JP2005329085A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of giving an impact on a player by rotating a symbol display device and displaying symbols even during rotating the symbol display device. <P>SOLUTION: A Pachinko machine is provided with a liquid crystal symbol display device 41 and a symbol control board. The liquid crystal symbol display device 41 is rotatably disposed relative to a game board while the symbol control board 34 is fixed to the game board side. The symbol control board outputs symbol signals or the like for controlling to display the liquid crystal symbol display device 41, via an electric route 61. The electric route 61, when the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 is stopped, can transmit the symbol signals from the symbol control board to the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 irrelevant to the rotation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a symbol display device can rotate.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a game machine symbol display device, game effects mainly using symbols are performed. In this symbol display device, an effort is made to enhance the interest of the gaming machine by performing a game effect such as making a character appear.

However, the impact on the player is weak only by performing the game effect on the symbol display device. Therefore, a device that rotates (rotates) the symbol display device itself has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP-A-9-19552 (FIGS. 39 to 43)

  By the way, recent gaming machines generally include a symbol display device and a symbol control device, and the symbol display device is controlled based on a control signal output from the symbol control device. However, Patent Document 1 does not specifically disclose an electrical path such as wiring for sending a control signal from the symbol control device to the symbol display device during rotation. That is, it is not certain whether the rotation of the symbol control device and the symbol display by the symbol display device can be performed simultaneously. If the symbol display is not performed simultaneously with the rotation, the interest of the gaming machine can be enhanced only by rotating the symbol display device. In addition, even if the symbol display device on the rotating side and the symbol control device on the fixed side are simply connected with wiring, the wiring may be twisted and cause defects such as disconnection as the symbol display device rotates. Is expensive. Furthermore, it is expected that the rotation of the symbol display device will be hindered.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to make it possible to give an impact to a player by rotating the symbol display device, and even during the rotation of the symbol display device. The object is to provide a gaming machine capable of display.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 is arranged so as to be rotatable with respect to a game board, and can display a plurality of kinds of symbols by varying or stopping them, and the game board. Or a gaming machine comprising a symbol control device fixedly arranged on a gaming machine main body to which the gaming board is fixed and outputting a control signal for display control of the symbol display device, wherein at least the control signal The gist of the gaming machine is that it has an electrical path that can be transmitted from the symbol control device to the symbol display device that is rotating.

  Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the symbol display device is arranged so as to be rotatable with respect to the game board, it is possible to give an impact to the player by rotating the symbol display device. Moreover, since there is an electrical path for sending a control signal from the symbol control device to the symbol display device, the control signal can be sent to the symbol display device even when the symbol display device is rotating. Therefore, since the symbol display on the symbol display device can be performed simultaneously with the rotation of the symbol display device, the synergistic effect of the rotation of the symbol display device and the symbol display on the symbol display device has a further impact on the player. be able to.

  Here, examples of the symbol display device suitable for the present invention include a liquid crystal type, a dot matrix type, an electroluminescence element type, and a seven segment type electric symbol display device. It is preferable to use it. If it does in this way, complicated production by a symbol display device will be attained.

  The shape of the symbol display device in front view includes a rectangular shape, a square shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a triangular shape, and the like, but when using a liquid crystal type symbol display device, The same rectangular shape is preferable.

  The symbol display device may be arranged so as to be rotatable with respect to the game board as a result of being attached to the center game fixed to the game board, or directly on the game board without using the center game. It may be attached and arranged to be rotatable with respect to the game board.

  Further, the symbol display device can rotate around an arbitrary axis. For example, the symbol display device can rotate around an axis extending parallel to the game board surface, but preferably rotates around an axis extending perpendicular to the game board surface. If it does in this way, the symbol display performed with a symbol display apparatus can be rotated, always showing to a player.

  Furthermore, the maximum rotation angle (maximum number of rotations) of the symbol display device can be arbitrarily set. Examples of the maximum rotation angle of the symbol display device include 90 ° (1/4 rotation), 180 ° (1/2 rotation), 360 ° (1 rotation), 720 ° (2 rotations), and the like. Note that the symbol display device may be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise in a front view, or may be rotated in both directions.

  The electrical path is for transmitting the control signal from the symbol control device to the symbol display device, but may be a signal or current other than the control signal (for example, a driving current for the symbol display device). .

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, on the electrical path, a connecting member comprising a symbol control device side connector and a symbol display device side connector rotatable relative to the symbol control device side connector is provided. The gist is that the symbol control device side contact of the symbol control device side connector and the symbol display device side contact of the symbol display device side connector are arranged opposite each other so as to always contact each other.

  Therefore, according to the second aspect of the invention, since the symbol control device side contact and the symbol display device side contact are always in mechanical contact, the symbol display device rotates as a matter of course. Even when you are, the electrical path is always connected. Therefore, a control signal or the like can be reliably transmitted from the symbol control device to the symbol display device.

  By the way, when the symbol display device and the symbol control device are simply connected without using the symbol control device side connector and the symbol display device side connector, the symbol display device rotates in one direction and the wiring is twisted. If this is the case, it is necessary to rotate the symbol display device in the reverse direction to restore the twist of the wiring. For example, when the symbol display device is rotated in one direction at the time of the reach effect, the direction opposite to the previous time (for example, the direction to return the symbol display device to the fixed position before the rotation) at another opportunity such as the loss effect. The symbol display device must be rotated. This is because if the symbol display device is continuously rotated in one direction without returning to the home position, there is a risk of disconnection. Therefore, more specifically, the rotation direction of the symbol display device is stored at the time of the first rotation effect, and the control of rotating the symbol display device in the direction opposite to the first time when performing the second rotation effect. Is required. That is, when the symbol control device side connector and the symbol display device side connector are not used, a great limitation is imposed on the rotation effect.

  However, according to the present invention, since the symbol display device side connector is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the symbol control device side connector, when the symbol display device rotates, the wiring connected to the symbol control device side connector In addition, the wiring connected to the symbol display device side connector is less likely to be twisted. Therefore, the symbol display device can be rotated any number of times in the same direction, and a more dynamic movement can be realized. Therefore, the impact on the player becomes even stronger.

  In addition, it is preferable to provide the said connection member in the vicinity of the rotation center where the degree of rotational motion is the smallest when rotating the symbol display device. If it does in this way, twist of the wiring connected to a connecting member can be suppressed as much as possible.

  Here, the symbol display device side connector is provided on the rotary shaft portion of the symbol display device and is arranged close to the symbol control device side connector, and the rotation axis of the rotary shaft portion is set to the position of the center of gravity of the symbol display device. It is preferable to set to pass. If it does in this way, a symbol display device can be rotated in the state where the gravity center balance was stabilized. Therefore, the rotation center part does not place an unnecessary burden on the rotating shaft due to the variation in the center of gravity that occurs during rotation. The rotation axis of the rotation shaft portion may be set so as to pass through a position eccentric from the center of gravity position of the symbol display device.

  Further, the symbol control device side connector and the symbol display device side connector include a structure in which the surface of the symbol control device side contact and the surface of the symbol display device side contact are electrically connected to each other while sliding. Note that if the bias is applied from the symbol display device side contact to the symbol control device side contact or from the symbol control device side contact to the symbol display device side contact, both can be brought into contact with each other more reliably.

  In addition, when a plurality of symbol control device side contacts are arranged on the symbol control device side connector and a plurality of symbol display device side contacts are arranged on the symbol display device side connector, each symbol control device side contact and each symbol display device side contact are arranged. Alternatively, they may be arranged concentrically around the rotation center of the symbol display device. Further, each symbol control device side contact or each symbol display device side contact may be arranged such that the distance from the center of rotation is different. Each symbol control device side contact or each symbol display device side contact may be arranged in a straight line from the rotation center to the outside, but is distributed around the rotation center (for example, spirally). It is preferable. This is because the rotation balance of the symbol display device side connector is improved.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a center accessory having a window portion having a substantially rectangular shape in front view is disposed on the front side of the symbol display device, and the symbol display device is It has substantially the same shape as the window part in front view, and is arranged to be rotatable with respect to the center accessory, and is visible or invisible through the window part depending on the rotational position of the symbol display device. The gist is that the auxiliary rendering device is arranged on the rear side of the symbol display device.

  Therefore, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the auxiliary effect by the auxiliary effect device is visible or invisible through the window portion according to the rotational position of the symbol display device. Therefore, since the rarity can be given to the effect by the auxiliary effect device, the player can expect the appearance of the auxiliary effect when the symbol display device rotates.

  Also, as a result, since the auxiliary effect device is arranged in a portion that can be seen through the window when the symbol display device rotates, the auxiliary effect device can be used as a blindfold in the space behind the auxiliary effect device when visible. Also works. Therefore, the internal structure of the gaming machine (such as a board) does not appear to the player, and the design can be prevented from deteriorating.

  Examples of the auxiliary effect device include a device in which a light emitter, a picture, a photograph, a figure, and the like are arranged, but a device in which a light emitter is arranged is preferable, and in particular, a device in which a compact and power-saving light emitting diode is arranged is preferable.

  The shape of the auxiliary effect device in front view includes a rectangular shape, a square shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a triangular shape, and the like, and is preferably the same rectangular shape as the shape of the symbol display device. In this way, the auxiliary effect device can be completely hidden by the symbol display device. Therefore, an unexpected effect device can be given to the player by suddenly appearing on the rear side of the symbol display device that was thought to be absent. Therefore, the interest of the gaming machine can be improved. Moreover, the corner | angular part of an auxiliary | assistant effect apparatus can be reliably visually recognized through a window part according to the rotation position of a symbol display apparatus.

  Further, the auxiliary effect device can be set to an arbitrary position and size that can be mounted on the gaming machine on the rear side of the symbol display device. It is preferable that the size of the auxiliary display device is arranged at a position where the corner portion of the auxiliary effect device is visible when the symbol display device is rotated.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, the auxiliary effect device is fixed to the game board or a gaming machine main body to which the game board is fixed via an attachment portion, and is positioned on the front side of the auxiliary effect device. The gist is that the auxiliary rendering device becomes visible through the window as the symbol display device rotates.

  For example, when the auxiliary effect device is rotated, it is necessary to provide a connecting member or the like for preventing twisting of the route in a route such as a wiring for electrically connecting the auxiliary effect device and the gaming machine side. However, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the auxiliary effect device is fixed to the game board or the center accessory, it is not necessary to provide a connecting member for rotating the auxiliary effect device on the route. . Therefore, wiring can be simplified and a gaming machine can be configured at low cost.

  As described in detail above, according to the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to give an impact to the player by rotating the symbol display device, and even during the rotation of the symbol display device. Symbol display is possible.

  In particular, according to the third aspect of the present invention, since the rarity can be imparted to the effect produced by the auxiliary effect device, it is possible to make the player expect the appearance of the auxiliary effect when the symbol display device rotates.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a “pachinko machine”) will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows the surface side of the pachinko machine 10. On the front side of the opening of the outer frame 11 that forms the outer shell of the machine body, a vertical rectangular front frame 12 for setting various gaming machine components is assembled so as to be openable and detachable. Further, on the front side of the front frame 12, there is a glass holding frame 14 provided with a glass frame for protecting the game board 13 disposed inside the machine, and an upper plate unit 15 having an upper ball tray 15a. Both are assembled so that they can be opened and closed in a side-open state.

  A frame lamp 16 a is provided on the upper front surface of the glass holding frame 14, and a board surface lamp 16 b is provided in the game area 13 a of the game board 13. The frame lamp 16a and the board surface lamp 16b are adapted to perform effects by lighting decoration such as lighting (flashing) and extinguishing according to various game performance states (big hit, reach, etc.). In addition, speakers 17 for outputting various sounds (sound effects, etc.) according to the state of the game are provided on both sides of the lower part of the outer frame 11. A lower tray unit 20 having a lower ball tray 18 and an operating means 19 is mounted at the lower part of the front frame 12.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a frame-shaped large decorative member 21 (center accessory) having a substantially rectangular window portion 22 in a front view is provided at a substantially central portion of the game area 13 a of the game board 13. It is installed. A liquid crystal symbol display device 41 (symbol display device) is disposed behind the large decorative member 21 so as to be rotatable with respect to the game board 13 and the large decorative member 21. In the liquid crystal symbol display device 41, a game effect based on a varying image (or image display) is performed. In the liquid crystal symbol display device 41, in association with the display effect, a symbol combination game is performed in which a symbol combination is derived by changing or stopping a plurality of types of symbols in a plurality of columns. Specifically, a plurality of types of symbols fluctuate in three columns, left, right, and middle, and stop in the order of left → right → middle. Further, in the liquid crystal symbol display device 41, a virtual effect such as making a character such as a fish or a ship appear on the display screen is performed (see FIGS. 7 to 10). The liquid crystal symbol display device 41 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and has substantially the same shape and size as the window portion 22. Further, when the pair of long side portions of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 is horizontal and the pair of short side portions is vertical, the entire front surface of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 is exposed from the window portion 22. Can be visually recognized (see FIG. 7).

  As shown in FIG. 2, a support frame 50 is attached to the back side of the game board 13. The support frame 50 supports a symbol control board 34 (symbol controller). A control device side relay board 45 is electrically connected to the symbol control board 34 via a harness (not shown). The symbol control board 34 controls the display of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 and outputs a symbol signal (control signal) for controlling the auxiliary effect device 43 described later via the controller-side relay substrate 45. On the other hand, the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 is electrically connected to the control device side relay board 45 via harnesses 67 and 68 and a connecting connector 64 (see FIG. 3).

  Further, a motor 51 serving as a driving source for rotating the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 is fixed to the support frame 50. The rotation shaft 52 of the motor 51 is connected to the rotation shaft portion 42 of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 through a coupling (not shown). The rotating shaft portion 42 is integrally formed with a case (bracket) (not shown) in which the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 is accommodated, and is supported from below by a bearing portion 53 protruding from the support frame 50. That is, the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 and the like are supported at two locations by the rotating shaft 52 and the bearing portion 53. Note that the rotation shaft 52 of the motor 51 may drive the rotation shaft portion 42 via a gear or the like.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 7 to 10, on the rear side of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41, an auxiliary effect device 43 for assisting the effect by the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 is provided. The auxiliary effect device 43 has a substantially rectangular outer shape when viewed from the front, and has substantially the same outer shape and size as the liquid crystal symbol display device 41. Since the auxiliary effect device 43 is fixed to a device attachment portion 55 (attachment portion) provided on the support frame 50, it does not rotate integrally with the liquid crystal symbol display device 41. Further, a through hole 49 through which the rotating shaft portion 42 and the harness 68 are passed is provided in the central portion of the auxiliary effect device 43. The inner diameter of the through hole 49 is large enough to allow the rotation shaft portion 42 and the harness 68 to be inserted. The rotation axis C of the rotation shaft portion 42 of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 is set so as to pass through the center of gravity O of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41. The auxiliary effect device 43 includes an effect device main body 47, and a plurality of light emitting diodes 46 are provided on the front surface of the effect device main body 47. A plurality of each light emitting diode 46 is arranged around each of the four corners 48 of the effect device main body 47. Therefore, since the effect performed by the auxiliary effect device 43 is an effect of lighting (or blinking) the light emitting diode 46, the content is different from the effect performed by the liquid crystal symbol display device 41.

  As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the auxiliary effect device 43 is located directly behind the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 when the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 is in a steady state. Is invisible. The auxiliary effect device 43 can be viewed through the window portion 22 in accordance with the rotational position of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41. For example, when the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 is rotated 30 ° counterclockwise, each corner portion 48 of the auxiliary effect device 43 is exposed from the window portion 22 and becomes visible.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the length L1 of the long side of the auxiliary effect device 43 is set to be the same as the length L3 of the long side of the liquid crystal display device 41, and The length L2 is set to be the same as the length L4 of the short side of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41. Therefore, since the auxiliary effect device 43 is too large, the problem that the auxiliary effect device 43 cannot be disposed by interfering with other members (such as the support frame 50) is solved. Moreover, since the auxiliary | assistant effect apparatus 43 is too small, when the liquid crystal type symbol display apparatus 41 rotates 30 degrees, for example from a steady state (refer FIG. 8), it is behind the liquid crystal type symbol display apparatus 41 and the auxiliary | assistant effect apparatus 43. The problem that a certain member (for example, the connection connector 64) is exposed through the window portion 22 is solved. At this time, the light emitting diodes 46 arranged at the respective corners 48 of the effect device main body 47 are exposed through the window 22.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the control device side relay board 45 and the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 are connected by an electric path 61. The electrical path 61 can transmit the symbol signal or the like from the symbol control board 34 to the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 regardless of whether the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 is stopped or rotating. The electric path 61 is disposed in the vicinity of the rotation center of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41. On the other hand, the control device side relay board 45 and the auxiliary effect device 43 are connected by an auxiliary effect harness 70 provided separately from the electrical path 61. The auxiliary effect harness 70 has a proximal end connected to the control device-side relay board 45 and a distal end connected to the auxiliary effect device 43 through the device attachment portion 55. The auxiliary effect harness 70 can transmit a symbol signal or the like from the symbol control board 34 to the auxiliary effect device 43. The auxiliary effect device 43 is fixed to the device attachment portion 55 provided on the support frame 50.

  Further, on the electrical path 61, the connecting connector 64 (connecting member) including a fixed connector 62 (design control device side connector) and a rotation side connector 63 (design display device side connector) is disposed. The connection connector 64 has a substantially disc shape, and the rotation shaft portion 42 of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 is inserted through the central portion thereof. That is, the connection connector 64 is disposed in the vicinity of the rotation center of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41. The fixed side connector 62 is electrically connected to the control device side relay board 45 via the harness 67, and the rotation side connector 63 is electrically connected to the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 via the harness 68. As shown in FIG. 2, the fixed connector 62 and the rotating connector 63 are accommodated in a casing (not shown), and the casing is fixed to a connector support portion 54 provided on the support frame 50. Since the fixed connector 62 is fixed in the casing, it cannot be rotated. On the other hand, the rotation-side connector 63 is disposed in the casing in the vicinity of the fixed-side connector 62 and is rotatable with respect to the fixed-side connector 62. The rotation-side connector 63 is fixed to the end of the rotation shaft portion 42 of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 via a mounting bracket (not shown). The rotating shaft portion 42 has a cylindrical shape, and a harness 68 passes through the rotating shaft portion 42. One end of the harness 68 is connected to the liquid crystal symbol display device 41, and the other end of the harness 68 is connected to the rotation side connector 63.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of fixed side contacts 65 (design control device side contacts) are arranged on the fixed side contact surface 62 a of the fixed side connector 62. Each fixed-side contact 65 is a ring-shaped metal plate arranged concentrically around the rotation center of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41. Each fixed-side contact 65 is electrically connected to an electric wire constituting the harness 67. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of rotation side contacts 66 (design display device side contacts) are arranged on the rotation side contact surface 63 a of the rotation side connector 63. Each rotation-side contact 66 is a metal convex portion arranged concentrically and spirally around the rotation center of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41. The rotation side contacts 66 are arranged at equiangular intervals (45 ° intervals in this embodiment). Each rotation side contact 66 is electrically connected to an electric wire constituting the harness 68. The fixed-side contact 65 and the rotation-side contact 66 are arranged in the same number as each other, and are arranged so as to always contact each other not only when stopped but also during rotation. A signal for displaying red, green, and blue on the liquid crystal symbol display device 41, a power source supplied to the liquid crystal symbol display device 41, and the like flow through the fixed side contact 65 and the rotation side contact 66. Further, the pair of fixed side contact 65 and rotation side contact 66 are connected to the ground.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the pachinko machine 10 includes a main control board 31, a sound control board 32, a lamp control board 33, and the symbol control board 34. An audio control board 32, a lamp control board 33, and a symbol control board 34 are connected to the main control board 31, respectively. Control signals output from the main control board 31 are input to the sound control board 32, the lamp control board 33 and the symbol control board 34.

  The main control board 31 includes a main CPU 31a, and a ROM 31b and a RAM 31c are connected to the main CPU 31a. The main CPU 31a sequentially updates values of various random numbers such as a big hit determination random number, a symbol determination random number, and a variation pattern determination random number every predetermined period (for example, 4 ms). The main CPU 31a sets various random number values after update in a predetermined area in the RAM 31c, and updates various random number values by rewriting the value before update. The ROM 31b stores a control program for controlling the pachinko machine 10 and the like. The RAM 31c temporarily stores various information (such as various random number values) that can be appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10.

  The main CPU 31a shown in FIG. 6 is based on the jackpot determining random number (random number for determining whether or not the jackpot is determined) and the symbol determining random number (random number for determining the symbol at the time of the jackpot). Symbol variation by the display device 41 is given. Specifically, the main CPU 31a outputs a signal related to symbol variation such as a variation pattern to the symbol control board 34 when symbol variation starts. As a result of the symbol variation, when the symbol is confirmed and stopped and the display result is a big hit, the right to acquire a large number of game balls (prize balls) is granted by opening the big prize opening.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the voice control board 32 includes a sub CPU 32a, and a ROM 32b and a RAM 32c are connected to the sub CPU 32a. The ROM 32b stores various control programs, production execution data for a plurality of types of audio productions, and the like. The RAM 32c temporarily stores (sets) various information that can be appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10. The production execution data for audio production is information for the sub CPU 32a to control the audio output mode (sound effect type, audio language type, audio output time, etc.) of the speaker 17.

  When a signal indicating a variation pattern is input from the main CPU 31a, the sub CPU 32a performs sound control based on the corresponding sound effect execution data. More specifically, the sub CPU 32a converts production execution data for audio production into audio signals and outputs the audio signals to the speaker 17. As a result, the speaker 17 performs a predetermined notification operation (sound output) based on the audio signal.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the lamp control board 33 includes a sub CPU 33a, a ROM 33b, and a RAM 33c. The ROM 33b stores effect execution data for a plurality of types of light emission effects. The RAM 33c temporarily stores (sets) various information that can be appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10.

  Then, when a signal indicating a variation pattern is input from the main CPU 31a, the sub CPU 33a selects effect execution data for the light emission effect corresponding thereto, and executes predetermined light emission control based on the selected effect execution data. It is supposed to be. More specifically, the sub CPU 33a converts the effect execution data for the selected light emission effect into a light emission control signal and outputs it to the frame lamp 16a and the panel lamp 16b. As a result, the frame lamp 16a performs a predetermined notification operation (flashing) based on the light emission control signal, and the panel lamp 16b performs a predetermined notification operation (flashing) based on the light emission control signal.

  The symbol control board 34 includes a sub CPU 34a, and a ROM 34b and a RAM 34c are connected to the sub CPU 34a. The ROM 34b stores a plurality of types of display execution data for display effects and various types of image information (design image information, background images, character images, appearance character images, etc.). The RAM 34c temporarily stores (sets) various information that can be appropriately rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10. The display execution data for the display effect is the sub CPU 34 a that displays the display contents of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 (symbol variation, character motion, etc.), the rotation of the motor 51, and the light emitting diode 46 of the auxiliary effect device 43. Is information for controlling the lighting (flashing) of.

  When a signal indicating the variation pattern is input from the main CPU 31a, the sub CPU 34a starts the symbol variation by the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 based on the display execution data for the display effect corresponding thereto. ing. More specifically, the sub CPU 34 a converts display execution data for display effects into a symbol signal (control signal) and outputs it to the liquid crystal symbol display device 41. As a result, the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 starts to change a plurality of symbols based on the symbol signal. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, in this embodiment, the reach (“7, ↓, 7”) in which the symbols in the middle row fluctuate in the state where the left column and the right column are fixedly stopped with the same type of symbols. (↓ indicates a change), etc.), the sub CPU 34a drives the motor 51 for a certain period of time to rotate the liquid crystal symbol display device 41. At the same time, the sub CPU 34 a lights (flashes) the light emitting diode 46 of the auxiliary effect device 43. It should be noted that when the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 rotates, the reliability that is a big hit is higher than when the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 does not rotate. That is, the appearance rate of the rotation effect in the big hit effect is higher than the appearance rate of the rotation effect in the loss effect. That is, the rotation effect of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 is used as so-called jackpot notice means. Note that the reliability of the big hit may be changed according to the difference in the number of rotations and the rotation speed of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41.

  Next, an effect executed by the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 and the auxiliary effect device 43 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9, when the game ball is won when the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 is in a steady state, the symbol variation by the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 is started. At this time, since the entire front surface of the auxiliary effect device 43 is covered with the liquid crystal symbol display device 41, the player cannot confirm the presence of the auxiliary effect device 43.

  Here, in the state where the left column and the right column are fixedly stopped with the same type of symbols, when a reach occurs in which the symbols in the middle row fluctuate, the sub CPU 34a drives the motor 51 to cause the liquid crystal symbol display device 41. Rotates several times continuously in the counterclockwise direction. Accordingly, the reach effect performed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 can be rotated while constantly being shown to the player, so that the player can be impacted. Moreover, lighting (flashing) of each light emitting diode 46 of the auxiliary effect device 43 is started, and an auxiliary effect by the auxiliary effect device 43 is started.

  For example, when the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 is rotated 30 ° counterclockwise from the steady state, a part of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 is invisible through the window 22 of the large decorative member 21 (large size The corner portions 48 of the auxiliary effect device 43 are moved to areas that can be visually recognized through the window portion 22. As a result, the auxiliary effect device 43 becomes visible through the window portion 22 (see FIG. 8). In this state, since each light-emitting diode 46 continues to be lit (flashing), the player can visually recognize the auxiliary effect performed by the auxiliary effect device 43.

  Thereafter, at the same time as the reach effect performed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 ends, the sub CPU 34a stops the motor 51 at a position where the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 is in a steady state. That is, the rotation time of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 is substantially equal to the reach time of the reach effect. Further, the sub CPU 34 a ends the lighting (flashing) of each light emitting diode 46 with the stop of the motor 51. Thereby, the auxiliary effect performed by the auxiliary effect device 43 ends. That is, the production time of the auxiliary production is substantially equal to the production time of the reach production.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) According to the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, since the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 is disposed so as to be rotatable with respect to the game board 13, by rotating the liquid crystal symbol display device 41, the player can It can give an impact. In addition, since there is an electrical path 61 for sending a symbol signal from the symbol control board 34 to the liquid crystal symbol display device 41, the symbol signal can be sent to the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 even when the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 is rotating. . Therefore, since the symbol display on the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 can be performed simultaneously with the rotation of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41, the rotation of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 and the symbol display on the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 can be performed. Due to this synergistic effect, the player can be further impacted.

  (2) In the present embodiment, when the auxiliary effect device 43 is hidden behind the liquid crystal symbol display device 41, the auxiliary effect device 43 is invisible, but a part of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 is When moving to the back side of the large decorative member 21, the auxiliary effect by the auxiliary effect device 43 becomes visible. Therefore, since the rarity can be imparted to the effect by the auxiliary effect device 43, the player can expect the appearance of the auxiliary effect when the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 rotates. Furthermore, unexpected effects can be given to the player by sudden appearance of the auxiliary effect device 43 that cannot be visually recognized during normal game (steady state). Therefore, the interest of the pachinko machine 10 can be improved.

  Further, as a result, the auxiliary effect device 43 is arranged in a portion that can be seen through the window portion 22 when the liquid crystal display device 41 is rotated. It also functions as a blindfold for the rear space. Therefore, the internal structure (such as a substrate) of the pachinko machine 10 is not visible to the player, and the design can be prevented from being deteriorated.

  (3) In the present embodiment, the auxiliary effect device 43 is fixed to the game board 13 via the device mounting portion 55 and the support frame 50. Therefore, compared with the case where the auxiliary effect device 43 is rotated integrally with the liquid crystal symbol display device 41, the rotating portion is reduced in weight, so that it is possible to reduce the electric power required for the rotation and the rotation shaft portion 42 is applied. The burden can be reduced. In addition, since it is not necessary to send a symbol signal or the like to the auxiliary effect device 43 via the harness 68, the number of wires constituting the harness 68 can be reduced. Furthermore, since the auxiliary effect device 43 does not move, the space behind the auxiliary effect device 43 can be surely hidden.

  (4) In the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 of the present embodiment, a virtual effect such as the appearance of a character such as a fish or a ship appears on the display screen, and the auxiliary effect device 43 lights (or blinks) the light emitting diode 46. A substantive performance is performed. That is, the effects performed by the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 and the auxiliary effect device 43 are different from each other. Therefore, since it is possible to give a stronger impact to the player than when the virtual effect similar to that of the liquid crystal display device 41 is performed by the auxiliary effect device 43, the interest of the pachinko machine 10 can be further enhanced. . Further, since the inexpensive light emitting diode 46 is used for the auxiliary effect device 43, the auxiliary effect device 43 can be manufactured at low cost.

  (5) In the present embodiment, the fixed side contact 65 and the rotation side contact 66 of the connection connector 64 can be mechanically contacted. Therefore, a symbol signal or the like can be reliably transmitted from the symbol control board 34 to the liquid crystal symbol display device 41, and the connecting connector 64 can be manufactured at low cost.

  (6) In the present embodiment, the rotation-side connector 63 is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the fixed-side connector 62. For this reason, when the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 rotates, the harness 67 connected to the fixed connector 62 and the harness 68 connected to the rotating connector 63 are not twisted. Therefore, there is no limitation on the rotation effect, and the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 can be rotated in the same direction by any number of rotations, so that a more dynamic movement can be realized. Therefore, the impact on the player becomes even stronger.

  (7) In the present embodiment, the sub CPU 34a of the symbol control board 34 controls the display content (symbol variation, character movement, etc.) of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41, and also the rotation of the motor 51 and the auxiliary effect device. The lighting (or blinking) of the 43 light emitting diodes 46 is also controlled. That is, the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 and the auxiliary effect device 43 are controlled by the same control device. Therefore, it becomes easy to synchronize the timing for rotating the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 and the timing for starting the effect on the auxiliary effect device 43 with the effect performed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 41. Further, when it is desired to change the control contents of the motor 51 and the light emitting diode 46, only the symbol control board 34 needs to be replaced, so that maintenance is facilitated.

  In addition, you may change embodiment of this invention as follows.

  In the above embodiment, the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 rotates when a reach occurs in which the symbols in the middle column fluctuate with the left column and the right column determined and stopped with the same type of symbols. It was. However, the timing at which the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 rotates may be changed. For example, the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 may be rotated when each symbol displayed on the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 is confirmed and stopped by the display result (“7, 7, 7”) of the jackpot.

  In the above embodiment, the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 rotates when a reach occurs in which the symbols in the middle column fluctuate with the left column and the right column determined and stopped with the same type of symbols. It was. However, the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 may be rotated in the re-lottery (after temporarily stopping each symbol, changing the symbols again to stop the symbol).

  In the above embodiment, the rotation axis C of the rotation shaft portion 42 of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 is set so as to pass through the center of gravity O of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41. However, the rotation axis C of the rotation shaft portion 42 may be set so as to pass a position eccentric from the center of gravity position O. In this way, most of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 can be moved to a region that cannot be seen through the window portion 22 (behind the large decorative member 21). Therefore, it becomes easy to visually recognize the auxiliary effect device 43 on the rear side of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41.

  In the above embodiment, the connection connector 64 including the fixed side connector 62 and the rotation side connector 63 rotatable with respect to the fixed side connector 62 is disposed on the electric path 61. However, the rotation-side connector 63 may be changed to one that cannot rotate with respect to the fixed-side connector 62. Further, the connecting connector 64 itself may be omitted, and the electrical path 61 may be disposed near the rotation center of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41. In these cases, when the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 is rotated, the harnesses 67 and 68 are naturally twisted. However, by setting the harnesses 67 and 68 longer, the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 can be rotated a predetermined number of times in the same direction.

  In the above-described embodiment, each fixed-side contact 65 is arranged concentrically and in a ring shape around the rotation center of the liquid crystal display device 41, and each rotation-side contact 66 is the rotation center of the liquid crystal display device 41. It was arranged in a spiral around. However, each rotation-side contact 66 is arranged concentrically and in a ring around the rotation center of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41, and each fixed contact 65 is spiraled around the rotation center of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41. It may be arranged in a shape. In addition, both the fixed contact 65 and the rotation contact 66 may be arranged concentrically and in a ring shape around the rotation center of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41.

  In the above embodiment, the rotation side contact 66 of the rotation side connector 63 may be biased toward the fixed side contact 65 of the fixed side connector 62. Conversely, the fixed contact 65 may be urged toward the rotation contact 66. If it does in this way, fixed side connector 62 and rotation side connector 63 can be made to contact more certainly. Therefore, a symbol signal or the like can be reliably transmitted from the symbol control board 34 by the liquid crystal symbol display device 41.

  In the above-described embodiment, the rotation shaft 52 of the motor 51 is disposed coaxially with the rotation shaft portion 42 of the liquid crystal display apparatus 41 and directly drives the rotation shaft portion 42. However, the rotating shaft 52 may drive the rotating shaft portion 42 via a drive connecting means. For example, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the rotation shaft 52 of the motor 51 may drive the rotation shaft portion 42 of the liquid crystal symbol display device 41 via the timing belt 71. Moreover, the rotating shaft 52 may drive the rotating shaft part 42 via a gear. In this way, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the motor 51 is increased.

  In the above embodiment, the symbol control board 34 is fixed to the game board 13 via the support frame 50. However, the symbol control board 34 may be fixed to a gaming machine body (for example, the outer frame 11, the front frame 12, etc.) to which the game board 13 is fixed, a set board installed on the back side of the front frame 12, etc. Good.

  In the above embodiment, the auxiliary effect device 43 is fixed to the game board 13 via the device attachment portion 55 and the support frame 50. However, the auxiliary effect device 43 may be fixed to the large decorative member 21 via the device mounting portion 55. In addition, the auxiliary effect device 43 may be fixed to a back cage for guiding a game ball guided to the back side of the game board 13 or a set board installed on the back side of the front frame 12 (game machine main body). .

  Next, in addition to the technical ideas described in the claims, the technical ideas grasped by the embodiment described above are listed below.

  (1) In any one of claims 1 to 4, the rotation axis of the rotation shaft portion of the symbol display device passes through the center of gravity of the symbol display device. If it does in this way, a symbol display device can be rotated in the state where the gravity center balance was stabilized. Therefore, the rotation center part does not place an unnecessary burden on the rotating shaft due to the variation in the center of gravity that occurs during rotation.

  (2) In any one of claims 1 to 4, the rotation axis of the rotation shaft portion of the symbol display device passes through a position eccentric from the center of gravity of the symbol display device.

  (3) In Claim 2, a plurality of the symbol control device side contacts are arranged on the symbol control device side connector, and a plurality of the symbol display device side contacts are arranged on the symbol display device side connector.

  (4) In the technical idea (3), the symbol control device side contacts and the symbol display device side contacts are arranged concentrically around the rotation center of the symbol display device.

  (5) In the technical idea (3), each symbol control device side contact or each symbol display device side contact is spirally arranged around the rotation center of the symbol display device.

  (6) In the technical idea (5), the symbol control device side contacts or the symbol display device side contacts are arranged at equiangular intervals.

  (7) In Claim 3 or 4, the symbol display device and the auxiliary effect device are controlled by the same control device.

  (8) In claim 4, the auxiliary effect device is any one of a center accessory provided on the game board, a back saddle attached to the back side of the game board, and a set board installed in the gaming machine main body. Be fixed to one.

  (9) Arranged so as to be rotatable with respect to the game board, and can be fixedly arranged on the game board main body to which the game board or the game board is fixed. A gaming machine comprising a symbol control device for outputting a control signal for display control of the symbol display device, wherein at least the control signal can be transmitted from the symbol control device to the rotating symbol display device A gaming machine characterized in that a simple electrical path is provided and the electrical path is disposed in the vicinity of the center of rotation of the symbol display device.

  (10) A symbol display device having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front and capable of displaying by varying or stopping a plurality of types of symbols, and a symbol display device disposed on the front side of the symbol display device and substantially the same as the symbol display device when viewed from the front A game machine in which the symbol display device is arranged so as to be rotatable with respect to the center accessory, and according to a rotational position of the symbol display device. A gaming machine, wherein an auxiliary effect device that is visible or invisible through a window portion is arranged on the rear side of the symbol display device.

  (11) In the technical idea (10), the auxiliary effect device is fixed to a game board or the center accessory, and the auxiliary effect device is rotated along with the rotation of the symbol display device located on the front side of the auxiliary effect device. Is visible through the window.

The front view which shows the pachinko machine in this invention. A schematic sectional view of a pachinko machine. The schematic perspective view which shows structures, such as a connection connector. The enlarged plan view which shows the principal part of a stationary-side connector. The enlarged plan view which shows the principal part of a rotation side connector. The block diagram which shows the main control board in a pachinko machine, a voice control board, a lamp control board, a design control board, etc. The front view of the large sized decorative member which shows the state before a liquid crystal type symbol display device rotates. The front view of the large sized decorative member which shows the state after a liquid crystal type symbol display device rotated. Explanatory drawing which shows the state before a liquid crystal type symbol display device rotates. Explanatory drawing which shows the state after a liquid crystal type symbol display device rotated. The schematic sectional drawing of the pachinko machine in other embodiments. The schematic perspective view which shows structures, such as a connection connector in other embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine 13 as a gaming machine ... Game board 21 ... Large decorative member 22 as a center accessory ... Window 34 ... Symbol control board 41 as a symbol control device ... Liquid crystal symbol display device 43 as a symbol display device ... Auxiliary effect device 55... Device attachment portion 61 as an attachment portion... Electric path 62... Fixed side connector 63 as a symbol control device side connector... Rotation side connector 64 as a symbol display device side connector. Fixed side contact 66 as a symbol control device side contact ... Rotation side contact as a symbol display device side contact

Claims (4)

A symbol display device that is rotatably arranged with respect to the game board and can display a plurality of types of symbols by varying or stopping them, and the game board or a game machine main body to which the game board is fixed, and the symbols A gaming machine comprising a symbol control device that outputs a control signal for display control of a display device,
A gaming machine having an electrical path capable of transmitting at least the control signal from the symbol control device to the rotating symbol display device. On the electrical path, a connecting member consisting of a symbol control device side connector and a symbol display device side connector rotatable with respect to the symbol control device side connector is arranged,
The symbol control apparatus side contact which the said symbol control apparatus side connector has, and the symbol display apparatus side contact which the said symbol display apparatus side connector has opposedly arranged so that it may always mutually contact. Game machines. On the front side of the symbol display device, a center accessory having a window portion having a substantially rectangular shape in front view is disposed,
The symbol display device has substantially the same shape as the window portion in a front view, and is arranged to be rotatable with respect to the center accessory,
The auxiliary effect device that is visible or invisible through the window according to the rotational position of the symbol display device is disposed on the rear side of the symbol display device. The gaming machine described. The auxiliary effect device is fixed to the gaming machine body or the gaming machine main body to which the gaming board is fixed via an attachment portion,
4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the auxiliary effect device can be visually recognized through the window portion as the symbol display device located on the front side of the auxiliary effect device rotates.

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