Patent ID: 12260273

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIG.1is a perspective view illustrating a game token money according to an embodiment of the invention. The game token money10according to this embodiment is manufactured by laminating a plurality of plastic sheet-shaped members, performing thermocompression bonding, and then punching in a circular shape. For this purpose, as illustrated inFIG.1, the game token money10has a layered structure obtained by laminating a plurality of layers in a thickness direction. The layered structure obtained by laminating a plurality of sheet-shaped members is exposed on a side face of the game token money10to form a stripe pattern in a layering direction.

The game token money10has a layered structure including a colored layer12as a middle layer and pale color layers11as surface layers on both sides by interposing the colored layer12. The front face of the pale color layer11can be visually recognized from the outside. The color of the colored layer12corresponds to a value of the game token money10(such as twenty dollars, one hundred dollars, and one thousand dollars). That is, the game token money10has the colored layer12having a color different depending on its value. The pale color layer11has a color not denser than any color of the colored layer12, and has a common color for a plurality of classifications of values. The pale color layer11typically has a white color. Therefore, the value of the game token money10can be specified by the color of the colored layer12by observing the side face.

Printing is performed on the front face of the pale color layer11as described below, and a transparent layer is provided thereon. Therefore, the printing on the front face of the pale color layer11can be visually recognized through the transparent layer. Notches11aare provided on the outer edge of the pale color layer11. Classification parts13are filled in the notches11aof the pale color layer11. A plurality of classification parts13are arranged at an equiangular interval in the circumferential direction (rotation direction) along the outer edge of the game token money10. In the example ofFIG.1, four classification parts13are arranged at an angular interval of 90°.

Value information, identification information, and classification information are given to the game token money10. Here, the value information is information indicating a value of the game token money10(such as ten dollars, twenty dollars, one hundred dollars, and one thousand dollars), and the identification information is unique information capable of identifying each game token money10. The classification information is information indicating a classification of each game token money10other than the value. The classification information may include, for example, any one of information for distinguishing whether the game token money10is a rolling chip or a cash chip, junket information differently set for each junket to specify a junket, and casino information differently set for each casino to specify the casino.

The value information, the identification information, and the classification information can be visually recognized on the front face of the game token money10. Specifically, the value information is written as numerals17on the front face of the game token money10. The identification information is coded and written as marks14and15on the front face of the game token money10. In addition, the classification parts13are colored depending on the classification, and the classification information is expressed by a color of the classification part13. Note that the color of the classification part13is different from any color of the colored layer12. Therefore, a classification of the game token money10can be specified by the color of the classification part13.

The value information and the classification information can be visually recognized on the side face of the game token money10. Specifically, the value information is expressed by the color of the colored layer12observed on the side face of the game token money10. In addition, the classification part13indicating the classification information using the color can also be visually recognized on the side face.

The identification information is stored in a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip16(hereinafter, simply referred to as an “RFID”) embedded in the game token money10. Therefore, by reading the game token money10using the RF reader, it is possible to read the identification information stored in the RFID16.

In this manner, the value information and the identification information are given to the game token money10in a plurality of forms. However, a plurality of pieces of value information and identification information given to true game token moneys match each other. In addition, a relationship between the identification information, the value information, and the classification information is stored in a database. As the identification information is specified by the marks14and15or the RFID16, the value information and the classification information corresponding to this identification information can be specified by referencing the database.

Next, a method of manufacturing the game token money10will be described.FIG.2is a flowchart illustrating the method of manufacturing the game token money10. First, the numerals17indicating the value information, the marks14and15, and other patterns are printed on the plastic sheet-shaped member110of the pale color layer11serving as a surface layer (step S21). As described below, the game token money10is manufactured by punching the sheet-shaped member, and a plurality of game token moneys10are obtained from a single sheet-shaped member. Accordingly, printing is performed to match the game token moneys10within a plurality of punching target ranges111of the sheet-shaped member110serving as the surface layer.

Next, in order to form blank portions112for filling the classification part members131in the sheet-shaped member110of the surface layer, punching is performed to match shapes of the classification part members131(step S22).FIG.3is a top plan view illustrating the sheet-shaped member110serving as the surface layer. As illustrated inFIG.3, a plurality of punching target ranges111are provided on the sheet-shaped member110. Although not illustrated inFIG.3, printing is performed to match the game token moneys10within the punching target ranges111. The blank portions112are formed to intersect the outer edge of the punching target range111across the inside and the outside of each punching target range111. According to this embodiment, as described above, the classification parts13are filled at an equiangular interval of 90°. Accordingly, four blank portions112are formed at an equiangular interval of 90° along the outer circumferential direction of the outer edge of the punching target range111.

Meanwhile, the classification part member131filled in the blank portion112is also fabricated by punching the plastic sheet-shaped member130.FIG.4is a top plan view illustrating the sheet-shaped member130for fabricating the classification part member131. The sheet-shaped member130has the same thickness as that of the sheet-shaped member110serving as the surface layer and a color different from that of the sheet-shaped member110. As illustrated inFIG.4, the classification part members131shaped to match the blank portions112are punched out from the sheet-shaped member130.

FIG.5is a perspective view illustrating the classification part member131obtained by punching the sheet-shaped member130. As illustrated inFIGS.3to5, the blank portion112and the classification part member131filled in the blank portion112have a substantial rectangular shape with both longitudinal ends being rounded and are symmetric vertically and horizontally.

Then, the classification part member131obtained by punching the sheet-shaped member130is filled in the blank portion112of the sheet-shaped member110serving as the surface layer (step S23).FIG.6is a top plan view illustrating the sheet-shaped member110filled with the classification part members131. Note that the classification part members131are compressively bonded to the sheet-shaped member110and the sheet-shaped member120serving as the colored layer12in a thermocompression bonding process described below. Therefore, in this filling process, the classification part member131is not necessarily bonded to the sheet-shaped member110.

Then, a plurality of sheet-shaped members including the sheet-shaped members110and120filled with the aforementioned classification part members131are laminated (step S24).FIG.7is a diagram illustrating lamination of a plurality of sheet members. According to this embodiment, the colored layer12is formed by a pair of sheet members120. The RFID16is arranged in the center of the punching target range111between a pair of sheet members120serving as the colored layers12.

The sheet member110having the blank portion112filled with the classification part member131(classification part insertion layer) is laminated on both outer sides of a pair of sheet member120interposing the RFID16such that each print layer113faces the outside. In addition, a transparent layer170serving as a protection layer is laminated on the outside of each of a pair of classification part insertion layers. Note that, although each layer is spaced inFIG.7, a plurality of layers are overlapped without a gap in the lamination process (step S24).

Thermocompression bonding is performed while a plurality of sheet members are laminated in this manner (step S25). Through this thermocompression bonding, the layers neighboring each other are compressively bonded to form a multilayered lamination plate100as a whole. The RFID16is embedded between a pair of sheet members120as the sheet member120is thermally deformed.

Then, the game token money10is punched out from the multilayered lamination plate100(step S26).FIG.8is a top plan view illustrating the multilayered lamination plate100subjected to the punching and the game token money10obtained by the punching. As described above, the classification part member131is arranged to intersect the outer edge of the punching target range111of each game token money10. Therefore, the classification part member131is cut along the outer edge (punching line) of the punching target range111which crosses the classification part member131.

As a result, the blank portion112forms a notch11a, so that the game token money10illustrated inFIG.1is obtained as the cut classification part13is filled in the notch11a. The cutting section of the classification part13is exposed on the side face of the pale color layer11. Therefore, the classification part13can be visually recognized from both the front face side and the side face side. In this manner, the classification part13filled in the notch11aformed in the outer edge of the pale color layer11serving as a surface layer makes a color change in the circumferential direction as the pale color layer11of the game token money10is observed from the side face.

Note that the printing on the surface layer may be performed after punching the game token money10. In this case, a clear coating serving as a protection layer may be applied to the print layer subjected to the printing.

Next, an inspection system for inspecting the game token money10manufactured as described above will be described.FIG.9is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the inspection system according to this embodiment. The inspection system50includes a game token money10, cameras51and52, and a RF reader53.

FIG.10is a diagram illustrating an installation example of the camera51.FIG.11is a diagram illustrating an installation example of the camera52and the RF reader53. The camera51is installed over the table Tb as illustrated inFIG.10. The camera51has an optical system511configured and arranged to photograph the front face of the game token money10placed on the table Tb. The camera51creates an image (front face image) by photographing the front face of the game token money10using the optical system511.

As illustrated inFIG.11, the camera52is installed over a chip tray Tr. The camera52has an optical system521configured and arranged to photograph the side face of the game token money10. The camera52creates an image (side face image) by photographing the side face of the game token money10using the optical system521. In addition, the RF reader53has an antenna531configured and arranged to transmit radio waves to the RFID16of the game token money10and receive the radio waves from the RFID16. As illustrated inFIG.11, the RF reader53reads information stored in the RFID16of the game token money10housed in the chip tray Tr using the antenna531.

The inspection system50further includes a recording device54, an inspection device55, a database56, and an output device57. The recording device54records the front face image obtained from the camera51, the side face image obtained from the camera52, and the information read by the RF reader53. The inspection device55performs inspection on the basis of the image or information recorded on the recording device54.

As described above, the value information is expressed by writing numerals17in the center on the front face of the game token money10, and the identification information is expressed by the marks14and15. The classification information is expressed by the color of the classification part13. The inspection device55recognizes each of the value information, the identification information, and the classification information by performing an image recognition processing for the front face image. Note that this image recognition processing may also be performed using a neural network.

The value information is expressed by the color of the middle layer (colored layer12) on the side face of the game token money10, and the classification information is expressed by the color of the classification part13. The inspection device55recognizes each of the value information and the classification information by performing an image recognition processing for the side face image. In addition, this image recognition processing may also be performed using a neural network.

The database56stores the value information and the classification information in association with the identification information. The inspection device55specifies the value information and the classification information stored in association with the identification information by referencing the database56when the identification information is specified on the basis of the marks14and15from the front face image of the camera51. The inspection device55compares the value information and the classification information specified in this manner with the value information and the classification information, respectively, specified on the basis of the numerals and the color of the classification part13from the front face image of the camera51and determines whether or not they match each other, that is, whether or not the game token money10is true or false. If they do not match each other, that is, if the game token money10is falsified, the output device57outputs a warning. The output device57may include a buzzer or a lamp for outputting the warning.

Meanwhile, the inspection device55specifies the value information and the classification information stored in association with the identification information by referencing the database56when the RF reader53reads the identification information stored in the RFID16. The inspection device55compares the value information and the classification information specified in this manner with the value information and the classification information, respectively, specified on the basis of the color of the colored layer12and the color of the classification part13from the side face image of the camera52and determines whether or not they match each other, that is, whether or not the game token money10is true or false. If they do not match each other, that is, if the game token money10is falsified, the output device57outputs a warning.

As described above, according to this embodiment, a portion (classification part13) visually recognizable from both the front face side and the side face side in a part of the circumferential direction is formed in the game token money10having the layered structure. For example, the classification information can be expressed using the color of this portion. Since this classification information can be visually recognized from both the front face side and the side face side, it is possible to recognize the classification information using both the camera that photographs the front face such as the camera51and the camera that photographs the side face such as the camera52.

A method of manufacturing the game token money10according to a modification of the aforementioned embodiment will now be described.FIG.12is a top plan view illustrating the sheet-shaped member110filled with classification part members1311according to a modification of the embodiment in conjunction withFIG.6. In this example, one classification part member1311is shared by the neighboring game token moneys10. That is, one end portion of the classification part member1311corresponds to the classification part13of one game token money10by punching, and the other end portion corresponds to the classification part13of the game token money10neighboring to the one game token money10by punching. According to this modification, it is possible to reduce the number of the classification part members filled in the sheet-shaped member110, which is advantageous in reduction of the manufacturing cost.

FIG.13is a top plan view illustrating the sheet-shaped member110filled with classification part members1312according to a modification of the embodiment in conjunction withFIG.6. In this example, a single classification part member1312is formed by connecting the classification part members1311arranged in a vertical direction to each other.FIG.14is a top plan view illustrating a sheet-shaped member130for fabricating classification part members1312in conjunction withFIG.4.FIG.15is a perspective view illustrating classification part members1312obtained by punching the sheet-shaped member130. In this manner, by connecting a plurality of classification part members1311, it is possible to reduce the number of the classification part members filled in the sheet-shaped member110, which is advantageous in reduction of the manufacturing cost.

FIG.16is a top plan view illustrating the sheet-shaped member110filled with a classification part member1313according to a modification of the modification in conjunction withFIG.6. In this example, a single classification part member1313is formed by connecting the classification part members1311arranged in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction to each other. That is, the classification part member1313is formed by connecting all of the classification part members1311excluding the classification part member131filled in the peripheral portion of the sheet-shaped member110. In this example, it is possible to further reduce the number of the classification part members, which is advantageous in reduction of the manufacturing cost.

Next, a modification of the classification part will be described.FIG.17is a perspective view illustrating the game token money10filled with the classification parts13′ according to a modification. The classification part13′ includes a center part138and side parts139interposing the center part138. In this classification part13′ according to this modification, two types of information can be expressed by differently setting the color of the center part138and the color of the side parts139. For example, one type of classification information (for example, casino information) can be expressed by the color of the center part138, and the other type of the classification information (for example, junket information) can be expressed by the color of the side parts139.

FIG.18is a top plan view illustrating the sheet-shaped member110filled with classification part members131′ in conjunction withFIG.6. One center part member1381and two side part members1391are filled in each blank portion112of the sheet-shaped member110. The center part member1381and the side part member1391are fabricated by punching a sheet-shaped member having the same thickness as that of the sheet-shaped member110and a different color from that of the sheet-shaped member110.

Alternatively, although the RFID16is inserted between a pair of sheet-shaped members120of the colored layer12in the aforementioned embodiment, the RFID16may be arranged in any place as long as it is embedded in the game token money10. For example, the RFID16may be arranged between the pale color layer11and the colored layer12. In this case, the colored layer12may include a single sheet-shaped member120. In addition, the number of the layers of the game token money10may be changed more than or less than that of the aforementioned embodiment.

Although the middle layer is the colored layer12, and the surface layer is the pale color layer11in the aforementioned embodiment, inversely, the middle layer may be the pale color layer11, and the surface layer may be the colored layer12. In this case, the colored layer12has the notches where the classification parts13are filled. Alternatively, although the transparent protection layer is provided outside of the pale color layer11serving as the surface layer, and a layer serving as a front face of the game token money10in practice is the protection layer in the aforementioned embodiment, a layer having a surface visually recognizable from the front face side of the game token money10in this manner is referred to as the surface layer in this application because the (printing of the) front face of the pale color layer11can be visually recognized by observing the front face. The surface layer may also be the outermost layer.

Although the classification part member131is filled in the blank portion112of the sheet-shaped member110, and another sheet-shaped member is then overlapped thereon in the aforementioned embodiment, instead, the classification part member131may be filled in the blank portion112after the sheet-shaped member110having the blank portion112is overlapped with another sheet-shaped member.

Although the classification part13is filled in both the front and back surface layers of the game token money10in the aforementioned embodiment, the classification part13may be filled in only one of the surface layers. In addition, although four classification parts are filled in one of the surface layers at an interval of 90° in the aforementioned embodiment, the number of classification parts13may be different from four. If two or more classification parts13are provided at an equiangular interval, it is possible to observe at least one of the classification parts13using the camera52regardless of an orientation of the circumferential direction of the game token money10when the game token money10is housed in the chip tray Tr by exposing more than a half as illustrated inFIG.11. Therefore, it is desirable to provide two or more classification parts13in a single surface layer.

Although the identification information is given to the game token money10using the marks14and15or the RFID16in the aforementioned embodiment, the game token money10may be absent of the identification information.

Another modification of the classification part will now be described.FIG.20is a perspective view illustrating a game token money10filled with a classification part according to a modification. The classification part31has the same color as that of the colored layer12. For this reason, the classification part31is formed of the same material as that of the colored layer12. A plurality of classification parts31are arranged at an equiangular interval in the circumferential direction along the outer edge of the game token money10. According to this modification, each classification part31has a relatively wide width, and four classification parts31are arranged at an angular interval of 90° in the circumferential direction.

FIG.21is a perspective view illustrating a game token money10filled with a classification part according to another modification. The classification part32has the same color as that of the colored layer12. For this reason, the classification part32is formed of the same material as that of the colored layer12. A plurality of classification parts32are arranged at an equiangular interval in the circumferential direction along the outer edge of the game token money10. According to this modification, the classification part31has a relatively narrow width, and four classification parts32are arranged at an angular interval of 90° in the circumferential direction.

FIG.22is a perspective view illustrating a game token money10filled with a classification part according to another modification. The classification part33has the same color as that of the colored layer12. For this reason, the classification part33is formed of the same material as that of the colored layer12. According to this modification, the classification part33has a relatively narrow width shape. In addition, according to this modification, a pair of classification parts33arranged at a relatively narrow interval in the circumferential direction constitute a single set, and a plurality of sets are arranged at an equiangular interval in the circumferential direction along the outer edge of the game token money10. According to this modification, four sets of classification parts33are arranged at an angular interval of 90° in the circumferential direction.

FIG.23is a perspective view illustrating a game token money10filled with a classification part according to another modification. The classification part34has the same color as that of the colored layer12. For this reason, the classification part34is formed of the same material as that of the colored layer12. According to this modification, the classification part34has a relatively narrow width shape. In addition, according to this modification, a pair of classification parts34arranged at a relatively wide interval in the circumferential direction constitute a single set, and a plurality of sets are arranged at an equiangular interval in the circumferential direction along the outer edge of the game token money10. According to this modification, four sets of classification parts34are arranged at an angular interval of 90° in the circumferential direction.

FIG.24is a perspective view illustrating a game token money10filled with a classification part according to another modification. The classification part35has the same color as that of the colored layer12. For this reason, the classification part35is formed of the same material as that of the colored layer12. According to this modification, the classification part35has a relatively narrow width shape. In addition, according to this modification, three classification parts35arranged at a relatively narrow interval in the circumferential direction constitute a single set, and a plurality of sets are arranged at an equiangular interval in the circumferential direction along the outer edge of the game token money10. According to this modification, four sets of classification parts35are arranged at an angular interval of 90° in the circumferential direction.

FIG.25is a perspective view illustrating a game token money10filled with a classification part according to another modification. The classification part36has a color different from that of the colored layer12. For this reason, the classification part36is formed of a material different from that of the colored layer12. A plurality of classification parts36are arranged at an equiangular interval in the circumferential direction along the outer edge of the game token money10. According to this modification, the classification parts36have a relatively narrow width shape. In addition, according to this modification, four classification parts36are arranged at an angular interval of 90° in the circumferential direction.

FIG.26is a perspective view illustrating a game token money10filled with a classification part according to another modification. The classification part37has a color different from that of the colored layer12. For this reason, the classification part37is formed of a material different from that of the colored layer12. According to this modification, a pair of classification parts37arranged at a relatively narrow interval constitute a single set, and a plurality of sets are arranged at an equiangular interval in the circumferential direction along the outer edge of the game token money10. According to this modification, four sets of classification parts37are arranged at an angular interval of 90° in the circumferential direction.

FIG.27is a perspective view illustrating a game token money10filled with a classification part according to another modification. The classification part38has a color different from that of the colored layer12. For this reason, the classification part38is formed of a material different from that of the colored layer12. According to this modification, the classification part38has a relatively narrow width shape. In addition, according to this modification, a pair of classification parts38arranged at a relatively wide interval in the circumferential direction constitute a single set, and a plurality of sets are arranged at an equiangular interval in the circumferential direction along the outer edge of the game token money10. According to this modification, four sets of classification parts38are arranged at an angular interval of 90° in the circumferential direction.

FIG.28is a perspective view illustrating a game token money10filled with a classification part according to another modification. The classification part39has a color different from that of the colored layer12. For this reason, the classification part39is formed of a material different from that of the colored layer12. According to this modification, the classification part39has a relatively narrow width shape. In addition, according to this modification, three classification parts39arranged at a relatively narrow interval in the circumferential direction constitute a single set, and a plurality of sets are arranged at an equiangular interval in the circumferential direction along the outer edge of the game token money10. According to this modification, four sets of classification parts39are arranged at an angular interval of 90° in the circumferential direction.

FIG.29is a perspective view illustrating a game token money10filled with a classification part according to another modification. According to this modification, two types of classification parts401and402having different colors constitute a single set, and a plurality of sets are arranged at an equiangular interval in the circumferential direction along the outer edge of the game token money10. According to this modification, four sets of classification parts401and402are arranged at an angular interval of 90° in the circumferential direction. The classification parts401and402have different colors, and each color of the classification parts401and402is different from the color of the colored layer12. Each classification part has a relatively narrow width shape.

FIG.30is a perspective view illustrating a game token money10filled with a classification part according to another modification. According to this modification, two types of classification parts411and412having different colors constitute a single set, and a plurality of sets are arranged at an equiangular interval in the circumferential direction along the outer edge of the game token money10. According to this modification, a pair of classification parts411and a single classification part412constitute a single set. According to this modification, four sets of classification parts411and412are arranged at an angular interval of 90° in the circumferential direction. The classification parts411and412have different colors, and each color of the classification parts411and412is different from the color of the colored layer12. Each classification part has a relatively narrow width shape.

In the examples ofFIGS.20to30, the numerals17in the center for indicating the value information, and the marks14and15for indicating the identification information are not illustrated for simplicity purposes. However, any information equal to or different from the information of the aforementioned embodiment may also be inserted into the game token moneys of each modification.

Next, a use of the game token money10filled with the classification part will be described. As described above, the classification part indicates the classification information. The classification information may include, for example, any one of information for distinguishing whether the game token money10is a rolling chip or a cash chip, junket information differently set for each junket to specify a junket, and casino information differently set for each casino to specify the casino.

The game token money10is roughly classified into VIP chips and typical common chips. Note that the VIP chips are game token money available for VIP players. For example, a player who deposits money equal to or more than a predetermined amount in a casino becomes the VIP player.

Each of the VIP chips and the common chips can be classified into cash chips, rolling chips, promotion chips, and the like. The cash chips are game token money that can be exchanged with cash. The rolling chips are game token money that can be used to obtain cap chips by participating and winning in a game. In addition, the promotion chips are game token money distributed for promotion.

Here, the rolling chip will be further described. The “rolling” refers to an action for exchanging the cash chip with the rolling chip. The rolling chip can be bought by only a player who deposits a predetermined amount of money in a casino and opens a rolling program. When a player participates and wins in a game using the rolling chips, withdrawal is made on the basis of cash chips. A player can exchange cash chips (or cash) with rolling chips, and a predetermined percentage of a total rolling money amount is paid to a player as a commission whenever the rolling. Therefore, if the rolling money amount increases, the player can get the more commission depending on the rolling money. In this manner, an action of continuously exchanging (rolling) the rolling chips and the cash chips is referred to as “rolling”. The commission generated in the rolling is input to a system and is managed by the system.

Next, the junket chip will be further described. The game token money used by the junket has a mark dedicated to each junket. It would be difficult to distinguish a plurality of junkets just by using the shape and the arrangement of the classification part. In this case, similar to the examples ofFIGS.17,29, and30, it is advantageous to provide classification information for distinguishing the junket in combination with a plurality of colors.