EP0815504A2

EP0815504A2 - Games token with integrated electronic data substrate

Info

Publication number: EP0815504A2
Application number: EP97900065A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Johann Kaspar Locher
Original assignee: Kaba Schliessysteme AG
Current assignee: Dormakaba Schweiz AG
Priority date: 1996-01-23
Filing date: 1997-01-10
Publication date: 1998-01-07
Also published as: JPH11502657A; WO1997027526A2; MX9706761A; WO1997027526A3; AR005527A1; BR9704638A

Abstract

The games token (1) has an integrated electronic data substrate with a processor (11), store (12) and aerial (15) for transmitting r.f. signals (20), surrounded by an electromagnetically transparent housing section (2). The store contains permanent and uncopiable master data (14). To the token is allocated a decentralised, autonomous write-read station WR by means of which information can be read out from and written into the data substrate MI, which is initialised by an authorisation system. At every identification process the write-read station WR generates new initialisation data (21) which are transmitted to the data substrate MI, linked there with a code (22), returned to the write-read station and decoded and examined there. This provides a trully unforgeable games token which can be used in any kind of games installation and ensures trouble-free play.

Description

PLAY JETON WITH INTEGRATED ELECTRONIC DATA CARRIER

The invention relates to a gaming chip with an integrated electronic data carrier according to the preamble of claim 1 and stations for checking such gaming chips according to claim 15 and a system with such gaming chips and stations according to claim 19 and a method for initializing a gaming chip in gaming systems according to claim 22. A very central problem when using game chips in game systems of any kind is to be able to generally prevent misuse and counterfeiting. And with the increasing spread of gaming facilities, this need to increase security is becoming increasingly important and urgent. In addition, other operating functions such as recognizing and checking tokens, exchanging and automatic sorting, etc., should also be able to be carried out more reliably and rationally.

Various proposals have become known from the literature in order to increase the security when playing and to improve the handling of the gaming chips. For example, from EP 424 355 a device for sorting tokens on gaming tables is known, wherein the value of a token can be determined by an optical color recognition and reading head, for example by means of CCD sensors, and thereby also a value automatic sorting is made possible. From GB 2 174 228 a method and a device for sorting tokens is known, which by means of electrical -? ,

Conductive or magnetic material deposits in the chip generate an inductive or capacitive signal in the sorting station, which is measured there by a sensor. With such tokens and sorting stations, however, only rough distinctions can be made from tokens in terms of their value. However, counterfeits are practically not yet detectable. Other markings for gaming chips, e.g. Magnetic stripes or bar codes for reading by means of a laser cannot yet offer sufficient security, because all of these tokens are relatively easy to copy and therefore counterfeit. In addition, such detection methods are often complex, unreliable and susceptible to environmental influences such as contamination and wear of the identification media, etc.

Another proposal is known from EP 436 497. This discloses a thermoplastic manufacturing process for round tokens for use in slot machines with or without an integrated transponder. The version with transponder for the contactless transmission of coded information has a transponder with preferably two different types of antennas: an electrostatic antenna and a magnetic antenna - according to US 4,818,855 - read without contact and its value can be checked. However, this requires a close and precise positioning of the token relative to a reading station in the gaming machine, ie the positioning must be defined to within a few mm. This known chip with transponder requires a relatively complex, multi-part and thus expensive structure with carrier element, plastic ring, various antennas, separate transponder, connections, etc. This structure is moreover only suitable for round game chips for insertion into slot machines (slot machines) and not for Chips of other sizes, shape and application, for example for flat, also rectangular chips for table games and with higher values. In order to be able to universally record and check any game tokens with different shapes, sizes and values in different games, a major communication would range of at least a few centimeters instead of just a few mm is required. In addition, these known tokens are not really forgery-proof, because there is still the possibility of listening to the communication, copying and producing counterfeit tokens (tape effect). Above all, counterfeit-proof, higher-quality tokens cannot be produced according to this teaching. Another major disadvantage is that this known chip with transponder requires a central computer unit which contains the database for checking all chips. If the central computer unit were to malfunction, the whole game would be paralyzed - which should never happen. Another limitation with this chip with transponder is that its value cannot be changed, ie it can be redefined. This means that value change games, ie games in which the value of a token can be set differently, cannot be carried out. Overall, this known token probably makes counterfeiting more difficult - real counterfeit security, especially for higher-value chips, cannot be created with it.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to create a gaming chip which is both inexpensive and simple, which manages with low energy for low chip values and which nevertheless offers the highest level of security against forgery for high value chips. This chip should also be universally applicable in all games that occur in a casino, so that the entire game operation can be carried out with such tokens of the highest level of security against forgery. The token according to the invention must be suitable for all common shapes and for all values, it must be able to be checked from a certain distance and it should enable simple and rational handling in assigned test and sorting stations. In addition, the chip should be decentralized from assigned stations, without a necessary connection to a central computer in order to achieve a generally high operating To ensure security, so that the entire game operation is not impaired even in the event of a station failing, and it should be possible to implement both fixed value tokens and tokens with changeable values.

This object is achieved by a gaming chip according to claim 1. The construction of the chip with a highly integrated data carrier with non-copyable master data means that the chip cannot be copied, ie cannot be copied, in terms of hardware. The initialization of the data carriers by an authorization system, which is necessary for the operability, ensures that no unauthorized functionality of a token can be achieved. The communication with new initialization data combined with the permanently stored encryption codes ensures that the communication cannot be recorded and copied to another data carrier (tape effect is not possible). By combining these features according to the invention, the highest possible counterfeit security is achieved in every respect in a relatively simple manner. The construction with only one antenna for all functions is simple and enables a relatively large antenna area in the surrounding electromagnetically transparent housing, with which a relatively large communication range can be achieved. The assigned decentralized read / write stations enable safe, autonomous operation without a necessary connection to a central computer. And by being able to write to the data carrier, changes in the value of the token, where necessary, are also possible. Thanks to these properties of the gaming token according to the invention, in connection with the assigned decentralized writing and reading units WR, stations for testing according to claim 15 as well as stations for sorting according to claim 17 can be realized which meet the highest possible security requirements described. The method for initializing a gaming token according to claim 22 is secured by a hierarchical authorization system. provided so that no unauthorized or incorrect MI or gaming chips can be brought into the game system.

The dependent claims relate to advantageous developments of the invention, it being possible to achieve particularly long ranges with antennas of relatively large area. Due to the high level of integration on a printed circuit and the use of EEPROM memories and ASIC circuits, particularly compact, efficient and inexpensive tokens can be produced. Particularly efficient communication is achieved by simultaneous energy and information transmission with an RF signal, just as information transmission in one direction by pulse width modulation and in the other direction by load modulation is particularly advantageous. Additional security aspects can be achieved through the use of ever new random numbers and through the integration of checksum controls. According to claim 19, entire systems for casinos can be designed by processing different tokens through several assigned autonomous, decentralized writing and reading stations WR, which writing and reading stations are both fully autonomous and additionally functional can be connected to a central computer unit, which enables further additional functions and evaluations. As a result, the operation of a casino is in no way blocked by a possible failure or a malfunction of a central computer unit. The decentralized read and write stations ensure continuous, unrestricted play - which is a particularly important requirement.

In the following, the invention is further explained with the aid of examples and figures. Show it

Fig. 1 shows schematically an inventive gaming chip with data carrier MI and antenna Fig. 2 an assigned decentralized autonomous read and write station

FIG. 3a, b an example of a game chip with antenna in two views. FIG. 4 a - f further examples of game chips of different shapes and with different antenna arrangements. FIGS. 5, 6 function and sequence of the communication between a data carrier MI and a write - and reading station WR Fig. 7 a test station for gaming chips Fig. 8 a sorting station for gaming chips

9 shows a value change station for tokens

Fig. 10 shows a game system with stations with different functions

Fig. 11 shows a casino system with different game points and stations and different game types. Fig. 12a, b the hierarchical authorization concept of the system for everyone

Game chips and all assigned WR read / write stations

Organizational Levels FIG. 13 illustrates the generation of game chips that cannot be copied

Disk MI

FIG. 1 schematically shows a gaming chip 1 according to the invention with an integrated passive data carrier MI, the operating energy of which is emitted by the writing and reading station WR and is picked up by means of an HF antenna 15. The data carrier MI has a highly integrated special chip (ASIC) with a processor 11, a data memory 12 (for example in the form of an EEPROM) and with control electronics 13. Control electronics with processor • control the entire external and internal data exchange, - encode the transmission data and decode the received data and contain the entire high-frequency part for feeding the antenna 15 including cycle preparation and synchronization for the reception of energy and data from the WR transmitter station.

The antenna 15 can e.g. be formed in two parts as in Figure 1 or consist of only one loop, e.g. shown in Figure 3b. A support capacitor 17 (which can also be integrated in the special chip) serves to bridge transmission pauses of the write and read station WR. The arrow 20 illustrates the RF communication with the write and read station WR (see FIG. 2). The data carrier MI contains an unchangeable system program with security functions such as checksum control CRC and encryption algorithms 22, and unchangeable master data with a unique number 14 which is permanently burned into a part 12.1 of the data memory. The data memory 12 also contains a part 12.2 which is freely programmable for the desired applications as well as a changeable value storage part 12.3. Thanks to this construction, the gaming chip according to the invention with the data carrier MI can neither be read out nor modified, nor can it be reproduced in terms of hardware.

FIG. 2 schematically shows an autonomous and decentralized fully functional writing and reading station WR assigned to the gaming chips for contactless communication with the chips 1. The writing and reading station has a security module 25, a separate transmitting and receiving antenna 24, a power supply and one additional interface to a higher-level computer 65. The security module 25 contains all communication functions with the data carriers MI of the chips. This includes RF processing, encryption and verification of the data for correct transmission (CRC), checking the read and write authorization of a certain chip by this read and write station, and communication with a higher-level computer. The security functions include encoding and decoding 22, 23 of the data, identification of the data carrier MI, verification of write authorization, as well as calculation and monitoring of checksums (CRC) for error-free data transmission. The communication flow between data carriers MI and read / write stations WR will be explained later with reference to FIG. 6.

FIGS. 3a and 3b show in two views the structure of a gaming chip 1 according to the invention with a data carrier MI, with an antenna 15 and a support capacitor 17. These elements are preferably formed in one piece, the data carrier MI with a piece capacitor and antenna is for example on one printed circuit 16 arranged. As can be seen from FIG. 3, the antenna area can be made particularly large. In principle, almost the entire chip area is available for this. The antenna 15 is surrounded on both sides by an electromagnetically transparent housing part 2. As mentioned, only one HF antenna is required for the chip according to the invention, with which all functions can be carried out; i.e. Receiving energy and information and sending information to the WR writing and reading station. This antenna can therefore be made relatively arbitrarily and above all very large, in principle using the entire token area. This achieves two crucial properties:

- Long range R of several cm to several dm thanks to the large antenna, as well as a large solid angle range W in which the communication can be carried out, and - A large degree of independence from the relative positioning of the gaming chip 1 and the associated writing and reading station WR. This is in complete contrast to the prior art mentioned according to EP 436 497, in which a transponder with two antennas, an electrostatic and a magnetic antenna, is used, each of which must be positioned very close and precisely to its counterpart (with an accuracy of mm ) to enable communication. This is only possible in slot machines, where only round, rotationally symmetrical tokens (and antennas) of a certain size and at a precisely defined location have to be read, so that both antennas can be positioned exactly and very close. However, this known transponder and antenna structure cannot be used for all other types of tokens with different shapes and sizes, and especially not for table games.

FIGS. 4a-4f show examples of possible different token shapes: round, rectangular, circular or polygonal tokens and with different antenna arrangements 15. It is always possible to integrate a relatively large-area antenna 15 into the token, which has a high

Enable communication range. As shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, the minimum antenna diameter DA, or DA1 in the rectangular case, is preferably chosen to be at least half as large as the minimum diameter DJ or DJ1 of the gaming chip. This minimum diameter DA, DA1 of the antenna is preferably at least 20 mm. In

FIG. 4c shows the antenna area FA, which is covered with the antenna loop 15, in relation to the area FJ of the token. The antenna area FA is preferably chosen to be at least half as large as that

FJ.

FIG. 5 illustrates the communication 20 between a read and write station WR with a security module 25 and a data carrier MI or a game chip 1. The required electromagnetic RF field energy 20a (for example with a carrier frequency of 13 MHz) is added together with the information 20b sent from the read / write station WR to the data carrier MI. This field energy is collected there by the antenna 15 and used to operate the passive data carrier MI and to send the coded information 20b to the WR. This information transmission is carried out by modulating the carrier frequency in one direction, for example from the read / write station WR to the data carrier MI by pulse modulation and in the opposite direction (from MI to WR) by load modulation.

FIG. 6 now illustrates the tap-proof process of this communication between the read and write station WR and a data carrier MI. As soon as a data medium MI arrives in the field of a read and write station WR, the process for synchronizing WR and MI begins automatically:

- With each new identification process, the write and read station WR generates new initialization data 21 (e.g. in the form of random numbers) and sends it to the data carrier MI (20.1).

- This initialization data 21 is linked here with a permanently stored encryption code (22) of the data carrier. The coded result (a keyword) is then sent back to the read and write station (20.2),

- where this information is decrypted and checked in the security module 25 (23), i.e. decoded with the encryption (22) likewise stored in the WR and compared with the original, random initialization data 21. Based on this result, the WR can also recognize what type of medium MI it is.

- Synchronized communication (20.3) between the read and write station WR and the data carrier MI can then take place without interruption.

With this method, the clock generators and the code generators of WR and MI are synchronized. After a communication process has been completed or also terminated, each new communication must start again with new initialization data 21. It is therefore not possible to record the transmitted data and feed it back into the field at a later date because the original initialization data 21 are no longer valid. This means that working counterfeit chips are not possible.

In addition, the transmitted data is checked by CRC, i.e. Checked by a checksum control, in which user data are linked to master data of the MI data medium. Erroneous data transfers are practically excluded. This is particularly important when value changes are written into a data carrier MI by an authorized read / write station, with newly written data being checked before they become valid. This communication sequence of the token according to the invention thus ensures that no eavesdropping on the communication can be misused to produce counterfeit tokens.

FIG. 7 shows a test station 30 which is formed from a decentralized autonomous write and read station WR and a separating device 35. In the separating device 35, any game jets 1 fed in are separated individually, whereupon each chip is individually detected and simultaneously read and checked by the writing and reading station. As a result of this verification, the chips are assigned to one of the following three categories: correct (31), incorrect (32) or no (33) identification response. Categories 32 and 33 can be checked again for the sake of security, after which it can be clarified whether a counterfeit or attempted fraud or a defect in the data carrier MI in the token is involved in order to take appropriate measures. Also important here is the achievable long communication range R (see FIG. 3a), within which the secure communication between antennas 15 and 24 of chip 1 and read / write station WR. It can be several dm, for example 20 to 80 cm. Another important function is performed by an automatic sorting station 40 according to FIG. 8. An unordered amount of supplied tokens 1 of different types and with different values is first isolated (35) as in FIG. 7 and checked by a read and write station WR, whereby any incorrect tokens ( 32, 33) are recorded and separated. The correct valid tokens (31) are then transported to a sorting device 45, where each token is stored in an associated stack 46.1, 46.2, 46.3 according to its previously determined value. With this station 40, tokens with different values and shapes can be sorted quickly and automatically, so that, for example, uninterrupted gaming operations can also be maintained at gaming tables with a large circulation of chips.

FIG. 9 shows a value change station 50 consisting of a separating device 35 and a special writing and reading station WR with value change competence for assigned special chips, which are also programmed for value changes and have a changeable value memory 12.3 for this, which is used by authorized value change stations 50 (with a changed value) is writable.

Although tokens with a defined, visible, fixed value are mainly used in games, there are nevertheless applications for changes in the value of tokens which offer great advantages and can open up many additional applications:

1. Fixed value chips, which must be visible to the player during the casino's opening hours, could be checked when returning them to the cash register and then set to zero for storage, and vice versa can only be loaded with the fixed value when they are issued. So that these fixed value tokens only get their valid value in regular game operation and are invalid outside and therefore worthless. Theft should This would make senseless invalid chips, for example from the safe, from the start.

2. Another application consists in value change games in which, for example, each player is assigned tokens of one color and in which he can determine the value of his token color himself - with a new value for each new game. Here, this value (1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3) is rewritten accordingly by the value change station 50 into the value memory 12.3 of a token.

3. Another application relates to tokens as prepaid cards / prepaid tokens which can be loaded with a certain monetary value and can be used to be debited at consumption points (65, FIG. 11) for the purchase of various services. In casino facilities, for example, these would be restaurants, bars, kiosks, shops, cosmetics, etc.

4. A further variant as an “account value chip” in value game areas 66 consists in continuously updating the value memory 12.3 of this account chip by means of special value change stations 50 by debiting game bets and crediting game winnings. As a condition of access to these value play areas 66 (FIG. 11), a sufficient account balance of the value store 123 must always be shown, which corresponds at least to the game bet. Advantageously, a permissible value range is specified for the value memory 12.3, whereby only positive values are allowed (no debts) up to a certain maximum value.

In principle, the higher the value of a token or the higher the possible maximum value in a changeable value memory 123, the greater the security requirements with regard to attempts at counterfeiting and fraud, of course. On the other hand, the vast majority of all gaming chips have a low value. Most chips are in circulation at the lowest value level - for example in slot machines. A major problem with the present invention was to create a new system of gaming chips, with which all types and values of gaming chips are feasible in all applications and which can be used universally in all casinos, the chips for the lowest values being so simple and It must be possible to produce at low cost that their manufacturing costs are not higher than the lowest token value, and which, on the other hand, still meet such high security requirements that counterfeit-proof tokens of the highest value level are feasible. This has been achieved for the first time with the token according to the invention.

It is thus also possible to use the same principle to implement tokens of a lower class la for lower token values as well as tokens of a higher class lb for higher value tokens, the higher value tokens lb also having larger memories, with additional and more complex ones Codes, larger antennas etc. can be upgraded and which can also be monitored more closely by the assigned, appropriately programmed read and write stations WR. This to further increase the security against counterfeiting.

FIG. 10 shows a game system 60 with tokens 1 and with many autonomous central writing and reading stations WR, which are used in various functions: in test stations 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, in sorting stations 40.1, 40.2, 40.3 and in value change stations 50.1, 50.2 . including debiting stations 55. In addition to their decentralized function, these stations or the write and read stations WR are also connected here to a higher-level computer 75. This enables additional functions for the input of further programs, for the acquisition, evaluation and further processing of operating data of the various write and read stations WR and also of the chips 1 used. According to FIG. 11, these functional stations 30, 40, 50 are used at various points in a casino system 60: thus at entrance counters 61, at casino and coin counters 62, at gaming tables 63, at gaming machines 64 and also at various consumption points 65 Debiting stations 55. As an example, it is illustrated here that tokens of two different classes can be used: low-value tokens la on gaming machines 64 and higher-value tokens lb on gaming tables 63 (with Grand Jeu) and in the form of prepaid tokens lc also at consumption points 65 and in Value play areas 66. This again illustrates that the tokens 1, la, lb, lc according to the invention can be used universally in casinos and play areas, as was previously not possible with previous tokens.

FIG. 12a illustrates the hierarchical authorization concept A, which is valid for all data media MI and for all writing and reading stations WR as well as for all authorization data media AMI and all programming stations WRI of the system and which hierarchical organizational levels or levels OLO, OL1, OL2, OL3, OL4. .. etc. has. The highest level, the organizational level OLO, corresponds to the system level, i.e. the owner 10 of the whole system.

The next lower level OL1 corresponds to different, independent users 101, 102, 103 of the system, for example different casino companies. The next lower level OL2 corresponds to different applications 101.1, 101.2 of a user 101, for example different casinos of the company 101. The next level OL3 corresponds to different areas of an application, for example the area 101.11 of the casino 101.1 and the areas 101.21, 101.22 of the casino 101.2 approximately in the form of different stations, types of games etc. within a casino. The next level OL4 corresponds to different sub-areas of 101.21, 101.22 (= OL3) e.g. 101.211, 101.221 (in OL4) etc. This hierarchical authorization system ensures that different users 101, 102, 103 cannot influence each other in any way, but nevertheless a user, for example 101, can freely determine the organization in his area, ie from OL2. The authorization system A must therefore always be complied with at least up to level OL1. This is illustrated by the separation line 70 in FIG. 12. This guarantees that no misuse of any kind is possible from this side either, for example with tokens from another casino company (because tokens of 101 are generally not permitted in 102 and in 103). With each step from one organizational level down from OLn to OLn + 1 in this authorization system, the powers of the data carriers are restricted, so that they are only valid downwards, ie for organizational levels with a higher number.

For this purpose, all fixed data of the higher organizational levels are always compulsorily written into the data media MI of a particular organizational level, that is to say quasi inherited, as further illustrated in FIG. 12b. For each lower organizational level OLn + 1, an additional memory section in the memory 12 is permanently written, all data of the higher organizational level OLn being adopted at the same time: 10, 101, 101.1, 101.11 are written into the memory parts of the organizational levels OLO, OL1, OL2, OL3.

This principle is further illustrated in FIG. 13, which illustrates the generation or initialization of game chips with data carriers MI. All data carriers of the system must be generated as slave medium 72 by means of a master medium 71 (as authorization data carrier AMI) and a special programming / writing / reading station WRI. In this case, a non-erasable basic data record of the master medium 71 is inevitably added to the slave medium on a new, yet blank data medium MI of the system 72 transferred, inherited or stamped, so to speak. This is done according to the rules of the hierarchical authorization system A. The data medium MI generated (as slave medium 72) is also initialized by the master medium 71 as the authorization data medium AMI. This initialization is a prerequisite for the authorization to use the data carrier and thus the gaming chip 1 in the system. Only initialized data carriers MI are approved by the read and write stations WR of the system as valid.

The highest possible security level achieved with the tokens according to the invention can be summarized as follows:

- Each gaming chip with data carrier contains a permanently programmed, non-compatible and non-readable program with coding algorithms as well as non-copyable and unchangeable master data with a unique number.

- The data carriers MI cannot be copied, the copying of all data from one data carrier to another is not possible and the copying of a data carrier is also not possible.

The data transmission from the write and read stations WR to the data carriers MI is protected by the non-readable and non-copyable encryption algorithms.

- And it is not possible to record the transmitted data and feed it back later, since new random sequences are generated with each identification process. The consistency of the data is ensured, since transmission errors are recognized by checksum checks CRC and newly written data are checked by an acknowledgment message.

The hierarchical authorization system guarantees that different users of this system cannot influence each other in any way.

This is a really counterfeit-proof and yet inexpensive game jeton created, which can be used universally in all kinds of play equipment and which guarantees trouble-free operation.

List of designations P0911

1 game chip la low-value lb high-value lc value card chip

2 electromagnetically transparent housing part

11 processor

12 Memory 12.1 Read-only memory section

12.2 changeable memory part

12.3 changeable value storage

13 control electronics

14 master data with unique number 15 antenna

16 printed circuit (IC) chip

17 support capacitor

20 Communication RF signals 20.1, 20.2, 20.3 Communication flow 20a energy transfer WR - MI

20b MI - WR information transfer

21 initialization data (random numbers)

22 encryption key in MI

23 Decryption in WR 24 Antenna WR

25 security module 30 test station 31, 32, 33 test categories 35 separating station 40 sorting station

45 sorting device 46 piles

50 value change station

55 debiting station

60 Casino gaming facility 61 Entrance checkouts

62 chip and coin registers

63 gaming tables

64 slot machines

65 consumption points 66 value areas

70 separation line

71 master medium

72 slave medium

75 superordinate computer

10 system owners

101, 102 different users

101.1, 101.2 applications of 101

MI data carrier, identification media AMI authorization data carrier

WR writing and reading station

WRI programming read / write station

CRC checksum control

A authorization system OLO, OL1, OL2 organizational level

DA, DAl diameter antenna

DJ, DJ1 diameter chip

FA area antenna

FJ Rache Jeton W solid angle range for communication

R communication range

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. game chip (1) with an integrated electronic data carrier, characterized in that the chip has a passive data carrier MI with processor (11), control electronics (13) and memory (12) and an antenna (15) for transmitting RF signals (20 ), which is surrounded on both sides by an electromagnetically transparent housing part (2), the memory having unchangeable and non-copyable master data with a unique number (14), and that at least one decentralized, autonomous writing and reading station WR is assigned to the chip which the data carrier MI is readable and also writable, that the data carrier MI is initialized by an authorization system, and that for the contactless communication between the data carrier MI and the read and write station WR, new initialization data (21 ) are generated and sent to the data carrier MI (20.1), which is saved there with a fixed Secure encryption code (22) of the data carrier MI is linked and in this coded form sent back to the read and write station (20.2), where this information is decrypted and checked in a security module (25) of the read and write station WR (23) and what then a synchronized one

Communication (20.3) between the read and write station WR and the data carrier MI takes place.

2. Jeton according to claim 1, characterized in that the minimum diameter DA, DAl of the antenna is at least half as large as minimum diameter DJ, DJ1 of the token.

3. Jeton according to claim 1, characterized in that the minimum diameter DA, DAl of the antenna is at least 20 mm.

4. Token according to claim 1, characterized in that the antenna comprises a surface FA which corresponds to at least half the top surface FJ of the token.

5. Token according to claim 1, characterized in that antenna (15) and data carrier MI are integrally formed.

6. Token according to claim 1, characterized in that the antenna and data carrier MI are arranged on a printed circuit (16).

7. Token according to claim 1, characterized in that the data carrier MI has an EEPROM memory (12) and an ASIC circuit (11).

8. Token according to claim 1, characterized in that with the RF signal (20) energy (20a) and information (20b) is simultaneously transmitted from the writing and reading station WR to the data carrier MI.

9. Token according to claim 1, characterized in that the information is transmitted in one direction by pulse width modulation and in the other direction by load modulation.

10. Token according to claim 1, characterized in that a new random number is generated as initialization data (21) with each identification process.

11. Token according to claim 1, characterized in that the data carrier MI contains a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) checksum check, in which user data are linked to master data of the data carrier.

12. Token according to claim 1, characterized in that the data carrier MI has a changeable value memory (123) which can be written and thus changed by an authorized read and write unit WR.

13. Token according to claim 12, characterized in that the value memory (12.3) can be loaded with a certain monetary value by special authorized read / write stations WR, this value being used by further authorized special write / read stations WR as debit stations (55). can be debited at consumption points (65) up to a maximum of zero.

14. Token according to claim 12, characterized in that the value memory (123) can be changed by adding and debiting up to a predeterminable maximum value of special write / read stations WR at value game areas (66) and wherein the value of the value - Memory (12.3) is checked as an access condition for these value play areas.

15. station for testing (30) gaming chips according to claim 1, characterized ge indicates that the station has an autonomous decentralized writing and reading unit WR and a separating device (35), with which the supplied gaming chips are individually detected and by the writing and Reading unit WR can be read and checked at the same time.

16. Station according to claim 15, characterized in that the check assigns the chips to one of the following three categories: - correct (31), - incorrect (32) or - no (33) identification response.

17. Station according to claim 15 for checking and sorting (40) of tokens, characterized in that the value of the tokens is determined in the writing and reading station WR, whereupon the tokens are then stacked (46) by means of a sorting device (45) same value.

18. Station according to claim 15, characterized in that the writing and reading unit WR has a value change competence (50) in a predetermined value range.

19. System (60) for casinos with several tokens according to claim 1 and with several assigned autonomous decentralized read and write stations WR, which can be connected to and evaluated by a higher-level central computer unit (75).

20. System according to claim 19, characterized in that the writing and reading stations WR are arranged at several points such as entree cash registers (61), token and coin cash registers (62), gaming tables (63), gaming machines (64) and consumption points (65) are used in various functions: as test stations (30), sorting stations (40) and / or value change stations (50).

21. System according to claim 19, characterized in that the tokens (1) are divided into a higher value class (la) and a lower value class (lb), the higher value tokens (la) data carriers MI with larger memories (12), antennas (15) and / or more complex codes (22) and thus have a higher security against counterfeiting than the low-value tokens (lb).

22. The method for initializing a gaming chip according to claim 1, characterized in that a hierarchical authorization system A, which is valid for all data carriers MI of the chips and for all writing and reading stations WR, is defined, with which each data carrier MI

Use must be initialized so that it is recognized and approved as valid in the read / write stations WR, and the data carrier MI is initialized by means of a special authorization data carrier AMI and a special programming / read / write station WRI.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that each data carrier MI of the system must be generated as a slave medium (72) by means of a superordinate authorization data carrier AMI as the master medium (71), whereby a basic data set of the master medium that cannot be changed is necessarily based on the Slave medium bear (inherited).