Game device

Abstract

To provide a game device that can ensure a visual field above a game machine, improves a perspective between respective game machine islands, and allows also a display device in another game machine island to be visible easily.SOLUTION: In a game device 1 in which a game machine 2, and display means 30 capable of displaying game information in accordance with the game machine 2 can be installed, the display means 30 is installed on a ceiling surface 12 for covering an upper portion of the game machine 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming device in which a gaming machine and a display means capable of displaying game information corresponding to the gaming machine can be installed. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in gaming machine islands where gaming machines such as pachinko machines are lined up, display devices (including call lamps) capable of displaying game information and the like are installed for each gaming machine. Players can refer to the gaming information displayed on the display devices and select the gaming machine on which they wish to play. Also, game parlor staff can check the game status of the gaming machine by looking at the call lamp indication. Such display devices are generally installed above the gaming machines.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an island facility that contains a mixture of pachinko machines P and slot machines S. In this type of gaming machine island, an upper island level is constructed above the various gaming machines (pachinko gaming machines P or slot machines S) in the same manner as in conventional general gaming machine islands. The upper island level is covered with a plate-shaped mounting member 21 that extends in the island's longitudinal direction, and an upper lamp 20 is installed on this mounting member 21 via a mounting member 22. Furthermore, the upper island level above the upper lamp 20 is covered with a fascia board or the like that surrounds a supply trough for gaming media and the like that is arranged in the upper island level. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-16029 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in conventional gaming machine islands, including the gaming machine island described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, the upper level of the island is constructed above the various gaming machines, which not only results in an increase in the size of the entire gaming machine island, increasing equipment costs, but also restricts installation space and blocks the view above the gaming machines.

[0006] In particular, because the display devices corresponding to each gaming machine are installed on a plate-like member that covers the upper part of the island in the longitudinal direction, it is difficult to see the display devices of other gaming machine islands on the other side of the gaming machine island. Therefore, when the display devices have a call lamp function, it is inconvenient for the game center staff to move to a position where they can see the call lamp of the gaming machine that is being called.

[0007] The present invention has been made in response to the problems associated with the conventional technology described above, and aims to provide a gaming device that eliminates the need for an upper island structure in a normal gaming machine island, thereby preventing the overall size, such as the overall height, from increasing and reducing equipment costs, while ensuring visibility above the gaming machine, improving visibility between each gaming machine island, and making it possible to easily view the display devices on other gaming machine islands. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising the steps of: A gaming device in which a gaming machine and a display means capable of displaying game information corresponding to the gaming machine can be installed, The display means is disposed on a ceiling surface covering the upper part of the gaming machine. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a gaming device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a front view showing a gaming device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a plan view showing a gaming device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a left side view showing the gaming device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] 2 is a plan view showing a state in which a portion of the ceiling surface of the gaming device according to the present embodiment is open. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a gaming device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a structure according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a left side view showing the structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI of FIG. 8. [Figure 12] 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 8. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state during assembly of the structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the display unit according to the embodiment, as viewed from the rear side; [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the installation state of the mounting member for the display means according to the embodiment, as viewed from the front side. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a rear view showing another example of the mounting member for the display unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] 13 is a bottom view showing another example of the mounting member for the display means according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 18] 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. 16. [Figure 19] 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a footrest of a first support member according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a modified example of the structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing typical height dimensions of a conventional gaming machine island. [Figure 23]FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing specific dimensions of the gaming device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 24] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the difference in dimensions between the gaming device according to the present embodiment and a conventional gaming machine island. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, a representative embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 6, a gaming device 1 according to this embodiment can accommodate a gaming machine 2 and a display means 30 capable of displaying game information corresponding to the gaming machine 2, and has a ceiling surface 12 above the gaming machine 2. Here, the display means 30 is installed on the ceiling surface 12, and has a display device 31, a support member 32, an attachment member 33, etc., which will be described later. Note that the components, shapes, etc. shown in this embodiment are all examples of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0011] <Overview of the gaming device 1> First, an overview of the gaming device 1 will be described. The gaming device 1 according to this embodiment is not limited to the general category of a conventional gaming machine island, but can be broadly understood as a new device equipped with gaming machines 2. As shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 4, the gaming device 1 is constructed by equipping various different types of gaming machines 2, as well as related facilities for the various gaming machines 2, inside a structure 10 that forms the frame of the entire device.

[0012] <Structure 10> As shown in Figures 7 to 10, the structure 10 is generally in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped framework extending in the longitudinal direction with the gaming machines 2 lined up on the left and right, with the area directly above the installation stage 11 (see Figure 7) on which the gaming machines 2 are lined up being covered by a ceiling surface 12, and the area below the installation stage 11 being configured as a lower stage 13 (see Figure 7). Note that, although not shown, chairs are installed on the floor in front of the gaming devices 1 for each gaming machine 2 on which players can sit and play. Such gaming devices 1 are usually installed in multiple units within, for example, an amusement arcade, but it is also possible to install a single one outside the amusement arcade.

[0013] 7 and 8, the structure 10 comprises a plurality of first support members 14 arranged in the longitudinal direction and installed on the floor, and a plurality of second support members 15 arranged on a tray 16 (described later) on which the gaming machines 2 are installed. Each of the support members 14, 15 is a columnar member extending in the up-down direction, and is installed to extend in the vertical direction perpendicular to the floor. The support members form a pair of front and rear sets facing each other at the front and rear in the depth direction of the structure 10.

[0014] The lower ends of the pair of front and rear first support members 14 are connected to each other and are installed standing vertically on the floor via height-adjustable legs 141. As shown in Fig. 19, the legs 141 include a connecting member 142 that fixes the lower ends of the pair of front and rear first support members 14, and a fixing member 144 that fixes it onto the floor. The connecting member 142 is formed in the shape of a metal flat plate, and mounting portions 143 that fix the lower ends of the first support members 14 are provided at the front and rear of the upper end thereof.

[0015] The fixing member 144 is formed in a metal box shape that surrounds and covers the connecting member 142. The connecting member 142 is screwed along the inside of a side wall 145 of the fixing member 144, and a plurality of screw holes are provided on the top and bottom so that the position at which the connecting member 142 is screwed to the side wall 145 can be adjusted in the vertical direction. The foot stand 141 is fixed by anchor bolts or the like with a bottom wall 146 of the fixing member 144 grounded on the floor, and supports the entire structure 10 on the floor.

[0016] Such footrests 141 create a space between the floor and a lower plate member 17 described below on the lower half side of the lower section 13 (see FIG. 7) of the structure 10, except for the footrests 141. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an empty space is formed at the bottom of the gaming device 1 where players can stretch their feet. The footrest 141 shown in FIG. 19 is decorated by being covered with a decorative panel or the like. Also, as shown in FIG. 12, a reinforcing beam 147 or the like is appropriately supported between the pair of front and rear first support members 14.

[0017] 7 and 8, at the boundary between the installation step 11 and the lower step 13 of the structure 10, a tray 16 on which the gaming machine 2 is installed is supported midway on the first support member 14 so as to extend horizontally in the longitudinal direction at the front and rear of the structure 10. Below the pair of front and rear trays 16, a lower plate member 17 that extends horizontally in the longitudinal direction from the front to the rear of the structure 10 is supported midway on the lower side of the first support member 14. The tray 16 and the lower plate member 17 are divided according to the intervals between the first support members 14 aligned in the longitudinal direction of the structure 10, and the edges of the divided tray 16 and the lower plate member 17 are provided with grooves, for example, for fitting and supporting the first support member 14 midway.

[0018] The second support member 15 is installed in a state where the lower ends of the pair of front and rear support members are fixed on the tray 16 and stand up vertically. The means for fixing the lower end of the second support member 15 on the tray 16 is not particularly limited, but it is sufficient to have the strength to serve as a partition between the game machines 2, so it is preferable to fix it with a simple metal bracket or the like. Unlike the first support member 14, the second support member 15 does not extend below the tray 16, but a reinforcing column 18 is erected between the tray 16 and the lower plate member 17 at a position slightly shifted to the left and right rather than directly below the second support member 15. To be precise, the tray 16 is configured as the upper side of a member with a roughly square cross section that extends longitudinally at the front and rear of the structure 10, as shown in FIG. 12, and the reinforcing column 18 is erected between the lower side of the same member and the lower plate member 17.

[0019] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the interval at which the first support members 14 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the structure 10 is, for example, the combined width of two gaming machines 2 and a spacer 3 (see Figure 1) that is provided for each gaming machine 2, which will be described later. In this case, in the structure 10 according to this embodiment, the first support members 14 are erected at three locations in total, at both ends and in the middle in the longitudinal direction. Also, the second support member 15 is erected, for example, between the two first support members 14 to separate the two gaming machines 2, but is not necessarily located exactly in the middle between the first support members 14, and can be installed at a position shifted to the left or right as appropriate.

[0020] As described above, the distance between the first support member 14 and the second support member 15 in the left-right direction (longitudinal direction of the structure 10) is basically the combined width of one gaming machine 2 and the spacer 3. However, if the distance between the support members 14, 15 is wider than the width of the actual gaming machine 2, etc., a partition or spacer member is placed on the side of the gaming machine 2 or the spacer 3 to close the gap. The distance between the first support members 14 in the left-right direction is not limited to two gaming machines 2, etc., but may be three or more. The number of support members 14, 15 and the distance between them are design matters that can be determined as appropriate.

[0021] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in the structure 10, a plurality of various gaming machines 2 are installed back-to-back in two rows, front and rear, on a pair of front and rear trays 16 that form the lower ends of the installation step 11 (see Figure 7). Also, a spacer 3 corresponding to each gaming machine 2 is installed on the left side of each gaming machine 2. If a gap occurs to the side of the gaming machine 2 or the spacer 3 in the section between each support member 14, 15, a partition or the like may be placed to close the gap as described above, or the gap may be used as storage space as it is.

[0022] In the gaming device 1 according to this embodiment, four gaming machines 2 (and spacers 3) are arranged in each of the front and rear rows of the structure 10, for a total of eight gaming machines 2 (and spacers 3) as shown in the figure. The gaming device 1 is not limited to a configuration in which the gaming machines 2 (and spacers 3) are arranged in two rows, one in front and one in back, and various gaming machines 2 (and spacers 3) may be arranged in only one row on one side, against a wall. Of course, the number of gaming machines 2 (and spacers 3) arranged in each row is not limited to four as shown in the figure, and is a design matter that can be determined as appropriate.

[0023] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in the gaming device 1, behind the various gaming machines 2 arranged back to back, a bill transport device 20 is installed to transport bills used in games and discharged from the various gaming machines 2. Here, a bill transport path 21 forming the main part of the bill transport device 20 is arranged near the upper end of the various gaming machines 2, and is covered from above by the ceiling surface 12 of the structure 10. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, display means 30 corresponding to each of the gaming machines 2 immediately below are installed on the ceiling surface 12.

[0024] As shown in Figure 13, in the lower section 13 of the structure 10, a wainscot 19 is attached between the first support members 14 to cover the area below the top board 16. The wainscot 19 is preferably attached so that it can be opened and closed when utilizing the space between the top board 16 and the lower board member 17. Furthermore, at both ends of the structure 10, end boards 4 are erected along the side where the first support members 14 (see Figure 13) are located. The end boards 4 and the wainscot 19 can be decorated by attaching decorative panels or the like.

[0025] <<Ceiling surface 12>> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in the gaming device 1, a ceiling surface 12 is provided immediately above the various gaming machines 2. At least a part of the ceiling surface 12 is openable, and by opening a part of this ceiling surface 12, it is possible to expose to the outside a bill transport path 21 of a bill transport device 20 installed behind the various gaming machines 2 located immediately below. As shown in Figure 7, the ceiling surface 12 has a ceiling frame 121 and a ceiling plate 122 attached to the ceiling frame 121 so as to be able to open and close, and the ceiling plate 122 is an openable portion.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 13, the ceiling frame 121 is fixed to and supported horizontally by the support members 14, 15 that are installed vertically to the floor. Here, the upper ends of the support members 14, 15 are aligned at approximately the same height as the ceiling surface of the various gaming machines 2 on the tray 16. The ceiling frame 121 is formed as an individual member, for example, in the shape of a narrow wooden board extending in the longitudinal direction. The ceiling frame 121 is fixed as a beam between the upper ends of the support members 14, 15 that are aligned at the same height at the front and rear of the structure 10, and forms a framework that frames the ceiling surface 12 by facing each other as a pair at the front and rear.

[0027] 5 and 13, the inner ends of the pair of front and rear ceiling frames 121 facing each other are formed, for example, in a stepped shape so that the side edges extending linearly in the longitudinal direction of the ceiling board 122 can be placed on them. Here, the ceiling frame 121 may be formed by overlapping a number of narrow boards. Also, the inner end of the ceiling frame 121 is provided with a notch 123 for passing wiring from the display means 30 described later.

[0028] The ceiling board 122 is basically a rectangular flat plate, and is formed, for example, as a wooden panel. The pair of front and rear ceiling frames 121 and the ceiling board 122 placed between them in an openable and closable manner are provided over the entire length of the structure 10 in the longitudinal direction, but are not necessarily integral over the entire length. The ceiling frame 121 and ceiling board 122 according to this embodiment are divided at intervals (the width of two gaming machines 2, etc.) at which the first support members 14 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the structure 10, similar to the above-mentioned tray board 16 and lower board member 17.

[0029] <Various gaming machines 2> The various gaming machines 2 installed in the gaming device 1 are basically a mixture of different types. Here, the various gaming machines 2 of different types are, for example, pachinko machines 2A and slot machines 2B, which have different gaming media. In the gaming device 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 2, two pachinko machines 2A are lined up on the left side in the front row and two slot machines 2B are lined up on the right side, and all four pachinko machines 2A are lined up on the left and right sides in the back row (see Fig. 3). Note that when the pachinko machines 2A and the slot machines 2B are collectively referred to, they are simply referred to as various gaming machines 2 (or simply gaming machines 2).

[0030] Thus, the gaming device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with various gaming machines 2 of different types, but the specific types of the various gaming machines 2 are not limited to only two types, the pachinko machine 2A and the slot machine 2B. In addition, the number of each type of gaming machine 2 and the specific arrangement described above are design matters that can be appropriately determined, and are not limited to the examples shown in Figures 1 to 4. Furthermore, although not shown, exceptionally, all gaming machines 2 may be slot machines 2B or pachinko machines 2A that use electronic data instead of gaming media. Here, even if it is either the pachinko machine 2A or the slot machine 2B, it can be interpreted that the types are different in the narrow sense as long as they are not the same model.

[0031] The pachinko machine 2A uses game balls (pachinko balls) as game media to play the game, and is equipped with a handle for shooting game balls onto a game board surface surrounded by a glass door, a tray for storing game balls, etc. In particular, the pachinko machine 2A of this embodiment uses game balls by circulating them inside the machine, and adopts a type that manages the game value of the game balls awarded as electronic data (so-called sealed pachinko machine (for example, Sumapachi (registered trademark)). As a result, the inside of the gaming device 1 does not require any game ball circulation equipment, such as a tank for storing game balls, a gutter member for collecting or distributing game balls, or a device for polishing and lifting game balls, as in the conventional game machine island.

[0032] The slot machine 2B is normally a type in which tangible medals are used as the gaming medium to play the game, but in this embodiment, tangible medals are not used, and instead electronic medals counted as electronic data are used as the gaming medium (a so-called medal-less slot machine (such as Smart Slot (registered trademark))). Like a normal slot machine, this slot machine 2B is equipped with rotating reels (including screen display), operation units such as buttons to start and stop the rotation of each reel, as well as a screen that can display electronic medals. This eliminates the need for any medal circulating equipment inside the gaming device 1, just like the equipment for circulating game balls.

[0033] <Interstand machine 3> 1 and 2, one inter-machine machine 3 is installed corresponding to each type of gaming machine 2. In this embodiment, the inter-machine machine 3 on the left side of the gaming machine 2 is used by a player who plays on that gaming machine 2. The inter-machine machine 3 accepts the insertion of bills or cashless payment media (credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, smartphones (contactless IC payment, two-dimensional barcode payment), etc.) and dispenses gaming media (gaming balls or electronic medals).

[0034] The machine spacing machine 3, which corresponds to the pachinko machine 2A, is designed to dispense game balls in response to the insertion of bills or the like, and the machine spacing machine 3, which corresponds to the slot machine 2B, is designed to dispense electronic medals in response to the insertion of bills or the like. Regardless of the above specifications, the machine spacing machine 3 has a bill receiving port (not shown) at the top front of its narrow housing. In addition to the bill receiving port, various display lamps and button switches, and a cashless payment medium receiving port instead of the bill receiving port may also be provided on the front of the machine spacing machine 3.

[0035] A banknote discharge means (not shown) is also provided on the upper rear surface of the inter-machine 3, which discharges banknotes received in the banknote receiving opening through a banknote passageway inside the housing to the banknote transport device 20. The banknote discharge means is not necessarily a part of the configuration of the inter-machine 3, but may be a separate member disposed between the inter-machine 3 and the banknote transport path 21, or may be a part of the configuration of the banknote transport device 20. The banknote discharge means is equipped with a so-called bill validator (separate from the inter-machine 3 and mainly used in slot machines) that includes a banknote recognition function.

[0036] <Banknote transport device 20> 5 and 6, in the gaming device 1, as described above, the banknote transport device 20 is disposed behind the various gaming machines 2. The banknote transport device 20 transports the banknotes used in games and discharged from the various gaming machines 2 to one side end of the gaming device 1. On the outer side of the end panel 4 at one side end of the gaming device 1, a safe 22 is provided for collecting and storing the banknotes transported by the banknote transport device 20.

[0037] The bill transport path 21, which is the main part of the bill transport device 20, is installed behind the various gaming machines 2 so as to extend horizontally in the longitudinal direction of the gaming device 1. Here, the bill transport path 21 is disposed at the same height as the bill receiving opening or bill discharging means of the inter-machine unit 3, and as a result, the bill transport path 21 is located immediately below the ceiling surface 12. Therefore, by opening the ceiling panel 122 of the ceiling surface 12, the bill transport path 21 can be exposed to the outside.

[0038] The bill transport path 21 is configured as, for example, a housing through which bills stand vertically and pass horizontally, and a transport mechanism such as a belt or rollers for transporting bills is provided along the longitudinal direction of the housing. The bill transport path 21 is arranged in a horizontal straight line from one end of the structure 10 to the safe 22 at the other end. The configuration of such a bill transport device 20 is common, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0039] <Display means 30> 1 and 2, in the gaming device 1, the area directly above the various gaming machines 2 is covered with a ceiling surface 12, and a display means 30 is installed on the ceiling surface 12. As shown in Fig. 14, the display means 30 has a display device 31 equipped with a screen capable of displaying game information and the like corresponding to the various gaming machines 2, a support member 32 that supports the display device 31 from the rear side, and a mounting member 33 to which the support member 32 is attached and which is fixed to the ceiling surface 12 via a fixing bracket 34.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 6, the display device 31 is configured by, for example, enclosing a liquid crystal display screen in a shallow case. The screen of the display device 31 allows the player to appropriately select and display game information such as the number of starts and jackpots today, as well as the history of past game information by operating the touch panel. The game information also includes the occurrence of a jackpot and the game status that notifies the player of a call. The display device 31 may be provided with a call button function that allows the player to call a game parlor staff member, or a call lamp may be provided as part of the display means 30 separately from the display device 31.

[0041] The support member 32 is fixed to the rear side of the case opposite the screen of the display device 31, and is attached to the mounting member 33. Here, the support member 32 is formed in a substantially rectangular bracket shape extending in both sides of the case, but may also be simply configured in another shape, for example an arm shape. The support member 32 may also be configured so that the inclination angle of the screen of the display device 31 relative to the mounting member 33 described below can be adjusted.

[0042] 14 and 15, the mounting member 33 mounts the display device 31 via the support member 32 and is fixed to the ceiling surface 12 of the game device 1. The mounting member 33 is formed, for example, by combining wooden boards, and is formed in a box shape with side portions 332 integrally provided on both ends of a vertical front portion 331. The support member 32 is fixed to the front side of the front portion 331, and the front portion 331 is provided with a through hole 333 for passing wiring from the display device 31.

[0043] The mounting member 33 is fixed to a fixed bracket 34 pre-fixed to the ceiling frame 121 with the installation surface, in which the lower ends of the front portion 331 and both side portions 332 are joined to form a substantially U-shape, placed on the ceiling frame 121 of the ceiling surface 12. The fixed bracket 34 is formed in the shape of a metal bracket as shown in Fig. 14. The fixed bracket 34 is screwed in advance to the ceiling frame 121 so as to surround the notch 123 provided at a position corresponding to each gaming machine 2.

[0044] The fixed bracket 34 has a similar shape to the mounting member 33 except for the bottom surface portion that abuts against the ceiling frame 121, and the mounting member 33 is slid from the front side to the rear side to abut against the front side of the front portion. Here, a metal plate 334 for screw fastening that extends in the left-right direction is disposed on the rear side of the front portion 331 of the mounting member 33, and the metal plate 334 is provided with screw holes aligned in the left-right direction.

[0045] The mounting member 33 is movable in the left-right direction (the longitudinal direction of the ceiling frame 121) relative to the fixed bracket 34 which is in a fixed position on the ceiling frame 121, within a range in which the fixed bracket 34 fits inside the mounting member 33. The mounting member 33 can be screwed at any position in the left-right direction by matching the screw holes of the metal plate 334 with the screw holes of the fixed bracket 34. In this way, the display means 30 is attached to the ceiling frame 12, and its installation position can be moved at least in the left-right direction.

[0046] <Modifications of the mounting member 33> 16 to 18 show mounting member 33A, which is a modified example of mounting member 33. Mounting member 33A is basically configured in the same way as mounting member 33, but the method of mounting to fixed bracket 34A on ceiling frame 121 is different. Fixed bracket 34A also has a slightly different configuration from fixed bracket 34. Note that in mounting member 33A, the same parts as mounting member 33 are designated by the same reference numerals and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0047] The mounting member 33A is provided with a metal bracket 335 having an L-shaped cross section extending in the left-right direction on the back side of the front part 331. A front wall 335a of the bracket 335 is fixed to the back side of the front part 331 of the mounting member 33A in advance with screws aligned on the left and right, and a bottom wall 335b extends at a right angle and with a constant width rearward from the lower end of the front wall 335a. The left and right separated bottom parts 341 of the fixed bracket 34A are abutted against a fixed position of the ceiling frame 121 and fixed with screws, but the front sides of both bottom parts 341 are formed in a tongue-like shape that sandwiches the bottom wall 335b of the bracket 335 between the ceiling frame 121 and the bottom part 341.

[0048] That is, to fix the mounting member 33A to the fixed bracket 34A, the front side of the bottom surface portion 341 of the fixed bracket 34A is placed on the bottom wall 335b of the bracket 335 on the mounting member 33A side, and the bottom surface portion 341 is screwed to the ceiling frame 121. At this time, the mounting member 33A is movable in the left-right direction (the longitudinal direction of the ceiling frame 121) within a range in which the fixed bracket 34A fits inside the mounting member 33A.

[0049] Then, by firmly screwing the bottom surface portion 341 of the fixed bracket 34A to the ceiling frame 121, the bottom wall 335b of the mounting member 33A is firmly clamped and fixed. Also, by loosening the screws, the installation position of the display means 30 including the mounting member 33A can be moved in the left-right direction. Due to this engagement relationship between the mounting member 33A and the fixed bracket 34A, it is possible to fix it at any position in the left-right direction as long as the bracket 335 of the mounting member 33A overlaps with the fixed bracket 34A in a fixed position, and the installation position can be fine-tuned without being limited by the position of the screw holes.

[0050] In addition, in the display means 30, the mounting members 33, 33A are made of wood, and a protective member for protecting the ceiling frame 121 may be placed on the installation surface where the lower ends of the front part 331 and both side parts 332 are connected to form a substantially U-shape as the parts that come into contact with the ceiling frame 121. Here, the protective member may be, for example, a felt material or a resin sheet attached. Note that the bottom wall 335b of the bracket 335 and the bottom part 341 of the fixed bracket 34A are made of metal, and similar protective members may be placed on these installation surfaces as well.

[0051] Such a protective member can protect the surface of the ceiling frame 121 against which the installation surface of the display means 30 abuts, thereby preventing scratches. In addition, by arranging the protective member on the display means 30 side, the area required for arranging the protective member can be made smaller than when the protective member is arranged on the ceiling surface 12. This makes it possible to reduce the cost related to the protective member.

[0052] As the protective member, in addition to the above-mentioned felt material or resin sheet, the installation surface side of the display means 30 may be formed from resin, or casters, etc. may be provided. In short, it is sufficient if the protective member has an appropriate degree of friction with the ceiling surface 12 while protecting the ceiling surface 12. If the protective member generates an appropriate degree of friction, when the display means 30 is made movable, it can be easily installed in a predetermined position without using a fixing means.

[0053] <Function of Gaming Device 1> Next, the operation of the game device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in Fig. 1, the structure 10 forming the overall frame of the game device 1 is assembled at a construction site such as an amusement park. That is, in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, first, the first support members 14 are installed vertically on the floor while adjusting the level using the footrests 141. Here, the pair of front and rear first support members 14 are combined together by the footrests 141 and beams 147, and are arranged at the aforementioned predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the structure 10.

[0054] A lower plate member 17 that extends horizontally in the longitudinal direction from the front to the rear of the structure 10 is supported midway on the lower side of each first support member 14. A tray plate 16 that extends horizontally in the longitudinal direction from the front to the rear of the structure 10 is supported midway on each first support member 14 above the lower plate member 17. Furthermore, second support members 15 are installed between each first support member 14 on the front and rear tray plates 16. Here, the second support members 15 also form a pair of front and rear sets, but are each installed vertically independently on the tray plate 16. Note that a reinforcing column 18 is installed between the tray plate 16 and the lower plate member 17 at a position slightly offset to the left or right, rather than directly below the second support member 15.

[0055] Inside the structure 10, a bill transport device 20 is installed in advance between the upper parts of the first support members 14 before the gaming machines 2, etc. are installed on the tray 16. As shown in Fig. 6, the bill transport device 20 is installed in a state in which a bill transport path 21, which is a main part of the device, extends horizontally in the longitudinal direction between the upper parts of the pair of front and rear first support members 14. Here, the bill transport path 21 is located behind the upper parts of the various gaming machines 2, and is at the same height as the bill receiving opening and bill discharging means of the inter-machine unit 3 (not shown).

[0056] Then, on the front and rear trays 16, the gaming machines 2 are installed in two rows, one in front and one in back, lined up on the left and right, in each section between the support members 14, 15. When installing a pachinko machine 2A, the bottom surface of the pachinko machine 2A is placed and fixed on the tray 16 as shown on the right side of Fig. 6. Similarly, when installing a slot machine 2B, the bottom surface of the slot machine 2B is placed and fixed on the tray 16 as shown on the left side of Fig. 6. Note that when it is necessary to place the gaming machine 2 higher than the reference surface of the tray 16 depending on the type of gaming machine 2, a seat plate (not shown) is added to the tray 16.

[0057] The various gaming machines 2 according to this embodiment are of the same model in height for all pachinko machines 2A and slot machines 2B. As a result, even if different types of pachinko machines 2A and slot machines 2B are mixed in one structure 10, the installation surfaces of the various gaming machines 2 on the tray 16 can be aligned to the same height, and the ceiling surfaces of the various gaming machines 2 can also be aligned to the same height, making it easy to install the various gaming machines 2. As will be described later, the specific dimensions of the structure 10 differ depending on whether the pachinko machines 2A and slot machines 2B are mixed and installed, or whether only the slot machines 2B are installed.

[0058] Furthermore, by adopting the above-mentioned enclosed pachinko machines and medal-less slot machines for the various gaming machines 2, storage tanks and distribution gutters for gaming media, which were provided in the upper part of a conventional gaming machine island, are not required above the gaming machines 2. Therefore, the area directly above the gaming machines 2 can be covered by the ceiling surface 12 of the structure 10. Moreover, the lower part 13 of the structure 10 does not require the lower storage tanks and collection gutters for gaming media, which were provided in a conventional gaming machine island, and the overall configuration of the gaming device 1 can be simplified.

[0059] In this way, with this gaming device 1, it is possible to easily realize a configuration in which various gaming machines 2 are, for example, only pachinko machines 2A, only slot machines 2B, or a mixture of both as shown in Figures 1 to 4, by sharing one structure 10. Also, various parts such as the support members 14, 15 and tray 16 that make up the structure 10, and the ceiling surface 12 described later, can be easily replaced with a gaming machine 2 of a different model later, basically without changing or adding anything.

[0060] In addition, a spacer 3 is also installed between each of the support members 14, 15 on the left side of each of the gaming machines 2. In this embodiment, the spacer 3 is also set at the same height as the gaming machines 2, so that the bill receiving port or bill discharge means of the spacer 3 can be easily adjusted to the height of the bill transport path 21. Therefore, unlike conventional gaming machine islands, there is no need to reconstruct the layout of the bill transport path 21 in accordance with the difference in the installation height of each of the different types of gaming machines 2 and spacer 3. In particular, the bill receiving port can be set at an appropriate height that can be easily reached by the hand of a seated player, rather than at a height that cannot be reached when the player is seated, as in conventional gaming machine islands.

[0061] Furthermore, the bill ejection means for a pachinko machine can be used for a slot machine as well, and each bill ejection means can be used in common as long as it is the same height. If gaps occur between the support members 14, 15 due to differences or changes in the width dimensions of various gaming machines 2, the gaps will be blocked by arranging partitions or gap members as described above. As shown in Fig. 13, a waist plate 19 is attached to the upper half of the lower part 13 of the structure 10, and end plates 4 are attached to both ends of the structure 10 as shown in Fig. 1.

[0062] In the installation step 11 of the structure 10, the area immediately above the gaming machines 2 and the banknote transport path 21 is covered by a ceiling surface 12. As shown in Fig. 13, the upper ends of the support members 14, 15 are aligned at the same height, and a ceiling frame 121 is supported in a horizontally extended state between the upper ends of the support members 14, 15 at the front and rear of the structure 10. A ceiling panel 122 is then attached so as to be placed between the pair of front and rear ceiling frames 121. Here, the ceiling frame 121 can be removed to open the structure.

[0063] In this way, by fixing the ceiling surface 12 onto each of the support members 14, 15 extending perpendicularly to the floor, it is not necessary to attach the ceiling surface 12 to the side of each of the support members 14, 15 at their midpoints, using fixing parts such as brackets or angles. Therefore, the ceiling surface 12 can be easily installed while maintaining its strength without incurring costs. Also, as described above, there is no need for storage tanks and distribution gutters for game media above the gaming machines 2, as was the case in the upper part of a conventional gaming machine island, so by covering the area directly above the gaming machines 2 with the ceiling surface 12, the height of the gaming device 1 can be kept low.

[0064] Fig. 22 illustrates typical height dimensions of a conventional gaming machine island. In Fig. 22, part H1 corresponds to the lower stage 13 (see Fig. 7) of the present gaming device 1, and part H2 corresponds to the installation stage 11 (see Fig. 7) of the present gaming device 1. Parts H3 and H4 in Fig. 22 correspond to the upper stage of a conventional gaming machine island. A conventional display means is installed in part H3. In the present gaming device 1, the ceiling surface 12 covers the area directly above the various gaming machines 2 and the bill transport device 20, so that it is possible to eliminate the height dimension of at least part H3 and the conventional panel part of part H4.

[0065] Fig. 23 illustrates typical height dimensions of the gaming device 1. In Fig. 23, part H1 corresponds to the lower part 13 of the gaming device 1, and the height dimension when a pachinko machine 2A and a slot machine 2B are installed together is, for example, 580 mm, while the height dimension when only the slot machine 2B is installed is, for example, 500 mm.

[0066] In Fig. 23, the part H2 corresponds to the installation step 11 of the gaming device 1, and the height dimension of this part is uniform, for example, 813 mm, regardless of the types of gaming machines 2 and whether they are mixed or not. This dimension is when the above-mentioned seat plate is present. In Fig. 23, the part H4 is the thickness dimension of the ceiling part including the ceiling surface 12 of the gaming device 1, and the dimension when the pachinko machine 2A and the slot machine 2B are installed together is, for example, 57 mm, but the dimension when only the slot machine 2B is installed is, for example, 37 mm.

[0067] Fig. 24(a) is a chart showing a comparison of height dimensions between a case where pachinko machines 2A and slot machines 2B are mixed in the gaming device 1, and a pachinko machine-only island (conventional island) where only conventional pachinko machines are installed. Also, Fig. 24(b) is a chart showing a comparison of height dimensions between a case where only slot machine 2B is installed in the gaming device 1, and a slot machine-only island (conventional island) where only conventional slot machines are installed.

[0068] As can be seen from Fig. 24(a), the height dimension of the present gaming device 1 in the case where pachinko machines 2A and slot machines 2B are mixed is generally kept lower, for example, by -467 mm, compared to a conventional island dedicated to pachinko machines (conventional island). Also, as can be seen from Fig. 24(b), the height dimension of the present gaming device 1 in the case where only slot machines 2B are installed is generally kept lower, for example, by -226 mm, compared to a conventional island dedicated to slot machines (conventional island). Note that the dimension H1 in Fig. 24 is not the vertical width of the wainscot 19 itself, but the dimension from the floor to the top of the wainscot 19 (see Fig. 23).

[0069] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, inside the structure 10, the banknote transport device 20 in particular is also installed immediately below the ceiling surface 12. Therefore, when performing maintenance, inspection or repair of the banknote transport path 21, it is possible to open the ceiling plate 122 and easily reach from the ceiling side to perform the work. Here, since the ceiling plate 122 is placed between a pair of front and rear ceiling frames 121, the ceiling plate 122 can be easily removed to open the ceiling surface 12 without touching the various gaming machines 2.

[0070] This eliminates the need for the troublesome opening and closing work of opening only the main body while leaving the outer frame of the pachinko machine fixed, as in the case of conventional gaming machine islands, and eliminates the burden of exposing the bill transport path 21, making it easy to reach the bill transport path 21 from the outside. In particular, in this gaming device 1, by keeping the overall height low, it becomes even easier to reach the ceiling surface 12, improving the workability of maintenance, inspection, and repair of the bill transport path 21.

[0071] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the display means 30 is installed on the ceiling surface 12 of the structure 10. That is, in Figures 14 and 15, the fixed bracket 34 is first screwed to the ceiling frame 121 in advance so as to surround the notch 123. Next, the mounting member 33 of the display means 30 is slid from the front side to the back side to abut against the fixed bracket 34 on the ceiling frame 121. The metal plate 334 of the mounting member 33 abutted against the fixed bracket 34 has multiple screw holes in the left-right direction, so that the mounting member 33 can be moved left-right and fixed by screws at an installation position that exactly matches the gaming machine 2.

[0072] This allows the display means 30 to be freely adjusted in its left-right installation position on the ceiling surface 12 in accordance with differences and changes in the width dimensions of the various gaming machines 2 to which it corresponds. The display device 31 including a screen is supported on the mounting member 33 of the display means 30 via the support member 32, and the tilt angle of the screen of the display device 31 may be adjustable. The adjustment of the installation position of the display means 30 is not limited to manual adjustment, and may be configured to be automatically adjusted using a driving means, for example. The automatic position adjustment here includes adjustments based on instructions from a management device such as a hall computer or a machine 3, and the display means 30 may be configured to be movable not only left-right but also up-down.

[0073] In particular, in this gaming device 1, the height to the ceiling surface 12 is kept low, and only the display means 30 is above the ceiling surface 12. Therefore, it is possible to ensure sufficient visibility above the gaming machine 2 in the gaming device 1. Therefore, when multiple gaming devices 1 are installed on the floor, it is possible to improve the visibility between each gaming device 1, and easily see the display means 30 of another gaming device 1, and it is also possible to quickly check the display contents of the display means 30 and take prompt action.

[0074] 16 to 18, a metal bracket 335 is fixed to the back side of the front portion 331 of the mounting member 33A, and a bottom wall 335b of this bracket 335 is inserted under a bottom portion 341 of a fixed bracket 34A that is fixed to the ceiling frame 121. In this state, the mounting member 33A can be fixed by moving the mounting member 33A left and right and firmly screwing the fixed bracket 34A to the ceiling frame 121 at an installation position that matches the gaming machine 2.

[0075] In such a modified example of the display means 30, the bottom wall 335b of the bracket 335 and the bottom part 341 of the fixed bracket 34A, which are the installation surfaces that contact the ceiling frame 121, are made of metal, so there is a risk that the ceiling frame 121 on the attachment side may be damaged. Therefore, by attaching a protective member such as a felt material or a resin sheet to these metal installation surfaces, the ceiling frame 121 can be prevented from being damaged. The same applies to the bottom part of the fixed bracket 34. Note that although the attachment member 33A and the above-mentioned attachment member 33 are made of wood, if a similar protective member is placed on the installation surfaces where the lower ends of the front part 331 and both side parts 332 are connected in a substantially U-shape, the ceiling frame 121 can be further prevented from being damaged.

[0076] 20 and 21 show an example of a structure 10A in which only the slot machine 2B of the gaming device 1 described in Figs. 23 and 24 is installed. This modified structure 10A is basically configured in the same way as the structure 10, but the configurations and arrangements of the support members 14, 15 are slightly different within the range of design matters. In the structure 10A, the same parts as those in the structure 10 are given the same reference numerals and duplicated explanations are omitted.

[0077] In such a structure 10A, the front-rear width is set wide to match the slot machine 2B. Also, as shown in Fig. 24, the height dimensions of the part H2 (installation step 11) are equal to each other, but the height dimension of the part H1 (lower step 13) is 580 mm in the structure 10 and is lower at 500 mm in the structure 10A, and the height dimension of the part H4 (ceiling surface 12) is 41 mm in the structure 10 and is lower at 34 mm in the structure 10A.

[0078] Moreover, the ceiling surface 12A of the structure 10A also has a ceiling frame 121A and a ceiling board 122A attached to the ceiling frame 121A in an openable and closable manner, and the ceiling board 122A can be opened, but the specific shape of these is different from that of the ceiling surface 12. In this way, it is preferable to prepare a plurality of structures 10, 10A with different configurations in advance according to the types and numbers of various gaming machines 2 to be installed.

[0079] <Configuration and Effects of the Present Invention> Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The present invention derived from the above-described embodiment will be described below.

[0080] First, the present invention provides a gaming device 1 in which a gaming machine 2 and a display means 30 capable of displaying game information corresponding to the gaming machine 2 can be installed, The display means 30 is disposed on a ceiling surface 12 covering the upper part of the gaming machine 2.

[0081] According to such a gaming device 1, the area directly above the gaming machines 2 is covered by the ceiling surface 12, and therefore, unlike conventional gaming machine islands, the gaming device 10 does not have an upper island surrounded by a panel above the gaming machines 2. As a result, it is possible to prevent the overall size of the gaming device 1, such as the overall height, from increasing, reduce equipment costs, and ensure visibility above the gaming machines.

[0082] Furthermore, by installing the display means 30 on the ceiling surface 12 that covers the upper part of the gaming machine 2, it is possible to ensure visibility of the display means 30 above the gaming machine 2. Therefore, when multiple gaming devices 1 are installed, visibility between the gaming devices 1 is improved, and it is possible to easily see the display means 30 of the other gaming devices 1, and it is possible to quickly check the display contents of the display means 30 and take prompt action.

[0083] Further, in the present invention, the display means 30 is characterized in that the installation position thereof can be moved at least in the left and right direction. With this configuration, the display means 30 can be easily adjusted in its installation position in the left-right direction on the ceiling surface 12 in accordance with differences and changes in the width dimensions of the various gaming machines 2 to which it is compatible.

[0084] In the present invention, the ceiling surface 12 has a ceiling frame 121 and a ceiling plate 122 attached to the ceiling frame 121 in an openable and closable manner, and the ceiling frame 121 is fixed to and supported horizontally by support members 14 and 15 that can be installed vertically to the floor, The display means 30 is characterized in that it is attached to the ceiling frame 121.

[0085] Such a ceiling surface 12 can ensure the necessary rigidity and strength with a simple structure, and for example, it is not necessary to attach it to the side of the support members 14, 15 midway via fixing parts such as brackets or angles. Therefore, the installation of the ceiling surface 12 can be easily performed without incurring costs. Furthermore, by attaching the display means 30 to the ceiling frame 121, when the ceiling board 122 is opened for maintenance or the like, it can be opened without touching the display means 30 on the ceiling frame 121.

[0086] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that a protection member for protecting the ceiling surface 12 is disposed on the installation surface of the display means 30. Such a protective member can protect the surface of the ceiling frame 121 against which the installation surface of the display means 30 abuts, thereby preventing the surface from being scratched. Also, by providing the protective member on the display means 30 side, the area in which the protective member is placed is smaller than when the protective member is placed on the ceiling surface 12, which makes it possible to reduce costs.

[0087] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention includes any changes or additions that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention. For example, the types, numbers, and specific allocation (layout) of the various gaming machines 2 in the gaming device 1 are not limited to the aspects of the above-mentioned embodiments, and may be appropriately determined according to the situation of the installation location. [Industrial Applicability]

[0088] The gaming device according to the present invention can be widely applied as various gaming machines, including pachinko machines and slot machines. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1...Amusement device 2. Various gaming machines 2A…Pachinko machine 2B…Slot machine 3…Inter-machine machine 10...Structure 11…Installation stepped section 12…Ceiling surface 121…Ceiling frame 122…Ceiling panel 13…Lower section 14…First support member 15...Second support member 16...Metal board 20...Banknote transport device 21...Banknote transport route 30...Display means 31...Display device 32...Support member 33...Mounting member

Claims

1. A gaming device in which a gaming machine and a display means capable of displaying game information corresponding to the gaming machine can be installed, A gaming device, characterized in that the display means is installed on a ceiling surface covering the upper part of the gaming machine.

2. 2. The gaming device according to claim 1, wherein the display means is movable in its installation position at least in the left-right direction.

3. The ceiling surface has a ceiling frame and a ceiling plate attached to the ceiling frame in an openable and closable manner, the ceiling frame is fixed to a support member that can be installed vertically to a floor and is supported horizontally, 3. The gaming device according to claim 1, wherein the display means is attached to the ceiling frame.

4. 3. The gaming device according to claim 1, further comprising a protection member for protecting said ceiling surface, said protection member being disposed on a surface on which said display means is disposed.

Images