JP2006305172A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pachinko game machine or a rotary game machine which can rotate lighting data in a short time though a serial transfer system is employed. <P>SOLUTION: Lighting data to alternately light LEDs forming symmetrical LEDs 4b and 4c collectively shows lighted or unlighted and thus reduces its data amount. Consequently since the lighting data is totally reduced, the lighting data can be transferred in a short time. A latch signal specifies whether the right LEDs 4b and the left LEDs 4c or either of the right LEDs 4b or the left LEDs 4c are to be lit by the lighting data thus collectively showing. Consequently either of the right LEDs 4b or the left LEDs 4c can be lit and both of the right LEDs 4b and the left LEDs 4c can be lit. Consequently a significant performance effect can be demonstrated by a simple control. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine or a revolving game machine that performs a game using a predetermined game value such as a game ball or a game medal and gives a predetermined game value based on the result of the game.

  A plurality of LEDs are provided on the front frame of a ball game machine or a revolving game machine (hereinafter simply referred to as “game machine”) to attract the player's interest, or to start a game, or In order to excite the entertainment during the game, various effects are performed by blinking the LEDs in a predetermined pattern. The blinking of the LED is controlled by the control board, and the control board outputs lighting data indicating whether or not to light the LED. Since the blinking of the LED is controlled using the lighting data in this way, it is possible to change the blinking pattern of the LED simply by updating the content of the lighting data, and to exert a large effect by simple control. This is possible (Patent Document 1).

  As a method of transferring the lighting data, there are a serial transfer method and a parallel transfer method. In general, in the parallel transfer method, a large amount of data can be transferred at the same time, so that the transfer time can be shortened. However, since the number of wirings increases, the wiring tends to be difficult. On the other hand, in the serial transfer method, since the number of wirings is small, wiring is relatively easy. However, since a large amount of data cannot be transferred at the same time, the transfer time becomes long.

  As a method for transferring lighting data to the LEDs on the front frame, a serial transfer method is adopted in consideration of wiring. That is, since the front frame is attached with one end pivotally supported with respect to the gaming machine body, wiring for outputting lighting data from the control board of the gaming machine body to the LEDs on the front frame In addition, the wiring is bent every time the front frame is opened and closed. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the wiring from the gaming machine body to the front frame as much as possible, considering that there is a possibility that the wiring may be pinched when the front frame is opened or closed, or that the wiring may be bent many times. Therefore, the serial transfer method is adopted.

JP 2004-174098 A

  However, recent gaming machines have been required to attract more players' interest, and as a result, a large number of LEDs are mounted on the front frame. . For this reason, when the serial transfer method is adopted, there is a problem that the transfer time for transferring the lighting data becomes long. Of course, if the parallel transfer method is adopted, the occurrence of such problems can be avoided. However, since the number of wiring increases, it is likely to be caught when opening and closing the front frame, or troubles such as disconnection due to bending are likely to occur. It will cause a harmful effect.

  The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine or a revolving game machine that can transfer lighting data in a short time while adopting a serial transfer method. .

In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the bullet ball game machine or the revolving game machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
In a ball game machine or a revolving-type game machine provided with a game window provided so that the state of a game performed using a predetermined game value can be visually observed, and a front frame provided with the game window,
A pair of lighting parts provided at positions symmetrical to each other on the front frame and composed of a plurality of lighting elements;
Indicates whether or not all lighting elements in the pair of lighting sections should be lit, and at least some lighting elements output lighting data collectively indicating whether or not the pair of lighting sections are lit in a serial transfer method. Lighting data output means,
For the lighting data in which the presence / absence of lighting of the pair of lighting units is collectively expressed, drive signal output means for outputting a drive signal for driving at least one lighting element of the pair of lighting units,
And a lighting means for lighting the lighting elements of the pair of lighting sections based on the lighting data and the driving signal.

  In such a ball game machine or a revolving-type game machine of the present invention, a pair of lighting parts are provided at mutually target positions on the front frame, and each lighting part is provided with a plurality of lighting elements, Lighting data indicating whether or not the lighting element should be lit is supplied. Here, in the ball ball game machine or the revolving type game machine of the present invention, since the lighting data for at least some of the lighting elements collectively represents the presence or absence of lighting in the pair of lighting parts, only that much. As a result, the amount of data decreases, and the lighting data can be transferred in a short time. In addition, based on the lighting data in which the presence / absence of lighting in the pair of lighting units is collectively expressed, which lighting element among the lighting elements included in the pair of lighting units is turned on, or both of the lighting elements Whether to light up can be designated by a drive signal. For this reason, any one of the lighting elements included in the pair of lighting units can be turned on, and both of the lighting elements of the pair of lighting units can be turned on. In addition, when one end of the front frame is pivotally supported with respect to the gaming machine main body, the wiring may be pinched when the front frame is opened or closed, but the serial transfer method is adopted. There is no possibility that troubles such as disconnection are likely to occur, and the wiring of the wiring to the front frame becomes easy.

  Note that the serial transfer method refers to a method in which a plurality of pieces of data are sequentially transferred with a little time shift even when they are used simultaneously. Examples of the lighting element include an LED and a lamp. Furthermore, as long as a pair of lighting part provided on the front frame is in a mutually symmetrical position, it can take any form such as vertical symmetry, left-right symmetry, and point symmetry.

  In such a ball game machine or a revolving game machine of the present invention, a pair of lighting parts may be provided at symmetrical positions on the front frame.

  In general, the front frame of a ball game machine or a revolving type game machine often has a vertically long shape, so that a space for playing a game is provided by providing a lighting part at a symmetrical position on the front frame. A large number of lighting elements can be arranged by providing a relatively large lighting part while sufficiently securing. Accordingly, if at least a part of the lighting elements is supplied with lighting data indicating whether or not the left and right lighting sections are lit, it is possible to supply lighting data for a large number of lighting elements in a short time. Become.

  Alternatively, the same number of lighting elements may be provided in the pair of lighting units, and data that collectively indicates the presence or absence of lighting in the pair of lighting units may be output as lighting data.

  Thus, if the presence / absence of lighting of the pair of lighting parts is output together, the lighting data is half the data compared to the case where the lighting data is output to each of the one lighting part and the other lighting part by the serial transfer method. Therefore, lighting data can be output most efficiently. As a result, the lighting data transfer time can be halved.

  In such a gaming machine, the pair of lighting units may be provided with lighting elements at symmetrical positions.

  In this way, with respect to all the lighting elements provided in each lighting unit, lighting data that collectively represents the presence or absence of lighting in both lighting units, and a drive signal that drives one or both of the pair of lighting units, Can be output in a well-balanced manner, and appropriate effects can be performed. For example, considering the case where the lighting elements are not provided at symmetrical locations, it is preferable to turn on the lighting elements provided in the respective lighting portions and perform appropriate effects. A proper lighting element must be selected by trial and error, and the same lighting data must be output to the selected lighting element. However, in the case where the lighting elements are provided at symmetrical locations, if the lighting elements that are symmetric are selected, the lighting elements included in each lighting section can be lit in a well-balanced manner. Therefore, by providing the lighting elements symmetrically in this way, it is possible to easily exert a large effect.

Hereinafter, in order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, examples will be described in the following order.
A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
A-2. Game board configuration:
A-3. Configuration of control circuit:
B. Overview of the game:
C. Circuit configuration of lighting section:
D. Lighting control:

A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front portion of the gaming machine 1 is mainly composed of a front frame 4, an upper plate portion 5, a lower plate portion 6, a game board 10, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 10 is omitted. The front frame 4 is attached to the middle frame 3 (not shown), and the middle frame 3 is attached to the main body frame 2 (not shown). The middle frame 3 is formed of a plastic material and is attached to the inside of the main body frame 2. The main body frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame formed by assembling wooden plate-like members, and forms an outer frame of the gaming machine 1. One end of the front frame 4 is pivotally supported with respect to the middle frame 3, and one end of the middle frame 3 is pivotally supported with respect to the main body frame 2. The game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3, and the front side is covered with the front frame 4.

  The front frame 4 is formed of a plastic material, and a circular opening 4a is formed at a substantially central portion. A transparent plate such as a glass plate is fitted in the opening 4a so that the board surface of the game board 10 arranged on the back side can be visually recognized. In addition, the front frame 4 is provided with various LED groups 4b to 4g for decoration in order to enhance the effect of the game. The LED groups 4b, 4d, and 4f constitute a left side lighting part, and the LED groups 4c, 4e, and 4g constitute a right side lighting part. And LED group 4b-4g is provided in the mutually symmetrical location.

  An upper dish portion 5 is provided below the front frame 4, and a lower dish portion 6 is provided below the upper dish portion 5. Further, a locking device 9 is provided on the right side of the front frame 4, and a prepaid card type ball lending device 13 (CR unit) is provided on the left side of the front frame 4.

  The upper dish portion 5 is provided with a dish-shaped recess and a dish outer edge portion 5a formed so as to surround the recess. The game ball is thrown into a recess formed in the upper plate part 5 and supplied to the launching device unit 12 (see FIG. 5). The dish outer edge 5a is provided with various buttons such as a game ball lending switch 5b, a return switch 5c, and a discharge button for discharging the inserted game ball. Furthermore, a first speaker 5y having a plurality of long holes and a large number of small holes formed thereon is provided at a substantially central portion of the upper plate part 5.

  The lower plate part 6 is provided with a discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1, and the discharged game balls are stored in the lower plate part 6. In order to discharge the game balls stored in the lower plate portion 6, a ball game hole (not shown) for discharging game balls from the lower plate portion 6 is provided on the bottom surface of the lower plate portion 6. A discharge knob 6b that opens and closes the ball hole is provided on the substantially central front side of the portion 6. The discharge knob 6b is normally in an upright state, but when the lower end is pressed to the back side, the upper end is rotated around the rotation shaft, the ball hole is opened, and the game balls accumulated in the lower dish portion 6 are discharged. It is possible. Moreover, the 2nd speaker 6c is provided in the right and left of the discharge knob 6b.

  An ashtray 7 is provided at the left end of the lower plate portion 6, and a firing handle 8 is provided at the right end of the lower plate portion 6. The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a for detecting that the player is touching the handle. The rotation axis of the launching handle 8 is connected to a launching device unit 12 (not shown) mounted on the back side of the lower pan 6, and when the player rotates the firing handle 8, the movement of the launching handle 8 is caused to the launching device unit 12. Then, a launch motor (not shown) built in the unit rotates, and a game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed.

A-2. Game board configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a board surface configuration of the game board 10. As described above, the game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 11 surrounded by an outer rail 14 and an inner rail 15 is formed at the center of the game board 10.

  A central device 26 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 11, a variable winning device 18 is provided in a lower portion of the gaming area 11, and between the central device 26 and the variable winning device 18. A starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 17 is provided. The starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 17 is a so-called tulip type starting port configured such that a pair of blade pieces can be opened and closed on the left and right. Inside the start port 17, there are a start port (ordinary electric accessory) switch 17s (see FIG. 5) for detecting the passing of the game ball, and an ordinary electric accessory (start port) solenoid 17m for operating the wing piece. (See FIG. 5). When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, the game ball is in an open state in which the possibility of entering the game ball is increased, and the pair of wing pieces are upright, and the game ball is in a normal state in which the possibility of entering the game ball is reduced.

  An effect display device 27 is provided substantially in the center of the central device 26. The effect display device 27 is equipped with a liquid crystal screen, and can change and display various effect symbols such as character symbols and background symbols. Various symbols displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27 will be described later. A first lighting display unit 270 and a second lighting display unit 280 are provided above and to the right of the effect display device 27, respectively. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are provided inside these lighting display units 270 and 280, and a lighting effect described later can be performed by blinking in a predetermined pattern according to the state of the game. ing. The structure of the lighting display units 270 and 280 will be described later.

  A guidance stage 32 for distributing game balls is provided below the effect display device 27, and a so-called warp passage 25 is provided on the left side of the effect display device 27. When a game ball flowing down the game area 11 jumps into the warp passage 25, it passes through the passage and is guided to the induction stage 32, and the game balls are distributed in a predetermined manner. Most of the game balls guided to the guidance stage 32 fall from the stage 32 and return to the game area 11 in the middle of the distribution, but some of the game balls reach the final goal 32g of the distribution and are discharged. It is discharged from the outlet 33. As shown in FIG. 2, the discharge port 33 is provided directly above the start port 17. For this reason, when the game ball reaches the final goal 32g and is discharged from the discharge port 33, the game ball surely enters the start port 17.

  A symbol display device 28 is provided at the lower left of the central device 26. Although the detailed configuration will be described later, the symbol display device 28 can display normal symbols, special symbols, and the like in a variable stop manner.

  A normal symbol operation gate 36 is provided at the left end of the game area 11, and a gate switch 36 s for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided inside the gate. Further, a lamp windmill 24 is provided between the normal symbol operating gate 36 and the central device 26. A number of obstacle nails 23 are provided between and around each of these gaming devices.

  A large winning device 31 is provided substantially at the center of the variable winning device 18. This special winning device 31 is composed of a special winning opening 31d that opens substantially in a substantially rectangular shape, a special winning opening solenoid 31m (see FIG. 5) for opening and closing the special winning opening 31d, and the like. The special winning opening 31d is opened when a predetermined condition to be described later is satisfied. As a result, the game ball enters the big winning opening 31d with a high probability, and is a special gaming state advantageous to the player. A gaming state is started. Note that a big prize opening switch 31s is provided inside the big prize opening 31d, and it is possible to detect a game ball won in the big prize opening 31d.

  An out port 48 is provided below the game board 10, and a back ball preventing member 58 is provided below the out port 48. The back ball prevention member 58 has a function of preventing the game ball that has returned without reaching the game area 11 from returning to the launch position again. On the other hand, a foul ball prevention member (not shown) is attached to the tip of the inner rail 15, and a return rubber (not shown) is attached to the outer rail 14 on the substantially opposite side of the foul ball prevention member (the right half side of the game board 10). Attached along the fitting.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the symbol display device 28 mounted on the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. The symbol display device 28 of the present embodiment is mainly composed of a normal symbol display unit 29 and a special symbol display unit 30. The normal symbol display unit 29 includes a left normal symbol display unit 29a and a right normal symbol display unit 29b, and the special symbol display unit 30 includes a left special symbol display unit 30a and a right special symbol display unit 30b. Has been. The two normal symbol display portions 29a and 29b are configured by using light emitting diodes (LEDs), the left normal symbol display portion 29a lights red light, and the right normal symbol display portion 29b lights green light. It is possible to do. The special symbol display unit 30 uses a so-called 7-segment LED. Of these, the 7-segment portion constitutes the left special symbol display portion 30a, and the comma portion constitutes the right special symbol display portion 30b. Yes. The 7-segment portion and the comma portion can be lit with red, orange, or green light. The symbol display device 28 is also provided with a normal symbol hold display unit 29c and a special symbol hold display unit 30c. Each of these consists of four LEDs. The display contents of the symbol display device 28 having such a configuration will be described later.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the screen configuration of the effect display device 27 installed in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. As described above, the effect display device 27 is mainly configured by using a liquid crystal display screen, and on the liquid crystal screen, three character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c and a background symbol 27d displayed on the background thereof. And are displayed. Among these, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed in various manners in accordance with the display of the special symbol 30 shown in FIG. 3 so that a game can be produced. Detailed production contents will be described later.

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 is composed of a number of control boards, various boards, relay terminal boards, and the like. A main control board 200 that controls the success / failure involved, a sub-control board 220 that controls the production of games using symbols, LED groups, and sound effects, and a payout that controls the operation of paying out balls and prize balls A control board 240 and a launch control board 260 for controlling the launch of the game ball are configured. These control boards include a CPU that executes various logic operations and calculation operations, a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU, a RAM that stores temporary data when the program is executed, and peripheral devices. Peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with the CPU, an oscillator that outputs a clock for the CPU to perform operations, a watchdog timer for monitoring the CPU runaway, and a CTC (counter that periodically generates an interrupt signal) A variety of peripheral LSIs such as a timer circuit are connected to each other via a bus. Further, the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5 represents the direction in which data or signals are input / output. In FIG. 5, only the CPU 201 and RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 and the CPU 221 and ROM 223 mounted on the sub control board 220 are shown, and the ROM, PIO and sub mounted on the main control board 200 are illustrated. The RAM and PIO mounted on the control board 220 and the CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. mounted on other control boards are not shown.

  As shown in the drawing, the main control board 200 receives a game ball detection signal from the start port switch 17s, the big prize port switch 31s, the gate switch 36s, etc. Are determined, commands for instructing various operations are output toward the sub-control board 220, the payout control board 240, the launch control board 260, and the like. The main control board 200 is also connected with a count switch 8 s that detects a game ball launched from the launcher unit 12. Further, the main control board 200 includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 17m for opening and closing a pair of blade pieces provided at the start opening 17, a large winning opening solenoid 31m for opening and closing a large winning opening 31d, and The symbol display device 28 for displaying the fluctuation stop of the normal symbol and the special symbol is connected via the relay terminal board, and outputs signals to these various solenoids 17m and 31m and the symbol display device 28. Thus, the operation is also controlled.

  When the sub-control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, it analyzes the contents of the command and produces a game according to the result. That is, lighting data indicating whether or not to turn on the above-described effect display board 225 that drives the effect display device 27, the amplifier board 224 that drives the various speakers 5y and 6c, and the various LED groups 4b to 4g for decoration. The game effect is performed by outputting the drive signals for driving the LED groups 4b to 4g from the decorative drive board 226. Although the detailed structure will be described later, a plurality of LED for lighting 270r that emits red light and a plurality of LEDs for lighting 270b that emit blue light are provided in the first lighting display unit 270 described above. Similarly, a plurality of red illumination LEDs 270r and blue illumination LEDs 270b are also provided in the second lighting display portion 280. The plurality of lighting LEDs 270r, 270b, 280r, and 280b are connected to the decoration driving board 226, and the sub-control board 220 also provides an effect (lighting effect) by these lighting LEDs via the decoration driving board 226. It is possible to do.

  The payout control board 240 is responsible for various controls relating to so-called ball rental and prize ball payout. For example, when a player operates the ball lending switch 5b or the return switch 5c provided in the above-described upper plate part 5, this signal is transmitted from the ball lending display board 242 to the ball lending device 13 via the relay terminal board. Is done. The ball lending device 13 pays out a ball while exchanging data with the payout control board 240. When the main control board 200 outputs a prize ball payout command, the payout control board 240 receives this command and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m to pay out the prize ball.

B. Overview of the game:
Next, the outline of the game performed in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be briefly described.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a game is performed as follows. First, when a player throws a game ball into the recess of the upper plate portion 5 and rotates the launch handle 8, the game balls thrown into the upper plate portion 5 are supplied to the launcher unit 12 one by one, The game area 11 is fired as described above with reference to FIG. The strength at which the game ball is launched can be adjusted by the rotation angle of the launching handle 8, and the player can aim the game ball by changing the rotation angle of the launching handle 8.

  When the launched game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 provided on the left side of the game area 11, the symbol display on the symbol display device 28 is started. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the symbol display device 28 is provided with the left normal symbol display unit 29a and the right normal symbol display unit 29b. The left normal symbol display unit 29a is configured to be able to light red light, and the right normal symbol display unit 29b is configured to be able to light green light. When the normal symbol variation display is started, the left and right normal symbol display portions 29a and 29b perform blinking display.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which normal symbols are variably displayed. The normal symbol in the variable display can take the four states shown in the figure. First, the state shown in FIG. 6A represents a state in which the left normal symbol display unit 29a is turned on and the right normal symbol display unit 29b is turned off. FIG. 6B shows a state where both the left normal symbol display unit 29a and the right normal symbol display unit 29b are lit. FIG. 6C shows a state in which the left normal symbol display unit 29a is turned off and the right normal symbol display unit 29b is turned on. FIG. 6D shows the left normal symbol display unit 29a and the right normal symbol display. Each of the portions 29b represents a state where the light is extinguished. During the normal symbol variation display, these four display states are displayed in such a manner that they are switched one after another at a high speed, and when a predetermined time elapses, they are stopped and displayed in one of the four display states. At this time, when the display is stopped in a predetermined display state, a so-called normal symbol is hit and the start port 17 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). In the present embodiment, the display state shown in FIG. 6C, that is, the state in which the left normal symbol display unit 29a is turned off and the right normal symbol display unit 29b is lit is set for the normal symbol. Yes.

  If the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 during the normal symbol variation display, the passing of the game ball is stored as the number of holdings, and after the current normal symbol variation display is completed, the variation display is displayed. Done. Up to four normal symbol holds can be stored, and the stored number of normal symbols is displayed on the normal symbol hold display section 29c (see FIG. 3).

  Next, when a game ball enters the start port 17 that is in an open state, a special symbol variation display is started. The special symbol is displayed by the special symbol display unit 30 as described with reference to FIG. As described above, the special symbol display unit 30 of this embodiment is composed of the left special symbol display unit 30a composed of 7-segment LEDs and the right special symbol display unit 30b of the comma portion. The symbol display portions 30a and 30b can be lit in red, orange, or green.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which special symbols are variably displayed. During the special symbol variation display, the left special symbol display unit 30a displays any one of “A”, “Y”, and “−”, and the right special symbol display unit 30b displays a comma “.”. The Further, “A” and “Y” in the left special symbol display unit 30a and the comma “.” In the right special symbol display unit 30b can take three states of red, orange, and green. The “-” in 30a can take either a red or green state. In the special symbol display unit 30 of the present embodiment, these display states can be combined to display 12 types of states shown in FIG. In the figure, the 7-segment LED or the comma portion that is finely hatched indicates that it is lit in a red state. In addition, a little rough hatching indicates that it is lit and displayed in an orange state, and a rough hatching indicates that it is lit and displayed in a green state. . When the special symbol variation display is started, these 12 types of display states are displayed in such a manner that they are switched one after another at a high speed, and when a predetermined time elapses, the display is stopped in any state.

  If the symbol displayed in the stop state is “-”, the special symbol will be removed, but if any other combination of symbols is stopped, it will be a hit for the special symbol, which is advantageous for the player. A special gaming state is started. In other words, there are 10 types of combinations of symbols that are won by the special symbol, excluding “−” from the 12 types of symbols shown in FIG. Further, the special gaming state of the present embodiment is configured such that the gaming state (round) in which the special winning opening 31d is in an open state is repeated a predetermined number of times. Since the big winning opening 31d is greatly opened, a game ball enters with high probability. As a result, the player can acquire many prize balls while a predetermined number of rounds are repeated.

  If a game ball enters the start port 17 during the special symbol fluctuation display, the game ball entry is stored as the number of special symbols held, and after the current special symbol fluctuation display ends, Fluctuation display is performed. It is possible to store up to four special symbols on hold, and the number of stored special symbols is displayed on the special symbol hold display section 30c (see FIG. 3).

  Among the 10 types of combinations that the special symbol shown in FIG. 7 is a winning combination, the 5 types of combinations surrounded by a solid line are so-called “probability variation symbols”, and the special symbols that are variably displayed are those probability variation symbols. If the combination is stopped in any of the combinations, the probability that the winning symbol is stopped and displayed is higher than that in the normal state from the end of the special game to the start of the next special game. In this way, a gaming state in which the probability of being stopped and displayed with a winning symbol is high is called a probability variation state (or probability variation state).

  Furthermore, among the 10 types of combinations that the special symbol shown in FIG. 7 is a winning combination, the five types of combinations surrounded by a broken line are so-called “normal symbols”, and the special symbols that are variably displayed are these combinations. If you stop at one of the combinations of normal symbols, after the special game ends, until the special symbol is variably displayed a predetermined number of times (100 times in this embodiment) or until the next special game state is started, The variation time of the special symbol is shortened and the opening time of the start port 17 is set to be slightly longer. Such a gaming state is referred to as a variable time shortening state (or a short time state).

  Whether or not to stop the special symbol at the winning symbol, and whether to stop at the symbol of the probability variation symbol or the normal symbol is determined by the main control board 200.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the time reduction function is activated not only when the stop symbol is displayed with the normal symbol but also when the stop symbol is displayed with the probability variable symbol. Eventually, if the special symbol is stopped and displayed in any of the ten types of winning symbols shown in FIG. 7, the time-saving function is always activated after the special gaming state ends.

  In accordance with the above-described change stop display of the special symbol, the effect display device 27 performs various effects using the effect symbols. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an aspect of the effect performed by the effect display device 27. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the three character symbols 27 a, 27 b and 27 c are displayed on the liquid crystal display screen constituting the effect display device 27. When the variation display of the special symbol is started on the symbol display device 28 described above, also on the effect display device 27, these three character symbols 27a, 27b and 27c start the variation display all at once. In the present embodiment, as a character design, a design in which nine numbers from “1” to “9” are designed is prepared.

  FIG. 8 (a) conceptually shows how the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed. When a predetermined time elapses after the variable display is started, the left character symbol 27a is first stopped and displayed in any one of “1” to “9”, and then the right character symbol 27c is stopped and displayed. The middle character symbol 27b is stopped and displayed.

  The combination of the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are stopped and displayed on the effect display device 27 is configured to be interlocked with the combination of the special symbols that are stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 described above. For example, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 stops at the winning symbol, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c of the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed with the same symbol. In particular, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 stops at the above-described probability variation symbol, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c of the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed with the same symbol representing an odd number. On the other hand, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 is out of position and stops at the symbol, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed in any combination that does not align with the same symbol.

  In this way, the special symbols displayed on the symbol display device 28 and the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed on the effect display device 27 correspond to each other in the display contents, and the respective display symbols are displayed. Since the timing for confirmation is set to be the same, it is possible to play a game while viewing either display. However, as shown in FIG. 2, the effect display device 27 is provided at a position that is more visible than the symbol display device 28, the display screen is larger, and the display content is easier to understand. It is normal to play a game while viewing the screen of the display device 27. Therefore, when the left character symbol 27a initially stopped and displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 and the right character symbol 27c subsequently stopped and displayed are the same symbol, it is stopped and displayed last. The player pays attention to the variation of the symbol so that the middle character symbol 27b may stop at the same symbol and become a so-called big hit state. In this way, the effect of variably displaying the last symbol with the two character symbols stopped at the same symbol is called a reach effect, and it is possible to increase the interest of the player by performing the reach effect. It has become.

  Further, as described above with reference to FIG. 2, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the first lighting display unit 270 and the second lighting display unit 280 are respectively provided above and to the right of the effect display device 27. A plurality of lighting LEDs are provided inside each of the lighting display portions 270 and 280. And according to the various effects performed by the effect display device 27, it is possible to perform the effect by the effect display device 27 by blinking these plurality of LED for lighting in a predetermined pattern. Yes.

C. Circuit configuration of lighting section:
As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5, the front frame 4 is provided with the LED groups 4b to 4g. For example, in the case of reach production, the LED groups 4b to 4g are appropriately blinked to play the game. The interest of the person is raised. Since the LED groups 4 b to 4 g are provided on the front frame 4, the LED groups 4 b to 4 g are controlled via a wiring from the decorative drive board 226 provided on the main body side of the gaming machine 1. As described above, considering that there is a possibility that the wiring may be caught when the front frame 4 is opened and closed, it is desirable to reduce the wiring from the decorative drive substrate 226 to the front frame 4 as much as possible. The lighting data for lighting up to 4 g is output by the serial transfer method with less wiring than the parallel transfer method. However, if the lighting data is simply output by the serial transfer method, the transfer time becomes long, so it is necessary to output the lighting data efficiently. Hereinafter, the circuit configuration of the lighting unit and the control of the lighting unit that efficiently output lighting data in a short time while adopting the serial transfer method will be described.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit configuration for lighting the LED groups 4b to 4g. As shown in the figure, the decorative drive board 226 serially transfers lighting data indicating whether or not to turn on all the left and right LED groups 4b to 4g to the left and right serial / parallel conversion units 410 and 420 in synchronization with the clock signal. Output in the method. The decorative drive board 226 also outputs a left latch signal and a right latch signal to the left and right serial / parallel converters 410 and 420.

  When the left latch signal and the right latch signal are at the L level, the left and right serial / parallel converters 410 and 420 convert the serial lighting data into parallel data, and then hold the parallel data. On the other hand, the left and right serial / parallel converters 410 and 420 output the held parallel data to the left and right switching elements 412 and 422 when the left latch signal and the right latch signal change from L level to H level.

  When the left and right switching elements 412 and 422 receive the parallel data, the corresponding LED groups 4b to 4g are turned on based on the contents of the parallel data (H level or L level). Specifically, when H-level parallel data is received, the left and right switching elements 412 and 422 are turned on based on the H-level parallel data. For this reason, a current flows through the LED groups 4b to 4g corresponding to the left and right switching elements 412 and 422 in the ON state, and the LED groups 4b to 4g are turned on. On the other hand, when L-level parallel data is received, the left and right switching elements 412 and 422 are turned off based on the L-level parallel data. For this reason, since no current flows through the LED groups 4b to 4g corresponding to the left and right switching elements 412 and 422 in the OFF state, they are not lit.

  The resistance arrays 414 and 424 are resistance elements for adjusting the brightness of each LED to emit light by limiting the current flowing through the LED groups 4b to 4g. The clear signal is used when initializing parallel data held in the left and right serial / parallel conversion units 410 and 420.

  Moreover, LED group 4b-4g of a present Example comprises one aspect | mode of the "a pair of lighting part comprised from a some lighting element" of this invention. Further, the latch signal of this embodiment constitutes one aspect of the “drive signal” of the present invention. Furthermore, the decorative drive board 226 of this embodiment constitutes one aspect of the “lighting data output means” and “drive signal output means” of the present invention.

D. Control of lighting section:
FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing various signals output from the decorative drive board 226. As shown in the figure, left and right lighting data (for example, 16 bits) corresponding to the left and right LED groups 4b to 4g are sequentially transferred to the left and right serial / parallel conversion units 410 and 420 in a serial transfer manner in synchronization with the clock signal. It is output. While the left and right lighting data (for example, 16 bits) are sequentially output, the left latch signal and the right latch signal are maintained at the L level. As described above, when the left latch signal and the right latch signal are at the L level, the left and right serial / parallel converters 410 and 420 convert the serial lighting data into parallel data and then hold the parallel data. Therefore, after the serial lighting data is converted into parallel data, the parallel data is held in the left and right serial / parallel conversion units 410 and 420.

  When all of the lighting data (for example, 16 bits) is output to the left and right serial / parallel conversion units 410 and 420, the left latch signal and the right latch signal change from L level to H level. As described above, the left and right serial / parallel conversion units 410 and 420 output the held parallel data to the left and right switching elements 412 and 422 when the left latch signal and the right latch signal change from L level to H level. Therefore, the parallel data held in the left and right serial / parallel conversion units 410 and 420 is output to the left and right switching elements 412 and 422.

  When the left and right switching elements 412 and 422 receive the parallel data, the corresponding LED groups 4b to 4g are turned on based on the contents (H level or L level) of the parallel data. Specifically, when the H level parallel data corresponding to the left and right LED groups 4b and 4c is received, the left and right switching elements 412 and 422 are turned on based on the H level parallel data. The left and right LED groups 4b and 4c corresponding to the H level parallel data are turned on when a current flows.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the left lighting data (for example, 16 bits) corresponding to the left LED groups 4b, 4d, and 4f is serially transferred to the left serial / parallel conversion unit 410 in synchronization with the clock signal. When the left latch signal changes from the L level to the H level after the data is sequentially output, the parallel data held in the left serial / parallel conversion unit 410 is output to the left switching element 412.

  When the left switching element 412 receives the parallel data, the corresponding LED groups 4b, 4d, and 4f are turned on based on the contents of the parallel data (H level or L level). Specifically, when H-level parallel data corresponding to the left LED group 4b is received, the left switching element 412 is turned on based on the H-level parallel data. A current flows through the left LED group 4b corresponding to the parallel data and lights up. The case where the right LED groups 4c, 4e, 4g are lit is the same as the case where the left LED groups 4b, 4d, 4f are lit, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the left and right LED groups 4b and 4c are lit based on the lighting data and the latch signal. As shown in the figure, after the lighting data for lighting every other LED constituting the LED groups 4b and 4c is output from the decorative drive board 226 as the left and right lighting data by the serial transfer method, When the latch signal is output, every other LED constituting the LED groups 4b and 4c is turned on. In this way, when the left and right LED groups 4b and 4c are turned on symmetrically, the data amount can be halved by collectively displaying the lighting data. Compared with the transfer method, the transfer time of lighting data can be halved.

  Moreover, as lighting data, for example, a lighting pattern for lighting every other LED constituting the left and right LED groups 4b and 4c is output, and then a left and right latch signal is output, or each LED is turned on every other LED. LED groups 4b and 4c are turned on symmetrically by simply outputting various lighting patterns and left and right latch signals sequentially, such as outputting left and right latch signals after outputting the lighting pattern to be Therefore, it is possible to perform various effects with simple control.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the left LED group 4b is lit based on the lighting data and the latch signal. As shown in the figure, after the lighting data for lighting every other LED constituting the LED group 4b is output by the serial transfer method as the lighting data on the left side from the decorative drive board 226, the left latch When the signal is output, every other LED constituting the LED group 4b is turned on. Thus, when only the left LED group 4b is lit, the LED group 4b can be lit according to the content of the lighting data by outputting only the left latch signal. Of course, if the lighting data output from the decoration drive board 226 is changed, the LEDs constituting the left LED group 4b can be turned on with different lighting patterns.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the right LED group 4c is lit based on the lighting data and the latch signal. This is bilaterally symmetric with the case where the LED group 4b described above is turned on, and the control thereof is also the same, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the lighting data for lighting every other LED constituting the symmetrical LED groups 4b and 4c is collectively expressed as whether or not the LEDs are lit. Only the data amount will be reduced. For this reason, since the lighting data is reduced as a whole, the lighting data can be transferred in a short time. Whether the left and right LED groups 4b and 4c or the left and right LED groups 4b and 4c are to be lit is designated by a latch signal using the lighting data collectively expressed as described above. For this reason, either one of the left and right LED groups 4b and 4c can be lit, or both the left and right LED groups 4b and 4c can be lit. Therefore, a large effect can be exhibited with simple control.

  While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and is not limited to the wording of each claim unless it departs from the scope described in each claim. Improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can also be added as appropriate to the extent that those skilled in the art can easily replace them.

  The present embodiment may be applied to a lighting unit composed of an LED, a lamp, or the like included in a rotating game machine in which a game is played by rotating a rotating cylinder on which a plurality of symbols are displayed. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the left and right LED groups are lit based on the lighting data and the latch signal. Similarly to the above-described embodiment, when the left and right LED groups 4b and 4c are turned on, the amount of data can be halved by collectively representing the lighting data. Compared to the method of separately transferring the lighting data by the serial transfer method, the lighting data transfer time can be halved.

  The present embodiment may be applied to the lighting display unit 270 and the lighting display unit 280 for lighting.

It is a front view of the gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of a game board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the symbol display apparatus mounted in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the screen structure of the effect display apparatus mounted in the game machine of a present Example. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit in the game machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the mode that the normal symbol is variably displayed. It is explanatory drawing which showed notably the mode that the special symbol was variably displayed. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the one aspect | mode of the effect performed with an effect display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which showed the circuit structure which lights LED group. It is the timing chart which showed the various signals output from the decoration drive board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the left and right LED group was lighted based on lighting data and a latch signal. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the left LED group was lighted based on lighting data and a latch signal. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state in which the right side LED group was lighted based on lighting data and a latch signal. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the left and right LED group was lighted based on lighting data and a latch signal.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 4 ... Front frame, 4a ... Opening part (game window),
4b-4g ... LED group (a pair of lighting part comprised from a some lighting element),
226 ... decorative drive board (lighting data output means, drive signal output means),
412, 422 ... Switching elements (lighting means)

Claims (4)

In a ball game machine or a revolving-type game machine provided with a game window provided so that the state of a game performed using a predetermined game value can be visually observed, and a front frame provided with the game window,
A pair of lighting parts provided at positions symmetrical to each other on the front frame and composed of a plurality of lighting elements;
Indicates whether or not all lighting elements in the pair of lighting sections should be lit, and at least some lighting elements output lighting data collectively indicating whether or not the pair of lighting sections are lit in a serial transfer method. Lighting data output means,
For the lighting data in which the presence / absence of lighting of the pair of lighting units is collectively expressed, drive signal output means for outputting a drive signal for driving at least one lighting element of the pair of lighting units,
A bullet ball game machine or a revolving game machine comprising: lighting means for lighting the lighting elements of the pair of lighting parts based on the lighting data and the driving signal. In the ball game machine or the revolving game machine according to claim 1,
The pair of lighting units are provided on the left side and the right side of the front frame, and are a ball game machine or a revolving game machine. In the ball or gaming machine according to claim 1 or claim 2,
In the pair of lighting parts, the same number of the lighting elements are provided,
The gaming data output means, wherein the lighting data output means outputs, as the lighting data, data that collectively represents whether or not the pair of lighting sections is lit. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The left and right lighting sections are provided with the lighting elements at symmetrical positions.

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