JP4587513B2 - Amusement park monitoring system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a game hall monitoring system, for example, suitable for application to a system that attempts to monitor abnormalities, violations, illegal activities, etc. by employees, players or illegal persons in a game hall equipped with pachinko machines, slot machines, etc. It is a thing.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, in a pachinko gaming machine, a game ball (pachinko ball) remaining at the end of the game is exchanged for a prize, and thus has a monetary value in a sense. For this reason, a so-called Goto may illegally obtain a game ball illegally.
[0003]
Also, in recent pachinko machines, cash is inserted into so-called sand devices provided between pachinko machines and borrowed game balls, and the same function as a prepaid card or prepaid card is provided by cash. Purchase the card you want to carry in advance and insert the card into the sand device to rent a game ball. As described above, there are many devices that handle bills, coins, or money having the same value in amusement halls.
[0004]
Therefore, a lot of devices and devices for monitoring fraud are provided in the game hall. For example, pachinko machines are equipped with trapezoid sensors that detect electromagnetic waves, magnetic forces, vibrations, etc. that Goto uses when trying to obtain game balls illegally, and when the sensor is activated, an alarm is issued, And a function to notify the user. In addition, for example, a device that handles money is provided with a theft sensor to perform the same monitoring and alarm functions, and as a condition for operating the inside, an employee card carried by the employee is used. There are those that limit the number of persons who can operate on the condition of insertion, and give an alarm or notify a host computer when an illegal operation is performed. Further, for example, the entire game hall is imaged and monitored with one or more surveillance video cameras.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the method of alarming or notifying based on sensor output or operation abnormality can prevent fraud, but if the fraudster leaves immediately, the person is often not recognized. In a sense, the re-offending function is small.
[0006]
On the other hand, in surveillance using a surveillance video camera, it is also possible to recognize an unauthorized person.
[0007]
However, in front of the monitor device displaying the image signal from the surveillance video camera, there is always a problem that it is impossible to monitor without someone, even if the monitor is always in front of the monitor device, It is impossible for a watcher's attention to continue during business hours, and fraud is often overlooked. In addition, in practice, the floor area of the amusement hall is generally large, and a plurality of surveillance video cameras are installed. Therefore, when monitoring with a single monitor device, it is often overlooked. Also, even if one monitor device is provided for each surveillance video camera, fraud is often overlooked if there are few supervisors.
[0008]
Even if a monitoring method that gives alarms or notifications based on sensor outputs or operational abnormalities and a monitoring method that uses a surveillance video camera are combined, if monitoring using a surveillance video camera may overlook fraud, The former monitoring method cannot solve the problem of insufficient recidivism prevention.
[0009]
For this reason, there is a need for a game hall monitoring system that is further enhanced in monitoring functions including crime prevention and re-offending prevention.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve such a problem, the game hall monitoring system of the present invention is a device that may be operated by a player or a game hall employee, and is provided with a plurality of games provided with imaging means capable of taking at least still images. Related equipment (the admission card issuing machine 2, the game ball supply card issuing / accounting machine 3 and the game ball supply commanding device 4 of the embodiment are compatible), image data obtained by imaging each game related equipment, and bibliographic data thereof Database means (stored in the ticket issue settlement management computer 6 of the embodiment corresponds) that is transferred in real time and stored as a database, and an image data search device that can search and output image data and / or bibliographic data in this database means (implementation) System management computer 7 of the form) The game-related device performs predetermined processing by inserting a valid card, and the bibliographic data related to the image data includes the identification information of the card inserted at the time of imaging, The image data retrieval device (A) managing identification information of cards inserted in game-related equipment, (b) input means for an operator to input information, and (c) image data stored in the database means Search starting means for searching the image data corresponding to the information input by the input means by the image data search device, and (d) the selected input data among the searched image data. Card identification information extracting means for extracting card identification information associated with image data from the database means; Data erasure means for erasing image data satisfying a predetermined erasure condition and its bibliographic data from the database means When It is characterized by having.
[0015]
Moreover, it is preferable that the said image data search apparatus has an instruction | indication means which instruct | indicates an imaging to the said imaging means of the said game related apparatus.
[0016]
Further, it is preferable that the bibliographic data related to the image data includes the cause information for starting the imaging.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(A) Embodiment
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a game hall monitoring system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0018]
The type of gaming machine in the gaming hall monitoring system of this embodiment is not limited as long as it uses gaming media, but in the following, in consideration of simplification of explanation, the gaming machine provided in the gaming hall The explanation will be made assuming that the machine is a pachinko machine.
[0019]
(A-1) Configuration of embodiment and functions of each part
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the game hall monitoring system of this embodiment. The game hall to which the game hall monitoring system of this embodiment is applied is also characterized by the system for various cards used in the game hall. Hereinafter, the components of the game hall monitoring system are game hall cards. It is also a component of the system and will be explained not only from the monitoring side but also from the card processing side.
[0020]
In FIG. 1, the game hall monitoring system 1 of this embodiment includes an admission card issuing machine 2, a game ball supply card issuing and adjusting machine 3, a game ball supply commanding device 4, a pachinko gaming machine 5, a ticket issuing and adjusting management computer 6, and The system management computer 7 and the like are connected by a network N.
[0021]
(A-1-1) Admission card issuing machine 2
The admission card issuing machine 2 issues an admission card 10 as an issuance condition for a game ball supply card 30 to be described later, and is installed, for example, in the vicinity of the entrance of the game hall. For example, the appearance image of the entrance card issuing machine 2 is as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 2, and is functionally as shown in the block diagram of FIG.
[0022]
In FIG. 2, the following components are visually observed from the outside of the entrance card issuing machine 2. That is, from the outside, a ticket issuing button 10, a card outlet 11, a card discharge lamp 12, a liquid crystal display device 13, a staff call button 14, a signal tower lamp (hereinafter referred to as a signal tower) 15, and a digital camera 16 (see FIG. The optical window 16a can be visually observed.
[0023]
In addition to the above components, the entrance card issuing machine 2 also includes components as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. That is, the digital camera 16, the control unit 21, the card feeding unit 22, the card storage unit 23, the card identification information reading unit 24, the communication processing unit 25, the light amount sensor 26, the door sensor 27, the destruction sensor 28, the extinguishing button 29, and the like. I have.
[0024]
The liquid crystal display device 13 displays a guidance message that prompts an operation under the control of a control unit (for example, composed of a microcomputer) 21, and displays status information (for example, an abnormal state) of the entrance card issuing machine 2. is there.
[0025]
The ticket issuing button 10 is operated by the player when requesting the issuance of the admission card 20, and the operation information is given to the control unit 21. The card storage unit 23 stores a large number of entrance cards. The card feeding unit 22 feeds one entrance card 20 from the card storage unit 23 under the control of the control unit 21, and is discharged to the outside through the card identification information reading unit 24. is there. The card identification information reading unit 24 reads the information of the entrance card 20 to be ejected and gives it to the control unit 21. The card discharge lamp 12 is lit or blinked under the control of the control unit 21 when the entrance card 20 is discharged.
[0026]
The clerk call button 14 is a button that is operated to call a clerk (employee) when a player who wants to receive an admission card recognizes a trouble or the like of the admission card issuing machine 2. Information is provided to the control unit 21. The signal tower 15 is controlled to be lit under the control of the control unit 21 and informs the employee of trouble or abnormality of the entrance card issuing machine 2 (note that a buzzer or the like is provided as a notification means). Of course, it is also good). For example, it is turned on when the attendant call button 14 is operated, or when the delivery monitoring sensor of the entrance card 20 detects a conveyance abnormality although not shown. The turn-off button 29 is a button that is provided inside the housing of the entrance card issuing machine 2 and turns off the signal tower 15.
[0027]
The door body sensor 27 detects an open / closed state of a door body (not shown) of the admission card issuing machine 2 and its locked / unlocked state, and gives it to the control unit 21. The break sensor 28 detects a break abnormality of the entrance card issuing machine 2 and gives it to the control unit 21. For example, a vibration sensor, a tilt sensor, or the like corresponds to the break sensor 28.
[0028]
The digital camera 16 is, for example, a still camera such as a CCD camera (which may be capable of continuous imaging for about 5 seconds), and is controlled by the control unit 21 (in other words, imaged from the control unit 21). When one trigger signal is given), one image (or an image for a predetermined time) is taken and an image signal is given to the control unit 21. The direction of imaging by the digital camera 16 is a person who operates the entrance card issuing machine 2 (player or player) with the door of the entrance card issuing machine 2 closed (including the unlocked state). This is the direction in which the employee can be imaged.
[0029]
The optical window portion 16a in FIG. 2 represents an optical window portion for imaging light to the digital camera 16 (which may be a pure opening or an opening in which glass or the like is fitted), and the main body of the digital camera 16 is a housing. It is provided inside. The window portion 16a is made larger than the light diameter of the objective lens of the digital camera 16, and a light amount sensor 26 is provided in the immediate vicinity of the inside of the housing of the window portion 16a.
[0030]
The light amount sensor 26 monitors and detects the amount of light that is abnormal when the window portion 16a is blocked, in other words, an environmental abnormality that the digital camera 16 cannot perform imaging, and gives it to the control unit 21.
[0031]
The communication processing unit 25 exchanges information with other devices connected to the network N, for example, the ticket issue settlement management computer 6 and the system management computer 7 under the control of the control unit 21.
[0032]
The control unit 21 controls the entire entrance card issuing machine 2. The control function by the control unit 21 is roughly divided into two types: an issuance control function for the entrance card 20 and an abnormality monitoring function. In addition, the control function of the control unit 21 will be clarified in the operation description to be described later.
[0033]
Next, the admission card 20 issued by the admission card issuing machine 2 will be described. The admission card 20 is fixedly recorded only with identification information unique to the admission card (ID; distinguishable from a game ball supply card and a membership card described later). This admission card 20 itself does not have the same value as money, but has a function to make the issuance of a game ball supply card having the same value as money described later more cautiously. It is. The unique ID of the admission card 20 is preferably one that can distinguish not only the difference between the admission cards 20 but also the game hall itself. As a fixed recording method, it is sufficient to write a barcode or emboss (unevenness information) and the like and cannot be rewritten.
[0034]
(A-1-2) Game ball supply card issuing and settlement machine 3
The game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 issues a game ball supply card 35 which is necessary for renting pachinko balls (game balls) for pachinko games. It is installed at an arbitrary position. For example, one unit may be installed on a so-called island unit.
[0035]
The game ball supply card issuance / accounting machine 3 has, for example, an appearance image as shown in the perspective view of FIG. 4 and functionally as shown in the block diagram of FIG.
[0036]
In FIG. 4, the game ball supply card issuance / accounting machine 3 can be visually observed from the outside. That is, from the outside, the liquid crystal display device 36, the attendant call button 37, the signal tower 38, the select button 39, the checkout button 40, the cancel button 41, the card entrance / exit 42, the card receiving / discharging lamp 43, the employee card entrance / exit 44, the employee Employee card acceptance / discharge lamp 45, coin payout outlet 46, coin payout lamp 47, bill input slot 48, bill input lamp 49, bill payout outlet 50, bill payout lamp 51, and digital camera 52 (see FIG. 5) The optical window 52a is visually observed.
[0037]
In addition to the above-described components, the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 also includes components as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. That is, the digital camera 52, the control unit 55, the card information reading unit 56, the entrance card collection unit 57, the game ball supply card storage unit 58, the game ball supply card collection unit 59, the employee card access unit 60, and the bill discriminating device. 61, a bill storage unit 62, a coin storage unit 63, a communication processing unit 64, a light amount sensor 65, a door body sensor 66, a destruction sensor 67, a turn-off button 68, and the like.
[0038]
The liquid crystal display device 36, the clerk call button 37, and the signal tower 38 in the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 also have the same functions as the corresponding ones in the entrance card issuing machine 2.
[0039]
The settlement button 40 is operated when the player asks for settlement of the balance when there is a remaining balance in which the game ball can be supplied in relation to the inserted game ball supply card 35. The operation information is given to a control unit (for example, composed of a microcomputer) 33.
[0040]
The cancel button 41 is operated when a player or the like cancels the operation mode of the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3, and the operation information is given to the control unit 55.
[0041]
The card entry / exit 42 functions as an insertion port and a discharge port for the entrance card 20, the game ball supply card 35, and a member card 70 described later. The card acceptance / discharge lamp 43 is controlled to be lit or blinked by the control unit 55 when various cards are inserted or ejected through the card entrance 42.
[0042]
The entrance card collection unit 57 collects and stores the entry card 20 inserted from the card entrance 42 under the control of the control unit 55.
[0043]
The game ball supply card storage unit 58 stores the game ball supply card 35 to be discharged from the card slot 42, and also includes a card feeding mechanism. The stored game ball supply card 35 is discharged under the control of the control unit 55.
[0044]
The game ball supply card collection unit 59 collects and stores the game ball supply card 35 inserted from the card slot 42 under the control of the control unit 55.
[0045]
The card information reading unit 56 reads the information of the entrance card 20, the game ball supply card 35 and the member card 70 inserted from the card entrance 42 and gives them to the control unit 55.
[0046]
In this embodiment, as described above, the game ball supply card 35 is necessary for lending a pachinko ball (game ball) at the time of a pachinko game. Only identification information (ID; can be distinguished from the admission card 20 and the membership card 75) is fixedly recorded. The unique ID of the game ball supply card 35 is preferably one that can distinguish not only the difference of the game ball supply card 35 but also the game hall itself. As a fixed recording method, it is sufficient to write a bar code or emboss it and cannot be rewritten.
[0047]
The game ball supply card 35 itself does not record the balance information that can supply the game ball, but the game ball supply card 35 can supply the game ball by accessing the ticket issuing settlement management computer 6 with the card ID. Since the balance information can be taken out, it has the same property as a prepaid card.
[0048]
The membership card 70 has the same function as the entrance card 20 described above for a player who has signed a membership contract with the game hall. In other words, as a condition for issuing the game ball supply card 35, insertion of a legitimate member card 70 into the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 is a condition.
[0049]
In the membership card 70, only unique identification information (ID; can be distinguished from the entrance card 20 and the game ball supply card 35) is fixedly recorded. The unique ID of the member card 70 is preferably one that can distinguish not only the difference of the member card 45 but also the game hall itself.
[0050]
The employee card entrance / exit 44 functions as an insertion port and an exit port for the employee card 71. The employee card receiving / discharging lamp 45 is controlled to be lit or blinked by the control unit 55 when the employee card 71 is inserted or discharged through the employee card entrance 44.
[0051]
The employee card access unit 60 reads the information of the employee card 71 inserted from the employee card entrance 44 and gives it to the control unit 55, or writes the information given from the control unit 55 to the employee card 71. Is.
[0052]
The employee card 71 is a recordable / reproducible card such as an IC card, for example. The employee is distributed and carried by the game hall manager or the game hall operator. The employee needs to insert the employee card 71 into the employee card entrance / exit 44 when operating the card issuing / settlement machine 3 for supplying game balls.
[0053]
The employee card 71 includes a card ID (or employee ID), operation level information that can be executed by the employee, and an ID of the card issuing and adjusting machine 3 for supplying a game ball that can be operated by the employee. Recorded in advance in an EEPROM or the like. It is also possible to provide a recording area in which the operation history can be written.
[0054]
The employee card 71 may be used by another device (for example, the entrance card issuing machine 2), and the employee who can operate the device may be changed depending on the device. Even employees who can operate the same device may change the type of operation permitted.
[0055]
The banknote insertion port 48 is an opening through which a player inserts banknotes, the coin payout outlet 46 is an opening through which coins are paid out to the player, and the banknote discharge outlet 50 is an opening through which banknotes are paid out to the player. . In relation to these, a bill insertion lamp 49, a coin dispensing lamp 47, and a bill dispensing lamp 51 are provided, and the lighting or blinking control is appropriately performed under the control of the control unit 55.
[0056]
The banknote storage unit 62 collects banknotes inserted from the banknote insertion port 48 and feeds out banknotes to be paid out from the banknote outlet 50 under the control of the control unit 55. The coin storage unit 62 pays out coins to be paid out from the coin payout outlet 46 under the control of the control unit 55.
[0057]
The banknote discriminating device 61 discriminates the type of banknotes inserted from the banknote slot 48 or the type of banknotes to be paid out from the banknote outlet 50 and the authenticity of the banknotes, and the discrimination information is given to the control unit 55.
[0058]
Here, there are two cases where a bill is inserted into the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3. In the first case, when the game ball supply card 35 is issued, an amount which is a precondition for setting balance information (amount of supply of ball game balls) related to the game ball supply card 35 is deposited. The second case is a case of depositing an amount which is a precondition for increasing the balance information (amountable amount of ball game balls) relating to the already-issued game ball supply card 35.
[0059]
On the other hand, there are two cases where banknotes and coins are paid out from the game ball supply card issuing and settlement machine 3. First, when initializing (when issuing the card 35) the balance information (the amount that can be supplied of the ball game ball) relating to the game ball supply card 35, or when increasing the balance information, This is a case where change is paid out when the specified initial set amount or the increased amount is different. The second is a case where when the settlement is instructed by operating the settlement button 40, the amount of balance information related to the game ball supply card 35 is paid out.
[0060]
The select button 39 is used for initial setting or increase in the balance information (amount of money that can be supplied for the ball game ball) relating to the game ball supply card 35 (when the card 35 is issued) or in increasing the balance information. The amount is specified. For example, as the select button 39, a plurality of buttons with different designated amounts (for example, 1000 yen, 2000 yen, 3000 yen, 5000 yen, and 10,000 yen) are prepared.
[0061]
The digital camera 52 in the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 is also a still camera such as a CCD camera (which may be capable of continuous imaging for about 5 seconds), and is controlled by the control unit 55. Below (in other words, when an imaging trigger signal is given from the control unit 55), one image (or an image for a predetermined time) is taken and an image signal is given to the control unit 55. The imaging direction by the digital camera 52 is operated with respect to the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 in a state where the door of the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 is closed (including the unlocked state). This is a direction in which a person (player or employee) who is playing can be imaged. A light amount sensor 65 having the same function as that of the entrance card issuing machine 2 is provided in the immediate vicinity of the inside of the housing of the optical window 52a shown in FIG.
[0062]
In addition, since the communication processing unit 64, the door sensor 66, the destruction sensor 67, the extinguishing button 68, and the like of the game ball supply card issuing / accounting machine 3 have the same functions as the corresponding ones in the entrance card issuing machine 2, The functional description is omitted.
[0063]
The control unit 55 controls the entire game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3. The control function by the control unit 55 is roughly divided into a control function for issuing the game ball supply card 35, a control function for increasing the balance information related to the game ball supply card 35, and a game ball supply card. 35 is divided into four types, that is, a control function when the balance information related to 35 is settled and an abnormality monitoring function. The control function of the control unit 55 will be clarified in the operation description to be described later.
[0064]
Although FIG. 1 shows the system configuration having only the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3, the game ball supply card issuing machine responsible only for issuing the game ball supply card 35 and the balance addition function, Needless to say, a game ball supply card settlement machine responsible only for the balance settlement function of the game ball supply card 35 may be provided as a component of the system. There may be a device that only issues the game ball supply card 35 and a device that only adds a balance.
[0065]
(A-1-3) Game ball supply command device 4 and pachinko gaming machine 5
The above-described game ball supply card 35 is effectively used for supplying game balls in the set of the game ball supply command device (so-called card sand) 4 and the pachinko gaming machine 5. Hereinafter, components and functions thereof will be described by taking a set of gaming ball supply command device 4 and pachinko gaming machine 5 as an example.
[0066]
In the following description, it is assumed that there is no game ball supply command device for supplying a game ball by inserting coins or banknotes, which is different from the game ball supply command device 4 of the first embodiment. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 5 itself will be described as a so-called CR machine having a game ball supply (ball lending) function. Of course, in addition to the game ball supply command device 4 of the first embodiment, a game ball supply command device for supplying game balls by inserting coins or banknotes may be provided.
[0067]
One set of game ball supply command device 4 and pachinko gaming machine 5 are, for example, as shown in the perspective view of FIG. The game ball supply command device 4 is functionally as shown in the block diagram of FIG. The pachinko gaming machine 5 can be applied to a conventional so-called CR machine as it is, so the illustration of the internal detailed configuration is omitted, and the block diagram only shows the gaming ball supply command device 4.
[0068]
In FIG. 6, the following components can be visually observed from the outside regarding the set of game ball supply command device 4 and the pachinko gaming machine 5. That is, regarding the game ball supply command device 4, from the outside, the status lamp 75, the card entrance / exit 76, the remote control receiving unit 77, and the optical window 81a to the digital camera 81 (see FIG. 7) can be seen, and the pachinko gaming machine 5, the balance display section 78, the ball lending button 79, and the return button 80 can be seen from the outside. Regarding the pachinko gaming machine 5, many other components can also be visually observed, but the description thereof is omitted here.
[0069]
In addition to the above components, the game ball supply command device 4 also includes components as shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. That is, the digital camera 81, the control part 82, the card identification information reading part 83, the communication processing part 84, the interface circuit 85, the light quantity sensor 86, the door body sensor 87, the destruction sensor 88, etc. are provided.
[0070]
The status lamp 75 indicates that, by turning off the status lamp 75, the game ball supply card 35 can be inserted into the game ball supply command device 4 and the game can be executed, and is turned on when the game ball supply card 35 is inserted. Is.
[0071]
The card slot 76 is used for inserting and discharging the game ball supply card 35. The player is required to insert the game ball supply card 35 into the card slot 76 when starting the game of the pachinko gaming machine 5. The inserted game ball supply card 35 is drawn to the position of the card identification information reading unit 72. The card identification information reading unit 72 reads the ID of the inserted game ball supply card 35 and gives it to the control unit (for example, composed of a microcomputer) 82 in the game ball supply command device 4. This ID is used to determine the validity of the game ball supply card 35.
[0072]
The remote control receiver 76 notifies the control unit 73 of the contents instructed by the employee using a remote control transmitter (not shown). That is, the operation of the game ball supply command device 4 can be controlled by remote control communication without using an input unit or various buttons.
[0073]
The balance display part 77 provided in the pachinko gaming machine 5 is composed of, for example, 7 segments of a plurality of digits (for example, 3 digits), and the inserted gaming ball supply card 35 can supply gaming balls. Balance information is displayed. Note that the balance information to be displayed may be the amount itself or the frequency obtained by dividing the amount by one supply unit amount.
[0074]
The ball lending button 78 provided in the pachinko gaming machine 5 is for instructing supply (ball lending) of game balls for a unit, and the return button 79 is for instructing to return the game ball supply card 35. It is.
[0075]
The interface circuit 85 of the game ball supply command device 4 has an interface function for exchanging information with the pachinko gaming machine 5. Although not shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, inside the pachinko gaming machine 5 is provided a trapezoid sensor for detecting electromagnetic waves, magnetic forces, vibrations, etc. used by Goto when attempting to obtain game balls illegally. The detection information of the sword sensor is also given to the control unit 82 of the game ball supply command device 4 via the interface circuit 85.
[0076]
The digital camera 81 in the game ball supply commanding device 4 is also a still camera (for example, a continuous imaging of about 5 seconds may be possible) made up of a CCD camera or the like, under the control of the control unit 82 ( In other words, when an imaging trigger signal is given from the control unit 82, one image (or an image for a predetermined time) is taken and an image signal is given to the control unit 82. The imaging direction by the digital camera 81 is a direction in which a person (player or employee) who is operating the gaming ball supply command device 4 and the pachinko gaming machine 5 that is paired with the gaming ball supply command device 4 can be imaged. A light amount sensor 86 having a function similar to that of the above-described apparatus is also provided in the immediate vicinity of the inside of the housing of the optical window portion 81a shown in FIG.
[0077]
Note that the communication processing unit 84, the door sensor 87, the destruction sensor 88, and the like of the game ball supply command device 4 have the same functions as the corresponding ones in the above-described device, and thus description of the functions is omitted.
[0078]
The control unit 82 controls the entire game ball supply command device 4. In addition, depending on the control content, the pachinko gaming machine 5 forming a set is also indirectly controlled. The control function by the control unit 82 is roughly divided into two types: a game ball supply command control function using the game ball supply card 35 and an abnormality monitoring function. The control function of the control unit 82 will be clarified in the operation description to be described later.
[0079]
(A-1-4) Ticket settlement management computer 6
The ticket issuance management computer 6 is composed of a computer device provided with, for example, a keyboard and a display that is provided in a game hall office and is capable of performing a minimum necessary input work. It has a database function for accumulating data necessary for the monitoring system 1. The accumulated data is data related to various cards related to the game hall and data related to monitoring of the game hall.
[0080]
As shown in FIG. 8, the ticket settlement management computer 6 is functionally composed of a control unit (for example, made of a microcomputer) 90, a storage unit (made of a large capacity storage device such as a hard disk) 91, a communication processing unit 92, and the like. (The input part and the display part are omitted).
[0081]
The storage unit 91 stores an entrance card file 93, a game ball supply card file 94, a member card file 95, an employee card file 96, a photo data file 97, and the like.
[0082]
As shown in FIG. 9, one record of the admission card file 93 includes, for example, an ID 93a of the admission card 10 currently handled at the game hall, a registration date 93b when the record of the ID is registered in the file 93, Fields of the issue date and time 93c when issued, the number of times (usage) 93d issued so far by the admission card issuing machine 2, the number 93e of the game ball supply card issuing / accounting machine 3 that collected the admission card 10 and the like Have as.
[0083]
Note that the data of the fields 93a to 93e are not necessarily stored at consecutive addresses in the address space of the storage unit 91, and are omitted in FIG. There is also management data that can be handled as a single piece of data.
[0084]
One record of the game ball supply card file 94 is issued, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the ID 94a of the game ball supply card 30 and the registration date 94b when the record of the ID is registered in the file 94. Issuance date and time 94c, issued game ball supply card issue settlement machine 3 number 94d, settlement date and time 94e when the settlement is completed, total amount 94f of the deposit amount of the day, balance 94g, game ball supply Operation history 94h from the issuance of the card 30 to the settlement, the number of times (the number of times of use) 94i has been issued by the game ball supply card issuance / acquisition machine 3, and the insertion into the device with the game ball supply card 30 The presence / absence and insertion of the device number 94j when it is inserted, the number 94k of the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 that has collected the game ball supply card 30, and the membership card 45 Thus the membership card ID (member ID) 94J logged if issued, and a like member information 94k as fields.
[0085]
Note that the data of each field 94a to 94m is not necessarily stored at consecutive addresses in the address space of the storage unit 91, and is omitted in FIG. There is also management data that can be handled as a single piece of data.
[0086]
As shown in FIG. 11, one record of the member card file 95 includes, for example, the ID 95a of the member card 45 currently handled at the game hall, the registration date and time 95b when the record of the ID is registered in the file 95, Issuance date and time 95c when the game ball supply card 30 is issued, accumulated deposit amount 95d deposited by the member, member detailed information 95e such as a member's address and name, and the game ball supply card issuance settlement machine 3 The number of times the game ball supply card 30 has been issued up to 95f, the ID of the game ball supply card 30 issued on the same day using the membership card 45, and the like are included as fields.
[0087]
Note that the data of each field 95a to 95g is not necessarily stored at consecutive addresses in the address space of the storage unit 91, and is omitted in FIG. There is also management data that can be handled as a single piece of data.
[0088]
As shown in FIG. 12, one record of the employee card file 96 includes, for example, an ID 96a of the employee card 52, an employee name 96b carrying the card 52, an operation history 96c, and an operable level 96d. Etc. as a field. A large number of fields of the operation history 96c are prepared, and the time from the opening to closing of the cover of the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 and the contents of the operation are recorded in each field.
[0089]
Note that the data of each field 96a to 96d is not necessarily stored at consecutive addresses in the address space of the storage unit 91, and is omitted in FIG. 12, but the data of each field is associated and integrated. There is also management data that can be handled as a single piece of data.
[0090]
As shown in FIG. 13, one record of the photo data file 97 includes, for example, photo data (still image data) 97a, an imaging trigger event 97b that triggers the acquisition of the photo data, an imaging date and time 97c, an object ( The field includes a card ID 97d that is considered to be related to a person and a device number 97e on which the digital camera that performed the imaging operation is mounted.
[0091]
Note that the data of each field 97a to 97e is not necessarily stored at continuous addresses in the address space of the storage unit 91, and is omitted in FIG. There is also management data that can be handled as a single piece of data.
[0092]
Hereinafter, the data of the fields 97a to 97e of the photo data file 97 will be described in more detail.
[0093]
The photograph data relating to the field 97a is taken by the digital camera 16, 52 or 81 of the admission card issuing machine 2, the game ball supply card issuing / accounting machine 3 or the game ball supply commanding device 4, and is basically a still image. It is data of. Depending on the type of imaging trigger, when imaging is performed for a few seconds, it may be short-time continuous image data. Here, the stored photographic data may be image data as it is obtained by the digital camera 16, 52 or 81, or may be obtained by compressing captured image data. In the latter case, the image compression may be performed by the control unit in the imaged apparatus, or may be performed by the control unit 90 of the ticket issue settlement management computer 6.
[0094]
The imaging trigger event data relating to the field 97b represents the cause (event) that caused the imaging to be activated.
[0095]
The imaging trigger event is largely an event in which a device on which the digital camera 16, 52 or 81 is mounted (however, the game ball supply command device 4 includes a pachinko game machine 5 forming a pair) generates a trigger. It can be divided into an event in which a device (mainly the system management computer 7) other than the device on which the digital camera 16, 52 or 81 is mounted generates a trigger.
[0096]
When the device on which the digital camera 16, 52 or 81 is mounted generates a trigger, (1) When a predetermined sensor (destructive sensor, eaves sensor, door sensor, etc.) detects, (2) Other than sensor output (3) when the admission card 20 or the game ball supply card 35 is legitimately issued.
[0097]
When a device other than the device on which the digital camera 16, 52 or 81 is mounted generates a trigger, (1) when it occurs automatically and (2) when it is based on a manual operation by a game hall manager Can be divided. For example, the system management computer 7 may have an abnormality in the appearance of the pachinko gaming machine 5 (an abnormality in which there are many appearances although it is not a big hit, or a back ROM at the time of the big hit is used. For example, when a light quantity sensor 86 of a certain game ball supply command device 4 performs a detection operation, a trigger signal is given to the game ball supply command device 4 at the opposite position. Etc. Manual operation by the game hall manager is performed on the system management computer 7.
[0098]
The data of the imaging date / time related to the field 97c is the date / time of imaging, and preferably defines up to seconds. In the case of photographic data of continuous images, for example, it is data of start time and imaging time.
[0099]
The card ID related to the field 97d is the ID of the entrance card 20, the game ball supply card 35, the membership card 70, or the employee card 71.
[0100]
For example, when a game ball supply card 35 is inserted in the game ball supply command device 4 and an image is taken by detection of a sword sensor of the pachinko gaming machine 5 that forms a pair, the game ball supply card 35 An ID is recorded. Further, for example, when an image is taken when a valid membership card 70 is inserted into the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 and the game ball supply card 35 is issued, the IDs of both the cards 35 and 70 are recorded. .
[0101]
The device number related to the field 97e is the ID of the device on which the digital camera 16, 52, or 81 that has imaged is mounted, or the ID of the digital camera 16, 52, or 81. Note that the ID of the sensor that outputs the detection signal that triggers imaging may also be recorded.
[0102]
The ticket settlement management computer 6 accesses the corresponding file in response to a verification request from the admission card issuing machine 2, the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3, the game ball supply commanding device 4, etc. A reply is made, or information update of the corresponding file is executed based on the information transmitted from these devices. Note that if the control unit 90 determines that it is not valid at the time of collation, the control unit 90 not only replies but also stores it in the storage unit 91.
[0103]
The ticket settlement management computer 6 can be accessed by a third party (for example, a card issuing company or a card delivery company) via a network different from the network N of the game hall, so that various cards can be replenished and judged. You may be able to do it in a remote place.
[0104]
(A-1-5) System management computer 7
The system management computer 7 is composed of a computer device provided with a communication function such as a personal computer provided in a game room office, for example. Contribute to the management of For example, card system management, including the number of devices such as game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 and game ball supply command device 4, address on communication network, parameter setting of each device and monitoring of these devices, etc. Is what you do. Further, the system management computer 7 may be connected to a conventional hall management computer (not shown) that has managed the game information of the pachinko gaming machine 5, the membership card 45, and the like. Can be incorporated into the system management computer 7. In the following description, the latter is assumed.
[0105]
Since the system management computer 7 is composed of a computer device as described above, as shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 100, the storage unit 101, the input unit 102, the display unit 103, the communication processing unit 104, and the printing unit 105. Etc.
[0106]
In relation to the various cards described above, the system management computer 7 individually updates the contents of the various card files of the ticket issuing / settlement management computer 6 in accordance with an operation on the input unit 102 by an operator or the like. It also records information on the appearance (abnormality) of illegal cards and issues an alarm.
[0107]
The system management computer 7 instructs imaging in relation to the monitoring function. For example, in response to an operation on the input unit 102 by an operator or the like, one of the digital cameras 16, 52, or 81 is instructed to take an image, or the game ball supply command device 4 related to the pachinko gaming machine 5 with an abnormal ball appearance is digitally operated. The camera 81 is instructed to take an image.
[0108]
The system management computer 7 also has a search function for the photo data file 97 in relation to the monitoring function. For example, predetermined photo data is searched according to an input operation of a search condition to the input unit 102 by an operator or the like. The search function can also be activated automatically. For example, when the eaves sensor detects and operates, the ID of the game ball supply card 35 inserted in the game ball supply command device 4 paired with the pachinko game machine 5 is used as a key to the game ball supply card 35. Search for all such photo data.
[0109]
(A-2) System operation of embodiment and operation of player, etc.
Hereinafter, the operation of each part of the game hall monitoring system 1 of the embodiment will be described together with the operation of the player or the like.
[0110]
(A-2-1) Operation when entering a store
First, the operation from entry to obtaining a game ball supply card will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.
[0111]
When the non-member player enters the store, first, the ticketing button 10 of the entrance card issuing machine 2 is operated (T0). At this time, the entrance card issuing machine 2 discharges the stored entrance card 20 and the digital camera. 16, the non-member player obtains the discharged entrance card 20 (T1, T2). At this time, the admission card issuing machine 2 transmits the ID of the admission card 20 (and information on the date and time of issuance), photo data, and the like to the ticket settlement management computer 6, and the entrance card file of the ticket settlement management computer 6 accordingly. 93 and the photo data file 97 are updated (T3).
[0112]
The non-member player who has acquired the admission card 20 inserts the admission card 20 into the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 near the pachinko gaming machine 5 to play (T4). The game ball supply card issuing / accounting machine 3 obtains the ID of the admission card 20 inserted by the card information reading unit 56 and transfers it to the ticket issuing / adjusting management computer 6, and the ticket issuing / adjusting management computer 6 stores the contents of the admission card file 93. The legitimacy is confirmed with reference (T5, T6).
[0113]
For example, when the admission card 20 has no issuance record, or when a predetermined time (for example, 2 hours) has elapsed from the date and time of issuance of the admission card 20 (including cases where it is issued prior to the previous day). The ticket issuance management computer 6 determines that it is not valid.
[0114]
If it is not valid, the ticket issuance management computer 6 sends a message to the gaming ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 or the system management computer 7 (not shown in FIG. 15) to indicate that it is not valid. 3 displays an abnormality (when a buzzer or the like is provided, not only a visual display but also an audible notification is performed) and an image is captured by the digital camera 52, and the ticket settlement management computer 6 is built-in. The abnormality occurrence data is stored in the storage unit 91 and the data is added to the photo data file 97 (T7, T8).
[0115]
The system management computer 7 that has been notified that the information is not valid omits the processing in FIG. 15, but performs abnormality notification processing and determines whether or not photo data needs to be searched. For example, if the unreasonable reason is that a predetermined time (for example, 2 hours) has passed since the date of issuance of the admission card 20, the photo data at the time of issuance of the admission card 20 is automatically retrieved from the photo data file 97. Is done. Since the entrance card 20 has no monetary value, it is not necessary to provide an automatic photo data search function.
[0116]
If the admission card 20 is valid, the ticket issuance management computer 6 returns a message to that effect to the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3, and the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 displays a message prompting payment ( T9).
[0117]
In response to this, the non-member player inserts a bill into the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 and designates a prepaid amount (a balance that can be supplied; may be a frequency) by using the select button 39 ( T10, T11).
[0118]
Although omitted in FIG. 15, even when the inserted banknote is a fake bill, the digital camera 52 captures the image and adds data to the photo data file 97 of the ticket settlement management computer 6. Abnormality notification is performed by the system management computer 7. The game hall operator causes the printing unit 105 of the system management computer 7 to print photo data as necessary. It should be noted that photo data obtained by imaging due to the occurrence of an abnormality may be automatically printed.
[0119]
The game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 performs a display for re-designation when a supplyable balance greater than the amount of money inserted is designated (T12, T13).
[0120]
The game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 provides information such as the ID, issuance date, and balance of the game ball supply card 35 to be ejected when a supplyable balance equal to or less than the amount of money inserted is designated. Is obtained by the card information reading unit 56 and is transferred to the ticket issuance / accounting management computer 6, and accordingly, the ticket issuance / accounting management computer 6 updates the contents of the game ball supply card file 94 and the like (T14, T15). At this time, the inserted entrance card 20 is also collected into the entrance card collection unit 57.
[0121]
Further, the game ball supply card issuing / accounting machine 3 discharges the stored game ball supply card 35 and, if necessary, discharges change (T16), and the non-member player obtains this ( T17). When the game ball supply card issuing / accounting machine 3 is ejected, the game ball supply / accounting machine 3 takes an image with the digital camera 52 and transfers the photograph data to the ticket issuing / adjusting management computer 6. Data is added to the photo data file 97 (T18, T19).
[0122]
On the other hand, the member player inserts the member card 70 into the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 near the pachinko gaming machine 5 to play a game without obtaining the admission card 20 when entering the store. Since the device operation and player operation after inserting the membership card 70 are substantially the same as when the entrance card 20 is inserted, description thereof is omitted (the illustration of the sequence diagram is also omitted).
[0123]
If the membership card 70 is not valid, the membership card's unique ID is not recorded in the ticket settlement management computer 6, or when the membership contract period is fixed, For example, the game ball supply card 35 has already been issued on that day.
[0124]
(A-2-2) Additional payment operation
Next, the operation when increasing the supplyable balance will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.
[0125]
When the available balance decreases (or becomes 0) and the balance increases, the player inserts the gaming ball supply card 35 into the gaming ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 (T20). The game ball supply card issuing and adjusting machine 3 obtains the ID of the inserted game ball supplying card 35 by the card information reading unit 56 and transfers the ticket issuing and adjusting computer 6 (T21). The validity is confirmed with reference to the contents of the game ball supply card file 94 (T22).
[0126]
For example, when the game ball supply card 35 has no registration record left, when the game ball supply card 35 has been issued in the past instead of the current day, or any of the game ball supply command devices 5 and other games In the case where the ID is the same as the ID of the game ball supply card 35 that is installed in the ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 at that time, it is determined that the card is not valid.
[0127]
If it is not valid, the ticket issuance management computer 6 sends a message to the gaming ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 or the system management computer 7 (not shown in FIG. 16) that it is not valid. 3 displays an abnormality (when a buzzer or the like is provided, not only a visual display but also an audible notification is performed) and an image is captured by the digital camera 52, and the ticket settlement management computer 6 is built-in. The abnormality occurrence data is stored in the storage unit 91, and data is added to the photo data file 97 (T23, T24).
[0128]
In the system management computer 7 that is notified that the information is not valid, the process is omitted in FIG. 16, but the abnormality notification process is executed, and it is determined whether or not the retrieval of the photo data is necessary. For example, when the reason is not valid is the same ID as the ID of the game ball supply card 35 that is currently installed in any of the game ball supply command device 5 or other game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 If it is, all the photographic data having the ID of the game ball supply card 35 is automatically retrieved from the photo data file 97, and the game ball in which the game ball supply card 35 having the same ID is inserted. Imaging is performed by the supply command device 5 and other game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3.
[0129]
Thereby, a supervisor such as an operator or a manager of the amusement hall can recognize the illegitimate person or the illegal act by checking the retrieved photographic data or the photographic data captured this time one after another. If necessary, photo data can be printed.
[0130]
If the inserted game ball supply card 35 is valid, the ticket issuance management computer 6 returns a message to that effect and the balance so far (which may be an additional amount) to the game ball supply card issuance and settlement machine 3. (T24), the game ball supply card issuance / accounting machine 3 displays a message prompting the payment or payment indicating the balance and / or the amount that can be added (T25).
[0131]
In response to this, the player inserts banknotes into the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3, and designates the supplyable balance to be added using the selector button 39 (T26, T27). The process when a counterfeit bill is inserted is the same as described above.
[0132]
The game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 displays a display for redoing the designation when an additional amount greater than the amount of money inserted is designated, or when an additional amount exceeding the amount that can be added is designated. Perform (T28, T29).
[0133]
When a legitimate additional amount is specified, the game ball supply card settlement machine 3 issues information such as the ID of the inserted game ball supply card 35 and the updated balance (or additional amount). The settlement management computer 6 is transferred (T30), and the ticket settlement management computer 6 updates the contents (particularly the balance) of the game ball supply card file 94 and the like accordingly (T31).
[0134]
Further, the game ball supply card issuing / accounting machine 3 discharges the inserted game ball supply card 30 and, if necessary, discharges change (T32), and the player receives it (T33). .
[0135]
When the game ball supply card issuing / accounting machine 3 is ejected, the game ball supply / accounting machine 3 takes an image with the digital camera 52 and transfers the photograph data to the ticket issuing / adjusting management computer 6. Data is added to the photo data file 97 (T34, T35).
[0136]
(A-2-3) Game ball supply operation
Next, the operation when supplying (ball lending) game balls will be described with reference to the sequence diagrams of FIGS.
[0137]
When starting the game of the pachinko gaming machine 5, the player inserts the game ball supply card 35 into the game ball supply command device 4 (T40). The game ball supply command device 4 reads the ID of the inserted game ball supply card 35 and transmits it to the ticket issuing settlement management computer 6 to confirm the validity of the game ball supply card 35 (T41, T42).
[0138]
Here, for example, when the game ball supply card 35 has no issue record remaining, when the game ball supply card 35 is in the past instead of the current day, or any other game ball supply command device 4 or In the case where the ID is the same as the ID of the game ball supply card 35 already attached to the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3, it is determined that the game ball supply card is not valid.
[0139]
If it is not valid, the ticket settlement management computer 6 transmits a message to the effect that it is not valid to the game ball supply command device 4 or the system management computer 7 (not shown in FIG. 17), and the game ball supply command device 4 is inserted. The game ball supply card 35 is locked so that it cannot be carried, and an abnormality is displayed (if a buzzer or the like is provided, not only a visual display but also an audible notification is given), and a digital camera The ticket issuance management computer 6 stores the abnormality occurrence data in the built-in storage unit 91 and adds data to the photo data file 97 (T43 to T45).
[0140]
Even in this case, the system management computer 7 that has been informed that it is not valid omits the processing in FIG. 17, but performs abnormality notification processing and determines whether or not photo data search or the like is necessary. . For example, when the reason for the invalidity is the same ID as the ID of the game ball supply card 35 that is currently installed in another game ball supply command device 4 or any one of the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machines 3 If it is, all the photographic data having the ID of the game ball supply card 35 is automatically retrieved from the photo data file 97, and the game ball in which the game ball supply card 35 having the same ID is inserted. Imaging is performed by the supply command device 4 and the game ball supply card issuing / accounting machine 3.
[0141]
Thereby, a supervisor such as an operator or a manager of the amusement hall can recognize the illegitimate person or the illegal act by checking the retrieved photographic data or the photographic data captured this time one after another. If necessary, photo data can be printed.
[0142]
If the game ball supply card 35 is valid, the ticket settlement management computer 6 returns the fact and balance to the game ball supply command device 4 (T46), and the game ball supply command device 4 has a balance of 0. For example, the inserted game ball supply card 30 is discharged (T47 to T49), and if the balance is not 0, the balance is displayed on the pachinko gaming machine 5 (T50).
[0143]
Note that when the validity of the game ball supply card 35 is confirmed, the game ball supply command device 4 may take an image of the player. By taking an image before the start of the game in this way, it is possible to identify the player even when the imaging window 81a is covered and fraud (crest) is executed.
[0144]
The player confirms the balance and operates the ball lending button 78 (T51). At this time, the pachinko gaming machine 5 supplies (lends a ball) game balls for each unit, reduces the balance display every time the supply of game balls for each unit is completed, and operates the return button 79. Until the game balls for the unit set in the game ball supply command device 4 are paid out, or until the game ball lending completion signal becomes 0 (T52 to T55).
[0145]
When the supply of game balls is stopped, the game ball supply command device 4 transmits the updated balance together with the ID of the inserted game ball supply card 35 to the ticket payment adjustment management computer 6, and the ticket issue adjustment management computer 6 The balance of the game ball supply card file 94 is updated (T56, T57).
[0146]
When the balance becomes 0, the inserted game ball supply card 35 is also discharged, and the player receives it (T58 to T60).
[0147]
When the player stops the game of the pachinko gaming machine 5 that has been playing, the player operates the return button 80 (T61). At this time, the game ball supply card 35 is discharged from the game ball supply command device 4, and the player receives it (T62, T63).
[0148]
For any reason, when the game ball supply card 35 is ejected from the game ball supply command device 4, although not shown, the fact that it has been ejected is transmitted to the ticket settlement management computer 6, and the ticket settlement management is performed. The computer 6 leaves the card insertion device field in the game ball supply card file 94 blank.
[0149]
(A-2-4) Checkout operation
Next, the operation when the balance relating to the game ball supply card 35 is settled will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.
[0150]
The operation at the time of settlement is the same as the operation when increasing the balance that can be supplied up to the middle, and the description of the same part will be made briefly.
[0151]
When the player pays out the balance relating to the game ball supply card 30, the player inserts the game ball supply card 35 into the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 (T70). The game ball supply card issuing and adjusting machine 3 obtains the ID of the inserted game ball supplying card 35 by the card information reading unit 56 and transfers the ticket issuing and adjusting computer 6 (T71). The legitimacy is confirmed with reference to the contents of the game ball supply card file 94 (T72).
[0152]
If it is not valid, the ticket issuance management computer 6 sends a message indicating that the ticket is not valid to the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 or the system management computer 7. Is displayed, and the ticket issuance management computer 6 stores the abnormality occurrence data in the built-in storage unit 91 and adds data to the photo data file 97 (T73, T74).
[0153]
In the system management computer 7 that is notified of the fact that it is not valid, abnormality notification processing is executed, and it is determined whether or not photo data search or the like is necessary.
[0154]
If the inserted game ball supply card 35 is valid, the ticket issuance management computer 6 returns a message to that effect and the balance so far (which may be an additional amount) to the game ball supply card issuance and settlement machine 3. (T75), the game ball supply card issuance / accounting machine 3 displays a message prompting the payment or payment, which clearly indicates the balance and / or the additional amount that can be added (T76).
[0155]
If the balance is not 0, the player operates the checkout button 40 (note that the balance may be 0; T77). At this time, after confirming that the balance is not 0 (T78), the gaming ball supply card issuing / accounting machine 3 pays out the banknotes and coins corresponding to the balance amount, and collects the inserted gaming ball supply card 35. (T79, T80). Further, the completion of the settlement is sent to the ticket settlement management computer 6 together with the card ID. The ticket settlement management computer 6 resets the balance field of the game ball supply card file 94 to 0 or sets the card insertion device field to blank. (T81, T82).
[0156]
Note that, at the end of the settlement, the photograph data related to the card ID in the photograph data file 97 may be deleted. However, taking account of the fact that it will be used for later monitoring, erasing of photo data, etc. may be automatically performed after a predetermined time (for example, a few days) from the end of the settlement. The system management computer 7 may be erased only when a supervisor such as a game hall operator or manager instructs the system management computer 7 by manual input.
[0157]
(A-2-5) Operation when detecting light quantity sensor
Next, an operation when the light amount sensor detects an insufficient amount of light for imaging in an apparatus equipped with the light amount sensor will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.
[0158]
The player can recognize that he / she is picked up by various devices. An illegal player may block the imaging windows 16a, 52a, 81a to prevent imaging. Light quantity sensors 26, 65, 86 for detecting this are provided.
[0159]
When the light quantity sensors 26, 65, 86 detect a shortage of light quantity, the devices 2, 3, 4 equipped with the light quantity sensor issue an alarm, and if there is an apparatus ID of the own apparatus or an inserted card, The card ID and the like are transferred to the system management computer 7 (T90).
[0160]
At this time, the system management computer 7 issues an alarm, and based on the device ID, determines the device 2, 3, 4 at a position where the player can be imaged (either from behind or from the side), and the device 2, 3 and 4 are imaged (T91, T92).
[0161]
The obtained photo data (card ID field is blank) is transferred to the ticket settlement management computer 6 and the system management computer 7, and is additionally stored in the photo data file 97 in the ticket settlement management computer 6. Is stored in a reception buffer or the like in the communication processing unit 104 (T93, T94).
[0162]
The system management computer 7 checks whether any card is inserted in the device detected by the light quantity sensor (T95), and if it is inserted, gives the card ID to the ticket settlement management computer 6 and obtains this time. The ID is stored in the card ID field in the received photo data, etc., and retrieval of photo data taken in the past related to the card ID is executed (T96).
[0163]
When no card is inserted in the device detected by the light amount sensor, or when past photo data or the like is obtained by the search, the system management computer 7 issues an alarm to alert the supervisor. Then, display processing of the photograph data obtained this time and the past photograph data is performed (T97).
[0164]
(A-2-6) Operation at the time of detection of sword sensor
Next, the operation when the upside sensor of the pachinko gaming machine 5 detects the upside will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.
[0165]
The game ball supply command device 4 to which the detection signal of the upside sensor of the pachinko gaming machine 5 is given first checks whether or not the light amount sensor 86 has already detected the light amount shortage (T100). When the light quantity sensor 86 is detecting, since the process at the time of the detection of the light quantity sensor is performed, even if the upside sensor detects it, the process is left to the process.
[0166]
On the other hand, when the light quantity sensor 86 is not detecting, the game ball supply commanding device 4 takes an image with the digital camera 81 and sends the obtained photographic data and the like to the ticket issue settlement management computer 6 and the system management computer 7. The ticket settlement management computer 6 additionally stores it in the photo data file 97, and the system management computer 7 stores it in a reception buffer or the like in the communication processing unit 104 and issues an alarm (T101 to T103).
[0167]
The system management computer 7 confirms whether or not the game ball supply card 35 is inserted into the game ball supply command device 4 (T104), and if it is inserted, photograph data taken in the past related to the card ID. The search is executed (T105).
[0168]
When the game ball supply card 35 is not inserted in the game ball supply command device 4 or when past photo data or the like is obtained by the search, the system management computer 7 issues an alarm and pays attention to the supervisor. And display processing of the photograph data obtained this time and the past photograph data (T106).
[0169]
The operation when the upside sensor of the pachinko gaming machine 5 has been described has been described above, but substantially the same processing is executed when the destruction sensors 28, 67, and 88 of the various devices 2, 3, and 4 are detected.
[0170]
(A-2-7) Searching for lost or stolen cards
Next, the search operation of the game ball supply card 35 that has been forgotten to be removed from the device by the player and lost or stolen will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.
[0171]
If the player loses the game ball supply card 35 and contacts the game hall monitor, the monitor issues the game ball supply card 35 issue time and the issued game ball supply card payment. Listen to machine 3. Then, the supervisor instructs the system management computer 7 to search for photo data or the like from the input unit 102 by designating the time near the heard time and the ID of the game ball supply card issuing settlement machine 3 ( T110, T111).
[0172]
Thereby, the system management computer 7 takes out the corresponding photo data and the like from the photo data file 97 of the ticket settlement management computer 6 and displays them (T112, T113). In most cases, there are a plurality of corresponding photo data, etc., but the supervisor recognizes the photo data in which the player who has lost the game ball supply card 35 is shown, and the game related to the photo data. The ID of the ball supply card 35 is obtained, and the system management computer 7 is instructed to search in which device the game ball supply card 35 of that ID is currently inserted (including collected by payment) ( T114, T115).
[0173]
Thereby, the system management computer 7 takes out the corresponding device ID from the game ball supply card file 94 of the ticket settlement management computer 6 and displays it (T116, T117).
[0174]
The location of the game ball supply card 35 lost as described above can be specified. When the ID of the device in which the game ball supply card 35 is inserted is obtained, the device may be instructed to manually image the user.
[0175]
(A-2-8) Other operations
For example, an employee not only returns the balance money to a player who brings back a legitimate game ball supply card 30 with a remaining balance and brings the game ball supply card 35 later. Then, an operation is performed on the input unit 102 of the system management computer 7 to update the contents of the game ball supply card file 94 of the ticket issue settlement management computer 6. In this case, the person can be confirmed by operating the input unit 102 of the system management computer 7 to display the photo data.
[0176]
In addition, when the altered gaming ball supply card 35 is found and the card ID is known, the manipulation is performed on the input unit 102 of the system management computer 7 to display the photograph data. The user of the game ball supply card 35 can be recognized.
[0177]
Even when the door sensors of the various apparatuses 2, 3, and 4 detect it, it takes an image and stores photo data and the like.
[0178]
Further, even when the employee card 71 is inserted into the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3, the photograph card is taken to store the photo data and the like.
[0179]
Further, by operating the input unit 102 of the system management computer 7 to cause the game ball supply command device 4 to capture continuous images and display them in real time, and to switch the game ball supply command devices 4 to be captured one after another, etc. Keep track of employees and players.
[0180]
(A-3) Effects of the embodiment
According to the above embodiment, a digital camera is mounted on the admission card issuing machine 2, the game ball supply card issuing / accounting machine 3 and the game ball supply commanding device 4 so as to image a player or the like as necessary. Therefore, an unauthorized player can be recognized. For example, if photo data of an unauthorized player is printed and pasted on a game arcade, it will be difficult to visit and the re-offending function will be enhanced.
[0181]
Further, since each game ball supply command device 4 is equipped with a digital camera, there is almost no space that cannot be imaged, and the monitoring function is increased in this respect. Recognizing that the image is being taken makes it difficult for the player to cheat.
[0182]
Here, imaging is performed at the time of discovery of various cards that have been forged, altered, or copied, or at the time of detection of a sword sensor, a destruction sensor, or a door sensor, so that most frauds can be prevented. Of course, it is difficult to use fraudulent cards. In addition, fraud due to magnets or electromagnetic pulses can be prevented by imaging based on the detection of the eaves sensor. By imaging by the detection of the door sensor, it is possible to prevent not only the installation of the back ROM and the like, but also fraud when the door is opened.
[0183]
In addition, since imaging is performed and an alarm is issued when fraud or the like occurs, monitoring can be performed only by the monitor device (one monitor device) of the system management computer 7, and as a result, the monitor is 1 A person is enough. Further, since an alarm is issued, the display can be viewed at that time, and the burden on the supervisor can be reduced.
[0184]
Furthermore, since imaging can also be performed by manual operation, a player, an employee, etc. can be monitored as needed.
[0185]
Furthermore, since the light quantity sensor is provided in connection with the digital camera, it is possible to prevent fraud that interferes with imaging.
[0186]
In addition, since the photograph data obtained by the imaging is transferred in real time from the device that has taken the image to the ticket settlement management computer 6, the photograph data from the device that has been imaged by an unauthorized person who has noticed the imaging. Even if you try to delete them, you cannot delete them.
[0187]
According to the above embodiment, since the information on the balance that can be used is not recorded in the game ball supply card 35 necessary for supplying the game ball, the balance of the game ball supply card 35 is manipulated. There is no room for fraud.
[0188]
Further, the supply of the game balls using the game ball supply card 35 is limited to the day when the game ball supply card 30 is issued by the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3, so that the game ball supply card There is almost no time for impersonating 35.
[0189]
Furthermore, even if an illegal game ball supply card 35 is formed and inserted into the game ball supply command device 4, it is registered in the data file if it is not issued by the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3. Since there is not, supply of an unnecessary game ball can be prevented. The issuance of the game ball supply card 35 is also more secure because it requires the insertion of the entrance card 20 or the membership card 70.
[0190]
Furthermore, even if an illegal game ball supply card having the same ID as the game ball supply card 35 issued by the game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 is formed, the regular game ball supply card 35 is added to the apparatus. When it is inserted, it cannot be used, and it cannot be used when the regular game ball supply card 35 is settled. In practice, an illegal game ball supply card can be used. Hardly occurs.
[0191]
(B) Other embodiments
Also in the above description, various modified embodiments are mentioned, but further modified embodiments as exemplified below can be cited.
[0192]
The apparatus on which the digital camera is mounted is not limited to the one in the above embodiment. For example, a digital camera may be mounted on an exchange machine, a prepaid card issuing machine, a vending machine, or the like provided in a game hall. A digital camera may be provided in the pachinko gaming machine itself. In addition, a digital camera may be mounted on a device in the game room management room. In the claims, an apparatus equipped with a digital camera is called a game-related device.
[0193]
Moreover, the ticket settlement management computer 6 and the system management computer 7 may be configured by a single computer.
[0194]
Furthermore, in the above description, the power source was not mentioned, but the device equipped with the digital camera is connected to the device from the outside so that it is possible to take images even at night after the business is closed. It is preferable to provide a secondary battery that can execute imaging and communication even when the power is turned off.
[0195]
Furthermore, although the case where the gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine has been described above, it is needless to say that the gaming machine may be another gaming machine such as a slot machine.
[0196]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the game hall monitoring system of the present invention, a plurality of games that are operated by a player or a game hall employee and are provided with at least an imaging means capable of taking a still image. The related data, the image data obtained by the image of each game related device and the bibliographic data are transferred in real time and stored in a database, and the image data and / or the bibliographic data in the database are searched. Since it has an image data search device that can output, it is possible to realize a system with more enhanced monitoring functions including prevention of crimes and prevention of crimes.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a game room card system according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance image of an entrance card issuing machine 2 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an entrance card issuing machine 2 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an appearance image of the card issuing and adjusting machine 3 for supplying game balls according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine 3 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing appearance images of the game ball supply command device 4 and the pachinko gaming machine 5 of the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the game ball supply command device 4 of the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a ticket issue settlement management computer 6 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a record configuration of an admission card file 93 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a record configuration of a game ball supply card file 94 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a record configuration of a member card file 95 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a record configuration of an employee card file 96 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a record configuration of a photo data file 97 of the embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a system management computer 7 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation upon entering a store according to the embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram illustrating an additional deposit operation according to the embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram (1) illustrating an operation at the time of supply of a game ball of the embodiment.
FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram (2) illustrating an operation at the time of supply of a game ball according to the embodiment.
FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram illustrating an adjustment operation according to the embodiment.
FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation when a light amount sensor is detected according to the embodiment.
FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation when detecting the upside-down sensor according to the embodiment.
FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram illustrating a search operation for a lost or stolen card according to the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game hall card system, 2 ... Admission card issuing machine, 3 ... Game ball supply card issuing / settlement machine, 4 ... Game ball supply command device, 5 ... Pachinko gaming machine, 6 ... Ticket-settlement management computer, 7 ... System management Computer, 16, 52, 81 ... digital camera, 35 ... game ball supply card, 97 ... photo data file.

Claims (3)

A plurality of game-related devices that are operated by a player or a game hall employee and provided with an imaging means capable of capturing at least a still image;
Database means for storing image data and bibliographic data obtained by imaging each game-related device in real time, creating a database, and
An image data search device capable of searching and outputting image data and / or bibliographic data in the database means;
The game-related device performs predetermined processing by inserting a valid card, and the bibliographic data related to the image data includes the identification information of the card inserted at the time of imaging,
The image data retrieval device
It manages the identification information of cards inserted in game-related equipment,
An input means for an operator to input information;
Search activation means for causing the image data search device to search for image data corresponding to information input by the input means from among the image data stored in the database means;
Card identification information extraction means for extracting, from the database means, card identification information associated with the image data selected and input by the input means from among the searched image data;
Gaming facility monitoring system and having a data erasing means for erasing the image data and bibliographic data predetermined erasure condition is satisfied from the database means. 2. The game hall monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the image data search device includes an instruction unit that instructs the imaging unit of the game-related device to perform imaging. 3. The game hall monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the bibliographic data related to the image data includes cause information for starting imaging.

Images