JP2024080155A - Game information display device - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a game information display device equipped with an inexpensive touch panel with high detection accuracy. [Solution] A game information display device including a liquid crystal display unit equipped with a mutual capacitance type touch sensor sheet 35 in which two detection ranges 351, each having a transmitter electrode 36 and a receiver electrode 37, are adjacent to each other and at least two minimum units 353 are arranged in parallel, and a touch sensor control unit that detects a touch operation on the detection range 351 based on a change in capacitance between the transmitter electrode 36 and the receiver electrode 37, in which the receiver electrode 37 of one detection range 351 having a longer electrical path from the touch sensor control unit is electrically connected to the touch sensor control unit via an electrical path 378 that passes through the side of the other detection range 351, and in the touch sensor sheet 35, the receiver electrodes 37, transmitter electrodes 36 and electrical paths 378 of the two adjacent minimum units 353 are arranged in line symmetry. [Selected Figure] Fig. 9

Description

The present invention relates to a game information display device.

Game information display devices equipped with touch panels have been attracting attention in order to improve operability for players (see, for example, Patent Document 1). By adopting touch panels, it is possible to reduce the number of parts such as the button groups that were previously installed, which is expected to reduce product prices.

A variety of touch sensors used in touch panels have been realized and commercialized. Among them, mutual capacitance touch sensors, which generate an electric field using a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode and detect changes in the electric field between the transmitting and receiving electrodes, are used in many electronic products. For example, when using touch panels for call lights in an amusement park, there is a need to arrange the call light operation buttons in two rows, one above the other, to improve visibility and operability for players.

JP 2017-202207 A

For example, if separate touch sensor sheets are incorporated into the upper and lower tiers, it is relatively easy to configure a detection range that spans two tiers, but since two pieces of touch sensor sheets are required, it is highly likely that an increase in product costs will be unavoidable. On the other hand, if an attempt is made to achieve a detection range in two tiers, for example, on a single piece of touch sensor sheet, there is a risk that the detection range in one tier will be restricted and narrowed in order to secure a path for the electrodes that make up the detection range in the other tier.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a game information display device equipped with an inexpensive touch panel with high detection accuracy.

The present invention relates to a gaming information display device provided in correspondence with a gaming machine and equipped with a display means for displaying gaming information relating to a game. The display means includes a mutual capacitance touch sensor section and a detection circuit for detecting the approach of a conductor such as a finger to a detection range. In the touch sensor section, two adjacent detection ranges form the smallest unit, and in each detection range, a transmitter electrode and a receiver electrode are provided facing each other with a gap between them. The detection circuit detects the approach of a conductor based on a change in capacitance caused by a change in the electric field between the transmitter electrode and the receiver electrode.

In the game information display device of the present invention, the transmitter electrodes of the two detection ranges, which are the smallest units of the touch sensor unit, form a common electrode. If the transmitter electrodes of the two detection ranges are a common electrode, the product costs can be reduced compared to a configuration in which mutually independent electrodes are essential. On the other hand, if the transmitter electrode is a common electrode, there is a possibility of erroneous detection between the two detection ranges. In the game information display device of the present invention, technical ingenuity is used in the arrangement of the electrical path between the receiver electrode of one of the detection ranges with the longer electrical path from the detection circuit and the detection circuit, so that erroneous detection can be suppressed.

In the game information display device of the present invention, the above-mentioned electrical path is provided along the direction in which the two detection ranges are adjacent, passing through the side of the other detection range. In the other detection range, a receiving electrode is provided adjacent to this electrical path and parallel to it. If the electrical path is adjacent to the receiving electrode, even if a conductor such as a finger comes close, there is little possibility that the electric field between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode will change, and there is little risk of a change in capacitance being induced. Therefore, there is less risk of false detection occurring due to the presence of this electrical path.

Furthermore, in the game information display device of the present invention, the receiver electrodes, transmitter electrodes, and electrical paths of two adjacent minimum units are linearly symmetrical across the boundary between the two minimum units. For example, at the boundary between two adjacent minimum units with the electrical paths on the inside, the electrical paths belonging to one minimum unit and the electrical paths belonging to the other minimum unit are adjacent to each other. Therefore, the electrical paths belonging to one minimum unit are not adjacent to the transmitter electrodes belonging to the other minimum unit. Also, at the boundary between two adjacent minimum units with the electrical paths on the outside, there are no electrical paths to begin with, so there is no risk of erroneous detection due to the electrical paths.

In this way, according to the present invention, a low-cost configuration is adopted in which the transmitter electrodes of the two smallest detection ranges are common electrodes, while erroneous detections caused by the electrical path extended from the receiver electrode of one of the detection ranges with the longer electrical path from the detection circuit can be suppressed. The game information display device of the present invention is a display device with excellent characteristics that allows touch operation with high detection accuracy and achieves this high-precision touch operation function with an inexpensive configuration.

FIG. 2 is a system diagram showing the configuration of the amusement park system in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine and the card unit in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game information display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the game information display device in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a touch panel area in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an electrical configuration of a touch sensor sheet of a reference example in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of operation buttons in a touch panel area in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an electrical configuration of the touch sensor sheet according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a minimum unit in the first embodiment (an enlarged view of part A); FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an electrical configuration of a touch sensor sheet in a second embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a first operation example in the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a second explanatory diagram of the first operation example in the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a second operation example in the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a front view of the game information display device in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a front view of a cross button in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the cross button in the fourth embodiment.

The embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described using the following examples.
Example 1
This example relates to a game information display device 3 that allows touch operation. The details of this example will be described with reference to Figs.

First, an amusement center that employs the gaming information display device 3 of this example will be described. In the amusement center, a card unit 4 that provides the gaming value required for playing, a gaming information display device 3, and the like are individually installed for each gaming machine 2. Furthermore, one relay device 109 is installed for every two gaming machines 2.

In the management space within the amusement center, a management device 10 is installed to manage various devices within the amusement center, including the gaming machines 2. A prize exchange counter (not shown) is also provided within the amusement center, and a prize exchange terminal (not shown) is installed to allow players to exchange the gaming value they have acquired for prizes. In the amusement center, an amusement center system 1 is configured around the management device 10, and includes the devices installed within the amusement center (the gaming machines 2, the card unit 4, the gaming information display device 3, etc.).

The relay device 109 is a terminal device that relays data transmission and reception between the management device 10 and the attached devices of the gaming machine 2, such as the card unit 4 and the game information display device 3. As described above, one relay device 109 is installed for every two gaming machines.

The game information display device 3 is a display device that is installed individually for each game machine 2. The game information display device 3 is installed above the corresponding game machine 2. The game information display device 3 creates and displays various display information based on game information output from the corresponding game machine 2. The game information display device 3 receives various game information and game signals related to the game of the corresponding game machine 2 via the card unit 4 and the relay device 109. The configuration of the game information display device 3 will be explained in detail later.

The gaming machine 2 in this example is a pachinko gaming machine that is played by firing gaming balls, which are gaming media. In this example, an enclosed pachinko gaming machine that is played by consuming points, which are gaming value, to fire gaming balls, which are gaming media, is given as an example of the gaming machine 2. In the gaming machine 2, points that constitute gaming value are awarded in response to the entry of gaming balls into any of the winning slots. The gaming machine 2 transmits various types of gaming information to the card unit 4 in the form of signal output in response to the execution of a game using gaming points.

The card unit 4 is a score processing device that is installed individually for each gaming machine 2 and performs score-related processing, such as granting the points required for play and issuing gaming cards (an example of a recording medium, not shown) on which the points are recorded. This card unit 4 is placed to the side of the gaming machine 2, in the gap between it and an adjacent gaming machine 2. In the explanation of this example, counted points are referred to as "owned points" and points that are available for play are referred to as "play points". The total number of points is the sum of the owned points and the play points.

In the amusement center, an in-house network 100 such as a wired LAN is constructed, in which various devices are communicatively connected. The card unit 4, the game information display device 3, and the like, which are communicatively connected to the gaming machine 2, are connected to the in-house network 100 via a relay device 109. In the in-house network 100, various communications between the peripheral devices of the gaming machine 2, such as the card unit 4 and the game information display device 3, and the management device 10 are realized via the relay device 109. The amusement center system 1 of this example is configured as a system using this in-house network 100.

The configurations and basic operations of the gaming machine 2 and the card unit 4 in combination with the gaming information display device 3 will be described below, and then the configuration of the gaming information display device 3 will be described.
(Configuration and Basic Operation of Gaming Machine and Card Unit)
The gaming machine 2 (FIG. 2) of this example, which is an enclosed pachinko gaming machine, is a gaming machine in which, as described above, gaming balls, which are gaming media, are fired by consuming (using) gaming points (scores), which are gaming value. When the gaming machine 2 receives gaming points from the card unit 4, it is possible to fire gaming balls in the number of gaming points, and when the gaming points reach zero, it is no longer possible to fire gaming balls. The gaming machine 2 transmits the gaming points to the card unit 4 in response to a predetermined counting operation, and subtracts the gaming points. In addition, the gaming machine 2 is capable of displaying various gaming data (such as the number of jackpots, the number of special drawing lotteries, etc.) in response to an information display operation by the player.

The gaming machine 2 illustrated in this example is a so-called seven-machine in which a jackpot lottery is held in response to winning at the special chart start ports 221 and 222, and when a jackpot is won, a jackpot pattern is displayed and a jackpot state occurs.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko game machine (game machine) 21 has a substantially circular game area (game board) 210. Decorative lamp units 242 are provided on both the left and right sides of the upper part of the game area 210, and a speaker 241 is disposed at the lower left of the game area 210. In addition, an information display unit 25 is disposed below the game area 210, and an operating handle 26 is provided at the lower right of the information display unit 25.

The information display unit 25 is composed of a liquid crystal display, and various information is displayed on the display screen, such as various game information related to the game, such as the number of jackpots and the number of special drawing draws. The display screen of the information display unit 25 is a display screen that can be operated by touch. The display content of the information display unit 25 can be switched according to the touch operation on the display screen. The above-mentioned predetermined counting operation for transmitting the game points to the card unit 4 is an operation performed by touching the display screen. The display screen of the information display unit 25 displays the cumulative game points, such as the game points received from the card unit 4 and the game points based on the points awarded in response to winning.

The play area 210 is an area where game balls, which are the game medium, flow down. In the play area 210, a display device including a pattern display unit 24 is arranged near the center. A first special pattern start port 221 is arranged below the pattern display unit 24. Arranged in this order from the right side of the pattern display unit 24 downwards are a through-type normal pattern start port 223, an open/close winning device 224, a big winning device 225, and a second special pattern start port 222. An out hole 220 is provided at the bottom of the play area 210.

The pattern display unit 24 is a display unit that changes the display of the pattern using an LCD display. The pattern display unit 24 has a function as a special pattern display unit that displays the result of the special pattern lottery (lottery result), and a function as a regular pattern display unit that displays the result of the regular pattern lottery (lottery result). The pattern display unit 24 as a special pattern display unit displays a large three-digit number pattern in the center of the display screen. A win (jackpot) in the special pattern lottery is notified by a combination of number patterns that are the same number, such as 333 or 777. The pattern display unit 24 as a regular pattern display unit displays the result of the regular pattern lottery in a rectangular area at the bottom right of the display screen. The result of the regular pattern lottery is notified by, for example, a circle or an x.

The first special symbol start port 221 and the second special symbol start port 222 are winning ports that trigger a judgment of whether the special symbol has been won or not (hereinafter referred to as the special symbol lottery). While the first special symbol start port 221 is a center winning port with a fixed winning rate, the second special symbol start port 222 is a variable winning port equipped with an electric tulip (electric device) whose winning rate varies greatly depending on whether the electric tulip is opened or closed. When a game ball enters the first (second) special symbol start port 221 (222) (start winning), a lottery random number for the first (second) special symbol lottery is extracted, and a jackpot lottery is executed to draw the first (second) special symbol.

The normal pattern start port 223 is a winning port that triggers a judgment of whether the normal pattern is a winning combination (hereinafter referred to as the normal pattern lottery). When a winning combination is entered into the normal pattern start port 223, a lottery random number for the normal pattern lottery is drawn, and the normal pattern lottery is executed. If the normal pattern lottery is won, the electric tulip in the second special pattern start port 222 opens, increasing the chances of winning. As described above, the result of the normal pattern lottery is displayed by the pattern display unit 24.

The card unit 4, which corresponds to each gaming machine 2, is installed in the space between adjacent gaming machines 2 (see Figure 1). This card unit 4 has a function of granting (lending) gaming points (scores), which are the right to shoot gaming balls.

On the front of the card unit 4 (see Figure 2), there are arranged a status lamp 41 that indicates the operating status of the device such as errors, a bill insertion slot 420, a display unit 43, a loan button 44 for receiving the game points required for playing in response to a withdrawal of payment, a replay button 45 for converting the points that have already been counted into game points, a return button 46 for requesting the return of the game card, a card insertion slot 470, etc.

Next, the basic operation of the gaming machine 2 and the card unit 4 will be explained. When the gaming machine 2 receives game points (scores) from the corresponding card unit 4, it becomes playable. The gaming machine 2 subtracts one game ball from the game score each time a game ball is fired, and when a win occurs, adds a score corresponding to the win to the game score.

The gaming machine 2 transmits various gaming signals to the card unit 4 in response to the execution of a game that consumes gaming points. For example, the gaming machine 2 in this example transmits the following gaming signals to the card unit 4. The gaming signals output by the gaming machine 2 are transmitted via the card unit 4 to the relay device 109, the management device 10, the gaming information display device 3, etc.

Safe signal: A signal that can identify the "safe" number of game points awarded to a player.
- Out signal: A signal that can identify the number of pachinko balls that have been fired, i.e., "Out."
・Jackpot signal: A signal that can identify a jackpot state.
・Special state signal: A signal output during a jackpot state and a time-saving state.
Start signal: A signal that can identify the pattern change due to winning at the first special pattern start port 221 and the regular pattern start port 223.

The card unit 4 receives the above-mentioned various game signals from the corresponding gaming machine 2, collates and stores operation data (game information), and transmits operation data and game signals to the management device 10 and the gaming information display device 3 via the relay device 109 as needed. The card unit 4 also transmits information on the player's possession value, such as the player's deposit balance and points held, to the management device 10 as needed. The card unit 4 also receives and stores various setting information (gaming machine number, model name, point unit price, etc.) from the management device 10.

When the card unit 4 accepts a bill, it adds the amount of the bill to the deposit balance (up to 10,000 yen) and stores it. When a gaming card is accepted, the card unit 4 requests the management device 10 to match the card information recorded on the gaming card. The management device 10 stores the card information in association with the card ID (identification information) of the gaming card, and this is used to match the card information read by the card unit 4. When the matching result by the management device 10 is OK, the card unit 4 displays the deposit balance and points related to that card information.

The card unit 4 converts the player's deposit balance, balls, and points into game points in response to the player's request, such as by operating the loan button 44, and transmits them to the corresponding gaming machine 2. For example, when the loan button 44 is operated, the points are converted into game points (250 points) in fixed amounts (e.g., 1,000 yen) and transmitted to the gaming machine 2. For example, when the replay button 45 is operated, the points are converted into game points in units of 250 points and transmitted to the gaming machine 2, allowing the player to replay using the points (replay processing).

The card unit 4 stores and displays points such as the number of points owned, the number of game points, and the total number of points which is the sum of the number of points owned and the number of game points. The card unit 4 receives a safe signal which is information on adding points and an out signal which is information on subtracting points from the corresponding gaming machine 2, and updates the number of points stored. Then, in response to the update of the number of points, it transmits the point number information to the relay device 109.

When the return button 46 is operated when there is at least one of a deposited balance and owned points, the card unit 4 records the deposited balance and owned points on a gaming card and issues the gaming card. When recording owned points on a gaming card, type information corresponding to the gaming machine 2 that acquired the points is also recorded in association with the points. The owned points are also called owned balls. The card unit 4 has a built-in card stocker and can store up to 10 gaming cards.

(Configuration of information display device)
The gaming information display device 3 (FIG. 3) is a device that displays various information related to the corresponding gaming machine 2. The gaming information display device 3 is installed in a state where it is embedded in the wall surface above the gaming machine 2. On the front side of the gaming information display device 3 facing the aisle side, a seven-segment display unit 31 and a display screen 330 of a liquid crystal display unit 33 are arranged, and a push-type call button 341 is provided on the lower left. Furthermore, a lamp unit 32 is provided around almost the entire outer periphery of the front side.

The seven-segment display unit 31 on the left side facing the player digitally displays the number of jackpots, the number of starts, etc. The LCD display unit (one example of a display means) 33 on the right side has an operation button display area 335 corresponding to a touch panel area 350 at the bottom of the display screen 330. This operation button display area 335 can display up to two rows and ten columns of operation buttons 337. As will be described later, the operation button display area 335 functions as a touch panel area 350 that can be operated by touch when combined with a transparent sheet-like touch sensor sheet 35 (see Figure 4) layered on the display screen 330.

The gaming information display device 3 receives various setting information and information related to the corresponding gaming machine 2 from the management device 10, and also receives various gaming signals and gaming information from the corresponding gaming machine 2 and card unit 4 via the relay device 109. The gaming information display device 3 creates and displays (outputs) various display information based on the received setting information, gaming signals, gaming information, etc.

The setting information received from the management device 10 includes, for example, the model name of the corresponding gaming machine 2, the machine number serving as identification information, gaming performance such as the probability of a jackpot and the number of balls dispensed in a jackpot, etc. The gaming information of the corresponding gaming machine 2 received from the card unit 4 includes, for example, the number of jackpot draws (number of starts), the number of jackpots that have occurred, the gaming points, the number of points held, etc.

The game information display device 3 compiles and displays various operational data such as the number of starts and the number of jackpots based on the game signal and game information received via the relay device 109, and displays the game status by distinguishing the game status. Note that the content displayed on the game information display device 3 may also be displayed on the management device 10.

As shown in FIG. 4, the gaming information display device 3 is electrically configured with the main body control unit 30 at its core. The main body control unit 30 includes a CPU that executes software to perform various calculations, ROM and RAM as memory means, and an I/O unit that inputs and outputs signals. Electrically connected to the main body control unit 30 are an I/F unit 308 that transmits and receives signals to and from the outside, an LCD display unit 33, a lamp unit 32 that has an employee calling function, a call button 341, a remote control light receiving unit 347, and a touch sensor control unit 303.

The main body control unit 30 functions as a control means that causes a plurality of operation buttons 337 to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 33 as a display means. The main body control unit 30 as a control means causes a plurality of operation buttons 337 to be displayed in an operation button display area 335 at the bottom of the display screen 330 of the liquid crystal display unit 33. In the operation button display area 335, two rows, one above the other, and ten columns, of operation buttons 337 are displayed.

A touch sensor sheet 35, which is an example of a touch sensor unit, is connected to the touch sensor control unit 303. The transparent touch sensor sheet 35 is layered on the display screen 330 so as to cover the operation button display area 335 of the liquid crystal display unit 33. The touch sensor sheet 35 is an electronic component equipped with a mutual capacitance type touch sensor. In the game information display device 3, the portion of the display screen 330 of the liquid crystal display unit 33 where the touch sensor sheet 35 is layered (the operation button display area 335) functions as the touch panel area 350.

Twenty detection ranges 351 are set in the touch sensor sheet 35 in two vertical rows and ten horizontal columns (Figure 5). Each detection range 351 in the touch sensor sheet 35 is provided to correspond to one of the operation buttons 337 displayed in the operation button display area 335 in two vertical rows and ten horizontal columns. The configuration of the detection ranges 351 in the touch sensor sheet 35 will be described in detail later.

The touch sensor control unit 303 functions as a detection circuit that detects which detection range 351 of the touch sensor sheet 35 has been touched. When the touch sensor control unit 303 detects a change in capacitance due to a change in the electric field between the electrodes (36, 37) on the touch sensor sheet 35, it identifies the touched detection range 351 according to the location of the electrode where the capacitance has changed. The touch sensor control unit 303 inputs information indicating the position of the touched detection range 351 to the main body control unit 30. The main body control unit 30 identifies the operation button 337 selected in the operation button display area 335, and controls the liquid crystal display unit 33 so that the content corresponding to the function associated with the operation button 337 is displayed on the display screen 330.

In the game information display device 3 of this example, technical innovations have been made in the electrical configuration of the touch sensor sheet 35, which increases the reliability of detecting touch operations. This will be explained in detail.

In the operation button display area 335 corresponding to the touch panel area 350, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of operation buttons 337 are displayed to respond to the various requests of the player. In the game information display device 3 of this example, the operation buttons 337 are arranged in two rows, one above the other, and ten columns across, so that the various requests of the player can be responded to.

In the touch sensor sheet 35 constituting the touch panel area 350, one detection range 351 is provided corresponding to each operation button 337 in the operation button display area 335. In the touch sensor sheet 35, two rows of detection ranges 351 corresponding to two rows of operation buttons 337 form the smallest unit, and these smallest units are arranged in 10 horizontal rows.

The touch sensor sheet 35 in this example is a mutual capacitance type touch sensor sheet. In this touch sensor sheet 35, as shown in FIG. 6, in each detection range 351, the transmitter electrode 36 and the receiver electrode 37 are arranged facing each other with a gap between them. The change in capacitance between the transmitter electrode 36 and the receiver electrode 37 is detected by the touch sensor control unit 303, and a touch operation is detected.

If the detection ranges are arranged one-dimensionally, it is relatively easy to route the electrical path from each detection range to the touch sensor control unit 303. On the other hand, if the detection ranges 351 are arranged two-dimensionally across two vertical rows and ten horizontal rows as in this example, it is located at the back side as viewed from the touch sensor control unit 303, and it is difficult to route the electrical path to one of the detection ranges 351 with the longer electrical path.

When arranging two vertical rows and ten horizontal rows of detection ranges 351 on the touch sensor sheet 35, an electrode pattern such as that shown in FIG. 6 can be considered. In this electrode pattern, the transmitter electrode 36 serves as a common electrode between the two vertical rows of detection ranges 351, while the receiver electrode 37 for each detection range 351 is electrically extended from the touch sensor control unit 303, which is an example of a detection circuit.

In the electrode pattern of FIG. 6, an electrical path 378 leading to the receiver electrode 37 of the upper detection range 351 of the two detection ranges 351 is provided in an adjacent region 359 outside the lower detection range 351. This adjacent region 359 is in contact with the transmitter electrode 36 of the lower detection range 351. When a conductor such as a finger approaches the adjacent region 359, a change in capacitance occurs due to a change in the electric field between the electrical path 378 and the transmitter electrode 36, which is likely to result in a false detection of a touch operation on the upper detection range 351. In the electrode pattern configuration of FIG. 6, the width of the lower detection range 351 is narrowed due to encroachment by the adjacent region 359, which causes a false detection.

For example, when the operation button display area 335 in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display screen 330, in order to reliably select the lower operation button 337, it is necessary to perform a touch operation while avoiding the adjacent area 359 located at the right end of the operation button 337. If the right end of the lower operation button 337 is touched, it may be erroneously detected as a touch operation on the upper operation button 337. Thus, with the electrode pattern in FIG. 6, there is a high possibility that erroneous detections will increase due to the layout of the electrical path 378 (see FIG. 6) leading to the receiving electrode 37 in the upper detection range 351. With the electrode pattern in FIG. 6, there is a high possibility that operability by the player will be impaired as erroneous detections occur.

If the upper and lower detection ranges were constructed from separate touch sensor sheets, for example, and the transmitter electrodes for the upper and lower detection ranges were independent, no false detection would occur even if the electrical path to the receiver electrode in the upper detection range was adjacent to the transmitter electrode in the lower detection range. However, incorporating two touch sensor sheets inevitably increases product costs. In order to keep product costs down, a touch sensor sheet that can construct two detection ranges, upper and lower, while suppressing false detection is essential.

In this example, by adopting a touch sensor sheet 35 provided with the electrode patterns shown in Figs. 8 and 9, it is possible to arrange detection ranges 351 in two levels, one above the other, while suppressing false detection. In the following description, the arrangement direction of the two levels of detection ranges 351 is referred to as the vertical direction, and the arrangement direction (parallel direction) of the minimum unit (unit) 353 formed by the two levels of detection ranges 351 is referred to as the horizontal direction. Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of part A in Fig. 8, which corresponds to the minimum unit 353.

In the touch sensor sheet 35 of Figs. 8 and 9, similar to the touch sensor sheet of Fig. 6, minimum units 353 each consisting of two upper and lower rows of detection ranges 351 are arranged in parallel across 10 horizontal rows. In the rectangular minimum units 353, an electrode pattern as shown in Fig. 9 is formed. The two detection ranges 351 of the minimum unit 353 are rectangular in shape and have approximately the same size and outline. The minimum units 353 with adjacent detection ranges 351 in two rows above and below each other are vertically rectangular.

In the upper detection range 351 of the minimum unit 353, transmitter electrodes 36 are provided along the two left and right sides (two sides facing horizontally) of the four sides that form the outer periphery. This pair of laterally facing transmitter electrodes 36 is electrically connected by an electrical path that is provided along the upper horizontal side of the four sides that form the outer periphery of the detection range 351. This electrical path along the upper side functions as a transmitter electrode 36.

In the lower detection range 351 of the minimum unit 353, transmitter electrodes 36 are provided along two upper and lower sides (two sides facing each other in the vertical direction) of the four sides that form the outer periphery. This pair of transmitter electrodes 36 that face each other in the vertical direction are electrically connected via a path that is provided along the left side in the figure of the four sides that form the outer periphery of the detection range 351. Note that this electrical path along the left side functions as a transmitter electrode 36 and is integrated with the transmitter electrode 36 on the left side of the upper detection range 351.

In the electrode pattern configuration of FIG. 8, the transmitter electrodes 36 of the upper and lower detection ranges 351 serve as a common electrode. The transmitter electrode 36 along the upper side of the lower detection range 351 and located at the boundary between the upper and lower detection ranges 351 functions as the transmitter electrode 36 for the upper detection range 351.

In each detection range 351 belonging to the minimum unit 353, a whisker-like electrode 369a is formed that protrudes from each transmitter electrode 36 toward the other transmitter electrode 36 in the direction in which the pair of transmitter electrodes 36 face each other. The whisker-like electrode 369a of each transmitter electrode 36 forms each tooth of the comb-like electrode 369. The comb-like electrodes 369 of each transmitter electrode 36 face each other in a mutually interdigitated state in the direction in which the pair of transmitter electrodes 36 face each other.

In each detection range 351 of the minimum unit 353, a rectangular wave-shaped gap is formed between the comb-tooth electrodes 369 arranged opposite to each other so as to interdigitate with each other. The receiving electrodes 37 are arranged in a rectangular wave shape so that they can pass through this rectangular wave-shaped gap. The receiving electrodes 37 of the upper detection range 351 are electrically connected to the touch sensor control unit 303 by an electrical path 378 that extends downward from the end of the rectangular wave shape. This electrical path 378 leads to the touch sensor control unit 303 via the side of the lower detection range 351. The electrical path 378 is arranged along the vertical direction in which the two detection ranges 351 are adjacent to each other in the minimum unit 353.

The electrical path 378 is arranged adjacent to and parallel to the end of the rectangular wave-shaped receiver electrode 37 of the lower detection range 351. The receiver electrode 37 forming the end is arranged along the edge of the outer periphery of the lower detection range 351 that faces the adjacent minimum unit 353.

In the electrode pattern configuration of Figures 8 and 9, the receiver electrode 37 of the lower detection range 351 is interposed between the electrical path 378 and the transmitter electrode 36. The receiver electrode 37 of the lower detection range 351 acts to inhibit the change in the electric field between the transmitter electrode 36 and the electrical path 378. Therefore, even if a finger is brought close to the electrical path 378, the change in capacitance due to the change in the electric field between the electrical path 378 and the transmitter electrode 36 is unlikely to occur, and the risk of false detection is reduced.

Furthermore, in the touch sensor sheet 35 in which the minimum units 353 are arranged in parallel across 10 horizontal rows, the electrode patterns and electrical paths 378 are arranged so as to be linearly symmetrical with respect to the boundaries between the minimum units 353 adjacent in the horizontal direction.

For example, in a combination in which the odd-numbered minimum unit 353 from the left end is adjacent to the next even-numbered minimum unit 353, in the two lower detection ranges 351, transmitter electrodes 36 are provided along three of the four sides forming the outer periphery, excluding the side that is the boundary between the minimum units 353. An electrical path 378 leading to the receiver electrode 37 in the upper level is provided along the side that is the boundary between the adjacent minimum units 353. At this boundary, the electrical paths 378 leading to the receiver electrodes 37 of the two upper detection ranges 351 are laid side by side and parallel to each other.

In the electrode pattern configurations of Figures 8 and 9, transmitter electrodes 36 are provided on three sides, including the top and bottom edges, of the rectangular outer periphery of the minimum unit 353. For example, in a combination in which an even-numbered minimum unit 353 from the left end is adjacent to the next odd-numbered minimum unit 353, transmitter electrodes 36 are provided along the boundary between the adjacent minimum units 353 and are shared between the adjacent minimum units 353. The transmitter electrodes 36 shared between the adjacent minimum units 353 are located on the left or right side of the minimum unit 353, opposite the side on which the above-mentioned electrical path 378 is provided.

By making the electrode patterns and electrical paths 378 of adjacent minimum units 353 linearly symmetrical in this way, the electrical paths 378 extending from the receiver electrodes 37 of the upper detection range 351 will not be adjacent to the transmitter electrodes 36, reducing the risk of false detection. No areas that could cause false detection will be created at the boundaries between adjacent minimum units 353, and such areas will not encroach on the lower detection range 351.

As described above, the liquid crystal display unit (display means) 33 of the game information display device 3 of the present invention includes a mutual capacitance type touch sensor sheet (touch sensor unit) 35 and a touch sensor control unit (detection circuit) 303 that detects a touch operation on the touch sensor sheet 35. In the touch sensor sheet 35, two adjacent detection ranges 351 form the minimum unit 353, and in each detection range 351, the transmitter electrode 36 and the receiver electrode 37 are arranged to face each other with a gap between them. The touch sensor control unit 303 detects a touch operation based on a change in capacitance caused by a change in the electric field between the transmitter electrode 36 and the receiver electrode 37.

In the game information display device 3 of this example, of the two detection ranges 351 of the smallest unit 353 of the touch sensor sheet 35, the transmitter electrode 36 of the upper detection range 351 (an example of one detection range) that has a longer electrical path from the touch sensor control unit 303, and the transmitter electrode 36 of the lower detection range 351 (an example of the other detection range) on the other side form a common electrode. If the transmitter electrodes 36 of the two detection ranges 351 are a common electrode, the product cost can be reduced compared to a configuration in which mutually independent electrodes are required. On the other hand, if the transmitter electrode 36 is a common electrode, there is a possibility of erroneous detection between the two detection ranges 351.

In the game information display device 3 of this example, for the upper detection range 303 with the longer electrical path from the touch sensor control unit 303, there is a technical ingenuity in the arrangement of the electrical path 378 between the receiving electrode 37 and the touch sensor control unit 303. This electrical path 378 is provided along and adjacent to the receiving electrode 37 of the other lower detection range 351 in the minimum unit 353. If the electrical path 378 is adjacent to the receiving electrode 37, even if a finger approaches, for example, the electric field between the transmitting electrode 36 is unlikely to change, and the change in capacitance due to the change in the electric field can be suppressed. The receiving electrode 37 located between the electrical path 378 and the transmitting electrode 36 functions to inhibit the change in the electrostatic capacitance between the electrical path 378 and the transmitting electrode 36. Therefore, there is less risk of false detection occurring due to the presence of the electrical path 378. The lower detection range 351 is not eroded by the area where false detection due to the electrical path 378 may occur.

This example is an advantageous configuration example for reducing costs in that the transmitter electrodes 36 of the two detection ranges 351 of the smallest unit 353 are common electrodes. While this configuration example has a cost advantage, it can be prone to false detection depending on the electrode pattern configuration. In this example, false detection is suppressed by devising the layout of the electrical path 378 extended from the receiver electrode 37 of the upper detection range 351 with the longer electrical path from the touch sensor control unit 303. The game information display device 3 of this example is capable of touch operation with high detection accuracy, and is a device with excellent characteristics in which this high-precision touch operation function is realized with an inexpensive configuration.

The game information display device 3 is equipped with a main body control unit 30 as a control means that displays a plurality of operation buttons 337 by controlling a liquid crystal display unit 33 as a display means. The liquid crystal display unit 33 is capable of displaying operation buttons 337 corresponding to each of the two detection ranges 351 of the minimum unit 353. By displaying operation buttons 337 corresponding to each detection range 351, the number of displayed operation buttons 337 can be increased, providing the player with a wide range of options.

In the touch sensor sheet 35, ten rows of minimum units 353 are arranged in parallel, and the electrode patterns, which are the patterns of the transmitter electrodes 36 and receiver electrodes 37, are symmetrical between two adjacent minimum units 353. By arranging the electrode patterns symmetrically, the risk of false detection caused by the electrical paths 378 extending from the receiver electrodes 37 in the upper detection range 351 can be reduced.

The two detection ranges 351 of the minimum unit 353 are substantially rectangular. In each detection range 351 having a substantially rectangular shape, a pair of transmitter electrodes 36 is provided along at least two opposing sides of the four sides forming the outer periphery. Furthermore, in each detection range 351, a comb-shaped electrode 369 is provided that protrudes from one transmitter electrode 36 toward the other transmitter electrode 36 so as to interdigitate with each other. In the two detection ranges 351 of the minimum unit 353, the receiver electrode 37 is formed to have a rectangular wave shape passing through the gap between the interdigitated comb-shaped electrodes 369. The combination of the interdigitated comb-shaped electrodes 369 forming the transmitter electrode 36 and the rectangular wave-shaped electrodes forming the receiver electrode 37 allows touch operations on the detection range 351 to be detected with high reliability.

Furthermore, in the game information display device 3 of this example, the directions in which the pair of transmitter electrodes 36 face each other are orthogonal to each other between the two detection ranges 351 of the minimum unit 353. If the directions in which the pair of transmitter electrodes 36 face each other, i.e., the directions in which the interdigitated comb-shaped electrodes 369 face each other, are orthogonal between the upper and lower detection ranges 351, it becomes easier to lay the electrical path 378 extended from the receiver electrode 37 of the upper detection range 351. For example, if the electrical path 378 extends from the upper detection range 351 to the lower detection range 351, it is preferable to set the facing direction of the transmitter electrodes 36 in the lower detection range 351 to the vertical direction. In this case, it is preferable to lay the electrical path 378 so that it is adjacent to the vertical side where the transmitter electrode 36 is not yet formed among the four sides that form the outer periphery of the lower detection range 351.

As described above, the game information display device 3 of this example is a device that allows touch operation of the operation buttons 337 arranged in a maximum of two rows, vertically, and ten columns horizontally. This game information display device 3 realizes the arrangement of the two-dimensional detection range 351 with a single piece of touch sensor sheet 35, while ensuring high detection accuracy with few false detections.

In this example, a rectangular wave pattern is used as the receiver electrode 37 for each detection range 351, but as long as detection can be performed over the entire detection range 351, the pattern shape of the receiver electrode 37 is not limited to a rectangular wave. For example, a meandering pattern receiver electrode 37 may be used.

Example 2
This example is a configuration example in which a device for further improving the detection accuracy of a touch operation is added to the electrode pattern based on the game information display device of the embodiment 1. The contents of this example will be described with reference to FIG.

In the configuration of this example, the receiver electrode 37 of the lower detection range is interposed between the tip 36p of the transmitter electrode 36 arranged along the upper side of the four sides forming the outer periphery of the lower rectangular detection range 351 of each minimum unit 353 and the electrical path 378 extended from the receiver electrode 37 of the upper detection range 351. Specifically, a protrusion 371 protruding upward like a whisker is provided on the part of the receiver electrode 37 of the lower detection range 351 that is parallel to the electrical path 378. This protrusion 371 is located in the gap between the tip 36p of the transmitter electrode 36 along the upper side of the lower detection range 351 and the electrical path 378 leading to the receiver electrode 37 of the upper detection range 351.

In the configuration of this example, the receiver electrode 37 of the lower detection range 351 protrudes into the gap between the tip 36p of the transmitter electrode 36 along the upper side of the lower detection range 351 and the electrical path 378 extended from the receiver electrode 37 of the upper detection range 351. This prevents the transmitter electrode 36 and the electrical path 378 from being adjacent to each other. The protrusion 371 of the receiver electrode 37 can suppress changes in the electric field between the transmitter electrode 36 and the electrical path 378, and can suppress changes in capacitance due to changes in the electric field, thereby reducing false detections.
Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

Example 3
In this example, the operation of the game information display device 3 of the first and second embodiments will be described with reference to Figs.
(First operation example)
In the display screen in Fig. 11, ten operation buttons 337 are arranged in one row at the bottom. In the case of the figure, the touch sensor sheet (reference numeral 35 in Fig. 5) has two detection ranges (reference numeral 351 in Fig. 5) in two rows, one above the other, and ten rows, and the operation button 337 is assigned to the detection range in the lower row. When any of the operation buttons 337 on the display screen 330 is touched with a finger, the game information display device 3 starts an operation corresponding to that operation button 337. The operation corresponding to the operation button 337 is, for example, switching to a display screen such as a graph, displaying related items, etc.

For example, of the 10 horizontal rows of operation buttons 337 displayed in FIG. 11, the fourth from the right, the "Detailed Data" operation button 337d, is an operation button for displaying the related items "Rankings," "Breakdown," "Win Rate," and "Calendar." When the "Detailed Data" operation button 337d is touched, the four operation buttons 337 "Rankings," "Breakdown," "Win Rate," and "Calendar" are displayed in the upper row on the display screen 330 (FIG. 12).

These four operation buttons 337 correspond to the four detection ranges in the top row of the touch sensor sheet's two rows and 10 columns of detection ranges. In this way, by displaying a new operation button 337 in the top row in response to a touch operation on any of the operation buttons 337, there is little risk of the operability being impaired when the player selects the item they want, even if there are many displayed items.

In the first operation example, when any of the operation buttons 337 in the lower row is touched, the operation button 337 for the corresponding related item in the upper row is displayed. Alternatively, the operation button 337 for the related item in the upper row may be displayed at all times. Furthermore, the operation button 337 for the related item in the upper row may be displayed in the lower row, or the operation button 337 may be displayed in the upper row, and the operation button 337 for the related item may be displayed in the lower row in response to a touch operation. Furthermore, the number of operation buttons 337 to be newly displayed may be set in any way.

(Second operation example)
The second operation example is an operation example in which a plurality of detection ranges 351 of a touch sensor sheet (reference numeral 35 in FIG. 5) are made to function as one operation button 337, as shown in FIG. 13. As in the first embodiment, the touch sensor sheet has detection ranges arranged in two vertical rows and ten horizontal columns. The game information display device 3 can control four adjacent detection ranges 351 in the vertical and horizontal directions to function as one operation button 337.

In the example of FIG. 13, one large operation button 337 (details button in the figure) is displayed corresponding to four detection ranges 351 across two horizontal rows and upper and lower rows. In response to a touch operation, the "details button" 337 in the figure switches to display four operation buttons 337 ("ranking," "details," "win rate," and "calendar") corresponding to related items.

When switching between different operation buttons 337 in response to a touch operation on the operation button 337, the contents of the operation button 337 before the switching display and the contents of the operation button 337 after the switching display may be mutually related. The contents of the operation button 337 to be switched and displayed may be any contents. For example, if the operation button 337 before the switching display indicates a break, the operation button 337 indicating various "break times" such as a meal break, a toilet break, and a cigarette break may be switched and displayed in response to a touch operation. Furthermore, the display mode, display contents, combination, etc. of the operation button 337 may be changed in response to an attribute such as the age of the player. In that case, a single operation button may be displayed by combining a plurality of detection ranges 351 adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction, which is the parallel direction of the minimum unit 353.
Other configurations and effects are the same as those of the first or second embodiment.

Example 4
This example is a configuration example that can display large operation buttons corresponding to a plurality of detection ranges based on the game information display device of the embodiment 1. The contents of this example will be described with reference to Figs.

Figure 14 shows a display screen 330 of slump graphs 339 for each day of a month, for example. In this display screen 330, slump graphs 339 of seven horizontal squares corresponding to one week are arranged in four rows, one above the other. The slump graphs 339 are line graphs that show changes in the number of balls dispensed. In this display screen 330, one selected slump graph out of the two-dimensionally arranged slump graphs 339 is highlighted (shown with dot hatching in the figure).

In the touch panel area 350 (operation button display area) at the bottom of the display screen 330, a cross operation button 337c for selecting one of the slump graphs 339 and a "details" button 337d are arranged left-justified. The cross operation button 337c and the "details" button 337d are large operation buttons that each correspond to four detection ranges in two rows and two columns. The cross operation button 337c is an example of a direction selection button.

The liquid crystal display unit 33 as a display means can display one operation button corresponding to the four detection ranges 351 belonging to the two smallest units 353 arranged next to each other. In this example, the cross operation button 337c and the "details" button 337d are an example of the one operation button.

The "Details" button 337d is an operation button for displaying detailed data of the slump graph 339 highlighted on the display screen 330. When the "Details" button 337d is touched, a display screen of detailed game information for one day corresponding to the selected slump graph 339 that is highlighted is switched to the display. Note that the same display operation is executed regardless of which of the four detection ranges 351 corresponding to the "Details" button 337d is touched. The same applies even if touch operations are detected on multiple detection ranges 351 at the same time.

The cross operation button 337c is an operation button for selecting one of the slump graphs 339 arranged two-dimensionally. The cross operation button 337c is an operation button for cursor operation to move the highlighted portion on the display screen 330. The player can use the cross operation button 337c to operate the cursor and select the slump graph 339 for the desired date. The cross operation button 337c can accept cursor operation in eight directions, including four directions (vertical, horizontal, left and right) and four diagonal directions. The cross operation button 337c detects which direction has been selected depending on the balance of the amount of change in capacitance in the corresponding four detection ranges 351.

The cross operation button 337c is an operation button that is set to correspond to four detection ranges 351 arranged in two rows and two columns as shown in FIG. 15. With the cross operation button 337c, it is possible to select a direction according to a combination of one or two detection ranges 351 among the four corresponding detection ranges 351 where the proximity of a conductor such as a finger is detected.

The detection mode of the touch operation by the cross operation button 337c will be described with reference to the schematic diagram in FIG. 16. For convenience of explanation, this figure is a schematic diagram showing four detection ranges 351 (FIG. 15) for each operation direction of vertical, horizontal, and left and right. In the four detection ranges 351 for each operation direction, the corresponding operation position is indicated by a filled black circle.

In the following description, the receiver electrodes 37 in the four detection ranges 351 corresponding to the cross operation button 337c are referred to as, clockwise from the top, the upper left receiver electrode 37, the upper right receiver electrode 37, the lower right receiver electrode 37, and the lower left receiver electrode 37.

For example, when a touch operation is performed at the position of a black circle in the four detection ranges 351 of the circled number 1 in FIG. 16, the capacitance of the upper left receiver electrode 37 and the upper right receiver electrode 37 changes. Because the amount of change in capacitance is about the same in the upper left receiver electrode 37 and the upper right receiver electrode 37, this is detected as a touch operation at the position of a black circle in the four detection ranges 351 of the circled number 1 in FIG. 16. In response to this touch operation that selects the operation direction upward, the slump graph that is highlighted as a cursor moves upward (cursor movement).

For example, when a touch operation is performed at the position of a black circle in the four detection ranges 351 of the circled number 2 in FIG. 16, the capacitance of the upper left receiver electrode 37 and the upper right receiver electrode 37 changes. In this case, the amount of change in capacitance is greater in the upper right receiver electrode 37, so it is detected as a touch operation at the position of a black circle in the four detection ranges 351 of the circled number 2 in FIG. 16. In response to this touch operation that selects the operation direction diagonally upward to the right, the cursor (highlighted slump graph) moves diagonally upward to the right.

For example, when a touch operation is performed at the position of a black circle in the four detection ranges 351 of the circled number 3 in FIG. 16, the capacitance of the lower left receiver electrode 37 and the lower right receiver electrode 37 changes. In this case, the amount of change in capacitance is approximately the same for the lower left receiver electrode 37 and the lower right receiver electrode 37, so this is detected as a touch operation at the position of a black circle in the four detection ranges 351 of the circled number 3 in FIG. 16. In response to this touch operation that selects the downward operation direction, the cursor moves downward.

For example, when a touch operation is performed at the position of a black circle in the four detection ranges 351 of the circled number 4 in FIG. 16, the capacitance of the upper left receiver electrode 37 and the lower left receiver electrode 37 changes. In this case, the amount of change in capacitance is approximately the same for the upper left receiver electrode 37 and the lower left receiver electrode 37, so this is detected as a touch operation at the position of a black circle in the four detection ranges 351 of the circled number 4 in FIG. 16. In response to this touch operation that selects the operation direction to the left, the cursor moves to the left.

In this way, the cross operation button 337c allows touch operation in eight directions, including up, down, left, right, and four diagonal directions. By touching the cross operation button 337c, the player can move the slump graph 339, which is highlighted as a cursor. By configuring the cross operation button 337c on the touch panel area 350 of the display screen 330 in this way, there is no need to provide a separate mechanical cross button or the like. In this case, cross button operation can be achieved while reducing the number of parts and keeping product costs down, improving operability for the player.

In this example, one operation button 337c corresponding to four detection ranges, up, down, left, and right, is illustrated, but one operation button corresponding to six detection ranges instead of four, or one operation button corresponding to two detection ranges may also be used.
The other configurations and effects are the same as those of any one of the first to third embodiments.

Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail as examples above, these specific examples merely disclose examples of the technology encompassed by the scope of the claims. Needless to say, the scope of the claims should not be interpreted in a limited manner based on the configuration or numerical values of the specific examples. The scope of the claims encompasses technology that is a variety of modifications, changes, or appropriate combinations of the specific examples using publicly known technology or the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Game arcade system 10 Management device 100 In-game arcade network 2 Gaming machine 21 Pachinko gaming machine 3 Game information display device 30 Main body control unit (control means)
303 Touch sensor control unit (detection circuit)
308 I/F section 31 Display section 33 Liquid crystal display section (display means)
330 Display screen 335 Operation button display area 337 Operation button 341 Call button 35 Touch sensor sheet (touch sensor section)
350 touch panel area 351 detection range 36 transmitter electrode 37 receiver electrode 378 electrical path 359 adjacent area 353 minimum unit 369 comb-shaped electrode 369a whisker-shaped electrode 4 card unit

Claims (3)

A gaming information display device provided in correspondence with a gaming machine and including a display means for displaying gaming information relating to a game on the gaming machine,
The display means is
a mutual capacitance type touch sensor unit including a minimum unit having two adjacent detection ranges each having a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode that face each other with a gap therebetween, and at least two of the minimum units arranged in parallel;
a detection circuit that detects the proximity of a conductor such as a finger to the detection range based on a change in capacitance between the transmitter electrode and the receiver electrode;
The transmitter electrodes of the two minimum unit detection ranges form a common electrode,
Of the two minimum unit detection ranges, in one detection range that has a longer electrical path from the detection circuit, the receiver electrode is electrically connected to the detection circuit via an electrical path that is provided along a direction in which the two detection ranges are adjacent to each other so as to pass through a side of the other detection range, while
In the other detection range, a receiving electrode is provided adjacent to and parallel to the electrical path,
A game information display device characterized in that in the touch sensor section, the receiving electrodes, the transmitting electrodes, and the electrical paths of two adjacent smallest units are arranged so as to be linearly symmetrical across the boundary between the two smallest units. the game information display device includes a control means for controlling the display means to display a plurality of operation buttons;
2. The game information display device according to claim 1, wherein said display means is capable of displaying one operation button corresponding to four detection ranges belonging to two of said minimum units arranged adjacent to each other. The game information display device according to claim 2, wherein the one operation button is a direction selection button that can select one of at least four mutually orthogonal directions, and is configured to select a direction according to a combination of one or two detection ranges in which the proximity of the conductor is detected among the four detection ranges corresponding to the one operation button.

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