JP2005192648A - Pinball machine and cover unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the interest of a player from being lost as advancing a game by a new performance unlike before. <P>SOLUTION: A pinball machine is provided with a first transparent plate member 61, a second transparent plate member 62 and a light emitting decoration plate 65 in a thin plate shape. The first transparent plate member 61 is arranged facing the surface of a game board and covers a game area. The second transparent plate member 62 is arranged facing the outer surface 61a of the first transparent plate member 61 and sections a planar space 68 with the first transparent plate member 61. The light emitting decoration plate 65 is provided with an EL illuminant sheet 78 and a cell sheet 79 arranged on the surface of the EL illuminant sheet 78, to which desired design is performed, and is arranged in the planar space 68. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine and a cover unit.

  In general, a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine is provided with a launching device that launches a game ball by a handle operation, and the game ball fired by this launching device passes through a specific winning opening (start winning prize opening). In response to this, the change of the special symbol displayed on the variable display device (electronic winning / losing lottery) is started. When the winning / losing lottery is won, a combination of predetermined special symbols is displayed on the variable display device, and a jackpot gaming state advantageous to the player is generated. In the jackpot gaming state, the special winning opening (big winning opening) opens and closes to accept gaming balls, so that the player can acquire many winning balls.

  Note that the related prior art recognized by the applicant is not related to the literature known invention, so prior art document information is not described.

  However, conventional ball game machines have been enhanced in the game by attracting the player's interest by directing them using electrical decorations and variable display devices provided on the game board. As the game progressed, the player's interests were often lost. In addition, it is necessary to change the electrical decoration and the variable display device according to the model, which is costly and troublesome.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to prevent the player's interest from being lost as the game progresses, and to a plurality of different models. Correspondingly, it is intended to provide a ball game machine and a cover unit which can be used universally.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a ball game machine that launches a game ball in a game area of a game board to play, and includes a first transparent plate member, a second transparent plate member, and a thin plate. And a light emitting decorative plate. The first transparent plate member is disposed to face the surface of the game board and covers the game area. The second transparent plate member is disposed to face the outer surface of the first transparent plate member, and partitions a plate-like space between the second transparent plate member and the first transparent plate member. The light emitting decorative plate includes a planar light emitting sheet and a design sheet disposed on the surface of the planar light emitting sheet, and the first and second transparent plate members disposed in the plate space. opposite.

  In the above configuration, the game area of the game board is covered with the first and second transparent plate members and the light emitting decorative plate (planar light emitter sheet and design sheet). When the planar light emitting sheet is caused to emit light, the irradiated light is transmitted through the design sheet, and the design applied to the design sheet appears to shine. That is, a simple configuration in which a planar light emitting sheet and a design sheet are arranged at a desired position in a plate-like space defined by the first and second transparent plate members and a desired design is applied to the design sheet. By this, it is possible to make it appear that a desired design is surface emitting in a desired region of the second transparent plate member that is separated from the surface of the game board. For example, by applying a multi-color design that changes the color tone by silk printing etc. to the design sheet partially or entirely, the second transparent plate member will appear to be emitting multi-color surface light. And can produce illumination graphics. Therefore, it is possible to perform innovative effects that are not found in conventional ball game machines, surprising effects, effects that are in tune with or harmonized with game balls existing in the game area, etc. It is possible to prevent the player's interest from being lost as the game progresses.

  By designing the design of the design sheet in combination with other light emitters placed on the game board, it is possible to produce light effects in combination with other light emitters, and in the wide area that was not possible in the past Since the planar light emission can be performed, the range of production is further expanded.

  Since the plate-like space is partitioned by the first and second transparent plate members separated from the surface of the game board, and the light-emitting decorative board is arranged in this plate-like space, it is subject to restrictions on the configuration on the game board side. And a light-emitting decorative plate can be provided. For example, even when a sufficient space cannot be secured on the surface of the game board, it is possible to obtain a decoration effect by a light emitting decorative board having a desired size. Also, different types of ball game machines can be obtained by arranging light emitting decoration boards (design sheets) having different designs on a plurality of game boards having the same configuration. As a result, it is possible to share a game board among different types of ball game machines, and to reduce manufacturing costs and development man-hours by reducing the number of parts. In addition, it is possible to easily cope with model changes and specification changes. Furthermore, since it can be easily applied to a conventional general game board without changing the basic configuration of the conventional ball game machine on the game board side, it is highly versatile.

  Since the design sheet can be disposed close to the planar light-emitting body sheet, the design sheet can be made to emit light sufficiently efficiently in a state where the luminance of light emission is suppressed. For this reason, the product life of the planar light emitting sheet can be extended, and variations in the life between products can be suppressed.

  The light-emitting decorative board is disposed in a plate-like space defined by the first and second transparent plate members, and the first transparent plate member exists between the light-emitting decorative board and the game board, and the first transparent The inner surface of the plate member faces the game board. Therefore, the game ball is not in direct contact with the light-emitting decorative plate, and damage to the light-emitting decorative plate can be prevented.

  Further, the ball game machine includes a frame-shaped first frame that supports the peripheral portion of the first transparent plate member, a frame-shaped second frame that supports the peripheral portion of the second transparent plate member, The first frame and the second frame may be openably and closably connected to an open position for opening the plate-like space and a closed position for closing.

  In the said structure, the light emission decoration board can be easily attached or detached with respect to plate-shaped space by making the 1st and 2nd frame into an open position.

  Further, when at least one of the first and second frames, the planar light-emitting body sheet, and the design sheet are arranged in the front area with respect to the game board, the light-emitting decorative board is in the game area. A positioning attachment portion for positioning the planar light emitting sheet and the design sheet with respect to the first and second frames may be provided so as to be disposed in the front region corresponding to the structure.

  In the above configuration, since the planar light emitting sheet and the design sheet are positioned with respect to the first and second frames by the positioning attachment portion, the mounting work of the planar light emitting sheet and the design sheet in the plate-like space is facilitated. It can be carried out.

  In addition, the ball game machine determines whether or not to give a game profit that is at least advantageous to the player based on a specific winning port arranged on the surface of the game board and a winning of the game ball to the specific winning port. Control means for performing lottery and controlling the light emission state of the planar light emitter sheet based on the lottery result and the design of the design sheet, and communication connection means for releasably connecting the control means and the planar light emitter sheet The planar light emitting sheet may be removable along with the disconnection of the communication connection means.

  In the said structure, a planar light-emitting body sheet | seat is removable from plate-shaped space with the connection cancellation | release of a communication connection means. That is, by releasing the communication connection means, the light emitting decoration board (planar light emitter sheet) can be removed from the plate space while the first and second transparent plate members are connected to the game board side, or the light emission can be performed. The 1st and 2nd transparent board member can be removed from the game board side with the state provided with the decoration board. Therefore, the replacement work can be easily performed when the planar light-emitting sheet breaks down, when the light-emitting pattern (light-emitting area) of the planar light-emitting sheet is changed, or when the design sheet is changed. .

  The control means may include a light emission drive control device that drives and controls the planar light emitter sheet, and the light emission drive control device may be attached to at least one of the first and second frames.

  In the said structure, the drive voltage and frequency of a planar light-emitting body sheet | seat can be adjusted with a light emission drive control apparatus so that the balance of a brightness | luminance and a lifetime may become favorable.

  Since the light emission drive control device is attached to at least one of the first and second frames, the light emission drive control device can be easily inspected or replaced when a failure occurs.

  Since the light emission drive control device can be connected to the test control device and inspected in advance, it is possible to discriminate defective products before incorporating them into a ball game machine.

  The first transparent plate member, the second transparent plate member, and the light emitting decorative plate may be assembled as a cover unit.

  In the above configuration, when the light emitting decoration plate (planar light emitter sheet) is replaced due to a model change or failure, the cover unit can be replaced, and the workability is further improved.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform a novel effect that is not found in conventional ball game machines, an unexpected effect, an effect that is in tune with or in harmony with a game ball or the like existing in the game area, etc. Thus, the player's interest can be prevented from being lost as the game progresses. In addition, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs and development man-hours by reducing the number of parts, and to easily cope with model changes and specification changes.

  Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of a ball game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This ball game machine is installed in a place such as a game machine installation store, and a player plays a game based on the supply of game balls.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a prepaid card purchased by a player from a game machine-installed store is paid into a prepaid card unit (hereinafter referred to as a CR unit) 1 by paying a value such as cash. Thus, the configuration and operation of a gaming machine in which a player plays a game in the form of borrowing a game ball used for the game will be described. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine is electronic when a borrowed game ball is received in a predetermined winning opening (start chucker, starting winning opening) 2 and enters a winning state. If the result of the lottery is selected and the result of the lottery is a win, the game ball is easy to win the special winning opening (large winning opening) 3 so that the gaming state is advantageous to the player from the normal gaming state. This is a bullet ball game machine (hereinafter referred to as a game machine). However, the present invention is not limited to the gaming machine of the present embodiment. For example, in the Law on the Optimization of Customs Business and the Law on the Suitability of Business (Fair Management Optimization Act) and the Law Enforcement Regulations, the pachinko game It is applicable to gaming machines that are classified as machines.

[Outline of gaming machine structure]
The gaming machine of this embodiment has an outer frame (wooden frame) 4, a main body member (main body) 5, an opening frame door 6, a game board 7, a door 8 with a ball tray, a ball tray 9, and a rotating type as external structures. An operation handle (ball launching handle) 10, a ball lending-related operation unit 11, a stored ball discharge operation button 12 for the ball tray 9, and the like are provided on the front side thereof. In addition, this gaming machine has, as an internal structure, a main control device 13, a sub-control device 14, a game ball payout device 15, a ball lending signal control device 16, a movable object control device 17, a collection passage member 18, a storage tank 19, A passage member (prize ball opening) 20 used when paying out game balls, and a power supply device 21, a firing control device 22, a firing drive device 23, and the like are provided on the rear surface side.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described in detail in the order of an external structure, an internal structure, a game area configuration, and an electrical configuration with reference to FIGS.

[External structure]
First, the external structure of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The outer frame 4 is a wooden frame member having a vertical rectangular shape for fixing to an installation location (island facilities or the like) provided in a gaming machine installation sales shop.

  The main body member 5 is a member that is provided inside the outer frame 4 and serves as a longitudinal rectangular gaming machine base body that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 4 via a hinge portion 26. Moreover, the main body member 5 is formed in a frame shape and has a space portion inside.

  The opening frame door 6 has a lock function 25 and is attached to the front surface of the main body member 5 on the front side of the gaming machine so as to be openable and closable via a hinge portion 26, and is configured in a frame shape. This is a door member having an opening 27 inside thereof. The opening frame door 6 is provided with a cover unit 28 which will be described later so as to face the opening 27, and an electric decoration 29 and a speaker 30 are attached in the vicinity of the opening 27.

  The game board 7 has a game area 31 on its board surface, and is detachably attached to the main body member 5 using a predetermined fixing member so as to face the space of the main body member 5. The game area 31 can be observed from the opening 27 after the game board 7 is mounted on the main body member 5.

The door 8 with a ball tray is a door member attached to the lower side of the main body member 5 on the front surface of the gaming machine so as to have a lock function and be openable and closable. In the present embodiment, the following members are attached to the door 8 with a ball tray.
(1) A ball tray 9 in which a plurality of game balls can be stored and a passage for guiding the game balls to the firing drive device 23 is provided.
(2) A rotary operation handle 10 having a game ball launch stop button 10a for launching a game ball guided to the launch drive device 23 to a game area 31 provided on the surface of the game board 7. .
(3) A ball lending-related operation unit 11 including buttons for instructing a prepaid card reading process and a lending process related to a game ball borrowed by a player (hereinafter referred to as a lending ball).
(4) A stored ball discharge operation button 12 for the ball receiving tray 9 for allowing the player to discharge the game balls stored in the ball receiving tray 9 to a game ball collecting container (common name, dollar box).

  As shown in FIG. 8, the cover unit 28 includes a first transparent plate member 61, a second transparent plate member 62, a frame-shaped first frame 63, and a body-shaped second frame 64. And a light emitting decorative board 65 having a thin plate shape and an inverter board 66 as a light emission drive control device. The first and second transparent plate members 61 and 62 are made of glass or resin, and the peripheral portions thereof are fixed to the first and second frames 63 and 64 by adhesion or the like, respectively. The first transparent plate member 61 and the second transparent plate member 62 have substantially the same size and shape.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the first frame 63 and the second frame 64 are rotatably connected at one side edge by two upper and lower hinges 67, thereby opening and closing. Two other upper and lower engaging projections 69 are formed on the other side edge of the first frame 63, and two upper and lower flexible locking points corresponding to the engaging projections 69 are formed on the other side edge of the second frame 64. A frame 70 is formed. In the closed position shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the first frame 63 and the second frame 64 overlap with each other in contact or close proximity, and the outer surface 61a of the first transparent plate member 61 (the game area 31 side is the inner surface 61b). And the inner surface 62b of the second transparent plate member 62 (the player side is referred to as the outer surface 62a) are disposed substantially in parallel to each other, and a plate-like shape is formed between the first and second transparent plate members 61 and 62. A space 68 is defined. The plate-like space 68 functions as an air layer that accommodates the light emitting decorative plate 65 and prevents the first and second transparent plate members 61 and 62 from being fogged. Further, the engaging projection 69 is inserted into the flexible locking frame 70 and engaged with each other, whereby the first and second frames 63 and 64 are held in the closed position. When the engagement between the engagement protrusion 69 and the flexible locking frame 70 is released and the first and second frames 63 and 64 are moved from the closed position to the open position, the plate-like space 68 is opened.

  Two upper and lower connecting portions 71 are formed on one side edge of the first frame 63, and two upper and lower cover support portions 72 (shown in FIG. 5) corresponding to the connecting portion 71 are formed on the opening frame door 6. Is formed. As shown in FIG. 13, each connecting portion 71 has a rotation support shaft 73 projecting downward, and each cover support portion 72 has a shaft support hole 74 that rotatably supports the rotation support shaft 73. . By attaching the rotation support shaft 71 to the shaft support hole 74, the cover unit 28 is rotatably connected to the opening frame door 6.

  On the other side edge of the second frame 64, two upper and lower lock pieces 75 are formed. As shown in FIG. 5, the opening frame door 6 has two upper and lower cover fixing portions corresponding to the lock pieces 75. 76 is rotatably provided. Each cover fixing portion 76 has a locking piece 77 with the lock piece 75, and each cover fixing portion is in a state where the second frame 64 is in contact with or close to the peripheral portion on the back surface side of the opening 27 of the opening frame door 6. By rotating 76 and engaging each locking piece 77 with each locking piece 75, the rotational movement of the cover unit 28 is restricted and fixed to the opening frame door 6. In this state, by closing the opening frame door 6, the cover unit 28 (the inner surface 61 b of the first transparent plate member 61) is disposed opposite to the surface of the game board 7 to cover the game area 31, and the second transparent plate The outer surface 62a of the member 62 is exposed to the player side.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the light emitting decorative plate 65 includes an EL (ElectroLuminescence) light emitting sheet 78 as a planar light emitting sheet, and a cell sheet as a design sheet that is detachably stacked on the surface of the EL light emitting sheet 78. 79, is disposed in a plate-like space 68 (shown in FIG. 12), and opposes the first and second transparent plate members 61 and 62. The EL light emitter sheet 78 is ultra-thin (for example, a thickness of about 0.05 mm) and emits light entirely or partially. The cell sheet 79 is obtained by applying a design (for example, a three-dimensional graphic design) to the surface of a transparent resin sheet such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) by silk printing, and covers the entire surface of the EL light emitter sheet 78. The design of the cell sheet 79 is detachably disposed corresponding to the light emitting area of the EL light emitting sheet 78. Further, by providing the design of the cell sheet 79 with light-shielding properties, partial light emission by masking is possible, and only a partial region can be replaced. In addition, the example of the design of the cell sheet 79 is shown in FIG.16 and FIG.17.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of (in this embodiment, five) recesses 80 are formed on the surface of the first frame 63 (on the outer surface 61 a side of the first transparent plate member 61) as positioning attachment portions. In the EL light emitting sheet 78 and the cell sheet 79, a plurality (five places in the present embodiment) of projecting piece portions 81 and 82 as positioning mounting portions projecting outward from the respective peripheral portions correspond to the concave portions 80. Is formed. Each recess 80 has a protrusion 83, and each protrusion piece 81, 82 has a protrusion insertion hole 84, 85 through which the protrusion 83 is inserted. On the inner peripheral surface 63a of the first frame 63, the peripheral portions of the light emitting decoration plate 65 are arranged at positions shifted in the circumferential direction and the width direction alternately, and the outer peripheral side of the light emitting decorative plate 65 (the side facing the second transparent plate member 62). ) And the inner surface side (the side facing the first transparent plate-like member 61) and a temporary holding protrusion 86 and a protruding piece 87 are formed (the peripheral portion of the light emitting decorative plate 65 protrudes from the temporary holding protrusion 86). The state inserted and pinched between the pieces 87 is shown in FIG. Each projecting piece 87 of the light emitting decorative plate 65 is disposed so as to face a contact portion 90 of a second frame 64 described later. As shown in FIG. 9, the back surface of the second frame 64 (the inner surface 62b side of the second transparent plate member 62) has a plurality of projections (five locations in the present embodiment) with respect to the recesses 80 of the first frame 63. A portion 88 is formed. Each protrusion 88 has a protrusion insertion hole 89 into which the protrusion 83 is inserted. A contact portion 90 that protrudes toward the first frame 63 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the second frame 64. The abutting portion 90 has a function of sandwiching the light emitting decorative plate 65 with the projecting piece 87 of the first frame 63 in a state where the first and second frames 63 and 64 are fixed at the closed position.

  The first and second frames 63 and 64 are set in the open position, the protruding pieces 81 and 82 are accommodated in the recess 80, the protrusions 83 of the protrusion insertion holes 84 and 85 are inserted, and the EL light emitter. By inserting the peripheral portions of the sheet 78 and the cell sheet 79 between the temporary holding protrusions 86 and the protrusions 87, the light emitting decoration plate 65 (EL light emitter sheet 78 and cell sheet 79) is attached to the first frame 63. Positioned and held. Then, when the first and second frames 63 and 64 are moved from the open position to the closed position, the convex portions 88 of the second frame 64 are accommodated in the concave portions 80 of the first frame 63, and the protrusions 83. Are inserted into the protrusion insertion holes 89, and the contact portion 90 of the second frame 64 presses the outer surface of the light emitting decorative plate 65 (the surface of the cell sheet 79) (shown in FIGS. 12 and 14). As a result, the light emitting decoration plate 65 is fixed to the first and second frames 63 and 64, and the light emitting decoration plate 65 against the first and second frames 63 and 64 is pressed by the contact portion 90. Shaking is prevented. In this state, the first frame 63 and the second frame 64 are fixed, the cover unit 28 is fixed to the opening frame door 6, and the opening frame door 6 is closed, so that the cover unit 28 is in front of the game board 7. Arranged in the area, the light emitting decoration board 65 is arranged in the front area corresponding to the structure of the game area 31 (special prize opening 2, special prize opening 3, variable display device 34, etc.).

  In the present embodiment, the positioning attachment (recess 80) and the like are provided on the first frame 63, but these may be provided on the second frame 64.

  An inverter accommodating portion 91 on which the inverter board 66 is mounted is integrally formed on the upper portion of the first frame 63. The inverter board 66 includes an inverter circuit that changes the drive voltage (for example, 50 v to 100 v) and the frequency in order to maintain the balance between the luminance and the life of the EL light emitter sheet 78. An inverter cover 92 that covers the inverter board 66 is attached to the inverter accommodating portion 91.

  Communication connection is made between the upper edge of the EL light emitter sheet 78 and the inverter board 66 and between the inverter board 66 and the relay connection portion 94b (see FIG. 15) of the main controller 13 on the opening frame door 6 side. They are electrically connected by harnesses 93 and 94 as means. The harness 93 is detachably connected to the inverter board 66, and the harness 94 is detachably connected to the relay connection portion 94b on the opening frame door 6 side. By removing the harness 93 from the inverter board 66, the EL light emitter sheet 78 can be detached from the first frame 63. Also, by removing the harness 94 from the relay connection portion 94b on the opening frame door 6 side, the electrical connection (interface for supplying power, transmitting control signals, etc.) between the cover unit 28 side and the opening frame door 6 side is released. The cover unit 28 can be detached from the opening frame door 6 by releasing the connection between the connection portion 71 and the cover support portion 72.

  The cell sheet 79 is attached to the EL light emitter sheet 78, the cell sheet 79 is attached to the second transparent plate member 62, or the EL light emitter sheet 61 is attached to the first transparent plate member 61. May be. Further, the EL light emitter sheet 78 and the cell sheet 79 may be partially disposed in the plate-like space 68, or a plurality of EL light emitter sheets 78 and cell sheets 79 may be disposed at adjacent positions or separated positions.

[Internal structure]
Next, the internal structure of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The main control device 13 functions as a control means according to the present invention, and is provided via the main body member 5 or the game board 7 or a support member provided to these. The main control device 13 performs electric game control processing and generates main processing information.

  The sub-control device 14 is provided via the main body member 5 or the game board 7 or a support member provided to them, and performs control to execute a predetermined output mode process according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. Device. In addition, although mentioned later in detail, the sub control apparatus 14 has the symbol control apparatus 14a, the lamp control apparatus 14b, the audio | voice control apparatus 14c, and the payout control apparatus 14d. The lamp control device 14b functions as a control unit according to the present invention together with the main control device 13.

  The game ball payout device 15 is a device provided with a drive source for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as a game profit (hereinafter referred to as a prize ball) in accordance with the establishment of a predetermined winning condition.

  The ball lending signal control device 16 controls the prepaid card reading process and the lending lending process.

  The movable object control device 17 has a plurality of movable objects (for example, a movable piece 44, a movable door 45, a prize area distribution item, an effect, etc.) arranged in the game area 31 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control apparatus 13. A moving object for operation) is provided individually corresponding to a plurality of movable objects. The movable object control device 17 of the present embodiment includes a movable piece drive device, a movable door drive device, a winning area distribution drive device, and an effect moving object drive device.

  The collection passage member 18 is a passage for collecting the game balls that have been launched into the game area 31 provided on the surface of the game board 7 by the rotary operation handle 10 to the back side of the game board 7 (common name, collective bowl). It is the member which becomes.

  The passage member 20 used when paying out the game ball is a member that serves as a passage for guiding a winning ball or a rental ball to the ball tray 9.

  The power supply device 21 is a device that supplies power to each control device in the gaming machine in response to power being turned on.

  When an operation for launching a game ball to the game area 31 is performed via the rotary operation handle 10, the launch control device 22 launches 100 play balls in one minute. And the like, and the launching intensity of the game ball is adjusted in accordance with the amount of rotation of the rotary operation handle 10.

  The launch drive device 23 is a device that activates the launch drive unit for the game ball in accordance with launch control by the launch control device 22 and launches the game ball into the game area 31.

[Composition of game area]
Next, the configuration of the game area 31 of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The game area 31 is partitioned and formed so as to be substantially circular by a guide rail 32 and a game ball regulation rail 33 for sliding the game ball, and regulates the movement range of the game ball launched by the rotary operation handle 10. It is an area. The game ball regulation rail 33 is configured to be continuously connected to the guide rail 32, and the guide rail 32 and the game ball regulation rail 33 are spirally arranged on the board surface of the game board 7 as a whole. .

  Further, in the game area 31, a variable display device (special symbol display device) 34, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display device 35, a stage 36, a predetermined winning port (general winning port) 37, a predetermined passing port (through chucker). 38, an out port 39, a game nail (not shown), a windmill 40, a specific reservation number display lamp 41, a passage reservation number display lamp 42, an effect display lamp 43, and the like.

  The variable display device 34 has identification information in accordance with a result of an electronic winning lottery executed in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition (for example, winning a game ball into a predetermined winning opening). The display control device stops display after variably displaying the identification display information (for example, a symbol, a character, a background image, etc.). The variable display device 34 may be a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, a drum display device, a dot matrix display device, a 7-segment display device, or an EL (ElectroLuminescence) display device. .

  The LED display device 35 is a device that displays various information to the player using LEDs. For example, a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, a game ball passes through a predetermined passage, etc.). In accordance with the result of the electronic winning lottery executed according to the above, the identification lighting information as identification information is variably displayed by the LED and then stopped and displayed.

  The stage 36 is a structure provided with a landing that allows the game ball to stay temporarily below the variable display device 34 and then allows the game ball to fall.

  The predetermined winning opening 37 is a structure provided with a plurality of openings at appropriate positions in the game area 31 and having openings for receiving the falling game balls. Note that the specific prize opening 2 and the special prize opening 3 are also included in the predetermined prize opening 37.

  Here, the specific winning opening 2 is one of a plurality of winning openings, and includes an electric movable piece 44 for expanding and contracting the opening range of the winning opening, and the game ball wins the winning opening. In response to this, the variable display device variably displays the identification display information, and is a winning opening for allowing the player to acquire a prize ball. The special winning opening 3 is one of a plurality of winning openings, and includes an electric movable door 45 that generates an open state that exposes the winning opening and a closed state that closes the winning opening. Is a winning opening that allows a player to acquire more prize balls than other winning openings in response to winning a winning opening. Hereinafter, a plurality of predetermined winning ports 37 other than the specific winning port 2 and the special winning port 3 are referred to as other winning ports 37.

  The predetermined passage 38 is a structure provided with a predetermined number of gates at appropriate positions in the game area 31 and through which a falling game ball passes.

  The out port 39 is a game ball collection opening provided at a position where the game balls that have not entered any of the predetermined winning ports 37 are converged.

  The game nail 53 is driven into an appropriate position on the board surface of the game board 7 in order to make the movement direction of the game ball irregular by contacting with the game ball or to regulate the movement direction of the game ball. It is a rod-shaped member.

  The windmill 40 is a rotating member that can rotate by contact with a game ball.

  The specific number-of-holds display lamp 41 is a light-emitting device that notifies a hold state related to the start of variable display after winning a prize to the specific winning opening 2 by turning on or off.

  The passing hold number display lamp 42 is a light emitting device that notifies the holding state relating to the start of variable display after the passage to the predetermined passage port 38 is turned on or off.

  The effect display lamp 43 is a light-emitting device that has various lighting modes according to changes in the gaming state after the power is turned on.

[Electrical configuration]
Next, the electrical configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment has, as an electrical configuration, a CR unit 1, a main control device 13, a sub control device 14, a ball lending signal control device 16, a movable object control device 17, a power supply device 21, and a launch control device 22. , A firing drive device 23, a detection sensor 47, a centralized management device 48, and the like. The configurations of the CR unit 1, the ball lending signal control device 16, the movable object control device 17, the power supply device 21, the launch control device 22, and the launch drive device 23 are as described above, and hence the description thereof is omitted below. To do.

  The main controller 13 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 13a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 13b for storing a predetermined control program (computer program), and a generated process. It consists of a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13c that temporarily stores information and deletes the stored information, a frequency generation circuit unit 13d that generates a periodic signal, and the like, and performs main information processing in the gaming machine. This is a device that performs processing and generates processing information to be input to the sub-control device 14.

  The sub-control device 14 includes a symbol control device 14a, a lamp control device 14b, a voice control device 14c, and a payout control device 14d, and performs predetermined output mode processing according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. The sub-control device 14 may be configured as a device for each output mode process, or may be configured by combining a plurality of output mode processes. Each control device constituting the sub-control device 14 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM so that the processing can be executed independently according to the processing information.

  Here, the symbol control device 14a is identified by controlling the variable display device 34 or the LED display device 35 via the video display processor (VDP) 50 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control device 13. It is a device that performs control to stop and display after lighting information or identification display information is variably displayed.

  The lamp control device 14b is used for effects provided in the electrical decorations 29 (including effect notification lamps, payout lamps, trouble lamps) and the game area 31 of the opening frame door 6 according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. This is a device that controls lighting of the display lamp (electric decoration) 43, or the specific hold number display lamp 41, the passing hold number display lamp 42, the EL light emitter sheet 78, and the like. The control with respect to the EL light emitter sheet 78 includes a change of the lighting area according to the design of the cell sheet 79. The information represented by the specific hold number display lamp 41 or the passing hold number display lamp 42 may be notified as identification display information by the variable display device 34.

  The voice control device 14c is a device that controls the voice generation device 51 such as the speaker 30 and the sound processor according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13 to generate voice.

  The payout control device 14d is a device that performs control for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls by the game ball payout device 15 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control device 13. Further, the payout control device 14d refers to the data information stored in the prepaid card read into the CR unit 1 via the ball lending signal control device 16 according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13, and determines a predetermined value. It is a device that performs control to pay out a number of rented balls and counts and manages the number of lent out balls.

  The detection sensor 47 includes a specific winning ball detection sensor 47a, a special winning ball detection sensor 47b, a winning specific area detection sensor 47c, a passing ball detection sensor 47d, other winning ball detection sensors 47e, a game ball payout detection sensor 47f, and an error detection. It is constituted by a sensor 47g. Each of the detection sensors includes a specific winning port 2, a special winning port 3, a winning specific region (for example, a region on the right side from the approximate center of the special winning port 3), a predetermined passing port 38, other winning ports 37, and a winning ball port. 20 and in the vicinity of the ball passage 49a of the ball passage member 49 where ball clogging is likely to occur, and detects whether or not a game ball has passed in each place.

  The centralized management device 48 is a device that manages processing information generated by the main control device 13 outside the gaming machine.

[Game machine operation]
Next, the operation of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described by dividing it into the operations of the main control device 13, the sub control device 14, and the movable object control device 17.

[Operation of main controller]
First, the operation of the main controller 13 that performs main game control will be described.

  The power supply device 21 supplies power to the electrical control device of the gaming machine in response to power being turned on. Then, when the power is supplied, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 checks the following necessary confirmation items as an initial setting, and checks whether or not the gaming machine is in an appropriate activated state.

  Here, the main routine processing in the present embodiment is executed by a control program (computer program) stored in advance in the ROM 13b provided in the main control device 13. Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 performs, as main routine processing, random number update processing, input detection reception processing, input management processing, abnormality monitoring processing, special symbol control processing, normal symbol control processing, lamp management processing, and preparation ball payout processing. External information management processing and output management processing are performed.

  The main routine processing is to generate a periodic timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) by frequency division setting based on a periodic signal generated by the frequency generation circuit unit 13d, and to match the generated timing pulse. The CPU 13a is a basic routine that repeatedly executes a control execution process including reading and updating of each of the processes, writing and storing, or deletion of the memory.

  Hereinafter, among the processes of the main routine process, a random number update process, an input detection reception process, an input management process, a special symbol control process, a normal symbol control process, a lamp management process, and an output management process will be described in detail.

"Random number update process"
The random number update process is a process of setting a lottery game process and a random number generation range composed of a group of a plurality of predetermined numerical groups for each individual type, and generating a random number based on this setting. The random number in the present embodiment is a random number generation program in which a random number generation range corresponding to each lottery game process is set (for example, the random number generation range for determination of success / failure is 0 to 699, the random number generation range for determining the variation pattern is 0 to 39, the display symbol determination random number generation range is 0 to 11 etc.), and means a numerical value when the numerical value is updated by +1 within the random number generation range according to the timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds). . The random number update process is not limited to a software process by a control program stored in the ROM 13b of the main control device 13, but a random number update process based on a random number generation unit that is a physical device provided outside. This random number may be taken into the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 to perform a random number extraction control process.

"Input detection reception process"
The input detection reception processing includes a specific winning ball detection sensor 47a, a special winning ball detection sensor 47b, a winning specific area detection sensor 47c, a passing ball detection sensor 47d, other winning ball detection sensors 47e, a game ball payout detection sensor 47f, and an error. This is a process of monitoring whether there is input information generated by the detection sensor 47g according to a timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) and receiving the input information from the sensor.

"Input management process"
The input management process analyzes the input information received by the input detection reception process, and, for example, according to the analysis result such as from which detection sensor the input signal is, Performs processing such as counting management of the number of game balls, time management from the time of reception related to winning detection until control processing based on the winning is started, abnormality monitoring processing, special symbol control processing, and normal symbol control processing described later In the lamp management process, the process result can be used as appropriate.

"Special symbol control process"
The special symbol control process performs an electronic winning / losing lottery (a jackpot lottery) in response to receiving input information from the specific winning ball detection sensor 47a provided in the vicinity of the specific winning opening 2, This is a process for making it easy for a game ball to win a special winning opening 3 so that a game state advantageous to the player (a big hit game state) is changed from the normal game state. In this special symbol control process, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 also performs a process related to display control of identification display information (hereinafter referred to as a special symbol) by the variable display device 34.

  Here, the special symbol is a plurality of pieces of identification information (for example, three symbols of left, middle, and right) that variably display the result of the success / failure lottery based on the winning of the game ball in the specific winning port 2. When the lottery result is a win, a plurality of identification information is displayed in a display mode stopped in a predetermined combination (for example, a state in which all three symbols of left, middle, and right are aligned with the same symbol) Thereby, it is notified that the game state (big hit game state) advantageous to the player has been shifted. In such a gaming state, a state in which more prize balls can be acquired in a shorter time than in the normal gaming state occurs continuously. On the other hand, if the lottery result is out of place, a plurality of pieces of identification information are stopped in a display mode other than a predetermined combination (for example, at least one of the three symbols of left, middle, and right is different from the other). Thus, it is notified that the normal gaming state is continuing.

  Moreover, the variable display in the special symbol is a mode in which a plurality of different special symbols (for example, 12 types) set in advance are periodically displayed at a predetermined speed in a plurality of display areas (for example, This is a display method performed in three ways (left, middle, right, etc.). Hereinafter, the effect in the variable display and the background fluctuation (including character display) accompanying the variable display is referred to as a notification effect.

  In this special symbol control process, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 receives the winning of a game ball in the specific winning opening 2 as a trigger, and determines whether or not the lottery results according to the comparison of predetermined numerical values by random number extraction and the lottery result. In order to perform such display control, a random number for determining whether or not to shift to an advantageous gaming state for determining whether or not to win (lottery) and a variable display according to the determination result of whether or not the variable display device 34 is used. Random number update processing generates a random number for determining a variation pattern for providing a notification effect and a random number for determining a special symbol for setting a stop display according to the determination result of the variable display device 34 in the same manner. To do. Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 individually reads the generated random numbers and stores them in the storage means as acquired random numbers.

  Further, in this special symbol control process, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 stores the condition on the condition that the preceding control process such as the notification effect process by the special symbol control has not already been performed at the time of obtaining the random number. The determination is made by comparing the acquired random number with a comparison value for success / failure preset in the table as a numerical distribution data group, and the result information is stored in the storage means.

  Next, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 stores the variation pattern comparison numerical value for winning or losing that has been classified and stored in advance in the table on the basis of the success / failure, and the stored obtained random number for determining the variation pattern. Then, by comparing and comparing according to the success / failure information stored in the storage unit, the determination of the variation pattern is performed, and the variation pattern information (pattern number) to be used for hitting or losing is stored in the storage unit.

  Further, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 compares special symbols in a stop display mode (for example, left / middle / right alignment mode) that is preliminarily classified and stored in the table based on whether or not it is correct. The special symbol determination is performed by comparing the stored numerical value and the stored random number for determining the special symbol with the stored determination information according to the variation pattern information to be used for hitting or losing. Each of the plurality of special symbols obtained from the result is individually stopped and displayed, and special symbol information (left, middle and right special symbol numbers) for hitting or losing is stored in the storage means.

  Here, comparing and comparing according to a table having a numerical value for fluctuation pattern comparison or a special symbol comparison numerical value and an acquired random number corresponding thereto, This is the process of finding a match by determining the match of the combination with the acquired random number corresponding to, and if it is not, determining the match of the combination of the comparison numerical value for removal and the corresponding acquired random number. . Then, a variation pattern number for winning or losing according to the match or a plurality of special symbol numbers for winning or losing are stored in the storage means.

  In addition, at the time of acquisition of the random number by the random number generating means, it is said that “the determination of success / failure is made on the condition that the advance control process such as the notification effect process by the special symbol control is not performed”, but the trigger condition is arbitrarily set The design can be changed.

By the special symbol control process described so far, the following information is generated as the processing information obtained after winning a prize at the specific winning opening 2.
(1) A variation pattern number for winning or losing.
(2) A plurality of special symbol numbers for winning or losing that temporarily stop display (including fine motion display) for a predetermined variable display area.
(3) A fixed stop instruction number for making a stop display mode for a plurality of special symbols that are temporarily stopped.
(4) A jackpot transition instruction number in the case of winning in the determination of success or failure.

  Then, when transmitting the variation pattern number and the plurality of special symbol numbers to the sub-control device 14 side through an output management process described later, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 sets the control processing execution time corresponding to the determined variation pattern. Set the timer to update the timer that performs the count calculation process. It should be noted that the fixed stop instruction number and the jackpot transition instruction number in case of winning in the determination of success / failure are transmitted via the output management process at a timing corresponding to the elapse of the control process execution time by the timer.

  Therefore, whether or not to shift to a game state advantageous to the player is determined by, for example, a lottery game process for determination of success / failure, and “special use” associated with 0 to 697 “exclusion numbers” for normal use. In the random number update process, a “number” and a “random number generation range” consisting of a total of 700 including the “number for special feature” associated as a more useful hit than the normal use are set to correspond to each other, The numerical value updated at the timing according to the winning time of the game ball to the specific winning opening 2 described above is read and acquired as a random number, and whether or not the acquired random number is “special numerical value” or “special numerical value” is determined. Determined by the results. That is, when the winning determination is a 1/350 lottery probability triggered by the winning, the condition for shifting is satisfied.

  In addition, when the combination of the special symbols (for example, the left, middle, and right special symbols are of the same type) is used for the stop and display mode to shift to a gaming state that is advantageous to the player, one step before that The undecided display is referred to as a so-called reach effect. The contents of various other notification effects including such reach effect are as follows: (a) the result of the hit / decision determination, and (b) the aforementioned This is determined based on the obtained random numbers for determining the variation pattern and for determining the special symbol, which are read out according to the winning timing of the game ball for the specific winning opening 2. In other words, the variable display device 34 via the symbol control device 14a can perform variable display at random.

  In the case where a preceding control process such as a notification effect process by special symbol control has been performed at the time of acquisition of a random number by the random number generating means, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 until the control process ends. In order to store the acquired random number related to the special symbol control as the read result or the processing information for executing the display mode in the storage unit and notify the storage, the specific hold number display lamp 41 is stored every time the random number is stored. Lighting command information to be transmitted to the sub-control device 14 (lamp control device 14b) is generated.

  Then, based on the timer that is updated by the count calculation that is set to manage the transition of the variation display time of the variation pattern that is variably displayed, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 notifies the stop display mode notification time. In accordance with this timing, unnecessary acquired random numbers or processing information stored in the storage means are deleted, and when the fixed stop instruction number is transmitted, the specific hold number display lamp 41 is turned off one by one. That is, the sub-control device 14 (lamp control device 14b) uses the fixed stop instruction number as the turn-off command processing information when the specific hold number display lamp 41 is turned on.

  In this embodiment, when the acquired random number or processing information is stored in the storage means, an upper limit number (for example, 5) of the acquired random number or processing information to be stored is determined in advance, and the prior control processing is performed. When the total storage number including the storage of the acquired random number or processing information is the upper limit, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 stores it as an invalid condition even if the condition for generating the acquired random number or processing information is satisfied No special symbol control is performed.

  Also, in this special symbol control process, the result of determination of whether or not to shift to the advantageous gaming state (big hit gaming state) is a hit, and in order to notify the winning result, a predetermined combination of the special symbols is predetermined. When executing the displayed stop display mode, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 performs the following processing. That is, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 responds to the win in order to shift to the advantageous gaming state (a) the movable door 45 provided to be closed with respect to the special prize winning port 3. Either an open state, (b) a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed, or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are awarded to the special winning opening 3 The closing of the movable door 45 is controlled on condition that the above condition is satisfied. Further, (c) any of the game balls won in the open state passes through the winning specific area provided in the special winning opening 3. On the condition that the winning specific area detection sensor 47c has detected, the movable door 45 is continuously opened, and (d) the movable door 45 is opened and closed with the transition of the same condition as described above. , A predetermined upper limit number (for example, 16 times) Generating processing information for instructing to repeat until achieved.

  Further, at the time of the validity determination by comparing the acquisition random number for the success and the table of comparison values for the success / failure, the acquired random number is “corresponding to a predetermined special value (for example, corresponding to the transition to the hit probability increasing fluctuation state”). If it is determined that the winning is based on “the numerical value)”, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 uses, for example, a winning probability of 1/350 to 1/75 for the table used after the advantageous gaming state ends. The reference table is changed to a table with a high probability of winning, and then the number of variable displays based on winning in the specific winning port 2 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10,000 times) or special When a condition determined to be a winning related to symbol control is satisfied, processing information for instructing to return to the table before the change is generated. A gaming state controlled by such processing information is referred to as a privilege gaming state.

  Further, as another embodiment in the privilege gaming state, when a table in which a variation display time related to one variation pattern is set with a shorter variation pattern compared to that in the normal gaming state is provided, and it is determined that it is a hit by a special random number The CPU 13a of the main control device 13 changes the reference table to the table, until the number of variable displays based on winning in the specific winning opening 2 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10,000 times), or special If a condition determined to be a win related to symbol control is satisfied, processing information for instructing to return to the table before the change may be generated. That is, in the present invention, the form of the privilege gaming state is not concerned.

"Normal design control processing"
The normal symbol control process is a process for making the game state advantageous to the player, and electronic determination of lottery in response to receiving input information from the passing ball detection sensor 47d provided in the vicinity of the predetermined passing port 38. In the case of winning, the movable pieces 44 provided on both sides of the entrance of the specific winning port 2 are expanded to expand the opening range thereof, and the launched game ball can easily enter the specific winning port 2 . In this normal symbol control process, the LED display device 35 also performs a process of controlling display of identification information called a normal symbol.

  Here, the normal symbol is a predetermined number of pieces of identification information for variably displaying or blinking the result of the success / failure lottery according to the input information from the passing ball detection sensor 47d (for example, “O · −” → winning symbol, “ − · × ”→ off symbol). When the lottery result is a win, a predetermined number of pieces of identification information are displayed in a specific combination that is stopped in a predetermined combination (for example, “O · −”), and thereby a gaming state advantageous for the player (for example, , Small hit) is notified. In such a gaming state, compared to the normal gaming state, a state in which a launched game ball is likely to win a prize occurs once or continuously. On the other hand, when the lottery result is out, the predetermined number of pieces of identification information becomes a display mode (eg, “− · ×”) that is stopped in a combination other than a predetermined specific combination, and thus the normal gaming state continues. Is informed. In the present invention, instead of the LED display device 35 that controls the display of the identification information, the variable display device 34 or a drum-type or dot-matrix type display device may be used, regardless of the display method.

"Lamp management process"
The lamp management process monitors whether there is processing information related to lamp lighting, such as winning process information generated in the input management process, according to a timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds), and the lamp lighting This is a process for generating light emission processing information that is an output mode corresponding to the processing information when there is processing information related to the processing information. Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 transmits the generated light emission processing information to the sub-control device 14 side, and stores the light emission processing information in the storage means so as to be executed as a lighting notification output mode in the lamp management processing. . This light emission processing information includes information for executing the lighting control of the EL light emitter sheet 78.

"Output management process"
The output management process is an output for transmitting processing information generated by the abnormality monitoring process, the special symbol control process, the normal symbol control process, the lamp management process, and the preparation ball payout process to the sub-control device 14 side. This is a process of editing the data and transmitting the output edited storage information together with a strobe (STB) signal for notifying the output timing of the processing information.

[Operation of sub-control unit]
Next, the operation of the sub control device 14 will be described.

  The sub-control device 14 performs an initial setting at the start of activation upon power-on, and performs a check process for necessary confirmation items. If the check processing result is normal, the shift to the main routine processing in the sub-control device 14 is permitted, and main control activation start information, which is stored information transmitted from the CPU 13a of the main control device 13, is received. .

  The main routine process of the sub-control device 14 is a main control program stored in advance in the ROM provided in each of the symbol control device 14a, the lamp control device 14b, the voice control device 14c, and the payout control device 14d. In accordance with a periodic timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) generated by the frequency derivation circuit unit 13d, a basic routine for repeatedly executing a control execution process including read update, write storage, or deletion of the storage That is. Hereinafter, an example of basic processing in the main routine processing of the sub-control device 14 will be described.

  First, the sub-control device 14 monitors whether or not the processing information transmitted in the output management processing has been received according to the timing pulse, and if it is being received, the sub-control device 14 stores it in the storage means (for example, RAM). Remember. Next, the sub-control device 14 performs an analysis process on the received process information, and in any gaming state, any of an abnormality monitoring process, a special symbol control process, a normal symbol control process, a lamp management process, and a ball payout process It is determined which processing information (preceding command) and what kind of output mode the processing information (subsequent command number) is executed.

  Then, the sub-control device 14 sets a flag according to the result of the analysis process, sets a timer for counting based on the control process execution time according to the output mode, and stores a predetermined control program A control process for reading out and executing a control program for an output mode corresponding to the result of the analysis process from (for example, ROM) is performed.

  Hereinafter, the operation related to the special symbol control of the symbol control device 14a and the operation of the lamp control device 14b when the processing information is received will be described.

"Operation of the design controller"
A number of special patterns for winning or losing that the processing information makes a variation pattern number for winning or losing in the normal gaming state for special symbol control and a temporary stop display (including fine movement display) for a predetermined variable display area When it is a symbol number (for example, left, middle and right), the symbol control device 14a classifies and stores in advance a notification effect classification table based on whether or not it is in a normal gaming state for special symbol control. Then, by collating and comparing the fluctuation pattern numbers, a notification effect classification table for winning or losing is determined.

  Then, the symbol control device 14a reads out from the random number generating means for updating the effect selection random number provided in the symbol control device 14a based on the determined notification effect classification table in response to the reception of the variation pattern number. The notification effect data for winning or the notification effect data for losing is set by comparison with the acquired random number stored in the storage means.

  In addition, the symbol control device 14a is configured so that a special symbol classification table for a normal gaming state in which a plurality of types of special symbols for performing a stop display on a predetermined variable display area are programmed, and the plurality of special symbol numbers individually. By the comparison by collation, each of a plurality of special symbol data for stopping or losing the stop display on the variable display device 34 is set. Note that the special symbol for stop display stored in the special symbol classification table may include a temporary stop. Thereafter, the symbol control device 14a performs display control of variable display and stop display according to the set notification effect data and a plurality of special symbol data in the variable display device 34 via the VDP 50.

  In addition, the symbol control device 14a relates to display control by the timer of the main control device 13 or the sub control device 14 that performs update by counting according to transmission or reception of the variation pattern number and a plurality of special symbol numbers. A stop display mode (for example, left / middle / right alignment) for a plurality of special symbols for which display control of variable display has been performed in accordance with a fixed stop instruction number transmitted or received based on the timing of processing execution time Aspect) is performed.

  Further, when the jackpot transition instruction number is received at the time of receiving the fixed stop instruction number, the symbol control device 14a sets the game effect notification effect data advantageous to the player, and the stop display mode After that, display control for jackpot. When the received information is information in a gaming state or a privilege gaming state that is advantageous to a player for special symbol control, the symbol control device 14a may perform the notification effect classification table or the special symbol related to the special symbol control. The reference table is changed to the symbol classification table, and notification effect data for hit or miss for variable display and stop display performed in the advantageous game state or privilege game state, and a plurality of special symbol data for hit or miss Set.

  When the received information is stored information in a state that is advantageous for a player for special symbol control or in a privileged game state, the symbol control device 14a performs the blinking effect classification related to normal symbol control. Change the table referred to by the table or the special symbol classification table, blinking effect data for hitting or losing to be displayed in the advantageous gaming state or privilege gaming state, and a plurality of specials for winning or losing Set symbol data.

“Operation of the lamp controller”
When the received information is a variation pattern number for winning or losing in the special game state for special symbol control or a jackpot shift instruction number, the lamp control device 14b emits light in the normal game state for special symbol control. Based on the data table, the light emission data corresponding to the variation pattern number or jackpot shift instruction number is set, and the light emission data according to the set light emission data in the panel-related electric decoration 43 and / or the frame door-related electric decoration 29 A lamp lighting process is performed so as to achieve a light emission mode, and if applicable, a lighting process of the EL light emitter sheet 78 is performed.

  If the received information is stored information (light emission processing information) in a gaming state or privilege gaming state advantageous for a player for special symbol control, the lamp control device 14b Referring to the light emission data table in the privilege game state, light emission data that has a light emission mode different from that for the normal game state is set.

  Further, when the received information is stored information (lighting command processing information) in the normal game state for special symbol control or the advantageous game state or privilege game state for lighting the specific hold number display lamp 41 In this case, the lamp control device 14b turns on the specific number-of-holds display lamp 41 one by one, and from the fixed stop instruction number transmitted in accordance with the timing of the stop display mode notification time based on the timer of the main control device 13. In response to receiving the information, the specific hold number display lamps 41 are turned off one by one.

  When the received information is a variation pattern number for winning or losing in the normal game state for normal symbol control, or a small hit transition instruction number, the lamp control device 14b has the normal game state for normal symbol control. The light emission data corresponding to the variation pattern number or jackpot shift instruction number is read out from the light emission data table and set in accordance with the light emission data set in the panel-related electric decoration 43 and / or the frame door-related electric decoration 29. The lamp lighting process is performed so as to obtain the light emission mode.

  When the received information is stored information (light emission processing information) in a state that is a game advantageous for a player for normal symbol control or a privilege game state, the lamp control device 14b determines that the advantageous game With reference to the light emission data table in the state or the privilege gaming state, the light emission data that sets the light emission mode different from that for the normal gaming state is set.

  Further, the received information is stored information (lighting command processing information) for the normal game state for normal symbol control, the state that becomes the advantageous game, or the privilege game state for lighting the passage hold number display lamp 42. If there is, the lamp control device 14b turns on the passage holding number display lamp 42 one by one, and the fixed stop transmitted in accordance with the timing of the stop display mode notification time based on the timer of the main control device 13. In response to the reception of the information including the instruction number, the passage hold number display lamps 42 are turned off one by one.

  Furthermore, when the received information is other storage information such as processing information related to an error in a predetermined gaming state or processing information related to a preparation ball payout, the lamp control device 14b stores the stored information in a reference light emission data table. Light emission data to be a light emission mode according to information is set.

[Operation of movable object control device]
Next, the operation of the movable object control device 17 will be described separately for the operations of the movable piece drive device, the movable door drive device, and the winning area distribution drive device.

"Operation of movable piece drive"
In the processing by the main control device 13, the movable piece driving device has reduced the opening range of the specific winning opening 2 in response to generating the small hit transition instruction number in the normal gaming state for normal symbol control. A predetermined voltage (for example, 12V) is applied to a drive unit such as a solenoid provided in the movable piece driving device so that the pair of movable pieces 44 is expanded for a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) and then contracted again. A command for instructing to execute the enlargement execution process for applying a predetermined number of times (eg, once) is generated.

  In addition, in the processing by the main control device 13, when a small hit transition instruction instruction number in a gaming state or a privilege gaming state advantageous for a player for normal symbol control is generated, the movable piece driving device is configured to receive the specific prize. A solenoid provided in the movable piece driving device so that the pair of movable pieces 44 whose opening range is reduced with respect to the mouth 2 is enlarged from 0.2 seconds to 1.7 seconds and then enlarged and reduced again. A command for transmitting a predetermined voltage to a drive unit such as the above, and generating an instruction to perform an enlargement execution process from one to two times, for example, is generated.

  Further, in the processing by the main control device 13, the movable piece driving device is provided with a solenoid provided in the effect moving object driving device in response to generating processing information including lamp management control or prize ball payout control. A predetermined voltage (for example, 12V) is applied to the driving unit such as and the like, and a command for performing a rendering operation that is in an appropriate fluctuation state for a predetermined time is generated.

"Operation of movable door drive"
In the processing by the main control device 13, the movable door drive device is a solenoid provided in the movable door drive device in response to generating a jackpot transition instruction number in the normal game state or the special game state for special symbol control. A predetermined voltage is transmitted to a drive unit such as. And the said movable door drive device operates the movable door 45 closed with respect to the said special winning opening 3, and makes it an open state, and predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) passes since it becomes an opening, or If any condition for winning a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls is awarded to the special winning opening 3, a command for instructing execution processing for closing again is generated.

  Further, on the condition that any of the game balls won during the opening state passes through the winning specific area provided in the special winning opening 3 and is detected by the winning specific area detecting sensor 47c, The movable door driving device causes the movable door 45 to be closed again and repeats opening and closing the movable door 45 when the same condition as described above is satisfied until a predetermined upper limit is reached. A command for instructing application of a predetermined voltage is generated.

  When a jackpot transition instruction number in a gaming state advantageous for a player for special symbol control is generated during execution of the opening / closing process in the movable door driving device, the jackpot transition is performed until the opening / closing process is completed. The control process based on the generation of the instruction number is not performed and is put on hold.

"Operation of winning area distribution drive device"
In the processing by the main control device 13, the prize area allocation driving device is provided in the prize area distribution in the special prize opening 3 in response to generating a command for opening the special prize opening 3. A predetermined voltage (for example, 12V) is applied to a driven object such as a solenoid, and a command to move the open-state so as to be a seesaw motion corresponding to a specific winning area allocation is generated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the first and second transparent plate members 61 and 62 and the light emitting decorative plate 65 (EL light emitter sheet 78 and cell sheet 79) are covered. When the lighting control of the EL light emitter sheet 78 is executed based on the result of the big hit lottery, the light emitted from the EL light emitter sheet 78 is transmitted through the cell sheet 79, and the design applied to the cell sheet 79 is illuminated. appear. That is, the EL light emitter sheet 78 and the cell sheet 79 are disposed at a desired position in the plate-like space 68 defined by the first and second transparent plate members 61 and 62, and the cell sheet 79 has a desired design. With a simple configuration, the desired design is surface-emitted in a desired region of the second transparent plate member 62 away from the surface of the game board 7 at a desired timing according to the progress of the game. Can show. In addition, by applying a multi-color design to the cell sheet 79 partially or entirely, it is possible to make the game board 7 appear to be emitting multi-color surface light, and to produce illumination graphics. It can be carried out. Therefore, it is possible to perform innovative effects that are not found in conventional ball game machines, unexpected effects, effects that are in tune with or harmonized with game balls existing in the game area, etc. It is possible to prevent the player's interest from being lost as the game progresses.

  Since the light emitting decoration plate 65 is disposed in the plate-like space 68 that functions as an air layer for preventing the fogging of the first and second transparent plate members 61 and 62, the space can be effectively used.

  The design of the cell sheet 79 is designed to be combined with other light emitters such as the variable display device 34, the display lamps 41 and 42, and the electric decorations 29 and 43 arranged on the game board 7, thereby providing other light emission. A stereoscopic effect or the like by combining with the body can be performed, and furthermore, a wide area planar light emission that has not been possible in the past can be performed, so the range of the effect is further expanded.

  A plate-like space 68 is defined by the first and second transparent plate members 61 and 62 separated from the surface of the game board 7, and the light-emitting decorative board 65 is arranged in the plate-like space 68. The light emitting decorative plate 65 can be provided without being restricted in the configuration. For example, even when a sufficient space cannot be secured on the surface of the game board 7, it is possible to obtain a decoration effect by the light emitting decoration board 65 having a desired size. Further, by arranging the light emitting decoration board 65 (cell sheet 79) having a different design with respect to the plurality of game boards 7 having the same configuration, different types of ball game machines can be obtained. As a result, the game board 7 can be shared between different types of ball game machines, and the manufacturing cost and the development man-hours can be reduced by reducing the number of parts. In addition, it is possible to easily cope with model changes and specification changes. Furthermore, since it can be easily applied to a conventional general game board without changing the basic configuration on the game board 7 side of the conventional ball game machine, it is highly versatile.

  Since the cell sheet 79 is close to the EL light emitter sheet 78, the cell sheet 79 can be made to emit light sufficiently efficiently in a state where the luminance of light emission is suppressed. For this reason, the product life of the EL light emitting sheet 78 can be extended, and variations in the life between products can be suppressed.

The light emitting decorative plate 65 is disposed in a plate-like space 68 defined by the first and second transparent plate members 61 and 62, and the first transparent plate member 61 is disposed between the light emitting decorative plate 65 and the game board 7. Exists,
The inner surface 61 b of the first transparent plate member 61 faces the game board 7. Therefore, the game ball is not in direct contact with the light emitting decorative plate 65, and the light emitting decorative plate 65 can be prevented from being damaged.

  Since the plate-like space 68 is opened by setting the first and second frames 63 and 64 to the open position, the light-emitting decorative plate 65 can be easily attached to and detached from the plate-like space 68.

  For mounting the light emitting decorative plate 65, first, the first and second frames 63 and 64 are set to the open position, the projecting piece portions 81 and 82 are accommodated in the recessed portion 80, and the projection insertion holes 84 and 85 are provided. The protrusion 83 is inserted, and the EL light emitter sheet 78 and the cell sheet 79 are inserted between the temporary holding protrusions 86 and 87. As a result, the light emitting decorative plate 65 is positioned and held with respect to the first frame 63. Next, the first and second frames 63 and 64 are moved from the open position to the closed position. As a result, the convex portions 88 of the second frame 64 are accommodated in the concave portions 80 of the first frame 63, the projections 83 are inserted into the projection insertion holes 89, and the second frame 64 abuts. The part 90 presses the outer surface of the light emitting decorative plate 65. As a result, the light-emitting decorative plate 65 is fixed to the first and second frames 63 and 64, and the light-emitting decorative plate 65 against the first and second frames 63 and 64 is pressed by the contact portion 90. Shaking is prevented.

  As described above, the positioning of the light emitting decorative plate 65 with respect to the first and second frames 63 and 64 is performed, so that the light emitting decorative plate 65 can be easily attached to the plate-like space 68.

  By disconnecting the harness 93 or 94 and setting the first and second frames 63 and 64 to the open position, the cover unit 28 remains connected to the opening frame door 6 and the light emitting decorative plate 65 (or light emitting) is connected. The decorative board 65 and the inverter board 66) can be removed. Moreover, the cover unit 28 can be removed from the opening frame door 6 by releasing the connection by the harness 93. That is, by releasing the connection by the harnesses 93 and 94, only the light emitting decorative plate 65 (or the light emitting decorative plate 65 and the inverter board 66) is removed, or the cover unit 28 is removed while the light emitting decorative plate 65 is provided. Can do. Therefore, when the EL light emitting sheet 78 breaks down, when the light emitting pattern (light emitting area) of the EL light emitting sheet 78 is changed, or when the cell sheet 79 is changed, the replacement work can be easily performed. it can.

  The inverter substrate 66 can adjust the drive voltage and frequency of the EL light emitter sheet 78 so that the balance between luminance and life is good.

  Since the inverter board 66 is mounted on the inverter housing portion 91 of the first frame 63, the inverter board 66 can be easily inspected or replaced when a failure or the like occurs. Further, since the inverter board 66 can be connected to a test control device and inspected in advance, a defective product can be identified before being incorporated into a ball game machine.

  Furthermore, since the first transparent plate member 61, the second transparent plate member 62, and the light emitting decorative plate 65 are assembled as the cover unit 28, the light emitting decorative plate 65 ( When the EL light emitter sheet 78) is replaced, the entire cover unit 28 can be replaced, and the workability is further improved.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment which applied the invention made | formed by this inventor was described, this invention is not limited with the description and drawing which make a part of indication of this invention by this embodiment. That is, it should be added that other embodiments, examples, operation techniques, and the like made by those skilled in the art based on this embodiment are all included in the scope of the present invention.

1 is an external perspective view of a ball game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the ball game machine shown in FIG. 1. It is a principal part front perspective view of the ball game machine shown in FIG. It is a rear view of the ball game machine shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the ball game machine shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the ball game machine shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the ball game machine shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of a cover unit. It is a perspective view which shows the 1st and 2nd flame | frame in an open position. It is principal part sectional drawing which shows the state which temporarily hold | maintained the light emission decoration board with the temporary holding protrusion and protrusion of the 1st flame | frame. It is a perspective view which shows the 1st and 2nd frame in a closed position. It is a principal part perspective view which shows the cross section of the 1st and 2nd flame | frame in a closed position. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows connection with a cover unit and an opening frame door. It is principal part sectional drawing of the 1st and 2nd frame in a closed position. It is a perspective view which shows the electrical connection state of the cover unit side and the opening frame door side. It is a top view which shows an example of the design of a cell sheet. It is a top view which shows the other example of the design of a cell sheet.

Explanation of symbols

7 ... Game board, 13 ... Main control device (control means), 13a ... CPU, 13b ... ROM, 13c ... RAM, 14 ... Sub control device, 14b ... Lamp control device (control means), 28 ... Cover unit, 31 ... Game area 61: First transparent plate member 61a: Outer surface of first transparent plate member 61b: Inner surface of first transparent plate member 62: Second transparent plate member 62a: Second transparent plate Outer surface of the member, 62b ... Inner surface of the second transparent plate member, 63 ... First frame, 64 ... Second frame, 65 ... Light emitting decorative plate, 66 ... Inverter board (light emission drive control device), 67 ... Hinge, 68 ... Plate-like space, 69 ... Engagement projection, 70 ... Flexible locking frame, 71 ... Connection part, 72 ... Cover support part, 73 ... Rotation support shaft, 74 ... Shaft support hole, 75 Lock piece, 76 ... Cover fixing part, 77 ... locking piece, 78 ... EL light emitter sheet ( 79-shaped cell sheet (design sheet), 80 ... concave portion (positioning mounting portion), 81 ... projecting piece portion (positioning mounting portion), 82 ... projecting piece portion (positioning mounting portion), 83 ... projection, 84 ... Projection insertion hole, 85 ... Projection insertion hole, 86 ... Temporary holding projection, 87 ... Projection piece, 88 ... Projection, 89 ... Projection insertion hole, 90 ... Abutment portion, 91 ... Inverter housing portion, 92 ... Inverter Cover, 93 ... harness (communication connection means), 94 ... harness (communication connection means)

Claims (6)

A ball game machine that launches a game ball into the game area of the game board and plays.
A first transparent plate member disposed opposite to the surface of the game board and covering the game area;
A second transparent plate member disposed opposite to the outer surface of the first transparent plate member and defining a plate-like space with the first transparent plate member;
A thin light emitting decoration plate disposed in the plate space and facing the first and second transparent plate members,
The light emitting decoration board includes a planar light emitting sheet and a design sheet disposed on a surface of the planar light emitting sheet. A ball game machine according to claim 1,
A frame-shaped first frame that supports a peripheral portion of the first transparent plate member;
A frame-shaped second frame that supports a peripheral portion of the second transparent plate member,
The first and second frames are connected in an openable and closable manner to an open position for opening the plate-like space and a closed position for closing. A ball game machine according to claim 2,
At least one of the first and second frames, the planar light emitter sheet, and the design sheet are arranged such that when the first and second frames are disposed in a front area with respect to the game board, the light emitting decoration A positioning attachment for positioning the planar light emitter sheet and the design sheet with respect to the first and second frames so that a plate is disposed in a front area corresponding to the structure of the game area; Characteristic ball game machine. A ball game machine according to claim 2 or claim 3,
A specific winning opening arranged on the surface of the game board;
Based on the winning of a game ball to the specific winning opening, a lottery is performed as to whether or not to give a game profit that is at least advantageous to the player, and the surface shape based on the lottery result and the design of the design sheet Control means for controlling the light emission state of the light emitter sheet;
Communication connection means for releasably connecting the control means and the planar light emitter sheet,
2. The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the planar light-emitting body sheet is removable along with the disconnection of the communication connection means. The ball game machine according to claim 4,
The control means includes a light emission drive control device that drives and controls the planar light emitter sheet,
The light emitting drive control device is attached to at least one of the first and second frames. A cover unit for a ball game machine that launches and plays game balls in the game area of the game board,
A first transparent plate member disposed opposite to the surface of the game board and covering the game area;
A second transparent plate member disposed opposite to the outer surface of the first transparent plate member and defining a plate-like space with the first transparent plate member;
A thin light emitting decoration plate disposed in the plate space and facing the first and second transparent plate members,
The light emitting decorative plate includes a planar light emitting sheet and a design sheet disposed on the surface of the planar light emitting sheet.

Images