Patent Publication Number: US-2021182777-A1

Title: Rolling encoding scheme for rfid tags

Description:
PRIORITY 
     The present application claims priority under 35 USC § 119 to JP Application No. 2019-225452 filed Dec. 13, 2019. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Gaming chips can be used in a casino in lieu of currency. The gaming chips can be made from various materials including colored metals, injection-molded plastics, and compression molded clay. Some casinos can include technology to identify a gaming chip such as RFID tags. RFID tags can include memory. 
     SUMMARY 
     These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode as presently perceived. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the embodiments and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description, in conjunction with the accompanying figures briefly described as follows: 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of data fields stored on a gaming chip according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a drawing of a gaming environment according to various example embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of data fields stored in drawers of a gaming chip according to various example embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of encoded data fields stored in drawers of a gaming chip according to various example embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of an example flowchart of certain functionality implemented by portions of chip validation system executed in a computing environment in the gaming environment of  FIG. 2  according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of an example flowchart of certain functionality implemented by portions of software executed in a computing device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic block diagram that illustrates an example computing device employed in the gaming environment of  FIG. 2  according to various embodiments. 
     
    
    
     The drawings illustrate only example embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting of the scope described herein, as other equally effective embodiments are within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions may be exaggerated to help visually convey certain principles. In the drawings, similar reference numerals between figures designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily the same, elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following paragraphs, the embodiments are described in further detail by way of example with reference to the attached drawings. In the description, well known components, methods, and/or processing techniques are omitted or briefly described so as not to obscure the embodiments. As used herein, the “present disclosure” refers to any one of the embodiments described herein and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the “present embodiment” is not to suggest that all embodiments must include the referenced feature(s). 
     Among embodiments, some aspects of the present disclosure are implemented by a computer program executed by one or more processors, as described and illustrated. As would be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art, one or more embodiments may be implemented, at least in part, by computer-readable instructions in various forms, and the present disclosure is not intended to be limiting to a particular set or sequence of instructions executed by the processor. 
     The embodiments described herein are not limited in application to the details set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed subject matter is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, additional items, and equivalents thereof. The terms “connected” and “coupled” are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect connections and couplings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” are not limited to electrical, physical, or mechanical connections or couplings. As used herein the terms “machine,” “computer,” “server,” and “work station” are not limited to a device with a single processor, but may encompass multiple devices (e.g., computers) linked in a system, devices with multiple processors, special purpose devices, devices with various peripherals and input and output devices, software acting as a computer or server, and combinations of the above. 
     Although various aspects of the present disclosure refer to a gaming table, it can be appreciated that the various aspects can be used with respect to any gaming area including a casino cage, a bank, a vault, a gaming table, or any other location where gaming chips are used. A dealer can facilitate a wagering game at the gaming table. Wagering games can include a card game, a dice game, a wheel-based game, or some other wagering game. One or more patrons can wager gaming chips at the gaming table. The gaming chips can be counted and verified by various components of a networked environment as discussed herein. 
     The gaming chips can include any chip, plaque, jeton, or other gaming currency that may be used in a casino or gaming room. The gaming chips can represent a value that is predetermined or not. The gaming chips can be made from a rigid plastic material or clay to obtain a structure that is solid enough to resist conditions of use in casinos. Gaming chips can be used throughout a casino. For example, at gaming tables, gaming chips can be received for play or the conclusion of a game or hand, cash can be received and gaming chips paid out (buy-in), and gaming chips may be paid out during play. In a cashier area, gaming chips can be received and cash can be paid out (cash out). Alternatively, cash can be received and gaming chips can be paid out (buy-in). 
     Turning now to the drawings, exemplary embodiments are described in detail. With reference to  FIG. 1 , shown is an illustration of a gaming chip  103  according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIG. 1  illustrates 0s and 1s flowing down on the gaming chip  103  to graphically represent the concept of data being stored onto a memory device in the gaming chip  103 . The gaming chip  103  can include a memory device that can store information about the gaming chip  103  among other data. The data can be encrypted when stored on the memory device using a key  106 . The memory device can store various data  109  including one or more data fields. 
     The memory device can be separated into various drawers, which can correspond to a memory page, a memory block, a byte, a word, a preconfigured number of bits or bytes, files in a file system, or some other segment of storage. In some embodiments, the memory device can be one-time programmable (OTP). In other embodiments, the memory device can be lockable such that the memory device is read/write until a locking event occurs at which point the memory device becomes read only. In yet other embodiments, various segments of memory in the memory device can have different properties. As an example, a first segment can be read only memory, a second segment can be lockable, and a third segment can be read/write memory. 
     The casino industry can use RFID technology to protect and track currency products such as gaming chips  103 . The gaming chips  103  can include RFID tags that provide an identifier for each gaming chip  103  and can include the memory device to store information of the gaming chip  103 . The information can include, but is not limited to, the value of the gaming chip  103 , the currency of the gaming chip  103 , the negotiability, set information, gaming room information, the casino identifiers owning the gaming chips  103 , and the manufacturing information among other information. A read/write memory area of the memory device can store information that can be updated during the casino operations. The serial numbers can be burnt or locked into the RFID tag during manufacturing of the RFID tag. Further, other information can be programmed and locked during manufacturing of the gaming chips  103 . 
     The memory device of the RFID tags can include functionalities like Lock Pointers or OTP memory to guarantee that the information can be irreversibly burnt such that modification is not possible. In order to store the currency information in the memory device before shipping, the manufacturer of the gaming chips  103  can utilize software systems combined with RFID transceivers and antennas to write to the memory device and lock it. The memory in the memory device is typically organized in blocks or pages, referred to herein as drawers, to locate each piece of information. As an example, a PJM STACKTAG integrated circuit can include a 4 kilobits user memory, organized in 256 pages of 16 bits. The ICODE ILT-M integrated circuit includes 1 kilobits of ROM memory organized in 64 pages of 16 bits. These pages can also be called words or blocks. In some embodiments, the drawers can receive a 16 bit binary value although other sizes of values can be received. The 16 bit pages can be divided into two or more groups to allow different information storage. As an example, bits  0  to  11  can be used to define the monetary value, and bits  12  to  15  can be used to define a currency identifier. 
     Turning to  FIG. 2 , shown is a gaming environment  200  according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The gaming environment  200  includes a computing environment  203  and one or more gaming tables  206 , which are in data communication with each other via a network  209 . The network  209  includes, for example, the Internet, intranets, extranets, wide area networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), wired networks, wireless networks, or other suitable networks, etc., or any combination of two or more such networks. For example, such networks may comprise satellite networks, cable networks, Ethernet networks, and other types of networks. 
     The computing environment  203  can include, for example, a server computer or any other system providing computing capability. Alternatively, the computing environment  203  may employ a plurality of computing devices that may be arranged, for example, in one or more server banks or computer banks or other arrangements. Such computing devices may be located in a single installation or may be distributed among many different geographical locations. For example, the computing environment  203  may include a plurality of computing devices that together may comprise a hosted computing resource, a grid computing resource, and/or any other distributed computing arrangement. In some cases, the computing environment  203  may correspond to an elastic computing resource where the allotted capacity of processing, network, storage, or other computing-related resources may vary over time. 
     Various applications and/or other functionality may be executed in the computing environment  203  according to various embodiments. Also, various data is stored in a data store  212  that is accessible to the computing environment  203 . The data store  212  may be representative of a plurality of data stores  212  as can be appreciated. The data stored in the data store  212 , for example, is associated with the operation of the various applications and/or functional entities described below. 
     The components executed on the computing environment  203 , for example, include a chip validation system  215 , and other applications, services, processes, systems, engines, or functionality not discussed in detail herein. The chip validation system  215  is executed to validate gaming chips  103  used within the casino. As an example, an RFID tag in RFID-enabled gaming chip can be read on a gaming chip reader of a gaming table  206 . 
     The data stored in the data store  212  includes, for example, memory mappings  218 , currency data  221 , encryption data  224 , and potentially other data. The currency data  221  can include variable data  227  and the memory mappings  218  can include version  230  and mappings  233 . The mappings  233  can include information for decrypting data stored on gaming chips  103  for each of the versions  230 . The currency data  221  can include a list of all active gaming chips including any identifiers associated with the gaming chips, such as, for example, RFID tag identifier and other identifiers. The currency data  221  can include all gaming chips  103  authorized for use at one or more casinos. The currency data  221  can be a gaming chip inventory dataset. 
     The memory mapping  218  can be stored in an encrypted format. To access the memory mapping  218 , the chip validation system  215  can first decrypt the encrypted memory mapping  218  to generate a decrypted memory mapping. The chip validation  215  can identify an encryption key that corresponds to the memory mapping  218 . 
     The encryption key can be stored in a protected location or on a local drive. The encryption key or location of the encryption key can be stored in encryption data  224 . The encryption key can be signed by a trusted certificate authority. In some embodiments, the chip validation system  215  can receive the encryption key from a secure server (not shown). The secure server can be trusted based on secured communications. The chip validation system  215  can secure communications using public key infrastructure, such as, for example, using a simple certificate enrollment protocol (SCEP) system or other key infrastructure. 
     The currency data  221  can be stored in an encrypted format. The currency data  221  can be encrypted with a different encryption key or method than the memory mapping  218 . The encryption key or location of the encryption key for the currency data can be stored in encryption data  224 . As such, an intruder that is able to gain access to the memory mapping  218  cannot access the currency data  221 , or vice versa. According to one example embodiment, the currency data  221  can be stored in a database while the memory mapping  218  can be stored as a flat file. 
     The memory mapping  218  and currency data  221  can be stored in two different protected locations. In one example, the chip validation system  215  can gain access to the two different protected locations using authentication credentials. The authentication credentials for each protected location can be different. The protected location can correspond to a disc drive, a memory location, a file, a database service, an external server, or some other storage location. The currency data  221  can store information about where each gaming chip  103  is read within the casino. Using this data, the chip validation system  215  can track where the gaming chips  103  move throughout a casino. 
     The gaming table  206  is representative of a plurality of gaming tables that may be coupled to the network  209 . The gaming table  206  can include, for example, one or more computing devices with a processor-based system such as a computer system. Such a computer system may be embodied in the form of an embedded computing device or other devices with like capability. The gaming table  206  can a chip tray  236 , one or more bet spots  239 , a chip recycler  242 , a bill validator  245 , and a display  248 . 
     A gaming chip reader, such as an RFID antenna, can be positioned at the chip tray  236 , at each of the bet spots  239 , at the chip recycler  242 , and in another positions. A gaming chip reader can also be placed at a casino cage, a bank, a vault, or any other location where gaming chips are used. The gaming table  206  can read RFID tags from RFID-enabled gaming chips  103  using the gaming chip reader. As an example, the gaming table  206  can read one or more drawers from each gaming chip  103  positioned on a gaming chip reader. The data stored in the drawers can correspond to encrypted information about the gaming chip  103 . The drawers from the RFID tags can be transmitted to the chip validation system  215 . 
     The chip validation system  215  can receive the drawers from the gaming table  206 . The chip validation system  215  can identify a version from the drawers. In some embodiments, the version can be stored in a predetermined position in the drawers for all gaming chip versions. In other embodiments, the version can be looked up based on a serial number read from the RFID tag in the gaming chip  103 . The chip validation system  215  can search the versions  230  for the identified version in the memory mapping  218 . To search the memory mapping  218 , the chip validation system  215  can obtain a decryption key corresponding to the encrypted memory mapping  218  and decrypt the encrypted memory mapping  218  to generate a decrypted memory mapping. The chip validation system  215  can identify a mapping  233  corresponding to the identified version from the gaming chip  103 . The mapping  233  can include a schema to encode or decode the data stored in the drawers. 
     The chip validation system  215  can decode data describing the gaming chip  103  from the drawers using the mapping  233  that corresponds to the version of the gaming chip  103 . The chip validation system  215  can decipher the mappings of bits/bytes of memory that correspond to segments of variables stored in the drawers. During the decode process, the chip validation system  215  can assemble the different segments for each variable in an order defined in the mappings  233 . In some embodiments, the decode process can include decrypting the data stored in the drawers. When one or more gaming chips  103  that are read correspond to different versions  230 , the chip validation system  215  can use different mappings  233  to decode each of the gaming chip  103 . As an example, a first cipher from a first mapping  233  can be used for a gaming chip  103  of a first version  230 , while a second cipher from a second mapping  233  can be used for a different gaming chip  103  corresponding to a second version  230 . 
     The chip validation system  215  can perform the decryption using a decryption key corresponding to the specific version of gaming chips  103  stored in mappings  233 . The decryption key can also correspond to all gaming chips  103  across all versions. In some embodiments, the data in the drawers is decrypted prior to deciphering the segments of the variables. In other embodiments, the data in the drawers is decrypted after the deciphering the segments of variables. In yet another embodiment, a decryption is used to decode the variables without the need for a decipher operation. 
     The currency data  221  may be rewritten each time the RFID tag of the gaming chip  103  is read by the gaming chip reader, or periodically. Along with this rewriting, the currency data  221  of the gaming chip  103  stored in the database is also rewritten. By matching the currency data  221  rewritten in the database with the currency data  221  read from the RFID tag of the gaming chip  103 , the gaming chip  103  is verified. Thus, even if a counterfeiter creates a counterfeit gaming chip by copying the information stored in the RFID tag of the gaming chip  103 , the currency data  221  of the counterfeit gaming chip is already rewritten in the database when the counterfeit gaming chip is used, and verification of such a counterfeit gaming chip will fail, it can be determined that it is a counterfeit gaming chip. 
     The chip validation system  215  can validate the gaming chips  103  against a gaming chip inventory dataset, such as, for example, the currency data  221 . The validation of a gaming chip  103  can include authenticating the gaming chip  103  against the currency data  221  to ensure the gaming chip  103  is authentic. The chip validation system  215  can decrypt the currency data  221  to generate decrypted currency data  221 . The chip validation system  215  can look up the serial number of the gaming chip  103  in the currency data  221 . The chip validation system  215  can also authenticate the gaming chip  103  by verifying that one or more variables match the currency data  221 . As an example, the chip validation system  215  can verify that the denomination, casino name, currency, and sales order number all match the values programmed when the gaming chip  103  was originally manufactured. The originally manufactured values stored on each gaming chip  103  can be stored in variable data  227 . When new gaming chips  103  are deployed in a casino, the information for each new gaming chip  103  can be added to the currency data  221 . 
     When a gaming chip  103  or set of gaming chips  103  is decommissioned, the chip validation system  215  can refuse to validate any gaming chips  103  that have been decommissioned. Further, the chip validation system  215  can initiate a remedial action when a decommissioned gaming chip  103  read on an antenna. As an example, an indicator can be illuminated or activated to signal to a dealer to confiscate the deactivated gaming chip  103 . The display  248  can render information indicated details of the deactivated gaming chip  103 . As an example, the display  248  can render a visual representation of the gaming chip  103  that was deactivated including a color pattern and denomination. 
     Other remedial actions can include stopping any future game, stopping a game until approval for an authorized user is received, alerting security, identifying a patron corresponding to the discrepancy and storing an indication of the discrepancy associated with an account of the patron, and other remedial actions. The level of an authorized user can be based on the discrepancy identified. For example, a higher level of authorized user can be required when a gaming chip  103  is identified as stolen in the currency data  221  or when a count, a denomination, or a total value of the deactivated gaming chips  103  exceeds a threshold. 
     The chip validation system  215  can have multiple tiers of thresholds corresponding to different levels of authorized user. In one example, the dealer can authorize resuming play when the value of the deactivated gaming chips  103  is below a first threshold, such as $10, a pit boss can authorize resuming play when the value of the deactivated gaming chips  103  is below a second threshold, such as $100, and security can authorize resuming play when the value of the deactivated gaming chips  103  is below a third threshold, such as $1,000. Further, a casino manager may be required to resume play when the deactivated gaming chips  103  exceeds the top threshold. 
     The thresholds may be based on past actions of a patron, dealer, or other authorized user associated with the discrepancy. For example, the chip validation system  215  can identify a patron with a history that includes a pattern of using deactivated gaming chips  103  or a total amount of deactivated gaming chips  103  exceeding a threshold, and initiate a more restrictive remedial action based on the repetition. For example, the more restrictive remedial action may require approval from a user with authority to authorize the sum of all historical discrepancies for the patron or to pull the patron aside for further questioning. 
     In some embodiments, the sum of all historical discrepancies can be limited to the discrepancies that have occurred since a previous more restrictive remedial action. Similarly, the chip validation system  215  can identify a dealer, pit boss, security officer, casino manager, or other casino employee with a history of using deactivated gaming chips  103 . The chip validation system  215  can identify a user with a specific statistical property that exceeds a threshold. As an example, the chip validation system  215  can calculate a ratio of games played to deactivate gaming chips  103  identified. If the ratio exceeds a threshold, the chip validation system  215  can initiate a remedial action. 
     The chip validation system  215  can store information regarding the reading of the gaming chip  103 . The gaming table  206  can determine a patron associated with a patron account placed a wager with the gaming chips  103  corresponding to the particular bet spot  239 . The gaming table  206  can transmit a count of gaming chips read at each of the gaming chip readers including the identifiers and drawers from each gaming chip  103 . In one embodiment, the gaming table  206  performs a read of all gaming chip readers at least once per game being played, and transmits the information to the chip validation system  215 . The gaming table  206  can perform reads of all gaming chip readers several times per game. In some embodiments, the gaming table  206  sends any changes in reading of gaming chips  103  that occur during the game. The validation of each gaming chip  103  can be limited to once per time the gaming chip  103  is used on a gaming table  206 . 
     The chip recycler  242  can operate in a similar fashion to a coin recycler. The chip recycler  242  can be used in addition to or in place of chip tray  236 . At the end of game or hand, if a dealer has collected gaming chips  103  from patrons, the gaming chips  103  can be placed into an input area, such as a funnel, hopper or tube, and then validated (authenticated), counted, sorted, and stored by the chip recycler  242 . If gaming chips  103  are to be paid out to patrons, exchanged for cash, or exchanged for other gaming chips  103 , then the gaming table  206  or the chip validation system  215  can instruct the chip recycler  242  how much in gaming chips  103 . The denominations to pay out can also be specified. A chip recycler  242  within a cashier cage, a bank or vault, or kiosk (not shown) can operate in a similar fashion. A user places the gaming chips  103  in the chip recycler  242 , the chip recycler  242  processes the gaming chips  103 , and the chip recycler  242  either automatically outputs gaming chips  103  in other denominations or outputs cash equal to the input value. 
     Existing systems only rely on RFID technology read serial numbers of gaming chips. The security of those systems relies only on 2 things: 1) Uniqueness of the serial numbers of the tags provided by the microchips or integrated circuits manufacturers; and 2) protection of the system database against unauthorized access that would reactivate a tag or add a record for a wrong gaming chip that was not produced by an approved currency manufacturer. When a database hack occurs, the currency system of the casino can be manipulated. A counterfeiter could change in the database the face value of the associated tags. The counterfeiter could retrieve the RFID tags from low denomination chips from the property and produce fake chips of a much higher denomination. 
     In the present disclosure, the gaming chips  103  are secured through multiple faucets to insure that a breach of any one security does not compromise the gaming chip  103 . As one faucet, each gaming chip  103  is assigned a unique serial number. To compromise a gaming chip  103 , a counterfeiter would need to make an RFID tag with a serial number that matches a valid gaming chip  103  in the currency data  221 . Further, the data stored on the counterfeit gaming chip  103  would need to be encoded based on a secure memory mapping  218 . 
     If an intruder were able to crack the encryption of the currency data  221  to edit the value of existing gaming chips  103 , the denomination and other variable information stored on the gaming chip  103  would not match the currency data  221 . Further, the denomination indicated by the appearance of the gaming chip  103  would not match. 
     If an intruder were able to crack the encryption of the memory mapping  218  to enable encoding/decoding of the information to store new information on a gaming chip  103 , the currency data  221  would not match any edited data. Further, in some embodiments, the data may be permanently locked into the gaming chip  103 . A counterfeiter would need to make an RFID tag with a serial number that matches a valid gaming chip  103  in the currency data  221 . At least a subset of the data stored on the fraudulent gaming chip  103  would need to match the valid gaming chip  103  from the currency data  221 . As such, the security methods described herein prevent access from counterfeiters on the gaming floor, internal casino employees that may collude to steal from the casino, and employees that develop the gaming chip technology. 
     Turning to  FIG. 3 , shown is a set of drawers  300  storing variables according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The set of drawers  300  can include a first drawer  303   a  and a second drawer  303   b,  among other drawers. The set of drawers correspond to a gaming chip used in a casino. The drawer  303   a  can store a serial number as component  306   a,  component  306   b,  and other components as shown. The drawer  303   a  can also store a version in  306   c  among other components. The drawer  303   b  can store a currency in component  306   d  among other components. The set of drawers  300  corresponds to data stored on a gaming chip without being encoded. 
     When the gaming chips  103  are created, the variables to be written to each gaming chip  103  can be generated in memory similar to the mapping shown in the set of drawers  300 . The generated memory can be encoded prior to being written to the gaming chip  103 . Similarly, when the encoded data is read from a gaming chip  103 , the chip validation system  215  can decode the encoded data such that the decoded data looks like the set of drawers  300 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 4 , shown is a set of drawers  400  storing encoded variables according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The set of drawers  400  can include a first drawer  403   a  and a second drawer  403   b,  among other drawers. The set of drawers  400  can store various components including components  406   a - d  and  409   a  and  b.  The set of drawers correspond to a gaming chip  103  used in a casino. The set of drawers can store various components of variables encoded across the drawers. A schema used to encode the variables in the drawers can be rolled over time. As an example, a schema can change and a version number can increment every six months, annually, after each order, after every ten orders, after a predetermined number of gaming chips  103  are manufactured, or on another frequency. Each variable stored in the set of drawers can have multiple components stored in different drawers. The location of each component is determined based on the memory mappings  218 . As an example in one embodiment, a version number can have four components stored as component  406   a - d.  Other variables can have components store in drawers such as components  409   a  and  409   b.  The set of drawers  400  can be read by a gaming chip reader, such as an RFID antenna. As an example, a gaming chip reader on a gaming table  206  ( FIG. 2 ) can read a set of drawers  400  when a gaming chip  103  is placed on a bet spot  239 . The gaming table  206  can transmit the set of drawers  400  to the chip validation system  215  via the network  209   
     When the chip validation system  215  receives the set of drawers  400 , the chip validation system  215  can identify the version of the gaming chip  103 . The components of the version number can be stored in predetermined positions in the set of drawers  400 . In some embodiments, the serial number can be identified without decoding the set of drawers  400  and the chip validation system  215  can identify the version number of the gaming chip  103  by looking up the serial number in the currency data  221 . In some embodiments, the serial number or version can be read separate from the drawers. 
     The chip validation system  215  can decrypt the memory mapping  218  and decode the data stored in the set of drawers  400 . As an example, the chip validation system  215  can decode the variables stored in the set of drawers  400  to look like the set of drawers  300 . The chip validation system  215  can load the data from the set of drawers  400  into variables corresponding to the list of variables  412 . 
     In some embodiments, the location of the components of the version number can be fixed across all versions while the locations of components for other variables can be varied across each version. The drawer  403   a  can store a serial number as component  406   a,  component  406   b,  and other components as shown. The drawer  403   a  can also store a version in  406   c  among other components. The drawer  403   b  can store a currency in component  406   d  among other components. The set of drawers  400  corresponds to data stored on a gaming chip without being encoded. 
     According to some embodiments, the data can be stored in drawers  400  according to the shown memory mapping. As an example, each page of memory can carry a series of 16 bits, or other sizes, that will describe the information based on a method of calculating the information or a reference chart. This encoding solution can be used by the gaming chip  103  manufacturers when they program or personalize the gaming chips  103  before shipping to a customer. A similar solution can be used to decode the information read when the gaming chips  103  are received by the casino using the chip validation system  215 , which can be provided by the chips manufacturer. The chip validation system  215  can not only receive the gaming chips  103 , but also authenticate and track the gaming chips  103  throughout the casino where gaming chip readers are located, such as, for example, at the cages, in the vaults or at the table. The manufacturers can provide a database with information for all of the gaming chips  103  in an encrypted way that can be imported into currency data  221 . The database can provide a list of gaming chips  103  including the details of what to evaluate to accept and considered genuine when authentication is performed. 
     As an example, the chip validation system  215  can use the gaming chip reader to read of the serial number of each gaming chip  103 . The chip validation system  215  can verify the serial number against the currency data  221  that all the serial numbers read are genuine and authorized, meaning supposed to be in circulation in this property. Based on the serial number, the chip validation system  215  can pull all the information and characteristics of each gaming chip  103 . The chip validation system  215  can use the gaming chip reader to read the memory of each RFID tag in the gaming chips  103  and check every single page or drawer. The chip validation system  215  can decode the pages or drawers to figure out the information for the gaming chips  103 . The chip validation system  215  can compare the decoded information with the information pulled from currency data  221 . In addition to the above authentication process, the chip validation system  215  can also verify the gaming chips  103  movements and the previous locations in the casino. 
     Before turning to the process flow diagrams of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , it is noted that embodiments described herein may be practiced using an alternative order of the steps illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . That is, the process flows illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6  are provided as examples only, and the embodiments may be practiced using process flows that differ from those illustrated. Additionally, it is noted that not all steps are required in every embodiment. In other words, one or more of the steps may be omitted or replaced, without departing from the scope of the embodiments. Further, steps may be performed in different orders, in parallel with one another, or omitted entirely, and/or certain additional steps may be performed without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments. 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , shown is a flow diagram for a process  500  according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. At box  503 , the process  500  includes receiving drawers from one or more gaming chips. For example, the chip validation system  215  can receive data from one or more gaming chips  103  from a gaming table  206 . A gaming chip reader can read sets of drawers individually corresponding to different gaming chips  103  located on the gaming chip reader. The chip validation system  215  can process the sets of drawers for the gaming chips  103 . 
     At box  506 , the process  500  includes identifying a version of the gaming chip. For example, the chip validation system  215  can identify a version of the gaming chip  103  from the drawers. In one example, the chip validation system  215  can calculate various pointers to a memory segment containing the plurality of drawers. The chip validation system  215  can copy bits, bytes, words, or another size of memory from the pointers to a memory location to piece together the version. In another example, the version can be stored without being encoded. 
     At box  509 , the process  500  includes decrypting a memory mapping. For example, the chip validation system  215  can load an encryption key for the memory mapping  218 . The encryption key can be stored in encryption data  224 . The memory mapping  218  can be encrypted with advanced encryption standard (AES) encryption, Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) encryption, or some other type of encryption. 
     At box  512 , the process  500  includes decrypting a chip inventory data store. For example, the chip validation system  215  can decrypt the currency data  221 . In some embodiments, the currency data  221  can correspond to an encrypted database, such as, for example, a structured query language (SQL) server with encryption among other encrypted databases. Similarly, the memory mapping  218  can be an encrypted database. The encrypted database can be loaded with an encryption key to enable decryption during use by the chip validation system  215 . The encryption key for the currency data  221  can differ from the encryption key for the memory mapping  218 . 
     At box  515 , the process  500  includes decoding data from a gaming chip based on the memory mapping. The chip validation system  215  can load a formula for deciphering a gaming chip  103  from the memory mapping  218 . The memory mapping  218  can include information for how to decipher the data stored on different versions of gaming chips  103 . The chip validation system  215  can load the data from each of a set of variables into memory from the drawers of each gaming chip  103 . 
     At box  518 , the process  500  includes validating the gaming chip against the chip inventory data store. The chip validation system  215  can verify that the set of variables loaded from the drawers matches the variables  227  loaded on the gaming chip  103  when the gaming chip  103  was manufactured. The chip validation system  215  can verify that the gaming chip  103  is currently active for use at the casino. If the validation fails, the chip validation system  215  can initiate a remedial action. 
     At box  521 , the process  500  includes determining whether another gaming chip is to be processed. If so, the process  500  moves to box  515 . Otherwise, the process  500  ends. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6 , shown is a flow diagram for a process  600  according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. At box  603 , the process  600  includes generating an order for gaming chips. For example, the computing environment  203  ( FIG. 2 ) can receive an order from a casino to purchase gaming chips  103 . The order can include a quantity of gaming chips  103  for each denomination. The order can also include a currency of money being used, a sales order number, a casino name placing the order, and other information. 
     At box  606 , the process  600  includes generating a data set for a gaming chip. For example, the computing environment  203  can compile a set variables to be written on each gaming chip  103  from the order. The set of variables can be stored into a memory segment mirroring an un-encoded version of the drawers as shown in  FIG. 3 . The computing environment  203  can verify that the gaming chip  103  has not been previously programmed before proceeding. Some of the variables in the set can come from the order, such as the currency of money being used, a sales order number, a casino name placing the order, and other information. Other variables in the set can be generated by the computing environment  203 . As an example, the computing environment  203  can determine the chip set, version, and product information. In some embodiments, the computing environment  203  can generate a random number for the serial number. In other embodiments, the serial number is preprogrammed into RFID tags when the RFID tags are manufactured. The computing environment  203  can read the serial number from preprogrammed RFID tags when writing data and store the serial number in variables  227  associated with the set of variables for the gaming chip  103 . 
     At box  609 , the process  600  includes encoding the data set based on a current version. For example, the computing environment can encode variables for storage in drawers on the gaming chip  103  using a memory mapping  218  for a current version being manufactured. The current version can be incremented at a predetermined frequency to ensure that gaming chips  103  used in the field are encoded with different schemas using different ciphers. Each version of gaming chips  103  can be encoded with a different schema/cipher. A different encryption key can also be used to encrypt the data on the gaming chip  103 . In some embodiments, different gaming chips in a single order can be encoded with different version numbers using different ciphers. 
     At box  612 , the process  600  includes writing the data set to the gaming chip. The computing environment  203  can write the encoded data from box  609  to the gaming chip  103 . The computing environment  203  can be coupled to RFID transceivers and RFID antennas configured to write to the gaming chip  103  and lock it. The data stored on the gaming chip  103  can be locked to prevent future editing. 
     At box  615 , the process  600  includes determining whether another gaming chip is in the order. If so, the process  600  moves to box  606 . Otherwise, the process  600  ends. 
     Turning to  FIG. 7 , an example hardware diagram of a computing device  700  is illustrated. Any of the chip validation system  215 , gaming table  206 , or any other functionality discussed herein may be implemented, in part, using one or more elements of the computing device  700 . The computing device  700  can include one or more of a processor  710 , a Random Access Memory (“RAM”)  720 , a Read Only Memory (“ROM”)  730 , a memory device  740 , a network interface  750 , and an Input Output (“I/O”) interface  760 . The elements of the computing device  700  are communicatively coupled via a bus  702 . 
     The processor  710  can include an arithmetic processor, Application Specific Integrated Circuit (“ASIC”), or other types of hardware or software processors. The RAM and ROM  720  and  730  can include a memory that stores computer-readable instructions to be executed by the processor  710 . The memory device  740  stores computer-readable instructions thereon that, when executed by the processor  710 , direct the processor  710  to execute various aspects of the present disclosure described herein. When the processor  710  includes an ASIC, the processes described herein may be executed by the ASIC according to an embedded circuitry design of the ASIC, by firmware of the ASIC, or both an embedded circuitry design and firmware of the ASIC. As a non-limiting example group, the memory device  740  comprises one or more of an optical disc, a magnetic disc, a semiconductor memory (i.e., a semiconductor, floating gate, or similar flash based memory), a magnetic tape memory, a removable memory, combinations thereof, or any other known memory means for storing computer-readable instructions. The network interface  750  can include hardware interfaces to communicate over data networks. The I/O interface  760  can include device input and output interfaces such as keyboard, pointing device, display, communication, and other interfaces. The bus  702  can electrically and communicatively couple the processor  710 , the RAM  720 , the ROM  730 , the memory device  740 , the network interface  750 , and the I/O interface  760 , so that data and instructions may be communicated among them. 
     In operation, the processor  710  is configured to retrieve computer-readable instructions stored on the memory device  740 , the RAM  720 , the ROM  730 , or another storage means, and copy the computer-readable instructions to the RAM  720  or the ROM  730  for execution, for example. The processor  710  is further configured to execute the computer-readable instructions to implement various aspects and features of the present disclosure. For example, the processor  710  may be adapted and configured to execute the processes described above with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , including the processes described as being performed by the computing environment  203  including the chip validation system  215  and gaming table  206 . Also, the memory device  740  may store the data stored in the data store  212 . 
     A phrase, such as “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is to be understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., can be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Similarly, “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is to be understood to present that an item, term, etc., can be either X, Y, and Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, as used herein, such phrases are not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of either X, Y, or Z to be present, but not, for example, one X and one Y. Further, such phrases should not imply that certain embodiments require each of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to be present. 
     Although embodiments have been described herein in detail, the descriptions are by way of example. The features of the embodiments described herein are representative and, in alternative embodiments, certain features and elements may be added or omitted. Additionally, modifications to aspects of the embodiments described herein may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure defined in the following claims, the scope of which are to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass modifications and equivalent structures.