JP2003033498A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine capable of displaying plural kinds of game information on the block at a game information display device, making a game player apparently distinguish a difference of the information, and cutting production cost by reducing the number of parts due to consolidate a control means to control the game information display device. SOLUTION: The game machine is provided with the game information display device 11 displaying the predetermined game information and the game information display control means 12 controlling display on a display area by the game information display device. In the game information display device the display area is zone into at least a first display area 11a and a second display area 11b. And a boundary part a between the first display area and the second display area is hard to be recognized from a player due to a boundary means 17.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a ball game machine equipped with a game information display device having at least two display areas capable of displaying game information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in a game area of a pachinko gaming machine, a liquid crystal display device or C capable of variably displaying predetermined game information.
A game information display device such as an RT display device is provided,
For example, based on the establishment of the starting conditions, such as winning the game ball starting port, symbols are variably displayed on the game information display device,
If the stopped state when the variable display is stopped is a predetermined specific symbol or a combination thereof, a state advantageous to the player is generated as a big hit state.

The symbols that are variably displayed on such a game information display device are, for example, specific symbols (a combination of three symbols that are variably displayed on the condition of winning at the starting opening) and ordinary symbols (on the condition of winning at the gate). One pattern that is variably displayed, etc.) is included, and in many conventional pachinko game machines, they are displayed on separate game information display devices. In addition, the one that the specific symbol is displayed is the main digital,
The one in which the design is normally displayed is sometimes called a sub-digital.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional ball game machine, when the game information display device displays a plurality of types of game information, separate ones are used, so that each game information is used. Since there are a plurality of control means for controlling the display of, there is a possibility that the manufacturing cost may be deteriorated due to an increase in the number of parts, the layout of various devices installed in the ball game machine may be restricted, and the workability during maintenance may be deteriorated. It was

On the other hand, it is conceivable to collectively display a plurality of game information on one screen, but in this case, for a player who is familiar with a conventional ball game machine, the display means for the specific symbol and the normal symbol are separate. Since it is usually provided in the above, there is a problem that the appearance becomes uncomfortable and the design is not so preferable, and it is difficult for the player to visually recognize it. For example, there is an opinion that it is preferable in appearance that the main digital that variably displays the specific symbol and the sub-digital that normally variably displays the symbol are separate display means.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and clearly shows that a plurality of types of game information are collectively displayed on the game information display device and that the game information is displayed separately for the player. Another object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine capable of reducing the number of parts and manufacturing costs by consolidating control means for controlling the game information display device.

[0007]

The invention according to claim 1 is
A game information display device having a display area for displaying predetermined game information, and a game information display control means for controlling display in the display area by the game information display device, wherein the game information is The display area of the display device is divided into at least a first display area and a second display area, and a boundary between the first display area and the second display area is provided on the front side of the game information display apparatus. Along the section,
A boundary means is provided for making it difficult for the player to visually recognize the boundary portion.

According to this structure, each display in the first display area and the second display area is collectively controlled by the game information display control means, and the boundary between the first display area and the second display area is controlled. The section is configured so that it is difficult for the player to visually recognize it by the boundary means. The partition between the first display area and the second display area in the display area may be partitioned vertically or horizontally, or may be another possible partition (oblique direction of the display area or the like). Further, it includes one in which one display area is divided into three or more and each of which displays predetermined game information, and in this case, the boundary means is provided at all of the boundary portions or at a specific boundary portion.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the game information display device has a display device cover means surrounding the front side thereof,
The display cover means is integrally formed with the boundary means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the display device cover means is detachably provided with a window plate through which the display area of the game information display device can be seen, and the boundary means is integrated with the window plate. It is characterized by being provided in.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the first display area is capable of variably displaying the first symbol on the condition of the first start detection, and the second display area is the second start detection condition. It is characterized in that the second symbol can be variably displayed.

The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that a predetermined effect is displayed in at least one of the first display area and the second display area.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. The ball game machine according to the present embodiment is, as shown in FIG.
Has a game board 2 fixed on the entire surface of the operation handle 3
The hit ball (game ball) shot by a hit ball launching device (not shown) driven by the operation is guided by the guide rail 4 and reaches the game area 5 of the game board.

In the game area 5 of the game board 2, a plurality of rotatably arranged hitting ball guiding direction changing members 7 called windmills, a plurality of obstacle nails, and various winning means are appropriately arranged, and the game concerned. Below the area 6, an out hole 6 is formed in which a game ball that has not won any winning means can enter. In the winning means shown in the figure, reference numeral 7 is a general winning device, reference numeral 8 is an electric tulip having a special figure starting port 9 (normal electric accessory), and reference numeral 10 is a through-chucker type gate (universal starting gate). , Reference numeral 14 indicates a special winning opening unit.

Further, a game information display device 11 for displaying predetermined game information is arranged substantially in the center of the game area 5. The game information display device 11 is composed of a 7-inch LCD (liquid crystal display), and as shown in FIG. 2, a game information display control means 12 for controlling display by the game information display device 11, Game information display device 11
And a display device cover means 13 that surrounds the front side of the. Incidentally, a game information display device including a 7-segment LED, a dot matrix type display device or the like may be used instead of the LCD.

The display surface of the game information display device 11 is divided into two areas, a first display area 11a and a second display area 11b, and the game information display control means 12 allows the first display area 11 to be displayed.
The special symbol is variably displayed in a, and the normal symbol is variably displayed in the second display area 11b. That is, on the condition that the game ball has passed through the special figure starting port 9 (first start detection), for example, three special symbols (first symbol) displayed in the first display area 11a are variably displayed, On condition that the game ball has passed through the universal figure starting gate 10 (second start detection), for example, one normal symbol (second symbol) displayed in the second display area 11b is variably displayed.

The display device cover means 13 is made of a resin molded product called an accessory, and includes a special figure starting memory indicator 15 composed of four LEDs and four LEDs (light emission by the LEDs of the special figure starting memory indicator 15). It is preferably configured to emit light of a color different from the color) and a general-purpose figure starting memory display 16. The special figure starting memory display unit 15 and the universal figure starting memory display unit 16 are arranged in the first display area 11
a or while the design of the second display area 11b is changing,
It is for displaying how many gaming balls have passed the special figure starting port 9 or the universal figure starting gate 10 (maximum 4 each), and the special symbol or the ordinary symbol is configured to change by the number of times of display. There is.

Here, the special figure starting memory indicator 15 is a boundary means 17 integrally provided on the display device cover means 13.
Formed on. The boundary means 17 extends along the boundary portion a between the first display area 11a and the second display area 11b in a state where the game information display device 11 and the display device cover means 13 are assembled to the game board 2, This is for making it difficult for the player to visually recognize the boundary a, and is formed by molding together the display device cover means 13 at the time of resin molding.

A structure for receiving the display device cover means 13 and other game balls as described above (the special winning opening unit 1
4, etc.) are fixed in the mounting holes formed at predetermined positions of the game board 2 by press-fitting, etc., and the display device cover means 13 faces the press-fitting mounting holes, as shown in FIG. The game information display device 11 and the game information display control means 12 are attached from the back side of the game board 2.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the display device cover means 13 has a rib 13a extending on the back side thereof fitted into a predetermined mounting hole of the game board 2 and press-fitted. At the same time, the game information display device 11 and the game information display control means 12 are attached to the back cover 18 of the game board 2 while facing the mounting holes. This back cover 18
A cover made of resin for holding and passing a game ball for refund, and a screw b after applying a flange portion 18 formed on the side surface of the game information display control means 12 to the back cover 18. Fixed.

When the player sees the game information display device 11 assembled in this way from the front of the ball game machine 1, as shown in FIG. 5, a main display of a specific symbol below the boundary means 17 is performed. It is possible to make it appear that the digital is arranged and the sub-digital that normally displays the symbols is arranged above the digital.

That is, the front side of the boundary a between the first display area 11a and the second display area 11b of the game information display device 11 is covered by the boundary means 17, and it is difficult for the player to visually recognize the boundary a. Since it is configured, the player recognizes these display areas as if they were separate display devices. Therefore, the display means for the specific symbol and the ordinary symbol does not feel uncomfortable for the player who is familiar with the conventional ball game machine in which the display means is provided separately, and the design can be made preferable and the game can be made. It can be made clear to the person that it is a separate display.

FIG. 6 shows the block configuration of the control system of the ball game machine 1, and the game control device 19 is a one-chip microcomputer 20 for performing the game control necessary for the ball game machine 1. , An oscillator 21, an input interface 22, and an output interface 23. The microcomputer 20 is a CP
U, ROM, RAM, etc. are built in and are manufactured as an IC.

The CPU of the microcomputer 20 is R
The game program stored in the OM and the special figure starting sensor 24 provided in the special figure starting port 9, the universal figure starting sensor 25 provided in the universal figure starting gate 10, and the special winning opening unit 14 are provided. Based on the signals from the count sensor 26, the continuation sensor 27, etc., a display control signal is sent to the game information display control means 12, and the special figure starting memory indicator 15, the ordinary figure starting memory indicator 16, and the electric tulip 8 are opened and closed. A driving solenoid 28 for driving, a driving solenoid 29 for opening and closing the shutter of the special winning opening unit 14, a sound control device 30 for generating sound effects in a game and synthesizing voice, a decoration display control for controlling decorative lamps and various LEDs. Device 3
The control signal is output to 1.

Therefore, in the game information display control means 12,
Based on the display control signal from the game control device 19, the special symbols are variably displayed in the first display area 11a of the game information display device 11, and the ordinary symbols are variably displayed in the second display area 11b. At this time, it is necessary to set in advance that the position of the boundary portion a and the position of the boundary means 17 in the display device cover means 13 are substantially the same.

As a result, the first display area 11a and the second display area 11a
The symbols displayed in the display area 11b are all controlled by the game information display control means 12, and the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where a separate display device and control device are arranged. Incidentally, the CPU of the microcomputer 20 in the figure performs a reset interrupt at regular intervals and executes the game program from a predetermined address for each interrupt.

Although the ball game machine 1 according to the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and may have the following configuration, for example. That is,
The boundary means 17 provided on the display device cover means 13 may be separate from the display device cover means 13, and in this case, the fixed position of the boundary means 17 is the display device cover means 13.
It is preferable to be adjustable.

As described above, by making the boundary means 17 movable up and down, even if the position of the boundary portion a is changed, the boundary means 17 is moved to that position and the boundary portion a is changed.
Since it is possible to cover the front surface side of, the boundary means 17 can be moved in accordance with the change of the display area to cover the boundary portion. In this case, as the moving means of the boundary means 17, an LM guide or the like may be provided between the boundary means 17 and the display device cover means 13, and the boundary means 17 may be moved by a general-purpose actuator such as a solenoid.
The boundary means 17 may be detachable at any of the positions, and the boundary means 17 may be attached at a desired position.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the boundary means 33 is formed integrally with the window plate 32 which is transparent to the display area of the game information display device 11 and which is detachable from the display device cover means 13. You may comprise. It is preferable that the window plate 32 is made of glass or transparent resin. As shown in FIG. 8, the boundary means 17 may be formed in a predetermined position of the window plate 32 by insert molding to be integrated. The boundary means 17 may be provided on the window plate 32 by another method. Of course,
Even in this case, it is necessary for the boundary means 17 to cover the front side of the boundary portion a of the game information display device 11 so that the boundary portion a is less visible to the player. The first display area 1
You may make it arrange | position a window plate for every 1a and the 2nd display area 11b.

In the present embodiment, the display area in the game information display device 11 is divided into upper and lower parts and the boundary means is extended in the horizontal direction, but the present invention is not limited to this.
As shown in FIG. 9, by setting the first display area 11a on the left side and the second display area 11b on the right side, the boundary portion 34 'extending in the vertical direction may be covered by the boundary means 34. . Furthermore, a rectangular shape in the game information display device 11,
1 for triangular, circular corner, lower center, or upper center
One display area may be provided, and the boundary means may be provided along the boundary between the display area and another display area. still,
The display area of the game information display device 11 may be divided obliquely, and the boundary means may be obliquely extended along the boundary part of the area, or the game information display device 11 itself may be obliquely arranged. You may make it set the upper and lower sides as the 1st display area 11a and the 2nd display area 11b.

Although the special figure starting memory display unit 15 is provided in the boundary means, instead of or together with it, the general figure starting memory display unit 16 and a liquid crystal display device for displaying predetermined game information, An indicator lamp, a dot matrix display device, a 7-segment display device, etc. may be provided in the boundary means. In the above case, as the predetermined game information to be displayed on each display device, a reach announcement, a super reach announcement, a big hit announcement, or a probability variation announcement effect display may be performed, and a big hit probability and a low probability state. It may be configured to display the jackpot probability in, the jackpot probability in a high probability state, the probability variation continuation rate, or the like.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the boundary means 36
The upper surface 36a may be configured as a stage on which the game ball can roll. In this case, the passing hole 35 is formed in the side surface of the display device cover means 13 corresponding to both ends of the boundary means 36, and the game ball is Boundary means 3 through the passage hole 35
It is configured so that it can reach 6 or above. In addition, it is preferable to form a groove portion 36b as shown in the drawing at a substantially central portion of the upper surface 36a of the boundary means 36. According to this structure, the game ball in the game area 5 passes through the passage hole 35 and reaches the boundary means 36 so that the game ball easily falls from the groove 36b, and the special figure starting port 9 and the electric tulip 8 are won. It can be configured easily.

Further, a member for guiding the game ball to the upper surface of the boundary means 36 through the passage hole 35 and a member for changing the rolling of the game ball on the boundary means 36 (jamming plate). Etc.) may be provided, and a member for changing the rolling of the game ball may be movable. In this way, in addition to the configuration in which the game ball can roll on the upper surface of the boundary means 36, a passage hole or a passage trough through which the game ball can pass may be formed in at least part of the inside of the boundary means 36. A transparent member or transparent hole (s) may be provided on the front side of the hole or the passage gutter so that the player can visually recognize the passage of the game ball.

Here, in the present embodiment and the other embodiments described above, the special symbol as the first symbol in the first display area 11a (first start detection, that is, passage of the game ball to the special symbol start port 9) Variable display in the condition), the second display area 11
It is supposed to display the normal symbol as the second symbol on b (the second start detection, that is, the symbol variably displayed on the condition that the game ball passes through the universal symbol starting gate 10), but the present invention is limited to this. Instead, the following configuration may be adopted.

For example, at least one of the first display area 11a and the second display area may be configured to display a predetermined effect display or advertisement display. Of these, the effect display refers to various displays that are displayed for the purpose of effect effect, and for example, a predetermined character can be always displayed as a moving image. Further, in at least one of the first display area 11a and the second display area, the number of big hit rounds,
Special area passing information, performance display during big hits such as big winning mouth winning number, big hit probability, big hit probability in low probability state, big hit probability in high probability state, probability variation continuation rate, maximum number of times probability variation It is also possible to display, or display the number of big hits after the power is turned on, the number of changes in probability, the number of rotations from the big hit occurrence, and the like.

Incidentally, such an effect display may be displayed in conjunction with the special symbol or the ordinary symbol, or may be displayed independently of these symbols, and the first display area 11a. Alternatively, in addition to being displayed in any of the second display areas, the boundary means (1
7, 33, 34, 36), a screen such as a liquid crystal may be formed and displayed there. Furthermore, the first
A demonstration is displayed in each of the display area 11a and the second display area, and the first display area 11a or the second display area is displayed.
At least one of the display areas may be configured to perform the effect display while the symbols are changed and confirmed and displayed a plurality of times in the other display area. Thus, in order to equip the boundary means with various electric appliances, a wiring passage hole or a trough through which a wiring can pass may be provided in at least a part of the inside of the boundary means.

Here, the present invention can be applied to any ball game machine, in addition to the first type pachinko game machine as in the above embodiment, the second and third type pachinko machines. It can also be applied to the game information display device arranged in the game machine, the arrangement ball game machine, and the sparrow ball game machine. For example, when applied to an arrangement ball game machine, it can be configured as follows.

Generally, an arrangement ball game machine includes the following components. That is, a launching device capable of sequentially launching a predetermined number of game balls into the game area for each unit game, a plurality of ball entrances through which the game balls can pass, and a ball entering the game balls into the plurality of ball entrances. Including a plurality of entrance detecting means for detecting each, and a plurality of display units corresponding to the plurality of entrances, the display corresponding to the entrance through which the game ball has passed is a specific display different from that before the game ball passed. A payout device for paying out a predetermined number of game media according to the type when the changing-ball display means and the display section which is a specific display of the changing-ball display means are in a specific combination, Score display means for displaying a predetermined score according to the type of combination, symbol display means for variably displaying one or more symbols on condition that the starting means detects a game ball, and the symbol display means. When the aspect of the stop symbol becomes the aspect of the specific symbol, the game ball A specific winning opening that is solved in a state where a winning is possible, a ball passage detecting means for detecting a game ball passing through a specific area in the specific winning opening, and a game provided that the game ball passes through the specific area. Special game generating means for generating a state advantageous to the person, launch ball detecting means for detecting the game ball emitted by the launching means,
A return ball detecting means for detecting a game ball collected without reaching the game area among the game balls emitted by the launching means, and a game ball in a predetermined prize hole of the plurality of prize holes and a specific prize hole. The payout increasing means for increasing the game media paid out by the payout means according to the type of the specific combination, and that the predetermined number of game balls wins the plurality of winning openings. A game settlement means for performing the settlement process by ending the game under the condition.

Then, the winning symbol displayed on the prize display means, the guide symbol displayed on the symbol display means, the score displayed on the score display means, and the number of game balls shot from the launching means (the number of shot balls) ), The number of balls entered into the winning opening, the presence or absence of a state advantageous to the player by the special game generating means, and the presence or absence of the operation by the payout increasing means in the first display area and the second display area The present invention may be applied by displaying them respectively. That is, while displaying the information to be displayed by the prize display means, the score display means, the symbol display means and other various game information in each display area, and covering the boundary portion with the boundary means, it is separately provided to the player side. Can be clearly displayed.

[0040]

According to the invention of claim 1, it is possible to collectively display a plurality of types of game information on the game information display device and to make it clear to the player side that they are separate displays. By consolidating the control means for controlling the game information display device, the number of parts can be reduced and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall schematic diagram of a ball game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a display device cover means, a game information display device, and a game information display control means in the ball game machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the mounting of various types of accessories, a starting gate, etc. on the game board in the ball game machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which the display device cover means, the game information display device, and the game information display control means in the ball game machine according to the embodiment of the present invention are assembled to the game board.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a state of the game information display device in the ball game machine according to the embodiment of the present invention viewed from the player side.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining a control system in the ball game machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a display device cover means in a ball game machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a game information display device in a ball game machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the player side.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a display device cover means in a ball game machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... ball game machine 2 ... Game board 3 ... Operation handle 4 ... Guide rail 5 ... Game area 6 ... Out hole 7 ... General prize winning device 8 ... Electric tulip 9 ... Special map starting port 10 ... General figure start gate 11 ... Game information display device 11a ... 1st display area 11b ... second display area 12 ... Game information display control means 13 ... Display device cover means 14 ... Big winning unit 15 ... Special figure start memory display 16 ... General figure starting memory indicator 17, 33, 34, 36 ... Boundary means 18 ... Back cover 19 ... Game control device 20 ... Microcomputer 21 ... Oscillator 22 ... Input interface 23 ... Output interface 24 ... Special figure start sensor 25 ... Universal figure starting sensor 26 ... Count sensor 27 ... Continuation sensor 28 ... Solenoid of electric tulip 8 29 ... Solenoid of the special winning opening unit 14 30 ... Sound control device 31 ... Decoration display control device 32 ... Window plate 35 ... Passage hole 36a ... Top surface (stage) 36b ... Groove a ... boundary

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A ball game comprising a game information display device having a display area for displaying predetermined game information, and game information display control means for controlling display in the display area by the game information display device. In the machine, the display area of the game information display device is divided into at least a first display area and a second display area, and
Boundary means is provided on the front surface side of the game information display device, the boundary means extending along a boundary between the first display area and the second display area and making it difficult for the player to visually recognize the boundary. Ball game machine characterized by. 2. The ball game machine according to claim 1, further comprising a display device cover means surrounding the front side of the game information display device, wherein the boundary means is provided on the display device cover means. 3. The ball game machine according to claim 2, wherein the display device cover means is detachably provided with a window plate through which the display area of the game information display device can be seen. 4. The first display area is capable of variably displaying the first symbol on the condition of the first start detection, and the second display area varies the second symbol on the condition of the second start detection. The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which can be displayed. 5. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined effect is displayed in at least one of the first display area and the second display area.