Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to a new system having a gaming chip storage row for storing gaming chips, a chip tray and a method.

A chip tray can be used to store gaming chips for a dealer of a wagering game. The chip tray can store different denominations of gaming chips in a safe place. Chip trays can be made from various materials including plastic and metal.

During the last <NUM> decades, the casino industry has been using the RFID technology to protect and track their currency products also called plaques and chips which are token that have a face value to allow gambling, payouts. The RFID tags provide a unique identifier to each item and also typically include a ROM memory to store the specific information of the currency product. The chips are stored in some trays at the gaming tables. For big gambling games such as Baccarat, the Casino use dual level chip trays. Using RFID in the tags gives the possibility for the Casino to have live inventory of these floats. The opening systems of these dual level floats is generally based on <NUM> handles and no assistance making it difficult to open when the float has many chips (up to <NUM>). The prior art document <CIT> discloses trays for storing gaming currency such as value tokens. The prior art documents <CIT> and <CIT> disclose a chip tray for storing casino currency. The prior art document <CIT> discloses a game medium accommodation device which includes: a tray mechanism configured to hold a plurality of accommodation cases stacked in an up-down direction along a reading surface continuing in the up-down direction, each of the accommodation cases accommodating a bundle of game media aligned in a horizontal direction; and an antenna board disposed on the reading surface.

The present invention is described in the independent claim. Preferred embodiments are provided by the dependent claims. The present disclosure aims at providing a system changing an amount of storage for various kinds of gaming chips, a chip tray and a method.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a system including a first chip tube component comprising at least one first gaming chip storage row corresponding to a second size of gaming chip, wherein a first edge of the first chip tube component is coupled to a second edge of the second chip tube component.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a chip tray comprising: a first chip tube component comprising at least one first gaming chip storage row corresponding to a first size of gaming chip; and a second chip tube component comprising at least one second gaming chip storage row corresponding to a second size of gaming chip, wherein a first edge of the first chip tube component is coupled to a second edge of the second chip tube component.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a method comprising, coupling a first chip tube component to a second chip tube component; coupling a third chip tube component to the second chip tube component to form a plurality of coupled chip components; and positioning the plurality of coupled chip components in an enclosure.

With <NUM> handles, the opening is not synchronized. The invention consists in installing a mechanism to help the upper tray open in a guided way and assist the opening of the tray without creating a risk of maintenance issues.

The mechanism is based on <NUM> principles:.

Such a system gives the possibility to open the tray with one hand while the second hand picks a chip from the bottom tray. This feature saves time to the Dealer while keeping the high denomination chips in a protected area in the bottom tray.

The invention can also give the possibility to have several compartments in the tray and therefore to open only parts of the upper tray. This way, the access to some compartments can also be blocked by access control devices.

Integrating sensors gives the possibility to have software control of the opening, the traceability and securing the content of the float.

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:.

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.

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. 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.

The term gaming chips, as used herein, can include any chip, plaque, jeton, or other gaming currency that may be used in a casino, gaming room, or digital game. Each gaming chip 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. The 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).

<First Embodiment> Turning now to the drawings, exemplary embodiments are described in detail. With reference to <FIG>, shown is a gaming table <NUM> according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The gaming table <NUM> includes a chip tray <NUM> among other components. The chip tray <NUM> can include one or more chip tube components <NUM>, such as, for example, chip tube components 106a, 106b, and 106c. An enclosure of the chip tray <NUM> can include a lockable lid <NUM>.

The chip tray <NUM> can be covered by a lid <NUM> that can be locked to limit access to the chip tray <NUM>. When a wagering game is active, the lid <NUM> can be completely removed. Similarly, when the gaming table is open, the lid <NUM> can be unlocked so that an employee can lift it if desirable. When the wagering game is closed, the lid <NUM> can be locked.

With reference to <FIG>, shown is a networked environment <NUM> according to various embodiments. The networked environment <NUM> includes a computing environment <NUM>, one or more gaming table devices <NUM> positioned in one or more gaming tables <NUM>, and one or more cameras <NUM>, which are in data communication with each other via a network <NUM>. The network <NUM> 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 <NUM> can include, for example, a server computer or any other system providing computing capability. Alternatively, the computing environment <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM> according to various embodiments. Also, various data is stored in a data store <NUM> that is accessible to the computing environment <NUM>. The data store <NUM> may be representative of a plurality of data stores <NUM> as can be appreciated. The data stored in the data store <NUM>, for example, is associated with the operation of the various applications and/or functional entities described below. The data store <NUM> can include currency data <NUM> and gaming data <NUM>, among other data.

The components executed on the computing environment <NUM>, for example, include a gaming service <NUM>, and other applications, services, processes, systems, engines, or functionality not discussed in detail herein. The gaming service <NUM> is executed to recognize gaming chips used on one or more tables <NUM>. As an example, a stack of gaming chips can be positioned in various locations on a gaming table <NUM> during a wagering game. One or more images can be captured of the gaming table <NUM> and the gaming service <NUM> can identify locate the one or more stacks of gaming chips in the images, count the gaming chips in each stack, and evaluate denominations for the gaming chips. It can be appreciated that some or all of the functionality as described with reference to the gaming service <NUM> can be executed in a gaming table device <NUM> including a computing device at the gaming table <NUM>.

The currency data <NUM> can include a list of all active gaming chips including any identifiers associated with the gaming chips, such as, for example, RFID tag identifiers, barcode identifiers, visual characteristics including color information, and other identifiers. The gaming data <NUM> can store a history of sensor inputs received as well as any configuration, calibration, and control settings.

The gaming table <NUM> is representative of a plurality of gaming tables that may be coupled to the network <NUM>. The gaming table device <NUM> 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 <NUM> can include one or more cameras <NUM>, one or more sensors <NUM>, a chip tray <NUM>, one or more bet spots <NUM>, a chip recycler <NUM>, and a bill validator <NUM>.

Similar to cameras <NUM>, the cameras <NUM> can capture images of a surface of the gaming table <NUM>. The gaming table device <NUM> or cameras <NUM> can send the images to the gaming service <NUM> via the network <NUM>. The images can be sent to the gaming service <NUM> as a video stream of the surface of the gaming table <NUM>. The gaming service <NUM> can receive images from various angles from cameras <NUM> and <NUM>. The sensors <NUM> can include RFID antennas, video barcode scanners, weigh scales, and other sensors. The sensors <NUM> can be used to identify gaming chips played on a gaming table.

The gaming service <NUM> can validate RFID currency based on information read from sensors <NUM> that are RFID antennas. An RFID antenna can be positioned at the chip tray <NUM>, at each of the bet spots <NUM>, at the chip recycler <NUM>, and in another positions. The gaming table device <NUM> can read RFID tags from RFID-enabled gaming chips using the RFID antennas. The information from the RFID tags can be stored along with data related to RFID antenna read the RFID tag. For example, an identifier from one or more RFID-enabled gaming chip can be read by an RFID antenna at a particular bet spot <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, shown is a chip tray <NUM> according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The chip tray <NUM> can include a storage rack to store gaming chips. The chip tray <NUM> can be placed in a gaming table to keep casino gaming chips secure. The chip tray <NUM> can be used by an employee, such as a dealer or manager.

The gaming chips can have different shapes and sizes for different reasons. As an example, a size and shape of gaming chips can vary based on denomination. A category of a population the gaming chips are targeted toward can influence the size and shape. For example, gaming chips targeted toward a mass market, very important persons (VIP), premium, or other categories can have varied sizes and shapes.

Casino operators can have a preference on the layout of a chip tray <NUM> used. The preference can depend on a variety of factors including on the casino history and on the area. Most casinos adapt or customize the chip tray <NUM> according to the wagering game and the currency needs of the precise location. With injection molded chip trays <NUM>, if those customizations involve changing a layout of the storage area in the chip tray <NUM>, a new injection mold may be necessary which can drastically increase the cost of production.

For a casino, it can be important to know a current amount and quantity of gaming chips in the chip tray <NUM> in order to manage the turnover of the gaming tables, the fills and credits at the gaming table, and the opening and closing of gaming tables, among other aspects. A casino operator can check the number of gaming chips visually. However, this can be impractical and time consuming. In other instances, the casino operator can use RFID chip trays when RFID enabled chips and plaques are utilized.

For chip trays <NUM>, RFID equipped or not, the needed customization, which can involve the number of rows and the configuration of each row, can involve new designs and specific manufacturing tools like molds to accommodate the customized design. The customized configuration can involve defining the overall capacity of the chip tray, defining the diameter of the gaming chips being stored in the different rows, and defining the shape of the gaming chips, among other configurations. The shape of the gaming chip can be rectangular if a casino operator wants to store rectangular plaques that may be larger.

Casino operators may store higher denominations in the middle rows of the chip tray <NUM> and the smaller denominations in the external rows of the chip tray <NUM>. The gaming chips with higher denominations can have larger diameters, such as <NUM> millimeters (mm) or <NUM>. The gaming chips with lower denominations can have smaller diameter, such as <NUM> or <NUM>. The variance in diameters can be helpful to differentiate the gaming chips when the gaming chips are stack together to prevent mistakes.

A changeable configuration of chip tube components <NUM> can be used in order to facilitate the customization of the chip trays <NUM>. The chip tube component system can reduce the design and tooling costs and also to offer a solution to change the configuration of a tray on a group of tables easily and in a short time. The chip tray <NUM> is developed to be scalable and modular. In some embodiments, the chip tray <NUM> is RFID compatible.

The chip tray <NUM> can have a fixed width. A fixed sized of enclosure can also be used. In some embodiments, a set of fixed widths and fixed sized enclosures can be used to enable larger and smaller chip trays <NUM> based on preference. The chip tray <NUM> can be assembled with chip tube components <NUM> which can include tubes <NUM>. Each of the tubes <NUM> can be configured to hold a specific shape and size of gaming chip, which can include, for example, round, rectangular, or other shape of gaming chip.

The chip tray <NUM> can include a base structure <NUM> to provide support for the chip tube components <NUM> and a trim cover <NUM>. In some embodiments, the trim cover <NUM> can be detachably coupled to the base structure <NUM> to affix the chip tube components <NUM> in place. As an example, tabs on the trim cover <NUM> can click into slots on the base structure <NUM> to hold the trim cover <NUM> in place. The trim cover <NUM> can cover an outer edge of the chip tube components <NUM> to hold the chip tube components <NUM> in place.

The chip tube components <NUM> can have one or more tubes <NUM>, with each tube <NUM> being referred to as a gaming chip storage row. The casino operator can assemble the chip tube components <NUM> to fill in the available space. The chip tray can be customized based on the current needs of the casino. In some embodiments, the weight of gaming chips can be used to secure the chip tube components <NUM> in place. An edge of the chip tube components <NUM> can be coupled together to secure the chip tube components <NUM> in place. In some embodiments, the edges of adjacent chip tube components <NUM> can be locked together based on a shape of the edges.

In one example embodiment, the chip tube components <NUM> each have two to three gaming chip storage rows <NUM>, and the chip tray <NUM> can have a total of twelve to sixteen gaming chip storage rows <NUM> by assembling more than one chip tube component <NUM>. The gaming chip storage rows can be configured to hold round gaming chips of <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or another diameter size. The gaming chip storage rows can be configured to hold rectangular gaming chips of <NUM> or other sizes. Different gaming tables <NUM> on a casino floor can each have different configurations of chip tube components <NUM> on a respective chip tray <NUM>. Further, the chip tray <NUM> for each gaming table <NUM> can be quickly and easily changed to accommodate different chip tube components <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, shown is an exploded view of select components <NUM> of an example chip tray <NUM> according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The components <NUM> include chip tub components 106a, 106b, and 106c, spacer components <NUM> and <NUM>, RFID antenna <NUM>, a base <NUM>, and potentially other components.

The chip tube components 106a-c can be assembled together to span the fixed width of the chip tray <NUM>. The spacer components <NUM> and <NUM> can be used to fill in any remaining space to span the entire fixed width. The width of each chip tube component <NUM> can be based on a size of gaming chips to be stored in each chip tube and a number of chip tubes. In various embodiments, because various chip tube components <NUM> of various fixed sizes are selectable, the span of the assembled chip tube components <NUM> may not be set precisely to fit within a fixed span of the chip tray <NUM>. As such, a gap may exists between the sides of the chip tray <NUM> and chip tube components <NUM>. The spacer components <NUM> and <NUM> can be coupled to the sides of the chip tube components <NUM> to facilitate a precise fit.

One or more RFID antenna <NUM> can be placed underneath the chip tube components <NUM>. In some embodiments, the RFID antenna <NUM> is installed into the gaming table <NUM> below a base <NUM> of an enclosure for the chip tray <NUM>. The RFID antenna <NUM> can be covered to protect the RFID antenna <NUM> from damage when the chip tray <NUM> is inserted into the gaming table <NUM>. The RFID antenna <NUM> can be locked into the gaming table <NUM> for security reasons to prevent tampering.

The RFID antenna <NUM> can be configured to read gaming chips placed in the chip tube components <NUM> via the gaming service <NUM> (<FIG>). A result of the read can be displayed to the dealer on a display to show a quantity and amount of gaming chips in the chip tray <NUM>. The display can also include an authentication result to indicate whether all of the read gaming chips successfully authenticated or not. In some embodiments, the display can include one or more indicators on the table, such as, for example, LED indicators, that indicate a success or failure of a read or validation. In some embodiments, the chip tray <NUM> can include shielding when one or more RFID antennas are used.

With reference to <FIG>, shown is an exploded view of select components <NUM> of an example chip tray <NUM> according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The components <NUM> include chip tub components 106d, 106e, and 106f, spacer components <NUM> and <NUM>, and potentially other components. The chip tube components <NUM> can have a coupling edge on a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The coupling edges can be configured to mate against one another at a joint <NUM>. In some embodiments, the coupling edges can prevent disconnecting adjacent chip tube components <NUM> unless the chip tube components <NUM> and slide in opposite directions along the coupling edge with respect to one another. Although the coupling edges shown correspond to a hooking mechanism, in other embodiments, other types of edge joints can be used such as a tongue and grove joint, finger joints, or other types of edge joints. As shown, the spacer components <NUM> and <NUM> can also include a coupling edge to edge join with the adjacent chip tube components <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, shown is an example chip tube component <NUM> according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The chip tube component <NUM> can include one or more tubes 303a-303c. The chip tube component <NUM> can have a first coupling edge <NUM> and a second coupling edge <NUM> opposite the first coupling edge. In some embodiments, the front edge <NUM> and/or a back edge (not shown) can have a coupling edge to couple to a front and back spacer component, similar to spacer components <NUM> and <NUM>.

The chip tube component <NUM> can be created using a 3D printer or any other manufacturing process for plastic and metal materials. As an example, material removal or machining can be used to form chip tube components <NUM>. The chip tube components <NUM> can also be formed or injection molded.

A catalogue of chip tube components <NUM> can be provided to a casino operator to facilitate configuration of each chip tray <NUM>. When RFID is being utilized, one or more RFID antennas and potentially a shielding plate can be placed underneath the chip tube components <NUM>. The RFID antenna and shielding can be made to cover a complete width off the tray regardless of the configuration of the chip tube components <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, shown is a top view of a portion <NUM> of an example gaming chip storage row 303d according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. A chip tube component <NUM> can include one or more gaming chip storage row 303d. The gaming chip storage row 303d can hold one or more rectangular plaque in a space <NUM>. The edges <NUM> can provide horizontal support for the plaques while also providing space for fingers to reach in and grab plaques.

Turning to <FIG>, an example hardware diagram of a computing device <NUM> is illustrated. The gaming service <NUM> may be implemented, in part, using one or more elements of the computing device <NUM>. The computing device <NUM> can include one or more of a processor <NUM>, a Random Access Memory ("RAM") <NUM>, a Read Only Memory ("ROM") <NUM>, a memory device <NUM>, a network interface <NUM>, and an Input Output ("I/O") interface <NUM>. The elements of the computing device <NUM> are communicatively coupled via a bus <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> can include an arithmetic processor, Application Specific Integrated Circuit ("ASIC"), or other types of hardware or software processors. The RAM and ROM <NUM> and <NUM> can include a memory that stores computer-readable instructions to be executed by the processor <NUM>. The memory device <NUM> stores computer-readable instructions thereon that, when executed by the processor <NUM>, direct the processor <NUM> to execute various aspects of the present disclosure described herein. When the processor <NUM> 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 nonlimiting example group, the memory device <NUM> 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 <NUM> can include hardware interfaces to communicate over data networks. The I/O interface <NUM> can include device input and output interfaces such as keyboard, pointing device, display, communication, and other interfaces. The bus <NUM> can electrically and communicatively couple the processor <NUM>, the RAM <NUM>, the ROM <NUM>, the memory device <NUM>, the network interface <NUM>, and the I/O interface <NUM>, so that data and instructions may be communicated among them.

In operation, the processor <NUM> is configured to retrieve computer-readable instructions stored on the memory device <NUM>, the RAM <NUM>, the ROM <NUM>, or another storage means, and copy the computer-readable instructions to the RAM <NUM> or the ROM <NUM> for execution, for example. The processor <NUM> is further configured to execute the computer-readable instructions to implement various aspects and features of the present disclosure. For example, the processor <NUM> may be adapted and configured to execute the processes described above with reference to <FIG>, including the processes described as being performed by the gaming service <NUM>. Also, the memory device <NUM> may store the data stored in the database <NUM>.

<Second Embodiment> <FIG> is a perspective view of a chip tray <NUM> according to a second embodiment. The chip tray <NUM> is a dual chip tray constructed by an upper tray <NUM> and a lower tray <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross sectional view of the chip tray <NUM> in a state where the lower tray <NUM> is opened, and <FIG> is a cross sectional view of the chip tray <NUM> in a state where the upper tray <NUM> is contained in the lower tray <NUM>.

The lower stage chip tray <NUM> has a rectangular parallelepiped shape which is opened in its upper surface, and chip tube components <NUM> are arranged side by side in a bottom surface of an internal portion thereof. The upper stage chip tray <NUM> has a tray shape, and the chip tube components <NUM> are arranged side by side in a bottom surface of an internal portion thereof. The upper tray <NUM> can be stored in the lower tray <NUM> from the above of the chips stored in the lower tray <NUM>.

The upper tray <NUM> is movably connected to the lower tray <NUM> via a link mechanism <NUM>. By lifting up a handle <NUM>, the upper tray <NUM> can be moved upward diagonally from the lower tray <NUM> while keeping a posture of the upper tray <NUM>, thereby making an upper surface of the lower tray <NUM> open.

Although an illustration is omitted, a bottom surface of the upper tray <NUM> is provided with an RFID antenna for reading an RFID tag which is embedded in the gaming chip stored in the upper tray <NUM>, and a bottom surface of the lower tray <NUM> is also provided with an RFID antenna for reading an RFID tag which is embedded in the gaming chip stored in the lower tray <NUM>. A shield blocking an electromagnetic wave from the RFID antenna or a jamming antenna generating an electromagnetic wave for partly cancelling or weakening the electromagnetic wave from the RFID antenna may be used so as to prevent the RFID antenna of the upper tray <NUM> from reading the RFID tag of the gaming chip stored in the lower tray <NUM>, or prevent the RFID antenna of the lower tray <NUM> from reading the RFID tag of the gaming chip stored in the upper tray <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a chip tube component (for small circular chips) according to the present embodiment, <FIG> is a perspective view of a chip tube component (for large circular chips) according to the present embodiment, and <FIG> is a perspective view of a chip tube component (for plaques) according to the present embodiment. Each of the chip tube components is constructed by a single gaming chip storage row. The chip tube components <NUM> for the small circular chip, for the large circular chip and for the plaque are respectively different in their widths in correspondence to sizes of the gaming chips to be stored therein.

A side surface of each of the chip tube components <NUM> is a flat surface, the surfaces are in contact with each other when the chip tube components <NUM> are coupled, and a gap is not formed between the side surfaces. As mentioned above, since the chip tube components <NUM> do not have a structure in which the adjacent chip tube components <NUM> lap over each other in the coupled portion vertically when the adjacent chip tube components <NUM> are coupled to each other at right edges and left edges, the respective chip tube components <NUM> can be independently attached to and detached from the upper tray <NUM> or the lower tray <NUM> separately from the other chip tube components <NUM> by detaching a securing L-shaped angle <NUM> mentioned later.

In each of the upper tray <NUM> and the lower tray <NUM>, the chip tube component <NUM> is arranged in a slightly inclined manner so that a front end comes to an upper side and a rear end comes to a lower side. Further, the chip tube component <NUM> for the upper tray <NUM> is formed to be shorter in a longitudinal direction than the chip tube component for the lower tray <NUM>.

Holding flanges <NUM> and <NUM> are formed respectively at the front end and the rear end of the chip tube component <NUM> in the longitudinal direction. The flanges <NUM> at the rear end are fitted to locking grooves <NUM> and <NUM> which are respectively formed in the upper tray <NUM> and the lower tray <NUM>. The front end of the chip tube component <NUM> is secured to the upper tray <NUM> and the upper tray <NUM> by the securing L-shaped angle <NUM> holding the flange <NUM> at the front end from the above. The securing L-shaped angle <NUM> is secured to the upper tray <NUM> and the lower tray <NUM> respectively by screws <NUM>.

The front end and the rear end of the chip tube component <NUM> are opened. When the chip tube component <NUM> is installed in the upper tray <NUM> or the lower tray <NUM>, the upper tray <NUM> and the lower tray <NUM> support the flat surface of the gaming chip in a direction of tilt.

<Third Embodiment> <FIG> is a perspective view of a chip tray <NUM> according to a third embodiment. The chip tray <NUM> according to the present embodiment is also a dual chip tray including an upper tray <NUM> and a lower tray <NUM> in the same manner as the second embodiment. The chip tray <NUM> is further provided with a collected chip tube component <NUM>. The collected chip tube component <NUM> is one kind of the chip tube component <NUM>, and has a plurality of (two) tubes <NUM>. The collected chip tube component <NUM> is a tray for temporarily reserving the chip collected from a player losing a game.

<FIG> is a cross sectional view of the chip tray <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the collected chip tube component <NUM> is fitted to the lower tray <NUM> so as to come level with the upper tray <NUM> contained in the lower tray <NUM>. A space is provided below the collected chip tube component <NUM>, and a camera (not shown) is arranged in the space.

As shown in <FIG>, spacer components <NUM> are provided at both ends of the chip tube component <NUM> in the lower tray <NUM> in an array direction. By using the spacer components <NUM>, the chip tube components <NUM> for the circular gaming chips and the chip tube components <NUM> for the plaque which are different from each other in their widths can be arranged in the lower tray <NUM> by being combined at optional numbers. In the upper tray <NUM>, by using the spacer components <NUM>, the chip tube components <NUM> for the circular gaming chips and the chip tube components <NUM> for the plaques can be similarly used by being combined at optional numbers.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the collected chip tube component <NUM>, and <FIG> is a cross sectional view of the collected chip tube component <NUM>. A slit <NUM> is formed in each of the tubes <NUM> of the collected chip tube component <NUM> in a tube longitudinal direction (that is, a stacking direction of the gaming chips). A camera arranged below the collected chip tube component <NUM> shoots a side surface of the gaming chip exposed from the slit <NUM>. A plurality of mirrors are installed between the camera and the slit <NUM>, and an illuminating light illuminating the slit <NUM> is also provided. The plurality of mirrors conduct the reflected light from the slit <NUM> illuminated by the illumination to a lens of the camera.

The gaming chip used in the present embodiment has a stripe pattern in a thickness direction on its side surface. The stripe pattern is formed by sandwiching a given color layer by common color layers. The given color is set per denomination (value) of the gaming chip. More specifically, a color of the given color layer expresses the denomination of the gaming chip. The common color is used in common for the chips having difference denominations. According to the structure mentioned above, when stacking the gaming chips, the given color layers for discriminating the denomination are not adj acent each other, and denomination of the gaming chips can be discriminated every one gaming chip.

A computing device <NUM> specifies the denomination in each of the gaming chips which are stored in the collected chip tube component <NUM>, by making an image analysis to the shooting image of the camera. The RFID antenna may be provided in the collected chip tube component <NUM>, and the RFID tags of the gaming chips stored in the collected chip tube component <NUM> may be read by the RFID antenna. At this time, the computing device <NUM> may make an inspection of the gaming chips stored in the collected chip tube component <NUM> by comparing the denomination acquired from the shooting image of the camera and the denomination acquired by reading the RFID tag.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a chip tube component (for circular gaming chips) according to the present embodiment, and <FIG> is a perspective view of a chip tube component (for plaques) according to the present embodiment. Each of the chip tube components is constructed by a single gaming chip storage row. The chip tube components <NUM> for the small circular chip and for the plaque are different in their widths in correspondence to the size of the gaming chip.

The chip tube component <NUM> according to the present embodiment is open in its front end, but has in its rear end a rear end wall <NUM> which supports the gaming chip. As a result, the gaming chips can be stably retained in the chip tube component <NUM> even when the chip tube component <NUM> is detached from the upper tray <NUM> or the lower tray <NUM> while storing the gaming chips in the chip tube component <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a spacer component according to the present embodiment. Flanges <NUM> and <NUM> are formed at a front end and a rear end of the spacer component <NUM> in the same manner as the chip tube component <NUM>. As a result, the spacer component <NUM> is also secured to the upper tray <NUM> or the lower tray <NUM> by an L-shaped angle <NUM> (refer to <FIG>) in the same manner as the chip tube component <NUM>. An example of one spacer component <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>, however, plural kinds of spacer components <NUM> having different widths may be prepared and may be used in correspondence to the kind and the number of the used chip tube components <NUM>.

The camera installed under the collected chip tube component <NUM> may be a visible light camera or an infrared camera used for detecting only the number of the gaming chips in the collected chip tube component <NUM>.

In the case where recognition by a camera installed under the collection chip tube component <NUM> is unnecessary, the camera may be not installed, and the collected chips may be detected independently from the other chips in chip tube component <NUM> only by RFID.

In order to reduce the thickness of the chip tray, an RFID antenna may be provided only on the bottom surface of the upper tray <NUM>. In this case, the RFID antenna may read both the RFID tags embedded in the circular gaming chips or plaques stored in the upper tray <NUM> and the RFID tags embedded in the circular gaming chips or plaques stored in the lower tray <NUM>. When the upper tray <NUM> is contained in the lower tray <NUM>, all the RFID tags in the upper tray <NUM> and the lower tray <NUM> may be read by the single RFID antenna, and when the upper tray <NUM> is out of the lower tray <NUM>, the RFID tags in the upper tray <NUM> may be read by the single RFID antenna. In this case, it is preferable to design the lower tray <NUM> so that the distance between the RFID tags in the gaming chips and the RFID antenna provided on the bottom surface of the upper tray <NUM> is constant.

When the RFID antennas are respectively provided on the bottom surface of the upper tray <NUM> and the bottom surface of the lower tray <NUM>, the upper antenna may read only the gaming chips in the upper tray <NUM>, and the lower antenna may read the gaming chips in the lower tray <NUM> and a part or all of the gaming chips in the upper tray <NUM>, or the upper antenna may read a part or all of the gaming chips in the upper tray <NUM>, and the lower antenna may read only the gaming chips in the lower tray <NUM>. In any of these, it is possible to determine each of the gaming chips in the upper tray <NUM> and the gaming chips in the lower tray <NUM> by verifying a collective relationship of the reading results from the upper antenna and the lower antenna.

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.

Claim 1:
A double-decker chip tray comprising:
at least one RFID tag antenna (<NUM>) configured to read gaming chips, the gaming chips including two types of gaming chips that incorporate an RFID tag and that have different shapes and sizes;
an upper chip tray (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to accommodate the gaming chips; and
a lower chip tray (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to accommodate the gaming chips,
wherein:
the two types of gaming chips include a circular gaming chip and a rectangular plaque,
each gaming chip of the gaming chips incorporates the RFID tag that stores a denomination of the gaming chip,
the upper chip tray (<NUM>, <NUM>) has at least one first gaming chip storage row corresponding to the circular gaming chip for accommodating the circular gaming chip,
the lower chip tray (<NUM>, <NUM>) has at least one second gaming chip storage row corresponding to the rectangular plaque for accommodating the rectangular plaque, and
the at least one RFID antenna (<NUM>) is configured to read each of the RFID tags of the circular gaming chips and the rectangular plaques, which are the two types of gaming chips accommodated in the double-decker chip tray.