EP1907080B1 - Gaming table using silicon chip game chips - Google Patents

Gaming table using silicon chip game chips Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1907080B1
EP1907080B1 EP06778848A EP06778848A EP1907080B1 EP 1907080 B1 EP1907080 B1 EP 1907080B1 EP 06778848 A EP06778848 A EP 06778848A EP 06778848 A EP06778848 A EP 06778848A EP 1907080 B1 EP1907080 B1 EP 1907080B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
token
gaming
tokens
screen
display device
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Application number
EP06778848A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1907080A1 (en
Inventor
Pat Butrico
Laurent Gaubout
Emmanuel Gelinotte
Gérard CHARLIER
Guillermo Bernal
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GPI France SAS Dijon
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Gaming Partners International
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Publication of EP1907080A1 publication Critical patent/EP1907080A1/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F1/00—Card games
    • A63F1/06—Card games appurtenances
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F3/00—Board games; Raffle games
    • A63F3/00003—Types of board games
    • A63F3/00157—Casino or betting games

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a table for gaming chip chips with memory used in casinos and gambling halls.
  • the invention is particularly interesting for gaming tables, including tables of 'Blackjack' game, 'Baccarat 'or' Mini Baccarat ',' Stud Poker 'or derivative games, but can also be used profitably for cash tables or exchange tables.
  • Gambling tokens or 'casino' tokens are any disc or plate-shaped element representing a nominal value or not.
  • tokens are made of rigid and scratch-resistant plastic. The tokens have various patterns in designs and colors to form a more or less complex decor and reduce the risk of forgery and / or fraudulent reproduction.
  • tokens carry information coded by integration into the body of the token of an electronic memory circuit in which information about the token, including its number or identification code and its numerical value.
  • electronic memory tokens chips tokens
  • tokens electronic circuit According to the models of the tokens, the electronic circuits are of the simple memory type PROM, reprogrammable memory EEPROM or even microprocessors with a memory.
  • Game chips are often stored in trays or lockers that typically serve as local currency chips at currency exchange tables and / or gaming tables.
  • a locker contains tokens exchanged for values, for example tokens or plates of different face values, currency, etc. It is also possible to collect the chips needed to pay the winning bets and store chips from losing bets. Of course the locker must be continuously monitored by the operator of the table, in this case the croupier.
  • the control station comprises in a housing a communication unit able to exchange, read-only or read / write, information with the memory of a token placed in a zone control device provided on the table top and under which is disposed an antenna device connected to the communication unit, and an information processing unit contained in said memory and a display device of a message output device obtained at least in part from the information contained in said memory, said display device comprising a screen disposed on the top of the control station housing.
  • a communication unit able to exchange, read-only or read / write, information with the memory of a token placed in a zone control device provided on the table top and under which is disposed an antenna device connected to the communication unit, and an information processing unit contained in said memory and a display device of a message output device obtained at least in part from the information contained in said memory, said display device comprising a screen disposed on the top of the control station housing.
  • the token control area (and its antenna) next to the token storage area, in this case a token locker, and the display screen. display on the tray also next to the coin locker, all within easy reach and view of the table operator, a croupier, and obtain a table for electronic chip chips with improved ergonomics and well secure.
  • the screen of the display device is in the form of a flat screen mounted flush on the plate.
  • the table for game chips is of the type in which the plate has a rectangular or pseudo-rectangular shape with two long sides, respectively the proximal operator side carrying said storage area also of rectangular or pseudo-rectangular shape and the distal client side, the token control area being provided near a small side of said storage area.
  • control zone and the screen of the display device are disposed substantially on both sides of a distal angle (client side) of the storage area.
  • the screen of the display device has a single reading line arranged parallel to the large proximal side of the plate. This feature makes it easier to set up the screen on the board while ensuring a quick check of the authenticity of the tokens by displaying the total value read of the chips arranged in the control area to be compared with the calculated value.
  • the number of chips present simultaneously in the control zone is usually quite limited, between 10 to 20 chips.
  • the communication unit is disposed wholly or partly under the table top, said control station also integrating in its case the information processing unit with a connected output. to the display device.
  • the table is of the game table type in which the token storage area is in the form of a token locker.
  • the token check zone is arranged next to the tipping box.
  • the screen is placed just in front of the coin locker on the client side.
  • the table has two token control areas implanted laterally on each side of the token rack and combined with a central screen relative to the rack or two side screens.
  • the screen or the screens is or are placed (s) just in front of the client-side token locker.
  • the table comprises on the table top other areas of reading or electronic read / write of the tokens associated with antennas suitably connected by multiplexing to the control station and through said checkpoint on the screen of the display device.
  • the reading or electronic reading / writing zones are constituted by the game stations of the table, the position on which the players deposit their tokens.
  • the invention is applicable to gaming tables, including the game tables of 'Blackjack', 'Baccarat' of 'Mini Baccarat', 'Stud Poker' or derivative games.
  • the invention is also applicable to cash tables or exchange tables.
  • the invention also relates to a game room or casino monitoring equipment comprising at least one gaming table as presented above in all its variants and at least one display duplicator associated with said display device and comprising a second screen placed outside the table to be viewed by a second operator of the gaming room or casino.
  • the display duplicator is disposed in the vicinity of the location of the table leader or a table supervisor.
  • the display duplicator is integrated, using an external serial interface, an IP network or a similar network, the video surveillance system of the game room with display inlay on monitors of video monitors of security or security agents in the gaming hall or casino.
  • Table 10 according to the invention illustrated at figure 1 relates in a non-limiting manner a table game 'Blackjack' only visible by its plate 12 seen from above.
  • the plate 12 has a pseudo-rectangular shape with two long sides 14 and 16 and two short sides 15 and 17.
  • the first large side 14 said operator side or proximal side has a substantially straight edge in front of which stands the operator of the casino, in general a dealer 18 shown schematically on the figure 1 in front of a storage area 21 for the game chips, made in this case by a token locker 22.
  • the other large side 16 said client side or distal side has a curved convex edge in front of which are held customers, in this case three players 20 also represented in front of their respective play stations 19.
  • the tray 12 is generally covered with a carpet of felt, wool or synthetic material on which is printed a decoration including among others seven play stations 19 where the various players deposit their chips and illustrated each in the form of rectangular marking.
  • some game tables of 'BlackJack' have six or nine game stations (also called 'spot' or 'betting position') while Baccarat tables have up to twelve or fourteen positions
  • the board 12 carries the coin locker 22, which is generally removable, rectangular in shape, placed in the middle of the edge 14 and has a capacity of between 100 and 200 chips distributed in about fifteen U-shaped housings or gutters 23 to accommodate horizontal columns of chips 24 arranged on the edge.
  • the tray 12 door to the right of the token locker 22 relative to the dealer 18 a tip box ('tip box') 26 integrated tray and having a slot 27 in which the croupier can slide the tips in the form of gambling chips.
  • the tray 12 shows a reading zone 28 (shown hatched on the figure 1 and delimited by an angle marking at the 4 corners) and on which are placed, by way of non-limiting example, two game chips 25.
  • the plate 12 comprises flush, and optionally protected by a window or a sheet of transparent plastic material, the screen 30 of a display device 32 (shown in FIG. figure 2 ) disposed parallel to the edge 14 of the plate along the rack 22 near the apex of the angle 31.
  • the screen 30, of any known type, in particular of the LED type, or LCD liquid crystal type to reflecting mirror or possibly backlit, is presented, not limited to, in the form of a single-line ribbon to ensure good legibility for the dealer while minimizing the position taken by the screen on the tray.
  • the figure 2 schematically represents the control station 34 used with the table according to the invention.
  • the station 34 comprises an analog section 36, defining a communication unit for exchanging information with the electronic chips 37 of the tokens 25 placed in the control zone 28, and a digital section 38 defining a microprocessor-based digital processing unit.
  • the two sections are in the form of two electronic cards arranged in the same box 35 fixed to the table 10 under the plate 12 or to the base (not shown) of the table 10.
  • the processing unit 38 can be output, in whole or in part, from the housing 35, to be integrated or associated by an appropriate network to a central server, possibly equipped with a database for the batches of tokens in use and tables in activity in the gaming room or casino, and adapted to manage or serve a plurality of tables according to the invention.
  • a central server possibly equipped with a database for the batches of tokens in use and tables in activity in the gaming room or casino, and adapted to manage or serve a plurality of tables according to the invention.
  • the control station 34 comprises the antenna device 29 covering the control zone 28 and suitably connected to the communication unit 36.
  • the table according to the invention may also comprise other analogous antenna devices arranged under the plate 12 to cover other control zones on the plate 12 (see for example the plates with two control zones illustrated in FIGS. 3b ), or from the same control 34 with serial antenna assembly or with parallel connection combined with an antenna selection or multiplexing interface (not shown) or from other separate control stations preferably synchronized transmission / reception.
  • an electronic token locker (not shown) itself equipped with a reading station or read / write in the memory of the tokens present in the various columns of the rack, for example and by way of non-limiting example, an electronic locker of the type described in the patent EP 1461783 in the name of the Applicant.
  • control station 34 is of the type and read / write 34 with a reading capacity in the memory chips on the one hand and a write capacity in the memory chips on the other hand.
  • the checkpoint in a simplified version comprises only reading means in the chip memory, its structure and operation being similar to those described below for the reading control station. / writing 34.
  • each token 25 comprises an electronic circuit 37 whose memory contains coded information specific to the token so as to allow its identification and authentication with the aid of an appropriate reading unit (read-only unit or read / write operating in read mode).
  • the electronic circuits (not shown) of the chips are of the microcircuit type and equipped with a non-reprogrammable memory (for example of the PROM type) with a unique identification code of 32 or 64 bits comprising in general the serial number of the token or lot of token (its face value and other information concerning the token such as the name of the casino, etc., possibly being able to be stored in a database external to the chips with access from the token serial number or batch number).
  • the electronic identification circuit 37 of the token furthermore, whatever the type of memory used in the token, a circular coil peripheral antenna transmitter / receiver also implanted in the heart of the chip and adapted to be powered by inductive coupling. from the external antenna of the reading station or the reading / writing station (in this case the antenna 29 of the read / write control station 34 implanted in the plate 12 under the control zone 28).
  • the tokens are upgradeable and equipped with reprogrammable memory (for example EEPROM type) for reading and writing.
  • EEPROM erasable read-only memory
  • This possibility of modifying the information contained in the memory increases the degree of security of the electronic token, in particular by making it possible to change the authentication parameters in time.
  • the token is optionally equipped with a microprocessor capable of complex processing and transactions, such as, for example, the control of the dialogue between the reading station or the electronic reading station. and the token, according to which this dialogue is authorized only after a mutual authentication, with the introduction of password and / or cryptography type codes in the token and the electronic unit (in particular for encrypting the data during their authentication). transfer between the electronic unit and the token and vice versa).
  • a microprocessor capable of complex processing and transactions, such as, for example, the control of the dialogue between the reading station or the electronic reading station. and the token, according to which this dialogue is authorized only after a mutual authentication, with the introduction of password and / or cryptography type codes in the token and the electronic unit (in particular for encrypting the data during their authentication). transfer between the electronic unit and the token and vice versa).
  • the electronic circuit 37 of the chips 25 is adapted to allow either the reading and / or the simultaneous writing of several tokens or the discrimination between the chips, so as to work on tokens or stacked game boards.
  • the control station integrating the discrimination function is adapted to capture the identity of a first token in a batch of chips located in the radiated field of the invention. antenna 29, for example a stack of chips placed in the control zone 28. It is then possible to interact with this first token and to perform the desired read and / or write operations and then disable the token entered by sending it a dimming command.
  • the control station 34 continues its interrogations in search of other tokens in the working area of the antenna 29 to successively enter all the chips present.
  • the dialogue unit sends a command to reactivate all the tokens deactivated at the end of the dialogue or transaction.
  • This token discrimination function is also called an anti-collision function.
  • the antenna 29 of the wide-loop type has an active surface adapted to substantially cover the control zone 28 (for example 10 ⁇ 10 cm) at least several times the facial surface of a token 24 whose diameter is substantially between 40 and 50 mm and comprises one or more copper wire turns about 0.5 mm in diameter.
  • the read / write control station 34 of the "contactless" RFID type consists of the analog section 36 and the digital processing section 38.
  • the digital section 38 comprises a microcontroller which generates, interprets and processes the signals exchanged with the electronic memory chips.
  • the section or digital processing unit 38 also controls a sequential selection interface of antenna (s) reading chips (not shown) for example multiplexing type when the station 34 is used with several antennas.
  • It also comprises an oscillator that generates the carrier frequency (for example 125 kHertz) of the radio-frequency signal transmitted to the antennas, a time stamp circuit capable of giving the date and time of each event, PROM memories for storing the sequences of processing of the microcontroller, EEPROMs for storing the processed data and exchanging data with the electronic tokens and a RS232 / 485 type serial interface for connection to a server computer (not shown) either in point-to-point mode or in network.
  • the digital section is capable of reading and / or memorizing and / or checking the tokens present in the control zone 28 in a single reading or reading / writing and to make or control the total value thereof.
  • the digital section 38 is connected to the display device 32 and optionally to input peripherals (for example a keyboard or a keypad 40) and / or to other output peripherals (for example a printer and / or or a horn, not shown).
  • input peripherals for example a keyboard or a keypad 40
  • other output peripherals for example a printer and / or or a horn, not shown.
  • the keyboard or the numeric keypad 40 makes it possible to enter into the system information on the identity of the table concerned, presents the identity of the locker 22 in the case of a removable locker, the initial or final contents of the batch of chips in the keyboard) and / or the identity of the operator of Table.
  • the printer can print all or part of the information specific to the controlled tokens.
  • the analog section 36 contains an Analog / Digital (A / D) converter, a modulator and an amplifier. From the signals, commands and information from the digital part 38, it generates an amplitude-modulated radiofrequency analog signal which, via the selected antenna, conveys energy, data and a synchronization signal to the electronic memory tokens. .
  • the electronic tokens 25 are of the passive type (without internal energy storage) for reading or reading / writing.
  • the antenna 29 must thus provide the energy necessary for the operation of the electronic circuit of the chip and must ensure the transmission of data.
  • the working distances between the antenna 29 (integrated loop flat in the plate 12 parallel thereto) and the chips are defined according to the magnetic flux necessary for the proper operation of the electronic circuit of the chip and therefore depend on the inductance , antenna geometry and antenna current.
  • the faces of the chips 25 integrating the coils of the electronic circuits 36 are parallel to the loop of the antenna 29.
  • the invention is not limited to the gaming table described above: the invention is particularly applicable to gaming tables other than tables 'Blackjack' as far as the geometry of the plate, the position of the equipment and the drawings on the carpet of the corresponding game lend themselves to it, as well as to exchange or cash tables.
  • the invention is also not limited to a storage area defined by a horizontal column token locker but also covers other variants of areas or storage areas used in casinos and in particular those in which the tokens are stacked vertically.
  • the antenna 28 and the screen 30 are disposed on either side of the left distal angle 33 of the rack 22 in a manner symmetrical to that which is illustrated in FIG. figure 1 .
  • each game table 10a and 10b differs from the game table illustrated to the figure 1 and described above in that it comprises two token control areas 28, 28 'controlled by two antennas (antenna-like 29) connected in series or in parallel associated with the same control station of the type of control.
  • control station 34 (with an appropriate interface in case of parallel mounting), the control areas 28 and 28 'being arranged symmetrically with respect to the rack 22 in the vicinity of each of its short sides with either two display devices (identical or almost identical to the device 32) with their screens 30 and 30 'each arranged near the angles 31 and 33 of the rack (see table 10a illustrated figure 3a ) or a single display device whose screen 30 "is centered on the long side of the rack connecting the angles 31 and 33 (see table 10b illustrated figure 3b ), the length of the locker being compatible with easy reading of the display screen by the dealer.
  • These variants with two control zones make it possible to accelerate the token control operations by the croupier, the croupiers often working with both hands to save time.
  • FIGS 4 and 5 illustrate, still without limitation, a game table of 'BlackJack' 110 according to a second embodiment of the intention very close to the table 10 and with a control station 134 modified at the analog section 136 and the digital section 138 also very close to the checkpoint 34.
  • the description given above with reference to the Figures 1 and 2 also applies to the devices illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 and whose elements that are identical or almost identical to the elements described above retain the same numerical references.
  • elements similar to certain elements already described with references increased by 100 relative to the references of these elements already described.
  • the table 110 further comprises read zones or electronic read / write chips 128 covering the play stations ('spot') 19 of the table where players place their bets.
  • the corresponding antennas 129 are arranged on or in the tray 12 so as to cover the zones 128 and are connected to the control station 134 by a multiplexing circuit 152 arranged, without limitation, outside the housing 135 of the station 134
  • the display 132 comprises a screen 130 with two lines, a line giving the information coming from the control zone 28 (antenna 29), the other line giving the information coming from one of the game stations or 'spots' 19 indicating the serial number identifying the 'spot' displayed.
  • the display comprises one (or more) keys (s) 149 (shown only on the figure 5 ) connected to the keyboard 140 and allowing the selection of the 'spot' to be displayed.
  • the invention is not limited to the embodiment described here and also includes other analogous or functionally derived arrangements and placement of the reading zones 128 on the table, antennas 29 and 129 at their level. numbers and their connections to the station 134 (the antenna 29 can also be connected to the multiplexing circuit 152), the number of 'spots' displayed simultaneously and the number of display lines of the screen 130 and the selection means of the 'spots' displayed.
  • the table 110 can be modified and incorporate one or the other of the table variants of the type described according to the tables 10a and 10b.
  • the invention also relates to a game room or casino monitoring equipment associated with a game table according to the invention previously described according to one or the other embodiment described (table 10 or table 110) intended to duplicate all or part of the information displayed on the screen 30 (or 130) to another place of the gambling hall or casino to be viewed by another operator than the dealer 18 of the gaming table.
  • this other operator can be the head of table 146 monitoring from his chair in general four gaming tables (direct duplication) and / or security agents of the casino installed in a video surveillance station (integration with video surveillance).
  • the figure 5 illustrates a checkpoint, item 134, modified to incorporate this additional dual feature.
  • the reference 144 designates the desk of the table leader 146 in which is disposed the display duplicator device 132a whose screen 130a duplicator of the screen 130 is identical or almost identical to the latter and mounted in parallel with it.
  • the console 144 comprises three other duplicating devices 148 connected to the control stations (not shown) associated with three other game tables according to the invention (not shown) identical or similar to the table 110.
  • the control station 134 comprises a external serial interface interface output 150 or PI network interface or the like connected to a video surveillance station (not shown) whose video monitors receive a display signal by inlaying the information displayed on the screen 130.
  • the invention is not limited to the embodiment described here of the monitoring equipment and also includes other analogous or derived arrangements both at the level of the direct duplication function and at the level of integration with the video surveillance. Moreover, the invention is not limited to the type of table 110 with the additional reading or reading / writing zones 128 associated with the game stations 19, but also covers monitoring equipment for game tables of types described in connection with the tables 10, 10a and 10b (with the corresponding modifications at the level of the table and the control station similar to those described in relation to the table 110).

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Abstract

A gaming table (10) suitable for use with silicon memory chip gaming chips and comprising a tabletop (12) having a storage rack (22) for the gaming chips and a monitoring station having a communication unit suitable for exchanging, by means of an antenna device (29), information with the memory of a gaming chip (25) placed in a monitoring zone (28) on the tabletop, wherein the communication unit is associated with a digital processing unit that displays an output message on the screen (30) of a display device. The arrangement of the table (10) is such that the screen (30) of the display device is physically separated from the housing of the monitoring station, and the monitoring zone (28) and the screen (30) are closely spaced on the tabletop (12) adjacent the rack (22), within reach and in view of the operator (18). The gaming table is suitable for use in casinos and gaming rooms.

Description

La présente invention concerne une table pour jetons de jeu à puce électronique à mémoire utilisée dans les casinos et les salles de jeu. L'invention est particulièrement intéressante pour des tables de jeux, notamment des tables de jeu de 'Blackjack', de 'Baccarat' ou de 'Mini Baccarat', de 'Stud Poker' ou de jeux dérivés, mais peut également être utilisée avec profit pour des tables de caisse ou des tables de change.The present invention relates to a table for gaming chip chips with memory used in casinos and gambling halls. The invention is particularly interesting for gaming tables, including tables of 'Blackjack' game, 'Baccarat 'or' Mini Baccarat ',' Stud Poker 'or derivative games, but can also be used profitably for cash tables or exchange tables.

Par jeton de jeu ou jeton de 'casino', on entend tout élément en forme de disque ou de plaque et représentant une valeur nominale ou non. D'une façon générale les jetons sont fabriqués en matière plastique rigide et résistante aux rayures. Les jetons présentent des motifs variés en dessins et en couleurs pour former un décor plus ou moins complexe et réduire les risques de falsification et/ou de reproduction frauduleuse.Gambling tokens or 'casino' tokens are any disc or plate-shaped element representing a nominal value or not. In general, tokens are made of rigid and scratch-resistant plastic. The tokens have various patterns in designs and colors to form a more or less complex decor and reduce the risk of forgery and / or fraudulent reproduction.

De plus pour faciliter la gestion et le suivi des jetons et diminuer encore le risques d'utilisation frauduleuse, certains jetons portent de l'information codée par intégration dans le corps du jeton d'un circuit électronique à mémoire dans lequel sont stockées des informations concernant le jeton, notamment son numéro ou code d'identification et sa valeur numérique. Ces jetons équipés de circuits électroniques à mémoire sont également appelés « jetons à mémoire électronique » « jetons à puce électronique » ou « jetons à circuit électronique ». Selon les modèles des jetons, les circuits électroniques sont du type à mémoire simple PROM, à mémoire reprogrammable EEPROM ou même à microprocesseurs assortis d'une mémoire.In addition to facilitating the management and tracking of tokens and further reduce the risk of fraudulent use, some tokens carry information coded by integration into the body of the token of an electronic memory circuit in which information about the token, including its number or identification code and its numerical value. These tokens equipped with electronic memory circuits are also called "electronic memory tokens" "chip tokens" or "tokens electronic circuit". According to the models of the tokens, the electronic circuits are of the simple memory type PROM, reprogrammable memory EEPROM or even microprocessors with a memory.

Les jetons de jeux sont souvent stockés dans des plateaux ou casiers qui servent classiquement de réserves locales à jetons aux tables de change et/ou aux tables de jeux. Un casier contient les jetons échangés contre des valeurs, par exemple des jetons ou plaques de valeurs faciales différentes, monnaie, etc. Il est également possible d'y prélever les jetons nécessaires au paiement des mises gagnantes et d'y ranger les jetons provenant des mises perdantes. Bien évidemment le casier doit faire l'objet d'une surveillance continuelle par l'opérateur de la table, en l'espèce le croupier.Game chips are often stored in trays or lockers that typically serve as local currency chips at currency exchange tables and / or gaming tables. A locker contains tokens exchanged for values, for example tokens or plates of different face values, currency, etc. It is also possible to collect the chips needed to pay the winning bets and store chips from losing bets. Of course the locker must be continuously monitored by the operator of the table, in this case the croupier.

Dans le but de lutter contre les fraudes, et/ou les erreurs de comptage ou de manipulation des jetons à puce électronique, il a déjà été proposé dans le brevet EP 0740818 au nom du Demandeur d'équiper des tables de jeu, de change ou de caisse d'un poste de contrôle de jetons de jeu permettant le contrôle de l'authenticité et/ou la valeur des jetons à puce électronique. Le poste de contrôle, de type RFID (identification sans contact par radiofréquence), comporte dans un boîtier une unité de communication apte à échanger, en lecture seule ou en lecture/écriture, des informations avec la mémoire d'un jeton placé dans une zone de contrôle prévue sur le plateau de la table et sous laquelle est disposé un dispositif d'antenne reliée à l'unité de communication, et une unité de traitement de l'information contenue dans ladite mémoire et un dispositif d'affichage d'un message de sortie obtenu au moins en partie à partir de l'information contenue dans ladite mémoire, ledit dispositif d'affichage comportant un écran disposé sur le dessus du boîtier du poste de contrôle. Pour permettre à l'opérateur de la table, le plus souvent un croupier ou un contrôleur, de visualiser l'écran d'affichage il est prévu dans l'agencement décrit dans le brevet EP 0740818 de disposer le boîtier du poste de contrôle dans le plateau de la table sous une petite fenêtre pratiquée dans le plateau.In order to fight against fraud, and / or counting errors or manipulation of chip chips, it has already been proposed in the patent EP 0740818 in the name of the Applicant to equip gaming, currency or cash tables with a gaming chips checkpoint allowing the authenticity and / or the value of the chips to be checked. The control station, RFID type (identification without radio frequency contact), comprises in a housing a communication unit able to exchange, read-only or read / write, information with the memory of a token placed in a zone control device provided on the table top and under which is disposed an antenna device connected to the communication unit, and an information processing unit contained in said memory and a display device of a message output device obtained at least in part from the information contained in said memory, said display device comprising a screen disposed on the top of the control station housing. To allow the operator of the table, most often a dealer or a controller, to view the display screen it is provided in the arrangement described in the patent EP 0740818 arrange the control station housing in the table top under a small window in the tray.

Cet agencement s'est avéré mal aisé pour des tables de jeux relativement petites, par exemple les tables de 'Blackjack' et dont le plateau est assez encombré, notamment par le casier à jetons, la ou les antennes des zones de contrôle des jetons, la boîte à pourboire ('tip box'), etc. Une solution consistant à disposer le boîtier avec son écran d'affichage sous le plateau de la table en débordant un peu du côté de l'opérateur n'est pas vraiment satisfaisante dans la mesure où le boîtier risque de gêner les mouvements du croupier et où la position de l'écran oblige le croupier à baisser les yeux hors du champ du plateau de la table et a son attention détournée de l'aire de jeu, ce qui n'est pas recommandé en ce qui concerne la sécurité et la surveillance de la table, du casier et des joueurs.This arrangement has proved difficult for relatively small games tables, for example tables 'Blackjack' and the tray is quite crowded, including the coin locker, the antenna or the areas of control of tokens, the tip box, etc. A solution consisting in arranging the case with its display screen under the table top by projecting a little on the operator's side is not really satisfactory since the case may hinder the movements of the dealer and where the position of the screen forces the dealer to lower his eyes out of the field of the table top and to his diverted attention from the playing area, which is not recommended with regard to the security and surveillance of the table, the locker and the players.

Il existe donc un besoin pour une table pour jetons de jeu à puce électronique à mémoire, équipée d'un poste de contrôle RFID pour vérifier l'authenticité, le comptage et/ou la valeur des jetons, présentant une ergonomie améliorée pour l'opérateur et notamment permettant une vision de l'écran d'affichage dans le champ du plateau de la table.There is therefore a need for an electronic chip chip game board equipped with an RFID checkpoint to check the authenticity, counting and / or value of chips, with improved ergonomics for the operator. and in particular allowing a view of the display screen in the field of the table top.

A cette fin l'invention propose une table pour jetons de jeu à puce électronique à mémoire comportant :

  • un plateau de table comportant une zone de stockage des jetons et au moins une zone de contrôle des jetons,
  • au moins un poste de contrôle comportant une unité de communication apte à échanger des informations avec la mémoire d'un jeton placé dans ladite zone de contrôle au moyen d'un dispositif d'antenne disposé sur et/ou dans ledit plateau, l'unité de communication étant associée à une unité de traitement de l'information contenue dans ladite mémoire,
  • au moins un dispositif d'affichage d'un message de sortie obtenu de l'unité de traitement au moins en partie à partir de l'information contenue dans ladite mémoire, ledit dispositif d'affichage comportant un écran disposé sur et/ou dans ledit plateau,
    caractérisée en ce que le dispositif d'affichage est séparé physiquement du boîtier du poste de contrôle et en ce que la zone de contrôle des jetons et l'écran sont disposés proches l'un de l'autre à côté de ladite zone de stockage à portée de main et de vue de l'opérateur de la table.
To this end, the invention proposes a table for chip chips with a memory chip comprising:
  • a table top having a token storage area and at least one token check area,
  • at least one control station comprising a communication unit able to exchange information with the memory of a token placed in said control zone by means of an antenna device disposed on and / or in said plate, the unit communication device being associated with an information processing unit contained in said memory,
  • at least one display device of an output message obtained from the processing unit at least in part from the information contained in said memory, said display device comprising a screen disposed on and / or in said tray,
    characterized in that the display device is physically separated from the control station housing and in that the token control area and the screen are arranged close to each other adjacent to said storage area. reach of hand and sight of the operator of the table.

Grâce au nouvel agencement selon l'invention, il est possible de disposer la zone de contrôle des jetons (et son antenne) à côté de la zone de stockage des jetons, en l'espèce un casier à jetons, et l'écran d'affichage sur le plateau également à côté du casier à jetons, le tout à portée de main et de vue de l'opérateur de la table, un croupier, et d'obtenir une table pour jetons de jeu à puce électronique à ergonomie améliorée et bien sécurisée.Thanks to the new arrangement according to the invention, it is possible to arrange the token control area (and its antenna) next to the token storage area, in this case a token locker, and the display screen. display on the tray also next to the coin locker, all within easy reach and view of the table operator, a croupier, and obtain a table for electronic chip chips with improved ergonomics and well secure.

Selon une première variante de réalisation de l'invention, l'écran du dispositif d'affichage se présente sous la forme d'un écran plat monté en affleurement sur le plateau.According to a first embodiment of the invention, the screen of the display device is in the form of a flat screen mounted flush on the plate.

Selon une autre variante la table pour jetons de jeu est du type dans lequel le plateau présente une forme rectangulaire ou pseudo-rectangulaire avec deux grands côtés, respectivement le côté opérateur proximal porteur de ladite zone de stockage également de forme rectangulaire ou pseudo-rectangulaire et le côté clients distal, la zone de contrôle des jetons étant prévue au voisinage d'un petit coté de ladite zone de stockage.According to another variant, the table for game chips is of the type in which the plate has a rectangular or pseudo-rectangular shape with two long sides, respectively the proximal operator side carrying said storage area also of rectangular or pseudo-rectangular shape and the distal client side, the token control area being provided near a small side of said storage area.

Avantageusement la zone de contrôle et l'écran du dispositif d'affichage sont disposés sensiblement de part et d'autre d'un angle distal (côté client) de la zone de stockage.Advantageously, the control zone and the screen of the display device are disposed substantially on both sides of a distal angle (client side) of the storage area.

Selon une autre variante de réalisation de l'invention, l'écran du dispositif d'affichage présente une seule ligne de lecture disposée parallèlement au grand côté proximal du plateau. Cette particularité permet de faciliter la mise en place de l'écran sur le plateau tout en assurant une vérification rapide de l'authenticité des jetons par un affichage de la valeur totale lue des jetons disposés dans la zone de contrôle à comparer avec la valeur calculée de tête par le croupier, le nombre de jetons présents simultanément dans la zone de contrôle étant habituellement assez limité, compris entre 10 à 20 jetons.According to another embodiment of the invention, the screen of the display device has a single reading line arranged parallel to the large proximal side of the plate. This feature makes it easier to set up the screen on the board while ensuring a quick check of the authenticity of the tokens by displaying the total value read of the chips arranged in the control area to be compared with the calculated value. by the croupier, the number of chips present simultaneously in the control zone is usually quite limited, between 10 to 20 chips.

Selon encore une autre variante de réalisation de l'invention, l'unité de communication est disposée en tout ou partie sous le plateau de la table, ledit poste de contrôle intégrant également dans son boîtier l'unité de traitement des informations avec une sortie reliée au dispositif d'affichage.According to yet another variant embodiment of the invention, the communication unit is disposed wholly or partly under the table top, said control station also integrating in its case the information processing unit with a connected output. to the display device.

Selon encore une autre variante de réalisation de l'invention, la table est du type table de jeu dans laquelle la zone de stockage des jetons se présente sous la forme d'un casier à jetons. Avantageusement la zone de contrôle de jetons est disposée à côté de la boîte à pourboires. Tout aussi avantageusement l'écran est placé juste devant le casier à jetons côté clients.According to yet another variant embodiment of the invention, the table is of the game table type in which the token storage area is in the form of a token locker. Advantageously, the token check zone is arranged next to the tipping box. Just as favorably the screen is placed just in front of the coin locker on the client side.

Selon encore une autre variante de réalisation de l'invention, la table comporte deux zones de contrôle de jetons implantées latéralement de chaque côté du casier à jetons et combinées à un écran central par rapport au casier ou à deux écrans latéraux.According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the table has two token control areas implanted laterally on each side of the token rack and combined with a central screen relative to the rack or two side screens.

Avantageusement, l'écran ou les écrans est ou sont placé(s) juste devant le casier à jetons côté clients.Advantageously, the screen or the screens is or are placed (s) just in front of the client-side token locker.

Selon encore une autre variante de réalisation de l'invention, la table comporte sur le plateau de la table d'autres zones de lecture ou lecture/écriture électronique des jetons associées à des antennes convenablement reliées par multiplexage au poste de contrôle et au travers dudit poste de contrôle à l'écran du dispositif d'affichage. Avantageusement les zones de lecture ou lecture/écriture électronique sont constituées par les postes de jeu de la table, poste sur lesquels les joueurs déposent leurs mises en jetons.According to yet another variant embodiment of the invention, the table comprises on the table top other areas of reading or electronic read / write of the tokens associated with antennas suitably connected by multiplexing to the control station and through said checkpoint on the screen of the display device. Advantageously, the reading or electronic reading / writing zones are constituted by the game stations of the table, the position on which the players deposit their tokens.

L'invention est applicable aux tables de jeu, notamment aux tables de jeu de 'Blackjack', de 'Baccarat' de 'Mini Baccarat', de 'Stud Poker' ou de jeux dérivés.
L'invention est également applicable aux tables de caisse ou aux tables de change.The invention is applicable to gaming tables, including the game tables of 'Blackjack', 'Baccarat' of 'Mini Baccarat', 'Stud Poker' or derivative games.
The invention is also applicable to cash tables or exchange tables.

L'invention concerne également un équipement de surveillance de salle de jeu ou de casino comportant au moins une table de jeu telle que présentée ci-avant dans toutes ses variantes et au moins un duplicateur d'affichage associé audit dispositif d'affichage et comportant un second écran placé en dehors de la table pour être visualisé par un second opérateur de la salle de jeu ou du casino.The invention also relates to a game room or casino monitoring equipment comprising at least one gaming table as presented above in all its variants and at least one display duplicator associated with said display device and comprising a second screen placed outside the table to be viewed by a second operator of the gaming room or casino.

Selon une première variante de l'équipement de surveillance le duplicateur d'affichage est disposé au voisinage de l'emplacement du chef de table ou d'un surveillant de table.According to a first variant of the monitoring equipment the display duplicator is disposed in the vicinity of the location of the table leader or a table supervisor.

Selon une autre variante le duplicateur d'affichage est intégré, à l'aide d'une interface externe série, d'un réseau IP ou d'un réseau analogue, au système de vidéo surveillance de la salle de jeu avec affichage par incrustation sur les écrans de moniteurs vidéo des agents de surveillance ou de sécurité de la salle de jeu ou du casino.According to another variant the display duplicator is integrated, using an external serial interface, an IP network or a similar network, the video surveillance system of the game room with display inlay on monitors of video monitors of security or security agents in the gaming hall or casino.

D'autres buts, caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description qui va suivre d'un mode de réalisation préférentiel de l'invention donné à titre d'exemple non limitatif, en référence aux dessins ci-joints dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente une vue schématique de dessus d'une table pour jetons de jeu à puce électronique selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 représente une représentation schématique du poste de contrôle de jetons de jeu à puce électronique associé à la table illustrée à la figure 1 ;
  • les figures 3a et 3b représentent une vue schématique partielle du dessus des plateaux de deux variantes de réalisation de tables selon l'invention équipées chacune de deux zones de contrôle des jetons ;
  • la figure 4 représente une vue schématique de dessus d'une table pour jetons de jeu à puce électronique selon un second mode de réalisation de l'invention ; et
  • la figure 5 représente une représentation schématique du poste de contrôle de jetons de jeu à puce électronique associé à la table illustrée à la figure 4.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :
  • the figure 1 represents a schematic top view of an electronic chip game chip table according to a first embodiment of the invention;
  • the figure 2 represents a schematic representation of the chip chip checkpoint checkpoint associated with the table illustrated in FIG. figure 1 ;
  • the Figures 3a and 3b represent a partial schematic view of the top of the trays of two variant embodiments of tables according to the invention each equipped with two token control areas;
  • the figure 4 is a schematic top view of an electronic chip tokens table according to a second embodiment of the invention; and
  • the figure 5 represents a schematic representation of the chip chip checkpoint checkpoint associated with the table illustrated in FIG. figure 4 .

Sur ces figures, non limitatives, les différents éléments ne sont pas nécessairement représentés à la même échelle. Des références identiques ont été utilisées sur les différentes figures pour désigner des éléments identiques ou similaires. Les dimensions sont fournies à titre d'exemples seulement.In these nonlimiting figures, the different elements are not necessarily represented on the same scale. Identical references have been used in the various figures to designate identical or similar elements. Dimensions are provided as examples only.

La table 10 selon l'invention illustrée à la figure 1 concerne de façon non limitative une table de jeu de 'Blackjack' seulement visible par son plateau 12 vu de dessus. Le plateau 12 présente une forme pseudo rectangulaire avec deux grands côtés 14 et 16 et deux petits côtés 15 et 17. Le premier grand côté 14 dit côté opérateur ou côté proximal présente un bord sensiblement rectiligne devant lequel se tient l'opérateur du casino, en général un croupier 18 représenté schématiquement sur la figure 1, en face d'une zone de stockage 21 pour les jetons de jeu, réalisée en l'espèce par un casier à jetons 22. L'autre grand côté 16 dit côté clients ou côté distal présente un bord convexe courbe devant lequel se tiennent les clients, en l'espèce trois joueurs 20 également représentés devant leurs postes de jeux respectifs 19. Comme on peut le voir sur la figure 1 le plateau 12 est en général recouvert d'un tapis de feutre , de laine ou de matière synthétique sur lequel est imprimé un décor comprenant entre autres sept postes de jeu 19 où les divers joueurs déposent leur mises en jetons et illustrés chacun sous la forme d'un marquage rectangulaire. Sans sortir du cadre de l'invention, certaines tables de jeu de 'BlackJack' comportent six ou neuf postes de jeu (également appelés 'spot' ou 'betting position') tandis que les tables de Baccarat comportent jusqu'à douze ou quatorze postes de jeu. Le plateau 12 porte le casier à jetons 22 en général amovible, de forme rectangulaire, placé au milieu du bord 14 et d'une capacité comprise entre 100 et 200 jetons répartis dans une quinzaine de logements ou gouttières en U 23 pour accueillir horizontalement des colonnes de jetons 24 disposés sur la tranche. De façon classique dans les tables de jeu de 'Blackjack', le plateau 12 porte à droite du casier à jeton 22 par rapport au croupier 18 une boîte à pourboire ('tip box') 26 intégrée au plateau et présentant une fente 27 dans laquelle le croupier peut glisser les pourboires sous forme de jetons de jeu.Table 10 according to the invention illustrated at figure 1 relates in a non-limiting manner a table game 'Blackjack' only visible by its plate 12 seen from above. The plate 12 has a pseudo-rectangular shape with two long sides 14 and 16 and two short sides 15 and 17. The first large side 14 said operator side or proximal side has a substantially straight edge in front of which stands the operator of the casino, in general a dealer 18 shown schematically on the figure 1 in front of a storage area 21 for the game chips, made in this case by a token locker 22. The other large side 16 said client side or distal side has a curved convex edge in front of which are held customers, in this case three players 20 also represented in front of their respective play stations 19. As can be seen on the figure 1 the tray 12 is generally covered with a carpet of felt, wool or synthetic material on which is printed a decoration including among others seven play stations 19 where the various players deposit their chips and illustrated each in the form of rectangular marking. Without departing from the scope of the invention, some game tables of 'BlackJack' have six or nine game stations (also called 'spot' or 'betting position') while Baccarat tables have up to twelve or fourteen positions The board 12 carries the coin locker 22, which is generally removable, rectangular in shape, placed in the middle of the edge 14 and has a capacity of between 100 and 200 chips distributed in about fifteen U-shaped housings or gutters 23 to accommodate horizontal columns of chips 24 arranged on the edge. Conventionally in the game tables of 'Blackjack', the tray 12 door to the right of the token locker 22 relative to the dealer 18 a tip box ('tip box') 26 integrated tray and having a slot 27 in which the croupier can slide the tips in the form of gambling chips.

Pour terminer la présentation du plateau 12, celui-ci montre une zone de lecture 28 (représentée hachurée sur la figure 1 et délimitée par un marquage d'angle au 4 coins) et sur laquelle sont placés, à titre d'exemple non limitatif, deux jetons de jeu 25. La zone de contrôle 28, ceinturée par une antenne 29 représentée en ligne à tirets, est disposée à côté de la boîte à pourboire 26 à proximité de l'angle distal droit 31 du casier 22. Le plateau 12 comporte en affleurement, et éventuellement protégé par une vitre ou une feuille de matière plastique transparente, l'écran 30 d'un dispositif d'affichage 32 (illustré à la figure 2) disposé parallèlement au bord 14 du plateau le long du casier 22 près du sommet de l'angle 31. L'écran 30, d'un quelconque type connu, notamment du type à diodes électroluminescentes LED, ou du type à cristaux liquides LCD à miroir réfléchissant ou éventuellement rétro-éclairé, se présente, à titre non limitatif, sous la forme d'un ruban à une seule ligne pour assurer bonne lisibilité pour le croupier tout en minimisant la place prise par l'écran sur le plateau.To end the presentation of the tray 12, it shows a reading zone 28 (shown hatched on the figure 1 and delimited by an angle marking at the 4 corners) and on which are placed, by way of non-limiting example, two game chips 25. The control zone 28, surrounded by an antenna 29 shown in dashed line, is arranged next to the tip box 26 near the right distal angle 31 of the rack 22. The plate 12 comprises flush, and optionally protected by a window or a sheet of transparent plastic material, the screen 30 of a display device 32 (shown in FIG. figure 2 ) disposed parallel to the edge 14 of the plate along the rack 22 near the apex of the angle 31. The screen 30, of any known type, in particular of the LED type, or LCD liquid crystal type to reflecting mirror or possibly backlit, is presented, not limited to, in the form of a single-line ribbon to ensure good legibility for the dealer while minimizing the position taken by the screen on the tray.

La figure 2 représente schématiquement le poste de contrôle 34 utilisé avec la table selon l'invention. Le poste 34 comporte une section analogique 36, définissant une unité de communication pour échanger des informations avec les puces électroniques 37 des jetons 25 placés dans la zone de contrôle 28, et une section digitale 38 définissant une unité de traitement numérique à microprocesseur. Toujours à titre non limitatif les deux sections se présentent sous la forme de deux cartes électroniques disposées dans un même boîtier 35 fixé à la table 10 sous le plateau 12 ou au piètement (non représenté) de la table 10. Bien entendu sans sortir du cadre de l'invention, l'unité de traitement 38 peut être sortie, en tout ou partie, du boîtier 35, pour être intégrée ou associée par un réseau approprié à un serveur central, éventuellement équipé d'une base de données concernant les lots de jetons en service et les tables en activité dans la salle de jeux ou le casino, et adapté pour gérer ou servir une pluralité de tables selon l'invention.The figure 2 schematically represents the control station 34 used with the table according to the invention. The station 34 comprises an analog section 36, defining a communication unit for exchanging information with the electronic chips 37 of the tokens 25 placed in the control zone 28, and a digital section 38 defining a microprocessor-based digital processing unit. Still in a nonlimiting manner, the two sections are in the form of two electronic cards arranged in the same box 35 fixed to the table 10 under the plate 12 or to the base (not shown) of the table 10. Of course without leaving the frame of the invention, the processing unit 38 can be output, in whole or in part, from the housing 35, to be integrated or associated by an appropriate network to a central server, possibly equipped with a database for the batches of tokens in use and tables in activity in the gaming room or casino, and adapted to manage or serve a plurality of tables according to the invention.

Le poste de contrôle 34 comporte le dispositif d'antenne 29 couvrant la zone de contrôle 28 et convenablement connecté à l'unité de communication 36. Sans sortir du cadre de l'invention, la table selon l'invention peut également comporter d'autres dispositifs d'antenne analogues disposés sous le plateau 12 pour couvrir d'autres zones de contrôle sur le plateau 12 (voir par exemple les plateaux à deux zones de contrôle illustrés aux figures 3aet 3b), soit à partir du même poste de contrôle 34 avec un montage en série des antennes ou avec un montage en parallèle combiné à une interface de sélection d'antenne ou de multiplexage (non représentée) soit à partir d'autres postes de contrôle distincts de préférence à émission/réception synchronisées. De plus il est également possible d'utiliser la table de jeu selon l'invention avec, en remplacement du simple casier 22, un casier à jetons électronique (non représenté) lui-même équipé d'un poste de lecture ou de lecture/écriture dans la mémoire des jetons présents dans les diverses colonnes du casier, par exemple et à titre d'exemple non limitatif, un casier électronique du type décrit dans le brevet EP 1461783 au nom du Demandeur.The control station 34 comprises the antenna device 29 covering the control zone 28 and suitably connected to the communication unit 36. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the table according to the invention may also comprise other analogous antenna devices arranged under the plate 12 to cover other control zones on the plate 12 (see for example the plates with two control zones illustrated in FIGS. 3b ), or from the same control 34 with serial antenna assembly or with parallel connection combined with an antenna selection or multiplexing interface (not shown) or from other separate control stations preferably synchronized transmission / reception. In addition it is also possible to use the gaming table according to the invention with, instead of the simple rack 22, an electronic token locker (not shown) itself equipped with a reading station or read / write in the memory of the tokens present in the various columns of the rack, for example and by way of non-limiting example, an electronic locker of the type described in the patent EP 1461783 in the name of the Applicant.

D'une façon classique le poste de contrôle 34 est du type et à lecture/écriture 34 avec une capacité de lecture dans la mémoire des jetons d'une part et une capacité d'écriture dans la mémoire des jetons d'autre part. Sans sortir du cadre de l'invention, le poste de contrôle dans une version simplifiée ne comporte que des moyens de lecture dans la mémoire des jetons, sa structure et son fonctionnement étant similaires à ceux décrits ci-après pour le poste de contrôle à lecture/écriture 34.In a conventional manner the control station 34 is of the type and read / write 34 with a reading capacity in the memory chips on the one hand and a write capacity in the memory chips on the other hand. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the checkpoint in a simplified version comprises only reading means in the chip memory, its structure and operation being similar to those described below for the reading control station. / writing 34.

L'invention utilise des jetons et/ou plaques de jeu perfectionnés comportant un dispositif d'identification électronique du type "sans contact". De façon plus précise chaque jeton 25 comporte un circuit électronique 37 dont la mémoire contient des informations codées propres au jeton de façon à permettre son identification et son authentification à l'aide d'une unité de lecture appropriée (unité de lecture seule ou unité de lecture/écriture fonctionnant en mode lecture). Dans la version la plus simple, les circuits électroniques (non représentés) des jetons sont du type à microcircuit et équipés d'une mémoire non reprogrammable (par exemple de type PROM) avec un code d'identification unique de 32 ou 64 bits comportant en général le numéro de série du jeton ou du lot de jeton (sa valeur nominale et d'autres informations concernant le jeton telles que le nom du casino, etc .., étant éventuellement susceptibles d'être mémorisées dans une base de données externe aux jetons avec accès à partir du numéro de série du jeton ou du numéro du lot). Le circuit électronique d'identification 37 du jeton comporte de plus, quel que soit le type de la mémoire utilisée dans le jeton, un émetteur/récepteur à antenne périphérique à bobine circulaire également implanté au coeur du jeton et adapté pour être alimenté par couplage inductif à partir de l'antenne extérieure du poste de lecture ou du poste de lecture/écriture (dans le cas présent l'antenne 29 du poste de contrôle à lecture/écriture 34 implantée dans le plateau 12 sous la zone de contrôle 28).The invention uses tokens and / or improved game boards comprising an electronic identification device of the "contactless" type. More precisely, each token 25 comprises an electronic circuit 37 whose memory contains coded information specific to the token so as to allow its identification and authentication with the aid of an appropriate reading unit (read-only unit or read / write operating in read mode). In the simplest version, the electronic circuits (not shown) of the chips are of the microcircuit type and equipped with a non-reprogrammable memory (for example of the PROM type) with a unique identification code of 32 or 64 bits comprising in general the serial number of the token or lot of token (its face value and other information concerning the token such as the name of the casino, etc., possibly being able to be stored in a database external to the chips with access from the token serial number or batch number). The electronic identification circuit 37 of the token furthermore, whatever the type of memory used in the token, a circular coil peripheral antenna transmitter / receiver also implanted in the heart of the chip and adapted to be powered by inductive coupling. from the external antenna of the reading station or the reading / writing station (in this case the antenna 29 of the read / write control station 34 implanted in the plate 12 under the control zone 28).

Dans une version plus élaborée, les jetons sont à code évolutif et équipés de mémoire reprogrammable (par exemple de type EEPROM) permettant la lecture et l'écriture. Cette possibilité de modifier les informations contenues dans la mémoire augmente le degré de sécurité du jeton électronique en particulier en permettant de changer dans le temps les paramètres d'authentification. De même, il est possible de personnaliser certaines zones de la mémoire puis de les configurer de manière réversible ou non dans un mode défini de zone mémoire à accès en lecture seule ou de zones à accès en lecture/écriture (parmi les informations concernant le jeton et ainsi mémorisées dans la mémoire de celui-ci, on peut citer, à titre non limitatif, outre le numéro de série du jeton ou du lot, la valeur nominale du jeton, le nom du casino, le numéro de fabrication du jeton et sa date de fabrication, etc ..). Dans une version optionnelle encore plus élaborée, le jeton de façon optionnelle est équipé d'un microprocesseur susceptible de réaliser des traitements et des transactions complexes, tels que par exemple, le contrôle du dialogue entre le poste de lecture ou le poste de lecture écriture électronique et le jeton, selon lequel ce dialogue n'est autorisé qu'après une mutuelle authentification, avec introduction de codes de type mots de passe et/ou clefs de cryptographie dans le jeton et l'unité électronique (notamment pour encrypter les données durant leur transfert entre l'unité électronique et le jeton et vice versa).In a more elaborate version, the tokens are upgradeable and equipped with reprogrammable memory (for example EEPROM type) for reading and writing. This possibility of modifying the information contained in the memory increases the degree of security of the electronic token, in particular by making it possible to change the authentication parameters in time. Similarly, it is possible to customize certain areas of the memory and then configure them reversibly or not in a defined mode read-only memory area or read / write access areas (among the information about the token and thus stored in the memory thereof, there may be mentioned, in a non-limiting manner, besides the serial number of the chip or the lot, the nominal value of the chip, the name of the casino, the number of manufacture of the chip and its date of manufacture, etc.). In an even more elaborate optional version, the token is optionally equipped with a microprocessor capable of complex processing and transactions, such as, for example, the control of the dialogue between the reading station or the electronic reading station. and the token, according to which this dialogue is authorized only after a mutual authentication, with the introduction of password and / or cryptography type codes in the token and the electronic unit (in particular for encrypting the data during their authentication). transfer between the electronic unit and the token and vice versa).

Par ailleurs, le circuit électronique 37 des jetons 25 est adapté pour permettre soit la lecture et/ou l'écriture simultanée de plusieurs jetons soit la discrimination entre les jetons, de façon à travailler sur des jetons ou plaques de jeu empilés. Dans le mode de réalisation de l'invention donné à titre non limitatif, le poste de contrôle intégrant la fonction de discrimination est adapté pour saisir l'identité d'un premier jeton dans un lot de jetons 25 situé dans le champ rayonné de l'antenne 29, par exemple une pile de jetons placée dans la zone de contrôle 28. Il est alors possible de dialoguer avec ce premier jeton et de faire les opérations de lecture et/ou d'écriture désirées puis de désactiver le jeton saisi en lui envoyant une commande de mise en veilleuse. Le poste de contrôle 34 continue ses interrogations à la recherche d'autres jetons dans la zone de travail de l'antenne 29 pour saisir successivement tous les jetons présents. Après la saisie et/ou le traitement du dernier jeton, l'unité de dialogue envoie une commande de réactivation de l'ensemble des jetons désactivés en fin de ou dialogue ou transaction. Cette fonction de discrimination des jetons est également appelée fonction anti-collision.Moreover, the electronic circuit 37 of the chips 25 is adapted to allow either the reading and / or the simultaneous writing of several tokens or the discrimination between the chips, so as to work on tokens or stacked game boards. In the embodiment of the invention given in a non-limiting manner, the control station integrating the discrimination function is adapted to capture the identity of a first token in a batch of chips located in the radiated field of the invention. antenna 29, for example a stack of chips placed in the control zone 28. It is then possible to interact with this first token and to perform the desired read and / or write operations and then disable the token entered by sending it a dimming command. The control station 34 continues its interrogations in search of other tokens in the working area of the antenna 29 to successively enter all the chips present. After entering and / or processing the last token, the dialogue unit sends a command to reactivate all the tokens deactivated at the end of the dialogue or transaction. This token discrimination function is also called an anti-collision function.

La structure et le mode de fabrication des jetons à circuit électronique à mémoire ne seront pas ici décrits en détails. A titre d'exemple non limitatif, la demande EP-A-0694872 au nom du demandeur présente plusieurs types de structures de jetons et plaques utilisables dans le cadre de la présente invention.The structure and the method of manufacture of chips electronic memory circuit will not be described in detail here. By way of non-limiting example, the demand A-0694872 EP on behalf of the applicant presents several types of token structures and plates usable in the context of the present invention.

Si l'on considère à nouveau la figure 2, l'antenne 29 du type à large boucle présente une surface active adaptée pour couvrir sensiblement la zone de contrôle 28 (par exemple de 10x10 cm) au moins égale à plusieurs fois la surface faciale d'un jeton 24 dont le diamètre est compris sensiblement entre 40 et 50 mm et comporte une ou plusieurs spires filaires en cuivre d'environ 0,5 mm de diamètre.If we consider again the figure 2 , the antenna 29 of the wide-loop type has an active surface adapted to substantially cover the control zone 28 (for example 10 × 10 cm) at least several times the facial surface of a token 24 whose diameter is substantially between 40 and 50 mm and comprises one or more copper wire turns about 0.5 mm in diameter.

Le poste de contrôle à lecture/écriture 34 de type RFID "sans contact" est constitué de la section analogique 36 et de la section de traitement numérique 38. La section numérique 38 comprend un microcontrôleur qui génère, interprète et traite les signaux échangés avec les jetons à mémoire électronique. La section ou unité de traitement numérique 38 commande également une interface de sélection séquentielle d'antenne(s) de lecture des jetons (non représentée) par exemple de type multiplexage quand le poste 34 est utilisée avec plusieurs antennes. Elle comporte également un oscillateur qui génère la fréquence porteuse (par exemple 125 kHertz) du signal radio-fréquence émis vers les antennes, un circuit horodateur capable de donner la date et l'heure de chaque événement, des mémoires PROM pour mémoriser les séquences de traitement du microcontrôleur, des mémoires EEPROM pour stocker les données traitées et échanger des données avec les jetons électroniques et une interface série du type RS232/485 pour une connexion avec un ordinateur serveur (non représenté) soit en mode point à point, soit en mode réseau. En particulier la section numérique est capable en seule lecture ou en lecture/écriture de lire et/ou mémoriser et/ou contrôler les jetons présents dans la zone de contrôle 28 et d'en faire ou en contrôler la valeur totale.The read / write control station 34 of the "contactless" RFID type consists of the analog section 36 and the digital processing section 38. The digital section 38 comprises a microcontroller which generates, interprets and processes the signals exchanged with the electronic memory chips. The section or digital processing unit 38 also controls a sequential selection interface of antenna (s) reading chips (not shown) for example multiplexing type when the station 34 is used with several antennas. It also comprises an oscillator that generates the carrier frequency (for example 125 kHertz) of the radio-frequency signal transmitted to the antennas, a time stamp circuit capable of giving the date and time of each event, PROM memories for storing the sequences of processing of the microcontroller, EEPROMs for storing the processed data and exchanging data with the electronic tokens and a RS232 / 485 type serial interface for connection to a server computer (not shown) either in point-to-point mode or in network. In particular, the digital section is capable of reading and / or memorizing and / or checking the tokens present in the control zone 28 in a single reading or reading / writing and to make or control the total value thereof.

De plus la section numérique 38 est reliée au dispositif d'affichage 32 et optionnellement à des périphériques d'entrée (par exemple un clavier ou un pavé numérique 40) et/ou à d'autres périphériques de sortie (par exemple une imprimante et/ou un avertisseur sonore, non représenté). Le clavier ou le pavé numérique 40 permet par exemple de rentrer dans le système des informations sur l'identité de la table concernée, présente l'identité du casier 22 dans le cas de casier amovible, le contenu initial ou final du lot de jetons dans le clavier) et/ou l'identité de l'opérateur de la table. De plus, l'imprimante pourra imprimer tout ou partie des informations propres aux jetons contrôlés.In addition, the digital section 38 is connected to the display device 32 and optionally to input peripherals (for example a keyboard or a keypad 40) and / or to other output peripherals (for example a printer and / or or a horn, not shown). For example, the keyboard or the numeric keypad 40 makes it possible to enter into the system information on the identity of the table concerned, presents the identity of the locker 22 in the case of a removable locker, the initial or final contents of the batch of chips in the keyboard) and / or the identity of the operator of Table. In addition, the printer can print all or part of the information specific to the controlled tokens.

La section analogique 36 contient un convertisseur Analogique/Numérique (A/N), un modulateur et un amplificateur. A partir des signaux, commandes et informations provenant de la partie numérique 38, elle génère un signal analogique radiofréquence modulé en amplitude qui, via l'antenne sélectionnée, véhicule l'énergie, les données et un signal de synchronisation vers les jetons à mémoire électronique. Les jetons électroniques 25 sont du type passif (sans stockage interne d'énergie) à lecture ou à lecture/écriture. L'antenne 29 doit ainsi fournir l'énergie nécessaire au fonctionnement du circuit électronique du jeton et doit assurer la transmission des données. Les distances de travail entre l'antenne 29 (boucle intégrée à plat dans le plateau 12 parallèlement à celui-ci) et les jetons sont définies en fonction du flux magnétique nécessaire au bon fonctionnement du circuit électronique du jeton et dépendent donc de l'inductance, de la géométrie de l'antenne et du courant d'antenne. De préférence, les faces des jetons 25 intégrant les bobines des circuits électroniques 36 sont parallèles à la boucle de l'antenne 29.The analog section 36 contains an Analog / Digital (A / D) converter, a modulator and an amplifier. From the signals, commands and information from the digital part 38, it generates an amplitude-modulated radiofrequency analog signal which, via the selected antenna, conveys energy, data and a synchronization signal to the electronic memory tokens. . The electronic tokens 25 are of the passive type (without internal energy storage) for reading or reading / writing. The antenna 29 must thus provide the energy necessary for the operation of the electronic circuit of the chip and must ensure the transmission of data. The working distances between the antenna 29 (integrated loop flat in the plate 12 parallel thereto) and the chips are defined according to the magnetic flux necessary for the proper operation of the electronic circuit of the chip and therefore depend on the inductance , antenna geometry and antenna current. Preferably, the faces of the chips 25 integrating the coils of the electronic circuits 36 are parallel to the loop of the antenna 29.

Il est à noter l'ergonomie améliorée de la table de jeu selon l'invention décrite ci-avant. En effet le croupier est capable d'un seul geste de la main de vérifier les jetons 25 avant de les ranger sans pour autant avoir son regard détourné de l'aire de jeu.It should be noted the improved ergonomics of the game table according to the invention described above. Indeed the dealer is able to a single gesture of the hand to check the chips 25 before storing without having his eyes diverted from the playground.

L'invention n'est pas limitée à la table de jeu décrite ci -avant : l'invention est notamment applicable à des tables de jeu autres que des tables de 'Blackjack' pour autant que la géométrie du plateau, la position des équipements et les dessins sur le tapis du jeu correspondant s'y prêtent, ainsi qu'à des tables de change ou de caisse. L'invention n'est pas non plus limitée à une zone de stockage définie par un casier à jetons à colonnes horizontale mais couvre également d'autres variantes d'aires ou de zones de stockage utilisées dans les casino et notamment celles dans lesquelles les jetons sont empilés verticalement.The invention is not limited to the gaming table described above: the invention is particularly applicable to gaming tables other than tables 'Blackjack' as far as the geometry of the plate, the position of the equipment and the drawings on the carpet of the corresponding game lend themselves to it, as well as to exchange or cash tables. The invention is also not limited to a storage area defined by a horizontal column token locker but also covers other variants of areas or storage areas used in casinos and in particular those in which the tokens are stacked vertically.

Par ailleurs dans une variante non représentée de l'invention, l'antenne 28 et l'écran 30 sont disposés de part et d'autre de l'angle distal gauche 33 du casier 22 de façon symétrique à ce qui est illustré sur la figure 1.Furthermore, in a variant not shown of the invention, the antenna 28 and the screen 30 are disposed on either side of the left distal angle 33 of the rack 22 in a manner symmetrical to that which is illustrated in FIG. figure 1 .

Dans encore deux autres variantes de tables de jeu selon l'invention représentées partiellement aux figures 3a et 3b, chaque table jeu 10a et 10b diffère de la table de jeu illustrée à la figure 1 et décrite ci-avant par le fait qu'elle comporte deux zones de contrôle de jetons 28, 28' contrôlées par deux antennes (analogues à l'antenne 29) montées en série ou en parallèle associées à un même poste de contrôle du type du poste de contrôle 34 (avec une interface appropriée en cas de montage parallèle), les zones de contrôles 28 et 28' étant disposées symétriquement par rapport au casier 22 au voisinage de chacun de ses petits côtés avec soit deux dispositifs d'affichage (identiques ou quasi-identique au dispositif 32) avec leurs écrans 30 et 30' disposés chacun près des angles 31 et 33 du casier (voir table 10a illustrée figure 3a) soit un seul dispositif d'affichage dont l'écran 30" est centré sur le grand côté du casier reliant les angles 31 et 33 (voir table 10b illustrée figure 3b), la longueur du casier étant compatible avec une lecture aisée de l'écran d'affichage par le croupier. Ces variantes à deux zones de contrôle permettent d'accélérer les opérations de contrôle des jetons par le croupier, les croupiers travaillant souvent des deux mains pour gagner du temps.In still two other variants of gaming tables according to the invention partially represented in Figures 3a and 3b , each game table 10a and 10b differs from the game table illustrated to the figure 1 and described above in that it comprises two token control areas 28, 28 'controlled by two antennas (antenna-like 29) connected in series or in parallel associated with the same control station of the type of control. control station 34 (with an appropriate interface in case of parallel mounting), the control areas 28 and 28 'being arranged symmetrically with respect to the rack 22 in the vicinity of each of its short sides with either two display devices (identical or almost identical to the device 32) with their screens 30 and 30 'each arranged near the angles 31 and 33 of the rack (see table 10a illustrated figure 3a ) or a single display device whose screen 30 "is centered on the long side of the rack connecting the angles 31 and 33 (see table 10b illustrated figure 3b ), the length of the locker being compatible with easy reading of the display screen by the dealer. These variants with two control zones make it possible to accelerate the token control operations by the croupier, the croupiers often working with both hands to save time.

Les figures 4 et 5 illustrent, toujours à titre non limitatif, une table de jeu de 'BlackJack' 110 selon un second mode de réalisation de l'intention très proche de la table 10 et avec un poste de contrôle 134 modifié au niveau de la section analogique 136 et de la section numérique 138 également très proche du poste de contrôle 34. Sauf indications contraires, la description faite ci-avant en référence aux figures 1 et 2 s'applique également aux dispositifs illustrés aux figures 4 et 5 et dont les éléments identiques ou quasi identiques aux éléments décrits ci-avant gardent les mêmes références numériques. De plus les éléments analogues à certains éléments déjà décrits portant des références augmentées de 100 par rapport aux références de ces éléments déjà décrits.The Figures 4 and 5 illustrate, still without limitation, a game table of 'BlackJack' 110 according to a second embodiment of the intention very close to the table 10 and with a control station 134 modified at the analog section 136 and the digital section 138 also very close to the checkpoint 34. Unless otherwise indicated, the description given above with reference to the Figures 1 and 2 also applies to the devices illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 and whose elements that are identical or almost identical to the elements described above retain the same numerical references. In addition, elements similar to certain elements already described with references increased by 100 relative to the references of these elements already described.

Par rapport à la table de jeu 10, la table 110 comporte de plus des zones de lecture ou de lecture/écriture électronique des jetons 128 recouvrant les postes de jeu ('spot') 19 de la table où les joueurs placent leurs mises. Les antennes 129 correspondantes sont disposées sur ou dans le plateau 12 de façon à couvrir les zones 128 et sont reliées au poste de contrôle 134 par un circuit de multiplexage 152 disposé, de façon non limitative, à l'extérieur du boîtier 135 du poste 134. Par ailleurs, de façon non limitative, l'afficheur 132 comporte un écran 130 à deux lignes, une ligne donnant les informations en provenance de la zone de contrôle 28 (antenne 29), l'autre ligne donnant les informations en provenance d'un des postes de jeu ou 'spots' 19 en indiquant le numéro d'ordre identifiant le 'spot' affiché. De façon optionnelle, l'afficheur comporte une(ou plusieurs) touches(s) 149 (représentée uniquement sur la figure 5) connectée(s) au clavier 140 et permettant la sélection du 'spot' à afficher. Bien entendu l'invention n'est pas limitée au mode réalisation ici décrit et comprend également d'autres arrangements analogues ou dérivés au niveau de la fonction et placement des zones de lecture 128 sur la table, des antennes 29 et 129 au niveau de leurs nombres et leurs connexions au poste 134 (l'antenne 29 peut être également connectée au circuit de multiplexage 152), du nombre de 'spots' affichés simultanément et du nombre de lignes d'affichage de l'écran130 et des moyens de sélection du ou des 'spots' affichés. De plus la table 110 peut être modifiée et incorporer l'une ou l'autre des variantes de tables du type décrit selon les table 10a et 10b.Compared to the gaming table 10, the table 110 further comprises read zones or electronic read / write chips 128 covering the play stations ('spot') 19 of the table where players place their bets. The corresponding antennas 129 are arranged on or in the tray 12 so as to cover the zones 128 and are connected to the control station 134 by a multiplexing circuit 152 arranged, without limitation, outside the housing 135 of the station 134 Furthermore, in a nonlimiting manner, the display 132 comprises a screen 130 with two lines, a line giving the information coming from the control zone 28 (antenna 29), the other line giving the information coming from one of the game stations or 'spots' 19 indicating the serial number identifying the 'spot' displayed. Optionally, the display comprises one (or more) keys (s) 149 (shown only on the figure 5 ) connected to the keyboard 140 and allowing the selection of the 'spot' to be displayed. Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described here and also includes other analogous or functionally derived arrangements and placement of the reading zones 128 on the table, antennas 29 and 129 at their level. numbers and their connections to the station 134 (the antenna 29 can also be connected to the multiplexing circuit 152), the number of 'spots' displayed simultaneously and the number of display lines of the screen 130 and the selection means of the 'spots' displayed. In addition, the table 110 can be modified and incorporate one or the other of the table variants of the type described according to the tables 10a and 10b.

L'invention concerne également un équipement de surveillance de salle de jeu ou de casino associé à une table de jeu selon l'invention précédemment décrite selon l'un ou l'autre mode de réalisation décrit (table 10 ou table 110) destiné à dupliquer tout ou partie de l'information affichée sur l'écran 30 (ou 130) vers un autre lieu de la salle de jeu ou du casino pour être visualisé par un autre opérateur que le croupier 18 de la table de jeu. Selon diverses variantes de réalisation, cet autre opérateur peut être le chef de table 146 surveillant depuis sa chaise en général quatre tables de jeu (duplication directe) et/ou les agents de sécurité du casino installés dans une station de vidéo surveillance (intégration à la vidéo surveillance).The invention also relates to a game room or casino monitoring equipment associated with a game table according to the invention previously described according to one or the other embodiment described (table 10 or table 110) intended to duplicate all or part of the information displayed on the screen 30 (or 130) to another place of the gambling hall or casino to be viewed by another operator than the dealer 18 of the gaming table. According to various variants of realization, this other operator can be the head of table 146 monitoring from his chair in general four gaming tables (direct duplication) and / or security agents of the casino installed in a video surveillance station (integration with video surveillance).

A titre d'exemple non limitatif, la figure 5 illustre un poste de contrôle, le poste 134, modifié pour incorporer cette double fonctionnalité supplémentaire. Plus particulièrement la référence 144 désigne le pupitre du chef de table 146 dans lequel est disposé le dispositif duplicateur d'affichage 132a dont l'écran 130a duplicateur de l'écran 130 est identique ou quasiment identique à ce dernier et monté en parallèle avec lui. Le pupitre 144 comporte trois autres dispositifs duplicateurs 148 connectés aux postes de contrôle (non représentés) associés à trois autres tables de jeu selon l'invention (non représentées) identiques ou analogues à la table 110. De plus le poste de contrôle 134 comporte une sortie d'interface 150 série externe ou d'interface réseau PI ou analogue connectée à une station de vidéo surveillance (non représentés) dont les moniteurs vidéo reçoivent un signal d'affichage par incrustation des informations affichées sur l'écran 130.By way of non-limiting example, the figure 5 illustrates a checkpoint, item 134, modified to incorporate this additional dual feature. More particularly, the reference 144 designates the desk of the table leader 146 in which is disposed the display duplicator device 132a whose screen 130a duplicator of the screen 130 is identical or almost identical to the latter and mounted in parallel with it. The console 144 comprises three other duplicating devices 148 connected to the control stations (not shown) associated with three other game tables according to the invention (not shown) identical or similar to the table 110. In addition, the control station 134 comprises a external serial interface interface output 150 or PI network interface or the like connected to a video surveillance station (not shown) whose video monitors receive a display signal by inlaying the information displayed on the screen 130.

Bien entendu l'invention n'est pas limitée au mode réalisation ici décrit de l'équipement de surveillance et comprend également d'autres arrangements analogues ou dérivés tant au niveau de la fonction de duplication directe qu'au niveau de l'intégration à la vidéo surveillance. De plus l'invention n'est pas limitée au type de table 110 avec les zones de lecture ou lecture/écriture additionnelles 128 associées aux postes de jeu 19 , mais couvre également des équipements de surveillance pour tables de jeu de types décrits en relation avec les tables 10, 10a et 10b (avec les modification correspondantes au niveau de la table et du poste de contrôle analogues à celles décrites en relation avec la table 110).Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described here of the monitoring equipment and also includes other analogous or derived arrangements both at the level of the direct duplication function and at the level of integration with the video surveillance. Moreover, the invention is not limited to the type of table 110 with the additional reading or reading / writing zones 128 associated with the game stations 19, but also covers monitoring equipment for game tables of types described in connection with the tables 10, 10a and 10b (with the corresponding modifications at the level of the table and the control station similar to those described in relation to the table 110).

Claims (16)

  1. Table (10, 110) for gaming tokens with an electronic memory circuit (37) comprising :
    - a table surface (12) comprising a token storage area (21) and at least one token checking area (28, 28'),
    - at least one control station (34, 134) comprising :
    - a communications unit (36, 136) capable of exchanging information with the memory of at least one token (25) via an antenna device (29) located on and/or in said table surface (12), the communications unit (36) being associated with a processing unit (38, 138) for the information held in said memory; and
    - at least one output message display device (32, 132) obtained from the processing unit (38), at least partly from the information held in said memory, said display device (32, 132) comprising a screen (30, 30', 30", 130) located on and/or in the table surface (12);
    - characterized in that :
    - said table is a gaming table, the surface of which comprises an operator station on a first side (14) and several gaming stations (19) the length of an opposite side (16);
    - said operator station comprises the checking area (28, 28'), the display device (30, 30', 30", 130) and said storage area (21) located in said table surface within the operator's reach and sight; and
    - said control station (34) comprises :
    - anti-collision means for reading a collection of tokens present in a checking area (28, 28'); and
    - means for displaying on said screen (30, 30', 30", 130), the total value of said collection of tokens present in the checking area (28, 28') and to enable rapid checking of token authenticity of said collection by comparing the displayed value with the value estimated directly by said operator.
  2. Table (10, 110) for gaming tokens according to claim 1, characterized in that said anti-collision means in the control station (34) comprise :
    - means for discriminating tokens to identify a token within the collection of tokens that has been placed in said checking area (28);
    - means for implementing read/write operations in the electronic circuit (37) of the identified token;
    - means for deactivating said identified token subsequent to said read/write operations ; and
    - means for reactivating the collection of deactivated tokens after reading/writing of the last token of said collection.
  3. Table (10, 110) for gaming tokens according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said collection oftokens comprises at least one stack af tokens.
  4. Table (10, 110) for gaming tokens according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the screen (30, 30', 30", 130) of the display device is a flat screen mounted flush with the table surface (12).
  5. Table (10, 110) for gaming tokens according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the screen (30, 30', 30", 130) of the display device has a single display line located parallel to said first side (14) of the table surface (12).
  6. Table (10, 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communications unit (36, 136) is located partly or wholly under the table surface (12), said control station (34, 134) also integrating, within its housing (35), the processing unit (38, 138) with an output connected to the display device (32, 132).
  7. Table (10, 110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the token storage area (21) is a token holder (22).
  8. Table (10a, 10b) according to claim 7, characterized in that the token checking area (28) is located next to the tip box (26).
  9. Table (10, 10a, 10b, 110) according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises two token checking areas (28) located laterally either side of the token holder (22) and combined with a central screen (30") with respect to said holder, or to two lateral screens (30, 30').
  10. Table (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the screen (30, 30") or the screens (30, 30') are located just in front of the token holder (22), next to the gaming stations (19).
  11. Table (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, on the table surface (12), other electronic reading, or electronic reading/writing areas (128) of tokens associated with antennae linked via multiplex to the control station (134) and, via said control station, to the screen of the display device (130).
  12. Table (110) according to claim 11, characterized in that said other electronic reading or electronic reading/writing areas are made up of the gaming stations (19) on the table.
  13. Table according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the table is a blackjack table, a baccarat table, a mini-baccarat table, a stud poker table, or derived games thereof.
  14. Surveillance equipment for a gaming hall comprising at least one gaming table (10, 110) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one display duplicator (132a), associated with said display device (132), and comprising a second screen (130a) located away from said table (10, 110) to enable to be seen by a second operator (146) of the gaming hall.
  15. Surveillance equipment according to claim 14, characterized in that the display duplicator (132a) is located in the neighbourhood of the seat of said second operator (146) as defined by the table manager or table surveillance personnel.
  16. Surveillance equipment according to claim 14, characterized in that the display duplicator is integrated, via an external serial interface (150), an IP network or an analogous network, into the video surveillance system of the gaming hall with an embedded display on the video monitor screens of the surveillance or security personnel of the gaming hall.
EP06778848A 2006-07-10 2006-07-10 Gaming table using silicon chip game chips Active EP1907080B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/FR2006/001678 WO2008006948A1 (en) 2006-07-10 2006-07-10 Gaming table using silicon chip game chips

Publications (2)

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EP1907080A1 EP1907080A1 (en) 2008-04-09
EP1907080B1 true EP1907080B1 (en) 2012-08-01

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EP06778848A Active EP1907080B1 (en) 2006-07-10 2006-07-10 Gaming table using silicon chip game chips

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US (1) US20080009339A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1907080B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2553951A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2392456T3 (en)
PT (1) PT1907080E (en)
WO (1) WO2008006948A1 (en)

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JP5331378B2 (en) * 2007-05-29 2013-10-30 株式会社半導体エネルギー研究所 Card game machine
JP2009165804A (en) * 2008-01-11 2009-07-30 Aruze Corp Gaming machine
US8529345B2 (en) * 2008-10-02 2013-09-10 Igt Gaming system including a gaming table with mobile user input devices
JP5294915B2 (en) * 2009-02-17 2013-09-18 株式会社ユニバーサルエンターテインメント Game system
US9508213B2 (en) * 2010-03-22 2016-11-29 Dominic M. Kotab Systems and methods of reading gaming chips and other stacked items
KR101185963B1 (en) * 2010-07-12 2012-09-26 주식회사 에스아이티코리아 Rfid reader for use in casinochip tray
KR20130096110A (en) * 2012-02-21 2013-08-29 한국전자통신연구원 System and method for managing casino chip using rfid
US9536388B2 (en) * 2014-09-26 2017-01-03 Bally Gaming, Inc. Gaming chip having capacitive coupling and related methods
US9779582B1 (en) 2017-04-20 2017-10-03 Igal Shalom Ben Hanan Smart chip tray assembly and method
KR20210075859A (en) * 2019-12-13 2021-06-23 엔제루 구루푸 가부시키가이샤 Rolling encoding schema for rfid tags
CN114665988B (en) * 2022-05-24 2022-08-05 龙旗电子(惠州)有限公司 Antenna circuit

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US8021231B2 (en) * 2005-12-02 2011-09-20 Walker Digital, Llc Problem gambling detection in tabletop games

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1907080A1 (en) 2008-04-09
ES2392456T3 (en) 2012-12-10
CA2553951A1 (en) 2008-01-10
PT1907080E (en) 2012-10-30
US20080009339A1 (en) 2008-01-10
WO2008006948A1 (en) 2008-01-17

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