Game system

Abstract

This invention provides a game system capable of identifying which player placed which stack of game coins placed in the same placement area by multiple players. The game system of this invention comprises: a game table (2) having a placement area (6) with multiple types of placement objects arranged thereon; a camera (10) for capturing images of the game table (2) and generating captured images; and an information processing device (12) for determining which placement object (7) a stack (80) of game coins (8) is placed on based on the captured images and based on the position of the stack (80) of game coins (8) in the captured images; when multiple stacks (80) of game coins (88) are placed in the same placement area (6), the information processing device (12) determines, based on the captured images (11), which stack (80) is the stack (80) of the main player 3m and which stack (80) is the stack (80) of the subsequent player 3b.

Description

[0001] Divisional application This application is a divisional application of the patent application filed on November 10, 2020, with application number 202011245410.4 and invention title "Game System". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a game system for playing a game by placing game coins on any one of a variety of objects arranged on a table. Background Technology

[0003] Previously, there was a known system in which, on a table where a game is played by placing game coins on any of the objects arranged on the table, a camera is used to photograph the game coins on the table and acquire the captured image. The captured image is then analyzed by an image analysis device to determine the object on which the game coins were placed, as well as the type and number of game coins, thereby determining which object on which the game coins were placed and how many game coins were placed.

[0004] This table has multiple player positions to allow multiple players to play simultaneously. Each player position has a placement area. Each placement area has various placement objects. Players place their game coins into the designated placement object by placing them on any of the various placement objects within their assigned placement area. It should be noted that when multiple game coins are placed into a placement object, they are stacked to form a pile.

[0005] Therefore, by dividing the placement area at each player's position and setting up an image analysis device, it becomes possible to determine which placement object and how much game currency was placed at each player's position. For example, on a table used for a card game, each player's position has at least two placement objects: "Player" and "Banker." By analyzing the captured images, the game system can determine whether the player at each position placed a "Player" or a "Banker," and thus determine the amount placed (e.g., Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-149155).

[0006] Building upon this system, a further player identification system is used to determine which player placed how many game coins on which placement object. Additionally, a game outcome determination system is used to determine which player placed how many game coins, how many game coins were repaid, and how many game coins were taken back.

[0007] Even when multiple player seats are set up at a table, it doesn't mean a player can't play the game unless they are seated in one of the seats. Specifically, when all player seats at a table are occupied, a player not currently seated can participate by placing their game currency in the placement area allocated to the player currently seated (hereinafter referred to as the "main player"). This situation, where a player not currently seated places any item in the placement area allocated to the player currently seated, is called "post-placement," and the player who performs the post-placement is called the "post-placement player."

[0008] This delayed placement results in multiple players placing game coins on the same or different placement areas within the same area. Consequently, multiple stacks of game coins exist on the same object or on different objects within the same area. In the existing system, it is difficult to determine which stack belongs to the primary player and which belongs to the player who placed the coins later. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, the present invention provides a game system capable of determining which player placed which stack of game coins placed by multiple players in the same placement area.

[0010] One embodiment of the game system of the present invention comprises: a table having a placement area with various placement objects arranged thereon; a camera that captures images of the table and generates captured images; and an information processing device that, based on the captured images and the position of stacks of game coins within the captured images, determines which placement object a stack belongs to; when multiple stacks of game coins are placed in the same placement area, the information processing device, based on the captured images, determines which stack belongs to the main player and which stack belongs to the player who placed the coins later.

[0011] According to this structure, even when multiple stacks of game coins are placed in the same placement area, it is possible to determine which stack belongs to the main player and which stack belongs to the player who placed the coins later.

[0012] In the aforementioned game system, the information processing device can determine, based on the relative positions of the multiple stacks placed in the same area, which stack belongs to the main player and which stack belongs to the player who placed it later.

[0013] According to this structure, even if multiple stacks of game coins are placed in the same area, it is possible to determine which stack belongs to the main player and which belongs to the player who placed them later, based on their relative positions. For example, if the casino sets a rule that the later player places the coins to the right of the main player, it can be determined that the stack placed on the left is the main player's stack, and the stack placed on the right is the later player's stack.

[0014] In the aforementioned game system, the information processing device can determine, based on the positional relationship between the stack and the object on which the stack is placed, which stack belongs to the main player and which stack belongs to the player who placed it later.

[0015] Based on this structure, it is possible to determine which player's stack belongs to a player based on its position within the placement object. For example, in a game where the casino sets the main placement to be in the center and left of the placement object, and the subsequent placement to be in the right, the stack placed in the center and left of the placement object can be identified as the main player's stack, and the stack placed in the right of the placement object as the subsequent player's stack. Furthermore, even if the subsequent player does not place any stacks, and only the main player's stack exists within the placement object, it is still possible to determine the main player's stack based on its position.

[0016] In the aforementioned game system, the camera can capture images of players placing stacks of game coins. The information processing device can identify each player placing multiple stacks in the same placement area within the captured images, and based on the identification results, determine which stack belongs to the main player and which stack belongs to the player who placed the coins later.

[0017] Based on this structure, it is possible to identify the player who placed the stack, then determine which player is the main player and which player is the next player to place the stack, and further determine which stack belongs to the main player and which stack belongs to the next player to place the stack.

[0018] In the aforementioned game system, the information processing device can identify, in the captured image, a part of the body or a part of clothing of each player placing multiple stacks in the same placement area, and based on the identification result of the part of the body or the part of clothing, determine which stack belongs to the main player and which stack belongs to the player who placed it later.

[0019] According to this structure, even if the casino does not set rules for the placement of stacks, and players freely place stacks on the designated objects to play the game, it is possible to determine which stack belongs to which player based on the body or clothing part identified from the captured image.

[0020] In the aforementioned game system, the information processing device can determine which player's body part or clothing part belongs to, and based on the determination result, determine which stack belongs to the main player and which stack belongs to the player who placed the item later.

[0021] Based on this structure, by identifying which part of the body or clothing belongs to which player, it is possible to determine which stack that part of the body or clothing is placed on.

[0022] In the aforementioned game system, the information processing device can determine the orientation of the identified body part or clothing part, and based on the determination result, determine which stack belongs to the main player and which stack belongs to the player who placed the item later.

[0023] According to this structure, even in cases where it is difficult to identify the faces of the main player and the player who placed the next player, or where it is difficult to identify a part of the body or clothing, it is possible to determine which stack belongs to which player based on the direction in which a part of the body or clothing of the stack is placed.

[0024] In the aforementioned game system, the information processing device can determine, based on the captured image, whether multiple stacks placed in the same area belong to the same player.

[0025] Based on this structure, for example, even when a player places multiple stacks due to a large placement amount, or when multiple players place stacks separately, it is possible to determine which stack belongs to which player.

[0026] In the aforementioned game system, the information processing device can determine whether the multiple stacks belong to the same player based on the distance between them.

[0027] Based on this structure, for example, it is possible to make the following determination: if the stacks are close to each other, then these stacks are stacks placed by the same player; therefore, if the stacks are far apart, then these stacks are stacks placed by multiple players.

[0028] In the aforementioned game system, the information processing device can determine, based on multiple captured images acquired in a time sequence, which stack belongs to the main player and which stack belongs to the player who placed the image later.

[0029] Based on this structure, it is possible not only to distinguish which stack belongs to which player from a single captured image, but also from multiple images acquired in a time sequence, such as similar images.

[0030] In the aforementioned game system, the information processing device can determine, based on the order in which multiple stacks placed in the same area are placed, which stack belongs to the main player and which stack belongs to the player who placed it later. Based on this structure, for example, if the casino side sets a rule that the main player places the stack first and the subsequent players place their stacks later, it can be determined that the stack placed first belongs to the main player, and the stack placed later belongs to the player who placed it later.

[0031] The effects of the invention According to the present invention, even when multiple stacks of game coins are placed in the same placement area, it is possible to determine which stack belongs to the main player and which stack belongs to the player who placed the coins later. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a game system according to a first example of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a diagram representing a first example of an image captured by a camera capturing the placement area; Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a portion of an image captured by a camera positioned directly above the game table; Figure 4 This is a diagram representing a second example of an image captured by a camera capturing the placement area; Figure 5 This is a diagram representing a third example of an image captured by a camera capturing the placement area; Figure 6 This is a diagram representing a fourth example of an image captured by a camera capturing the placement area; Figure 7 This is a diagram representing a fifth example of an image captured by a camera capturing the placement area; Figure 8 This is a diagram representing the captured image of the sixth example, generated by taking a picture of the placement area using a camera; Figure 9 This is a diagram representing the captured image of the seventh example, generated by taking a picture of the placement area using a camera; Figure 10 It is a diagram representing six images acquired in a time sequence; Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a game system according to a second example of an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The game system according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, although a game system for a card game is described as an example, it is not intended to limit the invention by means of this embodiment. Furthermore, the constituent elements in the following embodiments include constituent elements readily conceived by those skilled in the art or substantially the same constituent elements.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a game system according to a first example of an embodiment of the present invention. The game system 1 includes a generally elliptical game table 2. The main player 3m and the second-placed player 3b (hereinafter, the main player 3m and the second-placed player 3b are collectively referred to as "player 3") are located on one side of the game table 2. Figure 1 The dealer (not shown) is located on the opposite side. On the upper surface of the game table 2, multiple placement areas 6a-6f (hereinafter collectively referred to as "placement areas 6") are divided in a manner corresponding to each of the multiple player positions. Furthermore, various placement objects are arranged in placement areas 6. Each placement area 6 has a player pair area 7a, a banker pair area 7b, a tie area 7c, a player win area 7d, and a banker win area 7e, which serve as placement objects 7. The main player 3m and the second player 3b participate in the game by placing a coin 8 on any of the placement objects 7 arranged in placement areas 6. One or more coins 8 can be placed. When multiple coins 8 are placed, they are stacked to form one or more mountain-like structures of coins 8. Hereinafter, this mountain of coins 8 is referred to as a stack 80. A stack 80 can also consist of a single coin 8.

[0035] The game system 1 includes a camera 10, which captures images of the placement area 6 and generates captured images 11. Furthermore, the game system 1 includes an information processing device 12, which, based on the captured images 11, determines whether the stack 80 belongs to the main player 3m (hereinafter referred to as "main placement") or to the subsequent player 3b (hereinafter referred to as "subsequent placement"). Alternatively, the information processing device 12 may determine the position of the stack 80 of game coins 8 placed on the placement object 7 without determining whether it is a main or subsequent placement.

[0036] It should be noted that, for convenience, in the explanation, Figure 1The diagram shows four cameras 10a-10d, but the number or position of cameras 10 can be any number or position, as long as they can adequately capture the placement area 6 and the stack 80 placed in the placement area 6. Camera 10b captures images of the placement area 6 of the game table 2 and the game coins 8 placed in the placement area 6 from directly above the game table 2. Although only the surface of the top game coin 8 of the stack 80 can be observed in the image from camera 10b, the position of the stack 80 can be easily determined using the images from the other cameras 10.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a first example captured image 11a generated by camera 10 capturing an image of the placement area 6. Wherein, using... Figure 2 The method for the information processing device 12 to identify stack 80 is explained. Figure 2 The captured image 11a shown is composed of multiple pixels arranged in two-dimensional coordinates.

[0038] As a prerequisite, coin 8 is at least partially colored. This color can form a layer on coin 8, can be applied to the circumference of the sides of coin 8, or can be applied to the surface of coin 8 as a designated mark. Figure 2 The illustration shows an example of color applied to the circumference of the side of coin 8. This color indicates the type (value) of coin 8. That is, coin 8 is colored according to its type (value).

[0039] The information processing device 12 uses a neural network that has been trained to detect the stack 80 to detect the stack 80 from within the image. Specifically, the information processing device 12 detects (object detection) the rectangular region 9 (bounding box) of the stack 80 from within the image, or extracts (region division) the region of the stack 80 (hereinafter referred to as the "stack region").

[0040] Furthermore, the information processing device 12 extracts and records the areas where partial color has been applied, and determines the type of each game coin 8 based on the detected partial color applied to each of the game coins 8 included in the stack 80. In this determination, template matching or machine learning methods such as neural networks can be used. Alternatively, two of these methods can be used in combination, or they can be used separately for phased determination.

[0041] Furthermore, the information processing device 12 can identify the type of stack 80 or the game coins 8 forming the stack 80 by measuring image features such as shape, brightness, saturation, and hue, based on the results of image analysis of the captured image 11 without using an artificial intelligence device.

[0042] Next, the method for identifying which placement object 7 the stack 80 is placed on will be explained. Figure 3This is a partial image captured by camera 10b directly above game table 2. In this image, the topmost game coin 8 of the stack 80 appears circular upon observation. The information processing device 12 defines a two-dimensional grid for this image, and for each grid, defines which placement object 7 it corresponds to. The information processing device 12 detects the stack 80 based on the image, determines which grid the detected stack 80 (specifically, the center of the topmost game coin 8 of the stack 80) is located on, and thus determines which placement object 7 the stack 80 is placed on. Alternatively, it can be based on... Figure 3 The captured image shows which grid the stack 80 is located on, and thus determine the position of the stack 80 within the placement object 7.

[0043] Information processing device 12 based on Figure 2 When determining which placement object 7 the stack 80 is placed on using the captured image 11a shown, the following method is used. That is, as shown... Figure 2 As shown in the captured image 11a, when using a captured image obtained from an obliquely upward position, the information processing device 12 determines the position where the stack 80 is placed (i.e., the position of the object 7 or the position within the object 7) based on the coordinate value of the pixel at the center of the bottom edge of the detected rectangular area 9 or the lowest point at the center of the maximum width of the left and right sides of the extracted stack area (i.e., the position within the captured image).

[0044] Or, in such Figure 2 When determining the position of the stack 80 (i.e., the placement object 7 or its location within the placement object 7) based on the captured image 11a, the information processing device 12 determines that the stack 80 exists at the coordinates of the center of the color applied in the circumferential direction on the side of the bottommost coin 8. Alternatively, the overall shape of the coin 8 can be inferred from the arc shape of the color applied in the circumferential direction, thereby determining the position of the stack 80 by determining the coordinates of the center of the coin 8.

[0045] The information processing device 12 can store which coordinates correspond to which placement object 7, and compare the stored information with the coordinates representing the center of the game coin 8 determined based on the captured image 11a to identify which placement object 7 the stack 80 is placed on. It should be noted that, for the placement object 7, the information processing device 12 can also use machine learning modes such as neural networks to detect or extract each placement object 7 from the captured image and determine the placement object 7 on which the stack 80 is placed.

[0046] Furthermore, the information processing device 12 can identify the number of game coins 8 in the stack 80 while simultaneously identifying the center of the topmost game coin, and based on this, infer the position of the center of the bottommost game coin in the stack 80, and use this as the position of the stack 80. In this case, the information processing device 12 calculates the position of the right angle of a right triangle as the position of the bottommost game coin 8, that is, the position of the stack 80, wherein the right triangle has an inclination of the hypotenuse as the line segment connecting the camera 10 to the center of the topmost game coin, has a height calculated based on the number of game coins 8, and is a right triangle stack with its base set on the table.

[0047] The information processing device 12 converts the coordinates of each pixel in the image acquired from the camera 10 into a desktop coordinate system set on the desktop. This conversion formula is determined by the relationship between the position and orientation of the desktop and the camera 10, and can be known as long as the camera 10 is fixed. The positions of the stack 80 identified in the respective images of the multiple cameras 10 are converted into the desktop coordinate system, thereby enabling the processing of the stack 80 captured by the multiple cameras 10 together.

[0048] The information processing device 12 has a chart of placement objects corresponding to the desktop coordinate system. The information processing device 12 maps the position (coordinates) of the stack 80, which is converted to the desktop coordinate system, to a map (first map) on which the placement objects 7 are set, thereby determining which placement object 7 the stack 80 is located on.

[0049] The information processing device 12 also has a map (second map) in which a portion of the placed objects (e.g., the relatively large tie area 7c, player win area 7d, and banker win area 7e) are further divided into multiple smaller areas. The information processing device 12 maps the position (coordinates) of the stack, converted to a desktop coordinate system, onto the second map to determine which smaller area of ​​the placed object 7 the stack 80 is located in. For example, such a second map can be used by dividing the tie area 7c into three smaller areas along its length and defining three smaller areas, and dividing the player win area 7d and the banker win area 7e into four smaller areas each.

[0050] When converting the positions of stacks 80 acquired by multiple cameras 10 to a desktop coordinate system, errors may occur during the conversion. These errors arise from camera 10 pose or position offsets, incorrect coordinate transformations, or errors in the identified positions of the stacks 80. When the positions of the same stack 80 captured by multiple cameras 10 are converted to a desktop coordinate system, in the case of position offsets, the median can be considered the coordinate of the stack 80. Furthermore, when multiple cameras 10 capture stacks 80 separately, if the distance between them in the desktop coordinate system is below a predetermined threshold, the information processing device 12 can consider these stacks 80 as the same stack; if the distance between the stacks 80 is greater than the predetermined threshold, they are identified as two different stacks.

[0051] It should be noted that in the above example, the information processing device 12 determines which object or small area the stack 80 is placed in by converting all the positions of the stack 80 obtained by the multiple cameras 10 into the same desktop coordinate system. Alternatively, a map with each object or small area set can be pre-configured in the images 11 captured by each camera 10 without coordinate transformation. Instead, the position of the stack 80 identified in the images 11 captured by each camera can be mapped to the map to determine which object or small area the stack 80 is located in.

[0052] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a second example captured image 11b generated by camera 10 capturing an image of placement area 6. A portion of placement area 6a and a portion of placement area 6b are illustrated in captured image 11b. Figure 1 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 This will explain the specific determination method of the information processing device 12.

[0053] Figure 4 In the placement area 6a, there are two stacks 80a and 80b. Stack 80a is placed in the tie area 7c, and stack 80b is placed in the player's win area 7d. Now, the casino has set a rule that the last stack is placed to the right of the trump stack when the player is facing the dealer. The game is played based on this rule, and a captured image 11b is generated. In this case, based on the captured image 11b, the information processing device 12 determines that stack 80b placed in the player's win area 7d is placed on the left, and stack 80a placed in the tie area 7c is placed further to the right than stack 80b. Therefore, based on the above rule, stack 80b is determined to be the trump stack, and stack 80a is the last stack.

[0054] Based on the above rules, even if multiple stacks of 80 are placed in the same placement area 6 because the main player 3m and the subsequent player 3b are both in the same placement area 6, it can still be determined whether each stack of 80 is the main placement or the subsequent placement. Furthermore, the casino can also set a rule where the main placement is placed in the center and slightly to the left of the placement object 7, and the subsequent placement is placed at the right end of the placement object 7.

[0055] Based on the above rules, the following determination can be made: if the player who placed the item 3b does not place any items, and only the main player 3m places one or more stacks 80, which exist within the placement object 7, then the stack 80 can be determined to be the stack of the main player 3m; and if the main player 3m does not place any items, and only the player who placed the item 3b places one or more stacks 80, which exist within the placement object 7, then the stack 80 can be determined to be the stack of the player who placed the item 3b.

[0056] It should be noted that only two examples of casino-side rules have been listed in the explanation, but these rules are not mandatory. As long as the rules can distinguish between the second player 3b and the main player 3m, the casino-side rules can be any rules.

[0057] Figure 5 This is a diagram representing a third example captured image 11c generated by camera 10 capturing images of placement area 6. In captured image 11c, based on captured image 11b, a portion of the main player 3m's hand and arm, and even a portion of the sleeve of their clothing (hereinafter referred to as "arm 15a"), and a portion of the hand and arm, and even a portion of the sleeve of the clothing of the subsequent player 3b (hereinafter referred to as "arm 15b") are also shown (hereinafter, collectively, arms 15a and arm 15b are referred to as "arm 15"). The information processing device 12 is capable of recognizing the structure of the arms 15 in captured image 11c. Furthermore, the information processing device 12 is able to determine whether each arm 15 belongs to the main player 3m or the subsequent player 3b. Based on this determination, the information processing device 12 determines whether each stack 80 placed in placement area 6 belongs to the main player 3m or the subsequent player 3b.

[0058] Here, the method for the information processing device 12 to identify the arm 15 will be described. The method for identifying the area of ​​the arm 15 from the captured image 11c is basically the same as the area extraction method for the game coin 8 described above. When identifying the game coin 8, the specific color attached to the game coin 8 is used as a reference, and when identifying the arm 15, the color or pattern of the clothing and the color of the arm are used as references.

[0059] The information processing device 12 pre-captures images of each player's arm 15 and stores these images in association with information used to identify the player. The information processing device 12 then uses the player identification system described later to identify the main player 3m and the subsequent player 3b. Furthermore, when identifying the first arm 15 in the captured image 11c, the information processing device 12 determines which pre-stored arm 15 corresponds to, thereby determining whether the arm 15 belongs to the main player 3m (arm 15a) or the subsequent player 3b (arm 15b).

[0060] In addition, the information processing device 12 can identify the arm 15 in the captured image 11c, and based on the direction of the identified arm 15, determine whether the arm 15 belongs to the main player 3m or the arm of the player 3b placed later.

[0061] Figure 6 This is a diagram representing a fourth example of an image 11d captured by camera 10 photographing the placement area 6. Figure 6 The method for determining the direction of the arms will be explained. Image 11d shows the arms 15 of the main player 3m and the subsequent player 3b. The information processing device 12 first determines the front end 14 and the rear end 16 of the arm 15 and connects these two points with a straight line 17. Then, it connects this straight line 17 with a straight line 18 that extends horizontally through the front end 14. The angle 19 formed by these two straight lines 17 and 18 is used as the reference for determining player 3.

[0062] In the game, the player placed later, 3b, plays while standing. Therefore, when placed, their arm 15b extends towards the game table 2 from a high angle. On the other hand, the main player, 3m, plays while seated. Therefore, when placed, their arm 15a extends towards the game table 2 from a low angle.

[0063] That is, the information processing device 12 determines that the arm 15 with the smaller angle 19 obtained by the above method is the arm 15a of the main player 3m, and the arm 15 with the larger angle 19 is the arm 15b of the player 3b placed behind. Furthermore, it can also be determined based on other methods.

[0064] It should be noted that, at the time of this explanation, the information processing device 12 identifies the arm 15 in the captured image 11d, but the object of identification does not have to be the player 3's arm 15. It can be any part of the body or clothing, or any part other than the arm.

[0065] As an example of identifying a part of the body other than an arm, it is also possible to capture a scene where the body of player 3 is included in the captured image 11. In this case, the body of the main player 3m sitting in the chair is identified, and then the arm 15 extending from that body is identified. Furthermore, the stack 80 on which the arm 15 is placed is identified, and it is determined that the stack 80 belongs to the main player 3m. The same method is used to determine the subsequent player 3b.

[0066] In the game, when player 3 places game coin 8, there is a possibility that player 3 divides game coin 8 into multiple stacks 80 and places them. Even in such a case, the game system 1 of this embodiment can determine whether the multiple stacks 80 belong to the same player 3. Hereinafter, using... Figure 7 To explain.

[0067] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a fifth example captured image 11e generated by camera 10 capturing images of placement area 6. Image 11e illustrates a portion of placement areas 6a and 6b. In placement area 6, there are two stacks 80c and 80d, which are placed in area 7c. Based on image 11e, information processing device 12 determines the distances between multiple stacks 80c and 80d placed on the same placement object 7. This distance can be the distance within image 11e, or it can be a distance converted from the distance in image 11e to the distance in actual space. Furthermore, based on the obtained distances, information processing device 12 determines whether the multiple stacks 80c and 80d belong to the same player 3.

[0068] Figure 8 This is a diagram representing a sixth example of an image 11f captured by camera 10 of the placement area 6. Figure 7 and Figure 8 This explains the specific determination method. Figure 7 In this case, two stacks 80c and 80d are placed close together. The information processing device 12 determines that the distance between stacks 80c and 80d is less than a predetermined threshold, and therefore determines that these two stacks 80c and 80d belong to the same player 3. On the other hand, in... Figure 8 In the sixth example of the captured image 11f, two stacks 80 are placed far apart. In this case, the information processing device 12 determines that the distance between stacks 80e and 80f is greater than a predetermined threshold, and determines that the two stacks 80e and 80f belong to different players 3. That is, the information processing device 12 determines whether multiple stacks 80 belong to the same player 3 based on the distance between them. The distance between the stacks 80 used as the basis for the determination by the information processing device 12 can be any distance.

[0069] Figure 9This is a diagram representing the seventh example of an image 11g captured by camera 10 of the placement area 6. Figure 9 The method for determining the case where three stacks of 80 are placed in the same placement object 7 is explained. Figure 9 In the game, three stacks are placed in the draw area 7c. Stacks 80g and 80h are placed close together, while stack 80i is placed further apart. In this case, the information processing device 12 uses the distance between stacks 80g and 80h, or the distance between stacks 80h and 80i, as a determination criterion. That is, the information processing device 12 determines that stacks 80g and 80h are stacks placed by one player 3, and stack 80i is a stack placed by the other player 3. The distance used as the determination criterion by the information processing device 12 can be any distance.

[0070] It should be noted that, although in Figure 7 and Figure 8 The following explanation uses two stacks of 80 as an example. Figure 9 The example used is three stacks of 80, but stacks of 80 can also be four or more.

[0071] The information processing device 12 described above determines whether multiple stacks 80 are placed as the main stack or the secondary stack based on a single captured image. However, the information processing device 12 can also make the determination based on multiple captured images. The camera 10 of the game system 1 captures images of the placement area 6 at fixed intervals and generates captured images. These captured images can be acquired in a time sequence. Therefore, when multiple stacks 80 are placed in the same placement area 6, the information processing device 12 can determine whether the multiple stacks 80 belong to the same player 3 based on multiple captured images acquired in a time sequence.

[0072] Figure 10 This diagram represents six images (11h1-11h6) acquired in chronological order, from 1 to 6. Figure 10 The specific determination method based on multiple captured images is explained below. Captured images 11h1 and 11h2 show the state where the first player 3 intends to place multiple game coins 8 in the placement area 6. Captured image 11h3 shows the state where the first player 3 places multiple game coins 8 in the dealer pair area 7b of the placement area 6, thus placing the dealer pair area 7b. Captured images 11h4 and 11h5 show the state where the second player 3 intends to place multiple game coins 8 in the placement area 6. Captured image 11h6 shows the state where the second player 3 places multiple game coins 8 in the tie area 7c of the placement area 6, thus placing the tie area 7c. In addition, captured image 11h6 shows a stack 80 created by the first player 3's placement and a stack 80 created by the second player 3's placement, with multiple stacks 80 existing in the same placement area 6.

[0073] For example, if the game is played according to the rule that the next player places the tokens after the main player places them, and six images 11h1 to 11h6 are obtained, the information processing device 12 determines that the tokens 8 placed by the first player 3 belong to the stack 80 of the main player 3m, and the tokens 8 placed by the second player 3 belong to the stack 80 of the next player 3b.

[0074] It should be noted that while one rule was listed in the explanation, the rules set by the casino side can be any rule as long as they can distinguish between the second player 3b and the main player 3m.

[0075] It should be noted that there are cases where the main player 3m and the subsequent player 3b each place multiple stacks 80. In this case, if the order is simply considered, the second stack 80 placed by the main player 3m would be mistaken for a stack placed by the subsequent player 3b. Therefore, in order to determine whether subsequent stacks 80 are placed by the main player 3m or by the subsequent player 3b, the information processing device 12 can make the determination in the following manner.

[0076] Camera 10 continuously captures multiple images and provides the time-series captured images 11 to information processing device 12. If, after the initial stack 80 is placed, other stacks 80 are placed within a specified time (e.g., within 2 seconds), the information processing device 12 determines that these stacks 80 were placed by the same player. Thus, for example, if three stacks 80 exist in the same placement area 6, it can be determined whether the second stack 80 was placed by the main player 3m or by the subsequent player 3b.

[0077] It should be noted that even if multiple stacks 80 exist in the same placement area 6, it is possible that all of these stacks were placed by the main player 3m. In this case, if the second stack 80 is placed within a specified time after the first stack 80 is placed, the information processing device 12 can identify that the first and second stacks were placed by the same player; similarly, if the third stack is placed within a specified time after the second stack is placed, the information processing device 12 can identify that the second and third stacks were placed by the same player.

[0078] Furthermore, when multiple stacks 80 exist in the same placement area 6, the information processing device 12 can determine whether these stacks 80 were placed by the same player based on the amount and number of game coins 8 in each stack 80. For example, if there is a stack 80 with 10 game coins of 10,000 points each (totaling 100,000 points) and a stack 80 with 2 game coins of 1,000 points each, it can be determined that these stacks were placed by different players. The reason is that a player who has placed 100,000 points is unlikely to think of placing another 1,000 points to total 101,000 points. It should be noted that in this case, the information processing device 12 can identify the stack 80 with the larger amount as the stack placed by the main player.

[0079] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a game system 20 according to a second example of an embodiment of the present invention. The second example game system 20 is compared to the first example game system 1 (see...). Figure 1 In addition to the above, it also includes: a player determination system 21, which determines the main player 3m; a database 22, which stores information about player 3 and game coins 8 in association; and an update device 23, which stores information about the game coins 80 determined to be the main player 3m and the player 3 determined to be the main player 3m in the database 22.

[0080] Based on the above structure, at least the main player's 3m game currency 8 can be managed through database 22. Furthermore, the player determination system 21 can be a structure for determining and placing player 3b after the player is identified.

[0081] The player identification system 21 includes an image recognition system 24 consisting of a camera 10 and an image recognition device, and a card authentication system 25 consisting of a card and a card reader, but may also include either one of them.

[0082] Camera 10 captures the face of player 3 and outputs the resulting image to an image recognition device. The image recognition device has a facial recognition engine that learns from the facial images of multiple pre-registered players 3 (hereinafter referred to as "members"). The image recognition device inputs the image from camera 10 into the neural network to determine which registered member's face the input facial image belongs to. It should be noted that if the image from camera 10 determines that the face does not belong to any registered member, the image recognition device outputs the result as a non-member's face image.

[0083] In addition, camera 10 can capture parts of player 3 other than their face, such as information about player 3's clothing or body features, or structures associated with player 3's facial information.

[0084] The card reader scans the membership card handed to the dealer by player 3, retrieving the information stored on the membership card. The membership card is a magnetic stripe containing at least player 3's (the member's) user ID. When the dealer holds the membership card for player 3, they scan the card and input the player's current game position (hereinafter referred to as "player position") into the card reader. The card reader outputs the user ID read from the membership card and the area ID of the player position input by the dealer.

[0085] It should be noted that this can be configured to associate the membership card information with each player as either the main player 3m or the subsequent player 3b.

[0086] It should be noted that in the player identification system 21, either player identification via facial recognition or player identification via membership card reading can be performed. That is, when a registered member is seated at a player's location, player identification via membership card is not mandatory; in this case, player identification via facial recognition alone is sufficient. Furthermore, even if a clear image of player 3's face is not available for facial recognition, player identification via membership card is possible. Therefore, player identification can be performed via either facial recognition or membership card.

[0087] The information about Game Coin 8 can be its value, identification information, or something else. By possessing such information, it is possible to determine which player 3 received how much Game Coin 8 in repayment, how much Game Coin 8 the dealer reclaimed, and consequently, how much Game Coin 8 each player 3 holds as a result of these repayments or reclamations (holding amount).

[0088] It should be noted that although the game system described above is assumed to be used in a certain card game, it can also be used in other card games.

[0089] Based on the above implementation methods, the following content is disclosed.

[0090] (Supplement 1) A game system that has: A table, which has a layout with various placement areas for different objects; A camera that captures images of the table and generates captured images; and An information processing device, based on the captured image and the position of the stack of game coins within the captured image, determines which placement object the stack belongs to. The information processing device also determines which of the multiple small areas within the placement object the stack is located in.

[0091] (Supplement 2) A game system that has: A table, which has a layout with various placement areas for different objects; A camera that captures images of the table and generates captured images; and An information processing device, based on the captured image and the position of the stack of game coins within the captured image, determines which placement object the stack belongs to. The information processing device is configured to have a map defining the placement object in a desktop coordinate system set on the desktop, convert the position of the stack in the captured image into the desktop coordinate system, and map the converted position onto the chart, thereby determining which placement object the stack is placed on.

[0092] Symbol explanation: 1. Game System 2 Game Table 3 players 3m Main Player 3b Place the player after 6. Placement area 7. Place objects 7a Idle Player Pair Zone 7b Banker Pair Zone 7c and local area 7D Player Wins Area 7e Banker Winning Area 8 game coins 80 stacks 10 cameras 11. Take pictures 12 Information processing devices 15 arms 15a Main Player's Arm 15b Place the player's arm afterward. 20 Game System 21 Player Confirmation System 22 Databases 23. Update device.

Claims

1. A game system for determining the placement of game coins on a game table, wherein each of the multiple player positions on the game table has a placement area with various placement object areas. The game system has the following features: The main player determination agency associates the player identified through facial recognition with the player's location to determine the player as the main player at that location; The placement determination mechanism determines which placement area of ​​one or more game coins is placed in the player's location associated with the player, and the total amount of the one or more game coins; The placement determination mechanism determines whether each of the one or more game coins that has been determined by the placement determination mechanism to be placed in the same placement object area is the main player's game coin or a non-main player's game coin; as well as The database, based on the determinations of the placement determination mechanism and the placement determination mechanism, stores information related to the one or more game coins placed by the main player in association with the player identified as the main player.

2. The game system according to claim 1, wherein, The main player determination mechanism further identifies the player as the main player of the player position by associating the player determined by reading the provided storage medium with the player position entered by the dealer as the player position in which the player is located.

3. The game system according to claim 1, wherein, The placer determination mechanism identifies the main player's game currency by recognizing the main player's body, thereby determining that the game currency placed by the main player in the placement object area of ​​a player position other than the player position associated with the main player is the main player's game currency.

4. The game system according to claim 1 or 3, wherein, When one or more game coins are placed, the placer determination mechanism makes the determination.

5. The game system according to claim 1 or 3, wherein, The main player determination mechanism identifies the main player by utilizing neural network recognition.

6. The game system according to claim 1, wherein, The information relating to the one or more game coins placed by the main player includes the total amount of the one or more game coins and the placement area where the main player placed the one or more game coins.

7. The game system according to claim 1, wherein, The placement determination mechanism continuously determines at predetermined time intervals which placement area of ​​the one or more game coins is placed in the player's location associated with the player, and what the total amount is.

8. The game system according to claim 7, wherein, The placer determination mechanism determines whether the one or more game coins belong to the main player or the non-main player based on information related to the time when the one or more game coins were determined to be placed in the same placement area.

9. The game system according to claim 8, wherein, The placer determination mechanism determines whether the one or more game coins belong to the main player or the non-main player based on the order in which they are placed in the same placement area.

10. The game system according to claim 1, wherein, The main player identification mechanism determines the main player by recognizing the player's body.

11. The game system according to claim 1, wherein, The placement determination mechanism identifies the main player's body and then determines the main player's game coins among the one or more game coins that the placement determination mechanism has determined to be placed in the same placement object area.

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