JP2007175215A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which does not damage an appearance by a sensor lead wire or the like while utilizing the characteristics of a transparent game board. <P>SOLUTION: The game board 50 for which a game area is formed of a transparent member is provided with a game board unit 5 composed by arranging a winning part 56 where game balls can enter, and an image display panel 55 which is positioned on the back surface of the game board 50 and can be seen through from the front surface of the game board. Between the image display panel 55 and the game board 50, a winning ball flow-down path 81 where the game balls which enter the winning part 56 are guided to flow down and a variable magnetism generation part 85 for changing magnetism accompanying the passing of the winning balls are provided. A magnetism detection part 86 for detecting the magnetism change of the variable magnetism generation part 85 is provided on the back surface of the image display panel 55 and the lead wire of the magnetism detection part 86 is prevented from being visible from the outside through the game board 50. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a gaming board at least partially transparent.

  As a conventional pachinko game machine, the game board is formed of a transparent member such as acrylic, a liquid crystal panel for displaying a game image is arranged on the back of the game board, and the game image that changes with the launch of the game ball is passed through the transparent member. There is a gaming machine that is visible (see Patent Document 1).

Since there is no need to attach the liquid crystal panel to the game board, there is no direct interference with the winning area placed on the game board, so the design and design freedom of the game board is increased, and it is unprecedented It can be a gaming machine with a special atmosphere.
JP 2005-28119 A

  However, in this gaming machine, the game board is provided with a winning start opening that constitutes a part of the winning area, and when a game ball wins, a game such as a variable display game is started. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to detect a winning game ball (hereinafter also referred to as a winning ball) electrically and electromagnetically. Although there is no direct disclosure in the above publication, when a sensor for detecting a winning ball is provided on the back side of the game board, a lead wire is naturally connected to this sensor.

  Such a lead wire is visible to the player through a transparent game board, and the aesthetic appearance is lost. In order to hide the lead wire, for example, it may be possible to provide a hole for leading the lead wire in the liquid crystal panel. However, if such special processing is performed, the cost is inevitably increased.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that does not impair the beauty of sensor lead wires while utilizing the characteristics of a transparent gaming board.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming board unit in which a winning portion capable of winning a gaming ball is arranged on a gaming board having at least a gaming area formed of a transparent member, and the gaming board unit and the rear side of the gaming board unit. An image display panel that is housed in a main body frame and can be seen through from the front surface of the game board unit through the transparent member, on the front surface of the image display panel and the back surface of the game board unit, A winning ball flow path that guides the game ball that has won a prize to the winning section, and variable magnetism generating means that changes magnetism as the game ball guided to the winning ball flow path passes, and the rear surface of the image display panel Includes a magnetic detection means for detecting a magnetic change of the variable magnetic generation means, and game control is executed based on a detection output of the magnetic detection means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the variable magnetism generator includes a magnetic generator disposed in the vicinity of the winning ball flow path, and a game ball made of a magnetic material guided to the winning ball flow path. By passing, the magnetism detected by the magnetism detecting means is changed.

  According to a third invention, in the first invention, the variable magnetism generating means is provided in the vicinity of the winning ball flow downstream, and is displaced with the passing of the game ball guided to the winning ball downstream. A magnetism generator attached to the movable member, and the magnetism detected by the magnetism detecting means is changed by the displacement of the movable member.

  According to a fourth invention, in the first to third inventions, the variable magnetism generating means is arranged on a back surface of the winning portion that cannot be seen through from the front surface of the game board unit.

  In a fifth aspect based on the first to fourth aspects, the winning portion receives an opening for receiving a game ball to win, and guides the game ball from the opening in a substantially horizontal direction, and then the winning ball flow path And the winning ball descending path is formed in a substantially vertical path.

  According to a sixth invention, in the second to fifth inventions, the variable magnetism generating means shields the generated magnetism from the magnetism generator in a direction excluding at least a portion facing the magnetism detecting means. A member is provided.

  In a seventh aspect based on the first to sixth aspects, the image display panel is a thin display panel such as a liquid crystal panel, a plasma display panel, an EL display panel, etc., and the magnetic detection means is the variable magnetic generation means. The magnetic change can be arranged at a detectable distance.

  According to the first invention, on the front surface of the image display panel and on the rear surface of the game board unit, there are a winning ball flow path for guiding the game ball that has won the winning portion, and a game ball guided to the winning ball flow path. Variable magnetism generating means for changing the magnetism as it passes, and a magnetism detecting means for detecting the magnetic change of the variable magnetism generating means on the back surface of the image display panel. Even if the display of the arranged image display panel is visible from the front side of the game board, the lead wire of the magnetic detection means for detecting the winning ball to the winning portion is not visible from the outside, and the aesthetic appearance is not impaired. . This makes it possible to arrange more parts of the game board so as to occupy the image display panel, and the superiority of the transparent game board can be further enhanced, that is, the large screen configuration of the image display panel A powerful game display can be realized. For the image display panel, special processing for penetrating the lead wire as conventionally assumed is not required, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced accordingly.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, the variable magnetism generating means has a magnetism generator disposed in the vicinity of the winning ball flow path, and the magnetism detecting means by passing a game ball made of a magnetic material guided to the winning ball flow path. Since the magnetism detected in (1) is changed, there is little chance that the magnetism generator and the game ball are in direct contact, and the durability of the magnetism generator can be ensured.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, the variable magnetism generating means is provided in the vicinity of the winning ball flow path and is displaced with the passing of the game ball guided to the winning ball flow path, and is attached to the movable member. Therefore, even if the game ball is not formed of a ferromagnetic material such as iron, it is possible to detect a winning, and the room for selecting a material as the game ball is widened accordingly.

  According to the fourth invention, the variable magnetism generating means is arranged on the back surface of the winning portion that cannot be seen through from the front surface of the game board unit, so that the aesthetic appearance of the transparent game board is maintained and is arranged on the back surface. It is also possible to enlarge the display area occupied by the image display panel.

  According to the fifth invention, the winning portion includes an opening for receiving the game ball to win, and a guide path for guiding the game ball from the opening in a substantially horizontal direction and then dropping it into the winning ball flow path, In addition, since the winning ball flow path is formed in a substantially vertical path, the winning ball passing through the variable magnetism generating unit is in a free fall state, and the change time of magnetism can be substantially equalized, so that the detection accuracy of the winning ball is improved. Can be made. Further, even if the winning balls are continuous, they are once guided in the horizontal direction, so that it is possible to accurately detect the number of winning balls while maintaining the falling interval of the winning balls.

  According to the sixth invention, since the variable magnetism generating means includes the magnetic shielding member that shields the generated magnetism from the magnetism generator in at least the direction excluding the portion facing the magnetism detecting means, the magnetism generator Suppressing the attraction of game balls against the ball, stabilizing the magnetic change in the variable magnetism generating means, preventing erroneous detection due to noise, and reliably preventing malfunction caused by improper magnetism from the front of the gaming machine.

  According to the seventh invention, the image display panel is a thin display panel such as a liquid crystal panel, a plasma display panel, an EL display panel, etc., and the magnetic detection means is at a distance capable of detecting a magnetic change by the variable magnetism generation means. Since it can be arranged, it is possible to detect a prize without giving a special high-performance magnetic detection function, and the detection accuracy can be increased accordingly.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine (pachinko machine) 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 1 in which a glass frame 9 is similarly opened. In the description of the present embodiment, the front-rear direction is shown with the side where the player of the gaming machine 1 plays (the left front side in the figure) as the front.

  One side of a front frame 3 for detachably storing a game board unit 5 to be described later is attached to the outer frame 2 of the gaming machine 1 via a hinge 4 so as to be capable of opening and closing.

  Further, a glass frame 9 is attached to the front frame 3 through a hinge 10 so as to be capable of opening and closing. A substantially circular opening 11 is formed on the front surface of the glass frame 9. A cover glass 12 is incorporated into the glass frame 9 from the back side. When the gaming machine 1 is viewed from the front with the glass frame 9 closed, the front surface of the gaming board unit 5 is covered with a cover glass 12 so as to be seen through.

  A decorative light-emitting device 15 made up of a lamp, an LED, or the like is provided at a key point of the front frame 3. The decorative light emitting device 15 emits light corresponding to the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 when an event such as a big hit gaming state or an abnormality occurs.

  Below the front frame 3, an upper plate 16 for storing game balls and guiding them to a hitting ball launching device (not shown) is disposed. In addition, a lower plate 18 and a firing operation unit 19 of a ball striking device are disposed on the fixed panel 17 below the front frame 3, and a game ball is launched into the game area 52 of the game board unit 5 in accordance with the operation.

  When a game ball wins a general winning opening, a starting winning opening 56 (see FIG. 2), and a special variable winning device, which will be described later, provided in the gaming area 52, the number of winning balls corresponding to the type of winning winning opening is It is discharged from a payout unit (not shown) provided inside the gaming machine 1 to the upper plate 16 or the lower plate 18. In addition, the upper plate 16 has a number of game balls corresponding to the ball rental request of the card unit 49, which is connected to the gaming machine 1 and is operated at the start of the game, as shown in the block diagram of the control unit in FIG. Then, it is discharged from a replenishment tank 20 provided on the back surface of the gaming machine 1.

  On the upper edge of the upper plate 16, a card balance display unit 21 for displaying the balance of the prepaid card inserted in the card unit 49, a ball lending switch 22 for instructing lending of game balls, and a command for returning the prepaid card are instructed. A card return switch 23 is provided.

  Further, an upper plate return lever 24 for discharging the game balls stored in the upper plate 16 to the lower plate 18 is provided on the side edge of the upper plate 16.

  Below the lower plate 18, a lower plate return lever 25 is provided for discharging the game balls stored in the lower plate 18 downward. Normally, a game ball storage box is placed on a lower plate (counter) (not shown) below the lower plate 18, and the game balls discharged downward from the lower plate 18 are stored in the game ball storage box. Is possible.

  A sound output device (speaker) 26 and an ashtray 27 are provided on the left of the lower plate 18.

  The front frame 3 is a frame-like frame having an opening 31 having substantially the same shape and the same area as the game board unit 5. A game board storage part 32 is formed integrally with the front frame 3, and a game board mounting table 33 having the same front-rear width as the board thickness of the game board unit 5 is formed integrally with the lower part of the game board storage part 32. ing.

  The game board unit 5 is stored in the game board storage section 32 in a state of being mounted on the upper surface of the game board mounting table 33. At this time, the game board unit 5 is in a state in which one side can be attached and detached by a fastening bracket 34 provided on one side wall of the game board storage part 32, and the upper side of the game board storage part 32 and the other side. The upper side and the other side are fixed by a fixing member (not shown) provided on the side wall and stored in the game board storage portion 32.

  In the present embodiment, in the gaming machine 1, members other than the game control device 100 and the display control device 150 shown in FIG. 3 (specifically, the outer frame 2 and the front frame 3). The light source unit 6, the glass frame 9 and the game board storage portion 32) are assembled together and integrated to form the main body frame 13. The game board unit 5 is detachably attached to the front surface of the main body frame 13.

  The game board unit 5 has a different design for each model, but the main body frame 13 is configured to be commonly used for all models. Therefore, when the model of the gaming machine 1 is replaced, the main body frame 13 is not replaced but left in the island facility, and only the game board unit 5, the game control device 100, and the display control device 150 are replaced with a new model. It ’s all over.

  The fixing member described above is rotatably attached to the upper and other walls of the game board storage portion 32. Then, by rotating the tip toward the inside of the front frame 3, it comes into contact with the front surface of the game board unit 5 stored in the game board storage section 32 and presses and fixes the game board unit 5 backward. .

  The game board unit 5 includes a game board base 50 made of a transparent plate-like member such as acrylic, and resin side cases 53 respectively provided on the four sides thereof. Therefore, the inside of the game board base 50 can be seen through. On the surface of the game board base 50, a substantially circular game region 52 surrounded by the guide rails 51 is formed. The side case 53 provided on the upper right and lower right of the game board base 50 is formed with an engaging portion 54 that is partially recessed. The game board unit 5 is fixed to the game board storage section 32 by rotating a fixing member provided on the other side wall of the game board storage section 5 inward by 90 degrees and engaging with the engagement section 54.

  Further, on the front frame 3, a light source unit 6 having substantially the same area as the opening 31 is disposed on the back of the game board storage unit 32. An image display panel 55 and a transmission plate 61, which will be described later, are arranged on the front surface of the light source unit 6, and a backlight (light source) 62 (see FIG. 3) that irradiates the image display panel 55 from the back side is provided inside. In FIG. 2, portions of the light source unit 6 that are covered with the outer frame 2 and the front frame 3 and cannot be seen are indicated by broken lines.

  On the front frame 13, a thin image display panel 55 for displaying a game image is disposed at a position corresponding to the game area 52 on the back surface of the game board unit 5. The image display panel 55 is configured by an LCD (liquid crystal display). The image display panel 55 is provided immediately before the light source unit 6 and on the back surface of the transmission plate 61 such as glass. The image display panel 55 is illuminated from the back side by a backlight (light source) 62 (see FIG. 3).

  Among the display screens displayed by the LCD, a plurality of variable display areas are provided in an area that is visible to the player through the transparent game board base 50, and identification information (decorative symbols) is provided in each variable display area. And an image related to the special figure fluctuation display game, such as a character that produces the special figure fluctuation display game. That is, in the variable display areas provided on the left, middle, and right of the display screen, decorative symbols (for example, numbers from “0” to “9” and “A” and “B” assigned as identification information) are displayed. 12 kinds of English characters) are variably displayed and a special variability display game is played. In addition, an image based on the progress of the game (for example, jackpot display, fanfare display, ending display, etc.) is displayed on the display screen.

  In the game area 52 of the game board base 50, a start winning opening (winning part) 56 is provided at a position where it does not interfere with the transparent image display panel 55. Further, the game area 52 is provided with a direction changing member (not shown), a normal symbol starting gate, a plurality of general winning ports, two special variable winning devices, and the like. Therefore, in other words, the image display panel 55 is arranged over the entire game area 52, but display control is performed so that image display is not performed at positions facing each of the winning holes.

  Further, the image display panel 55 includes a special map display area (not shown) including a special map display section 44A and a special map storage display section 44B of the special map variation display game shown in FIG. A universal map display area comprising a universal map display unit 45A and a universal map storage display unit 45B is provided.

  In the gaming machine 1, a game is played by launching a game ball (pachinko ball) from a hitting ball launching device (not shown) toward the game area 52. The launched game ball flows down the game area 52 while changing the rolling direction by a direction changing member (not shown) such as a nail or a windmill (not shown) arranged at various locations in the game area 52. Then, the game is won at the general winning opening, the starting winning opening 56 or the special variable winning apparatus, or is discharged from the out opening 57 provided at the lowermost part of the game area 52.

  The winning of the game ball to the general winning a prize is a prize opening sensor 40.1-40. N (see FIG. 3). In addition, the winning of the game ball to the start winning opening 56 is detected by the special figure start sensor 41 (see FIG. 3).

  The winning prize sensor 40.1-40. The N or special figure start sensor 41 is configured as will be described later, so that the sensor lead wire or the like is not visible from the front of the game board through the transparent game board base 50. However, details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When a special ball start sensor 41 (see FIG. 3) detects the winning of a game ball at the start winning port 56, the special symbol random number counter value extracted based on the passing timing of the game ball is stored in the special game control device 100. A special symbol winning memory is stored in the figure storage area for a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of four times). The number stored in the special symbol winning memory is displayed in the display area of the image display panel 55 as the special symbol memory display unit 44B. Based on the special symbol winning memory, the game control apparatus 100 plays a special figure variation display game in the display area similarly comprising the special figure display unit 44A.

  When a game ball is won at the start winning opening 56, the image display panel 55 sequentially displays the decorative symbols (identification information) composed of the above-described numbers and the like, and displays an image related to the special figure variable display game. The In other words, the decorative display corresponding to the display on the special figure display section 44A is displayed on the image display panel 55. The special figure display unit 44A has a role of accurately informing the player of the change display state and the change display result, and the image display panel 55 has a role of producing various displays for improving the interest.

  When winning at the start winning opening 56 is made at a predetermined timing (specifically, when the special symbol random number counter value at the time of winning detection is a winning value), the game state is a big hit gaming state, and the display symbol has a specific result. An aspect is derived. Specifically, the special figure display unit 44A stops at a single-digit special symbol that is a winning symbol, and the image display panel 55 stops when three decorative symbols are aligned (big hit symbol).

  At this time, either one of the two special variable prize-winning devices can play the game ball for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) by energizing the big prize opening solenoid 47.1 or 47.2 (see FIG. 3). It is converted from the closed state where it is not accepted into the open state where it is easy to accept the game ball. In other words, since the special variable winning device opens greatly for a predetermined time, the player is given a game value that can acquire many game balls during this time. Note that the two special variable winning devices are not opened simultaneously. The winning of the game ball to the special variation winning device is detected by the count sensor 43.1 or 43.2 (see FIG. 3).

  The passing of the game ball to the normal symbol start gate is detected by a normal diagram start gate sensor 42 (see FIG. 3). The normal symbol random number counter value extracted based on the passing timing of the game ball is stored in the normal symbol storage area in the game control device 100 as a normal symbol winning memory for a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of four times). Then, the stored number of the normal symbol winning memory is displayed on the general symbol memory display section 45B.

  When the game ball passes through the normal symbol start gate, the game control device 100 starts the normal symbol variation display game on the normal symbol display unit 45A based on the normal symbol winning memory. That is, when the passage to the normal symbol starting gate is detected at a predetermined timing (specifically, when the normal symbol random number counter value at the time of passage detection is a winning value), the winning state is established, and the normal symbol display section The normal symbol displayed on 45A stops in the hit state. At this time, the normal variation winning device (not shown) is converted so as to expand only for a predetermined time by energizing the normal electric accessory solenoid 46 (see FIG. 3).

  In FIG. 2, the opening 11 on the front surface of the glass frame 9 that is transmitted through the cover glass 12 is not shown.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a part of a control system centering on the game control device 100 of the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The game control device 100 is a main control device that controls the game in an integrated manner, a CPU that controls the game control, a ROM that stores invariant information (programs, data, etc.) for game control, and at the time of game control The game microcomputer 101 includes a RAM used as a work area, an input interface 102, and an output interface 103.

  The gaming microcomputer 101 is provided with an external communication terminal. The external communication terminal can output an identification number uniquely set in the gaming microcomputer 101. By connecting an inspection device or a management device (so-called hall computer) to the external communication terminal, the management device can identify the gaming machine 1.

  The gaming microcomputer 101 includes various detection devices (winning mouth sensors 40.1 to 40.N, special figure starting sensor 41, ordinary figure starting gate sensor 42, and count sensors 43.1 and 43.2 via the input interface 102. ), And various processes such as big hit lottery are performed.

  The gaming microcomputer 101 also includes a special figure display area (special figure display part 44A, special figure storage display part 44B) and a general figure display area (normal figure display part) provided on the image display panel 55 via the output interface 103. 45A, various types of information are output to the common map storage display unit 45B).

  The special figure display unit 44A outputs the fluctuation display mode of the special figure fluctuation display game. Further, a special symbol winning memory number display is output to the special symbol memory display unit 44B.

  The fluctuation display mode of the fluctuation map display game is output to the universal map display section 45A. In addition, the normal symbol winning memory number display is output to the common symbol memory display unit 45B.

  In addition, the gaming microcomputer 101 is connected to each subordinate control device (the display control device 150 and the discharge control device 200), the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 46, the big prize opening solenoids 47.1 and 47.2, etc. via the output interface 103. A command signal is sent to the game to control the game centrally.

  Further, the gaming microcomputer 101 outputs information related to the gaming machine 1 to the management device via the board external information 48.

  The discharge control device 200 controls the operation of the payout unit based on the prize ball command signal from the game control device 100 and discharges the prize ball. Moreover, based on the rent-a-lot request signal from the card unit 49, the operation of the payout unit is controlled and the rent is discharged.

  A special figure change start command, a change display command, an identification information command, a confirmation command, a demo display command, a fanfare command, a jackpot command, an error command, etc. are transmitted from the game control device 100 to the display control device 150 as display control command signals. The Further, a command signal for changing the display mode according to a difference in the gaming state such as the normal gaming state, the special gaming state, the probability variation state, the variation time shortening state or the like is also transmitted.

  Note that the normal game state is a state in which no special game is executed and neither the probability variation state nor the variation time reduction state. The special game state is a state in which a big hit is generated as a result of the special figure variation display game and a special game (big hit game) is being executed. The probability variation state is a specific gaming state in which a special prize occurrence probability is higher than that in the normal gaming state and favors the player with respect to the occurrence of the special gaming state. The variation time reduction state is a state in which the time for which the identification information is variably displayed is reduced.

  The special figure change start command instructs the start of the special figure change display game. The variation display command indicates a variation display mode of the identification information. The identification information command indicates identification information to be stopped and displayed as a result of the special figure variation display game. The confirmation command instructs the stop of the variation display of the identification information. The demonstration display command instructs a display to be performed when the special figure variation display game is not played for a predetermined time. The fanfare command instructs display of the state before the transition to the special gaming state. The jackpot command instructs display during a special game state such as a round display during a special game state, an interval display, or a display between rounds during a special game state. The error command instructs display when there is an abnormality.

  The display control device 150 can grasp the transition of the game state managed by the game control device 100 by using these commands.

  The display control device 150 is provided with an output interface. Then, a signal is output to the image display panel 55 and the backlight 62 provided in the light source unit 6 via the output interface. The display control device 150 functions as a light amount control unit, and controls the light amount from the backlight 62 by turning on the backlight 62 of the image display panel 55 (controlling the luminance).

  The decoration control device 250 controls the decoration light emitting device 15 such as an LED or a decoration lamp provided on the front frame 11 based on a decoration control command signal from the display control device 150.

  The sound control device 300 controls the sound effect output from the speaker 26 provided in the gaming machine 1 based on the sound control command signal from the display control device 150.

  Although the decoration control device 250 and the sound control device 300 are provided separately from the display control device 150 here, the decoration control device 250 and the sound control device 300 are included in the display control device 150, and the decoration control device 250 and / or the sound control device 300 are included. Alternatively, the sound control device 300 may be configured integrally with the display control device 150. Further, the decoration control device 250 and the sound control device 300 may be directly connected to the game control device 100 without being connected to the display control device 150.

  FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view centering on the start winning opening 56 of the game board unit 5 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. The left side of the figure is the front of the gaming machine 1, and the right side of the figure is the rear of the gaming machine 1.

  The game board base 50 of the game board unit 5 is formed of a transparent plate-like member as described above, and the transparent transmission plate 61 and the image display panel 55 are arranged in parallel to the game board base 50 and located on the back surface. Is done. The image display panel 55 is irradiated with light by a backlight 62 disposed behind it. The transmission plate 61 allows the image display of the image display panel 55 to be clearly seen through the transparent game board base 50, and when a winning ball passes through the back side of the game board base 50 as described later, The image display panel 55 is protected.

  The backlight 62 of the light source unit 6 is composed of matrix white LEDs. The backlight 62 is controlled by the display control device 150, and only the area corresponding to the display content of the image display panel 55 emits light according to the gaming state of the gaming machine 1. In the figure, the backlight 62 is configured by arranging LEDs with a gap therebetween, but the LEDs 62 may be arranged at intervals.

  The start winning opening 56 as a winning part attached to the game board base 50 includes an opening 71 for receiving a game ball driven into the game area 52, a vertical path 72a connected to the opening 71, and a horizontal path 72b that bends at right angles. And a guide path 72 having the same, and these are formed integrally with the winning opening base frame 70. The winning opening base frame 70 has a flange portion 74 that is in close contact with the front surface of the game board base 50, and is firmly fixed to the game board base 50 by fixing means or fixing means (not shown).

  Inclined guide projections 75 are provided at the connecting corners between the vertical path 72a and the horizontal path 72b of the guide path 72 so that the game balls falling from the opening 71 are smoothly guided from the vertical path 72a to the horizontal path 72b. It has become.

  The end of the horizontal path 72b of the guide path 72 is opened through the back surface of the game board base 50, and the game ball is dropped downward from here. Below the open end of the guide path 72, a winning ball flow down path 81 that guides the game ball vertically is formed between the game board base 50 and the transmission plate 61. In addition, the space | interval of the game board base 50 and the permeation | transmission board 61 is set to the extent which can allow passage of a game ball at least.

  The winning ball flow path 81 is formed in a portion surrounded by both legs 82 a and 82 a of a U-shaped permanent magnet 82 as a magnetic generator fixed to the winning opening base frame 70. The permanent magnet 82 is horizontally disposed on the winning hole base frame 70, but is integrated with the winning hole base frame 70, which is resin-molded, for example, so that both legs 82a and 82a protrude from the back surface of the game board base 50. It is fixed by casting.

  When a game ball as a ferromagnetic material passes between the legs 82a and 82a of the permanent magnet 82 as a magnetic generator, the generated magnetism changes, and by detecting this magnetic change, the passage of the game ball can be detected. . In other words, the permanent magnet 82 disposed in the vicinity of the winning ball flow down path 81 constitutes a variable magnetism generator (variable magnetism generator) 85 that changes magnetically as the game ball passes.

  The winning hole base frame 81 in which the permanent magnets 82 are cast, except for the surface facing a magnetism detection unit (magnetism detection means) 86 described later, the upper and lower sides of the casting portion of the permanent magnets 82 and the front side of the game board In addition, the magnetic shielding portion 88 is formed by casting the ferromagnetic plate 84 at a predetermined interval from the permanent magnet 81. This prevents the game ball, which is a ferromagnetic material, from being attracted by the permanent magnet 82, and has a radio wave shielding function to prevent erroneous detection of magnetic changes.

  On the other hand, a magnetic detection unit 86 is provided on the back side of the image display panel 55 in close proximity to the variable magnetic generation unit 85, and a magnetic change generated in the variable magnetic generation unit 85 can be detected by the magnetic detection unit 86. I have to. As a result, the above-mentioned special figure start sensor 41 for detecting the game ball won in the start winning opening 56 is configured.

  That is, the game ball won at the start winning opening 56 falls through the opening 71 and the guide path 72 to the winning ball flow path 81 on the back surface of the game board base 50, and at this time passes through the vicinity of the permanent magnet 82. Then, the magnetic change of the variable magnetism generator 85 occurs. This magnetic change is detected by a magnetic detection unit 86 disposed on the back surface of the image display panel 55, and a winning of a game ball to the start winning opening 56 is detected.

  In this case, since the variable magnetism generating portion 85 is formed facing the periphery of the winning ball flow path 81 formed substantially vertically, the game ball passes with the game ball falling speed being constant (free fall). For this reason, the magnetic change time of the variable magnetism generator 85 is always substantially constant. Since the magnetic detector 86 detects this magnetic change, the output pulse corresponding to the magnetic change always has a substantially constant pulse width. For this reason, winning balls can be detected accurately without error. In this case, when the winning ball flow down path 81 is not vertical but is an inclined road, the falling speed of the game ball is likely to fluctuate and detection errors are likely to occur.

  FIG. 7A shows this state. While the game ball is passing, the output of the magnetic detection unit 86 rises, and the game ball can be detected. However, the figure shows the state of the pulse wave after being shaped by performing waveform processing of the output wave.

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 6, game balls often win continuously at the start winning opening 56 during the game. In this case, the guide path 82 for guiding the game ball to the winning ball flow down path 81 is composed of a vertical path 82a and a horizontal path 82b, once decelerating the speed of the game ball falling from the opening 71, and then again in the vertical winning prize The ball is dropped to the ball flow down path 81. For this reason, when two game balls A and B as shown in the figure fall on the vertical winning ball flow path 81, they do not fall continuously and cause some time lag. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7B, the magnetic change generated by the variable magnetism generator 85 has a time difference corresponding to the fall of each game ball, and the two outputs detected by the magnetism detector 86. There is always a predetermined time interval between pulses. If the time interval is set in this way, even if game balls pass one after another, the number of passing game balls can be accurately detected.

  Further, as described above, the variable magnetism generating portion 85 is formed with the magnetic shielding portion 88 except for the surface facing the magnetic detection portion 86, so that the winning ball is sucked when passing between the permanent magnets 82. As a result, the game ball that flows down the winning ball flow path 81 does not change in speed. Therefore, the detection of the game ball is maintained with high accuracy. Further, since the magnetic shielding unit 88 shields the variable magnetism generating unit 85 from the front side of the game board, it is possible to reliably prevent fraud that causes magnetism from the front side of the gaming machine and causes the magnetic detection unit 86 to malfunction. .

  The permanent magnet 82 constituting the variable magnetism generating portion 85 is integrally cast into a winning opening base frame 70 which is resin-molded except for both leg portions 82a and 82a. Therefore, even if a winning ball comes into contact with both leg portions 82a, 82a, since the ball is firmly held, high durability can be exhibited. Further, since it can be integrated in advance with the winning opening base frame 70, the mounting of the variable magnetism generator 85 to the game board base 50 is completed by the mounting work of the starting winning opening 56, so that the assembly workability is greatly improved. To improve.

  This also applies to the magnetic shield 88. The magnetic shield 88 together with the variable magnetism generator 85 can be formed integrally with the winning hole base frame 70 by casting. Thus, the magnetic shield 88 can be accurately positioned with respect to the variable magnetism generator 85, and it can be assured that a high magnetic shielding effect is provided. This is extremely effective for preventing the above-described fraud.

  Since the image display panel 55 is composed of a thin display panel such as a liquid crystal panel, even if the magnetic detection unit 86 is disposed on the back side of the image display panel 55, the variable is located on the opposite side across the winning ball flow down path 81. The distance from the magnetic generator 85 is not so large, and the magnetic change in the variable magnetic generator 85 can be detected reliably and stably. Of course, when it is necessary to increase the installation interval between the variable magnetism generator 85 and the magnetism detector 86, it is difficult to detect a magnetic change and a detection error is likely to occur.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the image display panel 55 is not limited to a liquid crystal panel, and a thin display panel such as a plasma display panel or an EL display panel can be used.

  Since the variable magnetism generator 85 is simply composed of the permanent magnet 82, it is different from an electromagnet and does not require connection of a lead wire or the like, and the variable magnetism generator 85 is provided on the back surface of the winning opening base frame 70. Since it is hidden, it cannot be seen from the front side of the game board through the transparent game board base 50. On the other hand, a lead wire (not shown) is connected to the magnetism detection unit 86 and an output signal is transmitted to the game control device 100, but this lead wire is on the back side of the image display panel 55. Therefore, it cannot be seen from the front of the game board through the transparent game board base 50.

  Thus, even if the display of the image display panel 55 arranged on the rear surface of the transparent gaming board base 50 is visible from the front side of the gaming board, a special-purpose starting for detecting the winning ball of the starting winning opening 56 is performed. Since the lead wire of the magnetic detection part 86 which comprises the sensor 41, or the variable magnetism generation | occurrence | production part 85 is not visible, precious aesthetics are not spoiled.

  Further, as a matter of course, the image display panel 55 does not require special processing for penetrating the lead wire as assumed in the related art, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced accordingly.

  In addition, although the example comprised from the variable magnetism generation | occurrence | production part 85 and the magnetic detection part 86 about the start sensor 41 of the start winning opening 56 was shown, it is not restricted to this, and the winning opening sensor 40.1-40. Similarly for N, the aesthetics can be remarkably enhanced by making the lead wires and the like not visible from the front side of the game board. In particular, in this way, it is possible to arrange more parts of the game area 52 so that the image display panel 55 occupies, and the characteristics of the game board base 50 made transparent can be further enhanced. That is, powerful game display by the large screen configuration of the image display panel 55 can be realized.

(Second Embodiment)
The second embodiment shown in FIG. 8 differs from the first embodiment in that the variable magnetism generator 85 includes a movable member. Here, the configuration different from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

  A movable piece 91 as a movable member is supported on the winning ball flow path 81 connected to the start winning opening 56 in a state in which the base end 91b is integrally cast on the back upper flange 76 of the winning opening base frame 70. The A permanent magnet 92 as a magnetic generator is attached to the free end 91a of the movable piece 91 by adhesion or the like.

  The movable piece 91 is formed of a metal piece made of a spring plate bent halfway so that the free end side faces the guide path 72, and the back plate of the winning opening base frame 70 that defines the free end 91a and the winning ball flow down path 81. 77 is maintained at a distance smaller than the diameter of the game ball. Therefore, each time the game ball passes, the movable piece 91 moves backward, and the permanent magnet 92 attached behind the free end 91a is detected by the magnetic detection unit 86 provided on the back side of the image display panel 55. Change the magnetism. That is, the movable piece 91 and the permanent magnet 92 constitute a variable magnetism generator 85.

  The permanent magnet 92 is formed as a small piece, and when the movable piece 91 rotates, the distance from the magnetic detection unit 86 approaches and the magnetism detected by the magnetic detection unit 86 is strengthened while the game ball passes. It has become. As described above, the winning can be detected while being physically in contact with the game ball, so that it is not easily affected by noise and the like, and the detection accuracy of the winning ball can be improved. Further, even when the game ball is not formed of a ferromagnetic material such as iron, the game ball can be detected. For this reason, it is possible to select other than the magnetic material as the game ball of the gaming machine, and the selection range can be expanded accordingly.

  Although the movable piece 91 is formed as a metal piece, it may be formed of a synthetic resin material that is easily elastically deformed, or may be integrally formed with the winning opening base frame 70 in some cases.

  The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and non-restrictive in every respect. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description of the invention described above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  As described above, the present invention can be applied to gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines.

1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the gaming machine in which the glass frame is similarly opened. It is a block diagram which shows the control system centering on the game control apparatus of a game machine similarly. It is the longitudinal cross-sectional view of a game board unit similarly. It is a cross-sectional view of a game board unit. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the game board unit which similarly shows the operation state of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which similarly shows the output waveform of 1st Embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the game board unit of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 2 Outer frame 3 Front frame 5 Game board unit 6 Light source unit 13 Main body frame 50 Game board base 52 Game area 55 Image display panel 56 Start winning opening 61 Transmission board 62 Backlight 70 Prize ball base frame 72 Guide path 81 Prize Spherical flow 82 Permanent magnet 85 Variable magnetism generator 86 Magnetic detector 91 Movable piece 92 Permanent magnet

Claims (7)

A game board unit in which at least a game area is formed of a transparent member and a winning portion where a game ball can be won is arranged on a game board;
An image display panel that is located on the back of the game board unit together with the game board and is housed in a main body frame, and can be seen through from the front of the game board unit through the transparent member;
In a gaming machine equipped with
On the front of the image display panel and the back of the game board unit,
A winning ball flowing down path that guides the gaming balls won in the winning section,
Variable magnetism generating means for changing the magnetism with the passage of the game ball guided to the winning ball flow path,
Magnetic detecting means for detecting a magnetic change of the variable magnetism generating means is provided on the back of the image display panel,
A gaming machine characterized in that game control is executed based on the detection output of the magnetic detection means.   The variable magnetism generating means has a magnetism generator disposed in proximity to the winning ball flow downstream, and a magnetism detected by the magnetic detection means by passing a game ball made of a magnetic material guided to the winning ball flow downstream. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game machine is changed.   The variable magnetism generating means is provided in the vicinity of the winning ball flow path and is displaced with the passing of a game ball guided to the winning ball flow path, and a magnetic generator attached to the movable member; The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the magnetism detected by the magnetic detection means is changed by displacement of the movable member.   4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the variable magnetism generating unit is disposed on a back surface of the winning portion that cannot be seen through from the front surface of the game board unit. 5. The winning portion includes an opening that receives a winning game ball, and a guide path that guides the gaming ball from the opening in a substantially horizontal direction and then drops the winning ball to the winning ball flow path,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the winning ball flow path is formed in a substantially vertical path.   6. The variable magnetism generating unit includes a magnetic shielding member that shields magnetism generated from the magnetism generator in a direction excluding at least a portion facing the magnetism detecting unit. The gaming machine described in 1.   The image display panel is a thin display panel such as a liquid crystal panel, a plasma display panel, or an EL display panel, and the magnetic detection means can be arranged at a distance that can detect a magnetic change in the variable magnetism generation means. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6.