Game table

Abstract

Provided is a technique related to a game table in which a detection range based on an antenna is more appropriately defined. The game table is provided with a plurality of antennas, a placement table, and a control unit. The plurality of antennas are respectively arranged at positions where a detection range above a placement surface of the placement table is defined. In addition, the plurality of antennas are respectively arranged in a manner in which a portion of a first antenna overlaps a portion of a second antenna, and the control unit is controlled in a manner in which a chip on the placement table is determined and the same chip is not determined repeatedly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to game tables. Background Technology

[0002] Games using game tables are known. Patent Document 1 discloses a game table that receives signals transmitted from game chips placed on a platform via an antenna and obtains identification information of the game chips based on the received signals.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-112490 Summary of the Invention

[0006] In the game table disclosed in Patent Document 1, if multiple antennas are used to detect information transmitted from game chips or other game media, there is a situation where an undetectable area is generated in the area above the platform.

[0007] The object of this invention is to provide a technology related to a game table with a more appropriate definition of the detection range based on the antenna.

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention provides a game table comprising multiple antennas, a mounting platform, and a control unit. The multiple antennas are respectively disposed at a position above the mounting surface of the mounting platform, which is defined as a detection range. The multiple antennas are respectively arranged such that a portion of the first antenna and a portion of the second antenna overlap. The control unit controls the game table to determine the chips on the mounting platform without repeatedly determining the same chip.

[0009] Invention Effects

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide technology related to game tables in which the detection range based on antennas is more appropriately defined. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a game table in one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of chips in one implementation.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the internal structure of chips in one implementation method.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the stage in one embodiment, viewed from the top surface side.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a platform for a game table in the prior art.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the magnetic field of an antenna mounted on a platform in one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the sequence of control when switching between the on and off states of the antenna in one implementation.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an antenna in an on state and an antenna in an off state in one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9A This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the current flow of an antenna in an on state in one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 9B It is a graph showing the time-varying currents flowing in antennas A1, A2, and A3 respectively.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the management device of a game table in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] First, refer to Figure 1 The appearance of the game table 100 in this embodiment will be described. The game table 100 is a game table installed in entertainment facilities, etc. In this embodiment, the game table 100 is used to play games such as roulette, dice, or sic bo.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the game table 100 includes a platform 10 and a housing 20. The platform 10 is a table for placing game items such as chips, cards, and dice on its upper surface. Figure 1 In the example shown, multiple chips T are stacked in the betting area B defined on the upper surface (placement surface) of the placement platform 10. The structure of the chips T will be described later. The placement platform 10 has an antenna inside. A sheet is laid on the upper surface of the placement platform 10 to cover the antenna. The sheet is made of, for example, an infrared-transmitting material. Details of the antenna will be described later. The housing 20 is a component that supports the placement platform 10. The housing 20 also has a management device inside. Details of the management device will be described later.

[0025] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3Explain the structure of chip T. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of chip T. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of a chip T. Chips T are the medium used in various games played at the gaming table (such as roulette or card games). Furthermore, the shape and size of chip T are arbitrary.

[0026] In this embodiment, the chip T has a main body 101 formed in a generally disc-shaped (coin-shaped) form, and inside it are a light guide 102, a light receiver 103, a power receiving antenna 104, a communication antenna 105, and a processing unit 106 having a memory M. Figure 2 As shown, a sticker S indicating the game value (e.g., $10) of the chip T is affixed to the surface of the chip T (the portion corresponding to the light guide 102). The sticker S is formed of an infrared-transmitting film or the like.

[0027] The light guide section 102 includes a light guide plate for transmitting infrared light for data communication, and is arranged at the center of the main body 101 in such a way that it includes the central axis. The light guide plate internally transmits and diffuses infrared light. Furthermore, in this embodiment, infrared communication is exemplified as an example of data communication, but it can also be applied to ultraviolet communication and visible light communication.

[0028] The light-receiving part 103 may include, for example, an infrared LED (Light Emitting Diode) sensor, and one or more such sensors are disposed facing the outer peripheral surface of the light guide part 102. The light-receiving part 103 receives infrared light (light emission signal) propagating from the outside of the chip T through the light guide part 102.

[0029] The light guide 102 and the light receiver 103 are used to determine the location of the chip T, but this is not the essence of this embodiment, so the description of the method for determining the location of the chip T is omitted.

[0030] The receiving antenna 104 is an antenna used to receive power from the game table in a non-contact manner (so-called wireless power supply). In this embodiment, power is received from the outside using long waves in the LF (Low Frequency) band. The power received via the receiving antenna 104 is supplied to various parts through the processing unit 106.

[0031] The communication antenna 105 is used for non-contact data communication with the control unit (described later) provided on the game table 100. In this embodiment, it utilizes shortwave in the HF (High Frequency) band. Furthermore, in this embodiment, both the receiving antenna 104 and the communication antenna 105 employ electromagnetic induction, but they could also employ radio waves.

[0032] The processing unit 106 is configured to include a processor and a memory. The processor reads the control program and data stored in the memory and centrally controls the various parts of the chip T.

[0033] Reference Figure 4 This indicates the antenna inside the mounting platform 10. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the mounting stage 10 as seen from the top surface is shown. Antennas A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, C3, D1, D2, and D3 are provided on the mounting stage 10. In this embodiment, the antennas are grouped. Antennas A1, A2, and A3 are grouped into group A; antennas B1, B2, and B3 are grouped into group B; antennas C1, C2, and C3 are grouped into group C; and antennas D1, D2, and D3 are grouped into group D. Furthermore, in the following description, antennas A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, C3, D1, D2, and D3 are also referred to as antennas Ant when referring to each other without distinction.

[0034] Although not shown, wires are spirally wound around the interior of each of the multiple antennas (Ant) near the ends of the antennas on the mounting platform 10. Furthermore, the multiple antennas are positioned at locations above the mounting surface of the mounting platform 10, which define the detection range. For example, in... Figure 4 In the example shown, multiple antennas Ant are mounted on a surface that is approximately horizontal with the mounting surface of the mounting platform 10. The detection range of the antennas Ant is determined based on the range and intensity of the radio waves transmitted from the antennas Ant.

[0035] In this embodiment, multiple antennas are respectively installed in a position where a predetermined area above the mounting surface of the mounting platform 10 is covered by the detection range of each of the multiple antennas. For example, multiple antennas are respectively installed in a predetermined betting area on the mounting surface of the mounting platform 10 and in a 20cm area above it where the detection range of each of the multiple antennas is covered.

[0036] In this embodiment, a portion (e.g., the end region of the antenna) of one of the multiple antennas (Ant) is disposed on the game table 100 in a manner that overlaps with portions of other antennas (Second Ant) among the multiple antennas. For example, the multiple antennas are disposed such that a portion of an antenna from one group overlaps with portions of other antennas belonging to other groups. Figure 4 In the example shown, a portion of antenna A1 belonging to group A is arranged to overlap with a portion of antennas B1 and B2 belonging to group B, antennas C1 and C2 belonging to group C, and antenna D1 belonging to group D.

[0037] According to this embodiment, as described above, in the mounting platform 10, multiple antennas are provided instead of a single antenna at a position above the mounting surface of the mounting platform 10 that defines the detection range. By providing multiple antennas, radio waves can be transmitted over a larger area of ​​the mounting surface with weaker radio wave intensity.

[0038] Reference Figure 5 To compare with this embodiment, an example will be given where a single large antenna is provided on one side of the betting area instead of multiple antennas. Figure 5 This diagram shows a side-view cross-sectional view of a mounting platform in the prior art, in which an antenna E of approximately the same size as the betting area is provided on the lower part of a sheet 11 laid on a mounting surface. In this example, multiple chips T are stacked on the upper surface near the center of the sheet 11. Boundary x indicates the range of arrival of radio waves transmitted from near the end of the antenna E (the wire E1 of the antenna E). Boundary x is a boundary indicating the range reached by radio waves of sufficient strength from the wire E1 of the antenna E to correctly read the chips T; it is an imaginary boundary line determined experimentally. As shown by boundary x, radio waves from the antenna E do not reach the chips T. Therefore, in this example, chips T cannot be detected. Furthermore, if the intensity of the radio waves transmitted by the antenna E is increased in order to make the radio waves reach the chips T, the radio waves may reach a larger area beyond the mounting surface of the mounting platform, potentially causing problems such as affecting equipment located near the mounting platform. Additionally, there is a possibility that chips placed above the antenna may not be able to be read.

[0039] Reference Figure 6 This embodiment explains that even if an object to be detected is placed near the end of an antenna, the high position above the end of that antenna can be included in the antenna-based detection range. According to this embodiment, multiple antennas are respectively arranged on the mounting stage 10 such that a portion overlaps with other antennas. Therefore, even if an object to be detected is placed near the end of an antenna, the high position above the end of that antenna will be included in the antenna-based detection range.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a conceptual diagram schematically representing the magnetic field of an antenna mounted on the mounting platform 10. Generally, near the antenna's conductor, the magnetic field density is high and the magnetic force is strong, but the magnetic field reach is low. Conversely, the further away from the conductor, the weaker the magnetic force, but the higher the magnetic field reach. That is, based on the antenna's detection range, the reach is low near the antenna's tip (the antenna's conductor) and high further away from the antenna's tip.

[0041] exist Figure 6In the example shown, multiple chips T are stacked on the upper surface of the sheet 12 laid on the upper surface of the mounting platform 10. Although the location where the chips T are placed is near the end of antenna A1, it is a predetermined distance away from the end of antenna B1, which partially overlaps with antenna A1. Therefore, the detection range of antenna A1 includes the position of the chips T stacked at the bottom, but not the position of the chips T stacked at the top. That is, the boundary RA (an experimentally determined imaginary boundary line) of the range reached by radio waves transmitted from near the conductor A11 located near the end of antenna A1 affects the lower chips T in the stacked chips T, but not the upper chips T. On the other hand, the detection range of antenna B1 includes the position of the chips T stacked at the top. That is, the boundary RB (an experimentally determined imaginary boundary line) of the range reached by radio waves transmitted from near the conductor B11 located near the end of antenna B1 affects the upper chips T in the stacked chips T. Therefore, even if the chips T are stacked high near the end of antenna A1, the chips T stacked on top can be detected by antenna B1.

[0042] Reference Figure 7 This example illustrates the sequence of control for switching between the on and off states of an antenna. In this embodiment, multiple antennas mounted on the mounting platform 10 are controlled by alternately and repeatedly switching between on and off states of overlapping antennas. For example, the antennas are arranged such that a portion of the first antenna and a portion of the second antenna overlap. In this case, control is performed such that when the first antenna is on, the second antenna is off, and the multiple antennas repeatedly switch between on and off states.

[0043] The "on" state of an antenna (Ant) refers to the state in which the antenna transmits radio waves. The "off" state of an antenna (Ant) refers to the state in which the antenna does not transmit radio waves. For example, when current flows through the antenna, it is in the "on" state. Conversely, when no current flows through the antenna, it is in the "off" state.

[0044] When overlapping antennas (Ant) are simultaneously turned on, they will interfere with each other. Therefore, according to this embodiment, in the game table 100 equipped with multiple antennas, control is performed by alternately and repeatedly switching between the on and off states, so that overlapping antennas (Ant) will not be turned on at the same time, thereby suppressing interference between the antennas (Ant).

[0045] In addition, multiple antennas (Ant) can also be grouped separately in a way that overlapping antennas belong to different groups. Figure 4 The antennas shown are grouped into groups A, B, C, and D as described above. Figure 4 As shown, antennas belonging to groups A, B, C, and D do not overlap with antennas belonging to the same group. To prevent overlapping antennas from simultaneously becoming active, control can be implemented as follows: Figure 4 The example shown demonstrates control that repeatedly switches between the on and off states of the antenna in grouped units.

[0046] Figure 7 This is a conceptual diagram representing the sequence of groups that control the switching to the on state when controlling the switching of antenna Ant between on and off states, in groups A, B, C, and D. For example, it can be arranged according to... Figure 7 The system controls the switching of antennas belonging to each group to the ON state in the order of groups A, B, C, and D, as shown. While an antenna belonging to a certain group is ON, antennas belonging to other groups are OFF. For example, while an antenna belonging to group A is controlled to be ON, antennas belonging to other groups are controlled to be OFF. The duration for which an antenna is ON can be arbitrarily set. For example, it can be controlled so that an antenna is ON for 0.1 seconds, then OFF, and other antennas ON for 0.1 seconds.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each of the multiple antennas (Ant) provided on the mounting platform 10 may be equipped with a cutting mechanism that cuts off the conductivity of the antenna's wires. The cutting mechanism may be, for example, a relay. In this case, controlling the antenna to be in an open state includes controlling the cutting off of the wire's conductivity via the aforementioned cutting mechanism. Conversely, controlling the antenna to be in an on state includes controlling the connection of the wire's conductivity via the aforementioned cutting mechanism. Typically, even when an antenna is in an open state, current may flow through its wires due to the influence of neighboring antennas that are in an on state. Therefore, by cutting off the conductivity of the wires of an antenna that is in an open state (making it an open circuit), current flow can be suppressed, and interference between neighboring antennas can be prevented.

[0048] Reference Figure 8 This provides an example illustrating the control between the on and off states of the antenna Ant. Figure 8 This is a conceptual diagram schematically representing an antenna Ant in the on state and an antenna Ant in the off state. Figure 8In the diagram, antennas A1, A2, and A3 are in the off state. Antennas B1, B2, and B3 are in the on state via relays R4, R5, and R6. The conduction of the wires of antennas A1, A2, and A3, which are in the off state, is cut off via relays R1, R2, and R3, respectively.

[0049] Reference Figure 9A and Figure 9B This section describes an example illustrating the current flow direction of the antenna Ant provided in the mounting stage 10. In this embodiment, the antenna Ant can be configured such that, for multiple antenna Ants in the ON state, the current flow direction of each antenna Ant is opposite to the current flow direction of other adjacent or nearby antenna Ants. By configuring the current flow direction of each antenna Ant to be opposite to the current flow direction of other adjacent or nearby antenna Ants, interference between multiple antenna Ants in the ON state can be suppressed.

[0050] Figure 9A This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the current flow of antennas A1, A2, and A3 when they are in the ON state. Figure 9B This is a graph showing the time-varying currents flowing through antennas A1, A2, and A3, respectively. Figure 9A and Figure 9B In the example shown, antennas A1 and A2 are located in adjacent or nearby positions. Figure 9B At time t1, the current flow direction d1 of antenna A1 is opposite to the current flow direction d2 of antenna A2. Furthermore, antennas A2 and A3 are located in adjacent or nearby positions. Figure 9B At time t1, the current flow direction d2 of antenna A2 is opposite to the current flow direction d3 of antenna A3.

[0051] Reference Figure 10 This section describes an example of the hardware structure of the management device included in the game table 100. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the management device 200 includes a control unit 201, a communication unit 202, a storage unit 203, antenna switching units 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d, and distributors 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d. In the following description, antenna switching units 21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d are also referred to as antenna switching unit 21 without distinction. Distributors 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d are also referred to as distributors 22 without distinction.

[0052] The distributor 22 is a processing device for distributing received signals. Following predetermined control, the distributor 22 distributes the specified signals received from the antenna switching unit 21 to the antenna Ant provided on the mounting platform 10. Additionally, the distributor 22 transmits the signals received from the antenna Ant to the antenna switching unit 21.

[0053] exist Figure 10 In the example shown, distributor 22a distributes the signals received from antenna switching unit 21a to antennas A1, A2, and A3, and transmits the signals received from antennas A1, A2, and A3 back to antenna switching unit 21a. Distributor 22b distributes the signals received from antenna switching unit 21b to antennas B1, B2, and B3, and transmits the signals received from antennas B1, B2, and B3 back to antenna switching unit 21b. Distributor 22c distributes the signals received from antenna switching unit 21c to antennas C1, C2, and C3, and transmits the signals received from antennas C1, C2, and C3 back to antenna switching unit 21c. Distributor 22d distributes the signals received from antenna switching unit 21d to antennas D1, D2, and D3, and transmits the signals received from antennas D1, D2, and D3 back to antenna switching unit 21d.

[0054] The antenna switching unit 21 is a device for reading and writing information held by the chip T via the antenna Ant and distributor 22 provided on the mounting platform 10. For example, in order to write information to the chip T, the antenna switching unit 21a sends a signal received from the control unit 201 to the distributor 22a. In addition, in order to read information held by the chip T, the antenna switching unit 21a receives a signal from the antenna Ant and distributor 22a.

[0055] The storage unit 203 stores various types of information. The storage unit 203 may be composed of, for example, a magnetic storage device or a semiconductor element.

[0056] The communication unit 202 is a communication interface for communication between the management device 200 and external entities. For example, the communication unit 202 can send information based on the processing results obtained by the management device 200 to external entities and receive information required for processing performed by the management device 200.

[0057] The control unit 201 controls various structures included in the management device 200. The control unit 201 includes, for example, a processor and a memory. In the control unit 201, the processor executes a computer program stored in the memory or storage unit 203 to perform various controls on the operations of the structure included in the game table 100. Furthermore, the control unit 201 stores information based on the processing results of the control unit 201 in the storage unit 203.

[0058] The control unit 201, for example, controls the switching between the on and off states of the current flowing in the antenna Ant, and controls the switching between cutting and connecting the wires of the antenna Ant based on a cutting mechanism (e.g., a relay).

[0059] Furthermore, the control unit 201 can determine the number of tokens T (objects) existing within the detection range of the antenna Ant (above the mounting surface of the mounting stage 10). Specifically, the control unit 201 first acquires identification information of signals transmitted based on tokens T (objects) via the antenna Ant, the distributor 22, and the antenna switching unit 21, respectively. Based on the acquired identification information, the control unit 201 determines the number of tokens T existing within the detection range of the antenna Ant. For example, the control unit 201 determines the number of tokens T as the number of identification information obtained after excluding duplicate identification information.

[0060] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0061] The embodiments described above are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. The various elements, their configurations, materials, conditions, shapes, and dimensions included in the embodiments are not limited to the examples and can be appropriately modified.

[0062] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0063] 100 Game Tables, 200 Management Devices, 201 Control Unit, 202 Communication Unit, 203 Storage Unit, 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d Antenna Switching Units, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d Distributors, 10 Mounting Platforms, 20 Housings, A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3, C1, C2, C3, D1, D2 Antennas, T Chips.

Claims

1. A game table, comprising: Multiple antennas; Platform; and Control Department The plurality of antennas are each configured to have a detection range located above the mounting surface of the mounting stage. The plurality of antennas includes a plurality of first antennas and a plurality of second antennas arranged alternately along the first row. Each of the plurality of first antennas coincides with a portion of at least one of the plurality of second antennas, but does not coincide with any other of the plurality of first antennas. Each of the plurality of second second antennas coincides with a portion of at least one of the plurality of first antennas, but does not coincide with any other second second antenna among the plurality of second second antennas. The control unit is configured to control the plurality of antennas to determine the chips on the mounting platform. The control unit is configured as follows: During the first period, the plurality of first antennas are switched to an on state for transmitting radio waves, and the plurality of second antennas are switched to an off state for not transmitting radio waves. In a second period different from the first period, the plurality of second antennas are switched to the on state, and the plurality of first antennas are switched to the off state.

2. The game table as described in claim 1, wherein, The plurality of antennas are configured to have corresponding detection ranges occupying a defined area above the mounting surface.

3. The game table as described in claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of antennas also includes a cutting mechanism configured to cut the wires of the antenna. The control unit is configured to control the antenna to switch to the disconnected state by controlling the cutting mechanism to cut the wire.

4. The game table as described in claim 1, wherein, During the first period, each of the plurality of first antennas is configured to have a current flowing in the opposite direction to the current flowing in the adjacent first antennas among the plurality of first antennas. During the second period, each of the plurality of second antennas is configured to have a current flowing in the opposite direction to the current flowing in the adjacent second antennas of the plurality of second antennas.

5. The game table as described in claim 1, wherein, The plurality of antennas also includes a plurality of third antennas and a plurality of fourth antennas arranged alternately along a second row parallel to the first row. Each of the plurality of third antennas overlaps with a portion of at least one of the plurality of fourth antennas, but does not overlap with any other third antenna among the plurality of third antennas. Each of the plurality of fourth antennas overlaps with a portion of at least one of the plurality of third antennas, but does not overlap with any other of the plurality of fourth antennas. The control unit is configured as follows: During the first period, the plurality of third antennas and the plurality of fourth antennas are switched to the disconnected state. During the second period, the plurality of third antennas and the plurality of fourth antennas are switched to the disconnected state. In a third period, different from the first and second periods, the plurality of third antennas are switched to the on state, and the plurality of first antennas, the plurality of second antennas, and the plurality of fourth antennas are switched to the off state. In a fourth period, which is different from the first, second, and third periods, the plurality of fourth antennas are switched to the on state, and the plurality of first antennas, the plurality of second antennas, and the plurality of third antennas are switched to the off state.

6. The game table as described in claim 5, wherein, Each of the plurality of first antennas overlaps with a portion of one of the plurality of third antennas and a portion of one of the plurality of fourth antennas. Each of the plurality of second second antennas coincides with a portion of one of the plurality of third antennas and a portion of one of the plurality of fourth antennas. Each of the plurality of third antennas coincides with a portion of one of the plurality of first antennas and a portion of one of the plurality of second antennas. Each of the plurality of fourth antennas coincides with a portion of one of the plurality of first antennas and a portion of one of the plurality of second antennas.

7. The game table as described in claim 6, wherein, During the first period, each of the plurality of first antennas is configured to have a current flowing in the opposite direction to the current flowing in the adjacent first antennas among the plurality of first antennas. During the second period, each of the plurality of second antennas is configured to have a current flowing in the opposite direction to the current flowing in the adjacent second antennas among the plurality of second antennas. During the third period, each of the plurality of third antennas is configured to have a current flowing in the opposite direction to the current flowing in the adjacent third antennas among the plurality of third antennas. During the fourth period, each of the plurality of fourth antennas is configured to have a current flowing in the opposite direction to the current flowing in the adjacent fourth antennas among the plurality of fourth antennas.

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