PERIPHERAL APPARATUS, PLAYING TIME MEASURING SYSTEM AND PLAYING TIME MEASURING APPARATUS

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-379746 filed on Dec. 28, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a peripheral apparatus (for example, a sandwiched apparatus) installed adjoining a gaming machine, a playing time measuring system furnished with the peripheral apparatus and an information processing apparatus installed in a game establishment, and a playing time measuring apparatus provided on the gaming machine or on the peripheral apparatus installed adjoining the gaming machine.

2. Related Art

To date, in a casino, etc. in which a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming apparatus, a slot gaming apparatus or a medal gaming apparatus is installed, a type of machine has been replaced at a frequency of approximately once in two to four months and a used pachinko gaming apparatus has been disposed of as industrial waste or general waste. However, in recent years, a waste gaming machine such as the pachinko gaming apparatus or a pachi-slot gaming apparatus has become a big problem.

The gaming machine being manufactured from a variety of materials such as wood, glass, a metal, a synthetic resin, an electronic part and an electrical wire, a certain amount of dismantling is necessary when discarding the used gaming machine, so a fee is paid to a dismantler, and the dismantling and discarding are commissioned. However, it being difficult for an installer of the gaming machine to pick out a responsible dismantler, there is a dismantler who leaves the used gaming machines piled outdoors.

For this reason, an establishment of a rental system has been attempted recently by which a manufacturer, while renting a gaming machine of a new type to the game establishment, collects the used gaming machine, removes a usable part etc. from the used gaming machine, and reuses it. In the event that this kind of system is operated, an efficient use of resources is achieved, and an occurrence of waste is suppressed. However, in order to operate this kind of system, it is necessary to accurately ascertain a usage time of a member configuring the gaming machine.

To date, for example, in the gaming machine, there has been a system that, judges whether or not a member configuring a game ball should be replaced while measuring an operating time of a game ball shooting device, by counting an accumulative operating time of the game ball shooting device furnished on each gaming machine with a shop terminal connected to each gaming machine via a communication line, (for example, refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-245454). According to the system described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-245454, as it is possible to accurately ascertain the usage time of the member configuring the gaming machine, there is no likelihood of a problem occurring due to the member being used beyond a possible usage time (a durability time) of the member, or of an increase in waste due to the member being discarded before reaching the possible usage time.

However, in the system described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-245454, as it is necessary to provide an interface on a gaming machine for transmitting a signal from the gaming machine to a shop terminal indicating an operating time of a game ball shooting device, and change a setting of the gaming machine to enable a communication of the signal, there has been a fear of a dishonest behavior such as an access to a control substrate provided on the gaming machine or a use of a magnet occurring. From a point of view of a game establishment, as a considerable loss is incurred in the event that the dishonest behavior or the use of the magnet occurs, there has been a problem that it is difficult to introduce a system accompanied with a fear of this kind.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention, being conceived with the heretofore described problem in mind, has an object of providing a peripheral apparatus, a playing time measuring system and a playing time measuring apparatus which enable an accurate ascertainment of a usage time of a member configuring a gaming machine, without increasing a fear that a dishonest behavior or a use of a magnet will occur.

In order to achieve the object, the invention provides the following.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a peripheral apparatus installed adjoining a gaming machine installed in a game establishment, including: an imaging apparatus (a CCD camera 11) which continuously or intermittently images a prescribed area in front of the gaming machine, and transmits image data acquired by imaging; a memory (an ROM 22, an RAM 23 etc.) storing a first table (a member identification table in FIG. 5) which correlates and stores a possible usage time fixed for a member configuring the gaming machine and member identification information allotted to the member, and a second table (an information storage area in FIG. 6) which stores identification information for identifying the game establishment and the gaming machine; and a processor (an image processor 28) which determines whether or not facial image data indicating a person's face are included in the image data transmitted from the imaging apparatus, measures a continuous time for which it is determined that the facial image data are included in the image data, cumulatively counts the continuous time measured, judges, based on the possible usage time stored in the first table, whether or not an accumulative continuous time, which is a counting result of the accumulatively counted continuous time, has reached the possible usage time and, in the event that it is judged that the accumulative continuous time has reached the possible usage time, transmits at least the identification information to a prescribed apparatus installed outside the game establishment.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided the peripheral apparatus of the first aspect, wherein the processor transmits the identification information and the member identification information to the prescribed apparatus.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a playing time measuring system, including: an imaging apparatus (the CCD camera 11) which continuously or intermittently images a prescribed area in front of a gaming machine installed in a game establishment, and transmits image data acquired by imaging; a memory (the ROM 22, the RAM 23 etc.) storing a first table (the member identification table in FIG. 5) which correlates and stores a possible usage time fixed for a member configuring the gaming machine and member identification information allotted to the member, and a second table (the information storage area in FIG. 6) which stores identification information for identifying the game establishment and the gaming machine; and a processor which determines whether or not facial image data indicating a person's face are included in the image data transmitted from the imaging apparatus, measures a continuous time for which it is determined that the facial image data are included in the image data, cumulatively counts the continuous time measured, judges, based on the possible usage time stored in the first table, whether or not an accumulative continuous time, which is a counting result of the accumulatively counted continuous time, has reached the possible usage time and, in the event that it is judged that the accumulative continuous time has reached the possible usage time, transmits at least the identification information to a prescribed apparatus installed outside the game establishment.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided the playing time measuring system of the third aspect, wherein the processor transmits the identification information and the member identification information to the prescribed apparatus.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a playing time measuring apparatus provided on a gaming machine installed in a game establishment, or in a peripheral apparatus installed adjoining the gaming machine, including: an imaging apparatus (the CCD camera 11) which continuously or intermittently images a prescribed area in front of the gaming machine, and transmits image data acquired by imaging; a memory (the ROM 22, the RAM 23 etc.) storing a first table (the member identification table in FIG. 5) which correlates and stores a possible usage time fixed for a member configuring the gaming machine and member identification information allotted to the member, and a second table (the information storage area in FIG. 6) which stores identification information for identifying the game establishment and the gaming machine; and a processor which determines whether or not facial image data indicating a person's face are included in the image data transmitted from the imaging apparatus, measures a continuous time for which it is determined that the facial image data are included in the image data, cumulatively counts the continuous time measured, judges, based on the possible usage time stored in the first table, whether or not an accumulative continuous time, which is a counting result of the accumulatively counted continuous time, has reached the possible usage time and, in the event that it is judged that the accumulative continuous time has reached the possible usage time, transmits at least the identification information to a prescribed apparatus installed outside the game establishment.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided the playing time measuring apparatus of the fifth aspect, wherein the processor transmits the identification information and the member identification information to the prescribed apparatus.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE INVENTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principals of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram schematically showing a sandwiched apparatus according to a first embodiment, and an information processing apparatus installed outside a game establishment;

FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing the sandwiched apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and a pachinko gaming apparatus installed adjoining the sandwiched apparatus;

FIG. 3A is a front view schematically showing the pachinko gaming apparatus shown in FIG. 2, while FIG. 3B is a rear view schematically showing the pachinko gaming apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the sandwiched apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 shows an example of a member identification table furnished on the sandwiched apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 shows an example of an information storage area furnished on the sandwiched apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 shows an example of various kinds of storage areas furnished on the sandwiched apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine of a continuous time measuring process executed in the sandwiched apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine of a facial recognition process executed in the sandwiched apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 10A is a side view showing an aspect of a player playing a game on the pachinko gaming apparatus, while FIG. 10B is a plan view thereof;

FIG. 11A is a view schematically showing image data acquired by imaging the aspect shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, FIG. 11B is a view schematically showing image data from which characteristic points have been recognized, and FIG. 11C is a view schematically showing image data from which facial image data have been recognized;

FIG. 12A is a side view showing an aspect of an onlooker looking at the pachinko gaming apparatus, while FIG. 12B is a plan view thereof;

FIG. 13A is a view schematically showing image data acquired by imaging the aspect shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, FIG. 13B is a view schematically showing image data from which characteristic points have been recognized, and FIG. 13C is a view schematically showing image data from which facial image data have been recognized;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine of a transmission process executed in the sandwiched apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 shows an example of a storage area furnished on the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a process executed in the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 15;

FIGS. 18A to 18C show an example of an image displayed on the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a network configuration diagram schematically showing a playing time measuring system according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a sandwiched apparatus shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 shows an example of a storage area furnished on the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine of a facial recognition process executed in the sandwiched apparatus shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine of a continuous time measuring process executed in the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 21; and

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine of a transmission process executed in the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. 21.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram schematically showing a sandwiched apparatus as a peripheral apparatus according to a first embodiment, and an information management apparatus installed outside a game establishment. Although, in the embodiment, a description is given of a case in which a gaming machine is a pachinko gaming apparatus, there being no particular limitation as to the gaming machine in the invention, it is possible to propose, for example, a pachi-slot gaming apparatus, a slot machine etc.

A plurality of pachinko gaming apparatuses 50 is installed in a game establishment H1, and furthermore a plurality of sandwiched apparatuses 10 is installed adjoining each pachinko gaming apparatus 50. The plurality of sandwiched apparatuses 10 are connected to a router 90 via a communication line 80. The router 90 is connected, via the communication line 80, to an information management apparatus 40 installed outside the game establishment. Also, the same applying to game establishments H2 and H3, the sandwiched apparatuses 10 and the router 90 being connected via the communication line 80, the router 90 is connected to the information management apparatus 40 via the communication line 80. In the figure, a machine number is placed on a front of the pachinko gaming apparatuses 50 to facilitate a description. Although, in the embodiment, a description is given of a case in which the communication line 80 is wired, communication circuits in the invention include not only a wired one, but also a wireless one.

FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing the sandwiched apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and a pachinko gaming apparatus installed adjoining the sandwiched apparatus.

A sandwiched apparatus 10, which is the peripheral apparatus, is installed adjoining a pachinko gaming apparatus 50. A card data display 15, a CCD camera 11, a card insertion slot 12 and an operation unit 13, as well as a game ball supply unit 14, are provided, in the order from a top, on the front surface of the sandwiched apparatus 10.

A card (for example, a prepaid card) for receiving a provision of a game ball is inserted in the card insertion slot 12. The card data display 15 displays data stored in the card inserted in the card insertion slot 12. The operation unit 13 is used when carrying out an operation in order for a player to receive a supply of the game ball. The game ball supply unit 14 supplies the game ball to the player by discharging the game ball in response to an operation by the player of the operation unit 13.

The CCD camera 11 is installed, at a height approximately the same as a center portion of a game panel 51 furnished on the pachinko gaming apparatus 50, facing in a direction in which it is possible to image in front of the pachinko gaming apparatus 50. The CCD camera 11 functions as an imaging apparatus in the invention. Also, although not shown, a reset switch 27 is provided on a rear surface of the sandwiched apparatus 10. The reset switch 27 is a switch which is operated by an employee of a game establishment in order to reset an accumulative continuous time, to be described hereafter, to 0.

In the invention, as long as the sandwiched apparatus is installed adjoining the gaming apparatus, it is not limited to the example. It is also acceptable to have a configuration in which a bill is used in place of the card, and it is also acceptable to have a configuration which directly supplies a game medium, such as the game ball or a medal, to a top tray etc. furnished on the gaming apparatus.

FIG. 3A is a front view schematically showing the pachinko gaming apparatus shown in FIG. 2, while FIG. 3B is a rear view schematically showing the pachinko gaming apparatus shown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the front surface of the pachinko gaming apparatus 50 is equipped with the game panel 51 on which are installed a plurality of prize dispensing devices 52 and a guide rail 62, and a liquid crystal display device 53 is installed in the center portion of the game panel 51. Also, a front door 54 is provided on a front surface of the game panel 51. An upper tray device 55 being provided below the game panel 51, a lower tray device 56 is provided beneath it. In the figure, 57 indicates an outer frame of the pachinko gaming apparatus 50, while 61 indicates a shooting device for shooting the game ball. As shown in FIG. 3B, a control substrate 58, a discharge device 59, a power source device 60 and the shooting device 61 are provided on a rear surface of the pachinko gaming apparatus 50. The pachinko gaming apparatus 50 and the sandwiched apparatus 10 both being independent, no transmission and reception of data is carried out between the pachinko gaming apparatus 50 and the sandwiched apparatus 10.

Of the members 51 to 62 which configure the pachinko gaming apparatus 50, the game panel 51 equipped with the guide rail 62, the prize dispensing devices 52, the front door 54 and the upper tray device 55 are members whose designs are normally changed along with a change in a machine type, while the control substrate 58 is a member for which a stored program, data and the like to be stored change along with the change in the machine type. Consequently, it can be said that these members are difficult to reuse. Meanwhile, the liquid crystal display device 53, the lower tray device 56, the outer frame 57, the discharge device 59, the power source device 60 and the shooting device 61 are members whose designs are not normally changed along with a change in a machine type. Consequently, it can be said that these members are easy to reuse. In the invention, so that a possible usage time is set only for members which can be reused or members which are easy to reuse, it is acceptable to fix a necessity or otherwise of setting the possible usage time for each member in accordance with a possibility or otherwise, or a degree of difficulty, of reusing, and it is also acceptable to fix the necessity or otherwise of setting the possible usage time for each member regardless of the possibility or otherwise, or the degree of difficulty, of reusing. Also, it is also acceptable that a possible usage time is set for the gaming apparatus itself.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the sandwiched apparatus shown in FIG. 2.

The sandwiched apparatus 10 includes a CPU 21, an ROM 22 and an RAM 23.

The ROM 22, being a nonvolatile memory, stores a program executed by the CPU 21, and data etc. used when the CPU 21 carries out a process. The ROM 22 stores a member identification table (refer to FIG. 5) and an information storage area (refer to FIG. 6), to be described hereafter. The ROM 22 functions as a member information storage module. The RAM 23, being a volatile memory, temporarily stores data corresponding to a process result etc. of the CPU 21. The RAM 23 has a storage area (refer to FIG. 7), to be described hereafter.

The operation unit 13, an image processor 28 as a processor, a card reader/writer 25, a game ball controller 26 and the reset switch 27 are connected to the CPU 21. Also, the image processor 28 is connected to the CCD camera 11. The CCD camera 11 functions as the imaging apparatus.

When an operation place (a button) is operated by a player, the operation unit 13 transmits a signal in accordance therewith to the CPU 21. The CCD camera 11, being installed so as to image a prescribed area in front of the pachinko gaming apparatus 50, transmits image data acquired by an imaging. A timing of the imaging maybe either continuous or intermittent.

The image processor 28, by recognizing characteristic points from the image data transmitted from the CCD camera 11, determines whether or not facial image data indicating a person's face is included in the image data. The image processor 28 functions as a determination module. In the embodiment, a pupil and a nostril are used as the characteristic points.

The image processor 28 includes an image recognizing LSI 28a, an SDRAM 28b and an EEPROM 28c. The image recognizing LSI 28a, although not shown, includes, for example, a module equipped with a coprocessor capable of a paratactic processing of a plurality of data for one command, a DRAM, a DMA controller, and an affine transformation module. The image data transmitted from the CCD camera 11 is temporarily stored in the SDRAM 28b. The EEPROM 28c stores a facial recognition program, and a filter, a pattern and the like for recognizing the characteristic points. Furthermore, the EEPROM 28c stores area prescription data, which prescribes an area (a determination area) for determining whether or not a position of the facial image data in the image data is an appropriate position, and a determination value which is a subject of a comparison with an area of the facial image data.

The image processor 28 carries out the following process in order to recognize a face of the player.

When the image data transmitted from the CCD camera 11 is stored in the SDRAM 28b, the image recognizing LSI 28a sets a threshold and, based on the threshold, carries out a binarization process to separate the image data into a light region and a dark region. As a process for setting the threshold, it is possible to suggest a modal method, a p-tile method, a discrimination analysis binarization method and the like. Next, applying a separation degree filter for each pixel included in the dark region, the degree of separation is calculated by changing a radius of the separation degree filter. Then, a local maximum point of the separation degree is extracted as a characteristic point candidate. At this time, a dark region in which a whole or a part of an exterior edge formation approximates a circle or an ellipse qualifies as the characteristic point candidate. Specifically, as well as the pupil and nostril described heretofore, a nose tip, an oral end, a inner corner of an eye, an outer corner of an eye, a corner of an eyebrow, a background noise etc. are included. Next, a pattern cross reference using a subspace method is carried out, and the characteristic point is identified from among the characteristic point candidates based on a position and a formation of the characteristic point candidates. Next, by means of a two-dimensional affine transformation with the characteristic point as a reference, a position and a size of a facial area are normalized, and facial image data are identified from the image data. Next, based on the determination area prescription data, the image recognizing LSI 28a judges whether or not the position of the facial image data is included in the determination area, and also judges whether or not the area of the facial image data is equal to or greater than the determination value.

The image processor 28, based on the result of the process described above, carries out one of the processes A to D described hereafter.

A. In the event that it has not been possible to extract the characteristic point candidates from the image data, or in the event that it has not been possible to identify the characteristic point from the characteristic point candidates, the image processor 28 determines that the facial image data is not included in the image data. In this case, the image processor 28 transmits a non-detection signal to the CPU 21.

B. In the event that it is judged that the position of the facial image data is not included in the determination area, the image processor 28 determines that the facial image data are included in the image data, but that the facial image data exist in an inappropriate position (a position in which the face would not normally exist when the player is playing the game). In this case, the image processor 28 transmits the non-detection signal to the CPU 21.

C. In the event that it is judged that the area of the facial image data is not equal to or greater than the determination value, the image processor 28 determines that the facial image data are included in the image data, but that the facial image data exist in an inappropriate position. In this case, the image processor 28 transmits a non-detection signal to the CPU 21.

D. In the event that it is judged that the position of the facial image data is included in the determination area, and that the area of the facial image data is equal to or greater than the determination value, it is determined that the facial image data exist in an appropriate position in the image data (a position in which the face could normally exist when the player is playing the game). In this case, the image processor 28 transmits a detection signal to the CPU 21.

The card reader/writer 25 carries out a reading of data from a card inserted in the card insertion slot 12, and a writing of data onto the card. The game ball controller 26, based on the data read from the card reader/writer 25, calculates the number of game balls to be supplied to the player, and carries out a process discharging the game balls via the game ball supply unit 14. The reset switch 27, when operated by the player, transmits a prescribed signal to the CPU 21. The CPU 21 which receives the signal resets the accumulative continuous time value stored in the storage area (refer to FIG. 7) of the RAM 23 to “0”.

The card data display 15 and a clock circuit 29 are connected to the CPU 21. The data read from the card reader/writer 25 etc. are displayed on the card data display 15.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the member identification table.

Member identification information allotted to each member 51 to 62 configuring the pachinko gaming apparatus 50, and a possible usage time (a durability time) fixed for each member, are correlated in the member identification table. The member identification table is stored in the ROM 22 as data. The ***** in the figure indicates a possible usage time value.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the information storage area in the ROM 22.

Apparatus identification information is stored in an apparatus identification information storage area. The apparatus identification information is a code (for example, a multiple digit reference number) allotted individually to the sandwiched apparatus 10.

As the sandwiched apparatus 10 is installed adjoining the pachinko gaming apparatus 50, it is possible, by means of the identification information of the sandwiched apparatus 10, to identify the pachinko gaming apparatus 50 installed adjoining the sandwiched apparatus 10. The apparatus identification information is identification information for identifying the gaming machine.

Store identification information is stored in a store identification information storage area. The store identification information is a code (for example, a multiple digit reference number) allotted individually to the game establishment H. The store identification information is identification information for identifying the game establishment. In this way, the ROM 22 stores the identification information for identifying the game establishment H and the pachinko gaming apparatus 50 The ROM 22 functions as an identification information storage module.

An information management apparatus address storage area shows the address of the information management apparatus 40 in the network shown in FIG. 1, and for example, in a case in which a communication protocol in the network is TCP/IP, the address is an TP address. In this way, it is fixed where the information of the sandwiched apparatus 10 is to be transmitted, and the sandwiched apparatus 10 stores an address of the apparatus to which the information is to be transmitted.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the data storage area in the RAM 23.

A starting time value is stored in a starting time storage area. The starting time value is a value indicating a time at which a detection signal is received when the value of the starting time storage area is “0” (a condition in which no starting time value is stored therein). The starting time value is a value supplied from the clock circuit 29 at the relevant time. The starting time value indicates a time at which a recognition of the player's face is started.

A continuous time value is stored in a continuous time storage area. The continuous time value is a value indicating a difference between a time value and the starting time value at a time when the non-detection signal is received from the image processor 28 in the event that the starting time value is stored in the starting time storage area. The continuous time value indicates a time (a period) from the player's face being recognized to it ceasing to be recognized.

An accumulative continuous time value is stored in an accumulative continuous time storage area. The accumulative continuous time value is a value obtained by cumulatively adding the continuous time values.

Next, a description will be given of processes carried out in the sandwiched apparatus 10 using FIGS. 8 to 14.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine of a continuous time measuring process according to the first embodiment.

First, the CPU 21 causes the image processor 28 to carry out a facial recognition process (step S12). The image processor 28 carries out the facial recognition process and transmits the detection signal or the non-detection signal to the CPU 21.

A detailed description of the facial recognition process will be given hereafter.

Next, the CPU 21 determines whether the signal received from the image processor 28 is the detection signal or the non-detection signal (step S13).

If it is determined that a detection signal has been received from the image processor 28, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the starting time storage area in the RAM 23 is “0” (the condition in which no starting time value is stored therein) (step S14).

If it is determined that the starting time storage area is not “0”, the process is returned to step S12. Meanwhile, if it is determined that the starting time storage area is “0”, a present time value is acquired from the clock circuit 29, and stored in the starting time storage area as the starting time value (step S15). Subsequently, the process is transferred to step S12.

In step S13, if it is determined that the signal received from the image processor 28 is not the detection signal (it is the non-detection signal), the CPU 21 determines whether or not the starting time storage area in the RAM 23 is “0” (the condition in which no starting time value is stored therein) (step S16).

If it is determined that the starting time storage area is “0”, the process is returned to step S12.

If it is determined that the starting time storage area is not “0”, the CPU 21 acquires the present time value from the clock circuit 29 (step S17).

Next, the CPU 21 calculates a difference between the present time value acquired in step S17 and the starting time value stored in the starting time storage area, and stores it in the continuous time storage area as the continuous time value (step S18). In this way, in the sandwiched apparatus 10, the CPU 21 measures the continuous time by repeatedly executing the processes of steps S12 to S15 when receiving the detection signal from the image processor 28, and subsequently executing the processes of steps S11 to S18 when receiving the non-detection signal from the image processor 28 (step S13; no). At this time, the CPU 21 functions as a measuring module.

After the process of step S18, the CPU 21 adds the continuous time value stored in the continuous time area and the accumulative continuous time value stored in the accumulative continuous time area, and overwrites and stores a sum in the accumulative continuous time area (step S19). In this process, if the accumulative continuous time value is not stored in the accumulative continuous time area, the CPU 21 stores the continuous time value in the accumulative continuous time area as the accumulative continuous time value. If the accumulative continuous time value is already stored in the accumulative continuous time area, in step S19, the accumulative continuous time value stored in the accumulative continuous time area is extracted, the continuous time value stored in the continuous time area is added to the accumulative continuous time value, and thus acquired accumulative continuous time value is stored in the accumulative continuous time storage area. When carrying out the process of step S19, the CPU 21 functions as a counting module which counts the continuous time cumulatively.

Next, the CPU 21 clears the starting time storage area and the continuous time storage area to “0” (step S20). Then, the CPU 21, referring to the member identification table stored in the RON 22 (refer to FIG. 5), compares the accumulative continuous time value and the possible usage time value (step S21). In this process, the CPU 21 sequentially compares the possible usage time value correlated to each member identification number and the accumulative continuous time value stored in the accumulative continuous time storage area. Next, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the accumulative continuous time value is equal to or greater than the possible usage time value (step S22). In this process, if the accumulative continuous time value is equal to or greater than any one or more possible usage time values, it is determined that the accumulative continuous time value is equal to or greater than the possible usage time value. When executing the processes of steps S21 to S22, the CPU 21 functions as a judging module which carries out a process judging whether or not the accumulative continuous time has reached the possible usage time (an upper limit time).

If it is determined that the accumulative continuous time value is less than the possible usage time value, the process is returned to step S12. Meanwhile, if it is determined that the accumulative continuous time value is equal to or greater than the possible usage time value, the CPU 21 carries out a transmission process (step S23). In step S23, the CPU 21 functions as a transmission processing module. A detailed description of this process will be given hereafter.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine of the facial recognition process according to the first embodiment. The sub-routine is a process which is carried out in the image processor 28.

First, image data is received from the CCD camera 11 (step S30). The received image data is stored in the SDRAM 28b. The image recognizing LSI 28a, using the binarization process on the image data, separates the image data into the light region and the dark region (step S31). If the facial image data is included in the image data, a portion corresponding to a skin of the face, particularly a flat portion, is included in the light region. Meanwhile, a portion of the face other than that is included in the dark region.

Next, the image recognizing LSI 28a applies the separation degree filter for each pixel of the dark region, calculates the degree of separation by changing the radius of the separation degree filter (step S32), and carries out a process extracting the local maximum point of the degree of separation as the characteristic point candidate (step S33). Continuing, the image recognizing LST 28a determines whether or not the characteristic point candidate exists in the image data (step S34). In step S34, if the characteristic point candidate is equal to or less than a prescribed number, it is acceptable to determine that the characteristic point candidate does not exist. If it is determined that the characteristic point candidate does not exist, the image recognizing LST 28a transmits the non-detection signal to the CPU 21 (step S43), and the sub-routine is completed.

If it is determined that the characteristic point candidate exists, the image recognizing LSI 28a carries out a process recognizing the characteristic points (the pupil and the nostril) by the pattern cross reference using the subspace method (step S35).

Next, the image recognizing LSI 28a determines whether or not the characteristic point exists in the image data (step S36). In step S35, if the characteristic point is equal to or less than a prescribed number, it is acceptable to determine that the characteristic point does not exist. If it is determined that the characteristic point does not exist in the image data, the image recognizing LSI 28a transmits the non-detection signal to the CPU 21 (step S43), and the sub-routine is completed. If it is determined that the characteristic point exists in the image data, the image recognizing LST 28a recognizes the facial image data included in the image data by means of the two-dimensional affine transformation (step S37).

Next, the image recognizing LSI 28a sets the determination area in the image data based on the determination area prescription data stored in the EEPROM 28c (step S38). Then, the image recognizing LSI 28a determines whether or not the facial image data is included in the determination area (step S39).

In the process, if even one portion of the facial image data is included in the determination area, the image recognizing LSI 28a determines that the facial image data is included in the determination area.

If it is determined that the facial image data is not included in the determination area, the image recognizing LSI 28a transmits the non-detection signal to the CPU 21 (step S43) and the sub-routine is completed.

If it is determined that the facial image data is included in the determination area, the image recognizing LSI 28a compares the determination value stored in the EEPROM 28c and an area of the facial image data (step S40), and determines whether or not the area is equal to or greater than the determination value (step S41).

If the area of the facial image data is equal to or greater than the determination value, the image recognizing LSI 28a transmits a detection signal to the CPU 21 (step S42), and the sub-routine is completed. Meanwhile, if the area of the facial image data is not equal to or greater than the determination value, the image recognizing LSI 28a transmits the non-detection signal to the CPU 21 (step S43), and the sub-routine is completed.

A description will be given of the facial recognition process shown in FIG. 9 using FIGS. 10A to 13C.

FIG. 10A is a side elevation showing an aspect of the player playing the game on the pachinko gaming apparatus 50, while FIG. 10B is a plan view thereof.

The CCD camera 11 furnished on the sandwiched apparatus 10 installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming apparatus 50 is installed facing in a direction imaging in front of the pachinko gaming apparatus 50. S indicates a field of view from the CCD camera 11. Consequently, a thing included in the field of vision S is imaged by the CCD camera 11. T is an area whose distance from the CCD camera 11 is within a prescribed value. P indicates a player playing the game on the pachinko gaming apparatus 50. A face of the player P is included in the area T.

The determination area described heretofore is an area in which at least one portion of the facial image data is included in the image data when at least one portion of the face of the player P is included in the area T. Consequently, in the event that at least one portion of the face of the player P is included in the area T, at least one portion of the facial image data is included in the determination area. Contrarily, in the event that the face of the player P is not included at all in the area T, the facial image data is not included in the determination area.

The determination value described heretofore is a minimum value of an area in the image data which the facial image data can feasibly occupy when at least one portion of the face of the player P is included in the area T. Consequently, in the event that at least one portion of the face of the player P is included in the area T, the area of the facial image data is equal to or greater than the determination value. Contrarily, in the event that the face of the player P is not included at all in the area T, the area of the facial image data is less than the determination value.

FIG. 11A is a view schematically showing image data acquired by imaging the aspect shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, FIG. 11B is a view schematically showing image data for which the characteristic point has been recognized, and FIG. 11C is a view schematically showing image data for which the facial image data have been recognized.

On the aspect of the player P playing the game on the pachinko gaming apparatus 50 shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B being imaged by the CCD camera 11, image data 11 shown in FIG. 11A is transmitted from the CCD camera 11, and input into the image processor 28 (step S30). Image data P1 indicating the player P is included in the image data I1.

When characteristic point candidates C are extracted by carrying out the processes of steps S31 to S33 on the image data I1 shown in FIG. 11A, and characteristic points F are recognized from the characteristic points C by carrying out the process of step S35, it is as shown in FIG. 11B.

In the figure, the characteristic points C are shown as white circles and the characteristic points F as black circles.

When the processes of steps S37 to S40 are carried out on the image data I1 shown in FIG. 11B, it is as shown in FIG. 11C.

In the figure, P″ indicates the facial image data of the player P, while D indicates the determination area. One portion of the facial image data P″ is included in the determination area D. Also, although not shown, an area of the facial image data P″ is equal to or greater than the determination value.

Consequently, in the event that the image data I1 shown in FIG. 11A is input from the CCD camera 11 into the image processor 28, the image processor 28 transmits the detection signal to the CPU 21.

FIG. 12A is a side view showing an aspect of an onlooker looking at the pachinko gaming apparatus 50, while FIG. 12B is a plan view thereof.

O indicates the onlooker standing and looking at the pachinko gaming apparatus. A face of the onlooker O is not included in the area T.

FIG. 13A is a view schematically showing image data acquired by imaging the aspect shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, FIG. 13B is a view schematically showing image data for which the characteristic points have been recognized, and FIG. 13C is a view schematically showing image data for which the facial image data have been recognized.

On the aspect of the onlooker O looking at the pachinko gaming apparatus 50 shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B being imaged by the CCD camera 11, image data I2 shown in FIG. 13A is transmitted from the CCD camera 11, and input into the image processor 28 (step S30). Image data O′ indicating the onlooker O is included in the image data I2.

When characteristic point candidates C are extracted by carrying out the processes of steps S31 to S33 on the image data I2 shown in FIG. 13A, and characteristic points F are recognized from the characteristic points C by carrying out the process of step S35, it come out as shown in FIG. 13B.

In the figure, the characteristic points C are shown as white circles and the characteristic points F as black circles.

When the processes of steps S37 to S40 are carried out on the image data I2 shown in FIG. 13B, it comes out as shown in FIG. 13C.

In the figure, O″ indicates the facial image data of the onlooker O. The facial image data O″ is not included at all in the determination area D. Also, the area of the facial image data O″ is smaller than the area of the facial image data P″, and less than the determination value.

Consequently, in the event that the image data I2 shown in FIG. 13A is input from the CCD camera 11 into the image processor 28, the image processor 28 transmits the non-detection signal to the CPU 21.

In the way described heretofore, the image processor 28, when carrying out the processes of steps S30 to S36, functions as a determination module which determines whether or not the facial image data are included in the image data.

In the event that it is determined that the facial image data are included in the image data as a result of carrying out the processes of steps S30 to S36, the image processor 28 furthermore, when carrying out the processes of steps S37 to S41, functioning as the determination module, determines whether or not the facial image data exist in the prescribed area (in the embodiment, the determination area) of the image data, and determines whether or not the area of the facial image data is equal to or greater than the prescribed value (in the embodiment, the determination value).

In the way described heretofore, in the invention, when the determination module (the image processor 28) determines that the facial image data are included in the image data transmitted from the imaging apparatus (the CCD camera 11), it is preferable that it further determines whether or not the facial image data exist in the prescribed position in the image data. This is because as, by determining whether or not the facial image data are included in the prescribed position, it is possible to clearly distinguish between a player who is actually playing the game and a person (for example, an onlooker) who is being imaged by the imaging apparatus but is not playing the game, it becomes possible to more accurately measure an accumulative playing time.

Also, in the invention, when the determination module (the image processor 28) determines that the facial image data are included in the image data transmitted from the imaging apparatus (the CCD camera 11), it is preferable that it further determines whether or not the area of the facial image data is equal to or greater than the prescribed value. This is because as, by determining whether or not the area of the facial image data is equal to or greater than the prescribed value, it is possible to recognize whether or not a person (for example, the player) in front of the gaming apparatus is equal to or more than a prescribed distance away from the imaging apparatus and, it being thereby possible to clearly distinguish between a player who is actually playing the game and a person (for example, the onlooker) who is being imaged by the imaging apparatus but is not playing the game, it becomes possible to more accurately measure the accumulative playing time.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine of a transmission process according to the first embodiment. The sub-routine is called up and executed in step S23 in the sub-routine shown in FIG. 8.

First, the CPU 21, referring to the member identification table stored in the ROM 22, extracts member identification information for which a possible usage time equal to or less than the accumulative continuous time has been fixed (step S50). When there exist a plurality of items of member identification information for which a possible usage time equal to or less than the accumulative continuous time has been fixed, all relevant items of member identification information are extracted. Next, the CPU 21 extracts the apparatus identification information and the store identification information from the information storage area in the ROM 22 (refer to FIG. 6) (step SS1). Then, the CPU 21, based on an information management apparatus address stored in the information storage area in the ROM 22, transmits the store identification information, the apparatus identification information and the member identification information to the information management apparatus 40 (step S52).

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the information management apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

The information management apparatus 40 includes a CPU 41, and an ROM 42, an RAM 43, an HDD 74, a display 75, a communication interface 46, a clock circuit 47 and an input device 48 are connected to the CPU 41. Various kinds of programs and data being stored in the ROM 42, the CPU 41 reads and executes the programs and carries out various kinds of process. Data showing the results etc. of the various kinds of processes are temporarily stored in the RAM 43. The HDD 74 has a storage area (refer to FIG. 16) to be described hereafter.

FIG. 16 shows an example of a storage area furnished on the information management apparatus shown in FIG. 15.

The storage area includes a notification number storage area, a reception time storage area, the apparatus identification information storage area, the store identification information storage area and the member identification information storage area.

A notification number value is stored in the notification number storage area. A notification number is a serial number placed on a record generated every time a signal is received from the sandwiched apparatus 10. The record includes a reception time value, the apparatus identification information, the store identification information and the member identification information.

The reception time value is stored in the reception time storage area. The reception time value is a value showing a time at which the signal is received from the sandwiched apparatus 10. The apparatus identification information is stored in the apparatus identification information storage area. The apparatus identification information is information included in the signal received from the sandwiched apparatus 10. The store identification information is stored in the store identification information storage area. The store identification information is information included in the signal received from the sandwiched apparatus 10. The member identification information is stored in the member identification information storage area. The member identification information is information included in the signal received from the sandwiched apparatus 10.

One set of information (the notification number value, the reception time value, the apparatus identification information, the store identification information and the member identification information) stored in the storage area when the signal is received from the sandwiched apparatus 10 configures one record. The storage area being capable of storing a plurality of records, a record is stored in the storage area every time the signal is received from the sandwiched apparatus 10.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a process executed in the information management apparatus shown in FIG. 15. FIGS. 18A to 18D show an example of an image displayed on the information management apparatus shown in FIG. 15. First, the CPU 41 judges whether or not the signal has been received from the sandwiched apparatus 10 (step S70). As described using FIG. 14, the store identification information, the apparatus identification information and the member identification information are included in the signal transmitted from the sandwiched apparatus 10 (refer to step S52 in FIG. 14).

If it is judged that the signal has been received from the sandwiched apparatus 10, the CPU 41, as well as placing the notification number value on the store identification information, the apparatus identification information and the member identification information, acquires a present time value from the clock circuit 47, and stores the information in the storage area as one record (step S72). Next, the CPU 41, based on image data stored in the ROM 42, generates image data including the reception time value, the apparatus identification information, the store identification information and the member identification information which configure one record and, based on the image data, displays an image on the display 45 (step S73).

The image shown in FIG. 18A is the image displayed on the display 45 when the process of step S73 is carried out. Images showing a date and time, a store identification, an apparatus identification, a member identification and a machine type are included in the image of these, the images showing the date and time, the store identification, the apparatus identification and the member identification are images displayed based respectively on the reception time value, the store identification information, the apparatus identification information and the member identification information. Also, the machine type is information determined by the CPU 41 based on the apparatus identification information.

If it is judged, in step S70, that the signal has not been received from the sandwiched apparatus 10, or if the process of step S73 has been executed, the CPU 41 judges whether or not an instruction requesting a display of information has been input via the input device 48 (step S74).

The image shown in FIG. 18B is the image displayed on the display 45 when the process of step S74 is carried out. When the image is displayed, an operator of the information management apparatus 40 being able to select, via the input device 48, any one of the date and time, the store, the machine type and the member as a search condition, can also set a value with respect to each condition. A search condition input via the input device 48 is included in the instruction requesting the display of the information.

If it is judged that the instruction requesting the display of the information has not been input in step S74, the sub-routine is completed. Meanwhile, if it is judged that the instruction requesting the display of the information has been input, the CPU 21 extracts information corresponding to the instruction contents from the storage area (refer to FIG. 16) (step S75) Next, the CPU 41, based on the image data stored in the ROM 42, generates image data including the extracted information and, based on the image data, displays an image on the display 45 (step S76). Subsequently, the sub-routine is completed.

The image shown in FIG. 18C is an example of the image displayed on the display 45 when the process of step S76 is carried out. The image is the image displayed when the instruction requesting the display of the information is input in step S74, with store identification information “OOOO” as the search condition. The images showing the machine type, the apparatus identification information, the member identification information and the reception time of a record in which the store identification information is “OOOO”, are included in the image. When the kind of image shown in FIG. 18C is displayed, the operator of the information management apparatus 40 can easily recognize what kind of member is necessary in a game establishment with the store identification information “OOOO”.

The image shown in FIG. 18D is another example of the image displayed on the display 45 when the process of step S76 is carried out. The image is the image displayed when the instruction requesting the display of the information is input in step S74, with member identification information “***” as the search condition. The images showing the store identification information, the machine type, the apparatus identification information and the reception time, in which the member identification information is “***”, are included in the image.

When the kind of image shown in FIG. 18D is displayed, the operator of the information management apparatus 40 can easily recognize a necessary quantity of a member with the member identification information “***”, or the store which needs the member and the like.

As described heretofore, according to the sandwiched apparatus 10, the continuous time for which the facial image data is included in the image data which can be acquired by the CCD camera 11 imaging the prescribed area in front of the pachinko gaming apparatus 50 is counted cumulatively. When the accumulative continuous time, which is the result of the counting, reaches the possible usage time fixed for the member configuring the pachinko gaming apparatus 50, the identification information (the store identification information and the apparatus identification information) for identifying the game establishment H and the pachinko gaming apparatus 50 is transmitted to the information management apparatus 40 installed outside the game establishment H. In this way, as it is possible to accurately measure the accumulative playing time in the pachinko gaming apparatus 50 without carrying out a communication with the pachinko gaming apparatus 50, it is possible to accurately ascertain the usage time of the member without increasing a fear that dishonest behavior or a use of a magnet will occur. Also, as the identification information is transmitted directly to the information management apparatus 40 installed outside the game establishment H, rather than to the game establishment H, it is unnecessary, for example, for the employee of the game establishment H to bother contacting a rental system management company. Consequently, without increasing a workload of the employee of the game establishment H in connection with an introduction of the rental system, it is possible to alleviate as much burden on the employee of the game establishment H which constitutes an obstacle to the introduction of the system as possible. Furthermore, as it is possible for the rental system management company to centrally manage the usage time of the member, it is possible, for example, to prevent an occurrence of a situation in which a replacement of the member is not carried out smoothly due to a communication from the game establishment H being delayed, or the communication not being carried out, enabling the system to be managed efficiently and smoothly.

A Second Embodiment

FIG. 19 is a network configuration diagram schematically showing a playing time measuring system according to a second embodiment.

A playing time measuring system 100 includes a plurality of sandwiched apparatuses 110, and an information processing apparatus 70 connected to each sandwiched apparatus 110 via a communication circuit 80.

A plurality of pachinko gaming apparatuses 50 are installed in a game establishment H1, and furthermore the plurality of sandwiched apparatuses 110 are installed adjoining each pachinko gaming apparatus 50. The plurality of sandwiched apparatuses 110 are connected to an information processing apparatus 70 via the communication line 80. Also, the same applying to game establishments H2 and H3, the sandwiched apparatuses 110 and the information processing apparatus 70 being connected via the communication line 80, the information processing apparatus 70 is connected to the information management apparatus 40 via the communication line 80. In the figure, a machine number is placed on a front of the pachinko gaming apparatuses 50 to facilitate the description. An external configuration of the sandwiched apparatus 110 being approximately identical to that of the sandwiched apparatus 10 described heretofore, as the description has already been given, the description will be omitted here.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the sandwiched apparatus 110 shown in FIG. 19.

The sandwiched apparatus 110 includes a CPU 121, and an ROM 122 and an RAM 123 are connected to the CPU 121. In addition to various kinds of programs and data, the apparatus identification information is stored in the ROM 122. The apparatus identification information includes a code of a plurality of digits allotted individually to each sandwiched apparatus 110. Also, an operation unit 113, an image processor 128 to which a CCD camera 111 is connected, a card reader/writer 125, a game ball controller 126, a reset switch 127, a card data display 115 and a communication interface 116 are connected to the CPU 121. As they have a configuration identical to those furnished on the sandwiched apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment, a description will be omitted here.

The image processor 128 carries out a process determining whether or not the facial image data are included in the image data which are the result of an imaging by the CCD camera 111, and the CPU 121, based on the determination result, transmits a signal including the apparatus identification information to the information processing apparatus 70. That is, the CPU 121, in the event that it is determined that the facial image data is included in the image data, transmits a detection signal including the apparatus identification information to the information processing apparatus 70. Meanwhile, in the event that it is determined that the facial image data is not included in the image data, the CPU 121 transmits a non-detection signal including the apparatus identification information to the information processing apparatus 70.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the information processing apparatus 70 shown in FIG. 19.

The information processing apparatus 70 includes a CPU 71, and an ROM 72, an RAM 73, an HDD 74, a display 75, a communication interface 76 and a clock circuit 79 are connected to the CPU 71.

Various kinds of programs and data being stored in the ROM 72, the CPU 71 reads and executes the programs and carries out various kinds of process. Also, the member identification table (refer to FIG. 5), the store identification information and the information management apparatus address are stored in the ROM 72. Data showing a result etc. of each kind of process are temporarily stored in the RAM 73. The HDD 74 has a storage area to be described hereafter (refer to FIG. 22).

FIG. 22 shows an example of the storage area furnished on the information processing apparatus 70 shown in FIG. 21.

The apparatus identification information storage area, the member identification information storage area, the continuous time storage area, the starting time storage area and the accumulative continuous time storage area are included in the storage area.

The apparatus identification information is stored in the apparatus identification information storage area. The apparatus identification information is included in the detection signal or the non-detection signal transmitted from the sandwiched apparatus 110. The member identification information is stored in the member identification information storage area. The member identification information is stored correlated to the apparatus identification information. The member configuring the gaming machine is identified by the apparatus identification information and the member identification information.

The continuous time value is stored in the continuous time storage area. The continuous time value is stored correlated to the member identification information. The starting time value is stored in the starting time storage area. The starting time value is stored correlated to the member identification information. The accumulative continuous time value is stored in the accumulative continuous time storage area. The accumulative continuous time value is stored correlated to the member identification information.

The apparatus identification information, the member identification information, the continuous time value, the starting time value and the accumulative continuous time value configure one record. The record includes information related to one member. A record of the member configuring the pachinko gaming apparatus 50 installed in the game establishment H is stored in the storage area furnished on the information processing apparatus 70.

In the second embodiment, the sandwiched apparatus 110 carries out the process corresponding to the facial recognition process shown in FIG. 9, while the information processing apparatus 70 carries out the process corresponding to the continuous time measuring process shown in FIG. 8 and the process corresponding to the transmission process shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine of the facial recognition process carried out in the sandwiched apparatus 110.

First, the image processor 128 receives the image data from the CCD camera 111 (step S130) and, using the binarization process on the image data, separates the image data into the light region and the dark region (step S131). Next, the image processor 128 applies the separation degree filter for each pixel of the dark region, calculates the separation degree (step S132), and extracts the local maximum point of the separation degree as the characteristic point candidate (step S133). Next, the image processor 128 judges whether or not the characteristic point candidate exists (step S134) and, if it is judged that the characteristic point candidate exists, it identifies the characteristic points from the characteristic point candidate by the pattern cross reference using the subspace method (step S135). Then, the image processor 128 judges whether or not the characteristic point exists (step S136) and, if it is determined that the characteristic point exists, it identifies the facial image data by means of the two-dimensional affine transformation (step S137). Next, the image processor 128 sets the determination area in the image data (step S138), and determines whether or not the facial image data is included in the determination area (step S139). If it is determined that the facial image data is included in the determination area, the image processor 128 compares the area of the facial image data and a determination value (step S140), and determines whether or not the area is equal to or greater than the determination value (step S141).

If it is judged in step S141 that the area is equal to or greater than the determination value, the CPU 121 transmits a detection signal including the apparatus identification information to the information processing apparatus 70 (step S142).

Meanwhile, if it is judged in step S134 that the characteristic point candidate does not exist, in step S136 that the characteristic point does not exist, in step S139 that the facial image data are not included in the determination area, or in step S141 that the area of the facial image data is not equal to or greater than the determination value, the CPU 121 transmits a non-detection signal including the apparatus identification information to the information processing apparatus 70 (step S143).

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine of a continuous time measuring process carried out in the information processing apparatus 70.

First, the CPU 71 judges whether or not the signal has been received from the sandwiched apparatus 110 (step S112). If it is judged that the signal has not been received from the sandwiched apparatus 110, the process is returned to step S112. Meanwhile, if it is judged that the signal has been received from the sandwiched apparatus 110, the CPU 71 determines whether or not the signal is the detection signal (step S113). If it is determined that the signal received from the sandwiched apparatus 110 is the detection signal, the CPU 71, based on the apparatus identification information included in the detection signal, judges whether or not the starting time storage area (refer to FIG. 22) corresponding to the apparatus identification information is “0” (step S114). If it is judged that the starting time storage area is not “0”, the process is returned to step S112. Meanwhile, if it is judged that the starting time storage area is “0”, the CPU 71 acquires a present time value from the clock circuit 79, and stores it as the starting time value in the starting time storage area corresponding to the apparatus identification information (step S115). Subsequently, the process is returned to step S112.

If it is determined in step S113 that the signal received from the sandwiched apparatus 110 is the non-detection signal, the CPU 71, based on the apparatus identification information included in the non-detection signal, judges whether or not the starting time storage area (refer to FIG. 22) corresponding to the apparatus identification information is “0” (step S116) If it is judged that the starting time storage area is “0”, the process is returned to step S112. Meanwhile, if it is judged that the starting time storage area is not “0”, the CPU 71 acquires the present time value from the clock circuit 79 (step S117). Next, the CPU 71 subtracts the starting time value from the present time value, and stores an acquired value in the continuous time storage area as the continuous time value (step S118). Then, the CPU 71 adds the continuous time value to the accumulative continuous time value stored in the accumulative continuous time area, and stores the thus acquired value in the accumulative continuous time area as a new accumulative continuous time value (step S119). Next, the CPU 71 clears the starting time storage area corresponding to the apparatus identification information and the continuous time storage area (step S120). Next, the CPU 71, referring to the member identification table stored in the RON 72 (refer to FIG. 5), compares the accumulative continuous time value corresponding to the member identification information and the possible usage time value (step S121). Next, the CPU 71 judges whether or not the accumulative continuous time value corresponding to the member identification information is equal to or greater than the possible usage time value (step S122). If it is determined that the accumulative continuous time value is not equal to or greater than the possible usage time value, the process is returned to step S112. Meanwhile, if it is determined that the accumulative continuous time value is equal to or greater than the possible usage time value, the CPU 71 executes a transmission process (step S123). A detailed description of this process will be given hereafter using FIG. 25.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine of the transmission process carried out in the information processing apparatus 70 shown in FIG. 21.

The CPU 71 extracts, from the storage area in the HDD74 (refer to FIG. 22), the apparatus identification information and the member identification information of a record for which the accumulative continuous time has become equal to or greater than the possible usage time (step S150). Next, the CPU 71 extracts the store identification information from the ROM 72, appends it to the apparatus identification information and the member identification information (step S151) and, based on the information management apparatus address, transmits the store identification information, the apparatus identification information and the member identification information to the information management apparatus 40 (step S152). As the configuration of the information management apparatus 40 and the process in the information management apparatus 40 are identical to those in the first embodiment, a description will be omitted here.

As described heretofore, according to the playing time counting system 100 according to the second embodiment, as it is possible to accurately measure the accumulative playing time without carrying out the communication with the pachinko gaming apparatus 50, it is possible to accurately ascertain the usage time of the member without increasing the fear that the dishonest behavior or the use of the magnet will occur. Also, as the identification information (the apparatus identification information and the store identification information) is transmitted directly to the information management apparatus 40 installed outside the game establishment H, it is unnecessary, for example, for the employee of the game establishment to bother contacting a rental system management company. Consequently, without increasing the workload of the employee of the game establishment H in connection with the introduction of the rental system, it is possible to alleviate as much burden on the employee of the game establishment H which constitutes the obstacle to the introduction of the system as possible. Furthermore, as it is possible for the rental system management company to centrally manage the usage time of the member, it is possible to manage the system efficiently and smoothly.

A following gaming machine is realized from the embodiments described heretofore.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a peripheral apparatus (for example, the sandwiched apparatus) installed adjoining the gaming machine (for example, the pachinko gaming apparatus, the pachi-slot gaming apparatus, the slot machine, a medal gaming apparatus etc.) installed in a game establishment (for example, a casino), including: an imaging apparatus (for example, the CCD camera 11) which continuously or intermittently images a prescribed area in front of the gaming machine, and transmits image data acquired by imaging; a memory (for example, the ROM 22, the RAM 23 etc.) storing a first table (for example, the member identification table shown in FIG. 5) which correlates and stores a possible usage time fixed for a member configuring the gaming machine and member identification information allotted to the member, and a second table (for example, the information storage area shown in FIG. 6) which stores identification information for identifying the game establishment and the gaming machine; and a processor (for example, the image processor 28) which determines whether or not facial image data indicating a person's face are included in the image data transmitted from the imaging apparatus, measures a continuous time for which it is determined that the facial image data are included in the image data, cumulatively counts the continuous time measured, judges, based on the possible usage time stored in the first table, whether or not an accumulative continuous time, which is a counting result of the accumulatively counted continuous time, has reached the possible usage time and, in the event that it is judged that the accumulative continuous time has reached the possible usage time, transmits at least the identification information to a prescribed apparatus installed outside the game establishment.

According to the first aspect of the invention, the continuous time for which the facial image data is included in the image data acquired by the imaging apparatus (for example, the CCD camera 11) imaging the prescribed area in front of the gaming machine is cumulatively counted and, when the accumulative continuous time which is the result of the counting reaches the possible usage time fixed for the member configuring the gaming machine, the identification information (for example, information including a store number of the game establishment and a machine number of the gaming machine) for identifying the game establishment and the gaming machine is transmitted to the prescribed apparatus (for example, an information management apparatus managed by a rental system management company) installed outside the game establishment. In this way, as it is possible to accurately measure a time for which a game has been played (hereafter, an accumulative playing time) on the gaming machine without carrying out a communication with the gaming machine, it is possible to accurately ascertain a usage time of the member without increasing a fear that dishonest behavior or a use of a magnet will occur.

Also, as the identification information is transmitted directly to the prescribed apparatus installed outside the game establishment, rather than to the game establishment, it is unnecessary, for example, for an employee of the game establishment to bother contacting the rental system management company. Consequently, without increasing a workload of the employee of the game establishment in connection with an introduction of the rental system, it is possible to alleviate as much burden on the employee of the game establishment which constitutes an obstacle to the introduction of the system as possible. Furthermore, as it is possible for the rental system management company to centrally manage the usage time of the member, it is possible, for example, to prevent an occurrence of a situation in which a replacement of the member is not carried out smoothly due to a communication from the game establishment being delayed, or the communication not being carried out, enabling the system to be managed efficiently and smoothly.

As the sandwiched apparatus which measures the accumulative playing time without carrying out a communication with the gaming machine, for example, a sandwiched apparatus can be considered which measures the accumulative playing time by, being equipped with a pyroelectric infrared sensor, detecting a player by means of the pyroelectric infrared sensor, and cumulatively counting a detection time. However, this kind of sandwiched apparatus and the sandwiched apparatus in the invention differ in the following points.

That is, as a specified part of a person cannot be detected with a gaming machine equipped with the pyroelectric infrared sensor, not only a player playing a game on the gaming machine, but also a person who merely passes in front of the gaming machine, a person who is standing in front of the gaming machine and the like are detected by the pyroelectric infrared sensor. Consequently, it is difficult to measure an accurate accumulative playing time. In response to this, with the sandwiched apparatus in the invention, the time for which the face of the player exists in the prescribed area in front of the gaming machine is counted cumulatively so that it is possible to arrange that the person who merely passes in front of the gaming machine is not detected, and the person who is standing in front of the gaming machine is not detected either. Consequently, by only detecting the person who is playing the game on the gaming machine, it is possible to measure the accurate accumulative playing time.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided the peripheral apparatus of the first aspect, wherein the processor transmits the identification information and the member identification information to the prescribed apparatus.

According to the peripheral apparatus of the second aspect, the identification information and the member identification information are transmitted to the prescribed apparatus. Consequently, as well as being possible to identify a gaming machine equipped with a member which has been used beyond the possible usage time, and a game establishment in which the gaming machine is installed, it is possible to identify which member has exceeded the possible usage time, resulting in superior user-friendliness.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a playing time measuring system, including: an imaging apparatus (for example, the CCD camera 11) which continuously or intermittently images a prescribed area in front of the gaming machine (for example, the pachinko gaming apparatus, the pachi-slot gaming apparatus, the slot machine, the medal gaming apparatus etc.) installed in a game establishment (for example, the casino), and transmits image data acquired by imaging; a memory (for example, the ROM 22, the RAM 23 etc.) storing a first table (for example, the member identification table shown in FIG. 5) which correlates and stores a possible usage time fixed for a member configuring the gaming machine and member identification information allotted to the member, and a second table (for example, the information storage area shown in FIG. 6) which stores identification information for identifying the game establishment and the gaming machine; and a processor which determines whether or not facial image data indicating a person's face are included in the image data transmitted from the imaging apparatus, measures a continuous time for which it is determined that the facial image data are included in the image data, cumulatively counts the continuous time measured, judges, based on the possible usage time stored in the first table, whether or not an accumulative continuous time, which is a counting result of the accumulatively counted continuous time, has reached the possible usage time and, in the event that it is judged that the accumulative continuous time has reached the possible usage time, transmits at least the identification information to a prescribed apparatus installed outside the game establishment.

According to the playing time measuring system of the third aspect, as it is possible to accurately measure the accumulative playing time without carrying out the communication with the gaming machine, it is possible to accurately ascertain the usage time of the member without increasing the fear that the dishonest behavior or the use of the magnet will occur.

Also, as the identification information is transmitted directly to the prescribed apparatus installed outside the game establishment, rather than to the game establishment, it is unnecessary, for example, for the employee of the game establishment to bother contacting the rental system management company. Consequently, without increasing the workload of the employee of the game establishment in connection with the introduction of the rental system, it is possible to alleviate as much burden on the employee of the game establishment which constitutes the obstacle to the introduction of the system as possible. Furthermore, as it is possible for the rental system management company to centrally manage the usage time of the member, it is possible to manage the system efficiently and smoothly.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided the playing time measuring system of the third aspect, wherein the processor transmits the identification information and the member identification information to the prescribed apparatus.

According to the playing time measuring system of the fourth aspect, the identification information and the member identification information are transmitted to the prescribed apparatus. Consequently, as well as being possible to identify a gaming machine equipped with a member which has been used beyond the possible usage time, and a game establishment in which the gaming machine is installed, it is possible to identify which member has exceeded the possible usage time, resulting in superior user-friendliness.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a playing time measuring apparatus provided in a gaming machine (for example, the pachinko gaming apparatus, the pachi-slot gaming apparatus, the slot machine, the medal gaming apparatus etc.) installed in a gaming establishment (for example, the casino), or in a peripheral apparatus (for example, the sandwiched apparatus) installed adjoining the gaming machine, including: an imaging apparatus (for example, the CCD camera 11) which continuously or intermittently images a prescribed area in front of the gaming machine, and transmits image data acquired by imaging; a memory (for example, the ROM 22, the RAM 23 etc.) storing a first table (for example, the member identification table shown in FIG. 5) which correlates and stores a possible usage time fixed for a member configuring the gaming machine and member identification information allotted to the member, and a second table (for example, the information storage area shown in FIG. 6) which stores identification information for identifying the game establishment and the gaming machine; and a processor which determines whether or not facial image data indicating a person's face are included in the image data transmitted from the imaging apparatus, measures a continuous time for which it is determined that the facial image data are included in the image data, cumulatively counts the continuous time measured, judges, based on the possible usage time stored in the first table, whether or not an accumulative continuous time, which is a counting result of the accumulatively counted continuous time, has reached the possible usage time and, in the event that it is judged that the accumulative continuous time has reached the possible usage time, transmits at least the identification information to a prescribed apparatus installed outside the game establishment.

According to the playing time measuring apparatus of the fifth aspect, as it is possible to accurately measure the accumulative playing time without carrying out the communication with the gaming machine, it is possible to accurately ascertain the usage time of the member without increasing the fear that the dishonest behavior or the use of the magnet will occur.

Also, as the identification information is transmitted directly to the prescribed apparatus installed outside the game establishment, rather than to the game establishment, it is unnecessary, for example, for the employee of the game establishment to bother contacting the rental system management company. Consequently, without increasing the workload of the employee of the game establishment in connection with the introduction of the rental system, it is possible to alleviate as much burden on the employee of the game establishment which constitutes the obstacle to the introduction of the system as possible. Furthermore, as it is possible for the rental system management company to centrally manage the usage time of the member, it is possible to manage the system efficiently and smoothly.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided the playing time measuring apparatus of the fifth aspect, wherein the processor transmits the identification information and the member identification information to the prescribed apparatus.

According to the playing time measuring apparatus of the sixth aspect, the identification information and the member identification information are transmitted to the prescribed apparatus. Consequently, as well as being possible to identify a gaming machine equipped with a member which has been used beyond the possible usage time, and a game establishment in which the gaming machine is installed, it is possible to identify which member has exceeded the possible usage time, resulting in superior user-friendliness In the playing time counting system in the invention, as long as the imaging apparatus is furnished on the sandwiched apparatus, there is no particular limitation as to whether the sandwiched apparatus or the information processing apparatus is equipped with each module configuring the system.

For example, it is acceptable that the sandwiched apparatus is equipped with the imaging apparatus, while the information processing apparatus is equipped with the determination module, the measuring module, the counting module, the judging module and the transmission module. In such a case, each sandwiched apparatus transmits the image data acquired by imaging with the imaging apparatus to the information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus carries out a process which receives the image data from each sandwiched apparatus and determines whether or not the facial image data are included in the image data, a process which measures a continuous time for which the facial image data are included, a process which cumulatively counts the consecutive time, a process which judges whether or not the accumulative continuous time has reached the possible usage time, and a process which transmits at least the identification information to a prescribed apparatus installed outside the game establishment. In such a case, it is acceptable that either the sandwiched apparatus or the information processing apparatus is equipped with the member information storage module and the identification information storage module, and it is also acceptable that both of them are thus equipped.

Also, it is acceptable that the sandwiched apparatus is equipped with the imaging apparatus and the determination module, while the information processing apparatus is equipped with the measuring module, the counting module, the judging module and the transmission module. In such a case, each sandwiched apparatus carries out a process determining whether or not the facial image data are included in the image data acquired by imaging with the imaging apparatus. The information processing apparatus receives a determination result from each sandwiched apparatus and carries out a process which measures a continuous time for which the facial image data are included, a process which cumulatively counts the consecutive time, a process which judges whether or not the accumulative continuous time has reached the possible usage time, and a process which transmits at least the identification information to the prescribed apparatus installed outside the game establishment. In such a case, it is acceptable that either the sandwiched apparatus or the information processing apparatus is equipped with the member information storage module and the identification information storage module, and it is also acceptable that both of them are thus equipped.

Also, it is also acceptable that the sandwiched apparatus is equipped with the imaging apparatus, the determination module and the measuring module, while the information processing apparatus is equipped with the counting module, the judging module and the transmission module In such a case, each sandwiched apparatus determines whether or not the facial image data are included in the image data acquired by imaging with the imaging apparatus, and measures a continuous time for which it is determined that the facial image data are included. The information processing apparatus receives a measurement result from each sandwiched apparatus and carries out a process which cumulatively counts the consecutive timer a process which judges whether or not the accumulative continuous time has reached the possible usage time, and a process which transmits at least the identification information to the prescribed apparatus installed outside the game establishment In such a case, it is acceptable that either the sandwiched apparatus or the information processing apparatus is equipped with the member information storage module and the identification information storage module, and it is also acceptable that both of them are thus equipped.

In the invention, it is also acceptable that a playing time measuring apparatus provided on the gaming machine, or on the sandwiched apparatus installed adjoining the gaming machine, is equipped with the imaging apparatus, the determination module, the measuring module, the counting module, the member information storage module, the identification information storage module, the judging module and the transmission module.

The playing time measuring apparatus, not having a function as a sandwiched apparatus, does not carry out a process concerned with a payout of a game medium such as a game ball, a process accepting a prepaid card, and the like. According to the playing time measuring apparatus, it being possible to accurately measure the accumulative playing time in the gaming machine without carrying out a communication with the gaming machine or the sandwiched apparatus, it is possible to accurately ascertain the usage time of the member without increasing the fear that the dishonest behavior or the use of the magnet will occur. Also, as the identification information is transmitted directly to the prescribed apparatus installed outside the game establishment, rather than to the game establishment, it is unnecessary, for example, for the employee of the game establishment to bother contacting the rental system management company. Consequently, it is possible to alleviate as much burden on the employee of the game establishment which constitutes the obstacle to the introduction of the system as possible. Furthermore, as it is possible for the rental system management company to centrally manage the usage time of the member, it is possible to manage the system efficiently and smoothly.

In the examples described heretofore, a description has been given of a case using a method carrying out a pattern cross reference by means of the separation degree filter and the subspace method as a method of determining whether or not the facial image data is included in the image data. However, in the invention, a method of recognizing a person's face not being particularly limited, it is possible to propose, for example, an inherent face method, a restricted mutual subspace method, a method carrying out a Gabor Wavelet conversion and graph matching, or a method using a local characteristic comparison system by means of a multiple variation analysis method.

Although, in the examples described heretofore, a description has been given of a case in which the gaming machine is a pachinko gaming apparatus, the gaming machine in the invention not being particularly limited, it is possible to propose, for example, a pachi-slot gaming apparatus, a slot machine, or a pallot. The advantageous effects described in the embodiments of the invention being no more than most preferred ones arising from the invention, advantageous effects according to the invention are not limited to the ones described in the embodiments of the invention.

According to the aspects of the invention, it is possible to accurately ascertain the usage time of the member from the accumulative playing time, without increasing the fear that the dishonest behavior or the use of the magnet will occur.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.