JP2005013290A - Game machine and authentication method and program in game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a fraudulent change of a set value by providing a game machine with an authentication function. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine has a setting key switch or a setting switch to change settings concerning internal action, a performance display image recognition section including an image display and reading device to perform displays related to performances read images, a memory to store in advance authentication images, and a determination section to compare images read by the image display and reading device with the authentication images in the memory and a control section to change settings concerning internal actions in accordance with predetermined procedures at the time when the setting key switch or the setting switch is operated. The control section changes settings concerning the internal actions at the time when the setting key switch or the setting switch is operated into an enabled condition and both agrees with each other in the judgment section. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine or a pachinko machine, and an authentication method and program in the gaming machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A gaming machine such as a slot machine allows a player to enjoy a game by inserting a predetermined number of medals and game media such as a game ball into the gaming machine. The game media necessary for the game can be borrowed with a medal lending machine or the like provided in the game hall, and the game can be started by inserting it into a slot of a desired game machine.
[0003]
A slot machine (also called a revolving game machine) basically pays out medals when the pattern is complete, but whether the pattern is aligned or not depends on the result of a lottery by an internal computer. Various prizes, such as big bonuses, regular bonuses, and small roles, also follow the results of internal computer lottery. The lottery process can be set within a predetermined range, and setting work is performed by the store in a hall or the like where a gaming machine is installed. The setting change was performed by a procedure such as opening a door of the gaming machine using a key, turning on a setting key switch provided in the power supply unit, and performing a predetermined operation such as pressing the setting change switch.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
A small part of the players performed a dishonest act (so-called goto act). For example, there has been a person who illegally changes the setting of the gaming machine to one advantageous for himself by performing the setting operation illegally. The door of the gaming machine is provided with a key so that it can not be easily opened and closed, and a key is also necessary for the operation of the setting key switch, but those who perform cheating drill holes in the door, It seems that illegal setting is performed by adding work to the wiring of the setting key switch. Also, it seems that unauthorized changes by hall clerk etc. have been made.
[0005]
As described above, there is no security measure other than the mechanism of the key in the conventional gaming machine. A person who knows a predetermined procedure for changing the setting has been able to cancel the security with the key and perform the unauthorized setting.
[0006]
It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine and an authentication method and a program for the gaming machine that can prevent such illegal acts.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A gaming machine according to the present invention includes a setting input unit for making a setting change related to an internal operation,
An effect including an image display reading device that displays an image and reads an image, a memory that stores an authentication image in advance, and a determination unit that compares the image read by the image display reading device with an authentication image in the memory A display image recognition unit;
A gaming machine comprising a control unit that changes a setting related to an internal operation according to a predetermined procedure when the setting input unit is operated;
The control unit is configured to change a setting related to an internal operation when the setting input unit is operated in a settable state and both are matched in the determination unit.
The setting input unit is an operation means for giving an instruction to the control unit provided in the gaming machine, for example, some switches. Specific examples are existing switches such as setting key switches and setting switches provided in gaming machines. Since setting key switches and setting switches have been used for changing settings, it is considered that they are relatively easy to use.
[0008]
As described above, there is a lottery setting as a setting change, but in addition to this, all or part of the following is included. Open / close doors, replace boards, replace reel units.
[0009]
The image display reading device is a liquid crystal display device and includes a two-dimensional photosensor element arranged in a liquid crystal pixel of the liquid crystal display device. A liquid crystal display device and a scanner are integrated, and an image of what is applied on the screen can be read.
[0010]
The effect display image recognition unit further includes a switch that receives the signal of the setting input unit, and switches whether or not to send the signal to the control unit based on the control of the determination unit,
The determination unit sends a signal of the setting input unit to the control unit when authentication is successful,
The control unit changes a setting when the setting input unit receives a signal operated to a settable state.
[0011]
Preferably, an authentication procedure is displayed on the image display reading device when the setting input unit is operated to be settable.
[0012]
In place of the effect display image recognition unit, an effect display unit that performs display related to the effect, and an image recognition unit that performs image recognition,
The image recognition unit includes an image reading device that reads an image, a memory that stores an authentication image in advance, and a determination unit that compares the image read by the image reading device with the authentication image in the memory,
The control unit may perform a setting change related to an internal operation when the setting input unit is operated in a settable state and the two match in the determination unit.
[0013]
The gaming machine according to the present invention includes an image display reading device that displays an image and reads an image, a memory that stores an authentication image in advance, and an image that is read by the image display reading device. An effect display image recognition unit including a determination unit to be compared with,
A gaming machine comprising a control unit for controlling a game,
When the game interruption request is received, the image read by the image display reading device is stored in the memory as an authentication image,
The game is interrupted by the control unit,
When an image resumption request is received, the image displayed on the image display reading device is read,
The determination unit compares the image read by the image display reader with the authentication image in the memory,
The game is resumed by the control unit when the two match in the determination unit.
In addition, the interruption of the game performed by the control unit means that the ongoing game is temporarily not performed, so that the control unit interrupts the game and the control unit does not control the game. Including at least one of the following. As an example of the former, a game performed by the control unit is interrupted automatically or by some operation by the player. As an example of the latter, the control unit is interrupted so that a game cannot be performed (for example, a game is not played in a specific gaming machine due to a player's operation or request), and the gaming machine cannot accept another person's operation (unless it is authenticated) The player cannot operate it).
[0014]
The image display reading device is a liquid crystal display device and includes a two-dimensional photosensor element arranged in a liquid crystal pixel of the liquid crystal display device.
[0015]
Preferably, when a game interruption request is received or a game resumption request is received, an authentication procedure is displayed on the image display reading device.
[0016]
The authentication image stored in the memory is, for example, a palm print or a fingerprint.
[0017]
The present invention includes a setting input unit for changing a setting related to an internal operation, a control unit for changing the setting according to a predetermined procedure when the setting input unit is operated, and an image reading apparatus that reads an image. An authentication method for a gaming machine comprising:
Reading an image with the image reading device when the setting input unit is operated;
Comparing the read image with a pre-stored authentication image;
Changing the setting according to a predetermined procedure when the two match,
A step of displaying an error without changing the setting when the two do not match.
[0018]
further,
Receiving a request to change the authentication image;
Requesting the input of a personal identification number;
Comparing the entered password with a previously stored password;
Reading the image with the image reading device when both match,
And storing the read image as the authentication image.
[0019]
further,
Receiving a request to change the authentication image;
Requesting image input for permission to change the authentication image;
Comparing the input image with a pre-stored second authentication image for permission to change the authentication image;
Reading the image with the image reading device when both match,
And storing the read image as the authentication image.
[0020]
The present invention is an authentication method in a gaming machine that includes a control unit that performs control related to a game and controls suspension and resumption of the game, and an image reading device that reads an image.
A step of receiving an interruption request;
Reading the restart authentication image;
Storing the read image; and
A step of interrupting the game;
Receiving a resume request;
Reading the image;
Comparing the read image with the stored restart authentication image;
Resuming the game when they match,
A step of displaying an error without restarting the game when the two do not match.
[0021]
And measuring the interruption time,
A step of erasing the resuming authentication image when the interruption time reaches a predetermined time or more.
[0022]
The present invention is a program for controlling a gaming machine that includes a setting input unit for changing settings related to internal operations and an image reading device that reads an image.
Reading an image with the image reading device when the setting input unit is operated;
Comparing the read image with a pre-stored authentication image;
Changing the setting according to a predetermined procedure when the two match,
A step of displaying an error without changing the setting when the two do not match.
[0023]
The present invention is a program for controlling a gaming machine equipped with an image reading device for reading an image,
A step of receiving an interruption request;
Reading the restart authentication image;
Storing the read image; and
A step of interrupting the game;
Receiving a resume request;
Reading the image;
Comparing the read image with the stored restart authentication image;
Resuming the game when they match,
A step of displaying an error without restarting the game when the two do not match.
[0024]
The program according to the present invention is recorded on a recording medium, for example.
Examples of the medium include EPROM devices, flash memory devices, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, magneto-optical disks, CDs (including CD-ROMs and Video-CDs), DVDs (DVD-Videos, DVD-ROMs, DVD-s). RAM), ROM cartridge, RAM memory cartridge with battery backup, flash memory cartridge, nonvolatile RAM cartridge, and the like.
[0025]
In addition, a communication medium such as a wired communication medium such as a telephone line and a wireless communication medium such as a microwave line is included. The Internet is also included in the communication medium here.
[0026]
A medium is a medium in which information (mainly digital data, a program) is recorded by some physical means, and allows a processing device such as a computer or a dedicated processor to perform a predetermined function. is there.
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiment 1 of the Invention
A gaming machine such as a slot machine or a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention and a method for preventing fraud will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a slot machine will be described as an example. However, if a scanner is provided in a liquid crystal display device of a pachinko machine, the following processing can be applied.
[0028]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine (slot machine) according to an embodiment of the invention. A player who wants to enjoy a game with the slot machine 10 first borrows a medal as a game medium from a medal lending machine (not shown) or the like, and inserts a medal directly into the medal insertion slot 100 of the medal insertion device. The medal slot 100 is provided at a substantially central position in front of the slot machine 10.
[0029]
The slot machine 10 has a square box-shaped housing 11. A square window-like display window 12 facing the player side is formed at the center and upper part of the casing 11. In the center of the display window 12 at the center, a symbol display window 13 is formed through which the symbols 61 on the surfaces of the three rotary reels 40 can be seen. The bet switch 16 is a switch located below the rotary reel 40 and reduces the number of stored medals already inserted to replace medal insertion. The settlement switch 17 is a switch located obliquely below the rotating reel, and pays out the stored medal. The start switch 30 is a lever positioned obliquely below the rotary reel 40 and starts driving the reel unit 60 on condition that a game medal is inserted or the bet switch 16 is inserted. The stop switch 50 is for stopping the driving of the reel unit 60. The reel unit 60 is composed of three rotating reels 40. Each rotary reel 40 includes a rotary drum made of synthetic resin and a tape-like reel tape 42 attached around the rotary drum. A plurality of (for example, 21) symbols 61 are displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the reel tape 42. Reference numeral 62 denotes a liquid crystal display unit for performing various effects.
[0030]
A two-dimensional photosensor element is formed in the liquid crystal pixel of the liquid crystal display unit 62, and characters, photographs, fingerprints, and palmprint data can be captured by placing printed characters, photos, and palms on the liquid crystal display unit 62. it can. The liquid crystal display unit 62 is a device that can directly capture an image on a liquid crystal screen, and is a so-called liquid crystal image display reading device. The liquid crystal image display / reading device 62 has a CPU and a memory inside, can store the read image and display it, and can determine whether the read image matches the image in the memory or not. . Of course, the read image data or the determined result can be transmitted to the outside, and the determination result when the images are compared can be output.
[0031]
Inside the slot machine 10, although not shown, a control device for controlling the entire operation of the slot machine 10 is incorporated. Although not shown, the control device is configured around a CPU and includes a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, and the like. The CPU operates by reading a program stored in the ROM, controls the rotation and stop of the rotating reel 40 based on the operation of the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50, and displays information including notifications such as lamps and speakers. To control.
[0032]
The start switch 30 is a lever positioned obliquely below the rotary reel 40 as described above. The reel unit 60 is driven by operating the start switch 30 when a game medal is inserted or when the bet switch 16 is inserted, or after a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous game at the time of “Replay” (RepIay). Can be started.
[0033]
The stop switch 50 is for stopping the driving of the reel unit 60 as described above. Specifically, the stop switch 50 includes three switches corresponding to each rotary reel 40, and one stop switch 50 is disposed below each rotary reel 40. The operation of the stop switch 50 corresponding to the rotating reel 40 is set to stop the rotation of the corresponding rotating reel 40.
[0034]
When the start switch 30 is operated on the condition that the medal is inserted or the bet switch 16 is inserted, or on the condition that a predetermined time has elapsed from the previous game at the time of “replay”, the reel unit 60 is driven, and the three units The rotating reel 40 starts to rotate. Thereafter, when any one of the stop switches 50 is operated, the rotation of the corresponding rotary reel 40 is stopped. When all three stop switches 50 are operated, the rotation of the three rotary reels 40 is stopped. At this time, when a preset symbol 61 is stopped on the effective winning line of the display window 12, a predetermined number of medals are paid out through the hopper unit. In addition, you may credit instead of paying out medals.
[0035]
The slot machine 10 includes a power supply unit. FIG. 2 shows details of the panel of the power supply unit 205. The power supply unit 205 is provided slightly below the center of the slot machine 10 with the front door opened. Since the front door has a lockable structure and is normally locked, a key for unlocking is required to open the front door. The power supply unit 205 is provided with setting key switches and setting switches.
[0036]
In FIG. 2, a power switch 2051 is a power on / off switch, a power supply pilot lamp 2052 is a lamp (LED) that is lit when the power is on, and a strike / stop switch 2053 is a strike that limits the number of medals to be paid out. Is a switch that appropriately sets “Yes” or “No”. The stop / presence switch 2053 is normally set to “none” and is not frequently used. A setting key switch 2054 is a key switch (a switch with a key) for enabling the setting, and a setting change / reset switch 2055 (the switch 2055 serves as both a setting change switch and a reset switch) enables the setting change. , A switch for resetting the setting, AC100V pilot lamp 2056 is a lamp indicating that AC100V as the power supply of the housing is supplied, and AC power output and power cable 2057 are for supplying power It is.
[0037]
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine according to Embodiment 1 of the invention.
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 1 denotes a medal of different diameter, iron or iron having an outer diameter different from a predetermined dimension while rolling the medal toward the hopper device 121 while detecting the passage of the medal inserted from the medal slot 100. This is a device (medal selector) for selecting and removing medals made of an alloy of illegal materials and selecting and eliminating a predetermined number of medals that can be inserted according to the game state. Reference numeral 121 denotes a hopper device that is fixed to the inner bottom surface of the gaming machine, stores a plurality of medals therein, and pays out the stored medals one by one to a payout port 304 provided on the front surface of the front door. A hopper tank (not shown) that opens upward and stores a plurality of medals is provided at the top of the hopper device 121. Reference numerals 200 and 201 denote a main board and a sub board, each incorporating a CPU. The main board 200 performs medal insertion management, payout, reel drive and stop control, and winning process. The sub-board 201 performs processing such as an effect display including at least a part of displaying an image on a display device, playing sound such as sound or sound effect from a speaker, or emitting light emitting diodes or lamps. . An operation unit 202 includes switches such as a start switch 30, a stop switch 50, and a bet switch 16. A reel unit 203 includes three rotating reels. A liquid crystal image 62 includes an effect display unit (liquid crystal display unit) 62a that receives a signal from the sub-board 201 and displays an image, and an image recognition unit 62b that reads a palm applied on the screen and performs image recognition. This is a display reading device. The liquid crystal image display reading device 62 is an integrated liquid crystal display device and scanner. The effect display unit 62a notifies the winning combination and the pressing order. A power supply unit 205 supplies power to each unit. Reference numeral 205a denotes a key switch (2054 and 2055 in FIG. 2) for changing the setting provided in the power supply unit 205.
[0038]
FIG. 4 shows a functional block diagram of the image recognition unit 62b.
In FIG. 4, 62b-1 is an image reading unit incorporated in the effect display unit (liquid crystal display device) 62a, 62b-2 is a memory for storing an authentication image, and 62b-3 is read by the image reading unit 62b-1. The determination unit 62b-3 determines whether the image matches the image stored in the authentication image memory 62b-2 (is substantially the same). The output of the determination unit 62b-3 is sent to the main board 200 (the signal is an image match signal: authentication is successful when they match), and the CPU of the main board 200 executes a setting value changing process.
[0039]
3 and 4 send both the authentication result signal (image coincidence signal) and the signals of the setting key switches 2054 and 2055 to the main board 200 to determine whether or not the authentication is successful on the main board 200. . Alternatively, as shown by the dotted lines in FIGS. 3 and 4, the image recognition unit 62 b may generate a set value change permission signal, and the main board 200 may receive the signal and perform the set value change process. . Specifically, the signals of the setting key switches 2054 and 2055 are once input to the image recognition unit 62b, and the signals of the setting key switches 2054 and 2055 are sent to the main board 200 only when the authentication is successful. The switch 62b-4 in FIG. 4 is for that purpose, and when the image coincidence signal is output, the switch is switched to connect the wiring of the setting key switches 2054 and 2055 to the main board 200.
[0040]
The apparatus / method according to the first embodiment of the present invention records an authentication image that allows the image recognition unit 62b to permit the setting change in advance, and permits the setting change only when the authentication is successful based on the authentication image. is there. The authentication image for setting change permission can be changed in a hall by a specific procedure.
[0041]
When changing the setting of the gaming machine, the key switch is used and the setting change permission authentication image is input to the image recognition unit 62b. The image recognition unit compares the input image with the recorded authentication image, detects a match, and transmits it to the main board 200 in the same manner as the key switch signal. The operation can be changed by performing the operation in this way. The image input device used for the image recognition unit may be a camera or a scanner. In an actual product, a device in which a liquid crystal display device and an image input scanner are integrated, such as the above-described liquid crystal image display reader, is desirable. The liquid crystal change permission authentication image may be any image, but from the viewpoint of specifying an individual, a fingerprint, a palm print, or an image corresponding thereto is desirable.
[0042]
A specific processing procedure will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 5 shows an initial setting process (S1 to S3) for registering an authentication image and a setting value changing process including an authentication process permitting the change of the setting value (S11 to S15).
[0043]
(Initial setting process)
S1: It is determined whether an instruction to start changing the authentication image is received. The determination is performed according to a predetermined procedure so that the authentication image is not illegally changed. This procedure will be described in detail later. If the procedure is correct, the process proceeds to step S2. S2: The authentication image is read. For example, the operator's palm is pressed on the screen of the liquid crystal image display reading device 62, and this is read by the image reading unit (scanner) 62b-1.
S3: The read image is stored in the memory 62b-2. Thereafter, authentication processing is performed based on the newly read authentication image.
[0044]
(Setting value change processing)
S11: It is determined whether a setting value change start instruction has been received. If an instruction is received, the process proceeds to step S12. For example, when the setting key switch 2054 or the setting switch 2055 is turned on, the processes after step S12 are executed.
S12: An authentication request is displayed. For example, a sentence such as “Please put an image indicating that you have authority to change the setting value on the liquid crystal display device” is displayed on the effect display unit 62a.
S13: The image is read by the image reading unit (scanner) 62b-1. For example, the operator presses his / her palm onto the liquid crystal image display reading device 62.
S14: The read image is compared with the image in the authentication image memory 62b-2 to determine whether they match. A known image recognition method can be applied.
S15: If the images match, it is recognized as a setting value change by an authorized worker.
A message to that effect is displayed.
S16: A set value changing process is executed (this process is the same as the conventional process).
S17: If the images do not match, there is a possibility of fraud, so an error message such as “authentication failed” is displayed, and the setting value changing process is terminated. Note that the setting value changing process may be terminated without displaying an error.
[0045]
(Example of initial setting process 1)
FIG. 6 is a specific process flowchart of the initial setting process.
S1a: It is determined whether the registration mode switch for the authentication image is turned on. A dedicated switch may be provided as a registration mode switch, or a switch such as 2054, 2055, or 2053 may be used. Alternatively, the registration procedure may be started immediately after the power is turned on.
S1b: The registration procedure is displayed on the effect display unit 62a. For example, a message such as “(1) Enter the first password. (2) Put your palm on the screen and turn off the setting key switch” is displayed.
S1c: Receives a password. As the password, a gaming machine may be provided with a numeric key switch, and this may be entered, or the existing switches are pressed in a specific order (for example, the start lever is pressed three times, and then the first, second, (The third stop button is pressed in a specific order) may be used as the password. Alternatively, pressing a specific place of the image reading unit 62b-1 in a predetermined order (for example, pressing the four corners of the image reading unit 62b-1 clockwise) may be used as the password. The personal identification number may be determined for each model at the time of shipment, or may be set when it is installed in the hall.
S1d: It is determined whether or not the passwords match.
S4: If the images do not match, there is a possibility of fraud, so an error message such as “authentication failed” is displayed, and the initial setting process is terminated. Note that the initial setting process may be terminated without displaying an error.
The processes of S2 and S3 are the same as in the case of FIG.
[0046]
(Example 2 of initial setting process)
FIG. 7 shows another specific example of the initial setting process.
S1a: It is determined whether the registration mode switch for the authentication image is turned on. A dedicated switch may be provided as a registration mode switch, or a switch such as 2054, 2055, or 2053 may be used. Alternatively, the registration procedure may be started immediately after the power is turned on.
S1b: The registration procedure is displayed on the effect display unit 62a. For example, “(1) First put the palm of the senior manager (store manager) on the screen. (2) Next, put the palm of the manager (worker) on the screen and turn off the setting key switch.” Is displayed.
S1e: The fingerprint / palmprint of the senior manager (store manager) is read.
S1f: It is determined whether or not it matches the registered fingerprint / palmprint. A known image recognition method can be applied. Initial setting fingerprint / palmprint image data is stored in the memory 62b-2 or a memory (not shown). Initial setting fingerprint / palmprint image data is stored when the device is installed in the hall. At that time, data is collected by a special device prepared by the manufacturer and stored in a memory in a special format (for example, in an encrypted state). The stored memory may be inserted into the socket. If such a method is adopted, it becomes difficult to illegally change registered data. The senior manager's registration data is not likely to change frequently, so there is no particular problem with this approach.
S2a: An image for authentication (such as an employee's fingerprint / palmprint) is read.
S3: The read image is stored in the memory.
S4: If the images do not match, there is a possibility of fraud, so an error message such as “authentication failed” is displayed, and the initial setting process is terminated. Note that the initial setting process may be terminated without displaying an error.
[0047]
According to the first embodiment of the present invention, fingerprint / palmprint authentication instead of a password can be easily realized by the liquid crystal image display reading device 62. In addition, it is not necessary to newly provide an image input device such as a scanner or a TV camera, and it is easy to realize mechanically.
[0048]
In conventional gaming machines, when changing settings to adjust the payout rate, change the work by inserting the key held by the hall manager into the key switch provided in the gaming machine and enabling the setting change signal. It was common to do. However, this method is incapable of duplicating keys and destroying key switches. Therefore, as described above, by adding a unit capable of image recognition to a gaming machine and using it together with the key switch system, it is possible to change the setting by operating the key switch and authenticating a specific image. It is possible to improve security.
[0049]
In the above description, the setting value changing process has been described as an example, but the fraud prevention apparatus and method according to the embodiment of the present invention can be applied to other uses. Listed below are examples of controlling whether to allow or not to allow this fraud prevention apparatus and method.
(1) Permission to open and close the door
(2) Main board replacement, ROM replacement
(3) Preventing replacement of the entire reel unit
[0050]
Embodiment 2 of the Invention
Instead of the liquid crystal image display reading device 62, a known scanner or TV camera may be provided in the gaming machine separately from the liquid crystal display device 62. For example, a scanner or a TV camera may be provided on the panel of the power supply unit 5 in FIG. In this case, together with the operation of the setting key switch 2054 and the setting change switch 2055, an image capable of identifying a specific individual such as a fingerprint or palm print for authentication is input by a scanner or a TV camera.
[0051]
Embodiment 3 of the Invention
The apparatus and method described above are exclusively intended to prevent fraud. However, the apparatus shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 can also be applied to other uses, for example, preventing a player from operating the gaming machine when the player temporarily leaves the gaming machine. FIG. 8 shows the procedure of such processing.
[0052]
(Game temporary suspension processing)
S21: It is determined whether an interruption request has been made. A dedicated game interruption switch may be provided in any part including the board surface of the gaming machine, or an interruption request may be generated by operating an existing switch (for example, all three stop switches are pressed simultaneously).
S22: The registration procedure is displayed on the effect display unit 62a. For example, a display such as “(1) Place your left or right palm on the screen. (2) Wait until the next instruction is displayed on the screen” is displayed.
S23: The player's fingerprint / palmprint is read.
S24: The read image is stored in the memory.
S25: The game is interrupted. A message such as “This table is currently in use. Please use another table” is displayed on the screen, and operations such as the bet switch 16, the start switch 30, and the stop switch 50 are not accepted. The medals inserted from the medal slot 100 are returned to the payout slot 304.
[0053]
(Game restart processing)
S31: It is determined whether a restart request has been received. For example, when a palm is placed on the image reading unit 62b-1, it is determined that a restart request has been received.
S32: An authentication request is displayed. For example, a sentence such as “Please put your palm on the liquid crystal display device when the game is interrupted” is displayed on the effect display unit 62a.
S33: The image is read by the image reading unit (scanner) 62b-1.
S34: The read image is compared with the image in the authentication image memory 62b-2 to determine whether or not they match. A known image recognition method can be applied.
S35: If the images match, it is recognized as a valid player, so that effect is displayed.
S36: The game is resumed. The game is played in the state just before the interruption (the state of the inside is as it is).
S37: Since there is a possibility of fraud if the images do not match, an error message such as “authentication failed” is displayed, and the game restart process is terminated. Note that the game resumption process may be terminated without displaying an error.
[0054]
According to the third embodiment of the present invention, there is no possibility of being operated by another person even when the player stands temporarily. In order to prevent the gaming machine from being illegally occupied for a long time, a timer may be provided in the gaming machine, and the game interruption process in S25 may be stopped when a predetermined time has elapsed. When the time-out occurs, the interrupted state may be canceled. However, when the resumption is requested by deleting the authentication image, any image may be read and resumed. Alternatively, when the resumption is requested, the authentication procedure may be passed and the game may be resumed immediately.
[0055]
As another application, it is conceivable that a player is specified by the image recognition unit 62b, and an effect different for each player is displayed on the effect display unit 62a.
[0056]
The image recognition unit 62b may be used as a simple input device. For example, an effect may be selected according to the recognition result. The player selects an effect that he / she likes, and gives a printed material of a key image for performing the effect. The player may hit the image recognition unit 62b to start a desired effect.
[0057]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.
[0058]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, since the gaming machine has an authentication function, it is possible to prevent an unauthorized change in the set value. In addition, the game can be temporarily interrupted with peace of mind.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a spinning cylinder type gaming machine.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a power supply unit.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an image recognition unit according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 5 is a process flowchart according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A shows an outline of an initial setting process for registering an authentication image, and FIG. 5B shows a setting value changing process using image authentication.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an initial setting process according to the first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of another initial setting process according to the first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 8 is a process flowchart according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A shows a game pause process, and FIG. 5B shows a game restart process.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Medal selector
10 slot machine
11 Case
12 Display window
13 Symbol display window
16 Bet switch
17 Checkout switch
30 Start switch
31 connector
32 Processing / Display section
33 connector
40 rotating reel
42 reel tape
50 Stop switch
60 reel unit
61 design
62 Liquid crystal display reader
62a Production display section
62b Image recognition unit
62b-1 Image reading unit (scanner)
62b-2 Image memory for authentication
62b-3 determination unit
62b-4 switch
100 medal slot
121 Hopper device
200 Main board
201 Sub-board
202 Operation unit
203 reel unit
205 Power supply
205a Setting change key switch
2051 Power switch
2052 Pilot lamp for power supply
2053 Non-stop switch
2054 Setting key switch
2055 Setting change / reset switch
2056 AC100V pilot lamp
2057 AC power output and power cable
304 medal outlet
311 Medal receiving part (bottom plate)

Claims (16)

A setting input section for changing settings related to internal operation;
An effect including an image display reading device that displays an image and reads an image, a memory that stores an authentication image in advance, and a determination unit that compares the image read by the image display reading device with an authentication image in the memory A display image recognition unit;
A gaming machine comprising a control unit that changes a setting related to an internal operation according to a predetermined procedure when the setting input unit is operated;
The gaming machine is characterized in that, when the setting input unit is operated in a settable state and both are matched in the determination unit, a setting change relating to an internal operation is performed. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the image display reading device is a liquid crystal display device and includes a two-dimensional photosensor element arranged in a liquid crystal pixel of the liquid crystal display device. The effect display image recognition unit further includes a switch that receives the signal of the setting input unit, and switches whether or not to send the signal to the control unit based on the control of the determination unit,
The determination unit sends a signal of the setting input unit to the control unit when authentication is successful,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the setting when the setting input unit receives a signal operated to a settable state. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein an authentication procedure is displayed on the image display reading device when the setting input unit is operated to be settable. In place of the effect display image recognition unit, an effect display unit that performs display related to the effect, and an image recognition unit that performs image recognition,
The image recognition unit includes an image reading device that reads an image, a memory that stores an authentication image in advance, and a determination unit that compares the image read by the image reading device with the authentication image in the memory,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when the setting input unit is operated in a settable state and both are matched in the determination unit, the control unit changes the setting related to an internal operation. An effect including an image display reading device that displays an image and reads an image, a memory that stores an authentication image in advance, and a determination unit that compares the image read by the image display reading device with an authentication image in the memory A display image recognition unit;
A gaming machine comprising a control unit for controlling a game,
When the game interruption request is received, the image read by the image display reading device is stored in the memory as an authentication image,
The game is interrupted by the control unit,
When an image resumption request is received, the image displayed on the image display reading device is read,
The determination unit compares the image read by the image display reader with the authentication image in the memory,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the game is resumed by the control unit when the two match at the determination unit. 7. The game machine according to claim 6, wherein the image display reading device is a liquid crystal display device and includes a two-dimensional photosensor element arranged in a liquid crystal pixel of the liquid crystal display device. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein an authentication procedure is displayed on the image display reading device when a game interruption request is received or a game resumption request is received. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 6, wherein the authentication image stored in the memory is a palm print or a fingerprint. In a gaming machine comprising: a setting input unit for performing a setting change relating to an internal operation; a control unit for performing a setting change according to a predetermined procedure when the setting input unit is operated; and an image reading device for reading an image An authentication method,
Reading an image with the image reading device when the setting input unit is operated;
Comparing the read image with a pre-stored authentication image;
Changing the setting according to a predetermined procedure when the two match,
An authentication method in a gaming machine comprising a step of displaying an error without changing a setting when both do not match. Receiving a request to change the authentication image;
Requesting the input of a personal identification number;
Comparing the entered password with a previously stored password;
Reading the image with the image reading device when both match,
The authentication method for a gaming machine according to claim 10, further comprising a step of storing the read image as the authentication image. Receiving a request to change the authentication image;
Requesting image input for permission to change the authentication image;
Comparing the input image with a pre-stored second authentication image for permission to change the authentication image;
Reading the image with the image reading device when both match,
The authentication method for a gaming machine according to claim 10, further comprising a step of storing the read image as the authentication image. An authentication method in a gaming machine comprising a control unit that controls a game and controls the interruption and resumption of the game, and an image reading device that reads an image,
A step of receiving an interruption request;
Reading the restart authentication image;
Storing the read image; and
A step of interrupting the game;
Receiving a resume request;
Reading the image;
Comparing the read image with the stored restart authentication image;
Resuming the game when they match,
An authentication method in a gaming machine comprising: a step of displaying an error without restarting a game when the two do not match. Measuring the interruption time;
14. The authentication method for a gaming machine according to claim 13, further comprising a step of erasing the restart authentication image when the interruption time reaches a predetermined time or more. A program for controlling a gaming machine including a setting input unit for changing settings related to an internal operation and an image reading device for reading an image.
Reading an image with the image reading device when the setting input unit is operated;
Comparing the read image with a pre-stored authentication image;
Changing the setting according to a predetermined procedure when the two match,
A program for executing an error display without changing the setting when the two do not match. A program for controlling a gaming machine provided with an image reading device for reading an image,
A step of receiving an interruption request;
Reading the restart authentication image;
Storing the read image; and
A step of interrupting the game;
Receiving a resume request;
Reading the image;
Comparing the read image with the stored restart authentication image;
Resuming the game when they match,
A program for executing an error display without restarting the game when the two do not match.

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