Operation buttons for a gaming machine and an operation deck equipped therewith, gaming machine

Abstract

To provide an operation button for a game machine capable of improving an operation rate of a game machine, and an operation deck equipped with the same, and a game machine.SOLUTION: An operation switch 30 is an operation button for a game machine that receives an operation input to a game machine 1, and includes a base plate 50, an operation button part 36, and a touch switch 31. The operation button part 36 is supported on the base plate 50, and a first operation is input to it by a player. The touch switch 31 is provided on the outer periphery of the operation button 36, and a second operation different from the first operation is input to it by the player.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation button for a gaming machine attached to a gaming machine such as a slot machine, an operation deck including the same, and a gaming machine.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a plurality of various gaming machines such as slot machines are installed in gaming facilities such as casinos. A player who enters a gaming facility selects a favorite gaming machine from the plurality of installed gaming machines and plays a game. Therefore, it is important for a gaming machine to have an appeal that makes a player more likely to want to play compared to other models. In such a gaming machine, a game is played by a player directly operating an operation unit provided on the front of the gaming machine facing the player. Therefore, the operation unit is an important part that generates an appeal to the player.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration of a gaming machine including a push button switch arranged on the right side as viewed from a player in an operation deck installed on the front of a gaming machine such as a slot machine, and a touch panel type liquid crystal display device (LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)) arranged on the left side thereof.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the conventional operation button for a gaming machine has the following problems. In other words, with the gaming machine operation buttons disclosed in the above-mentioned publication, the player playing the game needs to move their arm back and forth between the push-button switch located on the right side from the player's perspective and the touch-panel type liquid crystal display (LCD) located to its left. This may hinder efforts to improve the operating rate of the gaming machine.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an operating button for a gaming machine, an operating deck equipped therewith, and a gaming machine that can improve the operating rate of the gaming machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first invention relates to an operation button for a gaming machine, which receives operation input to the gaming machine, and comprises a base, a first operation section, and a second operation section. The first operation section is supported by the base and receives a first operation input by the player. The second operation section is provided on the outer circumference of the first operation section and receives a second operation, which is different from the first operation, by the player.

[0008] Here, for example, in the operation buttons for a gaming machine provided on the control deck of a gaming machine such as a slot machine, different operations (first operation and second operation) are input to the first operation unit and the second operation unit provided on the outer circumference of the first operation unit. Here, the first operation unit is, for example, a push-button switch located in the center of the operation buttons for a gaming machine, and receives input for a first operation such as starting the rotation of the reels of a slot machine.

[0009] The second operation unit is, for example, one or more touch-type operation input units provided on the outer circumference of the first operation unit, which receive input for betting operations (second operations) such as betting buttons on a slot machine. As a result, the first operation unit is located in the center of the gaming machine's control button, and the second operation unit is located around its outer periphery. Therefore, the first and second operations can be integrated into a single gaming machine control button. Therefore, players can enjoy the game with minimal movement, without having to move their arms widely while playing the game. As a result, it is possible to improve the operating rate of gaming machines.

[0010] The operating button for a gaming machine according to the second invention is the same as the operating button for a gaming machine according to the first invention, wherein the first operating unit is pressed by a player to perform the first operation. This allows for the configuration of the gaming machine's control buttons, centered around a push-button type first control unit.

[0011] The third invention relates to an operating button for a gaming machine, which is an operating button for a gaming machine according to the second invention, and further comprises an elastic member provided between the first operating part and the base, which pushes the first operating part upward in response to a downward press operation by the player. As a result, when the push-button type first operating section is pressed by the player, it can be pushed back to its initial position by an elastic member such as a spring, thereby improving the operability of the first operating section.

[0012] The operating button for a gaming machine according to the fourth invention is an operating button for a gaming machine according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the second operating section is provided in multiple locations along the outer circumference of the first operating section. As a result, multiple second operation sections are provided along the outer circumference of the first operation section, allowing players to perform a wider variety of operations with minimal arm movement by using the second operation sections, each equipped with multiple functions.

[0013] The fifth invention relates to an operation button for a gaming machine, which is an operation button for a gaming machine relating to any one of the first to fourth inventions, wherein the second operation unit includes a top plate, a pattern display layer provided in the lower layer of the top plate and displaying a pattern indicating the position of the second operation unit, and a touch switch layer in which the second operation is performed when the player's fingers touch the position of the second operation unit on the top plate. This allows a touch-switch type second operation unit, which displays the position of the second operation unit using a pattern display device, to be positioned along the outer circumference of the first operation unit.

[0014] The operating button for a gaming machine according to the sixth invention is the operating button for a gaming machine according to the fifth invention, further comprising a light source unit provided between the touch switch layer and the base, which irradiates light toward the pattern display layer via the touch switch layer. This allows the display of the second control panel to be selectively switched on and off by shining light from the light source unit towards the pattern display device only when the second control panel is desired.

[0015] The operating button for a gaming machine according to the seventh invention is the operating button for a gaming machine according to the sixth invention, further comprising a blind layer that makes the pattern indicating the position of the second operating part invisible from the surface side of the top plate when light is not irradiated from the light source. As a result, when light is not being emitted from the light source, the obscuring layer makes it invisible, allowing for a clear distinction between the display and non-display of the second control unit.

[0016] The operating button for a gaming machine according to the eighth invention is the operating button for a gaming machine according to the seventh invention, wherein the blind layer has the property of transmitting light from the light source and reflecting light when viewed from the upper surface side of the top plate. As a result, the blind layer functions as a half-mirror, transmitting light from the light source and reflecting light from the top surface of the top plate. Therefore, when there is no light illuminating from the light source, the pattern indicating the position of the second control unit cannot be seen from the top surface of the top plate.

[0017] The operating button for a gaming machine according to the ninth invention is the operating button for a gaming machine according to the seventh or eighth invention, wherein the covering layer is provided between the top plate and the pattern display layer. As a result, since the blindfold layer is disposed on the upper surface of the symbol display layer including the symbol indicating the position of the second operation unit, the symbol indicating the second operation unit cannot be visually recognized from the upper surface side of the top plate unless light is irradiated from the light source unit.

[0018] The operation button for a gaming machine according to the tenth invention is the operation button for a gaming machine according to any one of the sixth to ninth inventions, wherein a plurality of second operation units are provided, and are provided below the symbol indicating the position of the second operation unit, and further includes a light separation wall that separates the light irradiated to the second operation unit and the light irradiated to the second operation unit adjacent to the second operation unit. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the light irradiated to the symbols indicating the positions of the second operation units adjacent to each other from being mixed, and to clearly display the symbols indicating the positions of the respective second operation units.

[0019] The operation deck according to the eleventh invention includes an operation button for a gaming machine according to any one of the first to tenth inventions, and a non-contact power feeding unit that is provided at a position separated from the operation button for a gaming machine and that performs non-contact charging on a charged object that is provided directly below a predetermined charging position and placed at the charging position. As a result, it is possible to configure an operation deck having a simple structure in which an operation button for a gaming machine and a charging position are provided on the operation deck.

[0020] The operation deck according to the twelfth invention is the operation deck according to the eleventh invention, and further includes a game start detection unit that detects that the game of the gaming machine has started. Thereby, for example, by detecting that the game has started, such as when there is a deposit in the gaming machine or there is an operation input to start the game of the gaming machine, after the game starts, the light source unit can be controlled to light up so as to irradiate light from the light source unit and display a symbol indicating the position of the second operation unit on the operation deck.

[0021] The operation deck according to the 13th invention is the operation deck according to the 12th invention, wherein the second operation unit includes a top plate and a pattern display layer provided under the top plate for displaying a pattern indicating the position of the second operation unit. The operation button for a gaming machine further includes a light source unit that irradiates light toward the pattern display layer, and a control unit that controls the light source unit to irradiate light when the game start detection unit detects the start of the game of the gaming machine. Thus, for example, after detecting that the game has started, such as when there is a payment into the gaming machine or an operation input to start the game of the gaming machine, light is irradiated from the light source unit to display a pattern indicating the position of the second operation unit on the operation deck, so that the position of the second operation unit can be controlled to be shown on the operation deck only during the game.

[0022] The gaming machine according to the 14th invention includes an operation deck according to any one of the 11th to 13th inventions, a main body to which the operation deck is attached, and a display monitor provided on the front of the main body for displaying the content of the game.

[0023] Thus, in the gaming machine equipped with the above-described operation deck, since the functions of the operation units (the first operation unit and the second operation unit) for performing a plurality of operation inputs on the operation buttons for the gaming machine installed on the operation deck are aggregated, the player can enjoy the game with a minimum of operations without moving the arm significantly during the game. As a result, the operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved.

Effect of the Invention

[0024] According to the operation button for a gaming machine of the present invention, the operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] An overall perspective view showing the configuration of a gaming machine equipped with an operation deck including an operation switch according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the control deck installed on the front of the gaming machine. [Figure 3] A control block diagram centered on the control deck shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the charging section on the control deck. [Figure 5] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the control switch side of the control deck. [Figure 6] An exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the control buttons included in the control switch. [Figure 7] Figure 2 shows a top view of the control deck. [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 7. [Figure 9] A cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the decorative plate included in the control buttons on the control deck of Figure 7. [Figure 10] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the touch switches included in the control switch. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] An operation deck 10 including an operation switch (operation button for a gaming machine) 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and a gaming machine 1 equipped therewith, will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 10. In this embodiment, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding for those skilled in the art.

[0027] Furthermore, the applicant provides the accompanying drawings and the following description so that those skilled in the art may fully understand the present invention, and not intends to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0028] (1) Configuration of the gaming machine 1 As shown in Figure 1, the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is, for example, a slot machine, and comprises a housing 2, a display monitor 3, a deposit unit 4, a card receiving unit 5, and an operation deck 10. The housing 2 constitutes the outer casing of the gaming machine 1 and has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape in a vertical orientation. The housing 2 is equipped with a display monitor 3 at a position corresponding to the player's eye level, facing the player while they are playing the gaming machine 1. The housing 2 is also equipped with an operation deck 10 for player input, located below the display monitor 3, facing the player.

[0029] The display monitor 3 shows, for example, multiple reels that rotate and stop according to the player's operation, and the combination of symbols shown on the reels when they stop according to the player's operation determines the winning combination. The gaming machine 1 then awards prizes according to the winning combination determined by the combination of symbols shown on the stopped reels. The reel may be represented by an image corresponding to a reel displayed on an LCD screen or the like, or the reel itself, which is provided as a rotating body, may be placed on the display monitor 3.

[0030] The deposit unit 4 is a deposit processing unit into which banknotes, tickets, receipts, etc., are inserted when starting a game on a gaming machine 1 such as a slot machine. As shown in Figure 1, the deposit unit 4 is located on the upper right side of the operation deck 10 in the housing unit 2 of the gaming machine 1. Furthermore, the deposit section 4 may have a banknote identification function that verifies whether a banknote is genuine or counterfeit when it is inserted.

[0031] The card reception unit 5 is a card slot into which membership cards issued for each amusement facility, such as a casino, are inserted. When starting a game on the gaming machine 1, the membership card is inserted by a registered member. As shown in Figure 1, the card reception unit 5 is located on the upper right side of the operation deck 10 in the housing unit 2 of the gaming machine 1, and to the left of the deposit unit 4. The control deck 10 is located on the upper surface of a portion of the housing 2 that protrudes towards the player. As shown in Figure 1, the control deck 10 is equipped with a charging unit 20 and an operation switch 30. A top plate 11 is also provided on the upper surface of the control deck 10.

[0032] (2) Configuration of Operation Deck 10 As shown in Figure 2, the control deck 10 has a top surface on which the player's hands and objects to be charged are placed. This top surface is covered by a transparent top plate 11. The charging unit 20 is located on the left side of the top surface of the control deck 10, and the control switch 30 is located on the right side.

[0033] The charging unit 20 includes a non-contact power supply unit 26 (see Figure 3) that supplies power to an object to be charged without contact, which is placed on a predetermined charging position P1 (see Figure 2, etc.) on the upper surface of the top plate 11. Here, the device to be charged in the charging unit 20 is, for example, a portable device such as a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, or music player.

[0034] The operation switch 30 is operated by the player while the gaming machine 1 is being played. The operation switch 30 is composed of a central operation button 36 and a plurality of touch switches 31 arranged around its outer perimeter (see Figure 5). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the operation deck 10 is connected to the deposit section 4 and card reception section 5 on the gaming machine 1 side, the LED (Light Emitting Diode) board 24 and contactless power supply section 26 included in the charging section 20, and the LED board 35, LED board (with adhesive layer on the back) 44, etc. included in the operation switch 30, and includes a control unit 25 that controls the lighting of the LED board 35, etc., which will be described later.

[0035] The control unit 25 acquires signals input to the operation button section 36 included in the operation switch 30 from the microswitch 49, and also acquires signals input to the touch switch 31 from the electrode sheet 32d, and controls the gaming machine 1 according to the operation content. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the control unit 25 includes a game start detection unit 25a, a lighting control unit 25b, and a power supply control unit 25c.

[0036] The game start detection unit 25a detects that gameplay on the gaming machine 1 has started by detecting the insertion of banknotes or the like into the deposit unit 4. Alternatively, the game start detection unit 25a may also detect that gameplay on the gaming machine 1 has started by detecting the insertion of a membership card into the card reception unit 5 of the gaming machine 1. The lighting control unit 25b controls the LED board 35 to light up the LED 35a when, for example, the game start detection unit 25a detects the start of gameplay on the gaming machine 1. This makes the design representing the bet button 32ca, which is included in the decorative plate 32 described later, visible from the upper side of the top plate 11.

[0037] Furthermore, the lighting control unit 25b controls the LED board 35 to turn off LED 35a when, for example, the remaining balance in banknotes or receipts is refunded from the deposit unit 4 and it is assumed that the game on the gaming machine 1 has ended. This makes the symbols indicating the bet button 32ca and help button 32cb included in the decorative plate 32, which will be described later, invisible when the game on the gaming machine 1 ends.

[0038] The power supply control unit 25c controls the non-contact power supply unit 26 to supply power to the object to be charged, which is placed on a predetermined charging position P1, when the game of the gaming machine 1 has started. The top plate 11 is a plate-shaped member made of, for example, stainless steel, and as shown in Figure 4, it forms the upper surface of the operating deck 10 and has an opening 11a formed to match the installation position of the charging unit 20 and an opening 11b formed to match the installation position of the operating switch 30. As shown in Figure 4, the base unit 12 is a housing that constitutes the lower side of the operating deck 10 and houses the components that make up the charging unit 20 and the operating switch 30.

[0039] (3) Detailed configuration of the charging unit 20 As shown in Figure 7, the charging unit 20 is located on the left side of the upper surface of the control deck 10. As shown in Figure 4, the charging unit 20 includes a decorative plate 21, double-sided tape 22, a substrate cover 23, an LED substrate 24, and a contactless power supply unit 26.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4, the decorative plate 21 is a roughly circular sheet containing a design indicating the charging position P1, and is attached to the upper surface of the top plate 11. As a result, when light is emitted from the LED board 24, the pattern indicating the charging position P1 can be seen from the upper side of the top plate 11.

[0041] The design indicating the charging position P1 includes multiple circles and a charging mark M1 positioned in the center, as shown in Figure 2, etc. These designs become visible when the LED 24a is lit by the lighting control unit 25b of the control unit 25 described above, and become invisible when the LED 24a is turned off. As shown in Figure 4, the double-sided tape 22 is a substantially annular adhesive sheet provided for attaching the decorative plate 21 to the upper surface of the top plate 11, and is configured to contain adhesive material on both the upper and lower sides. The double-sided tape 22 has an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the opening 11a formed on the upper surface of the top plate 11, and is attached along the outer circumference of the opening 11a.

[0042] As shown in Figures 4 and 8, the substrate cover 23 is a substantially cylindrical member that is positioned in the gap between the top plate 11 and the base portion 12 together with the LED substrate 24 and the contactless power supply unit 26, and has a partition plate 23a. As shown in Figure 4, the partition plate 23a is the inner cylindrical portion of the substrate cover 23, which includes a double-layered, roughly cylindrical section. The partition plate 23a is positioned to cover the upper space of the LED 24a that illuminates the central part of the charging mark M1 (see Figure 2) in the pattern indicating the charging position P1. Therefore, the cylindrical upper space of the LED 24a that illuminates the multiple circular portions on the outer periphery of the charging mark M1 is shielded from the upper space of the LED 24a that illuminates the charging mark M1.

[0043] The LED board 24 is mounted on the upper surface of the base 12, and multiple LEDs 24a are arranged on its upper surface. The LED board 24 is controlled by the control unit 25 to switch the on / off state and the color of the light emitted from the multiple LEDs 24a. Multiple LEDs 24a are arranged in a grid pattern at approximately equal intervals on the upper surface of the LED substrate 24, and they emit light upward toward the decorative plate 21. The contactless power supply unit 26 is a bundle of annular coils provided as a power supply antenna, and as shown in Figures 4 and 8, it is located directly below the decorative plate 21 which includes a charging mark M1 indicating a predetermined charging position. The contactless power supply unit 26 supplies power to the object to be charged placed on the charging mark M1 without contact.

[0044] (4) Detailed configuration of the operation switch 30 The operation switch 30 receives input for a first operation, such as spinning the reels, in a gaming machine 1 such as a slot machine, and also receives input for a second operation, such as determining the bet amount to bet per play. As shown in Figure 7, the operation switch 30 is located on the right side of the upper surface of the operation deck 10.

[0045] The operation switch 30 is a roughly cylindrical switch to which input is received from a player operating the gaming machine 1. As shown in Figure 5, the operation switch 30 is composed of an operation button section (first operation section) 36 that constitutes the central part of the operation switch 30 and a touch switch (second operation section) 31 provided on its outer circumference. The touch switch 31 is a capacitive touch sensor that receives an operation (second operation) different from the operation (first operation) input to the operation button section 36 by the fingers of a player playing the gaming machine 1. In this embodiment, the touch switch 31 is assigned five bet buttons 32ca and one help button 32cb (see Figure 10). As shown in Figure 5, the touch switch 31 includes a decorative plate 32, double-sided tape 33, a partition member 34, and an LED substrate 35.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5, the decorative plate 32 is a roughly circular sheet containing a design showing the bed button 32ca and the help button 32cb (see Figure 10), and is attached to the upper surface of the partition member 34. The decorative plate 32 also includes an acrylic plate (top plate) 32a, a black mirror sheet (concealing layer) 32b, a design sheet 32c, and a touch switch electrode sheet 32d, as shown in Figure 9.

[0047] The acrylic plate 32a is a nearly transparent, almost annular member molded from, for example, PMMA (Poly Methyl Methacrylate) resin, and forms the touch surface of the touch switch 31. As shown in Figure 9, the acrylic plate 32a is positioned on the uppermost side of the decorative plate 32. As shown in Figure 9, the black mirror sheet (concealing layer) 32b is placed between the surface acrylic plate 32a and the design sheet 32c. The black mirror sheet 32b is provided so that when light is not irradiated from the LED substrate 35, it appears as a completely black surface when viewed from the top side of the top plate 11, making the design representing the bet button 32ca etc. invisible. In addition, the black mirror sheet 32b has the property of transmitting light from the LED substrate 35 side and reflecting light from the top side of the top plate 11.

[0048] As a result, unless light is emitted from the LED board 35, the symbols indicating the bet button 32ca and the help button 32cb cannot be seen from the top surface of the top plate 11. As shown in Figure 9, the design sheet (pattern display layer) 32c is provided between the black mirror sheet 32b and the touch switch electrode sheet 32d included in the decorative plate 32, and includes patterns (see Figure 10) indicating the bed button 32ca and the help button 32cb.

[0049] As shown in Figure 10, the symbols representing the bet button 32ca and the help button 32cb are separate circles containing either the bet number (50, 100, 150, 250, 500) or the word "HELP". These symbols are made visible by the illumination control unit 25b of the control unit 25 described above when the gaming machine 1 starts playing, by the illumination of LED 35a, and become invisible when the gaming machine 1 finishes playing, by the illumination of LED 35a.

[0050] As shown in Figure 9, the touch switch electrode sheet 32d is located at the bottom layer of the decorative plate 32 and is a capacitive sensor that detects when a player's fingers touch the touch switch 31 on the acrylic plate 32a. As shown in Figure 5, the double-sided tape 33 is a substantially annular adhesive sheet provided for attaching the decorative plate 21 to the upper surface of the partition member 34, and is configured to contain adhesive material on both its upper and lower sides. The double-sided tape 33 has an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the opening 11a formed on the upper surface of the top plate 11, and is attached to the partition member 34 along the outer circumference of the opening 11a. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, the double-sided tape 33 has a plurality of openings 33a formed at positions corresponding to the bed button 32ca and help button 32cb included in the decorative plate 32.

[0051] As a result, the light emitted from the LED 35a, described later, is not obstructed by the double-sided tape 33 and is emitted onto the decorative plate 32. As shown in Figures 5 and 8, the partition member 34 is a substantially annular member and is provided between the upper surface of the top plate 11 and the double-sided tape 33. The partition member 34 has a plurality of cylindrical partition plates 34a that protrude from the lower surface of the substantially annular portion toward the upper surface of the LED substrate 35.

[0052] As shown in Figure 10, the multiple cylindrical partition plates 34a are installed such that each cylindrical portion covers an individual LED 35a on the LED substrate 35. As a result, the light emitted from each LED 35a of the LED board 35 is directed towards the decorative plate 32 located above it, without mixing with each other due to the partition plate 34a. Therefore, the bed button 32ca and help button 32cb included in the decorative plate 32 can be clearly displayed.

[0053] The LED substrate 35 is controlled by the control unit 25 and has six LEDs 35a arranged on a semi-circular substrate, as shown in Figure 10. As shown in Figure 10, the multiple LEDs 35a are arranged at approximately equal intervals along the semi-circular LED substrate 35, corresponding to the multiple partition plates 34a and the bed button 32ca and help button 32cb, respectively, and emit light upwards in the figure.

[0054] The operation button section 36 is a push-button type switch that constitutes the central part of the operation switch 30, and as shown in Figure 5, it is mounted in a state where it is inserted from below into the opening 12a of the base section 12. As shown in Figure 6, the operation button section 36 includes a decorative plate 41, double-sided tape 42, a cover member 43, an LED substrate (with an adhesive layer on the back) 44, a base component 45, a spacer 46, a spring (elastic member) 47, a shaft 48, a microswitch 49, and a base plate 50.

[0055] As shown in Figure 6, the decorative plate 41 is a roughly circular disc-shaped member that forms the uppermost surface of the operation button section 36 and includes a design sheet on which the word "SPIN" is inscribed. The word "SPIN" on the decorative plate 41 becomes visible from the top surface of the top plate 11 when the LED 44a of the LED substrate 44, which will be described later, is lit. As shown in Figure 6, the double-sided tape 42 is a substantially annular adhesive sheet for attaching the decorative plate 41 to the upper surface of the cover member 43, and is provided between the decorative plate 41 and the cover member 43.

[0056] As shown in Figure 6, the cover member 43 is a substantially annular member and is attached to the base part 45. The LED substrate 44 is a tape-shaped member that includes an adhesive layer on its back surface and has a plurality of LEDs 44a arranged on its inner circumferential surface, as shown in Figure 6, and is provided as a light source for the operation button section 36. The plurality of LEDs 44a emit light from the inner circumferential surface of the substantially cylindrical base component 45 toward the radially inward direction.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6, the base component 45 is a substantially cylindrical member that holds the LED substrate 44 on its inner circumferential surface. The base component 45 is also provided in such a manner that it can move to a position close to the base plate 50 when the operation button 36 is pressed down. As shown in Figure 6, the spacers 46 are attached to the upper ends of the three shafts 48 and are provided to absorb the intersection of the three axes' XY positions.

[0058] As shown in Figure 6, the spring (elastic member) 47 is held with three shafts 48 inserted into its inner circumference. When the operating button 36 is operated in the downward direction, the spring 47 applies an elastic force that pushes the base part 45 upward. As a result, even if the operation button section 36 is pressed down by the player, the base components 45, including the decorative plate 41 and LED board 44 of the operation button section 36, are returned to their initial position by the elastic force of the spring 47.

[0059] As shown in Figure 6, the upper end of the shaft 48 is fixed to the base component 45 and the lower end is fixed to the base plate 50. When the operation button 36 is operated in the downward direction, the base component 45 moves downward along the three shafts 48 and is returned to its initial position by the elastic force of the spring 47. The microswitch 49 is a switch for detecting the operation of pressing down the operation button 36 and the switch signal, and as shown in Figure 6, it is provided on the upper surface of the base plate 50 via a mounting part 49a.

[0060] As shown in Figure 6, the base plate 50 is a plate-shaped member that constitutes the bottom portion of the operation button section 36, and its upper surface supports the three shafts 48, the microswitch 49, etc. When the operation button section 36 is pressed down, the base component 45 that holds the decorative plate 41, the cover member 43, the LED substrate 44, etc. moves up and down relative to the base plate 50.

[0061] <Main Features> The operation switch 30 of this embodiment is an operation button for a gaming machine that receives operation input for the gaming machine 1 shown in Figure 1, and as shown in Figures 5 and 6, it comprises a base plate 50, an operation button section 36, and a touch switch 31. The operation button section 36 is supported by the base plate 50 and receives a first operation input by the player. The touch switch 31 is provided on the outer circumference of the operation button section 36 and receives a second operation different from the first operation by the player.

[0062] As a result, since the operation switch 30 is composed of an operation button section 36 located in the center and a touch switch 31 located on its outer periphery, different operations (first operation and second operation) can be consolidated into a single operation switch 30. Therefore, players of gaming machine 1 can enjoy playing with minimal movement, without having to move their arms extensively while playing, thus improving the utilization rate of gaming machine 1.

[0063] In particular, in the operation switch 30 of this embodiment, the SPIN button (operation button section 36) for rotating the reels of the gaming machine 1, such as a slot machine, and the bet button (touch switch 31) are located in close proximity, so that all the buttons that the player operates during gameplay are consolidated into one location. This reduces the range of arm movement required by the player during gameplay, allowing them to complete the game more quickly and thus improving the operating rate of the gaming machine 1. Furthermore, since the player of the gaming machine 1 does not need to move their arms significantly with each play operation of the gaming machine 1, they can avoid, for example, spilling drinks or other items placed on the control deck 10 while playing.

[0064] [Other embodiments] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0065] (A) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a control unit 25 (game start detection unit 25a, lighting control unit 25b, and power supply control unit 25c) provided in the operation deck 10 controls the lighting of the LED board 35 only during gameplay. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the control unit that performs lighting control may be the same control unit provided within the gaming machine. In other words, the control on the operation deck side may be performed by the control unit on the gaming machine side.

[0066] (B) In the above embodiment, an example was given in which a push-button type operation button section 36 is used as the first operation section and a touch switch 31 is used as the second operation section. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first and second operating units are not limited to the combination of a push-button type operating unit and a touch-switch type operating unit described above; both the first and second operating units may be push-button type operating units, or both may be touch-switch type operating units. Furthermore, the first and second operating units are not limited to the push-button or touch-switch type operating units described above, but may also be operating units employing other methods such as a directional pad.

[0067] (C) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the lighting control unit 25b of the control unit 25 controls the LED board 35 on the touch switch 31 side of the operation switch 30 so that when gameplay on the gaming machine 1 starts, the LED 35a lights up so that symbols such as the bet button 32ca become visible. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the LED board on the touch switch side of the operation switch may be controlled so that the LED lights up and the symbols such as the bet button are visible, regardless of whether the gaming machine is in operation or not.

[0068] (D) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the decorative plate 32 included in the touch switch 31 as the second operating part includes a black mirror sheet (concealing layer) 32b having a half-mirror function, as shown in Figure 9. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0069] For example, the operating switch may be configured with a decorative plate that does not include a black mirror sheet (concealing layer). In this case, compared to a configuration including a black mirror sheet, the symbols indicating the positions of the bet buttons, etc., will not become completely invisible, but the symbols indicating the charging position can be made difficult to see when the light source is turned off, thus achieving the same effect as described above.

[0070] (E) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the game start detection unit 25a of the control unit 25 determines that the game has started when it detects a deposit from the deposit unit 4, or when it detects the insertion of a membership card or the like at the card reception unit 5, and the lighting control unit 25b controls the lighting of the LED 35a on the LED board 35. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the game start detection unit may determine that gameplay has started on the gaming machine by detecting the operation of an operation switch, in addition to deposit processing or acceptance of a membership card.

[0071] (F) In the above embodiment, the decorative plate 32 included in the touch switch 31 as the second operating unit was described with an example that includes a black mirror sheet (concealing layer) 32b and a design sheet (pattern display layer) 32c, as shown in Figure 9. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the decorative plate included in the operation button section as the first operation section may have a configuration corresponding to a masking layer and a pattern display layer, similar to the second operation section.

[0072] (G) In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, an example was described in which the charging unit 20 and the operating switch 30 are installed in the openings 11a and 11b formed in the top plate 11, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a predetermined charging position and operating switch may be installed at a predetermined location on a top plate that does not have an opening.

[0073] (H) In the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the operation deck 10 was provided as an example, protruding from the front of the gaming machine 1 toward the player. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the shape and size of the control deck are not limited to the form shown in Figure 1, and other forms may be adopted.

[0074] (I) In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the top plate 11 is made of stainless steel. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the top plate may be a plate-shaped member made of glass that has light-transmitting properties. However, in the case of a top plate in which an opening is provided at the charging position and the charging part is positioned to fit into the opening, as in Embodiment 1 above, it may be formed as a plate-like member of metal or the like that does not transmit light.

[0075] (J) In the above embodiment, the slot machine shown in Figure 1 was used as an example of a gaming machine to which the operating deck of the present invention is attached. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0076] For example, the gaming machine to which the operating deck of the present invention is attached may be a slot machine, a pachinko machine, a card game machine such as a poker game machine, a mahjong game machine, or the like. [Industrial applicability]

[0077] The operating buttons for gaming machines of the present invention have the effect of improving the operating rate of gaming machines, and therefore can be widely applied to various gaming machines such as slot machines. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] 1. Gaming machine 2. Enclosure 3 Display Monitor 4. Deposit Section 5. Card Reception Section 10 Operation Decks 11 Top Plate 11a,11b opening 12 Base section 12a opening 20 Live parts 21 Decorative Plate 22 Double-sided tape 23 Circuit board cover 23a Partition plate 24 LED boards 24a LED 25 Control Unit 25a Game Start Detection Unit 25b Lighting control unit 25c Power supply control unit 26 Contactless power supply unit 30. Operation switches (operation buttons for gaming machines) 31. Touch switch (second operating section) 32 Decorative Plates 32a Acrylic plate (top plate) 32b Black mirror sheet (opacification layer) 32c Design sheet (pattern display layer) 32ca Bet Button 32cb Help button 32d Touch Switch Electrode Sheet 33 Double-sided tape 33a aperture 34 Partition Members 34a Partition plate (light separation wall) 35 LED substrate (light source section) 35a LED 36 Operation Button Section (First Operation Section) 41 Decorative Plate 42 Double-sided tape 43 Cover component 44 LED boards 44a LED 45 Base parts 46 Spacers 47. Springs (elastic components) 48 shafts 49 microswitches 49a Mounting parts 50 base plate M1 charging mark P1 charging position

Claims

1. An operation button for a gaming machine that accepts operation input for the gaming machine, Bass and, Supported on the aforementioned base, the first operation unit is used to input the first operation by the player, A second operation unit is provided on the outer circumference of the first operation unit, and a second operation different from the first operation is input by the player, Equipped with, The second operating section comprises a transparent, substantially annular member and a pattern display layer provided below the transparent, substantially annular member, which displays a pattern indicating the position of the second operating section. A light source unit that irradiates light toward the aforementioned pattern display layer, When light is not being emitted from the light source, a blinding layer is provided to make the pattern indicating the position of the second operating part invisible from the surface side of the transparent, substantially annular member. Furthermore, The aforementioned pattern display layer is controlled by the operation of the player playing the game machine, and the light source is controlled to switch between visible and invisible states. Operation buttons for gaming machines.

2. The first operation unit is pressed by the player to perform the first operation. An operating button for a gaming machine according to claim 1.

3. The device further includes an elastic member provided between the first operating section and the base, which pushes the first operating section upward in response to a downward push operation by the player. An operating button for a gaming machine according to claim 2.

4. The second operating section is provided in multiple locations along the outer circumference of the first operating section. An operating button for a gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The second operating section further includes a touch switch layer on the transparent, substantially annular member where the player's fingers touch the position of the second operating section, thereby performing the second operation. An operating button for a gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The light source unit is provided between the touch switch layer and the base, and irradiates light toward the pattern display layer via the touch switch layer. An operating button for a gaming machine according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned blind layer has the property of transmitting light from the light source and reflecting light when viewed from the surface side of the transparent, substantially annular member. An operating button for a gaming machine according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned privacy layer is provided between the transparent, substantially annular member and the pattern display layer. An operating button for a gaming machine according to claim 6 or 7.

9. Multiple second operating units are provided, The device further includes a light-separating wall located below the diagram indicating the position of the second operating section, which separates the light irradiated onto the second operating section from the light irradiated onto the second operating section adjacent to it. An operating button for a gaming machine according to any one of claims 6 to 8.

10. An operating button for a gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, A non-contact power supply unit is provided at a position spaced apart from the operation buttons for the gaming machine, located directly below a predetermined charging position, and performs non-contact charging of an object to be charged placed on the charging position. A control deck is provided.

11. The amusement machine further includes a game start detection unit that detects when gameplay has begun. The control deck according to claim 10.

12. An operation button for a gaming machine that receives operation input to a gaming machine, comprising: a base; a first operation section supported by the base and into which a first operation is input by a player; and a second operation section provided on the outer circumference of the first operation section and into which a second operation different from the first operation is input by the player, A non-contact power supply unit is provided at a position spaced apart from the operation buttons for the gaming machine, located directly below a predetermined charging position, and performs non-contact charging of an object to be charged placed on the charging position. A game start detection unit that detects when the game has started on the aforementioned gaming machine, Equipped with, The second operating section comprises a top plate and a pattern display layer provided below the top plate for displaying a pattern indicating the position of the second operating section. The aforementioned operating buttons for the gaming machine are: A light source unit that irradiates light toward the aforementioned pattern display layer, The system further includes a control unit that controls the light source unit to emit light when the game start detection unit detects the start of gameplay on the gaming machine, Control deck.

13. An operating deck according to any one of claims 10 to 12, The main body to which the aforementioned control deck is attached, The main body includes a display monitor located on the front of the main unit that displays the contents of the game, A gaming machine equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

Images