JP2002119679A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine with a variable display device for variably displaying patterns of a plurality of kinds according to the state of a game wherein the position of a player is detected to vary the contents of the presentation developed on the variable display device, thereby improving the amusement of the game. SOLUTION: A range finding sensor 40 is provided at each of four corners of a game board 2 of the pachinko game machine 1 to detect the position of a player. The contents of the presentation developed on a display unit 13a of a special pattern display device 13 is varied based on the position of the player detected by the sensors 40.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a variable display device for variably displaying a plurality of symbols according to the state of a game.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a kind of gaming machine, numbers, characters, pictures, and the like are used on a variable display device disposed at a substantially central portion of a game board due to a game ball passing through a starting port. There is known a pachinko machine that displays a plurality of different types of symbols and variably displays the symbols in a predetermined arrangement.

In this kind of pachinko machine, a liquid crystal display, a cathode ray tube display, a dot matrix display, a drum type display, and the like are mainly used as the variable display devices. Playing games with joy and delight in the contents of the performance developed in. Also, in general,
When a player plays a game, the player plays the game while sitting on a chair arranged opposite to the gaming machine.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional pachinko machine, there is no correlation between the effect contents developed by the variable display device and the positional relationship between the players. Specifically, the contents of the effect developed on the variable display device are, for example,
In the case of a reach effect, the player may play the game in a forward flipping posture so as to hope that the reach effect will result in a big hit state. That is, a game may be played while approaching the variable display device. However, since there is no correlation between the contents of the effect developed on the variable display device and the positional relationship between the players, even if the player approaches the variable display device and plays a game, the effect developed on the variable display device. The contents were unfolded without any change.
Therefore, there is a problem that the player cannot increase the interest in the game.

[0005] Further, when a player plays a game, it is difficult to keep a constant sitting posture for a long time to play the game. Therefore, the player always plays the game while changing the sitting posture to his or her comfortable position, that is, right or left. However, when the player moves the sitting posture to the right or left, the angle of the line of sight looking at the variable display device increases vertically or horizontally, and there is a problem that the variable display device is difficult to see.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to detect a position of a player, thereby greatly increasing interest in a game. To provide machines.

[0007]

Means effective to achieve the above object will be described below. The operation, effects, and the like will be described as necessary.

Means 1. A gaming machine having a variable display device that variably displays a plurality of symbols according to a state of a game and generates a special gaming state that is advantageous to a player when the plurality of symbols match one of predetermined combinations. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a position detecting unit configured to detect presence / absence of a player facing the gaming machine and to detect a position of the player.

[0009] According to the means 1, there is provided a gaming machine having a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols according to the state of the game, and determining whether there is a player present in the gaming machine facing the gaming machine. A position detecting means for detecting the position of the player is provided. Then, based on the position information of the player detected by the position detecting means, it becomes possible to variously control devices and the like provided in the gaming machine. In particular, if the effect contents developed by the variable display device are changed, the interest of the game can be greatly increased.

Means 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the position detecting means is a distance measuring sensor that measures a distance to a player located at a face of the gaming machine.

According to the means 2, the position detecting means is a distance measuring sensor capable of measuring a distance between the gaming machine and a player located opposite the gaming machine. Therefore, the position of the player can be accurately detected by measuring the distance between the variable display device and the player located opposite the variable display device using the distance measuring sensor. In addition, if the distance measuring sensor adopts, for example, an optical distance measuring method, the distance between the gaming machine and the player can be measured without contact, so that the distance measuring sensor does not interfere with the game. .

Means 3. According to the gaming machine means 3 of any one of means 1 and 2, wherein the position detecting means has a front surface covered by a transmitting member and detects the position of the player via the transmitting member. Since the position detecting means is protected by covering the front surface with a transparent member such as a glass plate or a transparent resin plate, mischief from the outside can be reliably prevented. Further, since the position detecting means employs an optical distance measuring method capable of measuring a distance in a non-contact manner, even through the transmitting member,
The distance to the player can be accurately measured.

Means 4. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the position detecting means is attached to the gaming machine so as to form a predetermined angle with respect to the transmitting member.

According to the means 4, the position detecting means is attached to the gaming machine so as to form a predetermined angle with respect to the transmitting member. This is a countermeasure against disturbance to prevent the distance from being measured accurately when light is directly incident from a light source such as a lamp because the position detecting means employs an optical distance measuring method. By attaching the means to the gaming machine in a state of being inclined at a predetermined angle, the distance of the player can be accurately measured.

Means 5 The position detecting means is provided at a plurality of locations of the gaming machine,
4. The gaming machine according to any one of 4.

According to the means 5, the position detecting means is provided at a plurality of places in the gaming machine. In this way, the position of the player can be accurately detected regardless of the position where the player is facing the gaming machine.

Means 6. The variable display device includes a display unit movable mechanism capable of adjusting an angle of a display unit, and operates the display unit movable mechanism based on a detection result of the position detection unit. Means 1 to 5
A gaming machine according to any of the above.

According to the means 6, the variable display device includes:
A display unit movable mechanism capable of adjusting the angle of the display unit is provided. Then, by operating the display unit movable mechanism based on the detection result detected by the position detection unit, the angle of the display unit can be automatically adjusted to a position suitable for the player. If you do this,
Since the player can always see the variable display device at a position suitable for him, he can play the game comfortably.

Means 7 The variable display device is characterized in that the effect content displayed on the display unit is changed based on a detection result of the position detecting means.
6. The gaming machine according to any one of 6.

According to the means 7, the variable display device changes the effect content displayed on the display unit based on the detection result of the position detecting means. Specifically, the appearance probability of the reach state is increased when the player approaches, or the appearance probability of the reach state is increased when the player moves away. This makes it possible to change the game effect depending on the position of the player, and thus, by providing the position detection means, it is possible to dramatically increase the interest in the game.

Means 8. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the variable display device changes the brightness of a display unit based on a detection result of the position detection unit.

According to the means (8), the variable display device changes the brightness of the image on the display unit based on the detection result of the position detecting means. Specifically, for example, when the player approaches the variable display device, the brightness of the display unit is reduced, and when the player moves away from the variable display device, the brightness of the display unit is increased. With this configuration, the image on the display unit can be viewed at a constant brightness regardless of whether the player is approaching or moving away. But you can play games comfortably.

Means 9 The variable display device sets a standby state corresponding to a state in which nothing is displayed on a display unit based on a detection result of the position detection unit.
A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

According to the means 9, the variable display device enters a standby state in which nothing is displayed on the display unit based on the detection result of the position detecting means. That is, the position detecting means includes:
In addition to detecting the position of the player, it is also possible to detect whether the player is facing the variable display device. With this, when the player is not facing the variable display device, that is, when the game is not being played in the gaming machine, the image on the display unit of the variable display device is turned off to be in a standby state. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption when a game is not being played.

Means 10. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 9, wherein a detection result of the position detecting means is input to a display control board for controlling the contents of the effect displayed on the display unit of the variable variable display device.

According to the means 10, the gaming machine is provided with a game control board for controlling various operations of the game and a display control board for controlling the effect contents displayed on the display section of the variable display device. The detection result of the position detection means is configured to be input to a display control board provided in the variable display device. This makes it possible to provide the position detecting means without imposing a burden on the game control board.

Means 11. Means 1 to control an operation state of a game component having a light emitting portion provided in the gaming machine based on a detection result of the position detection means.
A gaming machine according to any one of 10 above.

According to the means 11, a lamp provided in the gaming machine based on the detection result of the position detecting means,
A lighting or blinking state of a game component having a light emitting unit such as an LED is controlled. In detail, the gaming machine is provided with a large number of game components including light-emitting portions such as lamps and LEDs in order to enhance the effect of the game, and the lighting or blinking state of the light-emitting portions of these game components is described above. Control is performed based on the detection result of the position detecting means. For example, when the player approaches, the brightness of the light emitting unit is reduced, or the light emitting unit is blinked quickly. When the player moves away, the brightness of the light-emitting unit is increased or the light-emitting unit blinks slowly. As described above, by detecting the position of the player with the position detecting means and controlling the light emitting portion of the game component, the interest of the game can be dramatically increased.

Means 12. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 11, wherein a sound of a sound output device provided in the gaming machine is controlled based on a detection result of the position detecting means.

According to the means 12, the sound of a sound output device such as a speaker provided in the gaming machine is controlled based on the detection result of the position detecting means. In detail, a gaming machine is provided with a sound output device such as a speaker in order to enhance the effect of playing a game, and various sounds are output from the speaker or the like in accordance with the effect contents developed on the display unit of the variable display device. Is output. Then, this sound is controlled in accordance with the detection result of the position detecting means. For example, when the player approaches, the sound volume is reduced, or the sound effect is made different from the normal time. Also, if you move away, increase the volume,
Make sound effects different from normal. As described above, by controlling the sound output device by detecting the position of the player with the position detecting means, the interest in the game can be dramatically increased.

Means 13. In any one of the above means 1 to 12, the gaming machine is a pachinko machine. Among them,
As a basic configuration of a pachinko machine, an operation handle is provided, and according to the operation of the handle, a game ball is fired at a predetermined game area, and the game ball wins an operating port arranged at a predetermined position in the game area. As a necessary condition, the identification information variably displayed on the display device is fixedly stopped after a predetermined time. In addition, when a special game state occurs, the variable prize device arranged at a predetermined position in the game area is opened in a predetermined mode so that game balls can be won. , Writing to a magnetic card, etc.).

Means 14. In any one of the above means 1 to 12, the gaming machine is a slot machine. Above all, the basic configuration of the slot machine is as follows. "A display means for variably displaying an identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information and then confirming and displaying the identification information is provided. Then, the identification information is started, and the fluctuation of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the stop operation button (for example, the stop button) or after a predetermined time has elapsed, and at the time of the stop, the fixed identification information is the specific identification information. Special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player as a necessary condition, a coin is used as a game medium, and a predetermined number of coins are required when the identification information fluctuates, A gaming machine configured to pay out many coins when a gaming state occurs.

Means 15. In any one of the above means 1 to 12, the gaming machine is a combination of a pachinko machine and a slot machine. Above all, as a basic configuration of the integrated gaming machine, a display device for variably displaying an identification information sequence including a plurality of identification information and then displaying the identification information in a fixed manner is provided, and a starting operation device (for example, an operation lever) The change of the identification information is started by the operation of, and the change of the identification information is stopped by the operation of the stop operation button (for example, the stop button) or after a predetermined time elapses. Special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player as a necessary condition that the identification information is a specific identification information, a game ball is used as a game medium, and a predetermined number is used when the identification information fluctuates. A game machine that requires a number of game balls and is configured to pay out many game balls when a special game state occurs.

[0034]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, a pachinko game machine (hereinafter, referred to as a pachinko machine)
An embodiment that embodies a “sling machine” will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that this embodiment is an embodiment of the present invention, and it goes without saying that various forms can be provided as long as it belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the pachinko machine 1.
As shown in FIG. 1, this pachinko machine 1 has an outer frame 1A,
A front frame 1B is provided at a front portion of the outer frame 1A, and is openably and closably provided at one side of the outer frame 1A. Also,
A glass door frame 1C as a transparent plate door frame is provided on the front side of the front frame 1B so as to be freely opened and closed. Glass door frame 1
A pair of glass plates as a transparent plate is attached to C at a predetermined interval in front and rear.

A game board 2 is detachably mounted on the rear side of the front frame 1B (in the back of the glass door frame 1C, inside the outer frame 1A) via a resin middle plate. It may be omitted and the game board 2 may be directly mounted).

On the lower side of the glass door frame 1C, a front decoration frame 1D is provided on the front frame 1B so as to be openable and closable. An upper receiving tray UD is provided in the front decoration frame 1D. On the other hand, a lower tray BD is provided below the upper tray UD at a lower portion of the front frame 1B, and a handle HD is provided corresponding to the game ball launching device. The game ball released from the game ball launching device based on the turning operation of the handle HD is guided to the upper portion of the game board 2 by the guide rail, and falls down in the game area of the game board 2.

Further, at four corners of the game board 2, distance measuring sensors 4 as position detecting means for detecting a position of a player sitting on the opposing surface of the pachinko machine 1 and playing a game.
0 is provided respectively. Since the distance measuring sensor 40 is the gist of the present invention, a detailed description will be given later.

Next, the configuration of the game board 2 will be described. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 2, and as shown in the figure, the game board 2 of the pachinko machine 1 is provided with an operation port 3 and a special winning port 4. The operating port 3 includes a passage for the game ball 5, and a blade 6 is supported at the entrance of the passage so as to be openable and closable. A seesaw 7 is provided at the back of the special winning opening 4, a V zone 8 is provided on the right side, and a winning passage 9 is provided on the left side (the left and right may be reversed). Then, the game ball 5 that has won the special winning opening 4 rolls on the seesaw 7 and is guided to a winning ball processing device (not shown) through one of the V zone 8 and the winning passage 9. In addition, a shutter 11 is provided in front of the special winning opening 4. The shutter 11 is operated by a special winning opening solenoid 12 provided on the side of the special winning opening 4.
Open and close. More specifically, when the corresponding solenoid 12 is excited, the shutter 11 tilts substantially horizontally, thereby opening the special winning opening 4. When the solenoid 12 is in the non-excited state, the shutter 11 is in a substantially vertical state, whereby the big winning opening 4 is closed.

A seesaw solenoid 10 is provided on one side of the special winning opening 4. The seesaw solenoid 10 is normally in a non-excited state. In this state, the seesaw 7 is tilted so that the game balls 5 pass through the V zone 8. In addition, when the seesaw solenoid 10 is excited, the seesaw 7 is tilted so that the game balls 5 pass through the winning passage 9. In the present embodiment, when at least one game ball 5 passes through the V zone 8 with the shutter 11 in the open state, the seesaw solenoid 10 is excited. When the shutter 11 is closed, the seesaw solenoid 10 is de-energized.

A special symbol display device 13 as a variable display device is incorporated in the center of the game board 2. This special symbol display device 13 is a liquid crystal display (LCD)
The display unit 13a includes a plurality of symbol rows. As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, the left symbol row 14 and the middle symbol row 1
Although three symbol rows of 5 and the right symbol row 16 are displayed, other numbers of symbol rows may be displayed.

Further, on the upper part of the special symbol display device 13,
A normal symbol display device 51 is also provided. The ordinary symbol display device 51 has four holding lamps 52 composed of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a 7-segment display unit 53 composed of LEDs, which is an ordinary symbol display unit.

Further, a pair of passing gates 54 are provided on both left and right sides of the special symbol display device 13. When the game ball 5 passes through the passing gate 54, the ordinary symbol display device 51 operates. In the present embodiment, the normal symbol display device 51 variably displays the numbers from “0” to “9” and causes the 7-segment display unit 53 to display a segment, and the number is a predetermined value (in the present embodiment, “ 7)),
The blade 6 of the working port 3 is opened for a predetermined number of seconds. Due to this opening, it is relatively easy to win a prize in the operating port 3. The normal symbol display device 51 can store up to four times the number of times the game ball 5 has passed through the pass gate 54, and displays the number of holds on a hold lamp 52. Therefore, four holding lamps 52
Even if the game ball 5 passes through the passage gate 54 in a state where is lit, it is not counted as a reserved ball, and as long as the reserve lamp 52 is lit, even if the game ball 5 does not pass through the pass gate 54, Ordinary symbol display device 51 for the number of times corresponding to
Is supposed to work.

The display unit 13 of the special symbol display device 13
Above "a", the holding lamps 18a, 18b, 18c and 18b made of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are incorporated. The holding lamps 18a to 18d are used to store the number of times of change of the symbol that is variably displayed on the display unit 13a of the special symbol display device 13, and the number is four.
The hold lamps 18a to 18d are turned on each time the variable display is held, and are turned off with the execution of the variable display corresponding to the hold.

In order to detect the gaming state of the pachinko machine 1 that changes according to the operation of the player, in the present embodiment, the game board 2 has a through switch 20 and an operating port switch 2.
1. V-zone switch 22 and count switch 23
Etc. are attached respectively. Through switch 20
Detects that the game ball 5 has passed through the passage gate 54, and the operating port switch 21 detects that the game ball 5 has won the operating port 3. Further, the V zone switch 22 detects a winning in the V zone 8 of the large winning opening 4 of the gaming ball 5, and the count switch 23 detects a winning in the large winning opening 4 of the gaming ball 5.

In this embodiment, each of the switches 20 to 23
Based on the detection result, the solenoids 10, 12, the special symbol display device 13, each of the holding lamps 18a to 18d, the normal symbol display device 51 (7-segment display unit 53 and the holding lamp 52),
A control device 24, which will be described in detail later, is provided to drive and control the blades 6 and the like. In addition, other various lamps and electric decoration members for enhancing the game effect are attached to a plurality of places of the pachinko machine 1. These illuminated members and the like are each turned on or off in a predetermined manner. Further, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a speaker or the like that generates a sound effect according to the progress of the game.

Next, the configuration of the back side of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 1. As shown in the figure, on the back side of the pachinko machine 1,
A game plate 2 is detachably mounted on the middle plate 25. Also,
On one side of the middle plate 25, a mechanism plate 2 made of synthetic resin is provided.
6 is mounted so that it can be opened and closed.

A ball tank 27 for storing game balls for discharging as prize balls is provided on the upper portion of the mechanism plate 26, and the pachinko machine 1 is installed on a game machine installation island and the game balls from above. Is supplied to the ball tank 27. Under the ball tank 7, guiding gutters are formed, and a tank rail 28 for flowing game balls down the gutters is provided. The downstream end of the tank rail 28 pays out prize balls via a curved gutter 29. Connected to device 30.

A control device 24 having a game control microcomputer and the like mounted thereon is disposed on the left portion of the mechanism plate 26, and a rear portion of the special symbol display device 13 is provided at a central portion of the mechanism plate 26. A protection cover 31 for protection protrudes. A prize ball payout device 30 for paying out prize balls is provided on the right portion of the mechanism plate 26. A firing device 32 for firing a game ball is mounted below the mechanism plate 26 and at a lower left portion of the outer frame 1A. Further, at the upper right corner of the mechanism plate 26, an external connection terminal 33 provided with each terminal for outputting various information related to the game to the outside of the gaming machine is provided.

Next, control of the pachinko machine 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of control of the pachinko machine 1. As shown in the figure, the pachinko machine 1 includes a control board 24 for controlling the above-described game content and an image control board 17 provided in the special symbol display device 13 for controlling the display content displayed on the display unit 13a. Is done.

The control board 24 comprises a read-only memory (ROM) in which game contents are stored, and a microprocessor and an input / output device (I / O) for executing the read-only memory. A through switch 2 is provided on the input side of the input / output device (I / O).
0, an operating port switch 21, a V zone switch 22, a count switch 23 and the like are connected. On the output side, the image control board 17 and the seesaw solenoid 1
0 and a special winning opening solenoid 12 are connected.

The image control board 17 receives a command from the control board 24 and receives a command from the video display processor (VDP).
A sub CPU 36 for operating a sound source (sound IC) 35 for sound such as sound effects; a read-only image data memory (ROM) 37 for storing image files connected to the video display processor 34; A read-only audio data memory (ROM) 38 for storing the audio file, and an amplifier 39 for amplifying the audio output of the sound source 35 and driving the speaker 19 provided on the front of the pachinko machine 1. Also, four distance measuring sensors 40 are connected to the sub CPU 36, and the position information of the player detected by each distance measuring sensor 40 is
36.

The image data ROM 37 connected to the video display processor 34 stores image files relating to a game such as a plurality of kinds of special symbols. Also,
An audio ROM 38 connected to the audio IC 35 stores audio files such as sound effects used in the game.
Then, these image data ROM 37 and audio RO
The sub CPU 36 variously controls the file stored in the M 38 based on the position information of the player detected by the distance measuring sensor 40. This control will be described later.

Next, the configuration of the distance measurement sensor 40 and the principle of distance measurement, which are the gist of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the distance measuring sensor 40, and FIG.
7 is a circuit diagram showing an electrical configuration of the distance measuring sensor 40, and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the principle of distance measurement of the distance measurement sensor 40.

First, the configuration of the distance measuring sensor 40 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the distance measuring sensor 40 includes a case body 40a having an external shape, an LED 40b provided inside the case body 40a for projecting a light beam for position detection,
A position detecting element (PSD) 40c for receiving the light beam projected from D40b, and a ranging IC 40d for controlling the LED 40b and the position detecting element (PSD) 40c.
And lenses 40e and 40f provided in front of the LED 40b and the position detection element (PSD) 40c, respectively. The LED 40b and the lens 40e form a light emitting unit that emits a light beam for detecting the position of the player, and the light is emitted from the light emitting unit by the position detecting element (PSD) 40c and the lens 40f. The light beam forms a reflector, that is, a light receiving unit that receives the light beam reflected on the player.

Then, as shown in FIG.
d includes an LED driving circuit, a signal processing circuit, an output circuit, an oscillation circuit, and a constant voltage circuit.
The driving circuit drives the LED 40b to emit a light beam, and the signal processing circuit emits a position detecting element (PS).
D) The light beam received by 40c is arithmetically processed, and the position information is output from the output circuit to the image control board 17.

Next, the distance measuring principle of the distance measuring sensor 40 will be described with reference to FIG. This distance measuring sensor 40
Uses the principle of triangulation, and as shown in FIG. 7, the light beam from the LED 40b is
The light is projected forward through. Then, the projected light beam is reflected by hitting the reflecting object, and the reflected light beam is received by the position detecting element (PSD) 40c. Then, the distance to the reflection object is detected based on the detection position of the position detection element (PSD). More specifically, the spot position on the position detecting element (PSD) changes as shown in the figure when the reflector is at point A and when the reflector is at point B.
The spot position is electrically processed by a signal processing circuit to detect the position (distance) of the reflector on a straight line.

Next, the mounting of the distance measuring sensor 40 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
5 is a sectional view showing a state in which the distance measuring sensor 40 is attached to the lower left corner of the game board 2. As shown in FIG.
An opening 2a for mounting the distance measuring sensor 40 is opened. The distance measuring sensor 40 is inserted from the back of the opening 2a, and flange portions provided at both ends of the case body 40a are screwed with screws or the like. Installed. In addition, the depth of both ends of the opening 2a, that is, the contact surface with the flange portion of the distance measuring sensor 40 is shallow on the left side and deep on the right side. For this reason, the distance measuring sensor 40 is attached in a state of being inclined at a predetermined angle toward the center of the pachinko machine 1 with respect to the two game boards. More specifically, as shown in the figure, the pachinko machine 1 is attached in a state where it is inclined toward the center of the pachinko machine 1 so that the angle between the game board 2 and the distance measuring sensor 40 becomes a predetermined angle. This predetermined angle is about 15 degrees.

As described above, when the distance measuring sensor 40 is mounted in a state of being inclined at a predetermined angle, the beam light projected from the LED 40b has beams A to C, which are spread. This is because the position of the player may not be accurately detected. Specifically, the distance measurement sensor 4
0 is mounted so as to be flush with the two game boards, the beam light reflected from the LED 40b when passing through the glass is reflected by the position detection element (PSD) 40c which is a light receiving unit. , Which may make it impossible to accurately detect the position of the player. In order to prevent this, if the distance measuring sensor 40 is mounted in a state of being inclined at a predetermined angle, the beam A is refracted in the direction of the arrow when reflected on the glass, and when the beam C is also reflected on the glass. Refracted in the direction of the arrow. Therefore, both the beam A and the beam C are position detecting elements (P
SD) 40c, and the position of the player can be accurately detected by the beam B.

As described above, when the distance measuring sensor 40 is mounted on the game board 2, the position of the player can be accurately detected by mounting the distance measurement sensor 40 at a predetermined angle with respect to the surface of the game board 2. it can. Here, the case where it is attached to the lower left corner of the game board 2 has been described as a representative example, but the distance measuring sensor 40 attached to the upper left corner, upper right corner, and lower right corner of the game board 2 has been described. Similarly, each of them is mounted at a predetermined angle toward the center of the pachinko machine 1. Further, as described above, since the distance measuring sensors 40 are respectively attached to the four corners of the game board 2, as shown in FIG. 9, the player is provided over almost the entire game area of the pachinko machine 1. Can be detected. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the area a is detected by the distance measuring sensor 40 at the upper left corner of the game board 2, and the area b is detected by the distance measuring sensor 40 at the upper right corner. The area c can be detected by the distance measuring sensor 40 at the corner, and the area d can be detected by the distance measuring sensor 40 at the lower right corner. Therefore, if the player faces the pachinko machine 1, the position can be accurately detected at any position.

Next, based on the detection result of the player position detected by the distance measuring sensor 40, the special symbol display device 13
The effect contents developed on the display unit 13a will be described. As described above, the detection result detected by the distance measurement sensor 40 is input to the image control board 17. The image control board 17 is configured to perform various effects based on the detection signal from the distance measuring sensor 40. These effects are, for example, left symbol row 1
4. The design fluctuation effect when the middle symbol row 15 and the right symbol row 16 (shown in FIG. 2) start to change, the left symbol row 14 and the right symbol row 16 stop at the same symbol, and the middle symbol row 16 is still There is a reach effect when the player is in the so-called reach state during fluctuation, a jackpot effect when the player hits the jackpot, and a notice effect to give advance notice of the occurrence of the reach state or the jackpot condition. The production will be described as an example.

As described with reference to FIG. 4, the image control board 17
The image data ROM 37 stores various image files related to the game. In this image file, an image file relating to the reach effect is also stored. Five reach patterns are set for the reach effect of the pachinko machine 1, and the five reach patterns are “normal reach”, “flash reach”, “high speed reach”, “frame forward reach”, and “expanded reach”. There is.

"Normal reach" means the left symbol row 14,
After the right symbol row 16 stops at the same symbol, it stops after the symbol of the middle symbol 15 fluctuates without any change. The “flash reach” means that the left symbol row 14 and the right symbol row 16 stop at the same symbol, and then stop after the symbol of the middle symbol row 15 fluctuates while sparkling. "High-speed reach" means that the left symbol row 14 and the right symbol row 16 stop at the same symbol, and then stop after the symbol of the middle symbol row 15 fluctuates at high speed. The "frame advance reach" means that after the left symbol row 14 and the right symbol row 16 stop at the same symbol, the symbol of the middle symbol row 15 fluctuates while frame-feeding and then stops.
The “expanded reach” means that the left symbol row 14 and the right symbol row 16 stop at the same symbol, and then stop after the symbol of the middle symbol row 15 fluctuates while expanding. Among these reach patterns, "flash reach", "high-speed reach", "frame advance reach", and "expanded reach" other than "normal reach" are so-called "super reach", and generally "normal reach" The setting is such that the expected value of the occurrence of the jackpot state is higher in “super reach” than in “super reach”. Also, among "Super Reach", "High-speed Reach" is better than "Flash Reach", "Frame Reach" is better than "High-Speed Reach", "Expanded Reach" is better than "Frame Reach" Is set to have a high expected value of occurrence of a jackpot.

The reach pattern thus set is determined based on the reach effect determination counter CT provided on the image control board 17. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, a reach effect determination counter CT which is a counter for determining a reach effect is provided on the image control board 17.
Is set. This reach production decision counter CT
Is updated within a predetermined range every predetermined time, and is read out as a random number according to a predetermined condition.

In the reach effect determination counter CT, three tables are set in accordance with the position of the player, and random numbers at the time of a big hit and at the time of a miss are set in these tables. More specifically, there are a table in which the position of the player is 10 to 20 cm, a table in which the position of the player is 20 to 30 cm, and a table in which the position of the player is 30 cm or more. Are set with random numbers at the time of a jackpot and a miss. In addition, these tables are set such that the probability that “super reach” appears increases as the distance of the player is shorter, that is, as the player approaches the pachinko machine 1. These tables are used by the distance measuring sensor 4
The selection is made based on the player position detection signal from 0.

Next, the control of the reach effect developed according to the position of the player will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the “reach effect control routine”. As shown in the figure,
First, it is determined in step 1 whether or not a big hit has occurred.
This jackpot determination is determined based on the jackpot counter set on the control board 24. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1, the process proceeds to step S2, and if a negative determination is made, it is determined in step S3 whether or not a reach state has occurred. This reach state occurrence determination is determined based on a reach occurrence counter set on the control board 24. If a positive determination is made in step S3, the process proceeds to step S4. If a negative determination is made, in step S5, the symbols of the left symbol row 14, the middle symbol row 15, and the right symbol row 16 are deviated and stopped at the symbols. Then, the subsequent processing is temporarily ended.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S1, the position of the player is detected in step S2. This can be detected by the detection signal of the distance measuring sensor 40. Then, in step S6, based on the position of the player detected in step S2, the random number value at the time of the big hit in the corresponding player position table is acquired from the reach effect determination counter CT. Then, in step S7, a reach effect is performed according to the random number value acquired in step S6, and then, in step S8, control is performed so as to display a big hit symbol. Then, the subsequent processing ends once.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S3, the position of the player is detected in step S4. This can be detected by the detection signal of the distance measuring sensor 40. Then, in step S9, a random value at the time of departure from the corresponding player position table is acquired from the reach effect determination counter CT based on the position of the player detected in step S4. Thereafter, in step S10, a reach effect is performed in accordance with the random number value obtained in step S9, and then, in step S11, control is performed so as to display a miss reach symbol. Then, the subsequent processing ends once.

Next, the above "reach effect control routine"
Will be described in more detail by taking the time of the reach as an example. When it is determined by the reach generation counter set in the control device 24 that the out-of-reach occurs, the signal is input to the image control board 17. Then, the sub C of the image control board 17
The PU 36 determines the current position of the player based on a signal from the distance measurement sensor 40. If the position of this player is 1
If it is 5 cm, reach production decision counter C
From the table of 10 to 20 cm of T, a random value at the time of disconnection is obtained. If the obtained random number is, for example, 999, the effect of “enlarged reach”, which is one of “super reach”, is developed on the display unit 13 a of the special symbol display device 13, and thereafter, the middle symbol sequence When the 15 symbols are stopped at a symbol different from the symbols of the left symbol row 14 and the right symbol row 16 which have already stopped, the off-reach symbol is displayed.

If the position of the player is 40 cm, the random number value at the time of departure is obtained from the table of the reach effect determination counter CT of 30 cm or more. If the obtained random number is 0, the effect of “normal reach” is displayed on the display unit 13 of the special symbol display device 13.
a, and then the pattern of the middle symbol row 15 is stopped at a symbol different from the symbols of the left symbol row 14 and the right symbol row 16 which are already stopped, so that the out-of-reach reach symbol is displayed.

As described above, the appearance rate of “super reach” can be changed depending on the position of the player.
When the player approaches, a variety of reach effects can be enjoyed, and at the same time, the sense of expectation for the jackpot can be increased, thereby greatly increasing the interest of the game.

As described above, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with the distance measuring sensor 40 capable of detecting the position of the player, and is developed by the special symbol display device 13 in accordance with the detection result of the distance measuring sensor 40. Since the effect contents are changed, the interest of the game can be dramatically increased.

In the above embodiment, the reach effect was described as a representative example. However, each of the symbol rows 14 to 1 on the display section 13a was described.
The effect during the fluctuation of 6 may be changed according to the position of the player. Hereinafter, this will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 12 shows each symbol row 14 to
FIGS. 16A and 16B are diagrams for explaining a state of variation of 16; FIG. 16A shows a state where the player is in a normal position, FIG. 16B shows a state where the player is near, and FIG. is there.
As shown in FIG. 12, each of the symbol rows 14 to 16 is composed of a plurality of types and a plurality of symbols, and each symbol is
Each of the numbers is composed of numbers "1" to "8", and these numbers are arranged in order. Each of the symbol rows 14 to 16 is variably displayed by scrolling each symbol from top to bottom, for example.

As shown in (a), in the normal position, that is, the position where the player sits normally and plays a game, the symbols in the symbol rows 14 to 16 displayed on the display unit 13a are normal symbols. It is displayed fluctuating in size. When the player approaches from this state, as shown in (b), the size of each symbol in each of the symbol rows 14 to 16 displayed on the display unit 13a is changed and displayed smaller than usual. To do. On the other hand, if the player moves away from the normal position, (c)
, Each symbol row 14 displayed on the display unit 13a
The size of each of the symbols No. to No. 16 is changed to be larger than the normal size and displayed in a variable manner. In this way, regardless of the position of the player, each symbol in each of the symbol rows 14 to 16 can be seen at a fixed size, so that the eyestrain of the player can be reduced. That is, even if the player plays the game for a long time, the player can play the game comfortably. The size of each of the symbol rows 14 to 16 can be controlled by controlling the image control board 17 based on the position information of the player detected by the distance measuring sensor 40. .

In the present embodiment, the reach effect and the effect while the symbol rows 14 to 16 are changing have been described as examples. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a player approaches, Set a high probability of reach announcement or jackpot announcement. When the player approaches, the probability of the jackpot may be set high.

Further, the pachinko machine 1 is configured to output various sound effects in accordance with the game, and the sound effects may be changed depending on the position of the player.
For example, when the player approaches, the volume of the sound effect is reduced or the sound effect is changed. Conversely, if you move away, you can increase the volume of the sound effect,
Alternatively, the sound effect may be changed. Such control can be realized by setting a sound effect for the player position in the audio ROM 38 shown in FIG.

In addition, the pachinko machine 1 is provided with a large number of game components having a light emitting unit, and the light emitting units of these game components are controlled to blink or light according to the game. Then, the light emitting state of these game parts may be changed according to the position of the player. For example, when the player approaches, the light emitting unit of the game component blinks. Conversely, when the player goes away, the light emitting unit of the game component may be turned on. Such control can be realized by inputting a detection signal from the distance measurement sensor 40 to a lamp control board (not shown) that controls the operation state of the light emitting unit of the game component.

The brightness of the display section 13a of the special symbol display device 13 may be changed according to the position of the player. Specifically, when the player approaches, the brightness of the display unit 13a is reduced. Conversely, when the user moves away, the brightness is increased. Such control is
This can be realized by providing a control unit for controlling luminance in the image control board 17 and inputting a detection signal from the distance measurement sensor 40 to this control unit.

Further, the distance measuring sensor 40 can detect not only the position of the player, but also whether or not the player is present at the face of the pachinko machine 1. Therefore,
If the player is not in the facing state of the pachinko machine 1 for a predetermined time, the display on the display unit 13a of the special symbol display device 13 is turned off to be in a standby state, so that power consumption can be suppressed and In addition, the cost of the game store can be reduced. Such control can be realized by providing a timer or the like in the image control board 17.

Further, when the player is not present at the face of the pachinko machine 1, an operation for calling the player may be performed. For example, a message such as "Welcome" may be displayed on the display unit 13a, or a sound such as "Welcome" may be output from the speaker 19.

Next, referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, a description will be given of the display movable mechanism 60 for changing the angle of the display 13a of the special symbol display device 13 according to the position of the player. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the display unit movable mechanism 60 of the display unit 13a of the special symbol display device 13, and FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a control unit that controls the display unit movable mechanism 60. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the display unit movable mechanism 60 includes a central shaft portion 60.
a is a gear 6 attached to one side of the display unit 13a
0b, a gear 60c engaged with the gear 60b, and a motor 60d for driving the gear 60c. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the display section movable mechanism 60 is provided with a control circuit 60e for controlling the motor 60d. The distance measuring sensors 40 for detecting the position of the player described above are connected to the control circuit 60e, and the position information of the player detected by the distance measuring sensor 40 is input. Then, the motor 60d is driven in accordance with the player's position information input to the control circuit 60e, and the display unit 13a rotates upward or downward depending on the rotation direction of the motor, so that the angle of the display surface can be changed. .

As described above, the angle of the display section 13a can be changed by controlling the display section movable mechanism 60 according to the position of the player, so that the player can play the game for a long time. Display unit 13
a does not become difficult to see. In addition, since the adjustment of the display unit 13a is automatically performed by detecting the position of the player by the distance measuring sensor 40, the player can play the game comfortably for a long time without interrupting the game. Can be. It should be noted that a timer may be provided in the control circuit 60e to return the display unit 13a to the initial position when the player has not been facing the pachinko machine 1 for a certain period of time. In this embodiment, the adjustment of the vertical angle of the display unit 13a has been described as an example. However, the horizontal angle of the display unit 13a may be adjusted.

[0084]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
By providing a position detecting means capable of detecting the presence or absence of a player and detecting the position of the player, the interest of the game can be greatly enhanced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing a pachinko machine according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view showing the pachinko machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a distance measuring sensor according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a distance measuring sensor according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a principle of distance measurement of the distance measurement sensor according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state where the distance measuring sensor according to the embodiment is attached to a pachinko machine.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a detection range of the distance measuring sensor of the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a chart for explaining the concept of a reach effect determination counter of the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a “reach effect control routine” of the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a variation display of each symbol row displayed on the display unit according to the position of the player according to the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing a display unit movable mechanism of the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating control of a display unit movable mechanism according to the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine, 2 ... Game board, 3 ... Operation opening, 4 ... Big winning opening, 5 ... Game ball, 13 ... Special design display device, 13a ... Display unit, 17 ... Image control board, 24 ... Control device, 40 ... distance measuring sensor, 60 ... display section movable mechanism.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A variable display device that variably displays a plurality of symbols according to a state of a game and generates a special gaming state that is advantageous to a player when the plurality of symbols match one of predetermined combinations. A game machine comprising: a position detecting device that detects presence / absence of a player present opposite the variable display device and that can detect a position of the player.