Mahjong table

Abstract

To simplify control of multiple display devices in comparison to conventional ones, reduce the number of display devices, and eliminate the need for conventional blind members in a mahjong table that does not use actual tiles.SOLUTION: A mahjong table comprises a rectangular mahjong table 1 and standing parts 2 provided on the four sides of the mahjong table 1. The table further comprises stoppers that support the standing parts 2 at a predetermined angle toward each player, and four display devices 6-9 arranged on the standing parts 2 toward each player. The four display devices 6-9 perform all displays necessary for a competitive mahjong game by each player, without using actual mahjong tiles.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mahjong table.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, fully automatic mahjong tables using tiles have been developed, reducing the burden on those who enjoy the game. Also, many have been developed that allow one person to play against people across the country via smartphone apps. However, it is not possible to experience the fun of actually gathering multiple real people to enjoy the game.

[0003] On the other hand, mahjong tables that do not use actual mahjong tiles have also been disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1). The invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a mahjong gaming machine in the shape of a mahjong table with a square surface. The gaming machine includes a discard tile display section provided at the central part of the square. Also, the gaming machine has four supplementary exposure tile display sections provided along each side of the square. Furthermore, the gaming machine includes four hand tile display sections provided along each side of the square. In addition, the gaming machine has an action input section for inputting the actions of each player. Also, the gaming machine includes a control section for controlling the mahjong game. Furthermore, the gaming machine has a blindfold member for hiding the hand tile display section from other competitors.

[0004] And in this gaming machine, four players surround the square table to play the mahjong game. This provides something that can shorten the game time and make the players feel the same enjoyment as when playing the game using tiles.

[0005] Mahjong tables that do not use actual tiles transform from analog play equipment to digital play equipment. Also, not using actual tiles realizes a quiet mahjong environment.

[0006] Furthermore, among mahjong players, there are experts and veterans, and there are those who cheat more or less. This is causing mahjong beginners and novices to lose interest in the game. In this regard, mahjong that does not use actual tiles also helps prevent cheating.

[0007] However, the mahjong gaming machine of Patent Document 1 requires at least one large display device constituting the discarded tile display unit and four display devices constituting the declared meld display unit and the hand display unit. Therefore, the gaming machine requires at least five display devices, and since one of them is large, it incurs a corresponding high cost. In addition to the four display devices prepared for each player, the display content of the discarded tile display unit must be controlled, which has the disadvantage of complicating the control program.

[0008] Furthermore, in the same gaming machine, it was necessary to provide a blindfold member to conceal the hand display unit from other players. When such a blindfold member is provided, if the specification of the display content is changed in the future, it may be necessary to adjust the attachment position of the blindfold member.

[0009] Also, even if cheating by skilled players is prevented by not using actual tiles, there are other differences in strength between skilled players and unskilled players. For example, differences in the ability to predict which types of tiles are most advantageous to draw and differences in judgment regarding which tile to discard after drawing. These points are also the reasons why unskilled players and beginners lose interest in the game.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0010]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0011] The main problems of the present invention are to improve the disadvantages of the above conventional examples, and in particular, in a mahjong table that does not use actual tiles, to simplify the control of a plurality of display devices more than before, to reduce the number of display devices, and to eliminate the need for a conventional blindfold member.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0012] To solve the above problems, a mahjong table, which is an invention of the present application, includes a square mahjong table and standing parts respectively provided on four sides of the mahjong table. Further, it has stoppers that support each of the standing parts by standing them up at a predetermined angle toward each player, and four display devices arranged on each standing part toward each player. And the four display devices perform all the displays necessary for the players' competitive mahjong without involving the use of actual mahjong tiles.

[0013] The present invention is composed of four display devices common to each player. Each display device is supported by a stopper in a state of standing up toward each player by the standing part.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, in a mahjong table that does not use actual tiles, it is possible to simplify the control of a plurality of display devices more easily than before, reduce the number of display devices, and eliminate the need for conventional blindfold members.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an embodiment of a mahjong table. The mahjong table of this embodiment includes a square mahjong table 1 and upright portions 2 provided on each of the four sides of the mahjong table 1. Further, it has a stopper 4 (described later) that stands up and supports each upright portion 2 at a predetermined angle toward each player, and four display devices 6-9 arranged on each upright portion 2 toward each player. The four display devices 6-9 perform all the displays necessary for competitive mahjong by each player and do not involve the use of actual mahjong tiles.

[0017] In this embodiment, the mahjong table 1 has a square planar shape. The upright portion 2 lies on the plane of the mahjong table 1 in the storage position. The upright portion 2 is formed in a trapezoidal shape with the player side as the lower base and the central side of the mahjong table 1 as the upper base. The side of the upright portion 2 on the player side serves as the rotation axis of the upright portion 2. The upright portion 2 rotates around this rotation axis and stands up toward the player side. A rectangular display device 6-9 is fitted into the central portion of the upright portion 2. The display device 6-9 stands up toward the player side as the upright portion 2 rotates. Reference numeral 3 is an operation portion for hooking a finger on the upright portion 2 to stand it up. The operation portion 3 is a depression formed on the plane of the mahjong table 1. Reference numeral 5 is a centralized switch for starting and ending the display devices 6-9 all at once.

[0018] Figure 2 shows the state of the raised standing part 2 as viewed from the side. A stopper 4 is installed on the back of the raised standing part 2. The stopper 4 is formed in an elastic plate shape or rod shape, with the upper part fixed to the back of the standing part 2 and the lower part being able to be pulled away from the standing part 2 against the elasticity. In the stored state of the standing part 2, the stopper 4 is along a straight line on the back of the standing part 2, but after the standing part 2 is raised, by pulling the lower part of the stopper 4 away from the back of the standing part 2 and bringing it into contact with the plane of the mahjong table 1, it becomes the support for the standing part 2. Also, through the reverse operation, the standing part 2 can be stored on the plane of the mahjong table 1.

[0019] Figure 3 shows the fixing structure of the lower part of the stopper 4. The storage location of the standing part 2 is provided as a depression on the plane of the mahjong table 1, and on the bottom surface of this depression, a zigzag multi-step step formed by a line parallel to the rotation axis of the standing part 2 is formed. By selecting the position of this step to lock the lower part of the stopper 4, the standing part 2 is supported in a state of standing up at a predetermined angle. That is, the stopper 4 is provided with an angle adjustment mechanism for the standing part 2 that stands up towards the player.

[0020] Also, the operation part 3 for hooking a finger on the standing part 2 to raise it is a shallower depression than the depression for storing the standing part 2. The planar shape of this operation part 3 is semi-circular.

[0021] Subsequently, Figure 4 shows the display screen of the display devices 6 - 9. This display screen includes a trump card display part 10, a wall card display part 11, and a player name (seated person name) display part 12. Also, this display screen includes a discarded tile display part 13 and a central display part 14. Furthermore, this display screen includes a hand card display part 15, a self-drawn tile display part 16, and a shanten number display part 17. In addition to this, this display screen includes a chi confirmation button 18, a pon confirmation button 19, and a kan confirmation button 20. Also, this display screen includes a chi, pon, kan cancel confirmation button 21 and a win intention display button 22. Each button is displayed only when the corresponding operation can be performed.

[0022] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the central display unit 14. The central display unit 14 includes a field, the number of rounds, the number of remaining discardable tiles, the name of each player, the score of each player, and a reach bar placement area, etc.

[0023] FIG. 6 shows a display example of the hand display unit 15. The hand is displayed by dividing the hand into a plurality of zones according to the type of the hand. The display device 6-9 is provided with a hand display function for switching the types of hands to be displayed in the plurality of zones. Details of the hand display function will be described later. In the example of FIG. 6, honor tiles are displayed in zone 1 from the left of the hand, dots in zone 2, honor tiles in zone 3, bamboo in zone 4, honor tiles in zone 5, circles in zone 6, and honor tiles in zone 7. When discarding a tile, it is shown on the display devices of other players which zone of the hand the discarded tile was selected from. By arranging the types of hands for each zone, it is a function to make it difficult to read the discarded hand from the discarded tiles.

[0024] The arrow button indicated by reference numeral 23 in FIG. 4 is an ascending / descending selection button 23 for switching whether to arrange the hands in the respective zones in descending order or ascending order. When the ascending / descending selection button 23 is operated, the hand display function program switches and displays the order of the hands in the respective zones in descending order or ascending order.

[0025] In the present embodiment, the four display devices 6-9 used by each player are four tablet terminals. FIG. 7 is a connection diagram of the tablet terminals 6-9. Each tablet terminal 6-9 is connected through a data communication path. The data communication path may be wired or wireless. It is conceivable that each tablet terminal 6-9 performs data communication with each other according to standards such as a wired LAN or a wireless LAN (Wi-Fi, etc.).

[0026] Also, a centralized switch 5 for operating the startup and termination of the four tablet terminals 6-9 is connected to the data communication path. The centralized switch 5 can start up and terminate the four tablet terminals 6-9 all at once, for example, by using a switch access function to the tablet terminals 6-9 as an external device.

[0027] Here, in the present embodiment, among the four tablet terminals 6-9, one is set as the host tablet 6, and the other three are set as sub-tablets 7-9, and ad-hoc communication is performed between the tablet terminals. The host tablet 6 receives game settings before the start of the mahjong game, and displays the seats of each player determined based on the game settings on the host tablet 6 and each sub-tablet 7-9. The game settings include the selection of the mahjong rules, which is the initial setting, the selection of whether it is an east wind game, a half-round game, or a full-round game, the player name (participant name) of the game, the acquired points, the selection of the multiplier for the acquired points, and the like.

[0028] Each of the tablet terminals 6-9 executes the same mahjong software for the mahjong game and communicates with each other. The screens displayed by each of the tablet terminals 6-9 during the game are basically in the same display form, which is the form of the display screen shown in FIG. 4.

[0029] First, by operating the centralized switch 5, the tablet terminals 6-9 are started up all at once. Next, on the host tablet 6, the selection of the mahjong rules, which is the initial setting, the selection of whether it is an east wind game, a half-round game, or a full-round game, the player name, the initial points, the multiplier for the acquired points, and the like are selected and input. After that, the seat determination is executed.

[0030] Each player takes their seat, lifts the standing part 2, and when each touches the tablet terminal 6-9 as a signal, the game starts. After that, it is carried out in the normal progress of the mahjong game.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a block configuration diagram of the tablet terminals 6-9 as computers. The tablet terminals 6-9 are equipped with the constituent elements of a general computer, and include a processor 31, a storage device 32, a communication device 33, an input device I / F 34, and a display device I / F 35. The input device I / F 34 and the display device I / F 35 are connected to a touch panel. The communication device 33 is connected to a data communication path for communicating with other tablet terminals.

[0032] In this embodiment, when the tablet terminal 6-9 selects a discard candidate for maintaining the declared wait during the declared wait, it has a probability display function of displaying the types and probabilities of the winning tiles around the discard candidate. Also, when the tablet terminal 6-9 selects a discard candidate for maintaining the one-sided wait during the one-sided wait, it has a probability display function of displaying the types and probabilities of the tiles that will become the declared wait around the discard candidate. Similarly, when in the two-sided wait, when a discard candidate for maintaining the two-sided wait is selected, it may have a probability display function of displaying the types and probabilities of the tiles that will become the one-sided wait around the discard candidate.

[0033] For example, when in the declared wait, as a result of selecting a discard candidate, if the wait becomes a two-sided wait, the types of waiting tiles are two types, and there are a maximum of 4 tiles each. Among these, if 2 tiles of one type have already been discarded on the table, subtract 2 from 4, and the probability of winning with that waiting tile is 2 / 4. Similarly, if 3 tiles of the other type have already been discarded on the table, the probability of winning with that waiting tile is 1 / 4. And in this example, the two types of waiting tiles for the two-sided wait are displayed around the discard candidate, and furthermore, the corresponding probabilities are displayed above each waiting tile. This is the probability display function.

[0034] Also, the probability display function works not only during the declared wait but also during the one-sided wait and the two-sided wait. For example, when in the one-sided wait, as a result of selecting a discard candidate, if the waits for the declared wait become two two-sided waits, each type of waiting tile has a maximum of 4 tiles each. Among these, if 2 tiles of one type have already been discarded on the table, subtract 2 from 4, and the probability of declaring a wait with that waiting tile is 2 / 4. Similarly, for a waiting tile that has already had 3 tiles discarded on the table, the probability of declaring a wait with that waiting tile is 1 / 4.

[0035] And in this example, since there are relatively many waiting tiles, a total of 4 types, as shown in FIG. 12, the central display unit 14 may display the waiting tiles arranged and display the probabilities above each waiting tile. The same applies to the two-sided wait. Regarding the determination of whether to display multiple types of waiting-for-win tiles around the discarded tiles or on the central display unit 14, it may be determined based on whether the number of types of waiting-for-win tiles exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a block configuration diagram including a probability display function. The hand card storage unit 41 stores the hand cards of each player. The hand cards are updated each time as the game progresses. The discarded tile candidate selection unit 42 determines the discarded tile being selected from the hand cards according to the operation of the player input to the input device I / F 34. The state determination unit 43 detects a waiting-for-win, one-way waiting-for-win, or two-way waiting-for-win (hereinafter referred to as "waiting-for-win, etc.") from the hand cards of each player stored in the hand card storage unit 41. The state determination unit 43 acquires the discarded tile candidate selected by the player who has detected waiting-for-win, etc. from the discarded tile candidate selection unit 42.

[0037] The state determination unit 43 determines one or more waiting-for-win tiles for the next state (winning, waiting-for-win, or one-way waiting-for-win) according to the discarded tile candidate selected by the player who has detected waiting-for-win, etc., and notifies the probability display function 44. The probability display function 44 determines, based on the information in the discarded tile storage unit 45, how many of each notified waiting-for-win tile have been discarded on the field. Here, the discarded tile storage unit 45 stores the discarded tiles discarded on the field and updates the record of the discarded tiles each time as the game progresses.

[0038] Then, for each waiting-for-win tile notified from the state determination unit 43, with the maximum number of 4 as the denominator, and with 4 - S (where S is the number of waiting-for-win tiles discarded on the field subtracted from the maximum number 4) as the numerator, the probability of [(4 - S) / 4] is notified to the display processing unit 46 for each type of waiting-for-win tile. The display processing unit 46 displays each notified waiting-for-win tile on top of the discarded tile candidate being selected by the player, and displays the probability [(4 - S) / 4] of each notified waiting-for-win tile in association with each waiting-for-win tile. Here, the display does not necessarily have to be in fraction form, and it may be in percentage display or the like. In addition, when the number of types of tiles to be displayed around the discarded tile candidates exceeds a predetermined number, the display processing unit 46 may display the types and probabilities of the waiting tiles on the central display unit 14 instead of displaying them around the discarded tile candidates. When the display processing unit 46 displays the types and probabilities of the waiting tiles on the central display unit 14, it is preferable to return the display on the central display unit 14 to the normal display shown in FIG. 5 when the discarded tile is determined.

[0039] Subsequently, FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of the hand display function. The hand storage unit 41 stores the hand tiles divided into a plurality of zones for each player. In the present embodiment, 13 hand tiles are stored divided into 7 zones. The hand storage unit 41 stores by associating a zone ID indicating the identifier of the zone, a zone setting indicating the type of tile corresponding to the zone, and the hand tiles corresponding to the type of tile. In the example of FIG. 10, the zone setting of zone 1 is honor tiles (east and south), and one east tile and one south tile are associated as the hand tiles. Similarly, the zone settings and the hand tiles are associated from zone 2 to zone 7, and the example of FIG. 10 corresponds to the hand tiles of a certain player shown in FIG. 6.

[0040] The display processing unit 46 displays the hand tiles of each player stored in the hand storage unit 41 on the screen in order from zone 1 to zone 7. However, if there are no hand tiles corresponding to the zone setting, that zone is not displayed.

[0041] The zone control unit 51 randomly replaces the zone settings of the hand storage unit 41 for each game, and randomly changes the order of the manzu, souzu, and pinzu in zones 2, 4, and 6 for each game. For example, in the next game, change the zones so that the pinzu are placed in zone 2, the manzu in zone 4, and the souzu in zone 6. In addition, the zone control unit 51 also randomly changes the order of the honor tiles in zones 1, 3, 5, and 7 in the same manner.

[0042] In addition, when the zone control unit 51 detects the operation of the ascending / descending selection button 23 shown on the display screen of FIG. 4, it switches the order of the hand tiles in each zone from ascending to descending order, or from descending to ascending order. For example, in FIG. 10, the order of 1, 4, and 6 of the Man tiles is switched to 6, 4, and 1 by operating the ascending / descending selection button 23. The display processing unit 46 updates the screen display of the hand tiles every time the hand tiles are changed or the order of the hand tiles is changed. These are measures to prevent the opponent from knowing which tiles have been discarded.

[0043] In the above operations, the hand tile memory unit 41 and the discarded tile memory unit 45 are provided in the memory area of ​​the storage device 32. In addition, the discard candidate selection unit 42, the state determination unit 43, the probability display function 44, the one-way check determination unit 47, the number display function 48, the display processing unit 46, and the zone control unit 51 are realized by the processor 31 executing the mahjong game software (program).

[0044] According to the embodiment described above, by providing four tablet terminals 6-9, which is fewer than the conventional one, players can play a mahjong game without using real tiles around the mahjong table 1. In addition, since the four tablet terminals 6-9 execute the same mahjong game software, there is no need to introduce other different controls. There is no need to control a separate device such as the discarded tile display unit in the center as in the conventional system. In addition, since the standing unit 2 stands up the tablet terminals 6-9 facing the player, the player's own tiles cannot be seen by other players, so there is no need to provide a concealing member as in the conventional system.

[0045] In addition, since the angle of the upright portion 2 can be adjusted by the stopper 4, it can be adjusted to a visible state according to the player's seat height and posture. Furthermore, since the operation unit 3 for raising the upright portion 2 is provided, it is easy to raise the upright portion 2 lying on the plane of the mahjong table 1. In addition, since the concentration switch 5 is provided, the four tablet terminals 6-9 can be started and terminated with one action. Also, since the tablet terminals 6-9 are adopted as the display devices to be used, the mahjong table 1 can be configured relatively easily by using off-the-shelf products. Furthermore, since the configuration is such that the settings from the host tablet 6 are reflected in the sub-tablets 7-9, duplicate setting operations among players are not required. Also, since the probability display function 44 and the hand arrangement function at the time of riichi and the like are provided, the difference between mahjong experts and beginners is reduced, making it easy for beginners to play.

[0046] Generally, by popularizing the mahjong table of this embodiment, beginners and women can compete on an equal footing with experts and professionals, contributing to the healthy spread of the mahjong game. And this embodiment suppresses costs by using general-purpose display devices and is composed of only four displays, so it is simple both physically and programmatically.

[0047] Here, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims. For example, the display device is not limited to the above tablet terminal, and a smartphone or the like may be used. Also, the following modification examples are conceivable.

[0048] [Modification Example 1] In the above embodiment, four tablet terminals, i.e., four computers, are used as the display devices 6-9. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one computer may control the displays of the four display devices 6-9. One central computer for performing all the displays necessary for the mahjong game by each player may be provided on the mahjong table 1. In this case, the configuration of the central computer is the same as the computer resources shown in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 11, the central computer connects four display devices 6-9 (thin display with built-in touch panel) by a display interface such as HDMI (registered trademark) and a data bus such as USB. Then, the processor 31 of the central computer executes the process of the mahjong game and the processes of each function shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Even in this case, the same operational effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained. In this case, it is not necessary to install the centralized switch 5. According to this modification 1, the same operational effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

Industrial Applicability

[0049] Although several mahjong tables using displays or tablets have been applied for so far, they have not yet been commercialized. This is because the previous ones were too costly and complicated to be practical. One form of the present invention uses general-purpose tablet terminals, and only four of them are needed, so the configuration is very simple, it is easy to commercialize, and the price can be reduced. Therefore, it is expected to replace the current mainstream fully automatic mahjong tables and can contribute to energy conservation and decarbonization due to power saving.

Explanation of Signs

[0050] 1... Mahjong table, 2... Standing part, 3... Operation part, 4... Stopper, 5... Concentration switch, 6 - 9... Display device (tablet terminal, host tablet, sub - tablet), 10... Joker display part, 11... Wall tile display part, 12... Display part, 13... Discard display part, 14... Central display part, 15... Hand - tile display part, 16... Drawn - tile display part, 17... Shanten number display part, 18... Chi confirmation button, 19... Pon confirmation button, 20... Kan confirmation button, 21... Cancel confirmation button, 22... Intention display button, 23... Ascending / descending order selection button, 31... Processor, 32... Memory device, 33... Communication device, 34... Input device I / F, 35... Display device I / F, 41... Hand - tile memory part, 42... Discard candidate selection part, 43... State determination part, 44... Probability display function, 45... Discard memory part, 46... Display processing part, 51... Zone control part

Claims

1. This mahjong table is equipped with a square mahjong table, standing parts provided on each of the four sides of the mahjong table, stoppers for supporting each standing part at a predetermined angle toward each player, and four display devices arranged on each standing part toward each player, the four display devices performing all the displays necessary for each player to play mahjong against each other, and does not require the use of actual mahjong tiles.

2. The mahjong table according to claim 1 , wherein the stopper is provided with an adjustment mechanism for the angle.

3. 2. The mahjong table according to claim 1, further comprising an operating part for hooking a finger on the standing part to raise it up.

4. 2. The mahjong table according to claim 1, further comprising a central switch for controlling start-up and shut-down of the four display devices.

5. 2. The mahjong table according to claim 1, wherein the four display devices are four tablet terminals, which perform data communication with each other via wired or wireless communication.

6. Of the four tablet terminals, one is designated as a host tablet and the other three are designated as sub-tablets; 6. The mahjong table according to claim 5, wherein the host tablet accepts game settings before the start of the mahjong match, and displays the seats of each player determined based on the game settings on the host tablet and each sub-tablet.

7. The mahjong table according to claim 5 , wherein each of the tablet terminals executes the same mahjong software for competitive mahjong and communicates with each other.

8. 2. The mahjong table according to claim 1, wherein the display device is provided with a probability display function for displaying the type and probability of a winning tile around a candidate for discarding a tile to maintain tenpai when the player is in tenpai.

9. 2. The mahjong table of claim 1, wherein the display device is equipped with a probability display function that, when a player is in an ichikoten position and a candidate for a tile to be discarded to maintain the ichikoten position is selected, displays the type and probability of the tile that will be in ichikoten position around the candidate for the tile to be discarded.

10. 2. The mahjong table of claim 1, wherein the display device is equipped with a probability display function that, when a player has a two-way ten, selects a candidate discard tile to maintain the two-way ten, and displays the type and probability of the tile that will become a one-way ten around the candidate discard tile.

11. A mahjong table as described in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein when the number of types of tiles displayed around the discard candidate tiles exceeds a predetermined number, instead of displaying them around the discard candidate tiles, they are displayed on a central display section provided in the center of the display device.

12. 2. The mahjong table according to claim 1, wherein the display device is provided with a hand tile display function for dividing the hand tiles into a plurality of zones according to the type of the tiles and displaying the tiles, and for switching the types of the tiles displayed in the plurality of zones.

13. The mahjong table of claim 12, wherein the hand tile display function displays the order of the hand tiles in descending or ascending order in a portion of the plurality of zones, and the display of the descending or ascending order is based on a selection operation received from the player.

14. 2. The mahjong table according to claim 1, further comprising a central computer for displaying all the information required for each of said players to play mahjong against each other on said four display devices.

Images