JP2003299875A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To reduce the thickness of a slot machine 1. A slot machine 1 includes a thin display 3 for displaying a picture, and a card unit 8 capable of reading information recorded on an information recording card and / or writing information to the information recording card. It was. In the card unit 8, the card mounting direction is arranged in a direction along the display surface of the thin display 3. A touch panel unit is provided for operations such as changing patterns. The slot machine 1 is attached to the installation stand 18 with a hinge 12.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a slot machine,
Regarding game machines that play games such as pachislot and poker,
In particular, the present invention relates to a game machine whose overall thickness is reduced.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In game facilities, a large number of game stands are arranged. For example, in the case of a slot machine, a reel, hopper, video monitor (CRT),
Since it had a built-in game base, it needed some depth.

Further, since the appearance specifications, sizes, etc. differ from one manufacturer to another, it is impossible to unify the installation space.

In the past, the handle unit at the beginning of play was deeply popular, but nowadays it is not used so much and many slot machines without the handle unit are in circulation. The cabinet is just a container in appearance.

[0005]

However, in the case of the conventional game machine, the device is large and bulky. When this game machine is installed in a game hall such as a casino, there is a problem that a free layout is difficult and a lot of dead space occurs.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a game machine in which the device can be downsized and a free layout can be realized to reduce the dead space.

[0007]

A game machine according to a first aspect of the present invention is a game machine for playing a game by changing a plurality of patterns and combining each pattern, and a thin display for displaying the patterns and an information recording card. And a card unit capable of reading recorded information and / or writing information to the information recording card.

With the above structure, the use of a thin display can greatly reduce the depth as compared with a CRT. Moreover, by using the card unit, it is not necessary to incorporate a hopper, a ticket printer, or the like. As a result, the game machine can be made significantly thinner.

A game machine according to a second aspect of the present invention is the game machine according to the first aspect, wherein the card unit is arranged such that the mounting direction of the information recording card is along the display surface of the thin display. It is characterized by

With the above arrangement, the information recording card of the card unit is mounted in the direction along the display surface of the thin display, whereby the game machine can be made thinner. That is, if the mounting direction of the card is arranged in a direction orthogonal to the thin display, the depth of the card unit makes the game machine bulky even if the thin display is used. On the other hand, if the mounting direction of the information recording card of the card unit is arranged in the direction along the display surface of the thin display, the card unit becomes bulky in the direction along the display surface, but the depth becomes thin and the game machine becomes thin. Can be converted.

A game machine according to a third aspect of the present invention is the game machine according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein the thin display includes a touch panel section for performing an operation of changing a pattern.

With the above structure, since the operation and the like are performed on the touch panel portion, the operation buttons and the like are unnecessary, and the game machine can be made thin.

A game machine according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the game machine according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the card unit exchanges information with the information recording card in a non-contact state. One or both of the receiving means is provided.

With the above structure, since the depositing / dispensing information and the like are exchanged between the transmitting means and the receiving means, a portion for inserting the information recording card is not required, and the game machine can be further thinned.

A game machine according to a fifth invention is the game machine according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, in which the vertical wall is
It is characterized by being attached by a hinge or a hook.

With the above structure, the flexibility of the layout of the game machine in the game arcade is improved, and the space can be effectively used.

A game machine according to a sixth invention is the game machine according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, wherein a plurality of game machines are provided on both sides of a vertical wall portion of the installation stand.

With the above structure, since a plurality of game machines are provided on both sides of the vertical wall portion of the installation stand, a large number of game machines can be efficiently installed in a small space.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A game machine according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, a slot machine will be described as an example of a game machine.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the slot machine according to the present embodiment from the front, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the slot machine according to the present embodiment from the back, and FIG. 3 is a side view showing the slot machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a side view showing a conventional slot machine, FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an attachment example of the slot machine according to the present embodiment, FIG. 6 is a side view showing an attachment example of the slot machine according to the present embodiment, FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a mounting example of the slot machine according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a mounting example of a conventional slot machine.

The slot machine 1 is constructed as shown in FIGS. The slot machine 1 includes a player tracking unit 2, a thin display 3, and an operation unit 4
It is composed of a tray part 5, a main board 6 and the like.

The player tracking section 2 is provided above the front surface of the slot machine 1. The player tracking unit 2 includes a light emitting display unit and the like.

The thin display 3 is the slot machine 1.
Is provided above the center of the front surface of the. The thin display 3 is composed of a thin display device such as a liquid crystal display or a plasma display. On the thin display 3, patterns corresponding to the rotating drum with the patterns are displayed side by side. Further, information other than the design is displayed as needed. Each pattern changes on the display screen in the same manner as the rotation of the rotary drum, and stops in an appropriate combination.

The operation section 4 is provided below the center of the front surface of the slot machine 1. The operation unit 4 operates rotation, stop, etc. of the picture displayed on the thin display 3. Specifically, a plurality of buttons 7 for starting and stopping the rotation of each rotary drum are provided.

A card unit 8 is provided below the button 7 of the operation unit 4. This card unit 8
Is a device capable of reading information recorded on an information recording card (not shown) and writing information on the information recording card. The information written to and read from the card unit 8 is deposit / withdrawal information. Instead of using coins, instead of inserting and paying out coins,
Record deposit and withdrawal information on the card. The card insertion slot 9 of the card unit 8 is used to insert a card horizontally.
It is provided with an opening on the front side. As the card, a card that can store data such as a credit card, a point card, a valuable ticket (for example, a packing card, etc.) is used. By using the card to settle deposits and withdrawals, there is no need to install a hopper for coins, a ticket printer, etc.

The tray portion 5 is provided on the lower portion of the front surface of the slot machine 1. The tray section 5 is a tray for paying out coins. Since the card unit 8 is provided and the deposit / withdrawal information is recorded on the card, the tray section 5 is originally not necessary, but is provided for a design giving priority to the image.

The main board 6 is provided on the back surface of the slot machine 1. The main board 6 is connected to the thin display 3, buttons 7 and the like to control the whole. On the lower part of the back surface of the slot machine 1, two speakers 11 for producing sound effects during the game are provided.

On the back surface of the slot machine 1, two hinges 12 are provided at one side end, one above the other. This hinge 12
Is fixed to the wall surface of the installation stand 18 described later, and supports the slot machine 1 on the wall surface of the installation stand 18 so as to be openable and closable. On the other side end of the back surface of the slot machine 1,
A fixing key 13 is provided. As a result, the exterior is completed as a machine with only the door section. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the conventional slot machine is composed of a deep main body 15 having a rotary drum and the like, and a door portion 16, whereas the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment is not. As shown in FIG. 3, it is composed of only the door portion 17.

The slot machine 1 having the above structure is attached to the installation stand 18, as shown in FIGS. The installation stand 18 is composed of a vertical wall portion 19 and a horizontal plate portion 20. The vertical wall portion 19 has a certain thickness (about the slot machine 1) and also serves as a cabinet. The internal space of the vertical wall portion 19 is a wiring of each slot machine 1, a case, and the like. The wiring of each slot machine 1 is put together into one, and the installation stand 1
It is taken out from one place of 8 and wired in the game hall. The horizontal flat plate portion 20 is a member for supporting the vertical wall portion 19, and is provided at the lower end of the vertical wall portion 19 so as to be horizontally arranged.

The respective installation stands 18 are appropriately arranged in the game hall. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, three slot machines 1 are attached to both side surfaces of one installation stand 18. The installation stands 18 to which the six slot machines 1 are attached are set as one unit and are arranged in parallel at regular intervals.

A game in the slot machine 1 is played while sitting in front of the slot machine 1, as shown in FIG.

For maintenance, etc., the fixing key 13
Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the slot machine 1 is opened like a door around the hinge 12. After maintenance, etc., close the slot machine 1 to close the door,
Fix with the fixing key 13.

As described above, since the slot machine 1 is externally constructed by the main door alone, the size and cost can be greatly reduced.

Since the slot machine 1 and the installation stand 18 can be collectively designed in units of islands, wiring, maintenance efficiency and space saving can be achieved. In addition, it is easy to build a return system on an island basis.

Since it can be installed like a wall hanging on the wall of the game arcade, a large space can be taken, and an open and flexible layout is possible. That is, while the conventional slot machine is bulky and the space is narrow as shown in FIG. 8, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment is thin and has a large space as shown in FIG. This allows for an open and flexible layout.

Since the slot machine 1 is thin and small,
There is no need to manufacture a box-shaped main body, which reduces manufacturing costs,
The transportation cost can be significantly reduced.

Since the hinge 12 and the like can be easily attached and opened, the slot machine 1 can be easily installed and maintained.

Further, even in a game hall of the same size, several times as many slot machines 1 as the conventional slot machines can be installed, and the island machines can be easily managed.
The running cost can be reduced.

When the slot machine 1 is replaced, the door can be replaced as if the door is replaced, a large-scale work is not required, and the efficiency and shortening of the replacement work can be achieved.

Since the slot machine 1 is thin and small,
It becomes possible to install easily even in the place where it was difficult to install in space conventionally.

[Modification] (1) In the above embodiment, the card unit 8 is installed so that the card is mounted horizontally. However, the card is mounted in the direction along the display surface of the thin display 3 (almost). (Vertical). As a result, the depth dimension of the card unit 8 can be reduced, and the slot machine 1 can be made thinner accordingly.

(2) In the above embodiment, the operation unit 4 is
The buttons 7 for starting and stopping the rotating drum are provided,
A touch panel may be provided instead of each button 7. That is, the thin display 3 may be provided with a touch panel to have the function of the button 7. Also in this case, the same operation and effect as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

(3) In the above embodiment, the card unit 8 is composed of a contact-type reading / writing device that contacts a card to exchange information, but exchanges deposit / withdrawal information and the like with the information recording card in a non-contact state. It may be configured by a non-contact type read / write device provided with a transmitting / receiving means. In this case, one or both of the transmitting means and the receiving means are provided according to the read-only, write-only, and read / write functions. As a result, since the depositing / dispensing information and the like are exchanged by the transmitting / receiving means, the portion for inserting the information recording card is not required, and the slot machine 1 can be made thinner.

(4) In the above embodiment, the slot machine 1 is attached by the hinge 12 and the fixing key 13, but a hook may be used. In this case, since it only needs to be hooked, it can be attached more easily than the hinge 12 or the like. For example, like a frame, it can be easily attached to a wall surface.

(5) In the above embodiment, the slot machine 1 has been described as an example, but other game machines such as pachi-slot and poker can also achieve the same operation and effect as in the above embodiment.

(6) In the above-described embodiment, a card in which deposit / withdrawal information is recorded is described as an information recording card, but the present invention is not limited to this, and all information recording cards compatible with game machines can be used. . In the card unit 8,
Various information recording cards such as membership cards can be used by providing a function of reading and writing information other than deposit / withdrawal information, for example, personal information such as name, and various information such as game history.

(7) Although not provided in the above embodiment, a receipt issuing machine may be provided to issue a receipt in which the amount of money to be won by the game is described. That is,
Instead of paying out the amount of money acquired by the player as coins, a receipt describing the acquired amount of money may be issued. Also in this case, the same operation and effect as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

(8) In the above embodiment, the card unit 8 has the reading function and the writing function, but it may have only one of them if necessary. That is, it may be a card unit capable of reading information recorded in the information recording card or writing information in the information recording card.

[0049]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention,
It has the following effects.

(1) Since the thin display and the card unit are provided, the game machine can be significantly thinned.

(2) Since the mounting direction of the information recording card of the card unit is arranged in the direction along the display surface of the thin display, the card unit is bulky in the direction along the display surface, but the depth becomes thin and the game machine Can be made thinner.

(3) Since the thin display has the touch panel section for operating the variation of the picture, the operation buttons are not required, and the game machine can be made thin.

(4) Since the card unit has the transmitting / receiving means for exchanging the deposit / withdrawal information and the like with the information recording card in a non-contact state, the transmitting / receiving means can exchange the deposit / withdrawal information and the like. As a result, the part for inserting the information recording card becomes unnecessary, and the game machine can be made thinner.

(5) Since the slot machine is attached to the vertical wall by means of hinges or hooks, the degree of freedom of layout of the game machine in the game arcade is improved and the space can be effectively used.

(6) Since a plurality of slot machines are provided on both sides of the vertical wall of the installation stand, a large number of game machines can be efficiently installed in a small space.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a slot machine according to the present invention from the front.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a slot machine according to the present invention from the back side.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing a slot machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing a conventional slot machine.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of attachment of the slot machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view showing an example of attachment of the slot machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an example of mounting the slot machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an example of attachment of a conventional slot machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: slot machine, 2: player tracking section,
3: Thin display, 4: Operation part, 5: Tray part,
6: Main board, 7: Button, 8: Card unit,
9: Card slot, 11: Speaker, 12: Hinge, 1
3: fixing key, 17: door part, 18: installation stand,
19: vertical wall portion, 20: horizontal plate portion.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) A63F 13/08 A63F 13/08 // B42D 15/10 521 B42D 15/10 521

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A game machine for playing a game by changing a plurality of patterns and combining the patterns, a thin display for displaying the patterns, and reading information recorded on an information recording card and / or the information recording card. A game machine having a card unit capable of writing information to the game machine. 2. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the card unit is arranged such that the mounting direction of the information recording card is along a display surface of the thin display. 3. The game machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thin display includes a touch panel section for performing an operation of changing a pattern. 4. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the card unit includes one or both of transmitting means and receiving means for exchanging information with the information recording card in a non-contact state. A game machine characterized by having it. 5. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the game machine is attached to a vertical wall by a hinge or a hook. 6. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of game machines are provided on both sides of a vertical wall portion of the installation stand.