JP2023032477A - Game parlor system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game parlor system of excellent property which is capable of appropriately monitoring a minimum prize gift corner.SOLUTION: A game parlor system 1 is capable of executing prize gift exchange processing that enables a player to exchange game value acquired as a result of a game for a prize gift and of setting a monitor state monitoring a prize gift rack where minimum prize gifts below game value of a specific prize gift among prize gifts are displayed, and includes: minimum prize gift number identification means identifying the number of minimum prize gifts displayed on the prize gift racks by imaging the prize gift rack; and replenishment notification means which notifies the player of a game parlor staff member that the minimum prize gifts need to be replenished when a predetermined determination condition is satisfied and the number of minimum prize gifts is below a predetermined number.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a game arcade system.

Many of the prizes that players want to exchange are so-called special prizes for the purpose of cashing, and it is common to exchange the number of game media that is less than the unit price of the special prize with fractional prizes (tama ball prizes). there is Specifically, for example, if the unit price of a special prize is 200 yen, the number of game media corresponding to less than 200 yen is a fraction, and the player can receive the fractional prize (for example, sweets) for that fraction. can.

In recent years, in order to speed up the prize exchange work, there is no exchange of prizes at the prize exchange corner as in the past. (For example, see Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2016-195712 A

In the case of amusement arcades that introduce fractional prize corners with a free exchange system, it is necessary to constantly check the display status of fractional prizes in the fractional prize corner so that each player can freely select the fractional prize. If the replenishment timing of the fractional prize is delayed, the player may be dissatisfied that the fractional prize cannot be freely selected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a system for amusement halls with excellent characteristics that can accurately monitor fractional prize corners even in amusement halls that do not have employees. It is intended to

The game hall system of the present invention executes prize exchange processing in which the game value obtained by the player as a result of the game is exchanged for prizes, and among the prizes, fractional prizes that are less than the game value of a specific prize are displayed. It is a system that can set the monitoring state for monitoring the prize shelf.

This system for amusement arcade includes a fractional prize quantity specifying means for specifying the number of fractional prizes displayed on the prize shelf by taking an image of the prize shelf; replenishment notification means for notifying a game parlor employee that fractional prizes need to be replenished when the number is less than a predetermined number.

According to the game hall system of the present invention, the number of fractional prizes displayed on the prize shelf can be specified by imaging the prize shelf, and the number of fractional prizes when a predetermined determination condition is satisfied is predetermined. If the number is less than the predetermined number, it is possible to inform the game parlor employee that replenishment of fractional prizes is necessary.

When the number of fractional prizes displayed on the prize shelf is less than the predetermined number, the game hall system of the present invention can notify the staff of the game hall that it is necessary to replenish the fractional prizes. In the game hall system of the present invention, even if the game hall does not have employees, odd prizes are not displayed on prize racks, and players may not be able to freely select odd prizes. It is a system with excellent characteristics with less

System diagram showing the configuration of the game arcade system. The front view which shows the combination of a counting lending unit and a game machine. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the counting lending unit; The perspective view of a prize shelf. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the management server; 1 is a perspective view of a POS terminal; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the POS terminal; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of prize exchange processing; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image of a player captured by a POS terminal; FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the flow of prize exchange player identification processing. Explanatory diagram of the learning process for the category "PACK". Explanatory drawing of the learning process regarding the category "BOX". FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a reference image for hand insertion/removal determination; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a captured image when determining that a hand is inserted; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of insertion/removal determination processing; The flowchart which shows the flow of a fraction prize|prize acquisition determination process. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of acquisition determination processing for a fractional prize. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing for identifying a player who has acquired a prize. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image of a player picked up by a prize rack; The flowchart which shows the flow of a player determination process. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of fraction information storage processing; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a database record; The flowchart which shows the flow of a game value comparison process. Explanatory drawing which illustrates the excessive acquisition alert|report by a prize shelf. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of notification of the position of a prize by a prize shelf; The flowchart which shows the flow of a replenishment determination process. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the flow of a prize shelf state switching process;

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described using the following examples.
(Example 1)
This example relates to the game arcade system 1 capable of managing fractional prizes 200 displayed on the prize shelf 2 . A game hall system 1 (FIG. 1) is configured by a combination of a game hall system and a management server 10 installed outside the hall. The contents of the game arcade system 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 27. FIG.

The game arcade managed by the game arcade system 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a corner ball buffet corner 2C for exchanging fractional game values such as scrap balls for prizes. In the game arcade system 1, the unattended ball buffet corner 2C is remotely monitored by the management server 10 via the Internet. The management server 10 is connected to a plurality of game halls, and can monitor the edge ball buffet corner 2C of each game hall.

The management server 10 is provided outside the game arcade and managed by a third party. The management server 10 acquires an image captured by a camera provided at the POS terminal 3 of each game arcade, the ball buffet corner 2C, or the like. Although details will be described later, the management server 10 performs image analysis processing on the captured image to identify and manage player information, fractional prize acquisition status, which is the status of prize acquisition based on fractional game values, and the like.

In the game arcade, as shown in FIG. 1, a counting and lending unit 4, a game information display device (not shown) and the like are individually installed for a pachinko game machine 51 (hereinafter simply referred to as the game machine 51). The count lending unit 4 is an example of a gaming device having a lending function of game media such as balls and a counting function. Note that the illustrated gaming machine 51 is a payout-type gaming machine in which balls are paid out according to winning, and the balls, which are game media, constitute game values. The game information display device is a game device capable of displaying various game information related to the corresponding game machine 51 in addition to the function of calling an employee. A game information display device (not shown) is installed above the game machine 51, for example.

The count lending unit 4 is provided corresponding to the game machine 51, and can lend a game value according to insertion of money or the like. The counting and lending unit 4 specifies the number of balls (magnitude of game value) acquired by the player through the game, and issues a game card (an example of a recording medium) in which the deposit balance and the number of balls (game value) are recorded. do. The counting lending unit 4 is installed in a gap space between the corresponding game machine 51 and another adjacent game machine 51.例文帳に追加In the case of a pachinko game machine, the counting lending unit 4 is arranged on the left side of the corresponding game machine 51 . In addition to the pachinko game machine 51, slot machines and the like are also installed in the game hall. In the case of a slot machine, a counting lending unit is installed on the right side of the corresponding gaming machine.

In the game arcade, a plurality of game machine islands in which the game machines 51 are arranged side by side are provided facing the aisle. A relay device 55 for relaying a game signal transmitted from the gaming machine 51 side is installed on the gaming machine island. The relay device 55 corresponds to a plurality of gaming machines 51 and counting lending units 4 .

In the game hall, there are provided a management space filled by the manager of the game hall, a prize exchange counter for exchanging the game value acquired by the player for a prize, and the like. In the management space, a game hall management device 12 is installed to centrally manage the operation status of various devices in the game hall. A prize exchange counter (prize exchange corner) is provided with a POS terminal 3 for exchanging prizes such as balls, which constitute an example of acquired value. Furthermore, a settlement device 57 is installed in the game hall. The settlement device 57 reads the deposit balance recorded in the recording medium such as the game card 18, and returns the money corresponding to the deposit balance.

The game hall management device 12 (FIG. 1) includes a plurality of game machines 51 provided in the game hall, the counting and lending unit 4, the POS terminal 3, the settlement device 57, the inside monitoring imaging camera (not shown), the inside monitoring imaging camera, and the like. and an image processing device (not shown) for processing captured images. Further, the gaming facility management device 12 manages game data for each gaming machine 51 and personal data of players registered as members by receiving gaming signals transmitted from the gaming machine 51 side.

The game hall management device 12 in the game hall system 1 of this embodiment has a function as replenishment notification means for notifying a game hall employee that the prize rack 2 (FIG. 4) is replenished with fractional prizes 200. FIG. The game hall management device 12 as replenishment notification means informs the game hall side such as a game hall employee that the fractional prize 200 needs to be replenished by display on a display device such as a liquid crystal display or print output by a printer. inform.

The POS terminal 3 (FIG. 1) is a terminal that reads game values such as the number of balls held and the number of stored balls recorded in a recording medium such as a game card 18, and executes prize exchange processing. In particular, the POS terminal 3 of this example is provided with a camera for imaging the player (an example of the prize exchange player imaging means). An image (player image) captured by the POS terminal 3 is transmitted to the management server 10 via the game hall management device 12 .

In the game hall of this example, a ball buffet corner 2C is provided in a corner of the game hall adjacent to the prize exchange counter. A prize shelf 2 (described later with reference to FIG. 4) for displaying fractional prizes 200 that the player can exchange for fractional game value is installed in the oddball buffet corner 2C.

In addition, in the game hall, an in-house network 500 such as a wired LAN is constructed to which the game hall management device 12 is communicably connected. A game information display device (not shown) and a counting lending unit 4 individually installed corresponding to the game machine 51 are connected to the in-house network 500 via the relay device 55 . In the game hall system 1 , various communications between the peripheral devices of the game machine 51 such as the counting lending unit 4 and the game hall management device 12 are realized using the in-house network 500 .

Hereinafter, each configuration of the counting and lending unit 4, the prize rack 2, the management server 10, and the POS terminal 3 will be described, and then the operation contents of the game arcade system 1 of this example will be described.

(counting lending unit)
The counting lending unit 4 (FIG. 2) is, as described above, installed individually for each gaming machine 51, and is a device that performs lending processing (payout processing) of balls, which are both game values and game media. The counting lending unit 4 has a function of paying out game balls, a function of counting obtained balls, a function of issuing general cards 182, and the like.

Before explaining the counting and lending unit 4, first, the outline of the gaming machine 51 will be explained. The gaming machine 51 (FIG. 2) of this example is a pachinko gaming machine in which a game is played by hitting balls into a game area 510 provided with a prize winning opening or the like. The gaming machine 51 has an upper tray 513 below the game area 510 for storing balls to be supplied to the shooting device, and further below that, a lower tray 517 for storing balls overflowing from the upper tray 513 and counting balls. have. An operation handle 518 for shooting balls is arranged on the lower right side of the upper plate 513 .

The game machine 51 can play a game using the balls paid out (rented) from the counted lending unit 4 . In the game of the gaming machine 51, when the ball hit into the game area 510 wins the prize winning opening, the payout of the ball, which is the prize ball, can be received as a prize winning privilege. Prize balls are normally put out to the upper tray 513, but are put out to the lower tray 517 when the upper tray 513 is full. The lower plate 517 is provided with a ball removing lever 517L. When the ball removing lever 517L is operated, the bottom of the lower tray 517 is removed.

A lending button 514 and a returning button 515, which are operation buttons related to the operation of the counting lending unit 4, are provided on the edge of the upper plate 513, which is on the right side as seen from the player side. The lending button 514 is an operation button for causing the payout mechanism of the gaming machine 51 to pay out the rented balls. When receiving the operation signal of the lending button 514 , the counting lending unit 4 executes a process of subtracting the price of the rented balls from the deposited balance and transmits a payout signal instructing the payout of the rented balls to the gaming machine 51 . The return button 515 is an operation button for returning the gaming card 18 (member card 181 or general card 182) being accepted by the counting lending unit 4, or issuing a new general card 182.

As shown in FIG. 2, on the front surface of the counting and lending unit 4, there are a status display section 41, a banknote slot 42 for inserting banknotes to be paid for ball rental, a touch panel display 43, and a payout button 44 for paying out balls from one's own balls or stored balls. , a payout nozzle 45 for supplying payout balls to the upper tray 513 of the game machine 51, a card slit 46 for inserting and removing the game card 18, and the like are provided.

A counting section 47 for counting balls is provided at the bottom of the counting lending unit 4 . A hollow duct 471 extends from the counter 47 , and a counter receiving tray 472 for receiving balls falling from the lower tray 517 of the game machine 51 is provided at the tip side of the hollow duct 471 . When the ball removing lever 517L of the lower tray 517 is operated, the balls can be made to flow down from the lower tray 517 to the counting tray 472. - 特許庁The balls that have flowed down to the counting tray 472 are supplied to the counting section 47 via the hollow duct 471 and counted.

A game card 18 such as a membership card 181 or a general card 182 can be inserted into the card slit 46 . As described above, the membership card 181 is a gaming card issued to a player who has completed membership registration (including provisional registration), and records a card ID as a member ID (player ID). The general card 182 is a game card that is issued only for the day when the player has a deposit balance or balls left at the end of the game.

The counting and lending unit 4 can pay out lent balls in consideration of the received balance, and can also pay out balls from a player's own balls or stored balls. The deposit balance is the remaining amount of bills inserted into the bill insertion slot 42 that has not been consumed as the payment for ball rental. Possessed balls are counted balls obtained through a game. The stored balls are the balls that the player has acquired in the game up to the previous day and deposited in the game hall. Payout of stored balls is one of member services limited to members.

As shown in FIG. 3, the counting lending unit 4 includes a control unit 40 including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 401, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 402, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 403, and an I/O (Input/Output) 404. is electrically configured around For the control unit 40, in addition to the above configuration, an I/F unit 400, a banknote processing unit 421 that detects the type of inserted banknotes, a liquid crystal display unit 431 and a touch screen sheet 432 that constitute the touch panel display 43, a game A card reader/writer (card RW) 462 for reading and writing information recorded on the card 18, a card stock unit 463 for stocking up to 10 general cards 182 for new issuance, a remote control light receiving unit 48 (not shown in FIG. 2), ball rental, etc. are electrically connected to a payout unit 441 that pays out , a counting unit 47 that counts the counting balls, and the like. The counting lending unit 4 is connected to the gaming arcade management device 12 and the gaming machine 51 via the I/F section 400 in a communicable state.

The control unit 40 implements the functions of the following units by causing the CPU 401 to execute programs read from the ROM 402 .
(1) Possessive value information acquiring means: means for acquiring the player's own value information such as balls held, stored balls, and deposit balance from the gaming facility management device 12 .
(2) Possessive value information storage means: means for storing the player's own value information such as balls held, accumulated balls, and deposited balance.
(3) counting means: means for counting the number of balls supplied to the counting section 47; The counted number of balls is added to the owned balls stored in the possession value information storage means.
(4) Possessive value information output means: means for outputting the player's own value information such as owned balls, accumulated balls, and deposit balance to the gaming facility management device 12 at the end of the game.
(5) Game card returning means: When the game ends, the game card 18 recorded or linked (associated) with the player's possession value information such as balls held, accumulated balls, deposit balance, etc. is returned to the player or newly issued. means to do.

(Premium shelf)
The prize shelf 2 (FIG. 4) is a shelf for displaying fractional prizes installed in the odd ball buffet corner 2C. The prize shelf 2 has a vertical box shape and includes two shelves 20 on the upper and lower sides. Fractional prizes 200 are displayed on each shelf 20 of the prize shelf 2 while being distinguished for each game value. A game value display plate 201 for displaying a game value is attached to the front side of each shelf 20.例文帳に追加A player who intends to exchange the fractional game value for the fractional prize 200 can immediately grasp (specify) the game value of the displayed fractional prize 200 based on the display of the game value display plate 201 .

In the prize shelf 2, a space for accommodating the control unit 27 and the like is provided in the lowermost part of the hakama. A display unit 21 including a liquid crystal display is arranged on the upper surface of the prize shelf 2 . In addition, a collation unit 23 for collating the fractional game value possessed by the player is embedded in the side end surface on the front side of the top plate of the prize shelf 2, and the side plate forming the lowermost hakama portion has a person detection unit. Portion 25 is embedded. Furthermore, an image pickup camera (not shown) that forms a prize image pickup unit is attached to the ceiling of each shelf 20 in a suspended state.

The person detection unit 25 is configured using an infrared sensor or the like. The person detection unit 25 detects a person in the area on the front side of the prize shelf 2 . According to the person detection unit 25, after the prize exchange process at the POS terminal 3, a player approaching to obtain the fractional prize 200 or a game parlor employee trying to replenish the prize rack 2 with the fractional prize 200 are detected. detectable.

The verification unit 23 includes an imaging unit 231 that images the player and a scanner 233 that reads receipts issued by the POS terminal 3 . The imaging unit 231 constitutes an example of a prize-obtaining player imaging means and person imaging means, and acquires a player image, which is a captured image of a player, or a person image, which is a captured image of a person. A player image picked up by the collation unit 23 is transmitted from the control unit 27 to the management server 10, and the fractional game value possessed by the player is collated. Further, the collation unit 23 transmits identification information such as the player ID read from the receipt presented by the player from the control unit 27 to the management server 10, and the fractional game value recorded in association with the identification information. to match.

When the person detection unit 25 detects that a person is approaching, the matching unit 23 captures an image of the person. A person image, which is an image captured by the matching unit 23 , is transmitted from the control unit 27 to the management server 10 . Although the details will be described later, in the management server 10, the received person image is subjected to a predetermined image analysis process, and the player who is the person in the person image is specified, or whether the person is a game parlor employee or not is specified. .

The display unit 21 is a display unit that displays information related to the fractional game value possessed by the player, the obtainable (exchangeable) fractional prize 200, and the like. The information displayed by the display unit 21 includes the result of collation of the fractional game value by the collating unit 23, the collated fractional game value, the fractional prize 200 that can be obtained by the fractional game value, the position of the obtainable fractional prize 200, and the like. etc. In addition, the display unit 21 displays each notification corresponding to the status of acquisition of fractional prizes by the player. For example, the display unit 21 has a function as an excessive acquisition notification means, and can notify the player of the excessive acquisition.

The prize imaging section includes the imaging camera described above for imaging the fractional prizes 200 displayed on the prize shelf 2 . The prize imaging unit transmits an image captured by the imaging camera to the management server 10 . Although details will be described later, the management server 10 performs predetermined image analysis processing on the received captured image, and identifies the types and numbers of the fractional prizes 200 displayed on the shelf 20 . Furthermore, the prize imaging section can capture an image of the action of the player and the employee accessing the shelf 20 .

(management server)
The management server 10 is a computer device provided outside the game arcade and managed by a third party. The management server 10 receives an image captured by an imaging camera installed in each game hall, and executes various image analysis processes. As described above, in each game arcade, an imaging camera is incorporated in the POS terminal 3 installed at the prize exchange counter, the prize shelf 2 installed in the oddball buffet corner 2C (fractional prize corner), and the like. As the imaging camera, there are a camera that images a person such as a player or an employee of a game arcade, a camera that images the fractional prize 200 on the prize shelf 2, and the like. The management server 10 identifies and manages player information, fractional number information, fractional prize acquisition status, and the like by performing image analysis processing on the captured image received from the gaming arcade side.

The management server 10 is mainly composed of a control unit 101 as shown in FIG. The control unit 101 includes an electronic board on which electronic components such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM are mounted and an I/O for inputting and outputting data and signals. Connected to the control unit 101 are a database 102 (an example of storage means) that stores information and the like specified by image analysis processing, and a communication unit 103 that communicates various data via the Internet. In the management server 10, the CPU of the control unit 101 executes various image analysis processes.

When receiving an image captured by the POS terminal 3 or the prize shelf 2, the control unit 101 (CPU) performs image analysis processing based on a predetermined image analysis program on the captured image. The control unit 101 controls a player who has exchanged a prize at the POS terminal 3, a player or employee who approaches the prize shelf 2, fractional prizes 200 displayed on the prize shelf 2, and the prize shelf 2 by the player or employee. Image analysis processing is performed on captured images such as behavior (movements) for, etc., and attempts are made to identify various types of information and situations. The information specified by the image analysis processing includes, for example, player information, fractional number information representing the fractional game value possessed by the player, fractional prize acquisition status, and the like. The control unit 101 stores (records) the information specified by the image analysis processing in the database 102 .

The image analysis processing executed by the control unit 101 includes, for example, the following three types of image analysis processing.
(1) Image analysis processing for images captured by the POS terminal 3 .
The control unit 101 performs image analysis processing on an image (player image) captured by the POS terminal 3 and acquires the player's face authentication information. Note that the control unit 101 causes the database 102 to store the fraction information derived from the prize exchange performed by the player in association with the face authentication information.
(2) Image analysis processing on the captured image by the matching unit 23 of the prize shelf 2 The control unit 101 performs image analysis processing on the captured image (player image) by the matching unit 23 of the prize shelf 2, and extracts the face authentication information of the player. is read out from the database 102 . It should be noted that the control unit 101 identifies fractional prizes 200 obtainable by the player based on the read fractional number information.
(3) Image analysis processing for captured images inside the shelf 20 of the prize shelf 2 The control unit 101 performs image analysis processing using a predetermined learning model, which will be described later, on the image captured by the imaging camera provided on the ceiling of the shelf 20. to specify the kind and number of fractional prizes 200 inside the shelf 20 . In addition, the control unit 101 monitors the increase or decrease of the fractional prize 200 by monitoring the state of prize acquisition by the player.

The database 102 is a database that stores information and the like specified by the image analysis processing of the control unit 101 (CPU). The information stored in the database 102 includes information on players who have exchanged prizes (prize exchange player information), fraction information representing fractional game values generated by prize exchange, and information on players who have approached the fractional ball buffet corner 2C (prize Acquired player information), fractional premium information acquired by the player, game value corresponding to the fractional premium information, and the like.

The control unit 101 has functions as the following units.
(1) Fractional prize number identifying means: means for identifying the number of fractional prizes 200 displayed on the prize shelf 2 based on the picked-up image of the interior of the shelf 20 .
(2) Reference Fractional Prize Number Specifying Means: Means for specifying the reference number of fractional prizes, which is the reference number of the fractional prizes 200 displayed on each shelf 20 of the prize shelf 2 .
(3) Prize acquisition determination means: When a predetermined determination condition is satisfied, if the number of fractional prizes 200 decreases before and after the determination condition is satisfied, it is determined that the player acquires the fractional prize 200. means to do.
(4) Obtained fractional prize specifying means: Means for specifying the type of the obtained fractional prize 200 when the prize acquisition determining unit determines that the fractional prize 200 is to be obtained.
(5) Obtainable prize specifying means: Means for specifying the fractional prize 200 obtainable by the fractional game value possessed by the player.
(6) Fractional prize game value specifying means: means for specifying a game value corresponding to the fractional prize 200 specified to be obtained by the acquired fractional prize specifying means.
(7) Fractional game value calculation means: means for calculating the fractional game value generated by the prize exchange process.
(8) Prize exchange player information specifying means: Prize exchange player information, which is player information corresponding to an image (player image) captured by the imaging camera 308 (POS terminal 3) as a prize exchange player imaging means. means of identification.
(9) Prize-winning player information specifying means: Prize-winning player information, which is information of a player corresponding to an image (player image) captured by the imaging unit 231 (prize shelf 2) as a prize-winning player imaging means. means of identification.
(10) Employee determination means: Determines whether or not the person corresponding to the person image captured by the imaging unit 231 (prize shelf 2), which is an example of the person image capturing means, is a predetermined game parlor employee. means to do.
(12) Player determination means: means for determining whether or not the prize exchange player information matches the prize acquisition player information.
(13) Game value comparison means: compares the game value (game value corresponding to the fractional prize 200) specified by the fractional prize game value specifying means and the fractional game value stored in the database 102 (storage means); means.
(14) Game value determination means: Compares the game value specified by the fractional prize game value specification means and the fractional game value stored in the database 102 (storage means), and determines which game value is larger. means to do.
(15) Excessive Acquisition Judgment Means: Means for judging excessive acquisition when the game value specified by the fractional prize game value specifying means is greater than the fractional game value calculated by the fractional game value calculating means.
(16) Verification means: means for verifying identification information capable of specifying the fractional game value calculated by the fractional game value calculation means.
(17) State switching means: Means for switching the operating state of the prize shelf 2 to a predetermined replenishment state different from the normal monitoring state when the employee determining means determines that the image of the game parlor employee has been captured.

(POS terminal)
As described above, the POS terminal 3 (FIGS. 6 and 7) is a terminal installed at the prize exchange counter (prize exchange corner) in the game arcade and operated by the player who exchanges the prize. The POS terminal 3 reads out the game value (balls and accumulated balls) recorded in a recording medium such as the game card 18 or linked (associated), and executes prize exchange processing. The POS terminal 3 has an imaging camera 308 for imaging the player. An image captured by the imaging camera 308 is transmitted to the management server 10 via the game hall management device 12 .

As shown in FIG. 6, the POS terminal 3 comprises a main body 30 having two touch panels 300 and 310 capable of touch operation, and an external unit 33 connected to the main body 30 using a dedicated line. The external unit 33 includes a card reader/writer 333, a scanner 331, a printer 335, and the like.

Two touch panels 300 and 310 included in the body 30 are provided on the front side and the back side of the body 30 . One touch panel is the front panel 300 facing the outside of the prize exchange counter, that is, the side of the player who exchanges the prize. The other touch panel is the back panel 310 facing the inside of the prize exchange counter, that is, the game hall employee side, and is operated by the game hall employee when exchanging prizes when the unmanned store is not operated. In the upper frame of the front panel 300, an imaging camera 308, which is an example of a prize exchange player imaging means, is embedded. In addition to controlling the front panel 300 and the back panel 310, the main body 30 accommodates a control section 30C (see FIG. 7) capable of executing various kinds of arithmetic processing.

The control unit 30C (FIG. 7) includes an electronic board on which electronic components such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM are mounted, and an I/O for inputting and outputting data and signals. The control unit 30C includes an employee display unit 311 and an employee touch screen sheet 312 that constitute a back panel 310, a player display unit 301 and a player touch screen sheet 302 that constitute the front panel 300, and a prize exchange. An imaging camera 308 as an example of player imaging means, an I/F section 309 as an external interface, and the like are connected.

The POS terminal 3 is connected to the game hall management device 12 and the management server 10 via the I/F section 309, as shown in FIG. More precisely, the POS terminal 3 is communicably connected to the off-site management server 10 via the game hall management device 12 . Furthermore, the POS terminal 3 is connected to the prize dispensing machine 14 via the I/F section 309 . The prize dispenser 14 is a device that dispenses a number of special prizes (an example of a specific prize) that can be exchanged for prizes within the range of the player's balls. In addition, in FIG. 1, illustration of the prize dispenser 14 is omitted.

A card reader/writer 333, a scanner 331, and a printer 335 of the external unit 33 are further connected to the controller 30C. The card reader/writer 333 is a unit that reads and writes information recorded in an IC chip embedded in the game card 18 such as the membership card 181 and general card 182 . The scanner 331 is a unit that reads a receipt on which counted game values are output from an island-end counter (not shown) provided in a game arcade. The printer 335 is a printer that outputs a receipt on which the number of special prizes acquired by the player, the fractional game value (the number of fractional balls) generated in the prize exchange process, etc. are printed.

The POS terminal 3 has functions as the following means.
(1) Card processing means: means for executing card reception processing for reading out information such as game value (balls and accumulated balls) recorded on the game card 18 inserted into the card reader/writer 333 by the player.
(2) Prize exchange processing means: Means for executing prize exchange processing for calculating the number of special prizes that can be exchanged with the game value read from the game card 18 or tied to the game card 18 . A special prize, which is an example of a specific prize, is dispensed from a prize dispenser 14 connected to the POS terminal 3 .
(3) Fractional game value calculation means: Means for calculating the game value as a fractional game value when there is a game value that is less than the minimum unit price of the special prize during prize exchange processing.
(4) Receipt issuing means: Means for issuing a receipt from the printer 335 after the prize exchange process, recording (printing) the number of special prizes exchanged and the fractional game value.
(5) Excessive Acquisition Notification Means: Means for informing a premium exchange player who has a history of excessive acquisition of fractional premiums 200 that the excess acquisition has been carried out.

Hereinafter, the operation of the game arcade system 1 will be described after the general flow of prize exchange in the game arcade system 1 of this example is described.
(Rough flow of prize exchange)
A player who has finished playing a game goes to a prize exchange counter and sends a general card 182 on which his/her balls are recorded or a membership card 181 to which his/her balls and stored balls are linked (associated) to the card reader/writer 333. must be inserted. The POS terminal 3 that has accepted the game card 18 executes a card acceptance process for reading the game value (balls, stored balls) and the like recorded on the game card 18 .

The POS terminal 3 calculates the number of special prizes that can be exchanged with the read game value, and performs prize exchange processing. At that time, if there remains a game value that is less than the minimum unit price of the special prize, that game value is calculated as a fractional game value. After the prize exchange is completed, the POS terminal 3 issues a receipt from the printer 335 on which the number of special prizes and the fractional game value, which are the results of the prize exchange process, are recorded. A player who has completed the prize exchange process obtains the exchanged special prize and a receipt, and can freely select the fractional prize 200 at the odd ball buffet corner 2C when there is a fractional game value. A two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) that records the number of special prizes and fractional game value is printed on the receipt. Information is also recorded. The card ID of the member card 181 can be used as a member ID (player ID).

When exchanging prizes, the image of the player is captured by the imaging camera 308 provided on the front panel 300 of the POS terminal 3 . An image (player image) captured by the POS terminal 3 is transmitted to the management server 10 via the gaming facility management device 12 . When receiving the captured image from the POS terminal 3 , the management server 10 stores the captured image in the database 102 .

The management server 10 identifies the player included in the imaged data by subjecting the imaged image (player image) to a predetermined image analysis process. In the management server 10, information about the specified player (prize exchange player information) is recorded in the corresponding player's database 102 (an example of storage means).

As a result of the prize exchange process, when it is determined that there is a fractional game value, the POS terminal 3 transmits to the management server 10 fraction information representing the fractional game value. When receiving the fraction information, the management server 10 stores the fraction information in the database 102 of the corresponding player. In the management server 10, prize exchange player information and fraction information are associated and stored. As will be described later, this makes it possible to monitor the ball buffet corner 2C.

Next, the contents of the following processes constituting the operation of the game arcade system 1 will be described in order, and then the contents of the notification executed by the game arcade system 1 will be described.
(1) Prize exchange process: A process of exchanging the gaming value possessed by the player for a prize using the POS terminal 3 .
(2) Prize exchange player identification process: Processing for identifying a player who uses the POS terminal 3 to exchange a prize.
(3) Fractional prize number identification process: a process of identifying the number of fractional prizes 200 displayed on the prize shelf 2 .
(4) Insertion/Removal Judgment Process: A process for judging whether the player's hand is inserted/extracted from the prize shelf 2 .
(5) Fractional prize acquisition determination processing: processing for determining acquisition of the fractional prize 200;
(6) Prize Acquisition Player Identification Processing: Processing for identifying the player who has obtained the fractional prize 200 .
(7) Player determination processing: processing for determining whether a prize exchange player and a prize acquisition player match.
(8) Fraction information storage processing: processing for storing player information including fraction information in the database 102;
(9) Game value comparison processing: processing for judging whether acquisition of the fraction prize 200 is appropriate.

(1) Prize Exchange Processing The flow of prize exchange processing executed by the POS terminal 3 in cooperation with the management server 10 is as shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the POS terminal 3 accepts the game card 18 (member card 181 or general card 182) of the player who has completed the game (S101), the imaging camera 308 takes an image of the player (S102). The POS terminal 3 transmits a player image, which is a captured image, to the management server 10 .

When the management server 10 receives the player image, the management server 10 executes prize exchange player identification processing described later with reference to FIG. 10 to identify the player and registers the player in the database 102 . On the other hand, after transmitting the player image, the POS terminal 3 executes prize exchange processing (S103). When a fractional game value is generated as a result of the prize exchange process (S104: YES), the POS terminal 3 transmits fractional number information representing the fractional game value to the management server 10. FIG. Furthermore, the POS terminal 3 issues a receipt printed (recorded) with a two-dimensional code, which is an example of identification information that can specify the fractional game value (S105), and transmits special prize information to the prize dispenser 14. (S106), the process ends. Here, the special prize information is information such as the number of special prizes to be paid out to the player. On the other hand, if no fractional game value is generated (S105: NO), the POS terminal 3 transmits the special prize information to the prize dispenser 14 without issuing a receipt, and ends the process.

When the management server 10 receives the fraction information from the POS terminal 3, the management server 10 executes fraction information storage processing. In this fraction information storage process, the player registered in the database 102 is associated with the fraction game value associated with the fraction information, and the stored information (recorded information) in the database 102 is updated.

As described above, when the management server 10 receives a player image (captured image) from the POS terminal 3, it applies image analysis processing based on a predetermined image analysis program to the player image. The management server 10 first specifies the player specifying area 30A in the player image (see FIG. 9). Then, the management server 10 (prize exchange player information specifying means) analyzes the image data of the specified player specifying area 30A. In this image analysis processing, singular points are extracted from the player's face, and the player (prize exchange player) is specified by the positional relationship of the singular points. When the player is specified, the management server 10 associates (corresponds to) the captured image (player image) with the imaging date and time and the identification information of the specified player and stores them in the database 102 . This captured image serves as identification information of the player, similar to the player ID. Further, it is also possible to use, as the identification information, prize exchange player information including information on singular points extracted from captured images.

(2) Prize Exchange Player Identifying Process As shown in FIG. 10, the management server 10 executes the prize exchange player identifying process upon receipt of the player image (S201). In this prize exchange player specifying process, the player specifying area 30A, which is the area of the player's face, is specified for the player image (see FIG. 9) received in step S201 (S202). The management server 10 analyzes the face image in the player identification area 30A (S203) and identifies the player (S204). Then, the management server 10 causes the database 102 to store prize exchange player information regarding the specified player as identification information, and registers the player as a prize exchange player (S205).

(3) Fractional prize number identification process The management server 10 performs a predetermined image analysis process on the captured image of the interior of the shelf 20 acquired by the prize shelf 2, and identifies the type and number of the displayed fractional prizes 200. , the number-of-fractional-prize-specifying process is executed. The management server 10 applies image analysis processing using a learning model prepared in advance to the picked-up image inside the shelf 20 to execute the fractional prize number identification processing.

The management server 10 stores the number of fractional prizes 200 counted based on the captured image of the prize shelf 2 when the power is turned on as the reference number of fractional prizes. The management server 10 as prize acquisition determination means identifies the number of fractional prizes 200 again when a predetermined determination condition is satisfied, and determines that the number of fractional prizes 200 is smaller than the reference number of fractional prizes. It is determined that the prize 200 has been acquired. When the management server 10 determines that the fractional prizes 200 have been acquired, the management server 10 stores the number of the fractional prizes 200 compared with the reference number of fractional prizes as a new reference number of fractional prizes.

Here, the learning model used by the management server 10 for the number-of-fractional-prize identification process will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. In the game arcade system 1 of this example, a learning model that has been trained in advance is prepared in order to detect a plurality of types of fractional prizes 200 displayed on the prize shelf 2 . In the learning method, a plurality of types of fractional prizes 200 are categorized according to their shapes such as size and contour, and the fractional prizes 200 included in the picked-up images (see FIGS. 11 and 12) inside the shelf 20 are classified into categories. This is a method of using machine learning to learn "annotations" that classify whether or not an item belongs to a category.

As categories, a plurality of categories such as "BOX", "PACK", "PACK_LARGE", "CUP", "TOWER", and "BOTTLE" are set according to the size and outline. The management server 10 detects the fractional prizes 200 included in the captured images (see FIGS. 11 and 12) inside the shelf 20, and for each of the detected fractional prizes 200, a value ( inference value) is calculated for each category. Then, for each fractional prize 200 detected in the captured image, a category exceeding a predetermined threshold value is identified, thereby identifying the category to which each fractional prize 200 belongs, that is, the type of the fractional prize 200 .

11 and 12 are examples in which 0.90 is set as the threshold value for the inference value. A tag 20B indicating a specified category and an inference value is associated with each fractional prize 200 in the captured image. FIG. 11 is an example when the fractional prize 200 in the captured image is identified as belonging to the "PACK" category. FIG. 12 is an example when the fractional prize 200 in the captured image is identified as belonging to the "BOX" category. The management server 10 processes all fractional prizes 200 included in the captured image, associates the tag 20B with each fractional prize 200, and specifies the number of fractional prizes 200 for each category. As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the identification result (the category to which the fractional prize belongs, the number, etc.) is displayed in the identification result display frame 20T on the upper left of the captured image.

(4) Insertion/Removal Judgment Processing The management server 10 judges insertion (insertion) or withdrawal (pulling out) of a hand by a player or an employee, that is, insertion/extraction judgment processing, with respect to the picked-up image inside the shelf 20 (prize shelf 2). Execute. In the game arcade system 1 of this example, a reference image (FIG. 13) of the interior of the shelf 20 is prepared in advance. In this example, a determination region 20D is set as shown in FIG. 13, and a difference image between the latest captured image and the reference image is obtained. In this difference image, the difference is zero in areas without motion, while the difference is large in areas where motion occurs. In this example, a well-known background subtraction method that detects movement from such characteristics of the difference image is used to determine whether a hand is inserted into or removed from the shelf 20 .

Specifically, the management server 10 compares the determination region 20D (FIG. 13) in the reference image with the determination region 20D (FIG. 14) in the latest captured image, and calculates how much difference there is. do. The management server 10 determines whether the hand is inserted when the magnitude of the difference is equal to or greater than the threshold, and determines whether the hand is removed when the magnitude of the difference becomes equal to or less than the threshold after determining that the hand has been inserted. When the human hand 111 is inserted into the shelf 20 as shown in FIG. 14, the management server 10 determines that the hand has been inserted, and IN characters 20E representing the determination result are superimposed on the captured image.

The flow of the insertion/removal determination process described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 15 . In the insertion/removal determination process, first, the management server 10 receives the reference image (FIG. 13) from the prize shelf 2 (S301). During the operation of the prize shelf 2, the management server 10 receives captured images (FIG. 14) transmitted from the prize shelf 2 at any time (S302). When receiving the latest captured image, the management server 10 calculates the difference between the reference image acquired in step S301 and the latest captured image (S303). The management server 10 executes threshold determination for the difference (absolute value) of the determination area 20D (FIGS. 13 and 14) (S304).

If the difference in the determination area 20D is less than the threshold (S304: NO), the management server 10 repeatedly executes reception of the latest captured image without identifying hand insertion (S304: NO→S302). On the other hand, if the magnitude of the difference in the determination area 20D is greater than or equal to the threshold (S304: YES), the management server 10 identifies hand insertion (S305).

After identifying the hand insertion (S305), the management server 10 waits for reception of a new captured image. Upon receiving the captured image (S306), the management server 10 calculates the difference between the reference image received in step S301 and the latest captured image received (S307). The management server 10 performs a threshold determination on the magnitude of the difference in the determination area 20D (FIGS. 13 and 14) (S308).

If the magnitude of the difference in the determination region 20D exceeds the threshold (S308: NO), the management server 10 repeatedly executes reception of the latest captured image without identifying hand withdrawal (S308: NO→ S306). On the other hand, if the magnitude of the difference in the determination area 20D is equal to or less than the threshold (S308: YES), the management server 10 identifies hand removal (S309).

(5) Fractional Prize Acquisition Determining Process The management server 10 executes a process for determining whether the fractional prize 200 (prize shelf 2) is to be obtained. The flow of this fractional prize acquisition determination process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The management server 10 receives a captured image of the inside of the shelf 20 of the prize shelf 2 when the imaging camera provided inside (the ceiling) of the shelf 20 is activated (S401). The management server 10 applies the fractional prize number identification process using the learning model for identifying the fractional prize number described above to the received captured image, and identifies the reference fractional prize number, which is the number of the reference fractional prizes 200. (S402).

When the management server 10 specifies the reference number of fractional prizes 200 as a reference, the management server 10 executes a player's hand insertion/withdrawal determination process (see FIG. 15). When the management server 10 specifies hand insertion/withdrawal through the insertion/withdrawal determination process (S403, see FIG. 17A), it receives a captured image of the interior of the shelf 20 from the prize shelf 2 (S404). The management server 10 applies the number-of-fractional-prize-specifying process to the newly received captured image to specify the number of fractional prizes 200 (S405, see FIG. 17B). The number of fractional prizes 200 is shown in the number display 20F on the upper left in FIG. The number in (a) of the figure is the reference number of fractional prizes (the number of reference fractional prizes 200). The number in (b) of the figure is the number of fractional prizes 200 after the hand insertion/withdrawal has been determined.

The management server 10 determines whether or not the number of fractional prizes 200 specified in step S405 has decreased compared to the reference number of fractional prizes (the number of reference fractional prizes 200) (S406). If the fractional prize 200 is decreasing (S406: YES), the management server 10 identifies that the player has obtained the fractional prize 200 (S407). On the other hand, if the fractional prize 200 has not decreased (S406: NO), the management server 10 determines that the player has not acquired the fractional prize 200 (S417). When determining that the fractional prize 200 has not been acquired, the management server 10 executes the hand insertion/withdrawal determination process again.

When it is determined that the player has obtained the fractional prize 200 (S407), the management server 10 as acquired fractional prize identifying means identifies the type (category) of the fractional prize 200 that has been subtracted (S408). Further, the management server 10 subtracts the obtained number of fractional prizes 200 from the reference number of fractional prizes, which is the number of the standard fractional prizes 200, to update the reference number of fractional prizes (S409). As described above, in the amusement hall system 1 of the present example, the number of fractional prizes 200 inside the prize shelf 2 is determined under the condition that it is determined that the player's hand is inserted or removed (an example of a predetermined determination condition). Calculated. By adopting such a configuration, it is only necessary to execute the fractional prize number specifying process, which requires a large processing load, only when the determination condition is satisfied, and the calculation load can be reduced by reducing the execution frequency.

(6) Prize Acquisition Player Identification Processing In the amusement arcade system 1, when a person approaches the prize shelf 2, the approaching person is detected by the person detection unit 25 and captured by the imaging unit 231 of the prize shelf 2. FIG. The prize shelf 2 transmits to the management server 10 a person detection signal from the person detection unit 25 and a captured image triggered by the person detection signal. In the management server 10, upon receipt of the person detection signal, the processing for identifying the player who acquired the prize (FIG. 18) is started.

When the management server 10 receives a person detection signal (S501) and receives a captured image (S502), it executes a predetermined image analysis process to identify a player. The management server 10 identifies (selects) the player identification area 20A (FIG. 19), which is the analysis target area, for the captured image (S503), and executes image analysis in the player identification area 20A (S504). The management server 10 as a prize acquisition player identifying means executes image analysis for extracting the peculiarities of the player's face, and identifies the player based on the positional relationship of the peculiarities (S505). Then, the management server 10 causes the database 102 to store the prize-winning player information regarding the specified player as identification information, and registers the player as a prize-winning player (S506).

(7) Player Determination Process Here, the player determination process executed by the management server 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The player determination process is a process for determining whether a prize-exchanging player who has exchanged a prize at the POS terminal 3 matches a prize-acquiring player who obtains a fractional prize 200 at the prize shelf 2 .

The management server 10 executes prize exchange player identification processing (FIG. 10) when the prize exchange processing is performed at the POS terminal 3 . Also, for a player who intends to acquire a small prize from the prize rack 2, the prize acquisition player identifying process (FIG. 18) is executed. The prize exchanging player information related to the prize exchanging player and the prize acquiring player information related to the prize acquiring player are stored by the database 102 (step S205 in FIG. 10 or step S506 in FIG. 18). .

When a player acquires a fractional prize 200 from the prize shelf 2, the management server 10 refers to the storage area of the database 102 to identify the player associated with the prize exchange player information and the player associated with the prize acquisition player information. , match (S601). If the two match (S601: YES), the management server 10 determines that the player related to the prize exchange player information and the player related to the prize acquisition player information are the same player ( S602).

When the management server 10 determines that the prize exchange player and the prize acquisition player are the same, the management server 10 links (associates) the prize acquisition player information with the prize exchange player information. By linking the prize-winning player information to the prize-exchanging player information, it becomes possible to specify the fractional game value possessed by the prize-winning player.

On the other hand, if the two do not match (S601: NO), the management server 10 determines that the player related to the prize exchange player information and the player related to the prize acquisition player information are not the same player (S602). ). In addition, even though the prize exchange player and the prize acquisition player are the same, it is determined that they are the same due to, for example, the presence or absence of masks, sunglasses, hats, or differences in the way they are reflected. It can happen even if it is not. In the configuration of this example, considering such a case, the fractional prize 200 can be obtained by causing the scanner 233 of the prize rack 2 to read the receipt issued by the POS terminal 3 .

(8) Fraction information storage processing In this example, among special prizes (an example of specific prizes) that can be exchanged by a player when exchanging prizes at the POS terminal 3, a special prize having the lowest gaming value is played. A fractional game value that is less than the value is the fractional game value. When a fractional game value is generated as a result of prize exchange, fractional number information representing the fractional game value is transmitted to the management server 10 via the gaming facility management device 12 .

As shown in FIG. 21, when the management server 10 receives the fraction information (S701), it updates the information stored in the database 102 so as to associate the prize exchange players recorded in the database 102 with the fraction information (S702).

Here, the database 102 generated by the management server 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 22 . As shown in the figure, the database 102 manages records for each player. The management server 10 generates the database 102 based on the captured images and various information received from the POS terminal 3 and the prize shelf 2 . When receiving a player image (captured image) from the POS terminal 3, the management server 10 identifies a prize exchange player, and stores prize exchange player information as identification information of the identified player (prize exchange player). Store in database 102 . The prize exchange player information includes various types of information that can be used to identify a player, such as a player image and player ID.

As shown in FIG. 22, when the management server 10 receives information (player ID, number of special prizes, fractional number information, player image, time, etc.) related to prize exchange processing from the POS terminal 3, the management server 10 receives the game information attached with the player ID. The prize exchange time, the number of special prizes exchanged, and the generated fractional game value are recorded in a record for each player. In addition, when the management server 10 receives information about the status of prize acquisition from the prize shelf 2 (type and number of acquired fractional prizes, player image, time, etc.), the management server 10 selects a prize exchange player who matches the prize acquisition player. Identify. Then, information on the fractional prize 200 acquired by the player is recorded in the prize exchange player's record. When the fractional prize 200 is obtained, information indicating that the fractional prize has been obtained is recorded in the field of fractional prize obtaining status in the record. Note that in the database 102, a flag representing that fact is recorded in the item of caution required in the record for a player identified as a customer requiring caution.

(9) Game value comparison process The management server 10 executes the above-described player determination process (see FIG. 20) on the image captured by the imaging unit 231 of the prize shelf 2, and determines whether the same prize-obtaining game as the prize-exchanging player is performed. A person is identified (S801). Further, the management server 10 identifies the fractional game value stored in the database 102 for the prize acquiring player identified as being the same as the prize exchanging player (S802). When the management server 10 determines acquisition of the fractional prize 200 as a result of the fractional prize acquisition determination processing (see FIG. 16) regarding the prize acquiring player, the management server 10 identifies the fractional prize 200 acquired by the prize acquiring player (see FIG. 16). S803).

Here, the display position of the fractional prize 200 is determined according to the game value (the game value required for prize exchange). Therefore, the gaming value corresponding to the obtained fractional prize 200 is specified based on the information about the display position of the obtained fractional prize 200 (for example, information such as the identification number and the imaging range of the imaging camera that captured the fractional prize 200). It is possible.

When the game value of the obtained fractional prize 200 is specified, the management server 10 as a game value comparison means compares the fractional game value associated with the player, the game value of the obtained fractional prize 200, are compared (S804). If the fractional game value associated with the player is greater than or equal to the obtained game value of the fractional prize 200 (S804: YES), the management server 10 allows the player to play the fractional prize 200 obtained from the fractional prize 200. Subtract the value (S805). If the fractional game value of the player becomes zero as a result of the subtraction (S806: YES), it is determined that all the obtainable fractional prizes 200 have been obtained and that the fractional prize has already been obtained (S807). On the other hand, if the fractional game value after the subtraction has not reached zero (S806: NO), the management server 10 executes the fractional prize acquisition determination process again and waits for acquisition of the fractional prize 200.

As a result of comparing the fractional game value associated with the player and the game value of the obtained fractional prize 200, if the fractional game value of the player is smaller than the game value of the obtained fractional prize 200 ( S804: NO), the management server 10 as excessive acquisition determination means determines that there is an excessive acquisition by the player (S816). In this case, the prize shelf 2 (display unit 21) having a function as an over-acquisition notification means displays an over-acquisition notification screen (described later with reference to FIG. 24) to indicate that the over-acquisition has occurred. The player who does is notified (S817). The management server 10 records, in the database 102, the player determined to have acquired excessively as a player requiring caution (customer requiring caution) who has acquired excessively (S818).

In the game arcade system 1 , various notifications are made in relation to the fractional prize 200 . The notifications include excessive acquisition notification when the player has excessively acquired fractional prizes 200, prize position notification for notifying exchangeable fractional prizes 200, and replenishment of fractional prizes 200 to game parlor employees. There is a supplementary notification that notifies that it is. Each notification will be described in detail below.

(Excessive Acquisition Notification)
The excessive acquisition notification is notification executed in step S817 in the flow chart of FIG. 23 described above. When the management server 10 determines that the player has acquired excessive prizes as a result of monitoring the prize acquisition on the prize shelf 2 , the display unit 21 provided on the prize shelf 2 notifies the player of the excessive acquisition. The display unit 21 as the excessive acquisition notification means displays, for example, the excessive acquisition notification screen of FIG. inform.

In addition to the display by the display unit 21, the excessive acquisition notification may be output by a sound output from a speaker (not shown) provided on the prize shelf 2, or may be notified by the output unit of the game hall management device 12. Further, in this example, it is configured to record in the database 102 that a player who is determined to have acquired excessively is a customer requiring attention. It is preferable to notify the player for whom caution is required in the subsequent prize exchange process to call attention to the player.

(Premium position notification)
When the management server 10 identifies the fractional game value possessed by the player, the management server 10 identifies the fractional prize 200 that can be acquired with the fractional game value. The management server 10 as prize position notification means notifies the display unit 21 provided on the prize shelf 2 of information indicating the position where the specified fractional prize 200 is displayed.

On the prize shelf 2, for example, fractional prizes 200 can be displayed as follows, sorted by game value. In this case, the information on the display position described below, such as the red shelf and the blue shelf, is information representing the position of the fractional prize 200 .
(1) Red shelf = Fractional prize that can be exchanged for a game value equivalent to 120 yen (30 pieces at a rental unit price of 4 yen)
(2) Blue shelf = Fractional prize that can be exchanged for a game value equivalent to 60 yen (15 pieces at a rental unit price of 4 yen)
(3) Yellow shelf = Fractional prize that can be exchanged for a game value equivalent to 40 yen (10 pieces at a rental unit price of 4 yen)
(4) White shelf = Fractional prize that can be exchanged for a game value equivalent to 4 yen (1 piece at a rental unit price of 4 yen)

For example, combinations of fractional prizes that can be obtained by a player with a fractional game value of 48 include, for example, one prize from a red shelf, one prize from a blue shelf, three prizes from a white shelf, or, for example, a blue prize. Three from the shelf, three from the white shelf, and so on are conceivable. In the notification by the display unit 21 of the prize shelf 2, for example, the combination that minimizes the total number of acquired fractional prizes 200 may be notified. In this case, as shown in FIG. 25(a), the display unit 21 displays a message such as "Please take one from the red shelf, one from the blue shelf, and three from the white shelf." Here, when the player obtains one fractional prize from the red shelf, for example, as shown in FIG. Please take it.", it may be changed according to the result of subtracting the game value of the obtained fractional prize 200 (fractional game value). In addition, if the player who received the notification "Please take 1 from the red shelf, 1 from the blue shelf, and 3 from the white shelf" gets 3 from the yellow shelf, the remaining fractional game Since the value is "48 pieces - 10 pieces x 3 pieces = 18 pieces", it is preferable to change the content of notification to "1 piece from the blue shelf and 3 pieces from the white shelf".

Instead of notifying a combination that reduces the total number of acquired fractional prizes 200, all conceivable combinations of fractional prizes 200 may be notified, or the player's past acquisition status may be recorded, It is also possible to configure so that the combination of obtainable fractional prizes 200 can be notified according to the player's preference based on the past obtaining situation. In this example, the combination of the fractional prizes 200 that can be acquired is notified by the display unit 21 provided on the prize shelf 2. It is also possible to make the shelves 20 on which the obtainable fractional prizes 200 are displayed conspicuous by illuminating them.

(Supplementary notification)
In the game hall system 1, when the number of fractional prizes 200 displayed on the prize shelf 2 is less than a predetermined number as a result of prize acquisition determination of the fractional prizes 200, the game hall employee is required to replenish the fractional prizes 200. is notified. In the amusement arcade system 1, as a result of facial recognition based on an image (human image) captured by the prize rack 2, when the player is determined to be a game hall employee, the operating state of the prize rack 2 is different from the normal monitoring state. state can be switched.

As a result of the fractional prize acquisition determination process (see FIG. 16), the management server 10 determines that the fractional prize 200 has been acquired from the prize shelf 2 as shown in FIG. is specified (S901, fractional prize number specifying means). The management server 10 compares the specified number of fractional prizes 200 with a predetermined number of fractional prizes 200 (S902), and if the specified number is less than the predetermined number (S902: YES), It is determined that replenishment is necessary (S903).

When the management server 10 as replenishment notification means determines that the fractional prize 200 needs to be replenished, it notifies the game hall management device 12 that the fractional prize 200 needs to be replenished (S904). In this case, the amusement hall management device 12 as replenishment notification means informs the amusement hall employee that the odd prize 200 needs to be replenished. On the other hand, if the number of fractional prizes is equal to or greater than the predetermined number in step S902 (S902: NO), it is determined that replenishment is unnecessary (S913).

Here, the switching operation (state switching) to the replenishment state for replenishing the prize shelf 2 with the fractional prizes 200 will be described with reference to FIG. In the amusement arcade system 1 of this example, an image of a person approaching the prize shelf 2 is captured by the imaging unit 231 provided on the prize shelf 2 , and the captured image (person image) is transmitted to the management server 10 . When the management server 10 receives a captured image from the prize shelf 2 (S1001), first, it sets a person identification area for the captured image (S1002). Predetermined image analysis is applied to the set person identification area (S1003), and the person is identified (S1004).

The management server 10 as an employee determination means determines whether the specified person is a predetermined game hall employee (S1005), and if the person is a game hall employee (S1005: YES), the prize shelf is displayed. 2 is switched from the normal monitoring state to the replenishment state (S1006, state switching means). In the replenishment state, when replenishment of fractional prizes 200 is specified, the number of fractional prizes 200 is added. On the other hand, if the specified person is not a predetermined amusement arcade employee (S1005: NO), the operating state of the prize rack 2 is maintained in the normal monitoring state (S1016).

As described above, the game hall system 1 of the present example executes prize exchange processing in which the game value obtained by the player as a result of the game is exchanged for a prize, and the game value of a special prize (an example of a specific prize) is exchanged for a prize. This system is capable of setting a monitoring state for monitoring a prize shelf 2 on which fractional prizes 200 corresponding to game values that are not satisfied are displayed.

The management server 10 in the amusement hall system 1 functions as fractional prize number specifying means for specifying the number of fractional prizes 200 displayed on the prize shelf 2 by capturing an image of the inside of the shelf 20 of the prize shelf 2; A function as prize acquisition determination means that determines acquisition of the fractional prize 200 by the player when a predetermined determination condition is satisfied and the number of the fractional prize 200 is decreasing before and after the determination condition is satisfied; , is equipped with

The amusement hall system 1 of this example identifies the number of fractional prizes 200 on the prize shelf 2 by imaging the prize shelf 2, and determines that the fractional prize has been obtained if the number of fractional prizes has decreased. Thus, the game arcade system 1 can manage the number of fractional prizes 200 on the prize shelf 2 . The game hall system 1 has an excellent characteristic of being able to prevent fraudulent acts such as excessive acquisition of fractional prizes even in a game hall with no employees.

The management server 10 in the amusement hall system 1 functions as an acquired fractional prize specifying means for specifying the type of the fractional prize 200 acquired by the player, and the type of the fractional prize 200 specified by the acquired fractional prize specifying means. and a function as fractional prize game value specifying means for specifying a game value corresponding to . The management server 10 identifies the type of fractional prize 200 acquired by the player, and identifies the game value. In the game hall system 1, the management server 10 can specify the game value of the fractional prize 200 acquired by the player, so that the prize shelf 2 displaying the fractional prize 200 can be operated unattended. ing.

The POS terminal 3 in the game hall system 1 has an imaging camera 308 as prize exchange player imaging means for imaging the player when executing the prize exchange process, and the prize rack 2 acquires fractional prizes 200. An image pickup unit 231 is provided as a prize acquisition player image pickup means for picking up an image of a player.

The management server 10 in the game hall system 1 is
A function as a fractional game value calculation means for calculating a fractional game value generated by a prize exchange process;
a function as prize exchange player information identifying means for identifying prize exchange player information related to the player corresponding to the player image captured by the imaging camera 308 as prize exchange player imaging means;
a function as prize obtaining player information identifying means for identifying prize obtaining player information related to the player corresponding to the player image captured by the imaging unit 231 as prize obtaining player imaging means;
a function as player determination means for determining whether or not the prize exchange player information and the prize acquisition player information match;
The fractional game value and prize exchange player information are stored in association with each other, and when the player determination means determines that they match, the fractional game value and prize acquisition player information are further stored in association with each other. A database 102 (an example of a storage means) to determine which game value is larger by comparing the game value specified by the fractional premium game value specifying means and the fractional game value stored in the database 102. a function as a means of judgment;
It has

According to the amusement hall system 1 having such a configuration, the image of the player is captured during the prize exchange process, and the fractional prize value is associated with the player. It can be determined whether or not it is within the owned fractional game value. According to this game arcade system 1, the management server 10 can remotely determine whether or not the fractional prize 200 has been properly acquired, so unmanned operation of the fractional prize buffet corner 2C is possible.

The management server 10 in the game hall system 1 determines that the game value specified by the fractional prize game value specifying means (the game value corresponding to the obtained fractional prize 200) is a fractional prize as a result of the determination by the game value determining means. It has a function as excessive acquisition determining means for determining excessive acquisition when the value is greater than the fractional game value (fractional game value possessed by the player) calculated by the game value calculating means. In the game arcade system 1, when the game value of the obtained fractional prize 200 is larger than the fractional game value possessed by the player, it is determined as excessive acquisition. As described above, in the game hall system 1, the management server 10 remotely determines whether the fractional prize 200 is excessively acquired. highly regulated.

The prize shelf 2 in the game arcade system 1 includes a display unit 21, which is an example of an excessive acquisition notification means for notifying that the excessive acquisition is determined by the excessive acquisition determination means. Among the players, there may be many players who cannot accurately grasp their own fractional game value. If the prize shelf 2 notifies the player of the over-acquisition, the player can be informed of the careless over-acquisition. A player who intentionally acquires an excessive number of fractional prizes 200 can be notified of the excessive acquisition by the system side, and can be urged not to commit fraudulent acts. .

The database 102 (management server 10) in the game hall system 1 records player information corresponding to the excessive acquisition determination means, and the POS terminal 3, which is an example of the excessive acquisition notification means, is a game player corresponding to the excessive acquisition determination means. When the person newly executes the prize exchange process, the notification about the excessive acquisition is executed. By recording the information of the player who over-acquired in this way and informing the player about the over-acquisition at the time of the prize exchange, the player is instructed not to over-acquire again in response to the new prize exchange. can be encouraged.

In the amusement hall system 1, insertion/removal of the player's hand is detected based on the picked-up image of the inside of the shelf 20 of the prize shelf 2 as a predetermined determination condition for determining acquisition of the fractional prize 200 by the player. The condition is set that If the acquisition of the fractional prize 200 is determined in response to the establishment of the determination condition that the insertion and removal of the hand of the player is detected, the execution frequency of the processing for determining the acquisition of the fractional prize 200 can be suppressed. can reduce the computational load of

The management server 10 in the game hall system 1 functions as fractional game value calculation means for calculating the fractional game value generated by the prize exchange process, and acquireable prize specification for specifying the fractional prize 200 obtainable by the fractional game value. and a function as a means. As described above, the prize shelf 2 is provided with the display section 21 as prize position notification means for notifying information indicating the position of the fractional prize 200 specified by the obtainable prize specifying means.

The game arcade system 1 of this example specifies the fractional game value generated by exchanging the game value obtained by the player through the game with a prize, and records the fractional game value on the receipt. In the odd ball buffet corner 2C, it is possible to cause the scanner 233 of the prize shelf 2 to read the fractional game value recorded on the receipt. The receipt is printed with a two-dimensional code in which identification information such as a player ID is recorded in addition to the number of special prizes exchanged and the fractional game value. Identification information such as the player ID recorded in the two-dimensional code of the receipt can be used as identification information for specifying the fractional game value possessed by the player. In addition to the player ID, a player image or the like can also be used as the identification information for specifying the fractional game value.

On the condition that the identification information (player ID, player image, etc.) for specifying the fractional game value is collated, the management server 10 determines the type of the fractional prize 200 obtainable within the range of the fractional game value. identify. Then, in the game arcade system 1, information indicating the display positions of the obtainable fractional prizes 200 is notified. Informing the player of the display positions of the fractional prizes 200 that can be obtained by the player on the prize shelf 2 helps to prevent excessive acquisition by the player.

The management server 10 in the game hall system 1 functions as a collation means for collating identification information (player ID, player image, etc.) for specifying the fractional game value calculated by the fractional game value calculation means. I have it. The management server 10 as an obtainable prize identifying means identifies the fractional prize 200 obtainable by the fractional gaming value corresponding to the identification information on condition that the identification information is collated. In this example, the player image, the player ID recorded in the two-dimensional code of the receipt, and the like are used as the identification information. Instead of or in addition to this, it is also possible to use information about singular points extracted from the player image as the identification information.

The POS terminal 3 in the game arcade system 1 includes an imaging camera 308, which is an example of prize exchange player imaging means for imaging a player when executing prize exchange processing. Also, the prize shelf 2 is provided with an imaging section 231 which is an example of a prize obtaining player imaging means for imaging the player who obtains the fractional prize 200 .

The management server 10 in the game hall system 1 is
A function as prize exchange player information identifying means for identifying prize exchange player information, which is information relating to the player corresponding to the player image captured by the prize exchange player imaging means;
a function as prize obtaining player information identifying means for identifying prize obtaining player information, which is information relating to the player corresponding to the player image captured by the prize obtaining player imaging means;
a function as player determination means for determining whether or not the prize exchange player information and the prize acquisition player information match;
The fractional game value, the prize exchange player information and the identification information are stored in association with each other, and the fractional game value, the prize acquisition player information and the identification information are stored when the player judging means judges that they match. a database 102 as a storage means for storing in correspondence;
It has The management server 10 as identification information collation means collates a player image, a player ID, etc. corresponding to the prize acquisition player information.

In the game arcade system 1, a player ID or the like is stored in association with a captured image (player image) such as the player's face. If it is determined whether or not the picked-up images of the player match at the time of the prize exchange process and at the time of acquisition of the fractional prize 200, the match determination of the player can be executed with higher certainty.

The management server 10 in the game hall system 1 has a function as fractional prize number identifying means for identifying the number of fractional prizes 200 displayed on the prize shelf 2 by capturing an image of the inside of the shelf 20, and a predetermined determination function. A function as a prize acquisition determination means for determining acquisition of the fractional premium 200 by the player when the number of the fractional premium 200 decreases before and after the condition is satisfied, and the acquisition of the fractional premium 200 is determined by the premium acquisition determination means. A function as an obtained fractional prize identifying means for identifying the type of the obtained fractional prize 200 and a fractional prize game value for identifying a game value corresponding to the fractional prize 200 identified by the obtained fractional prize identifying means when the determination is made. It has a function as a specifying means and a function as a game value comparison means for comparing the game value specified by the fractional premium game value specifying means and the fractional game value stored in the database 102 (storage means). .

When the obtainable fractional prize 200 specified by the obtainable prize specifying means is updated in accordance with acquisition of the fractional prize 200, the display unit 21 of the prize shelf 2, which is an example of the prize position notification means, is updated. Information indicating the position corresponding to the fractional prize 200 that has been received is notified. In this case, while the player is acquiring the fractional prize 200, the fractional prize 200 that can be acquired with the remaining fractional game value can be updated and reported as needed.

The game hall management device 12 in the game hall system 1 has a function as replenishment notification means for notifying the game hall employee that the fractional prize 200 needs to be replenished. The game hall management device 12 as replenishment notification means executes notification that replenishment is required when the number of fractional prizes 200 is less than a predetermined number when a predetermined determination condition is satisfied. When the inside of the shelf 20 of the prize shelf 2 is monitored and the fact that it is necessary to replenish the fractional prizes 200 when the number of the fractional prizes 200 is reduced is reported, the fractional prizes 200 displayed on the prize shelf 2 are visually checked, etc. Fractional prizes 200 can be replenished to the prize shelf 2 at any time without taking time and effort. A situation in which the player cannot select or acquire the fractional prize 200 due to the shortage of the fractional prize 200 on the prize shelf 2 can be avoided.

The prize shelf 2 is provided with an imaging section 231 as person imaging means for imaging a person. The management server 10 in the game hall system 1 functions as an employee determination means for determining whether or not the person corresponding to the person image captured by the person image capturing means is a predetermined game hall employee; and a function as state switching means for switching the operating state of the prize shelf 2 to a predetermined replenishment state different from the normal monitoring state when the employee determination means determines that the image of the employee is captured. In this case, when the game hall employee approaches the prize shelf 2, the operation state of the prize shelf 2 can be switched to the operation state in which the fractional prize 200 can be replenished. can be carried out efficiently.

In the amusement hall system 1, when it is determined that the image of the amusement hall employee has been captured by the above-described employee determination means and the insertion and removal of the hand into the prize shelf 2 is detected, management as fractional prize number identification means is performed. The server 10 identifies the number of fractional prizes 200 . In this case, the process of specifying the number of fractional prizes 200, which requires a relatively high calculation load, can be efficiently executed, and the processing load on the management server 10 can be reduced.

In addition, in the configuration of this example, detection of insertion and removal of the player's hand into and out of the prize shelf 2 is set as a predetermined determination condition for executing notification for replenishment. By setting such determination conditions, when it is detected that a player's hand is inserted into or removed from the prize shelf 2, the process of specifying the number of remaining fractional prizes 200 can be efficiently executed, and replenishment is performed according to the number. It is possible to perform necessary notification.

Instead of or in addition to the configuration of this example, the following configuration may be adopted. Moreover, it is also good to employ|adopt each following structure combining suitably.
In this example, the timing for specifying the reference number of fractional prizes is the time when the prize shelf 2 is powered on, but the reference may be specified at other timings.
In this example, the POS terminal 3 is provided with an imaging camera 308 as means for acquiring a captured image of the player when exchanging prizes. Alternatively, a separate camera may be installed separately from the POS terminal 3 . In this case, the camera may directly identify the player, or the camera and the management server 10 may be made communicable so that the captured image is transmitted from the camera to the management server 10 .

The image analysis processing in the management server 10 is not limited to this configuration, and existing image analysis processing software may be used.
In this example, the configuration in which the management server 10 is provided outside the game hall was exemplified. good. The image analysis processing may be executed by the processing circuit of each camera.

In this example, a player who is determined to have taken an excessive amount is recorded as a customer who needs attention at the time of prize exchange, and is notified as appropriate. It is also a good idea to include a note to the effect that it is encouraged.

Although a pachinko game machine using balls as a game medium is exemplified, a slot machine using medals as a game medium may be installed as a game. Further, it may be an enclosed type game machine in which game media are added and stored as electronic data without being paid out.
As a result of the acquisition of the fractional prize by the player, the process may be repeated until the corresponding fractional game value becomes zero, or the person detection unit 25 may determine that the acquisition has been completed at the timing when the person can no longer be detected. good too.
In this example, the switching of the monitoring state is performed on the condition that the game hall employee is determined by the camera. It is also possible to switch the operating state of the prize shelf 2 .

Although the specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above as examples, these specific examples merely disclose an example of the technology encompassed by the claims. Needless to say, the scope of claims should not be construed to be limited by the configurations and numerical values of specific examples. The scope of claims encompasses techniques in which the above-described specific examples are variously modified, changed, or appropriately combined using known techniques and knowledge of those skilled in the art.

1 Game Hall System 10 Management Server (Fraction Prize Number Specifying Means, Reference Fractional Prize Number Specifying Means, Prize Acquisition Determining Means, Acquisition Fractional Prize Specifying Means, Obtainable Prize Specifying Means, Fractional Prize Playing Value Specifying Means, Fractional Playing Value Calculation means, prize exchange player information identification means, prize acquisition player information identification means, employee determination means, player determination means, game value comparison means, game value determination means, excessive acquisition determination means, collation means, state switching means, storage means)
12 game hall management device (replenishment notification means)
2 Prize rack 20 Rack 200 Fractional prize 23 Verification unit 21 Display unit (excess acquisition notification means, prize position notification means)
231 Imaging unit (prize-obtaining player imaging means, person imaging means)
233 Scanner 3 POS Terminal (Card Processing Means, Prize Exchange Processing Means, Fractional Game Value Calculation Means, Receipt Issue Means, Excess Acquisition Notification Means)
308 imaging camera (prize exchange player imaging means)
4 counting lending unit (property value information acquisition means, property value information storage means, counting means, property value information output means, game card return means)
51 Game machines

Claims (4)

It is possible to set a monitoring state in which prize exchange processing is executed in which the game value acquired by the player through the game is exchanged for prizes, and fractional prizes that are less than the game value of a specific prize among the prizes are displayed on the prize shelf. In amusement hall system,
Fractional prize number specifying means for specifying the number of the fractional prizes displayed on the prize shelf by imaging the prize shelf;
replenishment notification means for notifying a game parlor employee that replenishment of fractional prizes is necessary when the number of fractional prizes is less than a predetermined number when a predetermined determination condition is satisfied;
A system for amusement facilities. a person imaging means provided on the prize shelf for imaging a person;
employee determination means for determining whether or not the person corresponding to the person image captured by the person image capturing means is a predetermined game parlor employee;
a state switching means for switching the operation state of the prize shelf to a predetermined replenishment state different from the normal monitoring state when the employee determination means determines that the image of the game parlor employee has been captured;
The game hall system according to claim 1, comprising: wherein the number-of-fractional-prize specifying means specifies the number of the fractional prizes when it is determined by the employee determining means that the image of the game parlor employee has been captured and the insertion and withdrawal of the hand into the prize rack is detected. Item 3. The system for amusement arcade according to item 1 or 2. 4. The game arcade system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said predetermined determination condition is detection of a player's hand being inserted into or removed from said prize rack.

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