JP2008067790A - Inter-machine device, management server, credit balance adjusting machine, and game system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve sufficient accuracy in authentication while applying the face authentication method in a game parlor with inferior environment and conditions for imaging. <P>SOLUTION: The inter-machine device comprises an imaging means for imaging the face of a player for a prescribed period of time only; and an imaging signal selecting means for selecting one imaging signal from a plurality of imaging signals obtained by the imaging means. Since one imaging signal is selected from a plurality of imaging signals, the imaging signal used for authenticating the face can be optimized, so that the accuracy in the face authentication can be improved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a sand device, a management server, a deposit balance adjusting machine, and a game system, and can be applied to a game system including, for example, a sand device provided in association with a pachinko machine, a pachislot machine, or the like. .

  Sand devices provided in connection with pachinko machines, pachislot machines, etc., discharge game media such as game balls and game coins according to deposit processing, etc., and instruct game machines to discharge game media To do. As a depositing method for the sand device, there is a method of using a card such as a prepaid card or a membership card in addition to a depositing method by cash. Here, when the membership card is inserted into the sand device, the sand device and the game hall management server (the management server and the host controller are collectively called the management server) communicate to authenticate the member. .

  However, in the case of a sand device that uses a card, there is a possibility of fraudulent behavior such that when the player temporarily leaves for some reason, the card is removed from the sand device and the card is misused. In the case of a sand device using a card, there are many mechanical configurations such as a card transport mechanism and a card reading mechanism, and the occurrence frequency of abnormalities such as a card jam or a reading error is high.

  Therefore, a sanding device having a function (for example, accumulating a deposit balance and lending a ball from the accumulated balance) similar to the case of using a card without using a card is desired.

  By the way, there are various devices in the game hall, and some devices that handle money or game media having the same value as money already have fingerprint authentication to authenticate operators such as employees. Some have applied functions (see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  The fingerprint authentication function is easy to apply to the sand apparatus because of its small reading configuration and the like, but authentication is OK even when fingerprint reading is forced by another person.

In consideration of such points, a face authentication function that gives the consciousness being imaged not only to the person to be authenticated but also to the surrounding persons is preferable. In Patent Document 4, reference face data and deformation information to be deformed from the face data according to the facial expression are registered in advance in association with the person ID, and deformation information (facial expression) to be applied from a plurality of imaged face data. ) And a face authentication device for performing face authentication is described.
JP 2000-61124 A JP 2002-126177 A JP 2002-8131 A JP 2005-149302 A

  By the way, the person to be imaged at the game hall is a player who is facing a gaming machine sitting on a chair with a small backrest, and how to sit down (such as how to sit forward and lean back) is also large in the captured image. Influence.

  In consideration of such points, a method using deformation information is effective. However, even if the authentication target is a specific person, the method of Patent Document 4 has a huge amount of processing. When applied to a gaming system, considering the future, general players (unspecified persons) other than member players want to be subject to face authentication. In such a case, considering the creation process of deformation information and collation with the deformation information, the processing load is large and the processing time is lengthened, and the face authentication method using the deformation information cannot be applied in practice.

  In addition, the playground changes such as lighting effects such as cocktail rays are executed, many players search for suitable platforms, and the influence of external light varies depending on the distance from the entrance / exit. It is a place where is intense.

  Therefore, a sand device, a management server, and a deposit balance settlement machine that can achieve sufficient authentication accuracy while applying a face authentication method for players to components of a game hall where imaging environment and imaging conditions are poor And a gaming system is desired.

  In order to solve such a problem, the sand apparatus of the present invention of claim 1 takes in a cash deposit and discharges a predetermined number of game media according to a lending operation, or with respect to a corresponding gaming machine. A sanding device for instructing the discharge of a unit number of game media and for reducing the incorporated deposit balance by a predetermined unit, (1) imaging means for imaging a player's face, and (2) by the imaging means Imaging signal selection means for selecting one imaging signal from a plurality of imaging signals, (3) Accumulation instruction fetching means for fetching a deposit balance accumulation instruction operation, and (4) Accumulation instruction operation for the accumulation instruction fetching means. When there is an image signal, the imaging signal selected by the imaging signal selection unit from the plurality of imaging signals captured by the imaging unit, or face data composed of compressed data obtained by compressing the imaging signal, and the deposit balance data tube A storage transmission control means for transmitting and storing the server; (5) a withdrawal instruction fetching means for fetching a withdrawal instruction for a deposit balance stored in the management server by the storage transmission control means; and (6) the withdrawal. When there is a drawing instruction operation to the instruction fetch means, the image pickup signal selected by the image pickup signal selection means from a plurality of image pickup signals picked up by the image pickup means, or compressed data obtained by characteristic compression of the image pickup signal It is characterized by comprising deposit balance withdrawal control means for transmitting face data to the management server, performing face authentication, and transmitting the accumulated deposit balance data from the management server.

  The management server of the present invention according to claim 2 is a management server for managing the state of each sand device, and (1) a face database in which face data is associated with deposit balance data, and (2) each sand device. Imaging signal selection means for selecting one imaging signal from a plurality of imaging signals transmitted from (3), in order to accumulate the deposit balance, the deposit balance data transmitted from any of the above sand devices, An image pickup signal picked up by the image pickup signal selection means from a plurality of image pickup signals transmitted, or a deposit balance registration means for storing the image pickup signal in the face database in association with the face data whose characteristics are compressed; 4) An imaging signal selected by the imaging signal selection means from a plurality of imaging signals transmitted from any one of the sand devices for withdrawal of the deposit balance, or the imaging signal The face database is searched based on the feature-compressed face data, and when there is matching face data, the deposit balance data associated with the face data is converted to the above-mentioned transmission source of the plurality of imaging signals. It has the 1st deposit balance supply means and (4) transmitted to a sand device, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the management server according to the second aspect of the present invention, in order to settle a deposit balance, the imaging signal selecting means is configured to select a plurality of imaging signals transmitted from any one of the deposit balance settlement machines. The face database is searched based on the selected imaging signal or face data obtained by performing feature compression on the imaging signal, and when there is matching face data, the deposit balance data associated with the face data is obtained. And a second deposit balance supply means for transmitting to the upper deposit balance settlement machine of the transmission source of the plurality of imaging signals.

  The deposit balance settlement machine of the present invention according to claim 4 is a deposit balance settlement machine that settles a deposit balance that has not been converted into a game medium, and (1) an imaging means that images a player's face, and (2) Imaging signal selection means for selecting one imaging signal from a plurality of imaging signals from the imaging means; (3) a settlement instruction fetching means for fetching a settlement balance settlement instruction operation; and (4) the settlement instruction fetching means. When the adjustment instruction operation is performed, the imaging signal selected by the imaging signal selection unit from the plurality of imaging signals captured by the imaging unit, or face data composed of compressed data obtained by compressing the imaging signal is managed. A payment amount fetching means for transmitting to the server, authenticating the face, and transmitting the accumulated deposit balance data from the management server; and (5) cash corresponding to the deposit balance data transmitted from the management server. Spirit to drain It characterized by having a gold discharging means.

  A gaming system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention includes a management server that manages the state of each sand device, and the plurality of sand devices according to the first aspect.

  The present invention of claim 6 is the game system of the present invention of claim 5, further comprising the deposit balance settlement machine according to claim 4.

  A gaming system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of sand devices that transmit a plurality of imaging signals obtained by imaging a player's face to the management server, and the management server according to the second aspect. .

  In the gaming system of the present invention according to claim 8, a plurality of sand devices that transmit a plurality of imaging signals obtained by imaging a player's face to the management server, and a plurality of imaging signals obtained by imaging the player's face are transmitted to the management server. And a management server according to claim 3.

  According to the sand apparatus, the management server, the deposit balance adjusting machine, and the game system of the present invention, after obtaining a plurality of imaging signals, one imaging signal is selected and used for face authentication. It is possible to achieve sufficient authentication accuracy while applying the face authentication method for a game hall with poor conditions.

(A) Embodiment Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a sand apparatus, a management server, a deposit balance adjusting machine and a game system according to the present invention are applied to a game system relating to a game hall having a pachinko machine and a pachislot machine will be described with reference to the drawings. It will be described in detail.

(A-1) Configuration of Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the gaming system of this embodiment. In FIG. 1, the gaming system 1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of gaming machines 2, a sand device 3, an island unit controller 4, a management server 5, a database 6, a deposit balance adjusting machine 7, and a pager base station 8.

  There are various types of gaming machines 2 such as pachinko machines and slot machines. In the following description, it is assumed that the gaming machine 2 is a pachinko machine.

  The sand device 3 is provided in parallel with each gaming machine 2 and lends game media. The sanding device 3 of this embodiment lends game media based on cash or accumulated deposit balance, and uses a face authentication function for accumulation of deposit balance and retrieval of accumulated deposit balance.

  The island unit controller 4 is provided in common for a plurality of pairs of gaming machines 2 and sand devices 3 that form a gaming island in the game hall, and relays communication between the management server 5 and the gaming machines 2 and sand devices 3. It has a function. Note that the gaming machine 2 and the sand device 3 may be capable of directly communicating with the management server 5 without using the island unit controller 4.

  The management server 5 is responsible for management functions such as information for each sand device 3 and game information for each gaming machine 2, and also has a collation function during face authentication processing. 6 is provided in relation. The database 6 also includes a face database 6a and a sand database 6b. The management server 5 may be common to a plurality of game halls, or may be installed at a place other than the game hall.

  The deposit balance settlement machine 7 is arranged near, for example, a prize exchange or an exit, and settles a deposit balance that has not been converted into game media out of the deposited amount.

  The pager base station 8 is a base station that communicates with a pager terminal (not shown) that is carried by a game hall employee, and is provided in the game hall.

  For example, between the management server 5 arranged in a management room or the like and the gaming machine 2, sand device 3, island unit controller 4, deposit balance settlement machine 7 and pager base station 8 arranged in the game hall The game network 9 is used for the communication. Communication using a dedicated line or the like instead of the game hall network 9 may be used.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the sand device 3 according to the embodiment. About the sand apparatus 3 in the installed state, a warning lamp 11, a plurality of (three examples are shown in FIG. 2) status display LEDs 12a to 12c, a bill insertion slot 13, and a coin insertion slot 14 are provided on the surface. The remote control communication window 15, the display LCD 16, the numeric keypad 17, the coin return port 18, and the CCD camera window 19 can be seen.

  The warning lamp 11 is lit or blinked to issue a warning when an abnormality occurs in the sand device 3 (for example, when a contradiction occurs in face authentication as described later).

  The status display LEDs 12a to 12c display the status and guidance of the sand device 3 or the corresponding gaming machine 2 by lighting or flashing or a combination of lighting or flashing. For example, it displays the processing status of face authentication.

  The banknote insertion slot 13 is a part for receiving banknotes related to depositing and discharging non-regular banknotes at the time of depositing, and the coin slot 14 is a part for receiving coins related to depositing. The coin return port 18 is a part that discharges non-regular coins when depositing. In addition, the sand apparatus which limited the deposit | denomination money type only to the banknote may be sufficient, and the coin insertion port 14 and the coin return port 18 are unnecessary in this case.

  The remote control communication window 15 is a window portion for taking in a remote control signal by infrared rays or the like from a remote control transmitter (not shown) that is carried by a game hall employee and issues an instruction to the sand device 3.

  The display LCD 16 displays management information, guidance, or the like given from the management server 5 or the like or formed by the sand device 3. The numeric keypad 17 captures operation information such as players and employees. The display LCD 16 and the numeric keypad 17 constitute an operation panel unit.

  The CCD camera window 19 is a window portion provided with a later-described CCD camera portion 29 (see FIG. 3). The later-described CCD camera portion 29 is used for face authentication via the window portion 19. The imaging is performed. The CCD camera window 19 may be formed of a transparent flat plate or may be formed of a hemispherical plate. The CCD camera window 19 may be integrated with the CCD camera unit 29 and swings in the left-right direction as will be described later.

  In the vicinity of the CCD camera window 19, a mark 19A that is a target for the player to turn his / her line of sight at the time of imaging is given.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the sand apparatus 3 according to the embodiment. The sand device 3 includes, as an electrical processing configuration, a control unit 20, a communication unit 21, a remote control receiving unit 22, a bill processing unit 23, a coin processing unit 24, a warning lamp driver unit 25, an LED driver unit 26, and a display LCD driver unit. 27, a numeric keypad interface unit (tenkey IF unit) 28, a CCD camera unit 29, and the like.

  The control unit 20 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and governs overall control of the sand device 3. For example, the control unit 20 controls each unit so that the sand apparatus 3 executes operations as shown in flowcharts of FIGS. 7 to 11 and FIG. 14 described later. The control unit 20 stores data necessary for the control operation. For example, payment balance data that has been deposited and not converted into a game medium is stored.

  In this embodiment, the control unit 20 controls the sand device 3 and the sand device 3R on the right side (right side when viewed from the player side) (hereinafter, “R” at the end of the symbol is the right sand device). Image processing signals (face image signals: hereinafter referred to as analog / digital converted imaging signals))) are processed. A process of converting into a pair of face data for registration or authentication is performed. The pair of face data includes front face data and right side face data. The face data obtained by processing the imaging signal of the CCD camera unit 29 (hereinafter referred to as an analog / digital converted imaging signal) is referred to as “frontal face data”, and the imaging signal of the CCD camera unit 29R is referred to as “frontal face data”. The face data obtained by processing is referred to as “right profile data”. In addition, an imaging signal that is a source for generating front face data is referred to as a front signal, and an imaging signal that is a source for generating right side face data is referred to as a right side face imaging signal.

  The control unit 20 internally stores a pair of reference grayscale data 20a and 20aR for the front imaging signal and the right side face imaging signal. The front side imaging signal or the right side imaging signal from the CCD camera units 29 and 29R is used as the front face data. Alternatively, when converting to the right side face data, as described later, the density correction is performed on the front image signal or the right side image signal using the reference gray data 20a and 20aR in advance. The shading correction function will be described in detail in the operation description section.

  The reference grayscale data 20a, 20aR is set by a setting operator such as a manufacturer-related person or a game hall-related person when, for example, the sand apparatus 3, 3R is installed, and thereafter is fixedly held. As the reference grayscale data 20a, 20aR, for example, a person concerned is seated at the player's position in front of the gaming machine 2, and the lighting environment is set to a predetermined environment regardless of the island position of the gaming machine 2 with a portable lighting device. From the front image signal and right profile image signal captured by the CCD camera units 29 and 29R, the setting operator designates the area of the background portion, and uses the front image signal and right profile image signal in the area. For example, when the front imaging signal or the right side face imaging signal shows the machine number provided at the upper part of the gaming machine (pachinko machine or pachislot machine) at the opposite position, the front side imaging signal or the right side profile Signals in a small area including the machine number in the imaging signal are set as the reference grayscale data 20a and 20aR.

  Although the illustration is omitted for obtaining and setting the reference grayscale data 20a and 20aR as described above, the sand device 3 has a connection connector with a maintenance terminal for setting having a monitor unit, Signals can be exchanged with the control unit 20. Note that signal exchange via the communication unit 21 may be used.

  Note that even if the lighting environment is set to the predetermined environment, the degree of achievement of the predetermined environment may vary depending on the time zone. Therefore, as the reference grayscale data 20a, a separate value is provided for each time zone so that the density correction described later can be easily performed. You may make it prepare a thing.

  In this embodiment, the face authentication uses a pair of face data as described above. A thin device that has only an imaging function on the right side of the right-end pachinko machine so that a pair of face data can be obtained even if there is no right-side sand apparatus like the right-end pachinko machine's sand device ( Hereinafter, it is referred to as an imaging-only sand device). This image-capturing sand device is also the same as the general sand device 3 in terms of the image capturing function for face authentication.

  In this embodiment, since a plurality of images are picked up by one image pickup, the memory in the control unit 20 has a memory capacity corresponding to that.

  The communication unit 21 performs communication with the gaming machine 2, the island unit controller 4, the management server 5, and the like under the control of the control unit 20. Although shown collectively in FIG. 3, the communication unit for gaming machines 2 is often separate from the communication units for other devices. The management server 5 employs a polling method in which the sand apparatus 3 is sequentially communicated with each other, and the communication unit 21 communicates with the management server 5 in response to such polling. Do. The deposit balance settlement machine 7 may be the target of the polling method from the management server 5 as with the sand device 3.

  The sand device 3 communicates with an adjacent sand device 3R (which may be an imaging-only sand device) 3R via the island unit controller 4.

  The remote control receiving unit 22 receives a remote control signal from a remote control transmitter (not shown) carried by the game hall employee via the remote control communication window 15 described above, and gives it to the control unit 20. is there.

  The banknote processing unit 23 directly controls a banknote transport configuration, a recognition configuration, a storage configuration, and the like (not shown), performs authenticity determination and denomination determination of the banknote inserted from the banknote insertion port 13 described above, Information on the inserted bill is given to the control unit 20. In addition, when it determines with what was inserted in the banknote insertion slot 13 is a fake banknote, the banknote process part 23 performs the process which discharges the determination paper from the banknote insertion slot 13. FIG.

  The coin processing unit 24 directly controls a coin conveyance configuration, a recognition configuration, a storage configuration, and the like (not shown), performs true / false determination and denomination determination of the coins inserted from the coin insertion port 14 described above, Information on the inserted coins is given to the control unit 20. Note that the coin processing unit 24 performs a process of discharging the false determination coin from the coin return port 18 when it is determined that the coin inserted into the coin insertion slot 14 is a fake coin. In addition, you may make it limit the coin which the said sand apparatus 3 can handle to a 500 yen coin. This makes it easy to determine the authenticity of coins and denominations.

  The warning lamp driver unit 25 drives the warning lamp 11 under the control of the control unit 20, and the LED driver unit 26 drives the status display LEDs 12a to 12c under the control of the control unit 20. .

  The display LCD driver unit 27 drives the display LCD 16 under the control of the control unit 20. The display LCD 16 displays, for example, deposit balance data that can be converted into game media, other data, and messages. The ten key interface unit 28 senses an operation on the ten key unit 17 and notifies the control unit 20 of an operation signal.

  The CCD camera unit 29 images the player's face through the CCD camera window 19 under the control of the control unit 20 and gives the image signal to the control unit 20. In the case of this embodiment, the CCD camera unit 29 has a monochrome CCD camera and a left-right adjustment mechanism that is provided with this CCD camera and swings (rotates) in the left-right direction, although not shown. ing.

  The sand device 3 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 does not have a game medium discharge function (ball lending function), and activates and controls the game medium discharge function (ball lending function) of the gaming machine 2. A game medium discharge function (ball lending function) may be provided.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the management server 5 according to the embodiment. 4, the management server 5 includes a control unit 30, a communication unit 31, a database access unit (DB access unit) 32, and the like.

  The control unit 30 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and governs overall control of the management server 5. For example, the control unit 30 controls each unit so that the management server 5 executes operations as illustrated in flowcharts of FIGS. 12, 13, 16, and 17 described later. The control unit 30 stores data necessary for the control operation.

  The communication unit 31 performs communication with the sand device 3 (and the combination with the gaming machine 2), the island unit controller 4, the deposit balance adjusting machine 7, the pager base station 8, and the like under the control of the control unit 30. is there. Although shown collectively in FIG. 4, you may provide the some communication part used selectively by the communicating party. The communication unit 31 communicates with each sand apparatus 3 according to a polling method.

  The database access unit 32 accesses the database 6 under the control of the control unit 20, and writes and reads data.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the face database 6 a in the database 6. One record of the face database 6a includes fields (items) such as front face width / right side face width data, front face data, right side face data, registration time data, deposit balance data, and sand history data.

  In this embodiment, at the time of registering a record, the sand device 3 selects one captured image from a plurality of captured images, and the front face width / right side face width data, front face width data, front face The face data and right profile data are for the selected captured image.

  As for the front face data, any sand device 3 processes the face image (front face image) data (imaging signal) of the player of the gaming machine 2 corresponding to the sand device 3 itself or the face image data. It is the feature data of the face obtained. The right side face data is the face image of the player of the gaming machine 2 corresponding to the sand device 3 (the image on the right side) captured by the sand device 3R adjacent to the right of the sand device 3 from which the front face data is imaged. Data itself or face feature data obtained by processing the face image data.

  The front face width / right side face width data is a ratio of the front face width data to the right side face width data. The front face width data is, for example, a continuous line obtained by performing edge detection processing on the imaging signal and then connecting corresponding edge lines (connecting broken edge lines in consideration of their directionality). After that, the face contour portion is specified, and width data at a predetermined position in the contour portion in the vertical direction (data on the length in the horizontal direction between the left and right contour lines) is adopted. Here, the width data at a predetermined position may be the maximum width data among all the width data in the vertical direction, and a position predetermined in the vertical direction for the captured image (for example, 1 in the vertical direction). / 2 position) width data. The width data of the right profile is also calculated by a similar process.

  Each record in the face database 6a is sorted by front face width / right side face width data. Unlike general face authentication, the face data in this embodiment is that of an unspecified person. Therefore, when collating face data, the range of face data used for collation from other information can hardly be narrowed, and the collation time is shortened to some extent by sorting.

  The registration time data is the time (including date and time information) when the record is formed. The settlement of the deposit balance in cash is allowed only on the day when the deposit balance is accumulated, for example. In this case, it is determined whether or not cash settlement may be performed based on the registration time data. Further, for example, the withdrawal balance data stored in the database 6 may be accepted only for a predetermined period (for example, one month) from the initial storage time (at the time of registration). It becomes.

  The deposit balance data is the amount of deposit balance that can be converted into game media. When converting this deposit balance into game media, registered face data (front face data, right profile data), At that time, it is necessary to match the face data obtained by imaging.

  The sand history data is a part for storing the part excluding the face width data and the face data together with the reception time when the transmission data including the face width data and the face data arrives.

  The sand database 6b stores various data for each sand device 3 although illustration of the configuration is omitted. For example, data on the deposit amount and deposit time of cash deposit is stored. Further, for example, data indicating whether or not the gaming machine 2 corresponding to the sand device 3 is playing is stored. However, face data is not stored in the sand database 6b.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the deposit balance settlement machine 7 according to the embodiment. In FIG. 6, the deposit balance settlement machine 7 has a control unit 40, a communication unit 41, a bill processing unit 42, a coin processing unit 43, a warning lamp driver unit 44, a status LED driver unit 45, a key interface as an electrical processing configuration. Part (key IF part) 46 and a pair of CCD camera parts 47L and 47R.

  The control unit 40 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and governs overall control of the deposit balance settlement machine 7. For example, the control unit 40 controls each unit so that the deposit balance adjusting machine 7 executes an operation as shown in a flowchart of FIG. The control unit 40 stores data necessary for the control operation.

  In the case of this embodiment, the control unit 40 performs processing for processing the imaging signals given from the CCD camera units 47L and 47R and converting them into front face data or right side face data. The control unit 40 internally stores a pair of reference grayscale data 40a and 40aR for the front imaging signal and the right profile image, and selects the selected front imaging signal or right profile image from the CCD camera units 47L and 47R. When converting to face data or right side face data, shading correction is performed on the front side image signal and the right side face image signal using the reference gray data 40a and 40aR in advance, as will be described later.

  The communication unit 41 performs communication with the management server 5 under the control of the control unit 40. The management server 5 may also be a polling target for the deposit balance settlement machine 7 as in the sand device 3. In this case, the communication unit 41 communicates with the management server 5 in response to the polling. . Note that the communication unit 41 may communicate with the management server 5 without being polled.

  The banknote processing unit 42 directly controls a banknote conveyance configuration, a banknote storage configuration, and the like (not shown), and is instructed when it is necessary to discharge the banknote in refunding the deposit balance under the control of the control unit 40. The indicated number of banknotes of the denomination is discharged to a banknote outlet (not shown).

  The coin processing unit 43 directly controls a coin transport configuration and storage configuration (not shown), and is instructed when coins need to be discharged in the refund of the deposit balance under the control of the control unit 40. The designated number of coins is discharged to a coin discharge port (not shown).

  The warning lamp driver unit 44 drives a warning lamp (not shown) under the control of the control unit 40.

  The state LED driver unit 45 drives one or a plurality of state LEDs (not shown) under the control of the control unit 40. The player is prompted to sit in a chair (not shown) provided at the imaging position by lighting or blinking (or a combination thereof) of the status LED. The key interface unit 46 senses an operation on an unillustrated settlement key, a staff call key, and the like, and notifies the control unit 40 of an operation signal.

  The CCD camera units 47L and 47R take an image of a player seated in a chair provided at an imaging position under the control of the control unit 40, and give the image signal to the control unit 40. Here, the positional relationship between the chair provided at the imaging position in the deposit balance adjusting machine 7 and the CCD camera unit 47L is as follows: the chair in front of the gaming machine 2 and the CCD camera in the sand device 3 corresponding to the gaming machine 2 The positional relationship between the chair provided at the imaging position in the deposit balance settlement machine 7 and the CCD camera unit 47R corresponds to the chair in front of the gaming machine 2 and the gaming machine 2. This is the same as the relationship with the CCD camera unit 29R in the sand device 3R adjacent to the right of the sand device 3 to be operated. Note that the CCD camera units 47L and 47R of the deposit balance settlement machine 7 do not have to be provided with a horizontal swing mechanism, unlike the CCD camera unit 29 of the sand apparatus 3, for example.

  Further, in the vicinity of the imaging window (not shown) of the CCD camera unit 47L, a target mark (not shown; refer to reference numeral 19A in FIG. 2) for giving the player a gaze at the time of imaging is given. .

  Since the detailed configurations of the gaming machine 2, the island unit controller 4, and the pager base station 8 are the same as those of the conventional one, description of the detailed configurations is omitted.

(A-2) Operation | movement of embodiment Next, characteristic operation | movement of the game system 1 of embodiment is demonstrated. This embodiment is characterized in that face authentication is used for accumulation and withdrawal of deposit balances, and a selection function from a plurality of imaging signals and a density correction function for the selected imaging signals are introduced.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a process branch from the standby state of the sand apparatus 3 according to the embodiment.

  In the standby state, the control unit 20 of the sand device 3 repeatedly monitors whether ball lending has been instructed, cash has been deposited, whether payment using face authentication has been instructed, or refund of the deposit balance has been instructed. (S100 to S103).

  When the ball lending key of the sand device 3 or the ball lending key of the gaming machine 2 that is paired with the sand device 3 is operated, the control unit 20 receives the deposit balance data stored therein. If the deposit balance data is 0, the process immediately returns to the standby state. If the deposit balance data is other than 0, the ball lending process is executed (S105), and the standby is performed. Return to state.

  In the ball lending process, although detailed illustration of the process is omitted, the control unit 20 discharges a predetermined number of game media to the game medium cradle of the gaming machine 2 in cooperation with a game medium discharge mechanism (not shown). At the same time, the deposit balance data stored internally is reduced by one unit, and the display of the deposit balance on the display LCD 16 is updated, and the management server 5 is notified of changes in the deposit balance data. At this time, the management server 5 updates the deposit balance data of the sand device 3 in the sand database 6b storing data for each sand device 3 (or for each gaming machine 2) in the database 6.

  The notification (transmission) of various data to the management server 5 is executed at a timing when the management server 5 gives the transmission right to the sand device 3 by polling. Hereinafter, although polling is not mentioned one by one, similarly, data transmission from the sand device 3 to the management server 5 is executed at the polling timing.

  Further, the control unit 20 of the sand apparatus 3 stores the internal processing of the detailed processing when there is a payment notification from the banknote processing unit 23 and the coin processing unit 24, that is, when there is cash payment, although the detailed processing is omitted. The deposit balance data is increased by the deposit amount, the display of the deposit balance on the display LCD 16 is updated, and the deposit balance data of the management server 5 is also updated by notifying the management server 5 of changes in the deposit balance data (S106). ) And return to the standby state.

  The control unit 20 of the sand device 3 shifts to the refund process shown in FIG. 8 when an instruction to refund (accumulate) the deposit balance is made, and when the deposit using face authentication is instructed, the control unit 20 of FIG. The process proceeds to a deposit process using the face authentication shown in FIG.

  When a refund key provided in the numeric keypad portion 17 of the sand device 3 or a refund key provided in the gaming machine 2 corresponding to the sand device 3 is operated, in other words, the deposit balance is refunded. When instructed, as shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 20 of the sand device 3 first checks whether the deposit balance data is 0 (S150). If the deposit balance data is 0, Returning to the standby state shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the deposit balance data is other than 0, the control unit 20 of the sand device 3 determines the imaging start time (the imaging time (for example, 3 seconds) is fixed), and the status display LEDs 12a to 12c. Imaging is started soon (after 10 seconds) by a combination of lighting or blinking (including the case where only one is turned on or blinking; the same applies hereinafter) or by a message display on the display LCD 16, and after a predetermined time (after 3 seconds) ), And at the time of imaging, the player is notified that the face should be moved slowly to the left and right while looking toward the mark 19A (S151), and the control unit 20R of the right sand device 3R is An imaging instruction including the imaging start time is given (S152).

  The control unit 20 of the sand device 3 is omitted in FIG. 8, but on the condition that there is a reception response to the imaging instruction from the control unit 20R of the right sand device 3R, a predetermined time from the imaging start time. In the meantime, the image is taken by the CCD camera unit 29 (S153), and the right side face image pickup signal for a predetermined time taken by the CCD camera unit 29R of the right sand device 3R is taken in (S154). When there is no reception response to the imaging instruction, the imaging instruction is retransmitted to the right sand device 3R.

  In addition, in imaging for a predetermined time, you may make it image continuously during this time, and you may make it image intermittently. In the latter case, the number of images to be captured is reduced, but the selected image may not be optimal.

  Although omitted in FIG. 8, the control unit 20 </ b> R of the sand device 3 </ b> R on the right side confirms that imaging is possible when an imaging instruction is given (if imaging is impossible, for example, In the case where the preparation or operation of imaging for the player related to the own sand device is being executed (when the processing of S153 in FIG. 8 is started), a reception response is returned and the own CCD camera unit 29R is returned. Instructing the swing for imaging the right side face, and then imaging by the CCD camera unit 29R for a predetermined time from the imaging start time included in the imaging instruction, and the obtained imaging signal (right side profile imaging signal) To the control unit 20 of the instructing sand device 3.

  Note that the standby direction of the CCD camera unit 29 of each sand device 3 is a direction in which the player of the sand device 3 is imaged.

  As described above, at the time of imaging, the player shakes his / her face to the left and right while facing the mark 19 </ b> A near the CCD camera window 19 of the sand device 3.

  Thereafter, the control unit 20 of the sand apparatus 3 selects one front image pickup signal from a plurality of front image pickup signals obtained by the CCD camera unit 29 (S155). The selection of the front imaging signal is also the selection of the right profile imaging signal imaged at the same time as the selected front imaging signal. For example, the control unit 20 of the sand device 3 calculates width data at a predetermined position in the vertical direction for each front image pickup signal, and selects a front image pickup signal that gives the maximum value of the calculated width data.

  Next, the control unit 20 of the sand device 3 performs density correction on the selected front image signal and right profile image using the set reference image data 20a and 20aR (S156).

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the density correction operation for the image signal in step S156. FIG. 9 shows an example in which processing is performed in the order of the light / dark correction operation for the front image pickup signal and the light / dark correction operation for the right side face image pickup signal.

  First, the control unit 20 recognizes an area corresponding to the reference grayscale data 20a in the front imaging signal (S175). In this recognition, since the position information of the reference grayscale data 20a is fixed, the degree of coincidence with the area in the front imaging signal (for example, the sum of squares of differences between pixel values at corresponding positions is applied) is calculated. At the same time, the degree of coincidence with other candidate areas shifted by several pixels (1 to 5 pixels) in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction from the position is calculated, and the degree of coincidence is the highest (the value of the degree of coincidence is the highest). The (small) candidate area is recognized as the corresponding area. If the highest degree of matching is smaller than the threshold value, as captured at the moment when the third person passes through the passage, the following processing is performed when the corresponding region cannot be recognized.

  Next, the control unit 20 detects the minimum luminance and the maximum luminance in the recognition area (S176), and detects the minimum luminance min and the maximum luminance max, and the minimum luminance MIN and the maximum luminance MAX (these values) in the reference grayscale data 20a. May be detected at this time, and these may be set at the time of setting), and a correction function for each luminance in the front imaging signal is determined (S177). Then, the control unit 20 corrects the front imaging signal according to the determined correction function (S178).

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the correction function. In FIG. 10, the horizontal axis (x-axis) is a coordinate axis with the luminance in the front imaging signal as a variable, and the vertical axis (Y-axis) is the coordinate axis with the luminance in the reference grayscale data 20a as a variable. It is desirable that the luminance in the front imaging signal coincides with the luminance in the reference grayscale data 20a, that is, the straight line L0 having an inclination of 45 degrees in FIG. 10 represents an ideal relationship between the two luminances. For this reason, a function for correcting the luminance straight line L1 in the front imaging signal to the straight line L0 is a correction function.

  The control unit 20 also performs the density correction operation similar to steps S175 to S178 for the right profile image (S179 to S182).

  Returning to FIG. 8, when the density correction operation is completed, the control unit 20 converts the front imaging signal and the right profile imaging signal into front profile data and right profile data, which are feature data, respectively, and the front profile width. / Right profile width data is calculated (S157), and the obtained front face width / right profile width data, front face data, and right profile data are temporarily buffered (S158). Any existing method can be applied as the compression method for converting the imaging signal into the face data. As described above, the transmission signal may be used without compressing the imaging signal.

  Note that the refund may be refused while the gaming machine 2 corresponding to the sand device 3 is playing. That is, when performing imaging, other processing is prohibited and the timing of imaging is clearly defined. Since the face data is information belonging to an individual, it is registered for the first time when accumulating and refunding, so that unnecessary registration is not performed. Although omitted in FIG. 8, when the imaging fails or when the area corresponding to the reference grayscale data cannot be recognized in the imaging signal, the display contents of the status display LEDs 12a to 12c and the display message of the display LCD 16 are displayed. The content is that re-imaging is performed, and imaging is performed again.

  When the control unit 20 of the sand device 3 acquires the transmission right, the control unit 20 stores data indicating accumulation, ID of the sand device 3, deposit balance data, front face width / right side face width data, front face data. Transmission data including at least the right profile data is transmitted to the management server 5 (S159), the image display end is displayed on the status display LEDs 12a to 12c or the display LCD 16 (S160), and a storage completion notification from the management server 5 is awaited. (S161). Note that this transmission data for storage may be communicated by encrypted communication.

  Upon receiving the transmission data for accumulation, the control unit 30 of the management server 5 performs an accumulation operation of the deposit balance data in the face database 6a as shown in FIG. 12 (S200 to S203), and the deposit balance in the sand database 6b. The data is cleared to 0 (S204), and then the completion of accumulation is notified by polling transmission to the sand device 3 that has transmitted the transmission data for accumulation (S205).

  The accumulation operation of deposit balance data in the face database 6a by the control unit 30 of the management server 5 is, for example, as follows. The control unit 30 confirms whether a record of face data that matches the received face data (front face data and right side face data) already exists (S200). If it exists, update the receipt balance data of the record to the original value plus the received balance data value, and add the history data related to this reception to the sand history data (S201). If a face data record matching the received face data does not exist in the face database 6a, a new record for the received face data is set (S202), and the received face data is set in the face data field. Insert the data, insert the current reception time by the timer built in the control unit 30 into the registration time data field, insert the received deposit balance data into the deposit balance data field, and insert into the sand history data field Inserts data relating to the current reception (S203). In setting a new record for received face data, sorting based on face data is performed.

  The face database 6a includes a record of face data that matches the received face data. The front face width / right side face width data, the front face data, and the right side face data match the stored data of the record. It is a level that can be judged. First, candidate records are narrowed down based on the front face width / right side face width data, and then the degree of match is determined based on only the front face data for the narrowed records, and the degree of match is the first threshold value. If this is the case, it is assumed that the right profile data is matched by omitting the match determination. If the match level for the front face data is smaller than the first threshold value and greater than or equal to the second threshold value, the match using the right profile data is used. Judgment may be made and the average match judgment time may be shortened. When the degree of match for the front face data is smaller than the second threshold value, it is determined that they do not match.

  When receiving the storage completion notification from the management server 5, the control unit 20 of the sand device 3 clears the display of the deposit balance data (S162) and returns to the standby state of FIG.

  In the standby state, the control unit 20 of the sand device 3 is instructed to deposit using face authentication when the stored balance call key provided in the numeric keypad unit 17 or the like of the sand device 3 is operated. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, the imaging start time is determined, and imaging is started soon (after 10 seconds) by the combination of lighting or blinking of the status display LEDs 12a to 12c, or by the message display on the display LCD 16. In addition, the player is notified that the image is to be captured for a predetermined time (after 3 seconds), and that at the time of imaging, the player is required to move his / her face slowly while turning his / her line of sight to the mark 19A (S250). An imaging instruction including an imaging start time is given to the control unit 20R of the device 3R (S251).

  The control unit 20 of the sand device 3 is omitted in FIG. 11, but on the condition that there is a reception response to the imaging instruction from the control unit 20R of the right sand device 3R, a predetermined time from the imaging start time. In the meantime, the image is taken by the CCD camera unit 29 (S252), and the right side face image pickup signal for a predetermined time taken by the CCD camera unit 29R of the right sand device 3R is taken in (S253).

  As described above, even during imaging at this time, the player shakes his / her face from side to side while facing the mark 19 </ b> A in the vicinity of the CCD camera window 19 of the sand device 3.

  Thereafter, the control unit 20 of the sand apparatus 3 selects one front image pickup signal from a plurality of front image pickup signals obtained by the CCD camera unit 29 (S254).

  Next, the control unit 20 of the sand device 3 performs density correction on the selected front image signal and right profile image using the set reference density data 20a and 20aR (S255), and the density correction is performed. The front side imaging signal and the right side profile imaging signal are converted into face data consisting of feature data, front side width / right side profile width data are calculated (S256), and the obtained front face width / right side profile width data are obtained. The front face data and the right side face data are once buffered (S257).

  In addition, while the gaming machine 2 corresponding to the sand device 3 is playing, payment by face authentication may be refused. In other words, other processing is prohibited during imaging, and the imaging timing is clearly defined.

  When the control unit 20 of the sand device 3 acquires the transmission right, the control unit 20 extracts data including at least data indicating that it is for withdrawal, ID of the sand device 3, front face width / right side face width data, and face data. The transmission data is transmitted to the management server 5 (S258), the end of imaging is notified to the player (S259), and a reply such as a payment notification from the management server 5 is awaited (S260 to S263). It should be noted that communication of this outgoing transmission data may be performed by encrypted communication.

  When receiving the withdrawal transmission data, the control unit 30 of the management server 5 performs the withdrawal operation of the deposit balance data from the face database 6a as shown in FIG.

  The control unit 30 of the management server 5 narrows down candidate records based on the front face width / right side face width data, and records face data (front face data and right side face data) that match the received face data. It is confirmed whether or not it exists in the face database 6a (S300). The criterion for determining that a face data record that matches the received face data exists in the face database 6a is the same as the criterion for determining the balance accumulation described above.

  If it exists, it is determined whether or not the deposit balance data of the record is 0 (S301). If the deposit balance data is other than 0, the control unit 30 of the management server 5 forms a deposit notification including the deposit balance data of the record and returns it to the sand device 3 (S302), and receives the deposit balance data of the record. 0 is cleared, the contents of this time are added to the history data, and the deposit balance data for the sand device 3 in the sand database 6b is also updated (S303).

  On the other hand, if the deposit balance data in the face data record that matches the received face data is 0, the control unit 30 of the management server 5 uses the sand history data to extract the last sand device. (Hereinafter, this sand device is referred to as 3X) and the drawing time, and based on the stored contents of the sand database 6b for the sand device 3X that was drawn immediately before, the current of the sand device 3X It is determined whether or not the state is possibly illegal (S304).

  The player draws the accumulated balance in the sand device 3X, plays the game, moves to another sand device 3 position while leaving the balance in the sand device 3X without accumulating the balance again, and draws the accumulated drawer. When requested, if there is a possibility that the next player for the previous sand device 3X is diverting the balance left by the previous player, the control unit 30 of the management server 5 Can be recognized. Based on the contents stored in the face database 6a and the sand database 6b, after the withdrawal time in the previous sand device 3X, there is no cash deposit to the previous sand device 3X during the current withdrawal request from the sand device 3 By detecting that there is a deposit balance in the previous sand device 3X, the control unit 30 of the management server 5 can recognize the situation where there is a possibility of fraud.

  When the current state of the sand device 3X that has been pulled out immediately before is a state that may be illegal, the control unit 30 of the management server 5 forms and transmits an unusable notification to the sand device 3X. (S305), to the sand device 3 that is the transmission source of the currently received withdrawal transmission data, a deposit notice including the deposit balance data for the sand device 3X in the sand database 6b is formed and returned to the sand device 3 ( S306), the received balance data in the received face data record is cleared to 0, the current content is added to the history data, and the received balance data for the sand device 3 in the sand database 6b is also updated (S307). The pager terminal carried by the game hall employee in charge of the device 3X is likely to be fraudulent with respect to the sand device 3X. To knowledge (S308).

  It is preferable to include information that allows the control unit 20 of the sand apparatus 3 to distinguish between the deposit notification formed in step S306 and the regular deposit notification in step S302.

  If the deposit balance data is 0 and there is no possibility of fraud with respect to the previous sand device 3X, the control unit 30 of the management server 5 indicates that the accumulated balance is 0 in the currently received withdrawal transmission data. The data is transmitted to the sender sand device 3 (S309).

  If the control unit 30 of the management server 5 determines that no record of face data matching the received face data exists in the face database 6a, the face authentication failure count CNT for the sand device 3 is incremented by one. (S310), it is determined whether or not the number of times CNT has reached the upper limit (for example, 3 times) (S311). If the upper limit has not been reached, the re-reading notification of face data by re-reading is sent to the sand device 3. When the upper limit is reached, an authentication error notification is transmitted to the sand device 3 (S313).

  When receiving the deposit notification from the management server 5, the control unit 20 of the sand device 3 increases the deposit balance data stored therein by the deposit amount, and updates the deposit balance display on the display LCD 16 (S264). Return to the standby state shown in FIG. It should be noted that the receipt of the payment notification in step S306 and the receipt of the payment notification in step S302 may be distinguished from each other by a combination of lighting or blinking of the status display LEDs 12a to 12c.

  When receiving a notification that the balance is 0 from the management server 5, the control unit 20 of the sand device 3 displays the fact on the display LCD 16 and the status display LEDs 12 a to 12 c (S 265), and the standby state of FIG. Return to.

  The control unit 20 of the sand device 3 returns the process to step S250 described above when the management server 5 receives a re-notification of face data by re-imaging.

  When the authentication error notification is given from the management server 5, the control unit 20 of the sand device 3 displays that fact on the display LCD 16 and the status display LEDs 12 a to 12 c (S 266), and returns to the standby state of FIG. 7.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation when the sand device 3X receives a notification of unusability.

  Upon receipt of the unusable notification, the control unit 20 of the sand device 3X forcibly clears the deposit balance data stored therein or the displayed deposit balance data to 0 (S350), and the warning lamp 11 Is turned on or blinked to issue a warning (S351). The warning may be given by a buzzer.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of settlement of the deposit balance settlement machine 7. The player can settle cash in the deposit balance accumulated in association with the face data. There is no need to limit the settlement date. However, in the following description, it will be assumed that cash can be settled only on the first day of deposit and accumulation.

  The control unit 40 of the deposit balance settlement machine 7 waits for an operation of the settlement key and the clerk call key, and starts the processing shown in FIG. 15 when the settlement key is operated. The explanation of the operation when operating the staff call key is omitted. The player sits on a chair installed in front of the main body of the deposit balance settlement machine 7 and operates the settlement key.

  When the settlement key is operated and the settlement of the deposit balance is instructed, the control unit 40 of the deposit balance settlement machine 7 determines the imaging start time, and depends on a combination of lighting or blinking of a status display LED (not shown) (or If you have a display LCD, display the message) (soon after 10 seconds), start imaging (after 3 seconds), or at the time of imaging, The player is notified that it is required to move slowly to the left and right (S400), and the CCD camera units 47L and 47R capture images for a predetermined time from the subsequent imaging start time (S401).

  Also at the time of imaging at this time, the player shakes his face to the left and right while facing a mark near the CCD camera window (not shown) related to the CCD camera unit 47L of the deposit balance adjusting machine 7.

  Thereafter, the control unit 40 of the deposit balance adjusting machine 7 selects one front image pickup signal from a plurality of front image pickup signals obtained by the CCD camera unit 47L (S402).

  Next, the control unit 40 of the deposit balance adjusting machine 7 performs density correction on the selected front image signal and right profile image using the set reference image data 40a and 40aR (S403), The front-side imaging signal and right-side face imaging signal that have been subjected to shading correction are converted into face data as feature data, and front-side face width / right-side face width data are calculated (S404). The width data, front face data and right side face data are temporarily buffered (S405).

  When the control unit 40 of the deposit balance adjusting machine 7 acquires the transmission right, the control unit 40 obtains data indicating that it is for settlement, the ID of the deposit balance adjusting machine 7, the front face width / right profile width data and the face data. The settlement transmission data at least included is transmitted to the management server 5 (S406), the end of imaging is notified to the player (S407), and an authentication notification reply from the management server 5 is awaited (S408 to S411). Note that the communication of the settlement transmission data may be performed by encrypted communication.

  When receiving the settlement transmission data, the control unit 30 of the management server 5 performs a face data authentication operation as shown in FIG.

  The control unit 30 of the management server 5 narrows down candidate records based on the received front face width / right side face width data, and then whether or not a face data record that matches the received face data exists in the face database 6a. (S450).

  If it exists, it is determined whether or not the deposit balance data of the record is 0 (S451). If the deposit balance data is other than 0, the control unit 30 of the management server 5 determines whether or not the registration time data of the record is today (S452). If the registration time is today, a positive authentication notification including the deposit balance data of the record is formed and transmitted to the deposit balance settlement machine 7 (S453), and a settlement completion reply from the deposit balance settlement machine 7 is awaited (S454). When the completion of payment is returned, the corresponding record itself in the face database 6a is deleted (S455).

  When the deposit balance data is 0, the control unit 30 of the management server 5 forms a positive authentication notification to that effect and transmits it to the deposit balance settlement machine 7 (S456).

  If the deposit balance data is other than 0 and the registration time is not today, the control unit 30 of the management server 5 forms a positive authentication notification to that effect and sends it to the deposit balance settlement machine 7 (S457).

  In addition, when there is no face data record that matches the received face data in the face database 6a, the control unit 30 of the management server 5 forms a negative authentication notification and transmits it to the deposit balance settlement machine 7 (S458). ).

  When the control unit 40 of the deposit balance settlement machine 7 receives a positive authentication notification including the deposit balance data from the management server 5, the banknote processing unit 42 and the coin processing unit 43 pay out the cash corresponding to the deposit balance (S412). Then, the settlement completion is transmitted to the management server 5 (S413), and then the standby state is restored.

  In addition, when a positive authentication notification that the deposit balance data is 0 is given, the control unit 40 of the deposit balance settlement machine 7 uses a combination of lighting or blinking of a status display LED (not shown) (or a display LCD). If so, the fact that the deposit balance data is 0 is notified (the notification time is a predetermined time of about 5 seconds; S414), and then the standby state is restored.

  Further, upon receiving a positive authentication notification that the deposit balance data is other than 0 and the registration time is not today, the control unit 40 of the deposit balance settlement machine 7 uses a combination of lighting or blinking of a status display LED (not shown) (or If it has a display LCD, the message display) informs that cash settlement other than the registration date cannot be made (the notification time is a predetermined time of about 5 seconds; S415), and then returns to the standby state.

  Furthermore, when receiving the negative authentication notification, the control unit 40 of the deposit balance settlement machine 7 is a combination of lighting or blinking of a status display LED (not shown) (or by displaying the message if it has a display LCD), The fact that the face data could not be authenticated is notified (the notification time is a predetermined time of about 5 seconds; S416), and then the standby state is restored. It should be noted that the face data may be retransmitted at the time of authentication failure even at the time of payment.

  As described above, the payment balance accumulated in association with the face data can be settled on the day when the face data is registered.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the organizing operation of the face database 6a executed by the control unit 30 of the management server 5.

  The control unit 30 of the management server 5 automatically starts the processing shown in FIG. 17 at a predetermined time after business hours (for example, 11:00 pm). If the management server 5 is provided with a man-machine interface such as a numeric keypad or a remote control receiver, the processing shown in FIG. 17 may be started in accordance with instructions from the game hall manager or employees. good.

  When the control unit 30 of the management server 5 starts the process shown in FIG. 17, the first record is set as a process target record (S500), and the first organizing process (S502 and S503) for all the records ends. (S501), it is determined whether or not the deposit balance data of the process target record is 0 (S502). If the receipt balance data of the process target record is 0, the record is deleted (S503), and if the receipt balance data of the process target record is other than 0, the process target record is immediately set to the next record. (S504), it returns to step S501 mentioned above.

  When the first organizing process for all the records ends, the control unit 30 of the management server 5 sets the first record (the first record remaining in the first organizing process) as the processing target record ( S505) After confirming that the second organizing process (S507 and S508) for all records has not been completed (S506), one month (this period) while referring to the registration time data and history data of the record to be processed It is determined whether or not this record has been accessed (S507). If the record to be processed has not been accessed for more than one month, the record is deleted (S508), and if the record to be processed is accessed when it is closer than January, the record to be processed is immediately The subsequent record is set (S509), and the process returns to step S506 described above.

  When the second organizing process for all records ends, the control unit 30 of the management server 5 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

  As described above, records with a deposit balance of 0 and records with a deposit balance other than 0 but not accessed for more than one month can be organized.

(A-3) Effect of Embodiment According to the above embodiment, a method for storing a deposit balance in the management server in association with face data and retrieving the accumulated deposit balance to the sand device by face authentication is described. It can be applied to amusement halls with poor conditions.

  Here, since a plurality of picked-up images to be used for face authentication are picked up based on the face width data, one optimal image is selected. From this point, the face authentication accuracy can be improved. it can.

  In addition, since the density correction using the reference grayscale data is performed on the image pickup signal, the gaming machine that has taken an image to store the deposit balance in the management server and the accumulated deposit balance are extracted by face authentication. Even if it is different from the gaming machine that picked up the image, the image pickup signal related to the subject can be made similar by the shading correction, and the face authentication can be appropriately executed.

  In the accumulation and retrieval of the deposit balance using the card, the card may be stolen when the player leaves the seat. However, the use of the face data as in the above embodiment does not cause such a problem due to the theft. . Further, in the embodiment, there is no card transport mechanism or the like, and accordingly, the reliability of the sand device can be improved. Furthermore, since the card conveyance configuration, the storage configuration access configuration, and the like can be replaced with a face image capturing configuration, it is possible to expect a simple and inexpensive sand device. In addition, the gaming system can be made cheaper due to the absence of a consumable card.

  In the case of a card, it is difficult for the person who stole the card to prove that he / she has stolen the card. The management server can recognize that the balance has been left in the previous gaming machine when trying to withdraw, and even if another person is playing there, the fraudulent behavior can be proved by historical data. it can.

  In the above embodiment, since the face data is sorted and stored in the face database, the authentication operation when the accumulated deposit balance is taken out can be expedited in this respect. Other systems that use face data for authentication also use authentication methods other than face authentication. For example, authentication is performed using face data after obtaining predetermined data (account data, card ID, etc.) from the card, and the face data on the database side used for collation is uniquely determined. On the other hand, in the case of this embodiment, the range of face data on the database side used for collation cannot be narrowed, and sorting of face data having a reasonable amount of data functions effectively.

(B) Other Embodiments In the description of the above-described embodiment, various modified embodiments have been referred to. However, modified embodiments as exemplified below can be cited.

  In the above embodiment, the player moves his / her face to the left and right to obtain a plurality of imaging signals. However, the imaging is performed while moving the CCD camera (not limited to the movement in the left / right direction, but can be moved in the up / down direction). (It may be not only linear movement but also oscillating movement). A plurality of imaging signals may be obtained. Further, a plurality of imaging signals may be obtained by the zoom function of the CCD camera. In this case, for example, an imaging signal whose face width data value at a predetermined position in the vertical direction matches a predetermined data value may be selected.

  In the above-described embodiment, the number of images at the time of imaging for registration is the same as the number of images at the time of imaging for collation with registered contents, but may be different. For example, it is possible to increase the number of picked-up images at the time of image pick-up for registration, which is a reference for face authentication, and to improve the pick-up accuracy of picked-up image signals so as to improve the authentication accuracy.

  In the above-described embodiment, a gaming machine discharge configuration is provided in a gaming machine, and the sand device that instructs the gaming machine to discharge is shown. However, the present invention can be applied to a sand device having a gaming medium discharging configuration.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the regular imaging number when accumulating the deposit balance is shown as one, but the imaging may be executed twice or more (however, the number of images taken per time) Are plural, and one of them is selected as described above). For example, the temporary registration may be performed in the management server at the first time, and the main registration may be performed when the second face data matches the first face data. Even when the accumulated deposit balance is withdrawn, it is possible to execute the imaging twice or more to enhance security.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the comparison between the stored face data of the face database and the read face data indicates that the determination result is either matched or non-matched. An appropriate determination result may be provided. For example, when an intermediate determination result is obtained, the management server generates a warning sound and displays the stored face data and the read face data side by side on the monitor of the self management server, thereby determining the match to the administrator. You may make it let it.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the sand apparatus performs the conversion from the imaging signal to the face data. However, the management server performs the conversion to the face data by giving the imaging signal to the management server as it is. Also good. In this case, it is possible to reduce the processing load of the sand device. In addition, the island unit controller 4 that relays communication may be provided with a function of converting an imaging signal into face data. In this case, the processing load on the sand device and the management server can be reduced. Further, the imaging signal itself may be used as face data.

  When the image pickup signal is converted into face data by a device other than the sand device as described above, the sand device may perform the shading correction of the image pickup signal and the calculation of the front face width / right side face width data. A given device may do.

  In the above embodiment, the accumulated deposit balance is read to lend the ball, and then the remaining deposit balance is allowed to be re-accumulated. good. Furthermore, since re-accumulation is premised, in the above embodiment, the record is not deleted from the face database even if the accumulated balance is read. However, when the accumulated balance is read, the record is deleted from the face database. Anyway. In this case, a record may be created as a new accumulation even at the time of re-accumulation.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when the deposit balance is accumulated, transmission data including both face data and deposit balance data is transmitted from the sand device to the management server. The balance data may be divided into separate transmission data and transmitted at different timings. In this case, it does not matter which of face data and deposit balance data is transmitted first.

  In the above embodiment, the operation for accumulating the deposit balance is an operation of a refund key, and the balance after a part of the deposited cash is converted into a game medium can be accumulated. In addition to or instead of this, the balance immediately after the deposit, in other words, the deposit balance before being converted into the game medium may be stored in association with the face data. That is, the player can immediately accumulate the deposit balance in association with the face data immediately after depositing the cash, and can withdraw it from the accumulated deposit balance to the sand device.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the withdrawal of the accumulated deposit balance shows that the entire amount is withdrawn. However, the player withdraws a part of the accumulated deposit balance by using the numeric keypad of the sand device. You may be able to.

  In the above embodiment, the balance data is directly exchanged as money data between the sand device and the management server. However, the money data is exchanged in another format, and the deposit balance data is stored in the management server. You may make it let it. For example, when there is a cash deposit, the deposit amount is given to the management server without corresponding to the face data and managed in association with the ID of the sand device. When there is a refund key, the face data and consumption data (game medium) For the first time, the face data may be stored in association with the face data and the deposit balance data obtained by the calculation. Further, the deposit balance data may be left in the face database even when the accumulated deposit balance data is withdrawn, and the consumption data may be given to the management server even during the accumulation. The movement of the “payment balance data” between the apparatuses in the claims includes such an indirect case.

  In the above-described embodiment, the operation guidance, warning, and the like are visually displayed and notified. However, instead of this, the operation guidance, warning, and the like may be notified audibly. Further, the warning notification may be performed using not only a single device such as a sand device or a deposit balance adjusting machine but also a group unit device such as an island unit. For example, you may make it alert | report by the light emission pattern etc. using the light emission structure which each apparatus has.

  In the above-described embodiment, the face data is simply compared at the time of face data collation. However, after one or both face data are subjected to soft zoom processing to match the contours, Verification may be performed. The face width data may be used as a parameter for zoom processing. The CCD camera unit may have a zoom function, and the image may be adjusted and adjusted so that the contour in the imaging signal is substantially constant.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the pair of face data indicates the front face and the right side face, but the face data may be stereo face data with the player facing the reel direction. Also, the present invention can be applied when only one face data is used.

  Further, in the above embodiment, a monochrome CCD camera is used, but a color CCD camera may be used. In this case, reference color tone data may be stored, and the imaging signal may be corrected so that the background color tone matches the reference color tone data. In the case of color imaging, one imaging signal may be selected from a plurality of imaging signals depending on the number of pixels that can be regarded as skin color. Similarly, in the case of monochrome, one imaging signal may be selected from a plurality of imaging signals using the number of pixels in the face outline as a parameter. If the CCD camera has an autofocus function, distance data is output from the autofocus function unit, and an image pickup signal closest to the distance data for which the distance data is predetermined is selected.

  Furthermore, the sand device holds an image signal of an average face of a man and an image signal of an average face of a woman as selection reference data, and the selection reference data is selected from a plurality of image pickup signals. One imaging signal may be selected based on the distance.

  In the above-described embodiment, the one in which the density correction is performed after selecting one imaging signal from the plurality of imaging signals is shown. However, after the density correction is performed on the plurality of imaging signals, one imaging signal is selected. Anyway. The timing of other correction processing such as zoom processing is not limited before and after the selection processing.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, it has been shown that only the face authentication is used for accumulation of the deposit balance and withdrawal of the accumulated deposit balance, but other authentication methods that do not require the carrying of the article are also used. You may make it do. For example, an authentication method by inputting a password or another individual authentication method may be used in combination. When password input is used together, the range of face data to be collated can be narrowed and the collation time can be shortened when the accumulated deposit balance is drawn.

  In the above-described embodiment, the sand device has a function of storing the deposit balance data in the management server in association with the face data, and has a function of withdrawing, but in addition to such a function, the deposit balance data is stored. A sand device having a function of storing in a card or reading from a card may be used as before. In the case of such a sand device, the player can use a numeric keypad or the like to select whether to store the deposit balance data in the management data or to record it on a card and discharge the card.

  In the above embodiment, the polling method is applied as the communication method between the management server and the sand device. However, other methods may be applied. For example, at the time of accumulation, the sand device may request transmission right, and the management server may perform contention arbitration and grant the transmission right to one of the sand devices.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the correction using the reference grayscale data performs the grayscale correction based on the grayscale. However, the tone (color) may be corrected together with this. This makes it possible to perform more reliable face authentication verification.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the game system of embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the sand apparatus of embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the sand apparatus of embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the management server of embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the face database of embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of the deposit balance adjustment machine of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of the process branch from the standby state of the sand apparatus of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of accumulation | storage of the deposit balance of the sand apparatus of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the light / dark correction operation | movement with respect to the imaging signal of embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the function for density correction of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of withdrawal of the accumulation | storage balance of the sand apparatus of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of accumulation | storage of the deposit balance of the management server of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of withdrawal of the accumulation | storage balance of the management server of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of reception of the unusable notification of the sand apparatus of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of the settlement of the deposit balance settlement machine of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of the adjustment of the management server of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the organization operation | movement of the face database by the management server of embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game system, 2 ... Game machine, 3 ... Sand apparatus, 5 ... Management server, 6 ... Database, 7 ... Deposit balance adjustment machine.

Claims (8)

Take in cash deposits and discharge a predetermined number of game media according to the lending operation, or instruct the corresponding gaming machine to discharge a predetermined unit number of game media, and specify the received deposit balance A sanding device that reduces by a unit,
An imaging means for imaging a player's face;
Imaging signal selection means for selecting one imaging signal from a plurality of imaging signals by the imaging means;
Accumulation instruction fetching means for fetching the deposit balance accumulation instruction operation;
An imaging signal selected by the imaging signal selection means from a plurality of imaging signals picked up by the imaging means when there is an accumulation instruction operation to the storage instruction fetch means, or compressed data obtained by characteristic compression of the imaging signals Storage transmission control means for transmitting the face data and the deposit balance data to the management server and storing them,
A withdrawal instruction fetching means for fetching a withdrawal instruction operation for a deposit balance accumulated in the management server by the accumulation transmission control means;
An imaging signal selected by the imaging signal selection unit from a plurality of imaging signals imaged by the imaging unit when there is an extraction instruction operation to the extraction instruction taking unit, or compressed data obtained by characteristic compression of the imaging signal And a deposit balance withdrawal control means for transmitting face data comprising: to the management server, performing face authentication, and transmitting the accumulated deposit balance data from the management server. A management server for managing the state of each sand device,
A face database associating face data with deposit balance data;
Imaging signal selection means for selecting one imaging signal from a plurality of imaging signals transmitted from each of the sand devices;
In order to accumulate the deposit balance, the deposit balance data transmitted from any one of the sand devices, the imaging signal imaging signal selected by the imaging signal selection means from the plurality of transmitted imaging signals, or the imaging A deposit balance registration means for storing the signal in the face database in association with the face data subjected to feature compression;
Based on the imaging signal selected by the imaging signal selection means from a plurality of imaging signals transmitted from any one of the sand devices, or face data feature-compressed the imaging signal for the withdrawal of the deposit balance, Searching the face database, and when there is matching face data, the first deposit that transmits the deposit balance data associated with the face data to the sand device that is the transmission source of the plurality of imaging signals And a balance supply means.   In order to settle the deposit balance, based on the imaging signal selected by the imaging signal selection means from a plurality of imaging signals transmitted from any of the deposit balance settlement machines, or face data obtained by characteristic compression of the imaging signal The face database is searched, and when there is matching face data, the deposit balance data associated with the face data is transmitted to the upper deposit balance settlement machine from which the plurality of imaging signals are transmitted. 3. The management server according to claim 2, further comprising: 2 deposit balance supply means. A deposit balance settlement machine that settles a deposit balance that has not been converted to a game medium,
An imaging means for imaging a player's face;
Imaging signal selection means for selecting one imaging signal from a plurality of imaging signals from the imaging means;
A payment instruction fetching means for fetching a payment balance settlement instruction operation;
An imaging signal selected by the imaging signal selection unit from a plurality of imaging signals captured by the imaging unit when a settlement instruction operation is performed to the settlement instruction capturing unit, or compressed data obtained by characteristic compression of the imaging signal Payment amount capturing means for transmitting face data consisting of:
A deposit balance settlement machine, comprising: a settlement deposit discharging means for discharging cash corresponding to the deposit balance data transmitted from the management server.   A gaming system comprising: a management server that manages the state of each sand device; and the plurality of sand devices according to claim 1.   The game system according to claim 5, further comprising the deposit balance settlement machine according to claim 4.   A gaming system comprising: a plurality of sand devices that transmit a plurality of imaging signals obtained by imaging a player's face to the management server; and the management server according to claim 2.   A plurality of sand devices that transmit a plurality of imaging signals obtained by imaging a player's face to the management server, a deposit balance settlement machine that transmits a plurality of imaging signals obtained by imaging the player's face to the management server, and claim 3 A gaming system comprising the management server described above.

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