RFID Casino Chip Tracking for Ownership History Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing game token management systems in casinos fail to record and verify the ownership history of game tokens, allowing counterfeit or improperly used tokens to go undetected, as they only authenticate the token itself and not its usage history.
Innovation Solution
A game token management system that includes RFID-equipped tokens, a chip reader, and a controller to associate owner information with each token, enabling traceability and detection of abnormal usage by linking bet and payout chips through a database.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID authentication is used to verify game token authenticity, then counterfeit token detection is improved, but usage history tracking capability remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the tracking function by separating token authentication (performed by RFID reader at game tables) from ownership history management (performed by central controller with database). This allows RFID to reliably verify token authenticity while the centralized system comprehensively tracks ownership changes across all casino locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central controller as an intermediary between game tables and the token lifecycle management system. This intermediary collects RFID data from various locations (game tables, cages, chip rooms) and maintains a comprehensive database of token ownership history, enabling both authentication and tracking functions to coexist effectively.
2Loss of information
If comprehensive ownership tracking is implemented, then token usage monitoring is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple functions into the central controller: RFID data reception from game tables, ownership history database management, token location tracking, and anomaly detection. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate tracking infrastructure at each location while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service tracking where the RFID tags on tokens automatically provide identification information when read by scanners at various locations. The central controller automatically updates the database with each reading, eliminating manual tracking efforts and reducing operational complexity while maintaining detailed ownership records.
3Device complexity
If manual token verification is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but detection of improperly used tokens is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback loops where the central controller continuously monitors token locations and ownership history from RFID readings at game tables, cages, and chip rooms. When anomalies are detected (such as tokens appearing at unauthorized locations or ownership inconsistencies), the system automatically generates alerts, providing reliable improper usage detection without requiring complex manual verification procedures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures the authenticity and proper usage history of game tokens are tracked, preventing the use of counterfeit or improperly transferred tokens by associating owner information and detecting anomalies in the token's usage history.
Implementation Method 1
a game token to which individually identifiable RFID is attached, a chip reader that reads the RFID of the game token placed on the chip placement area
Data Source
AI summary
A controller of the table game management system is configured to be able to recognize that a bet chip bet by a winning player and a payout chip paid to the winning player are transferred outside a chip placement area, and associate, in a database, ID information of the payout chip with ID information of the bet chip transferred outside the chip placement area at the same timing as the payout chip, and includes a function to associate, in the database, ID information held by RFID of the payout chip with information about an owner of the bet chip indicated by RFID of the bet chip.