JP7803069B2 - Gaming System - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming system using gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

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

Specifically, a player who wants to use member-only services such as saving balls registers as a member and is issued a member card, which they then use on gaming machines. By playing with a member card, the management device can obtain gaming information related to the member's gaming, such as their playing habits. This allows the gaming facility to provide information tailored to the member's gaming preferences, allowing them to receive services that help them enjoy their games. The gaming facility that provides the service also benefits by being able to secure a regular customer base. On the other hand, players who have not registered as members use a general card.

In addition, in conventional amusement arcades, as described in Patent Document 2 below, a system has been proposed in which a surveillance camera captures a player's facial image, and when settling or exchanging prizes, the facial image is compared with the facial image of the person settling or exchanging the prize, and if there is a mismatch, the settlement or prize exchange is not carried out.

JP 2015-100459 A JP 2013-158504 A

However, even if a member forgets their membership card, they will have to play using a regular card. As a result, gaming information when playing using a regular card cannot be managed in association with the member, posing the problem of not being able to grasp the member's accurate gaming information.

One aspect of the present invention aims to realize a gaming system that can more accurately grasp members' gaming information.

To solve the above problems, a gaming system according to one aspect of the present invention employs the following configuration.

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

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

In one aspect of the present invention, the gaming system may include a machine-to-machine system, each of which corresponds to a gaming machine that uses gaming media for gaming. The machine-to-machine system may include a lending unit that accepts deposits, lends gaming media representing gaming value within the amount of the accepted deposit, and associates a deposit balance indicating the remaining amount of the deposit with the recording medium; a counting unit that counts gaming media obtained in connection with the execution of games and associates a gaming value balance indicating the gaming value obtained by counting with the recording medium; an adjustment machine that pays out the amount of the deposit balance associated with the recording medium; and a prize exchange machine that exchanges the gaming value balance associated with the recording medium for prizes.

With the above configuration, the multiple gaming devices include a machine-to-machine machine, a settlement machine, and a prize exchange machine, so gaming information can be obtained based on this information.

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

With the above configuration, facial images of the operators who operated the gaming devices are stored, which are necessary for integrating gaming information, making it possible to compare the facial images of each member at any time.

A gaming system according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a counter that receives gaming media, counts the gaming media inserted, and associates the gaming value balance obtained by counting the gaming media with the recording medium.

With the above configuration, by including a counter into which gaming media is inserted as one of the multiple gaming devices, information obtained when using such a counter can also be obtained as gaming information.

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

With the above configuration, game information can be linked before the start of play, so for certain services, players can receive the same services as if they had used a membership card from the start of play.

One aspect of the present invention makes it possible to realize a gaming system that can more accurately grasp members' gaming information.

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

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

§1 Application Example First, an example of a situation in which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an overall image of a gaming system 1 for an amusement arcade according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

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

In the example of Figure 1, the multiple machine spacing devices 3, adjustment devices 50, POS 51, and counters 52 correspond to the multiple gaming machines. The multiple machine spacing devices 3, adjustment devices 50, POS 51, and counters 52 are each equipped with a card reader that accepts prepaid cards, which are recording media that record valuable information. Prepaid cards come in two types: membership cards (membership recording media) issued to members who are players who have completed the required membership registration procedures, and visitor cards (general recording media) issued to an unspecified number of players. The card reader accepts membership cards and visitor cards.

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

Each inter-machine machine 3 equipped with a dispensing section and a counting section is equipped with an inter-machine machine camera (photographing device) 4, which captures facial images of players playing on the gaming machine 2. Furthermore, the settlement machine 50, POS 51, and counting machine 52 are equipped with an equipment camera (photographing device) 55, which captures facial images of the settlement person, prize exchanger, and counting machine 52 user. The captured facial images are stored in a facial recognition server (facial recognition device) 120.

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

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

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

By configuring this gaming system 1, gaming information can also be obtained when a member plays using a prepaid card, making it possible to more accurately grasp the member's gaming information.

§2 Configuration Example (1. Overview of Gaming System 1)
The gaming machine 2 is a device in which a player plays a game using a gaming medium, such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine. The gaming medium is, for example, gaming balls for a pachinko machine or coins for a slot machine. For the sake of convenience, the following description will be given assuming that the gaming medium is gaming balls.

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

The inter-machine machine 3 includes a dispensing unit and a counting unit, and is installed to the side of each gaming machine 2. Specifically, the inter-machine machine 3 includes a display, a ball payout mechanism (dispensing unit), a bill deposit device (dispensing unit), a contactless IC reader, a counting sensor (counting unit), a payout switch, a card reader, a control board, etc.

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

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

When the payout switch is pressed, the machine 3 will dispense a member card regardless of whether there is a deposit balance or a gaming value balance, and will dispense a visitor card if there is a deposit balance or a gaming value balance remaining.

Each inter-machine machine 3 is equipped with an inter-machine machine camera 4, and images captured by the inter-machine machine camera 4 are output to an external device. The inter-machine machine camera 4 is installed in or built into the inter-machine machine 3. The capture area of the inter-machine machine camera 4 is set to include the face of the player of the corresponding gaming machine 2, who is the operator of the inter-machine machine 3, and the area around it.

The settlement machine 50 is equipped with a display, a banknote dispensing device, a hardened dispensing device, a contactless IC reader, a settlement switch, a card reader, etc. The settlement machine 50 dispenses cash from the banknote dispensing device or hardened dispensing device based on the deposit balance associated with the prepaid card accepted by the card reader, and performs a deposit balance process to set the balance on the prepaid card to zero. The settlement machine 50 is equipped with or has a built-in equipment camera 55.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The prepaid management server 110 manages information on valuable data and member gaming information by linking them to facial images in the facial image data registered in the facial authentication server 120. It also manages gaming information for players who use visitor cards by linking them to facial images in the facial image data registered in the facial authentication server 120.

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

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

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

The integration unit 10 causes the facial recognition server 120 to determine whether the facial image of the player using the visitor card matches the facial image of any member, and if a match is determined, links the visitor card to the member whose face matches, and integrates the gaming information obtained based on the visitor card with the gaming information of the member whose face matches. In this embodiment, as described above, the inter-machine machine 3 is equipped with the functionality of the integration unit 10.

HUB7 is a so-called switching hub that establishes intercommunication with each machine 3, settlement machine 50, POS 51, counter 52, hall computer 100, prepaid management server 110, and face authentication server 120.

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

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

Card information is recorded on prepaid cards. This card information includes the type of prepaid card (whether it is a membership card or a visitor card), the prepaid card's ID information (recording medium identifier), and so on. The prepaid management server 110 manages information such as the remaining deposit amount and the remaining gaming value in association with the prepaid card's card information.

Furthermore, by comparing the ID information of the prepaid card with the prepaid management server 110 and the facial authentication server 120, for example, the hall computer 100 can display a facial image of the player linked to the prepaid card on its display. Note that display of such a facial image of the player linked to the prepaid card can be performed not only by the hall computer 100, but also by the prepaid management server 110, the facial authentication server 120, or the prize exchange server, etc.

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

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

Next, the player receives a gaming ball from the inter-machine machine 3 and begins playing (S2). If the player temporarily stops playing and leaves their seat during play, the inter-machine machine camera 4 will take a photo at that time (S3).

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 3, when a prepaid card is inserted into the inter-machine machine 3 (S21), the inter-machine machine camera 4 captures a facial image of the player (inserter) (S22). Here, the inter-machine machine 3 may perform background removal processing on the captured facial image.

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

When the facial recognition server 120 receives a facial image from the machine 3, it stores it in a database and refers to the member's facial image list, compares the received input facial image with the member's facial images stored in the facial recognition server 120, and determines whether the same person is included (S41).

Next, the inter-machine device 3 sends the card information of the inserted prepaid card (card type information and card ID) to the prepaid management server 110 and queries the value information (S24).

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

Next, the inter-machine device 3 queries the facial authentication server 120 for the determination result (S25). Upon receiving the query, the facial authentication server 120 transmits the determination result to the inter-machine device 3 (S42), which receives it.

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

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

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

On the other hand, if the inserted prepaid card is not included (NO in S28), the inter-machine machine 3 queries the prepaid management server 110 for the gaming information of the inserted prepaid card (S29). When the prepaid management server 110 receives the query for the gaming information of the inserted prepaid card, it reads the gaming information of the inserted prepaid card and sends it to the inter-machine machine 3 (S53), which receives it.

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

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

However, the integration unit 10 may also be installed in the hall computer 100, prepaid management server 110, or facial authentication server 120. The integration unit 10 causes the facial authentication server 120 to compare the player's facial image on the visitor card with the facial images in the member facial image list, and if they match the member's facial image, instructs the prepaid management server 110 to link the visitor card to the card information of the corresponding member and integrate the gaming information. The timing at which the integration unit 10 performs this integration is not particularly limited; for example, it may be performed periodically by the gaming facility manager or the like using the hall computer 100.

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

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

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

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

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

[Software implementation example]
The functions of the machine-to-machine 3, hall computer 100, prepaid management server 110, and face authentication server 120 (hereinafter referred to as "devices") are programs that cause a computer to function as the device, and can be realized by programs that cause a computer to function as each control block of the device.

In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The functions described in each of the above embodiments are realized by executing the program using this control device and storage device.

The above program may be stored non-transitory on one or more computer-readable storage media. These storage media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

Furthermore, some or all of the functions of each of the above control blocks can be realized by logic circuits. For example, integrated circuits incorporating logic circuits that function as each of the above control blocks are also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of each of the above control blocks can also be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

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

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

1 Gaming system 2 Gaming machine 3 Inter-machine machine (gaming equipment)
4 Inter-machine camera 7 HUB
10 / Figure 10 Integration unit 50 Adjustment machine (gaming equipment)
51 Prize exchange machines (POS, gaming equipment)
52 Counting machines (gaming equipment)
55 Equipment camera 100 Hall computer 110 Prepaid management server (management device)
120 Facial recognition server (facial recognition device)

Claims (6)

A plurality of gaming machines;
A member recording medium that is usable with the plurality of gaming machines and is issued to a member who is a player who has completed a predetermined membership registration procedure, and a general recording medium that is issued to an unspecified number of players;
a management device that manages the gaming information of each member obtained based on the member recording medium by linking it to a facial image of each member;
a photographing device for photographing a player;
a face recognition device that compares face images to determine face matches;
A gaming system comprising: an integration unit that causes the face authentication device to determine whether the face in the facial image of a player using the general recording medium photographed by the photographing device matches the face in the facial image of any member, and if it is determined that they match, links the general recording medium to the member whose face matches, and integrates the gaming information obtained based on the general recording medium with the gaming information of the member whose face matches. The plurality of gaming machines include:
an inter-machine machine provided in correspondence with each gaming machine for playing games using gaming media, the inter-machine machine including a lending unit that accepts deposits, lends gaming media as gaming value within the amount of the accepted deposit, and associates a deposit balance indicating the remaining amount of the deposit with the recording medium, and a counting unit that counts the gaming media obtained in connection with the execution of games, and associates a gaming value balance indicating the gaming value obtained by counting with the recording medium;
a cashier that dispenses the amount of the deposit balance associated with the recording medium;
2. The gaming system according to claim 1, further comprising a prize exchange machine for exchanging a game value balance associated with said recording medium for a prize. the photographing device is provided in each of the plurality of gaming machines, and photographs a facial image of a player operating the corresponding gaming machine;
Each gaming device photographs the player at the timing when a predetermined event determined according to the type of gaming device occurs;
The face authentication device further has a function of storing face images of members and face images of players using general recording media, which are taken by the plurality of gaming machines;
The gaming system according to claim 2 , wherein the management device manages the gaming information of each member by linking it to the face image of each member stored in the face authentication device. A gaming system as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein the plurality of gaming devices further includes a counter into which gaming media are inserted, which counts the inserted gaming media, and associates the gaming value balance obtained by counting with the recording medium. The inter-machine takes a picture of the face of the player when it receives either the member recording medium or the general recording medium,
The face authentication device determines whether a face in a face image photographed by the machine when either the member recording medium or the general recording medium is accepted matches a face in a face image of any member;
The gaming system described in claim 3, wherein when the facial recognition device determines that the face of the machine matches the face of one of the members' facial images and the machine is not linked to the member whose face matches, the machine lends out a gaming medium after the integration unit links the general recording medium. The machine further takes a picture of the face of the player when the issuance of the general recording medium is accepted,
The gaming system described in claim 5, wherein the facial recognition device also determines whether the face in the facial image taken by the machine when the issuance of the general recording medium is accepted matches the face in the facial image of any member.