JP2007312984A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine provided with an illumination unit having an effective illumination effect at a low cost. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine is provided with the illumination unit and a control part for controlling the illumination state of the illumination unit and the state of the game machine, wherein the illumination unit has an illumination structure capable of displaying prescribed characters or graphics, and the illumination structure is provided with a plurality of lens parts, a rear light emitting device for irradiating the lens parts from the rear part and a side light emitting device for irradiating the lens parts from the side part. The lens parts are disposed in the state of being piled up in the depth direction, and the character or the graphic is formed by the set of recessed parts provided on the back surface of the lens parts. The control part visibly displays the character or the graphic formed on the lens member irradiated with light by making the lens parts be irradiated with the light from at least one of the rear light emitting device and the side light emitting device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a lighting structure for a gaming machine, and particularly relates to a gaming machine including a lighting unit having an effective lighting effect at low cost.

  In accordance with the winning of the game ball launched in the game area, etc., a variation display game is performed in which the identification information such as a plurality of symbols is variably displayed on the variation display device. There is a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine) that generates a game.

  In such a gaming machine, in order to enhance the gaming effect, a plate-shaped decorative member having a full-color light emitting member disposed therein is disposed on the left and right and above the cover glass attached to the glass frame. In the center of the decorative member, a full-color light emitting member is also arranged inside, and a convex decorative member that protrudes forward (player side) is disposed, and each is formed of a light-transmitting resin. A plurality of decorative members are arranged so as to transmit light from the full-color light emitting members disposed inside.

  In addition, a game machine in which decoration members having the same configuration are arranged not only at predetermined positions on the glass frame but also on the operation unit of the launcher, the ashtray, the upper and lower dishes, and the card ball lending unit. Is provided (see Patent Document 1).

In addition, as a display device for displaying information such as predetermined characters used for game equipment and the like so as to be visible to the player by light emission, a light guide display unit that can be freely inserted and removed is attached to the curtain, and the light guide display In some cases, the light is emitted from the side by a light source incorporated in the curtain (see Patent Document 2).
JP 2004-16323 A JP 2005-111250 A

  However, in the decoration member of the gaming machine as described above, almost all the components constituting the gaming machine are formed of a light-transmitting synthetic resin, and a full-color light emitting member is further disposed inside. In changing the mode, usually, the decoration effect by the light emission can be enhanced only by changing the color or changing the order and place of lighting and light emission.

  Further, as in the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, in a configuration in which predetermined character information or the like can be visually recognized by the player by light emission, the panel is irradiated from the side by the LED, and the displayed character information is attached to the panel. Since it is attached to the diffusion sheet to be displayed, in order to display a plurality of character information, the diffusion sheet must be replaced each time. In addition, there is a cost problem that diffusion sheets must be prepared for the number of character information to be displayed. Furthermore, since the character information cannot be switched quickly, timely information corresponding to the gaming state cannot be displayed.

  In addition, a technique is also known in which a transparent panel such as an acrylic plate is irradiated with a laser beam so as to generate a fine scratch on the acrylic plate. In this case, when this acrylic plate is irradiated with light from the LED light source from the side, only the portion processed by the laser beam diffuses light. By using this, characters and figures can be lifted by light. However, with this technique, display of a plurality of character information by LED irradiation from the side can be realized, but it is necessary to perform secondary processing on the molded product, which is very expensive. Furthermore, since the defect rate at the time of secondary processing by a laser beam is high, mass productivity is low.

  In addition, as a technique for processing the surface of a transparent acrylic plate, texture processing is generally used. By this embossing, the surface of the acrylic plate is made uneven to diffuse the emitted light. However, in the embossing process, it is difficult to uniformly arrange fine dots such as a curved surface and a flat surface.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can be molded without the need for secondary processing, and is low in cost, high in mass productivity, and high in lighting effect. An object is to provide a gaming machine having a lighting unit.

  A first aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine including a lighting unit, and a control unit that controls a lighting state of the lighting unit and a state of the gaming machine. The lighting unit has a lighting structure capable of displaying a predetermined character or figure. The illumination structure includes a plurality of lens portions, a rear light emitting device that irradiates the lens portion from the rear, and a side light emitting device that irradiates the lens portion from the side, and the lens portions overlap in the depth direction. The lens part is arranged in a combined state, and the character or figure is formed by a set of recesses on the back surface of the lens part, and the control part is connected to the lens part from at least one of the rear light emitting device and the side light emitting device. By irradiating light, the character or figure currently formed in the lens member irradiated with light is displayed so that visual recognition is possible.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, after the lens portion is formed with a mold in which a stamper provided with a predetermined protrusion shape according to a predetermined density is installed at the bottom, and a resin material is injected into the mold, By solidifying the resin, concave portions corresponding to a predetermined protrusion shape are formed at the predetermined density, and the lens portion is manufactured.

  According to a third invention, in the first or second invention, the illumination unit has a curved shape that bulges to the front side, and the lens unit has a curved shape that bulges to the front side according to the shape of the illumination unit, The control unit irradiates two or more lens units with light from the rear light emitting device or the side light emitting device, thereby displaying two or more characters or figures formed on the lens member so as to be visible at the same time. .

  In a fourth aspect based on the first to third aspects, the control unit irradiates at least one lens unit with light from the rear light emitting device or the side light emitting device, and irradiates two or more lens units with light. Alternatively, by controlling that no lens part is irradiated with light, the character or figure displayed on the lighting unit is changed according to the progress of the game.

  According to the first invention, in a gaming machine comprising a controller that controls the lighting state of the lighting unit and the state of the gaming machine, the lighting unit has a lighting structure capable of displaying a predetermined character or figure, The illumination structure has a plurality of lens portions, a rear light emitting device that irradiates the lens portion from the rear, and a side light emitting device that irradiates the lens portion from the side, and the lens portions are stacked in the depth direction. The lens part is formed with the letters or figures by a set of recesses on the back surface thereof, and the control part irradiates the lens part with light from at least one of the rear light emitting device and the side light emitting device. Since the characters or figures formed on the lens member irradiated with light are displayed in a visually recognizable manner, the player does not consume much space on the front surface of the gaming machine, and despite having a simple structure, the player Interest can lighting mode to increase the (display decoration emission and characters or graphics). In particular, when the light source is turned off, it is not conspicuous, and characters or figures are displayed so as to be visible when the light source emits light, so that a more effective decoration effect can be expected.

  According to the second invention, in the first invention, after the lens portion forms a mold having a stamper provided with a predetermined protrusion shape arranged in accordance with a predetermined density at the bottom, and a resin material is injected into the mold By solidifying the resin, the concave portion corresponding to the predetermined protrusion shape is formed at the predetermined density, and the lens portion is manufactured, so secondary processing is not required for the once manufactured lens portion, The manufacturing cost can be kept low, and a lens part with a low defect rate and high productivity can be manufactured.

  According to the third invention, in the first or second invention, the illumination unit has a curved shape that bulges to the front side, and the lens unit has a curved shape that bulges to the front side according to the shape of the illumination unit. Since the control unit irradiates two or more lens units with light from the rear light emitting device or the side light emitting device, the two or more characters or figures formed on the lens member are displayed so as to be visible at the same time. Despite its structure, it can be expected to have an effective decorative effect with three-dimensional power in the depth direction. In particular, since it is possible to perform overlapping display using two or more lens units, the number of combinations of display contents increases, and further illumination effects can be expected.

  According to the fourth invention, in the first to third inventions, the control unit irradiates at least one lens unit with light from the rear light emitting device or the side light emitting device, and irradiates two or more lens units with light. The character or figure displayed on the lighting unit is changed according to the progress of the game by controlling the lens unit not to irradiate light, or the lighting unit having a simple decoration effect. Instead, when the game state is notified or the customer is waiting, a lighting effect that attracts customers in the game hall can be expected.

  A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing the configuration of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  A front frame 3 of a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine) 1 is assembled to a main body frame (outer frame) 2 via a hinge 5 so as to be openable and closable. The game board 6 is housed in a storage frame (not shown) attached to the back surface of the front frame 3.

  On the surface of the game board 6, a variable display device (special symbol display device) 8 (see FIG. 2), a variable winning device with a large winning opening, a general winning port, a starting port, a normal symbol starting gate, a normal symbol indicator A game area in which a normal variable winning device is arranged is formed. A cover glass 18 that covers the front surface of the game board 6 is attached to the front frame 3.

  The special symbol display 8 displays, for example, three display symbols (identification information) on the left, middle, and right in the display area. For example, numbers “0” to “9” and alphabet letters “A” to “E” are assigned to these display symbols.

  The special symbol display 8 displays the display symbols composed of the above-described numbers and characters in order when a game ball is won at the starting port. When a winning at the start opening is made at a predetermined timing, a big hit state (special game state) is entered, and the game stops in a state where three display symbols are aligned (a big win symbol). At this time, the big prize opening of the variable prize winning device opens wide for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), and many game balls can be acquired.

  A special symbol start sensor 32 (see FIG. 2) is provided at the start port, and a winning at the start port is detected by the special symbol start sensor 32. The passing timing of the game ball is stored as a special symbol winning memory in a predetermined storage area in the game control device 100 up to a predetermined number of consecutive times. The number stored in the special symbol winning memory is displayed on a special symbol memory state indicator 27 (see FIG. 2) composed of a plurality of LEDs. The game control device 100 plays a variable display game on the variable display device based on the special symbol winning memory.

  The normal symbol display unit 7 starts to display a variation of a normal symbol (for example, a symbol composed of one number) when a game ball is won at the normal symbol starting gate. When a winning to the normal symbol start gate is made at a predetermined timing, the normal symbol is hit, and the normal symbol stops at the winning symbol (hit number). At this time, by sending a signal to the normal electric accessory solenoid (SOL) 90, the normal variation winning device provided in front of the start opening is opened largely for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds), and the game ball is started. The possibility of winning a prize in the mouth is increased.

  The passing of the game ball to the normal symbol start gate is detected by a normal symbol start sensor 33 (see FIG. 2). The passing timing of the game ball is stored as a normal symbol winning memory in a predetermined storage area in the game control device 100 for a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of four consecutive times). The stored number of the normal symbol winning memory is displayed on the normal symbol storage state display 17 composed of a plurality of LEDs provided on the left and right of the normal symbol display 7. The game control device 100 performs a winning lottery regarding the normal symbols based on the normal symbol winning memory. Note that the number stored in the normal symbol storage state indicator 17 is set to an arbitrary value.

  A decorative member 9 that emits decorative light is provided around the game board 6 of the front frame 3. Inside the decorative member 9, a lamp 9A is provided. The lamp 9A emits light in a predetermined light emission mode, so that the decorative member 9 emits light in a predetermined light emission mode.

  Speakers 30 that emit sound (for example, sound effects) are provided on the left and right of the front frame 3.

  An illumination unit 10 is provided above the front frame 3. The illumination unit 10 includes a plurality of light emitting devices (a rear light emitting device and a side light emitting device) inside. These light emitting devices are provided with LEDs 10A. The lighting unit 10 turns on or off the light-emitting device corresponding to the state of the gaming machine 1 (for example, the gaming state), so that characters or figures preset in the lighting unit 10 can be displayed to the hall customers and players. In contrast, it is displayed so as to be visible.

  On the right side of the lighting unit 10, there is provided an error / glass frame release display lamp 31 for notifying the hall clerk of the occurrence of an error in the gaming machine 1 and the release of the front frame 3.

  An upper plate 21 for supplying a ball to the ball hitting device is provided on the open / close panel 20 below the front frame 3, and a lower plate 23, an ashtray 5, an operation unit 24 of the ball hitting device and the like are provided on the fixed panel 22. The lower tray 23 is provided with a lower tray ball removing lock mechanism 16 for discharging the game balls stored in the lower tray 23.

  A key 25 for locking the door of the front frame 3 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 3. In addition, the upper part of the front frame 3 is comprised by the glass frame 13 which can permeate | transmit light provided with the decoration member 9. FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system centering on the game control device 100 (game control means).

  The game control device 100 is a main control device that comprehensively controls games, a CPU that controls game control, a ROM that stores invariant information for game control, and a RAM that is used as a work area during game control Is composed of a game microcomputer 101, an input interface 102, an output interface 103, an external communication terminal 104, and the like.

  The gaming microcomputer 101 receives detection signals from various detection devices (special symbol start sensor 32, general winning opening sensors 19A to 19N, count sensor 34, normal symbol start sensor 33) via the input interface 102, Various processes such as big hit lottery are performed. And, via the output interface 103, various control devices (production control device 150, discharge control device 200), special prize opening / closing solenoid 36, ordinary electric accessory solenoid 90, special symbol display 8, special symbol storage display 27. A command signal is transmitted to the normal symbol display 7, the normal symbol storage display 17, etc., and the game is comprehensively controlled.

  The board external information terminal 35 is an interface for transmitting information from the game control device 100 of the gaming machine 1 to a hall computer outside the gaming machine.

  The discharge control device 200 controls the operation of the payout unit installed in the gaming machine based on a prize ball command signal from the game control device 100 or a ball rental request from a card ball rental unit (not shown), Lets you rent a ball.

  The sub-control device (display control device) 150 controls the display of the variable display device 8, the decoration control device 26 for causing the lamp 9A and the LED 10A to emit light, the sound control device 25 for controlling the sound effect output from the speaker 30, and the like. To do.

  The sub-control device 150 includes a CPU 151, a ROM 152 that stores programs and sequence data, a RAM 153 that is used as a work area during production control, a GDP 154, a GDP 154 that controls image display, and image data (symbol data, background image data, video characters) Image ROM 155 storing the data, texture data, etc.) and the main control device 100, and the communication interface (I / F) 156 for transmitting / receiving signals to / from the display device 8, the sound control device 25, the decoration control device 26, etc. The

  The decoration control device 26 controls the light emission of the lamp 9 </ b> A of the decoration member 9 and the LED 10 </ b> A of the lighting unit 10. As will be described later, the illumination unit 10 includes five rear light emitting devices and three side light emitting devices. Each of the rear light emitting device and the side light emitting device is provided with an LED 10A. The decoration control device 26 controls the light emission of these LEDs 10A according to the progress of the game of the gaming machine (for example, the reach state or the big hit state) or the state of the gaming machine (for example, the customer waiting state). 10 light-emitting modes, that is, the light-emitting modes of characters or figures displayed on the lighting unit 10 so as to be visible are controlled.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the glass frame 13 of the gaming machine of the present embodiment.

  As described above, the lighting unit 10 is provided above the glass frame 13 of the gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG. 3A, the lighting unit 10 has a shape that bulges to the front side of the gaming machine. Therefore, the character or figure displayed in an identifiable manner when the light emitting device of the lighting unit 10 is turned on appears three-dimensionally according to the bulging shape.

  The illumination unit 10 is configured to be detachable from the glass frame 13, and a relay terminal substrate 11 is provided on the glass frame 13 side (see FIG. 3B). The lighting unit 10 is provided with an electrical contact such as a connector at a position corresponding to the relay terminal board 11, and is electrically connected to the relay terminal board 11 by attaching the lighting unit 10 to the glass frame 13. Thereby, the light emitting device inside the lighting unit can be turned on or off according to the signal sent from the decoration control device 26 via the relay terminal board 11.

  FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the lighting unit 10.

  The illumination unit 10 includes a clear cover 51, a mounting member 52, a lens member 53, a reflector member 54, a base member 55, and a rear irradiation LED substrate 56.

  The clear cover 51 is a cover that covers the front surface, the top surface, and the bottom surface of the lighting unit 10. The clear cover 51 has a curved shape that bulges to the front side. Therefore, the shape of the clear cover 51 determines the shape of the lighting unit 10.

  The attachment member 52 is a member for fixing the illumination structure configured inside the illumination unit 10. More specifically, the lens member 53 and the reflector member 54 are fixed so as to be sandwiched between the mounting member 52 and the base member 55. Further, the back irradiation LED substrate 56 is fixed to the back surface of the base member 55. The rear light emitting device is configured by the LED 561 of the rear irradiation LED substrate 56 that emits light forward through the illumination opening 551 of the base member 55, and the diffusion lens 541 and the reflection plate 542 of the reflector member 54. Further, the lens member 53 is provided with a side light emitting device that irradiates each lens portion of the lens member 53 with light from the side. The light emitted from the rear light emitting device and the side light emitting device irradiates light on the character or graphic processed on the back surface of the lens member 53, and the character or graphic is displayed so as to be visible from the front. That is, the lens member 53, the rear light emitting device, and the side light emitting device form an illumination structure that displays characters or figures so as to be visible from the front.

  Note that the surface of the mounting member 52 is plated. More specifically, the front surface visible to the outside by the clear cover 51 and the back surface on which the lens member 53 and the like are stored are plated. Since the light emitted from the rear light emitting device and the side light emitting device is reflected by the plating on the back surface, the brightness of the lighting unit is increased. Moreover, the surface plating process has a glittering decorative effect by reflecting light that has arrived from above or from the side of the lighting unit 10, such as lighting in the game hall and decorative lighting of other gaming machines.

  An error / glass frame release display lamp lens 521 is formed on the right side of the mounting member 52. This portion is configured so that light from the rear LED (error / glass frame release display LED substrate 552) can pass therethrough.

  The lens member 53 includes a plurality of rectangular lens portions and a light emitting device. More specifically, the lens member 53 includes three lens portions (a first lens portion 531, a second lens portion 532, and a third lens portion 533) and two lens member irradiation LEDs that form a side light emitting device. And substrates 534 and 535.

  The first lens portion 531, the second lens portion 532, and the third lens portion 533 have curved surfaces that are curved toward the front surface side, and are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction of the gaming machine. The first lens portion 531, the second lens portion 532, and the third lens portion 533 have a concave lens shape in which the thickness of the central portion is slightly smaller than that of the end portion. Further, in the lens member 53, concave portions having a predetermined shape for forming the character or the figure are processed with a predetermined density so that the figure or the character is lifted by light irradiation.

  The two lens member irradiation LED substrates 534 and 535 are installed so as to sandwich the lens portion from the left and right. The lens member irradiation LED substrates 534 and 535 are provided with lens member irradiation LEDs corresponding to the three lens portions, respectively. These LED for irradiating lens members are controlled so that each lens part emits light independently. When this lens member irradiating LED emits light, the concave portions forming the letters or figures processed on the back surface of each lens part refract and reflect the light, so that the letters or figures can be viewed from the front.

  The reflector member 54 is configured to refract, diffuse, and reflect the light emitted by the rear illumination LED 561 of the rear illumination LED substrate 56 disposed behind the illumination unit 10 and deliver it to the front. The reflector member 54 includes a diffusing lens 541 and a reflecting portion 542.

  The diffusing lens 541 is configured to be visible from the front as a light source having a predetermined area by diffusing a single point of light emitted by the backward illumination LED 561. More specifically, the diffusing lens 541 has a substantially conical shape made of a transparent or translucent member, and slits are provided at predetermined intervals in the height direction of the conical shape. The conical diffusing lens 541 refracts light from the rear, and the refracted light reaches the front from each slit. With this structure, the light can be visually recognized from the front as light having the same area as the bottom area of the substantially conical shape.

  The reflecting portion 542 has a mortar shape surrounding the diffusing lens 541. On the surface of the reflecting portion 542, a plurality of planar shapes arranged in the circumferential direction are arranged at a predetermined interval in the mortar-shaped depth direction. This planar shape is plated, and by reflecting the light from the diffusing lens 541, it can be visually recognized from the front as light having the same area as the area of the mortar shape.

  The pair of the diffusion lens 541 and the reflecting portion 542 is irradiated by the rear LED 561, thereby forming a rear light emitting device that is a light emission source of the light irradiated on the lens member 53. Since the reflector member 54 is formed with five sets of the diffusion lens 541 and the reflection portion 542, the five rear light emitting devices irradiate the lens member 53 with light from the rear. These five rear light emitting devices are controlled so that all or each of them emits light independently.

  The base member 55 is configured to be fitted with the mounting member 52. The base member 55 and the mounting member 52 are fitted with the lens member 53 and the reflector member 54 interposed therebetween, whereby the lens member 53 and The reflector member 54 is fixed.

  The base member 55 is provided with an LED substrate 552 for an error / glass frame release display lamp. The LED board 552 for error / glass frame release indication lamp turns on the LED when the front frame 3 of the gaming machine is released or when an error (ball clogging etc.) occurs in the gaming machine, Notify the hall clerk to that effect.

  Further, the base member 55 includes five irradiation openings 551 at positions corresponding to the rear light emitting LEDs 561 provided on the rear irradiation LED substrate 56. The light emitted from the rear light emitting LED 561 of the rear irradiation LED substrate 56 reaches the lens member 53 through the irradiation opening 551.

  The back irradiation LED substrate 56 includes five rear light emitting LEDs 561 that irradiate the lens member 53 with light from behind.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the illumination unit 10.

  FIG. 5A is a front view of the lighting unit 10 with the clear cover 51 removed. As described above, the illumination unit 10 is configured such that the lens member 53 is visible on the front side.

  FIG. 5B is a top view of the lighting unit 10 with the clear cover 51 removed. FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the illumination unit 10 viewed from obliquely above with the clear cover 51 removed.

  The front surface of the mounting member 52 of the lighting unit 10 has a shape along the clear cover 51, but the portion corresponding to the bulging portion of the clear cover 51 is retracted rearward. With this structure, the lighting unit 10 can visually recognize characters or figures displayed by light emission of the rear light-emitting device and the side light-emitting device from diagonally upward, more specifically, from the viewpoint of the customer moving in the game hall. . Furthermore, the rear light-emitting device can be visually recognized without the lens member 53 from the diagonally upward direction, more specifically, from the viewpoint of the customer standing in front of the gaming machine. That is, the rear light emitting device not only irradiates the characters or figures of the lens member 53, but the emitted light can be directly visually recognized from the outside, and has a function as decorative light.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the lens member 53 and the reflector member 54 of the illumination unit 10.

  As described above, the lens member 53 has three lens portions (the first lens portion 531, the second lens portion 532, and the third lens portion 533) arranged at a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction.

  Also, the lens member irradiation LED substrate 534 provided on the right side of the lens member is provided with right LEDs (first right LED 5341, second right LED 5342, and third right LED 5343) corresponding to the respective lens portions. Similarly, the left lens member irradiation LED substrate 535 is provided with left LEDs (first left LED 5351, second left LED 5352, and third left LED 5353) corresponding to the respective lens portions. Each of these LEDs irradiates the corresponding lens part with light. The right LED and the left LED include four LED elements that are equally spaced in the vertical direction corresponding to the shape of the lens portion.

  Each lens part of the lens member 53 has a concave lens shape in which the thickness of the central part is slightly smaller than the end part. And it curves gently to the front side. With this structure, the light irradiated from the side surface is totally reflected on the front surface side of the lens member and spreads all over the front surface of the lens member. The inner surface (the rear surface) of the lens part is stamped as described later. The light input to the lens unit is diffused at the stamped portion. Stamped characters or figures can be diffused and visually recognized.

  Further, the rear light emitting LED irradiates the third lens member at the rearmost position through the five diffusion lenses. As will be described later, the third lens member is stamped on all surfaces. Accordingly, the entire surface of the third lens member emits light by being irradiated with light from the rear light emitting LED and diffused by stamper processing.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of stamper processing applied to each lens portion of the lens member 53.

  FIG. 7A shows stamper processing applied to the first lens portion 531. FIG. 7B shows stamper processing applied to the second lens portion 532. FIG. 7C shows stamper processing applied to the third lens portion 533.

  Note that the stamper processing is a process in which fine dots composed of concave portions having a predetermined shape are formed at a predetermined density on the back surface of the lens portion, as will be described later. The recess is formed by a square shape or a round shape. The quadrangular concave portion has a substantially flat inclined portion with respect to the light from the side light emitting device, and the round concave portion has a substantially curved inclined portion with respect to the light from the side light emitting device. Yes. A concave portion formed by stamper processing on the back surface of the lens member 53 refracts or reflects light from the side surface light emitting device, so that characters or figures applied by stamper processing emit light and can be visually recognized on the front surface side. Is displayed.

  On the first lens portion 531, the letters “big hit” are formed by stamper processing. The first lens portion 531 emits light only from the “big hit” portion when the side light emitting device emits light.

  On the second lens portion 532, letters “V V V” are formed by stamper processing. The second lens portion 532 emits light only at the portion “V V V” when the side light emitting device emits light.

  The entire surface of the third lens portion 533 is stamped. That is, a rectangle corresponding to the shape of the third lens portion 533 is formed. The third lens portion 533 emits light in the region where the stamper processing is performed when the LED of the side surface light emitting device emits light. Further, in the third lens portion 533, when the rear light emitting device emits light, the inclined portion of the concave portion formed by stamper processing refracts or reflects light, and the region subjected to stamper processing emits light.

  Further, the third lens portion 533 is stamped with round dots at both end portions 5331 (lower right oblique line portions in the figure) close to the side light emitting device. In addition, a central portion 5332 (the upward-sloping diagonal line portion in the figure) that is away from the side light emitting device is stamped with square dots. As described above, the quadrangular dot has a substantially planar inclined portion with respect to the side light-emitting device, so that most of the irradiated light is refracted or reflected and reaches the front. On the other hand, since the round dot has a substantially curved inclined portion with respect to the side light emitting device as described above, the irradiated light is refracted or reflected, and only a part thereof reaches the front.

  Therefore, a round dot has a weaker effect of delivering light forward than a square dot. Therefore, round dots that are closer to the light source and are less likely to attenuate light due to the material inside the lens unit use round dots that have a weaker action of refracting light. By doing so, it is possible to prevent unevenness of light emission in the stamped region of the lens portion 533.

  In this embodiment, the round dot is different from the processed area and the square dot processed area. However, the round dot is processed so as to continuously change from the round dot to the square dot. May be. Further, it is possible to prevent unevenness in light emission by changing the density of dots.

  Next, the light emission mode of the illumination unit 10 will be described.

  FIG. 7D shows a state where neither the rear light-emitting device nor any side light-emitting device emits light. In this state, the characters of the first lens portion 531 and the second lens portion 532 are slightly seen through the light of the illumination lamp in the game hall from the front of the illumination unit 10, but the characters or figures are visible. It is not a state.

  FIG. 7E shows a state where only the LED corresponding to the first lens unit 531 of the side light emitting device of the illumination unit 10 emits light. In this case, only characters processed on the first lens portion 531 emit light by the light emission of the LED. As a result, only the letters “big hit” processed on the first lens portion 531 are visible.

  FIG. 7F shows a state in which only the LED corresponding to the second lens unit 532 emits light in the side light emitting device of the illumination unit 10. In this case, only characters processed on the second lens portion 532 emit light by the light emission of the LED. As a result, only the letters “V V V” processed in the first lens portion 531 are visible.

  FIG. 7G shows a state in which only the LED corresponding to the third lens portion 533 emits light and the LED of the rear light emitting device emits light in the side light emitting device of the illumination unit 10. In this case, the rectangle processed in the third lens portion 533 emits light by the light emission of these LEDs. As a result, the entire lighting structure inside the lighting unit appears to shine.

  As described above, the illumination unit 10 includes the lens member 53 configured by superimposing a plurality of lens portions, and characters or figures applied to each lens portion by stamper processing are independently or a plurality of characters. Or a figure can be displayed so that visual recognition is possible simultaneously. For example, the LED of the side light-emitting device is blue and the LED of the rear light-emitting device is red, and these light-emission modes are determined according to the progress of the gaming machine (for example, the reach state or the big hit state) Various combinations of light emission modes can be obtained.

  For example, when the gaming state of the gaming machine becomes a big hit, the characters of the first lens portion 531 and the second lens portion 532 are alternately turned on quickly to enhance the player's interest. Further, when no one is operating the gaming machine, the first lens unit 531, the second lens unit 532, the third lens unit 533, and the rear light emitting device are displayed slowly and alternately so that the game You can increase the attention of the machine.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of stamper processing.

  As described above, the lens portion is provided with round dots or square dots by stamper processing, and characters or figures are formed by a set of the dots.

  These dots are processed as concave portions having a substantially truncated cone shape or a substantially truncated pyramid shape on the surface of the lens portion. The frustoconical concave portion has a substantially curved inclined portion, and refracts light emitted from the LED on the side surface at random according to the inclined portion. On the other hand, the truncated pyramid-shaped recess linearly refracts light emitted from the side LED according to the inclined portion. Since the inclined portion of the truncated pyramidal trapezoid is substantially flat, more light is refracted and guided forward than the truncated conical recess. That is, the rectangular dots guide more light forward than the round dots. Further, since the upper surface of each dot is substantially flat, the light passing through the upper surface portion of the light from the rear light emitting device passes through the front as it is without being refracted. Therefore, the light from the rear light emitting device reaches the front without being diffused more than necessary by these dots.

  The third lens portion 533 (FIG. 7C) forms both end portions 3331 as round dots and the center portion 3332 as square dots. Since round dots are less effective in guiding light forward than square dots, both ends 3331 and the center are formed by making the central portion 3332 a square dot that has a higher effect of guiding light forward. The portion 3332 emits light with the same uniform light intensity.

  In addition, in the case of the character or figure processed only in the location close | similar to a center part like the 1st lens part 531 (FIG. 7 (a)) and the 2nd lens part 532 (FIG.7 (b)), all are square shape. Process with dots. In addition, even if it is a character or a figure, when performing stamper processing in the location close | similar to both ends, it is good also considering only both ends as a round dot.

  This stamper processing is performed by the following method using a technique described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-33634.

  First, a positive photoresist layer is formed on one surface of a conductive substrate, the positive photoresist layer is exposed according to a predetermined pattern, the positive photoresist layer is developed, and the exposed portion of the positive photoresist layer is exposed. The mold photoresist layer is removed, an electroformed body is formed on the substrate where the positive photoresist layer has been removed, and the positive photoresist layer is removed from the substrate. As a result, a stamper having protrusions with a predetermined pattern is manufactured.

  Then, this stamper is installed at the bottom of an injection mold or the like, and a transparent resin material such as an acrylic resin is injected into the stamper to solidify the resin, whereby a stamped lens part is manufactured. .

  By this stamper processing, an accurate shape can be applied to the lens portion according to a predetermined pattern. In particular, this is effective when dots of a square shape or a round shape are uniformly applied at a predetermined density. Conventionally, texturing is generally used in injection molds, but it has been difficult to arrange such accurate dots uniformly in texturing.

  In addition, by exchanging the stamper, it is possible to manufacture lens portions having different patterns from one mold. This also does not apply secondary processing to the lens part manufactured in advance later. Accordingly, it is possible to manufacture a lens unit with a low production rate and a high productivity while keeping the manufacturing cost low.

  In the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the lighting unit provided in the upper part of the gaming machine is configured by a lens member including a plurality of lens portions capable of displaying characters or figures. Furthermore, since the characters or figures on the lens portion are applied by stamper processing, it is possible to provide a gaming machine equipped with a lighting unit having a high production effect, a low manufacturing cost, a low defect rate, and a high productivity. it can.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The second embodiment is different in the configuration of the illumination unit. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure same as 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the illumination unit 12 according to the second embodiment.

  The lighting unit 12 is similar to the lighting unit 10 of the first embodiment described above, but the structure of the mounting member is different.

  Unlike the mounting member 52 of the first embodiment described above, the mounting member 520 has an upper portion and a lower portion that follow the bulging shape of the clear cover 51. That is, the mounting member 520 prevents light from the upper surface from entering the illumination unit 12.

  As described above, the gaming machine according to the second embodiment prevents the light from the upper surface from entering the inside of the lighting unit 12, thereby displaying the lens member 53 inside the lighting unit 12 by refraction and reflection of light. The displayed character or figure can be displayed more clearly.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a front view which shows the structure of the game machine of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block block diagram which shows the control system centering on a game control apparatus. It is a perspective view of the front frame of the game machine of this embodiment. It is a disassembled perspective view of an illumination unit. It is the front view, top view, and perspective view of an illumination unit. It is explanatory drawing of the lens member and reflector member of an illumination unit. It is explanatory drawing of stamper processing. It is explanatory drawing of stamper processing. It is a disassembled perspective view of the illumination unit of 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 2 Main body frame 3 Front frame 6 Game board 10 Illumination unit 13 Glass frame 51 Clear cover 52 Lens member 52 Mounting member 53 Lens member 54 Reflector member 55 Base member 56 LED board for back lighting 100 Game control apparatus

Claims (4)

In a gaming machine comprising: a lighting unit; and a control unit that controls a lighting state of the lighting unit and a state of the gaming machine,
The lighting unit has a lighting structure capable of displaying predetermined characters or figures,
The illumination structure includes a plurality of lens units, a rear light emitting device that irradiates the lens unit from the rear, and a side light emitting device that irradiates the lens unit from the side, and the lens unit extends in the depth direction. Arranged in a superposed state,
The lens part has the character or figure formed by a set of recesses on its back surface,
The control unit visually recognizes the character or the figure formed on the lens member irradiated with the light by irradiating the lens unit with light from at least one of the rear light emitting device and the side light emitting device. A gaming machine characterized by being displayed as possible. The lens part is
Forming a mold in which a stamper having a predetermined protrusion shape arranged according to a predetermined density is installed at the bottom;
After injecting a resin material into the mold, by solidifying the resin, recesses corresponding to the predetermined protrusion shape are formed at the predetermined density,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the lens unit is manufactured. The lighting unit has a curved shape bulging to the front side,
The lens portion has a curved shape that bulges to the front side according to the shape of the illumination unit,
The control unit displays the two or more characters or figures formed on the lens member so as to be visible at the same time by irradiating the two or more lens units with light from the rear light emitting device or the side light emitting device. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that:   The control unit irradiates the at least one lens unit with light from the rear light-emitting device or the side light-emitting device, irradiates light with the two or more lens units, or any of the lens units. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a character or a figure displayed on the lighting unit is changed according to a progress state of the game by controlling not to irradiate light.

Images