U.S. patent application number 11/419991 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-25 for authentication device and gaming machine equipped with the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to KONAMI GAMING INCORPORATED. Invention is credited to Eiji AIDA.
Application Number | 20070021194 11/419991 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37561679 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070021194 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
AIDA; Eiji |
January 25, 2007 |
AUTHENTICATION DEVICE AND GAMING MACHINE EQUIPPED WITH THE SAME
Abstract
An authentication device according to the present invention is
preferably installed in a gaming machine. In this authentication
device, in particular, an authentication data input unit is located
on the rear side of a display unit. Furthermore, the screen of the
display unit includes an authentication position where an
authentication object (for example, a player's finger) is to
approach or touch the screen. The authentication data input unit
reads the authentication data (for example, fingerprint pattern
data) through the screen from the authentication object approaching
or touching the screen of the display unit.
Inventors: |
AIDA; Eiji; (Zama city,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GLOBAL IP COUNSELORS, LLP
1233 20TH STREET, NW, SUITE 700
WASHINGTON
DC
20036-2680
US
|
Assignee: |
KONAMI GAMING INCORPORATED
585 Trade Center Drive
Las Vegas
NV
|
Family ID: |
37561679 |
Appl. No.: |
11/419991 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3206 20130101;
G07F 17/3211 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/029 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 28, 2005 |
JP |
2005-187562 |
Claims
1. An authentication device, comprising: a display unit comprising
a screen, and configured to display an image on the screen; an
authentication data input unit located on a rear side of the
display unit or the vicinity thereof, the authentication data input
unit configured to read authentication data from an authentication
object approaching or touching the screen; and an authentication
unit configured to perform an authentication process based on the
authentication data read by the authentication data input unit.
2. The authentication device according to claim 1, wherein the
authentication data input unit comprises: an electromagnetic wave
irradiation unit which irradiates the authentication object with
electromagnetic waves through the screen of the display unit; and
an electromagnetic wave detecting unit configured to receive
electromagnetic waves transmitted from the authentication object in
response to the electromagnetic waves irradiated by the
electromagnetic wave irradiation unit, and configured to read the
authentication data from the received electromagnetic waves.
3. The authentication device according to claim 2, further
comprising a detection unit configured to detect the authentication
object when the authentication object approaches or touches the
screen of the display unit; wherein the electromagnetic wave
irradiation unit irradiates the electromagnetic waves in response
to the output of the detection unit.
4. The authentication device according to claim 3, wherein the
detection unit is comprised of a transparent touch sensor arranged
on the screen of the display unit.
5. The authentication device according to claim 1, wherein the
authentication data input unit comprises: a magnetic field
generating unit configured to generate a magnetic field in the
vicinity of the screen of the display unit in order to supply
electric power to the authentication object with the magnetic
field; and a receiving unit configured to use the electric power
received from the magnetic field to read the authentication data
transmitted from the authentication object.
6. The authentication device according to claim 5, further
comprising a detection unit configured to detect the authentication
object when the authentication object approaches or touches the
screen of the display unit; wherein the magnetic field generating
unit is configured to generate the magnetic field in response to
the output of the detection unit.
7. The authentication device according to claim 6, wherein the
detection unit is comprised of a transparent touch sensor arranged
on the screen of the display unit.
8. The authentication device according to claim 1, wherein the
display unit is configured to display a guidance image which
indicates an authentication position on the screen of the display
unit at which the authentication object is to be brought near or
placed in contact therewith.
9. The authentication device according to claim 8, wherein the
display unit displays a plurality of guidance images that indicate
different authentication positions on the screen; and the
authentication data input unit is configured to read authentication
data from the authentication object which approaches or touches one
of the plurality of the authentication positions.
10. The authentication device according to claim 1, further
comprising a data communications unit configured to perform
wireless data communications with the authentication object after
the authentication unit completes the authentication process.
11. The authentication device according to claim 1, wherein the
authentication data is biometric authentication data which
indicates biometric characteristics that are capable of identifying
individuals.
12. A gaming machine, comprising: a game control unit configured to
control a game in accordance with a predetermined game program; a
display unit comprising a screen, and configured to display images
on the screen based on the progress of the game; and an
authentication device comprising an authentication data input unit
located on the rear side of the display unit or the vicinity
thereof, the authentication device configured to read
authentication data from an authentication object that approaches
or touches the screen; and an authentication unit configured to
perform an authentication process based on the authentication data
read by the authentication data input unit.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to authentication devices, and
more particularly to authentication devices provided in gaming
machines.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] An authentication device reads authentication data from an
authentication object which approaches or touches a predetermined
authentication position, and then performs an authentication
process based on the authentication data. A biometric
authentication device is one such authentication device. See, for
example, Japan Published Patent Application 2002-318648. A
biometric authentication device uses biometric characteristics (a
fingerprint pattern, a retina pattern, a vein pattern, etc.) as
authentication data which can identify individuals. More
specifically, when a body part (authentication object) that
includes biometric characteristics approaches or touches a sensor
(predetermined authentication position) of the biometric
authentication device, the biometric authentication device reads
the biometric authentication data (fingerprint, retina, or vein
pattern data, etc.) from the body part through the sensor. Then,
the biometric authentication device performs an authentication
process based on the read biometric authentication data, and
determines whether or not the person who has the biometric
characteristics is a person who has proper authority. For example,
if the person is determined to be a person with the proper
authority, he will be allowed to proceed with the specific process
or operation; however, if this person is determined to not have the
proper authority, he will be prohibited from proceeding with the
intended process or operation.
[0005] A device installed in a non-contact IC tag reader unit is
known as another authentication device. See Japan Published Patent
Application 2001-325572. When a non-contact IC tag (authentication
object) approaches or touches a predetermined authentication
position which is provided on the surface of an authentication
device installed in a non-contact IC tag reader unit, the
non-contact IC tag transmits authentication data. The non-contact
IC tag reader unit receives the authentication data, and performs
an authentication process based on the authentication data to
determine whether the non-contact IC tag is valid or not. If the IC
tag is determined to be valid, the person in possession of the IC
tag will be, for example, allowed to proceed with a specific
process or operation, or perform data communications with the
non-contact IC tag. On the other hand, if the non-contact IC tag is
determined to be invalid, the person in possession of the
non-contact IC tag will be prohibited from performing a specific
process or operation, and prohibited from performing data
communications with the non-contact IC tag.
[0006] A region (hereafter referred to as an authentication space)
is provided on the surface of every conventional authentication
device, and is used as the authentication position at which the
authentication object is to approach or touch the surface of the
authentication device. For example, gaming machines and portable
electronic appliances (such as notebook computers and cellular
phones) are generally equipped with a display. There are demands to
increase the screen size of the display on these products. On the
other hand, when an authentication device is installed in these
products, it is desirable that the authentication position is
placed where a user can easily operate the device, e.g., on the
front surface of the product. However, the screen size of the
display must be limited in order to provide an authentication space
on the front surface, because the display screen is usually located
on the front surface. As a result, further increasing the screen
size of the display is difficult. Compatibility between the
allocation of authentication space and an increase in screen size
is difficult, particularly when a product whose miniaturization is
strongly desired, such as a portable electronic appliance, is
equipped with an authentication device.
[0007] In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled
in the art from this disclosure that there exists a need for an
improved authentication device, and a gaming machine equipped with
the authentication device, in which an authentication position can
be allocated on the surface in which the screen of a display unit
is provided, without limiting an increase in screen size of the
display unit. This invention addresses this need in the art as well
as other needs, which will become apparent to those skilled in the
art from this disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An authentication device according to the present invention
preferably comprises a display unit which includes a screen and
which displays an image on the screen; an authentication data input
unit which is located on the rear side of the display unit or the
vicinity thereof, and which reads authentication data from an
authentication object approaching or touching the screen; and an
authentication unit which performs an authentication process based
on the authentication data read by the authentication data input
unit. Here, it is preferable that the authentication data is
biometric authentication data which shows biometric characteristics
(such as fingerprints, retinas, or veins) that can identify
individuals. In this authentication device, the authentication data
input unit is located on the rear side of the display unit or the
vicinity thereof, and the authentication position exists on the
screen of the display unit. Therefore, the authentication position
can be provided on the surface in which the display unit is
mounted, without limiting any further increase in the screen size
of the display unit.
[0009] In the above-described authentication device according to
the present invention, the authentication data input unit
preferably includes an electromagnetic wave irradiation unit which
irradiates the authentication object with electromagnetic waves
through the screen of the display unit; and an electromagnetic wave
detecting unit which receives an electromagnetic wave transmitted
from the authentication object in response to the electromagnetic
wave applied by the electromagnetic wave irradiation unit, and
which reads the authentication data from the received
electromagnetic wave. For example, the electromagnetic wave
irradiation unit irradiates a portion of a person's body (the
authentication object) with electromagnetic waves (in particular,
infrared rays). Furthermore, an electromagnetic wave detecting unit
detects the electromagnetic wave radiated from the body portion in
response to the irradiation of the electromagnetic wave irradiation
unit, and then reads biometric authentication data of the body
portion from the detected electromagnetic waves. Alternatively, the
electromagnetic wave irradiation unit, for example, transmits
specific data in order to request authentication data from an
authentication data storage device (the authentication object),
using electromagnetic waves. The authentication data storage device
which received this data then transmits the authentication data
using wireless communications. The electromagnetic wave detecting
unit reads the transmitted authentication data.
[0010] Alternatively, the authentication data input in the
above-described authentication device according to the present
invention unit may include a magnetic field generating unit which
generates a magnetic field in the vicinity of the screen of the
display unit in order to supply electric power to the
authentication object with the magnetic field; and a receiving unit
which uses the electric power provided from the magnetic field to
read the authentication data when the authentication object
transmits the authentication data. Here, it is preferable that the
authentication object is an authentication data storage device
(such as an IC tag).
[0011] The above-described authentication device according to the
present invention preferably comprises a detection unit which
detects the authentication object when it approaches or touches the
screen of the display unit. In that case, the electromagnetic wave
irradiation unit further preferably irradiates electromagnetic
waves in response to the output of the detection unit.
Alternatively, the magnetic field generating unit generates a
magnetic field in response to the output of the detection unit.
Thus, the electromagnetic wave irradiation unit and the magnetic
field generating unit operate when the authentication object
approaches or touches the screen of the display unit. In other
words, the electromagnetic wave irradiation unit and the magnetic
field generating unit activate and generate the electromagnetic
wave and the magnetic field, respectively, only when necessary.
Accordingly, the device can easily save more energy. Further
preferably, the detection unit is a transparent touch sensor which
is provided on the screen of the display unit. Here, the touch
sensor can detect contact of the authentication object with the
screen of the display unit. Specific examples of such touch sensors
are analog capacitive coupling touch sensors, and touch sensors
which use ultrasonic waves (surface acoustic waves).
[0012] The display unit preferably displays a guidance image which
shows the position (hereinafter referred to as the authentication
position) on the screen of the display unit at which the
authentication object is to approach or touch the screen, in the
above-described authentication device according to the present
invention. Thus, a user can easily locate the authentication
position on the screen. Further preferably, the display unit
displays the plurality of the guidance images that show different
authentication positions on the screen, and the authentication data
input unit reads authentication data from the authentication object
which approaches or touches one of the plurality of the
authentication positions. Here, the authentication data input unit
may be designed such that the authentication data of the
authentication object that approaches or touches other
authentication positions will not be read. The display of more than
one such guidance image can provide an unprecedented new
authentication process. For example, the device can pose a question
to the user and display several possible answers thereto at more
than one authentication position on the screen. In this case, a
more accurate authentication is possible by having previously
registered a correct answer, which only the user know, in the
authentication device. Alternatively, when the authentication
device is installed in a gaming machine, the gaming machine may
provide a bonus to a player who succeeds in authentication by
selecting the correct authentication position.
[0013] The above-described authentication device according to the
present invention preferably further comprises a data
communications unit which performs wireless data communications
with the authentication object after the authentication unit
completes the authentication process. In that case, the data
communication is performed after the authentication process, and
accordingly, this prevents any illegal data communications from
being performed with the authentication objects before the
authentication process is completed.
[0014] The above-described authentication device according to the
present invention is preferably installed in a gaming machine.
Here, the gaming machine preferably further comprises a game
control unit which controls a game in accordance with a
predetermined game program. In that case, the display unit
displays, in particular, images on the screen that are based on the
progress of the game. This gaming machine is provided with the
authentication position on the screen of the display unit (in
particular, on the game screen) in which the authentication object
is to approach or touch. Therefore, the authentication position can
be provided on the surface in which the display unit is mounted,
without limiting any further increase in the screen size of the
display unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of
this original disclosure:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of a monitor
included in a slot machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view which shows the appearance of
the slot machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a block diagram which shows the hardware
configuration of a main control unit included in the slot machine
according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a block diagram which shows the hardware
configuration of a sub-control unit included in the slot machine
according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a flow chart which shows the progress of a game
performed in the slot machine according to Embodiment 1 of the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a flow chart which shows the control performed by
the control unit of the slot machine according to Embodiment 1 of
the present invention, when a player plays a game using the
player's credit data registered in a management server;
[0022] FIG. 7 schematically shows an individual authentication
screen displayed in the slot machine according to Embodiment 1 of
the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a block diagram which shows the hardware
configuration of a sub-control unit included in a slot machine
according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 9 schematically shows a game screen displayed when the
slot machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention
performs an ID authentication process;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a flow chart which shows the control performed by
the control unit of a slot machine according to Embodiment 3 of the
present invention, when a player plays a game using the player's
credit data registered in a management server; and
[0026] FIG. 11 schematically shows a personal authentication screen
displayed in the slot machine according to Embodiment 3 of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be
explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to
those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following
descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention are
provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting
the invention as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
Embodiment 1
[0028] Embodiment 1 of the present invention is a gaming machine,
in particular, a video slot machine which is placed in a casino.
First, the fundamental configuration of the slot machine will be
explained (see FIG. 2). This slot machine 1 comprises a box-shape
cabinet 2, and a front panel 3 which is installed on the front
surface of the cabinet 2 so as to be freely openable and closable.
A display window 4, a coin slot 5a, a bill slot 5b, a spin button
6a, a credit payout button 6b, various types of BET buttons 7a, 7b,
7c, winning line selection buttons 8a, 8b, 8c, a coin receiver 9, a
coin outlet 9a, and various types of lamps 10a, 10b are provided on
the front panel 3. A player can see the screen of a monitor 11
through the display window 4. The coin slot 5a and the bill slot 5b
constitute a money input unit. Each of the spin button 6a, the
credit payout button 6b, the BET buttons 7a, 7b, 7c, and the
winning line selection buttons 8a, 8b, and 8c is a lamp button, and
in other words, includes a light emission unit and emits light when
pushed by the player.
[0029] The monitor 11 is placed inside the slot machine 1. The
monitor 11 is preferably a liquid crystal display, or alternatively
may be a plasma display or another type of flat-panel display.
However, the monitor 11 in Embodiment 1 must allow infrared rays to
pass between the rear of the monitor 11 and the display screen of
the monitor 11, as described below in greater detail. Five symbol
display regions 11a are, in particular, included on the monitor 11.
A plurality of symbols are aligned in a specific order and
displayed in each symbol display region 11a. A touch panel 17 is
further provided on the screen of the monitor 11. The touch panel
17 includes a transparent touch sensor, preferably an analog
capacitive coupling touch sensor, or alternatively, may be an
ultrasonic wave (surface elastic wave) touch sensor. Additionally,
a credit display unit 11b, a BET display unit 11c, and an award
display unit 11d are displayed on the screen of the monitor 11. The
total number of credits belonging to the player (the money which
the player inserted into the coin slot 5a or the bill slot 5b) is
displayed on the credit display unit 11b. The amount that the
player has bet is displayed on the BET display unit 11c. Here, the
player operates the BET buttons 7a, 7b, and 7c to set the amount of
the bet. The number of credits which the player has won as a result
of the game is displayed on the award display region 11d. An
inspection device (which authenticates the coins and the bills
inserted by the player), a hopper (which stores a plurality of
coins), a coin payout device (which uses the hopper to discharge a
predetermined number of coins through the coin outlet 9a), a
speaker, a main control unit, and a sub-control unit are further
included inside the slot machine 1.
[0030] A reset switch 12 is provided on the side of the slot
machine 1. There is a keyhole in this reset switch 12. The reset
switch 12 can be activated by inserting a specific key into this
keyhole. The specific keys are held by one or more casino workers,
and accordingly players cannot operate the reset switch 12.
[0031] A card slot 13 and a display device 14 are provided on the
top of the slot machine 1. A house card (a removable recording
medium used in the casino) is inserted into the card slot 13. The
house card is provided to each player. The house card stores
identification data (player ID) of the player. A management server
of the casino matches players' personal data (which players
register at the reception desk or the like of the casino) to the
respective player IDs. The amount of money that the player has
spent on the games, and the points corresponding to the amount of
money spent, are also recorded on the house card. In particular, a
player can receive a bonus such as a free accommodation coupon
based on the number of points the player has. The display device 14
displays the number of points the player has received. Moreover,
the house card is used when the player uses the money previously
deposited in the casino to play a game on the slot machine 1
(described below in greater detail).
[0032] The main control unit 20 includes a first CPU 21, a first
input/output port 21a, a first ROM 22, a first RAM 23, a random
number generating circuit 24, a first display control unit 25, a
lighting control unit 26, a sound control unit 27, and a payout
control unit 28 (see FIG. 3). The first CPU 21 is connected to an
operating unit and an inserted money counting device (not shown in
the figures) in addition to the other components of the main
control unit 20. The operating unit includes the spin button 6a,
the credit payout button 6b, the BET buttons 7a, 7b, 7c, the
winning line selection buttons 8a, 8b, 8c, the touch panel 17, and
the like (see FIG. 2). The inserted money counting device counts
the amount of money inserted into the coin slot 5a and the bill
slot 5b. The first CPU 21 controls the other components of the main
control unit 20 based on data from the operating unit and the
inserted money counting device. The first I/O port 21a is used for
data communications between the main control unit 20 and the
sub-control unit 30. The first ROM 22 stores various programs and
databases used by the first CPU 21. The first RAM 23 temporarily
stores variable data and the like that is calculated by the first
CPU 21. The random number generating circuit 24 generates and
outputs random number(s) to the first CPU 21 at predetermined
intervals. The first display control unit 25 and the monitor 11
constitute a display unit. The first display control unit 25 in
particular controls the screen display of the monitor 11. The
lighting control unit 26 controls the lighting of the lamps 10a and
10b. The sound control unit 27 controls the speaker 15 so as to
output voice announcements and sound effects. The payout control
unit 28 controls the coin payout device 16 so as to discharge a
predetermined number of coins from the hopper through the coin
outlet 9a to the coin receiver 9.
[0033] The sub-control unit 30 includes a second CPU 31, a second
ROM 32, a second RAM 33, a card reader 34, a second display control
unit 35, a second input/output port 36, a third I/O port 37, and an
authentication data input unit (an infrared ray irradiation unit 38
and a fingerprint sensor 39) (see FIG. 4). The second CPU 31
controls the other components of the sub-control unit 30. The
second ROM 32 stores various programs and databases used by the
second CPU 31. The second RAM 33 temporarily stores variable data
and the like that is calculated by the second CPU 31. The card
reader 34 reads data (in particular, a player ID) from a house card
inserted into the card slot 13, and outputs the data to the second
CPU 31. The second display control unit 35 controls the display
device 14. The second I/O port 36 is used for data communications
between the sub-control unit 30 and the main control unit 20. The
third I/O port 37 is used for data communications between the
sub-control unit 30 and the management server 40 of the casino.
[0034] The authentication data input unit, that is, the infrared
ray irradiation unit 38 and the fingerprint sensor 39, is placed on
the rear side of the monitor 11, preferably at the lower right
portion of the screen when seen by the player (see FIG. 1). In
particular, the infrared ray irradiation surface of the infrared
ray irradiation unit 38 and the reading surface of the fingerprint
sensor 39 are each positioned so as to face the rear side of the
monitor 11. Accordingly, the authentication position is set at the
lower right portion of the screen of the monitor 11, when seen by
the player. The infrared ray irradiation unit 38 irradiates the
rear side of the monitor 11 with infrared rays emitted from the
infrared ray irradiation surface thereof, under the control of the
second CPU 31. The infrared rays that reach the back of the monitor
11 penetrate the monitor 11 and the touch panel 17, and are then
reflected by the finger of the player that has been placed on the
authentication position. The reflected light penetrates the touch
panel 17 and the monitor 11, and then reaches the rear side of the
monitor 11. The fingerprint sensor 39 detects the reflected light
that has passed through the monitor 11, and then decodes the
fingerprint pattern of the player from the reflected light. The
fingerprint sensor 39 further generates fingerprint pattern data
based on the decoded fingerprint pattern, and sends the data to the
second CPU 31.
[0035] The following explains each operation of the above-described
units in accordance with the flow of a game performed in the slot
machine 1 (see FIG. 5). The player inserts coins or bills in
advance into the coin or bill slot 5a or 5b, respectively. The
inserted money counting device counts the inserted coins and/or
bills, and then creates and outputs inserted money data to the
first CPU 21 of the main control unit 20. The player can also
request a credit payout process (described in greater detail below)
on the slot machine 1, and thereby use the credits previously
deposited in the casino. The first CPU 21 creates credit data based
on the inserted money data, or in accordance with the credit payout
process, and then records the credit data in the first RAM 23.
[0036] The player operates the winning line selection buttons 8a,
8b, 8c, and the BET buttons 7a, 7b, and 7c, in order to enter
selected winning lines and the amount to be bet (step S1). For
example, 1-3 winning lines are selected, and 1-3 bet credits are
selected. Here, the operational contents of each button are sent to
the first CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 as operation signals.
The first CPU 21 processes credit data recorded in the first RAM 23
in order to reduce the number of credits in the credit data by the
credits represented by the operation signal (step S2). For example,
when three winning lines and two bet credits per winning line are
selected, the number of credits in the credit data recorded in the
first RAM 23 are reduced by 6 (i.e., 2.times.3) credits.
[0037] Then, the first CPU 21 will accept an operation signal from
the spin button 6a. In other words, the operation of the spin
button 6a by the player will be allowed. When the player operates
the spin button 6a, the first CPU 21 generates and sends a start
signal to the first display control unit 25 and the random number
generating circuit 24 (step S3). The first display control unit 25
starts a moving symbol display control in response to the start
signal, and thereby continues to change the symbols displayed in
each symbol display region 11a on the monitor 11 (step S4). The
random number generating circuit 24 generates five random numbers
in response to the start signal, and then sends these random
numbers to the first CPU 21 in the order they are generated (step
S5). Each random number is allocated to each symbol display region
11a displayed on the monitor 11. Each time a random number is
received from the random number generating circuit 24, the first
CPU 21 accesses stop position tables stored in the first ROM 22.
Here, the stop position tables show the corresponding relationship
between random numbers and the display patterns of the symbols, and
preferably one table is prepared for each symbol display region
11a. The first CPU 21 retrieves from the stop position tables a
display pattern of the symbols which corresponds to each random
number for each symbol display region 11a. The retrieved display
pattern of the symbols indicates the arrangement (the stop
positions) of the symbols to be displayed in each symbol display
region 11a at the end of the moving symbol display. The first CPU
21 further performs a lottery process based on the five random
numbers sent from the random number generating circuit 24 (step
S6). In other words, the first CPU 21 retrieves the combination of
the random numbers from a winning determination table stored in the
first ROM 22, and then determines whether or not the player wins an
award based on the combination. Here, the awards provided to the
player preferably include a right (bonus) to proceed to a special
game (a bonus game such as an event, a free game, or a feature
game), in addition to a predetermined number of credits. In that
case, the winning determination table used for the special game is
stored in the first ROM 22, in addition to the winning
determination table used for a normal game. Furthermore, a
different winning determination table may be prepared for each of
the winning lines selected by using the winning line selection
buttons 8a, 8b, and 8c.
[0038] After the lottery process (step S6), the first CPU 21 of the
main control unit 20 controls the first display control unit 25 to
stop the moving symbol display in each symbol display region 11a
and display the symbols at their stop positions (step S7). After
the symbols are displayed at the stop positions in each symbol
display region 11a, the first CPU 21 outputs predetermined effect
signals to the lighting control unit 26 and the sound control unit
27. The lighting control unit 26 controls each light emission unit
included in the various lamps 10a, 10b, and lamp buttons (for
example, the spin button 6a, the credit payout button 6b, the BET
buttons 7a, 7b, 7c, and the winning line selection buttons 8a, 8b,
and 8c), to blink in a pattern according to the received effect
signal. The sound control unit 27 switches the sound effect coming
out of the speaker 15 to the sound effect according to the received
effect signal. When a payout of credits has been determined in the
lottery process (step S6, S8, S9), the first CPU 21 then performs a
payout process, and thereby adds credits to be awarded to the
number of credits in the credit data recorded in the first RAM 23
(step S10). On the other hand, when the grant of a bonus is
determined in the lottery process (step S6, S8, S9), the first CPU
21 switches from the usual control mode to the special control mode
(an event or a bonus game) which corresponds to the bonus (step
S11).
[0039] The slot machine 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present
invention converts credits spent on the games by the player to
points, and then provides various services to the player depending
on the number of points accumulated. A player who wants the chance
to earn these services will register at the reception desk of the
casino prior to playing a game on the slot machine 1. In this
registration process, for example, the player will provide his/her
personal data (such as the player's name and address) on a form,
and then submits the form at the reception desk in order to receive
a house card in which a player ID is recorded. The submitted
personal data of the player is registered in the database of the
management server 40 via a terminal.
[0040] A service which allows a player to use credit data that
indicates the amount of money (credit) deposited in the casino for
the game is provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. More
specifically, the player deposits money at a specific location in
the casino, such as the reception desk. The amount of money
deposited is shown in the credit data, which is recorded in the
database of the management server 40. The player's player ID is
linked to the credit data. This makes games more enjoyable for the
player, because the player can play games at the slot machine 1
without carrying money. Here, a sufficiently high level of security
to protect the credit data registered in the management sever 40
essential in order to achieve such a service. Embodiment 1 of the
present invention ensures this sufficiently high level of security
as follows.
[0041] The following describes a method of using the credit data
registered in the management server 40, which is a distinctive
characteristic of the present invention (see FIG. 6). Before the
player can use the credit data to play games, the player must first
provide his/her fingerprint pattern (for example, a fingerprint of
the index finger on the right hand) when depositing money at the
reception desk of the casino. Thereby, credit data which shows the
amount of money deposited, and the fingerprint pattern, are
registered in the database of the management server 40. When using
the registered credit data for a game in the slot machine 1, the
player inserts the house card in which the player ID is stored into
the card slot 13 (step S21). At that time, the card reader 34 of
the sub-control unit 30 reads the recorded player ID from the
inserted house card, and sends the player ID to the second CPU 31
of the sub-control unit 30 (step S22). When receiving the player ID
from the card reader 34, the second CPU 31 determines whether the
player ID is valid or not (step S23). Note that the management
server 40 may perform the determination instead of the control unit
of the slot machine 1. In this case, the second CPU 31 sends the
received player ID to the management server 40, and then receives
the results of the determination of the management server 40 as a
response.
[0042] When the player ID is determined to be invalid in step S23,
the second CPU 31 informs the first CPU 21 of the main control unit
20 of the results of this determination. The first CPU 21 then
commands the first display control unit 25 to display an error
message on the monitor 11 (step S31). On the other hand, in the
sub-control unit 30, the second CPU 31 sends a card discharge
signal to the card reader 34 in order to discharge the house card
(step S32). When the player ID is determined to be valid in step
S23, the second CPU 31 informs the first CPU 21 of the main control
unit 20 of the results of the determination. The first CPU 21 then
commands the first display control unit 25 to display a personal
authentication screen on the monitor 11 as shown in FIG. 7 (step
S24). On this personal authentication screen, a guidance message
11e is displayed as a guidance image, and overlaps the original
image in the symbol display region 11a. The authentication position
is located at the lower right portion of the screen in Embodiment 1
of the present invention, as described above (see FIG. 1).
Accordingly, the text characters 11g which read "Authentication
Frame" and guide the authentication position, and an image 11f of
an authentication frame, are displayed as a guidance image at the
lower right portion of the screen. In addition, a guidance message
11e that states "Touch authentication frame at the lower right
portion of the screen with your right index finger." is displayed
at the center of the screen (see FIG. 7). The images inform the
player that the player's right index finger (authentication object)
should touch the inside of the authentication frame displayed on
the screen of the monitor 11. Note that, for example, images
similar to the text characters 11g that read "Authentication
Frame", and the image 11f of the authentication frame, may be drawn
in ink directly on the screen of the monitor 11, instead of the
display of the guidance image on the screen of the monitor 11 shown
in FIG. 7. Alternatively, stickers on which similar images are
drawn may be applied to the screen of the monitor 11.
[0043] When the player touches the inside of the authentication
frame of the image 11f with his/her right index finger, the touch
panel 17 detects this act (step S25). The result of the detection
is sent from the touch panel 17 through the first CPU 21 of the
main control unit 20 to the second CPU 31 of the sub-control unit
30. The second CPU 31 then sends a command to the infrared ray
irradiation unit 38 to irradiate infrared rays, and the infrared
ray irradiation unit 38 emits infrared rays from its infrared ray
irradiating surface. The infrared rays emitted from the infrared
ray irradiation unit 38 penetrate the screen of the monitor 11 and
the touch panel 17, and are then reflected by the right index
finger of the player placed on the authentication position. The
reflected light penetrates the screen of the monitor 11 and the
touch panel 17, and is then detected by the fingerprint sensor 39.
The fingerprint sensor 39 decodes the fingerprint pattern of the
right index finger from the detected light, and then generates
fingerprint pattern data, which is sent to the second CPU 31 (step
S26).
[0044] The second CPU 31 performs a fingerprint authentication
process to match the fingerprint pattern data received from the
fingerprint sensor 39 with the fingerprint pattern data which
matches the player ID received from the card reader 34 (step S27).
More specifically, after having received the fingerprint pattern
data from the fingerprint sensor 39, the second CPU 31 sends a
request for fingerprint pattern data (which includes the player ID
received from the card reader 34) through the third I/O port 37 to
the management server 40. After receiving this request, the
management server 40 reads the fingerprint pattern data which
matches the player ID included in the request from the database,
and then transmits the data to the sub-control unit 30 of the slot
machine 1. The fingerprint pattern data received by the third I/O
port 37 is sent to the second CPU 31, which matches the received
fingerprint pattern data with the fingerprint pattern data received
from the fingerprint sensor 39. This fingerprint authentication
process determines whether or not the player is the person who has
the authority to use the credit data which matches the player ID
recorded in the house card that is inserted into the card reader 34
(in other words, whether or not the player is the person that
requested registration of the credit data). Note that the
management server 40 may perform the above-described fingerprint
authentication process, instead of the control unit of the slot
machine 1. In this case, the second CPU 31 sends the fingerprint
pattern data received from the fingerprint sensor 39 to the
management server 40, and then receives the results of the
determination of the management server 40 as a response. When the
fingerprint pattern data read from the player does not match the
registered fingerprint pattern data in the above-described
fingerprint authentication process, the second CPU 31 informs the
first CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 of the authentication
results (step S28). The first CPU 21 then commands the first
display control unit 25 to display an error message on the monitor
11 (step S31). The second CPU 31 sends a card discharge signal to
the card reader 34 to discharge the house card (step S32). When the
fingerprint pattern data read from the player matches the
registered fingerprint pattern data in the above-described
fingerprint authentication process, the second CPU 31 performs an
acquisition process which matches the credit data with the player
ID received from the card leader 34 (step S28, S29). More
specifically, the second CPU 31 sends a request for the credit data
(which includes the player ID received from the card reader 34) to
the management server 40 through the third I/O port 37. After
receiving the request, the management device 40 reads the credit
data which matches the player ID included in the request from the
database, and then transmits the credit data to the sub-control
unit 30 of the slot machine 1. The credit data received by the
third I/O port 37 is sent to the second CPU 31, which then sends
the credit data to the first CPU 21 of the main control unit 20.
The first CPU 21 records the received credit data in the first RAM
23 (step S30). In this manner, the player's credit data can be used
for the game on the slot machine 1.
[0045] In Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the points are
provided to the player depending on the amount of money or the like
which the player has spent on the game, and managed by the
management server 40 as described above. In this case, the response
to the request for the credit data includes point data which
matches the player ID. Here, the point data preferably indicates
the total points which has been provided to the player in all the
games played by the player in the casino. When a player plays a
game in the casino for the first time, the player's point data
indicates "0". When a player has previously played one or more
games in the casino, the player's point data indicates the total
points which the player has previously earned. The second CPU 31 of
the sub-control unit 30 stores the point data received from the
management server 40 in the second RAM 33 for a period of time.
After that, the second CPU 31 outputs an instruction to the second
display control unit 35 that is displayed in accordance with the
point data. Thus, the second display control unit 35 controls the
display device 14 so as to display character data that indicates
the number of points available. On the other hand, every time the
player performs a game in the slot machine 1, the first CPU 21 of
the main control unit 20 outputs the credit consumption data (which
indicates the number of credits that have been consumed) recorded
in the first RAM 23 through the first I/O port 21a to the
sub-control unit 30. The credit consumption data is input into the
second CPU 31 through the second I/O port 36 of the sub-control
unit 30. The second CPU 31 converts the credit consumption data to
points, and then adds the points to the points in the point data
stored in the second RAM 33. After the points are added, the point
data can be displayed at any time by the display device 14. The
second CPU 31 further outputs data which indicates the converted
points to the player ID, as well as to the management server 40,
through the third I/O port 37. The management server 40 retrieves
the point data from the database which matches the received player
ID, and adds the received points to the points in the retrieved
point data. The player can use the points in the point data
registered in the database of the management server 40 in exchange
for services, depending on the total points the player has, at
places in the casino such as the reception desk.
[0046] In Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the authentication
data input unit (the infrared ray irradiation unit 38 and the
fingerprint sensor 39) is located on the rear side of the monitor
11, and reads the fingerprint pattern of the right index finger of
the player that is touching the screen of the monitor 11, through
the screen of the monitor 11, as mentioned above. In particular,
the authentication position which the player's right index finger
(authentication object) is to touch exists on the screen of the
monitor 11 (inside the authentication frame shown in FIG. 7).
Accordingly, the authentication position is placed in a location
that the player can easily access without increasing the screen
size of the monitor 11.
Embodiment 2
[0047] Embodiment 2 of the present invention is applied to a video
slot machine that is similar to the slot machine described in
Embodiment 1. Here, the slot machine according to Embodiment 2 of
the present invention differs from the slot machine of Embodiment 1
in the way a player ID is read from a house card and the structure
used to perform the same. The other basis structures and operations
of the slot machine of Embodiment 2 are similar to those of
Embodiment 1. Accordingly, the following will describe the portions
of the slot machine of Embodiment 2 that are different than that of
Embodiment 1.
[0048] The configuration of the main control unit of the slot
machine 1 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is
similar to the configuration of the main control unit according to
the above-described Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 3. On the other
hand, the sub-control unit 130 includes an IC tag reader unit 138
and 139 instead of the card reader 34 (see FIG. 8), unlike the
sub-control unit of Embodiment 1. The IC tag reader unit serves as
a new authentication data input unit, and is located on the rear
side of the monitor 11. The IC tag reader unit preferably includes
a magnetic field generating unit 138, and a card communications
unit 139. The magnetic field generating unit 138 generates magnetic
fields in the vicinity of the screen of the monitor 11, and by
using the magnetic fields, supplies electric power to an IC tag
(authentication object) mounted in the house card. Here, the IC tag
is preferably a magnetic coupling non-contact IC tag, comprising an
antenna coil that has both a power supply function and a wireless
communication function, a storage unit which stores a player ID,
and a communications circuit unit which performs external near
field wireless communications. The IC tag may separately comprise a
coil for use in power supply and an antenna for use in wireless
communications, instead of the antenna coil. The IC tag receives
electric power from the magnetic fields through the antenna coil,
and uses the electric power to send the player ID (authentication
data) stored in the storage unit from the communications circuit
unit to the outside. The card communications unit 139 performs near
field wireless communications with the communications circuit unit
of the IC tag, and then receives, in particular, the player ID sent
from the IC tag. The card communications unit 139 is preferably
designed so that its communications antenna is positioned opposite
to the rear side of the monitor 11. In Embodiment 2 of the present
invention, it is preferable that the magnetic field generating unit
138 and the card communications unit 139 are placed at the lower
left portion of the screen as seen from the player. Therefore, the
lower left portion of the screen of the monitor 11 is the
authentication position. Preferably, a card reading region (the
authentication position) over which a house card is to be placed is
always displayed on the lower left portion of the screen of the
monitor 11, as shown in FIG. 9. In particular, text characters 11h
which read "Hold your card here", and text characters 11i "Card
Reading Region", which indicates the region over which the card is
to be read, are displayed as guidance images on the screen. Note
that these guidance images may be drawn in ink directly on the
screen of the monitor 11, or alternatively, stickers on which the
guidance images are drawn may be placed on the screen of the
monitor 11.
[0049] When the player uses the registered credit data for the game
in the slot machine 1, the player holds the house card over the
card reading region in accordance with the guidance images
displayed on the screen. Because the magnetic field generating unit
138 always generates the magnetic fields in the vicinity of the
card reading region, the IC tag inside the house card receives
electric power when the house card is held near the card reading
region. By using the electric power, the communications circuit
unit of the IC tag transmits the player ID stored in the storage
unit from the antenna coil. The transmitted player ID is received
by the card communications unit 139 on the rear of the monitor 11.
The card communications unit 139 performs an ID authentication
process to determine whether the received player ID is valid or
not.
[0050] Preferably, the IC tag reader unit includes a detection
unit. The detection unit is preferably an infrared ray sensor,
which detects the house card when it is held near the card reading
region. In this case, the magnetic field generating unit 138 may
not always have to generate magnetic fields. For example, when the
detection unit detects the approach of the house card to the card
reading region, the result of the detection is sent to the second
CPU 31 of the sub-control unit 30. The second CPU 31 then starts
the magnetic field generating unit 138 to generate the magnetic
fields for a predetermined period of time.
[0051] The second CPU 31 informs the first CPU 21 of the main
control unit 20 of the results of the ID authentication process by
the card communications unit 139. When the player ID received by
the card communications unit 139 is determined to be invalid, the
first CPU 21 controls the first display control unit 25 so as to
display an error message on the screen of the monitor 11. When the
player ID received by the card communications unit 139 is
determined to be valid, the first CPU 21 controls the first display
control unit 25 so as to display the personal authentication screen
on the monitor 11, as shown in FIG. 7. After that, an
authentication processes is performed, similar to the
authentication process of Embodiment 1.
[0052] As described above, in the slot machine according to
Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the authentication data
input unit (the magnetic field generating unit 138 and the card
communications unit 139) is located on the rear side of the monitor
11, and reads the player ID through the screen of the monitor 11
from the house card held near the screen of the monitor 11. In
particular, the authentication position (the card reading region)
where the house card needs to be held is on the screen of the
monitor 11. Accordingly, the authentication position is placed in a
location that the player can easily access without increasing the
screen size of the monitor 11.
[0053] When a non-contact IC tag is mounted in the house card as in
Embodiment 2 of the present invention, credit data may be stored in
the storage unit inside the non-contact IC tag. In this case, the
card communications unit 139 receives the credit data from the IC
tag of the house card by near field wireless communications,
instead of the acquisition process of the credit data from the
management server 40 according to Embodiment 1. More specifically,
the second CPU 31 of the sub-control unit 30 transmits a request
for the credit data through the card communications unit 139 to the
IC tag of the house card. The IC tag then reads the credit data
from the storage unit, and transmits the credit data from the
antenna coil. The second CPU 31 receives the credit data through
the card communications unit 139, and then sends the credit data to
the first CPU 21 of the main control unit 20. The first CPU 21
records the received credit data in the first RAM 23, and then uses
the credit data for the game in the slot machine 1. In such a
configuration, the management server 40 does not have to manage the
credit data.
Embodiment 3
[0054] Embodiment 3 of the present invention is applied to a video
slot machine, similar to Embodiment 1. Here, the slot machine
according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention differs from the
slot machine of Embodiment 1, in the way personal authentication is
performed by using a fingerprint authentication process, and the
structure used to perform the same. The other basic structures and
operations of this slot machine are similar to those of Embodiment
1. Accordingly, the following will describe the portions of the
slot machine of Embodiment 3 that differ from those of Embodiment
1.
[0055] When the player uses the credit data registered in the
management server 40 for a game, the control unit of the slot
machine of Embodiment 3 of the present invention performs the
following control procedures (see FIG. 10). Here, when depositing
money at certain places such as the reception desk and the like in
the casino, the player provides a combination of a question and a
correct answer which only the player knows, and the fingerprint
pattern of his or her the right index finger. Thus, the credit data
which indicates the deposited money, the fingerprint pattern, and
the combination of the question and the answer, are registered in
the database of the management server 40, and organized to match
the player ID. The player inserts the house card into the card slot
13. When the player ID stored in the house card is determined to be
valid (steps S21-S23), the control unit of the slot machine
acquires the question and correct answer combination, which matches
the player ID received from the card reader 34, from the management
server 40 (step S41). More specifically, the second CPU 31 of the
sub-control unit 30 sends a request for the question and correct
answer combination (which includes the player ID received from the
card reader 34) from the third I/O port 37 to the management server
40. The management server 40 reads data from the database which
indicates the question and correct answer combination which matches
the player ID included in the request, and then transmits the data
to the sub-control unit 30 of the slot machine. The data which
indicates the problem and the correct answer combination is
received by the third I/O port 37, and is then sent to the second
CPU 31. The second CPU 31 further sends the data to the first CPU
21 of the main control unit 20.
[0056] The first CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 controls the
first display control unit 25 based on the received data which
indicates the question and correct answer combination, so as to
display the personal authentication screen on the screen of the
monitor 11 shown in FIG. 11 (step S24). On this personal
authentication screen, text characters 11j which show the
registered question are displayed as a guidance image, and overlap
the original images displayed in the symbol display regions 11a.
The name of the player's pet is asked in the example shown in FIG.
11. On the other hand, three answer frames 11k and the
corresponding text characters 11l (which indicates the choice of
answers) are displayed as guidance images at the bottom of the
personal authentication screen. Only one of the answers of the text
characters 11l is the registered correct answer. Furthermore, three
authentication data input units (the three pairs of infrared ray
irradiation units 38 and the fingerprint sensors 39) are placed at
positions on the rear side of the monitor 11 (not shown), in which
each corresponds to the display positions of the three answer
frames 11k. The player reads the question 11j, selects one answer
from the three choices, and then touches the corresponding answer
frame 11k with the right index finger. The touch position is
detected by the touch panel 17 provided on the screen of the
monitor 11. This result of detection is sent from the touch panel
17 to the first CPU 21 of the main control unit 20. The first CPU
21 identifies the selected answer frame 11k from the detection
results of the touch panel 17, and determines whether or not the
answer frame 11k matches the correct answer (step S42). When it is
determined that the selected answer frame 11k does not match the
correct answer, the first CPU 21 controls the first display control
unit 25 to display an error message on the screen of the monitor 11
(step S31). The first CPU 21 further informs the second CPU 31 of
the sub-control unit 30 of the result of the determination. The
second CPU 31 sends a card discharge signal to the card reader 34
to discharge the house card (step S32). When it is determined that
the selected answer frame 11k matches the correct answer, the first
CPU 21 informs the second CPU 31 of the sub-control unit 30 of the
result of the determination. The second CPU 31 sends a command to
the infrared ray irradiation unit 38 to irradiate infrared rays.
Thus, infrared rays are emitted from the infrared ray irradiation
unit 38 through the screen of the monitor 11, and are then
reflected by the player's right index finger. The reflected light
goes through the screen of the monitor 11, and is detected by the
fingerprint sensor 39. The fingerprint sensor 39 reads the
fingerprint pattern from the detected reflected light, and s the
fingerprint pattern data which indicates the read fingerprint
pattern to the second CPU 31 (step S26). After that, an
authentication process is performed, similar to the authentication
process of Embodiment 1 (see FIG. 6).
[0057] The slot machine according to Embodiment 3 of the present
invention displays the three choices of answers 11l on the screen
of the monitor 11, and allows the player to select one of them, as
described above. When the player's finger touches the
authentication position corresponding to the correct answer (e.g.,
"MAX", where the finger touches the inside of the answer frame
corresponding to "MAX"), the fingerprint pattern is read. On the
other hand, when the player's finger touches the other
authentication position corresponding to another answer (that is,
the inside of the answer frame corresponding to "JAKE" or "ROCKY"),
the fingerprint pattern is not read. Thus, only the player who can
select the correct answer will undergo fingerprint authentication.
As a result, the security of personal data such as credit data is
ensured at an even higher level, because the reliability of the
player's authentication is higher than that of an authentication
that is based only on a fingerprint authentication process as in
Embodiment 1.
[0058] Instead of the above-described authentication process, for
example, the following service may be offered: specific questions
and choices 11l of answers are displayed on the screen of the
monitor 11; the player is allowed to select one of the choices 11l
by using his or her finger; and when the player touches the answer
frame corresponding to the correct answer, the player wins a
predetermined number of points. In this case, the first CPU 21 of
the main control unit 20 determines whether or not the player has
selected the correct answer, based on a result of detection of the
touch panel 17. When the player has selected the correct answer,
the first CPU 21 informs the second CPU 31 of the sub-control unit
30 of the result of the determination. The second CPU 31 then adds
bonus points to be awarded to the player to the points in the point
data stored in the second RAM 33.
[0059] Note that each of the above-described embodiments of the
present invention is applied to a slot machine installed in a
casino. However, the present invention is not limited to use in
slot machines. In other words, the present invention is applicable
to general electronic appliances equipped with both a monitor and
an authentication device. In particular, the authentication
position overlaps with the screen according to the present
invention, which achieves both a further increase in screen size
and a further simplification of the authentication process, while
keeping the overall size of the appliance sufficiently small.
Accordingly, the present invention is particularly advantageous
when applied to portable electronic appliances, such as notebook
computers and cellular phones.
General Interpretation of Terms
[0060] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the
term "configured" as used herein to describe a component, section
or part of a device includes hardware and/or software that is
constructed and/or programmed to carry out the desired function. In
understanding the scope of the present invention, the term
"comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to
be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated
features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but
do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements,
components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also
applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms,
"including", "having" and their derivatives. Also, the terms
"part," "section," "portion," "member" or "element" when used in
the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a
plurality of parts. Finally, terms of degree such as
"substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a
reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the
end result is not significantly changed. For example, these terms
can be construed as including a deviation of at least .+-.5% of the
modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the
word it modifies.
[0061] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to
illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and
modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope
of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore,
the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the
present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for
the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended
claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *