JP2007075493A - Game machine and display panel for game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the formation of the shadow of a displayed image and allow a player to view a bright picture by efficiently illuminating a display part with light. <P>SOLUTION: This game machine is provided with a liquid crystal display part 11a for displaying an image. A light modulating sheet 11b changed over between a transparent and opaque state is provided adjacent to the back face of the liquid crystal display part 11a. A backlight-cum-pin panel 16 operated when an event occurs during a game is provided in the back side of the light modulating sheet 11b. This game machine controls to change over the light modulating sheet 11b between the transparent and opaque state according to the situation of the event occurrence. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that displays various images related to gaming contents, such as a slot machine (such as a pachislot machine), a pachinko machine, and a coin gaming machine, and a display panel for gaming machines used for displaying images of the gaming machine.

  Generally, a gaming machine such as a slot machine (pachislot machine, etc.), a pachinko machine, or a coin game machine is provided with a display device that displays various images related to game contents in order to improve game effects. For example, in the slot machine, in addition to the effect of changing the blinking pattern of the reel built-in lamp, the effect of the game effect is enhanced by changing the character picture displayed on the liquid crystal display device.

  By the way, in a conventional gaming machine, a dimming screen that can be switched to a state in which incident light is diffusely reflected or transmitted uniformly over almost the entire surface, and a transmission image that is disposed opposite to the dimming screen can be displayed. A gaming machine provided with a flat panel display panel is considered (see Patent Document 1).

In this gaming machine, various effects are displayed, such as visually presenting information about the game contents to the player by switching to a state in which the incident light of the dimming screen is diffusely reflected or transmitted. In addition, by controlling the dimming screen so that incident light is transmitted, it is possible to visually observe, for example, a rotating reel or the like behind the display panel for the gaming machine.
JP-A-2005-21612

  As described above, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, by adjusting the dimming screen, it is possible to visually present and present information about the game contents, or to view the rotating reel and the like behind through the display panel A production effect can be given.

  However, the display panel used in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 is disposed opposite to the light control screen, the light guide plate provided with the light source on the side surface, and the front side of the light control screen via the light guide plate. It is composed of a flat panel type liquid crystal display unit capable of displaying a transmission image. That is, since the light control screen is used as a reflection sheet of the liquid crystal display unit and the liquid crystal display unit is irradiated with light, the thickness of the light guide plate disposed between the liquid crystal display unit and the light control screen is reduced. Therefore, when light hits from the front of the liquid crystal display unit, the image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit is projected as a shadow on the dimming screen and is visually recognized. For this reason, for example, a situation has arisen in which images are duplicated and a clear image cannot be presented to the player.

  Further, due to the characteristics of the dimming screen, the efficiency of diffuse reflection is not good even in an opaque state (the amount of transmitted light is large), so that the role as a reflection sheet has not been sufficiently exhibited.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and its purpose is to prevent the shadow of the displayed image from being generated, and to efficiently irradiate the display portion with light to give the player a bright image. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine and a gaming machine display panel that can be visually recognized.

  The display panel for gaming machines of the present invention comprises a display panel for displaying an image, and a light control sheet provided adjacent to one surface of the display panel and switched to a transparent or opaque state. Features.

  Further, the gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine provided with a display panel for displaying an image, and is provided adjacent to the back surface of the display panel, the light control sheet being switched to a transparent or opaque state, A dimming control for controlling the structure to be operated when an event occurs during a game on the back side of the dimming sheet and switching the dimming sheet to a transparent or opaque state according to the operating state of the structure Means.

  According to the present invention, by providing a light control sheet that can be switched to a transparent or opaque state adjacent to one surface of the display panel, the distance between the display panel and the light control sheet is reduced. Even when the shadow of the image displayed on the display panel is projected onto the light control sheet by the light from the front of the display panel when the is in an opaque state, the shadow is not visually recognized, so that a clear image is provided. Can do.

  Moreover, the backlight with respect to a display panel is irradiated through a light control sheet by adjoining a display panel and a light control sheet. That is, since the light control sheet is made opaque and diffused and transmitted (light scattering state), light is introduced between the display panel and the light control sheet, and light is applied to the display panel by diffuse reflection more efficiently. It is possible to make the player visually recognize a bright image by irradiating the display unit with light.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an external view showing a configuration of a medal game 1 as an example of a gaming machine in the present embodiment. The medal game 1 shown in FIG. 1 is configured by connecting two game machines having the same structure, and uses a design with a dinosaur motif. Hereinafter, a description will be given for one game machine.

  In the medal game 1 according to the present embodiment, a player inserts a medal into a predetermined place (the pusher table 12) and uses a mechanism unit that is slid on the table, for example, to place it on the table. This is a game in which other medals placed are pushed out under the table (pusher effect) to obtain medals. In the medal game 1 of the present embodiment, in addition to a game in which medals are acquired by inserting medals, a predetermined event is generated when a state that satisfies a predetermined condition is reached, thereby enhancing the effect of the game effect. As an event of the medal game 1 in the present embodiment, for example, a first event in which an image (picture) corresponding to a reel of a slot machine is displayed on the display screen to generate a prize, and inside the case of the medal game 1 are displayed. There is a second event in which a ball is thrown into a provided event structure, for example, a pin panel for a pinball game, and a winning is generated according to the inflow position of the ball.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the medal game 1 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, a display panel unit 11 is provided at the center of the game machine on the back side of the housing, and a ball supply device 10 is provided above the display panel unit 11. The ball supply device 10 is a structure for throwing a ball downward when a second event occurs.

  The display panel unit 11 can display various images for progressing the game and various images for improving the effect. The display panel 11 displays an image for an event, for example, an image (picture) corresponding to a reel of a slot machine when the first event occurs. In addition, the display panel unit 11 is controlled to be in a transparent state when the second event occurs, and can visually recognize a structure (what is called an accessory) arranged on the back surface of the display panel unit 11. . In the present embodiment, a pin panel for a pinball game (backlight and pin panel 16 (see FIG. 3)) is provided as an event structure.

  A pusher base 12 is provided below the display panel unit 11, and a start chuck 13 is provided in front of the pusher base 12, that is, at a position where medals fall from the pusher base 12. Only medals that fall from a specific position on the pusher base 12 pass through the start chuck 13. The start chuck 13 is provided with a sensor for detecting that a medal has passed, and an event is generated in response to the detection of the sensor.

  Further, in front of the pusher base 12, a medal insertion slot 14 for inserting a medal into the upper part of the pusher base 12 is provided. It is assumed that medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 14 can change the insertion direction to the pusher base 12 within a certain range by the player. Thereby, it is possible to adjust so that other medals already placed on the pusher table 12 are dropped from the position passing the start chuck 13. Below the pusher table 12, a medal payout port 15 for receiving a medal dropped from the pusher table 12 is provided.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the display panel unit 11 in the present embodiment. The display panel unit 11 is disposed in front of an event structure (backlight and pin panel 16) provided inside the case of the medal game 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the display panel unit 11 according to the present embodiment includes a liquid crystal display unit 11a, a light control sheet 11b, and a light guide plate 11c.

  The liquid crystal display unit 11a is disposed on the front side (player side), and includes, for example, a polarizing filter, a glass substrate, a transparent electrode, an alignment film, a liquid crystal, a spacer, a color filter, and the like. The liquid crystal display unit 11a is transparent when no image is displayed, and when the light control sheet 11b is transparent, the structure disposed on the back side can be visually recognized.

  The light control sheet 11b is a sheet provided adjacent to one surface (back side) of the liquid crystal display unit 11a and switched to a transparent or opaque state. The light control sheet 11b can be switched to a transparent or opaque state by controlling voltage application. Moreover, the light control sheet 11b is comprised using the material which diffuses and permeate | transmits light when it is opaque, and is provided in order to fulfill | perform the function as a diffusion sheet.

  The light control sheet 11b is, for example, arranged in the order of an acrylic plate, a polymer liquid crystal, and an acrylic plate from the front side (player side) and laminated and integrated. Since the light control sheet 11b is configured to have a thickness of about 0.4 mm (or mountable with a thickness less than that), for example, by providing the light control sheet 11b close to (including in close contact with) the liquid crystal display unit 11a, The shadow of the image displayed by the liquid crystal display unit 11a is not projected and projected on the light control sheet 11b. In other words, it is possible to prevent the player from presenting an unclear image such that the image displayed by the liquid crystal display unit 11a is duplicated.

  Furthermore, a light guide plate 11c is provided on the back side of the light control sheet 11b. The light guide plate 11c is a light transmissive panel made of, for example, resin used for the backlight of the liquid crystal display unit 11a, and uses light from a light source (not shown) provided near the end as a uniform surface light source. The liquid crystal display unit 11a is led to the back side. In this case, the light control sheet 11b diffuses the light guided by the light guide plate 11c, and uniformizes the light applied to the liquid crystal display unit 11a.

  In the present embodiment, an event structure (backlight and pin panel 16 described later) disposed on the back side of the display panel unit 11 can also be used as a light source for the backlight of the liquid crystal display unit 11a. In this case, since the light control sheet 11b functions as a diffusion sheet, the light guide plate 11c provided as a backlight is unnecessary.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a backlight and pin panel 16 which is a second event structure disposed on the back side of the display panel unit 11.

  The backlight and pin panel 16 is a structure for the second event, and a ball supplied from the ball supply device 10 is thrown in from above. The ball falls while colliding with a plurality of pins 16 a arranged on the panel, and flows into a plurality of ball inflow pockets 17 provided at the lower part of the backlight / pin panel 16. Each of the ball inflow pockets 17 is provided with a sensor to detect that the ball has flowed in. In accordance with the detection of this sensor, a winning (such as the number of medals for refund) is determined.

  Further, the backlight and pin panel 16 has a structure for an event and is made of the same material as the light guide plate 11c, for example, resin, and also serves as a backlight for the liquid crystal display unit 11a. A light source 18 (a cold cathode fluorescent lamp, EL (Electroluminescence), etc.) is provided in the vicinity of the end of the backlight / pin panel 16, and the light from the light source 18 is used as a uniform surface light source and the back surface of the liquid crystal display unit 11 a. Lead to the side.

  In order to make the backlight / pin panel 16 function as a backlight, not only the light source 18 is provided near the end of the backlight / pin panel 16 but also the back side of the backlight / pin panel 16 as shown in FIG. A light source, for example, a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) may be arranged in the light source, and the light from the LEDs may be diffused and guided to the liquid crystal display unit 11a.

  That is, since the display panel unit 11 in the present embodiment has a simple configuration including the liquid crystal display unit 11a and the light control sheet 11b, the configuration is free to irradiate light from the back side of the liquid crystal display unit 11a as a backlight. High degree.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the medal game 1 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, a boot ROM 32, a CF card 33 (data ROM), a RAM 34, and a display control unit 35 are connected to a CPU 30 that controls the entire system via a CPU bus 31.

  Various programs and data for operating the medal game 1 are stored in the boot ROM 32, the CF card 33, and the RAM 34. The program includes a game program for advancing a game (game), an event control program for controlling an event that occurs with the execution of the game, and a display panel unit 11 (a liquid crystal display unit 11a, which will be described later, dimming) A display panel control program for driving and controlling the sheet 11b) is included.

  Under the control of the CPU 30, the display control unit 35 reads and writes display data with respect to the VRAM 36 and performs display control of the liquid crystal display unit 37 (liquid crystal display unit 11 a) according to the display data stored in the VRAM 36.

  Further, the CPU 30 is connected to an input circuit 41 (switch / sensor 42), an output circuit 43 (lamp, coil, etc. 44), and a polymer liquid crystal output circuit 45 (polymer liquid crystal control circuit 46, via an I / O port 40. A light control sheet 47) and a D / A controller 48 (amplifier 49, speaker 50) are connected.

  The input circuit 41 inputs a signal from a switch or sensor (switch / sensor 42) mounted on each part of the medal game 1 and notifies the CPU 30 of the signal. Examples of the switch / sensor 42 provided in the medal game 1 include a sensor provided in the ball inflow pocket 17 of the start chuck 13 or the backlight / pin panel 16.

  The output circuit 43 drives lamps, coils, and the like 44 mounted on each part of the medal game 1 under the control of the CPU 30. Lamps, coils, etc. 44 provided in the medal game 1 include fluorescent lamps, high-intensity light-emitting diodes, etc., provided near the backlight / pin panel 16 for use in game effects or for the player to recognize the game state. There is a light source etc.

  The polymer liquid crystal output circuit 45 drives the polymer liquid crystal control circuit 46 under the control of the CPU 30 to make the light control sheet 47 (light control sheet 11b) transparent or opaque. The light control sheet 47 is a panel that changes to a transparent or cloudy opaque state by voltage control by the polymer liquid crystal control circuit 46. That is, when the voltage is off, the molecular orientation of the liquid crystal is random and shows strong light scattering and becomes clouded. When the voltage is on, the orientation of the liquid crystal is uniformly aligned in the voltage direction and becomes transparent.

  In addition, the light control sheet 47 (light control sheet 11b) can be divided into a plurality of regions, and the light can be switched to a transmission or non-transmission state for each region. The polymer liquid crystal control circuit 46 can individually switch each of the plurality of regions to a transmission or non-transmission state in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 30 input through the polymer liquid crystal output circuit 45.

  The D / A controller 48 converts the digital audio data into an analog audio signal, and outputs audio from the speaker 50 through the amplifier 49.

  In FIG. 4, the configuration for controlling the mechanism unit that drives the ball supply device 10 and the mechanism unit that slides on the pusher table 12 is omitted. The operation of these mechanism units is also controlled by the CPU 30.

  Next, the operation of the medal game 1 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The medal game 1 is in an opaque state by turning off (energizing off) the voltage to the light control sheet 11b of the display panel unit 11 in a normal operable state, so as to enhance the effect in the liquid crystal display unit 11a. Is displayed (step A1). By making the light control sheet 11b (47) opaque, the backlight / pin panel 16 disposed on the back side of the display panel unit 11 is prevented from being visually recognized by the player. Further, due to the characteristics of the polymer liquid crystal used in the light control sheet 11b, the light emitted from the backlight / pin panel 16 diffuses and transmits through the light control sheet 11b. It can illuminate and the visibility of the liquid crystal display part 11a can be improved. Here, since the light control sheet 11b is used for diffuse transmission instead of the diffuse reflection of the conventional method, the light guide plate 11c is not essential for the backlight, and light is emitted more efficiently than the case of using the diffuse reflection. Therefore, even if the light from the light source is made weaker than in the case of diffuse reflection, the same effect can be obtained.

  When a player inserts a medal from the medal insertion slot 14, the medal is guided onto the pusher table 12 (step A2). The medals that have rolled down to the back of the pusher table 12 are pushed forward by the pusher effect of the pusher table 12, and the other medals previously placed on the pusher table 12 are pushed forward.

  As a result, the medal dropped from the pusher table 12 falls and is accommodated in the medal payout port 15.

  At this time, when a medal dropped from the pusher table 12 passes through the start chucker 13 (step A3, Yes), it is detected by the switch sensor 42 provided in the start chucker 13. When the CPU 30 is notified of the detection of the medal by the switch sensor 42 through the input circuit 41 (step A3, Yes), the CPU 30 executes slot lottery at the time of display on the display panel unit 11 (step A4).

  That is, the CPU 30 generates a first event, displays an image (picture) corresponding to the reel of the slot machine on the display screen of the display panel unit 11 (liquid crystal display unit 11a (37)), and displays the image on the reel. Is displayed as rotating, and the rotation is arbitrarily stopped (liquid crystal display slot).

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display panel unit 11 in a state where the first event has occurred. In the state where the first event is generated, the light control sheet 11b is in an opaque state, and thus the backlight and pin panel 16 disposed on the back surface of the display panel unit 11 cannot be visually recognized.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of pictures are displayed on the display panel unit 11, and the display position is changed so that these pictures each indicate that the reel is rotated in the vertical direction.

  Here, when the position of the pattern when the change of the display position of the pattern is stopped is an arrangement of a predetermined combination (when the pattern is aligned) (step A5), the CPU 30 generates a winning effect. To pay out medals.

  For example, when a predetermined predetermined picture is not prepared (step A6, No), the medal payout is executed by generating a normal winning effect for the medal passing through the start chuck 13 and the medal payout port 15 A predetermined number of medals are discharged (step A7).

  On the other hand, when the predetermined specific pattern is prepared (step A6, Yes), the CPU 30 generates a second event.

  The CPU 30 turns on the voltage to the light control sheet 11b (47) by the polymer liquid crystal control circuit 46 through the polymer liquid crystal output circuit 45, thereby turning the light control sheet 11b into a transparent state (step A8). ). At the start of the second event, the liquid crystal display unit 11a is also in a transmissive state by not displaying an image.

  Then, the CPU 30 drives the ball supply device 10 to drop a specified number of balls from the upper part of the backlight / pin panel 16 (step A10).

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the state of the display panel unit 11 in a state where the second event is generated. In the state in which the second event is generated, the light control sheet 11b is in a transparent state, so that the second event structure disposed on the back surface of the display panel unit 11 is also used as a backlight. The pin panel 16 becomes visible.

  The ball supply device 10 throws a specified number (here, a plurality) of balls 20 from the upper part of the backlight / pin panel 16 by opening the supply port of the balls 20 downward. The ball 20 falls while hitting a plurality of pins 16 a provided on the backlight and pin panel 16.

  As a result, the ball 20 enters one of the plurality of selling ball inflow pockets 17 provided below the backlight and pin panel 16 and is detected by the switch sensor 42 provided in the ball inflow pocket 17. When the CPU 30 is notified of the detection of the ball 20 by the switch sensor 42 through the input circuit 41 (step A11), the display panel unit 11 displays a symbol representing the winning effect on the liquid crystal display unit 11a (step A12).

  FIG. 8 shows an example of a state in which symbols representing winning effects are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11a. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the number of medals to be paid out for each of the plurality of ball inflow pockets 17, for example, numbers “30”, “20”, and “10” are displayed at the corresponding positions and presented to the player. Yes.

  Here, since the light control sheet 11b remains in a transparent state, the backlight / pin panel 16 and the ball 20 can be visually recognized, and an image displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11a is superimposed on the backlight / pin panel 16. It can also be presented to the player.

  The CPU 30 determines the number of medals to be refunded according to the number of medals for repayment displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11a and the inflow position of the ball 20 detected by the switch sensor 42, and ejects it to the medal displacing port 15 (step). A13).

  In addition, the symbol expressing the winning effect displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11a does not always have to be constant, and can be arbitrarily changed according to the situation. That is, each time the second event occurs, the number of medals to be paid out can be changed even if the ball 20 flows into the same position of the ball inflow pocket 17 by changing the design. Can be increased.

  In this way, the dimming sheet 11b is changed to an opaque or transparent state as necessary, and the images displayed by the liquid crystal display unit 11a are displayed in an overlapping manner, thereby enabling more various game effects.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the components without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  The method described in the embodiment is a program (software means) that can be executed by a computer (computer), for example, a magnetic disk (flexible disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, MO, etc.). It can also be stored in a recording medium such as a semiconductor memory (ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc.), or transmitted and distributed by a communication medium. The program stored on the medium side includes a setting program that configures in the computer software means (including not only the execution program but also a table and data structure) to be executed by the computer. A computer that implements this apparatus reads a program recorded on a recording medium, constructs software means by a setting program as the case may be, and executes the above-described processing by controlling the operation by this software means. The recording medium referred to in this specification is not limited to the distribution, but includes a storage medium such as a magnetic disk or a semiconductor memory provided in a computer or a device connected via a network.

The external view which shows the structure of the medal game 1 as an example of the game machine in this embodiment. The figure which shows the detailed structure of the display panel part 11 in this embodiment. The figure which shows the backlight and pin panel 16 which is the structure for the 2nd event arrange | positioned at the back side of the display panel part 11 in this embodiment. The block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the medal game 1 in this embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the medal game 1 in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display panel part 11 of the state in which the 1st event in this embodiment was generate | occur | produced. The figure which shows an example of the state of the display panel part 11 in the state by which the 2nd event in this embodiment was generate | occur | produced. The figure which shows an example of the state by which the symbol showing the winning effect in this embodiment was displayed in the liquid crystal display part 11a.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Medal game, 10 ... Ball supply apparatus, 11 ... Display panel part, 11a ... Liquid crystal display part, 11b ... Light control sheet, 11c ... Light guide plate, 12 ... Pusher stand, 13 ... Start chucker, 14 ... Medal insertion slot, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 ... Medal payout port, 16 ... Back light and pin panel, 17 ... Ball inflow pocket, 18 ... Light source, 30 ... CPU, 31 ... CPU bus, 32 ... Boot ROM, 33 ... CF card, 34 ... RAM, 35 ... Display control 36 ... VRAM 37 ... Liquid crystal display unit 40 ... I / O port 41 ... Input circuit 42 ... Switch sensor 43 ... Output circuit 44 ... Lamp / coil 45 ... Polymer liquid crystal output circuit, 46 ... polymer liquid crystal control circuit, 47 ... light control sheet 47, 48 ... D / A controller, 49 ... amplifier, 50 ... speaker.

Claims (6)

A display panel for displaying images,
A display panel for gaming machines, comprising: a light control sheet that is provided adjacent to one surface of the display panel and can be switched to a transparent or opaque state.   The display panel for a gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the light control sheet is switched to a transparent or opaque state by control of applying a voltage, and diffuses and transmits light when opaque.   2. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the display panel and the light control sheet are adjacent to each other so that a shadow of an image displayed by the display panel is not projected and projected on the light control sheet. Display panel. A gaming machine provided with a display panel for displaying images,
A light control sheet provided adjacent to the back surface of the display panel, which can be switched to a transparent or opaque state,
A structure to be operated when an event occurs during a game on the back side of the light control sheet;
A gaming machine comprising: a dimming control unit that performs control to switch the dimming sheet to a transparent or opaque state in accordance with an operating state of the structure.   The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the structure also serves as a light source for irradiating the display panel with light through the light control sheet.   The display control means for displaying an image in accordance with the operation of the structure on the display panel when the light control sheet is made transparent by the light control means. 4. The gaming machine according to 4.

Images