GAME TOKEN MONEY, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING GAME TOKEN MONEY, AND INSPECTION SYSTEM
20220398421 · 2022-12-15
Inventors
Cpc classification
A44C21/00
HUMAN NECESSITIES
G07F17/3241
PHYSICS
G06K19/047
PHYSICS
B32B3/08
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
G07F17/3223
PHYSICS
G06K19/0723
PHYSICS
International classification
Abstract
A game token money includes a plurality of plastic layers laminated through thermocompression bonding including at least a colored layer in the middle to specify a value of the game token money and a pair of pale color layers laminated on both sides of the colored layer. An RFID is embedded in a layer other than the outermost layer of the plurality of plastic layers; and a classification part is filled in at least one of the pale color layers to indicate a classification of the game token money. The classification part is recognizable from a side face and a front face of the game token money. The RFID contains information regarding a value of the game token money and a classification of the game token money indicated by the classification part.
Claims
1. A game token money comprising: a plurality of thermo-compression bonded plastic layers that: are laminated and form a stripe pattern in a layering direction on a side face of the game token money; and include a first colored layer that corresponds to a value of the game token money and a pair of second colored layers on respective opposite sides of the first colored layer; a classification part configured to indicate a classification of the game token money, the classification part is: filled in at least one layer of the pair of second colored layers; and recognizable from the side face and a front face of the game token money; and a radio-frequency identification (RFID) that is: embedded in one of the plurality of thermo-compression bonded plastic layers other than an outermost one of the plurality of thermo-compression bonded plastic layers; and configured to include information associated with the classification of the game token money and the value of the game token money.
2. The game token money according to claim 1, wherein the classification part has a color different from a color of the first colored layer.
3. The game token money according to claim 1, wherein the classification part includes the same color of the first colored layer.
4. The game token money according to claim 1, wherein the classification part has a plurality of colors.
5. The game token money according to claim 1, wherein the classification is configured to classify a type of person associated with the game token money.
6. The game token money according to claim 5, wherein the type of person includes a very important person (VIP) or a non-VIP.
7. The game token money according to claim 1, wherein the classification is configured to classify a type of chip associated with the game token money.
8. The game token money according to claim 7, wherein the type of chip includes a cash chip, a rolling chip, or a promotion chip.
9. The game token money according to claim 1, wherein the classification part includes a plurality of the classification parts arranged at equiangular intervals in a circumferential direction of the game token money.
10. The game token money according to claim 9, wherein: the colored layer and the classification part are configured to be externally recognizable by a camera, and a value and a classification of the game token money obtained using the camera can be inspected in combination with information obtained from the RFID.
11. The game token money according to claim 1, wherein: the layering direction includes a longitudinal direction of the game token money, the pair of second colored layers are laminated onto respective opposite sides of the first colored layer, and a color of the pair of second colored layers is a pale color.
12. The game token money according to claim 1, wherein the first colored layer forms a continuous portion of the side face of the game token money.
13. The game token money according to claim 1, wherein: the first colored layer includes a first surface and a second surface, the at least one layer of the pair of second colored layers includes a first layer of the pair of second colored layers, the first surface of the first colored layer is in contact with a first surface of the first layer of the pair of second colored layers and a first surface of the classification part, and the second surface of the first colored layer is in contact with a first surface of a second layer of the pair of second colored layers.
14. The game token money according to claim 13, wherein: a second surface of the first layer of the pair of second colored layers and a second surface of the classification part correspond to a first end of the game token money, and a second surface of the second layer of the pair of second colored layers corresponds to a second end of the game token money that is opposite the first end of the game token money.
15. The game token money according to claim 1, wherein: the at least one layer of the pair of second colored layers includes a notch, and the at least one layer of the pair of second colored layers is filled in with the classification part such that the classification part is positioned in a space cavity formed by the notch.
16. The game token money according to claim 1, wherein: the at least one layer of the pair of second colored layers defines a first portion of the side face and a second portion of the side face, the classification part defines a third portion of the side face, and the third portion of the side face is interposed in a circumferential direction of the game token money between the first portion of the side face and the second portion of the side face.
17. The game token money according to claim 1, further comprising a first end surface and a second end surface, wherein: the classification part is interposed between the first end surface of the game token money and the first colored layer, and the first colored layer is interposed between the classification part and the second end surface of the game token money.
18. A game token money comprising: a plurality of layers forming: a front face on which there is an indication of a value of the game token money, and a side face on which there is a stripe pattern in a layering direction of the plurality of layers, wherein the plurality of layers includes a colored layer having a color that corresponds to the value of the game token money, and the colored layer forms a middle section of the stripe pattern on the side face with respect to the layering direction; and a classification part configured to indicate a classification of the game token money that is different from the value of the game token money, the classification part includes a color different than the color of the colored layer and is provided at a position at which the classification part is recognizable from both the side face and the front face of the game token money.
19. The game token money according to claim 18, further comprising an embedded radio-frequency identification (RFID) configured to include information associated with the value of the game token money and the classification of the game token money.
20. The game token money according to claim 18, wherein the classification part includes a plurality of classification parts arranged at equiangular intervals in a circumferential direction of the game token money.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0055]
[0056] The game token money 10 has a layered structure including a colored layer 12 as a middle layer and pale color layers 11 as surface layers on both sides by interposing the colored layer 12. The front face of the pale color layer 11 can be visually recognized from the outside. The color of the colored layer 12 corresponds to a value of the game token money 10 (such as twenty dollars, one hundred dollars, and one thousand dollars). That is, the game token money 10 has the colored layer 12 having a color different depending on its value. The pale color layer 11 has a color not denser than any color of the colored layer 12, and has a common color for a plurality of classifications of values. The pale color layer 11 typically has a white color. Therefore, the value of the game token money 10 can be specified by the color of the colored layer 12 by observing the side face.
[0057] Printing is performed on the front face of the pale color layer 11 as described below, and a transparent layer is provided thereon. Therefore, the printing on the front face of the pale color layer 11 can be visually recognized through the transparent layer. Notches 11a are provided on the outer edge of the pale color layer 11. Classification parts 13 are filled in the notches 11a of the pale color layer 11. A plurality of classification parts 13 are arranged at an equiangular interval in the circumferential direction (rotation direction) along the outer edge of the game token money 10. In the example of
[0058] Value information, identification information, and classification information are given to the game token money 10. Here, the value information is information indicating a value of the game token money 10 (such as ten dollars, twenty dollars, one hundred dollars, and one thousand dollars), and the identification information is unique information capable of identifying each game token money 10. The classification information is information indicating a classification of each game token money 10 other than the value. The classification information may include, for example, any one of information for distinguishing whether the game token money 10 is a rolling chip or a cash chip, junket information differently set for each junket to specify a junket, and casino information differently set for each casino to specify the casino.
[0059] The value information, the identification information, and the classification information can be visually recognized on the front face of the game token money 10. Specifically, the value information is written as numerals 17 on the front face of the game token money 10. The identification information is coded and written as marks 14 and 15 on the front face of the game token money 10. In addition, the classification parts 13 are colored depending on the classification, and the classification information is expressed by a color of the classification part 13. Note that the color of the classification part 13 is different from any color of the colored layer 12. Therefore, a classification of the game token money 10 can be specified by the color of the classification part 13.
[0060] The value information and the classification information can be visually recognized on the side face of the game token money 10. Specifically, the value information is expressed by the color of the colored layer 12 observed on the side face of the game token money 10. In addition, the classification part 13 indicating the classification information using the color can also be visually recognized on the side face.
[0061] The identification information is stored in a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip 16 (hereinafter, simply referred to as an “RFID”) embedded in the game token money 10. Therefore, by reading the game token money 10 using the RF reader, it is possible to read the identification information stored in the RFID 16.
[0062] In this manner, the value information and the identification information are given to the game token money 10 in a plurality of forms. However, a plurality of pieces of value information and identification information given to true game token moneys match each other. In addition, a relationship between the identification information, the value information, and the classification information is stored in a database. As the identification information is specified by the marks 14 and 15 or the RFID 16, the value information and the classification information corresponding to this identification information can be specified by referencing the database.
[0063] Next, a method of manufacturing the game token money 10 will be described.
[0064] Next, in order to form blank portions 112 for filling the classification part members 131 in the sheet-shaped member 110 of the surface layer, punching is performed to match shapes of the classification part members 131 (step S22).
[0065] Meanwhile, the classification part member 131 filled in the blank portion 112 is also fabricated by punching the plastic sheet-shaped member 130.
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[0067] Then, the classification part member 131 obtained by punching the sheet-shaped member 130 is filled in the blank portion 112 of the sheet-shaped member 110 serving as the surface layer (step S23).
[0068] Then, a plurality of sheet-shaped members including the sheet-shaped members 110 and 120 filled with the aforementioned classification part members 131 are laminated (step S24).
[0069] The sheet member 110 having the blank portion 112 filled with the classification part member 131 (classification part insertion layer) is laminated on both outer sides of a pair of sheet member 120 interposing the RFID 16 such that each print layer 113 faces the outside. In addition, a transparent layer 170 serving as a protection layer is laminated on the outside of each of a pair of classification part insertion layers. Note that, although each layer is spaced in
[0070] Thermocompression bonding is performed while a plurality of sheet members are laminated in this manner (step S25). Through this thermocompression bonding, the layers neighboring each other are compressively bonded to form a multilayered lamination plate 100 as a whole. The RFID 16 is embedded between a pair of sheet members 120 as the sheet member 120 is thermally deformed.
[0071] Then, the game token money 10 is punched out from the multilayered lamination plate 100 (step S26).
[0072] As a result, the blank portion 112 forms a notch 11a, so that the game token money 10 illustrated in
[0073] Note that the printing on the surface layer may be performed after punching the game token money 10. In this case, a clear coating serving as a protection layer may be applied to the print layer subjected to the printing.
[0074] Next, an inspection system for inspecting the game token money 10 manufactured as described above will be described.
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[0076] As illustrated in
[0077] The inspection system 50 further includes a recording device 54, an inspection device 55, a database 56, and an output device 57. The recording device 54 records the front face image obtained from the camera 51, the side face image obtained from the camera 52, and the information read by the RF reader 53. The inspection device 55 performs inspection on the basis of the image or information recorded on the recording device 54.
[0078] As described above, the value information is expressed by writing numerals 17 in the center on the front face of the game token money 10, and the identification information is expressed by the marks 14 and 15. The classification information is expressed by the color of the classification part 13. The inspection device 55 recognizes each of the value information, the identification information, and the classification information by performing an image recognition processing for the front face image. Note that this image recognition processing may also be performed using a neural network.
[0079] The value information is expressed by the color of the middle layer (colored layer 12) on the side face of the game token money 10, and the classification information is expressed by the color of the classification part 13. The inspection device 55 recognizes each of the value information and the classification information by performing an image recognition processing for the side face image. In addition, this image recognition processing may also be performed using a neural network.
[0080] The database 56 stores the value information and the classification information in association with the identification information. The inspection device 55 specifies the value information and the classification information stored in association with the identification information by referencing the database 56 when the identification information is specified on the basis of the marks 14 and 15 from the front face image of the camera 51. The inspection device 55 compares the value information and the classification information specified in this manner with the value information and the classification information, respectively, specified on the basis of the numerals and the color of the classification part 13 from the front face image of the camera 51 and determines whether or not they match each other, that is, whether or not the game token money 10 is true or false. If they do not match each other, that is, if the game token money 10 is falsified, the output device 57 outputs a warning. The output device 57 may include a buzzer or a lamp for outputting the warning.
[0081] Meanwhile, the inspection device 55 specifies the value information and the classification information stored in association with the identification information by referencing the database 56 when the RF reader 53 reads the identification information stored in the RFID 16. The inspection device 55 compares the value information and the classification information specified in this manner with the value information and the classification information, respectively, specified on the basis of the color of the colored layer 12 and the color of the classification part 13 from the side face image of the camera 52 and determines whether or not they match each other, that is, whether or not the game token money 10 is true or false. If they do not match each other, that is, if the game token money 10 is falsified, the output device 57 outputs a warning.
[0082] As described above, according to this embodiment, a portion (classification part 13) visually recognizable from both the front face side and the side face side in a part of the circumferential direction is formed in the game token money 10 having the layered structure. For example, the classification information can be expressed using the color of this portion. Since this classification information can be visually recognized from both the front face side and the side face side, it is possible to recognize the classification information using both the camera that photographs the front face such as the camera 51 and the camera that photographs the side face such as the camera 52.
[0083] A method of manufacturing the game token money 10 according to a modification of the aforementioned embodiment will now be described.
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[0086] Next, a modification of the classification part will be described.
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[0088] Alternatively, although the RFID 16 is inserted between a pair of sheet-shaped members 120 of the colored layer 12 in the aforementioned embodiment, the RFID 16 may be arranged in any place as long as it is embedded in the game token money 10. For example, the RFID 16 may be arranged between the pale color layer 11 and the colored layer 12. In this case, the colored layer 12 may include a single sheet-shaped member 120. In addition, the number of the layers of the game token money 10 may be changed more than or less than that of the aforementioned embodiment.
[0089] Although the middle layer is the colored layer 12, and the surface layer is the pale color layer 11 in the aforementioned embodiment, inversely, the middle layer may be the pale color layer 11, and the surface layer may be the colored layer 12. In this case, the colored layer 12 has the notches where the classification parts 13 are filled. Alternatively, although the transparent protection layer is provided outside of the pale color layer 11 serving as the surface layer, and a layer serving as a front face of the game token money 10 in practice is the protection layer in the aforementioned embodiment, a layer having a surface visually recognizable from the front face side of the game token money 10 in this manner is referred to as the surface layer in this application because the (printing of the) front face of the pale color layer 11 can be visually recognized by observing the front face. The surface layer may also be the outermost layer.
[0090] Although the classification part member 131 is filled in the blank portion 112 of the sheet-shaped member 110, and another sheet-shaped member is then overlapped thereon in the aforementioned embodiment, instead, the classification part member 131 may be filled in the blank portion 112 after the sheet-shaped member 110 having the blank portion 112 is overlapped with another sheet-shaped member.
[0091] Although the classification part 13 is filled in both the front and back surface layers of the game token money 10 in the aforementioned embodiment, the classification part 13 may be filled in only one of the surface layers. In addition, although four classification parts are filled in one of the surface layers at an interval of 90° in the aforementioned embodiment, the number of classification parts 13 may be different from four. If two or more classification parts 13 are provided at an equiangular interval, it is possible to observe at least one of the classification parts 13 using the camera 52 regardless of an orientation of the circumferential direction of the game token money 10 when the game token money 10 is housed in the chip tray Tr by exposing more than a half as illustrated in
[0092] Although the identification information is given to the game token money 10 using the marks 14 and 15 or the RFID 16 in the aforementioned embodiment, the game token money 10 may be absent of the identification information.
[0093] Another modification of the classification part will now be described.
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[0105] Next, a use of the game token money 10 filled with the classification part will be described. As described above, the classification part indicates the classification information. The classification information may include, for example, any one of information for distinguishing whether the game token money 10 is a rolling chip or a cash chip, junket information differently set for each junket to specify a junket, and casino information differently set for each casino to specify the casino.
[0106] The game token money 10 is roughly classified into VIP chips and typical common chips. Note that the VIP chips are game token money available for VIP players. For example, a player who deposits money equal to or more than a predetermined amount in a casino becomes the VIP player.
[0107] Each of the VIP chips and the common chips can be classified into cash chips, rolling chips, promotion chips, and the like. The cash chips are game token money that can be exchanged with cash. The rolling chips are game token money that can be used to obtain cap chips by participating and winning in a game. In addition, the promotion chips are game token money distributed for promotion.
[0108] Here, the rolling chip will be further described. The “rolling” refers to an action for exchanging the cash chip with the rolling chip. The rolling chip can be bought by only a player who deposits a predetermined amount of money in a casino and opens a rolling program. When a player participates and wins in a game using the rolling chips, withdrawal is made on the basis of cash chips. A player can exchange cash chips (or cash) with rolling chips, and a predetermined percentage of a total rolling money amount is paid to a player as a commission whenever the rolling. Therefore, if the rolling money amount increases, the player can get the more commission depending on the rolling money. In this manner, an action of continuously exchanging (rolling) the rolling chips and the cash chips is referred to as “rolling”. The commission generated in the rolling is input to a system and is managed by the system.
[0109] Next, the junket chip will be further described. The game token money used by the junket has a mark dedicated to each junket. It would be difficult to distinguish a plurality of junkets just by using the shape and the arrangement of the classification part. In this case, similar to the examples of