CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/691,877, titled“MANUFACTURING METHOD OF GAMING CHIPS WITH PLASTIC INTRICATE EDGE DESIGNS,” filed June 29, 2018, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Gaming chips are small discs typically used in casinos as a substitute for paper currency. Gaming chips of various denominations can be formed of injection- molded plastic or compression molded clay, for example, and are primarily used in table games. Today, gaming chips are commonly formed from relatively hard, rigid plastic materials resistant to scratching, although many gaming chips are formed using clay. Gaming chips can feature various types of engravings, depressions, design patterns, inlays, and colors to reduce the risk of counterfeiting and fraudulent reproduction. The use of inlays, patterns, and colors associated with the value of the chips, often extending to the edge of the chips, helps croupiers and automated systems to quickly identify and sort chips, even when stacked.

[0003] The processes used to make gaming chips vary to a good extent by manufacturer, chip type, chip material, and purpose. Edge spots on gaming chips are not created using paint. Instead, after a clay gaming chip is formed, one or more areas for edge inserts can be removed using a cutting, drilling, or other material-removal process. The openings can then be filled with a clay material having a different color. The gaming chip can then receive one or more inlays, in some cases, using a mold to heat, compress, and bind the inlays to the clay at a suitably high pressure and temperature.

[0004] Some gaming chips include or integrate electronic circuits, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) circuits, used to catalogue the gaming chips and identify the face values of the chips. Communication between the electronic circuits in the chips and external read/write stations can be performed without contact.

SUMMARY

[0005] A method of forming a gaming chip is provided in one embodiment. The method includes forming a chip slug comprising edge cavities, and forming one or more edge inserts. The edge inserts include one or more inlay apertures with openings through one or more surfaces of the edge inserts. The method also includes adding a material with a security additive into the inlay apertures of the edge inserts, inserting the edge inserts into the edge cavities of the chip slug, and adhering the edge inserts within the edge cavities of the chip slug. Gaming chips formed in this manner can include well-defined, intricate edge designs, possibly including features identifiable using ultraviolet or infrared light based on the security additive injected into the inlay apertures of the edge inserts.

[0006] In one aspect of the embodiments, the material with the security additive includes a pigment identifiable using infrared or ultraviolet light. Additionally, the openings of the inlay apertures include a plurality of openings through one or more edge surfaces of the edge insert, and the plurality of openings are representative of a plurality of different symbols. The material with the security additive fills the plurality of openings through the edge surface of the edge insert. In one example, the plurality of different symbols comprise machine-readable symbols. When the plurality of different symbols are illuminated by infrared or ultraviolet light, the plurality of different symbols respond for identification of the gaming chip using an image capture sensor.

[0007] In another aspect of the embodiments, the edge inserts are formed from a material comprises a first pigment identifiable using a first range of infrared or ultraviolet light, and the material with the security additive comprises a second pigment identifiable using a second range of infrared or ultraviolet light. When the plurality of different symbols are illuminated by infrared or ultraviolet light, the plurality of different symbols respond for identification of the gaming chip using an image capture sensor.

[0008] In another aspect of the embodiments, the chip slug is formed from a first material using a first molding process, the edge insert is formed from a second material using a second molding process, the edge insert further comprises an interlock feature, and adhering the edge insert within the edge cavity of the chip slug includes reflowing the first material into the interlock feature of the edge insert to adhere the edge insert in the gaming chip.

[0009] A gaming chip is provided in another embodiment. As one example, the gaming chip includes a chip body having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an edge surface. The chip body also includes a plurality of edge inserts secured about the edge body of the chip slug, wherein the plurality of edge inserts comprise a material with a security additive inlayed within a plurality of inlay apertures of the edge inserts. The security additive includes a pigment identifiable using infrared or ultraviolet light. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. It is noted that the elements in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the embodiments. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily the same, elements throughout the several views.

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an example gaming chip according to aspects of the embodiments described herein.

[0012] FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate other examples of gaming chips formed using a method of manufacture according to aspects of the embodiments described herein.

[0013] FIG. 3A is a top-down view of a chip slug according to aspects of the embodiments described herein.

[0014] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the chip slug shown in FIG. 3A according to aspects of the embodiments described herein.

[0015] FIG. 4A is a front view of the body of an edge insert with an open inlay aperture according to aspects of the embodiments described herein.

[0016] FIG. 4B is a back view of the body of the edge insert shown in FIG. 4A according to aspects of the embodiments described herein.

[0017] FIG. 4C is a front view of the body of another edge insert with open inlay apertures on two sides according to aspects of the embodiments described herein.

[0018] FIG. 5A is a front view of an edge insert with filled inlay apertures according to aspects of the embodiments described herein. [0019] FIG. 5B is a back view of the edge insert with filled inlay apertures shown in FIG. 5A according to aspects of the embodiments described herein.

[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates the insertion of edge inserts into edge cavities of the chip slug shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B according to aspects of the embodiments described herein.

[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates a gaming chip after remolding according to aspects of the embodiments described herein.

[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates an example for gaming chip identification according to aspects of the embodiments described herein.

[0023] FIG. 9 illustrates another example for gaming chip identification according to aspects of the embodiments described herein.

[0024] FIG. 10 illustrates a process for forming gaming chips according to aspects of the embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] As noted above, gaming chips are used in casinos as a substitute for paper currency. Gaming chips can be formed of injection-molded plastic or compression molded clay, for example, among other materials and processes. Gaming chips can feature various types of engravings, depressions, design patterns, inlays, and colors to reduce the risk of counterfeiting and fraudulent reproduction. The use of inlays, patterns, and colors associated with the value of the chips, often extending to the edge of the chips, helps croupiers and automated systems to quickly identify and sort chips, even when stacked.

[0026] Clay gaming chips can be produced using standard two-plate molds in a thermo compression molding (or moulding) machine. These molds lead to certain design constraints, because molded chips are ejected from the mold once opened. Additionally, the flow properties of clay materials make it relatively difficult to form designs using clay materials with different pigments or colors. Thus, design constraints have prevented the formation of intricate edge designs on clay gaming chips.

[0027] In the context outlined above, gaming chips with well-defined, intricate edge designs and a method of manufacturing such chips are described herein. In one example, a chip slug having a number of edge cavities is formed. The chip slug can be roughly formed from a first material using a compression or thermo-compression molding processes. The chip slug is not necessarily formed to the same surface or shape quality of a finished clay gaming chip, possibly including an excess of material. In one embodiment, the first material can include clay. In other cases, the first material can include acetate, thermoset plastic, epoxy resin, thermoplastic foam, elastomeric materials, silicone rubbers, or a composite or combination thereof, including or excluding clay.

[0028] Separately, a number of edge inserts including inlay apertures and interlock features are also formed. The edge inserts can be formed from a second material using an injection molding process. As described in further detail below, the inlay apertures can include well-defined edges and corners forming a string of one or more symbols, letters, or characters in one or more outer surfaces of the edge inserts. The second material can include a plastic material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide, polystyrene, or polypropylene, among other materials. The edge inserts can be the same color as or a different color than the chip slug, depending upon the pigments or additives added to the second material. In some cases, the second material can include a security additive, such as a solid or liquid additive, pigment, or ink that is responsive, reflective, or glows under ultraviolet (UV) and/or infrared (IR) light. The security additive can be used to authenticate or otherwise identify characteristics of the gaming chips finished using the manufacturing techniques described herein, as described in further detail below.

[0029] The inlay apertures of the edge inserts can include well-defined edges and corners in one or more outer surfaces of the edge inserts. Particularly, the inlay apertures can extend from the back, within, and through the front edge surfaces of the edge inserts, where the inlay apertures open with edges and corners forming symbols or characters. The front edge surfaces of the edge inserts can be curved for circular gaming chips or flat for gaming plaques. Thus, when first formed, the edge inserts can include openings or apertures through the front edge surfaces of the edge inserts.

[0030] In an additional injection molding process step, a third material can be injected or inserted into the edge inserts. The third material can flow into the inlay apertures of the edge inserts to fill the openings or apertures in the edge inserts, including those through the front edge surfaces of the edge inserts, among others. The third material which fills the inlay apertures can be the same color as or a different color than the chip slug and/or the edge inserts, depending upon the pigments or additives added to the third material. In some cases, the third material can also include a security additive reflective under UV and/or IR light. The security additive can be used to authenticate or otherwise identify characteristics of the gaming chips. Edge inserts formed using the dual-step processes described herein can include relatively intricate, well-defined, designs that cannot be achieved using the conventional techniques used to form clay gaming chips. The edge designs can include features identifiable (and in some cases only identifiable) using UV and/or IR light based on the security additives injected into the inlay apertures of the edge inserts. [0031] After the edge inserts have been formed and the inlay apertures injected, the edge inserts can be inserted or otherwise positioned in the edge cavities of the chip slug. The chip slug and edge inserts can be remolded in an additional compression or thermo-compression molding process step. During this additional molding step, the first material of the chip slug can soften and reflow under compression, into the interlock features of the edge inserts, adhering and locking the edge inserts within the first material. As necessary, a turning operation can be performed to remove any additional material extending beyond the outer edge of the finished gaming chip. Additional aspects of the embodiments and various advantages thereof are described in further detail below.

[0032] Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an example gaming chip 10 according to aspects of the embodiments described herein. The gaming chip 10 includes a chip body 20 having a top surface 22, a bottom surface 24, and an edge surface 26. The gaming chip 10 also includes four edge inserts 30-33, each secured about the edge surface 26 of the chip body 20. The edge inserts 30-33 are formed to be semicircular in shape and form a portion of the outer periphery of the chip body 20 along the edge surface 26. As described in further detail below, the chip body 20 can be formed from a first material, such as a clay material, and the edge inserts 30-33 can be formed from a second material, such as a plastic material.

[0033] As described in further detail below, the edge inserts 30-33 can include well- defined, intricate edge details. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the edge details of the edge inserts 32 and 33 are visible. The edge details include a series or sequence of dots and dashes in FIG. 1, although the edge details can include other combinations of symbols or characters.

[0034] In some cases, the edge inserts 30-33 can be formed from one or more materials including a security additive, such as a solid or liquid additive, pigment, or ink that reflects or glows under UV or IR ranges of light. The bodies of the edge inserts 30-33 can be formed from a material including the security additive. Additionally or alternatively, the edge details of the edge inserts 30-33 can be formed from a material including the security additive. In another example, the bodies can be formed using a first security additive that glows under a first range of UV or IR light, and the edge details can be formed using a second security additive that glows under a different, second range of UV or IR light. The security additive(s) can be used to authenticate or otherwise identify characteristics of the gaming chip 10, as described in further detail below.

[0035] In addition to the gaming chip 10 shown in FIG. 1, gaming chips can be formed with any number of edge inserts at various location(s), with edge inserts of various sizes and shapes, and with chip bodies of circular, square, rectangular, and other shapes. As examples, FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate other gaming chips formed using the method of manufacture described herein. Although the edge details are not shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, any of the gaming chips illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D can incorporate edge details based on the methods described herein.

[0036] In FIG. 2A, the gaming chip 10A includes a chip body 20A with five edge inserts 30A-34A, rather than the four illustrated in FIG. 1. The edge inserts 30A-34A in FIG. 2A have a partial star or diamond shape, which is different than the shape of the edge inserts 30- 33 shown in FIG. 1. The edge inserts 30A-34A form a portion of the outer periphery of the chip body 20A, which is circular. In FIG. 2B, the gaming chip 10B includes a chip body 20B with three edge inserts 30B-32B. The edge inserts 30B-32B are formed to be semicircular in shape and form a portion of the outer periphery of the chip body 20B, which is circular. [0037] In FIG. 2C, the gaming chip 1 OC includes a chip body 20C with three edge inserts 30C-32C. The edge inserts 30C-32C are formed to be angled-semicircular, with cutout, in shape and form a portion of the outer periphery of the chip body 20C, which is circular. The shape of the edge inserts 30C-32C in FIG. 2C is also different than the shape of the edge inserts 30-33 shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2D, the gaming chip 10D includes a generally rectangular chip body 20D ( e.g ., a gaming plaque) with ten edge inserts 30D-39D. The edge inserts 30D-39D are formed to be square or rectangular in shape and form a portion of the outer periphery of the chip body 20D, which is generally rectangular with curved corners.

[0038] The gaming chips 10 and 10A-10D shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A-2D are presented as examples to illustrate the wide range of applicability of the concepts described herein. Other types and styles of gaming chips can be formed using the method of manufacture described herein. The method achieves well-defined, intricate edge designs formed along an edge surface of gaming chips. The intricate edge designs can be formed using a material having a readily identifiable or distinguishable color as compared to the color(s) of the edge inserts and/or the chip bodies. The materials from which the intricate edge designs are formed can also include materials with security additives, such as a solid or liquid additives, pigments, or inks that reflect or glow under UV or IR ranges of light. The intricate edge designs can thus offer an additional security feature to gaming chips, as the security feature can be difficult to detect under typical indoor lighting conditions but relatively apparent under UV or IR ranges of light. The particular process of injecting materials into the edges of gaming chips can also be relatively difficult to reproduce with accuracy.

[0039] The intricate edge designs can include a string of one or more symbols or characters. The characters can include the letters or scripts of an alphabet or language, such as one or more of the Latin, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or Greek languages, among others. The symbols can also include Arabic or Greek numerals, among others, geometric shapes, patterns, logos, trade symbols or marks, and other symbols. The string of symbols or characters can also convey information or data encoded in a machine- readable language ( e.g ., a one- or two-dimensional bar code, etc.), for identification and processing by automated systems. The edge design can also vary in size, include a single symbol (e.g., including a single window or opening) or multiple symbols.

[0040] FIGS. 3A-3B, 4A-4C, 5A-5B, 6, and 7 illustrate certain steps in the method of manufacture described herein. The steps are described as being used to form the gaming chip 10 shown in FIG. 1 but can be adapted to form other gaming chips, such as the gaming chips 10A-10D, among others.

[0041] FIG. 3A is a top-down view of a chip slug 40, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the chip slug 40 shown in FIG. 3A. The chip slug 40 can be roughly formed in a mold from a first material using a first molding process, such as a compression or thermo-compression molding processes. The chip slug 40 is removed from the mold after the first molding process and includes a number of edge cavities 50-53. The chip slug 40 is not necessarily formed to have the same surface quality or same shape quality as the gaming chip 10 shown in FIG. 1, for example, and can include an excess of material. The first material from which the chip slug 40 is formed can include clay. In other cases, the first material can include acetate, thermoset plastic, epoxy resin, thermoplastic foam, elastomeric materials, silicone rubbers, or a composite or combination thereof, including or excluding clay. The chip slug 40 can be formed in any suitable or desired color using clay materials having certain pigments or colors. [0042] FIG. 4A is a front view of the body of an edge insert 30 with open inlay apertures 80 and interlock features 90, and FIG. 4B is a back view of the body of the edge insert 30 shown in FIG. 4 A. The body of the edge insert 30 can be formed in a mold from a second material using a second molding process, such as an injection molding process. The second molding process used to form the body of the edge insert 30 is different from the first molding process used to form the chip slug 40. Particularly, the body of the edge insert 30 can be formed using an injection molding process, and the chip slug 40 can be formed using a compression or thermo-compression molding process. The injection molding process can rely upon different a temperature and pressure as compared to the compression or thermo compression molding process, due in part to the different materials used. In other cases, the edge insert 30 can be formed using machining, etching, lamination, shaped with a press, or other suitable manufacturing techniques.

[0043] The body of the edge insert 30 can also be decorated with other printing techniques or with in-mold decoration (IMD) and/or in-mold labeling (IML). The body of the edge insert 30 can also include one or more holograms and/or marked by printing, laser engraving, or another method of marking. Additionally, each of the edge inserts 30-33 can include different IMDs, IMLs, holograms, and/or engravings.

[0044] The second material from which body of the edge insert 30 is formed can include transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque materials. The second material can include a plastic material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide, polystyrene, or polypropylene, among other materials suitable for injection molding. Alternatively, the second material can include another synthetic, mineral (e.g., jade, crystal, etc.), metal (e.g., gold, silver, titanium, etc.), stone, mother of pearl, wood, gemstone, or other material suitable for machining, etching, lamination, or shaping with a press.

[0045] Each of the edge inserts 30-33 can each be formed using the same or different types of materials, including materials having different textures and/or material hardness. The difference in texture or hardness of the edge inserts 30-33 in contrast to the chip body 20 can be undetectable by a human finger, which can add additional security to the gaming chip 10.

[0046] The body of the edge insert 30 can be the same color as or a different color than the chip slug 40 (and, thus, the chip body 20), depending upon the pigments or additives added to the second material. The second material from which the body of the edge insert 30 is formed can include a security additive, such as an ink, resin, or other pigment reflective under UV and/or IR light, as described in further detail below. The security additive can be used to authenticate or otherwise identify characteristics of the gaming chips finished using the manufacturing techniques described herein.

[0047] The front of the body of the edge insert 30 is curved for a circular gaming chip in FIG. 4A, but can be flat for a gaming plaque or any other desired shape or profile. The inlay apertures 80 include well-defined edges and corners in the front outer surface or edge of the body of the edge insert 30, as shown in FIG. 4A. Particularly, the inlay apertures 80 extend from the back of the edge insert 30 (see FIG. 4B), extend internally within the body of the edge insert 30, and extend through the front edge surface of the edge insert 30, where the inlay apertures 80 open with edges and corners forming a sequence of dots and dashes. Thus, when first formed, the body of the edge insert 30 can include openings or apertures through the front. Although the inlay apertures 80 form a sequence of dots and dashes in FIG. 4A, other characters or symbols can be formed, as FIG. 4A is presented as a representative example. [0048] The body of the edge insert 30 also includes the interlock features 90. The interlock features 90 are formed on the right and left sides of the body of the edge insert 30, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The interlock features 90 promote a mechanical adhesion to the chip slug 40, as described in further detail below. In the example shown in FIGS. 4 A and 4B, the interlock features 90 include a ridge or trench formed in the right and left sides of the body of the edge insert 30. In other cases, the interlock features 90 can be formed on the top, bottom, and/or back sides of the body of the edge insert 30. Additionally, the interlock features 90 can also be formed in with other interlocking shapes, such as notches, tabs, clips, undercuts, hinges, snap fits, snap beams, cantilevers, or other features to aide in mechanical adhesion between the edge insert 30 and the chip slug 40.

[0049] FIG. 4C is a front view of the body of another edge insert 30A with open inlay apertures 80A on two sides according to aspects of the embodiments described herein. Particularly, as shown in FIG. 4C, the inlay apertures 80A include well-defined edges and corners in the both the front and top outer surfaces of the body of the edge insert 30 A. The inlay apertures 80 A extend from the back of the edge insert 30A, extend internally within the body of the edge insert 30A, and extend through the front and top surfaces of the edge insert 30A. The inlay apertures 80A form a sequence of dots and dashes on the front of the body of the edge insert 30A and a sequence of numerals on the top of the body of the edge insert 30A. The inlay apertures can also be relied upon to form well-defined edges and corners in the bottom surface of the body of the edge insert 30A.

[0050] FIG. 5A is a front view of the edge insert 30 with filled inlay apertures, and FIG. 5B is a back view of the edge insert 30 with filled inlay apertures. In FIGS. 5A and 5B, the inlay apertures 80 ( see FIGS. 4A and 4B) have been filled with the insert 82. The insert 82 can be formed from a third material, different than the first material from which the chip slug 40 is formed and different than the second material from which the body of the edge insert 30 is formed. The insert 82 can be inserted or injected into the body of the edge insert 30 in a mold using a third molding process, such as an injection molding process, after the body of the edge insert 30 is inserted into the mold. The insert 82 fills the inlay apertures 80 both within the body of the edge insert 30 and in the openings in the front edge surface of the edge insert 30. The insert 82 also forms a protection or tab at the back of the edge insert 30 as shown in FIGS. 5 A and 5B, and the protection or tab can be press fitted into the chip slug 40 as described in further detail below with reference to FIG. 6.

[0051] The third material of the insert 82 can include a plastic material suitable for injection molding, similar to the second material from which the body of the edge insert 30 is formed. The third material can also include another synthetic, mineral ( e.g ., jade, crystal, etc.), metal (e.g., gold, silver, titanium, etc.), stone, mother of pearl, wood, gemstone, or other material. In that case, the insert 82 can be formed through machining, etching, lamination, or shaping with a press and inserted into the inlay apertures 80 of the edge insert 30.

[0052] The insert 82 can be the same color as or a different color than the body of the edge insert 30 and the chip slug 40, depending upon the pigments or additives added to the third material. In some cases, the third material from which the insert 82 is formed can include a security additive, such as an ink, resin, or other pigment reflective under UV and/or IR light. The security additive can be used to authenticate or otherwise identify characteristics of the gaming chips finished using the manufacturing techniques described herein, as described in further detail below. [0053] Because the security additive can be relatively costly or expensive, the use of the security additive to form just the insert 82 and/or the body of the edge insert 30 can reduce the overall cost to manufacture the gaming chip 10. In some embodiments, information about the gaming chip 10 can be embedded in the edge insert 30 using the inlay apertures 80 and insert 82. For example, the inlay apertures 80 can include the characters“$10,” and the insert 82 can be used fill those characters with a security additive that glows under a light of certain wavelength ( e.g ., 254nm light). When the light is cast over the gaming chip 10, the“$10” can glow to confirm the denomination of the gaming chip 10. As such, if a patron altered the gaming chip 10 to make it appear as a one hundred dollar denomination chip, the“$l 0” would still glow, and the security personal could easily detect the fraudulent chip.

[0054] The intricate designs in the edge insert 30 can also be made invisible to the human eye but visible to security personal using special lights. For example, the color of the body of the edge insert 30 and the insert 82 can match under ranges of light visible to individuals, but the security additive(s) used in one or both of the body of the edge insert 30 and the insert 82 can vary with respect to each other. Thus, the edge details on the edge insert 30 can be invisible but for the use of UV and/or IR lights of certain wavelengths, which makes the security aspects of the concepts difficult to detect. In one example, the body of the edge insert 30 can have a security additive visible at 365nm, while the insert 82 can have a security additive visible at 254nm. Further, the edge insert 30 can have a security additive visible at one range of light, and other edge inserts (e.g., the edge inserts 31-33) can have one or more security additives visible at other, different ranges of light. By varying the security additives used in the bodies and inserts of the edge inserts 31-33, an significant number of different chip configurations can be formed, which can increase the overall security for gaming chips. The security additives can also be relied upon in various ways to authenticate a stack or rack of chips as described in further detail below.

[0055] FIG. 6 illustrates the insertion of the edge inserts 30-33 into the edge cavities 50- 53 of the chip slug 40 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B according to aspects of the embodiments described herein. The edge inserts 30-33 can be inserted into the edge cavities 50-53 of the chip slug 40 to align the outer edge of the edge inserts 30-33 with the outer peripheral (i.e., circlar) side or edge of the chip slug 40. The edge inserts 30-33 can be inserted into the edge cavities 50-53 of the chip slug 40 manually or in an automated fashion using automated equipment or tooling.

[0056] Here, the edge inserts 30-33 can be press-fitted into the edge cavities 50-53, with a limited mechanical interference ( e.g ., a friction fit) existing between the chip slug 40 and the edge inserts 30-33. As the body of the edge insert 30 (and the other edge inserts 31-33) also includes the interlock features 90, the interlock features 90 can contact the sides of the edge cavities 50-53. Among others, the interlock feature 90 is shown to contact the side 41 of the edge cavity 53 in FIG. 6. Thus, the interlock features 90 promote a mechanical interference with and, ultimately, adhesion to the chip slug 40. Additionally, as the insert 82 of the edge insert 30 forms a protection or tab at the back of the edge insert 30 ( see FIGS. 5 A and 5B), the protection or tab can be press fitted into the center of the chip slug 40. The other edge inserts 31-33 can include similar protections or tabs that can also be press fitted into the center of the chip slug 40.

[0057] After the edge inserts 30-33 are press-fitted into the edge cavities 50-53, a number of additional molding steps can be performed to adhere the edge inserts 30-33 to the chip slug 40 and finish the gaming chip 10. For example, a pre-mold compression overmolding process can be performed to prevent the edge inserts 30-33 from being removed from the chip slug 40. During the compression overmolding process, the material ( e.g ., clay) of the chip slug 40 will reflow into the interlock features 90 of the edge insert 30 and the other edge inserts 31- 33, filling the interlock features 90. The chip slug 40 will also form around and/or over the protections or tabs at the back of the edge inserts 30-33, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. If necessary, another compression molding operation can be performed to finalize the shape of the gaming chip 10 and lock the edge inserts 30-33 within the chip slug 40.

[0058] FIG. 7 illustrates the gaming chip 10 after the compression overmolding process step(s). As shown in FIG. 7, some additional material 95 can be ejected from the mold used for compression overmolding. As a final step in the process, a turning operation can be performed to shave, cut, or otherwise trim off the additional material 95, to form a smooth, consistent edge surface of the gaming chip 10. The turning operation can also be relied upon to determine the final dimensions (e.g., diameter) of the gaming chip 10 with suitable accuracy.

[0059] FIG. 8 illustrates an example for gaming chip identification, and FIG. 9 illustrates another example for gaming chip identification according to aspects of the embodiments described herein. FIGS. 8 and 9 are provided as representative examples of how edge details on gaming chips, as described herein, can be helpful for the identification and authentication of gaming chips, among other purposes. The examples described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 are not exhaustive, however, and other scenarios can be relied upon.

[0060] In FIG. 8, three stacks of gaming chips 110, 111, and 112, a light source 130, and an imaging device 140 are shown. The stacks of gaming chips 110, 111, and 112 can include stacks of the same or different types (e.g., denominations) of gaming chips. The stacks of gaming chips 110, 111, and 112 can be formed according to the concepts described herein. Thus, although not illustrated in FIG. 8, the edge inserts 121 and 122, among other edge inserts of other chips, can include edge details, such as a string of one or more symbols, letters, or characters.

[0061] The edge insert 121 can include the same or different edge details than the edge insert 122. As one example, the edge inserts 121 and 122 can include symbols that identify the respective denominations of the associated gaming chips. As another example, the edge inserts 121 and 122 can include symbols that identify a serial number or other identifying information, respectively, of the associated gaming chips. The edge details can also include data encoded in a machine-readable format. As examples, the edge details can include a series of dots and dashes, one- or two-dimensional bar codes, or other types of machine-readable formats of data.

[0062] The edge details of the edge inserts 121 and 122 can be visible by individuals under typical indoor lighting based on the use of two or more materials of different, opaque colors to form the edge inserts 121 and 122. Additionally or alternatively, the edge details of the edge inserts 121 and 122 may be enhanced by or only visible under UV and/or IR light, if the edge inserts 121 and 122 are formed using materials including a security additive as described herein.

[0063] The light source 130 can be embodied as a UV and/or IR light source capable of generating light in the UV and/or IR wavelengths. The light generated by the light source 130 can be cast upon the stacks of gaming chips 110, 111, and 112. If the edge inserts 121 and 122, among others, were formed using a security additive as described herein, the security additive will respond or glow under the light source 130. This response or glow can be captured by the imaging device 140, which can be embodied as a charge-coupled device (CCD), complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS), or other type of image sensor capable of imaging the response or glow of the edge details from the edge inserts 121 and 122.

[0064] In some cases, the imaging device 140 can be connected through one or more computer networks for data transfer with another computing environment. The computing environment can receive and process images captured by the imaging device 140, decode and edge details on the gaming chips shown in FIG. 8, and verify or authenticate certain characteristics of one or more of the gaming chips shown in FIG. 8 using a chip inventory system (CIS) hosted on the computing environment. Additionally or alternatively, the imaging device 140 can include local processing or computing circuitry, including memory, to process the images captured by the imaging device 140 and verify or authenticate certain characteristics of the gaming chips.

[0065] A radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag can also be embedded in the center of one or more the gaming chips shown in FIG. 8. When the RFID tags are interrogated, they can return a unique identifier for each gaming chip. In one approach, the gaming chips shown in FIG. 8 can be authenticated if the edge details of the gaming chips match with the unique identifiers of the gaming chips received through RFID interrogation.

[0066] FIG. 9 illustrates another example for gaming chip identification according to aspects of the embodiments described herein. In FIG. 9, a tray 210 can be used to organize stacks of gaming chips, similar to the stacks of gaming chips 110, 111, and 112 shown in FIG. 8. Each stack of gaming chips can be placed into a bay 220 of the tray 210. The bay 220 includes transparent windows 222, and the tray 210 can include any number of bays with transparent windows 222. [0067] The tray 210 can be seated into a top surface of a gaming table as illustrated in FIG. 9. The light source 130 and the imaging device 140 can be mounted or positioned under the tray 210 and the gaming table. The light source 130 can provide UV and/or IR light through the transparent windows 222, and the imaging device 140 can read the edge details off gaming chips positioned in the tray 210 through the transparent windows 222.

[0068] FIG. 10 illustrates a method or process for forming gaming chips according to aspects of the embodiments described herein. The process is described in connection with the gaming chip 10 shown in FIG. 1, although other types of gaming chips can be formed using the process. Although the process diagrams show an order of operation, the order can differ from that which is shown. For example, the order of two or more process steps can be switched relative to the order shown in some cases. Also, two or more steps shown in succession can be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Further, in some cases, one or more of the process steps can be skipped or omitted.

[0069] At step 300, the process includes forming a chip slug comprising one or more edge cavities. For example, the chip slug 40 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B can be formed from a first material using a first molding process, such as a compression or thermo-compression molding processes. The first material can include clay. In other cases, the first material can include acetate, thermoset plastic, epoxy resin, thermoplastic foam, elastomeric materials, silicone rubbers, or a composite or combination thereof, including or excluding clay. The chip slug 40 can be formed in any suitable or desired color using materials having certain pigments or colors in step 300. The chip slug 40 also includes a number of edge cavities 50-

53 as described above. [0070] At step 302, the process includes forming one or more edge inserts. The edge inserts can include inlay apertures on one or more sides and interlock features on one or more sides as described herein. For example, the edge insert 30 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B can be formed in a mold from a second material using a second molding process, such as an injection molding process, at step 302. The second molding process used to form the edge inserts in step 302 can be different than the first molding process used to form the chip slug at step 300. In other cases, the edge insert 30 can be formed using machining, etching, lamination, shaped with a press, or other suitable manufacturing techniques.

[0071] At step 304, the process includes adding a material, possibly with a security additive, into the inlay apertures of the edge inserts formed in step 302. For example, material for the insert 82 shown in FIGS 5 A and 5B can be inserted or injected into the body of the edge insert 30 in a mold using a third molding process, such as an injection molding process. The insert 82 fills the inlay apertures 80 both within the body of the edge insert 30 and in the openings in the front edge surface of the edge insert 30. The insert 82 also forms a protection or tab at the back of the edge insert 30 as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, and the protection or tab can be press fitted into the chip slug 40 as described in further detail below with reference to FIG. 6.

[0072] At step 306, the process includes inserting the edge inserts formed in steps 302 and 304 into the edge cavities of the chip slug formed at step 300. For example, the edge inserts 30-33 can be inserted into the edge cavities 50-53 of the chip slug 40 as shown in FIG. 6. The edge inserts 30-33 can be inserted into the edge cavities 50-53 of the chip slug 40 manually or in an automated fashion using automated equipment or tooling. The edge inserts 30-33 can be press-fitted into the edge cavities 50-53, with a limited mechanical interference ( e.g ., a friction fit) existing between the chip slug 40 and the edge inserts 30-33. As the body of the edge insert 30 (and the other edge inserts 31-33) include the interlock features 90, the interlock features 90 can contact the sides the edge cavities 50-53.

[0073] At step 308, the process includes remolding or adhering the edge inserts formed at steps 302 and 304 within the edge cavities of the chip slug formed at step 300. For example, after the edge inserts 30-33 are inserted into the edge cavities 50-53 at step 306, one or more additional molding steps can be performed at step 308 to adhere the edge inserts 30-33 to the chip slug 40 and finish the gaming chip 10. For example, a pre-mold compression overmolding process can be performed at step 308 to prevent the edge inserts 30-33 from being removed from the chip slug 40. During the compression overmolding process, the first material of the chip slug 40 will reflow into the interlock features 90 of the edge insert 30 and the other edge inserts 31-33, filling the interlock features 90. Additionally, if necessary, another compression molding operation can be performed at step 308 to finalize the shape of the gaming chip 10 and lock the edge inserts 30-33 within the chip slug 40.

[0074] At step 310, the process includes performing a turning operation on the gaming chip 10. The turning operation can be performed at step 310 to shave, cut, or otherwise trim off the additional material 95 shown in FIG. 7, to form a smooth, consistent edge surface of the gaming chip 10. The turning operation can also be relied upon to determine the final dimensions (e.g., diameter) of the gaming chip 10 with suitable accuracy.

[0075] Although embodiments have been described herein in detail, the descriptions are by way of example. The features of the embodiments described herein are representative and, in alternative embodiments, certain features and elements can be added or omitted. Additionally, modifications to aspects of the embodiments described herein can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention defined in the following claims, the scope of which are to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass modifications and equivalent structures.