Patent Abstract:
A gaming system includes: a reader configured to read chip identification information which identifies a chip used in a casino; a writer configured to write validity information, betting information, and information about whether the chip is received from a cashier or from a dealer into chip information based on the chip identification information; and a determination unit configured to determine the validity, the betting state, and the source based on the chip information, wherein the writer is configured to update the validity information from invalid to valid when the chip is handed from the cashier or the dealer to a player and vice versa, to update the betting information as being betted when the chip is placed on a betting area and vice versa.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/ 716,722 filed on Mar. 3, 2010, which claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-065116 filed on Mar. 17, 2009, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a gaming system, and more specifically to a gaming system which is capable of controlling a process of a game (such as a card game and a roulette) played in a player-against-computer manner in a casino or the like gaming facility, detecting cheatings, recording in real time the transaction accompanied with transfer of bets and payouts etc. resulting from exchange of casino chips, and then counting and reflecting, onto a balance sheet in real time, occurrence and transfer of assets as actual economic activities between a player and a casino. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Games played in conventional casinos are classified roughly into (1) a human-against-human type (for example, a dealer-against-player type) and (2) a human-against-computer type (for example, a player-against-slot machine type). 
         [0006]    Table games such as poker, baccarat and roulette fall into the above classification of (1). In order to avoid cheating during the process of the game, behaviors of a dealer need to have no influence upon game results. 
         [0007]    Meanwhile, in the conventional casinos, players exchange cash etc. for casino chips at an exchange office, a cashier, or the like place, the casino chips are treated as objects having a value in casinos, and games such as roulette and poker are played by exchange of casino chips. 
         [0008]    When a player wins a game, the player is provided with casino chips as a payout by a casino. On the other hand, when a player loses a game, a casino takes the casino chips bet (namely placed onto a table as a wager) by the player. In this manner, exchanges of valuables by using casino chips take place on a gaming table. 
         [0009]    A casino needs not only to collect income-and-expense information on an automatic gaming machine such as a slot machine with communication but also to count casino chips, to count cash held at a cashier, and the like for checking revenue (income and expense) derived from games and earnings. At a casino or the like facility which is operated 24 hours a day, however, keeping track of revenue (income and expense) derived from games and earnings accurately in real time is difficult. In particular, it is difficult to keep track of revenue (income and expense) derived from games in real time during a dealer continues to play a game of a table game such as roulette, poker or baccarat. 
         [0010]    As a conventional technique for managing casino earnings and the like, it has been proposed to connect a casino gaming machine such as a slot machine to a casino control server, input the earnings derived from the casino gaming machine periodically into the casino control server, and then calculate the earnings, gross profit, etc. by the server (for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-338230). 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    A gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a reader configured to read chip identification information which identifies a chip used in a casino; a writer configured to write validity information about whether the chip is valid, betting information about whether the chip is being betted, and a determination unit configured to determine whether the chip is valid, wherein the writer is further configured to (a) update the validity information of the chip from invalid to valid when the chip is transferred from the casino to a player, (b) update the validity information of the chip from valid to invalid when the chip is transferred from the player to the casino, (c) update the betting information as being betted when the chip is placed on a betting area, and (d) update the betting information as not being betted when a result of a game is determined. 
         [0012]    The gaming system may further include: a controller configured to control a process of the game based on the chip identification information read by the reader and generate dealer instructions in response to the process of the game; and an instruction unit configured to output the dealer instructions and to pass on the instructions to a dealer of the game. 
         [0013]    The determination unit may be configured to determine abuse of the chip and cheating during the process of the game. 
         [0014]    The instructions generated by the controller may include instructions on how to proceed in the game regardless of detection of cheating during the process of the game. 
         [0015]    The instructions may include instructions to collect the chip from the player who has lost the game or instructions to provide the chip to the player who has won the game. 
         [0016]    A gaming method performed by a gaming system, the method includes: reading, by a chip reader, chip identification information identifying a specific chip among chips used in a casino; writing validity information about whether the chip is valid, betting information about whether the chip is being betted, determining whether the chip is valid, updating the validity information from invalid to valid when the chip is transferred from the casino to a player; updating the validity information from valid to invalid when the chip is transferred from the player to the casino; updating the betting information as being betted when the chip is placed on a betting area, and updating the betting information as not being betted when a result of a game is determined. 
         [0017]    The gaming method may further include: controlling a process of the game based on the chip identification information read by the reader; generating dealer instructions in response to the process of the game; and sending the dealer instructions to a dealer of the game. 
         [0018]    The gaming method may further include: determining abuse of the chip and cheating during the process of the game. 
         [0019]    The instructions generated by the controller may include instructions on how to proceed in the game regardless of detection of cheating during the process of the game. 
         [0020]    The instructions may include instructions to collect the chip from the player who has lost the game or instructions to provide the chip to the player who has won the game. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a gaming system. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an IC chip reader. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a casino chip. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of an IC chip. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of components included in the gaming system. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a diagram showing an example of a table top when a certain gaming table is viewed from above. 
           [0027]      FIG. 7A  is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of a main manager. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7B  is a diagram showing a data configuration example of one of the records stored in a casino chip DB. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of a process controller. 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is a sequence diagram showing how cash and casino chips are transferred. 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is a diagram showing a data configuration example of journal data generated after completion of S 10  in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is a diagram showing a data configuration example of journal data generated prior to S 50  in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is a sequence diagram showing how cash and casino chips are transferred when a dealer wins a game and acquires casino chips that are bet. 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  is a diagram showing a data configuration example of journal data generated after S 145  in  FIG. 12 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 14  is a sequence diagram showing the transfer of cash and casino chips when a player exchanges casino chips for cash. 
           [0036]      FIG. 15  is a diagram showing a data configuration example of journal data generated by a journal data generation unit. 
           [0037]      FIG. 16  is a diagram showing a data configuration example of journal data generated by the journal data generation unit. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0038]    The embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0039]    The embodiment of the present invention is proposed as a gaming system in a casino. 
       1. Configuration Example of Gaming System 
       [0040]    First, a configuration example of a gaming system will be described. 
       1.1. Overview of Configuration Example 
       [0041]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a gaming system. The gaming system  1  includes: a main manager  10 ; an IC chip reader  20  connected to the main manager  10  so as to communicate therewith and configured to read a casino chip; a monitoring camera  30  configured to take images of casino chips and players; a casino chip  50  with a built-in IC chip  40  (not shown in  FIG. 1 ); a process controller  60  connected to the main manager  10  so as to communicate therewith; and an instruction device  70  connected to the process controller  60  so as to carry out a process. 
       1.2. Main Manager 
       [0042]    The main manager  10  is implemented, for example, by an information processor such as a computer or a work station. The information processor includes a central processing unit (CPU), a main memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an input-output unit (I/O), and, if necessary, an external storage unit such as a hard disk drive. Functions and the like of the main manager  10  will be described later. 
       1.3. IC Chip Reader 
       [0043]    The IC chip reader  20  equivalent to a read unit of the present invention reads, through radio communication, information stored in the IC chip  40  in the casino chip  50  that is a storage medium.  FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the IC chip reader  20 . 
         [0044]    The IC chip reader  20  includes a control unit  201  and a transmitting and receiving unit  202  connected to the control unit  201 . The control unit  201  has a function of receiving an instruction from the main manager  10 , driving the transmitting and receiving unit  202  in response to the instruction, and handing over data outputted from the transmitting and receiving unit  202  (data read from the IC chip  40 ) to the main manager  10 . The control unit  201  is, for example, a microcomputer having a CPU, a ROM and a RAM. 
         [0045]    The transmitting and receiving unit  202  has a function of transmitting and receiving data by radio to and from the IC chip  40  through an antenna  15 . To be more specific, the transmitting and receiving unit  202  includes a modulator  203  and a demodulator  204 . The modulator  203  generates a modulated wave by modulating a carrier wave by using a predetermined modulation method based on a base signal corresponding to information such as a predetermined command, request, instruction or the like received from the control unit  201 . The demodulator  204  has a function of demodulating a magnetic field which is load-modulated based on a base signal corresponding to the information stored in the IC chip  40 , retrieving the base signal corresponding to the data, and handing over the retrieved base signal to the control unit  201 . The transmitting and receiving unit  202  is, for example, an RF module having a modulating circuit and a demodulating circuit, or the like. 
       1.4. Casino Chip and IC Chip 
       [0046]    The casino chip  50  is a game medium exchanged between a dealer, a player and the like instead of cash in a casino. The casino chip  50  is generally formed by molding a resin or the like in a coin shape, a disk shape or the like.  FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the casino chip  50 . The casino chip  50  includes a main body  51  formed of a resin and the IC chip  40  embedded in the main body  51 . 
         [0047]    The IC chip  40  stores information which can be read according to a read signal from the IC chip reader  20 . In general, the IC chip  40  holds information in a readable and writable manner, and allows the stored information to be read and overwritten and new information to be stored as needed. In this embodiment, however, the IC chip  40  stores IC chip identification information (e.g., an ID serial number) which uniquely identifies the casino chip  50  having the IC chip  40  embedded therein. 
         [0048]      FIG. 4  is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of the IC chip  40 . The IC chip  40  includes a memory  41 , a control unit  42 , a transmitting and receiving unit  43 , and an antenna  44 . The memory  41  is a storage storing the IC chip identification information. The control unit  42  interprets a command, request, instruction or the like from the IC chip reader  20 , and executes an operation in response thereto. The transmitting and receiving unit  43  includes a modulator (not shown) and a demodulator (not shown), and performs signal modulation and demodulation for transmitting and receiving data by radio to and from the IC chip reader  20 . The antenna  44  receives a modulated wave from the antenna  15  of the IC chip reader  20  and transmits the received modulated wave to the transmitting and receiving unit  43 , while receiving a modulated signal from the transmitting and receiving unit  43 , and emitting the modulated signal into the air in order for the antenna  15  to receive the modulated signal. 
       1.5. Monitoring Camera 
       [0049]    The monitoring camera  30  generates image data on a player for recognizing the player (e.g., the face of the player, clothes of a person whose image is taken, movement of his/her hand, and the like), and transmits the image data together with an image of the casino chip  50  to the main manager  10 . 
       1.6. Process Controller 
       [0050]    The process controller  60  equivalent to a control unit of the present invention has a function of determining a progress of a game based on a transfer situation of the casino chip  50  transmitted from the main manager  10 , and the like, generating instruction information which instructs a dealer what to do based on the determination result, and outputting the instruction information to the instruction device  70 . 
         [0051]    The process controller  60  is implemented, for example, by an information processor such as a computer or a work station. The information processor includes a central processing unit (CPU), a main memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an input-output unit (I/O), and, if necessary, an external storage unit such as a hard disk drive. 
         [0052]    A configuration of the process controller will be described later. 
       1.7. Instruction Device 
       [0053]    The instruction device  70  equivalent to an instruction unit of the present invention has a function of outputting the instruction information from the process controller  60  and transmitting instruction contents to the dealer. The instruction contents may be transmitted to the dealer through images, sounds and the like. The instruction device  70  is, for example, a liquid crystal display device, a head set or the like. The instruction contents may be treated as instruction information related to any of the process of a game, such as collecting casino chips  50  from a player who has lost the game, providing casino chips  50  to a player who has won the game, and drawing or standing a card in the case of a card game. 
       1.8. Component Arrangement Example 
       [0054]      FIG. 5  is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of the components included in the gaming system  1 . In a casino, cashiers are provided for players to exchange cash or the like for the casino chips  50 . At each of the cashiers, the IC chip reader  20  for the cashier is placed. A cashier operator uses the IC chip reader  20  to read the IC chip  40  in exchanging cash or the like for the casino chips  50 . 
         [0055]    Moreover, in the casino, a poker table and a roulette table are placed as gaming tables for playing a game. On the underside or the like of the table top of the poker table or roulette table, the IC chip reader  20  is provided. The IC chip readers  20  thus provided include the one used by the dealer and the one used by each player. 
         [0056]    At each of the poker table and roulette table, the process controller  60  and the instruction device  70  are provided (the process controller  60  and the instruction device  70  are not shown in  FIG. 5 ). 
         [0057]    Furthermore, the casino has facilities (such as a store and a restaurant) where the casino chips  50  can be used for payment in the same manner as cash, and a cashier in each of such facilities is also provided with the IC chip reader  20 . 
       1.9. Arrangement Example of IC Chip Reader at Gaming Table 
       [0058]    A more specific example of the IC chip reader  20  provided on a gaming table will be described.  FIG. 6  is a diagram showing an example of a table top when a certain gaming table  600  is viewed from above. At the gaming table  600 , an IC chip reading area  601  for a dealer and IC chip reading areas  602  for players are provided. On the underside of the table corresponding to the IC chip reading areas  601  and  602 , the IC chip readers  20  are provided so that, when the casino chips  50  are placed in the IC chip reading areas  601  and  602 , the IC chip readers  20  can read the IC chip identification information from the IC chips  40  in the casino chips  50 . 
       1.10. Configuration Example of Main Manager 
       [0059]    A configuration example of the main manager  10  will be described.  FIG. 7A  is a functional block diagram showing the configuration example of the main manager  10 . Note that respective components correspond to functions implemented by a CPU and programs executed by the CPU. Therefore, the main manager  10  need not actually include hardware corresponding to each of the components. 
         [0060]    The main manager  10  includes: a communication control unit  701  connected to the IC chip readers  20  and the process controllers  60 ; a determination unit  702  connected to the communication control unit  701 ; a casino chip data base (hereinafter referred to as DB)  703  connected to the determination unit  702 ; a journal data generation unit  704  connected to the determination unit  702 ; a journal data DB  705  connected to the journal data generation unit  704 ; an output unit  706  connected to the casino chip DB  703  and the journal data DB  705 ; and a financial statement data generation unit  707  connected to the journal data DB  705 . Note that “connection” here means not only a physically connected state but also a data exchangeable state. Here, the determination unit  702  corresponds to a determination unit of the present invention, the journal data generation unit  704  corresponds to a first generation unit of the present invention, the journal data DB  705  corresponds to an accumulation unit of the present invention, the financial statement data generation unit  707  corresponds to a second generation unit of the present invention, and the output unit  706  corresponds to an output unit of the present invention. 
         [0061]    The communication control unit  701  has a function of communicating with the IC chip readers  20  so as to receive data transmitted from the IC chip readers  20 . Each of the IC chip readers  20  transmits, to the main manager  10  according to a predetermined protocol, the read IC chip identification information, reader identification information (e.g., a reader ID) which identifies the IC chip reader  20 , read date and time information, and the like. 
         [0062]    The communication control unit  701  then transmits the data received from the IC chip reader  20  to a corresponding one of the process controllers  60 . 
         [0063]    The determination unit  702  has a function of updating data stored in the casino chip DB  703  based on the IC chip identification information and reader identification information received through the communication control unit  701  and the data stored in the casino chip DB  703 , and generating journal data for determining contents of journal corresponding to a transaction made between a casino and a player when reading is performed by the IC chip reader  20 . 
         [0064]    Furthermore, the determination unit  702  refers to the contents stored in the casino chip DB  703  and determines whether or not the IC chip  40  read by the IC chip reader  20  is illegitimate. If the IC chip  40  is illegitimate, the determination unit  702  transmits to the corresponding process controller  60  a message notifying the process controller  60  that an illegitimate casino chip  50  is being used. 
         [0065]    The casino chip DB  703  has a function of storing various kinds of information on each of the casino chips  50  in association with the IC chip identification information. The casino chip DB  703  has one record for each casino chip  50 .  FIG. 7B  is a diagram showing a data configuration example of one of the records stored in the casino chip DB  703 . A record  800  has a chip ID field  801 , a business site identification information field  802 , a nominal displayed amount field  803 , a chip state information field  804 , a chip holder field  805 , a valid/invalid state field  806 , a latest validation date and time field  807 , a validation device information field  808 , a latest invalidation date and time field  809 , and an invalidation device information field  810 . 
         [0066]    The chip ID field  801  stores the IC chip identification information stored in the IC chip  40 . The business site identification information field  802  stores information which identifies a gaming facility, a hotel or the like where a certain casino chip  50  is used. The nominal displayed amount field  803  stores a value of a displayed amount of the casino chip  50 . For example, the value stored in the nominal displayed amount field  803  is “10” when the casino chip  50  is $10, and is “100” when the casino chip  50  is $100. The chip state information field  804  stores information indicating an accounting state of the casino chip  50  (e.g., journal data). The chip holder field  805  stores information indicating a holder of the casino chip  50 , for example, a player identification number and the like. The valid/invalid state field  806  stores information indicating whether the casino chip  50  is valid. The casino chip  50  is validated when the casino chip  50  is read by the IC chip reader  20  at the cashier during handing over of the casino chip  50  in exchange for cash payment at the cashier in the casino. The cashier or dealer checks if the casino chip  50  is valid using the IC chip reader  20  upon receipt of the casino chip  50  from the player. The valid casino chip  50  may be placed onto a table as a wager, exchanged for cash at the cashier or used for payment instead of cash at a facility such as a restaurant. By contrast, an invalid casino chip  50  cannot be used in that manner. This determination is made by the determination unit  702  of the main manager  10 . 
         [0067]    The latest validation date and time field  807  stores the last date and time the casino chip  50  was validated. The validation device information field  808  stores information which identifies the IC chip reader  20  that carried out reading of the IC chip  40  in the casino chip  50  the last time the casino chip  50  was validated. The latest invalidation date and time field  809  stores the last date and time the casino chip  50  was invalidated. The invalidation device information field  810  stores information which identifies the IC chip reader  20  that carried out reading of the IC chip  40  in the casino chip  50  the last time the casino chip  50  was invalidated. 
         [0068]    The journal data generation unit  704  has a function of generating journal data (information including line items of a creditor and a debtor and amounts thereof) corresponding to a transaction state of the casino chip  50  when the IC chip  40  in the casino chip  50  is read by the IC chip reader  20 . 
         [0069]    The journal data DB  705  generates journal book data by accumulatively storing the journal data generated by the journal data generation unit  704 , and generates general ledger data based on the journal book data. The general ledger data represents a balance of the line items included in the journal data. 
         [0070]    The output unit  706  has a function of allowing an operator or the like to view the contents stored in the casino chip DB  703  and the journal data DB  705 . The output unit  706  is, for example, a liquid crystal display device, a printer or the like. 
         [0071]    The financial statement data generation unit  707  performs processing of counting the journal data accumulated in the journal data DB  705 , and the like, and generates, based on this processing, data corresponding to data showing the state of property and the state of profit and loss of the casino, the balance sheet data, a tax amount calculated based on the journal data accumulated in the accumulation unit, and the like. The generated data is handed over to the output unit  706 , and various ledger sheets are outputted, such as a journal book, a general ledger, an auxiliary book, a trial balance, a profit-and-loss statement, a balance sheet, and a tax return form. Note that a user may freely determine, by his/her own choice, which one of the ledger sheets is to be outputted. 
       1.11. Configuration of Process Controller 
       [0072]    Next, a configuration example of the process controller  60  will be described.  FIG. 8  is a functional block diagram showing the configuration example of the process controller  60 . The process controller  60  includes a communication control unit  711 , a progress recognition unit  712  connected to the communication control unit  711 , and an instruction information generation unit  713  connected to the progress recognition unit  712 . 
         [0073]    The communication control unit  711  receives from the main manager  10  the read data on the IC chip  40  received from the IC chip reader  20 . The communication control unit  711  also receives from the main manager  10  a message notifying that an illegitimate casino chip  50  is being used. 
         [0074]    The progress recognition unit  712  has a function of recognizing a progress of a game at a gaming table under the control of the process controller  60  based on, for example, the read data on the IC chip  40  received from the IC chip reader  20 , and determining what kind of instruction is to be given next to the dealer. In addition, the progress recognition unit  712  also has a function of issuing a warning to the dealer through the instruction device  70  based on the message notifying that an illegitimate casino chip  50  is being used, or sending out a warning message (e.g., transmitting an e-mail or sending an automatic sound notification) to a predetermined contact point such as a security at the casino. 
         [0075]    The instruction information generation unit  713  has a function of generating information (such as image data or audio data) for allowing the instruction device  70  to output an instruction to be issued to the dealer, based on the determination made by the progress recognition unit  712 . For example, the instruction information generation unit  713  performs processing of generating a test message such as “Draw another card from the dealer&#39;s cards” or audio data such as “Dealer, stand”, and the like. 
       2. Operation Example of Gaming System 
       [0076]    Next, an operation example of the gaming system  1  will be described. 
       2.1. Lending of Casino Chip 
       [0077]    First, a player needs to acquire casino chips  50  before playing a game at a casino. Here, the player acquires casino chips  50  in exchange for cash at a cashier in a casino.  FIG. 9  is a sequence diagram showing how cash and casino chips  50  are transferred when the player acquires casino chips  50  in exchange for cash at a cashier in the casino, plays a game and then acquires additional casino chips  50  as a payout by winning the game. 
         [0078]    First, the player gives cash to a cashier operator (S 10 ). The cashier operator keeps the received cash in a safe or the like, and allows the IC chip reader  20  for the cashier operator to read the stored casino chips  50  corresponding to the amount of the received cash. 
         [0079]    In the casino chip DB  703  in the main manager  10 , each of the stored casino chips  50  is recorded as being in an invalid state before being read by the IC chip reader  20  for the cashier operator. After the casino chip  50  is read by the IC chip reader for the cashier operator, the main manager  10 , more specifically, the determination unit  702  uses the read IC chip identification information as a key to extract a record corresponding thereto in the casino chip DB  703  in the main manager  10 , and then writes, in the record, more specifically, the valid/invalid state field  806 , data indicating “Valid” meaning that the casino chip  50  having the IC chip  40  is turned into a valid state. In the chip state information field  804 , information indicating that the player has exchanged cash for casino chips  50  (which is called chip transaction state information) is written. At the same time, time information related thereto is written in the latest validation date and time field  807 , and information which can identify the cashier is written in the validation device information field  808 . 
         [0080]    In such a record in the casino chip DB  703 , information useful for reference in case of occurrence of some problem later or in case of taking statistics is written. 
         [0081]    Furthermore, the determination unit  702  in the main manager  10  hands over the information written in the chip state information field  804  to the journal data generation unit  704 . The journal data generation unit  704  generates journal data based on the chip transaction state information.  FIG. 10  shows a data configuration example of the journal data generated after completion of S 10 . In the example shown in  FIG. 10 , a creditor and a debtor each have a line item and an amount in the journal data. This example uses journal data generated for one casino chip  50  having a display amount of $100. The line item of the debtor is a gaming expenditure (expense), and the gaming expenditure (expense) is described as being increased by $100. The line item of the debtor is cash (assets), and the cash (assets) is described as being increased by $100. The line item of the creditor is a deposit (debt), and the deposit (debt) is described as being increased by $100. 
         [0082]    If the player gives out $1000 cash and receives ten $100 casino chips  50 , ten pieces of the journal data shown in  FIG. 10  are generated. The generated journal data is handed over to and stored in the journal data DB  705 . 
       2.2. When Player Wins a Game 
       [0083]    Referring back to  FIG. 9 , a description will be given of an operation example of the gaming system  1  when the player who has received the casino chips  50  plays a game at a gaming table, takes back the bet casino chips by winning the game, and acquires casino chips  50  as a payout from the dealer. 
         [0084]    The player places casino chips  50  as a wager in a bet area on the gaming table (S 30 ). Below the bet area, an IC chip reader  20  is installed. IC chip identification information on the placed casino chips  50  is read by the IC chip reader  20  and then transmitted to the main manager  10 . The determination unit  702  in the main manager  10  extracts a record corresponding to the received IC chip identification information from the casino chip DB  703 , and determines whether the casino chips  50  corresponding to the IC chip identification information are valid. When the casino chips  50  are invalid, the determination unit  702  generates and outputs a message notifying the player, dealer or security that those casino chips  50  cannot be used. At the same time, the determination unit  702  writes information indicating that a bet is being placed into the chip state information field  804  of the corresponding record in the casino chip DB  703 . 
         [0085]    At this point, the determination unit  702  hands over the information written into the chip state information field  804  to the journal data generation unit  704 . The journal data generation unit  704  generates journal data based on the chip transaction state information. 
         [0086]    It is assumed here that an outcome of the game is determined and the player wins the game and is provided with a payout. In this case, the casino chips  50  placed in the bet area are all returned to the player who has made the bet (S 4 ). At the same time, a record corresponding to the casino chip  50  is extracted from the casino chip DB  703 , and information indicating that the casino chip  50  is no longer being bet is written into the chip state information field  804 . This is in order to detect a cheating when a casino chip  50  which is supposed to be in the middle of a game is exchanged for cash at a cashier or the like since the casino chip  50  that is being bet is a deposit that cannot be exchanged for cash until the game is finished and winning or losing is determined. 
         [0087]    Furthermore, the dealer provides the player with the casino chips  50  as a payout (S 50 ). The dealer allows the IC chip reader  20  for the dealer to read the casino chips  50  kept at hand or the like corresponding to the payout. The read IC chip identification information is transmitted to the main manager  10 . 
         [0088]    In the casino chip DB  703  in the main manager  10 , each of the stored casino chips  50  is recorded as being in an invalid state before being read by the IC chip reader  20  for the dealer. 
         [0089]    After the casino chip  50  is read by the IC chip reader  20  for the dealer, the main manager  10 , more specifically, the determination unit  702  uses the read IC chip identification information as a key to extract a record corresponding thereto in the casino chip DB  703  in the main manager  10 , and then writes, in the record, more specifically, the valid/invalid state field  806 , data indicating “Valid” meaning that the casino chip  50  having the IC chip  40  is turned into a valid state. In the chip state information field  804 , information indicating that the player is provided with a payout (which is called chip transaction state information) is written. Furthermore, the determination unit  702  in the main manager  10  hands over the information written into the chip state information field  804  to the journal data generation unit  704 . The journal data generation unit  704  generates journal data based on the chip transaction state information.  FIG. 11  shows a data configuration example of journal data generated prior to S 50 . This example uses journal data when the dealer provides the player with a $100 casino chip  50  as a payout. The line item of the debtor is a gaming expenditure (expense), and the gaming expenditure (expense) is described as being increased by $100. The line item of the creditor is an arrearage (debt), and the arrearage (debt) is described as being increased by $100. 
         [0090]    The determination unit  702  rewrites the contents in the chip state information field  804  of the corresponding record into the above contents. The generated journal data is transmitted to and accumulated in the journal data DB  705 . 
       2.3. When Player Loses a Game 
       [0091]    Next, a description will be given of an operation example of the gaming system  1  when the player loses a game.  FIG. 12  is a sequence diagram showing how cash and casino chips  50  are transferred when the player acquires casino chips  50  in exchange for cash at a cashier in the casino and plays a game, and then the dealer acquires casino chips  50  that are bet by winning the game. 
         [0092]    The steps of the player exchanging cash for casino chips  50  at a cashier and placing the casino chips  50  as a wager in a bet area on the gaming table (S 110  to S 135 ) are the same as S 10  to S 35  in  FIG. 9 , and thus a description thereof will be omitted. 
         [0093]    After S 35 , the casino chips  50  placed in the bet area is confiscated by the dealer since the player has lost the game (S 140 ). The dealer moves the casino chips  50  placed in the bet area to a reading area of the IC chip reader  20  for the dealer, and then allows the IC chip reader  20  for the dealer to read the confiscated casino chips  50  (S 145 ). The read IC chip identification information is transmitted to the main manager  10 . 
         [0094]    In the casino chip DB  703  in the main manager  10 , each of the confiscated casino chips  50  is recorded as being in a valid state before being read by the IC chip reader  20  for the dealer. After the casino chip  50  is read by the IC chip reader  20  for the dealer, the main manager  10 , more specifically, the determination unit  702  uses the read IC chip identification information as a key to extract a record corresponding thereto in the casino chip DB  703  in the main manager  10 , and then writes, in the record, more specifically, the valid/invalid state field  806 , data indicating “Invalid” meaning that the casino chip  50  having the IC chip  40  is turned into an invalid state. In the chip state information field  804 , information indicating that the casino chip  50  is confiscated from the player (which is called chip transaction state information) is written. Furthermore, the determination unit  702  in the main manager  10  hands over the chip transaction state information to the journal data generation unit  704 . The journal data generation unit  704  generates journal data based on the chip transaction state information.  FIG. 13  shows a data configuration example of journal data generated after S 145 . 
         [0095]    This example uses journal data when the player hands over a $100 casino chip  50  that he/she has lost to the dealer. In this example, two kinds of journal data are generated for one casino chip  50 . In one of the journal data, the line item of the debtor is an uncollected balance (assets), and the uncollected balance (assets) is described as being increased by $100. The line item of the creditor is a gaming earning (profit), and the gaming earning (profit) is described as being increased by $100. The other journal data is the one for balancing the deposit from the player. The line item of the debtor is a deposit (debt), and the deposit (debt) is described as being decreased by $100. The line item of the creditor is an uncollected balance (assets), and the uncollected balance (assets) is described as being decreased by $100. 
         [0096]    Furthermore, the determination unit  702  rewrites the contents in the chip state information field  804  of the corresponding record into the above contents. 
       2.4. Exchange of Casino Chip for Cash 
       [0097]    Next, a description will be given of a case where the player exchanges casino chips  50  for cash at a cashier.  FIG. 14  is a sequence diagram showing the transfer of cash and casino chips  50  when the player exchanges casino chips  50  for cash. 
         [0098]    First, the player hands a desired number of casino chips  50  to the cashier operator (S 210 ). The cashier operator allows the IC chip reader  20  for the cashier operator to read the received casino chips  50  (S 220 ). 
         [0099]    In the casino chip DB  703  in the main manager  10 , each of the casino chips  50  needs to be recorded as being in a valid state before being read by the IC chip reader  20  for the cashier operator. The casino chip  50  in an “invalid state” is the one resulting from some kind of cheating. 
         [0100]    After the casino chip  50  is read by the IC chip reader for the cashier operator, the main manager  10 , more specifically, the determination unit  702  uses the read IC chip identification information as a key to extract a record corresponding thereto in the casino chip DB  703  in the main manager  10 , and then determines whether or not the casino chip  50  is in a “valid state”. When there is a casino chip  50  in the invalid state, display of a warning message or the like is performed. In addition, even when the casino chip  50  is in the valid state, the casino chip  50  that is being bet is also the one resulting from some kind of cheating. Similarly, when the IC chip identification information cannot be read and when the content of the business site identification information field  802  in the corresponding record in the casino chip DB  703  is determined to be neither a casino nor a hotel group to which the cashier belongs, display of a warning message or the like is performed. 
         [0101]    As for the casino chip  50  in the valid state, the determination unit  702  writes, in the record, more specifically, the valid/invalid state field  806 , data indicating “Invalid” meaning that the casino chip  50  having the IC chip  40  is turned into an invalid state. In the chip state information field  804 , information indicating that the casino chip  50  is exchanged for cash (which is called chip transaction state information) is written. At the same time, time information related thereto is written in the latest invalidation date and time field  809 , and information which can identify the cashier is written in the invalidation device information field  810 . 
         [0102]    For the casino chip  50  read in S 220 , the determination unit  702  causes the journal data generation unit  704  to generate journal data. The journal data in this case varies depending on whether the casino chip  50  is received from the cashier or from the dealer. The determination of whether the casino chip  50  is received from the cashier or from the dealer is made by the determination unit  702  referring to the record in the casino chip DB  703 , more specifically, the chip state information, the latest validation device information, and the like. 
         [0103]    First, a description will be given of a case where the casino chip  50  is the one received from the cashier.  FIG. 15  is a diagram showing a data configuration example of journal data generated by the journal data generation unit  704  when the casino chip  50  to be exchanged is the one received from the cashier. In this example, the line item of the debtor is a deposit (debt), and the deposit (debt) is described as being decreased by $100. The line item of the creditor is cash (assets), and the cash (assets) is described as being decreased by $100. 
         [0104]    Next, a description will be given of a case where the casino chip  50  to be exchanged is the one received from the dealer. 
         [0105]      FIG. 16  is a diagram showing a data configuration example of journal data generated by the journal data generation unit  704  when the casino chip  50  to be exchanged is the one received from the dealer. In this example, the line item of the debtor is an arrearage (debt), and the arrearage (debt) is described as being decreased by $100. The line item of the creditor is cash (assets), and the cash (assets) is described as being decreased by $100. 
         [0106]    Note that, after the reading described above (S 220 ), the cashier provides the player with cash or an object having a value such as a check, which corresponds to the total nominal displayed amount of the casino chips  50 . 
         [0107]    Besides the management operation of the main manager  10 , the process controller  60  controls a process of a game on the gaming table under the control thereof and keeps issuing process instructions to the dealer. 
       3. Summary 
       [0108]    The journal data described above is generated in real time at the time of occurrence of the transfer of the casino chip (reading by the IC chip reader  20 ), and is accumulated in the journal data DB  705 . Counting this journal data for each line item makes it possible to immediately calculate at any time a total balance of deposits, a total balance of gaming earnings and a total balance of gaming expenditures in the casino at the current point of time. The present invention thus makes it possible to constantly keep track of the income-and-expense condition of the casino. 
         [0109]    Moreover, the present invention makes it possible to detect the use of illegitimate casino chips in real time and to improve the soundness of casino business. 
         [0110]    The latest state when the player places a bet or when an outcome of a game is determined and a payout is provided is reflected on the total balance of deposits, the total balance of gaming earnings and the total balance of gaming expenditures in the casino. The present invention thus makes it possible to keep track of the financial condition and earning condition in real time. 
       4. Modified Embodiment and Others 
       [0111]    In the above embodiment, the process controller  60  mainly functions to cause the instruction device  70  to send an instruction to the dealer. However, the present invention is still implemented even when the process controller  60  is modified so as to perform a part of the process of a game. For example, in the case of a card game such as poker, a card feeder (not shown) which is controlled by the process controller  60  may be provided on a gaming table and the card feeder may feed a required number of cards to a dealer and a player in accordance with the process of a game. Here, the card feeder takes out (ejects) a specified number of cards from a pile of cards stored in a card stock. Meanwhile, in the case of a roulette game, a roulette game may be executed by causing the process controller  60  to control a roulette machine capable of throwing a ball into a roulette wheel and automatically reading a stop position of the ball. 
         [0112]    According to the present invention, it is possible to control a game under computer control while maintaining the game to be played in a human-against-human manner and also eliminate cheatings which may occur during the process of the game. 
         [0113]    Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to record the transaction between a casino (a gaming facility) and a player in real time and keep track of income and expense of the gaming facility or the player accurately in real time in accordance with the viewpoint of the accrual accounting. 
         [0114]    As a result, it is possible to keep track of earnings derived from a game accurately in real time at an automatic gaming machine such as a slot machine with communication as well as in a game which comprises a dealer and casino chips. 
         [0115]    In the prior art, since casino chips have a value, they need to be managed with equal strictness as in handling cash. By introduction of the system of the present invention, however, strict management of casino chips is made to be not necessary because they have no value (casino chips which are not effective on DB cannot be exchanged for cash), and therefore it is possible to substantially reduce cost in management. 
         [0116]    The gaming system according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein. 
         [0117]    Moreover, the effects described in the embodiment of the present invention are only a list of optimum effects achieved by the present invention. Hence, the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiment of the present invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6