JP2004159765A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the visibility of a member partitioning the display area of a liquid crystal display device. <P>SOLUTION: Since a display surface coating member 52 is closely mounted on a display surface 51, the light of the liquid crystal display device 50 (liquid crystal panel 53) is emitted to the front part through a partitioning part 58 and it looks as if the partitioning part 58 softly emits light. Thus, a visual appearance is improved compared to the case of showing a partitioned display area 68 displayed at the liquid crystal display device 50 as it is. Also, depending on the display control of the liquid crystal display device 50, change between the case of distinguishing the partitioned display area 68 overlapped with the partitioning part 58 and the other parts (pattern display area 69 and excess display area 71) and emitting the light and the case of attaining a light emission state without distinguishing them is performed and thus the visibility of the partitioning part 58 is operated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention belongs to the technical field of ball and ball game machines.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In a liquid crystal display device of a ball-and-ball game machine, there is a technique of arranging a light-transmitting member on a front surface of the liquid crystal display device to divide a display surface and improve a visual aesthetic.
For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-286611 (Patent Document 1), a transmissive concealing member is provided at a position other than a design display portion on the front surface of a display body, and effect display is performed via the transmissive concealing member. There has been disclosed a liquid crystal display device that forms a portion and performs an effect display in accordance with a game state, such as displaying a special symbol on the effect display portion.
[0003]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-276357 (Patent Literature 2) discloses that a background pattern displayed on a screen and a condenser lens having substantially the same shape as the pattern are provided on the front surface of a display portion, so that a special three-dimensional image is provided. There is disclosed a technology that enables three-dimensional display without having to prepare display data.
[0004]
On the other hand, for example, in a symbol display device in which symbols are displayed in a 3 × 3 matrix form and a plurality of jackpot lines are formed, a lattice-shaped partition member for partitioning a display area of each symbol is provided. When a partition member that partitions the display area is caused to emit light by an LED or the like, or when an image serving as a partition is displayed, the partition member may be directed by a color change or the like to clearly recognize the hit line (for example, JP-A-11-70238, Patent Document 3).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2001-286611 (Claim 1, paragraphs 0006, 0022)
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-276357 A [Patent Document 3]
JP-A-11-70238 [0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Although the concealing member of Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-286611) forms an effect display unit, the concealing member has a thin function as a partitioning member for partitioning a plurality of display areas, and diffuses or condenses liquid crystal light, for example. There is no configuration for making the visibility of the partition clear.
[0007]
Although the condensing lens disclosed in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-276357) improves the visual aesthetics by displaying a pattern in three dimensions, it does not have a function as a partition member for partitioning a plurality of display areas, and a liquid crystal. Also, there is no configuration for making the visibility as a partition using the light of the above.
[0008]
The invention of Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-70238) requires a light source such as an LED, and thus has a drawback that the configuration is complicated.
[0009]
Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention
A ball game machine according to claim 1 for solving the above-mentioned problem is a ball game machine provided with a liquid crystal display device, wherein the plurality of ball game machines are made of translucent synthetic resin and are displayed on a display surface of the liquid crystal display device. And a display surface covering member having a forwardly projecting partition portion overlapping the boundary of the display area is disposed on the front side of the display surface of the liquid crystal display device.
[0010]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, by arranging the display surface covering member having the translucent partition on the front surface of the display surface of the liquid crystal display, the light of the liquid crystal display transmits through the partition. Since the light is radiated forward, it is possible to make it appear as if the partition is emitting light softly. Therefore, the visual aesthetics can be improved as compared with the case where the partition display displayed on the liquid crystal display device is viewed as it is. Also, depending on the display control of the liquid crystal display device, it can be changed between a case where the boundary portion of the display area overlapping the partition and the other portion emits light in a distinctive manner and a case where the light emission state is indistinguishable, thereby increasing the visibility of the partition. Can be operated.
[0011]
The partition portion may simply transmit the light from behind, but if the partition is formed in a shape that diffuses or condenses light from behind as described in claim 2, the effect of claim 1 is good. Can be.
In order to diffuse or condense the light, the surface of the partition may be formed into a lens shape or irregularities such as embossments may be provided. Such surface processing may be performed on the back side (the display surface side of the liquid crystal).
[0012]
In particular, it is possible to make it appear as if the entire partition is emitting light by diffusing the emission color of the liquid crystal through the partition instead of transmitting the color as it is, further improving the aesthetic appearance.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the ball game machine according to the first or second aspect, the partition portion serves as a partition between symbol display area portions corresponding to one symbol. The display area can be clearly notified.
[0013]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the first aspect of the present invention, the partition portion is a partition between a special figure start suspension display area and another display area. Symbol display area for displaying a special symbol for notifying, and a special symbol fluctuation display for displaying the result of determining whether or not a big hit has been obtained, although a random number for special figure determination has been acquired along with a start winning prize Can be partitioned by the partitioning section from the special figure start suspension display area in which the number of the special figure determination random numbers not yet started is displayed, and each display area can be clearly notified.
[0014]
In addition to the partitioning section, in addition to separating the symbol display area and the special figure start pending display area, the special symbol and the ordinary symbol display area, the special symbol and the ordinary symbol start pending display area, the special symbol and the character (background) It can also be divided into a display, a special design and a message display.
[0015]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the ball game machine according to the first or second aspect, the partition portion is a partition between a symbol display area and another display area. The normal symbol display area where the normal symbols related to the operation are displayed and the other display area can be partitioned by the partition section, and each display area can be clearly notified. Of course, a configuration may be employed in which a special symbol and a normal symbol display area, a special symbol and a normal symbol startup hold display area, a special symbol and a character (background) display portion, a special symbol and a message display portion, and the like are separated.
[0016]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the ball game machine according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the emission color or luminance of the boundary portion of the display area is different from that of the periphery thereof. The partition can be clearly shown.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the ball game machine according to the sixth aspect, a light emitting color or luminance at a boundary portion of the display area is switched according to a switching condition.
[0017]
Although there is no limitation on the switching condition and the switching mode of the emission color or luminance corresponding to the switching condition, the following switching operation is possible.
(1) By switching the emission color or the luminance at the time of winning the general winning opening, it is possible to confirm that the general winning opening has been won without taking an eye from the image display screen of the liquid crystal display device.
(2) By switching the emission color or brightness at the time of winning the starting opening, a winning at the starting opening can be notified, and the winning of the starting opening can be confirmed by a change in the color of the partition without looking at the starting opening.
(3) If the emission color or luminance is switched by winning a specific area in the special winning opening, the switching can clearly notify the continuous operation of the condition device (the presence of the next round) and keep an eye on the image display screen. Even if it is not, it can be confirmed that the prize has been won to the specific winning opening.
(4) Since the partition part is formed in a three-dimensional shape, it is easy to see even from an oblique direction. Therefore, by switching the emission color or luminance at the time of the big hit, other players can be notified of the big hit.
[0018]
Alternatively, if the display of the boundary area overlapping with the partition and the other area are stopped when the big hit is stopped, the discriminating power of the partition is reduced, so that the entire display area becomes a big hit. can do.
(5) It is also possible to change the light emission color or brightness to irradiate the partition part by a certain rotation speed. For example, by changing the light emission color or brightness every 50 rotations, the player does not need to count the rotation speed by himself. Also, the approximate number of rotations can be recognized by the color change.
(6) In a ball game machine configured to change the symbol variation time according to the number of holdings, if the normal time and the shortened time are reported by a change in the emission color or luminance, the state of the variation time can be clearly reported.
(7) If the light emission color or the brightness is switched at the time of the symbol variation determination stop, the stop symbol is notified, so that the player can appropriately recognize the stop symbol. In addition, in the case where an effect that fluctuates once after stopping is performed, it is known that even if the fluctuation stops, if the luminescent color or luminance does not change, it is possible to enter the re-fluctuation, so the change in the luminous color becomes an interest of the game. .
(8) When the symbols are in a specific arrangement, for example, when a specific arrangement such as a chance is established, the player can be notified of the specific arrangement by switching the emission color or luminance.
[0019]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the ball game machine according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the display surface covering member is in close contact with the display surface of the liquid crystal display device. Since the light from the liquid crystal display device passes through the display surface covering member without leaking, the effects of the first to seventh aspects can be improved.
[0020]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to examples of the present invention.
[0021]
【Example】
The present embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine which is a kind of a ball and ball game machine. The configuration of the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment, except for the game board (including mounted components) shown in FIG. Is omitted.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 1, a substantially circular game area 13 surrounded by an outer rail 11 and an inner rail 12 is formed on a game board 10 of the pachinko machine of the present embodiment.
A central device 14 is mounted at the center of the game area 13.
On the left side of the central device 14, two windmills 19 are installed vertically separated from each other, and a normal symbol operation gate 21 is installed in the middle of these windmills 19.
[0023]
A tulip-type ordinary electric accessory 22 is installed directly below the central device 14. The ordinary electric accessory 22 serves as a special symbol starting port. The normal electric accessory 22 is opened for a set time when a normal symbol lottery resulting from a game ball passing through the normal symbol operation gate 21 wins (when a normal symbol is displayed by the normal symbol display means). You. However, if there are three winnings during one opening, the opening ends even if the time has not been reached.
[0024]
On the left and right sides of the ordinary electric accessory 22, two ordinary winning openings 24 are respectively arranged, and below the ordinary electric accessory 22, a large winning prize device having a large winning opening 25 opened and closed by an opening / closing plate 25 a. 27 are provided, and an out hole 28 is provided at the bottom of the board. Note that a large number of game nails are planted on the game board 10, but these are well-known, so that illustration and description thereof will be omitted.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 2, the central device 14 has an upper structure portion 32 provided with a warp entrance 31, a warp passage (not shown), and the like, and a game ball which has passed through the warp passage in a substantially elliptical shape is played. And a lower structure portion 34 provided with a stage 33 and the like dropped from the lower portion.
[0026]
A display window 35 is provided in the lower structure portion 34, and four special figure reserve LEDs 36 are provided along the upper side of the display window 35.
The display surface 51 of the liquid crystal display device 50 is arranged inside the display window 35. However, since the display surface 51 is covered with the transparent synthetic resin display surface covering member 52, the player sees the display surface 51 (image to be displayed) through the display surface covering member 52. FIG. 2B shows a state in which the display surface covering member 52 has been removed for reference.
[0027]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the liquid crystal display device 50 includes a liquid crystal panel 53, a frame member 54 holding the liquid crystal panel 53, a control circuit unit 55 attached behind the frame member 54, and the like. As shown in FIG. 5, the display surface covering member 52 is in close contact with the display surface 51 of the liquid crystal panel 53, and the entire display area of the display surface 51 is covered with the display surface covering member 52. As shown in FIG. 3, the display surface covering member 52 is fitted in the fitting window 54a of the frame member 54 and is held by the frame member 54.
[0028]
The structure of the display surface covering member 52 is as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, and the outer diameter is substantially rectangular, but a semicircular ear 57 is provided at the upper part of the left and right sides. These ears 57 serve as positioning members (which define the top and bottom) when fitting into the fitting window 54a.
On the surface of the display surface covering member 52 (the surface facing the player in use), there is provided a partitioning portion 58 protruding forward, and the grid-like partitioning portion 58 provides three symbol display windows 59 of the same shape. Nine locations are formed in a × 3 matrix, and one excess window 61 is formed above and below each of the nine locations. As shown in FIG. 7B, the outer peripheral portion 62 outside the partitioning portion 58, the symbol display window 59, and the surplus window 61 have the same plate thickness, and the display surface covering member 52 is provided on one surface of one plate. 58 has a protruding shape.
[0029]
Next, the light emission control of the partition unit 58 (strictly, the display control of the liquid crystal panel 53) in this pachinko machine will be described.
[Emission control example 1]
First, the display mode of the liquid crystal display device 50 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0030]
FIG. 8B is an explanatory view of the display of the liquid crystal display device 50 with the display surface covering member 52 removed, and the display surface 51 of the liquid crystal panel 53 is exposed inside the fitting window 54a.
In FIG. 8B, a grid-like portion indicated by a dark color is a partition display area 68, a nine-part rectangular display area partitioned by the partition display area 68 is a symbol display area 69, and two vertically elongated slender rectangles. The display area is a surplus display area 71, which matches the partition 58, the symbol display window 59, and the surplus window 61 of the display surface covering member 52, respectively.
[0031]
The symbol display area 69 has a size capable of displaying one special symbol 72, and can display nine special symbols 72 as a whole. However, since the blank symbol 73 is also displayed together with the special symbol 72, not all the symbol display areas 69 are filled with one special symbol 72.
[0032]
FIG. 8 shows a state in which the special symbol 72 is statically displayed, but a well-known variable display is also performed. In the variable display according to the present embodiment, each symbol horizontally scrolls from right to left. Further, the variable display is caused by the fact that the ordinary electric accessory 22 has been won (occurrence of the start winning) as in the well-known first-class pachinko machine, and it is determined whether or not a big hit is based on the random number acquired at the time of the starting winning. The result of the determination is shown by a special symbol 72 which is determined and displayed after the change display. If the special symbol 72 confirmed and displayed is a big hit symbol (in the case of the present embodiment, three same special symbols 72 are arranged in a vertical or diagonal line), it is a big hit and is the same as a well-known first-class pachinko machine. A jackpot game (special game) is executed. As in the case of the well-known first-class pachinko machine, the holding storage related to the start winning is performed, and the number of the holding storage is indicated by the lighting number of the above-mentioned special drawing holding LED 36.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 8B, a partition display area 68, a symbol display area 69, and a surplus display area 71 are displayed in alignment with the partition section 58, the symbol display window 59, and the surplus window 61, respectively. Since 68 is displayed in a different color from the symbol display area 69 and the surplus display area 71, the boundary between the symbol display areas 69 can be clearly notified.
[0034]
Moreover, when the display surface covering member 52 is mounted as shown in FIG. 8A, the light of the liquid crystal display device 50 (the liquid crystal panel 53) is transmitted through the partition 58 and radiated forward. The partition 58 appears to emit soft light. Therefore, the visual aesthetics can be improved as compared with the case where the partition display area 68 displayed on the liquid crystal display device 50 is viewed as it is. Further, depending on the display control of the liquid crystal display device 50, the partition display area 68 overlapping with the partition section 58 and the other parts (the symbol display area 69 and the surplus display area 71) are set to be in a light emitting state in which the light emission is not distinguished. The visibility of the partition 58 can be controlled accordingly.
[Example 2 of light emission control]
As described above, the jackpot game (special game) is executed following the display of the jackpot symbol. At this time, the condition device needs to be continuously operated in order to open the jackpot 25 continuously. . Specifically, any of the game balls that have won the opened special winning opening 25 needs to win a specific area, and if the special winning area has been won, the closed special winning opening 25 is closed again. It will be opened and will not be reopened after closing unless it has won a specific area (special game will end). Note that even if the player wins the specific area, the special winning opening 25 is not opened more than the upper limit number of times (for example, 16 rounds). In other words, whether or not a specific area is won when the special winning opening 25 is opened is a matter that the player cares greatly.
[0035]
In the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9A, a special winning opening 26a (corresponding to a specific area) and a general winning opening 26b are provided inside the special winning opening 25, and the special winning opening 25 is provided. Always wins either the specific winning opening 26a or the general winning opening 26b. In FIG. 9A, the opening and closing plate 25a is omitted to clearly show the inside of the special winning opening 25.
[0036]
Then, in this embodiment, when a winning in the specific winning opening 26a is detected, the emission color of the partition 58 (partition display area 68) changes (switches). Thereby, the player can clearly recognize the winning in the specific winning opening 26a, that is, the continuation of the jackpot game. Moreover, at this time, it is not necessary to keep an eye on the display surface 51 of the liquid crystal display device 50.
[Emission control example 3]
In the pachinko machine of the present embodiment, as described above, the holding storage related to the start winning is performed, and the number (the number of the holding storage) is indicated by the lighting number of the special figure holding LED 36. The fluctuation time of the symbol changes. More specifically, the variation time is reduced to 11 seconds when the number of pending storages is 0 to 3, and the variation time is reduced to 4 seconds when the number of pending storages is four. However, this does not apply in the case of reach.
[0037]
Then, as shown in FIG. 10, when the number of reserved storages is three or less (FIG. 10 (a)) and when the number of reserved storages is four (FIG. 10 (b)), the partitioning unit 58 (partition display area 68) The emission color changes (can be switched). Thereby, the player can clearly recognize the state (long and short) of the fluctuation time. In addition, since the number of reserved memories becomes four and the light emission color of the partition part 58 (partition display area 68) changes, the reserved part is full (that is, the reserved part is not stored even if a start winning prize occurs in that state). Is notified, the effect of preventing the disadvantage of the player can be expected.
[0038]
Note that the change in the emission color of the partition 58 (partition display area 68) due to the number of reserved storages having become four may be performed simultaneously with the lighting of the four special figure reserve LEDs 36, or the variation time may be changed. It may be performed when the shortened fluctuation is started.
In addition, the above-described fluctuation time (11 seconds, 4 seconds) is an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto.
[Emission control example 4]
In the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment, when the special symbol 72 is stopped and displayed in a specific arrangement (chance chance) (not a complete stop but a temporary stop), an effect that further fluctuates and develops to reach is performed. There is. The chance eye is a complete gap which does not itself reach, for example, an arrangement of “773” rising to the left as shown in FIG. Needless to say, there is no limitation on the arrangement (configuration of the special symbol 72) and the line set as the chance eyes.
[0039]
Then, when the vehicle stops at an arrangement where there is a possibility of developing into reach at the chance, the change (switching) of the emission color of the partition 58 (partition display area 68) determines whether or not to develop from there. Be informed. For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, when there is a possibility that the vehicle stops at the chance (here, “773”) and then reaches a reach, the partition 58 (see FIG. 10B). The emission color of the partition display area 68) is changed. By the change of the light emission color of the partition 58 (partition display area 68), it is possible to notify the player of the specific arrangement (chance).
[0040]
Also, besides the chances, it is possible to expand the range of effects such as notifying the possibility of a big hit if it changes to a specific emission color or notifying which reach from multiple reach by the emission color it can.
[Example of partition structure]
The partition 58 of the embodiment has a trapezoidal cross section as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, but as illustrated in FIG. 12 (a), a fine pattern is formed on the back surface (the surface on the display surface 51 side) of the partition 58. By providing the unevenness (knurled in the illustrated example) 58 a, the light incident from the display surface 51 can be diffused from the partition 58. The light emission width of the emission color can be expanded by such diffusion.
[0041]
Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 12B, by forming the partitioning portion 58 into a shape that functions as a condensing lens, light that originally diffuses can be extracted from the partitioning portion 58 in a collected state. By condensing light in this way, the emission color can be further sharpened. Note that the partitioning portion 58 may be shaped to be a diffusion lens to achieve the same effect as in FIG.
[Example of partition shape]
In the embodiment, the partitioning portion 58 is formed in a lattice shape so that the symbol display window 59 has a 3 × 3 matrix shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 13A, the display surface 51 is divided into three along the vertical direction. Thus, a shape in which three symbol display windows 59a are formed, and a shape in which the display surface 51 is divided into three along the horizontal direction to form three symbol display windows 59b as shown in FIG. Further, the partition is not limited to the three divisions, and the partition can be formed according to the number of special symbols to be displayed. That is, in many cases, the hit / fail judgment is performed in the arrangement of the symbols 1 to 9, so that the partitioning section may be also correspondingly divided according to the number of the symbols used for the hit / fail judgment.
[0042]
Further, as shown in FIG. 14A, the partition 58 is provided on the display surface 51 with a special symbol display window 75a corresponding to a special symbol display area 75 in which the variable display and the fixed display are performed, and the normal symbol variation. It is also possible to adopt a shape that partitions off the ordinary symbol display window 76a corresponding to the ordinary symbol display area 76 on which display and confirmation display are performed.
[0043]
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 14 (b), a special symbol display window 75a corresponding to the special symbol display area 75 and a start-reserved number display area 77 (instead of the special- figure reserved LED 36) in which the number of retained memories is displayed on the display surface 51. ) May be formed so as to divide the start-pending-number display window 77a corresponding to the start-up number.
[0044]
13 and 14 show examples of the partition shape by the partition unit 58. The display form by the liquid crystal display device 50, for example, the special display variable display form, the normal symbol display position, and the display of the number of reserved storages An appropriate partition shape can be obtained according to the position, the display mode, and the like.
[0045]
As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described according to the examples. However, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to such examples, and can be variously implemented without departing from the gist of the present invention.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the central device of the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the liquid crystal display device of the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the liquid crystal display device of the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a side view of the liquid crystal panel of the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the display surface covering member of the embodiment.
7A and 7B are a front view and a cross-sectional view of a display surface covering member according to an embodiment.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a light emission control example 1.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a light emission control example 2.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a third example of light emission control.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a light emission control example 4.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a structural example of a partition.
FIG. 13 is an exemplary view of a partition shape of a partition portion.
FIG. 14 is another exemplary view of the partition shape of the partition portion.
[Explanation of symbols]
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 gaming board 13 game area 14 central device 22 ordinary motorized accessory 25 large winning opening 26a specific winning opening 35 display window 50 liquid crystal display device 51 display surface 52 display surface covering member 53 liquid crystal panel 58 partitioning section 59 design display window 61 surplus window 68 Partition display area 69 Symbol display area 71 Surplus display area 72 Special symbol

Claims (8)

In a ball game machine equipped with a liquid crystal display device,
A display surface covering member that is made of a light-transmitting synthetic resin and has a forwardly convex partition portion in a shape overlapping a boundary of a plurality of display areas displayed on the display surface of the liquid crystal display device, A ball game machine characterized by being arranged on the front side of a surface. The ball game machine according to claim 1,
The above-mentioned partition part is formed in the shape which diffuses or condenses light from the back, The ball game machine characterized by the above-mentioned. The ball game machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The ball game machine, wherein the partition is a partition between symbol display areas corresponding to one symbol. The ball game machine according to claim 1,
The ball game machine, wherein the partition section is a partition between a special figure start suspension display area and another display area. The ball game machine according to claim 1,
A ball game machine, wherein the partition is a partition between a symbol display area and another display area. The ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a light emitting color or brightness at a boundary portion of the display area is different from that of the surrounding area. The ball game machine according to claim 6,
A ball game machine characterized by switching a light emission color or luminance at a boundary portion of the display area according to a switching condition. 8. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the display surface covering member is in close contact with a display surface of the liquid crystal display device.

Images