JP7228064B2 - Inspection system and substitute money for games - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an inspection system for game tokens used in table games and game tokens.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in amusement arcades such as casinos, table games using tokens for gaming are played. Since game substitute money can be exchanged for cash, its counterfeiting is strictly controlled. Various techniques have been proposed and adopted to discriminate counterfeit substitute game money from genuine substitute game money. For example, there is known a method of judging authenticity by embedding an RF tag in which identification information is recorded in game tokens and reading the identification information with an RF reader (for example, Patent Document 1).

On the other hand, a different value is defined for each type of token used for gaming, and a technique for detecting the value of tokens for gaming has been proposed in order to automate table games. For example, there is known a method of detecting value by embedding an RF tag in which type or value information is recorded in substitute game money and reading the information with an RF reader (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2008-246103

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides novel tokens for gaming that can determine authenticity based on images obtained by photographing, and an inspection system for inspecting them.

One aspect of the present invention is a game token inspection system using a game table, which uses a recording device for recording the type and authenticity of a game token using a camera, and the recording result of the recording device. and an inspection device for judging the authenticity of the tokens for gaming, wherein the tokens for gaming are provided with a unique ID that can be individually identified in appearance, and the inspection device is the object to be inspected. A camera is used to read a unique ID affixed to a game token used as a token, and the read unique ID can be used to determine the authenticity of the game token token to be inspected, and the unique ID is By irradiating an ID mark area composed of UV ink or an infrared absorbing material with a laser beam to partially alter or remove the UV ink or infrared absorbing material constituting the ID mark area, the ID mark area is formed. It is a configuration in which a unique ID that can be individually identified or a unique ID that can be individually identified is formed for each specific group.

With this configuration, a unique ID is revealed in the ID mark area by irradiating the ID mark area of the game substitute money with ultraviolet rays or infrared rays, so that authenticity is determined by reading the unique ID of the game substitute money. It becomes possible to

In the inspection system described above, the ID code may be associated with any one of the machine used for manufacturing, the order of manufacturing, the manufacturing time, and the manufacturing information through a database.

With this configuration, by reading the ID code, it is possible to determine any one of the machine used to manufacture the game token, the order of manufacture, the time of manufacture, and the manufacture information.

In the above inspection system, the game token may further include an RFID or an ID code in addition to the individually identifiable unique ID provided on the outside, and the inspection device may include the A database may be provided for associating the provided unique ID with the RFID or ID code further provided on the token for gaming, and the unique ID attached to the token for gaming to be inspected may be detected by a camera. The authenticity of the substitute game money to be inspected may be determined based on the result of comparing the read ID and the RFID or ID code further provided on the game substitute money with the contents of the database.

With this configuration, the authenticity of game tokens can be determined by comparing a unique ID made of UV ink or an infrared absorbing material with an RFID or ID code separately provided.

In the inspection system described above, the inspection device may use a normal camera and an infrared camera or a UV camera to determine the authenticity of the token for gaming.

With this configuration, it is possible to determine the authenticity of game tokens by photographing the unique ID revealed in the ID mark area with an infrared camera or a UV camera.

In the inspection system described above, the unique ID of the game token may be a code of letters or marks.

With this configuration, a unique ID is represented by characters or marks.

In the inspection system described above, the unique ID of the game token may be transparent.

With this configuration, a unique ID can be given without degrading the design of the game token, and security can be improved.

A game substitute money according to one aspect of the present invention is provided with a unique ID that can be individually identified on the outside, and the unique ID is read using a camera, and the read unique ID is used as a game substitute money. authenticity can be determined, and the unique ID is UV ink or infrared absorbing material that constitutes the ID mark area by irradiating a laser beam to the ID mark area composed of UV ink or infrared absorbing material A unique ID that can be individually identified or a unique ID that can be individually identified for each specific group is formed in the ID mark area by partially altering or removing the material.

With this configuration, a unique ID is revealed in the ID mark area by irradiating the ID mark area of the game substitute money with ultraviolet rays or infrared rays, so that authenticity is determined by reading the unique ID of the game substitute money. It becomes possible to

In the game substitute money described above, the ID code may be associated with any one of the machine used for manufacture, the order of manufacture, the time of manufacture, and the manufacture information through a database.

With this configuration, by reading the ID code, it is possible to determine any one of the machine used to manufacture the game token, the order of manufacture, the time of manufacture, and the manufacture information.

The game substitute money may further include an RFID or an ID code separately from the individually identifiable unique ID provided on the outside, and the unique ID provided on the outside and the game substitute money By using a database that associates the RFID or ID code further provided in the database, the unique ID attached to the game token to be inspected and the RFID or ID code further provided to the game token are stored in the database It may be possible to determine the authenticity of the game substitute money to be inspected based on the result of collation with the contents of .

With this configuration, the authenticity of game tokens can be determined by comparing a unique ID made of UV ink or an infrared absorbing material with an RFID or ID code separately provided.

The unique ID of the game token may be a code of letters or marks.

With this configuration, a unique ID is represented by characters or marks.

The unique ID of the gaming token may be transparent.

With this configuration, a unique ID can be given without degrading the design of the game token, and security can be improved.

Still another aspect of the present invention is an inspection system for inspecting tokens for playing games, in which an ID mark area coated with ink is partially irradiated with a laser beam, and the partial area is inspected. A game substitute money to which code information is added by altering or removing it, a camera for photographing the game substitute money, and reading the code information based on the image photographed by the camera to play the game. and an inspection device for determining the authenticity of the token.

With this configuration, it is possible to determine the authenticity of game substitute money by reading the code information given by irradiation of laser light.

In the above inspection system, the ink applied to the entire surface of the ID mark area may be invisible ink, and the inspection system further comprises a lamp for irradiating the game tokens with a light beam for making the invisible ink visible. Preferably, the inspection device may read the code information visualized by irradiation with the light beam.

With this configuration, since the ID mark area cannot be seen under visible light, the code information can be given without affecting the design of the game token, and the security can be improved.

Still another aspect of the present invention is a game substitute money, comprising at least a display surface for displaying a value, and an ID mark area provided on the display surface and entirely coated with ink, It has a configuration in which the first code information is given by partially irradiating the ID mark area with a laser beam to alter or remove the part.

With this configuration, code information can be given by irradiation with laser light.

In the above game token, the ink applied to the entire surface of the ID mark area may be UV ink that emits light when irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and the portion irradiated with the laser light is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. It may be altered or removed so that it does not emit light even if it is exposed.

With this configuration, the first code information can be visualized by irradiating the ID mark area with ultraviolet rays.

In the game tokens described above, the ink applied to the entire surface of the ID mark area may be ink made of an infrared absorbing material that absorbs infrared rays, and the portion irradiated with the laser beam does not absorb infrared rays. may be altered or removed as follows.

With this configuration, the first code information can be visualized by irradiating the ID mark area with infrared rays.

In the game substitute money described above, the game substitute money may be manufactured by cutting out from a substitute money original plate, may be provided with the second code information by the ink, and the first code information may be the The second code information may be information that uniquely identifies the original bill of money, and the second code information may be information that indicates a position within the original bill of money.

With this configuration, the first code information and the second code information can form information that uniquely specifies the game token.

It is a sectional side view of the game substitute money in the embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a plan view of a game substitute money in an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a state in which a plurality of game tokens are piled up according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an enlarged invisible ink area according to the embodiment of the present invention; It is a figure which shows the substitute money original plate in embodiment of this invention. 4 is a flow chart showing a manufacturing process of game tokens according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a sheet member that serves as a print layer in the embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 is a side view of a sheet member coated with a protective film according to the embodiment of the present invention; It is a figure explaining the superposition order of the sheet|seat member in embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a manufacturing process of a game substitute money according to a modification of the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a sectional side view of the game substitute money of the modification of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure which inspects the game substitute money put on the game table in embodiment of this invention. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an inspection system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a side sectional view of the game substitute money 1 of the modification of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure which inspects the game tokens collected for the inspection of the modification of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of an inspection system of a modification of an embodiment of the invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the embodiment described below shows an example of the case of carrying out the present invention, and does not limit the present invention to the specific configuration described below. In carrying out the present invention, a specific configuration according to the embodiment may be appropriately employed.

The inspection system of the present embodiment is a system for inspecting game tokens used in table games using game tables. First, the configuration of the game substitute money will be described. FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a game token, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the game token, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a plurality of game tokens stacked.

A game substitute money 1 has a multi-layer disc shape formed by thermocompression bonding a plurality of plastic sheet members to form a substitute money original plate and then punching out the substitute money original plate into a circular shape. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, fifty circles are cut out from one substitute-money original plate to manufacture fifty game substitute-money 1. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the game substitute money 1 has a three-layer structure in which a colored layer (designated color layer) 11 colored with a designated color is sandwiched between light-colored layers (common color layer) 12 on both sides, and a printed layer is added. It has a five-layer structure sandwiched by 14. A transparent protective film 15 made of varnish or the like is formed on the surface of the printed layer 14, and if this protective film 15 is counted as one layer, the gaming token has a seven-layer structure. Further, an RF tag 13 is sandwiched between the colored layer 11 and the light colored layer 12, and the game substitute money 1 incorporates the RF tag 13. - 特許庁That is, both sides of the colored sheet member constituting the colored layer 11 are sandwiched between the light-colored sheet members constituting the light-colored layer 12, and at this time, the thin sheet member is thin so as to be the center of the place where the game token 1 is punched out. The RF tag 13 is sandwiched between the color layer 12 and the color layer 11, both sides of these three sheet members are further sandwiched between sheet members constituting the printing layer 14, and these five sheet members are thermocompression bonded. A substitute money original plate 10 is constructed. A game substitute money having a striped pattern consisting of a colored layer 11 and two light-colored layers 12 sandwiching the colored layer 11 and sandwiching the colored layer 11 and having an RF tag 13 built in the center by punching out a circle from the substitute money original plate 10.例文帳に追加1 is obtained.

There are a plurality of types (10 points, 20 points, 100 points, 1000 points, etc.) of the game substitute money 1 according to the value, and the color (specified color) of the colored layer 11 differs according to the type. That is, the designated color represents the type of the game token 1, and for example, 10 points, 20 points, 100 points, and 1000 points are represented by red, green, yellow, and blue, respectively.

Since the game substitute money 1 has a colored layer 11 in the middle and is sandwiched between light-colored layers 12 on both sides, as shown in FIG. Also, each colored layer 11 is separated in the stacking direction of the layers, and the number and type (value) of the game substitute money 1 can be detected from the color of the colored layer 11 that can be observed from the side. The light-colored layer 12 may have a color lighter than that of the colored layer 11, and may be white. The color of the colored layer 11 is different for each type of game token 1, while the color of the light colored layer 12 is common to all types.

As shown in FIG. 2, the surface of the printed layer 14 on both sides of the game substitute money 1 is printed as display surfaces 120 with at least numbers indicating values. In the example of FIG. 2, the characters "100" are printed and displayed on the display surface 120 to indicate the value of 100 points. The display surface 120 is further provided with code information for checking authenticity at a predetermined position.

The code information is printed on the display surface 120 with transparent invisible ink that cannot be observed under visible light. The code information consists of first code information given to the ID mark area 121 solidly coated with invisible ink and second code information given to the outside of the ID mark area 121 . Note that the second code information may be provided within the ID mark area 121 .

The first code information expresses information by the presence or absence of marks 122 at 10 predetermined positions arranged in two rows on the circumference (a total of 20 predetermined positions). (squares) types of information can be expressed.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the ID mark area 121. As shown in FIG. UV ink, which is invisible ink, is applied to the ID mark area 121, and the mark 122 is formed by irradiating the UV ink with a laser beam. The UV ink emits fluorescent light when irradiated with ultraviolet light, but the UV ink is degraded in the portion of the mark 122 irradiated with the laser light, and does not emit light even when irradiated with ultraviolet light. Therefore, by irradiating the entire ID mark region 121 with ultraviolet light, the portion that does not emit light from the ID mark region 121 becomes a mark 122 that can be visually observed.

An L-shaped mark 124 functioning as a reference mark is displayed in the ID mark area 121 . By using this L-shaped mark 124 as a reference, it is possible to determine the position of each of the marks 122 shown at predetermined positions in 2 rows and 10 columns. The ID mark area 121 is provided with a unique ID that can be individually identified in appearance as first code information. This ID can individually identify the substitute money original plate 10 when the game substitute money 1 is manufactured.

That is, the IDs of the ID mark areas 121 of a plurality of (50 in this embodiment) game tokens 1 obtained from the same token token 10 are the same. Considering one substitute money original plate 10 as one group, the ID represented by the first code information in the ID mark area 121 is a unique ID that can individually identify the game substitute money 1 for each group. . Thus, the ID mark area 121 is an area to which a unique ID is given by the mark 122. FIG.

The ID indicating the first code information is associated in the database 56 with information on the machine used to manufacture the token original plate 10, the order of manufacture, the time of manufacture, and the manufacture information, or a combination thereof.

On the other hand, the second code information expresses information by the presence or absence of the marks 123 at six predetermined positions arranged on the circumference, and can express 2 6 types of information. This second code information also indicates a unique ID that can be individually identified in appearance. This ID can individually identify the position on the substitute money original plate 10 when the game substitute money 1 is manufactured. In other words, the second code information indicates the position on the substitute money original plate 10, and the game substitute money 1 cut out from the same position on the different substitute money original plate 10 has the same second code information, but the same substitute The second code information does not overlap in a plurality of game substitute moneys 1 cut out from the original money plate 10.例文帳に追加

FIG. 5 is a plan view of one substitute money original plate 10 for manufacturing a plurality of game substitute money 1. As shown in FIG. As described above, a total of 50 game tokens 1 are produced from one token token original plate 10 in 10 rows and 5 columns. As shown in FIG. 5, in one substitute money original plate 10, marks 123 of different combinations are given to each of fifty game substitute money 1 so as to indicate the position on the substitute money original plate 10 as the second code information. It is

As described above, the first code information can uniquely specify the substitute money master plate 10 for manufacturing the game substitute money 1, and the second code information can specify the substitute money master plate 10 for manufacturing the game substitute money. The position of the game substitute money 1 can be uniquely specified, and the game substitute money 1 can be uniquely specified by specifying the first code information and the second code information. As described above, the first code information can express 2 to the 20th power of information, and the second code information can express 2 to the 6th power of information. Thus, it is possible to use 2 to the 26th power of code information.

A unique ID (RFID) is stored in the RF tag 13 as information (RF tag information) that uniquely identifies the game substitute money 1 . This RF tag information may be the same information as the code information consisting of the first code information and the second code information expressed in invisible ink on the display surface 120 of the printing layer 14, or may be different information. good.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a manufacturing process of the gaming substitute money 1. As shown in FIG. First, printing is performed on a sheet member that becomes the printing layer 14 (step S61). FIG. 7 is a plan view of a sheet member 140 that becomes the print layer 14. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the sheet member 140 has a portion to be the upper printed layer 14 and a portion to be the lower printed layer 14 arranged side by side. The second code information up to is arranged line-symmetrically. That is, 10 lines×10 lines of printing corresponding to game tokens 1 are printed on one sheet member 140 . In FIG. 7, #1 to #50 indicate the second code information (that is, information for specifying the position of the game substitute money 1 on the substitute money original plate 10), but actually the contents shown in FIG. printed. After printing on the sheet member 140 is completed, the protective film 150 is applied thereon (step S62).

Next, the sheet member 140 coated with the protective film 150, the sheet member 120 to be the light-colored layer 12, and the sheet member 110 to be the colored layer 11 are superimposed (step S63). FIG. 8 is a side view of the sheet member 140 to which the protective film 150 is applied, and FIG. 9 is a diagram explaining the stacking order of the sheet members.

As shown in FIG. 9, RF tags 13 are arranged on the sheet member 110 as the colored layer at positions corresponding to the game tokens 1, and sheets as the light colored layers 12 are placed above and below the sheet member 110. As shown in FIG. A member 120 is arranged, and sheet members 140 are arranged above and below it. At this time, the upper sheet member 140 is oriented so that the printed surface (protective film 150 coated surface) faces upward, and the lower sheet member 140 is arranged such that the printed surface (protective film 150 coated surface) faces downward. placed in

At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, since the second code information is printed symmetrically with respect to the center line C, as shown in FIG. If one side (the right side in FIG. 8) is cut and rotated so as to be folded as it is, the position of the second code information will match between the upper and lower sheet members 140 when the sheet members are overlapped as shown in FIG. will do. In this way, the upper and lower sheet members 140 are made into one sheet member at the printing stage, and are separated and used above and below at the time of superimposition, thereby reducing the occurrence of mistakes such as the combination of the upper and lower sheet members 140 being mistaken. there is

Next, the sheet members laminated in the order shown in FIG. 9 are thermocompression bonded (step S64). Thus, the substitute money original plate 10 is created. An RF reader is used to read out the RF tag information from the 50 RF tags 13 built into the substitute money master plate 10 (step S65), and this information (sheet ID for specifying the member 140 (step S66).

Next, a punching process is performed to punch 50 game substitute money 1 from the substitute money original plate 10 (step S67). As a result, 50 game tokens 1 are obtained. First code information is written by laser irradiation to the ID mark areas 121 (printed on both front and back surfaces) of these 50 game tokens 1 (step S68). As described above, the RF tag information in the RF tag 13 is linked to the first code information (the ID of the counterfeit original plate 10) in the database. to read the RF tag information and write the corresponding first code information.

Finally, the RF writer is used to write information to the RF tag 13 (step S69). Here, as the RF tag information, in addition to the first code information and the second code information, the amount of the game token, casino information, junket information, whether it is a rolling chip or a cashing chip (whether it is a chip that can be converted into cash). , or not) and other information or codes desired by the user are written.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the second code information and the ID mark area are printed (step S61) on the printed layer 14 of the sheet member 140 before the punching process (step S67). The writing of the first code information to the ID mark area 121 by laser irradiation (step S68) was performed on the ID mark area 121 of each of the game tokens 1 that had been separated after the punching process (step S67). If laser irradiation (step S68) is performed prior to punching (step S67) (that is, laser irradiation is performed on the counterfeit original plate 10), a plurality of laser irradiation machines are arranged, or a single laser irradiation machine is used. As such, either a laser irradiation machine or movement of the substitute money original plate 10 is required. However, laser irradiation machines are relatively expensive, and preparing a plurality of them is disadvantageous in terms of cost. In addition, high precision is required for the mechanism for moving the laser irradiator or the counterfeit original plate 10 . Also, the laser irradiation machine is heavy and not easy to move. For these reasons, after the punching process (step S67), the first code information is written on the game tokens 1 one by one by laser irradiation. The information to be written by laser irradiation can be determined by reading the RF tag information already written in the RF tag 13. Therefore, by reading the RF tag information during laser irradiation, the information should be written by laser irradiation without error. Information can be written.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing another example of the manufacturing process of the gaming substitute money 1. As shown in FIG. In this manufacturing process, the game substitute money 1 having a three-layer structure shown in FIG. 11 is manufactured. As shown in FIG. 11, the game substitute money 1 has a three-layer structure consisting of a colored layer 11 and upper and lower light-colored layers 12 sandwiching the colored layer 11, and the surface of the light-colored layer 12 serves as a display surface 120. . That is, the surface of the light-colored layer 12 is directly printed. When manufacturing the game substitute money 1, first, a light-colored sheet member is prepared, the RF tag 13 is placed in the center of the stamping position of the game substitute money 1 on the sheet member, and then colored with a designated color from above. The laminated sheet member and the light-colored sheet member are stacked in this order to form a laminated structure composed of a plurality of plastic layers. Then, by applying pressure in the stacking direction while heating this laminated structure, each layer is thermally welded to manufacture the substitute money original plate 10 having a three-layer structure (step S101).

Next, on the display surface 120 of the substitute money original plate 10, a number indicating the value, an ID mark area 121 indicating the first code information, and a mark 123 indicating the second code information are printed (step S102). . At this time, the entire ID mark area 121 is simply filled in at any position. The combination differs depending on the position on the substitute money original plate 10 .

That is, at the stage of printing on the substitute-money original plate 10, UV ink, which is invisible ink, is applied to the entire surface of the ID mark area 121 (solid coating), and the second code information includes each game on the substitute-money original plate 10. An ID corresponding to the position of the substitute money 1 is given. As described above, since the first code information for uniquely specifying the substitute-money master plate 10 is given by irradiating the ID mark area 121 with a laser beam, all of the plurality of substitute-money master plates 10 are printed at this printing stage. The same plate can be used for printing.

After the printing is completed, a laser beam is irradiated to give the first code information to the plurality of ID mark areas 121 of the substitute money original plate 10 (step S103). This first code information is information that can individually identify the substitute money original plate 10 as described above. Granted.

Next, the RF writer is used to write RF tag information to each of the plurality of RF tags 13 (step S104). When the above steps are completed, punching is performed at each position of the substitute-money original plate 10 corresponding to the plurality of game-use substitute money 1 using a die (step S105), and the disk-shaped game-use substitute money 1 is formed. can get. The RF tag information may be written before the laser irradiation process, before printing, or before the thermocompression bonding process.

Next, an inspection system including the game substitute money 1 will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration for inspecting the game token 1 placed on the game table T, and FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the inspection system.

As shown in FIG. 13, the inspection system 50 includes a UV camera 51, a visible light camera 52, an RF reader 53, a recording device 54, an inspection device 55, a database 56, and an output device 57. . The UV camera 51 includes an ultraviolet irradiation lamp 512 in addition to general digital camera components such as a lens 511 and an image sensor. The ultraviolet irradiation lamp 512 irradiates the field of view of the UV camera 51 with ultraviolet rays. The UV camera 51 shoots an image (UV image) emitted by the UV ink by lighting the ultraviolet irradiation lamp 512 and irradiating the game token 1 with the ultraviolet light. The visible light camera 52 has a configuration of a general digital camera such as a lens 521 and an imaging device.

As shown in FIG. 12, the game table T has a pole P erected thereon. The UV camera 51 is attached relatively above the pole P, and installed obliquely downward so as to photograph the table surface from above. Also, the visible light camera 52 is attached relatively below the pole P, and is installed so as to be oriented substantially horizontally so that the sides of the game tokens 1 placed on the game table T can be photographed well. ing.

The RF reader 53 has an antenna 531 for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves in order to read RF tag information from the RF tag 13 of the game token 1 . The RF reader 53 reads RF tag information based on electromagnetic waves received by the antenna 531 . As shown in FIG. 12, the RF reader 53 is built in under the table surface of the game table T. As shown in FIG.

The image of the UV image of the display surface 120 of the game token 1 captured by the UV camera 51, the image of the visible light image of the side surface of the game token 1 captured by the visible light camera 52, and the RF reader 53 read. All of the RF tag information stored in the RF tag 13 of the received game token 1 is recorded in the recording device 54 .

The inspection device 55 performs image recognition processing on the recording result of the recording device 54, i.e., the UV image, the visible light image, and the RF tag information recorded in the recording device 54, thereby identifying the image. The authenticity of the substitute money 1 is determined. The inspection device 55 reads the code information based on the UV image of the display surface 120, and reads side information (color of the colored layer) based on the visible light image of the side surface. A machine learning model for recognizing each of the UV image of the UV camera 51 and the visible light image of the visible light camera 52 is installed in the inspection device 55 . More specifically, the inspection device 55 can perform image recognition processing using a neural network.

When the code information and the RF tag information are the same information, the database 56 stores the code information of the game substitute money 1 that may be used, the type of the game substitute money 1, the game substitute It is stored in association with any one or a combination of the machine used to manufacture the substitute money plate 10 of the money 1, the order of manufacture, the time of manufacture, and the manufacture information.

The inspection device 55 determines whether or not the recognized code information and the RF tag information read by the RF reader 53 match. The recognized code information and the RF tag information read by the RF reader 53 should match with the authentic game substitute money 1, and if the information does not match, the inspection layer 55 detects the game The substitute money 1 is judged to be an illegal game substitute money 1. - 特許庁

If the code information matches the RF tag information, the inspection device 55 further inspects whether the code information is stored in the database 56 or not. If the information recognized from the UV image and the RF tag 13 is not stored in the database 56, the game substitute money 1 is determined to be an illegal game substitute money 1.例文帳に追加

The inspection device 55 further inspects whether or not the type of the game token 1 associated with the information recognized in the database 56 matches the type recognized from the side visible light image. The inspection device 55 determines that the game substitute money 1 is an illegal game substitute money 1 when they do not match.

If the code information and the RF tag information are not the same information, the database 56 stores the code information of the substitute game money 1 that may be used, the type of the game substitute money 1, the RF tag information, the It is stored in association with any one or a combination of the machine used to manufacture the substitute money plate 10 of the game substitute money 1, the order of manufacturing, the manufacturing time, and the manufacturing information.

The inspection device 55 stores in a database a combination of code information recognized from the UV image on the display surface 120, RF tag information read by the RF reader 53, and information on the type of game token 1 recognized from the visible light image on the side. 56, the authenticity of the game substitute money 1 is determined.

The inspection device 55 determines that the game substitute money 1 is a genuine game substitute money 1 except for the case where the game substitute money 1 is determined to be fraudulent. The output device 57 outputs the result of determining the authenticity of the game substitute money 1, that is, the result of determining whether it is fraudulent or genuine. The output device 57 may be a display device that displays the determination result as an image, a speaker that outputs the determination result by voice, or a lamp that outputs the determination result in color. Also, the determination result by the inspection device 55 is recorded in the recording device 54 .

As described above, in the game substitute money 1 of the present embodiment, the ID mark area 121 of the display surface 120 is solidly coated with invisible ink that is visualized by ultraviolet irradiation, and then the ID mark area 121 is irradiated with a laser. This changes the properties of the irradiated portion to form a mark 122 that cannot be visualized (lighted up) even when irradiated with ultraviolet rays. was given code information. This code information (first code information) can be revealed as a mark 122 that does not emit light by irradiating the ID mark area 121 with ultraviolet rays.

Although it is possible to configure the first code information by drawing the mark 122 by ejecting invisible ink, in this case, only the mark 122 portion protrudes from the display surface 120, which is not suitable for gaming. The mark 122 may be worn out in the process of using the substitute money 1. - 特許庁In particular, when a relatively small mark is used to express a large amount of information, such as the mark 122, there is a risk that correct information cannot be expressed due to wear. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the mark 122 forming the first code information does not protrude from the display surface 120, there is no danger of the mark 122 disappearing due to wear.

Further, the game substitute money 1 of the present embodiment also has a mark 123 printed on the display surface 120 with invisible ink as the second code information. While the first code information is information that uniquely identifies the substitute money original plate 10, the second code information is information that uniquely identifies the position on the substitute money original plate 10. A unique ID that uniquely identifies the token 1 is configured. With such a configuration, when printing the mark 123 of the second code information and the invisible ink area 120, all the token original plates 10 need to be printed in the same manner, and therefore the same printing plate can be used. can be done.

In addition, since the first code information that uniquely identifies the substitute money original plate 10 is applied to the substitute money original plate 10 to which the invisible ink has been applied, the first code information that uniquely identifies the substitute money original plate 10 is given by laser irradiation. The same first code information can be conveniently attached to the game substitute money 1. - 特許庁

In addition, since the invisible ink is transparent, the code information cannot be seen during normal use (under visible light), and the design of the display surface 120 of the game token 1 is not affected. In addition, security can be improved.

(Modification)
In the above embodiments, UV ink that emits fluorescence when irradiated with ultraviolet light is used as the invisible ink, but the invisible ink is not limited to this, and may be, for example, an infrared absorbing material. When an infrared absorbing material is used as the invisible ink, the entire surface of the ID mark area 121 is coated (printed) with ink made of the infrared absorbing material. By irradiating a laser beam on a position corresponding to the first code information, the irradiated portion is changed in quality to form the mark 122 .

In this case, the altered mark 122 portion cannot absorb infrared rays. Therefore, when reading the first code information, by irradiating the ID mark area 121 with infrared rays, the marks 122 reflect the infrared rays without absorbing them, and the portions of the ID mark area 121 other than the marks 122 emit the infrared rays. is absorbed and infrared rays are not reflected, or the amount of reflection is reduced. Therefore, by photographing the ID mark area 121 with an infrared camera, the first code information made up of the mark 122 can be read.

For this purpose, instead of the UV camera 51, the inspection system is equipped with an infrared camera. An infrared camera includes an infrared illumination light that emits infrared rays and an infrared detection element that detects an infrared image from a subject through a lens to generate an infrared image.

In the above embodiment, the ID mark region 121 is partially irradiated with a laser beam to alter the quality of the irradiated portion to form the mark 123. However, instead of this, the laser beam can be irradiated. , the invisible ink in the irradiated portion may be removed. In this case, it is necessary to irradiate a stronger laser beam than in the case of the above embodiment.

Even if the marks 122 are formed by removing the invisible ink, the alignment of the marks 122 can be changed by irradiating the ID mark area 121 with ultraviolet rays when the invisible ink is UV ink, as in the above embodiment. The arrangement of the marks 122 is visualized by irradiating the ID mark area 121 with infrared rays if the invisible ink is made of an infrared absorbing material.

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of a game substitute money 1' of a modification. The game substitute money 1' is formed by laminating a plurality of plastic layers of different colors. ) 12 are laminated. It is desirable that the color of the light-colored layer 12 is lighter than the color of the colored layer 11 . In this way, the gaming token 1' has a multi-layer structure in which the colored layer 11 is provided and the light-colored layer 12 is laminated on both sides of the intermediate colored layer 11, thereby forming a striped pattern on the side surface in the lamination direction. By changing the color of the colored layer 11, the type of the game substitute money 1' can be identified.

In this modification, as shown in FIG. 14, the colored layer 11 is formed of a plurality of layers (three layers in FIG. 14) colored with a designated color. Since they are thermocompressed together, the three-layer structure is not visible. A middle layer of the three colored layers 11 is provided with a partial cut-out B, in which the RF tag 13 is embedded.

As in the above-described embodiment, the display surface 120 of the game substitute money 1' is printed with numbers representing the type (value) of the game substitute money 1', and the transparent layer 16 is the outermost layer. Each layer is thermally compressed to form at least a five-layer structure. In this game substitute money 1', plastic sheet members constituting each layer (colored layer 11, light-colored layer 12, and transparent layer 16) are stacked, and an RF tag 13 is arranged in the cutout B at that time, A plurality of superimposed sheet members are thermocompressed to each other and adhered to each other (five-layer structure, etc.) to form a substitute money master plate 10, and then the substitute money master plate 10 is punched into a circular shape or a rectangular shape by a press or the like. It is formed.

When punching by press, the dimensions of the die and punch for punching are designed, and the edge of the outermost transparent layer 16 is rounded (rounded corners). This prevents the surface of the light-colored layer 12 from deforming and appearing on the side. In addition, it is possible to prevent the edge of the game substitute money 1' from being sharp and damaging the hand or other game substitute money 1'.

As shown in FIG. 14, the game token 1' has a multi-layer structure in which a striped pattern is clearly formed on the side surface in the stacking direction. It is possible to easily and accurately measure the 11 colors (types of game tokens 1) and the number of tokens.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration of a modification for inspecting game tokens 1 collected for inspection, and FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an inspection system of the modification. In the inspection system 70 of FIG. 16, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same configurations as those of the inspection system 50 shown in FIG. 13, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The configuration of the inspection system 70 is similar to that of the inspection system 50, but in the inspection system 70, the visible light camera 58 for capturing surface print information (especially the number representing the type) captures code information in invisible ink. It is provided separately from the UV camera 51 for The visible light camera 58 has a general digital camera configuration including a lens 581 and an imaging device.

Similar to the inspection system 50, the inspection system 70 includes a UV camera 51 for photographing the code information on the display surface 120 of the game token 1, a visible light camera 52 for photographing the striped pattern on the side surface, It comprises an RF reader 53 for reading information on the RF tag 13 of the game token 1, a recording device 54, an inspection device 55, a database 56, and an output device 57.

As shown in FIG. 15, this inspection system 70 includes an extrusion device 102 that moves the extrusion section 10 in the direction of the arrow Z, and by moving the extrusion section 101 in the direction of the arrow Z by the extrusion device 102, the stacked game substitutes The money 1 is supplied to the reading stage 109 one by one. On the reading stage 109, the visible light camera 58, the UV camera 51, and the visible light camera 52 photograph the surface print information, the code information, and the side surface, respectively, and read the RF tag 13 incorporated in the game token 1. is read by the RF reader 53 . The game substitute money 1 that has been read is pushed out by the next game substitute money 1 and falls in the arrow X direction, and the game substitute money 1 dropped in the arrow X direction is held on the holding stage 110 .

The authenticity determination method in the inspection device 55 may be the same as in the above embodiment. Note that the surface printed information and the code information are printed on both of the two display surfaces of the game substitute money 1 inspected by the inspection system 70, but the surface printed information and the code information of the game substitute money 1 are printed. When provided only on one side, the UV camera 51 and the visible light camera 58 may be provided on both the front side and the back side. As a result, front-side printed information and code information printed only on one side can be photographed by at least one of the UV camera 51 and the visible light camera 58 on the front side and the back side.

Further, in the game substitute money 1 of the above embodiment, in addition to the code information by invisible ink, the RF tag information is stored in the RF tag 13, and the RF tag information is read out by the RF reader 53. Instead of or in addition to the RF tag information from the RF tag 13, an ID code (side ID) may be printed on the side surface of the gaming token 1. FIG. This side ID may be printed with normal ink or printed with invisible ink.

When a side ID is given, the contents of the side ID are stored in the database 56 in association with the code information in the same manner as in the above embodiment, and the inspection device 55 refers to the database 56. determines whether the recognized side ID is stored in the database 56 or not.

Also, in the game substitute money 1 of the above embodiment, the code information is represented by the arrangement of the marks 122 and the marks 123, but the code information may be represented by numbers or letters. Similarly, the above side ID may be represented by an arrangement of marks, or may be represented by numbers or letters.

In addition, in the game substitute money 1 of the above-described embodiment, the first code information is the information that specifies the substitute money original plate 10, but the first code information is the identification information that uniquely identifies the game substitute money 1. may be Also, the code information may be composed only of the first code information without the second code information.

At least the following inventions are disclosed by the above embodiments and their modifications.
(1) A game token inspection system used for table games,
a camera for photographing game tokens;
a recording device for recording an image of game tokens photographed by the camera;
an inspection device that determines the authenticity of the gaming token using the image recorded in the recording device;
Code information is assigned to the game substitute money,
The inspection device recognizes the code information from the image recorded in the recording device to determine the authenticity of the gaming token,
The code information is given to the game money by irradiating an invisible ink area printed with invisible ink with a laser beam to partially alter or remove the invisible ink forming the invisible ink area. inspection system.

(2) The inspection system of (1), wherein the code information is a unique ID capable of individually identifying the game money in lieu of money or a unique ID capable of individually identifying a group to which the game money in lieu of money belongs. .

(3) The inspection system of (1), wherein the code information is associated in a database with any one of the machine used for manufacturing, the order of manufacturing, the manufacturing time, and the manufacturing information.

(4) The game substitute money further comprises RF tag information stored in an RF tag or an ID code written on the side, in addition to the code information,
The inspection system has a database that associates the code information with the RF tag information or the ID code,
The camera captures the code information attached to the game token to be inspected,
The inspection device refers to the database and checks the code information against the RF tag information or the ID code to determine the authenticity of the gaming token, deviating from (1) to (3). Some inspection system.

(5) The inspection system according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the camera has a lamp that visualizes the invisible ink, and photographs the visualized code information.

(6) The inspection system according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the code information is a code of letters or marks.

(7) The inspection system according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the invisible ink is transparent.

(8) Code information for determining authenticity is provided,
The code information is obtained by irradiating an invisible ink area composed of UV ink or an infrared absorbing material with a laser beam to partially alter or remove the UV ink or infrared absorbing material constituting the invisible ink area. Equivalent money for gaming that is granted with.

(9) The game substitute of (8), wherein the code information is a unique ID capable of individually identifying the game substitute money or a unique ID capable of individually identifying a group to which the game substitute money belongs. money.

(10) The substitute game money of (9), wherein the code information is associated in a database with at least one of the machine used to manufacture the game money, manufacturing order, manufacturing time, and manufacturing information.

(11) The game substitute money further comprises RF tag information stored in an RF tag or an ID code written on the side, in addition to the code information,
By referring to a database that associates the code information with the RF tag information or the ID code, the code information attached to the game token to be inspected is collated with the RF tag information or the ID code. The game substitute money according to any one of (8) to (10), whose authenticity can be determined by

(12) The game substitute money according to any one of (8) to (11), wherein the code information is a code of letters or marks.

(13) The game substitute money according to any one of (8) to (12), wherein the invisible ink is transparent.

1 substitute money for game 10 substitute money original board 11 colored layer 12 light colored layer 13 RF tag 14 printed layer 15 protective film 16 transparent layer 50 inspection system 51 UV camera 52 visible light camera 53 RF reader 54 recording device 55 inspection device 56 database 57 Output device 58 Visible light camera 70 Inspection system 120 Display surface 121 ID mark area 122 Mark 123 Mark 124 L-shaped mark 511 Lens 512 Ultraviolet irradiation lamp 521 Lens 531 Antenna 581 Lens

Claims (12)

It is an inspection system for substitute money for games,
Game substitute money having a first ID recorded using an RFID tag and a second ID different from the first ID written by laser irradiation;
a database storing a combination of the first ID and the second ID possessed by the same substitute game money;
an RF reader that reads the first ID;
a camera that captures the game token and generates an image;
an image analysis device that acquires the second ID by analyzing the image;
By referring to the combination stored in the database for the first ID read by the RF reader and/or the second ID acquired by the image analysis device, the game token is inspected. an inspection device;
with
The second ID is expressed by changing the light reflection characteristics or absorption characteristics of the irradiated portion by the laser irradiation,
inspection system. 2. The inspection system of claim 1, wherein the second ID is inscribed so as to be invisible under normal conditions of use. 2. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the first ID or the second ID is associated with one of the machine used for manufacturing, the order of manufacturing, the manufacturing time, and the manufacturing information by a database. 2. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein said second ID of said game token is a code of letters or marks. 2. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein said game substitute money has a reference mark serving as a reference for the area in which said second ID is provided. 2. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein said second ID of said game token is represented by the presence or absence of a mark at a predetermined position. A substitute currency for gaming,
Equipped with an RFID tag that records the first ID,
A second ID whose combination with the first ID is stored in a database is indicated by laser irradiation,
can be inspected by reading the first ID and/or the second ID and referring to the database;
The second ID is expressed by changing the light reflection characteristics or absorption characteristics of the irradiated portion by the laser irradiation,
Game substitute money. 8. The game substitute money according to claim 7, wherein said second ID is written so as to be invisible in normal use. 8. A game substitute money according to claim 7, wherein the first ID or the second ID is associated with one of the machine used for manufacturing, the order of manufacturing, the manufacturing time, and the manufacturing information through a database. 8. The game substitute money according to claim 7, wherein said second ID is a code of letters or marks. 8. The game substitute money according to claim 7, having a reference mark serving as a reference for the area in which said second ID is provided. 8. The game substitute money according to claim 7, wherein said second ID is represented by the presence or absence of a mark at a predetermined position.

Images