JP2006068092A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which realizes the visual performance according to the games with a simple structure without the use of a program or the like. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine has an operation part which is displaced by the displacement force applied to conduct the operation involved in the games, an electromotive force generation part for generating the electromotive force by the displacement of the operation part and a light emitting part which emits light by the electromotive force at the electromotive force generation part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a game can be started by inserting a member to be inserted such as a game ball or a game medal, and particularly relates to a pachinko machine or a pachislot machine.

  Conventionally, there is a ball game machine as one of the game machines, and a pachinko machine is known as a representative of this ball game machine.

  Pachinko machines are played for the purpose of acquiring more winning balls to be paid out in response to winnings by launching game balls thrown into the launching unit onto the game board and entering them into a predetermined winning opening. However, on the game board, game members such as obstacle nails and windmills for changing the flow direction of the game ball, and electric opening / closing members provided at the winning award are provided as appropriate.

  In such a pachinko machine, there are provided a plurality of light emitting units incorporating LEDs or light bulbs. Power is supplied to each light emitting unit from a power supply circuit connected to a commercial power source, and each light emitting unit is blinked, thereby playing a pachinko game. Visual effects are produced (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-340032 A

  Thus, in the conventional gaming machine represented by the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, it is necessary to supply power from the outside of the gaming machine in order to perform the light emission effect according to the gaming situation.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can solve the above-described problems.

  The present invention according to claim 1 is an operation unit that is displaced by a displacement force applied to perform an operation relating to a game, an electromotive force generation unit that generates an electromotive force by the displacement of the operation unit, and the electromotive force generation unit And a light emitting portion that emits light by the electromotive force of the above.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the operation unit includes a game start operation unit operated to start a game.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the operation unit includes a game state change operation unit operated to change a game state.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the electromotive force generating section includes a piezoelectric bimorph element.

  According to the present invention, there is provided an electromotive force generation unit that generates an electromotive force by displacement of the operation unit, and when the operation unit is displaced by applying a displacement force to the operation unit so that the player performs an operation related to the game, An electromotive force is generated by the displacement of the operation unit, and the corresponding light emitting unit is caused to emit light by the generated electromotive force, so that a gaming machine that does not require an external power supply for performing a light emitting effect is provided. can do.

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment includes an operation unit that is displaced by a displacement force applied to perform an operation related to a game, an electromotive force generation unit that generates an electromotive force by the displacement of the operation unit, and the electromotive force generation unit. It is set as the structure provided with the light emission part which light-emits by this electromotive force, and can implement suitably as a pachinko machine or a pachislot machine.

  The operation unit can be configured as a game start operation unit operated to start a game.

  That is, in the pachinko machine, the game start operation unit includes a launching handle that is rotatably arranged to adjust the launching force of the launching unit that launches a game ball as a thrown member onto the game board. The game ball is fired with a firing force corresponding to the rotation angle of the launch handle. When a game ball is thrown into the launching part and a turning force as a displacement force is applied to the launching handle, the launching part launches a game ball with a force corresponding to the turning force, while an electromotive force is generated by turning the launching handle The unit generates an electromotive force by, for example, piezoelectricity.

  In addition, in the pachislot machine, the game start operation unit can be configured to include a start button or a start lever that starts rotation of the reel when a medal as a member to be inserted is inserted. When the start button is moved backward or the start lever is rotated by the pressing force applied to the start button or the rotational force applied to the start lever as the displacement force, the electromotive force generating unit generates an electromotive force.

  In addition, the operation unit can be configured as a game state change operation unit operated to change the game state.

  That is, in the pachislot machine, a stop button for changing the gaming state by stopping the rotation of the rotating reel is provided corresponding to the reel as the gaming state changing operation unit, and the displacement force When the stop button is moved backward by the applied pressing force, the electromotive force generator generates an electromotive force by, for example, piezoelectricity.

  On the other hand, some pachinko machines are provided with a display device for effect display by various characters or the like, and some of these models are provided with an external input button for changing the type of the character or the like. When this external input button is operated, the gaming state is changed, but when the external input button is retracted by the pressing force applied to the external input button as such a gaming state change operation unit, as before, The electromotive force generator generates electromotive force.

  The light emitting unit described above includes an LED or a light bulb, and emits light by the electromotive force generated by the electromotive force generating unit.

  As described above, the corresponding light emitting unit is caused to emit light by the electromotive force generated by the displacement of the operation unit such as the game start operation unit and / or the game state change operation unit operated by the player according to the game. Therefore, the light emission effect by the light emitting unit can be performed without supplying electric power from the outside of the gaming machine.

  In addition to the game start operation unit and the game state change operation unit described above, the operation unit is provided in a tray for receiving the paid-out game ball or game medal, and opens and closes the discharge port for the game ball or game medal. An opening lever or the like for opening the shutter is also included. When the release lever is displaced to the open state, the electromotive force generating unit generates electromotive force, and the light emitting unit emits light by the electromotive force. Thus, since the player is visually informed that the player has operated the release lever, the player can obtain a sense of superiority.

  By the way, the electromotive force generating unit described above includes a piezoelectric bimorph element. Piezoelectric bimorph elements have a structure in which a plurality of piezoelectric ceramics are stacked via electrode members, so that a relatively high voltage electromotive force can be stably obtained. Can be increased.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described more specifically based on the drawings.

(Configuration of pachinko machine)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pachinko machine according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of each part constituting the pachinko machine, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the pachinko machine.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 for fixing the pachinko machine 10 to a gaming machine installation base (amusement island) (not shown) provided in the game hall, and the outer frame 11. A main body frame 12 disposed inside, a transparent game board 14 which is detachably attached to the main body frame 12, and other various parts (not shown), and one side is pivotally attached to the main body frame 12 so as to be opened and closed. As a display means detachably attached to the back side of the main body frame 12 so as to be positioned on the back side of the transparent game board 14 so that it can be visually recognized through the transparent game board 14. The liquid crystal display device 32 is provided.

  The liquid crystal display device 32 only needs to be disposed so as to overlap all or part of the transparent game board 14 from the back side. In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed substantially over the transparent game board 14. It arrange | positions so that it may overlap. That is, it is arranged so as to overlap at least the entire game area 15 described later formed on the transparent game board 14. It should be noted that the transparent game board 14 that does not correspond to the game area 15 may be disposed so as to overlap all or a part of the front area (hereinafter referred to as “game area outer area 15a”).

  As described above, the liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed so as to overlap substantially the entire transparent game board 14 and can be seen through from the transparent game board 14, so that in this embodiment, at least on the transparent game board 14. An effect displayable area including the entire game area 15 is formed.

  In the effect displayable area, there is an effect display area (variable display game display area) 32a that enables variable display of identification information in a variable display game, which will be described later, and can display an effect image and a background image related to the game. It is formed. In the effect display area 32a, a normal symbol in a normal symbol game to be described later can also be displayed.

  Speakers 46R and 46L are attached to the upper part of the main body frame 12, and a firing handle 26 is attached to the lower right side. That is, a player who plays a game on the pachinko machine 10 is positioned on the front side of the pachinko machine 10 so that the launch handle 26 and the like can be operated, and is in a state of facing the transparent game board 14.

  Further, on the back side of the firing handle 26, a launching device 130 (see FIG. 7) having a bullet ball device made of a solenoid or the like is provided. Further, a touch sensor (not shown) is provided on the periphery of the launching handle 26. ) Is provided, and when the touch sensor is touched, it is detected that the firing handle 26 is gripped by the player. When the shooting handle 26 is gripped by the player and is rotated in the clockwise direction, electric power is supplied to the shooting device 130 according to the rotation angle, and the game balls are sequentially supplied to the transparent game board 14. Fired. Note that the touch sensor provided on the firing handle 26 may be any sensor that can determine that the player has gripped the firing handle 26. The type of sensor, such as an optical detection sensor or a thermal detection sensor, may be used. It doesn't matter.

  In the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a light emitting portion 37 a is disposed on the upper portion of the firing handle 26. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the light emitting part 37a is omitted. The light emitting unit 37a is formed by closing a concave opening in which a light emitting element such as an LED or a light bulb is disposed with a colored transparent cover, and this transparent cover is described as “start”, for example. Inside the firing handle 26, as will be described later, there is disposed an electromotive force generating section that is deformed by the rotation of the firing handle 26 and generates an electromotive force, and the electromotive force generated by this electromotive force generating section. As a result, the light emitting portion 37a emits light.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic front view showing the firing handle 26 together with the main part of the electromotive force generator provided therein. In FIG. 4, the electromotive force generation unit is shown in an enlarged manner so that it can be easily understood. The firing handle 26 is configured by rotatably providing an adjustment lever 26b in the vicinity of the peripheral edge of the hemispherical shell-like cover portion 26a. As the adjustment lever 26b is rotated in the direction of the arrow, the firing force of the game ball is increased. It is going to increase. The adjusting lever 26b is biased by a restoring force by a restoring spring. When the gripping force is removed from the rotating adjusting lever 26b, the adjusting lever 26b returns to its original position. .

  In the cover part 26a of the firing handle 26, a strip-shaped piezoelectric bimorph element 35a, which is a main part of the electromotive force generating part 34b, is cantilevered. As shown in FIG. 4, the piezoelectric bimorph element 35a bends in an arc shape according to the rotation of the adjusting lever 26b, and supplies the electromotive force generated by the bending to the light emitting portion 37a.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the electromotive force generating unit 34a and the light emitting unit 37a, in which 35a is a piezoelectric bimorph element. In FIG. 5, the piezoelectric bimorph element 35 a is shown with emphasis in the thickness direction. The electromotive force generator 34a includes a piezoelectric bimorph element 35a and a resistor 36a. The piezoelectric bimorph element 35a is formed by laminating two flat piezoelectric ceramic layers 351a and 351a that generate electromotive force by impact and deformation with an intermediate electrode 352a interposed therebetween. What is the intermediate electrode 352a of the piezoelectric ceramic layers 351a and 351a? Electrodes 353a and 353a are provided on the opposite surface, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the leads connected to these electrodes 353a and 353a are connected by a contact 33a and connected to one terminal of the LED 371a of the light emitting portion 37a, and between this one terminal and the contact 33a. A resistor 36a is interposed. Further, a lead connected to the intermediate electrode 352a of the piezoelectric bimorph element 35a is connected to the other terminal of the LED 371a. The electromotive force generated by the piezoelectric bimorph element 35a is adjusted in voltage by a resistor 36a and applied to the LED 371a.

  Since the piezoelectric bimorph element 35a has the structure as described above, it can generate an electromotive force having a higher voltage than other piezoelectric elements. Further, an electromotive force can be generated regardless of which side of the piezoelectric ceramic layers 351a and 351a is bent, and the electromotive force can be generated stably.

  By the way, in FIGS. 1-3, 21 is a saucer unit attached to the front lower part of the said main body frame 12, and the upper plate 20 and the lower plate 22 are formed, and it is located under the said front frame 16. As shown in FIG. It is arranged. The game balls stored in the upper plate 20 are supplied to the launching device 130, and the game balls exceeding the capacity of the upper plate 20 are supplied to the lower plate 22. Reference numeral 19 denotes a transparent protective plate made of glass or the like, and is attached to the opening of the front frame 16. Reference numeral 46 ′ denotes a cover for the speakers 46 </ b> R and 46 </ b> L, which is formed on the front frame 16. Reference numeral 132 denotes various lamps used for effect display and notification.

  The transparent game board 14 is formed of a transparent member using acrylic resin and is entirely transmissive. Arc guide rails 30a and 30b are provided on the front surface of the transparent game board 14 and the guide rails 30a and 30b are provided on the front side. The surrounded area is a game area 15. The game ball launched by the operation of the launch handle 26 is guided by the guide rail 30a and flows down in the game area 15.

  Further, a plurality of obstacle nails 13 are driven on the transparent game board 14 as shown in FIG. 2, and the flow direction when the game ball flows down from the upper part to the lower part of the game area 15 is changed in a complicated manner. ing. In addition, it is good also as a structure which does not set it as the structure which drives the obstruction nail | claw 13, but protrudes in the front direction of the transparent game board 14 with the resin-made or metal rod-shaped body (what is called a pachikon machine). Note that the obstacle nail 13 is omitted in FIGS. 1 and 3.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the first game ball guiding member 3 and the second game ball guiding member 4 that greatly change the flow direction of the game ball are disposed at a substantially central position of the transparent game board 14 (game area 15). Are arranged in a vertically opposed state. In the present embodiment, as shown in the drawing, the effect display area (variable display game display area) 32a is defined between the first game ball guiding member 3 and the second game ball guiding member 4. The first game ball guiding member 3 and the second game ball guiding member 4 can also be formed of a transparent member.

  Further, the transparent game board 14 includes a plurality of general winning ports 5 that are awarded when a game ball enters, a starting port 6 as a specific winning port that triggers the start of the variable display game, and a variable display game. In the round game executed when winning, the winning prize opening 8 that can be opened for a predetermined time, and further, the general winning prize opening 5, the starting opening 6 that triggers the start of the variable display game, and the winning prize opening 8 are not entered. An out port 7 through which the game ball is discharged to the outside of the game area 15a is provided.

  The big winning opening 8 is provided with a shutter 40 that can be opened and closed. In the round game, the shutter 40 is in an open state in which a game ball can be easily received. Further, in this special winning opening 8, there is a specific area (not shown) called a V zone having a V count sensor 102 (see FIG. 7) and a general area (see FIG. 7) having a count sensor 104 (see FIG. 7). The shutter 40 is driven in an open state until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls pass through these areas or until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses. The In other words, when either of the conditions for winning a predetermined number of game balls at the grand prize winning opening 8 or elapse of a predetermined time is satisfied in the open state, the big winning opening 8 is put into a closed state in which it is difficult to accept the game balls. Subsequently, the shutter 40, which has been changed from the open state to the closed state, is driven to the open state again on condition that the game ball received in the special winning opening 8 in the open state has passed through the V count sensor 102. In other words, on the condition that the game ball received when the grand prize winning opening 8 is in the open state passes through the V zone provided in the big winning prize opening 8, it is again opened after being closed, and the round The game can be continued.

  Further, the start opening 6 provided above the big winning opening 8 serves as a trigger for starting the variable display game as described above. When a game ball wins the start opening 6, a variable display game is provided. Is started, and a plurality of columns of identification information groups are variably displayed on the effect display area 32a. It should be noted that symbols as identification information used in the variable display game in the present embodiment are arithmetic numbers 0 to 9, and an identification information group in which a plurality of identification information is gathered is included in the effect display area 32a having a predetermined size. Can be displayed in three horizontal rows.

  The starting condition of the variable display game is that a game ball is won at the start port 6, and the variable display of the identification information group is performed every time the variable display start condition of the predetermined identification information group is satisfied. Become. In the present embodiment, the winning of the game ball at the start port 6 is set as the variable display start condition of the variable display game. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and another mode may be used.

  In addition, when the game ball enters the start port 6, the variable display game is being executed, and the variable display game can be held on condition that the upper limit hold number has not been reached. . That is, when a game ball wins the start opening 6 during the variable display of the identification information group in the variable display game, the game ball wins the start opening 6 until the identification information group in the variable display is stopped and displayed. The execution (start) of the variation display of the identification information group based is suspended. Then, when the identification information of each identification information group is stopped and displayed in a state where execution of variable display of the identification information group is suspended, execution of variable display of the suspended identification information group is started. . Here, when the identification information is stopped and displayed, the variable display of the identification information group is executed once. For example, when the identification information group is suspended for three times and the identification information is stopped and displayed, one of the variable display of the identification information held is executed once, The two doses will be held thereafter.

  In addition, when winning in the general winning opening 5 and the big winning opening 8, for example, 10 game balls are paid out as winning balls for each winning entry and enter the start opening 6. For example, 5 game balls are paid out as winning balls for each winning.

  Further, ball passage detection gates 55, 55 are provided on the left and right sides of the starting port 6, and when the ball passage detection gate 55 detects the passage of a game ball, as shown in FIG. When a normal symbol fluctuates at a predetermined position of the display device 32 and is stopped and displayed with a predetermined symbol such as a circle as shown, for example, a solenoid 118 (see FIG. 7) can be used to move the starter 6 to a movable position. The piece 58 (an electric accessory called a tulip) is driven in the opening direction from the closed state in the initial state so that the game ball can easily enter the start port 6. When a predetermined time has elapsed, the movable piece 58 is closed again, and the game ball returns to a state where it is difficult to enter the starting port 6. In the present embodiment, such normal symbol variation display and stop display are referred to as a normal symbol game.

  Furthermore, a path 9 for winning game balls is provided on the back surface of the transparent game board 14, and the game balls that have entered the general winning opening 5, the start opening 6 and the big winning opening 8 pass through the passage 9. Collected. The game ball passing through the passage 9 can be visually recognized by the player through the transparent game board 14.

  With the configuration described above, the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment produces almost the entire area of the transparent gaming board 14 by the transparent gaming board 14 and the liquid crystal display device 32 disposed so as to be seen through from the transparent gaming board 14. It is formed as a displayable area, and while playing the pachinko game aiming at winning a prize ball by launching the game ball as usual, a variety of display according to the game is displayed in almost all areas of the transparent game board 14 Can be displayed, and the player can be entertained with great effects and can be improved. Further, conventionally, when the size of the liquid crystal display device 32 is increased, the size of the game area 15 is relatively reduced, and the change in the behavior of the game ball is scarce, and there is a possibility that the interest of the pachinko game may be cut off. With the configuration of the pachinko machine 10, it is possible to secure a sufficiently wide game area 15 while expanding the display area where the effects can be displayed and performing various effects.

  Further, since the liquid crystal display device 32 according to the present embodiment is attached to the main body frame 12 separately from the transparent game board 14, the weight of the liquid crystal display device 32 is not applied to the transparent game board 14. However, the labor can be reduced when the pachinko machine 10 is maintained, and the transparent game board 14 can be replaced freely.

  By the way, in such a pachinko machine, there is one that can change the type of each identification information group displayed in the effect display area 32a by using an external input button provided in the vicinity of the launch handle 26, for example. This makes it possible to change the symbol of the arithmetic numeral as the identification information as shown in FIG. 3 to a Chinese numeral or another pattern. In addition, you may enable it to change not only the symbol of this identification information group but the various characters displayed for production.

  Such a button is provided with the piezoelectric bimorph element described above, and an electromotive force is generated when the button is retracted by applying a pressing force.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration in which light is emitted by the displacement of the button, in which 123 is a button (game state changing operation unit) provided so as to be able to advance and retreat, and 35 b is a piezoelectric bimorph element. In FIG. 6, the piezoelectric bimorph element 35 b is illustrated with emphasis in the thickness direction. Also, in the figure, parts corresponding to the parts shown in FIG.

  The piezoelectric bimorph element 35b of the electromotive force generating part 34b is disposed on the back side of the button 123, and when the button 123 is moved backward by a pressing force, it collides with the piezoelectric bimorph element 35b. Due to this collision, the piezoelectric bimorph element 35b generates an electromotive force, and the LED 371b of the light emitting portion 37b emits light by this electromotive force as in the case shown in FIG. Thus, when the player applies a pressing force to the button 123 according to the gaming state, the light emitting unit 37b emits light, and a visual effect according to the gaming state is made.

  The LED 371b may be disposed in the vicinity of the button 123. However, when the button 123 is formed of a transparent member and the LED 371b is disposed in the button 123, the button 123 may be used as the light emitting unit 37b. This improves the visual effect on the player.

  In the present embodiment, the electromotive force generated by the electromotive force generating unit 35b is supplied to the light emitting unit 37b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the electromotive force generated by the electromotive force generating unit 35b is supplied to the light emitting unit. While being supplied to 37b, it may be inputted as an operation signal of the button 123 to a control circuit to be described later of the pachinko machine 10. Thereby, the operation signal of the button 123 can be given to the control circuit without providing a tact switch or the like.

  By the way, the above-described upper plate 20 and lower plate 22 are each provided with an opening lever for opening a shutter that opens and closes the discharge port of the game ball. When the opening lever is displaced to the open state, an electromotive force is generated. The generating unit may generate an electromotive force, and the light emitting unit may emit light by the electromotive force. Thus, since the player is visually informed that the player has operated the release lever, the player can obtain a sense of superiority.

(Electric configuration of pachinko machine)
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, a main control circuit 60 as game control means includes a main CPU 66, a main ROM (read only memory) 68, and a main RAM (read / write memory) 70. The main control circuit 60 controls the progress of the game.

  The main CPU 66 is connected to a main ROM 68, a main RAM 70, and the like, and has a function of executing various processes according to a program stored in the main ROM 68.

  A program for controlling the operation of the pachinko machine 10 by the main CPU 66 is stored in the main ROM 68. In addition, a jackpot determination table and an effect to be referred to when a jackpot determination is made by random number lottery are selected. Various tables such as an effect condition selection table referred to at the time are stored.

  In the present embodiment, the main ROM 68 is used as a medium for storing programs, tables, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other storage medium can be used as long as it is a computer-readable storage medium. For example, it may be recorded on a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a ROM cartridge. Further, these programs may not be recorded in advance, but may be downloaded and recorded in the main RAM 70 after the power is turned on. Furthermore, each program may be recorded on a separate storage medium. In this embodiment, the main CPU 66, the main ROM 68, and the main RAM 70 are provided separately. However, a one-chip microcomputer in which these are integrated may be used.

  The main RAM 70 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 66. Specific examples of data stored in the main RAM 70 include the following.

  The main RAM 70 includes a control state flag, a specific area passing flag, a high probability flag, a jackpot determination random number counter, a jackpot symbol determination random number counter, a missed symbol determination random number counter, an effect condition selection random number counter, and a number of winning prize opening times. A command is supplied to a sub-control circuit 200, which will be described later, and a variable relating to an output including data indicating the number of holdings in a variable display game, a normal symbol game, etc. Data, variables, etc. for doing so are positioned.

  The control state flag indicates the control state of the variable display game. The specific area passing flag is for determining whether or not the game ball has passed the specific area. The high probability flag indicates whether or not to relatively increase the probability of shifting to the jackpot gaming state.

  The jackpot determining random number counter is for determining the jackpot of the variable display game. The jackpot symbol determination random number counter is for determining a symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol”) as identification information related to the jackpot that is stopped and displayed when the jackpot is determined in the variable display game. The off-set symbol determination random number counter is for determining identification information to be stopped and displayed when it is not a big hit. The effect condition selection random number counter is for determining a variation display pattern of the identification information. These counters are stored and updated so that the main CPU 66 sequentially increases “1”, and various functions of the main CPU 66 are executed by extracting random numbers from the counters at a predetermined timing. In the present embodiment, such a random number counter is provided, and the main CPU 66 stores and updates the random number counter so as to increase “1” according to a program. You may comprise so that an apparatus like a generator may be provided. Further, although it is out of place, a reach determination random number counter for determining whether or not to reach may be provided.

  The waiting time timer is for synchronizing processing executed in the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200. The big prize opening time timer is for measuring the time for driving the shutter 40 and opening the big prize opening 8. Note that the timer in the present embodiment is stored and updated in the main RAM 70 so as to be subtracted by the predetermined cycle at a predetermined cycle. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU itself may include a timer. .

  The big prize opening number counter indicates the number of times the big prize opening 8 is opened in the big hit gaming state, that is, the number of round games (so-called round number). The grand prize winning prize counter indicates the number of game balls that won the big prize winning opening 8 during one round and passed through the V count sensor 102 or the count sensor 104. In addition, the data indicating the number of holdings in the variable display game holds the variation display when the game ball wins the starting port 6 but the variation display of the identification information cannot be executed. This indicates the number of times the information has changed. Furthermore, the data indicating the number of reserved games in the normal symbol game holds the variation display when the game ball passes through the ball passage detection gate 55 but the normal symbol variation display cannot be executed. It shows the number of fluctuations of a normal symbol.

  In addition, a special symbol storage area and a normal symbol storage area are positioned and stored in the main RAM 70.

  The special symbol storage area stores data such as a big hit determination random number value, a big hit symbol random number value, and clear data corresponding to one variable display in the variable display game. The special symbol storage area is special from the special symbol storage area (0). There is a symbol storage area (4). In the special symbol storage area (0), data corresponding to the variable display currently being executed is stored. The special symbol storage area (1) to the special symbol storage area (4) store data (starting storage information) corresponding to the variable display executed after the currently executed variable display is completed. . That is, when all the data in the special symbol storage area (0) to the special symbol storage area (4) is clear data, the current variable display is not executed, and the hold for executing the variable display is also performed. It will not be. When the variable display of the current identification information is finished, each data of the special symbol storage area (1) to the special symbol storage area (4) is transferred from the special symbol storage area (0) to the special symbol storage area ( 3), and clear data is stored in the special symbol storage area (4). As a result, the special symbol storage area is updated. On the other hand, the normal symbol storage area also includes the normal symbol storage area (0) to the normal symbol storage area (4), as in the special symbol storage area. Further, as in the special symbol storage area, update control of the normal symbol storage area is performed. The main RAM 70 in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of a start storage unit.

  In the present embodiment, the main RAM 70 is used as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 66. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any readable / writable storage medium may be used.

  The main control circuit 60 also has a command for a reset clock pulse generating circuit 62 that generates a clock pulse of a predetermined frequency, an initial reset circuit 64 that generates a reset signal when the power is turned on, and a sub-control circuit 200 described later. IC for serial communication 72 is provided. The reset clock pulse generation circuit 62, the initial reset circuit 64, and the serial communication IC 72 are connected to the main CPU 66. The reset clock pulse generation circuit 62 generates a clock pulse every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds) in order to execute a system timer interrupt process to be described later. The serial communication IC 72 corresponds to transmission means for transmitting various commands to the sub control circuit 200 (various means included in the sub control circuit 200).

  Also, various devices are connected to the main control circuit 60. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a V count sensor 102, a count sensor 104, a general winning ball sensor 106, a passing ball sensor 114, a starting winning ball A sensor 116, a normal electric accessory solenoid 118, a special prize opening solenoid 120, a seesaw solenoid 122, and a backup clear switch 124 are connected.

  Here, the V count sensor 102 is provided in the V zone in the special winning opening 8. The V count sensor 102 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game ball passes through the V zone at the special winning opening 8.

  The count sensor 104 is provided in a general pitching zone different from the V zone in the special winning opening 8. The count sensor 104 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball passes through the general entry zone at the special winning opening 8.

  The general winning ball sensor 106 is provided in the general winning opening 5. The general winning ball sensor 106 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball passes through each of the general winning ports 5.

  The passing ball sensor 114 is provided in each of the ball passing detection gates 55. The passing ball sensor 114 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball passes through the ball passing detection gate 55.

  The start winning ball sensor 116 is provided at the start port 6. The start winning ball sensor 116 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball wins the start opening 6.

  The ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118 is connected to a movable piece 58 attached to the start port 6 via a link member (not shown), and is movable according to a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66. Is in an open state or a closed state.

  The special prize opening solenoid 120 is connected to a shutter 40 (see FIG. 3) that opens and closes the special prize opening 8, and drives the shutter 40 in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66. Is in an open state or a closed state.

  The seesaw solenoid 122 has a plate shape and is connected to a seesaw (not shown) provided inside the shutter 40. The seesaw solenoid 122 is displaced in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66 to change the inclination of the seesaw. . As a result of the tilting of the seesaw, the game ball is switched so that the game ball can easily pass through the V zone or the general entrance zone.

  The backup clear switch 124 is built in the pachinko machine 10 and has a function of clearing backup data in the event of a power interruption or the like in accordance with the operation of the game hall manager.

  The main control circuit 60 is connected to a payout / launch control circuit 126. The payout / firing control circuit 126 is connected to a payout device 128 that pays out a game ball as a prize ball, a launch device 130 that fires a game ball, and a card unit 150.

  The payout / launch control circuit 126 receives a prize ball control command supplied from the main control circuit 60 and a lending ball control signal supplied from the card unit 150, and transmits a predetermined signal to the payout device 128. Then, the payout device 128 pays out the game ball. Further, the payout / launch control circuit 126 performs a control of launching a game ball by supplying a launch signal to the launch device 130.

  In addition, the launching device 130 is provided with a device for launching a game ball such as the launching solenoid (or launching motor) or the touch sensor described above.

  Furthermore, the sub-control circuit 200 is connected to the serial communication IC 72. The sub-control circuit 200 performs display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, control related to sound generated from the speaker 46, control of various lamps 132, and the like in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60. .

  In the present embodiment, the command is supplied from the main control circuit 60 to the sub control circuit 200 and the signal cannot be supplied from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60. Not limited to this, the sub control circuit 200 may be configured to transmit a signal to the main control circuit 60.

  The sub control circuit 200 as the effect display control means includes a sub CPU 206 as a display control means for performing display control on the display means, a program ROM 208 as a storage means, a work RAM 210, and a display control for performing display control in the liquid crystal display device 32. The circuit 250, the sound control circuit 230 for controlling the sound generated from the speakers 46R and 46L, and the lamp control circuit 240 for controlling the various lamps 132, and the progress of the game in accordance with a command from the main control circuit 60. The performance according to is performed.

  A program ROM 208, a work RAM 210, and the like are connected to the sub CPU 206. The sub CPU 206 has a function of executing various processes according to the program stored in the program ROM 208. In particular, the sub CPU 206 controls the sub control circuit 200 in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60. In particular, the sub CPU 206 performs display control for the liquid crystal display device 32 and functions as various means.

  In the program ROM 208, a program for controlling the game effect of the pachinko machine 10 by the sub CPU 206 is stored, and in addition, various tables such as a table for determining the effect are stored.

  The program ROM 208 stores a plurality of types of effect patterns. This effect pattern relates to the progress of the effect display. The effect display by the sub-control circuit 200 is executed according to the progress of the variable display game including the change display and the stop display of the identification information.

  In the sub-control circuit 200 according to the present embodiment, the program ROM 208 is used as a storage unit for storing programs, tables, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a computer-readable storage medium provided with the control unit is used. As long as it is different, it may be recorded in a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a ROM cartridge. Of course, the main ROM 68 may be used as the storage means. In addition, these programs may not be recorded in advance, but may be downloaded after the power is turned on and recorded in the work RAM 210 or the like. Furthermore, each program may be recorded on a separate storage medium.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the main control circuit 60 including the main CPU 66 and the main ROM 68 and the sub control circuit 200 including the sub CPU 206 and the program ROM 208 are separately configured. However, the main control circuit including the main CPU 66 and the main ROM 68 is provided. In this case, the program stored in the program ROM 208 may be stored in the main ROM 68 and executed by the main CPU 66. Of course, it may be configured only by the sub control circuit 200 including the sub CPU 206 and the program ROM 208. In this case, the program stored in the main ROM 68 is stored in the program ROM 208 and executed by the sub CPU 206. You may comprise.

  The work RAM 210 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. For example, various variables and the like such as an effect display selection random number counter for selecting an effect pattern are positioned.

  In the present embodiment, the work RAM 210 is used as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any readable / writable storage medium may be used.

  The display control circuit 250 includes an image data processor (hereinafter referred to as VDP) 212 as display control means, an image data ROM 216 that stores various image data, a D / A converter 218 that converts image data as an image signal, and a power source. It comprises an initial reset circuit 220 that generates a reset signal when it is turned on.

  The VDP 212 described above is connected to the sub CPU 206, the image data ROM 216 storing the image data, the D / A converter 218 that converts the image data into an image signal, and the initial reset circuit 220.

  The VDP 212 includes a so-called sprite circuit, a screen circuit, a pallet circuit, and the like, and is a device that can perform various processes for displaying an image on the liquid crystal display device 32. That is, the VDP 212 performs display control for the liquid crystal display device 32. The VDP 212 includes a storage medium (for example, a video RAM) as a buffer for displaying an image in the effect display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32. By storing image data in a predetermined storage area of the storage medium, an image is displayed in the effect display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 at a predetermined timing.

  In the image data ROM 216, various image data such as identification information image data indicating identification information, background image data, effect image data, and normal symbol image data indicating a normal symbol are separately stored. Of course, related image data indicating a related image is also stored.

  The VDP 212 also receives identification information image data indicating identification information, normal symbol image data indicating normal symbols, background image data, effect image data, etc. from the image data ROM 216 in accordance with an image display command supplied from the sub CPU 206. Various image data are read out, and image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 is generated. In addition, the VDP 212 superimposes the generated image data in order from the image data located at the rear, stores the image data in a buffer, and supplies the data to the D / A converter 218 at a predetermined timing. The D / A converter 218 converts the image data as an image signal and supplies the image signal to the liquid crystal display device 32, thereby causing the liquid crystal display device 32 to display an image.

  The audio control circuit 230 includes a sound source IC 232 that controls audio, an audio data ROM 234 that stores various audio data, and an amplifier 236 (hereinafter referred to as AMP) for amplifying audio signals.

  The sound source IC 232 is connected to the sub CPU 206, the initial reset circuit 220, the audio data ROM 234, and the AMP 236. The sound source IC 232 controls sound generated from the speaker 46.

  The sub CPU 206 selects an effect pattern and selects one audio data from a plurality of audio data stored in the audio data ROM 234. Thereafter, the sub CPU 206 reads the selected audio data from the audio data ROM 234 and supplies it to the sound source IC 232. The sound source IC 232 that has received the sound data converts the sound data into a predetermined sound signal and supplies the sound signal to the AMP 236. The AMP 236 amplifies the sound signal and generates sound from the speaker 46 (46L and 46R).

  The lamp control circuit 240 includes a drive circuit 242 for supplying a lamp control signal and a decoration data ROM 244 in which a plurality of types of lamp decoration patterns are stored.

  The case where the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to a pachislot machine. That is, an electromotive force generation unit that generates an electromotive force by the displacement corresponding to the start lever (start button) (game start operation unit) of the pachislot machine and / or the stop button (game state change operation unit) of each reel. A light emitting unit that emits light by the electromotive force of the electromotive force generating unit is provided corresponding to the electromotive force generating unit. As a result, a visual effect corresponding to the gaming state can be realized with a simple configuration without using a program or the like as before.

  In this case, a part of the electromotive force of the electromotive force generator provided corresponding to the start lever and / or the stop button can be provided as an operation signal to the control circuit of the pachislot machine. As a result, an operation signal for the start lever and / or stop button can be provided to the control circuit without providing a tact switch or the like.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but only a specific example is illustrated here, and the present invention is not particularly limited.

  The effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are only the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. not.

1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the pachinko machine. It is a front view which shows the general view in the pachinko machine concerning the embodiment of the present invention. It is a typical front view which shows a launching handle with the principal part of the electromotive force generation part provided in the inside. It is drawing which shows the structural example of an electromotive force generation part and a light emission part. It is a typical perspective view which shows the structure light-emitted by the displacement of a button. It is a block diagram which shows the main control circuit and sub control circuit of the pachinko machine which concern on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

8 Grand Prize Winners 10 Pachinko machines (game machines)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 Transparent game board 15 Game area 26 Launching handle 26a Cover part 26b Adjustment lever 32 Liquid crystal display device (display means)
32a Production display area 33a Contact 33b Contact 34a Electromotive force generator 34b Electromotive force generator 35a Piezoelectric bimorph element 35b Piezoelectric bimorph element 36a Resistor 36b Resistor 37a Light emitting part 37b Light emitting part 60 Main control circuit 66 Main CPU
200 Sub control circuit 206 Sub CPU
351a Piezoelectric ceramic layer 351b Piezoelectric ceramic layer 352a Intermediate electrode 352b Intermediate electrode 353a Electrode 353b Electrode 371a LED
371b LED

Claims (4)

An operation unit that is displaced by a displacement force applied to perform an operation related to a game;
An electromotive force generator that generates electromotive force by the displacement of the operation unit;
A gaming machine comprising: a light emitting unit that emits light by an electromotive force of the electromotive force generating unit.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit includes a game start operation unit operated to start a game.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit includes a game state change operation unit operated to change a game state. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the electromotive force generator includes a piezoelectric bimorph element.

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