Camera unit, prize exchange system, and camera unit control method

Abstract

To improve security in a prize exchange POS corresponding to self operation.SOLUTION: A camera unit (10) provided in a prize exchange device (51) and including a device camera (55) includes a comparison unit (51h) for acquiring face image data (122) in relation to an identifier of a prepaid card accepted by the prize exchange device, the face image data being accumulated in association with an identifier of a prepaid card accepted by an interposed machine (3), comparing face images to determine whether the face images match each other, and disabling or interrupting prize exchange in the prize exchange device based on a determination result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a camera unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Even today, cheating is prevalent in gaming establishments (amusement parlors), such as pachinko and pachislot parlors, and the forms of cheating are evolving into various forms. Cheating reduces sales at gaming establishments, putting pressure on their management. Therefore, gaming establishments are taking measures such as increasing the number of staff (employees) and strengthening monitoring of cheating.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes that in order to deal with fraudulent activities, a number of surveillance cameras are installed in the gaming facility, and if the person who deposits money into the ball card or deposit card is different from the person who settles the account, settlement is prohibited or suspended. Patent Document 1 also describes that if the player and the person who exchanges the prize are different, prize exchange is prohibited or suspended. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-158504 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Recently, in order to reduce manpower, self-service prize exchange POS (Point of Sale) systems have been released, which allow players to exchange prizes themselves. In order to use such prize exchange POS systems safely, security measures that have previously been handled by staff must now be automated (unmanned), and there is a demand for technological developments that can improve security in self-service prize exchange POS systems.

[0006] The technology of Patent Document 1 outputs a capture request command to a surveillance camera to capture images when an event occurs in the card unit, balance settlement machine, or prize POS. Therefore, if multiple capture requests are input to a single surveillance camera at the same time, there is a risk that accurate images of the event may not be captured. In particular, when multiple events requiring capture occur at once, the surveillance camera prioritizes capturing images. For example, if multiple events occur simultaneously, priority is given to capturing images of players with large balances. Therefore, when events requiring capture are captured, some events may be missed. This situation is insufficient for the security of a self-service prize exchange POS.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention aims to realize a technology that can improve security in a prize exchange POS that allows self-service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, one embodiment of the camera unit of the present invention is a camera unit having a camera and a control unit that is provided in a prize exchange device that accepts a recording medium and exchanges the game value balance associated with the recording medium for a prize, wherein the control unit has the functions of capturing a facial image of a player, accepting a deposit and lending game media within the amount of the received deposit, and accepting a recording medium and associating the game value balance indicating the game value obtained in connection with the execution of a game with the recording medium, an acquisition unit that acquires a facial image associated with the identifier of the recording medium accepted by the prize exchange device from a facial image database that stores facial images captured by multiple inter-machine machines in association with the identifier of the recording medium accepted by the inter-machine machines, a facial authentication unit that compares the facial images to determine whether the faces match, and a decision unit that disables or suspends prize exchange in the prize exchange device when the facial authentication unit determines that the facial image captured by the prize exchange device and the facial image acquired by the acquisition unit do not match.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the camera unit can compare the facial image of the player associated with the same recording medium with the facial image of the prize exchanger to determine whether the player and the prize exchanger are the same person. The facial image compared with the facial image of the prize exchanger is a facial image taken by each machine, so there are no omissions or omissions, as occurs when images are taken by a surveillance camera. Therefore, if a prize exchanger exchanges a prize using a recording medium obtained through fraudulent activity, the prize exchange can be determined to be fraudulent, thereby improving security at a self-service prize exchange POS.

[0010] The determination unit may enable prize exchange when the face authentication unit determines that a face matches between the face image captured by the prize exchange machine and the full face image stored in the face database that is associated with the same identifier as the recording medium accepted by the prize exchange machine.

[0011] According to the above configuration, it is possible to compare all facial images captured by the prize exchange machine and those recorded in the face database, which are associated with the same recording medium. If all images match, the prize can be exchanged. In other words, even if even one facial image is different, it can be determined that fraud has occurred.

[0012] The inter-machine may capture an image of the face of the player at the timing when a predetermined event occurs.

[0013] According to the above configuration, it is possible to detect fraudulent activity by capturing a facial image at a specific event, thereby shortening the time required for facial authentication and accurately detecting changes in the ownership of a recording medium.

[0014] The event may be when a deposit is received, when the recording medium is received, or when the recording medium is ejected.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the image of the player is captured when the game medium lending machine accesses the recording medium, making it possible to detect changes in the player and improving security.

[0016] A prize exchange system according to another aspect of the present invention includes the camera unit.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the camera unit can be used to quickly compare the facial images of the player and the prize exchanger, making it possible to construct a prize exchange system that can minimize the waiting time for prize exchangers in self-prize exchange.

[0018] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a control method for a camera unit having a camera and a control unit, which is provided in a prize exchange device that accepts a recording medium and exchanges the game value balance associated with the recording medium for a prize, and which includes the following functions: capturing a facial image of a player; accepting deposits and lending game media within the amount of the accepted deposit; and accepting a recording medium and associating a game value balance indicating the game value obtained in connection with the execution of a game with the recording medium.The method includes the following steps: acquiring a facial image associated with the identifier of the recording medium accepted by the prize exchange device from a facial image database that stores facial images captured by multiple inter-machine machines in association with the identifier of the recording medium accepted by the inter-machine machines; a facial authentication step that compares the facial images to determine whether the faces match; and a decision step that disables or suspends prize exchange in the prize exchange device if it is determined in the facial authentication step that the facial image captured by the prize exchange device and the facial image acquired in the acquisition step do not match.

[0019] A prize exchange system according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of inter-machine machines each having the functions of capturing a facial image of a player, accepting a deposit and lending out a gaming medium within the amount of the received deposit, and accepting a recording medium and associating a gaming value balance indicating the gaming value obtained in connection with the execution of a game with the recording medium; a prize exchange device having the function of capturing a facial image of a prize exchanger and accepting the recording medium and exchanging the gaming value balance associated with the recording medium for a prize; a facial image database that stores facial images captured by the inter-machine machines in association with the identifier of the recording medium being accepted; a facial authentication unit that compares the facial images to determine whether the faces match; and a decision unit that disables or suspends prize exchange when the facial authentication unit determines that the facial image captured by the prize exchange device does not match the facial image stored in the facial image database, which is associated with the same identifier as the recording medium accepted by the prize exchange device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, security can be improved at a prize exchange POS that allows self-service. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an overall picture of an amusement center system of an amusement center according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of the prize exchange processing subsystem in the amusement arcade system. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart showing actions of a player with respect to a prepaid card in the gaming facility system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart relating to processing at the settlement machine and POS according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart of the settlement and gift exchange process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart for fact checking in the event of theft according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a list of usage history of the facilities in the amusement center displayed on the display device of the hall computer. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a card usage history displayed with a camera image displayed on the display device of a hall computer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, an embodiment according to one aspect of the present disclosure (hereinafter also referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] §1 Application Examples First, an example of a situation in which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an overall image of an amusement center system 1a of an amusement center according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the amusement facility management system (prize exchange system) 1 includes a plurality of gaming machines 2, a plurality of inter-machine machines 3, a settlement machine 50, a prize exchange POS (prize exchange device, hereinafter abbreviated as POS) 51, a counting machine 52, a hall computer 100, a prepaid management server 110, a face authentication server 120, a prize exchange management server 130a, and a plurality of HUBs 7.

[0025] An image of the face of the player is captured in association with the prepaid card by an inter-machine camera 4 provided in each inter-machine machine 3 or an equipment camera 55 provided in the settlement machine 50, POS 511, and counting machine 52.

[0026] In amusement parlors, theft of prepaid cards (recording media) such as membership cards and visitor cards may occur, and the stolen prepaid cards may be used to settle accounts and exchange prizes. In such cases, it is necessary to disable operations at the timing of settlement and prize exchange.

[0027] The captured facial images can be used to detect changes in the player using the camera units 10 of each machine 3, settlement machine 50, POS 511, and counter 52. In other words, if the player holding the prepaid card changes, it can be determined that the card has been stolen.

[0028] §2 Configuration example (Overview of the gaming center management system) The gaming machine 2 is a device on which a player plays a game using a gaming medium, such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine. The gaming medium is, for example, a gaming ball for a pachinko machine or a coin for a slot machine. For the sake of convenience, the following description will be given assuming that the gaming medium is a gaming ball.

[0029] The inter-machine machine 3 is provided beside each gaming machine 2. The inter-machine machine 3 is equipped with a display, a ball dispensing mechanism, a bill deposit device, a contactless IC reader, a ball counting sensor, a dispensing switch, a card reader (first reading unit) 5, and the like. The inter-machine machine 3 accepts prepaid cards using a card reader (recording medium) and associates the amount deposited using the bill deposit device with the prepaid card. The inter-machine machine 3 supplies the amount of gaming balls that can be loaned to the corresponding gaming machine 2 using a ball dispensing mechanism, within the remaining balance associated with the prepaid card. The inter-machine machine 3 also counts the gaming balls collected into the inter-machine machine 3 using a counting sensor, and associates the remaining amount of dispensed balls (remaining gaming value) with the prepaid card. Each of these inter-machine machines 3 is equipped with an inter-machine machine camera 4, and images captured by the inter-machine machine camera 4 are output to an external device.

[0030] The inter-machine camera 4 is installed in or built into the inter-machine machine 3. The imaging area of ​​the inter-machine camera 4 is set to include the face of the player at the corresponding gaming machine 2 and the surrounding area, and has the function of capturing an image of the player's face. Hereinafter, the image captured by the inter-machine camera 4 will be referred to as the camera image.

[0031] The inter-machine camera 4 may be a camera that takes images from above the gaming machine 2. In this case, it is possible to capture images of the player's hand movements, which may make it easier to capture images of fraudulent activity.

[0032] The card reader 5 reads the serial number (identifier) ​​of the prepaid card. The face authentication server 120a may also store the camera image captured by the inter-machine camera 4 in association with the serial number of the card reader 5. When only cash is inserted without a prepaid card, the card reader 5 issues a prepaid card with the amount of the cash recorded as the balance. The issued prepaid card is held by the inter-machine machine 3 until it is ejected from the inter-machine machine 3.

[0033] The settlement machine 50 is equipped with a display, a banknote dispensing device, a hardened dispensing device, a contactless IC reader, a settlement switch, a card reader, etc. The settlement machine 50 reads a prepaid card and dispenses cash from the banknote dispensing device or hardened dispensing device based on the remaining balance information associated with the prepaid card. The settlement machine 50 is equipped with or has built-in an equipment camera 55 that has the function of capturing an image of the settler's face.

[0034] The POS511 is a prize exchange device that allows prize exchangers to exchange prizes themselves. The POS511 is equipped with a display, keyboard, card reader (second reading unit) 56, barcode reader, etc. The POS511 reads a prepaid card using the card reader 56 and exchanges it for a prize based on the information on the remaining number of dispensed balls associated with the prepaid card. The POS511 also reads the barcode on a receipt using the barcode reader and exchanges it for a prize based on the information on the remaining number of dispensed balls indicated by the barcode reader. The POS511 is equipped with or has built-in device camera 55 that has the function of capturing an image of the face of the prize exchanger.

[0035] The counter 52 is equipped with a display, a ball payout mechanism, a gaming medium counting sensor, a contactless IC reader, a ticket issuing switch, a card reader, etc. The counter 52 counts the gaming balls brought in by the player and associates the counting result with the number of remaining balls on a prepaid card, or issues a receipt with a barcode showing information on the number of remaining balls. The counter 52 is equipped with or has built-in equipment camera 55 that has the function of capturing an image of the counting person's face.

[0036] Hereinafter, the image captured by the equipment camera 55 of the settlement machine 50, POS 511, or counting machine 52 will also be referred to as a camera image. In other words, a camera image is a general term for an image newly captured by a camera and used to identify the face of the captured player.

[0037] The hall computer (service terminal) 100 manages information (hall business data) relating to games played on each gaming machine 2 installed in the gaming parlor. The hall computer 100 also manages the systems within the gaming parlor. For example, hall business data includes the operation of each gaming machine 2 (information on the payout of gaming balls from each gaming machine 2, information on player calls from each gaming machine 2, information on errors, etc.), and the hall computer 100 monitors this information.

[0038] The prepaid management server 110 manages rental information (customer game value balance data) of game balls purchased at each inter-machine machine 3 based on information from each inter-machine machine 3, the settlement machine 50, the POS 511, and the counter 52. In other words, it manages the exchange of game balls (game value balance) with cash. The prepaid management server 110 also manages customer data such as membership information. Furthermore, the prepaid management server 110 may store the number of balls dispensed and the like in association with the serial number of the prepaid card.

[0039] The face authentication server 120a manages (stores) in a database the camera images (face image data (face image database) 122 (see FIG. 2)) captured by each inter-machine camera 4 and each device camera 55. The images managed in the face image data 122 are called face images to distinguish them from camera images.

[0040] The facial recognition server 120 manages facial image data 122. The facial image data 122 stores multiple facial images of players for each prepaid card serial number, along with the events at which the images were captured. Furthermore, among the stored facial images, facial images that have strong features that are favorable for facial recognition may be flagged as an authentication facial image and may be used preferentially for facial recognition. Multiple facial image flags for authentication may be set, and the images are assigned in descending order of the features. For example, it is desirable to set the number of facial images with the authentication facial image flag set to approximately five per player. The events at which images are captured (the timing at which images are captured) will be described later.

[0041] Among the facial images stored in the facial image data 122, visitor card data may be overwritten every other day. Member card data may also be overwritten in order starting from the oldest data.

[0042] The prize exchange management server 130a manages prize exchange data such as prize inventory information and information on the exchange date and time when the remaining number of game balls is exchanged for prizes at the POS 511. In addition, when exchanging a prize, in order to determine whether the prepaid card belongs to the player, the camera image captured by the POS 511 is compared with the facial image data stored in the facial authentication server 120a, and the camera unit 10 confirms whether the same face is captured.

[0043] HUB7 is a so-called switching hub that establishes mutual communication with each inter-machine machine 3, settlement machine 50, POS 511, counting machine 52, hall computer 100, prepaid management server 110, facial authentication server 120a, prize exchange management server 130a, and each camera unit 10.

[0044] (Type of prepaid card) There are two types of prepaid cards: member cards and visitor cards. A member card is a card issued after the player's membership information is registered in advance. In contrast, a visitor card is a prepaid card that can be issued at the machine 3 without registering membership information and can only be used on that day. You can play with a visitor card, but by using a member card you can receive various services such as storing and carrying over game balls.

[0045] Each prepaid card is associated with the type of the prepaid card, its ID information (recording medium identifier), information on the remaining balance, information on the number of remaining game balls, etc. Furthermore, if the prepaid card is a membership card, the hall computer 100 can acquire a facial image of the player associated with the prepaid card by comparing the ID information of the prepaid card with the prepaid management server 110 and the facial authentication server 120a. Note that acquisition of such a facial image of the player associated with the prepaid card can be performed not only by the hall computer 100, but also by any of the prepaid management server 110, the facial authentication server 120a, and the prize exchange management server 130a.

[0046] (prize exchange processing subsystem) 2 is a block diagram of a subsystem for prize exchange processing in the gaming facility system 1a. The prize exchange processing will be described with reference to FIG.

[0047] The subsystem for the prize exchange processing comprises a POS 511, a prize exchange management server 130a, a face authentication server 120a, a camera unit 10, an equipment camera 55 provided in the camera unit 10, and a card reader 56, a barcode reader 57, a keyboard 58, and a display 59 provided in (or connected to) the POS 511. The POS 511 comprises a recording medium reading unit 51b, a POS processing unit 51e, an input unit 51f, and a display control unit 51g. The prize exchange management server 130a comprises a prize exchange unit 133 and prize exchange data 134. The face authentication server 120a comprises a face image output unit 121a and face image data 122. The camera unit 10 comprises an image acquisition unit 51a, an information output unit 51c, and a comparison unit (acquisition unit, face authentication unit, determination unit) 51h.

[0048] The device camera 55 captures a facial image of the player operating the POS 511. The device camera 55 outputs the captured camera image to the image acquisition unit 51a.

[0049] The image acquisition unit 51a acquires a camera image from the equipment camera 55. The acquired camera image may be subjected to background removal processing, etc. The image acquisition unit 51a outputs the camera image to the comparison unit 51h.

[0050] The card reader 56 can read information from a prepaid card used by a player for playing a game, and outputs the information read from the prepaid card to the recording medium reading unit 51b.

[0051] The recording medium reading unit 51b acquires information read from the prepaid card by the card reader 56. The recording medium reading unit 51b outputs the acquired information to the information output unit 51c. The acquired information includes the type of prepaid card, the serial number (recording medium identifier), and information on the number of game balls dispensed. If the prepaid card is a membership card, the information on the number of game balls dispensed also includes information on the storage and carryover of game balls.

[0052] The information output unit 51c outputs the input information about the prepaid card to the face authentication server 120a. The information output unit 51c may also output a camera image to the face authentication server 120a and update the face image data 122.

[0053] The comparison unit 51h acquires multiple facial images of the player associated with the serial number of the prepaid card from the facial image output unit 121a and compares the facial images with the camera image. That is, the comparison unit 51h determines whether the player has changed based on the facial image and the camera image. The comparison unit 51h outputs the determination result to the POS processing unit 51e.

[0054] If there is no matching facial image or the facial image is not valid, the POS processing unit 51e notifies the arcade staff using a notification unit (not shown). The determination of whether the facial image is valid will be described later. If the facial image is not valid, the exchange for a prize will be denied or the process will be suspended.

[0055] The POS processing unit 51e accepts the player's operation and proceeds with the prize exchange process. At this time, the POS processing unit 51e causes the display control unit 51g to display the display 59, and based on the display, the player transmits the prize exchange details to the POS processing unit 51e via the input unit 51f using the barcode reader 57, keyboard 58, etc. The POS processing unit 51e outputs the entered prize exchange details to the prize exchange unit 133.

[0056] The prize exchange unit 133 pays out the entered prize from a prize payout storage (not shown) installed near the POS 511 based on the entered prize exchange details, and also edits the prize exchange data 134.

[0057] §3 Example of operation Next, a detailed operation example will be described, focusing on the theft of a prepaid card at the inter-machine device 3. Cases in which theft of a prepaid card occurs are not limited to this, and the theft may occur at any device (for example, POS 511).

[0058] (Normal game flow in the gaming center system) FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing actions of a player with respect to a prepaid card in the gaming facility system 1a according to the first embodiment.

[0059] A player inserts a prepaid card with remaining funds or remaining game media into the card reader of the inter-machine machine 3, or inserts cash into the inter-machine machine 3 and is issued a new prepaid card. In other words, the player has the inter-machine machine 3 accept the prepaid card and lends game balls (S11). The inserted prepaid card and the newly issued prepaid card are held in the card reader. The held prepaid card is discharged by operating the payout switch on the inter-machine machine 3. In the case of a visitor card, it is discharged when there is remaining funds or remaining balls.

[0060] The player starts playing (S12), temporarily suspends the game, leaves the gaming machine 2, and then ends the game (S13, S14).

[0061] When the player has finished playing, he operates the payout switch on the machine 3 and removes the prepaid card from the card reader (S15). As mentioned above, in the case of a visitor card, it is only dispensed if there is remaining money or remaining balls, so if there is no remaining money or remaining balls (remaining game value), the player simply leaves the store.

[0062] If there is a gaming value balance, the player has the settlement machine 50 read the ejected prepaid card, and the settlement machine 50 settles the remaining balance (S16 to S18). The settlement machine 50 pays out the remaining balance based on the remaining balance information recorded on the read prepaid card.

[0063] If there are remaining balls, the player has the POS 511 read the dispensed prepaid card, and the POS 511 exchanges the balls for a prize (S16, S19, S20). The POS 511 exchanges the balls for a prize based on the remaining ball information recorded on the read prepaid card. The player leaves the store after settling the account, exchanging the balls for a prize, or both are completed.

[0064] (Event-specific imaging) In the game flow in the gaming facility system described above, the inter-machine camera 4 and the equipment camera 55 capture camera images at the timing when a predetermined event specific to each device occurs.

[0065] Events include when depositing money or accepting a prepaid card at the inter-machine machine 3 (S11, S34), when the player leaves his / her seat (S13), when discharging a prepaid card at the inter-machine machine 3 (S14, S31), when settling at the settlement machine 50 (S18), or when exchanging for a prize at the POS 511 (S20). At these events, a camera captures an image of the player's face.

[0066] Here, taking a camera image that does not capture the player when the player leaves the seat is done to show that the area in front of the gaming machine is now unattended. In other words, in the event of an actual theft, if a prepaid card is stolen from the inter-machine device 3 attached to the gaming machine 2 that has once been unattended, the image is used to prove that the player has left the seat.

[0067] (Acts of the thief) Next, the actions of thieves who steal prepaid cards will be described.

[0068] While a player is away from his seat, a thief ejects a prepaid card from the inter-machine machine 3 and takes it (S31). Alternatively, a player may lose the prepaid card ejected from the inter-machine machine 3 (S32), and the thief may find it (S33). The thief may insert the prepaid card obtained in S31 or S33 into the inter-machine machine 3 and play a game (S34).

[0069] The thief will settle the account and exchange the acquired prepaid card for a prize according to the game flow of the gaming facility system. Therefore, when settling the account at the settlement machine 50 and exchanging the card for a prize at the POS 511, if the prepaid card was obtained fraudulently, measures are required to prevent the settlement and exchange.

[0070] In addition, if a theft occurs, the amusement facility will take action. An alarm (not shown) will be sent to the facility using a public address system that broadcasts information throughout the facility, alerting the attendant. The attendant will also be instructed on how to respond by clearly indicating the location where the theft was detected on the intercom carried by the attendant.

[0071] Furthermore, if theft is discovered at the settlement machine 50 or POS 511, the settlement process or prize exchange process may be disabled or interrupted and an attendant may check. For this purpose, an alarm may be used to direct an attendant to the relevant device.

[0072] (Theft detection using facial images) The captured camera image is subjected to facial authentication by the camera unit 10, where it is compared with the existing facial image data 122. If the camera image of the player differs from the facial image in the facial image data 122 during the facial authentication stage, it can be determined that the prepaid card has been stolen. Therefore, in this case, the facial authentication server sets a theft flag on the serial number of the prepaid card and notifies an attendant. Upon receiving this notification, the attendant goes to the player (the thief) to confirm the facts.

[0073] For example, suppose that player A, who was playing with a prepaid card, leaves his seat, while player B (the thief) ejects the stolen prepaid card, plays the game, and then attempts to settle the account and exchange the card for a prize. In this case, the following events are recorded: the time when player A inserts the prepaid card and starts playing (T1), the time when player A leaves his seat (T2), the time when player B ejects the prepaid card (T3), the time when player B plays on another gaming machine (T4), and the time when player B settles the account and exchanges the card for a prize (T5).

[0074] Here, when checking the camera images linked to the serial number of the prepaid card, it is found that T1 and T2 are the same person, and T3 to T5 are the same person. At this time, the camera unit 10 determines that the player has changed from T2 to T3, so even if the facial image immediately before settlement and prize exchange and the camera image show the same person, it is determined that the prepaid card has been stolen. In other words, if the facial image in the facial image data 122 is no longer the same person even once, it is determined that the prepaid card has been stolen.

[0075] When the fact of the theft is confirmed, the face authentication server 120a may notify the fact of the theft to a staff member via an alarm (not shown). Alternatively, an announcement may be made over the in-store PA system. As a result of these measures, the staff member may confirm the facts with the thief, as described below.

[0076] (Measures against theft from payment machines) The settlement machine 50 and the POS 511 take measures against theft using the above-described method of determining theft.

[0077] FIG. 4 is a flowchart relating to the processing at the settlement machine 50 and the POS 511 according to the first embodiment.

[0078] A camera image is taken by the device camera 55, and the image acquisition unit 51a acquires the camera image. The acquired camera image may be subjected to background removal processing, etc. The camera image is output to the information output unit 51c and the comparison unit 51h. In addition, the recording medium reading unit 51b reads the prepaid card and acquires the serial number of the prepaid card (S41).

[0079] The information output unit 51c outputs the camera image and the serial number to the face authentication server 120a (S42), and outputs the serial number to the prepaid management server 110 (S43).

[0080] The POS 511 notifies the camera unit 10 of the execution of the settlement process (S44a). Upon receiving the notification, the information output unit 51c of the camera unit 10 queries the facial image output unit 121a of the facial authentication server 120a with the serial number acquired from the recording medium reading unit of the POS 511. As a result, the facial image output unit 121a transmits multiple facial images that match the serial number to the comparison unit 51h of the camera unit 10.

[0081] The information output unit 51c may specify the period of time for which facial images are to be acquired when inquiring of the facial image output unit 121a. For example, in the case of a visitor card, since different players hold prepaid cards with the same serial number on each day, if the period is not limited, facial images of players from the previous day and earlier will also be inquired. Therefore, it is necessary to limit the facial images to be acquired. Also, even in the case of a membership card, it may be better to compare a new facial image rather than an old facial image.

[0082] The POS 511 requests the camera unit 10 to confirm whether the person is the same (S45a). In response to the request, the comparison unit 51h of the camera unit 10 compares the camera image acquired by the image acquisition unit 51a with the multiple face images acquired from the face image output unit 121a to determine whether they are the same person. The comparison unit 51h outputs the determination result to the POS processing unit 51e.

[0083] At this time, the camera images taken by the machine camera 55 and the inter-machine camera 4 are checked to see if the player holding the same prepaid card is the same person. Also, if the prepaid card is a membership card, the camera image is checked to see if it matches the facial image of the player who used it previously (on the same day or the most recent visit). In other words, it detects cases where the original holder of the prepaid card is different from the player due to theft, etc. Furthermore, it is checked whether the facial image captured in the camera image matches the facial image registered as a fraudulent customer.

[0084] If the facial image of the same person is registered (Yes in S46), the settlement and prize exchange process is carried out (S47). If the facial image of the same person is not registered (No in S46), the process proceeds to S49.

[0085] The settlement machine 50 locks the settlement, and the POS 511 locks the exchange for prizes (S49). This prevents the player from exchanging the game value balance until it is confirmed that the player is the legitimate holder of the prepaid card.

[0086] An attendant at the gaming facility verifies the facts (S50). Details will be described later. As a result of the fact verification, it is confirmed whether or not permission to settle the account or exchange for a prize is granted (S51). If permission is granted (Yes in S51), the settlement and prize exchange process is carried out (S52). If permission is not granted (No in S51), the player attempting to settle the account or exchange for a prize is registered as a fraudulent customer (S53). The attendant then collects the prepaid card and explains the situation to the player (S54).

[0087] (Payment and prize exchange processing) FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the settlement and gift exchange process according to the first embodiment.

[0088] The settlement machine 50 or POS 511 issues an execution notice to the prepaid management server 110 to carry out the settlement and prize exchange process for the game value balance (unreturned cash, remaining number of game balls, and remaining number of dispensed balls) (S61).

[0089] The permission for the settlement of the gaming value balance and the prize exchange process is confirmed (S62). If the settlement and prize exchange are not permitted (No in S62), a message is displayed on the display 59 and the prepaid card is returned (S63). On the other hand, if the settlement and prize exchange are permitted (Yes in S62), the process proceeds to S64.

[0090] The need to return the prepaid card is confirmed (S64). Specifically, if the inserted prepaid card is a visitor card and has no remaining balance (No in S64), the prepaid card is not returned but collected and reused in the arcade (S65). On the other hand, if the prepaid card is a membership card or visitor card and has a remaining balance (Yes in S64), the prepaid card is returned (S66). The system waits to confirm whether the player has collected the prepaid card (S67).

[0091] The settlement machine 50 or POS 511 refunds the remaining gaming value (S68). That is, the settlement machine 50 refunds the remaining amount recorded on the prepaid card as cash, and the POS 511 exchanges the game value for a prize based on the remaining amount of gaming media and the amount of dispensed balls. The system waits to confirm whether the player has collected the cash or prize (S69).

[0092] (Verifying the facts in the event of theft) Next, the process of fact-checking by the game center staff when theft is suspected will be described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart of fact-checking in the event of theft according to the first embodiment.

[0093] The attendant checks the serial number of the prepaid card of the person who is settling the account or redeeming the prize (S71), and uses that serial number to search the hall computer 100 (S72).

[0094] 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a list of usage histories of the facilities in an amusement facility displayed on the display device of the hall computer 100. The usage history 101 is composed of a search condition input section 102 and a usage history list 103. The display contents of the usage history list 103 change based on the search conditions entered in the search condition input section 102. The usage history list 103 shows the history of each event at each device, such as deposits and settlements.

[0095] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of the card usage history displayed with a camera image displayed on the display device of the hall computer 100. In addition, by selecting the detailed display button 104 of a specific row in the usage history list 103, the event history of the prepaid card (with the same serial number) on which the event occurred can be displayed (see Figure 8).

[0096] The card usage image list 105 shown in FIG. 8 mainly displays a serial number 106 and multiple events (S73). Each of the multiple events includes a camera image 107, detailed information 108, and a registration button 109. The detailed information includes the time the event occurred, the machine number of the gaming machine 2, and the type of the event (deposit, refund, settlement, prize exchange, etc.). In other words, by checking the card usage image list 105, it is possible to check a list of camera images of a player using a specific prepaid card in chronological order, making it possible to identify theft, etc. at a glance (S74).

[0097] If theft has occurred (Yes in S75), by pressing the registration button 109 for the event where the theft occurred, the player who settled the account or exchanged the prize in the face image captured by the camera at that event can be identified as the thief and registered as a fraudulent customer. Furthermore, that player is prohibited from settling accounts or exchanging prizes (S76). If the attendant confirms that no theft has occurred (No in S75), that player can settle accounts or exchange prizes (S77).

[0098] §4 Action and effect When a prize is exchanged at the self-service POS 511, a facial image associated with the serial number of the prepaid card is obtained from the facial recognition server 120a based on the serial number. The facial image associated with the serial number is a facial image captured by each machine 3, so there are no omissions or omissions, as occurs when captured by a surveillance camera. This allows the camera unit 10 to perform facial recognition of the player, the cashier, or the prize exchanger, thereby increasing security against fraudulent activity. This allows for a self-service POS 511 with high security.

[0099] Furthermore, the facial image to be compared is selected using the serial number of the prepaid card, and then the facial image is compared with the camera image by the camera unit 10. This allows for high-speed judgment, minimizing the waiting time of the prize exchanger in the self-prize exchange.

[0100] [Software implementation example] The functions of POS511, face authentication server 120a, and camera unit 10 (hereinafter referred to as "devices") can be realized by a program that causes a computer to function as the device, and a program that causes a computer to function as each control block of the device.

[0101] In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The control device and storage device execute the program, thereby realizing the functions described in each of the above embodiments.

[0102] The program may be non-transitory and may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media. The recording media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0103] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control blocks can be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each of the control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of the control blocks can also be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0104] Furthermore, each process described in each of the above embodiments may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may run on the control device or on another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0105] [Additional Notes] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1a Amusement Park System 2 gaming machines 3 machines 4-unit camera 5, 56 Card reader 7 HUB 10 Camera Unit 50 Payment machine 511 Prize exchange POS, POS 51a Image acquisition unit 51b Recording medium reading unit 51c Information output section 51e POS processing unit 51f Input section 51g Display control unit 51h Comparison section (acquisition section, face recognition section, decision section) 52 Counter 55 Equipment Camera 57 Barcode reader 58 keyboards 59 Display 100 Hole Computer 110 Prepaid Management Server 120a Face recognition server 121a Facial image output unit 122 Facial image data (Facial image database) 130a Prize exchange management server 133 Prize Exchange Department 134 Prize Exchange Data

Claims

1. A plurality of inter-machine machines each having the functions of capturing an image of a player's face, accepting a deposit and lending gaming media within the amount of the accepted deposit, and accepting a recording medium and associating a gaming value balance indicating the gaming value obtained in connection with the execution of a game with said recording medium; a prize exchange device that has a function of capturing a facial image of a prize exchanger, receives the recording medium, and exchanges a game value balance associated with the recording medium for a prize; a face image database that stores face images captured by the machine in association with the identifiers of the recording media currently being accepted; A camera unit provided in the prize exchange device included in the prize exchange system, A camera and a control unit are provided, The camera captures a facial image of a person operating the prize exchange device, The control unit an acquisition unit that acquires, from the face image database, a face image associated with the identifier of the recording medium accepted by the prize exchange device; a comparison unit that compares the facial image of the person photographed by the camera with the facial image acquired by the acquisition unit to determine whether the player has changed, and if so, outputs a signal to the prize exchange device to cause the prize exchange device to disable prize exchange or to suspend the prize exchange process; The acquisition unit is a camera unit that acquires facial images captured by multiple inter-machine devices when the recording medium accepted by the prize exchange device is accepted by multiple inter-machine devices.

2. The camera unit described in claim 1, wherein the comparison unit outputs a signal to the prize exchange device to enable the prize exchange device to exchange prizes when a face matches between the facial image of a person photographed by the camera and the full facial image acquired by the acquisition unit and associated with the same identifier as the recording medium accepted by the prize exchange device.

3. 3. The camera unit according to claim 1, wherein the inter-machine captures a facial image of the player at the timing when a predetermined event occurs.

4. 4. The camera unit according to claim 3, wherein the event is when a deposit is received, when the recording medium is received, or when the recording medium is ejected.

5. A plurality of inter-machine machines each having the functions of taking a picture of a player's face, accepting a deposit and lending gaming media within the amount of the accepted deposit, and accepting a recording medium and associating a gaming value balance indicating the gaming value obtained in connection with the execution of a game with said recording medium; a prize exchange device provided with a camera unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, having a function of capturing a facial image of a prize exchanger, and receiving the recording medium and exchanging the game value balance associated with the recording medium for a prize; A prize exchange system comprising a facial image database that stores facial images captured by the machine in association with the identifier of the recording medium currently being accepted.

6. A plurality of inter-machine machines each having the functions of taking a picture of a player's face, accepting a deposit and lending gaming media within the amount of the accepted deposit, and accepting a recording medium and associating a gaming value balance indicating the gaming value obtained in connection with the execution of a game with said recording medium; a prize exchange device that has a function of capturing a facial image of a prize exchanger, receives the recording medium, and exchanges a game value balance associated with the recording medium for a prize; a face image database that stores face images captured by the machine in association with the identifiers of the recording media currently being accepted; A control method for a camera unit having a camera and a control unit, which is provided in the prize exchange device included in the prize exchange system, The camera captures a facial image of a person operating the prize exchange device, an acquisition step of acquiring, from the face image database, a face image associated with the identifier of the recording medium accepted by the prize exchange device; a comparison step of comparing the facial image of the person photographed by the camera with the facial image acquired in the acquisition step to determine whether the player has changed, and if so, outputting a signal to the prize exchange device to cause the prize exchange device to disable prize exchange or to suspend the prize exchange process; In the acquisition step, when there are multiple inter-machine machines that have accepted the recording medium accepted by the prize exchange device, a camera unit control method is provided for acquiring facial images captured by the multiple inter-machine machines.

Images