Inspection equipment and programs

Abstract

To improve the efficiency of visual inspections of electrical equipment, excluding amusement machines. [Solution] The inspection device comprises inspection portion video generation units 110, 121 that extract data of inspection portion video for a predetermined time length, including the timing of the operator's operation, from inspection video obtained by filming electrical equipment other than the gaming machine to be inspected, which operates according to the inspection sequence; a reference portion video generation unit 112 that extracts data of the same reference portion video for the same section from a reference video obtained by filming electrical equipment of the same model as the electrical equipment to be inspected, which operates normally according to the inspection sequence; and display units 117, 118 that synchronize and display the inspection portion video together with the reference portion video and sensor data such as temperature related to the electrical equipment to be inspected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection apparatus and a program for inspecting the operation of "electrical equipment other than gaming machines" to be inspected.

Background Art

[0002] A pachinko machine is provided with a display capable of various displays on a game board, and areas where no display is provided are provided with, for example, winning holes, starting holes, ordinary electric accessory devices, etc. During the execution of the game, the pachinko machine changes the display content on the display and the lighting / flash of lamps, and also operates electric accessory devices, etc. The player adjusts the firing speed of the game ball by changing the amount of rotation of the handle in accordance with the positions and movements of the winning hole, starting hole, and ordinary electric accessory device where the player tries to win the game ball, and supplies the game ball from the tip of the guide rail. Generally, the operation inspection of gaming machines at the manufacturing site of gaming machines is performed by an inspection operator visually confirming the operation of the gaming machines. Therefore, if the operator cannot detect an abnormality from the operation and appearance, the gaming machine is judged to meet the acceptance criteria. However, in such an inspection method that depends on visual confirmation, it is easily influenced by the skill level and attention of the inspection operator, and the work load increases in long-term work, and there is a risk of overlooking an abnormality.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] An object is to improve the workability of visual inspection of "electrical equipment other than gaming machines" to be inspected.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] An inspection apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an inspection sequence control unit that operates electrical equipment other than gaming machines to be inspected according to a preset inspection sequence; a storage unit that stores data of a reference video of electrical equipment of the same model as the electrical equipment to be inspected and that operates normally according to the inspection sequence; an inspection video generation unit that generates inspection video data by filming the electrical equipment to be inspected operating according to the inspection sequence; a sensor that detects at least one of temperature, electrical quantity, sound, and vibration related to the electrical equipment to be inspected operating according to the inspection sequence; an input unit that inputs operation signals related to the operator's operation during the operation of the electrical equipment to be inspected; an inspection portion video generation unit that extracts data of an inspection portion video of a predetermined time length including the timing of the operator's operation from the inspection video; a reference portion video generation unit that extracts data of a reference portion video of the same section as the reference video from the reference video; and a display unit that displays the inspection portion video in sync with the reference portion video and the output data of the sensor. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0005] [Figure 1] This is a hardware configuration diagram of an inspection device relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a functional configuration diagram of the information processing device. [Figure 3] This is a supplementary diagram to explain the inspection portion video generation unit and the reference portion video generation unit in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the procedure for the inspection process using the inspection device according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a search page displayed on the screen shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 1 shows an example of a confirmation page displayed on the screen. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of an inspection page displayed on the display of an inspection device according to a modified example of this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0007] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an inspection device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The inspection device 1 in this embodiment is for performing operational inspections to determine whether or not there are any operational abnormalities in a game machine 21, such as a pinball game machine (so-called pachinko machine) or a revolving game machine (so-called pachislo machine), during its manufacturing process.

[0008] As shown in Figure 1, the inspection device 1 according to this embodiment includes an information processing device 10, an inspection start button 23 which triggers the start of inspection of the gaming machine 21, a camera 22 for capturing images of the gaming machine 21's surface, a save button 24 which is pressed by an operator when they determine that "an abnormality may have occurred" while visually inspecting the surface, and a temperature sensor 25 for detecting the temperature of a motor that drives, for example, a component (actuator) of the gaming machine 21.

[0009] Although we will describe camera 22 as a single unit here, there may be multiple units. For example, the first camera may be installed facing the front of the gaming machine cabinet, and the second camera may be installed facing the back of the gaming machine cabinet.

[0010] The temperature sensor 25 is an example of a sensor that detects the operating state of the gaming machine 21 as an electrical device under inspection. Other sensors that may be installed in place of or in addition to the temperature sensor 25 include a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the motor for rotating the drum, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the motor for launching balls, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the motor for dispensing balls, sensors that detect electrical quantities such as current and voltage flowing through these motors and control boards, a sound sensor for detecting sounds inside the gaming machine 21, and a vibration sensor for detecting vibrations of the game components. Here, the temperature sensor 25 will be used as an example.

[0011] The information processing device 10 has a processor 11. The processor 11 is connected via a data / control bus 19 to a storage device 14 such as RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), an input device 15 such as a keyboard or mouse, a display (display unit) 16 such as an LCD, an interface (I / F) 17 for connecting various devices, and a communication unit 18 for connecting to an external cloud storage device 2 via a network 3 such as the Internet. The interface 17 is connected to the gaming machine 21 to be inspected, a camera 22, an inspection start button 23, and a save button 24. In this embodiment, the inspection start button 23 and the save button 24 are described as hardware components, but they may be implemented as software buttons displayed on the display 16.

[0012] The processor 11 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). RAM 12 functions as the main memory, work area, etc., of the processor 11. ROM 13 or storage device 14 stores the BIOS (Basic Input Output System), operating system program (OS), inspection program according to this embodiment, and various data required for these processes, which are executed by the processor 11. The processor 11 executes the inspection program loaded from the storage device 14 or ROM 13 into RAM 12 and performs the processes related to saving partial video and partial temperature data, playing back partial video, and displaying partial temperature data, which will be described later.

[0013] The storage device 14 has various data pre-stored in it that are used to perform operational tests. These data include, for example, operational sequence data, inspection sequence data, and reference video file data. The operational sequence data is data for operating the gaming machine 21 to be inspected in a predetermined operational pattern for inspection purposes, and defines a sequence of commands that sequentially instruct the gaming machine 21 to perform individual operations. The inspection sequence data is data for controlling the entire operational test process in a predetermined order, and defines a series of processes related to the inspection, such as the inspection start process, the execution of the operational sequence data, the saving process of partial videos, the display process of partial videos, and the inspection end process. The reference video file is a video file generated based on video acquired by the same shooting system, and includes reference video in which it has been confirmed that the gaming machine 21 is operating normally according to the specifications. Since the reference video file is recorded using the same inspection system as the inspection video of the gaming machine 21 to be inspected, which will be described later, using a common time code or start trigger signal, a frame-by-frame synchronization relationship is ensured between the two.

[0014] Figure 3 shows the functional configuration of the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 has a control unit 100 as its control center and includes an inspection start signal input unit 101, an inspection sequence control unit 102, a game machine control unit 103, a camera control unit 104, a video signal input unit 105, an inspection video generation unit 106, an inspection video storage control unit 107, a save instruction signal input unit 108, an anomaly detection unit 109, an inspection partial video generation unit 110, an inspection partial video storage control unit 111, a reference partial video generation unit 112, a reference partial video storage control unit 113, a transmission unit 114, an operation signal input unit 115, a page creation unit 116, a playback control unit 117, a display control unit 118, a temperature sensor control unit 120, a partial temperature data file generation unit 121, and a partial temperature data file storage control unit 122.

[0015] The inspection start signal input unit 101 receives the electrical signal generated when the inspection start button 23 is pressed as the inspection start signal.

[0016] When the inspection start signal is input via the inspection start signal input unit 101, the inspection sequence control unit 102 controls each unit according to a preset inspection sequence.

[0017] The gaming machine control unit 103 controls the operation of the gaming machine 21 in order to operate the gaming machine 21 with a predetermined operation for inspection under the control of the inspection sequence control unit 102.

[0018] The camera control unit 104 drives the camera 22 under the control of the inspection sequence control unit 102.

[0019] The video signal input unit 105 inputs a video signal regarding the game board of the gaming machine 21 generated by the camera 22.

[0020] The inspection video generation unit 106 generates data of a video file from the video signal input via the video signal input unit 105. A video file as an overall video related to a series of inspections obtained by photographing the gaming machine 21 to be inspected is referred to as an inspection video file. The inspection video file is accompanied by attribute data such as a gaming machine identification code for identifying the gaming machine 21 to be inspected, information regarding the inspection date and time, a camera identification code for identifying the camera 22, and the like.

[0021] The inspection video storage control unit 107 stores the inspection video file generated by the inspection video generation unit 106 in the storage device 14. Thereby, the video photographed by the camera 22 is always recorded.

[0022] The save instruction signal input unit 108 inputs an electrical signal generated when the save button 24 is pressed as a save instruction signal.

[0023] The abnormality detection unit 109 detects the occurrence of an abnormality in the gaming machine 21 to be inspected based on the inspection video and the reference video. Specifically, the abnormality detection unit 109 compares a plurality of frames constituting the inspection video and a plurality of frames constituting the reference video in a time-series association. The comparison is performed, for example, in units of frames or at predetermined time intervals, and is executed based on the difference in pixel values, the similarity of image feature amounts, or the detection result of operation events. When an abnormality is detected in the gaming machine 21 to be inspected, the corresponding inspection video is accompanied by abnormality detection information including information specifying the timing of the occurrence of the abnormality, such as the frame number in which the abnormality is detected and the time at which the abnormality is detected.

[0024] The inspection partial video generation unit 110 generates data of a partial video file for a predetermined period including the time point when the save instruction signal is input (that is, the time point when the save button 24 is pressed) from the inspection video file when the save instruction signal is input via the save instruction signal input unit 108. Here, the predetermined period, that is, the time length of the inspection partial video file, is arbitrarily set by the user independently of the time length of the entire inspection video file. Typically, the predetermined period is set for the periods before and after the time point when the save instruction signal is input, centered around that time point. The generated inspection partial video file is accompanied by attribute data such as a gaming machine identification code for identifying the gaming machine 21 to be inspected, the inspection date and time, a camera identification code for identifying the camera 22, the date and time when the save instruction signal is input, that is, the date and time when the save instruction button is pressed, and an identification code of the inspection video file that is the original data.

[0025] The inspection partial video storage control unit 111 stores the inspection partial video file generated by the inspection partial video generation unit 110 in the storage device 14.

[0026] The reference portion video generation unit 112 generates a reference portion video file synchronized with the inspection portion video from the reference video file. Specifically, based on the frame number, time code, or common start trigger signal at the start of shooting assigned to the reference video file, it extracts a period corresponding to the extraction range of the inspection portion video file from the reference video file and generates the reference portion video file. The generated reference portion video file is accompanied by attribute data such as an identification code to identify the corresponding inspection portion video file, the start and end positions of the extracted range, and synchronization reference information.

[0027] The reference portion video storage control unit 113 stores the reference portion video file generated by the reference portion video generation unit 112 in the storage device 14. This makes it possible to play back the inspection portion video and the reference portion video in association during comparative testing.

[0028] The temperature sensor control unit 120 drives the temperature sensor 25 and acquires temperature data. The partial temperature data file generation unit 121, upon receiving a save instruction signal via the save instruction signal input unit 108, extracts partial temperature data from the temperature data for a predetermined period including the time when the save instruction signal was received (when the save button 24 was pressed), and generates a partial temperature data file. The partial temperature data file storage control unit 122 stores the partial temperature data file in the storage device 14.

[0029] The transmission unit 114 transmits the inspection video file generated by the inspection video generation unit 106, the inspection portion video file generated by the inspection portion video generation unit 110, the reference portion video file generated by the reference portion video generation unit 112, the temperature data file, and the partial temperature data file to the cloud storage device 2. These video and temperature data files are then stored in the cloud storage device 2.

[0030] The operation signal input unit 115 receives operation signals related to user operation via the input device 15.

[0031] The page creation unit 116 creates a search page that allows users to search for inspection portion video files related to the gaming machine 21 to be inspected, and a confirmation page that allows users to check for any abnormalities in the gaming machine 21 to be inspected through the inspection portion videos, according to a predetermined format.

[0032] The playback control unit 117 controls the playback, stop, pause, fast forward, rewind, and playback position changes of the inspection portion video file and the reference portion video file. When synchronous playback mode is not selected or individual playback mode is selected, the playback control unit 117 changes the playback position of the corresponding portion video in response to the user's movement of the operation knob. When synchronous playback mode is selected, the playback control unit 117 changes the playback position of one portion video in response to the user's movement of the operation knob for that portion video, and simultaneously changes the playback position of the other portion video in synchronization with that change.

[0033] The display control unit 118 displays the search page and confirmation page generated by the page creation unit 116 on the display 16. The display control unit 118 also displays the inspection portion video and reference portion video played back by the playback control unit 117 in predetermined display frames. The display control unit 118 updates the position of the operation knob on the seek bar according to the playback position of the portion video, and controls the system to highlight the corresponding display frame when the playback position reaches the time of the anomaly occurrence or the time the save button 24 was pressed.

[0034] Figure 3 is a supplementary diagram illustrating partial videos. As shown in Figure 3, when an operator detects an abnormality during inspection and presses the save button 24, the inspection partial video generation unit 110 extracts an inspection partial video from the inspection video file covering the entire inspection period, specifically a predetermined time interval including the time of pressing (t1). For example, an interval of 10 seconds, consisting of 5 seconds before and 5 seconds after the time of pressing (t1). In other words, it extracts an inspection partial video from a point in time, for example, 5 seconds before the time of pressing (t1) (t1-5sec) to a point in time, for example, 5 seconds after the time of pressing (t1) (t1+5sec), and generates an inspection partial video file. Similarly, the reference partial video generation unit 112 extracts a reference partial video from a reference video file representing normal operation over the entire inspection period, corresponding to the same interval as the inspection partial video ((t1-5sec) to (t1+5sec)), and generates a reference partial video file. Additionally, a partial temperature data file is generated by extracting the same section ((t1-5sec) to (t1+5sec)) as the video portion of the inspection from the temperature data file for the entire inspection period.

[0035] This allows operators to save both the inspection video and the reference video as partial videos centered around the time the anomaly is suspected to have occurred, and later compare and verify them side by side. Furthermore, a partial temperature data file for the same section ((t1-5sec) to (t1+5sec)) can be saved and displayed on the same screen along with the inspection and reference videos.

[0036] Figure 4 shows the procedure for the inspection operation. The inspection sequence control unit 102 waits for the operator to press the inspection start button 23 and for the inspection start signal to be input to the inspection start signal input unit 101 (S01). The operator sets the game machine 21 to be inspected on the inspection stand and connects the control signal cable connected to the interface 17 to the control unit of the game machine 21. This allows the control unit of the game machine 21 to operate each part in accordance with the control signals input through the control signal cable. The operator presses the inspection start button 23 when the above preparation for inspection is completed. The inspection sequence control unit 102 starts controlling each part when the inspection start signal is input via the inspection start signal input unit 101 (S01 "Yes"). The game machine control unit 103 controls the game machine 21 according to a preset operation sequence (S02). The camera control unit 104 drives the camera 22 (S03). The video signal generated by the camera 22 is input to the information processing device 10 via the video signal input unit 105. The inspection video generation unit 106 generates an inspection video file based on the video signal input via the video signal input unit 105 (S04). The inspection video storage control unit 107 stores the inspection video file generated by the inspection video generation unit 106 in the storage device 14 (S05). The inspection partial video generation unit 110 waits for the save button 24 to be pressed (S06). When the save button 24 is pressed by the operator and a save instruction signal is input via the save instruction signal input unit 108 (S06 "Yes"), the inspection partial video generation unit 110 extracts the section including the timing when the save button 24 was pressed from the inspection video file and generates an inspection partial video file (S07). In the same process S07, a partial temperature data file for the section ((t1-5sec)~(t1+5sec)) is also extracted.

[0037] The inspection portion video storage control unit 111 stores the inspection portion video file generated by the inspection portion video generation unit 110 in the storage device 14 (S08). The partial temperature data file is also stored in the storage device 14 in the same manner.

[0038] The reference portion video generation unit 112 extracts a section corresponding to the inspection portion video from the reference video file and generates a reference portion video file synchronized with the inspection portion video (S09). The reference portion video storage control unit 113 stores the reference portion video file generated by the reference portion video generation unit 112 in the storage device 14 (S10). The processes related to steps S07 to S10 are repeatedly executed each time the save button 24 is pressed until the operation of the gaming machine 21 according to a preset operation sequence is completed (S11 "No"). When the preset operation of the gaming machine 21 is completed (S11 "Yes"), the camera control unit 104 stops the camera 22 (S12), and the process of generating the inspection video file by the inspection video generation unit 106 and the process of storing the inspection video file by the inspection video storage control unit 107 are completed (S13).

[0039] Figure 5 shows an example of a search page created by the page creation unit 116. As shown in Figure 5, the search page has a user interface for searching for inspection video files. A search condition input area is located at the top of the page. The search condition input area includes input fields for specifying the start date and end date of the target period, an input field for specifying the model name of the gaming machine 21, and an input field for specifying the identification number of the gaming machine 21. When at least one search condition is specified by the user in the search condition input area, attribute information about inspection video files that match the search condition is displayed in the abnormality candidate list display area below the search condition input area. The attribute information includes the model name, identification number, date and time of occurrence, and confirmation status. The confirmation status indicates whether or not the video has already been confirmed by the user. A confirmation status of "Not Confirmed" means that the inspection video file has not been confirmed by the user, and a confirmation status of "Confirmed" means that the inspection video file has been confirmed by the user. A play button is located below the video list display area. The user can select one video file from the list of video files displayed in the abnormality candidate display area, and then, by operating the play button, display the selected video file and show a confirmation page where it can be played.

[0040] Figure 6 shows an example of a confirmation page created by the page creation unit 116. The confirmation page displays the video file of the inspection portion selected on the search page and has a user interface to facilitate visual confirmation by the operator.

[0041] As shown in Figure 6(a), the top of the page displays attribute information for the inspection portion video file, including the model name, identification number, and date and time of occurrence. Below the attribute information, a checkbox is placed to allow the user to select a synchronized playback mode that synchronizes the playback of the inspection portion video file and the reference portion video file. Below the checkbox, a first video display frame showing the inspection portion video file and a second video display frame showing the reference portion video file corresponding to the inspection portion video file are arranged side by side. The first and second video display frames each display a corresponding seek bar. The seek bar comprises a bar that visually represents the length of the video and an operation knob that visually represents the playback position of the video. By operating the operation knob, the user can change the playback positions of the inspection portion video and the reference portion video individually or synchronously. Specifically, the playback control unit 117 changes the playback position of the target portion video in accordance with the operation of the operation knob by the user. Furthermore, when synchronous playback mode is selected, the playback position of the target portion of the video is changed, and the playback position of the other portion of the video is controlled to change synchronously. As a result, the inspection portion of the video and the reference portion of the video are displayed synchronously on the display 16. In addition, a group of control buttons for controlling video playback is located below the seek bar. These control buttons include a rewind button, a play button, a pause button, and a fast-forward button, and the user can control the playback of the portion of the video as they wish by operating these buttons.

[0042] Below the first video display frame of the inspection portion video and the second video display frame of the reference portion video, a waveform diagram showing the temperature change over time in a specific section ((t1-5sec)~(t1+5sec)) is displayed, based on a partial temperature data file extracted from the temperature data file covering the entire inspection period collected during the inspection. A time bar is superimposed on the waveform diagram, and the time bar moves in sync with the playback of the inspection portion video and the reference portion video. Alternatively, similar to the video, a temperature data file for normal operation (reference temperature data file) may be prepared in advance, and a waveform diagram showing the normal temperature change over time in a specific section ((t1-5sec)~(t1+5sec)) based on a partial reference temperature data file extracted from that file may be superimposed on the waveform diagram showing the temperature change over time during the inspection.

[0043] As shown in Figure 6(b), the display control unit 118 controls the second display frame to be highlighted in the frame corresponding to the timing when the save button 24 is pressed by the operator, which is the trigger for the generation of the inspection portion video, or in the vicinity thereof. The highlighting is not limited to changing the thickness of the frame line, but is also performed by changing the color of the frame line, blinking the frame line, etc., so that the user can intuitively grasp the timing when an abnormality is suspected to have occurred, and the efficiency of abnormality confirmation can be improved. The temperature state at that time can also be visually compared with the normal temperature state.

[0044] As shown in Figure 6(c), the display control unit 118 controls the second display frame to be highlighted in the frame or nearby section corresponding to the timing when the abnormality detection unit 109 detects the occurrence of an abnormality. This allows the user to immediately confirm the abnormality automatically detected by the information processing device 10 and to visually determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred. The temperature state at that time can also be visually compared with the normal temperature state.

[0045] According to this embodiment, when an operator issues a save command during a visual inspection of the operation of the gaming machine 21 under inspection, a video of the inspection portion covering the period before and after that point in time is generated, and a reference portion video synchronized with the said inspection portion video is also generated. Both are stored in association with each other and can be displayed in sync. This provides the following effects.

[0046] In this embodiment, since the inspection portion video and the reference portion video are recorded in sync, both can be played back in parallel during inspection, making it possible to immediately compare the actual behavior of the gaming machine 21 with the reference operation based on the specifications. As a result, it is not necessary to play back a long overall video and search for the time code of the time when the save instruction was input to identify the comparison point, as in the conventional method, and the immediacy and efficiency of comparative inspection can be greatly improved.

[0047] Furthermore, since the partial video includes footage not only from the moment the save command is entered, but also from immediately before and after that moment, it is possible to understand the precursors to the anomaly, the moment the anomaly occurred, and the behavior after the anomaly occurred as a series of events, along with the temperature state at that time. This makes it possible not only to confirm the fact that an anomaly occurred, but also to conduct a highly accurate analysis of the cause and verify its reproducibility.

[0048] Furthermore, by storing the entire video on cloud storage device 2 and only partial videos on storage device 14, the capacity used by storage device 14 can be significantly reduced compared to storing the entire video for a long period of time, thereby reducing the burden on the recording medium. In particular, when accumulating a large number of inspection videos over a long period of time, the method of the present invention has a significant practical advantage. As described above, the inspection apparatus 1 according to this embodiment significantly improves the immediacy, efficiency, and accuracy of comparative inspections compared to simply storing only partial inspection videos, and reduces the storage burden during cause analysis of anomalies and long-term operation.

[0049] In this embodiment, "visual inspection" is not necessarily limited to directly observing a physical object, but also includes observing a video of the physical object. Figure 7 shows an example of an inspection page displayed on the display 16 of the inspection device 1 according to a modified example of this embodiment. The inspection page displays an inspection video file as a whole video of the gaming machine 21 being inspected, and has a user interface for saving a portion of the video, including the moment when an abnormality in the gaming machine 21 is detected while the worker is reviewing the inspection video file. For example, the inspection page is displayed when selected by the worker from a list of inspection video files displayed on the inspection video file list page. At the top of the inspection page, attribute information related to the inspection video file is displayed, including the model name, identification number, and date and time of occurrence. Below the attribute information, a video display frame is arranged where the inspection video file is displayed, and a seek bar is displayed below the video display frame. Below the seek bar, a group of operation buttons for controlling video playback is arranged. These operation buttons include a rewind button, a play button, a pause button, and a fast-forward button. Furthermore, a save button 24 is located next to the video display frame. When the save button 24 is pressed, the inspection portion video generation unit 110 extracts a video section including the time of the press from the inspection video file and generates an inspection portion video file. The reference portion video generation unit 112 extracts a video section corresponding to the same time range as the inspection portion video from the reference video file and generates a reference portion video file. This allows the operator to observe the inspection video of the game machine 21 during inspection, rather than directly observing the game machine 21, and save both the inspection video and the reference video as partial videos, centered around the time when the abnormality is thought to have occurred. Then, as in this embodiment, the inspection portion video and the reference portion video can be compared and verified side by side.

[0050] Thus, by performing a visual inspection using a video recording of the gaming machine 21, rather than directly observing the machine 21, the same effects as in this embodiment can be achieved. Furthermore, it becomes possible to conduct inspections even when highly skilled workers are absent, and for highly skilled workers to review them later. In addition, it can be used as training material for workers to learn methods of anomaly detection and observation points in advance.

[0051] This embodiment is not limited to the gaming machine 21, but can be applied to various electrical devices other than the gaming machine 21 that require at least one of screen inspection and physical (movable part) operation inspection, where visual inspection by an operator is performed. Examples of electrical devices other than the gaming machine 21 include video display devices such as televisions, injection molding machines, smartphones, industrial robots, repetitive equipment such as NC lathes and NC milling machines (including machining centers), in-car displays 16 for automobiles, electric seats, and electric medical beds. For example, in the case of a video display device, an inspection image is displayed on the video display device, and the screen of the video display device is photographed. When an inspection operator performs an appropriate operation when an abnormality occurs on the screen under visual inspection, the section including the timing of the video operation is extracted from the photographed inspection video to generate data for the inspection section video, which is recorded separately from the inspection video data. When playing back the inspection section video, the same section is extracted from a reference video representing normal operation, which was photographed at the same angle of view, and displayed in sync.

[0052] In this embodiment, the saving process of a partial video is executed when the save button 24 is pressed. However, if it is possible to generate an inspection partial video file corresponding to the section in which an abnormality is suspected from the inspection video file, and to generate a reference partial video file synchronized with the inspection partial video file from the reference video file, the trigger is not limited to pressing the save button 24. For example, when an abnormality or the possibility of an abnormality is detected by various sensors such as an infrared sensor that detects malfunctions of the game machine 21, a microphone that detects abnormal sounds from the game machine 21, or a vibration sensor that detects abnormal vibrations from the game machine 21, an inspection partial video file corresponding to the section including the time of detection may be generated from the inspection video file, and a reference partial video file synchronized with the inspection partial video file may be generated from the reference video file, and each may be saved.

[0053] In this embodiment, when the save button 24 is pressed once, an inspection portion video file and a reference portion video file are generated corresponding to a predetermined period including the time when the save button 24 is pressed once. However, the trigger may also be a long press of the save button 24. In this case, for example, an inspection portion video file and a reference portion video file are generated corresponding to the section from a predetermined time prior to when the long press of the save button 24 begins until the long press is released (i.e., when the press of the save button 24 ends).

[0054] The above describes an inspection device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention based on specific examples. However, in addition to the method or inspection program for realizing the above-described operations, embodiments of the present invention can also be provided as a storage medium on which the inspection program is recorded (for example, an optical disc, magneto-optical disc, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, hard disk, memory card, etc.). The computer implemented in the inspection device 1 can realize the various processes (functions) described above by installing the inspection program stored on the recording medium and executing this inspection program using the CPU.

[0055] All of the constituent elements described herein (including the claims, abstract, and drawings) and / or all steps of all disclosed methods or processes may be combined in any combination, except for any combination in which these features are mutually exclusive.

[0056] Furthermore, each of the features described herein (including the claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by an alternative feature that serves the same, equivalent, or similar purpose unless expressly disregarded. Thus, unless expressly disregarded, each of the disclosed features is merely an example of a comprehensive set of identical or equivalent features.

[0057] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to any specific configuration of the embodiments described above. The present invention can be extended to all novel features or combinations thereof, or all novel methods or processing steps or combinations thereof, described herein (including the claims, abstract, and drawings). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 1...Inspection device, 2...Cloud storage device, 3...Network, 10...Information processing device, 11...Processor, 12...RAM, 13...ROM, 14...Storage device, 15...Input device, 16...Display, 17...Interface (I / F), 18...Communication unit, 19...Data / control bus, 21...Gaming machine, 22...Camera, 23...Inspection start button, 24...Save button, 100...Control unit, 101...Inspection start signal input unit, 102...Inspection sequence control unit, 103...Gaming machine control unit, 104...Camera control unit, 1 05...Video signal input unit, 106...Inspection video generation unit, 107...Inspection video storage control unit, 108...Save instruction signal input unit, 109...Anomaly detection unit, 110...Inspection partial video generation unit, 111...Inspection partial video storage control unit, 112...Reference partial video generation unit, 113...Reference partial video storage control unit, 114...Transmission unit, 115...Operation signal input unit, 116...Page creation unit, 117...Playback control unit, 118...Display control unit, 120...Temperature sensor control unit, 121...Partial temperature data file generation unit, 122...Partial temperature data file storage control unit.

Claims

1. An inspection sequence control unit that operates electrical equipment other than the gaming machines to be inspected according to a pre-set inspection sequence, A storage unit that stores data of a reference video of an electrical device of the same model as the electrical device to be inspected, which is operating normally according to the inspection sequence, An inspection video generation unit that photographs the electrical equipment to be inspected operating according to the inspection sequence and generates inspection video data, A sensor that detects at least one of temperature, electrical quantity, sound, and vibration related to the electrical equipment under inspection, operating according to the inspection sequence, An input unit for inputting operation signals related to the operator's actions while the electrical equipment under inspection is in operation, An inspection portion video generation unit extracts data from the aforementioned inspection video for a predetermined time period, including the timing of the operator's actions. A reference portion video generation unit extracts data from the reference video for the same section as the reference portion video, A display unit that synchronizes and displays the aforementioned inspection portion video together with the reference portion video and the output data of the sensor, An inspection device equipped with the following.

2. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inspection portion video generation unit generates data for the inspection portion video by cutting out a section before and after the timing of the operator's operation from the inspection video.

3. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit highlights and displays the inspection portion video at the timing of the operator's operation.

4. The system further comprises an abnormality detection unit that detects the occurrence of an abnormality in the electrical equipment under inspection by comparing the inspection portion video with the reference portion video, The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit highlights and displays the inspection portion video at the timing when the abnormality occurs.

5. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays a time waveform diagram relating to the output data of the sensor.

6. A computer to assist in the inspection of electrical equipment other than gaming machines, Means for operating the electrical equipment to be inspected according to a pre-set inspection sequence, Means for inputting operation signals related to the operator's actions while the electrical equipment under inspection is in operation, A means for extracting data from an inspection video of the electrical equipment under inspection, which operates according to the aforementioned inspection sequence, for a predetermined time period including the timing of the operator's actions. A means for extracting data from a reference video of the same section as the aforementioned section, from reference video data of an electrical device of the same model as the electrical device to be inspected, which is operating normally according to the inspection sequence, A program for causing the aforementioned inspection portion video to function as a means for synchronously displaying the reference portion video together with sensor data relating to at least one of temperature, electrical quantity, sound, and vibration related to the electrical equipment under inspection.

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