JP2006326108A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine allowing each player to know, at what betting rate other players are playing the game. <P>SOLUTION: This game machine provides a game, in which a plurality of players can simultaneously participate and each player plays the game by betting a game value at a desired betting rate. This game machine is provided with a microcomputer for storing betting rate data corresponding to the betting rate selected by the player, a light source part for emitting light, according to the betting rate data, and an acrylic panel or a model chip guiding the light emitted from the light source part to an area that is visible by another player. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine, and more particularly, to a game machine that notifies light of a betting rate selected by a player.

  In a game played by a game machine as in an actual game, the player specifies the amount of gaming value bet on the game by the number of chips to bet. A player who has won the game can receive a payout or a refund according to the number of chips bet depending on the content of the victory.

  In general, the game value per chip is set to the minimum unit game value that cannot be reduced any more, for example, one credit, but is not necessarily limited to such setting. Some game machines can switch the game value per chip according to the player's selection. The magnitude of the gaming value per chip is called a betting rate (also referred to as a chip rate), and refers to the gaming value per sheet (including gaming media such as coins and medals). Credit is set to 10 credits per card, 100 credits per card, and the like.

  The player can complete a bet with only a few button operations even when playing a game with a large gaming value by appropriately selecting a betting rate. For example, when the betting rate is 1 credit, it is necessary to press the bet button 100 times to bet 100 credits, whereas when the betting rate is 100 credits, one bet is made. All you need to do is press the button. By allowing the player to arbitrarily set the betting rate, the player can play the game more comfortably. In view of this, game machines that allow a player to arbitrarily set a betting rate have appeared.

  In a game machine in which the betting rate can be arbitrarily set, the player can know how much other players bet, but cannot know what betting rate is set.

  In games that are generally played in casinos, there is a difference between people who have high skill in the game, those who win and win that day, and those who have low skill in the game and those who are not lost on that day. It tends to appear in the number of possessed chips.

  As one of the strategies of the player, it is often done to decide his bet by learning from the bet of the player who has acquired many possessed chips. Players with many chips tend to choose a high betting rate to make a bigger game, so each player always knows what betting rate other players are playing at There is a request to keep track of, but conventional game machines could not meet this request.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a game machine in which each player can know what betting rate the other player is currently playing.

As means for solving the above problems, the present invention has the following features.
A first aspect of the present invention is proposed as a game machine that provides a game in which a plurality of players can participate at the same time and each player plays a game with a desired betting rate at a desired betting rate.

  The game machine includes a storage unit (for example, a microcomputer or a betting rate storage unit) that stores betting rate data corresponding to the betting rate selected by the player, and a light source unit that emits light in accordance with the betting rate data (for example, A light source unit) and light guiding means (for example, an acrylic panel or a model chip) for guiding light emitted from the light source means to an area visible to other players.

  According to such a game machine, light corresponding to the betting rate is generated by the light source means, and the light is guided to the player by the light guiding means, so that any player can know the betting rate of the other player from the light. It becomes possible.

  In the above game machine, a light guide plate may be adopted as the light guiding means. According to such a configuration, the light guide plate shines with light according to the betting rate, so that not only the betting rate is notified but also the effect as decoration / production of the game machine is produced.

  The game machine also has a possessed game value storage means (for example, a microcomputer or a possessed credit value storage unit) for storing the game value possessed by each player, and a game value stored in the game value storage means. Further, it may further include model lifting / lowering means (for example, a lifting / lowering mechanism) that lifts and lowers the light guiding means that is a model for visually recognizing the game value possessed by the player.

  According to such a game machine, since the player can know the possessed game value together with the betting rate of the other player, it becomes possible to play a game with a more advanced strategy with reference to the other player.

  In the above game machine, the light source means may switch the color of the emitted light according to the betting rate data.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to provide a game machine having light guiding means that emits light in various colors according to the betting rate, and the game machine has an enhanced effect.

  Further, the light source means may switch at least one of the luminous intensity and the illuminance of the emitted light according to the betting rate data.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which the player can know what betting rate the other player is currently playing, and as a result, the strategic that refers to the betting eyes of the other player. Can provide an easy way to play.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[1. Appearance of game console]
FIG. 1 shows an external view of a game machine according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the game machine 100 includes a table unit 102 in which player terminals 101 called satellites are arranged in a substantially fan shape, and a panel unit 103 placed behind the table unit 102. In the example shown in this figure, five player terminals 101 are arranged in a fan shape toward the panel unit 103.

  The panel unit 103 includes a front display 104 that is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, a speaker 105, a lamp 106, and an LED 107. The front display 104 commonly notifies each player of information related to the game in which the player who operates the player terminal 101 participates. The betable time start notification, bet end notification, game win / loss notification, and the like are displayed by the dealer 108 animation.

  FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of the player terminal 101. Hereinafter, the player terminal 101 will be described with reference to FIG. The player terminal 101 has a liquid crystal display 201 on the upper surface for providing information related to the game to the player. The liquid crystal display 201 is covered with a transparent touch panel 202, and coupled with an input interface screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 201, on the front side of the player liquid crystal display 201, a player, such as a PAYOUT button or a BET button, plays a game. A button group 203 that is a plurality of buttons to be used is arranged. On the right side of the button group 203, a coin insertion unit 204 is provided for the player to insert a game value medium (hereinafter simply referred to as “coin”) such as coins, medals, and chips. Below the coin insertion unit 204, a bill insertion unit 205 for a player to insert a bill is provided. A coin sensor (not shown) is disposed in the coin insertion unit 204. When a coin is inserted into the coin insertion unit 204, a coin detection signal is output to the player terminal 101 via the coin sensor. A bill sensor (not shown) is disposed in the bill insertion unit 205. When a bill is inserted into the bill insertion unit 205, a bill detection signal is output to the player terminal 101 via the bill sensor.

  A coin payout exit 206 is provided in the lower front portion of the player terminal 101. When the player presses the PAYOUT button, which is one of the book tongues 203, the player possessed credit value stored in the player terminal 101 is displayed. The coins corresponding to all or a part of the coins are discharged from the coin payout exit 206 so that the player can obtain them.

  A transparent acrylic panel 207 is provided in a U shape in front of the liquid crystal display 201 (side toward the panel unit 103) as viewed from above, and a three-dimensional model chip is provided in an area surrounded by the transparent acrylic panel 207. A presentation unit 208 is provided. The three-dimensional model chip presenting unit 208 includes a three-dimensional model chip 209 corresponding to a model for visually recognizing the game value possessed by the player, and the three-dimensional model chip 209 projecting from the player terminal 101 to the outside or projecting. Is provided with a presentation unit plate 211 provided with an opening 210 for accommodating the player terminal 101 and a lifting / lowering mechanism (described later) corresponding to a model lifting / lowering means for lifting / lowering the three-dimensional model chip 209.

  The three-dimensional model chip 209 is a model of a chip pile, and is formed by molding a resin or the like. One 3D model chip presenting unit 208 may include a plurality of 3D model chips 209 of different units. For example, a three-dimensional model chip imitating a pile of chips for one credit per piece, a three-dimensional model chip imitating a pile of ten credit chips per piece, a three-dimensional model chip imitating a pile of 100 credit chips per piece, etc. It may be prepared.

  These three-dimensional model chips 209 are moved up and down by an elevating mechanism according to the number of chips credited to the game machine 100 by the player operating the player terminal 101 provided with the three-dimensional model chip presenting unit 208, that is, the possessed credit value. . For example, if the player's possessed credit value is “251”, a three-dimensional model chip that imitates a pile of chips for one credit protrudes from the presentation unit plate 211 by a height corresponding to the thickness of one chip. Thus, the three-dimensional model chip is moved up and down, and the three-dimensional model chip is moved up and down so that the three-dimensional model chip imitating a chip of 10 credits protrudes from the presentation unit plate 211 by the height of five chips. The three-dimensional model chip is moved up and down so that a three-dimensional model chip simulating a chip of 100 credit chips protrudes from the presentation unit plate 211 by the height of two chips.

  All the players can quickly and intuitively grasp the credit value of the player by looking at the height at which the three-dimensional model chip 209 protrudes from the presentation unit plate 211. It is also possible to provide a sense of presence that increases and decreases in front of you.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the internal structure of the game machine 100. A main control unit 301 is stored in the game machine 100. The main control unit 301 includes an information processing apparatus that executes a game program and peripheral devices. The main control unit 301 is connected to each player terminal 101 so as to be capable of two-way communication, receives a notification of selection of a player such as the number of bets and bets from each player terminal 101, and a game is played when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Is started, the game win / loss is determined, and the result is notified to each player terminal 101. Each player terminal 101 increases or decreases the possessed credit value of the player in accordance with the notification from the main control unit 301. For example, when the player wins the game, each player terminal 101 adds the credit value for the acquired number of credits to the possessed credit value and stores it again according to the notification from the main control unit 301, while the player loses the game. In the case of each player terminal 101, each player terminal 101 subtracts the credit value corresponding to the number of bets from the possessed credit value and stores it again according to the notification from the main control unit 301.

  The main control unit 301 also performs output of image signals to be displayed on the front display 104, drive control of the lamp 106 and LED 107, and drive control of the speaker 105.

An elevation mechanism 302 and a light source unit 303 are connected to the player terminal 101.
The elevating mechanism 302 is a means for elevating the three-dimensional model chip 209. In this embodiment, a stepping motor is used as the elevating power, but a normal motor combined with a position control mechanism may be used.

A specific configuration of the lifting mechanism 302 will be described with reference to FIG.
4 is a rotary drive shaft 402 attached to a stepping motor 401, and a contact member that is fixed to the rotary drive shaft 402 and corresponds to a contact means that rotates as the rotary drive shaft 402 rotates. 403 ₁ to 403 _5, to a position where one end comes into contact with the abutment surface ₄₀₃ 1 P～403 ₅ P having the abutting member ₄₀₃ 1 to 403 _5, corresponding to the arm means pivotally mounted by a support shaft 404 Arm portions 405 _{1 to} 405 ₅ and table portions 406 _{1 to} 406 ₅ corresponding to table means attached to the other ends of the arm portions 405 _{1 to} 405 ₅ . On the upper surface of the table portion ₄₀₆ 1-406 _5, three-dimensional model chips 209 are mounted is fixed. Further, the table portions 406 _{1 to} 406 ₅ are guided by the slide rail 407 and are regulated so that the three-dimensional model chip 209 passes through the opening 210 correctly.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, it has a structure for elevating the five kinds of three-dimensional model chips 209, abutment members ₄₀₃ 1 to 403 _5, abutment surface ₄₀₃ 1 P～403 ₅ P, the arm portions ₄₀₅ 1 405 ₅ and ₅ each of the table units 406 _{1 to} 406 5 are prepared, and are described with branch numbers to distinguish them. However, if there is no need to distinguish them, no branch numbers are added. In addition, the contact member 403, the contact surface 403P, the arm portion 405, and the table portion 406 are simply described.

Next, the operation of the lifting mechanism 302 shown in FIG. 4 will be described.
When the stepping motor 401 driven by the player terminal 101 rotates the rotation drive shaft 402, the contact member 403 rotates. As this rotation proceeds, the contact surface 403 comes into contact with one end of the arm portion 405. In this embodiment, the abutment surface 403 ₅ P contacts the earliest arm 405 ₅ at one end, below the abutment surface ₄₀₃ 4 P, abutment surface ₄₀₃ 3 P, abutment surface ₄₀₃ 2 P, The arm portions 405 _{4 to} 405 ₁ corresponding to the contact surface 403 ₁ P in this order are in contact with each other.

When the contact member 403 further rotates after the contact surface 403P contacts one end of the arm portion 405, the contact surface 403P pushes down one end of the arm portion 405.
The arm portion 405 whose one end is pushed down rotates around the support shaft 404 and the other end is pushed upward. As a result, the table unit 406 fixed to the other end is also pushed upward, and the three-dimensional model chip 209 placed on the table unit 406 is also raised. As a result, according to the amount of rotation of the rotation drive shaft 402 by the stepping motor 401, a part or all of the three-dimensional model chip 209 can be projected from the presentation unit plate 211 through the opening 210 and exposed.

  Further, by rotating the stepping motor 401 in the reverse direction, it is also possible to house a part or all of the exposed three-dimensional model chip 209 that protrudes from the presentation part plate 211 and is exposed below the presentation part plate 211.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 4, the abutment surface ₄₀₃ 1 _{P~403 5} P is as timing abutting on one end of the arm portion ₄₀₅ 1-405 ₅ corresponding different, the shape of the contact member ₄₀₃ 1-403 ₅ Therefore, the three-dimensional model chip 209 at the right end in the drawing starts rising fastest, and the left three-dimensional model chip 209 starts rising from the right three-dimensional model chip 209 in the following order. Using this property, the value per piece of the rightmost three-dimensional model chip 209 is lowered (for example, 1 credit per piece), and the value per piece is increased toward the left (for example, one piece). If the color and pattern of the 3D model chip are distinguished so that 5 credits, 10 credits, 100 credits, and 1000 credits per unit), the possession credit value in a wide range such as 1 to 100000 credits can be obtained from the protruding amount of the 3D model chip 209. Can be expressed by

  Next, another configuration example of the lifting mechanism 302 is shown in FIGS. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a basic unit of another configuration example of the lifting mechanism 302. A plurality of these basic units are collected to constitute one lifting mechanism 302.

  In the basic unit of the elevating mechanism 302, a table portion 503 corresponding to table means is attached to a rotation drive shaft 502 that is rotated by a stepping motor 501.

  A three-dimensional model chip 209 is placed on the upper surface of the table portion 503 as in the above example. In FIG. 5, the three-dimensional model chip 209 is formed by laminating a hollow semi-cylinder to the left and right to form one three-dimensional model chip 209. In FIG. 5, the hollow semi-cylinder on one side before bonding is illustrated. ing. Although not shown, the three-dimensional model chip 209 moves up and down so as to protrude or retract from the opening 210 of the presentation unit plate 211, which is the same as the above example.

  A nut 504 is fixed to the bottom of the table portion 503. A screw thread and a screw groove are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary drive shaft 502 (not shown), and the nut 504 and the rotary drive shaft 502 are screwed together.

  The table portion 503 is regulated so as not to rotate as the rotation drive shaft 502 rotates. For example, a guide rail may be provided as in the above-described example to restrict the rotation of the table portion 503 (the vertical movement is not restricted), or it can slide on the inner wall of the game machine 100 or the like. The rotation of the table portion 503 may be regulated (the vertical movement is not regulated).

  By rotating the rotation drive shaft 502, the table portion 503 is screwed or screwed out. That is, by controlling the rotational drive of the stepping motor 501, the elevation of the table portion 503, that is, the three-dimensional model chip 209 placed thereon can be controlled.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example in which the lifting mechanism 302 is configured using a plurality of the above basic units. In the example of the elevating mechanism 302, it is composed of a row of five basic units on which one 3D model chip 209 is placed and a row of 5 basic units on which one 3D model chip 209 is placed. Since the basic unit has the stepping motor 501, it is possible to control the elevation of the three-dimensional model chip 209 independently for each basic unit.

  Therefore, when the lifting mechanism 302 having such a configuration is used, not only the lifting / lowering of the three-dimensional model chip 209 is used for displaying the possessed credit value, but also other displays, for example, the player of the player terminal wins a big victory. When it is obtained, it is also possible to perform an operation to produce such effects as raising and lowering the three-dimensional model chip 209 from right to left or from left to right like a wave swell.

Returning to FIG. 3, the description of the schematic configuration of the game machine 100 will be continued.
The player terminal 101 is connected to the light source unit 303, and the light emission operation of the light source unit 303 is controlled in accordance with a control command from the player terminal 101. The light source unit 303 is a circuit having a plurality of light emitting sources such as LEDs, and functions as a light source that can change the color (for example, red, blue, green, white, etc.) and luminance. The light emitted from the light source unit 303 is guided by the acrylic panel 207 and emitted outside the game machine 100, particularly in a direction visually recognized by the player.

[Configuration example of main control unit]
Next, a configuration example of the main control unit 301 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the game machine 100 with the main control unit 301 as the center.

  The main control unit 301 basically includes a CPU 701, a RAM 702, a ROM 703, and a microcomputer 705 including a bus 704 for performing data transfer between them. The CPU 701 includes a ROM 703 and a RAM 702. Connection is made via a bus 704. The ROM 703 stores various programs, data tables, and the like for performing processing necessary for control of the game machine 100. The RAM 703 is a memory that temporarily stores various data calculated by the CPU 701.

  More specifically, the microcomputer 705 is connected to the image processing circuit 707 via the I / O interface 706. The image processing circuit 707 is connected to the front display 104 and controls the driving of the front display.

  The image processing circuit 707 includes a program ROM, an image ROM, an image control CPU, a work RAM, a VDP (video display processor), a video RAM, and the like. The program ROM stores an image control program related to display on the front display 104 and various selection tables. The image ROM stores dot data for forming an image such as dot data for forming an image on the front display 104, for example. Also, the image control CPU follows the parameters set by the CPU 701 and follows the image control program stored in advance in the program ROM, and displays the image to be displayed on the front display 104 from the dot data stored in advance in the image ROM. Make a decision. The work RAM is configured as a temporary storage unit when the image control program is executed by the image control CPU. The VDP generates image data corresponding to display contents determined by the image control CPU and outputs the image data to the front display 104. The video RAM is configured as a temporary storage unit when an image is formed with VDP.

  Further, the microcomputer 705, more specifically, the CPU 701 is connected to a speaker 105 via an audio circuit 708. The speaker 105 performs various sound effects when performing various effects based on an output signal from the audio circuit 708. BGM or the like is generated.

  Further, the microcomputer 705, more specifically, the CPU 701 is connected to the lamp 106 and the LED 107 via the lamp driving circuit 709. A large number of the lamps 106 and 107 are arranged on the front surface of the game machine 100 and are controlled to be turned on by a lamp driving circuit based on a driving signal from the CPU 701 when performing various effects.

  Further, the microcomputer 705, more specifically, the CPU 701 is connected to each player terminal 101 via a communication interface 710 so that bidirectional communication between the CPU 701 and the player terminal 101 can be performed. The CPU 701 can send and receive commands and send and receive requests to and from each player terminal 101 via the communication interface 710, and the main control unit 301 and the player terminal 101 jointly control the progress of the game.

[Configuration example of player terminal]
Next, a configuration example of the player terminal 101 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing a control system of the player terminal 101.
The player terminal 101 basically includes a microcomputer 805 including a CPU 801, a RAM 802, a ROM 803, and a bus 804 for transferring data between them. The CPU 801 includes a ROM 803 and a RAM 802 as buses. 804 is connected. The ROM 803 stores various programs, data tables, and the like for performing processing necessary for control of the player terminal 101, for example, operation control of the lifting mechanism 302, lighting on / off control of the light source unit, and the like. The RAM 803 is a memory that temporarily stores various data calculated by the CPU 801.

  The microcomputer 805, more specifically, the CPU 801 is connected to the liquid crystal panel drive circuit 807 via the I / O interface 806, and the liquid crystal panel drive circuit 807 is connected to the liquid crystal display 201 and controls driving of the liquid crystal display 201. To do.

  Further, the microcomputer 805, more specifically, the CPU 801 is connected to the touch panel drive circuit 808 via the I / O interface 806, and the touch panel drive circuit 808 outputs the coordinate data of the contact position on the touch panel 202.

  A hopper 814 is connected to the microcomputer 805, more specifically, to the CPU 801 via a hopper drive circuit 809. When a driving signal is output from the CPU 801 to the hopper driving circuit 809, the hopper 814 pays out a predetermined number of coins from the coin payout exit 206. Further, a coin detection unit 815 is connected to the CPU 801 via a payout completion signal circuit 810. The coin detection unit 815 is disposed inside the coin payout exit 206. When it is detected that a predetermined number of coins have been paid out from the coin payout exit 206, a coin payout detection signal is issued from the coin detection unit 815. Based on this, the payout completion signal circuit 810 outputs a payout completion signal to the CPU 801.

  Further, the microcomputer 805, more specifically, the CPU 801 is connected to a stepping motor drive circuit 811 that rotates and drives a stepping motor 401 (or 501) for driving the lifting mechanism 302. When a motor drive signal is output from the CPU 801 to the stepping motor drive circuit 811, the stepping motor 401 (or 501) is rotationally driven by the stepping motor drive circuit 811 by the amount of rotation corresponding to the motor drive signal. As a result, the elevating mechanism 302 operates, and the elevating operation of the three-dimensional model chip 209 is performed. Note that the microcomputer 805, more specifically, the CPU 801 functions as drive control means in cooperation with the stepping motor drive circuit 811.

  Further, the microcomputer 805, more specifically, the CPU 801 is connected to an LED drive circuit 812 for driving the light source unit 303. In this embodiment, the light source unit 303 is composed of a plurality of LEDs that can emit light independently of each other, and the LED drive circuit 812 is configured to display all the LEDs in response to an LED drive command from the CPU 801. Drive power is supplied to the LED that is the target of the drive command. This makes it possible to perform LED on / off control in a desired manner under the control of the CPU 801.

  Further, the microcomputer 805, more specifically, the CPU 801 is connected to the main control unit 301 via the communication interface 813, so that bidirectional communication between the CPU 801 and the main control unit 301 can be performed. The CPU 801 can send and receive commands and send and receive requests to and from the main control unit 301 via the communication interface 814, and the main control unit 301 and the player terminal 101 cooperate to control the progress of the game.

  FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of the microcomputer 805 of the player terminal 101.

  The microcomputer 805 includes a terminal-side game control unit 901, a light source control unit 902, a betting rate storage unit 903, a light emission color table storage unit 904, a motor control unit 905, a possessed credit value storage unit 906, and a stop position. A credit value storage unit 907.

  The light source control unit 902 and the motor control unit 905 are activated in response to a command from the terminal-side game control unit 901, and the betting rate storage unit 903, the emission color table storage unit 904, the possessed credit value storage unit 906, and the stop position Each operation is performed according to the contents stored in the credit value storage unit 907.

  The terminal-side game control unit 901 accepts player input via the touch panel drive circuit 808 and the button switch group, or accepts output from the coin sensor and bill sensor as credit value input, and accepts player input and credit value received. Is notified to the main control unit 301. This input includes a betting object (for example, “Banker”, “Player”, or “Tie”), the number of bets, designation of a betting rate, change, and the like.

  When the main control unit 301 receives the bet target and the number of bets received from each player terminal 101, the main control unit 301 advances the game and determines the winning or losing. The terminal side game control unit 901 is notified. The terminal-side game control unit 901 adds the payout number that has been notified of the payout number to the value stored in the possessed credit value storage unit 906 and stores and overwrites it.

  The light source control unit 902 reads the betting rate data input by the player from the betting rate storage unit 903, and stores the betting rate data in the light source unit 303 based on the betting rate data and the emission color table stored in the emission color table storage unit 904. A color of light to be generated (light emission color) is determined, and a command is sent to the LED drive circuit 812 to drive the light source unit 303 in accordance with the determined light emission color. The LED drive circuit 812 sends a drive signal to the light source unit 303 in response to a command.

  The player can determine and change the betting rate by operating the touch panel 202 or the button group 203. When the terminal-side game control unit 901 receives an input for determining or changing the betting rate of the player, the terminal-side game control unit 901 overwrites and stores betting rate data, which is data indicating the betting rate input by the player, in the betting rate storage unit 903. In this example, there are three types of betting rates that can be selected by the player: “1 credit per coin”, “10 credits per coin”, and “100 credits per coin”. ”And“ 3 ”betting rate data.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of an emission color table stored in the emission color table storage unit 904 for determining the emission color of light to be generated by the light source unit 303 based on the betting rate data. The light emission color table 1000 has one record 1001 for each betting rate. Each record 1001 has a betting rate data field 1002 and a light emission color field 1003. A field 1003 stores the corresponding betting rate data and a value for designating the emission color corresponding to the betting rate.

  The light source control unit 902 compares the betting rate data read from the betting rate storage unit 903 with the value stored in the betting rate data field 1002 of the emission color table 1000, specifies the record 1001 in which both data match, The data stored in the emission color field 1003 of 1001 is read, the emission color is determined based on this data, and a command is sent to the LED drive circuit 812 to drive the light source unit 303 according to the determined emission color.

  In this embodiment, the emission color is switched by turning on the corresponding color LED. However, the emission color may be switched by other methods.

  Take an example. If the betting rate data read from the betting rate storage unit 903 is “1” indicating a betting rate of “1 credit per coin”, the light source control unit 902 identifies the top record 1001 in FIG. Based on the data indicating “blue” stored in the emission color field 1003 of the record 1001, a command is sent to the LED drive circuit 812 to drive the light source unit 303. For example, in this case, the light source control unit 902 sends a command to turn on the blue LED included in the light source unit 303 to the LED drive circuit 812. As a result, the light source unit 303 emits blue light, is guided by the acrylic panel 207, and is emitted outside the game machine 100. As a result, each player can visually recognize blue light emission indicating that the betting rate designated by the player is “1 credit per coin”.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the light source control unit 902.
When starting the processing, the light source control unit 902 reads betting rate data from the betting rate storage unit 903 (S1101). This betting rate data represents the betting rate currently designated by the player.

  Next, the light source control unit 902 compares the betting rate data read in S1101 with the emission color table that the emission color table storage unit 904 is aware of, and determines the emission color (S1102).

  Next, the light source control unit 902 sends a command to the LED drive circuit 812 to drive the light source unit 303 in accordance with the emission color determined in S1102 (S1103). The LED drive circuit 812 sends a drive signal to the light source unit 303 in response to a command. In response to this command, the light source unit 303 emits light of a color corresponding to the betting rate.

  By the processing of the light source control unit 902, the player's betting rate can be displayed to other players so as to be visible in the multi-player game machine.

Returning to FIG. 9, the description of the function of the microcomputer 805 will be continued.
The possessed credit value storage unit 906 stores a game value value (referred to as “owned credit value”) credited to the game machine 100 by the player operating the player terminal 101. The value stored in the possessed credit value storage unit 906 is always updated to the latest value by the terminal-side game control unit 901. For example, when the player inserts a new bill or coin, the credit value corresponding to the inserted bill or coin is added to the possessed credit value and stored, or when the player pays out the coin, The credit value for the coins that have been paid back is subtracted from the possessed credit value and stored in the possessed credit value storage unit 906.

  The stop position credit value storage unit 907 stores a credit value indicating a position where the three-dimensional model chip 209 is currently stopped.

  Now, it is assumed that the value currently stored in the credit value storage unit 906 is “100”. The motor control unit 905 drives the elevating mechanism 302 so as to correspond to the value “100” stored in the possessed credit value storage unit 906, and as a result, the three-dimensional model chip 209 rises to a position indicating the credit value “100” or Descent and stop. The credit value “100” corresponding to the stopped position is stored in the stop position credit value storage unit 907.

  Here, it is assumed that the player wins the game and obtains 20 as a payout. Currently, “20” is added to “100” stored in the possessed credit value storage unit 906, and “120” is stored in the possessed credit value storage unit 906 as a new possessed credit value. The motor control unit 905 compares the value stored in the possessed credit value storage unit 906 with the value stored in the stop position credit value storage unit 907, and if they do not match, the value stored in the possessed credit value storage unit 906 As shown, the motor drive amount is calculated, and the lifting mechanism 302 is driven according to the calculated drive amount.

  The motor control unit 905 monitors the value stored in the possession credit value storage unit 906 and the value stored in the stop position credit value storage unit 907, and the position of the three-dimensional model chip 209 is stored in the possession credit value storage unit 906. The lifting mechanism 302 is driven and controlled so as to correspond to the value to be set.

  FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of an example of a method for controlling the lifting mechanism 302 of the motor control unit 905.

  First, the motor control unit 905 reads the possession credit value stored in the possession credit value storage unit 906 and the stop position credit value stored in the stop position credit value storage unit 907 (S1201). Next, the motor control unit 905 calculates a deviation between the possessed credit value and the stop position credit value (S1202). For example, when possession credit value = 120 and stop position credit value = 100, deviation “20” is calculated, or when possession credit value = 100 and stop position credit value = 120, deviation “−20” is calculated. .

  Next, the motor control unit 905 calculates the rotation direction and rotation amount of the motor based on the deviation (S1203). Finally, the motor control unit 905 outputs a command to the stepping motor drive circuit 811 so as to output a pulse corresponding to the rotation direction and the rotation amount (S1204). The stepping motor drive circuit 811 outputs a pulse signal corresponding to the command to the motor 401 (or 501), and the motor performs rotation driving according to the rotation direction and the rotation amount determined by the motor control unit 905. As a result, the lifting mechanism 302 raises or lowers the three-dimensional model chip 209 to a position corresponding to the credit value stored in the possessed credit value storage unit 906 and stops.

  By continuously performing S1201 to S1204 at predetermined intervals, the game machine 100 can always present the three-dimensional model chip 209 at a position corresponding to the credit value possessed by the player.

[2. Modifications, etc.]
Modification examples of the game machine 100 will be described below.

  FIG. 13 shows a block diagram of a game machine 100A according to a modification. Hereinafter, a game machine 100A according to a modification will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the game machine 100A, the above-described three-dimensional model chip 209 is formed of a light-transmitting material such as the acrylic panel 207 to form a three-dimensional model chip 209A having a light-transmitting property. The light source unit 303 is disposed below or inside the three-dimensional model chip 209 </ b> A, and the three-dimensional model chip 209 </ b> A emits light such that the luminance and color can be changed, like the acrylic panel 207. With this configuration, it is possible to cause the three-dimensional model chip 209A to perform the same role as the acrylic panel 207, and it is also possible to simply perform an effect.

  In the game machine 100A, the light source unit 303 is moved up and down by the lifting mechanism 302 together with the three-dimensional model chip 209A. Accordingly, the three-dimensional model chip 209 </ b> A can emit light so that the luminance and color can be changed by the light source unit 303 while changing the position in the vertical direction by the lifting mechanism 302.

  In the game machine 100A, the acrylic panel 207 is not provided, but the acrylic panel 207 may be provided together with the three-dimensional model chip 209A.

External perspective view of game machine Perspective view of player terminal Block diagram showing the control system of the game machine A perspective view showing an example of a lifting mechanism A perspective view showing another example of a lifting mechanism A perspective view showing another example of a lifting mechanism Functional block diagram showing a configuration example of the main control unit Functional block diagram showing a configuration example of a player terminal Functional block diagram of microcomputer of player terminal The figure which shows the structural example of the table memorize | stored in the light emission color table memory | storage part. Flow chart showing control method of light emission control unit Flow chart showing control method of lifting mechanism Block diagram of game machine according to modification

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100, 100A ... Game machine 101 ... Player terminal 209, 209A ... Three-dimensional model chip 302 ... Lifting mechanism 401, 501 ... Motor 402, 502 ... Drive shaft 405 ... Arm part 406, 503 ... Table part

Claims (5)

In a game machine that provides a game in which a plurality of players can participate at the same time and each player plays a game with a desired betting rate at a desired betting rate,
Storage means for storing betting rate data corresponding to the betting rate selected by the player;
Light source means for emitting light according to the betting rate data;
A game machine comprising light guiding means for guiding light emitted from the light source means to an area visible to the plurality of players.   The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the light guiding means is a light guide plate. The game machine is:
Possessed game value storage means for storing the game value possessed by each player;
According to the game value stored in the game value storage means, there is further provided a model raising / lowering means for raising and lowering the light guiding means which is a model for visually recognizing the game value possessed by the player. The game machine according to claim 1.   The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light source means switches a color of light to be emitted according to betting rate data.   The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the light source means switches at least one of luminous intensity and illuminance of light to be emitted according to betting rate data.

Images