JP2015167712A - Image relay device, image relay method, and player authentication system provided with image relay device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable highly accurate authentication processing while suppressing the data amount of imaged data in the case of performing authentication processing of a player.SOLUTION: An image island computer 51 to be an image relay device for receiving imaged data of a player performing a game with a game machine 10 installed in a game house, and extracting authentication object data to be an object of authentication processing from the received imaged data to output the authentication object data includes: imaged data reception means for receiving imaged data obtained by imaging the player performing a game with the game machine 10 from an imaging device 34 provided in a call lamp 30; authentication object data extraction means for extracting authentication object data to be an object of authentication processing from the received imaged data; and authentication object data outputting means for outputting the extracted authentication object data to an image processor 60 for executing authentication processing. The authentication object data outputting means outputs the authentication object data at prescribed timing in accordance with a game state in the game machine 10.

Description

  The present invention relates to a player who performs a player authentication process based on image data of a camera for a player who plays a game on a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine (pachislot machine) installed in a game hall. The present invention relates to an authentication system, and an image relay apparatus and an image relay method provided in the player authentication system.

In general, in amusement halls (amusement halls / halls) where a large number of gaming machines represented by pachinko machines and pachislot machines (slot machines) are installed, the needs and trends of players who are customers who visit and play games Various information about the player is collected in order to grasp and provide appropriate and accurate customer service.
This kind of player information is normally collected by issuing a membership card to the player.

By issuing a membership card to the player at the game hall, the game hall can grasp the player's attribute information (for example, gender, age, occupation, etc.) and read the membership card during the game to play the game. By performing the game, it is possible to collect game information such as the game time of the player, the game table (model) played, the amount of money consumed, the acquired game media, the number of starts, the number of jackpots, and the like.
Then, by accumulating / analyzing the collected player's attribute information / game information, it is possible to analyze the player's behavior pattern, game tendency, etc., which can be used as useful information that contributes to the service provision to the player. It becomes like this.

However, the collection of player information using a membership card is based on the premise that the membership card is issued to the player and the player plays a game using the membership card. It has been difficult or impossible in practice to issue a membership card to all players and obligate all of the players to use the membership card during the game.
In addition, even if a member card is issued to a player, the player does not always carry or carry a member card on the next visit, and as a player, In some cases, the issue of a membership card for which attribute information or the like needs to be disclosed is avoided or rejected.
Therefore, the player information collection using the membership card has to be limited information about a certain limited player.

Therefore, recently, as a means of collecting player information using such a membership card or collecting player information on behalf of a membership card, the face of a player who is playing a game on a gaming machine is imaged. Then, player authentication has been proposed in which player authentication processing is performed based on the imaged data to identify player attributes and the like and collect player information.
Player authentication using this type of player's image data is to install a camera on a game device such as a call lamp that is installed in correspondence with the gaming machine and capture the face of the player who is playing the game. By collecting and registering the image data in a game hall management device, etc., each player is identified and authenticated based on the image data, and information such as player attributes and game trends is collected. is there. Such player authentication based on the image data of the camera does not require a member card to be issued to the player, and the player can freely play without carrying or using the member card, Since it is also effective in deterrence, it is expected as a supplement / alternative for membership cards.
As this type of player authentication technology, for example, those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have been proposed.

JP 2009-261788 A JP 2010-039597 A

However, in the player authentication using the image data of the camera, there is a problem that the imaged data of the imaged player becomes a load on the system, and there is a limit of the verification accuracy of the authentication process, erroneous verification / recognition. There was also a problem.
Since the image data of the camera is image data, the amount of individual data tends to be large, but when the image data for all the players coming to the store is continuously imaged and accumulated, An excessive load is applied to the data processing, and the data storage area is also significantly occupied and compressed. As a result, there is a possibility that the imaging data for player authentication may affect the processing / operation of the original management system of the game hall or cause a failure.

In consideration of this point, in Patent Document 1 described above, the data capacity of the stored imaging data is reduced by capturing the player's face image only when the player performs a game medium lending operation. It is suggested that it can be suppressed.
However, if the player picks up a face image only when the player performs a game medium lending operation, the player is not substantially identified during the game. For this reason, for example, when a player is replaced without renting out a game medium, or when a player moves another game machine with the acquired game medium, the trend of such a player is As a result, it became impossible to grasp at all, resulting in a new problem that it was inadequate and incomplete as a means of collecting player information.

On the other hand, when trying to capture and collect the player's imaging data as much as possible in order to ensure the accuracy of the player information collection, in addition to the problem of the data capacity of the imaging data, there is a problem of verification accuracy of verification processing, The problem of misrecognition occurred.
A player who is playing a game plays a game while constantly moving his body, and his face is frequently changed. If you try to collect as many players as possible by capturing as many images as possible for such a player, a large number of image data with different face and body orientations will be collected. That is, the number of cases where the person is determined as another person increases, and there arises a problem that accurate information collection cannot be performed.

With regard to this point, in Patent Document 2 described above, a threshold correction table having a plurality of correction coefficients set corresponding to the player's face orientation is stored in order to increase the accuracy of face authentication verification. It has been proposed that authentication / collation processing according to similarity should be performed based on the correction table.
However, the provision of a correction coefficient corresponding to the assumed player's face orientation increases the amount of data to be stored and complicates the authentication process itself. Combined with the pressure, there is a risk of further pressure on the processing of the game hall system and the data storage area.

  The present invention has been proposed to solve the above-described problems and the like, and an image relay apparatus, an image relay method, and an image that enable highly accurate authentication processing while suppressing the amount of image data. It aims at providing the player authentication system provided with the relay apparatus.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image relay apparatus of the present invention receives imaging data of a player who plays a game on a gaming machine installed in a game arcade, and selects an authentication processing target from the received imaging data. An image relay device that extracts and outputs authentication target data, and includes imaging data receiving means for receiving imaging data obtained by imaging a player who plays a game on a gaming machine from the imaging means, and among the received imaging data Authentication target data extraction means for extracting authentication target data to be subjected to authentication processing, and authentication target data output means for outputting the extracted authentication target data to the image processing means for executing the authentication processing. And the authentication target data output means outputs the authentication target data at a predetermined timing according to the gaming state in the gaming machine.

  In addition, the image relay method of the present invention receives imaging data of a player who plays a game with a gaming machine installed in a game arcade, and selects authentication target data to be authenticated from the received imaging data. An image relay method for extracting and outputting, an imaging data receiving step for receiving imaging data obtained by imaging a player who plays a game on a gaming machine, and authentication subject to authentication processing from the received imaging data An authentication target data extraction step for extracting the target data; and an authentication target data output step for outputting the extracted authentication target data to execute the authentication process. According to the gaming state in the gaming machine, it is configured to output at a predetermined timing.

  Furthermore, the player authentication system of the present invention is a player authentication system that performs an authentication process based on imaging data of a player who plays a game on a gaming machine installed in a game hall, and a game that plays a game on the gaming machine. An imaging device that captures an image of the person and outputs the imaging data; an image relay device that receives the imaging data from the imaging device and outputs the data as authentication target data; and an authentication target data that is output from the image relay device And an image processing apparatus that executes an authentication process, and the image relay apparatus includes the image relay apparatus according to the present invention.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform highly accurate authentication processing while suppressing the amount of image data.

It is the schematic which shows the structure of the game hall system which comprises the player authentication system which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the flow of the data and signal transmitted / received between each apparatus of the game hall system shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the calling lamp of the game hall system shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the imaging device with which the calling lamp of the game hall system shown in FIG. 1 is equipped, (a) is explanatory drawing seen from the side of the player which shows typically the imaging area of an imaging device, (b) is It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an imaging device. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image island container with which the island computer of the game hall system shown in FIG. 1 is equipped. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the face authentication apparatus with which the game hall system shown in FIG. 1 is equipped. It is a table | surface which shows the example of a display of the player information produced | generated and displayed by the game hall system shown in FIG. 1, (a) shows "face ID log | history information", (b) shows "game table log | history information". Yes. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the hall computer with which the game hall system shown in FIG. 1 is equipped. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence performed with the imaging device with which the game hall system shown in FIG. 1 is equipped. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence performed in the image island con provided with the game hall system shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence performed with the image processing apparatus with which the game hall system shown in FIG. 1 is equipped.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an image relay device, an image relay method, and a player authentication system including an image relay device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, the configuration of a game hall system 1 that constitutes a player authentication system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a game hall system 1 constituting a player authentication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Amusement hall system]
As shown in the figure, the game hall system 1 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of gaming machines 10, a machine 20, a call lamp 30, a computer 40, an island computer 50, an image processing device 60, a hall computer 70, A plurality of devices and devices such as a monitor 90 are included.
Each of these apparatuses includes a communication unit, and is connected to be able to perform data communication via a predetermined network (for example, a local area network) connected by wire / wireless.

In the gaming hall system 1 according to the present embodiment, an imaging device that takes an image of a player who plays a game while sitting in front of the gaming machine 10 on the calling lamp 30 provided corresponding to the gaming machine 10 ( (Face camera) 34 is provided, and authentication processing is executed based on image data (face image data) of the player imaged by the imaging device 34.
In particular, in the present embodiment, imaging data imaged and acquired by the imaging device 34 is transmitted to the image processing device 60 via the image island controller 51 of the island computer 50, and finally the image processing is performed. The imaging data transmitted to the device 60 is screened and screened by an image island computer 51 (island computer 50) serving as an image relay device.

As a result, the amount of image data processed by the image processing apparatus 60 that executes the image data authentication process is reduced / suppressed as much as possible, and erroneous verification / incorrect authentication due to an unnecessarily large number of image data is prevented. Thus, it is possible to improve the authentication accuracy by suppressing the load, greatly reducing the load on the image processing apparatus 60, and realizing a highly accurate authentication process.
Hereinafter, the configuration of each device of the game hall system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

[Pachislot and machine machines]
The gaming machine 10 is a variety of gaming machines that use a gaming medium such as a game ball or a medal, such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine. A plurality of such gaming machines 10 are arranged so that one or two or more gaming machine islands are configured in a plurality of gaming machine units in the gaming hall.
The inter-machine 20 is a game medium lending device that is provided corresponding to the gaming machine 10 and that lends a predetermined number of gaming media corresponding to the amount of money to the gaming machine 10 by inserting cash or the like. .
In addition, a call lamp 30 and a stand computer 40 are provided corresponding to each gaming machine 10.
The gaming machine 10 provided with the corresponding inter-machine 20, the calling lamp 30, and the computer 40 constitutes a gaming machine island in which a plurality of gaming machines 10 are arranged in an island shape, and corresponds to each gaming machine island. An island computer 50 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, a predetermined game signal (game data) is output from the gaming machine 10 and the inter-vehicle machine 20.
The gaming signal output from the gaming machine 10 includes, for example, an out signal indicating the number of gaming media inserted into the gaming machine 10, a safe signal indicating the number of gaming media paid out from the gaming machine 10, and a big hit state of the gaming machine 10. There are a jackpot signal that is shown, a start signal that is output every time the symbol variation starts, an abnormal signal (for example, a door opening signal) that indicates that some abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine.
The game signal output from the intermediary machine 20 includes, for example, a sales signal indicating the number of game media lent out, an abnormal signal indicating that some abnormality has occurred in the intermediary machine, and the like.
These signals are input to the call lamp 30 and transmitted to the hall computer 70 via a relay information processing device such as the platform computer 40 and the island computer 50. The hall computer 70 collects game data for each gaming machine 10, In addition, the occurrence of an abnormality in the gaming machine 10 or the inter-vehicle machine 20 is detected.

[Call lamp]
The calling lamp 30 is installed above the gaming machine 10, for example, and is a device that functions as a notification means for calling an employee or the like of the game hall by turning on or blinking a light bulb or an LED.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the call lamp 30 has a communication unit 31 that performs communication processing with other devices and devices such as the gaming machine 10 and the inter-machine 20, and various functions that the call lamp 30 has. CPU 32 for controlling various functions of storage unit 32 for storing a program to be executed, lamp 33 composed of a light bulb, LED, etc., imaging device (face camera) 34 for capturing a player's face image, and calling lamp 30 Etc., and a control unit 35 and the like configured with the above.
In the present embodiment, the control unit 35 controls each unit so that the calling lamp 30 operates as follows.

First, the call lamp 30 is controlled by the control unit 35, via the communication unit 31, a game signal (game data) transmitted from the gaming machine 10 and a sales signal (sales data) transmitted from the intermediary machine 20. , And the received data is stored in the storage unit 32, and the received signals and data are transmitted to the computer 40.
In addition, the call lamp 30 is controlled by the control unit 35 so that the lamp 33 is lit or blinked according to a game signal from the gaming machine 10 or a player's call operation, etc. Etc.
In this embodiment, the imaging device 34 provided in the calling lamp 30 serves as an imaging unit that captures a front area of the corresponding gaming machine 10, and the face image of the player seated in front of the gaming machine 10 is displayed. It is supposed to take an image. This imaging device 34 constitutes an imaging device according to the present invention.

[Imaging device]
The imaging device 34 is configured by an imaging unit that can capture a moving image or a still image, such as a CCD camera or a digital video camera, and can capture a specific area as an imaging range for each gaming machine 10.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, the imaging device 34 captures the face of the player sitting on the seat (chair) in front of the gaming machine 10 and generates the captured data. It is an imaging means for the face to output.
As shown in FIG. 4B, the imaging device 34 includes an imaging means (camera) 34a constituted by a CCD camera or the like, and a game information input means 34b for receiving and inputting a game signal from the gaming machine 10. And a transmission control means 34c for outputting and transmitting the imaging data at a predetermined timing.

The imaging means 34a images an imaging area set in a predetermined area in front of the gaming machine 10 at a predetermined timing, and generates and outputs the imaging data.
Specifically, in the present embodiment, when the imaging unit 34a is a still camera that captures a still image, when the gaming machine 10 is in an operating state, the imaging unit 34a captures images at a predetermined interval (for example, every 10 seconds). When 10 is not in the operating state, imaging can be performed at predetermined intervals (for example, every 30 seconds) longer than in the operating state, and the imaging data can be sequentially output.
In the case where the photographing unit 34a is a video camera that shoots a moving image, a screen capture process or the like is performed on the continuously captured moving image. When the gaming machine 10 is in an operating state, a predetermined interval (for example, 10 seconds) When the gaming machine 10 is not in an operating state, the still image can be cut out at a predetermined interval (for example, every 30 seconds) longer than that in the operating state and sequentially output as imaging data.

Here, whether or not the gaming machine 10 is in an operating state, whether it is in an operating state or a non-operating state, is detected / determined based on the presence or absence of an out signal from the gaming machine 10 that is input / received to the gaming information input means 34b. can do.
For example, when the gaming machine 10 is a pachinko machine, normally, about 100 gaming balls can be launched in one minute, so the out signal is output once every about 6 seconds.
Therefore, when the out signal is continuously input from the gaming machine 10 to the gaming information input means 34b, for example, within 10 seconds, the imaging means 34a determines that the gaming machine 10 is in an operating state, The image is taken with the shutter turned off at regular time intervals (for example, every 10 seconds).

On the other hand, if no out signal is input from the gaming machine 10 to the gaming information input means 34b for a certain period of time, such as several tens of seconds or more, or one minute or longer, the gaming machine 10 is in a non-operating state. The image capturing unit 34a performs image capturing by releasing the shutter at a fixed time interval (for example, every 30 seconds) longer than that in the operating state.
Note that even when it is determined to be in the non-operating state, there are some customers who do not play a game while sitting in front of the gaming machine 10 because the imaging means 34a performs the imaging. A suspicious person who intends to cheat may not play a game while sitting in front of the gaming machine 10, and even for such a person, it is possible to operate by performing face and appearance imaging and face authentication processing. This is because it is possible to authenticate and identify low-rate players, suspicious persons, and fraudulent persons to improve the operation rate and detect and prevent fraudulent acts.

The game information input means 34b receives and inputs game signals (game data) such as an out signal, a safe signal, a start signal, a jackpot signal, and an abnormal signal from the gaming machine 10 (or the computer 20).
Based on the game signal received by the game information input means 34b, the operating / non-operating state of the gaming machine 10 is detected, and the imaging timing of the imaging means 34a described above can be controlled.
The game data received by the game information input means 34b is transmitted to the island computer 50 by the transmission control means 34c together with the imaging data. As a result, in the image island computer 51 of the island computer 50, the transmitted imaging data and the gaming state of the gaming machine 10 at that time are determined, and the imaging data selection process is performed.

The transmission control unit 34c is a control unit that outputs and transmits imaging data at a predetermined timing.
Specifically, the transmission control unit 34c determines the operating / non-operating state of the gaming machine 10 based on the out signal of the gaming machine 10 received by the gaming information input unit 34b, and the gaming machine 10 is in the operating state. If it is determined, the imaging data is sequentially output at regular time intervals (for example, every 10 seconds) and transmitted to the image island controller 51 of the island computer 50.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the gaming machine 10 is in the non-operating state, the imaging data is sequentially output at a constant time interval (for example, every 30 seconds) longer than that in the operating state, and the image of the island computer 50 is output. Send to island con.
Such transmission timing control can be realized, for example, by using a transmission timer function.

Further, the transmission control unit 34 c transmits the imaging data to the island computer 50 from the machine number corresponding to the imaging data, the identification number (camera number) of the imaging device 34, the imaging time, and the gaming machine 10. Game signals (out signal, safe signal, start signal, jackpot signal, etc.) can be transmitted to the image island computer 51 of the island computer 50 in association with the imaging data.
As a result, the image island controller 51 of the island computer 50 can identify and manage the received imaging data in association with the gaming machine 10, and each imaging data is in any gaming state of any gaming machine 10. It is possible to grasp whether the image has been picked up, and to perform picking-up processing of picked-up data according to the gaming state.

Note that game signals (out signal, safe signal, start signal, jackpot signal, etc.) from the gaming machine 10 are transmitted and input to the island computer 50 via the base computer 40, and the above-described imaging A game signal associated with the data can be input to the image island con 51 via the table computer 40 and the island computer 50 to be registered and managed.
At that time, for example, a gaming machine so that the imaging data transmitted from the calling lamp 30 (transmission control means 34c) and the game signal transmitted from the base computer 40 and the island computer 50 can be registered and managed in association with each other. Data synchronization / correlation can be established based on the ten identification information and time information.

[Computer]
The stand computer 40 is an information relay processing device provided corresponding to one (or a plurality of) gaming machines 10.
Specifically, the stand computer 40 transmits various signals (game signal and sales signal) received via the calling lamp 30 to the island computer 50.
By relaying / transmitting signals via the computer 40, the signals output from the gaming machine 10 and the machine 20 are suitable for processing by a higher-level information processing device (the island computer 50, the hall computer 70, etc.). It is possible to process and convert the signals and data into smooth information processing.

[Island Computer]
The island computer 50 is an information relay processing device provided corresponding to a gaming machine island constituted by a plurality of gaming machines 10.
Specifically, the island computer 50 receives various signals transmitted from the corresponding base computer 40 of the gaming machine island, and transmits them to the hall computer 70.
By relaying / transmitting signals via the island computer 50, signals output from the gaming machine 10 or the base computer 40 are processed into signals / data suitable for processing by the host information processing apparatus (hall computer 70). -It can be converted and smooth information processing can be performed.

In addition, the island computer 50 can collect and manage data for each gaming machine island, and a part of the information processing performed by the hall computer 70 can be distributed to the island computer 50, so that the information of the entire game arcade is totaled. -The load of the hall computer 70 to be managed can be reduced.
In this embodiment, the island computer 50 is provided with an image island con 51.

[Image Island Con]
The image island controller 51 is an information processing apparatus that serves as an image relay apparatus (image relay means) that receives imaging data output from the imaging apparatus 34 and outputs the data as authentication target data. This image island con 51 constitutes an image relay apparatus according to the present invention.
In this embodiment, the image island con 51 serving as the image relay means outputs the authentication target data at a predetermined timing according to the gaming state in the gaming machine 10. The output authentication target data is received by the image processing device 60 and a predetermined authentication process is executed.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the image island con 51 according to the present embodiment includes an imaging data receiving unit 51a, a gaming state holding unit 51b, a gaming state determining unit 51c, and a player image detecting unit 51d. And feature point extraction means 51e, feature point determination means 51f, and transmission control means 51g.
First, the image island controller 51 including each unit receives imaging data output from the imaging device 34 by the imaging data receiving unit 51a. Thereby, the imaging data receiving means according to the present invention is configured.

Thereafter, in the image island con 51, the player image detection means 51d detects whether or not the received image data includes a player image (an image of the player's face or appearance).
Furthermore, when the image of the player includes the image of the player, the feature points in the player's face image are extracted / determined by the processing of the feature point extraction means 51e and the feature point determination means 51f and received. Imaging data satisfying a predetermined condition is extracted from the captured imaging data. Thereby, the authentication target data extraction means according to the present invention is configured.
The extracted imaging data is used as authentication target data at a predetermined timing by the control of the transmission control unit 51g according to the result of the determination process of the gaming state holding unit 51b and the gaming state determination unit 51c. Are sent and output. Thereby, the authentication target data output means according to the present invention is configured.

More specifically, when the player image detection means 51d detects an image of a player in the received image data, the image island con 51 first determines whether the image data should be authentication target data. A feature point extraction / determination process is performed to test whether or not.
When the image of the player is not included in the imaging data, the imaging data is deleted.
Further, as will be described later, when an image of a player (human) is detected in imaged data captured and received when the gaming machine 10 is in a non-operating state, feature point extraction / determination processing is not performed. The imaging data is output as it is and transmitted to the image processing device 60. As a result, a player (human) sitting on the gaming machine 10 that is not in operation can be detected and a predetermined suspicious person can be dealt with.

The imaging data including the player image is subjected to feature point extraction / determination processing by the feature point extraction means 51e and the feature point determination means 51f.
By this feature point extraction / determination process, only image data in which a certain number or more of feature points have been extracted / determined from the player's face image, that is, only image data whose feature point extraction value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is processed by image processing. The data is extracted as authentication target data that can be the target of authentication processing in the device 60.
Therefore, among the imaging data including the player's face image, the imaging data extracted as the authentication target data is output / transmitted to the image processing device 60, and even if the imaging data includes the player's face image, the feature point Imaging data whose extracted value is equal to or less than the threshold value is deleted without being transmitted to the image processing apparatus 60.
As a result, imaging data for which a certain number or more of feature points cannot be extracted can be shaken off as a defective image, and defective images and noise images that cause erroneous recognition / mismatching in authentication processing can be removed in advance. Become.

Here, the feature point extraction process from the face image of the imaged data can use a known face authentication technique, and can be performed by the following method, for example.
First, a face area representing a player's face is detected from an image received as imaging data. Here, the imaging data for which no face area has been detected is deleted from the target data.
Next, feature points corresponding to the eyes, corners of the eyes, nasal head, corners of the mouth, upper lip, lower lip and the like are extracted in the detected region such as the eyes, nose, and mouth. Further, the length, angle, etc. of the line segment connecting the extracted feature points are acquired as the feature points of the player's face.
Then, it is determined whether or not the acquired feature points are equal to or greater than a threshold value of the number of feature points (predetermined number) necessary for recognition as a face in the authentication process. In this case, it is specified and stored as data to be authenticated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of feature points is equal to or less than the predetermined number, it is erased / deleted as a blurred image / defective image that is not suitable for authentication processing.

In the face authentication process, the feature point extraction process as described above takes the longest time, and the load on the processing apparatus is the largest.
In the present embodiment, this feature point extraction processing is performed by the island computer 50 (image island controller 51) provided for each island of the gaming machine 10, so that the load on the image processing device 60 that executes final authentication processing is increased. Can be reduced or suppressed as much as possible.

Further, the image island con 51 is extracted as described above according to the gaming state of the gaming machine 10 by the gaming state determination process by the gaming state holding unit 51b and the gaming state determination unit 51c serving as the authentication target data output unit. The authentication object data is output at a predetermined timing and transmitted to the image processing apparatus 60.
First, the image island con 51 is based on game data (game signal) from the gaming machine 10 that is input together with the image data or in parallel with the image data via the call lamp 30 or the stand computer 40. 51 b holds and stores information indicating the gaming state of each gaming machine 10.

Based on the gaming state information of each gaming machine 10 held by the gaming state holding means 51b, whether each gaming machine 10 is operating or not operating, and the operating gaming machine 10 is operating. Is determined whether the active gaming state is a predetermined “normal gaming state” or “continuous gaming state”, and based on the determination result, the imaging data extracted as authentication target data is transmitted and controlled. Under the control of the means 51g, the data is output at a predetermined timing according to the gaming state of the gaming machine 10 and sent to the image processing device 60.
First, when it is determined that the gaming state in the gaming machine 10 is not a predetermined continuous gaming state but a normal gaming state (normal gaming state), during the normal gaming state, that is, in the normal gaming state Among the imaging data received from the imaging device 34 while the gaming machine 10 is in operation, one imaging data satisfying a predetermined condition is used as authentication target data after the end of the normal gaming state, that is, in the normal gaming state. 10 is output at the timing when the operating state changes from the operating state to the non-operating state.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the gaming state in the gaming machine 10 is a predetermined continuous gaming state, one of the imaging data received from the imaging device 34 means during the continuous gaming state satisfies the predetermined condition. The imaging data is output as authentication target data at the timing when the gaming machine 10 is in a non-operating state after the end of the continuous gaming state. In this case, unlike the normal gaming state, if the gaming machine 10 is in the continuous gaming state, the image data is accumulated / extracted regardless of whether the gaming machine 10 is in an operating state or a non-operating state. When the process is performed and the continuous gaming state ends, one piece of image data is output as authentication target data. This makes it possible to appropriately store and extract imaging data even when the gaming machine 10 is in a non-operating state, for example, so-called “stop” during the reach of a variable symbol.
It should be noted that after the end of the continuous gaming state, the imaging data is transmitted at the timing when the gaming machine 10 is in the non-operating state. If the operating state of the gaming machine 10 is continued, the continuous gaming state ends. This is because it is considered that the game is continuously performed by the same player even after the game is completed. Therefore, it is also possible to extract / determine a predetermined condition (feature point) by including the imaging data captured / acquired in the operating state after the end of the continuous gaming state as a candidate for authentication target data.

Thus, in this embodiment, first, when the gaming machine 10 is in operation and is in the normal gaming state, the authentication target data is obtained based on the imaging data received when the gaming machine 10 is in the operating state. Among the extracted authentication target data, one authentication target data satisfying a predetermined condition, specifically, high-score authentication data described later is output after the operation state ends.
If the gaming machine 10 is operating in the normal gaming state, it is a state in which an out signal is continuously output. In this case, it is considered that the same player continues to play a game.
Therefore, in this embodiment, when such a gaming machine 10 is operating in the normal gaming state, it is assumed that the same player is playing a game and the operation in the image island con 51 is controlled. Yes.

Further, when the gaming machine 10 is in a predetermined continuous gaming state, regardless of whether or not the gaming machine 10 is in an operating state, the authentication target data is based on the imaging data received during the continuous gaming state. Of the extracted authentication target data, the one authentication target data satisfying a predetermined condition (high score authentication data to be described later) is extracted after the continuous gaming state (the gaming machine 10 is in a non-operating state). At the timing.
Here, the predetermined continuous game state is a game state other than the normal game state (normal game state) among the game states in the gaming machine 10, and the player who performs the game continues without stopping the game. The state that is likely to continue the game.

Specifically, the predetermined continuous gaming state is a special gaming state that is advantageous for a player that is generated and executed in the gaming machine 10.
For example, if the gaming machine 10 is a pachinko machine, there are, for example, a jackpot state, a probability change (probability change) state, and a stop (reach) state.
If the gaming machine 10 is a pachislot machine (slot machine), for example, a bonus game state, an RT state, an AT state, an ART state, and the like are applicable.
Such a special gaming state of the gaming machine 10 can be determined and detected based on a state signal indicating the gaming state output from the gaming machine 10.

Such a special gaming state is a gaming state that is advantageous to the player as compared to the normal gaming state, that is, a gaming state in which the number of gaming media that can be acquired by the player increases or is very likely to increase. During this special game state, it is considered that the player does not stop the game, and the same player continues to play the game at least until the special game state ends.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the special gaming state in which the player is very likely to continue playing is set as a predetermined “continuous gaming state”, and the gaming machine 10 is in an operating state or is not operating. Regardless of whether or not it is in a state, it is assumed that the same player is playing a game and the operation in the image island con 51 is controlled.

That is, in the image island con 51, first, based on the game signal transmitted from the gaming machine 10, whether the current gaming state of the gaming machine 10 is an active state or a non-operating state, In the case of a state, it is determined whether the gaming state is a normal gaming state or a predetermined continuous gaming state.
First, when the gaming machine 10 is in an operating state and the gaming state is a normal gaming state, the same player continues to play games while the operating state continues, Accordingly, since it is considered that the possibility that the player will be replaced is low, during that time, the imaging data of the player is accumulated in the image island con 51, and the feature point extraction means 51e and the feature point determination means 51f extract / The determination process is performed, and the imaging data is not transmitted to the image processing device 60. Then, when the normal gaming state ends, that is, at the timing when the gaming machine 10 changes from the operating state to the non-operating state, the feature point extracting / determining process by the feature point extracting unit 51e and the feature point determining unit 51f described above. , The image data from which the largest number of feature points have been extracted from the image data from which a certain number or more of feature points have been extracted and determined is extracted as authentication target data (high score data) having the highest score. Only one authentication pair data is output / transmitted to the image processing apparatus 60.

  In addition, when the gaming state of the gaming machine 10 is the continuous gaming state, the same player continues during the continuous gaming state regardless of whether the gaming machine 10 is operating or not operating. Therefore, it is considered that the possibility that the player will be replaced is low, and during that time, the imaging data of the player is accumulated in the image island con 51 and the feature point extracting means 51e / feature point determining means The feature point extraction / determination process by 51f is performed, and the captured image data is not transmitted to the image processing apparatus 60. In the feature point extraction / determination process by the feature point extraction means 51e / feature point determination means 51f described above at the timing when the continuous gaming state ends and the gaming machine 10 enters the non-operating state, a certain number or more is reached. The imaging data from which the largest number of feature points have been extracted is extracted as the authentication target data having the highest score from among the imaging data from which the feature points have been extracted and determined, and only one authentication pair data is extracted from the image processing device 60. Output / send to.

Further, the image island control 51 is used when the gaming machine 10 is not in an operating state and is not in a continuous gaming state, specifically, when an out signal is not input from the gaming machine 10 for a predetermined time or more. If the game is not in the continuous gaming state, it is considered that there is no player who is playing the game.Therefore, although there is little need to acquire the imaging data of the player, imaging is performed from the viewpoint of suspicious person discovery and fraud suppression Data is transmitted to the image processing device 60.
Specifically, when imaging data is received from the imaging device 34 when the gaming machine 10 is in a non-operating state and is not in a continuous gaming state, first, a player is detected in the imaging data by the player image detection means 51d. Whether or not a (human) image is included is determined and detected. When at least a human image is detected in the imaging data, the imaging data is output as it is, and the imaging data is transmitted to the image processing device 60.
In this case, since the game machine 10 is not in operation and is not in a continuous game state, a player (human) is seated in front of the game machine 10, so that imaging data is output immediately. In this way, it is possible to take immediate action against a suspicious person.

Here, as suspicious person correspondence based on imaging data, for example, the transmitted imaging data is analyzed and authenticated by the image processing device 60, and registered face images (refer to a face image (ID) database 63 described later) and Authentication processing or collation with a registered suspicious person target list or the like.
In addition, the image island controller 51 or the image processing device 60 can transmit / notify the hall computer 70 and other devices that the imaging data has been transmitted to the image processing device 60, and based on this, a predetermined warning sound can be transmitted. It is also possible to output a warning display or the like to notify the manager / employee of the game hall about the suspicious person.

As the authentication target data, only the imaging data having a feature point extraction value equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold is extracted as the authentication target data from among the imaging data sequentially transmitted / input from the calling lamp 30 at a predetermined interval. 60 can be transmitted.
Therefore, when the gaming machine 10 is in the normal gaming state or in the non-operating state, the authentication target data is transmitted to the image processing device 60. Ideally, all the imaging data has a feature point extraction value equal to or greater than a threshold value. In such a case, the interval becomes a predetermined interval (every 10 seconds / every 30 seconds). When imaging data having a feature point extraction value equal to or greater than a threshold value is intermittently imaged / extracted, the time is equal to or greater than the predetermined interval. The images are sequentially output and transmitted to the image processing apparatus 60.
Such control of the transmission timing of the authentication target data can be controlled and executed by, for example, a transmission timer function provided in the transmission control means 51g.

As described above, in this embodiment, the image island controller 51 serves as a relay unit for imaging data, and all the imaging data transmitted from the imaging device 34 is unconditionally sent to the image processing device 60 as authentication target data. Instead of sending, the image island controller 51 determines whether or not the imaging data satisfies a certain condition, and sends only the imaging data satisfying a predetermined condition as authentication target data.
As a result, it is possible to screen the imaging data that is subject to authentication processing in the image processing device 60, and to carefully select the data that should be subject to authentication processing in the image processing device 60, thereby reducing the data capacity that is subject to processing as much as possible. Can do.

Accordingly, the load on the image processing device 60 can be greatly reduced, and the data storage areas of the image processing device 60 and the image island computer 51 can be effectively prevented from being occupied and compressed by a large amount of imaging data. And efficient and smooth system operation can be realized.
Further, by selecting and narrowing down the imaging data to be authenticated by the image processing apparatus 60 to only the imaging data that satisfies a certain condition, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of erroneous recognition / mismatching in the authentication process. It is possible to provide a highly reliable player authentication system by performing accurate authentication processing.

[NVR]
In this embodiment, the imaging data transmitted to the image island con 51 is stored and saved in the NVR 80.
The NVR (network video recorder) 80 is a recording device for recording imaging data (face image) transmitted to the image island controller 51.
By recording / recording the imaging data in this NVR, the imaging device 34 and the image island controller 51 can delete the imaging data that has been subjected to the extraction / output processing of the authentication target data without having to hold it, It is possible to efficiently use / release the data storage areas of the imaging device 34 and the image island control 51.
However, the imaging data may be recorded / recorded in the image island controller 51, the calling lamp 30, the stand computer 40, or the like without being stored in the NVR 80. In that case, it is not necessary to provide the NVR 80 and can be omitted.

[Image processing device]
The image processing device 60 is an image processing unit that receives authentication target data output from the image island con 51 serving as an image relay device and executes authentication processing.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the image processing apparatus 60 of the present embodiment includes an authentication object data receiving unit 61, a face authentication unit 62, a face image (ID) database 63, a game table history storage unit 64, a game A table history database 65 and the like are provided, and the following operations are performed by controlling these units.

First, the image processing apparatus 60 receives the authentication target data transmitted from the image island controller 51 by the authentication target data receiving unit 61.
In addition, when the gaming machine 10 is not in operation and is not in the continuous gaming state, the imaging data immediately transmitted from the image island controller 51 is also received by the authentication target data receiving unit 61.
The authentication target data is imaging data that satisfies a predetermined condition (feature point extraction value is equal to or greater than a threshold value) in the image island con 51, and the authentication target data is an image processing device at a predetermined timing according to the gaming state of the gaming machine 10. 60 and received by the authentication target data receiving means 61.
The received authentication target data is subjected to authentication processing in the face authentication means 62.

The imaging data transmitted when the gaming machine 10 is not in operation and is not in the continuous gaming state is imaging data that has not undergone feature point extraction / determination processing in the image island con 51. In the image processing device 60, each process of specifying a face image region, extracting feature points, and determining feature points is performed on the captured image data, and then authentication processing by the face authentication unit 62 is performed.
In this case, since there is a possibility that the person shown in the imaging data is a suspicious person or a fraudulent person, the image processing apparatus 60 notifies that the imaging data has been received. Can be output and notified to a device (such as the hall computer 70).
Further, the imaging data can be stored and stored as suspicious person data as it is, separately from the authentication target data.

Further, the authentication target data receiving means 61 receives game data from the gaming machine 10 that is input from the image island con 51 or the island computer 50 together with the authentication target data / imaging data or in parallel with the authentication target data / imaging data ( Game signal).
The received game data is held and stored in the gaming machine history storage unit 64 as information indicating the gaming state of each gaming machine 10.

The face authentication unit 62 includes a device constituting a so-called “face recognition engine”. In this embodiment, the face authentication unit 62 performs a face authentication process based on the authentication target data / image data received by the authentication target data reception unit 61. An ID collating unit 62a and a face ID registering unit 62b for registering a face ID according to the result of the authentication process of the face ID collating unit 62a are provided.
Here, the “face ID” is identification information given to the face image through the authentication process, and the same face ID is given to the face image determined to be the same or approximate by the authentication process.
Thus, the face ID becomes identification information for specifying the person of the face image, and can function as identification information similar to the member number.

In the face authentication processing by the face ID collating means 62a, face authentication is performed by extracting a feature portion of the player's face from the face image of the authentication target data / imaging data sent from the image island controller 51.
As the face authentication method, a known face authentication technique can be used. For example, the following method can be used.
First, based on the feature points extracted by the feature point extraction process in the above-described image island con 51 included in the face image received as the authentication target data, the face image already registered / recorded is matched or approximated. Check to see if there is something on the screen.
As described above, the image data transmitted when the gaming machine 10 is not in operation and is not in the continuous gaming state has not been subjected to the feature point extraction / determination processing in the image island con 51, and therefore the image processing device 60. After extracting / determining the feature points, the collation / determination with the registered face image is performed.

Specifically, a search is performed as to whether a feature point in the face image matches or approximates a face image registered in the storage means (face image (ID) database 63). If there is a face image having a feature point that matches, the face ID of the matching / approximate face image is extracted, and the face ID registration unit 62b associates the face image as the face ID of the authentication target data, and the face image (ID) Store / register in database 63.
At this time, the face image of the authentication target data can be registered as the latest face image data of the face ID and the previous face image data can be updated, and the face image of the authentication target data can be updated to the previous face image data. Along with the image data, the same face ID can be assigned and registered.
On the other hand, when there is no face image whose feature point matches or approximates the face image of the authentication target data, the face ID registration unit 62b gives a new face ID to the face image of the authentication target data, The face image is registered in the face image (ID) database 63 together with the face image.

The face image and the face ID subjected to the authentication / collation processing as described above are registered and stored in the face image (ID) database 63.
The face image (ID) database 63 relates to a face image corresponding to the face ID, feature point information, player attribute information related to the face ID (for example, gender, age, etc.), and the gaming machine 10 from which the face image is acquired. Game information (for example, imaging / game date and time, camera number, model, game machine number, sales amount, number of balls, number of starts, number of jackpots, presence / absence of abnormality, etc.) are stored in association with each other.

The information stored in the face image (ID) database 63 can be extracted and collected based on the face ID, and output as “face ID history information” on the hall computer 70, the monitor 90, or the like. -It can be displayed.
An example of the “face ID history information” is shown in FIG.
In the example shown in the figure, based on the face ID, the game start date / time / end date / time, model / unit number / absence / absence / sales / out of the game are identified. The data is aggregated and output for each player.
The “face ID history information” shown in FIG. 7A is merely an example, and it goes without saying that other items, attributes, and the like can be collected and output.

The gaming machine history storage means 64 is based on the game data of each gaming machine 10 that is input together with the authentication object data via the island computer 50 (image island computer 51) or in parallel with the authentication object data. The game information is registered and stored in the game table history database 65 as game history information.
Information registered in the gaming machine history database 65 includes a gaming machine number for each gaming machine 10, a face ID associated with the gaming machine 10, attribute information (for example, gender, age, etc.) for each facial ID, Information (for example, game date and time, sales amount, number of balls played, number of starts, number of jackpots, presence / absence of abnormality, etc.) is stored in association with each other.

The information stored in the gaming machine history database 65 can be extracted and collected based on the gaming machine (game machine number). As the “gaming machine history information”, the hall computer 70 or the monitor 90 is used. It is possible to output and display at etc.
An example of this “game table history information” is shown in FIG.
In the example shown in the figure, based on the game machine number, each of the game start date / time / end date / time / face ID / abnormality / gender / age information about the player who played the game is It is aggregated and output in units of game machines.
The “game table history information” shown in FIG. 7B is also an example, and other items, attributes, and the like can be collected and output as “face ID history information” shown in FIG. It is the same as the case of “.

In this way, the image processing device 60 can collect and manage the player's game data according to the game history for each face ID. That is, by generating and managing the face ID, it can be used as an alternative means to replace the member registration (member ID) based on the member card or the like.
This allows players to be identified by their face image / face ID without applying, registering, or issuing a membership card, and collects valuable information such as the player's gaming status, trends, and behavior patterns.・ It will be possible to manage and be used for prevention and early detection of fraud.

In general, those who try to cheat at amusement halls often perform cheating without registering a membership card at the amusement hall where they visit for the first time. It was difficult to identify the actor / suspicious person.
In the present embodiment, the player can be identified by the face image / face ID without requiring a member card / member registration, and each player's face image is registered as information. In the case where the fraudulent act is performed, it becomes easy to identify the fraudulent person, and the suspicious person or the like can be identified before the fraudulent act is performed.

[Hall computer]
The hall computer 70 is an information processing apparatus that collects and manages game data for each gaming machine 10 based on game signals transmitted via the island computer 50.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the hall computer 70 stores a communication unit 71 that performs communication processing with each device, a program for executing various functions of the hall computer 70, and stores game data and the like. A storage unit 72 that stores data, and a control unit 73 that is configured by a CPU and controls various functions of the hall computer 70 are provided. The control unit 73 controls these units so that the hall computer 70 is configured as follows. Operate.

The hall computer 70 stores the game data aggregated for each gaming machine 10 in the storage unit 72 as a gaming machine history database based on the gaming signal received from the island computer 50 via the communication unit 71.
The hall computer 70 receives the game history data and face ID data generated by the image processing device 60 described above according to a predetermined timing and input operation, and stores necessary information in the game table history database of the storage unit 72. Can be remembered.

In the gaming machine history database (storage unit 72) of the hall computer 70, the gaming machine number of the gaming machine 10, gaming data (game date and time, number of outs (injection number), safe number (number of payouts), start number (number of games) ), The amount of money to be inserted, the number of jackpots (number of special prizes), and the player's face ID and attribute information generated and registered by the image processing device 60 are stored in association with each other.
Here, as described above, the “face ID” uniquely identifies a player given to each player based on the player's face image authenticated and specified by the authentication processing of the image processing device 60. Identification information. This face ID is useful as player identification information, and can be received from the image processing apparatus 60 and registered and managed in the hall computer 70 as well.
The hall computer 70 can extract, total, and output arbitrary game information in accordance with an input operation, and can display it on the monitor 90 or print it out as a form.

Further, in the hall computer 70, when the above-described gaming machine 10 is in a non-operating state and is not in a continuous gaming state, if the imaging data is immediately transmitted to the image processing device 60, this is indicated in the image island controller. 51 or the image processing apparatus 60 and the hall computer 70 can take a predetermined suspicious person countermeasure.
Here, suspicious person countermeasures may include output of a warning sound in the hall computer 70 or a warning display on the monitor 90, notification to an employee's income, etc., lighting control of the calling lamp 30, and the like.

[monitor]
The monitor 90 is configured by a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays a captured image stored in the image processing device 60 and various information managed by the hall computer 70 (operation status of each gaming machine 10, business management information, etc.). Is a display output means.
In addition, the monitor 90 displays the layout of the gaming islands and gaming machines 10 installed in the amusement hall. On the layout layout, the gaming machines 10 that are in operation, the gaming machines 10 that are not operating, and the gaming machines that are hitting big hits. 10 etc. are displayed at any time.
In the present embodiment, a predetermined search condition (game date / time, model name, game machine number, etc.) is input by an employee of the game hall from an input means (not shown) of the hall computer 70. The face ID history information and the game table history information corresponding to (see FIG. 7) are extracted and generated from the image processing device 60 and displayed on the monitor 90.

[Player authentication method]
Next, the processing procedure of the player authentication method (image relay method) in the game hall system 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
[Processing at the imaging device]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the imaging device 34 of the present embodiment.
In the imaging device 34, first, a gaming signal (game state signal) such as an out signal, a safe signal, a start signal, a jackpot signal, or an abnormal signal is received / received from the gaming machine 10 (or the computer 20) by the gaming information input means 34b. Obtained (step 101). Thereby, it is detected and determined whether the gaming machine 10 is in an operating state or a non-operating state.

Then, according to the operating / non-operating state of the gaming machine 10, the imaging process is executed by the imaging unit 34a at a predetermined timing (step 102).
That is, when the gaming machine 10 is in an operating state, the imaging unit 34a performs the imaging process by releasing the shutter at regular time intervals (every 10 seconds in the present embodiment) (step 103).
On the other hand, when the gaming machine 10 is in the non-operating state, the image capturing unit 34a performs the image capturing process by releasing the shutter at a fixed time interval (in this embodiment, every 30 seconds) longer than in the operating state (step 104). ).

The captured image data is sequentially output at a predetermined timing (every 10 seconds and every 30 seconds) under the control of the transmission control means 34c together with the game data indicating the gaming state of the gaming machine 10, and transmitted to the image island controller 51. (Step 105).
Thereby, the extraction / selection process of the authentication target data from the imaged data in the image island con 51 is executed.

[Image Island Con processing]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed in the image island con 51 of the game hall system 1 of the present embodiment.
In the image island controller 51, first, the imaging data / game state data output from the imaging device 344 is received by the imaging data receiving means 51a (step 201).
When the imaging / gaming state data is received, the gaming state holding means 51b detects the gaming state of the gaming machine 10 when the imaging data is captured (S202).

As a result, whether the gaming machine 10 is in an active state or a non-operating state, or in an operating state, whether the gaming state is a normal gaming state or a predetermined continuous gaming state (a jackpot state / probability change (probability change) state / stop ( Reach) is detected and determined.
The detected gaming state is held and stored by the gaming state holding means 51b (step 203).

Next, in the image island con 51, the player image detecting means 51d detects whether or not the received image data includes a player image (image of the player's face or appearance) (step 204). ).
If it is determined that the player image is not included in the captured data, the player is not currently seated in the gaming machine 10, and the captured data of the unmanned image is erased / destroyed. (Step 205).
On the other hand, when it is determined that the player image is included in the captured data, it is next determined whether the gaming machine 10 is operating or in a predetermined continuous gaming state (step 206). ).

If the gaming machine 10 is in a non-operating state and is not in a continuous gaming state (step 206: No), the player shown in the imaged data may be a suspicious person / injustice, and the game The person image is immediately transmitted to the image processing device 60, and predetermined information indicating the corresponding gaming state (non-operating / non-continuing gaming state) is also transmitted (step 207).
As a result, the image processing apparatus 60 and the hall computer 70 can take a predetermined suspicious person response.

When the gaming machine 10 is in an operating state or is in a predetermined continuous gaming state (step 206: No), the face image of the imaged data is obtained by the feature point extraction means 51e / feature point determination means 51f of the image island con 51. A feature point extraction / determination process is performed for (step 208).
As a result of the feature point extraction / determination process, the imaging data from which a certain number or more of feature points have been extracted / determined is determined as an appropriate image / image quality that can be collated by the image processing device 60 (step 209: Yes). , Extracted as authentication target data.
As a result of the feature point extraction / determination process, the imaging data for which a certain number or more of feature points have not been extracted is regarded as a defective / inappropriate image that is not suitable for the collation process in the image processing apparatus 60 (Step 209: No). It is not data, it is deleted / erased.

When the authentication target data is extracted, it is determined whether or not the gaming state of the gaming machine 10 when the data is imaged is a predetermined continuous gaming state (step 210).
If the gaming state of the gaming machine 10 is not the continuous gaming state but the normal gaming state (step 210: No), the authentication is performed until the normal gaming state ends, that is, until the operation of the gaming machine 10 ends. The target data is not transmitted (step 211: No), and the processing of S201 to S209 is repeated to generate a plurality of authentication target data.
Then, at the timing when the operation state in the normal gaming state is completed (step 211: Yes), the largest number of feature points are extracted in the feature point extraction / determination process for the imaging data performed during the operation in the normal gaming state. The authentication target data having the highest score is extracted (step 212), and the authentication pair data is transmitted to the image processing device 60 (step 216).

If the gaming state of the gaming machine 10 is the continuous gaming state (step 210: Yes), the authentication target data is transmitted until the continuous gaming state ends regardless of whether the game is in operation or not. Otherwise (step 213: No), the processing of S201 to S209 is repeated, and a plurality of pieces of authentication target data are generated.
Then, the feature point extraction / determination performed during the continuous gaming state at the timing when the continuous gaming state ends (step 213: Yes) and then the gaming machine 10 becomes non-operational (step 214: Yes). In the processing, the authentication target data with the highest score from which the largest number of feature points are extracted is extracted (step 215), and the authentication pair data is transmitted to the image processing device 60 (step 216).
As described above, the authentication processing of the authentication target data is executed in the image processing apparatus 60.

[Processing in image processing device]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed by the image processing device 60 of the game hall system 1 of the present embodiment.
In the image processing device 60, first, the authentication object data receiving means 61 receives the authentication object data (imaging data) / game state data output from the image island con 51 (step 301).
When the data is received, it is determined whether or not the received imaging data is imaging data (non-authentication target data) transmitted when the gaming machine 10 is not in operation and is not in a continuous gaming state (step 302). .

If the received image data is the imaging data (non-authentication target data) transmitted when the gaming machine 10 is not in operation and is not in the continuous gaming state (step 302: Yes), as described above A predetermined suspicious person handling process is executed.
In this case, if the image data has an image quality (feature point) corresponding to the authentication target data, the same authentication / collation processing (steps 304 to 308) as the authentication target data shown below can be performed. .

  When the received data is authentication target data, that is, when the gaming machine 10 is in an operating state or a predetermined continuous gaming state, the face authentication means constituting the face recognition engine The authentication / collation process is performed in 62, and collation with the face ID registered in the face image (ID) database is performed (step 3024).

  As a result of the collation, when a face image that matches or approximates the face image of the authentication target data does not exist as a registered face ID (step 305: No), a new face ID is added to the face image of the authentication target data. ID registration processing is performed (step 306), and the face ID history information (step 307) in the face image (ID) database 63 and the gaming machine history information (step 308) in the gaming machine history database 64 are updated. Is done.

If a face image that matches or approximates the face image of the authentication target data exists as a registered face ID as a result of the collation (step 305: No), the face image of the authentication target data is already registered. The face ID history information (step 307) in the face image (ID) database 63 and the gaming machine history information (step 308) in the gaming machine history database 64 are updated in association with each other.
The updated face ID history information and game table history information can be extracted from the hall computer 70 or the like at any time, and as shown in FIGS. The output information can be displayed / printed.

  As described above, according to the game hall system 1 for carrying out the player authentication system including the image relay device, the image relay method, and the image relay device of the present embodiment, the player's imaging data relay device and The image island controller 51 selects and suppresses the data to be authenticated by the image processing device 60 by sending only the imaged data satisfying a certain condition among the imaged data captured by the image capturing device 34 as the authentication target data. Thus, the data capacity to be processed can be reduced as much as possible.

As a result, the load on the image processing apparatus 60 can be reduced, the data storage areas of the image processing apparatus 60 and the image island computer 51 can be released, and smooth system operation can be realized.
Further, by carefully selecting the imaging data to be subjected to the authentication process by the image processing device 60, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of erroneous recognition / mismatching, and to perform highly accurate authentication processing.

The image relay device, the image relay method, and the player authentication system according to the present invention have been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. However, the image relay device, the image relay method, and the player authentication system according to the present invention have been described above. Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, among the units constituting the player authentication system according to the present invention, the imaging device is the call lamp 30, the image relay device is the island computer 50 (image island controller 51), and the image processing device is The image processing apparatus 60 is arranged in a distributed manner, but a part or all of these can be concentrated and arranged as one apparatus.

Specifically, for example, the imaging device and the image relay device can be integrally provided in a gaming device such as the calling lamp 30 or the pedestal machine 20 in the vicinity of the gaming machine, and the image relay device and the image processing device are It can also be configured by an island computer 50 (image island controller 51) integrally, or by an image processing device 60 or a hall computer 70.
In addition, all of the imaging device, the image relay device, and the image processing device can be arranged and configured in a gaming device such as the calling lamp 30 or the intermediary machine 20 in the vicinity of the gaming machine.
As described above, the present invention can be implemented as a player authentication system composed of a plurality of devices / devices, or as a player authentication device composed of a single device / device. The present invention can be suitably implemented with any apparatus.

In the above-described embodiment, the call lamp 30 is provided with a camera serving as a player's face image capturing unit. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any other position can be used as long as the player's face can be captured. You may provide in an apparatus, for example, the machine 20, the stand computer 40, etc.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the player's face image is the target for imaging / authentication, but other than the face image can be the target image for player authentication. Examples of the target image other than the face image include a player's iris image and an image of the entire body including the face.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the hall computer 70 is provided with all the functions to be a game hall management device, but all or part of the functions of the hall computer 70 may be provided by other computer devices, For example, the stand computer 40, the island computer 50, the calling lamp 30, or the image processing apparatus 60 may be provided.

  The present invention relates to a player who performs a player authentication process based on image data of a camera for a player who plays a game on a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine (pachislot machine) installed in a game hall. It can be suitably used as an image relay apparatus and an image relay method provided in the authentication system and the player authentication system.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game hall system 10 Game machine 30 Call lamp 34 Imaging device 50 Island computer 51 Image island computer 60 Image processing device 70 Hall computer

Claims (7)

An image relay device that receives imaging data of a player who plays a game on a gaming machine installed in a game hall, extracts authentication target data to be subjected to authentication processing from the received imaging data, and outputs the extracted data. And
Imaging data receiving means for receiving imaging data obtained by imaging a player performing a game on the gaming machine from imaging means;
Authentication target data extracting means for extracting authentication target data to be subject to authentication processing from the received imaging data;
Authentication target data output means for outputting the extracted authentication target data to the image processing means in order to execute authentication processing;
The authentication object data output means includes
An image relay apparatus, wherein the authentication target data is output at a predetermined timing according to a gaming state in the gaming machine. Authentication object data extraction means
The image relay apparatus according to claim 1, wherein imaging data satisfying a predetermined condition is extracted as the authentication target data from the imaging data received from the imaging unit. When the imaging data is sequentially output from the imaging means at a predetermined interval,
The authentication object data output means includes
When the gaming state in the gaming machine is a predetermined normal gaming state,
Based on the imaging data received when the gaming machine is in the operating state, one authentication target data satisfying a predetermined condition among the authentication target data extracted by the authentication target data extracting unit is terminated in the operating state. The image relay apparatus according to claim 1, which is output later. When the imaging data is sequentially output from the imaging means at a predetermined interval,
The authentication object data output means includes
When the gaming state in the gaming machine is a predetermined continuous gaming state,
Based on the imaging data received when the gaming machine is in the continuous gaming state, among the authentication target data extracted by the authentication target data extracting means, one authentication target data satisfying a predetermined condition is selected as the continuous gaming state. The image relay apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image relay apparatus outputs after the end of the operation state of the gaming machine. The authentication object data output means includes
When the gaming state in the gaming machine is not an operating state and is not a predetermined continuous gaming state, if the image data received by the imaging data receiving means includes the image of the player, the image data The image relay device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the image is output as it is. This is an image relay method that receives imaging data of a player who plays a game on a gaming machine installed in a game arcade, extracts authentication target data that is subject to authentication processing from the received imaging data, and outputs it. And
An imaging data receiving step of receiving imaging data obtained by imaging a player performing a game on the gaming machine;
An authentication object data extraction step for extracting authentication object data to be subjected to authentication processing from the received imaging data;
An authentication target data output step for outputting the extracted authentication target data to execute the authentication process;
In the authentication target data output step,
An image relay method, wherein the authentication target data is output at a predetermined timing according to a gaming state in the gaming machine. A player authentication system that performs an authentication process based on imaging data of a player who plays a game on a gaming machine installed in a game hall,
An imaging device for imaging a player playing a game on the gaming machine and outputting imaging data;
An image relay device that receives imaging data from the imaging device and outputs the data as authentication target data;
An image processing device that receives authentication target data output from the image relay device and executes authentication processing;
6. A player authentication system, wherein the image relay device comprises the image relay device according to claim 1.

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