limit antenna other than the reading limit antenna (23e) is also formed in each pay area (21) and is connected to a reading limit control device (12) in the same way as the reading limit antenna (23e).

[0097] In this way, a pay area (21) is formed, and by reading the RFID tag of the organic substitute currency (5) separately from the bat area (4), the reading of the RFID tag of the organic substitute currency (5) paid from the chip tray (6) can be performed quickly.

[0098] In FIG. 10, the reading area on the game table (2) is broadly divided into a chip tray (6), a bat area (4), and a pay area (21). In the game table reading system (20) of this embodiment, when the reading control device (9) is performing a reading on the reading antenna (8) of the chip tray (6), the reading limit control device (12) has the function of limiting the reading on the reading limit antenna (i.e., the reading limit antenna (10) and the reading limit antenna (23)) corresponding to the reading area other than the chip tray (6).

[0099] With this configuration, even if the reading antenna (8) corresponding to the chip tray (6) uses electromagnetic waves of relatively high intensity, it is possible to prevent the RFID tag on the game table other than the chip tray (6) from being misread.

[0100] Additionally, when the game table reading system (20) performs a reading in the pay area (21), the reading limit control device (12) has the function of limiting the reading on the reading limit antenna (i.e., the reading limit antenna (10) and the reading limit antenna (11)) corresponding to the area around the pay area (21).

[0101] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent misreading of RFID tags in other surrounding reading areas when reading the pay area (21).

[0102] In FIG. 10, the pay area (21) was configured to exist in the same number as the bat area (4), but it may be configured to have a number less than that (e.g., one pay area (21) in bat area (4a) and bat area (4b), or one pay area (21) in bat areas (4a to 4e), etc.).

[0103] In the game table reading system used in the first to fifth embodiments, the reading control device (9) and the reading limit control device (12) are each formed as one on the game table (2), but the reading control device (9) and the reading limit control device (12) may each be formed as two or more on the game table (2), or formed in each reading area.

[0104] In the game table reading system used in the first to fifth embodiments, the reading control device (9) starts reading the next reading antenna when a predetermined time has elapsed after the reading of new information from the reading antenna that performs the reading has ceased, and the reading limit control device (12) switches the reading limit antenna that performs the reading limit in synchronization with the switching of the reading antenna in the reading control device (9).

[0105] With this configuration, it is possible to perform reading with high time efficiency while preventing unread data, whether reading takes time due to the presence of multiple RFID tags in the reading area, or reading is completed in a short time due to the presence of only a few RFID tags or no RFID tags in the reading area.

[0106] In particular, when using multiple reading antennas to simultaneously read multiple reading areas and sequentially switching between the multiple reading areas performing such simultaneous reading, the next multiple reading area may be read only after no new information has been read in the multiple reading areas being read simultaneously. This prevents the problem of simultaneous reading occurring in adjacent reading areas when the combination of the multiple reading antennas performing simultaneous reading is changed.

[0107] The reading in the game table reading system used in the first to fifth embodiments has the function of not simultaneously performing reading and reading restriction in the same area.

[0108] In the above embodiments, all reading antennas and reading restriction antennas output electromagnetic waves during reading and reading restriction. It is necessary to control the force of the electromagnetic waves so that the electromagnetic waves do not reach areas that are not to be read. Accordingly, the game table reading system in all embodiments of the present invention is equipped with a shield member that shapes the magnetic field so that the force of the magnetic field generated by the reading antenna weakens outside the reading area corresponding to the reading antenna. In addition, the magnetic field is dome-shaped.

[0109] The above shield member is made of an aluminum plate, tape, film, or sheet and is formed in the same plane as the read antenna.

[0110] (6th embodiment)

[0111] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a game table related to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The game table (hereinafter simply referred to as "table") (6004) has a shape of a rough ellipse or a semicircle. One side of the table (6004) is a dealer position where a dealer is located (a position facing the chip tray (51) described later), and a plurality of play positions are formed on the other side where a player is located when playing the game. In the example of FIG. 11, five play positions are formed on the lower side of the table (6004).

[0112] In the dealer position, a chip tray (51) is formed to accommodate organic substitute currency (83) held by the dealer, in a manner that is embedded in the table (6004). The chip tray (51) is in a two-tiered configuration, and the top tier can be detached to replenish or remove the organic substitute currency (83) in the bottom tier.

[0113] An RFID tag (831) is embedded in the organic substitute currency (83) (see FIG. 4). The RFID tag (831) stores at least chip identification information (hereinafter also referred to as "chip ID") for uniquely identifying the organic substitute currency. Additionally, the RFID tag (831) may store information indicating the value of the organic substitute currency.

[0114] In each play position, a batting area (41a to 41e) (hereinafter collectively referred to as “batting area (41)”) is formed for the player playing in the respective play position to perform a bat by placing an organic substitute currency (83) on the batting target. The batting area (41) is drawn on the upper surface of the table (6004). The space between adjacent batting areas (41) is divided by one or two lines. The distance between adjacent batting areas (41) is relatively close, and the distance from the closest point is 0 to 15 cm, and is, for example, smaller than the diameter of the organic substitute currency (83).

[0115] Although the city is omitted, the betting areas (41a to 41e) of each player position are formed in close proximity to each other so as not to overlap, such that the player pair betting area for betting on the player's hand forming a pair, the banker pair betting area for betting on the banker's hand forming a pair, the tie betting area for betting on the player's hand and the banker's hand being tied, the player betting area for betting on the player's hand winning, and the banker betting area for betting on the banker's hand winning. Hereinafter, these player pair betting area, banker pair betting area, tie betting area, player betting area, and banker betting area are each referred to as "betting target areas." The spaces between adjacent betting target areas are separated by one or two lines. Alternatively, without forming a line between adjacent bat target areas, adjacent bat target areas may be distinguished by painting them with different colors, or each bat target area may be divided by painting the bat target area with a color different from the background. The distance between adjacent bat target areas is relatively close, and the distance at the closest point is 0 to 10 cm, and, for example, is smaller than the diameter of the organic substitute currency (83).

[0116] In each play position, a pay area (42a to 42e) (hereinafter collectively referred to as "pay area (42)") is formed for reading payout chips when the dealer pays the player an organic substitute currency (83). The pay area (42) is drawn on the upper surface of the table (4). The space between adjacent pay areas (42) is divided by one or two lines. Alternatively, the adjacent pay areas (42) may be divided by not forming a line between them, but by distinguishing the adjacent pay areas (42) with different colors, or by painting the pay areas (42) with a color different from the background. Also, the space between adjacent pay areas (42) and bat areas (41) is divided by one or two lines. Alternatively, the adjacent pay area (42) and bat area (41) may be separated by painting the adjacent pay area (42) and bat area (41) with different colors without forming a line between them, or by painting the pay area (42) and bat area (41) with a color different from the background between them. The distance between adjacent pay areas (42) is relatively close, and the distance at the closest point is 0 to 10 cm, and is, for example, smaller than the diameter of the organic substitute currency (83). Also, the distance between the pay area (42) and bat area (41) in each play position is relatively close, and the distance at the closest point is 0 to 15 cm, and is, for example, smaller than the diameter of the organic substitute currency (83).

[0117] In the bat areas (41a to 41e), reading antennas (511a to 511e) (hereinafter collectively referred to as "reading antennas (511)") are formed for reading RFID tags (831) embedded in organic substitute currency (83) placed in each bat area (41a to 41e), and in the pay areas (42a to 42e), reading antennas (521a to 521e) (hereinafter collectively referred to as "reading antennas (521)") are formed for reading RFID tags (831) embedded in organic substitute currency (83) placed in each pay area (42a to 42e), and in the chip tray (51), for reading RFID tags (831) embedded in organic substitute currency (83) accommodated in the chip tray (51). A reading antenna (531) is formed. Also, as described above, the chip tray (51) is in a two-stage configuration, but the reading antenna (531) may be formed, for example, on the back of the upper tray.

[0118] Additionally, in the bat areas (41a to 41e), a read restriction antenna (512a to 512e) (hereinafter collectively referred to as "read restriction antenna (512)") is formed to restrict or hinder the reading of an RFID tag (831) embedded in an organic substitute currency (83) placed in each bat area (41a to 41e) by a read antenna in another area, and in the pay areas (42a to 42e), a read restriction antenna (522a to 522e) (hereinafter collectively referred to as "read restriction antenna (522)") is formed to restrict or hinder the reading of an RFID tag (831) embedded in an organic substitute currency (83) placed in each pay area (42a to 42e) by a read antenna in another area, and in the chip tray (51), a chip tray A read limiting antenna (532) is formed to limit or hinder the RFID tag (831) embedded in the organic substitute currency (83) contained in (51) from being read by a read antenna in another area.

[0119] In addition, in this embodiment, the reading antenna (511) and the reading limit antenna (512) of the bat area (41) have a shape that follows the outer edge of the bat area (41), the reading antenna (521) and the reading limit antenna (522) of the pay area (42) have a shape that follows the outer edge of the pay area (42), and the reading antenna (531) and the reading limit antenna (532) of the chip tray (51) have a shape that follows the outer edge of the chip tray (51), but the shapes of the antennas are not limited to these. Also, in the example of FIG. 11, the reading limit antenna is formed on the inner side of the reading antenna, but the positional relationship between the reading antenna and the reading limit antenna is not limited to this, and the reading limit antenna may be formed on the outer side of the reading antenna, and the reading limit antenna and the reading antenna may intersect when viewed from a plane. In addition, for one reading antenna, multiple reading limit antennas may be formed, and conversely, for multiple reading antennas, one reading limit antenna may be formed.

[0120] A card dispensing device (58) is placed on the table (6004). The card dispensing device (58) accommodates multiple decks of cards. The dealer (91) can draw cards one by one from the card dispensing device (58). The card dispensing device (58) has the function of reading the suit and rank of the drawn cards. The card dispensing device (58) determines the game result according to the rules of the baccarat game based on at least the rank of the drawn cards. The card dispensing device (58) displays the determined game result by means of a lamp, etc., and outputs data indicating the game result to the outside. In this way, the card dispensing device (58) also functions as a game result determination device.

[0121] The table (6004) is additionally equipped with a camera (52) and a card reader (53). The camera (52) photographs the face of the player (82) playing in the play position and the organic substitute currency (83) on the table (6004). Additionally, the camera for photographing the player's face and the camera for photographing the organic substitute currency (83) on the table (6004) may be formed separately.

[0122] The card reader (53) reads the information stored in the member card (81) by scanning the member card (81) held by the registered player (member). The member card (81) has an RFID tag embedded in it, and the RFID tag stores at least the user ID assigned to the corresponding player. The card reader (53) has a control unit (not shown) for the dealer (91) to designate a play position. The dealer (91) designates a play position when scanning the member card (81) at the card reader (53). As a result, a combination of the play position and the user ID is output from the card reader (53). In addition, the card reader (53) is equipped with a cancel control unit (not shown). When the player (82) moves away from the table, the dealer (91) designates a play position and operates the cancel control unit. Thus, the play position and cancel instruction are output from the card reader (53).

[0123] In the table (6004) as described above, when a player (82) plays baccarat, the player (82) first sits at a play position on the table (6004) and hands his / her Members Card (81) to the dealer (91). The dealer (91) scans the Members Card (81) using a card reader (53). The player (82) places a substitute currency (83) for use in any of the betting target areas of the betting area (41) formed at his / her play position, such as the player area, banker area, tie area, player pair area, or banker pair area.

[0124] When all players (82) have finished betting, the dealer (91) closes the betting and draws cards one by one from the card distribution device (58). In Baccarat, four cards are drawn first in the order of Player's Hand, Banker's Hand, Player's Hand, and Banker's Hand. At this point, if a Player Pair is not formed, the betting chips bet on the Player Pair are collected by the dealer (91) into the chip tray (51). Also, if a Banker Pair is not formed at this point, the betting chips bet on the Banker Pair are collected by the dealer (91) into the chip tray (51).

[0125] The dealer (91), according to the rules of baccarat, draws the fifth and subsequent cards as needed. When the final game result is determined, the dealer (91), according to the game result, retrieves the losing player's bet chip (83) into the chip tray (51), and then pays the winning player's bet chip (83) with the liquid substitute currency (83) from the chip tray (51). At this payout, the dealer (91) first places the bet chip (83) to be paid with liquid substitute currency (83) in the pay area (42) of the player position where it is bet, and then places the liquid substitute currency (83) to be paid next to the bet chip (83). The winning player receives the liquid substitute currency (payout chip) placed next to the bet chip (83) in this way, along with the bet chip. The dealer (91) presses the game start button formed on the card distribution device (58) when starting the next game (i.e., when starting the next game's bet).

[0126] Accordingly, the game table reading system must perform readings on at least the organic substitute currency (83) bet on the player pair and banker pair until the chips bet on the player pair and banker pair are recovered, after the dealer draws four cards and, in some cases, after the player squeezes. Also, it is preferable that readings be completed for all bet organic substitute currency (83) at the same timing. For this reason, it is necessary to read the entire betting area within a few seconds. Additionally, changes can be recognized by performing multiple readings of the bet chips. For example, after the betting is closed and the first card is drawn from the card distribution device, the player is prohibited from making additional bets, withdrawing the bet organic substitute currency (83), or changing the betting target, so multiple readings can be performed to confirm whether there is no change in the organic substitute currency (83) bet during the above period. Additionally, readings may be performed at all times. In this case, the results of bat chips read before the bat closes may be recorded as data of unconfirmed bat chips along with the time data.

[0127] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a game table reading system of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The game table reading system (100) is equipped with a card distribution device (58), a player specific system (55), a reading control device (561), a reading limit control device (562), a management control device (56), a database (57), reading antennas (511, 521, 531), and reading limit antennas (512, 522, 532).

[0128] The player identification system (55) is equipped with a camera (52), a card reader (53), and a face recognition device (502). The face recognition device (502) authenticates the player based on an image of the player's face captured by the camera (52). The face recognition device (502) may perform face authentication using machine learning techniques. The face recognition device (502) also identifies the location of the authenticated player, that is, the play position of the authenticated player, based on the location of the player's face. In addition, in this embodiment, while identifying the player by a face authentication system including the camera (52) and the face recognition device (502), it is also possible to identify the player by reading the member card (81) using the card reader (53), but the player may be identified by any of these means.

[0129] The card distribution device (58) outputs the progress of the game (i.e., during dealing, between the end of the game and the next game, during betting, etc.) to the management control device (56) based on button operation or the rank of the drawn card read, and also outputs the game result (win of the player hand, win of the banker hand, tie, player hand is pair, banker hand is pair, etc.) to the management control device (56).

[0130] The reading control device (561) reads the RFID tag (831) of the reading area corresponding to the reading antenna by controlling the reading antenna (511, 521, 531). The reading restriction control device (562) prevents the RFID tag of the reading area corresponding to the reading restriction antenna from being read by the reading antenna corresponding to another reading area by controlling the reading restriction antenna (512, 522, 532).

[0131] The management control device (56), depending on the progress of the game from the card distribution device (58), controls the reading control device (561) and the reading restriction control device (562) by referring to the information stored in the database (57) as needed, and reads RFID tags of multiple reading areas in sequence. The management control device (56) updates the database (57) by storing the information read from the RFID tags by the reading antenna in the database (57) in association with the player specified by the player-specific system (555). Each reading antenna (511, 521, 531) is assigned antenna identification information (antenna ID) to uniquely identify the reading antenna.

[0132] The reading control device (561) transmits the information read by the reading antennas (511, 521, 531) and the antenna ID of the reading antennas as a set to the management control device (56). Additionally, the reading control device (561) may be formed for each reading antenna, and in that case, reader identification information (reader ID) for uniquely identifying the reading control device (561) may be transmitted to each reading control device (561) to the management control device (56) instead of the antenna ID.

[0133] As shown in FIG. 12, the reading antennas (511, 521, 531) are in the shape of a loop with a portion open in the corresponding reading area, and both ends of the open portion are connected to a reading control device (561). The reading control device (561) forms an electromagnetic field (magnetic field) in the reading area by flowing current through the reading antennas to read the RFID tag.

[0134] One end and the other end of the reading antennas (511, 521, 531) are each connected to a reading control device (561) via a switch (not shown). The reading control device (561) controls the opening and closing of this switch. Specifically, the reading control device (561) opens this switch for the reading antennas (511, 521, 531) in a reading area that is not performing reading, thereby opening the loop of the reading antennas (511, 521, 531) so that an induced current does not flow in the reading antennas (511, 521, 531) that are not performing reading by the electromagnetic field generated by the reading antennas (511, 521, 531) in an adjacent reading area.

[0135] The read restriction antenna (512, 522, 532) has a loop shape surrounding a corresponding read area and has a switch (521s, 522s, 532s) that closes or opens the loop. The read restriction control device (562) opens and closes the switch (521s, 522s, 532s). The read restriction antenna (512, 522, 532) performs the function of restricting reading when the switch (521s, 522s, 532s) is closed and becomes a closed loop (when short-circuited), and does not restrict reading when the switch (521s, 522s, 532s) is opened and the loop is open.

[0136] FIG. 13 is a cross-section of the bat area (41b) and bat area (41c), which are reading areas. Below the surface (6004a) of the table (6004), a substrate (401) for forming a reading antenna (511, 521) and a substrate (402) for forming a reading limit antenna (512, 522) are formed by overlapping. In this embodiment, the substrate (401) is formed below the substrate (402), but the order of installation can be appropriately changed. Also, the vertical distance between the reading antenna (511, 521) and the reading limit antenna (512, 522) is appropriately set based on the intensity of the electromagnetic wave, the shape of the reading antenna (511, 521) and the reading limit antenna (512, 522), etc. In addition, the read antenna (511, 521) and the read limit antenna (512, 522) may be formed on the same substrate.

[0137] When reading is being performed on the reading area (41b), in the reading area (41c) adjacent to the reading area (41b), the switch (512s) of the reading limit antenna (512c) is closed to form a closed loop. In the reading limit antenna (512c), an electromagnetic field (magnetic field) for limiting (interfering) is formed by the induced electromotive force caused by the electromagnetic field (magnetic field) formed by the reading antenna (511b) of the adjacent reading area (41b), and the electromagnetic field of the reading antenna (511b) is shaped by this electromagnetic field for limiting, thereby limiting (interfering) the reading of the organic substitute currency (83c) placed in the adjacent reading area (41c) by the reading antenna (511b). That is, the electromagnetic field formed by the reading antenna (511b) is in the shape of a dome, and the electromagnetic field formed by the reading limiting antenna (512c) is in the shape of a dome opposite to the electromagnetic field formed by the reading antenna (511b), and reading is restricted only to the reading area (41c) corresponding to the reading limiting antenna (512c). An organic substitute currency (83b) placed in the reading area (41b) corresponding to the reading antenna (41b) that is energized is read by the reading antenna (41b).

[0138] FIG. 13 shows the intensity distribution (5111b) of the electromagnetic field for reading the bat area (41b) generated by the reading antenna (511b) and the intensity distribution (5111c) of the electromagnetic field generated by the reading limit antenna (512c) during reading the bat area (41b). FIG. 13 also shows the intensity distribution (5112b) when the electromagnetic field generated by the reading antenna (511b) is weakened by the electromagnetic field generated by the reading limit antenna (512c) of the adjacent bat area (41c), and the intensity distribution (5112c) when the electromagnetic field generated by the reading antenna (511c) is weakened by the electromagnetic field generated by the reading limit antenna (512b) of the adjacent bat area (41c).

[0139] As shown in FIG. 13, even when an electromagnetic field having an intensity distribution (5111b) is generated by the reading antenna (511b) to read the RFID tag (831) of the organic substitute currency (83b) of the bat area (41b), by closing the switch of the reading limit antenna (512c) of the adjacent bat area (41c), an induced current flows through the reading limit antenna (512c), thereby generating an electromagnetic field for reading interference, and as a result, the electromagnetic field of the intensity distribution (5111b) generated by the reading antenna (511b) is shaped to be sufficiently small and flattened within the adjacent bat area (41c), just like the electromagnetic field of the intensity distribution (5112b). Thus, it is possible to prevent the RFID tag (831) of the organic substitute currency (83c) of the bat area (41c) from being read by the reading antenna (511b).

[0140] Additionally, an aluminum tape (513b, 513c) is attached to the substrate (402) as a shield member or blocking means for blocking electromagnetic waves from an adjacent reading area. Furthermore, the shield member may be in a form other than tape, and may be, for example, a plate, film, sheet, coating film, foil, etc. Also, the material of the shield member may be other than aluminum, and may be, for example, silver, gold, copper, nickel, etc., or may contain aluminum, silver, gold, copper, nickel. Also, the shield member may be in a mesh shape. In addition to the reading limit antenna (512b, 512c), reading by the reading antenna of an adjacent reading area can also be restricted by this shield member.

[0141] Additionally, in the example of FIG. 13, the shield member was formed on the substrate (402) for forming the read-limiting antennas (512b, 512c), but the shield member may also be formed on the substrate (401) for forming the read antennas (511, 521). Alternatively, the shield member may be formed on a surface opposite to the read-limiting antennas (512b, 512c) on the substrate (402), or on a surface opposite to the read antennas (511b, 511c) on the substrate (401). Alternatively, the shield member may be formed on a plane different from the substrate (401) and the substrate (402).

[0142] The game table reading system (100) of the present embodiment manages organic substitute currency (83) using a database (57). The database (57) stores information of an RFID tag embedded in the organic substitute currency (83) in relation to certain related information. The management control device (56) updates the database (57) based on the relationship between the information of the RFID tag read by the reading antennas (511, 521, 531) and the reading areas that read the RFID tag, namely the bat area (41), bat area (42), and chip tray (51). In this way, the management control device (56) updates the database (57) for managing organic substitute currency (83) based on the information of the RFID tag of the organic substitute currency (83) read by each reading area of ​​the game table (6004).

[0143] Below, the management of organic substitute currency (83) by the database (57) is described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the data structure of organic substitute currency (83) and the database (57). As described above, the organic substitute currency (83) has an RFID tag (831) embedded in it. The RFID tag (831) has a chip ID (573) stored in it. The database (57) has two types of tables, including a chip management table (571) for managing organic substitute currency (83) and a user management table (572) for managing users.

[0144] In the chip management table (571), for each organic substitute currency (83), for the chip ID (573) of said organic substitute currency (83), as related information, value information (574) of said organic substitute currency (83), user identification information (user ID) (575) for uniquely identifying the user holding said organic substitute currency, and location information (576) indicating the location of said organic substitute currency (83) are associated. Additionally, for the chip ID (573), the value information (574) does not change, but the user ID (575) and location information (576) associated with the chip ID (573) change as the organic substitute currency (83) is used in the casino. Accordingly, in the database (57), for the chip ID (573), in addition to the latest user ID and material information, some past user ID and material information may be stored, or only the latest user ID and material information may be stored.

[0145] In the user management table (572), for each user, for the user ID (575) of the user, the value information (574) of the organic substitute currency owned by the user, the bet information (577) indicating the history of betting by the user in the game, and the location information (576) indicating the location of the user are associated as related information. The value information (574), bet information (577), and location information (576) associated with the user ID (575) change as the organic substitute currency (83) is used in the casino. Accordingly, in the database (57), for the user ID (575), in addition to the latest value information, bet information, and location information, certain past value information, bet information, and location information may be stored, or only the latest value information, bet information, and location information may be stored.

[0146] The game table reading system (100) manages organic substitute currency (83) by updating the chip management table (571) and user management table (572) of the database (57) based on the information of the RFID tag (831) read by the reading antenna.

[0147] In addition, in the following description, the management control device (56) updates the database (57), but the management control device (56) updates the database according to the information of the RFID tag (831) read from each reading antenna and the game situation when it is read. In this embodiment, the management control device (56) determines the game situation by obtaining information on the game situation (in the game, batting, liquidation, pause, etc.) from the card distribution device (58).

[0148] First, the management control device (56) updates the chip management table (571) of the database (57) so that the user ID of the user who won the game is associated with the chip ID of the organic substitute currency (83) paid to the user who won the game. Also, the management control device (56) updates the chip management table (571) of the database (57) so that the user ID assigned to the dealer is associated with the chip ID of the organic substitute currency (83) bet by the user who lost the game. Thus, even if the holder of the organic substitute currency (83) changes as the organic substitute currency (83) is used in the game, the organic substitute currency held by each user can be identified by referring to the database (57).

[0149] Additionally, the management control device (56) updates the database (57) to associate the chip ID of the organic substitute currency (83) read from the pay area (42) with the user ID of the user playing in the play position corresponding to the pay area (42). The user ID of the user playing in each play position can be identified by the player identification system (55) according to the above embodiment.

[0150] The management control device (56), specifically, records the user ID of the user in the play position of the said pay area (42) for the record of the chip ID of the organic substitute currency (83) read from the pay area (42) in the chip management table (571) of the database (57). By updating the database (57) in this way, the change of holder from dealer to user due to payment can be reflected in the database (57).

[0151] Additionally, the management control device (56) updates the user management table (572) of the database (57) such that the value of the organic substitute currency (83) paid to the user who wins the game is added to the value information (574) associated with the user ID (575) of the user who wins the game, and the value of the organic substitute currency (83) recovered by the user who loses the game is subtracted from the value information (574) associated with the user ID (575) of the user who loses the game. By updating the database (57) in this way, the value of the organic substitute currency (83) held by each user, that is, the amount held, can be managed in the database (57).

[0152] Additionally, when the chip ID of the organic substitute currency (83) being paid is read from the pay area (42), the management control device (56) updates the database (57) so that the user ID associated with the organic substitute currency (83) that is batted in the bat area (41) corresponding to the pay area (42) is associated with the chip ID of the organic substitute currency (83) being paid.

[0153] Alternatively, when the chip ID of the organic substitute currency (83) being paid is read in the bat area (41), the management control device (56) updates the database (57) so that the user ID associated with the organic substitute currency (83) batted in the bat area (41) is associated with the chip ID of the organic substitute currency (83) being paid. By doing so, the database (57) can be updated so that the holder of the organic substitute currency (83) being paid for the organic substitute currency (83) being batted becomes the same as the holder of the organic substitute currency (83) being batted.

[0154] Additionally, when all play positions are in use and there is a player betting on a back bet, that is, when multiple players are betting on one play position, the management control device (56) manages the substitute currency (83) for the playable player in the following manner. That is, when the player identification system (55) can identify the user IDs for both of the two users who are simultaneously located in the same play position, the management control device (56) manages the substitute currency (83) for each user in the same manner as above. However, when the player identification system (55) identifies the user ID of one of the two users playing simultaneously in the same play position but cannot identify the user identification information of the other user, the dealer makes a payment according to an operation rule that pays first to the player whose user ID has been identified. The management control unit (56) updates the database (57) to associate the chip ID of the organic substitute currency (83) paid first to that play position with the user ID specified in the player-specific system (55). The management control unit (56) associates "unknown" as the user ID with the chip ID of the organic substitute currency (83) paid later.

[0155] A reading antenna and a reading control device (561) for reading an RFID tag (831) embedded in an organic substitute currency (83) may be formed at each location within the casino facility. In this case, the reading control device (561) may be formed at each location within the casino facility, and the management control device (56) may be able to communicate with the plurality of reading control devices (561). As described above, the reading control device (561) transmits the antenna ID of the reading antenna or the reader ID of the reading control device (561), along with information on the RFID tag (831) read by the reading antenna, to the management control device (56). The management control device (56) has a table in which information on the location of the reading antenna corresponding to each antenna ID or each reader ID (material information, for example, a cage number, table number, chip tray number, gate number, etc., for identifying a cage, table, chip tray, gate, etc.) is associated.

[0156] When the management control device (56) receives the antenna ID (or reader ID) along with the read chip ID from the reading control device (561), it updates the material information (474) associated with the chip ID in the chip management table (571) of the database (57) accordingly. In addition, the management control device (56) also updates the material information (576) associated with the chip ID in the user management table (572) in the same way.

[0157] Thus, by referring to the database (57), it is possible to know where each organic substitute currency (83) is located and where each user is located. In addition, by storing past information as material information in the chip management table (571) and user management table (572), the history of movement of the organic substitute currency (83) and users can be known.

[0158] Additionally, the management control device (56) obtains information on the user ID of the user playing at each play position from the player-specific system (55), and when a substitute currency (83) for organic use is placed in the bat area (41) during batting and batted, it obtains the chip ID, which is information on the RIFD tag, from the reading antenna (511) of each play position. The management control device (56) updates the user management table (572) of the database (57) using this user ID and chip ID. Specifically, the management control device (56) obtains the value information (574) of the obtained chip ID (573) by referring to the chip management table (571), and adds the value of the value information (574) to the bat information of the obtained user ID in the user management table (572).

[0159] In this way, the management control device (56) updates the database (57) to add the value of the organic substitute currency (83) read from the reading antenna (511) of the bat area (41) to the bat information (577) associated with the user ID (575) of the user specified for the play position corresponding to the reading antenna (511). By updating the database (57) in this way, the value of the organic substitute currency (83) bet by each user, that is, the bat amount, can be managed in the database (57). Additionally, the bat amount may be managed as an incentive point corresponding thereto.

[0160] Information stored in the RFID tag (831) of the organic substitute currency (83), namely the chip ID (573), is also used to determine the authenticity of the organic substitute currency (83). When the reading antenna reads the information of the RFID tag (831), the management control device (56) compares the information with the database (57), and if the information is not in the database (57), that is, if the comparison is unsuccessful, it determines that the organic substitute currency (83) is defective or fraudulent. When the management control device (56) determines that the organic substitute currency (83) is defective or fraudulent, it outputs a warning. This allows a warning to be output when a fraudulent organic substitute currency (83) is used on the game table (6004). The output warning may be output in real time (i.e., at the timing when a defect or fraud is determined) in a form perceptible by sight or hearing, or it may be recorded in a recording device along with information about the situation when a fraud or defect occurs (table number, time, etc.).

[0161] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing another example of a read antenna and a read limit antenna. In this example, a read antenna is formed for each play position and also for each bat target, that is, for each side bat such as Player, Banker, and Tie, Pair, etc. As shown in FIG. 15, each bat area (41) has a plurality of bat target areas including a Player area (411), a Banker area (412), a Tie area (413) as a side bat area, a Player Pair area (414), and a Banker Pair area (415) formed in close proximity to each play position.

[0162] In each bat target area that serves as a reading area, a reading antenna and a reading limit antenna are formed, thereby allowing each bat target area to be distinguished and read. That is, in the player area (411), a reading antenna (5111) and a reading limit antenna (5112) are formed, in the banker area (412), a reading antenna (5121) and a reading limit antenna (5122) are formed, in the tie area (413), a reading antenna (5131) and a reading limit antenna (5132) are formed, in the player pair area (414), a reading antenna (5141) and a reading limit antenna (5142) are formed, and in the banker pair area (415), a reading antenna (5151) and a reading limit antenna (5152) are formed.

[0163] In this way, by making each bat target area in each play position a separate reading area and forming a reading antenna for each, it is possible to determine which bat target a player in each play position has batted organic substitute currency (83). Thus, in this example, even if multiple reading areas are densely packed as shown in FIG. 15, the game table reading system (100) can distinguish and read RFID tags (831) for each of those reading areas. The management control device (56) can determine which player in which play position has won the game, that is, which play position payment should be made, from the game result information in the card distribution device (58) and the bat target information obtained from each play position. The management control device (56) can also detect if the result of this determination does not match the actual payment and output a warning.

[0164] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another example of a read-limiting antenna. FIG. 16 shows only bat areas (41b, 41c, 41d) and their corresponding pay areas (42b, 42c, 42d). In this example, a plurality of read-limiting antennas are formed in a bat area, which is a single read area. These plurality of read-limiting antennas each shape the electromagnetic field generated by the read antennas of a plurality of adjacent other read areas.

[0165] Specifically, for example, in the bat area (41c), which is a reading area, in addition to the reading antenna (511c) that reads the entire bat area (41c), three reading restriction antennas (512c1, 512c2, 512c3) are formed. The reading restriction antenna (512c1) prevents the RFID tag (831) of the organic substitute currency (83) placed in the bat area (41c) from being read by the reading antenna (511d) of the bat area (41d) adjacent to the right. The reading restriction antenna (512c2) prevents the RFID tag (831) of the organic substitute currency (83) placed in the bat area (41c) from being read by the reading antenna (511b) of the bat area (41b) adjacent to the left. The read restriction antenna (512c3) prevents the RFID tag (831) of the organic substitute currency (83) placed in the bat area (41c) from being read by the read antenna (521c) of the adjacent pay area (42c) on the upper side.

[0166] When the reading control device (561) controls the reading antenna (511d) to perform reading of the bat area (41d), the reading limit control device (562) closes the switch of the reading limit antenna (512c1) of the bat area (41c) and generates electromagnetic waves to the reading limit antenna (512c1) to prevent the reading antenna (511d) from reading the RFID tag (831) of the bat area (41c). When the reading control device (561) controls the reading antenna (511b) to perform reading of the bat area (41b), the reading limit control device (562) closes the switch of the reading limit antenna (512c2) of the bat area (41c) and generates electromagnetic waves to the reading limit antenna (512c2) to prevent the reading antenna (511b) from reading the RFID tag (831) of the bat area (41c). Also, when the reading control device (561) controls the reading antenna (521c) to perform reading of the pay area (42c), the reading limit control device (562) closes the switch of the reading limit antenna (512c3) of the bat area (41c) and generates electromagnetic waves at the reading limit antenna (512c3) to interfere with the reading antenna (521c) reading the RFID tag (831) of the bat area (41c).

[0167] In this way, the read restriction control device (562) closes the switch of the corresponding read restriction antenna to generate interference electromagnetic waves in synchronization with the read control device (561) driving the read antenna in sequence to perform reading.

[0168] As described above, according to the game table reading system (100) of the present embodiment, when a plurality of reading areas are set at relatively close intervals on the game table (6004), it is possible to distinguish and read which reading area the RFID tag (831) is in. Specifically, even when a plurality of bat areas are formed at close distances from each other, by forming a reading antenna in each bat area (41), it is possible to prevent the reading antenna from reading the RFID tag (831) of the adjacent bat area (41) or pay area (42). Also, even when a pay area (42) is formed corresponding to each of the plurality of bat areas (41) and a reading antenna is formed therein, it is possible to prevent the reading of the RFID tag (831) of the adjacent pay area (42) or bat area (41).

[0169] Additionally, in the sixth embodiment above, the read restriction antenna (512, 522, 532) generates an electromagnetic field to interfere with reading in the corresponding read area by an induced current generated by the electromagnetic field of the read antenna (511, 521, 531) of the adjacent read area, but instead, the electromagnetic field for interference may be generated by flowing current from the read restriction control device (562). Also, in this case, the read restriction antenna (512, 522, 532) may have a switch formed to block the loop, and when the read antenna (511, 521, 531) installed in the same read area performs reading, the switch may be opened to open the loop.

[0170] FIGS. 17a and 17b are drawings illustrating the switching of the drive of the read antenna and the read limit antenna by the read control device (561) and the read limit control device (562). FIGS. 17a and 17b show only the read antennas (511a to 511e and 521a to 521e) and the read limit antennas (512a to 512e and 522a to 522e) of the bat area (41a to 41e) and the pay area (42a to 42e). [Illegible]

[0171] The reading control device (561) and the reading limit control device (562) perform reading of all bat areas (41a to 41e) and pay areas (42a to 42e) by alternately repeating the state of FIG. 17a (first state) and the state of FIG. 17b (second state). Specifically, in the first state of FIG. 17a, the reading antennas (511a, 511c, 511e, 521b, 521d) are driven to perform reading of the bat areas (41a, 41c, 41e) and pay areas (42b, 42d), and the reading limit antennas (512b, 512d, 522a, 522c, 522e) are short-circuited to perform reading limiting.

[0172] In the second state of FIG. 17b, the reading antennas (511b, 511d, 521a, 521c, 521e) are driven to perform reading of the bat area (41b, 41d) and the pay area (42a, 42c, 42e), and the reading limit antennas (512a, 512c, 512e, 522b, 522d) are short-circuited to perform reading limiting. In this way, in the first and second states, for the reading areas above, below, left, and right of the reading area being read by the reading antennas, the reading limit antennas are short-circuited to perform reading limiting, thereby restricting the reading of RFID tags (831) located outside the reading area handled by each reading antenna, and allowing multiple reading areas to be read simultaneously. In this way, by forming a group of multiple reading areas, the reading control device (561) and the reading limit control device (562) can read all reading areas efficiently and at high speed by switching the reading area to be read for each group.

[0173] In addition, in the examples of FIGS. 17a and 17b, multiple reading areas including bat areas (41a to 41e) and pay areas (42a to 42e) are divided into two groups, but multiple reading areas may be divided into three or more groups. Also, depending on the situation of the game, the multiple reading areas divided into groups may be limited to some reading areas. For example, during payout, only the pay areas (42a to 42e) may be divided into multiple groups, and reading may be performed on all pay areas (42a to 42e) by switching the groups performing the reading in sequence. Also, there may be groups consisting of only one reading area. Since the recovery and payment of chips are performed in sequence from the right-hand play position toward the left, or from the left-hand play position toward the right, the areas where the recovery or payment will be performed may be focused on reading.

[0174] Additionally, when switching the reading antennas that perform reading in sequence, the reading time for each reading antenna or each group may be fixed. In this case, the reading time for each reading antenna or each group may be the same for all of them, or it may be set individually. For example, if the reading area that performs reading in the first state of FIG. 17a is made into the first group, the reading area that performs reading in the second state of FIG. 17b is made into the second group, and the chip tray (51) is made into the third group to form three groups, the reading time of the third group may be longer than the reading time of the first and second groups.

[0175] Additionally, the management control device (56) may store a combination table that specifies, for each reading area, a reading area or a reading antenna corresponding to the reading area, and a reading area or a reading restriction antenna corresponding to the reading area where reading is restricted when reading is performed in the reading area. Furthermore, when the management control device (56) determines that a reading area is to be read, it may instruct the reading control device (561) to indicate this, and by referring to the combination table, specify the reading area where reading is restricted or the reading restriction antenna that restricts reading, and instruct the reading restriction control device (562).

[0176] In this case, the management control device (56) may determine the reading area to be read based on instructions from an operator (e.g., a dealer). Also, the management control device (56) may determine the reading area to be read based on an image obtained by the camera (52). For example, the management control device (56) may analyze the image obtained by the camera (52) and, as a result of the analysis, decide to perform reading on the reading area where it is determined that there has been a change in the organic substitute currency (83).

[0177] FIGS. 18a to 18e are drawings illustrating other examples of switching the reading areas for which reading is performed when reading is performed simultaneously in multiple reading areas. In this example, the reading areas for which reading is performed are switched in sequence by shifting the positions of multiple reading areas that do not interfere with each other, without forming a fixed group as in the example of FIGS. 17a and 17b.

[0178] In this example, for the bat areas (41a to 41e), as shown in FIG. 18a, the reading area (41a, 41c) is read, then, as shown in FIG. 18b, the reading area (41b, 41d) is read, then, as shown in FIG. 18c, the reading area (41c, 41e) is read, then, as shown in FIG. 18d, the reading area (41d, 41a) is read, then, as shown in FIG. 18e, the reading area (41e, 41b) is read, and then, as shown in FIG. 18a, the reading area (41a, 41c) is read again, and this is repeated. In this way, the combination of reading areas to be read simultaneously is not fixed, and reading may be performed simultaneously on multiple reading areas.

[0179] In addition, in the above embodiment, adjacent reading areas may be in contact with each other with one line between them as a boundary, or there may be a non-reading area between adjacent reading areas, or there may be two lines between adjacent reading areas.

[0180] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing another example of the layout of a game table of the present embodiment. Six play positions are formed in the game table (40). Play positions are assigned play position numbers 1 to 7 (excluding 4). A player area (411) and a banker area (412) are arranged in each play position. The side bets, Tie, Player Pair, and Banker Pair, are not in each play position but are arranged together as a Tie Area (403), Player Pair Area (404), and Banker Pair Area (405), respectively. That is, the Tie Area (403), Player Pair Area (404), and Banker Pair Area (405) are all divided into small areas for each play position.

[0181] In this case as well, a reading antenna and a reading restriction antenna are formed in each of the small areas of the play positions, such as the tie area (403), player pair area (404), and banker pair area (405), and each of these small areas is designated as a reading area, and reading is performed separately for each play position. Additionally, a reading antenna and a reading restriction antenna are installed in the player area (411) and banker area (412), respectively, and reading is performed separately for each. Even with such an arrangement of antennas, the reading control device (561) and the reading restriction control device (562) switch between the reading antenna that performs reading and the reading restriction antenna that performs reading restriction, so that only the RFID tags in the reading area handled by each reading antenna are read and RFID tags in other reading areas are not read.

[0182] For example, the reading control device (561) and the reading limit control device (562) may simultaneously read sub-areas of the same play position number in the tie area (403), player pair area (404), and banker pair area (405), perform reading limiting on all other sub-areas of play position numbers, and sequentially switch the play position numbers of the sub-areas being read.

[0183] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 11, a camera (52) may be formed on a table (6004), and the organic substitute currency (83) placed on the table (6004) may be photographed by this camera (52). In this case, a chip recognition device may be additionally used to recognize the location (which reading area), type, and number of organic substitute currency (83) by performing image recognition on the image obtained by photographing by the camera (52). This camera (52) photographs the organic substitute currency (83) placed on the table (6004) from the information at an angle. The organic substitute currency (83) has a band of a different color on its side according to its type so that its type can be visually determined when observing the side. The chip recognition device recognizes the location, type, and number of organic substitute currency (83) by appropriately combining image recognition technologies such as neural networks and pattern matching.

[0184] The management control device (56) determines how many of each type of organic substitute currency are placed where by using the recognition result from the chip recognition device and the reading result obtained from the reading control device (561). At this time, if the recognition result from the chip recognition device and the reading result obtained by the reading control device (561) do not match, the management control device (56) may record or output a warning. In particular, if the information of the organic substitute currency (83) recognized by the chip recognition device is not obtained by the reading control device (561), it means that there is an organic substitute currency (83) that does not have a valid RFID tag (831), so in this case, a warning may be output that there is an illegal organic substitute currency.

[0185] In addition, in the sixth embodiment, the movement of the organic substitute currency (83) is tracked by updating the database (57) by determining which position of the organic substitute currency (83) having which chip ID is placed in the table (6004), but the purpose of adopting the technology of this embodiment is not limited to this, and, for example, a system for detecting fraud by determining which position of the organic substitute currency (83) having which chip ID is placed in the table (6004) may be constructed. In this fraud detection system, the management control device (56) may determine that there is fraud if, for example, there is an increase or decrease in the organic substitute currency (83) in the bat area (41) or there is a movement of the organic substitute currency (83) in the bat area (41) during the period from when the card withdrawal begins until production ends.

[0186] (Seventh embodiment)

[0187] FIG. 20 is a drawing showing an example of the arrangement of antennas according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. In addition, in FIGS. 20 to 24 below, the wiring from the reading antenna to the reader and the switch of the reading limit antenna are omitted. In the example of FIG. 20, one reading antenna (61a to 60e) (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "reading antenna (61)") is formed for each player position's bat area (60a to 60e) (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "bat area (60)"). Also, in each player position's bat area (60a to 60e), an external reading limit antenna (62a to 62e) is formed to surround the reading antenna (61a to 61e). These external reading restriction antennas (62a to 62e) are always closed and exert a jamming effect. In particular, for example, when the reading antenna (61a) is performing a reading in the bat area (60a), the external reading restriction antenna (62a) of the bat area (60a) generates a jamming magnetic field by means of an induced current so that the reading antenna (61a) does not read the RFID tag (831) of the organic substitute currency (83) placed in an adjacent other bat area (60b), etc. Since the reading antenna (61a) and the external reading restriction antenna (62a) are sufficiently far apart, this jamming magnetic field does not interfere with the reading antenna (61a) reading the RFID tag (831) of the organic substitute currency (83) of the corresponding bat area (60a).

[0188] In this way, when multiple reading areas (60a to 60e) are arranged sufficiently far apart from each other, it is effective to form external reading limit antennas (62a to 62e) that are always closed and surround each reading antenna (61a to 61e) with sufficient spacing. In addition, in this embodiment, since the reading antenna (61) is wired over a range larger than the reading area (60), the RFID tag (831) of the organic substitute currency (83) placed slightly away from the reading area (60) can also be reliably read.

[0189] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the configuration of an antenna for one player position according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. All antennas are depicted in FIG. 21(a), and FIG. 21(b) to FIG. 21(e) respectively show a read antenna (61a) ( FIG. 21(b)), a read limit antenna (63a) ( FIG. 21(c)), a read limit antenna (64a) ( FIG. 21(d)), and a read limit antenna (65a) ( FIG. 21(e)) together with a bat area (60a) and a substrate (66a). As shown in FIG. 21, one substrate (66a) is formed for the bat area (60a), and one external read limit antenna (62a) surrounding the substrate (66a) is formed. On the substrate (66a), one read antenna (61a) and a plurality of read limit antennas (63a to 65a) are formed.

[0190] Multiple read-limiting antennas (63a to 65a) are antennas that are opened and closed by a switch and are formed at positions corresponding to the interior of the bat area (60a), which is the reading area. The read-limiting antenna (63a) is wired to the upper half of the bat area (60a), the read-limiting antenna (64a) is wired to the lower half of the bat area (60a), and the read-limiting antenna (65a) is wired to the central left and right areas of the bat area (60a). In this way, the read-limiting antennas (63a to 65a) are arranged to cover the entire bat area (60a), which is the reading area, but the read-limiting antennas are locally placed in parts that are easily read by other reading antennas. Specifically, since the influence is likely to appear in the central left and right areas, the read-limiting antennas (65a) are wired to be located in the central left and right areas.

[0191] The reading of the reading area by the reading antenna (61) and the on / off of the jamming function by opening and closing the switch of the reading limit antenna (63 to 65) are all controlled by an RFID reader not shown. When reading multiple reading areas simultaneously using multiple reading antennas (61), more RFID readers than the number of simultaneous readings may be formed, and the multiple RFID readers may synchronize with each other to control the timing of the on / off of the reading and jamming functions.

[0192] In this way, in the present embodiment, jamming is performed by dividing the entire bat area (60a) into sub-regions using a plurality of read-limiting antennas (63a to 65a). Additionally, when a read antenna (61b) of another bat area (60b) or the like is performing a read, the switch of these read-limiting antennas (63a to 65a) is closed to form a closed circuit, thereby performing the jamming function. When the read antenna (61a) of the bat area (60a) is performing a read, the switch of the read-limiting antennas (63a to 65a) of the bat area (60a) is opened, and they do not function as jamming antennas. The reading limit antennas (63a to 65a) of the bat area (60a) are opened only when the bat area (60a) is being read, and when reading is being performed in an area other than the bat area (60a), the switch is closed to form a closed circuit. In addition, it is possible to have two bat areas spaced sufficiently apart, for example, bat area (60a) and bat area (60c), being read simultaneously, just as in the above embodiment.

[0193] When the reading of the bat area (60a) is completed by the reading antenna (61a), then the reading of another reading area, the bat area (60b), is performed. Specifically, in this case, when the reading of the bat area (60a) is completed, first, (1) the power supply to the reading antenna (61a) of the bat area (60a) is turned off, and then, (2) the switch of the reading limit antenna (63a to 65a) of the bat area (60a) is closed (the jamming function is turned on), and then, (3) the switch of the reading limit antenna (63) of the bat area (60b) is opened (the jamming function is turned off), and then (4) the power supply to the reading antenna (61b) of the next reading area, the bat area (60b), is turned on. By doing this in this order, the jamming of the bat area (60a) can be reliably enabled before starting reading in the bat area (60b), and reading errors during the switching of the reading area can be prevented.

[0194] One reading area (one reading antenna) is read multiple times, and when the reading is stable during multiple readings, it is determined that the reading of the said reading area (reading antenna) is completed. At this time, the RFID reader, which is a reading control device performing the reading, designates the identification information of the RFID tag (831) that has already been read during multiple readings as read complete, thereby reading only the new RFID tag (831). Accordingly, when the RFID reader does not read the new RFID tag (831) by repeating the reading, it determines that the reading is stable and determines that the reading of the said reading area (reading antenna) is completed. Alternatively, a read complete flag may be set on the RFID tag (831) that has been read complete to avoid duplicate readings. Alternatively, in the case where the RFID reader reads the RFID tag repeatedly during multiple readings, it determines that the reading of the relevant reading area (reading antenna) is completed when the reading result is consecutive a predetermined number of times (e.g., 2 or 3 times).

[0195] (Eighth embodiment)

[0196] FIG. 22 is a drawing showing the arrangement of an antenna according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 23, antenna substrates (76a to 76e) corresponding to each of a plurality of bat areas (70a to 70e) formed corresponding to a plurality of player positions are shown. In the example of FIG. 23, each substrate (76a to 76e) is arranged at a very close distance from each other or in contact with each other. Also, in the example of FIG. 23, each substrate (76a to 76e) is slightly larger than the bat area (70a to 70e).

[0197] FIG. 23 is a drawing showing the bat area of ​​the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 shows the bat area (70a) as a representative example, but the bat areas (70b to 70e) are the same. In the bat area (70a), a relatively small player pair area (701a), a tie area (702a), and a banker pair area (703a) are formed horizontally at the top, a relatively large banker area (704a) is formed in the middle, and a relatively large player area (705a) is formed at the bottom. That is, the player pair, tie, and banker pair, referred to as side bats, are positioned relatively far from the player and are designed to be relatively small.

[0198] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the relationship between the substrate, antenna, and bat area of ​​the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 also illustrates the bat area (70a), but the bat areas (70b to 70e) are identical. In this embodiment, on the substrate (76a), reading antennas (721a to 725a) corresponding to the player pair area (701a), tie area (702a), banker pair area (703a), banker area (704a), and player area (705a) of the bat area (70a) (hereinafter each referred to as a “bat target”) are arranged. That is, reading antennas that are controlled independently of each other are formed for each bat target of the bat area (70a) of each player position.

[0199] Additionally, on the substrate (76a), a read-limiting antenna (731a to 741a) is formed, which is independently controlled for each bat target (701a to 705a). Specifically, one read-limiting antenna (731a to 733a) is formed for each bat target (701a to 703a) of a relatively small side bat, and four read-limiting antennas (734a to 737a) and read-limiting antennas (738a to 741a) are formed for each of the relatively large banker area (704a) and player area (705a). Additionally, in FIG. 24, the switches of the read-limiting antennas (731a to 741a) are omitted from the illustration.

[0200] With this configuration, the game table reading system of the present embodiment can distinguish and read the RFID tag (831) of the organic substitute currency (83) placed on each bat target (701 to 705) assigned to each bat area (70a to 70e) of each player position. Specifically, when reading the RFID tag (831) of the organic substitute currency (83) for any bat target in one bat area, the switch of the reading limit antenna of another bat target in the same bat area is closed to turn on the jamming function. By doing so, the possibility of the reading antenna of said bat target reading the RFID tag of the organic substitute currency (83) placed on another bat target can be reduced.

[0201] In the case where the reading area covered by the reading antenna is relatively wide, such as when reading the entire bat area of ​​each player position as in the 7th embodiment, the antenna power must be strong. However, in the case where the bat area is divided into each bat target and reading is performed as in the present embodiment, not only can the player bet on which bat target, but the antenna power applied to each reading antenna can also be relatively weak, and the possibility of misreading other bat targets at a relatively close distance, or even the RFID tag (831) of the organic substitute currency (83) placed in the adjacent bat area, is reduced. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a sufficient jamming effect is obtained by forming a plurality of independent reading limit antennas for the relatively wide banker area (704) and player area (705). In addition, for bat targets of relatively small side bats, the antenna power of the reading antenna is weak, and the limit of the lifespan of organic substitute currency (83) that can be stacked and read is also smaller compared to the relatively wide banker area (704, 705).

[0202] In this embodiment, when reading multiple reading areas simultaneously, control is taken to avoid reading multiple reading antennas within the same bat area simultaneously, and also to avoid reading multiple bat targets in adjacent bat areas. For example, when any reading antenna (721a to 725a) of bat area (70a) performs reading, at the same timing, no reading is performed by any other reading antenna of bat area (70a) or any reading antenna (721b to 725b) of adjacent bat area (70b), and reading is performed by, for example, the reading antenna of bat area (70c). In this case as well, when reading is being performed on the relatively large reading antenna (724a, 725a) among the reading antennas (721a to 725a) of the bat area (70a), reading is performed on any of the relatively small reading antennas (721c to 723c) among the reading antennas (721c to 725c) of the reading area (70c). This control reduces the possibility of interference caused by multiple reading antennas operating simultaneously, which are relatively large and have strong antenna power.

[0203] In addition, in this embodiment, the RFID reader controlling the reading antennas (721 to 725) and the reading limit antennas (731 to 741) may also perform control in synchronization with the RFID reader controlling the reading antenna formed in the chip tray. For example, when the RFID tag (831) of the organic substitute currency (83) contained in the chip tray is being read using the reading antenna of the chip tray, reading may not be performed at any of the reading antennas of the bat area. The reading antenna of the chip tray may be controlled to repeatedly read the RFID tag (831) of the organic substitute currency (83) contained in the chip tray, for example, when liquidation including the recovery of the losing chip and the redemption of the winning chip is being performed after the game result is determined. In addition, the reading antenna of the bat area may be controlled to repeatedly read while changing the reading position during the period from when liquidation is completed and the player is able to bet for the next game until the game result is determined. By this reading, the table reading system can identify the bat target and the amount of the bet in which the organic substitute currency (83) is bet in each bet area (70a to 70e), monitor whether there is any fraudulent movement (pinching, capping, rate betting, etc.) of the organic substitute currency (83) after NMB (No More Bat), and monitor whether the liquidation by the dealer was properly carried out after the game result is determined.

[0204] (Ninth embodiment)

[0205] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the configuration of a table reading system of the ninth embodiment of the present invention. The organic table (6005) has a player position where a player (82) is located and a dealer position where a dealer (91) is located. On the player position side, a plurality of bat areas (80a to 80e) are laid out on the table surface of the organic table (6005). On the dealer position side, a chip tray (51) is formed. On the table surface of the organic table (6005) between the chip tray (51) and the plurality of bat areas (80a to 80e), a dealer area (90) is laid out.

[0206] A reading antenna is formed in the chip tray (51) for reading the RFID tag (831) of the organic substitute currency (83) contained in the chip tray (51). In addition, a reading antenna and a reading limit antenna are formed in each of the bat areas (80a to 80e) according to the above embodiment. In this embodiment, a reading antenna (92) and a reading limit antenna (93) are additionally formed in the dealer area (90).

[0207] The dealer area (90) is an area for temporarily placing organic substitute currency (83) taken out of the chip tray (51) when the dealer (91) pays organic substitute currency (83) from the chip tray (51) to the player (82) who won the game. By reading the RFID tag (831) of the organic substitute currency (83) at the reading antenna (92) of the dealer area (90), the organic substitute currency (83) to be paid to the player (82) who won the game can be identified. The reading antenna (92) of the dealer area (90) does not perform reading simultaneously with other adjacent bat areas.

[0208] Specifically, the reading area may be switched in the order of reading in the bat areas (80a to 80e) and then reading only in the dealer area (90), or reading may be performed simultaneously in multiple reading areas including multiple bat areas (80a to 80e) and dealer area (90) so as not to perform reading simultaneously in reading areas that are close to each other. Alternatively, reading may be performed at the timing according to the progress of the game in the dealer area (90). That is, while betting and during gameplay, multiple bat areas (80a to 80e) may be read in order, and while clearing, multiple bat areas (80a to 80e) and dealer area (90) may be read in order.

[0209] The organic table (6005) of the present embodiment additionally has a metal wire (6010) arranged to surround all of the multiple bat areas (80a to 80e) and the dealer area (90), which also serves as a decoration for the organic table. This metal wire (6010) forms a closed loop that surrounds all of the multiple bat areas (80a to 80e) and the dealer area (90). Additionally, the chip tray (51) is located outside this closed loop.

[0210] With this configuration, this metal wire (6010) functions as a read-limiting antenna to limit the reading of the RFID tag (831) of the organic substitute currency (83) in the bat area (80a to 80e) and dealer area (90) by the read antenna of the chip tray (51). Accordingly, in this embodiment, reading by the read antenna of the chip tray (51) can be performed at any timing asynchronous with the bat area (80a to 80e) and dealer area (90) described above. Also, as this metal wire (6010) functions as a read-limiting antenna, even when reading is performed on the bat area (80a to 80e) and dealer area (90), the read antennas are prevented from reading the RFID tag (831) of the organic substitute currency (83) of the chip tray (51).

[0211] Additionally, a screw may be placed inside the metal wire (6010), and the outer side of the metal wire (6010) may be used as a cushion. Thus, the metal wire (6010) can be installed on the organic table (6005) without any sense of incongruity as a decoration formed at the boundary between the cushion and the screw. Furthermore, in addition to the metal wire (6010) functioning as such a read-limiting antenna, or instead, a shield may be formed between the chip tray (51), the bat area (80a to 80e), and the dealer area (90) to prevent mutual read interference.

[0212] As described above, according to the game table reading system (100) of the present embodiment, for RFID tags placed on the same plane, which is the surface of the game table, a plurality of reading antennas are arranged parallel to said plane, and since the RFID tags are distinguished and read at each position on said plane, it is possible to determine where the RFID tag is located on said plane. In the game table, the betting target is determined according to the position of the organic substitute currency, and each area defining the betting target is arranged at a close distance from each other. Also, in the game table, even if one attempts to shield between each area, such a shielding member cannot be formed on the surface of the game table. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, a reading control antenna is appropriately arranged to prevent the reading of a reading area that the reading antenna is not supposed to read, and by appropriately controlling the timing of reading by the reading antenna and reading control by the reading control antenna, reading can be performed by appropriately distinguishing the plurality of reading areas even when a plurality of reading areas are densely packed. Explanation of the symbols

[0213] 1, 13, 16, 18, 20, 100: Game Table Reading System 2 : Game Table 3 : Player 4, 4a ~ 4e : Bat Area 5: Organic substitute currency 6: Chip Tray 7, 71a ~ 75e : Read antenna 8 : Read antenna 9: Read control device 10, 101a ~ 105e : Read-limited antennas 11: Read-limited antenna 12: Read limit control device 14: Members Card 15: Card Reading Area 17: Read intensity setting section 19: Game Situation Judgment System 21, 21a ~ 21e : Pay area 22, 22a ~ 22e : Read antenna 23, 23a ~ 23e : Read-restricted antennas 41 : Bat Area 42 : Pay Area 51: Chip Tray 52 : Camera 53 : Card reader 56: Management Control Unit 57 : Database 58 : Card distribution device 60: Bat Area 61 : Read antenna 62 : External Read Limit Antenna 63 ~ 65 : Read-limited antenna 66 : Substrate 70 : Bat Area 721 ~ 725 : Read antenna 731 ~ 741 : Read-restricted antenna 76 : Substrate 81 : Members Card 82 : Player 83: Organic substitute currency 90 : Dealer Area 91 : Dealer 92 : Read antenna 93 : Read-limited antenna 511, 521, 531: Read antenna 512, 522, 532: Read-restricted antenna 561 : Read control device 562 : Read limit control device 831 : RFID tag 6004, 6005 : Game Table 6010 : Metal wire

Claims

Claim 1 A game table having a plurality of bat areas corresponding to a plurality of player positions, and a game table reading system for reading RFID tags embedded in a gaming chip, wherein each of the plurality of bat areas has a plurality of bat target areas including one or a plurality of main bat areas and one or a plurality of side bat areas that are disposed adjacent to or smaller than the one or a plurality of main bat areas; a plurality of first reading means embedded in the game table for reading RFID tags of gaming chips in each of the one or a plurality of main bat areas of the plurality of bat areas; a plurality of second reading means embedded in the game table for reading RFID tags of gaming chips in each of the one or a plurality of side bat areas of the plurality of bat areas; a control means for controlling reading by the first reading means and the second reading means; and a limiting means embedded in the game table for limiting a reading range by at least one of the first reading means and the second reading means, wherein the control means of the first bat area A game table reading system that controls reading by the first reading means and the second reading means so that the first reading means for reading an RFID tag of a gaming chip of the first main bat area and the second reading means for reading an RFID tag of a gaming chip of the first side bat area disposed adjacent to the first main bat area of ​​the first bat area do not perform reading simultaneously, and the limiting means acts so that at least one of the first reading means and the second reading means does not read an RFID tag of a gaming chip of another bat target area adjacent to each other. Claim 2 In claim 1, the limiting means is a game table reading system, which is a jamming antenna. Claim 3 In claim 1, the limiting means is a game table reading system that is a shield member. Claim 4 A game table reading system according to claim 1, further comprising a third reading means for reading an RFID tag of a gaming chip maintained in a chip tray formed on the game table, wherein the control means further controls the reading by the third reading means, the limiting means further limits the reading range by the third reading means, and the limiting means acts so that the reading range of the third reading means does not reach the reading range of the first reading means and the second reading means.

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