JP2002248205A - Presentation device for game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance a game player's interest in a game by providing a new presentation having superior visual effect. SOLUTION: This presentation device for a game machine is provided with a lens body 51 visually confirmed from the front, a body 53 to be visually confirmed 53 positioned on the back of the lens body 51, and position varying means 54a, 54b, 54c for varying the relative position of the lens body 51 and the body 53 to be visually confirmed in the direction of depth of a focus. The device is carried on the game machine to be used.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an effect device for a game machine which is mounted on a game machine such as a slot machine, a pachislot machine, a pachinko machine, etc., and which is used to enhance the effect of the game in the game machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Some gaming machines are equipped with an effect device for a gaming machine in order to enhance the effect of playing a game. For example, it is well known that a pachinko machine is equipped with an effect device (accessory device) for displaying the presence or absence of a big hit. In addition, some pachislot machines use a staging device to notify a so-called internal hit.

[0003] Conventionally, as a gaming machine effect device, a liquid crystal panel which can be viewed from the front of the game machine is used to display various images (moving images, etc.) on the liquid crystal panel to enhance the effect of the game effect. Is widely known. Also,
There is also a type in which a game effect is enhanced by rotating a cylindrical drum or a dice formed of a hexahedron on which characters and patterns are printed to physically change the display to a player. Furthermore, there is a game machine in which a model three-dimensional object is mechanically moved on the front side of a gaming machine to enhance the effect of playing a game.

[0004]

However, the conventional game machine effect device is not necessarily excellent in visual effect in producing a game. For example, in the case of using a liquid crystal panel, a variety of effects are possible, but the effect of displaying images gives a flat impression to the player. In addition, in the case of rotating a die or the like or moving a model three-dimensional object, it is possible to produce an effect with a sense of depth, but the display state simply changes mechanically,
It is difficult to achieve various effects. For this reason, in the conventional gaming machine effect device, it is conceivable that the player may become tired while repeatedly enjoying the game and feel dissatisfied with the game.

Accordingly, the present invention is to provide an effect device for a gaming machine which has an excellent visual effect and enables a novel effect unprecedented, thereby enhancing the interest of a player in a game. Aim.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is an effect device for a gaming machine devised to achieve the above object. That is, a gaming machine effect device mounted and used in a gaming machine, a lens body provided at a position visible from the front of the gaming machine, and a visible object located on the back side of the lens body And a position changing means for changing a relative position between the lens body and the object to be viewed in the depth of focus direction of the lens body.

In the above-described gaming machine effect device, if the object to be viewed is positioned at the focal point of the lens body by the relative position being changed by the position changing means, the game machine can be viewed from the front of the gaming machine through the lens body. The object to be visually recognized becomes visible. On the other hand, if the object to be viewed is not located at the focal point of the lens body, the image of the object to be viewed obtained through the lens body is not determined, and the object to be viewed cannot be visually recognized from the front of the gaming machine. Therefore, for example, it is possible to perform an effect such that an image of the object to be viewed emerges in the lens body only in a predetermined case.

The present invention is also directed to a gaming machine effect device mounted on a gaming machine for use, wherein the lens body is provided at a position visible from the front of the gaming machine, and light is applied to the lens body. It is characterized by comprising an illuminating body for irradiating and illumination control means for switching between irradiation and non-irradiation of light by the illuminating body.

In the gaming machine effect device having the above structure, when the illumination control means irradiates the illuminating body with light, the light becomes visible from the front of the gaming machine through the lens body. However, at this time, the light is refracted by the lens body. Therefore, for example, by appropriately setting the shape of the lens body and the arrangement position of the illumination body, in a predetermined case, the lens body emits fantastic light or the lens body itself shines,
Such effects can be performed.

The present invention is also directed to a gaming machine effect device mounted on a gaming machine for use, wherein the lens body is provided at a position visible from the front of the gaming machine, and a back side of the lens body. An object to be visually recognized, which is made of a transparent three-dimensional object located at
Position varying means for varying the relative position between the lens body and the object to be viewed in the depth of focus direction of the lens body;
An illuminating body for irradiating the lens body with light from one or both of a further back side of the object and a side of the lens body; and an illumination control unit for switching between irradiation and non-irradiation of light by the illuminating body. And characterized in that:

In the gaming machine effect device having the above-described structure, if the object to be visually recognized is positioned at the focal point of the lens body by changing the relative position by the position changing means, the front surface of the gaming machine is moved through the lens body. The object to be visually recognized becomes visible. On the other hand, if the object to be viewed is not located at the focal point of the lens body, the image of the object to be viewed obtained through the lens body is not determined, and the object to be viewed cannot be visually recognized from the front of the gaming machine. In addition, when the illumination control means irradiates the illuminating object with light, the light passes through the transparent object, which is a transparent three-dimensional object, and is subjected to the refraction of the lens object, thereby causing the gaming machine to pass therethrough. It becomes visible from the front of the. Therefore, for example, in a predetermined case, it is possible to perform an effect such that an image of the object to be viewed emerges in the lens body while the lens body emits fantastic light.

[0012]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a game machine effect device according to the present invention. However, here, a case where the present invention is applied to a gaming machine effect device mounted on a pachislot machine will be described as an example.

[Explanation of Schematic Configuration of Pachislot Machine] First, prior to description of a game machine effect device, a pachislot machine on which the game device effect device is mounted will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view showing an external configuration of an example of a standard pachislot machine. As shown in the figure, the pachislot machine 1 has a front panel 2
And a box-shaped cabinet part 3 that supports the openable and closable case
It is composed of

On the front panel 2, 3 symbols are displayed on each reel.
A symbol display window 21 capable of displaying each frame, a medal slot 22 for inserting a medal as a game medium, and a lamp unit 23 (a single bet lamp, a two bet lamp) located on the left side of the symbol display window 21. , Three betting lamps, etc.), a lamp unit 24 (insert medal lamp, win lamp, bonus game lamp, big bonus game lamp, game over lamp, replay lamp, etc.) located on the right side of the symbol display window 21, and symbol display. A display section 25 (a credit display section, a payout display section, a bonus game number display section, and the like) located below the window 21 and operation buttons (bet button 26a, start lever 26b, and reels) operated by the player are provided for each reel. Stop button 26c), a medal payout slot 27 for discharging medals, and a medal for discharging the medals. And saucer 28, it is provided.
A medal discriminating device (not shown) connected to the medal insertion slot 22 for judging the authenticity and the number of inserted medals is provided on the back side of the front panel section 2.

Further, above the symbol display window 21 in the front panel section 2, an effect device 5 to be described in detail later is provided.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of an example of a pachislot machine. Inside the cabinet part 3, three reels 31a to 31a to which a plurality of symbols are printed on the outer peripheral surface are provided.
31c, a circuit board 32 required for various controls including rotation control of each of the reels 31a to 31c, a medal payout device 34 having a hopper 33 capable of storing a large number (2,000, for example) of medals, and various effects. A speaker 35 for outputting sound and a power supply box 36 for supplying power to each unit
And is built.

[Explanation of Outline of Game] Next, an outline of a game procedure using the pachislot machine 1 configured as described above and an operation of the pachislot machine 1 at that time will be described.
When playing a game using the pachi-slot machine 1, the player first inserts medals into the medal insertion slot 22. At this time,
In front panel part 2, in order to encourage players to insert medals,
The insert medal lamp of the lamp section 24 is lit.

When a medal is inserted, a medal insertion slot 22
The medal discriminating device connected to the device judges whether or not the inserted medal is valid. Then, medals determined to be acceptable in the medal determination device according to predetermined conditions are counted as valid medals and sent to the hopper 33. On the other hand, failed medals are returned from the medal payout port 27 without being counted.

When valid medals are counted, the front panel 2 displays the lamps 23 according to the counted number.
Lights up. For example, if the counted number is one, 1
The bet lamp lights up to notify the player that the bet amount has been set to one. If the counted number is two, the one bet lamp and the two bet lamp are turned on to notify the player that the bet number has been set to two. If the counted number is three, the one bet lamp, the two bet lamp, and the three bet lamp are all turned on to notify the player that the number of bets has been set to three. Thus, the lamp unit 23
Also serves to display the effective lines on the three reels 31a to 31c.

If the counted number is four or more,
In the front panel section 2, the number of sheets exceeding three is displayed on the display section 25.
Digital display is performed by the credit display unit. The display (credit display) by the credit display unit is added and updated by one each time a medal is inserted. If a medal is inserted while the insert medal lamp is turned off for the reason that the number of credits reaches a preset limit number (for example, 50), the medal is not counted and the medal payout port 27 is not counted. Will be returned from.

When the display on the credit display section is 1 or more, the player can use the pachislot machine 1 by pressing the bet button 26a without inserting a new medal. It is possible to play. The bet buttons 26a include, for example, single bet buttons, two bet buttons, and MAX bet buttons. That is, when the display of the credit display section is 1 or more, if the single bet button is pressed, the credit display is updated by subtracting 1 and the single bet lamp is turned on. In addition, when the display of the credit display section is 2 or more, if the two bet button is pressed once, the credit display is updated by subtracting 2 and the two bet lamp is turned on. If the display on the credit display section is 3 or more, pressing the MAX bet button once causes all the lamp sections 23 to light up and the bet amount to be 3
Set to sheets. As described above, the setting of the bet number can be performed not only by inserting medals but also by pressing the bet button 26a.

After the bet amount is set, when the player operates the start lever 26b to request the start of the game, the three reels 31a to 31c are rotated by the drive of a reel drive motor (stepping motor) to be described later. Start variable display of. After that, the player presses the stop button 26c.
Is pressed, the reels 31a to 31c corresponding to the respective stop buttons 26c are individually stopped. However,
If the player does not press the stop button 26c,
After a lapse of a predetermined time, each of the reels 31a to 31c automatically stops.

When all the reels 31a to 31c stop,
At the end of one game, the symbol display window 21 at that time
Are compared with a predetermined "winning combination", and the result of the game, that is, the presence or absence of a prize is determined. At this time, if the number of bets is one, one horizontal row in the middle row displayed on the symbol display window 21 is a winning determination line. If the number of bets is two, the upper, middle, and lower three horizontal rows displayed in the symbol display window 21 are the winning determination lines. If the number of bets is three, a total of five rows of three horizontal rows and two diagonally opposite rows displayed in the symbol display window 21 are the winning determination lines. The comparison and determination of the symbols are performed by a control function described later realized on the circuit board 32.

The game results are roughly classified into "hit", "losing", and "re-game". Examples of the "hit" include "small hit (small win)", "medium hit (regular bonus)", and "big hit (big bonus)".

For example, if small symbols, which are symbols other than those described later, are aligned on the winning determination line, the game result becomes "small winning" in "winning", and is determined in advance according to the type of the aligned symbols. The medals are paid out for the given number (for example, 2 to 15), and credit display is added or returned from the medal payout opening 27. In this case, the player is informed that the game result is a small win by the lighting of the win lamp of the lamp section 24 on the front panel section 2. Further, the number of paid out medals is notified by digital display of the payout display section of the display section 25.

When the regular bonus symbols (for example, “BAR”) are aligned on the winning determination line, the game result becomes “Regular Bonus” in “Win”.
In addition to paying out a predetermined number (for example, 15) of medals,
A special game called a "regular bonus game" can be played for a predetermined number of games. In this case, the player is informed that the game result is a regular bonus prize by turning on the bonus game lamp of the lamp section 24 on the front panel section 2.

At the time of the regular bonus game, a special game advantageous to the player has a predetermined number of games (for example, a maximum of 12 games).
Times). In the regular bonus game, only one bet per game is allowed, but by arranging predetermined symbols on a winning determination line (hereinafter referred to as “bonus prize”), a predetermined number (for example, 15) of Medal payout is obtained. And whether the predetermined number of games ends,
Or, when the bonus prize is generated a predetermined number of times (for example, eight times), the regular bonus game ends and the normal game state is returned.

When the big bonus symbol (for example, “7”) is aligned on the winning determination line, the game result is “big bonus” in “winning”, and a predetermined number of (for example, 15) medals are paid out. In addition, a special game called a “big bonus game” can be played until a predetermined condition expires. In this case, the player is notified that the game result is a big bonus prize by lighting of the big bonus game lamp of the lamp unit 24 on the front panel unit 2.

At the time of the big bonus game, a special game which is more advantageous to the player than at the time of the regular bonus game continues for a predetermined number of games (for example, up to 30 times). In the big bonus game, the medal payout is obtained by the occurrence of the small portion prize or the regular bonus prize, as in the case of the normal game, but the prize probability becomes higher than usual. Then, when the predetermined number of games ends or a regular bonus prize occurs a predetermined number of times (for example, three times), the big bonus game ends and returns to the normal game state.

It should be noted that the number of times the regular bonus game and the big bonus game have been consumed is notified to the player through the display of the bonus game number display section of the display section 25 on the front panel section 2. Also, during regular bonus games and big bonus games,
The number of medals paid out is digitally displayed on the payout display section of the display section 25 as in the case of the small role prize winning.

If the same symbols are not aligned at all on the winning determination line, the game result is "losing" and the player does not receive any game benefits.

If the symbols aligned on the winning determination line are re-game symbols, the game result is a "re-game" corresponding to a so-called draw, and medals are not paid out, but a new player is required. It is possible to play the game again without inserting medals or betting. In this case, the fact that the game result is “re-game” is notified to the player by lighting of the replay lamp of the lamp unit 24 on the front panel unit 2.

As described above, when one game is completed, the game result is determined, and the game result is notified, the player:
The next game will be performed continuously while corresponding to the notified game result.

The notification of the game result may be performed in combination with the blinking of the lamp unit 24 or the output of a sound effect from the speaker 35 instead of the lighting of the lamp unit 24 as described above.

[Explanation of Functional Configuration Required for Game Control] Next, the functional configuration of the pachi-slot machine 1 necessary for performing various operation controls including determination of the game result as described above will be described. . FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an example of the pachislot machine. On the circuit board 32 of the pachislot machine 1, a CPU (Central Processing Unit),
OM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Me)
central controller (microcomputer) 4 is constituted by a combination of the interface (mory) and various interfaces. The central control device 4 executes the predetermined program stored in the ROM by the CPU, so that the game condition control unit 41, the internal winning lottery unit 42, the reel drive control unit 43, the winning management unit 44, and the game result notification unit 45 Implement the function of

The game condition control section 41 is for managing a game start condition, and determines that a game can be started when there is a medal count notification from the medal determination device or when the bet button 26a is pressed. In response to this, lighting of the lamp section 23 of the front panel section 2 and output of a sound effect from the speaker 35 are performed. Thereby, the player is notified of the conditions of the game to be started (the number of bets and the activated lines).

The internal winning lottery section 42 includes a game condition control section 4
When the player operates the start lever 26b after the notification process of the game condition by the player 1, the so-called internal lottery is performed for the game started by the operation. The internal lottery means that a lottery is performed inside the pachi-slot machine 1 prior to the end of the game, in order to determine the outcome of the game, that is, to determine the winning combination of the game.

The internal lottery unit 42 performs such an internal lottery using random numbers. In other words, the internal winning lottery unit 42 generates a random number using a random number generator or the like when the start lever 26b is operated (start of the game) (hereinafter, referred to as a random number generator).
This random number is referred to as “winning determination random number”). Then, based on a winning determination table in which the correspondence between the value of the random number for winning determination and the numerical range of the winning combination is described, it is determined to which numerical range the value of the generated random number for winning determination belongs.
In this way, the internal winning lottery unit 42 specifies a winning combination derived from the generated random numbers for the winning determination.

At this time, a numerical value range for each of the plurality of winning combinations is defined in the winning determination table on which the winning combination is determined, but the size of the numerical range differs for each winning combination. As a result, a difference occurs in the winning probability for each winning combination. For example, the winning range is low because the numerical range for “Big Bonus” is small, but the winning probability is high because the numerical range for “outside” is large.

In other words, the internal lottery is determined by the value range of the random number for the win determination belonging to the numerical range in the win determination table, and is represented by a plurality of types of win flags including “losing” and “replay”. You. Which winning combination will be hit is determined based on the probability according to the data setting of such a winning determination table, and therefore is not greatly influenced by the skill of the player. The total medal payment rate within the game is maintained substantially constant.

The reel drive control section 43 controls each reel 31a.
To 31c. That is,
When the player operates the start lever 26b, the reel drive control unit 43 gives a drive instruction to the reel drive motor to rotate each of the reels 31a to 31c, and when the player presses the stop button 26c, or When a predetermined time elapses after the operation of the start lever 26b, a stop instruction is given to the reel drive motor and the reels 31a to 31c
To stop.

However, when stopping the reels 31a to 31c, the reel drive control unit 43 controls the pull-in of the reels 31a to 31c. The pull-in control refers to controlling the stop timing of each of the reels 31a to 31c so as to follow the result of the internal lottery in the internal winning lottery unit 42.

For example, if the reels 31a to 31c are to be stopped in response to the pressing of the stop button 26c, the reel drive control unit 43
The reels 31a to 31c are stopped within a predetermined time (e.g., 190 msec) after pressing c, but the time until the stop is not necessarily uniform, and the result of the internal lottery in the internal winning lottery unit 42 within the predetermined time. Adjust the stop symbol so that it follows. As a result, for example, the stop position of each of the reels 31a to 31c can be adjusted by a maximum of four frames, and if the result of the internal lottery in the internal winning lottery section 42 is "losing", the player generates a "hit". Even if the stop button 26c is pressed at the timing to make the symbols, the symbols are not aligned on the winning determination line. On the other hand, if the result of the internal lottery in the internal winning lottery section 42 is “winning”, the reels 3 are adjusted so that the corresponding symbols are aligned on the winning determination line.
1a to 31c are stopped.

Further, the reel drive control unit 43, for example, as a result of the internal lottery in the internal lottery unit 42, despite the winning flag has been set, the player to each reel 31a
When the symbols of ~ 31c could not be aligned, each reel 3
By setting the stop symbols of 1a to 31c in a different form from the normal state, a so-called “reach eye” may be displayed, and the result of the internal lottery in the internal winning lottery unit 42 may be notified to the player. Here, the "reach eye" is for notifying a player of the result of the internal lottery in the internal lottery unit 42. The player cannot win even if the player wins internally as a bonus, In the case where the internal winning state can be continued even after the game of, the display mode is stopped and displayed by the reels 31a to 31c. However,
If the result of the internal win is valid for only one game, such as a small role, there is no point in displaying it.
Is not displayed.

The pull-in control in the reel drive control section 43 can be realized because the reel drive motor for driving each of the reels 31a to 31c is a stepping motor. That is, the reel drive control unit 43 controls each reel 3 through pulse control for the reel drive motor.
Since the displayed symbols on the winning determination lines 1a to 31c can always be grasped, the above-described pull-in control can be performed.

The winning management section 44 includes a reel drive control section 43
Is to compare the symbols displayed on the winning determination line of the stopped reels 31a to 31c with a predetermined "winning combination" to determine the result of the game, that is, whether or not there is a winning in the game. Specifically, since the adjustment width of the stop symbol by the pull-in control in the reel drive control unit 43 is limited, the result of the internal lottery in the internal winning lottery unit 42 is “winning” or “replay”, and If the display symbol on the winning determination line of each of the reels 31a to 31c stopped by the reel drive control unit 43 is "win" or "replay", the game result is "win" or "replay". It is determined, and in all other cases, it is determined that the game result is “missing”. Then, in accordance with the result of the determination, the winning management unit 44 causes the display unit 25 of the front panel unit 2 to pay out medals to the player.
(Credit display unit) or the medal payout device 34 is given an instruction.

The game result notifying section 45 includes an internal winning lottery section 4
According to the result of the internal lottery by No. 2 or the game result determined by the winning management unit 44, the result of the internal lottery or the game result is notified to the player. for that reason,
The game result notification section 45 is provided on the ramp section 24 of the front panel section 2.
Is turned on (or blinks), and a sound effect is output from the speaker 35. Further, as described later, an operation instruction is also given to the effect device 5 in accordance with the game result determined by the winning management unit 44.

[Explanation of Structure of Effect Apparatus] Next, the effect apparatus 5 mounted on the pachislot machine 1 and used will be described. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an example of the rendering device according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the rendering device.

First, a schematic configuration of the effect device 5 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the rendering device 5 includes a lens body 51.
, Decorative ring 52, object to be viewed 53, moving base 5
4a, a drive motor 54b, a link mechanism 54c, a position detection sensor 55, a backlight 56, and a transmission plate 57.
And an auxiliary light 58.

The lens body 51 is fixed at a position visible from the front of the pachislot machine 1, specifically, above the symbol display window 21 in the front panel 2 of the pachislot machine 1 facing the front panel 2. (See FIG. 1) and is made of a transparent material such as glass or resin formed in a substantially hemispherical shape. Note that the lens body 51 is not substantially hemispherical, but may be formed into a curved surface having a crown side less than a hemisphere, or may be formed into a convex lens shape. The lens body 51 may be colorless and transparent, or may be colored, as long as it is a transparent body that transmits light.

The decorative ring 52 is arranged around the lens body 51 to provide a decorative decoration. However, the decoration ring 52 is plated or polished, and the inside (the back side of the lens body 51) functions as a reflection plate that reflects light, as described later.

The object to be viewed 53 is located on the back side of the lens body 51 and is made of a transparent three-dimensional object formed by imitating a figure, a painting, a sculpture, or the like with glass or resin.

The moving base 54a, the driving motor 54b and the link mechanism 54c
By moving the lens body 51 in the depth of focus direction, the relative position between the lens body 51 and the object to be viewed 53 can be changed. Specifically, the movable base 54a is formed so as to be movable in the depth of focus direction (the direction of the arrow in the figure) of the lens body 51 by being guided by a guide rail (not shown) in a state in which the object 53 is mounted. It is a thing. The drive motor 54b
Are those that rotate in both forward and reverse directions by applying a voltage. Further, the link mechanism 54c converts the rotational motion into a linear motion. Since these may be formed using a known technique, details thereof are omitted here. In order to move the moving base 54a, it is conceivable to use not the drive motor 54b and the link mechanism 54c but other mechanisms such as a direct-acting actuator such as an electromagnetic solenoid, a ball screw, a crank mechanism, and a rack and pinion mechanism. Can be

The position detecting sensor 55 is composed of, for example, two photomicrosensors, and is for detecting that the moving base 54a, that is, the object 53 is located at a predetermined position (an initial position or a staging position, which will be described later). belongs to.

The backlight 56 is located on the back side of the object 53, and includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode).
And a light bulb or the like, and the lens body 5
The light is irradiated toward the light source 1. However, it is preferable that the backlight 56 be capable of irradiating three primary colors of light.

The transmissive plate 57 is disposed between the object 53 and the backlight 56, and is formed of a translucent milky white plate which can transmit light. This transmission plate 5
Reference numeral 7 is provided to prevent the position of the light source of the backlight 56 from being known and to blur and mix the light of the three primary colors emitted by the backlight 56.

Similarly to the backlight 56, the auxiliary light 58 irradiates light toward the lens body 51.
However, the auxiliary light 58 is arranged so that an LED or a light bulb serving as a light source surrounds the lens body 51. The light from the auxiliary light 58 reaches the lens body 51 via reflection inside the decoration ring 52.

Next, the functional configuration of the effect device 5 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the effect device 5 is provided with a control unit 59 realized by a combination of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, various interfaces, and the like, in addition to the units 51 to 57 described above. The control section 59 gives an instruction to start or stop the operation to the drive motor 54b in accordance with the detection result of the position detection sensor 55 or the elapsed time after the operation of the drive motor 54b. Further, the control unit 59 switches between irradiation and non-irradiation of light by the backlight 56 and the auxiliary light 58. However, at this time, the control unit 59 irradiates the backlight 56 and the auxiliary light 58 individually or in any combination of the three primary colors of light.

[Explanation of Operation of Effect Apparatus] Next, a processing operation in the effect apparatus 5 having the above-described configuration will be described. 6 and 7 are conceptual diagrams illustrating an outline of an operation in an example of the effect device according to the present invention.

The effect device 5 operates in response to an operation instruction from the game result notifying section 45, but in a normal (initial) state where there is no operation instruction, the object 53 is located at the initial position. The initial position is set so that the focus of the lens body 51 does not coincide with the object 53 to be viewed. Therefore, in a state where the object 53 is located at the initial position, even if the player looks at the lens body 51 from the front side of the pachislot machine 1, the player cannot clearly see the object 53 because the lens body 51 is out of focus. I can't do it, I just see a blurry image. It is assumed that the position of the visually recognized object 53 at the initial position has been detected by the position detection sensor 55.

In the normal state, the backlight 56 and the auxiliary light 58 are also not irradiated with light.

In such a normal state, when there is an operation instruction from the game result notifying section 45 in order to notify the player of the result of the internal lottery by the internal winning lottery section 42 to the player, the staging device 5 responds to this. The control unit 59 controls the drive motor 54
b and a light irradiation instruction to the backlight 56 and the auxiliary light 58.

When there is an instruction from the control section 59 to start the operation, the drive motor 54b starts the rotation operation. The rotational motion of the drive motor 54b is
The motion is converted into a linear motion by c and transmitted to the movement base 54a. Therefore, when the drive motor 54b rotates,
As shown in FIG. 6, the object 53 mounted on the moving base 54a moves back and forth in the depth of focus direction of the lens body 51 (the direction of the arrow in the figure).

By this movement, the to-be-viewed object 53 moves forward from the initial position toward the effect position. The effect position is set so that the focal point of the lens body 51 is focused on the object 53 to be viewed. Then, when the position detection sensor 55 detects that the visual recognition target 53 is located at the production position, the control unit 59 gives an instruction to stop the operation to the drive motor 54b. Thereby, the to-be-viewed object 53 will be located in a production position. In a state where the object to be recognized 53 is located at the rendering position, the player places the lens body 5 from the front side of the pachislot machine 1.
1, the object 53 can be clearly seen through the lens body 51.

Thereafter, the to-be-viewed body 53 retreats from the staging position toward the initial position by the rotation of the drive motor 54b in response to the operation instruction from the control section 59, and returns to the initial position.

The range of movement of the object 53 is set so that the image of the object 53 viewed through the lens body 51 is not inverted, that is, within a range not exceeding the point A (point where the image is inverted) in the drawing. It has been set. In addition, the object 53
May be stopped not according to the result of detection by the position detection sensor 55, but according to the elapsed time after the operation of the drive motor 54b. With this configuration, it is possible to very easily realize stopping at an intermediate position between the initial position and the production position.

As described above, in the rendering device 5, the lens 5
Since the relative position in the depth of focus direction between the camera body 1 and the object 53 located on the back side thereof can be changed by the moving base 54a, the drive motor 54b, and the link mechanism 54c, the object 53 is a lens. When located at the focal point of the body 51, the image of the object 51 can be clearly recognized through the lens body 51, but at other positions, the image of the object 53 obtained through the lens body 51 is not defined. Absent. Therefore, in notifying the player of the result of the internal lottery by the internal winning lottery section 42 to the player, in a predetermined case, the image of the object to be visually recognized 53 appears clearly in the lens body 51. Such effects can be performed.

In addition, since the visual recognition target 53 is moved when the relative position between the lens body 51 and the visual recognition target 53 is changed, the relative position can be varied with a simple configuration, that is, the above-described effects can be performed. Become. In addition, the lens body 51
Is fixed to the front panel portion 2 and the lens body 51 is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape, so that a novel effect with a sense of depth such that an image appears in a crystal ball, for example, can be imaged. Can be realized. However, instead of moving the object 53 as described in the present embodiment, the lens body 51 may be moved.

Further, in the effect device 5, the start / stop of the relative position change between the lens body 51 and the object to be viewed 53 is controlled by the control unit 59 based on the detection result by the position detection sensor 55 or the elapsed time after the position change. Since it is controlled in accordance with this, for example, it is possible to say that the visual recognition target 53 is stopped at an intermediate position between the initial position and the production position. Various effects can be realized, such as the image becoming sharper in stages.

On the other hand, when receiving the light irradiation instruction given from the control unit 59 simultaneously with the operation start instruction to the drive motor 54b, the backlight 56 and the auxiliary light 58
Starts irradiating the lens body 51 with light.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, in the backlight 56, the lamp 56a emits light, and the light passes through the transmission plate 57. As a result, the backlight 56
The light source position is not clearly seen from the lens body 51 side. In addition, when the lamp 56a corresponds to the three primary colors of light, the three primary colors are appropriately blurred and mixed when viewed from the lens body 51 side. That is, by arranging the transmission plate 57, the light from the lamp 56a is adjusted, and the color development is optimized.

The light transmitted through the transmission plate 57 passes through the object to be viewed 53 made of a transparent three-dimensional object, and then passes through the lens body 5.
The light passes through the lens body 51 while undergoing the refraction action of the lens 1. Therefore, when the player looks at the lens body 51 from the front side of the pachislot machine 1, the light from the backlight 56 is refracted, and the lens body 51 emits a fantastic light or the lens body 51 itself shines. looks like. In addition, an image of the visually recognized object 53 can be seen in the lens body 51.

The light emitted from the auxiliary light 58 is reflected inside the decoration ring 52, reaches the lens body 51, and passes through the lens body 51 as it is. Therefore, even when the player looks at the lens body 51 from the side, above or below the pachislot machine 1, the light from the auxiliary light 58 can be seen through the lens body 51 to the player. become. That is, when viewed from the side, above or below, the light from the backlight 56 that is linearly irradiated from the back side of the lens body 51 may be invisible due to the refraction of the lens body 51. However, even in this case, the light from the auxiliary light 58 causes the lens body 51 to emit a fantastic light or the lens body 51 itself to appear to shine.

Thereafter, in response to the non-irradiation instruction from the control unit 59, the backlight 56 and the auxiliary light 58 stop irradiating the lens body 51 with light, and return to the non-irradiation state again.

As described above, in the rendering device 5, the control unit 59 switches the irradiation / non-irradiation of the light to the lens body 51 by the backlight 56 and the auxiliary light 58, so that the backlight 56 and the auxiliary light When the light is irradiated by the light 58, the light becomes visible through the lens 51 while undergoing a refraction action by the lens 51. Therefore, in notifying the player of the result of the internal lottery by the internal lottery lottery section 42 to the player, in a predetermined case, an effect that the lens body 51 emits a fantastic light or the lens body itself shines may be performed. Become like

Further, when irradiating the lens body 51 with light, if the three primary colors of light are emitted individually or arbitrarily combined, various colors can be produced. Various effects such as making the emitted light more fantastic can be realized.

In the effect device 5, a backlight 56 is provided on the back side of the lens body 51 behind a light-transmitting plate 57, so that the lens body 51 is irradiated with light. Therefore, when the three primary colors of light are emitted, optimization of color development can be achieved. Further, the backlight 56
In addition, the lens body 51 is disposed around the lens body 51.
Since the auxiliary light 58 for irradiating light from the side of the lens body 51 is provided, and this also irradiates light to the lens body 51,
Even if the player looks at the lens body 51 from the side, the upper side or the lower side of the pachislot machine 1, the effect can be obtained.
In other words, the rendering device 5 can achieve a versatile rendering with a sense of depth.

In the effect device 5, since the object to be visually recognized 53 is formed of a transparent three-dimensional object, the effect using the movement of the object to be visually recognized 53 and the effect using the irradiation of light from the backlight 56 are respectively described. Can be done simultaneously. Therefore, it is possible to realize an even more versatile and depth-like effect, and it is possible to prevent the player from being bored with the game or feeling dissatisfied with the game even if the player repeatedly enjoys the game.

In the present embodiment, the case where the object 53 is made of a transparent three-dimensional object has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the visual object 53 does not need to be a transparent three-dimensional object unless the effect using the movement of the visual recognition target 53 and the production using the light irradiation by the backlight 56 are simultaneously performed. In addition, the object to be visually recognized 53 does not need to be a three-dimensional object, and may be a flat design, or may be a drum, a dice, or the like that selectively displays a flat design.

In the present embodiment, the effect device 5 mounted on the pachislot machine 1 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to the accessory device mounted on a pachinko machine in the same manner. Further, the present invention can be applied to other amusement machines such as slot machines for playing coins by playing coins, in addition to pachislot machines and pachinko machines. Therefore, the three reels 31a to 31c described in the present embodiment are not limited to the reel type, and for example, C
A video display type such as an RT (Cathode Ray Tube) may be used.

[0081]

As described above, the gaming machine effect device of the present invention is excellent in visual effect and enables a novel effect that has not been achieved in the past, so that the player can enjoy the game repeatedly. Also, the player does not get tired of or feel dissatisfied with the game, and as a result, the interest of the player in the game can be increased.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an external configuration of an example of a gaming machine on which a gaming machine effect device according to the present invention is mounted.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an internal configuration of an example of a gaming machine on which a gaming machine effect device according to the present invention is mounted.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an example of a gaming machine on which the gaming machine effect device according to the present invention is mounted.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an example of a gaming machine effect device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an example of a gaming machine effect device according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram (part 1) showing an outline of an operation in an example of the gaming machine effect device according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram (part 2) showing an outline of an operation in an example of the gaming machine effect device according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachislot machine, 2 ... Front panel, 5 ... Direction device, 51
... Lens body, 52 ... Decorative ring, 53 ... Visible body, 54
a: moving base, 54b: drive motor, 54c: link mechanism, 55: position detection sensor, 56: backlight, 5
7: transmission plate, 58: auxiliary light, 59: control unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yoshitaka Yamama 1-6-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Kona Miparar Entertainment Inc. (72) Inventor Takashi Sakuma 1-6-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo No. 1 Inside Kona Miparlor Entertainment Inc. (72) Inventor Iku Watanabe 1-6-1, Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan Inside (72) Inventor Yumiko Shibusawa 1-chome, Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo No.6-1 Kona Miparlor Entertainment Co., Ltd.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine effect device mounted on and used for a gaming machine, comprising: a lens body provided at a position visible from a front surface of the gaming machine; A staging device for a gaming machine, comprising: a viewing object; and a position changing unit that changes a relative position between the lens body and the object to be viewed in a depth of focus direction of the lens body. 2. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the lens body is fixed to a front surface of the gaming machine, and the position changing unit moves a position of the object to be viewed in a depth of focus direction of the lens body. The gaming machine effect device according to claim 1. 3. A position change start instruction or stop for the position variable means according to a detection result of a relative position between the lens body and the object to be viewed or an elapsed time after a position change by the position change means. The staging apparatus for a gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising movement control means for giving an instruction. 4. A gaming machine effect device mounted on and used for a gaming machine, comprising: a lens body provided at a position visible from the front of the gaming machine; and an illuminating body for irradiating the lens body with light. And a lighting control means for switching between irradiation and non-irradiation of light by the illuminating body. 5. The illuminator is capable of irradiating three primary colors of light, and the illumination control means irradiates the illuminator with the three primary colors of light individually or arbitrarily in combination. The gaming machine effect device according to claim 4. 6. The effect for a gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein a back light positioned behind a light-transmitting plate is provided on the back side of the lens body as the illuminating body. apparatus. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 4, further comprising an auxiliary light disposed around the lens body and illuminating light from a side of the lens body as the illuminating body. Production equipment. 8. A gaming machine effect device mounted on and used in a gaming machine, comprising: a lens body provided at a position visible from the front of the gaming machine; and a transparent body located on the back side of the lens body. A to-be-viewed body made of a three-dimensional object; position changing means for changing a relative position between the lens body and the to-be-viewed body in a depth of focus direction of the lens body; An illuminating body for irradiating the lens body with light from one or both sides, and an illumination control means for switching between irradiation and non-irradiation of light by the illuminating body, a gaming machine effect device. . 9. The effect device for a gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the effect device is mounted on a pachislot machine and used.