Peripheral device of gaming machine, server, and game system

Abstract

A peripheral device of a gaming machine includes an imaging unit, a memory, and a processor. The imaging unit images a human face and generates an imaging signal. The memory stores therein a reference distance data item relating to a distance from the imaging unit to an imaging object. The processor operates to measure the distance to generate a distance data item, and to correct the imaging signal generated by the imaging unit, based on a measured distance data item thus generated at a time of generation of the imaging signal and the reference distance data item stored in the memory.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-247249, filed on Sep. 12, 2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to a peripheral device of a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, a pachi-slot gaming machine and the like, to a server connected to the peripheral device, and also to a game system including the peripheral device and the server. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] A game medium lending device is provided in relation to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, a pachi-slot gaming machine, a slot machine and the like. Upon receiving a lending command, the game medium lending device lends a game medium, such as a gaming ball, a coin and the like, based on a credit. More specifically, the game medium ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a peripheral device and server for a gaming machine that can accurately authenticate a player's face through a game arcade. The invention takes into account the environmental factors that can affect the accuracy of the face image, such as the distance between the imaging unit and the person's face, the lighting in the arcade, and the posture of the person. By measuring the distance and correcting the imaging signal accordingly, the invention ensures that a good face image can be obtained even in a game arcade.

Problems solved by technology

In a face authentication, however, there is great environmental influence on accuracy of an imaged picture because an imaging object is relatively large.

Therefore, a good face image may not be obtained in a game arcade.

Moreover, a posture of an imaged person, for example, a player, largely affects accuracy of a face image.

For example, if an imaged person sits on a chair with a small backrest, sits leaning forward, or sits leaning back, a good face image can not be obtained.

Like this, it is not easy to obtain a good face image in a game arcade.

This may cause an improper situation that a player is not authenticated though he / she is actually an authenticatable person.

If a threshold value for authentication is lowered for the purpose of avoiding such an improper situation, it becomes more likely that an actually unauthenticatable person is authenticated.

Images