Gaming System

Abstract

To provide a game system capable of further accurately acquiring game information of members.SOLUTION: A game system manages game information of each member acquired based on a member card, with it associated with a face image of each member. The game system causes a face authentication server to determine whether or not the face of a player's face image captured by a game apparatus, the player using a visitor card, matches a face of a face image of any member, and when it is determined to match, associates the visitor card with the member whose face matches and integrates game information acquired based on the visitor card into the game information of the member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming system using gaming machines such as pachinko machines. [Background technology]

[0002] In conventional gaming facilities, as described in Patent Document 1 below, for example, gaming devices that can use both general cards (general recording media) issued to an unspecified number of players and member cards (member recording media) issued to players who have completed the member registration procedure are common.

[0003] Specifically, a player who wants to use a member-only service, such as saving balls, registers as a member and is issued a member card, which is then used on the gaming machine. By playing with the member card, the management device can obtain gaming information related to the member's gaming, such as the member's gaming trends. This allows the gaming facility to provide information tailored to the member's gaming preferences, allowing the member to receive services to enjoy gaming. The gaming facility that provides the service also benefits by being able to secure a regular customer base. Meanwhile, players who have not registered as a member use a general card.

[0004] In addition, in conventional amusement arcades, as described in Patent Document 2 below, a system has been proposed in which a surveillance camera takes a picture of the player's face, and when settling the account or exchanging prizes, the face image is compared with the face image of the person settling the account or exchanging the prize, and if there is a mismatch, the settlement or prize exchange is not carried out. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-100459 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-158504 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, even if a member forgets his / her membership card, he / she will play using a general card. Therefore, there is a problem that the gaming information when playing using a general card cannot be managed in association with the member, and accurate gaming information of the member cannot be grasped.

[0007] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to realize a gaming system that can more accurately grasp members' gaming information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, a gaming system according to one aspect of the present invention employs the following configuration.

[0009] In other words, a gaming system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of gaming machines, a member recording medium that is usable with the plurality of gaming machines and is issued to members who are players who have completed a prescribed membership registration procedure, and a general recording medium that is issued to an unspecified number of players, a management device that manages the gaming information of each member obtained based on the member recording medium by linking it to the facial image of each member, a photographing device that photographs the player, a facial recognition device that compares the facial images to determine a match, and an integration unit that causes the facial recognition device to determine whether the face in the facial image of the player using the general recording medium photographed by the photographing device matches the face in the facial image of any member, and if a match is determined, links the general recording medium to the member whose face matches, and integrates the gaming information obtained based on the general recording medium with the gaming information of the member whose face matches.

[0010] According to the above configuration, even if a member plays using a general recording medium, the integration unit can link the gaming information at that time to the member based on the facial image, making it possible to grasp the member's accurate gaming information.

[0011] In a gaming system according to one aspect of the present invention, the multiple gaming devices may be provided corresponding to each gaming machine that uses gaming media to play games, and may include a machine-to-machine machine that includes a lending unit that accepts deposits, lends gaming media that are gaming value within the amount of the received deposit, and associates a deposit balance indicating the remaining amount of the deposit with the recording medium, a counting unit that counts the gaming media obtained in connection with the execution of games and associates a gaming value balance indicating the gaming value obtained by counting with the recording medium, an adjustment machine that pays out the amount of the deposit balance associated with the recording medium, and a prize exchange machine that exchanges the gaming value balance associated with the recording medium for prizes.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the multiple gaming machines include a machine-to-machine machine, a settlement machine, and a prize exchange machine, so gaming information can be obtained based on information from these machines.

[0013] In a gaming system according to one aspect of the present invention, the photographing device may be provided on each of the plurality of gaming machines and photograph a facial image of a player operating the corresponding gaming machine, each gaming machine photographing the player when a predetermined event occurs, and the facial recognition device may have a function of storing the facial images photographed by the plurality of gaming machines.

[0014] According to the above configuration, facial images of the operators who operated the gaming equipment are stored, which are necessary for integrating gaming information, so that the facial images of each member can be collated at any time.

[0015] In a gaming system according to one aspect of the present invention, the system may further include a counting machine into which gaming media are inserted, which counts the inserted gaming media, and which associates the gaming value balance obtained by counting the gaming media with the recording medium.

[0016] According to the above configuration, by including a counter into which gaming media are inserted as the multiple gaming devices, information obtained when such a counter is used can also be obtained as gaming information.

[0017] In a gaming system according to one aspect of the present invention, the inter-machine machine takes a facial image of the player at least when the recording medium is accepted, and the facial recognition device determines whether the face in the facial image taken by the inter-machine machine when the recording medium is accepted matches the face in the facial image of any member, and if the facial recognition device determines that there is a match, the inter-machine machine may be configured to lend gaming value after the integration unit links the general recording medium.

[0018] According to the above configuration, it is possible to link game information before the start of a game, so that for certain services, the same services as when using a membership card can be received from the start of a game. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a gaming system that can grasp members' gaming information more accurately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an overall picture of a gaming system for an amusement center according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart showing the timing of capturing a face image in the gaming system according to the present embodiment in association with the player's actions. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart of a process performed by an inter-machine machine in the gaming system according to the present embodiment, in which a visitor card and gaming information on the visitor card are linked to a member based on a facial image, and the gaming information is integrated. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram showing an image of a process performed by an integration unit in the gaming system 1 according to the present embodiment, in which a visitor card and gaming information on the visitor card are linked to a member based on a face image and the gaming information is integrated. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] [Embodiment] 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.

[0022] §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 picture of a gaming system 1 for an amusement center according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the gaming system 1 includes a plurality of gaming machines 2, a plurality of inter-machine machines 3, a settlement machine 50, a prize exchange POS (hereinafter abbreviated as POS) 51, a counting machine 52, a hall computer 100, a prepaid management server 110, a face authentication server (FVF: product name) 120, a plurality of HUBs 7, and an integration unit 10.

[0024] In the example of FIG. 1, the multiple inter-machine machines 3, the adjustment machine 50, the POS 51, and the counter 52 correspond to the multiple gaming machines. The multiple inter-machine machines 3, the adjustment machine 50, the POS 51, and the counter 52 are each equipped with a card reader that accepts prepaid cards, which are recording media that record valuable information. Prepaid cards come in two types: membership cards (membership recording media) that are issued to members who are players who have completed a prescribed membership registration procedure, and visitor cards (general recording media) that are issued to an unspecified number of players. The card reader accepts membership cards and visitor cards.

[0025] The prepay management server (management device) 110 manages the member information registered in the member registration procedure and the gaming information of the member obtained based on the member card when the member plays using the member card. The member information is also linked to the member's facial image stored in the face authentication server 120, which is a face image authentication device.

[0026] Each inter-machine machine 3 equipped with a dispensing unit and a counting unit is provided with an inter-machine camera (photographing device) 4, which photographs facial images of players playing on the gaming machines 2. In addition, the settlement machine 50, POS 51, and counting machine 52 are provided with an equipment camera (photographing device) 55, which photographs facial images of settlement personnel, prize exchange personnel, and users of the counting machine 52. The photographed facial images are stored in a face authentication server (face authentication device) 120.

[0027] The facial recognition server 120 has a facial recognition function that compares facial images to determine whether the faces match. The facial recognition server 120 can identify players, cashiers, prize exchangers, or users of the counting machine 52 who are photographed by the inter-machine camera and the equipment camera 55 from a list of players whose facial images are registered in the facial recognition server 120.

[0028] In other words, even when a member plays using a visitor card, the facial image of the player using the visitor card is compared with the facial image of the member whose facial image is registered in the facial recognition server 120, and if the faces match, the visitor card is linked to the member.

[0029] The integrating unit 10 causes the facial authentication server 120 to determine whether the facial image of the player using the visitor card matches the facial image of any member. If a match is determined, the integrating unit 10 links the visitor card to the member whose facial image matches and integrates the gaming information obtained based on the visitor card with the gaming information of the member whose face matches. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the integrating unit 10 is provided in the inter-machine machine 3 is exemplified. However, this is not limited thereto, and the integrating unit 10 may be provided in the hall computer 100, the prepaid management server 110, the facial authentication server 120, or the like. Alternatively, for example, the inter-machine machine 3 may be provided with a function of the integrating unit 10 to link the member with the visitor card, and the prepaid management server 110 may be provided with a function of integrating the gaming information. Note that the function of the integrating unit 10 to link the member with the visitor card may be provided in the hall computer 100, the prepaid management server 110, the facial authentication server 120, or the like.

[0030] By configuring the gaming system 1 in this way, gaming information can also be obtained when a member plays using a prepaid card, making it possible to grasp the gaming information of the member more accurately.

[0031] §2 Configuration example (1. Overview of Gaming System 1) The gaming machine 2 is a device in 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.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the gaming system 1 includes a plurality of gaming machines 2, a plurality of inter-machine machines 3, a settlement machine 50, a prize exchange POS (hereinafter abbreviated as POS) 51, a counting machine 52, a hall computer 100, a prepaid management server 110, a face authentication server 120, a plurality of HUBs 7, and an integration unit 10.

[0033] The inter-machine machine 3 includes a dispensing unit and a counting unit, and is provided to the side of each gaming machine 2. Specifically, the inter-machine machine 3 includes a display, a ball payout mechanism (dispensing unit), a bill deposit device (dispensing unit), a non-contact IC reader, a counting sensor (counting unit), a payout switch, a card reader, a control board, and the like.

[0034] The machine-to-machine machine 3 uses a ball payout mechanism to lend game balls, which are gaming value, within the amount deposited from the bill deposit device. The machine-to-machine machine 3 also accepts prepaid cards using a card reader and performs deposit balance processing to associate the deposit balance, which indicates the remaining amount of the deposit, with the accepted prepaid card. When a deposit is made without the machine-to-machine machine 3 accepting a prepaid card, the machine-to-machine machine 3 issues a visitor card. Prepaid cards include member cards and visitor cards, as will be described later.

[0035] In addition, the inter-machine machine 3 uses a counting sensor to count the game balls dispensed from the gaming machine 2 and collected through the inter-machine machine 3, and performs game value balance processing to associate the game value balance, which indicates the game value obtained in connection with the execution of the game, with the accepted prepaid card.

[0036] When the payout switch is pressed, the inter-machine machine 3 discharges a member card regardless of the presence or absence of a deposit balance and a game value balance, and discharges a visitor card when the deposit balance or the game value balance remains.

[0037] Each inter-machine machine 3 is provided with an inter-machine camera 4, and images captured by the inter-machine camera 4 are output to an external device. 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 of the corresponding gaming machine 2, who is the operator of the inter-machine machine 3, and the surrounding area.

[0038] 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 dispenses cash from the banknote dispensing device or the hardened dispensing device based on the deposit balance associated with the prepaid card accepted by the card reader, and performs deposit balance processing to set the balance of the prepaid card to zero. An equipment camera 55 is installed or built into the settlement machine 50.

[0039] The POS 51 is a prize exchange machine and is equipped with a display, keyboard, card reader, barcode reader, etc. The POS 51 exchanges the game value balance (number of remaining balls) associated with the prepaid card accepted by the card reader for a prize, and also resets the game value balance of the prepaid card to zero. The POS 51 also exchanges the game value balance indicated by the barcode on the receipt read using the barcode reader for a prize. The POS 51 is equipped with or has a built-in machine camera 55.

[0040] The counter 52 is equipped with a display, a ball dispensing mechanism, a counting sensor, a contactless IC reader, a ticket issuing switch, a card reader, etc. The counter 52 counts the gaming balls inserted by the player and performs gaming value balance processing to associate the gaming value balance with the accepted prepaid card. Alternatively, the counter 52 issues a receipt bearing a barcode indicating the gaming value balance. The counter 52 is equipped with or has a built-in machine camera 55.

[0041] The hall computer (service terminal) 100 manages information (hall business data) relating to the 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, the 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.

[0042] The prepaid management server 110 manages value data, which is the amount of money deposited by each inter-machine machine 3, based on information from each inter-machine machine 3, the settlement machine 50, the POS 51, and the counter 52. In other words, it manages the exchange of game balls (value) with cash.

[0043] The prepaid management server (management device) 110 also manages game information obtained based on (associated with) the prepaid card when a player uses the prepaid card to play on a gaming machine, by linking the game information to (associating with) the card ID (identification information) of the prepaid card. The game information includes, for example, information that can uniquely identify the gaming machine 2 on which the game was played, information on the date and time of the game, information on the amount of money deposited during the game, the number of gaming balls paid out from the gaming machine 2 during the game, etc.

[0044] The prepaid management server (management device) 110 also functions as a member management server that stores member information, including personal information, of players who have registered as members at the gaming facility. If the prepaid card is a membership card, the prepaid management server 110 manages the obtained gaming information as the member's gaming information. In other words, the prepaid management server 110 manages each member's gaming information obtained based on (associated with) the membership card by linking (associating) the gaming information with the member's card ID (identification information) and having each member play gaming machines using the membership card. The prepaid management server 110 manages "storage and carryover" information for members as information that provides added value different for visitors and members, and holds "storage and carryover" data.

[0045] The prepaid management server 110 manages information on valuable data and gaming information of members by linking them to facial images in the facial image data registered in the facial authentication server 120. In addition, gaming information of players who use visitor cards is also managed by linking it to facial images in the facial image data registered in the facial authentication server 120.

[0046] The face authentication server (face authentication device) 120 manages in a database the face images (face image data) captured by each inter-machine camera 4 and each device camera 55. The face authentication server manages the face image data. When the face authentication server (face authentication device) 120 receives a face image captured when a prepaid card is accepted from the inter-machine 3, it stores the image in the database and also references it. If the player playing on the gaming machine 2 is in the face image list of registered members in the face authentication server 120, the member is identified.

[0047] The facial image data may store, for example, multiple facial images of the player for each prepaid card ID information (recording medium identifier), information on the event at which the images were taken, and the time the events occurred. Furthermore, among the stored facial images, facial images that have strong features favorable for facial authentication may be flagged as an authentication facial image and may be used preferentially for facial authentication. There may be multiple authentication facial image flags, which are assigned in descending order of the strongest features. Among the facial images stored in the facial image data, those related to visitor cards may be overwritten every other day, for example. Furthermore, those related to membership cards may also be overwritten sequentially, starting with the oldest data.

[0048] Also, although not shown, the gaming system 1 may include a prize exchange management server that manages prize exchange data such as prize inventory information and information on the date and time of exchange when the remaining number of gaming balls are exchanged for prizes at the POS 51.

[0049] The integrating unit 10 causes the face authentication server 120 to determine whether the facial image of the player using the visitor card matches the facial image of any member, and if it is determined that they match, links the visitor card to the member whose face matches, and integrates the gaming information obtained based on the visitor card with the gaming information of the member whose face matches. In this embodiment, as described above, the inter-machine machine 3 is provided with the function of the integrating unit 10.

[0050] The HUB 7 is a so-called switching hub, and establishes mutual communication with the inter-machine machines 3, the settlement machine 50, the POS 51, the counter 52, the hall computer 100, the prepaid management server 110, and the face authentication server 120.

[0051] (2. Types of prepaid cards) As mentioned above, there are two types of prepaid cards: membership cards and visitor cards. Membership cards are issued to players who have completed the required membership registration procedures. By using a membership card to play games, players can receive various services, such as storing and carrying over game balls.

[0052] On the other hand, visitor cards are cards issued to an unspecified number of players. Visitor cards can be used only on the day they are issued by the machine 3 without registering membership information. Because they are issued to an unspecified number of players, even members can have a visitor card issued and play if they forget their membership card, for example.

[0053] Card information is recorded on the prepaid card. The card information includes the type of the prepaid card (whether it is a member card or a visitor card), ID information (recording medium identifier) ​​of the prepaid card, etc. The prepaid management server 110 manages information on the remaining deposit amount, the remaining gaming value, etc. in association with the card information of the prepaid card.

[0054] Furthermore, by checking the ID information of the prepaid card with the prepaid management server 110 and the face authentication server 120, for example, the face image of the player linked to the prepaid card can be displayed on a display in the hall computer 100. Note that the display of the face image of the player linked to the prepaid card can be performed not only by the hall computer 100 but also by the prepaid management server 110, the face authentication server 120, the prize exchange server, etc.

[0055] (3. Timing of capturing a face image of a player in the gaming system 1) FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the timing of capturing a face image in the gaming system 1 according to this embodiment in association with the player's actions.

[0056] A player inserts a prepaid card (membership card or visitor card) with a deposit balance or a gaming value balance into the card reader of the inter-machine machine 3, or deposits banknotes into the banknote deposit device of the inter-machine machine 3, and is issued a visitor card. The inserted prepaid card and the issued visitor card are held in the card reader until the end of the game. When a prepaid card is inserted into the inter-machine machine 3, or when an initial deposit is made and a visitor card is issued, the inter-machine machine camera 4 takes a facial image of the player who inserted the prepaid card or made the initial deposit (S1).

[0057] Next, the player receives a game ball from the inter-machine 3 and starts playing (S2). When the player stops playing and leaves the seat during the game, the inter-machine camera 4 takes a picture at that timing (S3).

[0058] The player then finishes playing (S4) and operates the payout switch on the inter-machine machine 3 to dispense the held prepaid card (S5). Membership cards are dispensed regardless of the deposited balance and game value balance, but visitor cards are dispensed only if there is a deposited balance or game value balance. When the inter-machine machine 3 dispenses the prepaid card, the inter-machine machine camera 4 captures an image of the face of the player who operated the payout switch (card dispenser).

[0059] If there is no deposit balance or gaming value balance (NO in S6), the player leaves the store without performing S8 or S10. On the other hand, if there is a deposit balance or gaming value balance (YES in S6), the player performs S8 or S10.

[0060] If there is a deposit balance (YES in S7), the player has the dispensed prepaid card read by the settlement machine 50 and settles the remaining balance at the settlement machine 50. The settlement machine 50 then pays out the remaining balance based on the deposit balance associated with the read prepaid card. The equipment camera 55 of the settlement machine 50 captures an image of the face of the player (settler) who operates the settlement machine 50 at the time of settlement (S8).

[0061] If there is a gaming value balance (YES in S9), the player has the dispensed prepaid card read by the POS 51 and exchanges the gaming value balance for a prize at the POS 51. The POS 51 then pays out the remaining amount based on the gaming value balance associated with the read prepaid card. The device camera 55 of the POS 51 captures a facial image of the player (prize exchanger) who operated the POS 51 (S10). Once the settlement or prize exchange, or both, is complete, the player leaves the store.

[0062] (4. Process flow for linking visitor cards and their gaming information to members based on facial images and integrating gaming information) 3 is a flowchart of the process of associating a visitor card and the gaming information of the visitor card with a member based on a face image by the inter-machine machine 3 in the gaming system 1 according to this embodiment, and integrating the gaming information. Also shown in FIG. 3 is related processes performed in parallel in the face authentication server 120 and the prepaid management server.

[0063] 3, when a prepaid card is inserted into the inter-machine machine 3 (S21), the inter-machine machine camera 4 captures a facial image of the player (inserter) (S22). Here, the inter-machine machine 3 may perform background removal or other processing on the captured facial image.

[0064] The inter-machine machine 3 transmits the captured face image (face image data) to the face authentication server 120 (S23). Here, the inter-machine machine 3 may transmit, for example, card information of the inserted prepaid card, information on the time of the image capture, the captured event (in this case, card insertion), and information that can uniquely identify the corresponding gaming machine (such as a machine number that can individually identify the inter-machine machine).

[0065] When the face authentication server 120 receives a face image from the machine 3, it stores it in a database and refers to the face image list of members, compares the received input face image with the face images of members stored in the face authentication server 120, and determines whether the same person is included (S41).

[0066] Next, the inter-machine 3 transmits the card information (card type information and card ID) of the inserted prepaid card to the prepaid management server 110 and inquires about value information (S24).

[0067] When the prepaid management server 110 receives an inquiry about value information from the inter-machine machine, it reads out the value data associated with (linked to) the prepaid card of the card information and transmits it to the inter-machine machine 3 (S51), which then receives it.

[0068] Next, the inter-machine 3 inquires of the face authentication server 120 about the determination result (S25), and upon receiving the inquiry, the face authentication server 120 transmits the determination result to the inter-machine 3 (S42), which is received by the inter-machine 3.

[0069] The inter-machine machine 3 determines whether the player is a member based on the determination result received from the face authentication server 120, and if the player is not a member (NO in S26), proceeds to S31 to allow the player to play. In other words, it allows the payout of game balls. On the other hand, if the player is a member (YES in S26), the inter-machine machine 3 proceeds to S27 to inquire about the card information and game information of the member from the prepaid management server 110.

[0070] When the prepaid management server 110 receives an inquiry about a member's card information and game information from the inter-machine machine 3, it reads out the member's card information and game information and sends them to the inter-machine machine 3 (S52), which then receives them.

[0071] The inter-machine machine 3 determines whether the card information of the member received from the prepaid management server 110 includes the card information of the prepaid card inserted into the inter-machine machine 3 (inserted prepaid card) (S28). If it does (YES in S28), the inter-machine machine 3 proceeds to S31, enabling play, since the member and the inserted prepaid card are already linked.

[0072] On the other hand, if the inserted prepaid card is not included (NO in S28), the inter-machine machine 3 inquires of the prepaid management server 110 about the gaming information of the inserted prepaid card (S29). When the prepaid management server 110 receives the inquiry about the gaming information of the inserted prepaid card, it reads out the gaming information of the inserted prepaid card and transmits it to the inter-machine machine 3 (S53), and the inter-machine machine 3 receives it.

[0073] The inter-machine machine 3 integrates the gaming information of the card information of the member received from the prepaid management server 110 with the gaming information of the inserted prepaid card, and links the card information of the inserted prepaid card to the member (or the member's card information). The inter-machine machine 3 then transmits this integrated information to the prepaid management server 110 (S30). The inter-machine machine 3 then proceeds to S31, enabling play. Upon receiving the integrated information from the inter-machine machine 3, the prepaid management server 110 updates the card information and gaming information of the member to the integrated information (S54).

[0074] In Fig. 3, the integrating unit 10 is provided in the inter-machine machine 3, and when a prepaid card is inserted, the inter-machine machine 3 compares the player's facial image on the visitor card with the facial image on the member facial image list, and integrates the game information before the start of play. Therefore, with regard to predetermined services such as guidance on recommended information, the player can receive the same services as when using a membership card from the start of play.

[0075] However, the integrating unit 10 may be mounted on the hall computer 100, the prepaid management server 110, or the face authentication server 120. The integrating unit 10 causes the face authentication server 120 to compare the player's facial image on the visitor card with a facial image in the member face image list, and if the facial image matches the member's facial image, instructs the prepaid management server 110 to link the visitor card to the card information of the corresponding member and integrate the game information. The timing at which the integrating unit 10 performs such integration is not particularly limited, and for example, the integration may be performed periodically by a gaming facility manager or the like using the hall computer 100.

[0076] (5. Image of the process of linking visitor cards and their gaming information to members based on facial images and integrating gaming information) FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the process performed by the integrating unit 10 in the gaming system 1 according to this embodiment, in which the visitor card and the gaming information on the visitor card are linked to a member based on a facial image and the gaming information is integrated. For a certain member A, the member information registered during membership registration, a facial image, card information on the issued membership card ("member card 001"), and gaming information obtained by playing games using the membership card are linked and managed (by the prepaid management server 110). The facial image is managed by a list number in the member facial image list of the facial authentication server 120. When member A plays games using the membership card, the gaming information is updated to include information on the newly played games.

[0077] If member A forgets his / her membership card, he / she can have a visitor card issued and play games. For example, if a visitor card with card information "visitor card 005" is issued and the member A plays games, the facial images taken at the inter-machine machine 3, the settlement machine 50, the POS 51, and the counter 52 every time an event occurs are linked to the visitor card 005 and stored in the facial recognition server 120.

[0078] In response to a request from the integration unit 10, the face authentication server 120 compares the stored face image data with the face images in the member face image list, and if the face in the face image linked to the visitor card 005 matches that of member A in the face image list, it identifies the player using the visitor card 005 as member A.

[0079] In this way, when the face authentication server 120 identifies the player using visitor card 005 as member A, the integration unit 10 links "member card 001" and "visitor card 005" as member A's card information, and integrates the gaming information obtained by playing using the member card and "visitor card 005" with the member's gaming information. Also, if the integration is completed while member A is using "visitor card 005," the prepaid management server uses the integrated gaming information to provide services such as introducing favorite gaming machines to member A using "visitor card 005."

[0080] (6. Effects) According to the configuration of the gaming system 1 described above, even when a member plays using a visitor card, the integration unit 10 can link the gaming information at that time to the member based on the facial image, thereby obtaining accurate gaming information about the member. This allows the member to receive more detailed service from the gaming facility based on accurate gaming information, allowing them to enjoy gaming more. Furthermore, the gaming facility providing the service can provide more detailed service based on accurate gaming information, effectively securing regular customers.

[0081] [Software implementation example] The functions of the machine 3, hall computer 100, prepaid management server 110, and face authentication server 120 (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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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).

[0086] [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]

[0087] 1 Gaming System 2. Gaming machines 3-machine machine (amusement equipment) 4-unit camera 7 HUB 10 / figure 10 Integration Department 50 Payment machines (gaming equipment) 51 Prize exchange machine (POS, gaming equipment) 52 Counting machines (amusement machines) 55 Equipment Camera 100 Hole Computer 110 Prepaid management server (management device) 120 Facial Recognition Server (Facial Recognition Device)

Claims

1. A plurality of gaming machines; A member recording medium that is usable with the plurality of gaming machines and is issued to a member who is a player who has completed a predetermined membership registration procedure, and a general recording medium that is issued to an unspecified number of players; a management device that manages the gaming information of each member obtained based on the member recording medium by linking it to a facial image of each member; a photographing device for photographing a player; a face recognition device that compares face images to determine face matches; A gaming system comprising: an integration unit that causes the face authentication device to determine whether the face in the facial image of a player using the general recording medium photographed by the photographing device matches the face in the facial image of any member, and if it is determined that they match, links the general recording medium to the member whose face matches, and integrates the gaming information obtained based on the general recording medium with the gaming information of the member whose face matches.

2. The plurality of gaming machines include: an inter-machine machine provided in correspondence with each gaming machine for playing games using gaming media, the inter-machine machine including a lending unit that accepts deposits, lends gaming media as gaming value within the amount of the accepted deposit, and associates a deposit balance indicating the remaining amount of the deposit with the recording medium, and a counting unit that counts the gaming media obtained in connection with the execution of games, and associates a gaming value balance indicating the gaming value obtained by counting with the recording medium; a cashier that dispenses the amount of the deposit balance associated with the recording medium; 2. The gaming system according to claim 1, further comprising a prize exchange machine for exchanging a game value balance associated with said recording medium for a prize.

3. the photographing device is provided in each of the plurality of gaming machines, and photographs a facial image of a player operating the corresponding gaming machine; Each gaming device photographs the player at the timing when a predetermined event determined according to the type of gaming device occurs; The face authentication device further has a function of storing face images of members and face images of players using general recording media, which are taken by the plurality of gaming machines; The gaming system according to claim 2 , wherein the management device manages the gaming information of each member by linking it to the face image of each member stored in the face authentication device.

4. A gaming system as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein the plurality of gaming devices further includes a counting machine into which gaming media are inserted, which counts the inserted gaming media, and which associates the gaming value balance obtained by counting with the recording medium.

5. The inter-machine takes a picture of the face of the player when it receives either the member recording medium or the general recording medium, The face authentication device determines whether a face in a face image photographed by the machine when either the member recording medium or the general recording medium is accepted matches a face in a face image of any member; The gaming system described in claim 3, wherein when the facial recognition device determines that the face of the machine matches the face of one of the members' facial images and the machine is not linked to the member whose face matches, the machine lends out a gaming medium after the integration unit links the general recording medium.

6. The machine further takes a picture of the face of the player when the issuance of the general recording medium is accepted, The gaming system described in claim 5, wherein the facial recognition device also determines whether the face in the facial image taken by the machine when the issuance of the general recording medium is accepted matches the face in the facial image of any member.

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