Processor, processing method, and program

Abstract

To provide service to an appropriate customer at an appropriate timing.SOLUTION: A processor has a customer identification part, a management part, a calculation part, and an execution part. The customer identification part identifies a customer. The management part manages play status information indicating the play status of a game machine in association with the identified customer. The calculation part calculates the state of the customer on the basis of the play status information. The execution part executes predetermined processing when the state of the customer satisfies a processing condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a processing device, a processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology related to the present disclosure is disclosed in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for increasing customer satisfaction, which acquires a smile level of a customer based on facial expressions and notifies staff. Patent Document 1 also discloses that in addition to smile levels, the levels of angry and troubled faces may also be acquired. Patent Document 1 also discloses the effect that this technology allows staff to grasp the state of the customer and take appropriate action, such as speaking to them. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-186324 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Providing a predetermined service (hereinafter referred to as "support service") at the appropriate time to customers who are having difficulty with a gaming machine improves customer satisfaction. However, it is not easy to determine when to provide support service or to which customers support service should be provided. When relying on human intuition, inconveniences may arise, such as overlooking the timing or customer for which support service should be provided, providing support service too late or too early, or providing support service to customers who do not need it. Furthermore, there is a risk that the results of such judgments will vary from customer to customer, which may result in a sense of unfairness among customers.

[0005] In the case of the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the employee is only notified of the degree of a customer's smile, anger, or troubled expression, and ultimately the employee must decide whether to take action, such as speaking to the customer. When human judgment is involved in this way, the above-mentioned problems cannot be solved. Furthermore, it is difficult to appropriately determine the timing of providing support services and which customers should receive support services based on human facial expressions alone.

[0006] An example of an objective of the present disclosure would be to be able to provide services to the right customers at the right time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, a customer identification means for identifying a customer; a management means for managing play status information indicating the play status of the gaming machine in association with the identified customer; a calculation means for calculating a customer's state based on the play situation information; an execution means for executing a predetermined process when the state of the customer satisfies a process condition; A processing device is provided having:

[0008] Further, according to the present disclosure, One or more computers Identify the customer, managing play status information indicating the play status of the gaming machine in association with the identified customer; Calculating the customer's status based on the play status information; A processing method is provided that executes a predetermined process when the state of the customer satisfies a processing condition.

[0009] Further, according to the present disclosure, Computer, a customer identification means for identifying a customer; management means for managing play status information indicating the play status of the gaming machine in association with the identified customer; a calculation means for calculating the state of the customer based on the play situation information; an execution means for executing a predetermined process when the state of the customer satisfies a process condition; A program is provided to function as a [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it becomes possible to provide services to the right customers at the right time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a functional block diagram of a processing device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow of a processing device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a processing device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of information processed by a processing device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of information processed by the processing device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of information processed by the processing device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of information output by a processing device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In this disclosure, the drawings relate to one or more embodiments. In all drawings, similar components are designated by similar reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0013] <<First embodiment>> Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an overview of the processing device 10. Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the processing device 10.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the processing device 10 has a customer identification unit 11, a management unit 12, a calculation unit 13, and an execution unit 14. These functional units execute the processing of the flowchart in FIG. 2. Note that the processing flow shown in the flowchart in FIG. 2 is merely an example and is not limited to this. For example, some of these steps may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, the processing may be executed in a different order from that shown in the flowchart in FIG. 2.

[0015] In S10, the customer identification unit 11 identifies the customer. In S11, the management unit 12 manages play status information indicating the play status of the gaming machine in association with the identified customer. In S12, the calculation unit 13 calculates the state of the customer based on the play situation information. In S13, the execution unit 14 executes a predetermined process when the customer's state satisfies the process condition.

[0016] In this way, the processing device 10 identifies the customer and manages "play status information" that indicates the play status of the gaming machine, linked to the identified customer. Then, the processing device 10 performs various processes, such as calculating the customer's status and predetermined processes, based on the "play status information." The predetermined processes are, for example, processes related to services (support services) provided to customers who are having difficulty with the gaming machine.

[0017] The processing device 10 manages "play status information" indicating the play status of the gaming machine for each customer and performs the above-mentioned processing, making it possible to calculate the customer's status more accurately, and to provide support services to the appropriate customer at the appropriate time.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the processing device 10, the "computer" calculates the customer's status based on the play status information, and determines to execute a predetermined process related to the support service based on the calculated customer's status and the processing conditions. In other words, the "computer" determines which customer to provide the support service to and when. The processing device 10, in which the "computer" executes these processes, can make various decisions equally for all customers. As a result, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience of the judgment results varying from customer to customer, which can cause customers to feel a sense of unfairness.

[0019] Furthermore, the processing device 10 executes a predetermined process when the customer's status satisfies the "processing condition." By appropriately setting the "processing condition," support services can be provided to the appropriate customer at the appropriate time. As a result, it is possible to prevent inconveniences such as providing support services too late or too early, overlooking the timing or customer for which support services should be provided, or providing support services to unnecessary customers.

[0020] <<Second embodiment>> <Summary> The processing apparatus 10 of the second embodiment is a specific embodiment of the configuration of the processing apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, which will be described in detail below.

[0021] <Hardware configuration> First, an example of the hardware configuration of the processing device 10 will be described. Each functional unit of the processing device 10 is realized by any combination of hardware and software. Those skilled in the art will understand that there are many variations in the realization method and device. The software includes programs that are pre-loaded in the device before shipping, and programs downloaded from recording media such as CDs (Compact Discs) or servers on the Internet.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a processing device 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the processing device 10 has a processor 1A, a memory 2A, an input / output interface 3A, a peripheral circuit 4A, and a bus 5A. The peripheral circuit 4A includes various modules. The processing device 10 does not necessarily have to have the peripheral circuit 4A. Note that the processing device 10 may be composed of multiple devices that are physically and / or logically separated. In this case, each of the multiple devices may have the above hardware configuration.

[0023] The bus 5A is a data transmission path for the processor 1A, memory 2A, peripheral circuit 4A, and input / output interface 3A to mutually transmit and receive data. The processor 1A is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU). The memory 2A is, for example, a random access memory (RAM) or a read-only memory (ROM). The input / output interface 3A includes interfaces for acquiring information from input devices, external devices, external servers, external sensors, cameras, etc., and interfaces for outputting information to output devices, external devices, external servers, etc. The input / output interface 3A also includes an interface for connecting to a communication network such as the Internet. Examples of input devices include a keyboard, mouse, microphone, physical buttons, and touch panel. Examples of output devices include a display, projector, speaker, printer, and mailer. The processor 1A can issue commands to each module and perform calculations based on the results of those calculations.

[0024] <Functional configuration> Next, a detailed description will be given of the functional configuration of the processing device 10. Fig. 1 shows an example of a functional block diagram of the processing device 10. As shown in the figure, the processing device 10 has a customer identification unit 11, a management unit 12, a calculation unit 13, and an execution unit 14.

[0025] The customer identification unit 11 identifies customers of the facility.

[0026] A "facility" is a facility where gaming machines are installed. Examples of such facilities include, but are not limited to, game centers, retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters, sports facilities, amusement parks, and game centers.

[0027] A "gaming machine" is a gaming machine that customers play by paying money. Customers play gaming machines to achieve a predetermined goal, for example. The goal may be, but is not limited to, winning a prize, winning a lottery, or winning a jackpot in a lottery. In some gaming machines, customers can win, for example, a predetermined number of coins by winning a lottery or winning a jackpot. Examples of gaming machines include, but are not limited to, crane games, coin games, casino games, pachinko, and pachislot machines.

[0028] The customer identification unit 11 identifies customers at the facility using one of the following identification examples 1 to 5.

[0029] ○Identification example 1 A customer who wishes to play a gaming machine at a facility performs a user registration process in advance, and registers his or her customer information on the facility's server. The customer information is registered on the facility's server, linked to facility customer identification information that identifies customers of the facility from each other. The advance user registration process can be realized using any well-known technology. Figure 4 shows an example of information registered on the facility's server. In the illustrated example, customer information is registered linked to facility customer identification information.

[0030] The customer information includes at least one of biometric information and customer identification information for other services.

[0031] "Biometric information" is information that can be used for biometric authentication, such as, but not limited to, face information, fingerprint information, finger vein information, iris information, voiceprint information, and ear information.

[0032] "Customer identification information for other services" is information that identifies customers of other services. In recent years, technology has become widely used that links with other services and makes payments using payment information (credit card information, point information, account information, etc.) registered in the other services. For example, customer identification information used in other services that can be linked in this way becomes customer identification information for other services. Examples of other services include, but are not limited to, payment services such as online shopping services, electronic money services, electronic payment services, online banking services, point services, and credit card payment services.

[0033] The customer identification unit 11 uses such customer information to identify the customer.

[0034] For example, a customer inputs his / her biometric information or other customer identification information for service into the gaming machine before playing the gaming machine. The input is realized via any input device such as a camera, various sensors, a reader / writer for short-range wireless communication, a magnetic information reader, a code reader, a touch panel, a physical button, a microphone, etc. The customer identification unit 11 then acquires the information input into the gaming machine. The gaming machine and the processing device 10 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other.

[0035] The customer identification unit 11 performs a matching process using the input information and customer information such as that shown in FIG. 4 to identify facility customer identification information linked to the input information. The information input to the gaming machine may be transmitted to a payment server that provides a payment service. The payment server performs an authentication process based on the input information. If the authentication is successful, the customer can use the payment service to pay for the game and play the gaming machine. In this case, the customer may also select a payment service to use when inputting their biometric information or customer identification information for other services into the gaming machine.

[0036] ○Identification example 2 In Identification Example 2, as in Identification Example 1, customer information is registered in the facility server, linked to facility customer identification information that identifies customers of the facility from each other (see FIG. 4). However, in Identification Example 2, the facility server does not register customer information through a user registration process performed in advance by the customer, but instead automatically accumulates customer information using information input into the gaming machine. Then, the customer identification unit 11 identifies customers using the customer information accumulated in this way.

[0037] That is, before playing a gaming machine, a customer inputs his / her biometric information or other customer identification information for service into the gaming machine. The input is realized via any input device such as a camera, various sensors, a reader / writer for short-range wireless communication, a magnetic information reader, a code reader, a touch panel, a physical button, a microphone, etc. The customer identification unit 11 then acquires the information input into the gaming machine. The gaming machine and the processing device 10 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other.

[0038] The customer identification unit 11 performs a matching process using the input information and the customer information shown in FIG. 4 to identify the facility customer identification information linked to the input information.

[0039] If the entered information is not registered in the customer information, the customer identification unit 11 issues new facility-specific customer identification information and registers the entered information as customer information by linking it to the newly issued facility-specific customer identification information. In this way, the customer identification unit 11 can automatically accumulate customer information.

[0040] The information input into the gaming machine may be transmitted to a payment server that provides a payment service. The payment server performs an authentication process based on the input information. If the authentication is successful, the customer can use the payment service to pay for the game and play the gaming machine. In this case, the customer may also select a payment service to use when inputting their biometric information or customer identification information for other services into the gaming machine.

[0041] In this example, the customer identification unit 11 may delete the customer information registered on the facility's server on a daily basis as described above. In other words, the customer information registered on the facility's server is managed on the facility's server only on the day it is registered, and does not need to be carried over to the next day. In this case, the customer identification unit 11 can delete the customer information registered on the facility's server at a predetermined time after the facility closes for the day.

[0042] As another example, the customer identification unit 11 may carry over the customer information registered on the facility's server as described above to the next day or later. Then, the customer identification unit 11 may perform the above-described processing on the next day or later using the customer information registered up to the previous day. In this case, the customer identification unit 11 may continue to register the registered customer information on the facility's server until a deletion instruction is input by a worker or the like. Additionally, the customer identification unit 11 may manage the date of each customer's most recent facility visit. Then, the customer identification unit 11 may delete the customer information of that customer from the facility's server when the number of days since the most recent facility visit exceeds a threshold.

[0043] For example, the customer identification unit 11 registers the most recent facility visit date linked to the facility customer identification information as shown in Fig. 5. Then, when the customer identification unit 11 identifies the facility customer identification information linked to the information input to the gaming machine through the above-mentioned collation, it updates the most recent facility visit date linked to the identified facility customer identification information to the date and time of that day.

[0044] ○Identification example 3 Customers who wish to play gaming machines at a facility must first register themselves and register their customer information on the facility's server. The customer information is registered on the facility's server, linked to facility customer identification information that identifies customers at the facility (see Figure 4).

[0045] The customer information in the identification example 3 includes facial information. The customer identification unit 11 uses such facial information to identify the customer.

[0046] For example, a surveillance camera is installed within the facility. The surveillance camera is installed in a position and direction that allows it to capture images of customers playing each gaming machine. The surveillance camera may be installed on each gaming machine, on other objects installed near each gaming machine, or on other positions such as the ceiling or wall. Alternatively, a surveillance camera may be installed on a mobile object that moves within the facility. The mobile object may be a land-based mobile object that moves on land, or an airborne object that moves in the air.

[0047] The camera detects visible light and creates an image. The camera may capture moving images continuously or may capture still images at predetermined intervals.

[0048] The customer identification unit 11 acquires the image generated by the camera. It is preferable that the customer identification unit 11 acquires the image with a short time lag from the timing of capturing the image. For example, the processing device 10 and the camera may be connected to each other so that they can send and receive images. The camera may then send the generated image to the processing device 10.

[0049] Note that images generated by the camera may be stored in a storage device for a relatively short predetermined time. Then, images for the predetermined time may be input to the processing device 10 all at once. The storage device may be provided within the camera or another external device. The camera and the other external device may be connected to each other so that they can send and receive images. Furthermore, the other external device and the processing device 10 may be connected to each other so that they can send and receive images.

[0050] The customer identification unit 11 identifies customers through a matching process using an image generated by the camera and customer information such as that shown in Fig. 4. That is, the customer identification unit 11 detects faces included in the image generated by the camera. Then, the customer identification unit 11 identifies customers appearing in the image through a matching process using facial information extracted from the detected faces and facial information in the customer information such as that shown in Fig. 4. Here, identifying customers appearing in an image means identifying facility-specific customer identification information.

[0051] ○Identification example 4 In Identification Example 4, as in Identification Example 3, customer information is registered in the facility server, linked to facility customer identification information that distinguishes customers of the facility from each other (see FIG. 4). However, in Identification Example 4, the facility server does not register customer information through a user registration process performed in advance by the customer, but instead automatically accumulates customer information using information detected from an image. Then, customer identification unit 11 identifies customers using the customer information accumulated in this way.

[0052] That is, the customer identification unit 11 identifies the customer through a matching process using an image generated by the camera and customer information such as that shown in Fig. 4. For example, the customer identification unit 11 detects a face included in the image generated by the camera. Then, the customer identification unit 11 identifies the customer appearing in the image through a matching process using facial information extracted from the detected face and facial information in the customer information such as that shown in Fig. 4. Here, identifying the customer appearing in the image means identifying the facility-use customer identification information.

[0053] If the facial information of a face detected from an image is not registered in the customer information as shown in Fig. 4, the customer identification unit 11 issues new facility-specific customer identification information and registers the facial information of the detected face as customer information by linking it to the newly issued facility-specific customer identification information. In this way, the customer identification unit 11 can automatically accumulate customer information.

[0054] In this example, the customer identification unit 11 may delete the customer information registered on the facility's server on a daily basis as described above. In other words, the customer information registered on the facility's server is managed on the facility's server only on the day it is registered, and does not need to be carried over to the next day. In this case, the customer identification unit 11 can delete the customer information registered on the facility's server at a predetermined time after the facility closes for the day.

[0055] As another example, the customer identification unit 11 may carry over the customer information registered on the facility's server as described above to the next day or later. Then, the customer identification unit 11 may perform the above-described processing on the next day or later using the customer information registered up to the previous day. In this case, the customer identification unit 11 may continue to register the registered customer information on the facility's server until a deletion instruction is input by a worker or the like. Additionally, the customer identification unit 11 may manage the date of each customer's most recent facility visit. Then, the customer identification unit 11 may delete the customer information of that customer from the facility's server when the number of days since the most recent facility visit exceeds a threshold.

[0056] For example, the customer identification unit 11 registers the most recent facility visit date linked to the facility customer identification information as shown in Fig. 5. Then, when the customer identification unit 11 identifies a customer appearing in the image through the above-mentioned matching, it updates the most recent facility visit date linked to the facility customer identification information of the identified customer to the date and time of that day.

[0057] ○Identification example 5 In the fifth identification example, the customer identification unit 11 identifies the customer by combining at least two of the first to fourth identification examples.

[0058] For example, the customer identification unit 11 may identify customers using at least one of identification examples 1 and 3, and at least one of identification examples 2 and 4. In this case, the facility server may register users who have registered customer information in a prior user registration process as "main members," and may register users who have registered customer information using a method different from the prior user registration process, such as identification examples 2 and 4, as "guests."

[0059] Returning to FIG. 1, the management unit 12 manages play status information indicating the play status of the gaming machine in association with the customer identified by the customer identification unit 11.

[0060] The play status information indicates at least one of the following: Number of times the gaming machine was played at the facility on that day Number of plays per gaming machine on the day Amount spent at the facility on the day - Amount spent on each gaming machine on the day - Play time of the gaming machines at the facility on that day - Play time for each gaming machine on the day -Number of goals achieved at the facility on that day -Number of times each machine achieved its goal on that day - Number of times you have played a game machine at the facility since achieving your most recent goal on that day Number of plays since the most recent goal was achieved for each gaming machine on that day - Amount spent at the facility since reaching the most recent goal on the day - Amount spent since achieving the most recent goal for each gaming machine on that day - The amount of time spent playing at the facility since achieving the most recent goal on that day - Play time since the most recent goal was achieved for each gaming machine on that day - Number of times a specific transaction was performed for each customer on the day

[0061] "Number of times a gaming machine was played at the facility on that day" is the sum of "number of times each gaming machine was played on that day." "Amount spent at the facility on that day" is the sum of "amount spent on each gaming machine on that day." "Play time on gaming machines at the facility on that day" is the sum of "play time on each gaming machine on that day." "Number of times goals were achieved at the facility on that day" is the sum of "number of times goals were achieved on each gaming machine on that day."

[0062] "Number of times a gaming machine has been played at the facility since the most recent target was achieved on that day" is the number of times a gaming machine has been played at the facility since the most recent target was achieved on that day, among the number of times a gaming machine has been played at the facility on that day, up to the present time. "Amount spent at the facility since the most recent target was achieved on that day" is the amount spent at the facility from the most recent target was achieved on that day, among the amount spent at the facility on that day, up to the present time. "Time spent playing a gaming machine at the facility since the most recent target was achieved on that day" is the time spent playing a gaming machine at the facility from the most recent target was achieved on that day, among the time spent playing a gaming machine at the facility on that day, up to the present time.

[0063] "Goal achievement" means achieving a goal that is set in advance for each gaming machine. In the case of a crane game, the goal is, for example, "winning a prize." In the case of a coin game, casino game, pachinko, pachislot, etc., the goal is, for example, "winning in the lottery" or "winning the jackpot in the lottery."

[0064] The "predetermined process" is a process related to a service (support service) provided to customers who are having difficulty with the gaming machine. The execution unit 14, which will be described later, executes this process.

[0065] FIG. 6 shows a schematic example of play status information. FIG. 6 shows play status information as of January 31, 2024. The play status information is linked to facility customer identification information. F001 and F002 in the figure are identification information for the gaming machine. The values ​​in parentheses are the values ​​of the various items mentioned above. In the example shown in the figure, the values ​​in parentheses indicate, from the beginning, the number of plays, the amount spent, and the number of times the goal was achieved.

[0066] The management unit 12 may further manage play status information for each past day in addition to the play status information for the current day.

[0067] "Management" is a concept that includes updating, adding, deleting, correcting, etc. The play situation information managed by the management unit 12 is repeatedly updated to indicate the most recent play situation.

[0068] The management unit 12 manages the play status information according to either management example 1 or 2 below.

[0069] ○Management example 1 In management example 1, the customer is identified by one of the above-mentioned identification examples 1, 2, and 5. Note that in identification example 5, at least one of identification examples 1 and 2 is adopted.

[0070] That is, in Management Example 1, a customer inputs his / her customer information (biometric information or other customer identification information for services) into the gaming machine before playing. The gaming machine monitors the customer's play according to the input, and identifies at least one of the number of plays, the amount used, the playing time (the time from the start to the end of the game), and the number of goals achieved. The gaming machine then transmits the input customer information, the identified information, and information identifying the gaming machine itself (information identifying the gaming machine) to the processing device 10. The gaming machine and the processing device 10 may be connected to each other so that they can send and receive data.

[0071] As described above, the customer identification unit 11 refers to the information shown in Fig. 4 to identify the facility customer identification information linked to the customer information input to the gaming machine. Then, the management unit 12 updates the play status information (see Fig. 6) linked to the identified facility customer identification information based on the newly acquired information. That is, the management unit 12 adds each value indicated by the newly acquired information (number of plays, amount spent, play time, number of goals achieved, etc.) to the number of plays, amount spent, play time, number of goals achieved, etc. linked to a specific gaming machine.

[0072] ○Management example 2 In management example 2, the customer is identified by one of the above-mentioned identification examples 3, 4, and 5. Note that in identification example 5, at least one of identification examples 3 and 4 is adopted.

[0073] That is, in management example 2, customers appearing in images taken within the facility are identified. The management unit 12 identifies the behavior of the identified customers through image analysis and updates the play status information based on the identification results. An example of processing by the management unit 12 will be described below, but is not limited to this.

[0074] First, the management unit 12 identifies the gaming machine on which the customer is playing by image analysis. For example, the management unit 12 detects in the image the gaming machine the customer is touching or the gaming machine on which the customer is touching the operation unit (lever, button, etc.). Then, the management unit 12 identifies the identification information of the gaming machine on which the customer is playing based on the external features of the gaming machine captured in the image. Note that if the position and orientation of the surveillance camera are fixed and the same location is always captured, the position of the gaming machine captured in the image and information identifying the gaming machine may be registered in advance by user input, etc. Then, the management unit 12 may identify the identification information of the gaming machine on which the customer is playing (the gaming machine detected in the image) based on this pre-registered information.

[0075] The management unit 12 then ascertains the playing status of each gaming machine by the customer. For example, based on the results of the image analysis, the management unit 12 identifies the timing (indicated by the start date and time of play and the end date and time of play) when the customer played each gaming machine. Furthermore, each gaming machine stores its own play history linked to the play date and time. The play history indicates the start date and time of play, the end date and time of play, the number of plays during that time, the amount spent during that time, the play time during that time, the number of goals achieved during that time, etc. The play history does not include information identifying the customer who played. The management unit 12 acquires the play history from each gaming machine. The gaming machine and the processing device 10 may be connected to each other so that they can send and receive data.

[0076] The management unit 12 then ascertains the playing status of each gaming machine by the customer based on the play history. As described above, the management unit 12 identifies the timing (indicated by the play start date and time and the play end date and time) when the customer played each gaming machine. The management unit 12 then acquires the play history of the timing when the customer played from the play history of each gaming machine as information indicating the playing status of the customer. The management unit 12 then updates the playing status information (see FIG. 6 ) associated with the gaming machine of the customer based on the ascertainment results. That is, the management unit 12 adds each value (number of plays, amount spent, play time, number of goals achieved, etc.) indicated in the ascertainment results to the number of plays, amount spent, play time, number of goals achieved, etc. associated with the gaming machine of the customer.

[0077] Instead of using the play history, the management unit 12 may grasp the play status of each customer on each gaming machine through image analysis.

[0078] In this case, the management unit 12 detects various actions by the customer through image analysis. Examples of actions include, but are not limited to, inserting money into the gaming machine, taking out a prize from the prize outlet of the gaming machine, and touching and operating the operation unit (lever, button, etc.) of the gaming machine. Detection of these actions can be achieved using various technologies, such as posture detection technology and object recognition technology.

[0079] Additionally, the management unit 12 may further detect effects of the gaming machine through image analysis. Effects of the gaming machine correspond to the insertion of money into the gaming machine, achievement of goals such as winning a prize, and various operations via the operation unit (levers, buttons, etc.). By detecting these effects, it is possible to detect that various actions have been performed by the customer.

[0080] Then, the management unit 12 may grasp the playing status of each customer at each gaming machine based on the detection results obtained by image analysis.

[0081] Returning to FIG. 1 , the calculation unit 13 calculates the state of each customer based on the play status information for each customer. The calculation unit 13 can calculate a difficulty level indicating the degree to which each customer is struggling with a gaming machine based on the play status information for each customer. The calculation unit 13 can calculate a difficulty level for each customer. As described above, the play status information can indicate the play status for each gaming machine. Therefore, the calculation unit 13 can calculate a difficulty level for each customer for each gaming machine based on the play status information.

[0082] The calculation unit 13 can calculate the degree of difficulty of each customer by using either of the following calculation examples 1 and 4.

[0083] ○Calculation example 1 In calculation example 1, the calculation unit 13 calculates the value of any one of the following items indicated in the play status information for that day as the degree of difficulty. The calculation unit 13 may use the value of the item as the degree of difficulty as is, or may use the value calculated by normalizing the value of the item using a predetermined calculation method (e.g., normalizing to a value between 0 and 1) as the degree of difficulty.

[0084] The calculation unit 13 can calculate the difficulty level for each gaming machine by using the items that indicate the values ​​for each gaming machine among the following items. In addition, the calculation unit 13 can calculate the difficulty level for all gaming machines collectively, rather than for each gaming machine, by using the items that do not indicate the values ​​for each gaming machine among the following items. Number of times the gaming machine was played at the facility on that day Number of plays per gaming machine on the day Amount spent at the facility on the day - Amount spent on each gaming machine on the day - Play time of the gaming machines at the facility on that day - Play time for each gaming machine on the day - Number of times you have played a game machine at the facility since achieving your most recent goal on that day Number of plays since the most recent goal was achieved for each gaming machine on that day - Amount spent at the facility since reaching the most recent goal on the day - Amount spent since achieving the most recent goal for each gaming machine on that day - The amount of time spent playing at the facility since achieving the most recent goal on that day - Play time since the most recent goal was achieved for each gaming machine on that day

[0085] Of the above items, it is preferable to use one of the following items in Calculation Example 1. By using the following items, the customer's degree of difficulty can be calculated more accurately. - Number of times you have played a game machine at the facility since achieving your most recent goal on that day Number of plays since the most recent goal was achieved for each gaming machine on that day - Amount spent at the facility since reaching the most recent goal on the day - Amount spent since achieving the most recent goal for each gaming machine on that day - The amount of time spent playing at the facility since achieving the most recent goal on that day - Play time since the most recent goal was achieved for each gaming machine on that day

[0086] ○Calculation example 2 In calculation example 2, the calculation unit 13 calculates the degree of difficulty as the value of any one of the following items calculated using play status information for multiple days including the current day and past days. The calculation unit 13 may use the value of the item as the degree of difficulty as is, or may use the value calculated by normalizing the value of the item using a predetermined calculation method (e.g., normalizing to a value between 0 and 1).

[0087] The calculation unit 13 can calculate the difficulty level for each gaming machine by using the items that indicate the values ​​for each gaming machine among the following items. In addition, the calculation unit 13 can calculate the difficulty level for all gaming machines collectively, rather than for each gaming machine, by using the items that do not indicate the values ​​for each gaming machine among the following items. Number of times amusement machines have been played at the facility on multiple days, including the current day and past days Number of plays per gaming machine on multiple days, including the current day and past days - Amount spent at the facility on multiple days, including the current day and past days - Amount spent per gaming machine on multiple days, including the current day and past days - Play time of gaming machines at the facility on multiple days, including the current day and past days - Play time for each gaming machine on multiple days, including the current day and past days - The number of times the facility has played gaming machines since achieving its most recent goal on multiple days, including the current day and past days - Number of plays since the most recent goal was achieved for each gaming machine on multiple days, including the current day and past days - Amount spent at the facility since achieving the most recent goal on multiple days, including the current day and past days - Amount spent since achieving the most recent goal for each gaming machine on multiple days, including the current day and past days - Playing time on gaming machines at the facility since the most recent goal was achieved on multiple days, including the current day and past days - Play time for each gaming machine since achieving the most recent goal on multiple days, including the current day and past days

[0088] Of the above items, it is preferable to use one of the following items in Calculation Example 2. By using the following items, the customer's difficulty level can be calculated more accurately. - The number of times the facility has played gaming machines since achieving its most recent goal on multiple days, including the current day and past days - Number of plays since the most recent goal was achieved for each gaming machine on multiple days, including the current day and past days - Amount spent at the facility since achieving the most recent goal on multiple days, including the current day and past days - Amount spent since achieving the most recent goal for each gaming machine on multiple days, including the current day and past days - Playing time on gaming machines at the facility since the most recent goal was achieved on multiple days, including the current day and past days - Play time for each gaming machine since achieving the most recent goal on multiple days, including the current day and past days

[0089] "Multiple days including the current day and past days" may be multiple days including the current day and all past days. Alternatively, multiple days including the current day and past days may be multiple days including the current day and a predetermined number of days immediately preceding the current day.

[0090] ○Calculation example 3 In calculation example 3, the calculation unit 13 inputs the values ​​of any two or more of the following items indicated in the play situation information for that day, and calculates the degree of difficulty using a difficulty degree calculation model that outputs the degree of difficulty. The difficulty degree calculation model is generated in advance and stored in the processing device 10. The difficulty degree calculation model may be an arithmetic formula, a table showing the relationship between the values ​​of the items and the degree of difficulty, a learning model generated by machine learning, or any other model.

[0091] The calculation unit 13 can calculate the difficulty level for each gaming machine by using the items that indicate the values ​​for each gaming machine among the following items. In addition, the calculation unit 13 can calculate the difficulty level for all gaming machines collectively, rather than for each gaming machine, by using the items that do not indicate the values ​​for each gaming machine among the following items. Number of times the gaming machine was played at the facility on that day Number of plays per gaming machine on the day Amount spent at the facility on the day - Amount spent on each gaming machine on the day - Play time of the gaming machines at the facility on that day - Play time for each gaming machine on the day -Number of goals achieved at the facility on that day -Number of times each machine achieved its goal on that day - Number of times you have played a game machine at the facility since achieving your most recent goal on that day Number of plays since the most recent goal was achieved for each gaming machine on that day - Amount spent at the facility since reaching the most recent goal on the day - Amount spent since achieving the most recent goal for each gaming machine on that day - The amount of time spent playing at the facility since achieving the most recent goal on that day - Play time since the most recent goal was achieved for each gaming machine on that day - Number of times a specific transaction was performed for each customer on the day

[0092] ○Calculation example 4 In calculation example 4, the calculation unit 13 inputs values ​​of any two or more of the following items calculated using play situation information for multiple days including the current day and past days, and calculates the degree of difficulty using a difficulty degree calculation model that outputs a degree of difficulty. The difficulty degree calculation model is generated in advance and stored in the processing device 10. The difficulty degree calculation model may be an arithmetic formula, a table showing the relationship between the values ​​of the items and the degree of difficulty, a learning model generated by machine learning, or any other model.

[0093] The calculation unit 13 can calculate the difficulty level for each gaming machine by using the items that indicate the values ​​for each gaming machine among the following items. In addition, the calculation unit 13 can calculate the difficulty level for all gaming machines collectively, rather than for each gaming machine, by using the items that do not indicate the values ​​for each gaming machine among the following items. Number of times amusement machines have been played at the facility on multiple days, including the current day and past days Number of plays per gaming machine on multiple days, including the current day and past days - Amount spent at the facility on multiple days, including the current day and past days - Amount spent per gaming machine on multiple days, including the current day and past days - Play time of gaming machines at the facility on multiple days, including the current day and past days - Play time for each gaming machine on multiple days, including the current day and past days - Number of times the facility achieved its goals on multiple days, including the current day and past days - Number of times each gaming machine has achieved its goal on multiple days, including the current day and past days - The number of times the facility has played gaming machines since achieving its most recent goal on multiple days, including the current day and past days - Number of plays since the most recent goal was achieved for each gaming machine on multiple days, including the current day and past days - Amount spent at the facility since achieving the most recent goal on multiple days, including the current day and past days - Amount spent since achieving the most recent goal for each gaming machine on multiple days, including the current day and past days - Playing time on gaming machines at the facility since the most recent goal was achieved on multiple days, including the current day and past days - Play time for each gaming machine since achieving the most recent goal on multiple days, including the current day and past days - Number of times a specific process was performed for each customer on multiple days, including the current day and past days

[0094] "Multiple days including the current day and past days" may be multiple days including the current day and all past days. Alternatively, multiple days including the current day and past days may be multiple days including the current day and a predetermined number of days immediately preceding the current day.

[0095] The execution unit 14 executes a predetermined process when the customer's status satisfies the processing condition. The execution unit 14 determines whether the customer's status satisfies the processing condition for each gaming machine, and executes a predetermined process when the customer's status for one gaming machine satisfies the processing condition.

[0096] The "state" is the degree of difficulty. The state may be the degree of difficulty for each gaming machine, or may be the degree of difficulty for all gaming machines combined.

[0097] The "processing condition" is that the difficulty level is equal to or greater than a threshold value, which is set in advance.

[0098] The "predetermined process" is a notification process that notifies a facility worker of the presence of a customer whose status satisfies a processing condition. The execution unit 14 may realize the above notification by sending notification information to a mobile terminal of the worker who has been registered in advance. Alternatively, the execution unit 14 may realize the above notification by sending notification information to a terminal device that is installed in the facility and registered in advance. Alternatively, the execution unit 14 may realize the above notification by displaying the notification information on a display device included in the processing device 10. Examples of the display device include a display and a projection device, but are not limited to these. Such notification process by the execution unit 14 may be realized using any technology.

[0099] In the notification process, the execution unit 14 can further notify the facility worker of at least one of the following: That is, the notification information may further include at least one of the following: · Images of customers whose status meets the processing conditions Current location of customers whose status meets the processing conditions - Playing status information showing the playing status of customers on that day whose status meets the processing conditions - Playing status information showing the playing status of customers whose status meets the processing conditions on days other than the current day Information indicating gaming machines whose playing status on the day of a customer whose status satisfies the processing conditions satisfies the support conditions Information indicating gaming machines whose play status across multiple days, including the current day, satisfies the support conditions for customers whose status satisfies the processing conditions Support provided to customers

[0100] The "customer image" included in the notification information may be an image registered on the facility's server in a prior user registration process. Alternatively, the customer image may be an image generated by a camera located at the facility and showing the customer. Alternatively, the customer image may be a partial image cut out from an image generated by a camera located at the facility and showing the customer.

[0101] By including such an image of the customer in the notification information, facility workers can recognize customers whose status meets the processing conditions and easily find those customers within the facility.

[0102] The "current location of the customer" included in the notification information can be identified using any technology. For example, the execution unit 14 may identify the current location of the customer by analyzing images generated by cameras in the facility. The current location of the customer may be indicated by the name of the facility's area, such as "crane game area" or "coin game area." Alternatively, the current location of the customer may be indicated by information indicating a nearby gaming machine, such as "around crane game A." For example, the execution unit 14 can identify the current location of the customer as described above based on the position of the camera that captured the image in which the customer was detected. Furthermore, the processing execution unit 14 can identify the current location of the customer as described above by identifying the gaming machine that appears in the image in which the customer was detected.

[0103] By including the current location of such a customer in the notification information, facility workers can recognize the current location of a customer whose status satisfies the processing condition and easily find that customer within the facility.

[0104] The details of the "play status information" are as described above. By including such play status information in the notification information, the facility staff can recognize the play status of customers whose status meets the processing conditions.

[0105] "A gaming machine whose playing situation on the day satisfies the support condition" is a gaming machine whose difficulty level on the day is equal to or greater than a threshold value for each gaming machine described above. That is, the support condition is that the difficulty level on the day is equal to or greater than a threshold value. A gaming machine that satisfies the support condition is a gaming machine with which a customer is struggling on the day.

[0106] By including in the notification information information indicating which gaming machine such a customer is having difficulty with that day, facility workers can recognize which gaming machine a customer whose status meets the processing conditions is having difficulty with.

[0107] "A gaming machine whose playing status over multiple days including the current day satisfies the support condition" is a gaming machine whose difficulty level over multiple days including the current day and past days is equal to or exceeds a threshold value for each gaming machine described above. In other words, the support condition is that the difficulty level over multiple days including the current day is equal to or exceeds a threshold value. A gaming machine that satisfies the support condition is a gaming machine with which a customer is struggling over multiple days including the current day and past days.

[0108] By including in the notification information information indicating which gaming machine such a customer is struggling with over multiple days, facility workers can recognize which gaming machine a customer whose status meets the processing conditions is struggling with.

[0109] The "support content" indicates the content of support that a facility worker will provide to a "customer whose status satisfies the processing conditions." Information indicating the support content may be registered in advance in the processing device 10. Then, the execution unit 14 may read out predetermined information from the pre-registered information and include it in the notification information.

[0110] Information indicating support content may be registered in advance in the processing device 10 for each gaming machine. For example, "move prizes to positions where they are easier to win" may be registered as a support content for "Crane Game A," and "add prizes" may be registered as a support content for "Crane Game B." In addition, "change lottery settings" or the like may be registered as a support content for "Coin Game A."

[0111] In this case, the execution unit 14 includes support details corresponding to "a gaming machine whose playing status on the day of a customer whose status satisfies the processing conditions satisfies the support conditions" or "a gaming machine whose playing status over multiple days including the day of a customer whose status satisfies the processing conditions satisfies the support conditions" in the notification information.

[0112] By including such support details in the notification information, facility workers can recognize the support details that should be provided. By having workers provide support according to the notified details, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience of different support details for each customer, which creates a sense of unfairness for customers.

[0113] An example of the notification information notified to facility workers is shown in Fig. 7. In the example shown, "an image of a customer whose status satisfies the processing conditions," "play status information showing the customer's play status on that day (number of plays, etc. in the figure)," and "information showing the gaming machine whose play status on that day satisfies the support conditions (crane game 007 in the figure)" are shown.

[0114] "Action and effect" According to the processing apparatus 10 of the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the processing apparatus 10 of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0115] Furthermore, the processing device 10 can execute a notification process as a predetermined process to notify facility workers of the presence of a customer whose condition satisfies a processing condition, i.e., a customer whose difficulty level is equal to or exceeds a threshold. With such a processing device 10, facility workers can recognize the presence of a customer who is struggling at a predetermined level or more and provide appropriate support services.

[0116] In this case, the facility worker provides support services to the customers notified by the information processing device 10. Therefore, the facility worker does not need to decide for himself which customers to provide support services to and when, which reduces the processing burden on the facility worker.

[0117] Furthermore, the processing device 10 monitors the status of customers and determines whether to provide support services to specific customers based on the monitoring results. This prevents inconveniences such as providing support services too late or too early, overlooking the timing or customer for which support services should be provided, or providing support services to customers who do not need them. It also prevents inconveniences such as variations in judgment results for each customer, which can cause customers to feel unfair.

[0118] Furthermore, in the notification process, the processing device 10 can include various information such as the above-mentioned image of the customer in the notification information, thereby achieving the various operational effects described in detail in the description of the notification process.

[0119] Furthermore, the processing device 10 can manage the above-described characteristic information as play situation information. By using such characteristic play situation information, the processing device 10 can accurately calculate the state of the customer. Then, by determining to execute a predetermined process based on such highly accurate state of the customer, the processing device 10 can appropriately determine which customer to provide support service to and when.

[0120] The processing device 10 also calculates the degree of difficulty as the state of the customer. Then, based on such characteristic indicators, the processing device 10 determines which customer to provide support service to and when. As a result, the processing device 10 can make the appropriate determination.

[0121] Such a processing device 10 can increase customer satisfaction.

[0122] <<Third embodiment>> The processing device 10 of the third embodiment executes a process for providing a coupon when the customer's status satisfies a processing condition, as will be described in detail below.

[0123] As described in the first and second embodiments, the execution unit 14 executes a predetermined process when the customer's status satisfies the processing condition. The "predetermined process" in the third embodiment is a process of providing a coupon to a customer whose status satisfies the processing condition. Note that the process execution unit 14 may execute both the notification process described in the second embodiment and the process of providing the coupon as the predetermined process.

[0124] The content of the "coupon" may be various. For example, the coupon may be a coupon that can be used to receive a predetermined benefit. Alternatively, the coupon may be a coupon that can be used to receive a predetermined benefit when a predetermined number of coupons are collected. The predetermined benefit may be the ability to play all gaming machines in the facility a predetermined number of times for free, the ability to play a predetermined gaming machine a predetermined number of times for free, the ability to exchange the coupon for a prize, or other benefits.

[0125] The execution unit 14 may vary the content of the coupon for each customer. For example, the execution unit 14 may provide a customer whose status satisfies the processing conditions with a coupon that allows the customer to play a predetermined number of times for free on a "gaming machine whose play status on the day satisfies the support conditions" or a "gaming machine whose play status over multiple days including the day satisfies the support conditions." The "gaming machine whose play status on the day satisfies the support conditions" and the "gaming machine whose play status over multiple days including the day satisfies the support conditions" are as described in the second embodiment. Such gaming machines (gaming machines that are struggling) differ for each customer. Therefore, in this example, the gaming machines on which the coupon can be used will differ for each customer.

[0126] In addition, the execution unit 14 may provide a customer whose status satisfies the processing conditions with a coupon that can be exchanged for a prize related to a "gaming machine whose play status on the day satisfies the support conditions" or a "gaming machine whose play status over multiple days including the day satisfies the support conditions."

[0127] The "process of providing coupons" includes at least one of the following: a process of registering coupon information in association with facility customer identification information, and a process of outputting a paper medium on which the coupon information is printed via a device installed in the facility. Each process will be described in detail below.

[0128] "Process for registering coupon information linked to facility customer identification information" In this process, the execution unit 14 registers coupon information by linking it to the facility customer identification information of the customer whose status satisfies the processing conditions. The registered information is stored in a predetermined storage device. The predetermined storage device may be provided within the processing device 10 or may be provided in an external device configured to be able to communicate with the processing device 10.

[0129] The notification of the issuance of a coupon to a customer can be realized using any technique. For example, the execution unit 14 may notify the customer of the issuance of the coupon via the gaming machine on which the customer first plays after issuing the coupon to the customer.

[0130] When a customer inputs his / her biometric information or other customer identification information for service into a gaming machine before playing the gaming machine, the execution unit 14 can identify which gaming machine the customer is playing based on the input information. Alternatively, the execution unit 14 may analyze an image generated by a camera in the facility to identify the gaming machine the customer is playing. The process of identifying the gaming machine by image analysis is as described in the second embodiment.

[0131] By identifying the gaming machine on which the customer is playing, the execution unit 14 can identify the gaming machine on which the customer will play for the first time after issuing the coupon to the customer. The execution unit 14 can then notify the customer of the issuance of the coupon via the identified gaming machine. For example, the execution unit 14 can output a message to the customer via the display or speaker of the gaming machine, such as "Thank you for your continued patronage. We have issued you a coupon for one free play of XX. Please take advantage of it."

[0132] In addition, if a customer who wishes to play a gaming machine at a facility has registered an email address in a prior user registration process, the execution unit 14 may send the above-mentioned message to the registered email address.

[0133] Furthermore, if the customer has installed a predetermined application on his / her terminal device and has logged in using his / her facility customer identification information, the execution unit 14 may issue the above notification via that application.

[0134] Next, an example of a method for using such a coupon will be described. In this example, a customer inputs his / her biometric information or other customer identification information for the service into the gaming machine before playing the gaming machine. The gaming machine then transmits the input information to the processing device 10. The customer identification unit 11 then identifies the customer's facility customer identification information, as described in the second embodiment.

[0135] The processing device 10 then checks whether there are any coupons that can be used for play on the gaming machine among the coupon information registered in association with the identified facility customer identification information. If there are any coupons that can be used for play on the gaming machine, the processing device 10 inquires the customer via the gaming machine whether or not to use the coupon. The customer inputs a response regarding whether or not to use the coupon via an input device of the gaming machine.

[0136] As another example, a customer may operate an application installed on his / her terminal device to display a coupon code on the screen, and the customer can then use the coupon by having the reader of the gaming machine read the code.

[0137] As another example, a customer may operate an application installed on their terminal device to display a coupon on the screen, and then the customer may receive a free gift by presenting the coupon to a facility employee.

[0138] The coupon usage methods illustrated here are merely examples and are not limited to these examples.

[0139] "A process of outputting paper media on which coupon information is printed via a device installed in the facility" In this process, the execution unit 14 outputs a paper medium on which the coupon information is printed via a device installed in the facility. The device installed in the facility is, for example, a gaming machine, but is not limited to this.

[0140] For example, the execution unit 14 may, in the same manner as the above process, identify a gaming machine on which a customer will play for the first time after issuing a coupon to the customer, and then cause the identified gaming machine to output a paper medium on which predetermined coupon information is printed.

[0141] Next, an example of how to use such a coupon will be described. In one example, a coupon code is printed on a paper medium. A customer can then use the coupon by having a reader on the gaming machine read the code.

[0142] As another example, a customer may be able to receive a free gift by presenting coupon information (paper media) to a facility worker.

[0143] Other configurations of the processing apparatus 10 of the third embodiment are similar to those of the processing apparatus 10 of the first and second embodiments.

[0144] According to the processing apparatus 10 of the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the processing apparatus 10 of the first and second embodiments are achieved.

[0145] Furthermore, according to the processing device 10 of the third embodiment, it is possible to provide coupons to appropriate customers (those who are struggling) at appropriate times. Furthermore, according to the processing device 10 of the third embodiment, it is possible to provide coupons that can be used on a gaming machine to customers who are struggling with that gaming machine at appropriate times. Such a processing device 10 can increase customer satisfaction.

[0146] <<Fourth embodiment>> The processing device 10 of the fourth embodiment executes a process for changing the settings of the gaming machine when the state of the customer satisfies a processing condition, which will be described in detail below.

[0147] As described in the first and second embodiments, the execution unit 14 executes a predetermined process when the state of the customer satisfies the processing condition. The "predetermined process" in the fourth embodiment is a process of changing the settings of the gaming machine being played by a customer whose state satisfies the processing condition.

[0148] In one example, a difficulty level is set for each gaming machine. If the customer's status satisfies the processing condition, the execution unit 14 changes the difficulty level to a lower level. The changes to the gaming machine depending on the difficulty level vary and are determined in advance for each gaming machine.

[0149] For example, if the gaming machine is a crane game, the movement speed of the crane arm may change depending on the change in difficulty level (the lower the difficulty level, the slower the movement speed) or the gripping strength of the gripping part attached to the end of the arm may change (the lower the difficulty level, the stronger the gripping strength).

[0150] In addition, if the gaming machine is a coin game, casino game, pachinko, pachislot, etc., the probability of winning the lottery (or the probability of winning the jackpot) may change depending on the change in difficulty level (the lower the difficulty level, the higher the probability).

[0151] The execution unit 14 may determine the change content based on the degree of difficulty. For example, the execution unit 14 may determine to change the difficulty level to a lower level as the degree of difficulty increases.

[0152] The execution unit 14 can use the method described in the third embodiment to identify the gaming machine that the customer will play for the first time after deciding to execute a predetermined process for the customer. Then, the execution unit 14 can change the settings of the identified gaming machine. Specifically, the execution unit 14 notifies the gaming machine of the change in settings and the changed settings. The gaming machine changes the settings based on the notification from the execution unit 14.

[0153] Alternatively, after deciding to execute a predetermined process for a customer, the execution unit 14 may specify that the customer will play for the first time a "gaming machine whose play status on the day satisfies the support condition" or a "gaming machine whose play status over multiple days including the day satisfies the support condition." Then, the execution unit 14 may change the settings of the gaming machine when the customer plays the gaming machine.

[0154] The execution unit 14 may restore the settings of the gaming machine to their original state when the customer has finished playing the gaming machine. Specifically, the execution unit 14 notifies the gaming machine to restore the settings of the gaming machine to their original state when the customer has finished playing the gaming machine. The gaming machine changes its settings based on the notification from the execution unit 14.

[0155] The execution unit 14 may employ at least one of the configurations of the second and third embodiments in addition to the configuration of the fourth embodiment described above. That is, the execution unit 14 can execute at least one of the following as a predetermined process when the customer's status satisfies the processing condition: Notification process explained in the second embodiment The process of providing coupons described in the third embodiment The process of changing the settings of the gaming machine described in the fourth embodiment

[0156] Other configurations of the processing apparatus 10 of the fourth embodiment are similar to those of the processing apparatus 10 of the first to third embodiments.

[0157] According to the processing apparatus 10 of the fourth embodiment, the same effects as those of the processing apparatus 10 of the first to third embodiments are realized.

[0158] Furthermore, according to the processing device 10 of the fourth embodiment, it is possible to change the settings of a gaming machine at an appropriate time for the appropriate customer (a customer who is struggling). Furthermore, according to the processing device 10 of the fourth embodiment, it is possible to provide a support service of changing the settings of a gaming machine at an appropriate time for a customer who is struggling with a certain gaming machine. Such a processing device 10 can increase customer satisfaction.

[0159] <<Fifth Embodiment>> As explained in the second embodiment, the processing device 10 of the fifth embodiment executes a predetermined process when the customer's status satisfies the processing condition. In the fifth embodiment, the processing condition differs for each customer and / or each gaming machine. This will be explained in detail below.

[0160] As explained in the second embodiment, the execution unit 14 executes a predetermined process when the state of the customer satisfies the processing condition. For example, the execution unit 14 determines whether the state of the customer satisfies the processing condition for each gaming machine, and executes a predetermined process when the state of the customer at one gaming machine satisfies the processing condition. The processing condition is that the difficulty level is equal to or greater than a threshold.

[0161] The execution unit 14 can set different processing conditions for each gaming machine. More specifically, the execution unit 14 can set different thresholds for the difficulty level for each gaming machine.

[0162] For example, the execution unit 14 can calculate the popularity of each gaming machine. The execution unit 14 then calculates the threshold using a threshold calculation model that takes the popularity as input and the threshold as output. The threshold calculation model is generated in advance and stored in the processing device 10. The threshold calculation model may be an arithmetic formula, a table showing the relationship between the popularity and the threshold, a learning model generated by machine learning, or other similar model. For example, the threshold calculation model is configured to calculate a relatively lower threshold as the popularity decreases. This configuration makes it possible to provide more support to customers who play gaming machines with low popularity. As a result, the popularity of gaming machines with low popularity can be increased.

[0163] There are various methods for calculating the popularity. For example, the execution unit 14 may calculate the popularity using a predetermined arithmetic formula based on daily statistical values ​​(average, median, mode, maximum, minimum, etc.) of the total number of plays, total amount spent, total play time, etc. by multiple customers. The content of the arithmetic formula may vary, but it is set so that the higher the statistical value, the higher the popularity.

[0164] In addition, the execution unit 14 can set different processing conditions for each customer. More specifically, the execution unit 14 can set different difficulty level thresholds for each customer.

[0165] The execution unit 14 identifies the attributes of the customers, and then determines the processing conditions (thresholds) for each customer based on the attributes of the customers.

[0166] The customer attributes include, but are not limited to, age group, gender, etc. Furthermore, when "identification example 5" described in the second embodiment is employed, the customer attributes may also include whether the customer is a "regular member" or a "guest." The execution unit 14 may estimate the customer's age group, gender, etc. by analyzing an image of the customer. Additionally, if the customer's attributes have been registered in the facility's server in a user registration process in advance by a customer who wishes to play a gaming machine at the facility, the execution unit 14 may identify the customer's attributes by reading that information from the facility's server.

[0167] The execution unit 14 calculates the threshold value using a threshold value calculation model that takes customer attributes as input and outputs a threshold value. The threshold value calculation model is generated in advance and stored in the processing device 10. The threshold value calculation model may be an arithmetic formula, a table showing the relationship between customer attributes and threshold values, a learning model generated by machine learning, or other models. For example, the threshold value calculation model is configured to calculate a relatively low threshold value when the age group is below a reference value. This configuration makes it possible to provide more support to customers who need support, such as children. The threshold value calculation model may also be configured to calculate a lower threshold value for primary members than for guests. This configuration makes it possible to register various information with the facility and provide more support to customers (primary members) who are highly loyal to the facility.

[0168] Additionally, the execution unit 14 can change the processing conditions depending on the environment of the day. More specifically, the execution unit 14 can change the difficulty level threshold depending on the environment of the day.

[0169] The "environment of the day" includes, but is not limited to, the weather, temperature, humidity, etc.

[0170] The execution unit 14 calculates the threshold value using a threshold value calculation model that takes the environment of the day as input and outputs a threshold value. The threshold value calculation model is generated in advance and stored in the processing device 10. The threshold value calculation model may be an arithmetic formula, a table showing the relationship between the environment of the day and the threshold value, a learning model generated by machine learning, or other models. For example, the threshold value calculation model is configured to calculate a relatively low threshold value in an environment that tends to reduce the number of visitors to the facility, such as rain, thunder, snow, temperature or humidity below a reference value, or temperature or humidity above a reference value. This configuration is expected to provide better customer support in environments that tend to reduce the number of visitors to the facility, thereby increasing the number of visitors to the facility in such environments.

[0171] Other configurations of the processing apparatus 10 of the fifth embodiment are similar to those of the processing apparatus 10 of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0172] According to the processing apparatus 10 of the fifth embodiment, the same effects as those of the processing apparatuses 10 of the first to fourth embodiments are achieved.

[0173] Furthermore, according to the processing device 10 of the fifth embodiment, the processing conditions for executing predetermined processes related to the support service, specifically the difficulty level threshold, can be varied for each gaming machine. For example, the processing device 10 can lower the threshold for a gaming machine with low popularity, thereby providing more support to customers who play such a gaming machine. As a result, it is expected that the number of customers who play less popular gaming machines will increase.

[0174] Furthermore, according to the processing device 10 of the fifth embodiment, the processing conditions for executing a predetermined process related to the support service, specifically the difficulty level threshold, can be made different for each customer. For example, the processing device 10 can lower the threshold for children who need support and provide more support to such customers. As a result, the satisfaction of customers who need support can be improved, and repeat visits to the facility can be expected. Furthermore, the processing device 10 can provide more support to regular members than to guests. As a result, an increase in customers who become regular members can be expected.

[0175] Furthermore, according to the processing device 10 of the fifth embodiment, the processing conditions for executing a predetermined process related to the support service, specifically the difficulty level threshold, can be varied depending on the environment of the day. For example, the processing device 10 can lower the threshold in an environment where the number of visitors to the facility tends to be low, thereby providing more support to customers. As a result, it is expected that the number of visitors to the facility in such an environment will increase.

[0176] <<Modifications>> A modified example applicable to all of the above-described embodiments will be described. The calculation unit 13 can calculate the state (degree of difficulty) of the customer based on the play situation information and the facial expression of the customer identified by image analysis.

[0177] The specified customer facial expression is an expression that a customer who is struggling with a gaming machine tends to have, such as anger, irritation, etc. In addition, the specified customer facial expression may include an expression that a customer who is struggling with a gaming machine tends not to have, such as a smile or joy.

[0178] The calculation unit 13 can identify the facial expression of the customer using any well-known technology, such as, but not limited to, the use of a facial expression estimation model generated by learning learning data that associates people's faces with labels of facial expressions.

[0179] Next, an example of a process for calculating the state (degree of difficulty) of a customer based on the play situation information and the facial expression of the customer identified by image analysis will be described.

[0180] In one example, the calculation unit 13 can calculate the total time that the customer spends in each facial expression, or the proportion of time that the customer spends in each facial expression, based on the results of identifying the facial expressions. The proportion of time that the customer spends in each facial expression is, for example, the proportion of the "length of time that the customer spends in each facial expression" to the "length of time that the customer spends in the facility." Alternatively, the proportion of time that the customer spends in each facial expression may be, for example, the proportion of the "length of time that the customer spends in each facial expression while playing on the gaming machine" to the "length of time that the customer spends in each gaming machine." Alternatively, the proportion of time that the customer spends in each facial expression may be, for example, the proportion of the "length of time that the customer spends in each facial expression while playing on the gaming machine" to the "length of time that the customer spends in each gaming machine."

[0181] Then, the calculation unit 13 calculates the customer's degree of difficulty based on the play status information in a manner similar to that of the first to fifth embodiments, and then calculates the degree of difficulty by correcting the calculated degree of difficulty based on the above-mentioned total time and proportion of each facial expression.

[0182] Although the details of the correction vary, the calculation unit 13 can perform correction so that the greater the total time or proportion of facial expressions that customers who are having difficulty with the gaming machine tend to make, the greater the calculated degree of difficulty.The calculation unit 13 can also perform correction so that the smaller the total time or proportion of facial expressions that customers who are having difficulty with the gaming machine tend to make, the smaller the calculated degree of difficulty.

[0183] In addition, the calculation unit 13 can correct the calculated difficulty level so that the greater the total time or proportion of facial expressions that customers who are having difficulty with the gaming machine tend not to make, the smaller the calculated difficulty level.The calculation unit 13 can correct the calculated difficulty level so that the smaller the total time or proportion of facial expressions that customers who are having difficulty with the gaming machine tend not to make, the larger the calculated difficulty level.

[0184] In this way, the processing device 10, which calculates the customer's condition (degree of difficulty) based on the customer's facial expression identified by image analysis in addition to the play status information, can calculate the customer's condition (degree of difficulty) more accurately.

[0185] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0186] In addition, in the flowcharts used in the above explanation, multiple steps (processes) are described in order. However, the order of the steps performed in each embodiment is not limited to the order described. In each embodiment, the order of the steps shown in the drawings can be changed as long as it does not cause any problems in terms of the content.

[0187] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes. 1. A customer identification means for identifying a customer; a management means for managing play status information indicating the play status of the gaming machine in association with the identified customer; a calculation means for calculating a customer's state based on the play situation information; an execution means for executing a predetermined process when the state of the customer satisfies a process condition; A processing device having: 2. The execution means The processing device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined processing is a notification processing for notifying an operator of the presence of a customer whose status satisfies the processing condition. 3. The execution means In the notification process, an image of a customer whose state satisfies the processing condition; the current location of the customer whose state satisfies the processing condition; the playing status information indicating the playing status of the customer on that day whose status satisfies the processing condition; the playing status information indicating the playing status of the customer on a day other than the current day whose status satisfies the processing condition; Information indicating a gaming machine in which the playing status of the customer on the day satisfies the support condition, the status of which satisfies the processing condition; Information indicating a gaming machine whose play status over multiple days including the current day of the customer whose status satisfies the processing condition satisfies the support condition; and Support provided to customers, 3. The processing device according to claim 2, further notifying the operator of at least one of the above. 4. The execution means As the predetermined processing, providing a coupon to a customer whose status satisfies the processing condition; and A process of changing the settings of a gaming machine played by a customer whose state satisfies the processing condition; 4. A processing device according to any one of 1 to 3, which executes at least one of the above. 5. The play status information is The number of times you played the gaming machines at the facility on that day, Number of plays per gaming machine on the day, The amount spent at the facility on the day, The amount used for each gaming machine on the day, The playing time of the gaming machines at the facility on that day, Play time for each gaming machine on the day, The number of times the facility achieved its goal on that day; The number of times each gaming machine achieved its goal on that day, The number of times you have played the gaming machines at the facility since achieving your most recent goal on that day; The number of plays since the most recent goal was achieved for each gaming machine on that day, The amount spent at the facility since reaching the most recent goal on that day; The amount of money used since the most recent goal was achieved for each gaming machine on that day, The amount of time spent playing at the facility since achieving the most recent goal on that day, The play time since the most recent goal was achieved for each gaming machine on that day, and the number of times the predetermined process was performed for each customer on the day; 5. A processing device according to any one of 1 to 4, which exhibits at least one of the following: 6. The processing device according to 5, wherein the management means manages the play status information for each past day in addition to the play status information for the current day. 7. The calculation means A processing device according to any one of 1 to 6, which calculates a difficulty level indicating the degree to which the customer is struggling with the gaming machine based on the play status information. 8. The calculation means A processing device as described in 7, which calculates the degree of difficulty of each customer for each gaming machine. 9. The calculation means 9. A processing device according to claim 7 or 8, which calculates the degree of difficulty based on the playing situation information and the facial expression of the customer identified by image analysis. 10. The execution means For each gaming machine, determine whether the state of the customer satisfies the processing condition; 10. A processing device according to any one of 1 to 9, which executes the predetermined processing when the state of a customer at one gaming machine satisfies the processing condition. 11. A processing device as described in 10, wherein the processing conditions differ for each gaming machine. 12. The execution means: A processing device as described in 11, which sets the processing conditions for each gaming machine based on the popularity of each gaming machine. 13. A processing device according to any one of 1 to 12, wherein the processing conditions vary for each customer. 14. The execution means: 14. The processing device according to 13, which sets the processing conditions for each customer based on the attributes of each customer. 15. One or more computers Identify the customer, managing play status information indicating the play status of the gaming machine in association with the identified customer; Calculating the customer's status based on the play status information; A processing method for executing a predetermined process when the state of the customer satisfies a processing condition. 16. Computer, a customer identification means for identifying a customer; management means for managing play status information indicating the play status of the gaming machine in association with the identified customer; a calculation means for calculating the state of the customer based on the play situation information; an execution means for executing a predetermined process when the state of the customer satisfies a process condition; A program that functions as a

[0188] Some or all of Supplements 2 to 14 that are dependent on the processing device of Supplement 1 described above may also be dependent on the processing method of Supplement 15 and the program of Supplement 16 in the same dependent relationship as Supplement 1 and Supplements 2 to 14. Furthermore, within the scope of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, some or all of the configurations described as Supplements can be realized in various hardware, software, various recording means for recording software, or systems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0189] 10 Processing equipment 11 Customer Identification Department 12 Management Department 13 Calculation section 14 Executive Department 1A processor 2A Memory 3A input / output I / F 4A peripheral circuit 5A Bus

Claims

1. a customer identification means for identifying a customer; a management means for managing play status information indicating the play status of the gaming machine in association with the identified customer; a calculation means for calculating a customer's state based on the play situation information; an execution means for executing a predetermined process when the state of the customer satisfies a process condition; A processing device having:

2. The execution means 2. The processing device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined process executes a notification process of notifying an operator of the presence of a customer whose status satisfies the processing condition.

3. The execution means In the notification process, an image of a customer whose state satisfies the processing condition; the current location of the customer whose state satisfies the processing condition; the playing status information indicating the playing status of the customer on that day whose status satisfies the processing condition; the playing status information indicating the playing status of the customer on a day other than the current day whose status satisfies the processing condition; Information indicating a gaming machine in which the playing status of the customer on the day satisfies the support condition, the status of which satisfies the processing condition; Information indicating a gaming machine whose play status over multiple days including the current day of the customer whose status satisfies the processing condition satisfies the support condition; and Support provided to customers, 3. The processing device according to claim 2, further notifying the operator of at least one of the following:

4. The execution means As the predetermined processing, providing a coupon to a customer whose status satisfies the processing condition; and A process of changing the settings of a gaming machine played by a customer whose state satisfies the processing condition; 2. The processing device according to claim 1, wherein the processing device executes at least one of the following:

5. The play situation information is The number of times you played the gaming machines at the facility on that day, Number of plays per gaming machine on the day, The amount spent at the facility on the day, The amount used for each gaming machine on the day, The playing time of the gaming machines at the facility on that day, Play time for each gaming machine on the day, The number of times the facility achieved its goal on that day; The number of times each gaming machine achieved its goal on that day, The number of times you have played the gaming machines at the facility since achieving your most recent goal on that day; The number of plays since the most recent goal was achieved for each gaming machine on that day, The amount spent at the facility since reaching the most recent goal on that day; The amount of money used since the most recent goal was achieved for each gaming machine on that day, The amount of time spent playing at the facility since achieving the most recent goal on that day, The play time since the most recent goal was achieved for each gaming machine on that day, and the number of times the predetermined process was performed for each customer on the day; 2. The processing device of claim 1, wherein the processing device exhibits at least one of:

6. 6. The processing device according to claim 5, wherein said management means manages said play status information for each of the past days in addition to said play status information for the current day.

7. The calculation means 2. The processing device according to claim 1, wherein a difficulty level indicating the degree to which the customer is struggling with the gaming machine is calculated based on the play status information.

8. The calculation means The processing device according to claim 7, wherein the degree of difficulty of each customer is calculated for each gaming machine.

9. The calculation means The processing device according to claim 7 , wherein the difficulty level is calculated based on the play situation information and the facial expression of the customer identified by image analysis.

10. The execution means For each gaming machine, determine whether the state of the customer satisfies the processing condition; 2. The processing device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined process is executed when the state of the customer at one gaming machine satisfies the process condition.

11. The processing device according to claim 10, wherein the processing conditions vary for each gaming machine.

12. The execution means The processing device according to claim 11, wherein the processing conditions for each gaming machine are set based on the popularity of each gaming machine.

13. The processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the processing conditions vary for each customer.

14. The execution means The processing device according to claim 13, wherein the processing conditions for each customer are set based on the attributes of each customer.

15. One or more computers Identify the customer, managing play status information indicating the play status of the gaming machine in association with the identified customer; Calculating the customer's status based on the play status information; A processing method for executing a predetermined process when the state of the customer satisfies a processing condition.

16. Computer, a customer identification means for identifying a customer; management means for managing play status information indicating the play status of the gaming machine in association with the identified customer; a calculation means for calculating the state of the customer based on the play situation information; an execution means for executing a predetermined process when the state of the customer satisfies a process condition; A program that functions as a

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