Inter-machine device

Abstract

To provide a game device that allows a player to easily grasp a game device corresponding to his / her own play, regardless of the arrangement of game machines or inter-machine devices, or the commonization of inter-machine devices.SOLUTION: An inter-machine device according to an embodiment is disposed on either the left or right side of a corresponding game machine. The inter-machine device includes: a recording medium receiving unit capable of receiving a recording medium possessed by a player; a coin receiving unit capable of receiving coins; a display unit having a display surface capable of displaying information identifiable by the recording medium rotatable in both left and right directions toward the inter-machine device with a vertical axis as a rotational axis; a detection unit capable of detecting the orientation of the display surface of the display unit; and a control unit which executes predetermined processing on the basis of a detection result of the detection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Gaming machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines use gaming devices (machine-interleaving machines) that accept cash and dispense gaming media such as pachinko balls and slot medals. Conventionally, machine-interleaving machines for pachinko machines have generally been located on the left side of the machine, as viewed from the front of the machine, so that pachinko balls can be supplied to the machine from the left side. On the other hand, machine-interleaving machines for slot machines have generally been located on the right side of the machine, as viewed from the front of the machine, so that medals can be supplied to the slot machine from the right side. In other words, there are restrictions on where machine-interleaving machines can be placed depending on the type of gaming machine.

[0003] From the player's perspective, if it was a pachinko machine, pachinko balls would be dispensed through the machine-interval unit on the left, and if it was a slot machine, medals would be dispensed through the machine-interval unit on the right. In other words, players only had to use the machine-interval unit located in a position determined by the model.

[0004] In recent years, circulation-type gaming machines, which do not eject loaned pachinko balls or slot medals outside the gaming machine, have become popular. In circulation-type gaming machines, loaned pachinko balls or medals circulate inside the pachinko machine or slot machine, so there is no need to pay out the gaming media itself from the inter-machine machine, and there are no restrictions on the placement of inter-machine machines. In addition, there is no longer a need to prepare different inter-machine machines depending on the gaming media (balls or medals), and it is possible to realize a common inter-machine machine for pachinko machines and slot machines. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2023-160522 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, with the advent of recirculating gaming machines, the placement of gaming machines and spacers has become more flexible, and as spacers have become more commonly used, it has become difficult for players to know whether they should use the spacer located on the left or right side of the gaming machine.The embodiments of the present invention have been made to solve this problem, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming device that allows players to easily know which gaming device corresponds to their game, regardless of the placement of gaming machines and spacers or the use of spacers in common. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The inter-machine device of the embodiment is a machine that is placed on either the left or right side of a corresponding gaming machine. The inter-machine device of the embodiment includes a recording medium receiving unit that can receive a recording medium held by a player, a currency receiving unit that can receive currency, a display unit whose display surface that can display information that can be identified by the recording medium can rotate in both directions toward the left and right toward the inter-machine device around a vertical line as a rotation axis, a detection unit that can detect the orientation of the display surface of the display unit, and a control unit that executes predetermined processing based on the detection result of the detection unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the overall configuration of a gaming system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 10 is a diagram showing an example of information linked to a gaming ID in the gaming system according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of a machine for separating machines according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of the arrangement of inter-machine machines and gaming machines according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged top view of the display unit of the machine according to the embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an enlarged top view of the display unit of the machine according to the embodiment; [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the inter-machine device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the inter-machine according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Overall composition) An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in Fig. 1, a gaming system 10 of this embodiment includes gaming machines, namely, a plurality of pachinko machines 2 and a plurality of slot machines 7, spacers 3 provided between the pachinko machines 2, spacers 8 provided between the slot machines 7, a plurality of data display devices 9, a network 20 constructed using communication devices such as a hub and a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) access point, an island computer 25, and a wearable terminal 26. In this gaming system 10 of this embodiment, the pachinko machines 2 and the slot machines 7 will be described as circulation-type gaming machines that do not discharge gaming media such as pachinko balls or medals to the outside of the gaming machines.

[0010] The multiple inter-machine machines 3 are gaming devices provided corresponding to the multiple pachinko machines 2, respectively. The multiple inter-machine machines 3 are connected to the multiple pachinko machines 2, respectively. On the other hand, the multiple inter-machine machines 8 are gaming devices provided corresponding to the multiple slot machines 7, respectively. The multiple inter-machine machines 8 are connected to the multiple slot machines 7, respectively. The inter-machine machines 3, 8 are equipped with a bill validator (bill validator) and the like. The inter-machine machines 3, 8 have the function of accepting coins and recording media from players and enabling them to use the corresponding pachinko machine 2 or slot machine 7. In the gaming system 10 of this embodiment, the inter-machine machines 3, 8 each have common functions and configurations. In other words, the inter-machine machines 3, 8 are mutually compatible and may be connected to either the pachinko machine 2 or the slot machine 7.

[0011] The plurality of data display devices 9 are respectively connected to the plurality of pachinko machines 2 and the plurality of slot machines 7. The plurality of pachinko machines 2 as gaming machines, the plurality of slot machines 7 as gaming machines, the plurality of inter-machine machines 3, 8, and the plurality of data display devices 9 are connected to a network 20 via an island computer 25. In the following explanation, the pachinko machine 2 will be mainly used as an example, except when it is necessary to explain the pachinko machine 2 and the slot machine 7, both of which are gaming machines, separately.

[0012] In addition to the above-mentioned devices, the gaming system 10 is also equipped with various other devices. The gaming system 10 further includes a counter 14, a ticket issuing machine 15, a settlement machine 12, a prize management machine (POS) 19, a prize management machine (self-POS) 16, prize payout machines 11 and 18, a management device 5, a personal computer 5a, a protocol converter 21, a modem 22, a card center 23, a data disclosure machine 17, and a replay reception machine 24. These devices are connected to a network 20. The prize management machine 19 is equipped with a prize payout machine 18 and is a prize exchange device for employees that is operated by employees. On the other hand, the prize management machine 16 is equipped with a prize payout machine 11 and is a self-service prize exchange device that allows players to exchange prizes when exchanging prizes.

[0013] The management device 5 is configured as an information collection device such as a hall computer, a prize management device, a member management device, etc. Information from the pachinko machines 2, the slot machines 7, and the peripheral devices mentioned above is output to the management device 5 via a network 20, and is further transmitted to a card center 23 via a protocol converter 21 and a modem 22. Note that information is communicated from the modem 22 to the card center 23 via a general communication line.

[0014] In the gaming system 10, players can play games such as pachinko and slot machines using currency (banknotes and coins), a member's card (member's recording medium) 27, a non-member's card (non-member's recording medium) 28, etc. In the gaming system 10, gaming media such as pachinko balls and medals (coins) are lent and borrowed between the gaming facility (amusement hall) and players (member players and non-member players) using points (values) that can be identified by the currency, member's card 27, and non-member's card 28, and players play games using the lent pachinko balls and medals. In this embodiment, the pachinko machine 2 and the slot machine 7 are circulation-type gaming machines that do not eject gaming media such as pachinko balls and medals outside the gaming machine. Therefore, the number of lent pachinko balls or medals is lent to the player as credit, and the player can play games by firing pachinko balls enclosed in the pachinko machine 2 in the number of credits.

[0015] Here, "points" refers to the amount of money deposited converted into a numerical value to be consumed by playing (points converted). For example, 10,000 yen converted into points is 100 points. Furthermore, a "member player" is a player who holds a membership card 27, and whose attribute information, such as address, name, age, sex, favorite machine (favorite type of gaming machine), contact information, and PIN number, is associated with a member number (member ID) that can individually identify the member player and is registered in the management device 5. On the other hand, a "non-member player" is a general player whose information is not registered as a member player.

[0016] The member card 27 and the non-member card 28 are contactless recording media equipped with an IC chip and an antenna, and are formed in the shape of a card or a coin. The non-member card 28 is distinguishable from the member card 27 by being shorter in length and width and thinner than the member card 27. The member card 27 stores a card ID (recording medium identification information), to which various information about the member player is linked. This linked information (see FIG. 2 ) includes, for example, a game ID (collection identification information), a member number, remaining credits, out (fired balls), safe (balls supplied to the gaming machine, i.e., balls supplied to the upper tray of the game: balls acquired by the player), and the amount used. The member card 27 generally has no limit on its usage period and can be used permanently.

[0017] Other information that can be linked includes the number of saved balls (or the number of saved medals in the case of slot machines), points, wins and losses (not shown) (safe minus outs), the number of loaned balls (or the number of loaned medals in the case of slot machines), and the type of gaming machine. Information on these information can also be linked, including historical information, daily information, and weekly information, as well as address, name, age, gender, favorite machine, contact information, and PIN number. During play, the number of the gaming machine on which the player is playing or the number of the machine 3 can also be temporarily linked. Information of monetary value, such as the balance of the credits, loaned balls, and saved balls, is referred to as "value information." Information on the duration of play and the number of jackpots that have occurred can also be aggregated and linked.

[0018] The above-mentioned "out (fired balls)" is sometimes called "in (number of inserted coins)" in slot machines. Here, slot machines are referred to as "out" just like pachinko machines. Similarly, the above-mentioned "safe" is sometimes called "out (number of dispensed medals)" in slot machines. Here, slot machines are referred to as "safe" just like pachinko machines. "Points" include visit points (points awarded when a member's card 27 is inserted into the inter-machine machine 3, 8), ball loan points (points awarded according to the number of loaned balls), win / loss points (points awarded to a losing customer according to the difference between the number of outs and the number of safes), and operating points (points awarded according to the number of outs). This information is managed by the management device 5. "Management" means updating, deleting, and maintaining this information. This information is not limited to these, and any information necessary for game management can be linked (associated) as appropriate.

[0019] The non-member card 28 also stores a card ID (recording medium identification information), and various information about the non-member player is linked to this card ID. In particular, information such as a gaming ID, a number of points, loaned balls, and deposits is linked to the card ID for a predetermined period of time. In other words, the usage period of a non-member card is limited. However, this information is not limited to this, and any information necessary for game management may be linked as appropriate. This linked information is managed by the management device 5 in the same way as the information linked to the member card 27. Information such as a membership number and points is not linked to the non-member card 28. However, the management device 5 can store this information so that it can be linked at any time.

[0020] Of the above information, the gaming ID is, for example, an ID that is assigned when coins are inserted into the inter-machine machines 3, 8, and subsequent game information is managed in association with this gaming ID. For example, when a player who does not possess a member's card 27 or a non-member's card 28 starts playing with coins, a gaming ID is first issued, and game information is linked to this gaming ID and managed. After that, for example, when a non-member's card 28 is issued, the card ID stored in the non-member's card 28 is additionally linked to the gaming ID and managed. Furthermore, a player who possesses a member's card 27 may insert the member's card 27 into the inter-machine machines 3, 8 to start playing without inserting coins, in which case a gaming ID may be issued when the member's card 27 is accepted.

[0021] (Inter-stand machine) Next, the inter-machine devices 3 and 8 will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 7. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the inter-machine device according to the embodiment. Fig. 4 is a front view showing an example of the arrangement of the inter-machine device and gaming machines according to the embodiment. Fig. 5 is a top view showing an enlarged view of the display unit from above the inter-machine device according to the embodiment. Fig. 6 is a top view showing an enlarged view of the display unit from above the inter-machine device according to the embodiment. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the inter-machine device according to the embodiment.

[0022] The inter-machine machine 8 corresponding to the slot machine 7 has the same configuration and functions as the inter-machine machine 3 corresponding to the pachinko machine 2, as a gaming device for a circulation type gaming machine. In the following explanation, the inter-machine machine 3 will be mainly explained, and a detailed explanation of the inter-machine machine 8 will be omitted.

[0023] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the inter-machine device 3 of the embodiment is generally housed in a plate-shaped casing that can be placed between pachinko machines 2 that are arranged with their front faces 3a facing in the same direction. The front face 3a is flush with the front face of the pachinko machine 2 that a player faces directly. The inter-machine device 3 of the embodiment is placed on either the left or right side of the corresponding pachinko machine 2. The inter-machine device 3 of the embodiment is associated with the pachinko machine 2 as a circulation type gaming machine, accepts coins from the player, and links the remaining credit, number of loaned balls, number of stored balls, etc. to the recording medium held by the player, enabling the player to play on the pachinko machine 2.

[0024] 7, the inter-machine machine 3 includes a card acceptance unit 31, a card processing unit 32, a currency acceptance unit 33, a button unit 34, a display unit 35 that displays various information, a lamp unit 36 ​​that turns lamps on and off, a communication unit 37 that communicates information with external devices, and a control unit 30 that comprehensively controls the above-mentioned units in the inter-machine machine 3. The inter-machine machine 3 may also include a counting unit that can count the pachinko balls won in the corresponding pachinko machine 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the card acceptance unit 31, currency acceptance unit 33, button unit 34, display unit 35, and lamp unit 36 ​​are arranged on the front surface 3a of the inter-machine machine 3.

[0025] The card acceptance unit 31 is an element that functions as a recording medium acceptance unit that can accept a member card 27 or a non-member card 28 as a recording medium possessed by a player. The member card 27 or non-member card 28 is inserted into the card acceptance unit 31. The card acceptance unit 31 has a mechanism that rejects the insertion of a card under external control. Examples of the mechanism that rejects the insertion of a card by the card acceptance unit 31 include a cover or a blocking bar provided on the insertion port of the recording medium. Rejection of the insertion of a card may be achieved by stopping the operation of the mechanism that introduces the card into the card acceptance unit 31.

[0026] The card processing unit 32 includes a reader / writer unit, a card storage unit, and a card issuing unit. The reader / writer unit reads the card ID and game ID from the member card 27 or non-member card 28 accepted by the card acceptance unit 31. Furthermore, if information such as points is stored on the member card 27 or non-member card 28, the reader / writer unit reads this information in addition to the card ID. The reader / writer unit outputs the read information to the control unit 30 and writes updated points and the like under the control of the control unit 30. The card issuing unit issues a new non-member card 28 from the storage.

[0027] The card issuing unit retrieves a non-member's card 28 from the card storage unit, stores new information such as a card ID, a game ID, and the latest value information, and then ejects and issues the card from the card accepting unit 31. The "latest value information (remaining balance information)" is, for example, information indicating the number of points remaining that have not been consumed during play. When a new non-member's card 28 is issued, the card processing unit 32 is controlled by the control unit 30 and transmits to the management device 5 as issuance information that the non-member's card 28 has been issued. This issuance information includes, for example, information indicating that the non-member's card 28 has been issued, the card ID recorded on the new non-member's card 28, and the latest value information stored in the non-member's card 28.

[0028] The currency acceptance unit 33 is an element that is configured by, for example, a banknote validator and functions as a currency acceptance unit that can accept currency. The currency acceptance unit 33 can recognize that currency has been inserted into the banknote validator and the amount of currency.

[0029] When the currency acceptance unit 33 accepts currency and the card processing unit 32 issues the non-member card 28, the latest value information may include the remaining credit points and the number of loaned balls. The difference between the credit points corresponding to the amount accepted by the currency acceptance unit 33 and the credit points consumed by the loaned balls may be included in the value information as the remaining credit points. This latest value information may be recorded on the non-member card 28, or may be recorded by the management device 5 and linked to the non-member card 28.

[0030] The currency acceptance unit 33 may have a mechanism that rejects the insertion of currency under external control. Examples of the mechanism that rejects the insertion of currency by the currency acceptance unit 33 include a cover or a blocking bar provided at the currency insertion port. The rejection of currency insertion may be achieved by stopping the operation of the mechanism that introduces currency into the currency acceptance unit 33.

[0031] The button section 34 includes a ball loan button, a replay ball loan button, a return button, etc. The lamp section 36 may be disposed inside the light-transmitting button section 34.

[0032] The display unit 35 is a functional element that provides information to the player. The display unit 35 has, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and can display information that can be linked to and identified from the member card 27 or non-member card 28 as a recording medium, such as the remaining credit, the number of balls lent, whether the game is safe or out, and whether the game has won or lost. The display unit 35 may also have an input unit that accepts player operations, such as a touch panel.

[0033] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the display unit 35 of this embodiment has, for example, a substantially rectangular flat plate shape. As shown in Figures 3 to 6, the display unit 35 is held by a vertical rotation shaft 38b provided in a pair of holders 38a at its upper and lower short sides. The display unit 35 is configured to be rotatable in both left and right directions toward the inter-machine 3, with the vertical rotation shaft 38b as the rotation axis. In other words, the display unit 35 is configured so that the display surface 35a, which can display information identifiable by a recording medium, can be rotated in both left and right directions toward the inter-machine 3, with the vertical line as the rotation axis.

[0034] The communication unit 37 is a functional element connected to the network 20 and communicates with the management device 5 and the like. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7 , the communication unit 37 has a right gaming machine connection unit 37a and a left gaming machine connection unit 37b. The right gaming machine connection unit 37a and the left gaming machine connection unit 37b are interfaces to which connection lines are connected to the pachinko machine 2 corresponding to the inter-machine machine 3. The right gaming machine connection unit 37a is connected to a connection line connected to the corresponding pachinko machine 2 when the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is placed on the right side as viewed from the inter-machine machine 3. Similarly, the left gaming machine connection unit 37b is connected to a connection line connected to the corresponding pachinko machine 2 when the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is placed on the left side as viewed from the inter-machine machine 3. A "corresponding pachinko machine" is a pachinko machine for which the inter-machine machine 3 provides a game based on a recording medium. That is, the right gaming machine connection portion 37a and the left gaming machine connection portion 37b provide a function for determining the arrangement of the gaming machine to which the inter-machine unit 3 corresponds.

[0035] For example, in the case of the spacer 3 shown in Fig. 4, the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is a pachinko machine located on the right side as viewed from the spacer 3. Therefore, the right gaming machine connection unit 37a is connected to the connection line of the pachinko machine 2 on the right side as viewed from the spacer 3, and no connection line is connected to the left gaming machine connection unit 37b. The right gaming machine connection unit 37a and the left gaming machine connection unit 37b can obtain information as to whether the corresponding gaming machine is located on the left or right side as viewed from the spacer 3, based on whether or not the connection line is connected.

[0036] The method by which the inter-machine 3 acquires the location of the pachinko machine 2 corresponding to the inter-machine 3 is not limited to the method of determining whether the connection lines of the right gaming machine connection portion 37a and the left gaming machine connection portion 37b are connected or not. It may be determined by acquiring which of the connection lines is connected by providing differently shaped connectors indicating left and right. Alternatively, it may be possible to store in advance in memory means (not shown) which side of the pachinko machine 2 corresponds to the inter-machine 3. In this case, information indicating the location of the corresponding gaming machine may be stored in the management device 5.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, the inter-machine device 3 of this embodiment includes a position detection unit 38 and a display control unit 39.

[0038] The position detection unit 38 is a functional element that detects the rotational position (orientation and angle) of the display unit 35. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the display unit 35 is configured to be rotatable around a vertical rotation axis 38b provided on a pair of holders 38a. A rotational position sensor 38c is disposed on the holders 38a. The rotational position sensor 38c is a sensor that can detect the orientation and angle of the display unit 35 in a horizontal plane (in the plane of rotation). Based on the rotational position information detected by the rotational position sensor 38c, the position detection unit 38 obtains, as the rotational position, the angle α formed in the horizontal plane between a normal V to the display surface 35a of the display unit 35 and a reference line D that passes through the center of the rotation axis 38b and extends in the depth direction of the machine 3.

[0039] The rotational position sensor 38c is an angle sensor such as a mechanical encoder, an optical encoder, a magnetic encoder, an electromagnetic induction encoder, etc. The rotational position sensor 38c detects the angle α formed in the horizontal plane between a normal V to the display surface 35a of the display unit 35 and a reference line D that passes through the center of the rotation axis 38b and extends in the depth direction of the machine 3.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 6, the angle α detected by the rotational position sensor 38c can be configured such that, for example, the position where the normal V of the display surface 35a of the display unit 35 and a reference line D passing through the center of the rotation axis 38b and extending in the depth direction of the inter-machine machine 3 overlap in a horizontal plane is set to 0 degrees (reference), and the angle α increases as the display surface 35a faces leftward as viewed from the inter-machine machine 3, and decreases as the display surface 35a faces rightward as viewed from the inter-machine machine 3. With this configuration, by obtaining the polarity of the angle α, it is possible to determine whether the display surface 35a of the display unit 35 faces the left or right gaming machine as viewed from the inter-machine machine 3. The example shown in Fig. 6 shows a state in which the display surface 35a of the display unit 35 is rotated to the left as viewed from the inter-machine machine 3, and the angle α is 0 degrees or greater.

[0041] The criteria for the angle α acquired by the position detection unit 38 are not limited to the above. Other criteria or methods may be used as long as it is possible to determine whether the display surface 35a of the display unit 35 is facing the left or right of the machine 3 and by how many degrees.

[0042] The display control unit 39 is a functional element that controls the display content of the display unit 35. The display control unit 39 displays, on the display unit 35, image information received from the outside, message information stored in a storage memory (not shown), etc.

[0043] The control unit 30 also has a function of acquiring or identifying the placement information of the gaming machine corresponding to the inter-machine unit 3, a function of outputting display content and notification signals based on the position of the display unit 35, and the like.

[0044] The machine 3 of the embodiment includes a display unit 35 whose display direction can be changed in a horizontal plane, and executes various controls according to the rotation position of the display unit 35.

[0045] (Management device) Next, the configuration of the management device 5 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 8. As described above, the management device 5 manages information linked to, for example, the member card 27 or the non-member card 28. As part of this management, the management device 5 issues a gaming ID. As shown in Fig. 1, the management device 5 is connected to the above-mentioned personal computer 5a, which includes a function for referencing the information of the management device 5. Information from the management device 5 is output to each device via the network 20. As a result, the above-mentioned data display device 9 displays information such as a slump graph, the number of starts, and the number of jackpots for the multiple pachinko machines 2.

[0046] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the management device 5 includes a control unit 50, a timer unit 51, an information collection unit 52, a status monitoring unit 53, a database unit 54, a communication unit 55, and an ID management unit 56.

[0047] The control unit 50 comprehensively controls the above-mentioned units shown in Fig. 8 of the management device 5. The control unit 50 also has the function of reading information from the database unit 54 and searching and extracting various pieces of information held in the database unit 54. This information search and extraction can be performed by the control unit 50, or can be performed by the ID management unit 56 under the control of the control unit 50.

[0048] The timer unit 51 is capable of measuring a predetermined time (for example, any period in the range of several seconds to several minutes). The timer unit 51 starts a timekeeping operation under the control of the control unit 50, the information collection unit 52, the status monitoring unit 53, etc., and measures time until an instruction to complete the timekeeping operation is received from the control unit 50, the information collection unit 52, the status monitoring unit 53, etc. The measured time is notified to the control unit 50, the information collection unit 52, the status monitoring unit 53, etc. The timer unit 51 is reset after the notification.

[0049] The information aggregation unit 52 is controlled by the control unit 50, and based on various information transmitted from each device such as the island computer 25, the inter-machine machines 3 and 8, the data display unit 9, each pachinko machine 2, and each slot machine 7, registers and aggregates each game data in the database unit 54, and notifies the control unit 50 of the game data as needed, as shown in Fig. 2. Game data includes, for example, "operation (playing) / non-operation (end of game or temporary suspension of game)", "ball increase information" indicating the increase in acquired balls, and "card information" indicating the insertion status of, for example, a member / non-member card.

[0050] In addition to the information described above, the information aggregation unit 52 aggregates and manages various pieces of information shown in Fig. 2, such as the number of starts and the number of jackpots. Furthermore, the information aggregation unit 52 can also manage information such as whether or not a jackpot is in progress, whether or not a special probability is in progress, and the time the table was last updated. The management of this game information is carried out based on, for example, a jackpot signal, a start signal, a winning signal, a special probability signal, an out signal, a safe signal, and a signal related to the number of pachinko balls to be dispensed, which are output from the pachinko machine 2, and a deposit signal, a ball dispensing signal, and a replay ball dispensing signal, which are output from the inter-machine unit 3.

[0051] This gaming information is stored as a table in the database unit 54, and in addition to being managed by the information aggregation unit 52, this table is also managed by the status monitoring unit 53 under the control of the control unit 50. When there are multiple tables, as shown in FIG. 2, it is possible to manage each table in association with each other by linking each table with a unique identifier such as a data number. This gaming data may also be managed as history information, daily information, weekly information, etc. in the information aggregation unit 52. For example, the information aggregation unit 52 manages data aggregated by various information, such as aggregating gaming data by type of jackpot.

[0052] The status monitoring unit 53 is controlled by the control unit 50 and, based on the above-mentioned gaming data (such as the operating / non-operating status as mentioned above) managed by the information aggregation unit 52, classifies each pachinko machine 2 and each slot machine 7 into three states: an "empty machine state" indicating that the gaming machine is not occupied by a player, a "playing state" indicating that the gaming machine is in play, and a "monitoring state" which is an intermediate state between the empty machine state and the playing state.

[0053] The status monitoring unit 53 may monitor the status of the display unit 35 of the inter-machine machine 3. In other words, it may monitor the rotational position of the display unit 35 acquired by the position detection unit 38 of the inter-machine machine 3. Similarly, the status monitoring unit 53 may have a function to acquire location information indicating whether the pachinko machine 2 corresponding to the inter-machine machine 3 is located on the left or right side of the inter-machine machine 3, a function to execute various processes in response to an alarm signal output based on the rotational position of the display unit 35, a function to acquire whether or not the pachinko machine 2 has been operated by a player, and the like.

[0054] The database unit 54 is equipped with various storage devices such as a hard disk drive and a solid state drive. The database unit 54 stores the above-mentioned information as a table. This information is read and written as needed. When the inter-machine machine 3 executes processes such as issuing a non-member card 28, updating the credit balance, and updating the number of stored balls, the database unit 54 updates the data such as the credit balance and the number of stored balls updated by the process. The communication unit 55 is a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information (signals) via the network 20 with peripheral devices such as the pachinko machine 2 and the inter-machine machine 3.

[0055] The ID management unit 56 includes an ID search unit, an ID issuing unit, and an ID registration unit. The ID search unit searches for a specific gaming ID from a table stored in the database unit 54. The ID search unit notifies the control unit 50 of the presence or absence of a gaming ID as a search result, or if a gaming ID is found, of the searched gaming ID. The ID issuing unit issues a new gaming ID. The ID registration unit stores the gaming ID issued by the ID issuing unit in the database unit 54. The ID registration unit also registers the card ID included in the issuance information in the database unit 54 in association with the gaming ID.

[0056] In this way, the management device 5 of the embodiment can monitor the state of the display unit 35 in cooperation with the inter-machine device 3. Furthermore, the management device 5 of the embodiment can receive a notification signal output by the inter-machine device 3 and execute notification processing.

[0057] (Operation of the machine between machines) Next, the operation of the inter-machine 3 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the inter-machine 3 according to the embodiment.

[0058] In the gaming system 10 of the embodiment, a circulation type gaming machine is introduced, and the placement relationship between the inter-machine machine 3 and the corresponding gaming machine is free. That is, if the gaming machine is a pachinko machine 2, the corresponding inter-machine machine 3 may be placed on the right or left side of the front of the pachinko machine 2. However, when the inter-machine machine 3 is installed, the connection line of the gaming machine is connected to either the right gaming machine connection part 37a or the left gaming machine connection part 37b, or the placement position of the gaming machine corresponding to the inter-machine machine 3 is stored in the control unit 30 as gaming machine information.

[0059] The control unit 30 acquires gaming machine information indicating the position of the gaming machine corresponding to the inter-machine 3 (S210). For example, if a connection line is connected to the right gaming machine connection unit 37a, the control unit 30 acquires gaming machine information indicating that the corresponding gaming machine is located on the right side as viewed from the inter-machine 3. The control unit 30 may acquire gaming machine information indicating the location of the gaming machine stored in a memory unit (not shown) or the management device 5. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the gaming machine information includes information indicating that the gaming machine is located on the right side as viewed from the inter-machine 3.

[0060] The position detection unit 38 acquires the position (rotational position) of the display unit 35 through the rotational position sensor 38c (S220). The rotational position sensor 38c acquires, for example, the angle α formed between the normal V of the display surface 35a of the display unit 35 and a reference line D that passes through the center of the rotation axis 38b and extends in the depth direction of the inter-unit machine 3. At this time, the position detection unit 38 acquires a positive angle α when the display surface 35a faces leftward as viewed from the inter-unit machine 3, and acquires a negative angle (-α) when the display surface 35a faces rightward as viewed from the inter-unit machine 3. In other words, the position detection unit 38 can acquire the direction and angle in which the display surface 35a of the display unit 35 faces.

[0061] The control unit 30 determines whether the display unit 35 faces the corresponding gaming machine (correct orientation) as viewed from the inter-machine machine 3 (S230). That is, the "correct orientation" is the direction in which the display surface 35a of the display unit 35 of the inter-machine machine 3 can be seen by a player facing the corresponding pachinko machine 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, if the gaming machine is a pachinko machine 2 and is located on the right side of the inter-machine machine 3, the correct orientation of the display unit 35 is when the angle α of the display surface 35a is less than 0 and greater than -90 degrees (the position where the display surface 35a of the display unit 35 can be seen to the left of the pachinko machine 2 as viewed from a player facing the pachinko machine 2). In this case, the angle α of the correct orientation is preferably greater than -90 degrees and less than 0 degrees, preferably greater than -60 degrees and less than -30 degrees, and more preferably greater than -55 degrees and less than -35 degrees.

[0062] On the other hand, when the corresponding pachinko machine 2 is located on the adjacent left side facing the inter-machine machine 3, the correct orientation of the display unit 35 is when the angle α of the display surface 35a is greater than 0 and less than +90 degrees (a position where the display surface 35a of the display unit 35 can be seen to the right of the pachinko machine 2 as seen by a player facing the pachinko machine 2). In this case, the angle α of the correct orientation is preferably greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, more preferably greater than 30 degrees and less than 60 degrees, and more preferably greater than 35 degrees and less than 55 degrees.

[0063] In other words, the angle α of the display surface 35a is such that the angle α formed by the normal V of the display surface 35a of the display unit 35 and the reference line D passing through the rotation axis of the display unit 35 and extending in the depth direction of the inter-machine machine 3 is in the range of more than 0 degrees but not more than 90 degrees in the direction in which the corresponding gaming machine is arranged toward the inter-machine machine 3, preferably more than 30 degrees but less than 60 degrees, and more preferably more than 35 degrees but less than 55 degrees.

[0064] If the display surface 35a of the display unit 35 is not facing the correct direction (No in S230), the card acceptance unit 31 refuses to accept the recording medium (S240). For example, the card acceptance unit 31 places a cover or a blocking bar over the recording medium insertion port to prevent the recording medium from being inserted. The card acceptance unit 31 may also stop the card transport mechanism to refuse the insertion of the recording medium. This can alert the player that the orientation of the display unit 35 is incorrect. The card acceptance unit 31 will stop accepting recording media until the player or manager changes the orientation of the display unit 35 to the correct direction.

[0065] If the display surface 35a of the display unit 35 is not facing in the correct direction (No in S230), the currency acceptance unit 33 may refuse to accept currency. Furthermore, in addition to the card acceptance unit 31 refusing to accept a recording medium, the currency acceptance unit 33 may also refuse to accept currency. Alternatively, the following processes may be performed: a display stop process (S280) of the display unit, a first notification signal output process (S290), a second notification signal output process (S320) after detecting an input to the operation unit, etc.

[0066] If the display surface 35a of the display unit 35 is facing the correct direction (Yes in S230), or if the display surface 35a of the display unit 35 is adjusted to face the correct direction after the card acceptance unit 31 rejected the acceptance of the recording medium (Yes in S240, S220, S230), the card acceptance unit 31 permits the acceptance of the recording medium (S250). That is, the card acceptance unit 31 opens the recording medium insertion slot and makes it possible to accept the recording medium. Similarly, the currency acceptance unit 33 permits the acceptance of currency. When the player inserts the recording medium into the card acceptance unit 31 and currency into the currency acceptance unit 33, the card processing unit 32 processes the recording medium, and the game can begin.

[0067] Even after the player starts playing, the control unit 30 continues to determine whether the display unit 35 is facing the correct direction (S260). If the display unit 35 continues to face the correct direction (Yes in S270), the control unit 30 ends the process.

[0068] After the player starts playing, if the display surface 35a of the display unit 35 is not in the correct orientation (No in S270), the display control unit 39 stops the display on the display unit 35 (S280). At this stage, the display unit 35 is likely to be rotated by the player's careless touch of the display unit 35, or the player may have intentionally rotated the display unit 35. Stopping the display on the display unit 35 serves to alert the player.

[0069] Next, the control unit 30 outputs a first alert signal (S290). The first alert signal is a signal intended to alert the player. The first alert signal may, for example, sound a buzzer or sound (not shown), light the lamp unit 36, or issue a warning to the management device 5 or the personal computer 5a. The display control unit 39 may display a warning message on the display unit 35 upon receiving the first alert signal.

[0070] The control unit 30 receives the operation status of the corresponding pachinko machine 2 from the status monitoring unit 53 of the management device 5 (S300). This is to determine whether the player continues to operate the pachinko machine 2 when the orientation of the display unit 35 is not normal. The control unit 30 may receive the operation status of the corresponding pachinko machine 2 directly, not from the management device 5, but via the right game machine connection unit 37a or the left game machine connection unit 37b.

[0071] If the control unit 30 does not receive any detection of an operation on the gaming machine and the orientation of the display unit 35 is still incorrect (No in S310), the display unit stops displaying and continues to output the first notification signal (S280, S290).

[0072] When the control unit 30 detects a player's operation on the pachinko machine 2 via the management device 5, the right gaming machine connection unit 37a, or the left gaming machine connection unit 37b (Yes in S310), the control unit 30 outputs a second notification signal (S320). The second notification signal is a signal that notifies the manager when an operation on the pachinko machine 2 is continued with the display unit 35 in the incorrect orientation. The second notification signal causes the wearable terminal 26 or the personal computer 5a to display a warning or sound a warning via the network 20. In other words, continuing to operate the gaming machine with the display unit 35 in the incorrect orientation could be an indication of a player's mistake, fraud, or vandalism.

[0073] In this way, the inter-machine device of the embodiment is provided with a display unit that can rotate left and right toward the inter-machine device, so that it can display information correctly toward the player whether the gaming machine is a pachinko machine or a slot machine. Furthermore, the inter-machine device of the embodiment can be placed in any position regardless of the type of gaming machine.

[0074] Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the machine is configured to be able to detect the rotation position of the display unit, so that if the orientation of the display unit is incorrect, a warning can be issued to the player or manager. Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the machine can warn the manager if the gaming machine is continued to be operated when the orientation of the display unit is incorrect.

[0075] The inter-machine device of the above embodiment has been described as being associated with a pachinko machine or slot machine as a circulation type gaming machine, but is not limited to this. Even a conventional gaming machine that uses gaming media such as pachinko balls or slot medals may be applied to the inter-machine device equipped with the display unit and position detection unit of the embodiment. In this case, it is possible to appropriately present the display content of the display unit to the player.

[0076] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 2...Pachinko machines 3,8...Inter-stand machine, 3a...Front, 5...management device, 5a...personal computer 7. Slot machines 9...Data display 10... gaming system, 11, 18... prize payout machine, 12... adjustment machine, 14... counting machine, 15... ticket issuing machine, 16, 19... prize management machine, 17... data disclosure machine 20...Network, 21...Protocol converter, 22...Modem, 23...Card center, 24...Replay reception machine, 25...Island computer, 26...Wearable terminal, 27...Member card, 28...Non-member card 30...control unit, 31...card acceptance unit, 32...card processing unit, 33...currency acceptance unit, 34...button unit, 35...display unit, 35a...display surface, 36...lamp unit, 37...communication unit, 37a...right gaming machine connection unit, 37b...left gaming machine connection unit, 38...position detection unit, 38a...holding unit, 38b...rotation axis, 38c...rotation position sensor, 39...display control unit, 50...control unit, 51...timer unit, 52...information collection unit, 53...status monitoring unit, 54...database unit, 55...communication unit, 56...ID management unit 120...control unit, 121...recording medium reading unit, 122...display unit, 123...operation unit, 124...receipt issuing unit, 125...payment unit, 126...communication unit 160...control unit, 161...recording medium reading unit, 162...display unit, 163...operation unit, 164...communication unit

Claims

1. A machine located on either the left or right side of the corresponding gaming machine, a recording medium receiving unit capable of receiving a recording medium possessed by a player; a currency acceptance unit capable of accepting currency; a display unit having a display surface capable of displaying information identifiable by the recording medium, the display surface being rotatable in both directions toward the machine with a vertical line as a rotation axis; a detection unit capable of detecting an orientation of the display surface of the display unit; a control unit that executes a predetermined process based on the detection result of the detection unit; A machine equipped with

2. The control unit executes the predetermined processing when, based on the detection result of the detection unit, the angle formed by the normal to the display surface of the display unit and a reference line passing through the rotation axis of the display unit and extending in the depth direction of the inter-machine machine exceeds 0 degrees and falls outside the range of not exceeding 90 degrees in the direction in which the gaming machine corresponding to the inter-machine machine is arranged.

3. 2. The inter-machine machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is capable of identifying whether the corresponding gaming machine is located on the left or right side of the inter-machine machine.

4. a first connection unit to which a first gaming machine can be connected when the first gaming machine is located on the right side of the inter-machine and corresponds to the inter-machine; a second connection unit to which a second gaming machine can be connected when the second gaming machine is located on the left side of the space-between machine and corresponds to the space-between machine; The inter-machine machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit is capable of determining whether the corresponding gaming machine is located on the left or right side facing the inter-machine machine based on the connection status of each of the first connection unit and the second connection unit.

5. a display control unit that controls the display content of the display unit; The inter-machine machine according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit causes the display control unit to stop displaying on the display unit as the predetermined process.

6. The inter-machine transfer machine according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit outputs a first notification signal for notification as the predetermined process.

7. The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control unit, as the specified processing, stops at least one of the reception of the recording medium by the recording medium reception unit and the reception of the coin by the coin reception unit.

8. The control unit is configured to be able to detect whether or not a player has performed an operation, 5. A machine according to claim 1, wherein, after the execution of the predetermined processing, if an operation by the player is detected, a second notification signal is output to notify that an operation has been performed.

9. 9. The inter-machine game machine according to claim 8, wherein the second notification signal is output to a terminal device held by a manager of the corresponding gaming machine.

Images