Game machine inspection device and program

Abstract

To make game machine inspection work efficient.SOLUTION: An inspection device 1 includes: an installation table 42 for installing a game machine 51; a plurality of cameras 21-23 for imaging a game machine installed on the installation table; a determination unit 104-106 for determining whether the game machine is correct or incorrect on the basis of an image taken by each of the plurality of cameras; an inspection lamp 35 for displaying a result of the determination by the determination unit; an operation switch 33 for giving an instruction to start an inspection; and an inspection sequence control unit 102 for controlling an inspection sequence triggered by an operation of the operation switch. The sequence control unit causes a series of processing related to imaging by each of the plurality of cameras, determination by the determination unit based on the image captured by each of the plurality of cameras, and display of a result of the determination by the determination unit to be performed in a predetermined order. When the result of the determination is "incorrect,"the processing is stopped at that point without shifting to the next series of processing, and the operation of the operation switch is brought into a stand-by state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inspection apparatus and a program for a gaming machine.

Background Art

[0002] In a gaming machine, many components such as effect gimmicks, liquid crystal displays, and various circuit boards are mounted on the front and back of the game board. Inspection is performed at the time of delivery regarding whether these components are correctly mounted. Inspections include component shortages, missing parts, incorrect parts, incorrect mounting positions of parts, incorrect mounting heights of parts, missing screws for attaching parts to the game board, improper mounting such as loose or half-inserted connectors, missing seals with manufacturing numbers, deficiencies in manufacturing numbers and board numbers, discoloration or color unevenness of effect mechanisms (gimmicks), incorrect positions of gimmicks, and many other inspection items.

[0003] Visual inspection using a camera is the mainstream for inspection. Since inspection targets and inspection items are diverse, it is difficult to cover them with a single camera. A plurality of cameras with different specifications such as resolution, number of pixels, field of view size, color (hue) / monochrome (luminance), and size are required.

[0004] A plurality of cameras are arranged, for example, along a conveyor. The gaming machine conveyed by the conveyor is imaged each time it passes through each of the plurality of cameras.

[0005] In addition, installation bases for the gaming machine are provided individually for a plurality of cameras, and an inspection operator sets the gaming machine on the installation base to execute imaging, transfers the gaming machine to the next installation base, resets it, executes imaging, and repeats this to complete all imaging.

[0006] In any method, imaging by the camera and the determination process operate on separate time axes, and the determination results are sequentially displayed on the display each time the determination process is completed, separately from the imaging.

[0007] Regarding a gaming machine for which a determination result of "error (defect, inappropriateness, unsuitability)" has been issued, the inspection worker removes the gaming machine from the installation base, transfers it to the repair shop, checks the target location, and appropriately performs repair work such as component replacement and reinstallation, and then transfers it to the reinspection site for reinspection. This requires a very heavy workload and is inefficient.

[0008] Also, in the latter method, since there are multiple installation bases, repeatedly transferring the gaming machine and performing the setting work on each installation base not only does not reduce the workload but is also inefficient.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] The purpose is to improve the efficiency of the inspection work of the gaming machine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The inspection device for a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an installation base for installing the gaming machine, a plurality of cameras for imaging the gaming machine installed on the installation base, a determination unit for determining the correctness of the gaming machine based on the images captured by each of the plurality of cameras, a display unit for displaying the result of the determination by the determination unit, an operation switch for instructing the start of the inspection, and a sequence control unit for controlling the inspection sequence triggered by the operation of the operation switch. The sequence control unit executes a series of processes related to imaging by each of the plurality of cameras, determination by the determination unit based on the images captured by each of the plurality of cameras, and display of the result of the determination by the determination unit in a predetermined order, and when the result of the determination is "error", it stops without shifting to the next series of processes at that time and waits for the operation of the operation switch.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The inspection device according to this embodiment performs an inspection of a gaming machine. For the inspection, an appearance inspection using a camera is adopted. At least two cameras with different specifications are used according to the inspection content. Here, three cameras are used. The three cameras are respectively responsible for imaging the front surface side, the back surface side, and the close-up imaging of the gaming machine. Based on the images captured by the three cameras, various inspection items are determined, such as whether the color and taste of the gimmick for the effect are appropriate, whether the position of the gimmick is appropriate, the presence or absence of missing parts of the components attached to the substrate, and the presence or absence of missing screws for fixing the components to the substrate. A plurality of inspection items are assigned to each of the three cameras.

[0013] At the time of inspection, the gaming machine to be inspected is installed on the installation base by an inspection operator. Around the installation base, three cameras are arranged so that all appearance inspections by the three cameras can be completed while the gaming machine is installed on the installation base without the need to move the gaming machine each time an inspection is performed by each camera. Further, an opening for exposing the front or back surface of the gaming machine is formed in the support plate that supports the gaming machine.

[0014] In actual inspections, upon operation of the operation switch (inspection switch) by the inspection operator, a series of processes related to imaging by each camera, determination processing based on the image, and display of the determination result are sequentially executed while switching the cameras. When the determination result is "error (non-conformance, inappropriate, defective)", the series of processes related to the next camera are not shifted to at that time and the operation is stopped, and the operation of the operation switch is awaited.

[0015] When the inspection stops, if the inspection operator determines the cause of the error and determines that it is a cause that can be resolved on the spot, without moving the gaming machine, repairs, etc. are performed on the spot. When the repair is completed, the inspection operator operates the operation switch again. Along with this operation, the inspection resumes. Since repairs, etc. can be performed on the spot, it is more efficient than the case of transporting the gaming machine to another location for repairs, etc.

[0016] When resuming this inspection, it resumes by returning to the series of processes related to the first camera. No matter at which stage it stops, since it resumes by returning to the series of processes related to the first camera, even if new non-conformances, inappropriatenesses, or defects such as misalignment of parts due to the repair work occur, they can be reinspected.

[0017] Repairs, etc. and resumption of inspection can be repeated as many times as the inspection operator determines. When the defects, etc. are still not improved by repairs, etc., or when it is determined that it is not a cause that can be resolved on the spot, at that stage, the inspection operator determines that the gaming machine is a defective product, or when it is determined that specialized repairs, etc. are necessary, it is moved to a predetermined location respectively.

[0018] This will be specifically described below. As shown in FIG. 1, the inspection apparatus 1 includes an information processing apparatus 10, a first camera 21 for imaging the front surface side of the gaming machine, a second camera 22 for imaging the back surface side of the gaming machine, a third camera 23 for closely imaging the back surface side of the gaming machine, an articulated robot apparatus 31 having the third camera 23 attached to the tip of the arm, an inspection switch 33 for an inspection operator to instruct the start of inspection processing, and an inspection lamp 35 for distinguishing and displaying the correctness of inspection results. The cameras 21 - 23 are each equipped with illumination.

[0019] The information processing apparatus 10 has a processor 11. To the processor 11, via a data / control bus 19, are composed of a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, a storage device 14 such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), an input device 15 such as a keyboard and a mouse, a display 16, and an interface 17. The cameras 21 - 23, the articulated robot apparatus 31, the inspection switch 33, and the inspection lamp 35 are connected to the processor 11 via the interface 17.

[0020] The processor 11 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processor 11 executes an inspection program loaded from the storage device 14 to the RAM 12 to perform inspection processing of the gaming machine. The RAM 12 functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of the processor 11. The ROM 13 stores a BIOS (Basic Input Output System), an operating system program (OS), etc. executed by the processor 11. The storage device 14 stores an inspection program according to this embodiment, data of images captured by the cameras 21 - 23, reference image data, data required for determination processing such as reference values and threshold values, and various data such as determination results.

[0021] FIG. 2 shows the functional configuration of the processor 11. By executing the above inspection program, the processor 11 functions as a control unit 101 that overall controls the entire information processing apparatus, a first camera controller 121 that drives the first camera 21, a second camera controller 122 that drives the second camera 22, a third camera controller 123 that drives the third camera 23, a robot controller 131 that controls the operation of the articulated robot apparatus 31, a switch detection unit 133 that detects the state of the inspection switch 33, and a lamp driver 135 that drives the inspection lamp 35.

[0022] Furthermore, by executing the above inspection program, the processor 11 functions as a storage management unit 103 that controls writing / reading of image data and the like to / from the storage device 14, a first determination unit 104 that determines the correctness of the gaming machine regarding the inspection items in charge based on the image captured by the first camera 21, a second determination unit 105 that determines the correctness of the gaming machine regarding the inspection items in charge based on the image captured by the second camera 22, a third determination unit 106 that determines the correctness of the gaming machine regarding the inspection items in charge based on the image captured by the third camera 23, an inspection lamp 35, a display control unit 107 that displays the details of the determination result on the display 16, and an inspection sequence control unit 102 that controls the first to third camera controllers 121, 122, 123, the robot controller 131, and the lamp driver 135 according to a predetermined inspection sequence.

[0023] FIG. 3 shows an installation base for installing the gaming machine at the inspection position together with the first to third cameras 21 - 23 and the articulated robot apparatus 31. FIG. 4 shows a state where the gaming machine is set on the installation base. The installation base 42 has a pedestal 45, and a support plate 43 is vertically erected on the pedestal 45. The support plate 43 is rectangular, and a rectangular opening 44 is formed in the center thereof. The gaming machine 51 is supported by the support plate 43 and is installed vertically on the pedestal 45. Since the pedestal 45 is horizontally held by the gantry 41, the gaming machine 51 is installed vertically by the support plate 43.

[0024] The first camera 21 is supported from the gantry 41 via an arm (not shown) at a position where it can image the surface of the vertically installed gaming machine 51 through the opening 44. The second camera 22 is supported from the gantry 41 via an arm (not shown) at a position where it can directly image the back surface of the vertically installed gaming machine 51. The multi-joint robot device 31 is installed on the gantry 41 at a lateral position of the support plate 43, and the third camera 23 is attached to the tip of the arm of the multi-joint robot device 31. Due to the movement of the multi-joint robot device 31, the third camera 23 can image the front and back surfaces of the gaming machine 51 from a close position in any posture. Also, an inspection switch 33 and an inspection lamp 35 are installed on the gantry 41.

[0025] Figures 5 and 6 show the procedure of the inspection operation by the inspection device 1. In Figures 5 and 6, the dashed lines indicate the work processes by the inspection operator. The gaming machine (product to be inspected) 51 to be inspected is transported to the installation table 42 by the inspection operator and installed on the installation table 42 (S11). The gaming machine 51 is placed on the pedestal 45 and vertically supported by the support plate 43. The surface of the installed gaming machine 51 is exposed through the opening 44 of the support plate 43 except for its peripheral portion. The back surface of the installed gaming machine 51 is exposed over its entire surface.

[0026] The inspection sequence control unit 102 waits for detection by the switch detection unit 133 regarding the operation (pressing) of the inspection switch 33 by the inspection operator (S12).

[0027] When the operation of the inspection switch 33 by the inspection operator is detected by the switch detection unit 133 (S12; Yes), the inspection sequence control unit 102 starts the inspection process.

[0028] The inspection sequence control unit 102 controls the first camera controller 121 to cause the first camera 21 to image the front side of the gaming machine 51 (S13). More specifically, under the control of the inspection sequence control unit 102, the first camera 21 repeatedly images the front surface of the gaming machine while, for example, changing the wavelength of the light source. In addition, in order to improve color discrimination, eight kinds of illumination wavelengths are sequentially switched, and imaging by the camera 21 is repeated in synchronization therewith.

[0029] From the eight images with different illumination wavelengths, the first determination unit 104 determines the correctness of each of these inspection items (S14). Examples of the inspection items on the front side of the gaming machine include, for example, the color (such as discoloration or color unevenness) of the effects device (gimmick), the position of the gimmick, the position of the liquid crystal screen, and the like.

[0030] When the first determination unit 104 determines that at least one of these inspection items is incorrect (inappropriate), the inspection sequence control unit 102 controls the lamp driver 135 to turn on the inspection lamp 35 in "red", and when all of these inspection items are correct (appropriate), the inspection sequence control unit 102 controls the lamp driver 135 to turn on the inspection lamp 35 in "blue" (S15). Although not shown, the determination results of these inspection items are displayed on the display 16. When the inspection lamp 35 is turned on in "red", the inspection operator can visually recognize which inspection item is incorrect.

[0031] When even one of the inspection items related to the front surface of the gaming machine 51 is incorrect (inappropriate) (S16; NG), the inspection sequence control unit 102 stops the inspection without proceeding to the second series of processes and waits for an operation of the inspection switch 33.

[0032] Here, when the inspection is stopped, the inspection operator executes the following (1) or (2) according to his or her own judgment (S17).

[0033] (1) If it is determined that the repair can be made on the spot, the gaming machine 51 is repaired on the spot while installed on the installation base 42, and a re-inspection is attempted. Of course, a re-inspection may be attempted without repairing. (2) If it is determined that the repair cannot be performed on-site, the gaming machine 51 is transferred to a regular repair shop, or the gaming machine 51 is transferred from the installation stand 42 to the defective product shelf, and at the same time, the next gaming machine 51 to be inspected is installed on the installation stand 42.

[0034] Return to step S12, and with the operation of the inspection switch 33 by the inspection operator (S12; Yes), the above-described first series of processes (S13 - S15) are executed under the control of the inspection sequence control unit 102 for the repaired gaming machine 51 or the next gaming machine 51. The repair and reinspection of the gaming machine 51 (the first series of processes (S13 - S15)) can be repeated any number of times at the discretion of the inspection operator.

[0035] When all the inspection items related to the surface of the gaming machine 51 are normal (appropriate), it automatically shifts to the inspection of the back surface of the gaming machine 51 using the second camera 22 (the second series of processes, S18 - S20) under the control of the inspection sequence control unit 102 (S16; OK).

[0036] Under the control of the inspection sequence control unit 102, the entire back surface of the gaming machine is collectively imaged in a wide field of view by the second camera 22 (S18).

[0037] The second determination unit 105 determines the correctness of each inspection item from the image acquired by the second camera २२ (S19). Examples of the inspection items on the back surface side of the gaming machine include whether the label with the manufacturing number is missing, whether the sheet metal is missing, whether the screws for attaching the parts to the back surface of the game board are missing, reading the board number printed on the board, and whether other parts are missing.

[0038] When at least one of these inspection items is incorrect (missing parts, reading error), the inspection sequence control unit 102 controls the lamp driver 135 to turn on the inspection lamp 35 in "red". Also, when all of these inspection items are correct (no missing parts, proper reading), the inspection sequence control unit 102 controls the lamp driver 135 to turn on the inspection lamp 35 in "blue" (S20). Of course, although not shown in the figure, the determination results of these inspection items are displayed on the display 16. When the inspection lamp 35 is turned on in "red", the inspection operator can visually recognize which inspection item is incorrect.

[0039] When even one of the inspection items related to the back surface of the gaming machine 51 is incorrect (S21; NG), the inspection sequence control unit 102 stops the inspection without proceeding to the third series of processes and waits for an operation of the inspection switch 33.

[0040] When the inspection is stopped, the inspection operator executes the above (1) or (2) (S22). Then, it returns to step S12, and along with the operation of the inspection switch 33 by the inspection operator (S12; Yes), the inspection is resumed from the above-described first series of processes (S13 - S15) under the control of the inspection sequence control unit 102 for the repaired gaming machine 51 or the next gaming machine 51. Although it cannot be said that no defects occur on the surface of the gaming machine 51 due to the repair work on the back surface of the gaming machine 51, high inspection accuracy can be obtained by resuming from the first series of processes (S13 - S15) by the first camera 21.

[0041] The first series of processes (S13 - S15) and the second series of processes (S18 - S20) can be repeated any number of times at the discretion of the inspection operator.

[0042] When all of the inspection items related to the surface of the gaming machine 51 are correct (proper), the inspection sequence control unit 102 automatically proceeds to the proximity inspection of the gaming machine 51 (the third series of processes) (S21; OK).

[0043] In the third series of processes, the robot controller 131 controls the articulated robot device 31 so that the third camera 23 moves along a predetermined trajectory close to the front or back surface of the gaming machine, and imaging is repeated (S23) while changing the posture (S24).

[0044] From the images acquired by the third camera 23, the third determination unit 106 determines the correctness of each inspection item (S25). Examples of the proximity inspection items of the gaming machine include, for example, looseness or half-insertion of connectors, height of components, reading of QR codes (registered trademarks) attached to the game board 51, and other missing components.

[0045] When at least one of these inspection items is incorrect (missing component, reading error), the inspection sequence control unit 102 controls the lamp driver 135 to turn on the inspection lamp 35 in "red". When all of these inspection items are correct (no missing components, proper reading), the inspection sequence control unit 102 controls the lamp driver 135 to turn on the inspection lamp 35 in "blue" (S26) and stops the inspection.

[0046] When even one of the proximity inspection items of the gaming machine 51 is incorrect (S28; NG), the inspection operator executes the above (1) or (2) (S28). Then, the process returns to S12, and with the operation of the inspection switch 33 by the inspection operator (S12; Yes), the inspection is resumed from the above-described first series of processes (S13 - S15) under the control of the inspection sequence control unit 102 for the repaired gaming machine 51 or the next gaming machine 51. By resuming not from the second and third series of processes by the second and third cameras 22 and 23, but from the first series of processes (S13 - S15) by the first camera 21, it is possible to determine the occurrence of new defects due to repairs and the like, and high inspection accuracy can be obtained.

[0047] When all the proximity inspection items of the gaming machine 51 are correct (S28; OK), the inspection worker transfers the gaming machine 51 to the qualified product shelf (S29). And when the inspection of all the items to be inspected is completed (S30; Yes), the inspection work ends. When the inspection of all the items to be inspected is not completed (S30; No), the gaming machine 51 as the next item to be inspected is installed on the installation table, and the process returns to the inspection step S12.

[0048] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to complete the appearance inspection using a plurality of, here three, cameras 21-23 while the gaming machine 51 to be inspected is installed on the installation table 42, and it is not necessary to transfer to different installation locations for each appearance inspection using the three cameras 21-23, so the efficiency of the inspection work can be improved.

[0049] Also, when there is even one error in the inspection result, the inspection process stops, so repairs etc. can be carried out on the spot and reinspection can be immediately performed, which is more efficient than the case of transferring the gaming machine 51 to another place for repairs etc.

[0050] Furthermore, the support plate 43 of the installation table 42 has an opening 44, and the inspection worker can access the gaming machine 51 through the opening 44, so there may be cases where repairs can be carried out with the gaming machine 51 standing on the installation table 42, and the workability of repairs is good.

[0051] When resuming the inspection, it resumes by returning to the series of processes related to the first camera in one action. No matter at which stage it stops, it resumes by returning to the series of processes related to the first camera, so even if new non-conformities, improprieties, malfunctions such as the positions of parts being displaced due to repair work occur, they can be reinspected, and high inspection accuracy can be ensured.

[0052] In the above description, an installation base for installing the gaming machine vertically (vertically) was described. However, the installation base may have a structure for installing the gaming machine horizontally. This installation base 46 has a rectangular pedestal 48 that is the same size as or slightly larger than the gaming machine 51, and four legs 47 are vertically erected at the four corners of the pedestal 48. The gaming machine 51 is horizontally supported by the legs 47 with its surface facing downward. A rectangular opening 49 is formed in the center of the pedestal 48. The surface of the gaming machine 51 that is horizontally supported by the legs 47 is exposed downward through the opening 49.

[0053] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist thereof at the implementation stage. Also, the respective embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations, and in such cases, the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combinations selected from the plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiments, and the problem can be solved and the effects can be obtained, the configuration from which these constituent elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0054] 1... inspection device, 10... information processing device, 11... processor, 12... RAM, 13... ROM, 14... storage device, 15... input device, 16... display, 17... interface (I / F), 19... data / control bus, 21... first camera, 22... second camera, 23... third camera, 31... articulated robot device, 33... inspection switch, 35... inspection lamp, 101... control unit, 102... inspection sequence control unit, 103... storage management unit, 104... first determination unit, 105... second determination unit, 106... third determination unit, 107... display control unit, 121... first camera controller, 122... second camera controller, 123... third camera controller, 131... robot controller 131... switch detection unit, 135... lamp driver.

Claims

1. An inspection device for performing an inspection of a gaming machine, comprising: an installation base for installing the gaming machine; a plurality of cameras for imaging the gaming machine installed on the installation base; a determination unit for determining the correctness of the gaming machine based on images captured by each of the plurality of cameras; a display unit for displaying the result of the determination by the determination unit; an operation switch for instructing the start of the inspection; a sequence control unit that, upon operation of the operation switch, executes a series of processes related to imaging by each of the plurality of cameras, determination by the determination unit based on the images captured by each of the plurality of cameras, and display of the result of the determination by the determination unit in a predetermined order, and stops without shifting to the next series of processes when the result of the determination is "incorrect" and waits for an operation of the operation switch.

2. The plurality of cameras include a first camera for imaging the gaming machine installed on the installation base from the front side, a second camera for imaging the gaming machine installed on the installation base from the back side, and a third camera for imaging the gaming machine installed on the installation base in close proximity. The inspection device according to Claim 1.

3. The determination unit executes a determination of correctness regarding the presence or absence of components equipped on the gaming machine, the mounting state of the components, and the positions of the components based on the images captured by each of the first camera, the second camera, and the third camera. The sequence control unit, upon operation of the operation switch, sequentially executes a first series of processes related to imaging by the first camera, determination by the determination unit based on the image captured by the first camera, and display of the result of the determination, a second series of processes related to imaging by the second camera, determination by the determination unit based on the image captured by the second camera, and display of the result of the determination, and a third series of processes related to imaging by the third camera, determination by the determination unit based on the image captured by the third camera, and display of the result of the determination. When any of the results of the determination in the first to third series of processes is "incorrect", it stops without shifting to the next series of processes and waits for an operation of the operation switch. The inspection device according to Claim 2.

4. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the installation table supports the gaming machine at its lower part and makes it stand upright so that the front and back surfaces of the gaming machine can be imaged without interference.

5. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the installation table supports the gaming machine horizontally with its back surface facing upward and its front surface facing downward so that the front and back surfaces of the gaming machine can be imaged without interference, and has an opening on the front surface side of the gaming machine.

6. The inspection device according to claim 2, further comprising an articulated robot device having the third camera attached to the tip of the arm.

7. A computer that controls the operation of an inspection device including an installation table for installing a gaming machine, a plurality of cameras for imaging the gaming machine installed on the installation table, a determination unit for determining the correctness of the gaming machine based on the images captured by each of the plurality of cameras, a display unit for displaying the result of the determination by the determination unit, and an operation switch for instructing the start of inspection. Means for causing a series of processes related to imaging by each of the plurality of cameras, determination by the determination unit based on the images captured by each of the plurality of cameras, and display of the result of the determination by the determination unit to be executed in a predetermined order upon operation of the operation switch. A program for functioning as means for stopping without shifting to the next series of processes when the result of the determination is "error" and waiting for the operation of the operation switch.

Images