JP2012029721A - Monitoring camera for game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a monitoring camera for a game machine that can pick up images used as reliable evidence on an illegal act of a player.SOLUTION: The monitoring camera 1 for the game machine includes: an imaging means 2 for imaging a first image region including the game machine 4 and a second image region including the player's face simultaneously or with a time difference; and a changing means 3 changing the imaging region of the imaging means 2 from the first image region to the second image region or from the second image region to the first image region so that at least one region between both image regions is imaged.

Description

  The present invention relates to a surveillance camera for game machines.

  Conventionally, various security systems have been introduced in various stores such as banks, supermarkets, convenience stores, and amusement halls, and in particular, the demand for monitoring with a surveillance camera for game machines is increasing. Note that the gaming machine surveillance camera must image an area including a board surface, an operation unit, and the like of the gaming machine in order to monitor a player's illegal act on the gaming machine. In addition, in order to obtain evidence that the player has cheated, the surveillance camera for game machines has to image an area including the face of the player who cheated. Since it is difficult to clearly capture both of these areas with one imaging means, it is necessary to use two imaging means.

  As such a gaming machine monitoring camera, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a camera having a first imaging means attached above a gaming machine and a second imaging means attached inside the gaming machine. Has been.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-149409

  However, with such a gaming machine surveillance camera, the area including the board surface of the gaming machine and the area including the player's face are imaged by different imaging means. Accordingly, separate images captured by the two imagers in this way do not know the relationship between the two, and may not be strong evidence of the player's cheating.

  The surveillance camera for a gaming machine according to the present invention includes a first image area including a gaming machine and a second image area including a player's face at the same time or with a time difference. Changing means for changing the imaging area of the imaging means so that at least one area between both image areas is imaged in the image area or from the second image area to the first image area. It is characterized by that.

  According to the surveillance camera for a gaming machine of the present invention, the first image area including the gaming machine and the second image area including the player's face are imaged at the same time or with a time difference, and the second from the first image area. Changing means for changing the imaging area of the imaging means so that at least one area between the two image areas is imaged in the image area or from the second image area to the first image area; Therefore, the illegal act against the gaming machine and the player's face can be captured as one continuous image. Therefore, since the relationship between the captured images of the first image area and the second image area is clarified, it is possible to provide strong evidence about a player's cheating.

It is a side view of the surveillance camera for game machines of this invention, (a) shows the state which images a 1st image area, (b) shows the state which images a 2nd image area. (A) is a top view of the surveillance camera for gaming machines, (b) is a side view of the surveillance camera for gaming machines, and (c) is a front view of the surveillance camera for gaming machines. FIG. 3 is a detailed explanatory diagram of FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows an example of the imaging module in the surveillance camera for game machines shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the surveillance camera for game machines. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a detection means. It is an external view which shows an example of the state in which the monitoring camera for game machines was installed in the playground. FIG. 8 is an external view of a plurality of gaming machines installed in a row in the amusement hall shown in FIG. 7 and a gaming camera monitoring camera installed above the gaming machines.

  Below, the example of embodiment of the surveillance camera for game machines of this invention is demonstrated in detail, referring drawings.

  The gaming machine surveillance camera 1 includes an imaging means 2 and a changing means 3. The imaging means 2 images the first image area including the gaming machine 4 and the second image area including the player's face at the same time or with a time difference. The changing means 3 captures at least one area between the two image areas from the first image area to the second image area or from the second image area to the first image area. Change the area.

  The surveillance camera 1 for gaming machines is used in amusement halls such as pachinko halls and pachislot halls where a large number of gaming machines 4 such as pachinko machines and pachislot machines are installed. For example, in a game hall, a plurality of gaming machine groups in which a large number of gaming machines 4 are arranged are arranged in parallel.

As the imaging means 2, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor or the like is used. This image sensor is integrally provided with a lens unit that collects subject light on a light receiving portion. Below, the surveillance camera 1 for game machines and the imaging means 2 are demonstrated using FIGS.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine surveillance camera 1 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is mounted above the gaming machine 4 so that the front faces downward. The front of the game machine surveillance camera 1 is shown in FIG.

  2 to 4, the imaging unit 2 refers to the imaging module 7. 2 and 3, the imaging module 7, the changing unit 3 (support), and the circuit board 8 on which a plurality of types of components are mounted are provided inside the housing 10. The housing 10 is hemispherical and is a transparent member at least on the front side. The edge of the housing 10 is attached to the support base 6.

  In FIG. 4, an imaging module 7 is obtained by incorporating an imaging element 13 and a lens unit in a module housing 9, and as shown in FIG. 2, the imaging module 7 is a modification means 3 (support). Attached to the tip.

  Hereinafter, an example of the configuration of the imaging module 7 will be described in detail. For example, the image pickup device 13 is a resin-encapsulated device in which a CMOS image sensor chip manufactured by a wafer process is mounted on the upper surface side of an interposer substrate made of BT resin, and the periphery of the CMOS image sensor chip is sealed with a black epoxy resin. It has a stationary package structure.

Further, on the lower surface side of the interposer substrate, electrode pads for power supply for driving the sensor chip, electrode pads for transmitting / receiving signals to / from the outside, electrode pads for performing image output, and the like are formed. ing.

  Further, the electrode pad disposed on the back side of the image sensor 13 is connected to one end of the flat cable 11, and the other end of the flat cable 11 is electrically connected to the connector of the circuit board 8.

  The position of the lens unit 12 is determined by the desired angle of view 7 of the imaging module 7. The imaging module 7 of the example shown in FIG. 4 includes three lens units 12 including a first lens 14, a second lens 15, and a third lens 16, but a lens unit configured with a number other than this. It may be 12.

  The angle of view of the image sensor 13 is set according to the shape of the lenses 14 to 16 of the lens unit 12 and the distance between the image sensor 13 and the lens unit 12. The imaging means 2 (imaging module 7) may capture either the first image region or the second image region, or may capture both the first image region and the second image region. May be.

  In the example described above, the imaging module 7 is the imaging unit 2 and the imaging element 13 is built in the imaging module 7. However, the imaging element 13 itself may be the imaging unit 2. For example, a configuration in which the image pickup device 13 integrated with the lens unit 12 is attached to the tip of the changing unit 3 (support) may be used.

  Next, an example of the circuit board 8 disposed in the case 10 shown in FIG. 3 will be described.

  First, the circuit board 8 is made of glass fiber impregnated with epoxy resin as an insulating substrate.

  On the surface of the circuit board 8, a camera module connector 17, a network camera processor IC 19, an image memory 20, a network transmission / reception data processing IC 21, a crystal oscillator 24, a power connector 23 and a network connector 25 (RJ-45 connector) are mounted. Yes.

  The camera module connector 17 is connected to the imaging module 7 by a flat cable 11. The network camera processor IC 19 transmits a control signal to the imaging module 7, converts the video signal received from the imaging module 7 so that it can be received by the video terminal, and transmits it to the network transmission / reception data processing IC 21. It plays the role of controlling the entire surveillance camera 1 for game machines. The network transmission / reception data processing IC 21 controls communication with the outside through the network line 33 of the surveillance camera 1 for game machines. The flash memory 22 stores in advance control data and the like for transmission to the imaging module 7. The crystal oscillator 24 controls the timing of the image signal output from the imaging module 7. The oscillation frequency is 27 MHz, for example. The power connector 23 is a connection terminal for supplying power to the surveillance camera 1 for game machines. The network connector 25 is a connection terminal for performing a LAN connection with the outside.

The gaming machine surveillance camera 1 is mounted, for example, so as to be positioned 0.1 to 0.5 m above the gaming machine 4, and the angle of view of the image sensor 13 is 90 to 135 °, for example. Surveillance camera 1 for game machines
The imaging unit 2 images one or more gaming machines 4. More preferably, it is preferable to image two or more gaming machines 4. As a result, a plurality of gaming machines 4 can be monitored by one gaming machine monitoring camera 1, so that compared to installing one gaming machine monitoring camera 1 for one gaming machine 4, The cost for monitoring can be suppressed.

  Next, the operation of the circuit of the surveillance camera 1 for game machines will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

  First, when power is turned on to the gaming machine monitoring camera 1, the network camera processor IC 19 takes in data stored in advance in the flash memory 22.

  Next, of the captured data, the network camera processor IC 19 transmits data for setting the register of the image sensor 13 to the image sensor 13 as a data signal. The image sensor 13 receives the data signal and sets a register in accordance with this signal.

  Next, after power is supplied to the surveillance camera 1 for game machines, the crystal oscillator 24 rises and outputs a predetermined oscillation frequency. Note that values obtained by dividing the oscillation frequency by a predetermined integer are the vertical synchronization frequency and the horizontal synchronization frequency of the image signal output from the image sensor 13. The value for dividing the oscillation frequency by an integer is set when the register is set.

  Next, as described above, the oscillation frequency of the crystal oscillator 24 is input to the image sensor 13, and the image sensor 13 outputs an image signal at a period determined by the oscillation frequency. The standard of the image signal output by the image sensor 13 is, for example, VGA (640 × 480 pixels), and these image signals are progressive signals and are output as 8-bit parallel data. These image signals are output in the UYVY format. In addition, by simultaneously inputting the synchronization signal generated by the timing signal generation circuit 26 to the image sensor 13, the output timing of the image signal from the image sensor 13 can be synchronized.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 1, 2B, and 2C, the changing unit 3 is a rod-like support 3b having a driving mechanism 3a for adjusting the angle of the imaging module 7. The rod-shaped support 3b has an imaging module 7 attached to one end side via a drive mechanism 3a and the other end attached to a support base 6. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2B, the support 3 b slides perpendicularly to the board surface of the gaming machine 4. Further, the tilt angle (vertical direction) of the imaging module 7 with respect to the support base 6 can be adjusted by driving the drive mechanism 3a. As a result, the imaging region can be moved from the board surface of the gaming machine 4 to the player's face. Accordingly, when it is desired to clearly capture the first image area including the gaming machine 4, the support 3b is projected vertically from the board surface of the gaming machine 4 as shown in FIG. The angle may be adjusted so as to face the board surface of the gaming machine 4. When it is desired to clearly capture the second image area including the player's face, the support 3b slides toward the board surface of the gaming machine 4 as shown in FIG. The angle may be adjusted so that the front faces the player's face. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2A, the support 3 can also adjust the pan angle (horizontal direction) with respect to the support base 6.

  Note that the gaming camera monitoring camera 1 normally images the first imaging area and monitors the gaming machine 4 in a manner as shown in FIG. 1A, but the player performs an illegal act. If it is, the second imaging region is imaged in a manner as shown in FIG. 1B, and the player's face is clearly imaged. By such an operation of the surveillance camera 1 for gaming machines, it is possible to capture an illegal act against the gaming machine and the face of the player as one continuous image. Therefore, since the relationship between the captured images of the first image area and the second image area is clarified, it is possible to provide strong evidence about a player's cheating.

The timing at which the changing means 3 changes the imaging area of the imaging means 2 is when the player is cheating as described above, but the surveillance camera 1 for gaming machines detects this cheating. It is preferable to have a detecting means to do this. With this configuration, the gaming machine surveillance camera 1 can automatically detect fraud and notify the changing means 3 of the timing of changing the imaging region. This eliminates the need for the monitor to constantly monitor fraudulent acts, thereby reducing the burden on the monitor.

  As this detection means, for example, a continuity sensor, a pressure sensor, a radio wave sensor or the like is used. By these detection means, from a slight gap generated between the case covering the board surface of the gaming machine 4 and the side of the board surface of the gaming machine 4, a piano wire or the like is directed toward the center of the board surface of the gaming machine 4. It is possible to detect an act of inserting a foreign object, inserting the foreign object so as not to close the game medium opening / closing type winning opening, and illegally exploiting the game medium.

  For example, when a continuity sensor is used, a positive electrode and a negative electrode may be arranged on both sides in the gap between the case and the side of the board surface of the game machine 4. Thereby, when the foreign material inserted toward the center of the board surface of the game machine 4 is a metal such as a piano wire, the positive electrode and the negative electrode are short-circuited with the metal such as a piano wire inserted in the gap. Current flows. Therefore, by detecting this current, it can be detected that a foreign object has been inserted.

  On the other hand, even if the foreign matter inserted into the gap is an insulator such as celluloid, the foreign matter is inserted by, for example, placing a pressure sensor on the case side and detecting the pressure of the inserted foreign matter against the case. Can be detected.

  In addition, it is preferable that a detection means is installed in a clearance gap so that the pressure of the direction which expands the clearance gap between a case and a game machine may be detected. This is because the player does not detect pressure applied in the direction of narrowing the gap when the player hits the case of the gaming machine without malicious injustice. Such an installation is preferable because malfunction of the detection means can be prevented.

  A radio wave sensor is used when it is desired to detect an act of improperly operating a processor IC mounted on an internal control board by applying a radio wave of a specific frequency to the gaming machine 4 to illegally hit a big hit state.

  In addition, a magnetic sensor or the like is used when it is desired to detect a fraudulent action by pressing a magnet or the like against the gaming machine 4 and using the magnetic force to illegally lead the game medium to the winning opening. Moreover, you may detect with the hall computer that the gaming machine 4 which is in the big hit state is in a state where the ball is abnormal.

  Further, the operation of the detecting means will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the detection means shown in FIG. 6 shows the example which uses several sensors, such as a continuity sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor among the examples mentioned above.

  First, it is detected by a continuity sensor whether a foreign object is inserted. Note that the types of foreign matter that can be detected by this continuity sensor are only metal materials such as piano wires, as described above. Next, if there is no abnormality in the continuity sensor, the pressure sensor detects whether or not a foreign substance made of an insulating material is inserted. Next, if there is no abnormality in the pressure sensor, it is detected by the magnetic sensor whether or not the player is pressing the magnet or the like against the gaming machine 4. Next, if there is no abnormality in the magnetic sensor, the presence or absence of a radio wave for the purpose of causing the gaming machine 4 to malfunction is detected by the radio wave sensor.

  If no abnormality is detected by any of the above sensors, the process returns to the detection of whether or not a foreign object has been inserted by the continuity sensor.

On the other hand, when an abnormality is detected by any of the sensors described above, as shown in FIG. 6, after the first image area is imaged by the imaging means 2, the second image area is imaged. Note that the change of the imaging area is performed by the changing unit 3 as described above. In addition, it is preferable that the first image area is set to be captured for a few seconds after the abnormality is detected. This is to more reliably capture an image that is evidence of fraud after starting fraud such as foreign object insertion.

  Note that the gaming machine monitoring camera 1 described above can be suitably used in the game hall 43 as in the examples shown in FIGS.

  In FIG. 7, 36 indicates a switching hub, 37 indicates a slave unit side wireless LAN router, 38 indicates a master unit side wireless LAN router, and 39 indicates a database. Reference numeral 44 denotes a management room.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the gaming machine surveillance camera 1 is mounted above the gaming machine 4 and images the gaming machine 4 and the operation status of the player operating the gaming machine 4, respectively. .

  With this configuration, the gaming machine 4 can be compared to a case where the gaming machine monitoring camera 1 is installed so as to image a passage between adjacent gaming machine groups and monitors a plurality of gaming machines 4. This is preferable because the operation state of the player can be reliably monitored by the image pickup means 2 of the surveillance camera 1 for the game machine. This is because, compared with the case where a plurality of gaming machines 4 are monitored by the gaming machine monitoring camera 1, it is possible to prevent the players operating the gaming machines 4 from overlapping each other.

  Moreover, it is good also as a monitoring system combining the monitoring camera 1 for game machines described above, and the screen display part which displays the image which the imaging means 2 imaged. The image display unit includes image control means including computer software and a data server, and image display means such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a television monitor, or a liquid crystal display.

Further, it is preferable to include image storage means such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a magneto-optical disk, or a video recorder for storing and recording images.

  Note that the gaming machine monitoring camera 1 and the image display unit are connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) as communication between the computers, so that a plurality of gaming machine monitoring cameras 1 are connected to one image display unit. In addition, the image captured by the image capturing means 2 of the arbitrary surveillance camera 1 for an amusement machine can be instantaneously distributed and displayed on the image display unit.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes and improvements can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the description of the changing means 3 described above, the image pickup means 2 normally picks up the first image area, and when the player starts cheating, the image pickup area of the image pickup means 2 is changed to the second image area. However, the reverse is also possible. That is, normally, the second image area is imaged, and when the player starts cheating, the first image area may be imaged. For example, when a player is a cheating addict, the player's face can be imaged first, and then the cheating as evidence can be imaged. Therefore, the captured image can be used as stronger evidence.

  In the above description of the mounting position of the gaming machine monitoring camera 1, the gaming machine monitoring camera 1 is mounted above the gaming machine 4, but it may be on the side of the gaming machine 4. For example, the gaming machine surveillance camera 1 of the example shown in FIG. 2 is provided on the side of the gaming machine 4 so that the front surface faces the gaming machine 4. As a result, by adjusting the imaging module 7 in the horizontal direction by the drive mechanism 3a of the changing means 3, the imaging area of the imaging means 2 is changed from the first image area to the second image area or from the second image area to the first. Change to an image area.

  In addition, although it has been described that the detection unit is used to detect the player's fraud, the supervisor who notices the fraud while monitoring the image by the imaging unit 2 manually changes the change unit 3. The imaging region of the imaging means 2 may be changed by operating. When using the changing means 3 shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable that the monitor manually rotates the drive mechanism 3a of the changing means 3 or the like. Or you may set so that the drive mechanism 3a may rotate automatically etc., when a supervisor pushes a button. Thereby, the detection accuracy of cheating can be improved. This is because the possibility of malfunction by the detection means can be excluded.

1: Surveillance camera for gaming machine 2: Imaging means 3: Changing means 4: Gaming machine

Claims (5)

Imaging means for imaging a first image area including a gaming machine and a second image area including a player's face simultaneously or at a time difference;
An imaging region of the imaging means is configured to capture at least one region between both image regions from the first image region to the second image region or from the second image region to the first image region. A monitoring camera for a game machine, comprising: a changing means for changing   2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising detection means for detecting an illegal act of the player, wherein the changing means changes an imaging area of the imaging means based on a detection signal of the detection means. Surveillance camera for game machines.   The monitoring camera for a game machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the changing means changes the imaging area of the imaging means from the first image area to the second image area.   4. The gaming machine monitoring camera according to claim 1, wherein the imaging means images one or more gaming machines.   5. A monitoring system comprising: the gaming camera monitoring camera according to claim 1; and a screen display unit that displays an image captured by the imaging unit.

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