U.S. patent application number 12/245454 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-17 for slant top gaming cabinet with adjustable angle display.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aruze Corp.. Invention is credited to Nakayasu TSUKAHARA.
Application Number | 20090233681 12/245454 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41063625 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090233681 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TSUKAHARA; Nakayasu |
September 17, 2009 |
SLANT TOP GAMING CABINET WITH ADJUSTABLE ANGLE DISPLAY
Abstract
A slant type gaming cabinet includes a housing having an
operating member, a display tiltably supported in the housing and a
linking device which links tilting movement of the display with an
operation of the operating member. On the display, games such as
roulette, keno, poker, bingo and lotto can be displayed. When the
operating member is operated by a player, the display is tilted by
the linking device in conjunction with the operation of the
operating member. The operating member may be a rotating handle.
Moreover, a button may be used as the operating member and the
display may be tilted by an operation of a motor according to an
operation of the button.
Inventors: |
TSUKAHARA; Nakayasu;
(Koto-ku, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
Aruze Corp.
Koto-ku
JP
|
Family ID: |
41063625 |
Appl. No.: |
12/245454 |
Filed: |
October 3, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61036334 |
Mar 13, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 ;
463/46 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3216 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 ;
463/46 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming cabinet comprising: a housing having an operating
member; a display tiltably supported in the housing; and a linking
device configured to link tilting movement of the display relative
to the housing with an operation of the operating member.
2. The gaming cabinet according to claim 1, wherein the operating
member is a rotating handle to be rotated by a player in a
direction corresponding to a tilting movement direction of the
display, and the linking device has a power conversion element for
converting rotation of the rotating handle into the tilting
movement of the display.
3. The gaming cabinet according to claim 1, further comprising: a
drive source connected to the linking device so as to be capable of
transmitting power to the linking device and configured to be
driven according to operation contents of the operating member,
wherein the operating member is operated with operation contents
that vary depending on a tilting movement direction of the display,
and wherein by use of the power transmitted from the drive source,
the linking device tilts the display in the tilting movement
direction corresponding to each of the operation contents of the
operating member.
4. A gaming cabinet comprising: a housing having an operating
member; a frame tiltably supported in the housing; a display
supported by the frame; and a linking device configured to link
tilting movement of the frame relative to the housing with an
operation of the operating member.
5. The gaming cabinet according to claim 4, wherein the operating
member is a rotating handle to be rotated by a player in a
direction corresponding to a tilting movement direction of the
frame, and the linking device has a power conversion element for
converting rotation of the rotating handle into the tilting
movement of the frame.
6. The gaming cabinet according to claim 4, further comprising: a
drive source connected to the linking device so as to be capable of
transmitting power to the linking device and configured to be
driven according to operation contents of the operating member,
wherein the operating member is operated with operation contents
that vary depending on a tilting movement direction of the frame,
and wherein by use of the power transmitted from the drive source,
the linking device tilts the frame in the tilting movement
direction corresponding to each of the operation contents of the
operating member.
7. A gaming cabinet comprising: a housing having an operating
member; a frame tiltably supported in the housing; a display
supported by the frame; rotating reels being rotatably supported by
the frame, being arranged behind the display, and being visible
through the display; and a linking device configured to link
tilting movement of the frame relative to the housing with an
operation of the operating member.
8. The gaming cabinet according to claim 7, wherein the operating
member is a rotating handle to be rotated by a player in a
direction corresponding to a tilting movement direction of the
frame, and the linking device has a power conversion element for
converting rotation of the rotating handle into the tilting
movement of the frame.
9. The gaming cabinet according to claim 7, further comprising: a
drive source connected to the linking device so as to be capable of
transmitting power to the linking device and configured to be
driven according to operation contents of the operating member,
wherein the operating member is operated with operation contents
that vary depending on a tilting direction of the frame, and
wherein by use of the power transmitted from the drive source, the
linking device tilts the frame in the tilting movement direction
corresponding to each of the operation contents of the operating
member.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to co-pending U.S.
provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/036,334 filed on Mar.
13, 2008, and which is incorporated by reference herein for all
purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a slant top gaming cabinet
with an adjustable angle display.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] As a cabinet of a gaming machine using a display such as a
liquid crystal panel for displaying a game, a slant type gaming
cabinet having a tilted display is disclosed in the specification
of U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,914.
[0006] Such a slant type gaming cabinet is also disclosed in the
specifications of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,332,219, 6,159,097 and 6,254,481
as one that can be used in a gaming machine in which games such as
roulette, keno, poker, bingo, lotto and slot game are displayed on
a display.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a slant
top gaming cabinet which makes contents displayed on a display more
visible to a player.
[0008] The first aspect of the present invention is a gaming
cabinet comprising: a housing having an operating member; a display
tiltably supported in the housing; and a linking device configured
to link tilting movement of the display relative to the housing
with an operation of the operating member.
[0009] The second aspect of the present invention is a gaming
cabinet comprising: a housing having an operating member; a frame
tiltably supported in the housing; a display supported by the
frame; and a linking device configured to link tilting movement of
the frame relative to the housing with an operation of the
operating member.
[0010] The third aspect of the present invention is a gaming
cabinet comprising: a housing having an operating member; a frame
tiltably supported in the housing; a display supported by the
frame; rotating reels being rotatably supported by the frame, being
arranged behind the display, and being visible through the display;
and a linking device configured to link tilting movement of the
frame relative to the housing with an operation of the operating
member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine of a first
embodiment using a gaming cabinet according to the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing an inside of the
gaming machine shown in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing divided areas in a
matrix pattern provided on a liquid crystal panel in the slot
machine according to the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a display example in
the divided areas on the liquid crystal panel in the slot machine
according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a slant type slot machine
according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing divided areas in a
matrix pattern provided on a liquid crystal panel in the slot
machine according to the second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing an inside of a housing
of the slant type slot machine according to the second embodiment
of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 8A is a perspective view showing a rotating reel device
in the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the
present invention.
[0019] FIG. 8B is a side view showing the rotating reel device in
the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing an inside of a housing
of a slant type slot machine according to a third embodiment of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a slant type slot machine
according to fourth and sixth embodiments of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a slant type slot machine
according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing an inside of a
housing of the slot machine according to the fourth embodiment of
the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing an inside of a
housing of the slot machine according to the fifth embodiment of
the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing an inside of a
housing of the slot machine according to the sixth embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT
[0026] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, general description will be
given below of a slant type slot machine that is an example of a
gaming machine using a gaming cabinet according to the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine of a first
embodiment using the gaming cabinet according to the present
invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing an inside of the
slant type slot machine shown in FIG. 1.
[0028] The slot machine shown in FIG. 1 includes a slant type
gaming cabinet 10. This gaming cabinet 10 includes: a housing 11
having a handle 12 as a rotatable operating member; a liquid
crystal panel 16 (corresponding to a display in the claims) which
is tiltably supported in the housing 11; and a linking device 20
which links tilting of the liquid crystal panel 16 with a rotating
operation of the handle 12.
[0029] The housing 11 has a base 11a, a control panel portion 11b
above the base 11a and a top box 11c above the control panel
portion 11b.
[0030] In an upper front of the housing 11, an opening 11d is
formed over the control panel 11b and the top box 11c. The liquid
crystal panel 16 is housed in this opening 11d. A display surface
16a of the liquid crystal panel 16 is exposed to outside of the
housing 11 in the opening 11d.
[0031] On the display surface 16a of the liquid crystal panel 16,
symbols are rearranged every time a unit game is played. When the
symbols are rearranged in the unit game, the amount of credits to
be paid out is determined according to rules of a predetermined
payout table. Thereafter, an award equivalent to the determined
amount of credits is provided. Subsequently, the symbols are
rearranged as the next unit game is started.
[0032] The handle 12 is provided on a side surface of the top box
11c in the housing 11. This handle 12 can be rotated by a player.
Moreover, in an inside of the opening 11d in the housing 11, the
linking device 20 (see FIG. 2) is provided, which links the
rotating operation of the handle 12 with tilting of the liquid
crystal panel 16.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the linking device 20 includes: two
guide bosses 17a and 17b on a side surface of the liquid crystal
panel 16; guide grooves 11e and 11f on internal sides of the
control panel 11b and the top box 11c, the guide bosses 17a and 17b
being inserted into the guide grooves 11e and 11f, respectively; a
rack 14 having its upper end pivotally attached to the guide boss
17b; and a pinion gear 12b which is attached to a rotating shaft
12a of the handle 12 shown in FIG. 1 and is engaged with the rack
14.
[0034] Therefore, in the slant type cabinet 10 according to the one
embodiment of the present invention, when the handle 12 shown in
FIG. 1 is rotated by the player, the pinion gear 12b is rotated and
the rack 14 engaged therewith is moved up and down relative to the
top box 11c.
[0035] Meanwhile, the guide boss 17b pivotally attached to the rack
14 is moved up and down within the guide groove 11f, and the other
guide boss 17a is moved back and forth within the guide groove 11e.
Thus, the liquid crystal panel 16 is tilted and a tilt angle of the
display surface 16a is changed.
[0036] In the case of the gaming cabinet 10 shown in FIG. 1
according to the embodiment of the present invention as described
above, a player can adjust the display surface 16a of the liquid
crystal plane 16 to a direction facing the player as front as
possible, by rotating the handle 12. This is convenient because a
positional relationship between a player's eye level and the liquid
crystal panel 16 varies depending on the height of each player.
[0037] Thus, it is possible to prevent a situation where the player
has to look at the display surface 16a of the liquid crystal panel
16 from a direction significantly tilted with respect to a normal
to the display surface, thereby making it difficult for the player
to look at the symbols displayed on the display surface 16a.
[0038] The slot machine using the gaming cabinet according to the
first embodiment of the present invention will be described in
detail below. As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine of this
embodiment includes the slant type gaming cabinet 10. This gaming
cabinet 10 includes: the housing 11 having the handle 12 that can
be rotated by the player who operates the slot machine; a frame 17
tiltably supported in the housing 11; and the linking device 20
which links tilting of the frame 17 with the rotating operation of
the handle 12.
[0039] The housing 11 has a base 11a, a control panel portion 11b
above the base 11a and a top box 11c above the control panel
portion 11b.
[0040] Moreover, the opening 11d is formed over the control panel
11b and the top box 11c of the housing 11. This opening 11d is
provided in the upper front of the housing 11. In the opening 11d,
the liquid crystal panel 16 is housed, which is attached to the
frame 17 (see FIG. 2) to be described later.
[0041] The display surface 16a of the liquid crystal panel 16 is
exposed to the outside of the housing 11 from the opening 11d. As
shown in FIG. 3, the display surface 16a has fifteen divided areas
q11 to q53. These divided areas q11 to q53 are arranged in a matrix
pattern including first to fifth columns and first to third
rows.
[0042] In the slot machine of this embodiment, symbols arranged in
the respective divided areas q11 to q53 described above are
rearranged as shown in FIG. 4 every time one slot game (unit game)
is executed. The arrangement and rearrangement of the symbols in
the respective divided areas q11 to q53 are performed by the
display on the liquid crystal panel 16 in the slot machine of this
embodiment.
[0043] Moreover, in the slot machine of this embodiment, when the
symbols are rearranged in the divided areas q11 to q53, in the slot
game, the amount of credits to be paid out is determined according
to rules of a predetermined payout table. Thereafter, an award
equivalent to the determined amount of credits can be provided.
Subsequently, the symbols in the respective divided areas q11 to
q53 are rearranged as the next slot game is started. The slot game
is set to be executable by making a bet with game media.
[0044] Note that, in this embodiment, medals are taken as an
example of the game media to be used for executing the slot game.
However, the game media for the slot game are not limited to the
medals but may include, for example, tokens, electronic money and
valuable electronic information (credits) equivalent thereto.
[0045] Below the liquid crystal panel 16, provided are: a medal
insertion slot 21 for accepting medals; and a bill validator 22 for
validating whether or not bills are legitimate and accepting the
legitimate bills. Note that the bill validator 22 may be configured
to be able to read a bar-coded ticket 39.
[0046] Moreover, in the vicinity of the medal insertion slot 21 and
the bill validator 22, various operation switches are provided,
including a payout switch 23, a MAXBET switch 24, a BET switch 25,
a spin repeat bet switch 26 and a start switch 27.
[0047] The BET switch 25 is a switch for determining the amount of
credits to be bet on the slot game to be executed on the liquid
crystal panel 16. Every time the BET switch 25 is pressed, a credit
equivalent to 1 medal is bet.
[0048] The spin repeat bet switch 26 is a switch for executing the
slot game by betting the same amount of credits as that bet in the
previous game with BET switch 25 described above.
[0049] The start switch 27 is a switch for starting the slot game
after a desired amount of credits is bet. When the start switch 27
is pressed after medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot
21 or credits are bet by use of the BET switch 25, the slot game is
started on the liquid crystal panel 16.
[0050] The payout switch 23 is a switch for paying out the inserted
medals. The medals to be paid out are discharged from a medal
payout opening 19 provided in a front of the base 11a of the
housing 11. The medals paid out are accumulated in a medal tray
18.
[0051] The MAXBET switch 24 is a switch for betting, in one
operation, the maximum amount of credits (for example, 30 medals)
that can be bet on one slot game.
[0052] On a front surface of the top box 11c, an upper display 33
is provided. The upper display 33 includes a liquid crystal panel
to display a payout table and the like.
[0053] Moreover, a speaker 29 is provided in the top box 11c. Below
the upper display 33, a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data
display 37 and a keypad 38 are provided. The ticket printer 35
prints out a bar-code on a ticket, the bar-code having coded data
such as the amount of credits, time and date and an identification
number of the slot machine 10, and outputs the ticket as the
bar-coded ticket 39.
[0054] The player can use the bar-coded ticket 39 to make a bet on
a slot game with another slot machine by allowing the slot machine
to read the bar-coded ticket or can change the bar-coded ticket 39
for bills and the like at a predetermined location in a gaming
facility (for example, a cashier in a casino).
[0055] The card reader 36 allows a smart card to be inserted
thereinto, reads data from the inserted smart card and writes data
into the smart card. The smart card is a card carried by the player
and stores data for identifying the player and data on a history of
games played by the player.
[0056] The smart card may store data corresponding to coins, bills
or credits. Moreover, instead of the smart card, a magnetic stripe
card may be adopted. The data display 37 is formed of a fluorescent
display or the like and displays, for example, the data read by the
card reader 36 and data inputted by the player using the keypad
38.
[0057] Moreover, instead of the smart card, an RFID card capable of
reading and writing data contactlessly may be used. The keypad 38
is for inputting instructions or data for ticketing and the
like.
[0058] The handle 12 that can be rotated by the player is provided
on the side surface of the top box 11c of the housing 11. Moreover,
the linking device 20 (see FIG. 2) which tilts the liquid crystal
panel 16 in conjunction with the rotating operation of the handle
12 is provided, as described later, on the inside of the opening
11d in the housing 11. When the handle 12 is rotated by the player,
the rotation is converted into a linear motion by the linking
device 20 and the linear motion is transmitted to the liquid
crystal panel 16. Thus, the liquid crystal panel 16 is tilted. By
tilting the liquid crystal panel 16, the tilt angle of the display
surface 16a can be adjusted.
[0059] With reference to FIG. 2, the linking device 20 will be
described in detail below. First, the two guide bosses 17a and 17b
are provided so as to protrude on a side surface of the frame 17
attached on a back side of the liquid crystal panel 16. Of the two
guide bosses, the one guide boss 17a is inserted into the guide
groove 11e formed on the inside of the control panel 11b of the
housing 11. This guide groove 11e is extended so as to form a
curved shape in a front-to-rear direction of the control panel 11b.
Moreover, the other guide boss 17b is inserted into the guide
groove 11f formed on the inside of the top box 11c of the housing
11. This guide groove 11f is extended linearly in a top-to-bottom
direction of the top box 11c.
[0060] Furthermore, the upper end of the rack 14 is pivotally
attached to the guide boss 17b. This rack 14 is supported on the
inside of the top box 11c so as to be movable up and down along the
guide groove 11f. Moreover, the rack 14 is engaged with the pinion
gear 12b. As shown in FIG. 1, this pinion gear 12b is attached to
the rotating shaft 12a of the handle 12 attached to the side
surface of the top box 11c of the housing 11.
[0061] In the gaming cabinet 10 of this embodiment, the linking
device 20 includes the two guide bosses 17a and 17b described
above, the guide grooves 11e and 11f of the control panel 11b and
the top box 11c, the rack 14 and the pinion gear 12b. Moreover, the
rack 14 and the pinion gear 12b in the linking device 20 are
equivalent to power conversion elements for converting the rotation
of the handle 12 into a tilt of the frame 17.
[0062] Moreover, in the gaming cabinet 10 of this embodiment, when
the handle 12 is rotated by the player, the pinion gear 12b shown
in FIG. 2 is rotated and the rack 14 is moved up and down.
Accordingly, the guide boss 17b of the frame 17 is moved up and
down along the guide groove 11f in the top box 11c. At the same
time, the other guide boss 17a of the frame 17 is moved back and
forth along the guide groove 11e in the control panel 11b.
[0063] Particularly, as indicated by solid lines in FIG. 2, when
the guide boss 17b is positioned at an upper end of the guide
groove 11f by moving the rack 14 upward, the guide boss 17a is
positioned at a rear end (right end in FIG. 2) of the guide groove
11e. Accordingly, the liquid crystal panel 16 is set upright to the
maximum extent. Thus, the frame 17 is set at a position where the
display surface 16a of the liquid crystal panel 16 is set at the
most upright angle in the opening 11d of the housing 11 as
indicated by solid lines in FIG. 1 (the frame 17 is not shown in
FIG. 1).
[0064] Meanwhile, as indicated by imaginary lines in FIG. 2, when
the guide boss 17b is positioned at a lower end of the guide groove
11f by moving the rack 14 downward, the guide boss 17a is
positioned at a front end (left end in FIG. 2) of the guide groove
11e. Accordingly, the display surface 16a of the liquid crystal
panel 16 is laid horizontally to the maximum extent. Thus, the
frame 17 is set at a position where the display surface 16a of the
liquid crystal panel 16 is set at the largest tilt angle in the
opening 11d of the housing 11 as indicated by imaginary lines in
FIG. 1 (the frame 17 is not shown in FIG. 1). Note that, in this
state, the display surface 16a of the liquid crystal panel 16 is
positioned in the same plane as an upper surface of the control
panel 11b.
[0065] Therefore, when the handle 12 is rotated by the player, the
frame 17 attached on the back side of the liquid crystal panel 16
is tilted between the position indicated by the solid lines and the
position indicated by the imaginary lines in FIG. 2.
[0066] In the gaming cabinet 10 of this embodiment having the
configuration described above, the player can adjust the tilt angle
of the frame 17, by rotating the handle 12, so as to cause the
display surface 16a of the liquid crystal panel 16 to face the
player as front as possible. Thus, it is possible to prevent a
situation where the player has to look at the display surface 16a
of the liquid crystal panel 16 from a direction significantly
tilted with respect to a normal to the display surface, thereby
making it difficult for the player to look at the symbols displayed
on the display surface 16a.
[0067] Note that, in the first embodiment described above, the
description was given of the case where the arrangement and
rearrangement of the symbols in the respective divided areas q11 to
q53 of the display surface 16a of the liquid crystal panel 16 are
performed by the display on the liquid crystal panel 16. However,
the arrangement and rearrangement of the symbols in the respective
divided areas q11 to q53 of the display surface 16a can also be
performed by a combination of the liquid crystal panel and rotating
reels.
[0068] Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8A and 8B, description
will be given of a slot machine using a gaming cabinet according to
a second embodiment of the present invention having the
configuration as described above.
[0069] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the slot machine of the
second embodiment using the gaming cabinet according to the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 5, in the slot machine of this
embodiment, windows 161 to 165 corresponding to first to fifth
columns of divided areas q11 to q53 are provided in a display
surface 16a of a liquid crystal panel 16.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 6, the respective windows 161 to 165 are
divided into top, middle and bottom window areas corresponding to
first to third rows of the divided areas q11 to q53. Thus, the
divided areas q11 to q13 are allocated to the top, middle and
bottom window areas in the window 161. Similarly, the divided areas
q21 to q23, q31 to q33, q41 to q43 and q51 to q53 are allocated to
the top, middle and bottom window areas in the windows 162 to 165,
respectively. Note that, by the liquid crystal panel 16, the
divided areas q11 to q53 can be individually set in a transparent
display state and can also be set in a state of displaying
arrangement or rearrangement of symbols.
[0071] Moreover, in a gaming cabinet 10a of the slot machine of
this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a rotating reel device 53 is
disposed behind the liquid crystal panel 16 in the frame 17.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 8A, the rotating reel device 53 has five
rotating reels 53a to 53e corresponding to the windows 161 to 165
in the liquid crystal panel 16. The respective rotating reels 53a
to 53e are rotatably supported by the frame 17. On a
circumferential surface of each of the rotating reels 53a to 53e, a
plurality of symbols are laid out so as to be equally spaced apart.
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 8B, the rotating reel device 53 has
drive motors 56a to 56e formed of stepping motors for driving the
rotating reels 53a to 53e to be rotated, respectively.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 6, the slot machine of this embodiment
allows the player to view three consecutive symbols among the
symbols laid out on the circumferential surface of each of the
rotating reels 53a to 53e through each of the windows 161 to 165 in
the liquid crystal panel 16, the rotating reels 53a to 53e
corresponding to the windows 161 to 165, respectively.
Specifically, each of the windows 161 to 165 in the liquid crystal
panel 16 includes each of groups of the three, top, middle and
bottom, divided areas: q11 to q13; q21 to q23; q31 to q33; q41 to
q43; and q51 to q53, in the row direction, the groups corresponding
to the first to fifth columns.
[0074] Moreover, in the slot machine of this embodiment, the
symbols which are arranged in the divided areas q11 to q53 and are
viewed by the player through the windows 161 to 165 can be
rearranged by rotating and stopping each of the rotating reels 53a
to 53e or by the display on the liquid crystal panel 16 in each of
the divided areas q11 to q53. In the case where the symbols are
rearranged by rotating and stopping each of the rotating reels 53a
to 53e, the corresponding divided areas q11 to q53 of the liquid
crystal panel 16 are set in the transparent display state.
Meanwhile, in the case where the symbols are rearranged by the
display on the liquid crystal panel 16, the circumferential
surfaces of the rotating reels 53a to 53e behind the liquid crystal
panel are hidden behind the display on the liquid crystal panel 16
and thus are not visible to the player.
[0075] Note that, as in the case of the gaming cabinet 10 of the
first embodiment, the gaming cabinet 10a of this embodiment also
has a handle 12 (see FIG. 5) and a tilting device 20 (see FIG.
7).
[0076] Therefore, when the handle 12 is rotated by the player, the
frame 17 attached on the back side of the liquid crystal panel 16
is tilted between a position indicated by solid lines and a
position indicated by imaginary lines in FIG. 7.
[0077] In the gaming cabinet 10a of this embodiment having the
configuration described above, as in the case of the gaming cabinet
10 of the first embodiment, the player can adjust the tilt angle of
the frame 17, by rotating the handle 12 (see FIG. 5), so as to
cause the display surface 16a of the liquid crystal panel 16 to
face the player as front as possible. Thus, it is possible to
prevent a situation where the player has to look at the display
surface 16a of the liquid crystal panel 16 from a direction
significantly tilted with respect to a normal to the display
surface, thereby making it difficult for the player to look at the
symbols displayed on the display surface 16a.
[0078] Moreover, in the gaming cabinet 10a of this embodiment,
since the rotating reel device 53 is disposed behind the liquid
crystal panel 16, a backlight cannot be disposed right behind the
display surface 16a of the liquid crystal panel 16.
[0079] Thus, more significant effects can be expected regarding the
following point. Specifically, since the tilt angle of the frame 17
can be adjusted so as to cause the display surface 16a of the
liquid crystal panel 16 to face the player as front as possible, it
becomes easier for the player to view the symbols displayed on the
display surface 16a by the liquid crystal panel 16 or the rotating
reels 53a to 53e behind the panel.
[0080] In the first embodiment described above, the description was
given of the case where the frame 17 is tilted by rotating the
handle 12 by the player. Meanwhile, it is also possible to directly
tilt the liquid crystal panel 16.
[0081] Next, with reference to FIG. 9, description will be given of
a slot machine using a gaming cabinet according to a third
embodiment of the present invention having the configuration as
described above.
[0082] FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing an internal
configuration of a housing in the slot machine of the third
embodiment using the gaming cabinet according to the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 9, in the slot machine of this
embodiment, two guide bosses 16b and 16c are provided so as to
protrude on a side surface of the liquid crystal panel 16. The
guide boss 16b is inserted into a guide groove 11e on an inside of
a control panel 11b. Moreover, the guide boss 16c is inserted into
a guide groove 11f on an inside of a top box 11c. Furthermore, an
upper end of a rack 14 is pivotally attached to the guide boss
16c.
[0083] Therefore, in the gaming cabinet of the slot machine of this
embodiment, a linking device 20 includes: the two guide bosses 16b
and 16c described above; the guide grooves 11e and 11f on the
insides of the control panel 11b and the top box 11c, into which
the guide bosses 16b and 16c are inserted, respectively; the rack
14 having the upper end pivotally attached to the guide boss 16c;
and a pinion gear 12b which is attached to the rotating shaft 12a
of the handle 12 shown in FIG. 1 and is engaged with the rack 14.
Moreover, the rack 14 and the pinion gear 12b in the linking device
20 are equivalent to power conversion elements for converting the
rotation of the handle 12 into a tilt of the liquid crystal panel
16.
[0084] Moreover, in the gaming cabinet of this embodiment, when the
handle 12 is rotated by the player, the pinion gear 12b shown in
FIG. 9 is rotated and the rack 14 is moved up and down.
Accordingly, the guide boss 16c of the liquid crystal panel 16 is
moved up and down along the guide groove 11f in the top box 11c. At
the same time, the other guide boss 16b of the liquid crystal panel
16 is moved back and forth along the guide groove 11e in the
control panel 11b.
[0085] Particularly, as indicated by solid lines in FIG. 9, when
the guide boss 16c is positioned at an upper end of the guide
groove 11f by moving the rack 14 upward, the guide boss 16b is
positioned at a rear end (right end in FIG. 9) of the guide groove
11e. Accordingly, the liquid crystal panel 16 is set upright to the
maximum extent. Thus, the liquid crystal panel 16 is set at a
position where the display surface 16a is set at the most upright
angle in the opening 11d of the housing 11 as indicated by the
solid lines in FIG. 1.
[0086] Meanwhile, as indicated by imaginary lines in FIG. 9, when
the guide boss 16c is positioned at a lower end of the guide groove
11f by moving the rack 14 downward, the guide boss 16b is
positioned at a front end (left end in FIG. 9) of the guide groove
11e. Accordingly, the display surface 16a of the liquid crystal
panel 16 is laid horizontally to the maximum extent. Thus, the
liquid crystal panel 16 is set at a position where the display
surface 16a is set at the largest tilt angle in the opening 11d of
the housing 11 as indicated by the imaginary lines in FIG. 1. Note
that, in this state, the display surface 16a of the liquid crystal
panel 16 is positioned in the same plane as an upper surface of the
control panel 11b.
[0087] Therefore, when the handle 12 is rotated by the player, the
liquid crystal panel 16 is tilted between the position indicated by
the solid lines and the position indicated by the imaginary lines
in FIG. 9.
[0088] In the gaming cabinet of this embodiment having the
configuration described above, the player can adjust the tilt angle
of the liquid crystal panel 16, by rotating the handle 12 (see FIG.
1), so as to cause the display surface 16a of the liquid crystal
panel 16 to face the player as front as possible. Thus, it is
possible to prevent a situation where the player has to look at the
display surface 16a of the liquid crystal panel 16 from a direction
significantly tilted with respect to a normal to the display
surface, thereby making it difficult for the player to look at the
symbols displayed on the display surface 16a.
[0089] In the first to third embodiments described above, the
description was given of the case where the frame 17 or the liquid
crystal panel 16 is tilted by rotating the handle 12 by the player.
Meanwhile, the frame 17 or the liquid crystal panel 16 can also be
tilted by use of a drive source such as a motor.
[0090] Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 14, description will be
given of slot machines using gaming cabinets according to fourth to
sixth embodiments of the present invention having the configuration
as described above.
[0091] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the slot machine using the
gaming cabinet according to the fourth and sixth embodiments of the
present invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the slot
machine using the gaming cabinet according to the fifth embodiment
of the present invention.
[0092] In each of gaming cabinets 10b to 10d of the slot machines
according to the fourth to sixth embodiments, the handle 12
provided on the side surface of the top box 11c of the housing 11
in the gaming cabinet 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is
omitted. Instead of the handle 12, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a
"TILT UP" button 13a and a "TILT DOWN" button 13b are provided on a
side surface of a top box 11c of a housing 11.
[0093] Moreover, in the gaming cabinets 10b to 10d according to the
fourth to sixth embodiments, a tilt angle of a display surface 16a
of a liquid crystal panel 16 is adjusted by a linking device 20
(see FIGS. 12 to 14), which is provided on an inside of an opening
11d in the housing 11, according to an operation of the "TILT UP"
button 13a or the "TILT DOWN" button 13b. Specifically, in the slot
machines 10b to 10d according to the fourth to sixth embodiments,
the "TILT UP" button 13a and the "TILT DOWN" button 13b correspond
to the operating member in the claims.
[0094] As shown in each of FIGS. 12 to 14, in each of the gaming
cabinets 10b to 10d according to the fourth to sixth embodiments, a
motor M to be rotated in a direction corresponding to the operation
of the "TILT UP" button 13a or the "TILT DOWN" button 13b is
provided on the inside of the opening 11d in the housing 11.
Moreover, a pinion gear 12b is attached to an output shaft M1 of
the motor M. Specifically, the motor M is equivalent to a drive
source connected so as to be able to transmit power to the pinion
gear 12b in the linking device 20 through the output shaft M1.
[0095] Moreover, in the gaming cabinets 10b and 10c according to
the fourth and fifth embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the
linking device 20 includes: two guide bosses 17a and 17b provided
so as to protrude on a side surface of a frame 17; guide grooves
11e and 11f on insides of the control panel 11b and the top box
11c, into which the guide bosses 17a and 17b are inserted,
respectively; a rack 14 having its upper end pivotally attached to
the guide boss 17b; and the pinion gear 12b which is attached to
the output shaft M1 of the motor M and is engaged with the rack
14.
[0096] Meanwhile, in the gaming cabinet 10d according to the sixth
embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the linking device 20 includes:
two guide bosses 16b and 16c on a side surface of the liquid
crystal panel 16; guide grooves 11e and 11f on insides of the
control panel 11b and the top box 11c, into which the guide bosses
16b and 16c are inserted, respectively; a rack 14 having its upper
end pivotally attached to the guide boss 16c; and the pinion gear
12b which is attached to the output shaft M1 of the motor M and is
engaged with the rack 14.
[0097] Moreover, in the gaming cabinets 10b and 10c according to
the fourth and fifth embodiments, when the "TILT UP" button 13a or
the "TILT DOWN" button 13b on the housing 11 is operated by the
player, the pinion gear 12b shown in each of FIGS. 12 and 13 is
rotated and the rack 14 is moved up and down. Accordingly, the
guide boss 17b of the frame 17 is moved up and down along the guide
groove 11f in the top box 11c. At the same time, the other guide
boss 17a of the frame 17 is moved back and forth along the guide
groove 11e in the control panel 11b.
[0098] Particularly, as indicated by solid lines in each of FIGS.
12 and 13, when the guide boss 17b is positioned at an upper end of
the guide groove 11f by operating the "TILT UP" button 13a by the
player to move the rack 14 upward, the guide boss 17a is positioned
at a rear end (right end in each of FIGS. 12 and 13) of the guide
groove 11e. Accordingly, the liquid crystal panel 16 is set upright
to the maximum extent. Thus, the frame 17 is set at a position
where the display surface 16a of the liquid crystal panel 16 is set
at the most upright angle in the opening 11d of the housing 11 as
indicated by the solid lines in FIGS. 10 and 11 (each of the frames
17 is not shown in FIGS. 10 and 11).
[0099] Meanwhile, as indicated by imaginary lines in each of FIGS.
12 and 13, when the guide boss 17b is positioned at a lower end of
the guide groove 11f by operating the "TILT DOWN" button 13b by the
player to move the rack 14 downward, the guide boss 17a is
positioned at a front end (left end in each of FIGS. 12 and 13) of
the guide groove 11e. Accordingly, the display surface 16a of the
liquid crystal panel 16 is laid horizontally to the maximum extent.
Thus, the frame 17 is set at a position where the display surface
16a of the liquid crystal panel 16 is set at the largest tilt angle
in the opening 11d of the housing 11 as indicated by the imaginary
lines in FIGS. 10 and 11 (each of the frames 17 is not shown in
FIGS. 10 and 11). Note that, in this state, the display surface 16a
of the liquid crystal panel 16 is positioned in the same plane as
an upper surface of the control panel 11b.
[0100] Therefore, in the gaming cabinets 10b and 10c according to
the fourth and fifth embodiments, when the "TILT UP" button 13a or
the "TILT DOWN" button 13b is operated by the player, the frame 17
attached on the back side of the liquid crystal panel 16 is tilted
between the position indicated by the solid lines and the position
indicated by the imaginary lines in FIGS. 10 and 11.
[0101] Moreover, in the gaming cabinet 10d of the sixth embodiment,
when the "TILT UP" button 13a or the "TILT DOWN" button 13b is
operated by the player, the pinion gear 12b shown in FIG. 14 is
rotated and the rack 14 is moved up and down. Accordingly, the
guide boss 16c of the liquid crystal panel 16 is moved up and down
along the guide groove 11f in the top box 11c. At the same time,
the other guide boss 16b of the liquid crystal panel 16 is moved
back and forth along the guide groove 11e in the control panel
11b.
[0102] Particularly, as indicated by solid lines in FIG. 14, when
the guide boss 16c is positioned at an upper end of the guide
groove 11f by operating the "TILT UP" button 13a by the player to
move the rack 14 upward, the guide boss 16b is positioned at a rear
end (right end in FIG. 14) of the guide groove 11e. Accordingly,
the liquid crystal panel 16 is set upright to the maximum extent.
Thus, the liquid crystal panel 16 is set at a position where the
display surface 16a is set at the most upright angle in the opening
11d of the housing 11 as indicated by the solid lines in FIG.
10.
[0103] Meanwhile, as indicated by imaginary lines in FIG. 14, when
the guide boss 16c is positioned at a lower end of the guide groove
11f by operating the "TILT DOWN" button 13b by the player to move
the rack 14 downward, the guide boss 16b is positioned at a front
end (left end in FIG. 14) of the guide groove 11e. Accordingly, the
display surface 16a of the liquid crystal panel 16 is laid
horizontally to the maximum extent. Thus, the liquid crystal panel
16 is set at a position where the display surface 16a is set at the
largest tilt angle in the opening 11d of the housing 11 as
indicated by the imaginary lines in FIG. 10. Note that, in this
state, the display surface 16a of the liquid crystal panel 16 is
positioned in the same plane as an upper surface of the control
panel 11b.
[0104] Therefore, when the "TILT UP" button 13a or the "TILT DOWN"
button 13b is operated by the player, the liquid crystal panel 16
is tilted between the position indicated by the solid lines and the
position indicated by the imaginary lines in FIG. 14.
[0105] In the gaming cabinets 10b and 10c according to the fourth
and fifth embodiments having the configuration described above, the
player can adjust the tilt angle of the frame 17, by operating the
"TILT UP" button 13a or the "TILT DOWN" button 13b (see FIG. 10),
so as to cause the display surface 16a of the liquid crystal panel
16 to face the player as front as possible. Thus, it is possible to
prevent a situation where the player has to look at the display
surface 16a of the liquid crystal panel 16 from a direction
significantly tilted with respect to a normal to the display
surface, thereby making it difficult for the player to look at the
symbols displayed on the display surface 16a.
[0106] Similarly, also in the gaming cabinet 10d of the sixth
embodiment having the configuration described above, the player can
adjust the tilt angle of the liquid crystal panel 16, by operating
the "TILT UP" button 13a or the "TILT DOWN" button 13b (see FIG.
11), so as to cause the display surface 16a of the liquid crystal
panel 16 to face the player as front as possible. Thus, it is
possible to prevent a situation where the player has to look at the
display surface 16a of the liquid crystal panel 16 from a direction
significantly tilted with respect to a normal to the display
surface, thereby making it difficult for the player to look at the
symbols displayed on the display surface 16a.
[0107] Although the gaming cabinet of the present invention has
been described above with reference to the illustrated embodiments,
the present invention is not limited thereto. The configurations of
the components can be replaced by any configuration having similar
functions.
[0108] For example, in the above embodiments, the description was
given of the case where the display surface 16a of the liquid
crystal panel 16 has the fifteen divided areas q11 to q53 arranged
in the five columns and the three rows. However, any number of
divided areas in the matrix pattern on the display surface 16a of
the liquid crystal panel 16 can be arranged in both of the column
and row directions.
[0109] Moreover, in the first to sixth embodiments described above,
the rack 14 and the pinion gear 12b are used for tilting the frame
17 attached to the back side of the liquid crystal panel 16 or the
liquid crystal panel 16 itself by rotating the handle 12 on the
housing 11 or by operating the "TILT UP" button 13a or the "TILT
DOWN" button 13b by the player. Meanwhile, a belt and a pulley or a
chain and a sprocket can also be used.
[0110] Similarly, in the fourth to sixth embodiments described
above, the motor M, the rack 14 and the pinion gear 12b are used
for tilting the frame 17 or the liquid crystal panel 16. Instead of
those described above, a drive source other than the motor, such as
an air cylinder and an oil cylinder, can be used and piston rods
thereof can also be used instead of the rack 14 and the pinion gear
12b.
[0111] Furthermore, in the first to sixth embodiments described
above, the description was given by taking the slot machine as an
example. However, the present invention can also be applied to a
gaming machine in which games such as roulette, keno, poker, bingo
and lotto are displayed on a display.
[0112] In addition, in the detailed description above, the
characteristic portions are mainly described in order to make the
present invention easily understandable. The present invention is
not limited to the embodiments described in the detailed
description above, and can be applied to the other embodiments, and
its range of application is wide. Also, the terms and the
terminology used in the present specification are used only for the
purpose of explaining the present invention precisely, and not used
for the purpose of limiting the interpretation of the present
invention. Also, for those skilled in the art, it should be easy to
contemplate other configurations, methods, etc., that are contained
in the concept of the present invention, from the content of the
invention described in the present specification. Consequently, the
description of the scope of claims should be construed as
containing equivalent configurations within a range of not
deviating from a range of the technical ideas of the present
invention. Also, the purpose of the abstract is to make it possible
for the patent office, the general public organizations, and
technicians and the like who belong to the present technical field
and who are not thoroughly familiar with patent and law terms or
specialized terms, to quickly judge the technical content and its
essence of the present application by a simple search.
Consequently, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of
the invention which should be evaluated by the description of the
scope of claims. Also, in order to sufficiently understand the
purpose of the present invention and the effects specific to the
present invention, they should preferably be interpreted by
sufficiently referring to the documents and the like that are
already disclosed in public.
* * * * *