Patent Application
20080311987
This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-160631, filed on 18 Jun. 2007, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine, in which a gaming medium (a gaming value) such as a coin is used to play a game and a gaming value such as credit is provided to a player.
2. Related Art
Generally, a slot machine as a gaming machine includes: a cabinet with an opening to store a reel unit and the like therein; a front door to open and close the opening; and a display device to display information related to the game. The front door has an operation table that allows a player to perform operation for the gaming machine, and decorative lamps to perform gaming modes and speakers to produce sounds related to the game.
In such a slot machine, a pair of speakers is preferably arranged so that lines connecting each of the speakers and a player form an equilateral triangle. The speakers have been thus arranged on both sides of the gaming machine (for example, refer to U.S. Pat. No. 6,334,612, hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1).
However, in the slot machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the speakers must be spaced apart from each other to make the lines connecting each of the speakers and the player form an equilateral triangle, the speakers must be arranged as near to the side edges of the gaming machine as possible in view of the size of the gaming machine. Therefore, when a plurality of gaming machines is juxtaposed in a hall, the adjacent gaming machines must be arranged with a spacing therebetween corresponding to the size of the speakers projecting laterally. In addition, if the speakers are set inside the gaming machine, the speakers are required to be arranged remotely from the player due to the operation table that projects forward from a front face of the gaming machine. In this way, these restrictions do not allow the gaming machine to provide the player with a chance to hear gaming sound effects with much presence while playing a game.
The present invention has been made in view of the abovementioned problems.
To solve the abovementioned problems, the present invention provides the following.
In an aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine is provided, which includes a cabinet, a display device, an input device, a controller, a pair of speakers, and a pair of exterior frames. The display device that is placed in a front face of the cabinet displays information related to a game. The input device allows a player to perform operation related to the game. The controller performs processing related to execution of the game in response to an input to the input device. The pair of speakers produces sound related to the game in response to a signal from the controller. The pair of exterior frames is placed in a height direction of the cabinet at laterally end portions of the cabinet. Each speaker is integral with each exterior frame.
Since the speakers are integral with the cabinet via the exterior frames, they do not project laterally in a width direction of the gaming machine. This allows a plurality gaming machines to be juxtaposed. In addition, the speakers, which are integral with the cabinet via the exterior frames, can be easily assembled with the gaming machine.
In another aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine is provided, which further includes an operation table. The input device is placed on the operation table. The operation tale is configured to project forward from the cabinet. The pair of exterior frames is placed at laterally end portions of the operation table.
With the gaming machine described above, in which the exterior frames are placed at the lateral end portions of the operation table, it is easy to assemble the speakers with the cabinet. Furthermore, the speakers do not cause interference with the operation performed for the input device by the player.
In still another aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine is provided, in which the pair of speakers is placed at laterally end portions of the operation table in front of the cabinet.
Since the gaming machine described above has the speakers that are placed closer to the player, the gaming machine stimulates the player by sound with much presence. In addition, the gaming machine can place the speakers closer to the player with the operation table that does not project excessively forward from the cabinet.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine is provided, in which the pair of speakers is independently controlled to produce sound by the controller.
Since the gaming machine described above can provide the sound in stereo, the gaming machine allows the player to feel more excited.
In a further aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine is provided, in which the pair of speakers is placed so as to substantially meet the height of ears of the player.
Since the gaming machine described above produces sound with speakers closer to the ears of the player, the gaming machine can allow the player to enjoy the sound with much presence.
In a still further aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine is provided, which includes a cabinet, a display device, an input device, a controller, a pair of speakers, a pair of exterior frames, and an operation table. The display device that is placed in a front face of the cabinet displays information related to a game. The input device allows a player to perform operation related to the game. The controller performs processing related to execution of the game in response to an input to the input device. The pair of speakers produces sound related to the game in response to a signal from the controller. The pair of exterior frames is placed in a height direction of the cabinet at laterally end portions of the cabinet. The input device is placed on the operation table. The operation tale is configured to project forward from the cabinet. The pair of exterior frames is placed at laterally end portions of the operation table. Each speaker is integral with each exterior frame. The pair of speakers is placed at the laterally end portions of the operation table in front of the cabinet.
According to the present invention, since the speakers integrated with the cabinet by way of the exterior frames do not project from lateral sides of the gaming machine, a plurality of gaming machines can thus be closely juxtaposed.
In the present embodiment, a gaming machine 1 has: a cabinet 2; a display disposed on a front face of the cabinet 2, which displays information related to a game (a main display 4 described later); an input device for allowing a player to carry out operations related to the game (a 1-bet button 11, a 3-bet button 12, a 5-bet button 13 and a spin button 14 described later); a controller that performs operations to execute a game in response to an input to the input device; a speaker 20 for generating sound effects related to the game in response to a signal from the controller; and an exterior frame 19 installed on each side of a front face of the cabinet 2 along a height direction, in which the speaker 20 is formed integrally via the exterior frame 19. Therefore, since speakers 20 integrated with the cabinet 2 by way of exterior frames 19 do not project from lateral sides of the gaming machine 1, a plurality of gaming machines 1a and 1b can be closely juxtaposed.
The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is described hereinafter with reference to
The sub display 3 constituted of a liquid crystal display displays an award table, which shows odds and the like indicating an award per single medal provided for a player winning the game, while the gaming machine 1 is in a base game or a standby state. The sub display 3 is tilted forward with respect to the gaming machine 1 so as to be more visually beneficial to the player, whose line of sight lies substantially at a height of the main display 4. A detailed configuration of the main display 4 is described later.
An operation table 5, which projects forward from the front face of the cabinet 2, is disposed below the main display 4. On the operation table 5, a CHANGE button 6, a CASH OUT button 7, and a HELP button 8 are disposed from the left. A coin slot 9 and a bill slot 10 are disposed on the right side of the HELP button 8. In addition, in a front portion of the operation table 5, a 1-bet button 11, a 3-bet button 12, and a 5-bet button 13 are disposed from the left. In a right portion of the operation table 5, a SPIN/REPEAT-bet button (hereinafter referred to as a “spin button”) 14 is disposed.
Here, the CHANGE button 6 is pressed by a player to change a bill inserted into the bill slot 10. The changed coins are discharged through a coin payout opening 15 to a coin tray 16 provided in a lower portion of the cabinet 2. A CHANGE switch is connected to the CHANGE button 6. When the CHANGE button 6 is pressed by a player, the CHANGE switch outputs a switch signal to a CPU device and the like, which control the gaming machine 1.
The CASH OUT button 7 is pressed by a player at the end of a base game to cash out coins obtained in the game to the coin tray 16 through the coin payout opening 15. A CASH OUT switch is connected to the CASH OUT button 7. When the CASH OUT button 7 is pressed by a player, the CASH OUT switch outputs a switch signal to a CPU device and the like, which control the gaming machine 1.
The HELP button 8 is pressed by a player when she is unfamiliar with how to play the game. When the HELP button 8 is pressed, the sub display 3 and the main display 4 display various kinds of help information. A HELP switch is connected to the HELP button 8. When the HELP button 8 is pressed, the HELP switch outputs a switch signal to a CPU device and the like, which control the gaming machine 1.
In addition, when an award table is not displayed on the sub display 3 during a game, the award table appears on the sub display 3 in response to the HELP button 8 pressed by a player.
A coin sensor is disposed at the coin slot 9. When a coin is inserted into the coin slot 9, the coin sensor outputs a coin detection signal to a CPU device and the like, which control the gaming machine 1. A bill sensor is disposed at the bill slot 10. When a bill is inserted into the bill slot 10, the bill sensor outputs a bill detection signal to a CPU device and the like, which control the gaming machine 1.
The 1-bet button 11 is used to bet a coin one by one and can be pressed to bet up to three times. A 1-bet switch is connected to the 1-bet button 11. When the 1-bet button 11 is pressed, the 1-bet switch outputs a switch signal to a CPU device and the like, which control the gaming machine 1.
The 3-bet button 12 is pressed to start a game with 3 coins bet. A 3-bet switch is connected to the 3-bet button 12. When the 3-bet button 12 is pressed, the 3-bet switch outputs a switch signal to a CPU device and the like, which control the gaming machine 1. The 5-bet button 13 is pressed to start a game with 5 coins bet or to start a bonus game which provides a special gaming mode which is advantageous to the player. A 5-bet switch is connected to the 5-bet button 13. When the 5-bet button 13 is pressed, the 5-bet switch outputs a switch signal to a CPU device and the like, which control the gaming machine 1.
The spin button 14 is used as a game start button to start a game on condition that a bet has been made by way of the bet button 11, 12 or 13. The spin button 14 is pressed by a player to start rotation of reels (described later) so as to execute a game with the present bet amount or the previous bet amount. The spin button 14, which must be pressed at the beginning of each game, is a frequently used button. Accordingly, the spin button 14 is preferably provided on the right hand side of the operation table 5 of a gaming machine 1 designed for right-handed players. On the contrary, the spin button 14 is preferably provided on the left hand side a gaming machine 1 designed for left-handed players. A spin switch is connected to the spin button 14. When the spin button 14 is pressed, the spin switch outputs a switch signal to a CPU device and the like, which control the gaming machine 1. In addition, bet amounts allowed for a player to wager by pressing the spin button 14 are 1, 2, 3, and 5.
In a lower portion of the cabinet 2, the coin payout opening 15 is formed and the coin tray 16 is provided, which receives coins discharged through the coin payout opening 15. A coin detector is provided inside the coin payout opening 15 for detecting the number of coins discharged through the coin payout opening 15.
Subsequently, a description is given of a detailed configuration of the main display 4 and five reels (not shown) rotatably provided behind the main display 4 in the cabinet 2.
The main display 4 is a panel that provides a display of rotation of symbols to which a player pays continuous attention. The main display 4 has a transparent touch panel 31 disposed on the front face thereof and a transparent liquid crystal display, which is translucent and fixed to the front door 22 of the cabinet 2. Five transparent display windows (not shown) are provided on the main display 4. Behind the main display 4, five mechanical reels are disposed in parallel, and supported independently and rotatably. Each of the five reels is disposed so as to face each of the display windows formed on the main display 4.
A plurality of kinds of symbols is arranged on an outer peripheral surface of each reel. Three symbols are externally visible through each of the display windows for each of the five mechanical reels disposed inside the cabinet 2. A plurality of pay lines (not shown) that traverses the five display windows horizontally and obliquely is also displayed on the main display 4. The main display 4 is tilted back to allow a player, whose line of sight lies substantially at a height of the main display 4, to turn her eyes slightly downward at the main display 4 so as to allow her to have a comfortable posture. Although the mechanical reels disposed behind the main display 4 to variably display the symbols have been described above, video reels can alternatively be displayed on the main display 4. In addition, the number of reels is not limited to 5.
A winning combination is predetermined based on a combination of plurality of kinds of symbols. When a combination matching a winning combination of symbols is statically displayed along a pay line, coins are discharged through the coin payout opening 15 in accordance with the winning combination. Nine symbols printed on a long slip of sticker, which has a compatible width and circumferential length of a reel, is typically attached to the circumferential surface of the reel. However, it is apparent that the symbols may alternatively be provided in other ways.
In the present embodiment, only a center line is set as a pay line. The pay line is displayed on the main display 4 when a player plays a game by rotating and stopping the reels by pressing the 1-bet button 11, the 3-bet button 12, or 5-bet button 13, and then pressing the spin button 14. On the contrary, when a player plays various bonus games obtained, which provide special gaming modes advantageous to the player, by pressing the 5-bet button 13, the pay line disappears from the main display 4.
A ticket printer 34 is installed on the left, below the main display 4, which outputs tickets with information in accordance with the displayed result on the main display 4.
The operation table 5 projecting from the front face of the cabinet 2 is disposed below the ticket printer 34. In addition, a lower panel 17 is disposed below the operation table 5, which is a plastic panel having a printed image related to the game. The lower panel 17 is illuminated by way of a cold-cathode tube. Furthermore, below the lower panel 17, the coin tray 16 is provided for accumulating coins paid out according to a result of the game.
As shown in
As shown in
The coin tray 16 is fixed at the bottom end of the front face of the lower front door 33 that is mainly used for collecting bills and the like. The coin tray 16 extends across substantially the entire width of the lower front door 33 and accumulates the coins discharged from the coin hopper installed inside the cabinet 2. When an internal maintenance operation of the gaming machine 1 is required or collection of bills from the collection box in the gaming machine 1 is required for a case where the accumulated coins reach above the upper rim of the coin tray 16, the front door 22 and the lower front door 33 in an open position do not interfere with the operation carried out inside the cabinet 2, thereby improving the efficiency of operation. As shown in
As shown in
The upper face of the operation table 5 is tilted so as to make a portion closer to a player 28 lower than that closer to the cabinet 2, allowing the player 28 to lean comfortably against the operation table 5 by placing their hands thereon. The 1-bet button 11, the 3-bet button 12, the 5-bet button 13 and the like, which are the input device for instructing the execution of a game, are provided on the operation table 5. On the right of the operation table 5, the spin button 14 is provided, which is used as a game start button to start a game under the condition that a bet has been made by the bet button 11, 12 or 13.
A cutout 21, whose periphery is a concave recessed toward the cabinet 2, is provided on the left side (a side closer to the hinge 30) of the front end portion of the operation table 5. A wrist rest 36 for supporting a wrist of the player 28 is provided on the right side of the operation table 5. The wrist rest 36 projects from the front end portion of the operation table 5 toward the player 28. The front end of the wrist rest 36 has a shape of a gentle arc swelling outwardly toward the player 28. Since the spin button 14, which is frequently used by the player 28 to start each game, is provided in a portion of the operation table 5 closer to the wrist rest 36, as shown in
In the present embodiment, since a description has been given of the gaming machine 1 designed for right-handed players, it has the wrist rest 36 on the right portion. However, a gaming machine 1 designed for left-handed players preferably has a wrist rest 36 on the left portion of an operation table 5. In this case, a cutout 21 is provided on the right portion of the operation table 5, and a front door 22 is pivotally attached to a cabinet 2 via a hinge 30 disposed on the right portion of the cabinet 2.
The lower panel 17 is provided below the operation table 5. The lower panel 17 is formed by laminating a film having a logo showing the name of the gaming machine and an image of characters and the like thereon, and a transparent acrylic plate. The lower panel 17 is disposed at a lower front face of the cabinet 2. A cold-cathode tube (not shown) is installed behind the lower panel 17, and light irradiated from the cold-cathode tube penetrates the lower panel 17 and lights up the logo and the image of characters and the like shown thereon. Accordingly, the image shown on the lower panel 17 becomes more visible to the audience watching the slot game from behind the player 28. In this way, the gaming machine 1 can differentiate itself from other types of gaming machines and increase its attractiveness.
As shown in
The speakers 20L and 20R are configured to add effects for the game by generating sound relating to the game in response to a signal from a controller, and are controlled by the controller to generate sound independently from each other. Therefore, the right and left speakers 20R and 20L can produce sound with enhanced stereo effects, allowing the player to feel excited.
Exterior frames 19L and 19R are provided on both sides of the front door 22 on the front face of the cabinet 2, along a height direction. The exterior frames 19L and 19R have the same length as the length from the upper end of the front door 22 to the side portion of the operation table 5. The exterior frames 19L and 19R are attached to be integral with both lateral end portions of the front door 22, and at the same time installed at the side portions of the operation table 5.
As shown in
The speaker 20R includes: a speaker body 25 for outputting sound; a speaker box 24 for housing the speaker body 25; and a speaker grill 23 provided on the front face of the speaker box 24 for protection thereof. The front face of the speaker body 25 is fixed to the front wall of the speaker box 24, which is fixed inside the speaker space 26 provided in the exterior frame 19R. The size of the speaker space 26R provided in the exterior frame 19R is substantially the same as the size of the speaker 20R. The speaker 20R can thus be fixed inside the speaker space 26. Therefore, the speaker 20R can easily be attached to the front door 22 by way of the exterior frame 19R.
Thus, it is possible to easily integrate the speakers 20L and 20R with the cabinet 2 by way of the exterior frames 19L and 19R, restricting the speakers 20L and 20R from projecting too much from the sides of the gaming machine 1. This allows a plurality of gaming machines 1 to be closely juxtaposed in a hall and the like. In this way, it is possible to save spacing between the adjacent gaming machines 1, thereby increasing the number of gaming machines 1 installed in a given installation area. In addition, since the speakers 20L and 20R can be protected by the exterior frames 19L and 19R, it is possible to protect the speakers 20L and 20R from possible damage during transportation of the gaming machine 1.
Furthermore, the exterior frames 19L and 19R, which are formed of sheet metal and a chrome plated ABS resin disposed thereon, have high stiffness. In case a foreign object hits the gaming machine 1 during transportation and the like, the exterior frames 19L and 19R protect the speakers 20L and 20R installed in the speaker spaces 26L and 26R from shock, thereby preventing damage to the speakers 20L and 20R. In addition, the exterior frames 19L and 19R with high stiffness prevent a malicious person who tries forcefully open the exterior frames 19L and 19R from damaging the gaming machine 1.
As shown in
Since the speakers 20L and 20R are arranged to lie at the front face of the cabinet 2, they are allowed to be closer to the player 28 compared to when they are disposed on the side faces of the cabinet 2. In this way, the speakers 20L and 20R produce sound with presence that stimulates the player 28. Also, the close location of the speakers 20L and 20R relative to the player 28, which is implemented without causing the operation table 5 to project forward too much, contributes the production of sound with presence.
As shown in
When the front door 22 is opened for inspection and maintenance of the reels and wiring inside the cabinet 2, the speakers 20L and 20R, integrated with the front door 22 via the exterior frames 19L and 19R, move integrally with the front door 22.
In addition, if the speakers 20L and 20R are arranged to lie substantially at the height of the ears of the player 28, sound with more presence can be provided to the player, because the sound is produced at a position closer to the ears of the player.
A description is given of a case where first and second gaming machines 1a and 1b are juxtaposed with reference to
As shown in
In this case, the cutout 21a on the left of the operation table 5a of the first gamine machine 1a is likely to collide with the right end of a wrist rest 36b on the right of the operation table 5b of the second gaming machine 1b. Since a curved recess provided by the cutout 21a avoids interference with the wrist rest 36b, and the cutout 21a of the first gaming machine 1a is spaced a given distance from the wrist rest 36b of the adjacent second gaming machine 1b, the front door 22a of the first gaming machine 1a can be opened enough to perform easy maintenance inside the cabinet. Furthermore, since this can save spacing between the adjacent gaming machines 1a and 1b, it is possible to increase the number of gaming machines 1 that can be installed in a given area available for installation.
It should be noted that the present invention is not restricted to the above embodiments and various modifications and changes can be made.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2007-160631 | Jun 2007 | JP | national |
