System for amusement facilities

Abstract

To realize a configuration capable of setting permission or non-permission for issuing an IC card based on a player's detection, and to realize a security state corresponding to a player's request.SOLUTION: A game parlor system permits issue of an IC card by satisfaction of an issuing condition, for example, by input of a password or the like even if a player is not seated by allowing the player to set the issuing condition, and can realize a security state corresponding to the player's request. An exclusive process can give priority to a setting of an issuing condition by the player over a setting of an issuing suppression state based on detection of one's seating.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for a gaming arcade.

Background Art

[0002] In a gaming arcade, the balls obtained by a player through playing games are counted, and the player records the counting result as identifiable information on an IC card (recording medium) that the player can carry. The player can insert the IC card on which the counting result is recorded into a lending device installed in the gaming machine, and pay out balls as a consideration to play the game. When ending the game, the player can issue an IC card by performing an issuing operation and exchange it for a prize according to the number of balls in the counting result. In this regard, in a configuration where an IC card is issued according to the issuing operation of the player, if the player forgets to collect the IC card when leaving the seat, the issuing operation of the IC card may be performed by another player (a person who commits an illegal act), and the IC card may be stolen. For such circumstances, a technique for restricting the issuance of an IC card by performing imaging with a camera provided in the lending device and monitoring the seating state of the player over a predetermined period of time has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, with the conventional configuration described above, the accuracy of monitoring players' seating status may not be sufficient depending on the environment of the gaming arcade, potentially leading to unnecessary restrictions on the issuance of IC cards. Furthermore, many players prefer IC card management methods that do not rely on uniform theft prevention measures, such as setting their own PINs, and the conventional configuration described above fails to meet the needs of such players.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming arcade system that can set whether or not to issue an IC card based on the detection of a player, while also achieving a security state that meets the player's needs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The amusement arcade system disclosed herein includes a receiving means (e.g., a lending device 2 having a card RW27a) that is provided in conjunction with a gaming machine and receives a recording medium (e.g., an IC card 10) that records information capable of identifying the amount of game value (e.g., balls held or stored balls) used in the game, A means for issuing the recording medium (for example, a lending device 2 that issues an IC card 10 from a card slot 27) is provided in accordance with the gaming machine and issues the recording medium when the player performs a predetermined issuing operation (for example, the operation of the issuing button 21 on the gaming machine 1), A determination means (for example, a management device 6 having a determination unit 36a that performs S13 in Figure 9) that determines whether or not the player is seated in front of the gaming machine, When the determination means determines that the person is not seated for a predetermined set time, a suppression state setting means (for example, a management device 6 that executes S17 and has a suppression state setting unit 36b) sets an issuance suppression state to suppress the issuance of the recording medium by the issuance means, If, after the issuance suppression state has been set, the determination means determines that the seated state is maintained for a predetermined release time, the suppression state release means (for example, the management device 6 which executes S21 and has a suppression state release unit 36c) releases the issuance suppression state, A lending device 2 having an issuance condition setting means (for example, an issuance condition setting unit 22c) that sets issuance conditions for the recording medium in response to the player's setting operation (for example, an operation to enter a PIN or mobile ID), If the issuance conditions are set by the issuance condition setting means, the management device 6 having an exclusive unit 36d executes an exclusive processing to exclude the setting of the issuance suppression state, Equipped with, The issuing means issues the recording medium when the issuance conditions are set, on the condition that the issuance conditions are met (for example, on the condition that the PIN or mobile ID entered by the authentication operation matches the PIN or mobile ID set as an issuance condition).

[0007] With the above configuration, by allowing players to set issuance conditions, IC cards can be issued even when they are not seated, for example, by entering a PIN code, thereby enabling a security state that meets the player's needs. Furthermore, exclusive processing prioritizes the player's setting of issuance conditions over the setting of an issuance restriction state based on seating detection, preventing situations where an issuance restriction state is unnecessarily set due to insufficient accuracy in player detection, allowing players to concentrate on playing the game. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Overall diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention [Figure 2] Schematic functional block diagram of the gaming machine and control device [Figure 3] Screen transition diagram when lock setting is initiated after inserting an IC card into the lending device. [Figure 4] Screen transition diagram for setting a lock using a PIN or mobile device. [Figure 5] Screen transition diagram for card return via authentication while the lock is enabled. [Figure 6]Screen transition diagram for unlocking the lock setting. [Figure 7] Diagram showing the terminal setting screen on the management device. [Figure 8] Flowchart showing facial image identification processing [Figure 9] Flowchart showing the seating status monitoring process (mutual exclusion) (Part 1) [Figure 10] Screen transition diagram when issuance is suppressed on the lending device. [Figure 11] Diagram showing the camera image confirmation screen on the control device. [Figure 12] Diagram showing the enlarged image viewing screen on the control device. [Figure 13] Flowchart illustrating the seating status monitoring process (Part 2) [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] One embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows a schematic overview of the overall configuration of the amusement arcade system. Numerous gaming machines 1 are installed in the arcade, and a dispensing device 2 and an information display device 3 are installed corresponding to each gaming machine 1. Two of each of these gaming machines 1, dispensing devices 2, and information display devices 3 are connected to a relay device 4. The relay device 4 is connected to a management device 6 via LAN 5. A POS system 7 and a balance settlement machine 8 are also installed in the arcade. The POS system 7 and the balance settlement machine 8 are also connected to the management device 6 via LAN 5.

[0010] The management device 6 is installed in the gaming hall, for example, in an office, and is connected to a keyboard 6a, monitor 6b, printer (not shown), etc., which are operated by the gaming hall manager. The management device 6 receives game signals transmitted from the gaming machines (gaming machine 1, dispensing device 2, etc.), manages the operating status of gaming machine 1, dispensing device 2, etc., and stores and manages game information for each player. Although not shown in Figure 1, in reality, for example, several hundred gaming machines 1 are managed by the management device 6.

[0011] POS7 is provided at the prize exchange counter in the game arcade and is operated by the employees of the game arcade. POS7 is attached with a card reader (not shown). When the IC card 10 owned by the player is received by the card reader, prize exchange is carried out based on the credits recorded on the received IC card 10. The balance calculator 8 is attached with a card reader (not shown). When the IC card 10 is received by the card reader, the deposited balance (balance) recorded on the received IC card 10 is returned. The IC card 10 of the present embodiment corresponds to a recording medium, and the credits and balance recorded thereon are information capable of specifying the magnitude of the game value used for the game on the gaming machine 1.

[0012] The gaming machine 1 is a CR pachinko machine, and has an operation handle 12, an upper tray 13, and a lower tray 14 that constitute a launching device for launching balls onto the game board 11. The game board 11 has a liquid crystal display unit 15, a normal winning hole 16, a first start hole 17, a second start hole 18, a big winning hole 19, etc. Further, the gaming machine 1 has a lending button 20 and an issuing button 21 that can be operated (pressed) by the player on the upper surface of the upper tray 13.

[0013] The gaming machine 1 performs the following operations. (1) The first start hole 17 is a winning hole with a fixed winning rate (so-called bottom winning hole), and the second start hole 18 is a winning hole with a variable winning rate (so-called electric chu). A big win lottery is carried out according to the winning (start winning) at each start hole 17, 18, and the lottery result is notified by the symbol variation performed on the liquid crystal display unit 15, and a big win occurs according to the variation result.

[0014] (2) When a start winning occurs during the symbol variation, the symbol variation is cumulatively held up to a predetermined hold upper limit value (for example, 4 each), and the held symbol variation is started after the symbol variation ends. When a start winning occurs in a state where the number of held symbol variations (hold number) is the upper limit value, the symbol variation is not held.

[0015] (3) The probability of winning the jackpot lottery (jackpot probability) is 1 / 360, and the probability of a jackpot resulting in a probability variation state (probability variation jackpot) is 66.6% (both in normal and probability variation states). When a jackpot occurs, the large prize slot 19 is opened for 15 rounds (R). The maximum number of balls that can be entered in 1R is 10, and the maximum opening time is 30 seconds. 1R ends when either the maximum number of balls or the maximum opening time is reached.

[0016] (4) During the probability variation mode, the probability of hitting a jackpot increases to 1 / 31, and the game enters a time-saving state (time-saving mode) where the rate of winning into the second starting slot 18 increases. The probability variation mode continues until the next jackpot, and continues until a jackpot occurs that returns the game to a normal state (normal state), which is neither a jackpot nor a probability variation mode. After that, the game enters a time-saving state until a predetermined number of symbol changes (for example, 100 times) occur.

[0017] (5) The second starting gate 18 opens to a state with a high probability of winning when a regular symbol (regular symbol), which changes in response to a win in the regular symbol winning gate 16, is hit. In this case, the time it takes for one regular symbol to change is 30 seconds in the normal state and 3 seconds in the time-saving state. Also, the opening time is 0.3 seconds in the normal state and 5 seconds in the time-saving state. In other words, in the time-saving state, the time it takes for the regular symbol to change is shorter compared to the normal state, while the opening time is longer, which increases the probability of winning in the second starting gate 18.

[0018] The gaming machine 1 and the peripheral equipment attached to the gaming machine 1 transmit the following game signals as the game progresses, such as when the player shoots balls into the starting holes 17 and 18. The "out signal" is a signal that identifies the value of the consumed balls (outs) transmitted from the out box that collects the consumed balls. Since one pulse is transmitted for every 10 balls consumed (used, inserted, collected), "number of out signals × 10" is identified as the number of outs. Alternatively, the signal transmitted from the gaming machine 1 may also be used.

[0019] The safe signal is a signal that can identify the prize-winning value (safe) transmitted from the gaming machine 1. Since one pulse is transmitted for every 10 balls dispensed (given), "number of safe signals × 10" is identified as safe. Alternatively, the supply signal transmitted from the supply device may be used as the safe signal. The start signal is a signal transmitted from the gaming machine 1 that can identify the start process (symbol change, mechanism activation, unit game) in the LCD display unit 15 (mechanism) which changes (operates) upon a start-up win. Since it is transmitted when the symbol change is confirmed, the start process is identified in response to the reception of the start signal, and "start signal × 1" is identified as the start (number of start processes). Alternatively, it may be used as a signal indicating a start-up win.

[0020] The jackpot signal is a signal transmitted from the gaming machine 1 that can identify the jackpot period. Since it is a status signal transmitted at a level during a jackpot, the period during which the jackpot signal is received is identified as a jackpot period. The special state signal is a signal transmitted from the gaming machine 1 that can identify a special state (sweet mode). Since it is a state signal transmitted at a level during a special state (time-saving mode) in which the winning rate of the second start port 18 is increased, the period during which the special state signal is received is identified as the special state. It may also be a state signal (probability variation signal) transmitted at a level during a probability variation in which the probability of winning a jackpot is increased. Furthermore, the period during which neither the jackpot signal nor the special state signal is received is identified as the normal state.

[0021] The dispensing device 2 is a gaming device equipped with a so-called individual counting function, installed in conjunction with the gaming machine 1. The dispensing device 2 includes a status display unit 2a that shows the game status of the gaming machine 1, a coin slot 23 into which coins are inserted, a touch panel type liquid crystal display unit 24 that accepts operation input from the player (corresponding to the issuance condition setting means and selection means), a payout button 25 for dispensing held and stored balls, a payout nozzle 26 through which the dispensed balls pass, a card slot 27 into which an IC card 10 is inserted (accepts the IC card 10) (corresponding to the acceptance means and issuance means), a removable counting tray 28 located below the lower tray 14 of the gaming machine 1, a camera 29 that can capture images of the player playing on the gaming machine 1 (corresponding to the imaging means), a mobile terminal reader 30, and the like.

[0022] Camera 29 is configured to include an image sensor such as a well-known CMOS sensor or CCD sensor, and captures images at predetermined intervals (for example, every 4 seconds) with the area in front of the gaming machine 1 corresponding to the dispensing device 2 as its imaging field of view. That is, if a player is seated in front of the gaming machine 1, camera 29 captures the area including the player's face at predetermined intervals. Camera 29 may be installed in a way that prevents the player from noticing that their face is being captured, so as not to make the player aware of its presence.

[0023] The mobile terminal reader 30 is a contactless mobile terminal reader capable of reading the mobile ID recorded in the FeliCa® mobile phone (hereinafter referred to as "mobile terminal 100") shown in Figure 4. The mobile ID is an IDm assigned to the IC chip built into the mobile terminal 100, and is a unique ID used to identify the mobile terminal 100.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the lending device 2 has a control unit 22 mainly composed of a microcomputer having a CPU, ROM, RAM, and I / O, and a transmitting / receiving unit 31 that sends and receives various signals and information with the relay device 4. The control unit 22 is connected to a status display unit 2a, a dispensing button 25, a mobile terminal reader 30, and a liquid crystal display unit 24. It is also connected to a touch panel 24a (corresponding to issuance condition setting means and selection means) provided on the display unit 24, and a card RW (reader / writer) 27a (corresponding to reception means and issuance means) which reads and writes various information recorded on the IC card 10 inserted into the card slot 27.

[0025] The control unit 22 has a receiving unit 22a, an issuing unit 22b, an issuing condition setting unit 22c, and a selection unit 22d, which function as a receiving unit, an issuing unit, an issuing condition setting unit, and a selection unit, and performs the following operations according to the computer program it stores.

[0026] (1) When money is inserted into the money slot 23 and accepted, the amount deposited is added to the balance and displayed on both the gaming machine 1 and the dispensing device 2. When the dispensing button 20 of the gaming machine 1 is operated while there is a balance, the dispensing mechanism inside the gaming machine 1 dispenses one unit of balls (for example, 500 yen) (for example, 125 balls if the unit price is 4 yen, or 500 balls if the unit price is 1 yen), deducts the amount of the dispensing from the balance, and sends a sales signal. The dispensing of balls may also be done by the dispensing device 2, for example by touch operation on the touch panel 24a (see the "Dispensing Balls" button 41e in Figure 3 described later).

[0027] (2) When the lower tray 14 of the gaming machine 1 is operated (opened), the balls that fall from the lower tray 14 are received by the counting tray 28, and the received balls are counted as balls held (counted balls) and displayed on the LCD display unit 24. When the dispensing button 25 of the dispensing device 2 is operated while there are balls held, a portion of the balls held are dispensed from the dispensing mechanism inside the gaming machine 1, and the dispensed amount is deducted from the number of balls held. In this case as well, the balls may be dispensed by the dispensing device 2.

[0028] (3) When the IC card 10 is inserted into the card slot 27 (when the IC card 10 is accepted), the balance and number of balls recorded on the IC card 10 are read by the card RW27a and displayed on the liquid crystal display 24. In addition, acceptance information including information that can identify the device (lending device ID) and information that can identify the IC card 10 (card ID) is transmitted to the management device 6.

[0029] (4) When the issuance button 21 of the gaming machine 1 is operated while there is a balance or balls remaining (i.e., when the player performs a predetermined issuance operation), an IC card 10 that can identify the remaining balls and balls held is issued. In this embodiment, the issuance of the IC card 10 is subject to certain requirements (conditions for issuance) described later, and these conditions must be met. Therefore, if the issuance button 21 is operated while the IC card 10 is inserted into the card slot 27, and the predetermined conditions are met, the balance and ball information will be recorded on the IC card 10 inserted into the card slot 27 and the card will be issued. If the issuance button 21 is operated while the IC card 10 is not inserted into the card slot 27, and the predetermined conditions are met, the IC card 10 stored in the card stock unit (not shown) will be dispensed into the card slot 27, the balance and ball information will be recorded, and the card will be issued. When the IC card 10 is issued, issuance information including information that can identify the device, information that can identify the issued IC card 10, and the balance and ball information recorded on the IC card 10 is transmitted to the management device 6.

[0030] Furthermore, it may be possible to issue cards in installments, with some balances or holdings being the target of issuance. The specific requirements for issuing IC cards 10 will be described in detail later. (5) Each time the camera 29 takes an image, it transmits an imaging signal to the management device 6, which includes information that can identify the device and the image it has captured.

[0031] The information display device 3 shown in Figure 1 includes an information display unit 32 that displays various game information (number of starts, number of jackpots, etc.), an operation unit 33 that includes a call button operated by the player to call an employee of the gaming arcade and a switch button operated by the player to switch the game information displayed by the information display unit 32, and a light receiving unit 34 that receives remote control signals from an operation remote control 35 held by an employee of the gaming arcade.

[0032] The management device 6 shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a control unit 36 ​​mainly composed of a microcomputer having a CPU, ROM, RAM, and I / O, a transmitting / receiving unit 37 that sends and receives various signals and information with the relay device 4, and an image processing unit 38 that extracts and analyzes images from imaging signals received from the camera 29 of the lending device 2.

[0033] The control unit 36 ​​has a determination unit 36a, a suppression state setting unit 36b, a suppression state release unit 36c, and an exclusive unit 36d, which function as a determination means, a suppression state setting means, a suppression state release means, and an exclusive means, and performs the following operations according to the computer program it stores.

[0034] (1) When game signals (out signals, safe signals, start signals, jackpot signals, etc.) are received from the gaming machine 1 and sales signals are received from the dispensing device 2, the game information of the gaming machine 1 (number of outs, safes, starts, number of jackpots, etc.) is aggregated and sales information is calculated, and this game information and sales information is stored and managed.

[0035] (2) Based on the reception status of the out signal from the gaming machine 1, the state in which an out has occurred is determined to be an operational state, and the state in which no out has occurred is determined to be a non-operational state. That is, the state is determined to be operational if the next out is detected before a predetermined time has elapsed since the last time an out was detected, and the state is determined to be non-operational if a predetermined time has elapsed before the next out is detected since the last time an out was detected.

[0036] (3) By receiving reception information from the lending device 2, the lending device 2 into which the IC card 10 is inserted is identified, and an image is extracted from the imaging signal received from the lending device 2 into which the IC card 10 is inserted and analyzed by the image processing unit 38 to determine whether or not characteristic parts of the player (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth, etc.) have been imaged. By imaging characteristic parts, the player's face and, consequently, the individual player are identified and identified.

[0037] (4) When identifying an individual player, the player's face image is identified, the shape of multiple characteristic parts of the identified face image is quantified, and the quantified data (digital data, information identified from the imaging results) is compared with the digitized data of a face image already registered in the face image database for that day (matching face image) to determine whether they are the same person. If the matching rate of the digitized data is determined to be less than a predetermined value, the face image is determined to be a face image that has not yet been registered in the face image database, and the player corresponding to that face image is determined to be a new player, and a face image ID is assigned to it. This face image ID is then associated with the game information identified by the game signal received from the game machine 1 and the sales information identified by the sales signal received from the dispensing device 2, and managed accordingly. On the other hand, if the matching rate of the digitized data is determined to be equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the face image is determined to be a face image that has already been registered in the face image database, and the player corresponding to that face image is determined to be an existing player, and the game information and sales information associated with that face image ID are updated.

[0038] (5) If multiple characteristic features are not captured, it is determined that the player's face has not been captured and that the player cannot be identified. (6) If it is determined that an individual player cannot be identified, a facial image ID will not be assigned. This is to mitigate the risk that assigning a facial image ID when an individual player cannot be identified may lead to the system misidentifying all players whose faces have not been identified as the same person, or misidentifying the same person as different people depending on whether their face can be identified or not, resulting in more facial image IDs being assigned than the actual number of players.

[0039] For the sake of explanation in this embodiment, the control unit 36 ​​or control unit 22 that is the main control unit in the management device 6 or the lending device 2 will also be simply referred to as "management device 6" or "lending device 2". Furthermore, although this embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the management device 6 performs image processing, in order to reduce the processing load on the management device 6 (distribute the processing load), an image processing device (not shown) dedicated to image processing may be provided separately from the management device 6. For example, the camera 29 shown in Figure 2 may be connected to the LAN 5 (management device 6) via a separately provided image processing device, and the image processing device may extract and analyze images based on the imaging signal received from the camera 29 side (lending device 2 side), and transmit the analysis results to the management device 6.

[0040] Now, based on the imaging signal from the camera 29 described above, it is possible to detect players and suppress the issuance of IC cards 10 according to their seating status, essentially setting a personal lock. However, as mentioned in "Background Technology," depending on the environment of the gaming hall, the accuracy of monitoring the players' seating status may not be sufficient, which could lead to unnecessarily restricting the issuance of IC cards 10. Furthermore, some players may prefer to manage their IC cards 10 in a way that does not rely on uniform theft prevention measures, such as by setting their own PINs.

[0041] Therefore, the amusement arcade system of this embodiment includes an issuance condition setting means for setting issuance conditions for the IC card 10 according to the player's setting operation, and an exclusive means for executing an exclusive process to exclude the setting of a human body lock when the issuance conditions have been set by the issuance condition setting means, and the issuance means issues the IC card 10 on the condition that the issuance conditions have been met when the issuance conditions have been set. The following sections will explain "1. Setting the Issuance Conditions (Secure Lock) in the Loan Device," followed by "2. Human Body Lock and Seating Status Monitoring Process (Exclusive Processing)."

[0042] [1. Setting the issuance conditions for the lending device] In the lending device 2, it is possible to associate the IC card 10 inserted into the card slot 27 by the player with a PIN or the aforementioned mobile ID as an issuance condition. Here, Figures 3 and 4 show the screen transitions on the liquid crystal display 24 when the IC card 10 is inserted into the slot 27.

[0043] The IC card 10 includes a member card (member recording medium) held by registered member players and a general card (general recording medium) held by players who are not registered members. However, since the issuance conditions can be set for both types of cards, this embodiment will primarily describe the use of a general card. Furthermore, to simplify the explanation, substantially identical display parts in each screen transition shown in Figure 3 and beyond will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0044] When an IC card 10 is inserted into the slot 27, the lending device 2 displays the standby screen 41 shown in Figure 3. The standby screen 41 includes a column 41a showing the lending rate and the number of balls per unit of lending, a column 41b showing information for visitors, a column 41c showing the type of inserted IC card 10 (shown as a general card in the figure), a column 41d showing the "deposit balance" and "balls held", and a "ball payout" button 41e for dispensing held balls. Of these, the column 41c showing the type of IC card 10 also shows whether or not the security lock is set (shown as an unlock mark m' in the figure), which will be explained below.

[0045] When an area of ​​the standby screen 41 other than the "Pay Out Balls" button 41e is touched, the lending device 2 transitions to the menu screen 42. As shown in Figure 3, the menu screen 42 is provided with a group of buttons including the "Security Lock" button 42a, as well as the "Next" button 42d and the "End" button 42e. When the "Next" button 42d is touched, the lending device 2 transitions to the next menu screen (not shown), and when the "End" button 42e is touched, it returns to the standby screen 41. Also, if the menu screen 42 remains untouched for a predetermined period of time, it returns to the standby screen 41.

[0046] Then, when the "Security Lock" button 42a on the menu screen 42 is touched, the lending device 2 transitions to the security lock screen 43. The security lock screen 43 has a field 43a that displays "Please touch your smartphone or press the PIN entry button and enter your PIN" as the mobile terminal 100, a "PIN entry" button 43b, and a "Cancel" button 43c. When the "Cancel" button 43c is touched, the lending device 2 returns to the standby screen 41, while in response to the player holding up the mobile terminal 100 or touching the "PIN entry" button 43b, it transitions to screens 44 and 45 in Figure 4 (see α or β circled).

[0047] In other words, when a player holds their mobile terminal 100 over the mobile terminal reader 30 of the lending device 2 (or performs a setting operation, see Figure 4), the lending device 2 reads the mobile ID of the mobile terminal 100 with its reader 30 (records the issuance conditions) and transitions from the secure lock screen 43 to the locked screen 44. On the locked screen 44, the message "Secure lock has been applied" is displayed for the IC card 10 inserted in the card slot 27, along with a lock mark m indicating this.

[0048] On the other hand, regardless of whether the user possesses a mobile terminal 100, when the "PIN entry" button 43b on the security lock screen 43 of the lending device 2 is touched, the device transitions to the PIN entry screen 45 shown in Figure 4. The PIN entry screen 45 is equipped with a numeric keypad 45a. When the user enters a four-digit PIN by touching the numeric keypad 45a (setting operation) on the PIN entry screen 45, the lending device 2 transitions to the next screen 46. This screen 46 requests the user to enter the PIN again for confirmation, and after displaying this screen 46, the device transitions to the PIN entry screen 47, which displays the numeric keypad 47a again. If the cancel buttons 45b and 47b provided on the PIN entry screens 45 and 47 are touched, the device returns to the standby screen 41, and if the back button 45c is touched, the device returns to the previous screen 43.

[0049] When the lending device 2 determines that the PIN entered on the PIN entry screen 47 matches the PIN entered on the previous PIN entry screen 45, it records that PIN as the issuance condition and transitions from the PIN entry screen 47 to the locked screen 44. Thus, in the lending device 2, when the mobile ID or PIN is entered as an issuance condition according to the player's setting operation, the locked screen 44 is displayed, and the issuance condition is set for the IC card 10, switching from an unlocked state (where the card 10 is not locked) to a locked state.

[0050] Similar to the IC card 10 (general card) described above, when a membership card is inserted into the slot 27 and a mobile ID or PIN is entered, the issuance conditions for the membership card can be set, and the card can be switched from an unlocked state to a locked state. When a membership card is inserted into the slot 27, "Membership Card" will be displayed in the middle section 41c of the standby screen 41 in Figure 3, and the values ​​associated with the membership card will be displayed in the section 41d which represents the balance and number of tokens held. Furthermore, it is of course possible to allow only one of the following to be entered as an issuance condition in the lending device 2: the mobile ID or the PIN.

[0051] In the lending device 2, after the issuance conditions are set for the IC card 10, the standby screen that is transitioned to is standby screen 61, which displays a lock mark m (mark m included in the locked screen 44 in Figure 4) instead of the unlock mark m' in the middle column 41c of the standby screen 41 in Figure 3 (see Figure 6). Therefore, when the lock setting is enabled, the player can immediately understand whether the issuance conditions are set on the standby screen 61 by the display of the lock mark m.

[0052] Figure 5 shows the authentication procedure required to issue (return) an IC card 10 when the IC card 10 is in a locked state in the lending device 2. In the lending device 2, when issuing the IC card 10 currently being accepted in response to the player's issuance operation, if a PIN is set as an issuance condition for the IC card 10, the LCD display unit 24 displays the screen 51 shown in Figure 5. This screen 51 displays "Secure lock in progress. Please enter your PIN," and requests an authentication operation to enter the same PIN that was used to secure lock the IC card 10. After the display of screen 51, the device transitions to the PIN input screen 52.

[0053] On the other hand, if a mobile ID is set as an issuance condition for the IC card 10, the LCD display unit 24 displays the lower screen 53 in Figure 5. This screen 53 displays "Secure lock in progress. Please touch your smartphone," and requests an authentication operation to hold the same mobile terminal 100 that was used to secure lock the IC card 10 over the reader 30.

[0054] Thus, the lending device 2 compares the PIN or mobile ID entered through the authentication operation with the PIN or mobile ID set as an issuance condition, and issues the IC card 10 on the condition that the two (each PIN or mobile ID) match (on the condition that the issuance condition is met). In this case, the lending device 2 records the balance and the number of balls held along with the PIN or mobile ID on the IC card 10 and issues it, thereby associating the issuance condition with the IC card 10 (maintaining the lock setting state).

[0055] Figure 6 shows the procedure for unlocking the IC card 10 and switching it to an unlocked state. The upper screens 61-65 in Figure 6 show the screen transitions when unlocking the IC card 10 if a PIN is set as an issuance condition, while the lower screens 61, 62, 66, and 65 in Figure 6 show the screen transitions when unlocking the IC card 10 if a mobile ID is set as an issuance condition.

[0056] Specifically, first, when the IC card 10 is locked in the lending device 2, the menu screen 62, which is accessed from the standby screen 61 at the top of Figure 6, displays the "Secure Lock" button 42a' instead of the "Secure Lock" button 42a. When the "Secure Lock" button 42a' is touched to release this lock setting, the device transitions to the Secure Lock Release screen 63. On the Secure Lock Release screen 63, if a PIN is set as an issuance condition, the message "Secure lock is active. Please enter your PIN" is displayed, and then the device transitions to the PIN input screen 64.

[0057] As a result, when a PIN is entered on the PIN input screen 64 of the dispensing device 2 (when the unlock operation is performed), the entered PIN is compared with the PIN set as an issuance condition. If the two match, the unlock screen 65 is displayed and the IC card 10 is switched from a locked state to an unlocked state. The unlock screen 65 displays the message "Security lock has been released" for the IC card 10 inserted in the card slot 27, along with an unlock mark m' indicating this. If a player forgets their PIN, the administrator of the gaming hall can force the dispensing device 2 to issue an IC card 10, thereby releasing the lock setting without having to enter a PIN.

[0058] On the other hand, if a mobile ID is set as an issuance condition, the Secure Lock Release button 42a' is displayed on the menu screen 62, which is accessed from the standby screen 61 at the bottom of Figure 6. When this Secure Lock Release button 42a' is touched, the device transitions to the Secure Lock Release screen 66. The Secure Lock Release screen 66 displays "Please touch your smartphone" and requests the user to perform an unlock operation by holding the same mobile terminal 100 that was used to lock the device over the reader 30. As a result, when the mobile terminal 100 is held over the reader 30 (when the unlock operation is performed), the lending device 2 compares the entered mobile ID with the mobile ID set as an issuance condition. If the two match, it displays the Lock Release screen 65 and switches the IC card 10 from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0059] Thus, when the IC card 10 is unlocked using a PIN or a mobile terminal 100, the lending device 2 can issue the card in response to an issuance operation without performing the authentication operation or associating the card 10 with any issuance conditions. For unlocking or authentication operations on a member card that is locked, a PIN or mobile terminal 100 is used to fulfill the issuance conditions, similar to the IC card 10.

[0060] The lending device 2, which displays the transition screens 42-47 (see Figures 3-4) when the security lock is applied and the transition screens 61-66 (see Figure 6) when it is released, corresponds to a selection means that accepts the player's selection operation regarding the setting of the issuance condition setting means related to the security lock and the suppression state setting means related to the body lock. In other words, in this embodiment, the seated state monitoring process (see Figure 8), described later, is executed, which excludes the setting of the body lock when the security lock is set. Therefore, the player's setting and release operations described above can be said to be a selection operation to determine which lock setting, the security lock or the body lock, to prioritize.

[0061] [2. Human body lock and seating status monitoring process (exclusive processing)] The control device 6 is configured to determine whether or not a player is seated based on the imaging results of the camera 29, in relation to human body locking.

[0062] Specifically, first, the management device 6 receives reception information from the lending device 2 to identify the lending device 2 into which the IC card 10 is inserted. At this time, the management device 6 determines whether or not a player is seated in front of the gaming machine 1 corresponding to the identified lending device 2 (whether or not the player is seated) based on the imaging signal from the camera 29 received from the lending device 2, by determining whether or not a human body is being imaged.

[0063] In this case, if the image processing based on the captured signal can detect, for example, both the outline of the head and the outline of the torso below the head, it is determined that a human body is being captured, that is, that the player is seated in front of the gaming machine. On the other hand, if neither the outline of the head nor the outline of the torso can be detected, it is determined that a human body is not being captured, and the player is not seated (not seated). The detection of the head and torso will be described in more detail later (see A2 and A1 in Figure 11).

[0064] If it is determined that the user is not seated, the system determines whether that state of not being seated has continued for a predetermined set time. If it is determined that the user is not seated for the predetermined set time, it sends an issuance suppression setting signal to the lending device 2, setting an issuance suppression state that suppresses the issuance of IC cards 10. Furthermore, after setting the issuance suppression state for the lending device 2, if it is determined that the user is seated, the system determines whether that state of being seated has continued for a predetermined release time. If it is determined that the user is seated for the release time, it sends an issuance suppression release signal to the lending device 2, releasing the issuance suppression state. By managing the lending devices 2 to which the issuance suppression setting signal and issuance suppression release signal are sent, the system manages whether the issuance suppression state is set or released for each lending device 2.

[0065] This function, which suppresses the issuance of IC cards 10 according to the seating status of the players, is a human body lock function. Employees of the gaming establishment can make various settings related to the human body lock function in the management device 6, and can also make various settings related to the camera abnormality detection function and the LED illumination adjustment function. Here, Figure 7 shows the terminal setting screen displayed on the monitor 6b of the management device 6. The terminal setting screen is equipped with a human body lock function setting unit M1, a camera abnormality detection function setting unit M2, and an LED brightness adjustment function setting unit M3. By setting the items in these function setting units M1 to M3, the amusement facility staff can suppress the issuance of IC cards 10, detect abnormalities in the camera 29, and adjust the brightness of the LEDs.

[0066] The settings for the human body lock function are as follows: Function Usage = Can be set to either "Yes" or "No," indicating whether the human body lock function is enabled or disabled. If "Yes" is set, the human body lock function is enabled, and the issuance of IC card 10 can be suppressed. If "No" is set, the human body lock function is disabled, and the issuance of IC card 10 cannot be suppressed. In this embodiment, "Yes" is set, and as described above, the lending device 2 can choose to prioritize the setting of the security lock (issuance condition setting means) through a setting operation by the player, or to prioritize the setting of the human body lock (suppression state setting means) through a release operation (or by not performing a setting operation).

[0067] The cumulative payout correction can be set to either "Enabled" or "Disabled." This setting monitors the cumulative payout for a certain period of time (e.g., 1 minute) even when the player is not seated, and determines whether the player is in play if the payout changes within that period. If "Enabled" is set, the human body lock function is disabled if the payout changes within a certain period of time even when the player is not seated. If "Disabled" is set, the human body lock function is enabled regardless of whether the payout changes or not.

[0068] The lock time can be set in seconds by entering a number from "0" to "999". It represents the time from the detection of an unoccupied state until the issuance suppression state is set, and corresponds to the set time. In other words, if the issuance suppression state is not set, and the player remains unoccupied in front of the gaming machine 1 for the duration of the lock time, the issuance suppression state will be set and the issuance of IC card 10 will be disabled. Figure 7 shows an example where the lock time is set to "10" seconds.

[0069] The unlock time can be set in seconds by entering a number from "0" to "999". It represents the time from the detection of a seated state until the issuance restriction state of IC card 10 is released, and corresponds to the unlock time. In other words, when the issuance restriction state is set, if the player remains seated in front of the gaming machine 1 for the duration of the unlock time, the issuance restriction state is released and the issuance of IC card 10 is made possible. Figure 7 shows an example where the unlock time is set to "10" seconds.

[0070] The settings for the camera anomaly detection function are as follows: Camera Anomaly Detection can be set to either "Yes" or "No," indicating whether or not to detect and notify of camera anomalies. Specifically, if "Yes" is set, a camera anomaly notification will be issued if the frequency of the player being undetectable when the "Out" status changes exceeds a predetermined value (e.g., 80%).

[0071] The settings for the LED brightness adjustment function are as follows: The function can be set to either "Enabled" or "Disabled," indicating whether the LED brightness adjustment function is enabled or disabled. If "Enabled" is set, the LED brightness adjustment function is enabled, and the "LED Brightness Adjustment" button will be displayed on the menu screen (for example, menu screen 42 in Figure 3), allowing the player to adjust the LED brightness. If "Disabled" is set, the LED brightness adjustment function is disabled, the "LED Brightness Adjustment" button will not be displayed on the menu screen, and the player will not be able to adjust the LED brightness.

[0072] The option to return to default illumination can be set to either "Yes" or "No," indicating whether or not the LED illumination will be returned to the default when a change of passenger (removal and insertion of IC card 10) is detected. If "Yes" is set, the LED illumination will be returned to the default when a change of passenger is detected; if "No" is set, the LED illumination will not be returned to the default even if a change of passenger is detected.

[0073] Figures 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the flow of face image identification processing and seating status monitoring processing (exclusive processing). The management device 6 periodically executes face image identification processing and seating status monitoring processing at predetermined intervals, and "S1, S2,..." in the figures represent each step.

[0074] As shown in Figure 8, when the timing for the start of face image identification processing at a predetermined period (for example, a 100-millisecond period) arrives, the management device 6 starts the face image identification process and determines whether or not it has received reception information from any of the lending devices 2 (S1). If the management device 6 determines that it has received reception information from any of the lending devices 2 (S1:YES), it identifies the lending device 2 that sent the reception information based on the lending device ID contained in the reception information (S2), and determines whether or not it is possible to identify an individual player based on the imaging signal received from the lending device 2 identified as the source of the reception information (S3).

[0075] In this example, when an IC card 10 is inserted into the slot 27 and reception information is received from one of the dispensing devices 2, it is shown that it is possible to determine whether the individual player can be identified based on the imaging signal received from the dispensing device 2 identified as the source of the reception information. However, even if a player starts playing without possessing an IC card 10, and information indicating that an IC card 10 has become available for issuance due to cash insertion or ball counting is received from the dispensing device 2 as reception information, it is also possible to determine whether the individual player can be identified based on the imaging signal received from the dispensing device 2 identified as the source of that information.

[0076] The management device 6 determines that it can identify the individual player if it has captured images of multiple characteristic parts of the player's face based on the imaging signal received from the lending device 2, which has been identified as the source of the reception information (S3: YES), and identifies the player's face image (S4). At this time, it quantifies the shapes of multiple characteristic parts of the identified face image, compares this quantified data (digitized data) with the digitized data of a face image already registered in the face image database for that day (matching face image), and determines whether or not they are the same person (S5).

[0077] If the management device 6 determines that the matching rate of the digitized data is less than a predetermined value and that the face image is not yet registered in the face image database (S5: NO), it determines that the player corresponding to the face image is a new player and assigns a face image ID (S6), and manages the face image ID in association with the game information and sales information (S7). Specifically, the management device 6 identifies game information (out, safe, start processing, jackpot state, special state, etc.) based on game signals (out signal, safe signal, start signal, jackpot signal, special state signal) received from the gaming machine 1 corresponding to the lending device 2 identified as the source of the reception information, and identifies sales information (sales amount and number of balls sold) based on the sales signal received from the lending device 2, manages the identified game information and sales information in association with the newly assigned face image ID, and terminates the face image identification process (returns).

[0078] On the other hand, if the management device 6 determines that the matching rate of the digitized data is above a predetermined value and that the face image is a face image already registered in the face image database (S5:YES), it determines that the player corresponding to that face image is an existing player and updates the game information and sales information associated with that face image ID (S8).

[0079] Specifically, the management device 6 identifies game information based on the game signal received from the gaming machine 1 corresponding to the lending device 2 identified as the source of the reception information, and identifies sales information based on the sales signal received from the lending device 2. The management device 6 then updates the game information and sales information associated with the face image ID by overwriting the game information and sales information already associated with the face image ID with the identified game information and sales information, and then terminates the face image identification process.

[0080] Here, for example, as shown in the frame labeled A2 in Figure 11, if the management device 6 acquires an image of all three locations—eyes, nose, and mouth—as part of the image acquisition results, it is possible to identify the individual player (S3: YES). On the other hand, for example, as shown in the frame labeled A2' in Figure 11, if the image obtained as a result of imaging captures only the nose because the player is wearing a mask and sunglasses, the player cannot be identified (S3:NO). Therefore, the player's face image is not identified, the face image ID is not associated with game information or sales information, and the game information or sales information associated with the face image ID is not updated, and the face image identification process is terminated.

[0081] As shown in Figure 9, when the timing for the start of the seated status monitoring process at a predetermined period (for example, a 100-millisecond period) arrives, the management device 6 starts the seated status monitoring process and determines whether or not it has received reception information from any of the lending devices 2 (S11). If the management device 6 determines that it has received reception information from any of the lending devices 2 (S11:YES), it identifies the lending device 2 that sent the reception information based on the lending device ID contained in the reception information (S12), and determines whether or not a player is seated in front of the gaming machine 1 corresponding to the lending device 2 based on the imaging signal received from the lending device 2 identified as the source of the reception information, and determines whether or not the player is seated (S13).

[0082] If the management device 6 determines that there is no player seated in front of the gaming machine 1 corresponding to the lending device 2 identified as the source of the reception information, and that the machine is in an unseat state (S13: NO), it determines whether or not the issuance suppression state is set for the identified lending device 2 (S14). If the management device 6 determines that the issuance suppression state is set for the identified lending device 2 (S14: YES), it continues to set the issuance suppression state and terminates the seating status monitoring process.

[0083] On the other hand, if the management device 6 determines that it has not set an issuance suppression state for the identified lending device 2 (S14: NO), it determines whether or not the device is unoccupied during the aforementioned lock time (S15). If the management device 6 determines that the device is not unoccupied during the lock time (S15: NO), it does not send an issuance suppression setting signal to the corresponding lending device 2, that is, it terminates the occupancy status monitoring process without setting an issuance suppression state for the corresponding lending device 2. In other words, if the issuance button 21 of the gaming machine 1 is operated after this point, the corresponding lending device 2 will issue an IC card 10.

[0084] Then, if the management device 6 determines that the player is not seated during the lock time (S15:YES), it determines whether the issuance conditions have been set in the corresponding lending device 2 (S16). If, in the corresponding lending device 2, a mobile ID or PIN has been entered as an issuance condition according to the player's setting operation, or if an IC card 10 with the issuance conditions set is being used (inserted) (S16:YES), the management device 6 excludes the setting without setting an issuance suppression state (returns without executing S17).

[0085] In other words, since the issuance conditions are entered in the lending device 2 or the issuance conditions are associated with the IC card 10, the management device 6 can determine whether or not the issuance conditions have been set by communicating with the corresponding lending device 2. If it is determined in S16 that the issuance conditions have been set (S16: YES), the management device 6 executes an exclusive processing to exclude the setting of the issuance suppression state. Therefore, even if the lending device 2 remains unoccupied for the entire locking period, security can be ensured by the player's set (selected) security lock without the need to lock the player's body. In this case, the lending device 2 will display a lock mark m (see Figure 6) on the standby screen 61 as described above, and in order to issue an IC card 10 in this state, the authentication operation described above, which involves entering a PIN or mobile ID, must be performed (see Figure 5), meaning that the issuance conditions must be met.

[0086] On the other hand, if the management device 6 determines that no issuance conditions have been set on the corresponding lending device 2 (S16: NO), it sends an issuance suppression setting signal to the corresponding lending device 2, sets the issuance suppression state for the corresponding lending device 2 (S17), and terminates the seating status monitoring process (returns).

[0087] In other words, the lending device 2 will suppress the issuance of the IC card 10 even if the issuance button 21 of the gaming machine 1 is operated after this point. In this case, the lending device 2, which has the issuance suppression state set, will not issue the IC card 10 even if the issuance button 21 is operated, as shown in the standby screen 41 of Figure 10. Instead of the ball payout button 41e, it will display a notification message that says "Return Restricted" to inform users that the issuance of the IC card 10 is being suppressed, and will erase the notification message after a certain period of time has elapsed since it was displayed. Furthermore, in the standby screen 41 in the center of Figure 10, the notification message "Return Restricted" and the unlock mark m' indicate that the issuance suppression state is set and no issuance conditions are set (meaning the setting of the suppression state setting means takes priority).

[0088] In S13, if the management device 6 determines that a player is seated in front of the gaming machine 1 corresponding to the lending device 2 identified as the source of the reception information (S13:YES), it determines whether the issuance conditions have been set in the identified lending device 2 (S18). If the management device 6 determines that the issuance conditions have been set in the identified lending device 2 (S18:YES), it continues setting the issuance conditions and terminates the seated status monitoring process (returns).

[0089] Furthermore, if the management device 6 determines that no issuance conditions are set for the identified lending device 2 (S18: NO), it determines whether or not the issuance suppression state has been released for that lending device 2 (S19). If the management device 6 determines that the issuance suppression state has been released for that lending device 2 (S19: YES), it continues to release the issuance suppression state and returns. Therefore, in this case, even though the player is seated and neither the issuance suppression setting nor the issuance conditions have been set, it is of course possible to activate the secure lock on the lending device 2 by entering the aforementioned mobile ID or PIN as the issuance condition (see Figure 4).

[0090] On the other hand, if the management device 6 determines that the issuance suppression state has not been released for the lending device 2 (S19: NO), it determines whether the user is seated during the aforementioned unlocking time (S20). If the management device 6 determines that the user is seated during the unlocking time (S20: YES), it sends an issuance suppression release signal to the corresponding lending device 2, releases the issuance suppression state for the corresponding lending device 2 (S21), and terminates the seated status monitoring process. In other words, if the issuance button 21 of the gaming machine 1 is operated after this point, the corresponding lending device 2 will issue an IC card 10.

[0091] On the other hand, if the management device 6 determines that the user is not seated during the unlock time (S20: NO), it does not send a signal to release the issuance suppression to the corresponding lending device 2 (does not release the issuance suppression state) and returns. In other words, the lending device 2 will suppress the issuance of the IC card 10 even if the issuance button 21 of the gaming machine 1 is operated thereafter. If the issuance button 21 is operated while the player is not seated, it is highly likely that the issuance button 21 was operated by someone who is not playing on the gaming machine 1, i.e., someone who intends to steal the IC card 10 (a fraudster). Therefore, by suppressing the issuance of the IC card 10, the theft of the IC card 10 can be suppressed.

[0092] Furthermore, once the lending device 2 has set the issuance suppression state, if the issuance button 21 is operated while the issuance suppression state is set, the lending device 2 will display an issuance error screen on the liquid crystal display unit 24, notifying the user that the issuance of the IC card 10 is being suppressed and prompting them to call an employee of the gaming arcade. At this time, the lending device 2 transmits to the management device 6 that the issuance button 21 was operated while the issuance suppression state was set as attempted theft information. When the management device 6 receives the attempted theft information from the lending device 2, it may notify an employee of the gaming arcade, for example, via an intercom. Also, since it is conceivable that the camera 29 may be malfunctioning, the lending device 2 may release the issuance suppression state when an employee of the gaming arcade operates the operation remote control 35 and the release command signal transmitted from the operation remote control 35 is received by the light receiving unit 34.

[0093] Furthermore, employees of the amusement arcade can check the imaging results of camera 29 on the management device 6. Figure 11 shows a camera image confirmation screen that allows employees of the amusement arcade to check the imaging results of camera 29. On the camera image confirmation screen, the imaging results of camera 29 for each machine number are displayed, and the human body detection range and face detection range are displayed in an identifiable manner within the image.

[0094] For example, in the image of machine number 1, the area indicated by the frame labeled A1 is the human body detection area, which is the area used to determine whether or not a person is seated based on the imaging results of camera 29, that is, the determination area for detecting a seated player in S13. Also, for example, in the image of machine number 1, the area indicated by the frame labeled A2 is the face detection area, which is also the area used to identify a player. The same applies to the images of other machines. Furthermore, the angle corresponding to the vertical displacement relative to the front facing the game board 11 of the gaming machine 1 is displayed as the vertical angle, and the angle corresponding to the horizontal displacement is displayed as the horizontal angle.

[0095] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 11, if human body detection is normal, "Normal" will be displayed regardless of whether face detection is normal or abnormal. That is, in the camera image of machine number 1 (the image within the frame labeled A2 above), the individual player can be identified, and face detection is normal, while in the camera image of machine number 5 (the image within the frame labeled A2'), the individual player cannot be identified, and face detection is abnormal. However, in both cases, if human body detection is normal, "Normal" will be displayed. Furthermore, if the control device 6 detects an object that is, for example, roughly circular or elliptical in shape as the outline of the player's head, it can identify the player within the range of the player's head, i.e., the face detection range A2. In addition, if it also detects an object that is, for example, roughly cylindrical or elliptical in shape as the outline of the torso below the head, it can identify the person within the range of the player's head and torso, i.e., the human body detection range A1, and can determine whether the player is seated.

[0096] Furthermore, in the management device 6, when an employee of the gaming arcade selects a specific image on the camera image confirmation screen shown in Figure 11, an enlarged image confirmation screen of the selected image is displayed, as shown in Figure 12. Figure 12 illustrates the case where an employee of the gaming arcade selects the image of machine number 3. In addition, by using different colors and types for the lines indicating the human body detection range and the lines indicating the face detection range, the human body detection range and the face detection range can be easily distinguished and understood.

[0097] As described above, the management device 6 of this embodiment executes an exclusive processing (for example, the processing in S16 and S18 in Figure 9) that excludes the setting of the issuance suppression state when the issuance condition is set by the issuance condition setting means (for example, the lending device 2), and the lending device 2 issues the IC card 10 on the condition that the issuance condition is met when the issuance condition is set. With this, by setting the issuance condition, even if the player is not seated, it is possible to issue an IC card by fulfilling the issuance condition, for example by entering a PIN, and a security state that meets the player's needs can be realized. Furthermore, the exclusive processing prioritizes the setting of the issuance condition by the player over the setting of the issuance suppression state based on seating detection, and it is possible to prevent situations in which a person lock is unnecessarily set due to insufficient player detection accuracy depending on the environment of the gaming hall, allowing the player to concentrate on playing the game.

[0098] The lending device 2 has selection means (e.g., LCD display unit 24, touch panel 24a) that accepts selection operations from the player regarding the setting of, for example, a body lock as a suppression state setting means and a security lock as an issuance condition setting means, and is configured to allow the player to choose which setting of the suppression state setting means or the issuance condition setting means to prioritize. As a result, the player can choose between a body lock or a security lock, and the security state desired by the player can be achieved.

[0099] Since the management device 6 is configured as a determination means for determining whether or not a player is seated based on the image captured by the camera 29, by utilizing the camera 29 which was originally used to identify the player's face image and manage game information, it is possible to suppress the issuance of IC cards 10 and appropriately deter theft without adding any new configurations, and this can be easily implemented using existing equipment.

[0100] The monitor 6b of the control device 6 is designed to display separately a human body detection range, which is the range for determining whether or not a person is seated, and a face detection range, which is the range for identifying a player. By adjusting these ranges, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not a person is seated and to identify a player.

[0101] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified or expanded as follows. Furthermore, each modified example may be combined. In the embodiment described above, the lending device 2 allows for an alternative selection operation between a body lock and a security lock. However, both the body lock and the security lock (hereinafter referred to as "both locks") may be set simultaneously.

[0102] In this case, for example, a separate selection button (for example, a "Double Lock" button, not shown) for setting both locks is provided on the display screen of the lending device 2 (for example, the menu screen 42 or the security lock screen 43), and by selecting the Double Lock button and setting the issuance conditions by entering a PIN or mobile ID, it becomes possible to set both locks simultaneously. Furthermore, based on the player's selection, the system will be configured to use one of three locking methods: human body lock, security lock, or both locks. The process shown in the flowchart of Figure 13 will be followed. Since steps S31 to S43 in Figure 13, with the exception of S36 and S39, perform the same processes as steps S11 to S21 in Figure 9, the explanation will focus on the differences from the flowchart in Figure 9.

[0103] In other words, the management device 6 receives reception information from any of the lending devices 2 (S31:YES), identifies the lending device 2 that sent the reception information based on the lending device ID contained in the reception information (S32), and determines whether or not the player is seated based on the imaging signal received from the lending device 2 identified as the source (S33).

[0104] Then, if the control device 6 is in an unoccupied state (S33: NO), has not set an issuance suppression state (S34: NO), and remains unoccupied throughout the lock time (S35: YES), it selects one of the two lock conditions, namely the W lock button, and determines whether or not an issuance condition is set (S36). Thus, when two lock conditions are selected by selecting the W lock button (S36: YES), the management device 6, without performing the exclusive access processing described above (without executing S37), sends an issuance suppression setting signal to the corresponding lending device 2, sets the issuance suppression state for the corresponding lending device 2 (S38), and terminates the seated status monitoring process (returns).

[0105] Furthermore, when it is determined in S33 that the user is seated (S33:YES), the management device 6 determines whether two lock conditions have been selected by selecting the W lock button in the lending device 2 identified as the source of the reception information (S39). If two lock conditions have been selected by selecting the W lock button (S39:YES), the management device 6, without performing any exclusive access processing (without executing S40), sends a signal to release the issuance suppression to the corresponding lending device 2, releases the issuance suppression to the corresponding lending device 2 (S43), and terminates the seated status monitoring process.

[0106] As described above, in the lending device 2, for example, both a human body lock as a suppression state setting means and a security lock as an issuance condition setting means are set in combination, and by configuring the device to allow an issuance suppression state by the suppression state setting means even if an issuance condition has been set by the issuance condition setting means (see S36-S38), it is possible to further enhance security and obtain the desired security state, thus achieving the same effects as the embodiment described above.

[0107] Furthermore, the selection method is not limited to the W-lock button or the "security lock" button 42a (see Figure 3) described above. A separate selection button (not shown) for selecting only the human body lock may also be provided, allowing arbitrary selection of any of the locking methods: human body lock, security lock, or both locks. This allows, when the human body lock is selected with the selection button, even if the security lock is set, a process to exclude it is executed, thereby setting the state of suppressing illumination by human body lock when the conditions for suppressing illumination by human body lock are met (see S13-S15 in Figure 9).

[0108] In the embodiment described above, the issuance conditions were set by entering a PIN or mobile ID in the lending device 2. However, if a membership card is inserted instead of entering these, the issuance conditions may be considered to have been set, and the human body lock may not be set (exclusive access processing may be performed). In this case, the issuance conditions may be set when the player performs a touch operation on the LCD display 24 (an operation to enter the PIN used during membership registration) as part of the player's setting operation in the lending device 2, for example, when dispensing stored tokens.

[0109] In the embodiment described above, the issuance of the IC card 10 is suppressed when either the human body lock or the security lock is set. However, instead of suppression, or in addition to that, the payout of held balls, stored balls, or the lending of balls may be restricted. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a CR pachinko machine was used as an example of the gaming machine 1, but a slot machine may also be used. Alternatively, a sealed-type pachinko gaming machine in which the balls are enclosed and the player cannot touch them, and the player launches the balls by consuming credits or points, or a fully credit-based slot machine in which the game progresses by consuming credits or points to spin the reels, etc., may also be used.

[0110] While the example illustrates a configuration where the gaming machine 1 provides some of the functions of the gaming device, the dispensing device 2 may also provide all of the functions of the gaming device. Furthermore, the functions of the gaming device located outside the dispensing device 2 may be arbitrarily changed. For example, the gaming machine 1 or the information display device 3 may be equipped with a camera 29, or the management device 6 may be equipped with a function to identify facial images or human bodies. In other words, the gaming device may be formed by one device or multiple devices. Since the gaming device is composed of multiple devices, it can also be called a gaming system.

[0111] While the example illustrates a configuration in which one camera 29 is provided for each gaming machine 1, the camera 29 may also be provided for multiple gaming machines 1 by installing it on the ceiling or on a gaming island where multiple gaming machines 1 are installed. Furthermore, while the example illustrates a configuration in which one camera 29 is used to identify individual players and to determine whether or not a player is seated, the camera for identifying individual players and the camera for determining whether or not a player is seated may be separate. In other words, the position and number of cameras may be in any configuration, and the determination of whether or not a player is seated in front of a gaming machine 1 may be performed in any configuration.

[0112] Furthermore, while an example configuration was given in which the seated state is determined by whether or not the contours of the head and torso could be detected, the seated state can be determined by any method. For example, it may be determined whether or not characteristic parts such as the player's eyes could be imaged, and if characteristic parts such as the eyes could be imaged, it may be determined that the player is seated. Alternatively, the direction of the player's gaze could be determined, and if it can be determined that the player's gaze is directed toward the game board 11 of the game machine 1, it may be determined that the player is seated. In addition, without using the camera 29, it may be determined whether or not a person is in front of the game machine 1 by using a temperature sensor, infrared sensor, light sensor, etc., to determine whether or not the player is seated. In other words, the determination of the seated state includes not only determining whether or not the player is actually seated, but also indirect determinations such as determining whether or not the state corresponds to the player being in front of the game machine 1, and even if the player is not actually seated, if the state can be considered as if the player is seated, it may be determined that the seated state corresponds to the player being seated in front of the game machine 1.

[0113] While the example illustrates a configuration for identifying a player's face image by obtaining images that capture all three areas—eyes, nose, and mouth—the method for identifying a player's face image can be arbitrarily changed. For example, a player's face image may be identified by features such as the contour of the face, skin, ears, eyebrows, cheekbones, chin, and wrinkles. Furthermore, it is not necessary to identify the player from the captured images of their face; they may be identified by their clothing, etc. In this case, increasing the number of feature areas improves the accuracy of determining whether or not it is the same person, and allows for accurate management of game information and sales information in association with face image IDs.

[0114] While an example was given of a configuration that prohibits the issuance of IC card 10 when the user is not seated, it is sufficient to suppress the issuance of IC card 10 when the user is seated. For example, the issuance speed could be slower than when the user is seated. If the time required to complete the issuance is longer, it will be more difficult to steal IC card 10 and quickly leave the scene, thus providing an effect of deterring the theft of IC card 10. In other words, if there is difficulty in issuing IC card 10 when the user is seated, it is possible to achieve the same effect of deterring the theft of IC card 10 as when the issuance of IC card 10 is prohibited.

[0115] While an example configuration using an IC card 10 as the recording medium was provided, it is also possible to use a mobile phone or IC coin. While the example shows a configuration where the setting time and release time are set individually, for example, if an employee at the amusement arcade sets one of the times, the other time may be automatically set based on that set time. For example, if a setting time (e.g., 1 minute) is set, the release time may be automatically set to be a predetermined time longer than the setting time (e.g., 2 minutes).

[0116] In this embodiment, a configuration is shown that suppresses the issuance of IC card 10 when the time spent not seated reaches the lock time. However, in addition to the configuration that suppresses the issuance of IC card 10, or alternatively, a configuration that suppresses other functions may also be used. For example, in a configuration that allows the balances or ball values ​​of multiple IC cards 10 to be combined into one IC card 10, the combining function may be prohibited. Also, a splitting function that associates part or all of the balance or balls of an IC card 10 currently being accepted with another IC card 10 may be prohibited. Furthermore, the game arcade may be able to choose whether to allow or prohibit these functions.

[0117] The system may be configured to release the issuance suppression state only if an operation is performed by an employee of the gaming arcade (for example, operation of the operation remote control 35). In other words, if the issuance suppression state is released when it is determined that a player has sat down while only the issuance suppression state is set (no issuance conditions are set), a person who intends to steal the IC card 10 (a fraudster) may notice that the IC card 10 is not issued because they are not seated, and if they sit down, the IC card 10 will be issued and stolen. However, by making it a condition that an operation is performed only by an employee of the gaming arcade, such a situation can be prevented.

[0118] At least a portion of the processing performed by the management device 6 may be performed by other devices such as the lending device 2 or the information display device 3, or at least a portion of the processing performed by the lending device 2 may be performed by other devices such as the management device 6 or the information display device 3. For example, the lending device 2 may perform image processing on images captured by the camera 29. Lock and unlock times may be set separately for different time periods, by the number of employees monitoring the gaming area, and by area. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0119] In the drawing, 1 is a gaming machine, 2 is a lending device (gaming device), 10 is an IC card (recording medium), 22a is a reception unit (reception means), 22b is an issuing unit (issuing means), 22c is an issuance condition setting unit (issuance condition setting means), 22d is a selection unit (selection means), 27 is a card insertion slot (reception means, issuance means), 27a is a card RW (reception means, issuance means), 29 is a camera (imaging means), 36a is a determination unit (determination means), 36b is a suppression state setting unit (suppression state setting means), 36c is a suppression state release unit (suppression state release means), and 36d is an exclusive unit (exclusive means).

Claims

1. A receiving means provided for a gaming machine, which receives a recording medium containing information that can identify the magnitude of the gaming value used in the game, An issuing means provided in accordance with the gaming machine, which issues the recording medium when the player performs a predetermined issuing operation, A determination means for determining whether or not a player is seated in front of a gaming machine, A suppression state setting means sets an issuance suppression state in which the issuance means suppresses the issuance of the recording medium when the determination means determines that the person is not seated for a predetermined set time, If, after the issuance suppression state has been set, the determination means determines that the person is seated for a predetermined period of time, the suppression state release means releases the issuance suppression state. Issuance condition setting means for setting issuance conditions for the recording medium in accordance with the player's setting operation, If the issuance conditions are set by the issuance condition setting means, the exclusive means executes an exclusive process to exclude the setting of the issuance suppression state, Equipped with, The amusement arcade system is characterized in that, when the issuance conditions are set, the recording medium is issued on the condition that the issuance conditions are met.

2. Regarding the setting of the suppression state setting means and the issuance condition setting means, a selection means is provided to accept a selection operation from the player. The amusement arcade system according to claim 1, characterized in that the selection means is configured to allow selection of which setting to prioritize, the suppression state setting means or the issuance condition setting means.

3. Regarding the setting of the suppression state setting means and the issuance condition setting means, a selection means is provided to accept a selection operation from the player. The amusement arcade system according to claim 1, characterized in that the selection means sets both the suppression state setting means and the issuance condition setting means in combination, and is configured to allow a setting that permits an issuance suppression state by the suppression state setting means even if an issuance condition has been set by the issuance condition setting means.

4. Equipped with imaging means capable of capturing images of players playing games on a gaming machine, The amusement arcade system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the determination means determines whether or not the person is seated based on the imaging result of the imaging means.

Images