WO2021075350A1

WO2021075350A1 - Game media management device and game media management method

Info

Publication number: WO2021075350A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/038154
Authority: WO
Inventors: 淳 ▲配▼島
Original assignee: 株式会社ユニバーサルエンターテインメント
Priority date: 2019-10-16
Filing date: 2020-10-08
Publication date: 2021-04-22
Also published as: JP2021064285A; JP7228894B2

Abstract

The present invention provides a game media management device and a game media management method that enable easy management of game media such as chips for use in casino facilities. This game media management device for managing game media circulating on circulation paths, is equipped with a control unit that controls the game media on the basis of: game media identifiers unique to the respective game media; and whereabouts status information that is updatably associated with the game media identifiers and that indicates the whereabouts of the respective game media on the circulation paths.

Description

Game media management device and game media management method

The present invention relates to a game medium management device and a game medium management method for managing the distribution of chips (casino chips) used when playing a table game or the like using playing cards or the like in a game facility.

Conventionally, for example, in a facility that plays games such as a casino hall in a casino, various games such as baccarat and casino war are played on the game table using real physical cards such as playing cards. Generally, a dealer is assigned to each game table in which one or more players play a game. The dealer takes out the card from the card shoe and distributes it to the player, the progress of the game, the bet of the game chip having valuable value from the player, the collection of the game chip (hereinafter, simply referred to as a chip) from the player, It also manages chip payments to the player.

In such a conventional casino hall, a player can purchase chips by first paying cash and can participate in a table game in which the game progresses by betting the chips. If the player wins according to the result of the table game, a payout is generated and the payout is given to the player by chips. On the other hand, if the player loses, the chips bet by the player are collected.
In casino halls having such table games, it is required to manage the face value and the quantity of chips issued in the facility in real time.

For example, in a casino hall, various storage locations for chips such as cashier cages and game tables are provided, and chips will be distributed in these storage locations. In order to manage the chips distributed in the distribution channel in such a casino hall in real time, it is necessary to grasp the location (current storage location) of each chip.

In this regard, in a conventional casino, an electronic tag is provided on each chip, and electronically identifiable information (chip identification number) held in the electronic tag is transmitted via an antenna provided on a distribution channel. A system is considered in which the movement of a chip from a first place to a second place in a casino hall is recorded as a transaction history by reading (see Patent Document 1).

U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,742

However, in casino facilities, the value of the chip as seen by the entity handling the chip changes not only inside the casino hall but also outside the casino hall, depending on the location of the chip distribution channel. For example, when the casino operator purchases chips at a cost, the value of the chips to the casino operator is that cost, whereas the chips used by the player to play the game in the casino hall are for the player. Value is the face value of the chips set to play the game. In addition, when chips used for a predetermined period in a casino are discarded, the value of the chips is lost.

In this way, for chips that circulate through distribution channels in casinos, the value of the chips changes as they move within the distribution channels, so the history of chip movements from the first location to the second location is simply recorded. There is a problem that it becomes difficult to manage the accounting of chips on the distribution channel in real time just by memorizing as.

In addition, for example, if the chips are stolen at the casino, the player takes them out of the casino, or if the chips are subsequently brought back to the casino and used for the game, etc., the chips are placed on the distribution channel inside the casino. There was a problem that it became difficult to track and manage chips in the casino.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game medium management device and a game medium management method capable of easily managing game media such as chips used in a casino facility. Is to be.

The game medium management device of the present invention is a game medium management device that manages game media distributed on a distribution channel, and can be updated with respect to a game medium identifier unique to the game medium and the game medium identifier. It is characterized by including a control unit that manages the game medium based on the attached location status information indicating the location of the game medium on the distribution channel.

According to this configuration, by managing the game medium based on the game medium identifier and the location status information of the game medium on the distribution channel, which is updatable for the game medium identifier, the game medium is managed on the distribution channel. It is possible to manage the game medium according to the location of the game medium in.

Further, in the above configuration, the game medium management device of the present invention performs non-contact communication with the medium-side non-contact communication unit provided in the game medium, whereby the game medium stored in the game medium is stored. It is characterized by including a device-side non-contact communication unit that reads an identifier.

According to this configuration, it is possible to grasp the game medium on the distribution channel in real time by performing non-contact communication with the game medium moving on the distribution channel.

Further, in the game media management device of the present invention, in the above configuration, the control unit is associated with the game media identifier received via the device-side non-contact communication unit device and the game media identifier. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the destination of the game medium is appropriate based on the location status information, and the movement of the game medium is managed based on the determination result.

According to this configuration, after grasping the location of the game medium based on the game medium identifier received from the game medium and the location status information of the game medium associated with the game medium identifier, the destination of the game medium is grasped. Can be judged as appropriate. As a result, real-time management that reflects the actual movement of the game medium can be performed.

Further, in the game medium management device of the present invention, in the above configuration, the control unit includes a table indicating whether or not the game medium can be moved to or from another storage location for each storage location of the game medium in the distribution route. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the destination is appropriate with reference to.

According to this configuration, by managing the game media using a table that matches the distribution channel of the game media in the casino facility, even if the distribution channel of the game media in the casino facility is changed, it is only necessary to change the table. It will be possible to easily manage game media suitable for the operation of new casino facilities.

Further, the game medium management device of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above configuration, the control unit updates the location status information when it is determined that the destination of the game medium is appropriate.

According to this configuration, the latest location of the game medium can be grasped by updating the location status information which is the information of the movement source as the game medium moves.

Further, in the above configuration, the game medium management device of the present invention is characterized in that the control unit registers the expiration date information of the game medium in accordance with the update of the location status information.

According to this configuration, when the game medium is moved, the use of the expired game medium can be restricted by registering the expiration date information of the game medium. For example, even if a game medium that has been stolen or taken out of the distribution channel is brought back into the distribution channel and used for the game, the use of the game medium should be managed by the deadline. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the use of the game medium due to the fraudulent activity.

Further, in the game medium management device of the present invention, in the above configuration, the control unit includes an authentication unit that authenticates the owner of the game medium in determining whether or not the destination is appropriate. It is characterized by.

According to this configuration, by authenticating the owner of the game medium when moving, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use of the game medium.

Further, in the above configuration, the game medium management device of the present invention is characterized in that the control unit updates the balance sheet for accounting management with the movement of the game medium.

According to this configuration, the balance sheet can be updated in real time as the game medium moves.

Further, in the game medium management device of the present invention, in the above configuration, when the game medium becomes usable for a game due to the movement of the game medium, the control unit may use the game medium for accounting management. It is characterized by activating the face value of the game.

According to this configuration, when the game medium is used in the game, the face value of the game medium is used as the face value in the game for accounting management, so that the accounting is adjusted to the face value in the game. Can be managed.

Further, the game medium management method of the present invention performs non-contact communication with the game medium in the distribution channel of the game medium, and the game medium identifier unique to the game medium received by the non-contact communication and the said game medium identifier. It is characterized in that the game medium is managed based on the location status information indicating the location of the game medium on the distribution channel of the game medium, which is updatable and associated with the game medium identifier.

According to this method, when the game medium moves in the distribution channel, the movement of the game medium is managed in real time based on the game medium identifier received from the game medium and the location status information of the game medium. It is possible to perform management that reflects the actual movement of the game medium.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game medium management device and a game medium management method that can easily manage the game medium used in the casino facility.

It is a block diagram which shows the casino system of embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the table game apparatus of embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the whole structure of the table game apparatus of embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the distribution route of a chip in an embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the chip used in embodiment. It is a figure which shows the movement management table used in an embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the chip purchase processing procedure of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the movement source information which is stored as chip information in a database and a chip in embodiment. It is a figure which shows the update example of the balance sheet of an embodiment. It is a figure which shows the update example of the balance sheet of an embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of carrying in the chip in the safe part of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the movement source information which is stored as chip information in a database and a chip in embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of carrying-in of the chip in the cage of embodiment. It is a figure which shows the movement source information which is stored as chip information in a database and a chip in embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of carrying-in of the chip in the table of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the purchase process of the chip by the player in the cage of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the processing at the time of the game processing (player wins) in the table game apparatus (table) of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of a game process (player lose) in the table game apparatus (table) of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of carrying-in of a chip in the waste processing part of embodiment. It is a schematic diagram provided for the explanation of the activation process and the invalidation process of a chip face value. It is a flowchart which shows the movement check processing procedure in an embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an outline of a casino system 1 including a table game device 100 (100A, 100B, 100C, ...). In a game facility such as a casino, a plurality of table game devices 100 (100A, 100B, 100C, ...) Shown in FIG. 1 are installed, and a player can use any of the table game devices 100 (100A, 100B, 100C, ...). You can participate in table games at.

In each table game device 100 (100A, 100B, 100C, ...), a casino chip (hereinafter, simply referred to as a chip) issued to the player in exchange for cash is used. That is, the chips issued to the player are used for betting on the table game in each table game device 100 (100A, 100B, 100C, ...), And each table game device 100 (100A, 100B, 100C, ...) Is given to the player as a dividend according to the result of the table game.

When the game is finished on the first table game device 100A, the player can move to other

table game devices

100B, 100C, ..., And continue to participate in the table game using the chips he has.

By participating in such a table game, chips generated by payouts may remain in the player's hands. The player can cash his chips at a predetermined cashing place (cage 20).

The chip incorporates an IC tag for RFID (radio frequency identifier). Chip information is stored in the RFID IC tag. The chip information is composed of various information such as a chip identifier for identifying a game chip.

Chips distributed in the casino system 1 are purchased from the chip manufacturer, managed as inventory, and then stored in the safe section 10 of the casino system 1. The safe section 10 is provided with a safe 13 for storing cash and chips, a safe terminal 11, and RFID readers /

writers

12A and 12B. The safe terminal 11 is connected to the management server 600 via the network 500. The RFID reader / writer 12A performs non-contact communication with the chip carried into the safe unit 10 (safe 13). Specifically, when chips managed as inventory are delivered to the safe section 10 (safe 13) when they are distributed in the casino, non-contact communication is performed with the chips, or the cage safe 23. By performing non-contact communication with the chip collected in the safe unit 10 (safe 13), the chip information stored in the chip carried into the safe unit 10 (safe 13) is read out and the safe terminal 11 is used. Send to. Further, the RFID reader / writer 12A can write the data written from the safe terminal 11 to the chip in a non-contact manner. That is, it is possible to write necessary information on the RFID IC tag of the chip carried into the safe unit 10 or rewrite the information stored in the RFID IC tag. The RFID reader / writer 12B performs non-contact communication with the chip carried out from the safe unit 10 (safe 13). Specifically, the chip information of the chip carried out from the safe unit 10 (safe 13) to the cage safe 23 or the like is read by performing non-contact communication and transmitted to the safe terminal 11. Further, the RFID reader / writer 12B can write the data written from the safe terminal 11 to the chip in a non-contact manner. That is, it is possible to write necessary information on the RFID IC tag of the chip carried out from the safe unit 10 or rewrite the information stored in the RFID IC tag.

The safe terminal 11 transmits the chip information received by the RFID reader /

writer

12A and 12B to the management server 600 via the network 500.

The cage 20 is provided with a cage safe 23 for storing cash and chips, a cage terminal 21, and RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) readers /

writers

22A and 22B. The cage terminal 21 is connected to the management server 600 via the network 500. The RFID reader / writer 22A reads the chip information stored in the chip into the cage terminal 21 by performing non-contact communication with the chip when the chip brought in by the player in the cage 20 is exchanged for cash. Send. Further, the RFID reader / writer 22A can write the data written from the cage terminal 21 to the chip in a non-contact manner. That is, it is possible to write necessary information on the RFID IC tag of the chip carried into the cage 20 or rewrite the information stored in the RFID IC tag. The RFID reader / writer 22B reads the chip information of the chip paid out to the player in exchange for cash when the player pays cash in the cage 20 and purchases the chip by performing non-contact communication, and transmits the chip information to the cage terminal 21. .. Further, the RFID reader / writer 22B can write the data written from the cage terminal 21 to the chip in a non-contact manner. That is, it is possible to write necessary information on the RFID IC tag of the chip carried out from the cage 20 or rewrite the information stored in the RFID IC tag.

The cage terminal 21 transmits the chip information received by the RFID reader /

writer

22A and 22B to the management server 600 via the network 500.

The disposal processing unit 410 is provided with a disposal storage 413 for storing chips to be discarded, a disposal terminal 411, and an RFID reader /

writer

412A, 412B. The disposal terminal 411 is connected to the management server 600 via the network 500. The RFID reader / writer 412A reads the chip information stored in the chip and transmits it to the disposal terminal 411 by performing non-contact communication with the chip brought into the disposal processing unit 410. In addition, the RFID reader / writer 412A can write the data written from the disposal terminal 411 to the chip in a non-contact manner. That is, necessary information can be written to the RFID IC tag of the chip carried into the disposal processing unit 410, or the information stored in the RFID IC tag can be rewritten. The RFID reader / writer 412B reads the chip information of the chip (that is, the chip to be disposed of) delivered from the disposal unit 410 to the manufacturer (disposal company) by performing non-contact communication and transmits it to the disposal terminal 411. In addition, the RFID reader / writer 412B can write the data written from the disposal terminal 411 to the chip in a non-contact manner. That is, necessary information can be written to the RFID IC tag of the chip carried out from the disposal processing unit 410, or the information stored in the RFID IC tag can be rewritten.

The disposal terminal 411 transmits the chip information received by the RFID reader /

writer

412A, 412B to the management server 600 via the network 500.

The plurality of table game devices 100 (100A, 100B, 100C, ...) Are control units operated by the dealer according to the progress of the game with respect to the game table 120 for playing a card game or the like and the game played at the game table 120, respectively. 113, RFID reader /

writer

102A, 102B, 112A, 112B, card shoe 310 (FIG. 2), dealer display 326 (FIG. 2), and game result notification display 300 (FIG. 2) are provided.

Note that the plurality of

table game devices

100A, 100B, 100C, ... Each have the same configuration. Here, the table game device 100A will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the table game apparatus 100A, the control unit 113 is composed of a computer, and mainly includes a CPU (central processing unit) 212, a ROM (read-only memory) 214, and a RAM (random access memory) 216. It includes an HDD (hard disk drive) 218, a communication I / F (communication interface) 220, a keyboard 222, and the like, and is connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other by a data bus or an address bus (not shown). The ROM 214 stores character information and color information displayed on the dealer display 26 for each player according to the progress of the game.

The display 300 for notifying the game result displays information on the result of the game played on the game table 120 (see FIG. 3), for example, information on winning or losing or winning or losing. The player can visually recognize various information displayed on the display 300 for notifying the game result.

The card shoe 310 is operated by the dealer. A plurality of playing cards and other game cards are stored in the card shoe 310. The dealer takes out the game card from the card shoe 310 and places it on the game table 120.

The identification information of the game card (card) taken out from the card shoe 310 is transmitted to the control unit 113. The control unit 113 determines the progress and result of the game from the identification information of the game card transmitted from the card shoe 310.

The RFID reader / writer 102A is an area on the game table 120, and is provided in a collection area 149A for collecting chips bet by a player who loses the game. The RFID reader / writer 102A has an antenna substrate 432A (antenna 434A) and a control unit 450A. The control unit 450A is communicably connected to the control unit 113. The control unit 450A communicates with the RFID IC tag provided on the chip via the antenna 434A in response to the command received from the control unit 113. The control unit 450A receives chip information from the RFID IC tag. The control unit 450A transmits the received chip information to the control unit 113. Further, the RFID reader / writer 102A can write the write data from the control units 113 and 450A to the chip in a non-contact manner. That is, necessary information can be written to the RFID IC tag of the chip collected from the player, or the information stored in the RFID IC tag can be rewritten.

The RFID reader / writer 102B is an area on the game table 120, and is provided in a payout area 149B for paying out chips given to the player who wins the game. The RFID reader / writer 102B has an antenna substrate 432B (antenna 434B) and a control unit 450B. The control unit 450B is communicably connected to the control unit 113. The control unit 450B communicates with the RFID IC tag provided on the chip via the antenna 434B in response to the command received from the control unit 113. The control unit 450B receives chip information from the RFID IC tag. The control unit 450B transmits the received chip information to the control unit 113. Further, the RFID reader / writer 102B can write the write data from the control units 113 and 450C to the chip in a non-contact manner. That is, it is possible to write necessary information on the RFID IC tag of the chip paid out to the player, or rewrite the information stored in the RFID IC tag.

The RFID reader / writer 112A is provided alongside the game table 120, and performs non-contact communication with the chip when the chip is carried in from the cage 20 or the like by a staff member. The RFID reader / writer 112A has an antenna substrate 432C (antenna 434C) and a control unit 450C. The control unit 450C is communicably connected to the control unit 113. The control unit 450C communicates with the RFID IC tag 15 provided on the chip via the antenna 434C in response to the command received from the control unit 113. The control unit 450C receives chip information from the RFID IC tag 15. The control unit 450C transmits the received chip information to the control unit 113.

Further, the RFID reader / writer 112B is provided along with the game table 120, and when the chip is carried out from the game table 120 to the cage 20 or the like by a staff member, non-contact communication is performed with the chip. The RFID reader / writer 112B has an antenna substrate 432D (antenna 434D) and a control unit 450D. The control unit 450D is communicably connected to the control unit 113. The control unit 450D communicates with the RFID IC tag 15 provided on the chip via the antenna 434D in response to the command received from the control unit 113. The control unit 450D receives chip information from the RFID IC tag 15. The control unit 450D transmits the received chip information to the control unit 113.

While the RFID readers /

writers

102A and 102B described above perform non-contact communication with these chips when the player BETs the chips when playing a table game or receives a dividend from the chips. The RFID reader / writer 112 does not deliver to or from the player in the game, but communicates non-contact with the chips when they are carried in or out of the cage 20 or the like by a staff member. It is provided to perform.

The control unit 113 transmits the chip information received by the RFID reader /

writer

102A, 102B, 112A or 112B to the management server 600 via the network 500.

The control unit 450A (450B, 450C, 450D) is composed of, for example, a microcomputer having a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (not shown). The control unit 450A (450B, 450C, 450D) has a modulation unit 452A (452B, 452C, 452D) and a demodulation unit 454A (454B, 454C, 454D). The control unit 450A (450B, 450C, 450D) is composed of, for example, an RF module having a modulation circuit and a demodulation circuit.

The modulation unit 452A (452B, 452C, 452D) modulates the carrier wave by a predetermined modulation method based on information such as a predetermined command, request, and instruction received by the control unit 450A (450B, 450C, 450D), and modulates the carrier wave. A wave (modulated signal) is generated and output as an RF signal. The output RF signal is supplied to the antenna 434A (434B, 434C, 434D) and emitted as an electromagnetic wave from the antenna 434A (434B, 434C, 434D).

The modulation wave received by the antenna 434A (434B, 434C, 434D) is supplied to the demodulation unit 454A (454B, 454C, 454D) as a modulation signal. This modulated wave is an electromagnetic wave in which a carrier wave is modulated by a predetermined modulation method based on chip information stored in an RFID IC tag of the chip. The demodulation unit 454A (454B, 454C, 454D) demodulates the modulation signal supplied from the antenna 434A (434B, 434C, 434D) and reads out the chip information stored in the RFID IC tag.

In this way, the control unit 450A (450B, 450C, 450D) transmits and receives electromagnetic waves via the antenna 434A (434B, 434C, 434D) of the antenna substrate 432A (432B, 432C, 432D). It can communicate wirelessly with the RFID IC tag of the chip.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the game table 20 of the table game device 100.

As shown in FIG. 3, the game table 120 mainly has a game board 122, a card shoe 310, a dealer display 326, and a chip tray 128. Further, the game table 120 has a dealer unit 130 and a player unit 132. The dealer unit 130 is inside the game table 120, and the dealer is located there. The player unit 132 is outside the game table 120, and a plurality of players, for example, seven players are located. The dealer and the player face each other across the game table 120, and various games such as baccarat, poker, blackjack, and casino war are played on the game table 120. At the game table 120, game cards such as playing cards and game chips are arranged and collected as the game progresses.

The game board 122 has a substantially fan-shaped shape. The game board 122 is provided with betting areas 142 to 148 for seven players. The betting areas 142 to 148 are areas in which the game chips possessed by each player can be bet. A dealer area 149 is also formed on the game board 122. The dealer area 149 is an area used by the dealer. The dealer area 149 is provided with a collection area 149A for collecting the chips bet by the player who lost the game, and a payout area 149B for paying out the chips given to the player who won the game. .. A plurality of RFID readers / writers 102A are provided in the lower part of the board in the collection area 149A and the bet areas 142 to 148, and when the player collects the bet chips in the collection area 149A, the collected chips Non-contact communication with the RFID IC tag is performed. Further, in the payout area 149B, an RFID reader / writer 102B is provided at the bottom of the board, and when the chips to be paid out to the player who won the game are paid out to the player from the payout area 149B, the chips to be paid out are for RFID. Communication with the IC tag is performed in a non-contact manner.

The management server 600 (FIG. 1) mainly manages information related to games such as chips and players. Chips are a medium of monetary value in gaming facilities. All chips used in the game facility are managed by the management server 600. Different chip identifiers are assigned to all the chips, and the chip identifiers are stored in the RFID IC tag 15 of each chip and also managed by the management server 600. The management server 600 mainly has a function of managing the current location of each chip and the appropriateness of the destination of each chip.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a chip distribution channel in, for example, a casino hall. In FIG. 4, when a chip is purchased from a manufacturer (S11) and brought into a warehouse, the chip is managed as “inventory”. Then, by moving the chips from the warehouse to the safe 13 (S12), the face value of the chips is moved under the accounting control of the casino hall.

In this state, when the chip is moved from the safe 13 to the cage 20 for operation (S13), the chip is stored in the cage safe 23. In the cage 20, the chips are given to the player in exchange for cash equivalent to the face value of the chips (S14). The chips passed to the player are used in the table game by the player moving to the table game device 100 (100A, 100B, 100C, ...).

For example, when the player bets the chips on the game in the table game device 100A, the bet chips are collected by the dealer (S18) or returned to the player together with the payout, depending on the result of the game. (S17). After playing the game on the table game device 100A, the player moves to another table game device (for example, the table game device 100B) with the possessed chip and participates in the table game. Even in this case, the player can bet the chips he has on the table game. Depending on the result of this table game, the player either collects the bet chips to the dealer (S18) or returns them to the player with the payout (S17).

In this way, the player who participated in each table game while moving the

table game devices

100A, 100B, 100C, ... In the casino hall converts the chips remaining at hand into cash in the cage 20 (S20). In this cashing, the chips are moved to the cage safe 23.

On the other hand, a part of the chips (S13) prepared in the cage safe 23 is moved from the cage safe 23 to each table game device 100 (100A, 100B, 100C, ...) (S15), and the table game device 100 (100A). , 100B, 100C, ...), It is used as a payout given to the player according to the result of the game (S17). The chips prepared in the table game apparatus 100 (100A, 100B, 100C, ...) And the chips collected as a result of the game from the player are periodically returned to the cage safe 23 (S19).

After that, the chips of the cage safe 23 are used for the table game again with the purchase of the chips by the player, or are moved from the cage safe 23 to the safe 10 (S21) and stored in the safe 10. The timing of moving the chips from the cage safe 23 to the safe 10 starts to be distributed to the casino hall, for example, by setting a predetermined period from the timing when the chips start to be distributed to the casino hall (the timing when the chips are first delivered to the safe 10). It is supposed to be discarded after a certain period of time.

The chips that have been moved from the cage safe 23 to the safe 13 and stored are then disposed of, so they are transferred to the disposal section (S22) and handed over to the disposal company (S23).

Which storage location is the management server 600 for the distribution of chips in the casino hall, with the safe 13, the cage safe 23, the disposal processing unit 410, the player and the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...) As storage locations? Is managed as status information. Specifically, the current location is managed in association with the chip identifier unique to the chip stored in the RFID IC tag provided on each chip.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the chip CHP is provided with an RFID IC tag 15. The RFID IC tag 15 is provided with, for example, a radio wave type or electromagnetic induction type antenna 17, and a transmission / reception circuit 16 for driving the antenna is mounted as an IC chip.

The antenna 17 is a chip CHP such as an RFID reader / writer (RFID reader /

writer

102A, 102B, 112A, 112B provided in the table game device 100, a safe unit 10, a cage 20, a disposal processing unit 410, etc.) to be communicated. It is an antenna for transmitting and receiving information in a non-contact manner with an RFID reader / writer provided in another place set as a storage place by a radio wave method or an electromagnetic induction method, and is an antenna of each RFID reader / writer (RFID reader / writer). Information can be transmitted and received within a range of several cm to several m with respect to (not shown).

As a result, the player simply passes the chips through the collection area 149A (FIG. 3) or the payout area 149B (FIG. 3) according to the progress of the game in the table game device 100A, and information is transmitted to and from the chips. You can send and receive. Further, only by carrying in or out the chip to the safe unit 10 (safe 13), the cage 20 (cage safe 23) or the disposal processing unit 410 (disposal storage 413), information can be transferred to and from the chip. You can send and receive.

A memory is mounted in the transmission / reception circuit 16 of the RFID IC tag 15, and a chip identifier unique to the chip CHP on which the RFID IC tag 15 is provided is stored.

The management server 600 manages the location and movement of each chip based on the chip identifiers read by the RFID reader / writer provided in the safe unit 10, the cage 20, the disposal unit 410, and each table game device 100.

Hereinafter, the chip management method in the management server 600 will be described. FIG. 6 represents a movement management table for determining whether or not chips can be moved, which depends on a unique management method in the casino system 1. This movement management table is stored in the database of the management server 600.

In the movement management table shown in FIG. 6, the current positions of the chips are set to "inventory (L1)", "safe (L2)", "cage safe (L3)", and "table (table game device) (L4)". ) ”,“ Player (L5) ”and“ Disposal processing unit (L6) ”indicate whether or not each storage location is possible as the next destination in each lateral direction.

For example, if the current position of the chip is "inventory", looking sideways at code L1, the "safe" can be moved as a destination, and the "cage safe" cannot be moved as a destination. It can be seen that the "table (table game device)" is immovable as a move destination, the "player" is immovable as a move destination, and the "disposal processing unit" is immovable as a move destination.

Also, if the current position of the chip is "safe", looking sideways at code L2, "inventory" cannot be moved as a move destination, and "cage safe" can be moved as a move destination. It can be seen that the "table (table game device)" is immovable as a move destination, the "player" is immovable as a move destination, and the "disposal processing unit" is movable as a move destination.

Also, if the current position of the chip is "Cage safe", looking sideways at code L3, "inventory" cannot be moved as a move destination, and "safe" can be moved as a move destination. It can be seen that the "table (table game device)" can be moved as a moving destination, the "player" can be moved as a moving destination, and the "disposal processing unit" cannot be moved as a moving destination.

Also, when the current position of the chip is "table (table game device)", looking sideways at code L4, "inventory" cannot be moved as a move destination, and "safe" cannot be moved as a move destination. It can be seen that the "Cage safe" can be moved as a moving destination, the "player" can be moved as a moving destination, and the "disposal processing unit" cannot be moved as a moving destination.

Further, when the current position of the chip is "player", looking sideways at the code L5, "inventory" is immovable as a move destination, "safe" is immovable as a move destination, and "cage". It can be seen that the "(Cage) safe" is immovable as a move destination, the "table (table game device)" is movable as a move destination, and the "disposal processing unit" is immovable as a move destination. If the current chip position is the player (that is, the player possesses the chip) and the player can directly cash the chip in the cage 20, the destination of the reference numeral L5 is ". The "Cage Safe" will be set as a movable destination.

Also, when the current position of the chip is the "disposal processing unit", if you look sideways at the code L6, you can see that none of them can be moved as the destination.

As described above, the management server 600 manages the current storage location of the chips (“stock”, “safe”, “Cage safe”, “table”, “player”, “disposal processing unit”) and the movement management shown in FIG. Whether or not each storage location ("stock", "safe", "Cage safe", "table", "player", "disposal processing unit") can be moved from the table as a destination for the chip. Can be judged.

The movement management table shown in FIG. 6 depends on the operation in the casino system 1, and the contents can be changed according to each casino system.

In the casino system 1, the movement of each chip is restricted by performing such movement management. The processing procedure related to this movement restriction will be described below.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a chip purchase processing that is first performed when a chip is purchased from a manufacturer in the casino system 1. This process is a process performed when the chips are in stock in the chip distribution channel shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the management server 600 of the casino system 1 determines in step S31 whether or not the chips have been purchased, and waits for the chips to be purchased (“NO” in step S31). Whether or not the chip has been purchased is determined by an input operation to the terminal device of the person in charge of operating the management server 600. When the chip is purchased, the management server 600 shifts the process from step S31 to step S32, and the RFID identifier assigned uniquely to the chip, the face value of the chip, and the initial storage location of the chip (in the present embodiment, "" The identifier of the storage location) as "stock" is registered in the database of the management server 600. Then, in the subsequent step S33, the management server 600 purchases the information registered in the database (RFID identifier uniquely assigned to the chip, the face value of the chip and the identifier of the first storage location of the chip), and the RFID IC tag of the chip purchased. Store in 15 (FIG. 5). As a result, the actual chip is associated with the database of the management server 600 by its unique identifier (RFID identifier). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8A, the chip identifier (for example, "000001") assigned to the chip and the current storage location are unique to the storage location as information about the chip in the database of the management server 600. The current status represented by the identifier (for example, "Z1" in the case of "inventory") and the date and time (time stamp (IN)) of the "inventory" are stored.

Along with this, as shown in FIG. 8B, the management server 600 has a chip identifier (for example, "000001") on the RFID IC tag 15 of each chip and an identifier (Z1) representing "inventory" as the current status. ) And the date and time (time stamp (IN)) of the current status are stored as chip information.

As a result, in the database of the management server 600 and the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip, the information existing in the "inventory" where the chip is stored on the distribution channel is stored as a pair of chip information.

As the chip information, in addition to the identifier indicating the storage location and the date and time when the information was delivered to the storage location (time stamp (IN)), the date and time when the information was carried out from the storage location (time stamp (OUT)) is also stored. To. That is, when each chip is unloaded from each storage location (“stock”, “safe”, “cage”, “game table”, etc.), it is unloaded via an RFID reader / writer provided for unloading. The date and time are stored in the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip, and the identifier of the chip is read from the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip via the RFID reader / writer for carrying out, and the management server 600 together with the date and time information. Will be sent to. As a result, the date and time (time stamp (OUT)) when the chip is taken out from the storage location is also stored in pairs in both the database of the management server 600 and the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8 (A) and 8 (B), in a state where the time stamp (IN) is stored when the product is carried in as “inventory”, in addition to this, the time of delivery (time). The stamp (OUT)) will be added. The delivery date and time (time stamp (OUT)) will be added to the database of the management server 600 shown in FIG. 8 (A).

Further, when a new chip is managed as "inventory" by the above-mentioned chip purchase processing with respect to FIG. 7, the management server 600 updates the balance sheet (balance sheet) according to the purchase of the chip. (Step S34). This balance sheet is stored in the database of the management server 600, and is used for cash movement (movement between safe 13, cage safe 21, table game device 100, disposal processing unit 410, player, etc.). By the input operation of the staff at the terminal (safe terminal 11, cage terminal 13, etc.) that accepted the movement, and in the case of the movement of the chip, the RFID readers /

writers

12A, 22A, 102A, which accepted the movement, It is updated in the management server 600 by the chip information obtained via 112A and 412A.

As shown in Fig. 9 (A), as a specific example of the balance sheet, regarding the investment at the time of opening the casino, the investor's capital is set to ¥ 100,000,000 as a credit and the cash and deposit is set to ¥ 100,000,000 as a debit. To do. If you pay ¥ 2,000,000 to purchase the inventories of chips from this cash and deposit, as shown in Fig. 9 (B), the chip cost of ¥ 2,000,000 will be debited and the tip payment will be made. ¥ 2,000,000 is credited. At this point, the value of the chip is debited or recorded as an asset at its cost price (¥ 2,000,000). As a result, the chips in stock purchased for ¥ 2,000,000 will be recorded as debits (assets) with the purchase price (cost).

In this state, when the chip is moved from the "stock" on the distribution channel to the "safe" (FIG. 4), the RFID reader / writer 12A (FIG. 1) provided in the safe unit 10 (FIG. 1) communicates. When the chip enters the area, communication is performed in a non-contact manner between the RFID reader / writer 12A and the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip, and the safe terminal 11 of the safe unit 10 receives the reception process S101 shown in FIG. To execute. In the reception process S101, the safe terminal 11 transmits the chip information S102A received from the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip to the management server 600 via the network 500. Further, when cash is brought in from cash and deposits, the staff of the safe unit 10 operates the input operation unit of the safe terminal 11 to indicate that the amount of cash brought in and the transfer source are cash and deposits. (Cash information S102B) is transmitted to the management server 600.

The management server 600 that has received this chip information S102A reads the information of the same chip identifier from the database and executes the movement check process S103. In this movement check process S103, the management server 600 associates the information representing the movement source read from the movement management table and the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip shown in FIG. 6 with the database of the management server 600 with the chip identifier. The stored information indicating the moving source is checked, and at this time, it is determined whether or not the safe unit 10 into which the chip is carried is permitted as the moving destination of the chip. If the move destination is permitted, the management server 600 determines that the move is possible, and then executes the subsequent balance sheet update process S104. In the balance sheet update process S104, the management server 600 updates the balance sheet as the chip moves.

Specifically, as the stock of purchased chips (multiple chips purchased at a total cost of ¥ 2,000,000) is moved to the safe 13, the total face value of the chips is ¥ 100,000. Move to accounting control as 000. That is, when the chip is moved to the safe 13, communication is performed with the RFID IC tag 15 (FIG. 5) embedded in each chip by the carry-in RFID reader / writer 12A provided in the safe 13. , The chip identifier unique to each chip is read from the RFID IC tag 15 of each chip and transmitted to the management server 600. The management server 600 stores the chip identifiers read in the safe 13 and searches the history of the chips specified by these chip identifiers. Based on this search result, the management server 600 performs the movement check process S103 from the information (FIG. 8 (A)) representing the movement source corresponding to the chip identifier on the database and the RFID IC tag of the chip. From the read information representing the moving source (FIG. 8B), it is determined whether or not the chip is a chip that can be carried into the safe 13. The details of the movement check process S103 will be described later.

As a result of the determination in the movement check process S103, the management server 600 permits the chips that may be moved to the safe 13 to be carried into the safe 13, and the face value of all the chips that are permitted and carried into the safe 13. Is calculated, and the total amount is recorded on the balance sheet (S104). For example, if all of the chips carried in are permitted to be carried in, the total face value of these chips of ¥ 100,000,000 will be recorded on the balance sheet. As a result, as shown in Fig. 9 (C), the chip liability (Chip Liability) of ¥ 100,000,000 is recorded as a credit and the chip accounting management balance of ¥ 100,000,000 is recorded as a debit on the balance sheet. Will be done. That is, in order to give the purchased chips the value of the chip face value (¥ 100,000,000), the same amount as the chip face value (¥ 100,000,000) is recorded as the credit of the comparison table. In this way, by giving the value of 100,000,000 yen in face value to the chips in stock, the 2,000,000 yen that was recorded as the chip cost (debit) and the chip payment price (credit) will be reduced. It will be replaced with the tip face value (chip accounting management balance as a debit, chip debt (Chip Liability) as a credit) of 100,000,000 yen. In this way, the value of the chips in the purchased inventory is replaced from the cost of ¥ 2,000,000 to the chip face value of ¥ 100,000,000, so that the chips are financially activated in the casino and become a game. It becomes possible to use.

In this way, when performing the process of moving the chip to the safe 13, the chip identifier is read out for all the chips moved by the RFID reader / writer 12A provided in the safe 13 and transmitted to the management server 600. The management server 600 determines whether or not these chips are movable, and permits only the chips that are determined to be movable to be carried into the safe 13. The management server 600 sets a predetermined face value for the chip identifier of the chip that is permitted to be accepted transmitted from the safe terminal 11, calculates the total amount of chips that are permitted to be carried in, and puts it on the balance sheet. Record. By this process, the chips are treated from the cost price to the face value for accounting purposes, and the chips can be used in the game (that is, the chips are activated).

The management server 600 transmits the processing results (result information (S105)) of the movement check processing S103 and the balance sheet update processing S104 to the safe unit 10 (safe terminal 11) that is the source of the chip information S102A. As a result, the chip reception process S101 in the safe unit 10 (safe terminal 11), the movement check process S103 in the management server 600 related to the reception process S101, and the balance sheet update process S104 are completed. At the safe terminal 11 that has received the result information S105, for example, by executing the result processing S106 such as displaying that it can be carried into the display device, the result of the movement check is sent to the staff of the safe unit 10. Notice. If, as a result of the movement check process S103, the carry-in is not permitted, the balance sheet update process S104 is not executed on the management server 600, and information indicating that the carry-in is not permitted is transmitted to the safe terminal 11 as the result information S105. .. In this case, the safe terminal 11 notifies the staff of the safe unit 10 of the result of the movement check process by displaying the fact that it cannot be carried into the display device as the result process S106.

In this way, when the transfer of the chip to the safe unit 10 is permitted in the movement check process S103, the management server 600 updates the chip information on the database. Specifically, the current storage location of the chip is updated from the previous storage location "inventory" to "safe", and the date and time of delivery to the safe 11 (time stamp (IN)) is stored. These update information is transmitted from the management server 600 to the safe terminal 11 as the result information S105, and the chip information already stored in the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip is updated. As a result, in both the database of the management server 600 and the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip, the current chip storage location is updated from the previous storage location "stock" to "safe", and the "safe" is updated. The date and time of delivery to the server will be stored as a time stamp (IN) (FIGS. 12 (A) and 12 (B)).

When the chip is carried into the safe 13 and then carried out from the safe 13, the safe terminal 11 uses the RFID reader / writer 12B provided for carrying out to carry out the RFID of the chip to be carried out. The carry-out date and time is stored as a time stamp (OUT) in the IC tag 15 (S201 in FIG. 11). That is, the carry-out date and time is added to the time stamp (OUT) shown in FIG. 12 (B). At this time, the safe terminal 11 reads the chip identifier of the chip from the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip to be carried out, and together with the date and time (time stamp (OUT)) of the carry-out stored in the chip, the chip information S202. Is transmitted to the management server 600. The management server 600 updates the chip information of the corresponding chip based on the received chip information S202. Specifically, the time stamp (OUT) corresponding to the "safe" of the corresponding chip shown in FIG. 12 (A) is newly stored. As a result, in the updated chip information, the carry-out date and time (time stamp (OUT)) is stored in association with the identifier unique to the storage location (“Z2” in the case of “safe”).

In addition, when moving cash for business of ¥ 5,000,000 from cash and deposits to the safe 13 in the casino, the staff of the safe department 10 operates the safe terminal 11 to carry in the amount of cash and the transfer source (currently). By inputting the information representing the deposit), the safe terminal 11 transmits the input information as cash information S102B to the management server 600. The management server 600 updates the balance sheet based on the cash information S102B transmitted from the safe terminal 11 (S104). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9D, cash of ¥ 50,000,000 in the safe 13 is recorded as a debit, and cash and deposits of ¥ 50,000,000 are credited.

At this point, the total amount of management stored in the safe 13 is ¥ 15,000,000. The breakdown of this total management amount is the sum of the above-mentioned cash from cash and deposits of ¥ 50,000,000 and the above-mentioned face value of chips transferred under accounting control of ¥ 100,000,000.

If the cash of ¥ 5,000,000 transferred to the safe is transferred from the cash and deposits, the cash and deposits will be reduced by the amount of ¥ 5,000,000 of the transferred cash, and the deposit balance will be ¥ 50,000. It becomes 000. When the above chips are purchased in cash, the deposit balance is reduced by ¥ 2,000,000 for the chip purchase price, so that the deposit balance becomes ¥ 48,000,000.

Then, for example, half of the cash of ¥ 5,000,000 in the safe 13 is distributed to the safe (cage safe 23) installed in the cage 20 of the casino as business cash, and the cash in the safe 13 is ¥ 25,000,000. When half of the chips (chips with a face value of ¥ 100,000,000) (chips with a face value of ¥ 5,000,000) are distributed for operation, the chips are the RFID reader / writer 22A for carrying in provided in the cage safe 23. Communicates with the RFID IC tag 15 (FIG. 5) embedded in each chip, and reads out the chip identifier unique to each chip from the RFID IC tag 15 of each chip. As a result, the cage terminal 21 executes the reception process S111 (FIG. 13). In the reception process S111, the cage terminal 21 transmits the chip information S112A received from the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip to the management server 600 via the network 500. Further, when cash is moved from the safe 13 together with the chip, the staff member of the cage 20 operates the input operation unit of the cage terminal 21 so that the amount of cash carried in and the transfer source are the safe unit 10 (safe 13). ) Is transmitted to the management server 600 (cash information S112B).

The management server 600 stores the chip identifiers included in the chip information S112A read by the RFID reader / writer 22A (FIG. 1) for carrying in the cage 20 (cage safe 23), and the chips specified by these chip identifiers. The movement check process S113 is executed. In this movement check process S113, the management server 600 associates the information representing the movement source read from the movement management table and the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip shown in FIG. 6 with the database of the management server 600 with the chip identifier. The information indicating the stored movement source is checked, and the information indicating the movement source of the chip at this time (history information for each chip stored in the management server 600 and stored in the RFID IC tag of the chip). From the information indicating the movement source of the chip (chip information S112A), it is determined whether or not the cage 20 which is the carry-out destination is permitted as the movement destination of the chip. If it is permitted as the movement destination, the management server 600 Determines that the movement is possible, and then executes the subsequent balance sheet update process S114. In the balance sheet update process S114, the management server 600 updates the balance sheet accompanying the movement of the chips and cash.

Specifically, when all the chips carried in are permitted to be carried in, the management server 600 records the total face value of these chips at ¥ 50,000,000 on the balance sheet. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10A, the chip balance of ¥ 50,000,000 in the cage 20 is credited, and the cage operating cash in the cage safe 23 distributed from the safe 13 is ¥ 25,000. 000 is credited, and the total of these, operating funds in the cage safe 23, ¥ 75,000,000 is credited.

That is, at this point the tip is counted as if it were cash. As a result, the balance in the cage safe 23 will be ¥ 75,000,000 including cash and chip face value, and the management balance of the cage 20 will also be ¥ 75,000,000 by the above-mentioned transfer operation of funds.

In the cage 20 (cage safe 23), when the prepared chips are given (rented) to the player, the same amount of cash (for example, when the chips having a face value of 1,000 yen are given to the player, the amount is ¥ 1). It is not necessary to distribute the same amount of cash as the face value of the chips distributed to the cage 20 to the cage 20 (cage safe 23) in order to exchange for (1,000 cash). This is because if all the chips distributed to the cage 20 are lent out, the same amount of cash remains in the cage 20.

Therefore, the minimum operating cash required for the cage 20 is only the amount paid out when the player plays the game with the chips lent out and wins the game. Specifically, about 10% of the rented chips may be prepared in the cage 20.

The management server 600 transmits the processing results (result information (S115)) of the movement check process S113 and the balance sheet update process S114 to the cage terminal 21 which is the source of the chip information S112A. As a result, the chip reception process S111 in the cage 20 (cage terminal 21), the movement check process S113 in the management server 600 related to the reception process S111, and the balance sheet update process S114 are completed. The cage terminal 21 that has received the result information S115 notifies the staff of the cage 20 of the result of the movement check by executing the result process S116 such as displaying that the display device can carry the result information S115. To do. If, as a result of the movement check process S113, the carry-in is not permitted, the balance sheet update process S114 is not executed on the management server 600, and information indicating that the carry-in is not permitted is transmitted to the cage terminal 21 as the result information S115. .. In this case, the cage terminal 21 notifies the staff of the cage 20 of the result of the movement check process by displaying the fact that it cannot be carried into the display device as the result process S116.

In this way, when the movement check process S113 permits the chip to be carried into the cage 20 (cage safe 23), the management server 600 updates the chip information on the database. Specifically, the current storage location of the chip is updated from the previous storage location (for example, "safe") to the "cage", and the date and time of delivery to the cage 20 (time stamp (IN)) is stored. These update information is transmitted from the management server 600 to the cage terminal 21 as the result information S115, and the chip information already stored in the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip is updated. As a result, in both the database of the management server 600 and the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip, the current storage location of the chip is updated from the previous storage location (for example, "safe") to "cage", and the "cage" is updated. The date and time of delivery to "" will be stored as a time stamp (IN). Specifically, for example, in FIG. 14A, a time stamp (IN) is stored as a “cage (Z3)” in the corresponding chip identifier, and as shown in FIG. 14B, the chip RFID The latest storage location "moving source (current)" of the IC tag 15 is rewritten to "cage (Z3)", and the date and time of delivery to the cage is stored as a time stamp (IN).

When the chip is carried out from the cage safe 23 after being carried into the cage safe 23, the cage terminal 21 is carried out via the RFID reader / writer 22B provided for carrying out the chip. The RFID IC tag 15 of the above stores the delivery date and time as a time stamp (OUT) (S211). That is, the carry-out date and time is added to the time stamp (OUT) shown in FIG. 14 (B). At this time, the cage terminal 11 reads the chip identifier of the chip from the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip to be carried out, and together with the date and time (time stamp (OUT)) of the carry-out stored in the chip, the chip information S212. Is transmitted to the management server 600. The management server 600 updates the chip information of the corresponding chip based on the received chip information S212. Specifically, the time stamp (OUT) corresponding to the "cage" of the corresponding chip shown in FIG. 14 (A) is newly stored. As a result, in the updated chip information, the carry-out date and time (time stamp (OUT)) is stored in association with the identifier unique to the storage location (“Z3” in the case of “cage”).

In addition, chips and cash are distributed as a table inventory from the cage 20 (cage safe 23) to each table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...). For example, it is assumed that ¥ 24,000,000 will be distributed as chips and ¥ 1,000,000 will be distributed in cash from the cage 20 to the game table. In this case, the chips are with the RFID IC tag 15 (FIG. 5) embedded in each chip by the RFID reader / writer 112A (FIG. 1) provided in the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...). Communication is performed between the two, and a chip identifier unique to each chip is read from the RFID IC tag 15 of each chip. As a result, the control unit 113 (FIG. 1) of the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...) Executes the reception process S121 (FIG. 15). In the reception process S121, the control unit 113 transmits the chip information S122A received from the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip to the management server 600 via the network 500. In addition, when cash is carried in from the cage 20 together with the chips, the staff of the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...) Operates the input operation unit of the control unit 114 to obtain the amount of cash carried in and the amount of cash carried in. Information indicating that the movement source is the cage 20 (cash information S122B) is transmitted to the management server 600.

The management server 600 stores the chip identifiers read by the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...), And executes the movement check process S123 for the chips specified by these chip identifiers. In this movement check process S123, the management server 600 associates the information representing the movement source read from the movement management table and the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip shown in FIG. 6 with the database of the management server 600 with the chip identifier. The information indicating the stored movement source is checked, and the information indicating the movement source of the chip at this time (history information for each chip stored in the management server 600 and stored in the RFID IC tag of the chip). From the information indicating the movement source of the chip (chip information S122A), it is determined whether or not the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...) Which is the delivery destination is permitted as the movement destination of the chip. If permitted, the management server 600 determines that the movement is possible, and then executes the subsequent balance sheet update process S124. In the balance sheet update process S124, the management server 600 balances with the movement of chips and cash. Update the sheet.

Specifically, the management server 600 permits the chips that may be moved from the cage 20 to the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...) To be carried into the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...). , The total face value of all the chips carried into the permitted table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...) Is calculated, and the total amount is recorded on the balance sheet. For example, if all of the chips carried in are permitted to be carried in, the total face value of those chips of ¥ 24,000,000 will be recorded on the balance sheet. In addition, since the cash of ¥ 1,000,000 is distributed from the cage 20 to all the game tables, the amount of cash to be moved by the staff operating the terminal device (not shown) of the management server 600 and the moving source. The balance sheet is updated by inputting the information of (cage 20) and the destination (each table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...)). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10B, the table inventory of ¥ 25,000,000 is debited together with the movement of chips, and the chip balance in the cage (Cage Accountability) of ¥ 25,000,000. Is credited. That is, since ¥ 25,000,000 was passed to the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...), in the cage 20, the ¥ 25,000,000 passed to the table was balanced as a minus (that is, “rental”). Described on the sheet. In this way, chips and cash are collectively recorded as a table inventory.

The management server 600 transmits the processing results (result information (S125)) of the movement check processing S123 and the balance sheet update processing S124 to the control unit 113 which is the source of the chip information S122A. As a result, the chip reception process S121 in the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...), The movement check process S123 in the management server 600 related to the reception process S121, and the balance sheet update process S124 are completed. The control unit 113 that has received the result information S125 executes the result processing S126, for example, indicating that the display device can be carried in, so that the staff of the table game device can receive the result of the movement check. Notice. If, as a result of the movement check process S123, the carry-in is not permitted, the balance sheet update process S124 is not executed on the management server 600, and information indicating that the carry-in is not permitted is transmitted to the control unit 113 as the result information S125. .. In this case, the control unit 113 notifies the staff of the table game device of the result of the movement check process by displaying that the display device cannot be carried in as the result process S126.

In this way, when the movement check process S123 permits the delivery of chips to the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...), The management server 600 updates the chip information on the database. Specifically, the current storage location of the chips is updated from the previous storage location (for example, "cage") to the "table", and the delivery date and time (time) to the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...) The stamp (IN)) is memorized. These updated information are transmitted from the management server 600 as result information S125 to the control unit 113 of the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...), And the chip information already stored in the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip is also stored. Will be updated. As a result, in both the database of the management server 600 and the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip, the current storage location of the chip is updated from the previous storage location (for example, "cage") to the "table", and the "table" is updated. The date and time of delivery to "" will be stored as a time stamp (IN). Specifically, for example, in FIG. 14 (A), a time stamp (IN) is stored as a "table (Z4)" in the corresponding chip identifier, and as shown in FIG. 14 (C), the RFID of the chip is used. The latest storage location "moving source (current)" of the IC tag 15 is rewritten to "table (Z4)", and the date and time of delivery to the cage is stored as a time stamp (IN).

If the chip is carried into the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...) And then carried out from the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...) Or is given to the player as a game prize, control is performed. The unit 113 uses the RFID reader / writer 112B provided for carrying out or the RFID reader / writer 102B provided in the payout area 149B to time-stamp the carrying-out date and time on the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip to be carried out. It is stored as OUT) (S221). That is, the carry-out date and time is added to the time stamp (OUT) shown in FIG. 14 (C). At this time, the cage terminal 11 reads the chip identifier of the chip from the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip to be carried out, and together with the date and time (time stamp (OUT)) of the carry-out stored in the chip, the chip information S222. Is transmitted to the management server 600. The management server 600 updates the chip information of the corresponding chip based on the received chip information S222. Specifically, the time stamp (OUT) corresponding to the "table" of the corresponding chip shown in FIG. 14 (A) is newly stored. As a result, in the updated chip information, the carry-out date and time (time stamp (OUT)) is stored in association with the identifier unique to the storage location (“Z4” in the case of “table”).

In this way, in the casino, the casino can be operated by distributing chips and cash to each table game device (100B, 100C, ...).

Although FIGS. 11, 13 and 15 show a case where the player does not intervene in the movement of the chips, FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 show the processing for the movement of the chips in which the player intervenes. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when a player pays cash to purchase chips in the cage 20.

As shown in FIG. 16, when the player purchases chips from the cage 20 by paying cash (S130), the chip delivery process S132 is executed in the cage 20. Specifically, the clerk of the cage 20 takes out the chip corresponding to the amount of cash paid by the player from the cage safe 23 and hands it to the player. In the chip passing process S132, the clerk causes the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip to be passed to the player in exchange for cash to read the chip information from the RFID reader / writer 22B provided in the cage 20. The cage terminal 21 transmits this chip information S134 to the management server 600. Further, the staff member of the cage 20 receives the member information card from the player and causes the member information to be read through a predetermined information card reading device. The cage terminal 21 transmits this member information as player information S135 to the management server 600.

The management server 600 stores the chip identifiers read in the cage 20 and executes the movement check process S136 for the chips specified by these chip identifiers. In the movement check process S136, the management server 600 associates the information representing the movement source read from the movement management table and the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip shown in FIG. 6 with the database of the management server 600 with the chip identifier. The information indicating the stored movement source is checked, and the information indicating the movement source of the chip at this time (history information for each chip stored in the management server 600 and stored in the RFID IC tag of the chip). From the information indicating the movement source of the chip (chip information S134), it is determined whether or not the player who is the carry-out destination is permitted as the movement destination of the chip. Movement is performed based on the movement management table shown in FIG. If permitted as a destination, the management server 600 determines that the movement is possible, and then executes the subsequent balance sheet update process S137. In the balance sheet update process S137, the management server 600 balances with the movement of the chip. Update the sheet.

Further, the management server 600 determines whether or not the player is a player who is properly registered as a member based on the player information transmitted from the cage terminal 21. Specifically, the management server 600 searches the member information registered as a member on the database, and if there is information that matches the information received as the player information S135 at this time, the member is a regular registered member. If there is no matching information, it is judged that the member is not a regular registered member. If the member is a regular registered member, the management server 600 executes the movement check process S136 and the balance sheet update process S137. On the other hand, if it is determined that the member is not a regular registered member, the management server 600 transmits the check result to the cage terminal 21 without executing the check process S136 and the balance sheet update process S137. As a result, the tip can be given only to the members who have already registered.

Even if the player is not a member, the player is given the non-member information card to which the registration information is associated with the player who is registered as a non-member, so that the player can use the non-member information card. When presented to the staff, based on the registered non-member information, a result that matches the non-member registration information on the database of the management server 600 can be obtained, so that even if the non-member is a non-member, the chip The delivery and balance sheet update process S137 is executed.

In this way, when the movement check process S136 permits the player to carry out the chips, the management server 600 updates the chip information on the database. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14A, the current storage location of the chips is updated from the cage 20 (cage safe 23) to the player. This update information is transmitted from the management server 600 to the cage terminal 21 as the result information S138, and the chip information already stored in the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip is updated. As a result, the current chip storage location is updated from the cage 20 (cage safe 23) to the player in both the database of the management server 600 and the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip.

Further, as shown in FIG. 17, when the player participates in the game on the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...) And bets chips (S150), the RFID reader / writer 102A provided on the game table 120 causes the player to participate in the game. The chip information S152 is read from the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip and transmitted to the management server 600 by the control unit 113.

The management server 600 refers to the chip information S152 received from the control unit 113 and the chip information of the corresponding chip stored in the database of the management server 600, and the player who bets the chip at this time from the history of the chip is the chip. Authenticate that you are the owner of. Specifically, in the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...), The member identification information is acquired from the member information card presented by the player and transmitted to the management server 600. The management server 600 authenticates that the member is a member who has acquired the chip based on the member identification information. Specifically, if it is determined that the chips are given to the member in the cage 20 or the chips given to the member as a prize in another table game device, the chips bet by a regular player. Judge that. This determination result is transmitted from the management server 600 to the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...) As the result information S155. In the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...), Based on the received result information S155, if the chip is bet by a regular player, that fact is displayed on the display device for the dealer. This allows the dealer to continue the game.

Then, when the game is executed and the player wins (S160), the payout process S161 is executed in the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...). In the payout process S161, the dealer places the chips bet by the player and the chips added thereto as a prize on the payout area 149B (FIG. 3). At this time, the RFID reader / writer 102B provided in the payout area 149B reads the chip information S162A from the RFID IC tag 15 of these chips, and the control unit 113 transmits the chip information S162A to the management server 600. Further, the control unit 113 transmits the member information of the player who is the payout destination of these chips to the management server 600 as the player information S162B.

The management server 600 stores the chip identifier included in the chip information S162A read by the RFID reader / writer 102B (FIG. 3) of the payout area 149B of the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...), And these chips. The movement check process S163 is executed for the chip specified by the identifier. In this movement check process S163, the management server 600 adds the information representing the movement source (current position) read from the movement management table and the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip shown in FIG. 6 and the database of the management server 600 to the database of the chip. The information indicating the movement source (current position) stored in association with the identifier is checked, and the information indicating the movement source of the chip at this time (history information for each chip stored in the management server 600 and the chip) From the information indicating the movement source of the chip (chip information S162A) stored in the RFID IC tag of the above, it is determined whether or not the player who is the payout destination is permitted as the movement destination of the chip. If permitted, the management server 600 determines that the movement is possible, and then executes the subsequent balance sheet update process S164. In the balance sheet update process S164, the management server 600 balances with the movement of chips and cash. Update the sheet.

The management server 600 sends the processing results (result information (S165)) of the movement check processing S163 and the balance sheet update processing S164 to the control unit 113 of the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...) Which is the source of the chip information S162A. Send. As a result, the game process S160 in the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...), The movement check process S163 in the management server 600 related to the game process S160, and the balance sheet update process S164 are completed.

The control unit 113 that has received the result information S165 executes the result processing S166, such as displaying to the display device that the payout is possible, to the dealer of the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...). On the other hand, the result of the movement check is notified. If the payout is not permitted as a result of the move check process S163, the balance sheet update process S164 is not executed on the management server 600, and information indicating that the payout is not permitted is transmitted to the control unit 113 as the result information S165. .. In this case, the control unit 113 notifies the dealer of the result of the movement check process by displaying on the display device that the payout is not possible as the result process S166.

In this way, when the movement check process S163 permits the payout of chips to the player, the management server 600 updates the chip information on the database. Specifically, the current storage location of the chip is updated from the previous storage location (for example, "table") to "player", and the payout date and time (time stamp (OUT)) to the player is stored. These update information is transmitted from the management server 600 to the control unit 113 as the result information S165, and the chip information already stored in the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip is updated. As a result, in both the database of the management server 600 and the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip, the current storage location of the chip is updated from the previous storage location (for example, "table") to "player", and the "player" is updated. The date and time paid out to "" will be stored as a time stamp (OUT). Specifically, for example, in FIG. 14A, a time stamp (OUT) is stored as a “table (Z4)” and a time stamp (IN) is stored as a “player (Z5)” in the corresponding chip identifier. Will be done. Further, as shown in FIG. 14 (D), the latest storage location "moving source (current)" of the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip is rewritten to "player (Z5)", and the date and time of delivery to the cage is a time stamp ( It is stored as IN).

Further, FIG. 18 shows the processing when the player participates in the game on the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...) And loses in the game. In FIG. 18, the same reference numerals are given to the parts that undergo the same processing as in FIG. 17, and duplicate description will be omitted.

When the game is executed and the player loses (S170), the collection process S171 is executed in the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...). In the collection process S171, the dealer places the chips bet by the player on the collection area 149A (FIG. 3). At this time, the RFID reader / writer 102A provided in the collection area 149A reads the chip information S162A from the RFID IC tag 15 of these chips, and the control unit 113 transmits the chip information S162A to the management server 600.

The management server 600 stores the chip identifier included in the chip information S162A read by the RFID reader / writer 102A (FIG. 3) in the collection area 149A of the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...), And these chips. The chip information (history information) on the database is updated for the chip specified by the identifier (history update process S173). Specifically, the current storage location of the chip is updated from the previous storage location (“player”) to the “table”, and the date and time when the chip is collected from the player to the table (time stamp (OUT) in the “player”). ) And the time stamp (IN) in the "table" are stored. These update information is transmitted from the management server 600 to the control unit 113 as the result information S175, and the chip information already stored in the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip is updated. As a result, in both the database of the management server 600 and the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip, the current storage location of the chip is updated from the previous storage location (“player”) to the “table”, and the “table” is updated. The date and time of collection will be stored as a time stamp (IN) in the "table".

Further, the management server 600 executes the balance sheet update process S174 that follows after the history update process S173. In the balance sheet update process S174, the management server 600 updates the balance sheet as the chip moves from the “player” to the “table”.

The management server 600 sends the processing results (result information (S175)) of the movement check processing S173 and the balance sheet update processing S174 to the control unit 113 of the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...) Which is the source of the chip information S162A. By transmitting, the game process S170 in the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...), The movement check process S173 and the balance sheet update process S174 in the management server 600 related to the game process S170 are completed.

Chips distributed in the casino hall will be disposed of after a fixed period of time. That is, it is collected from the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...) Or the cage safe 23 and transported to the disposal processing unit 410.

Next, the carry-in process to the disposal processing unit 410 will be described. The disposal terminal 411 of the disposal unit 410 is an RFID IC tag 15 (FIG. 5) embedded in each chip carried in by the RFID reader / writer 412A for carrying in, which is provided in the waste storage 413 of the disposal unit 410. ), And the chip identifier unique to each chip is read from the RFID IC tag 15 of each chip. As a result, the disposal terminal 411 executes the reception process S181 (FIG. 19). In the reception process S181, the disposal terminal 411 transmits the chip information S182 received from the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip to the management server 600 via the network 500.

The management server 600 stores the chip identifiers included in the chip information S182 read by the RFID reader / writer 412A (FIG. 1) for carrying in the disposal processing unit 410, and checks the movement of the chips specified by these chip identifiers. Process S183 is executed. In this movement check process S183, the management server 600 associates the information representing the movement source read from the movement management table and the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip shown in FIG. 6 with the database of the management server 600 with the chip identifier. The information indicating the stored movement source is checked, and the information indicating the movement source of the chip at this time (history information for each chip stored in the management server 600 and stored in the RFID IC tag of the chip). From the information indicating the movement source of the chip (chip information S182), it is determined whether or not the disposal processing unit 410, which is the delivery destination, is permitted as the movement destination of the chip. If it is permitted as the movement destination, it is managed. Upon determining that the movement is possible, the server 600 executes the subsequent balance sheet update process S184. In the balance sheet update process S184, the management server 600 updates the balance sheet accompanying the movement of the chip and cash.

In this balance sheet update process S184, an accounting process for invalidating the chips activated for distribution in the casino is performed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20, since the chips purchased at the cost are activated by replacing them with the face value in the casino when moving from the "inventory" to the "safe", the chips are disposed of. When it is delivered to the section 410, it is returned to the cost from the face value in the casino (invalidation processing). Specifically, at the time of activation, as a result of moving a plurality of chips purchased at a cost of ¥ 2,000,000 to the safe 13, the total face value of those chips is set to ¥ 100,000,000. In response to the move to accounting control, in the invalidation process, the total face value of these chips of ¥ 100,000,000 is returned to the cost of ¥ 2,000,000 for accounting purposes. In the chip disposal process, the disposal process will be performed at this cost of ¥ 2,000,000.

In this way, when the chip is brought into the safe 13, the cost of the chip is treated as the face value for accounting purposes (that is, on the balance sheet) to enable the chip for accounting purposes, and the disposal processing unit (disposal storage 413) for the purpose of disposal. ), The balance sheet represents the transfer of funds between the player and the casino by accountingly invalidating the chip by returning the face value of the chip to the cost price (on the balance sheet). At that time, the value of the cash paid by the player to possess the chip can be matched with the face value of the chip received accordingly.

In FIG. 19, the management server 600 transmits the processing results (result information (S185)) of the movement check process S183 and the balance sheet update process S184 to the disposal terminal 411 that is the source of the chip information S182. As a result, the chip reception process S181 in the disposal processing unit 410, the movement check process S183 and the balance sheet update process S184 in the management server 600 related to the reception process S181 are completed. At the disposal terminal 411 that has received the result information S185, for example, by executing the result processing S186 such as displaying that the display device can be carried in, the result of the movement check is performed for the staff of the disposal processing unit 410. Notify. If, as a result of the movement check process S183, the carry-in is not permitted, the balance sheet update process S184 is not executed on the management server 600, and information indicating that the carry-in is not permitted is transmitted to the disposal terminal 411 as the result information S185. .. In this case, the disposal terminal 411 notifies the staff of the disposal processing unit 410 of the result of the movement check processing by displaying on the display device that the display device cannot be carried in as the result processing S186.

In this way, in the movement check process S183, when the delivery of the chip to the disposal processing unit 410 (disposal storage 413) is permitted, the management server 600 updates the chip information on the database. Specifically, the current storage location of the chip is updated from the previous storage location (for example, "cage") to "disposal", and the date and time of delivery (time stamp (IN)) to the disposal unit 410 is stored. To do. These update information is transmitted from the management server 600 to the disposal terminal 411 as the result information S185, and the chip information already stored in the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip is updated. As a result, in both the database of the management server 600 and the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip, the current storage location of the chip is updated from the previous storage location (for example, "cage") to "discard" and "discarded". The date and time of delivery to "" will be stored as a time stamp (IN).

Next, the details of the movement check process S103 (S113, S123, S183) shown in FIGS. 11 (13, 15, 19) will be described.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the details of the movement check process S103 by the management server 600. The movement check process shown in FIG. 10 is common to the movement check processes S103, S113, S123, and S183 shown in FIGS. 11, 13, 15, and 19, but here, the movement check process shown in FIG. 11 is used. S103 will be described.

Upon receiving the chip information S101 (FIG. 11), the management server 600 determines in step S51 whether or not the chip identifier included in the chip information is already registered as "inventory" in the database (FIG. 9 (A)). To do.

If the chip identifier corresponding to the database is not registered as "inventory", it means that the chip is not yet managed as "inventory", and the management server 600 gives a negative result in step S51. By obtaining the result, the process is transferred from step S51 to step S52 to execute error processing. That is, the preparation is made to transmit the error result to the safe terminal which is the communication destination at this time.

On the other hand, when the received chip identifier is already registered in the database, the management server 600 shifts the process from step S51 to step S53 by obtaining a positive result in step S51, and the RFID IC of the chip. The movement source (current) information (FIG. 8 (A)) corresponding to the chip identifier received from the tag 15 is read out. Then, the management server 600 shifts the process to step S54, and is stored in the management server 600 based on the information (current) of the movement source (current) received from the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip. Information on the moving source (current) (for example, "inventory" in FIG. 8A) and information on the moving source (current) received from the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip at this time (for example, FIG. 8B). In, it is compared with "inventory"), and it is determined in step S55 whether or not they match.

If the information of the moving source (current) registered in the management server 600 and the information of the moving source (current) received from the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip do not match, this means that the chip brought in is legitimate. Since there is a possibility that the stock is not registered in, the management server 600 shifts the process from step S55 to step S52 by obtaining a negative result in step S55, and prepares to transmit the error result.

On the other hand, when an affirmative result is obtained in step S55, this means that the information of the moving source (current) registered in the management server 600 and the RFID reader / writer 12A of the safe unit 10 are the RFID IC tag 15 It means that the information of the movement source (current) received from is the same, that is, the legitimate chip registered in inventory has been brought in through the legitimate distribution channel, and the management server 600 has step S55. To step S56, the movement management table shown in FIG. 6 is checked. For example, when the information of the movement source (current) of the management server 600 and the chip is "inventory", the column of the movement management table (FIG. 6) where the current is "inventory" (indicated by reference numeral L1 in FIG. 6). Refer to the column) to determine whether or not the "safe" can be moved as the destination of the chips that are currently "inventory". By the way, it is stipulated in the movement management table (Fig. 6) that the "safe (safe 13)" can be moved even if the movement source (current) is "cage safe" in addition to "inventory". There is.

As described above, by referring to the movement management table shown in FIG. 6, the management server 600 can know that the destination "safe" is a movable destination when the current "inventory" is available. Further, in step S56, not only the movement destination is checked by the movement management table of the management server 600, but also whether or not a timeout has occurred is checked. That is, the time stamp added to the movement source (current) stored in the database of the management server 600 and the time stamp added to the movement source (current) read from the chip (these match). ), If the specified time has passed from the time stamp, it is not possible to move. The time stamp is date and time information added when the chip moves and it is determined that the chip can be moved at the destination. The time stamp added at the move source (current) is extracted from the chip information acquired via the RFID reader / writer of the new storage location (for example, "safe") to which the chip is brought in at this time. If the date and time when the product was brought into a new storage location (for example, "safe") has passed the specified time from the date and time represented by the time stamp added when it was brought to the source (current), it is managed. The server 600 is designed to determine that this movement is not permitted (movement is not possible). Furthermore, a time stamp is added even when the product is shipped from the storage location that is the source of the move, and the time from the date and time represented by the time stamp at the time of the move to the date and time when the product is delivered to the destination. The same judgment can be made by.

As a result, for example, when a predetermined time has passed for the chips to reach the player (for example, when the player once takes the chips out of the casino), the movement of the chips is prohibited, and the chips are once taken out of the casino. It restricts you from participating in games in the casino using chips (chips that have passed the time). That is, the movement of the chip can be restricted by the lapse of a predetermined time from the date and time given when the chip is brought into the storage location of the movement source.

Further, in step S56, in addition to checking the movement destination by the movement management table of the management server 600, when the movement source (current) is the player, in addition to determining whether or not the movement is possible according to the movement destination, the player It also authenticates. Specifically, since the player has a membership card when he / she is a member, he / she has an RFID reader / writer (for example, an RFID reader / writer) to move to and from the membership card (IC card equipped with an RFID IC tag). The RFID reader / writer (not shown) dedicated to the membership information card provided in the table game device 100A communicates to determine the location of the membership card (whether or not the player possesses the membership card). ..

If the player does not have a membership card, and the movement source (current) is the "player", the "table" (table game device) is originally movable as the movement destination, but it is determined that the movement is not possible. On the other hand, when the membership card is detected, it is known that the chip is moved from the player who is a member to the table game device, so that it is determined that the chip can be moved. By enabling the movement when the moving source player is a registered member in this way, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts such as using illegally prepared chips for a table game. ..

In this way, when the chip is brought into a new storage location (for example, safe 13), whether or not it is possible to move to the destination based on the chip information read via the RFID reader / writer. Is determined (step S57). If it is determined in this determination that the movement is immovable, the management server 600 shifts the process from step S57 to step S58 by obtaining a negative result in step S57, and executes the alert process. That is, the preparation is made to send the alert result to the safe terminal which is the communication destination at this time.

On the other hand, if an affirmative result is obtained in step S57, this means that a movable determination result has been obtained, and the management server 60 shifts the process from step S57 to step S59. , The update data of the chip information stored in the chip is prepared, and the chip information stored in the database of the management server 600 is updated. That is, in the chip information stored in the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip, as shown in FIG. 12 (B), the content (for example, "stock" (Z1)) of the moving source (current) is changed to, for example, " Prepare the data to be rewritten to "safe" (storage location identifier Z2), and in the database of the management server 600, follow the content "stock (Z1)" of the move source (current) as shown in FIG. 12 (A). Then, the "safety (Z2)" is stored in the next movement source (current). By this update process, it can be seen that the latest storage location of the chip is the "safe (safe 13)" represented by the storage location identifier "Z2". In this way, when it becomes possible to move (carry in) to a new move destination, information indicating the carried-in storage location is added to the latest move source (current) item in the database. You will be able to see the latest storage location of chips and the history of movement up to that point.

Further, the management server 600 updates the information of the movement source (current), prepares data for updating the time stamp of the chip information stored in the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip in step S60, and manages the data. Update the time stamp in the database of server 600. For example, when the chip is moved to the safe unit 10, the time stamp is rewritten to the date and time when it is determined that the chip can be moved to the "safe". For example, as for the chip information, data for updating the time stamp (IN) shown in FIG. 8 (B) from "20190601 10:00" to "20190602 11:00" shown in FIG. 12 (B) is prepared, and data is prepared. New date and time information (time stamp (IN)) is written in the item (item of "movement source (current)") indicating the latest updated (added) storage location of the database of the management server 600. Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 8C, in the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip, when the chip is carried out from the storage place, the time stamp (OUT) is set by the RFID reader / writer provided in the storage place. It will be remembered. For example, in FIG. 8C, when the product is shipped from the storage location as “inventory”, the time stamp (OUT) stores the date and time of the shipping “20190602 10:00”. In the management server 600, the import to the destination is based on the time stamp (OUT) at the time of export included in the chip information from the chip obtained via the RFID reader / writer provided at the storage location of the destination. It is possible to judge whether or not it is possible.

As a result, the latest storage location (item of "moving source (current)") is prepared to be updated with the time stamp for the chip, and the latest storage location ("moving source (current)") is prepared in the management server 600. ) ”Item) is updated with the time stamp.

The management server 600 shifts the process to step S61 after the process of step S52, after the process of step S58, or after the process of step S60, and the result of the move check process (error result, alert result, or moveable). The information of the latest storage location (item of "movement source (current)") based on the judgment is transmitted to the storage location (for example, the safe terminal 11 of the safe unit 10) which is the transmission source of the chip information at this time. This information is received. At the latest storage location (for example, "safe"), which is the destination of the move, the latest storage location information is updated by writing the information received from the management server 600 to the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip brought in at this time. When the management server 600 determines that the operation is immovable, the terminal (for example, the safe terminal 11) of the storage location (for example, the safe unit 10) that receives the result shall display the fact on the display means. To call attention to the staff.

In this way, for example, when the chip is moved from the "inventory" to the "safe (safe 13)", the management server 600 executes the movement check process (FIG. 11) to serve as the destination of the chip. It is determined whether or not the safe 13 is movable. Then, based on this determination result, if it is movable, the latest storage location information is updated on both the chip and the management server 600. As a result, information representing the movement source when moving from the movement destination (for example, the safe 13) at this time to the next movement destination is stored. On the other hand, when a determination result that the chip cannot be moved is obtained as the destination, the error information is controlled to be displayed on the safe terminal 11 of the storage location (safe 13) into which the chip is carried. It is possible to notify the staff of the safe unit 10 that it is not possible and prevent the movement (carry-in).

As an example of determining whether or not this movement is possible, as described above with respect to FIG. 6, when the movement source of the chip is other than "stock" or "cage safe", the movement destination becomes "safe". By setting it as impossible, for example, in the safe terminal 11 of the safe unit 10, chip information is transmitted from the chip carried in by the RFID reader / writer 12A (FIG. 1) provided in the safe 13 (safe unit 10). Read. The safe terminal 11 transmits the chip information read by the RFID reader / writer 12A to the management server 600. The management server 600 receives the chip information (the latest storage location (that is, the item of the information “moving source (current)” indicating the storage location immediately before being moved to the safe 13)) and the information indicating the transmission source of the chip information. When the source of the chips carried into the safe 13 is "inventory" or "cage safe" based on (information indicating that the safe terminal 11 is used) and the movement management table (FIG. 6). Allows carry-in, and if the move source is other than that, determines that carry-in is not permitted.

In this way, the carry-in is based on the movement management table prepared in advance and the information (chip information) representing the movement source stored in the RFID IC tag of each chip read by the RFID reader / writer 12A. By determining the permission or disapproval of the above, it is possible to make an accurate judgment for each of the chips to be carried in.

Instead of the management server 600 determining whether to allow or disallow the import, the safe terminal 11 may store the movement management table, and the safe terminal 11 may make a judgment based on the movement management table. In this case, the determination result of the safe terminal 11 may be transmitted from the safe terminal 11 to the management server 600, and the chip history may be managed by the management server 600.

In this way, when each chip is brought into the storage location, the information on the moving source stored in the RFID IC tag is rewritten to the latest information, and the information representing the latest moving source is further described as follows. Read at the destination. Then, at the destination, the chip is stored immediately before each time the storage location is moved, by performing the carry-in process based on the judgment of the management server 600 as to whether or not the carry-in is possible based on the information indicating the latest move source. Whether or not to move is determined based on the information indicating the location (information indicating the latest movement source). That is, movement management based on the actual movement state of each chip can be easily performed.

In the chip once carried into the safe 13, the information representing the moving source stored in the RFID IC tag of the chip is rewritten to the information representing the "safe" carried in at this time. As a result, by simply carrying in the chip, the information indicating the moving source stored in the RFID IC tag of the chip to be carried in is the latest information ("" It is rewritten as information representing "safe").

The storage location permitted as the delivery destination of the chips carried out from the safe 13 is "Cage safe" or "disposal" as set in the movement management table (FIG. 6). Therefore, when the chip carried out from the safe 13 is carried into the cage 20 (cage safe 23), the RFID reader / writer 22A provided in the cage provides the RFID IC tag on the chip. The information indicating the movement source is read from the cable and transmitted to the management server 600, whereby the loading into the cage is permitted.

On the other hand, when the destination of the chips carried out from the safe 13 is, for example, a "table", the movement management table (FIG. 6) does not allow the movement from the "safe" to the "table". Therefore, it is not allowed to be brought into the "table". The "table" defined in the movement management table means the table game device 100A (100B, 100C, ...). The table game device is provided with RFID readers /

writers

102A and 112A (FIG. 1) for betting and carrying in, and reads chip information from the RFID IC tag of the betting or the chip to be carried in and controls the chip information. By transmitting to the management server 600, the unit 113 determines whether or not to bet or carry in the management server 600. In the movement management table (FIG. 6), since the movement from the "safe" to the "table" is not permitted, the management server 600 transmits the determination result of disallowing the movement to the control unit 113. As a result, the control unit 113 executes a process of disallowing the bet or the carried-in chip. Specifically, by displaying this on the display means of the control unit 113, the dealer or the staff is alerted.

In this way, every time the chip is moved, whether or not the storage location (safe unit 10, cage 20, table game device 100, player, disposal processing unit 410, etc.) that is the destination can be moved as the destination. Based on the judgment result, the latest storage location information is rewritten on both the chip and the management server 600, or if the judgment result of immovability is obtained as the move destination, the chip moves the error information. By displaying it in the designated storage location, it is possible to notify the staff that the movement is not possible and prevent the movement.

In this way, each time the tip is moved, it is determined whether or not the tip can be moved at the destination, and the tip can be accepted at the destination only if it can be moved.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, as chip storage locations in the casino system 1, "stock", "safe", "cage safe", "table (table game device)", and "player" , And "discard" are set, and RFID readers / writers are provided on the route where the chip is carried in and on the route where the chip is carried out, respectively.

By providing an RFID reader / writer on the chip carry-out route, the item of the move source (current) is updated even in a storage location such as a "player" that does not have its own RFID reader / writer for the chip. be able to. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when a chip is given to the player as a prize after the table game is completed, the player possesses the RFID reader / writer 102B provided in the payout area 149B of the game table 120. Chip information is read from the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip. The current storage location (movement source (current)) is updated from the "table" to the "player" by the communication between the RFID reader / writer 102B and the RFID IC tag 15 of the chip.

In this way, the movement check process is executed by the management server 600 every time the chip moves, so that the database of the management server 600 contains the chip information (history related to the movement of the chip) as shown in FIG. It will be accumulated. For example, in FIG. 14, as the chip information to which the chip identifier "000001" is assigned, the latest movement source (current) information in history is "safety (Z2)" (Z2 is the identifier of the safe as a storage location). Therefore, it can be seen that the chip is currently stored in the safe 13 of the safe unit 10, and the latest movement source (current) information in the history is "cage (Z3)" as the chip information to which the chip identifier "000002" is assigned. (Z3 is the identifier of the cage as the storage location), it can be seen that the chip is currently stored in the cage 20, and the latest movement in history as the chip information to which the chip identifier "000003" is assigned. Since the original (current) information is "table (Z4)" (Z4 is an identifier of the table game device as a storage location), it can be seen that the chip is currently stored in the table game device 100A, and the chip identifier " Since the latest movement source (current) information in the history is "player (Z5)" (Z5 is the identifier of the player as the storage location) as the chip information to which "000004" is assigned, the chip is currently stored by the player. You can see that you have (possessed) it. In addition, the date and time of delivery to each storage location (time stamp (IN)) and the date and time of delivery from the storage location (time stamp (OUT)) are added to this information to determine whether or not the information can be moved. Used for.

In this way, by referring to the chip information in the database of the management server 600, the locations of all the chips currently distributed in the casino system 1 can be grasped. Then, by being able to grasp the locations of all the chips, it is possible to grasp the current storage location and quantity of all the chips.

In addition, the balance sheet is updated when the chips are delivered to each storage location, so that the balance sheet is updated in real time according to the movement of all the chips distributed in the casino hall. Will be done. In this balance sheet update, the casino system 1 responds to the fact that the player purchases the chips with cash according to the face value of the chips and converts them into cash according to the face value of the chips. , After purchasing the chips, the processing (validation processing) of accountingly managing the chips at the face value is executed at the timing of distributing the chips to the casino hall (in the case of the present embodiment, the timing of being carried into the safe 13). .. As a result, the face value of the chips used by the player can be matched with the amount of money purchased by the player and the amount of money to be redeemed for chips in terms of accounting management, which causes inconvenience in accounting processing such as updating the balance sheet. Can be prevented.

By the way, in the operation of table games in casinos, it is necessary to accurately account for the chips used in the table games. In order to maintain this accurate account, an inventory of chips to be distributed to each of the game tables offered to the game at the casino was first determined, and the face value and quantity as correctly determined. Must be distributed to each game table.

Then, while operating the table game, the chip inventory of the game table must be continuously counted so that the appropriate face value and the number of chips determined above are maintained. For example, if the player loses while operating the game, the number and total amount of chips collected on the game table will increase. Alternatively, if the player wins the game, the number and total number of chips on the game table or the number of chips at each face value may be insufficient. Even in such a case, it is necessary to maintain an appropriate number of chips with an appropriate face value (appropriate inventory) with an appropriate total amount.

For casino accounting, the total amount of chips and the face value and quantity of each chip must be treated in the same way as cash, which must be maintained under the responsibility of the cashier or chip vault. In addition, in order for casino halls to be accounted for, the inventory of chips distributed to each game table, as well as in the cashier or vault, must be kept accurate at all times.

In the case of the present embodiment, every time the chip moves, the information (chip information) of the movement source (current) is added as the location status information (that is, the history information related to the location of the chip) in the distribution in the casino on the management server 600. By doing so, it is possible to always grasp the location of chips (current chip position) in the casino system, and it becomes possible to perform accounting management in real time.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the movement management table shown in FIG. 6 is used for the chip distribution route shown in FIG. 4 is described, but the movement is not limited to this, and the movement between the chip storage locations is limited to the casino. Various patterns can be adopted in the operation of the system 1, and various movement management tables can be used accordingly. In addition, various other storage locations can be applied to the chip storage location. For example, the present invention is not limited to the

table game devices

100A, 100B, and 100C, and other game devices such as slot machines can also be applied. Further, the distribution channel of chips is not limited to the distribution channel in the casino hall, and may be the distribution channel in the entire casino including the casino hall.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the casino system using the chip for the game as the game medium has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various types of tokens used as a substitute for cash as the game medium and the like are put into the game play. The present invention can be applied when a medium is used. Other media may also be provided with communication means such as an RFID IC tag capable of non-contact communication.

1 Casino system 10 Safe unit 11

Safe terminal

12A, 12B, 22A, 22B, 102A, 102B RFID reader / writer 20 Game table 100A, 100B, 100C Table game device 101A, 101B Gate 310 Card shoe 113 450A, 450B Control unit 500 Network 600 management server

Claims

A game media management device that manages game media distributed on a distribution channel.
Based on the game medium identifier unique to the game medium and the location status information indicating the location of the game medium on the distribution channel, which is updatable and associated with the game medium identifier, the game medium A game medium management device characterized by having a control unit for management.
It is characterized by including a device-side non-contact communication unit that reads the game medium identifier stored in the game medium by performing non-contact communication with the media-side non-contact communication unit provided on the game medium. The game media management device according to claim 1.
The control unit
Whether or not the destination of the game medium is appropriate based on the game medium identifier received via the device-side non-contact communication unit and the location status information associated with the game medium identifier. The game medium management device according to claim 2, wherein the movement of the game medium is managed based on the determination result.
The control unit includes a table indicating whether or not the game medium can be moved to or from another storage location for each storage location of the game medium in the distribution channel.
The game media management device according to claim 3, further comprising determining whether or not the destination is appropriate with reference to the table.
The game media management device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit updates the location status information when it determines that the destination of the game media is appropriate.
The game media management device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit registers the expiration date information of the game medium in association with the update of the location status information.
The game media management device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit includes an authentication unit that authenticates the owner of the game medium in determining whether or not the destination is appropriate.
The game media management device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit updates the balance sheet for accounting management with the movement of the game media.
The control unit is characterized in that when the game medium becomes usable in the game due to the movement of the game medium, the face value of the game medium in the game is activated in terms of accounting management. The game medium management device according to claim 8.
Non-contact communication with the game medium is performed in the distribution channel of the game medium.
The location of the game medium unique to the game medium received by the non-contact communication and the location of the game medium on the distribution channel of the game medium, which is updatable and associated with the game medium identifier. A game medium management method characterized by managing the game medium based on status information.