JP2008173162A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress reflection of a game spike to a game board surface in a game machine provided with a game board made of a transparent resin. <P>SOLUTION: The game board of a Pachinko machine is formed from the transparent resin such as acrylic or polycarbonate, and the game spikes 230 are transplanted. On the back surface side of the game board, a light emitting device 238 is arranged. By making the light emitting device 238 emit light by roughly uniform luminance to a planar area including the plurality of game spikes 230, the damage of a design property due to reflection is effectively evaded. Also, by coloring the game spikes 230 in colors similar to the light emitting color, the reflection is suppressed even when the luminance becomes low. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that launches a game ball and wins a prize in a prize opening provided on a game board surface, and more particularly to a technique for suppressing the reflection of game nails on a transparent resin game board.

  There are a pachinko machine and a smart ball as a gaming machine that allows a game ball launched on the game board surface to win a predetermined winning opening. In these gaming machines, game nails are driven into the game board surface as obstacles to the game balls flowing down the game board surface. Since the material of the game nail is limited by hardness regulation and other regulations, the game nail is mainly made of brass. Conventionally, a veneer board has been mainly used as a game board constituting a board surface of a game board, but recently, it has also been proposed to use a resin (see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  Resin game boards, especially game boards made of transparent resin using acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, etc., by installing a decoration unit on the back side of the board, decoration of the board surface that could not be realized with plywood board and effects during game play There is an advantage that can be realized. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a large LCD is disposed behind a transparent resin game board, and Patent Document 2 discloses a structure in which LEDs as point light sources are disposed behind the game board. Patent Document 3 discloses a decoration method for emitting light on a board surface by causing LED light to enter the cross section of a transparent resin game board parallel to the board surface.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-152286 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-179854 JP 2006-136522 A

  In the game board made of transparent resin, the influence on the decorativeness by the game nail has been a problem from a viewpoint different from the conventional one. The game board made of transparent resin has the advantage that the entire game board, including the back of the game nail, can be used for decoration, but the golden game nails are too conspicuous, so the design of the game board surface is impaired. is there. This harmful effect is further increased by the following reflection.

  FIG. 12 is an enlarged photograph of a part of a transparent resin game board. A state in which a large number of game nails are erected on a transparent resin game board is shown. In addition, at the base of each game nail, the reflection R of the game nail can be visually recognized on the game board surface. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the cause of the reflection. The light of the fluorescent lamp LT in the hall where the gaming machine is installed is reflected on the gaming nail NL. The reflected light partially passes through the transparent resin game board PA, but part of the reflected light is reflected on the surface of the game board PA as indicated by arrows in the figure. As a result, the reflected image R of the game nail NL is visually recognized in the game board PA by the player's eyes E.

  Since brass gold game nails have a glossy surface, this reflection is prominent. As a result, the feeling of obstruction is increased as if the number of game nails has increased, and the design of the game board is greatly impaired.

  As a method for reducing the reflection, it is conceivable to roughen the surface of the game nail and suppress the reflected light from the game nail. However, in this method, the surface gloss of the game nail is reduced, which causes another problem that the high-quality feeling of the entire game board is impaired. In view of such a problem, the present application aims to suppress the reflection of game nails on a game board made of transparent resin without reducing the surface gloss of the game nails.

  The present invention is directed to a gaming machine that allows a game ball to win a predetermined winning opening. Examples of such gaming machines include pachinko machines and smart balls. The gaming machine of the present invention includes a game board made of transparent resin as a constituent member of a game board on which game balls flow down. The game board made of translucent resin can be made of acrylic or polycarbonate, for example. The game board is provided with a winning opening, and the surface thereof is a game area where game balls flow down. Game nails are driven into the game area of the game board as obstacles flowing down. When the game board adopts a configuration including a plate-like member constituting the game area and a frame body that supports the plate-like member, the former plate-like member corresponds to the game board. When the members constituting the game area and the members corresponding to the frame are integrally formed, these members as a whole correspond to the game board. The game nails can be made of various metals that satisfy the hardness standards and other requirements required for gaming machines. For example, the surface is made of gold-plated brass or silver-white (component ratio is approximately Ni (nickel) 18). %, Cu (copper) 64%, Zn (zinc) 18% alloy).

  In the first configuration of the present invention, there is further provided an effect light-emitting device that emits light in a planar shape by emitting light of substantially uniform luminance from a planar region including a plurality of game nails. There may be uneven brightness that allows the inside of the planar region to be visually recognized substantially uniformly. By providing such a light emitting device, the portion where the game nail is erected can be made to emit light. As a result, the player sees light that is stronger than the reflected light described above with reference to FIG. 13, and the reflected image R of the game nail becomes inconspicuous. The present invention not only exerts such an effect on a single game nail, but also can exert a reflection suppression effect on a plurality of game nails simultaneously by causing the planar area to emit light. As a result, the player can produce a reflection suppression effect in a planar area having a certain size, and can effectively suppress the feeling of obstruction of the game nail.

  A light-emitting device that exhibits the above-described effects can have various configurations. For example, a large number of lamps, LEDs, organic ELs, segment indicators that display numbers and characters by segments, etc. may be arranged according to the area of the planar area. In addition, a liquid crystal display or other display device may be provided to display a still image that realizes substantially uniform luminance at a location corresponding to the planar area. Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which inject | emits light from the above-mentioned planar area | region by utilizing a holding plate as a light-guide plate by injecting light in parallel to the surface from a part of side cross section of a holding plate.

  Furthermore, as another aspect of the light emitting device, a configuration may be adopted in which a light source is provided on the back surface of the game board, and a diffusion decoration member is provided between the light source and the game board. The diffusion decoration member is, for example, a translucent member formed with uneven surfaces for diffusing light emitted from a light source in multiple directions, or a translucent member molded using a resin mixed with a powder diffusing agent. can do. In the former case, the shape of the uneven surface can be arbitrarily set based on the position and type of the light source, the width of the planar region, and the like. Although it may be a polyhedron or a curved concave surface or convex surface, in order to achieve uniform luminance, it is preferable to have an uneven surface where the concave surface portion and the convex surface portion coexist. By doing so, at least part of the light from the light source is reflected a plurality of times within the uneven surface, and a high diffusion effect can be obtained. In this aspect, the light source is not necessarily a single point light source, and a plurality of point light sources may be used, or a display device such as a liquid crystal display may be used as the light source.

  In the present invention, the light emitting device does not need to emit light at a constant luminance, and the luminance may be controlled by a light emission control device. In this case, it is preferable to control the luminance so that the light emission time at high luminance is longer than the light emission time at low luminance. High luminance means luminance capable of avoiding visible reflection of game nails on the game board, and low luminance means luminance where visible reflection occurs, and includes a light-emitting device being turned off. The boundary value between the high luminance and the low luminance can be obtained according to the luminance of the external light source at the place where the gaming machine is installed, the reflectance of the game nail, and the reflectance of the game board.

  In this aspect, since the high luminance is longer than the low luminance, it is possible to lengthen the period during which the reflection can be avoided as a whole, and to suppress the annoying sensation of the game nail and improve the design of the game board. In order to sufficiently obtain the effect of suppressing reflection, it is preferable to continue light emission at a high luminance for a predetermined period. This is because, when the high luminance and the low luminance are varied at a relatively high frequency, the impression of the reflected image that is visually recognized at the low luminance remains, and the feeling of annoyance increases. In general, it is known that the residual effect on vision is maintained at 50 to 60 Hz, and the afterimage effect may be maintained even at about 25 Hz. Therefore, switching between high luminance and low luminance has a lower frequency. preferable.

  However, the present invention does not prohibit a low-luminance light emission state in which a reflected image can be visually recognized as described above. In order to allow the player to clearly recognize a change in the game state such as a big hit during the game, a light emission state with low luminance may be sandwiched when the game state changes. By providing a time during which the reflection of the game nail can be clearly seen, it is possible to realize an effect that gives an impact to the player.

  The light-emitting device described above may be provided throughout the gaming machine or may be provided partially. When providing partially, the installation place can be set arbitrarily. For example, when a guide nail for guiding a game ball to any one of the winning holes is installed below the game board in a straight line or curved line, the area including at least a part of the guide nail is planar. It is preferable to provide a light emitting device as the region. Since the portion of the guide nail is a portion that is watched by the player, avoiding the reflection at the portion of the guide nail is useful for improving the design. In addition to this, as a part where the player has a strong tendency to watch, there is a life nail provided directly above a so-called winning opening, a ceiling nail provided at the uppermost center of the game area, and the like. A region including a part or all of these parts may be a planar region.

  A second configuration of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described. The gaming machine of the second configuration also includes a game board made of transparent resin into which game nails are driven. In addition, on the back of the game board, there is provided an effect light emitting device that emits light with a predetermined light emission color. This light-emitting device preferably emits light in a planar area with uniform brightness, but it is not necessarily required to emit light in the planar area, and a point light source or the like may be used.

  In the second configuration, the game nail is colored in a color similar to the emission color. For coloring, for example, methods such as color plating, baking painting, and resin coating can be employed. Further, in combination with coloring, plating may be performed with nickel, tin cobalt, trivalent chromate or the like, or a metal thin film layer may be formed on the surface of the game nail by vapor deposition or sputtering. By doing so, the surface of the game nail can be given a metallic luster, and a high-class feeling can be created as a whole. In the second configuration, since the light emitting device emits light in a color similar to the reflected color of the game nail, there is an effect that the reflected image is merged with the emitted color and is difficult to be visually recognized.

  The game nail may have the same hue as the emission color or a similar hue. The similar hue can be, for example, a color having a hue of 2 to 3 in a 20-color hue circle in consideration of an intermediate color of each color in the Munsell hue circle (10-color hue circle adopted in JIS). When the light emitting device emits light within the range of any one of the cold, warm, and neutral colors, the color of the game nail may be selected based on this color system.

  In the second configuration, the emission color of the light emitting device may be controlled to change within a predetermined color range during the game. In this case, it is preferable that the game nail is colored with a similar color included in the color range. When the emission color changes in various ways, it is preferable that the color be similar to the color used for a longer time than the other colors. By doing so, it is possible to obtain an effect of suppressing reflection for a long time during the game. Further, in the case where the luminance of the light emitting device is changed together with the emission color, the color of the game nail may be similar to the emission color when the luminance becomes low enough to visually recognize the reflection. By doing so, it is possible to effectively suppress the reflection even when the luminance becomes low. Therefore, there is an advantage that the light emitting device can emit light with various luminances and hues while avoiding the reflection, and the decorativeness of the game board can be improved.

  The color of the game nail may be the same color as the light emission color of the light emitting device or may be partially the same color throughout the game board. In the latter case, it is preferable that at least a part of the guide nail has a color similar to the emission color. In addition, life nails and ceiling nails may be similar in color to the light emission color.

  The present invention need not necessarily have all of the features described above. The above-described features can be omitted as appropriate or applied in combination. The present invention may be applied by combining the first configuration and the second configuration described above. For example, a light emitting device that emits light in a planar area may be provided, and the game nail may be colored with a color similar to the light emission color.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order. In this embodiment, a configuration example as a pachinko machine is shown, but the gaming machine may be a smart ball.
A. Game machine configuration:
A1. Overall structure:
A2. Game board structure:
A3. The structure of the decoration unit 240:
A4. Configuration of LED board:
B. Game nail color selection (achromatic):
C. Second Example-Selection of Game Nail Color (Chromatic Color):
C1. Modification of the second embodiment:
D. Third Example-Selection of Game Nail Color (Decoration Member Standard):

A. Game machine configuration:
A1. Overall structure:
FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board 5 provided in a pachinko machine. A game area 37 is provided at the center of the game board. When a player operates a handle (not shown) to fire a game ball, the game ball is guided by a set of rails 76 and 77 and is driven into the game area 37 to flow down the game board 5. The game board 5 is made of a transparent resin such as polycarbonate or acrylic. In this embodiment, the game board 5 is colorless and transparent, but may be colored.

  The game board 5 is provided with start winning ports 212 and 214, a general winning port 224, and a variable winning device 210. When winning is awarded here, a prize ball is paid out. In addition, when winning at the start winning ports 212 and 214, a lottery is performed electronically, and a plurality of symbols displayed on the effect display device 202 to be described later start to fluctuate. Stops. When the lottery result is a “hit”, an effect display for stopping the fluctuation with a specific big win symbol is performed, and a big hit privilege for opening and closing the variable winning device 210 a predetermined number of times is given.

  A game nail 230 is driven into the game area as an obstacle to the game ball flowing down. Since the game ball flows down to the game nail 230 while changing the collision trajectory, the player can enjoy the movement of the game ball while expecting the game ball to win. In the present specification, a plurality of game nails arranged in a straight line on the lower left side toward the start winning ports 212 and 214 are referred to as guide nails 230L. A game nail arranged on the winning opening, such as two game nails arranged side by side immediately above the start winning opening 212, will be referred to as a life nail 230H.

  These game nails 230 need to be firmly fixed so that they can withstand the impact force caused by the collision of the game balls that flow down and can maintain the pre-injected posture and position. Further, from the viewpoint of the durability of the gaming machine, it is preferable to have a sufficient fatigue strength so that it does not easily break even when subjected to such an impact force. In order to satisfy this condition, the game nail 230 is made of brass in this embodiment.

  In this embodiment, the game nail 230 is driven into a transparent resin plate as will be described later, so that the player can visually recognize the decoration unit 240 arranged on the rear side. The decoration unit 240 includes both the light emitting device 238 and the non-light emitting device. The structure of the light emitting device 238 will be described later. By providing such a decoration unit 240 in the game board 5, it is possible to perform an effective presentation using the entire surface of the game board 5 by utilizing the light emission of the light emitting device 238. In addition, it is possible to make the player feel as if the game nail 230 is floating in the air, and to feel the depth of the entire game board. The game nail 230 is colored so as not to impair the design by interference with the light emission color of the light emitting device 238. A method for selecting the color of the game nail 230 will be described later.

  In the center of the game board 5, a liquid crystal panel as an effect display device 202 is arranged. The effect display device 202 may use an organic EL, an LED, a plasma display, or the like in addition to the liquid crystal panel. It is possible to enhance the interest of the game by displaying various effects such as displaying a lottery result indicating whether or not the game is a big hit during the game.

A2. Game board structure:
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the game board 5. The game board 5 is configured by assembling a front component member 79, a central accessory 200, a holding plate 242, a holding plate support frame 244, a decoration unit 240, an effect display device 202, and a substrate holder 91 from the front. The front component member 79 is a frame made of synthetic resin and holds the rails 76 and 77. A central opening of the front component member 79 is a game area 37.

  The central accessory 200 is a frame-shaped device formed so that the central portion surrounds the periphery of the effect display device 202. The front side is shaped to enhance the presence of the effect display, and various winning holes are arranged around it. A transparent partition plate 300 for protecting the effect display device 202 is attached to the center portion.

  The holding plate 242 is a transparent resin plate that holds the game nail 230. It is formed from an extruded plate of a transparent resin such as polycarbonate resin, polyarylate resin, acrylic resin or the like. The thickness W2 of the holding plate 242 can be arbitrarily set as long as a game nail or the like to be placed can be sufficiently held. In this embodiment, the thickness W2 is 8 to 10 mm. Since the holding plate 242 has a shape that covers the decoration unit 240, the display of the decoration unit 240 can realize the stereoscopic effect described above. In the present embodiment, the portion corresponding to the effect display device is opened, but the opening may be eliminated and the structure that also serves as the partition plate 300 may be used.

  The holding plate support frame 244 is a frame-like member that supports the outside of the holding plate 242. In this embodiment, the resin is made of polypropylene or ABS resin. The thickness W1 of the holding plate support frame 244 is about 20 mm, which is substantially twice the thickness W2 of the holding plate 242. Locking claws or the like for supporting the holding plate 242 are formed on the inner periphery of the opening of the holding plate support frame 244. The holding plate 242 can be clamped and fixed by fixing the holding plate support frame 244 and the front component member 79 in a state where the holding plate 242 is fitted to the holding plate support frame 244. Since the holding plate support frame 244 and the holding plate 242 are made of different materials, a clearance is provided between them to absorb a difference in expansion and contraction due to a change in temperature, a change with time, and the like and prevent distortion of the holding plate 242. When attached to the holding plate support frame 244, the front surface of the holding plate 242 and the front surface of the holding plate support frame 244 are substantially flush. By doing so, there is an advantage that it is possible to use the game nail planting device used when the game board is configured by the plywood board without modification, and to suppress the cost increase for the game nail planting. Further, by adopting a structure in which the game board 5 is configured by the combination of the holding plate 242, the holding plate support frame 244, and the front component member 79 in this way, different models can be easily realized by replacing only the holding plate 242. There are advantages you can do.

  In this embodiment, the holding plate 242 corresponds to a game board. In the game board 5, the holding plate 242 and the holding plate support frame 244 may be configured integrally. In this case, the whole integrally configured member corresponds to the game board.

  As will be described later in detail, the decoration unit 240 includes various light emitting devices 238 around the frame-shaped member. Since the player can visually recognize these light emitting states through the holding plate 242, it is possible to realize decoration on the entire surface of the holding plate 242 and effects with a three-dimensional effect. The effect display device 202 has a size and shape corresponding to the opening of the central accessory 200. The player can enjoy the effect display performed by the effect display device 202 during the game.

  A substrate holder 91 is provided on the rear side of the effect display device 202. A main control board box 95 and a peripheral control board box 93 are attached to the board holder 91. The main control board box 95 is a control apparatus for controlling the entire pachinko machine, and the peripheral control board box 93 is a control apparatus for controlling effects by the effect display device 202, the light emitting device 238, and the like. In this embodiment, the description of the configuration of the control circuit is omitted.

  The configuration of the game board 5 using the transparent holding plate 242 has the following advantages compared to the case where the game board 5 is configured using a plywood board. In the structure using the veneer plate, an opening is provided in the veneer plate, and an effect display device is attached to the back side thereof. In this structure, if the effect display device is enlarged, the interest display can be enhanced, but the range in which the game ball flows down around the effect display device is narrowed, and there is a possibility that the game ball cannot be enjoyed. If the transparent holding plate 242 is used as in this embodiment, there is an advantage that the effect display can be enhanced without such restrictions. In addition, in the structure in which the effect display device is provided on the back side of the plywood, it is difficult to see the display contents from the surroundings because the effect display device is arranged in the back, but in this embodiment, the effect display is Therefore, the pachinko machine of the present embodiment can be shown so as to attract the player's attention in the hall where various pachinko machines are installed. Further, in this embodiment, since the three-dimensional decoration can be realized by arranging the decoration unit 240 on the back side of the holding plate 242, the decoration drawn in a plane on the surface of the plywood board can also be realized in this respect. The difference can be appealed to the player.

A3. The structure of the decoration unit 240:
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the decoration unit 240. The decoration unit 240 is a unit disposed between the holding plate 242 and the holding plate support frame 244 and the effect display device 202 as shown in FIG.

  The decoration unit 240 is configured by assembling a diffusion decoration member 316 and an effect unit 318 to the unit support member 320. The unit support member 320 is a member to be called a main body of the decoration unit 240, and is a member fixed to the holding plate 242 (see FIG. 2).

  Various decorative bodies 312 are attached to the effect unit 318. As decorative bodies attached to the front surface of the rendering unit 318, a logo decorative body 312a disposed on the upper left, a background decorative body 312b disposed on the left side, a background decorative body 312c, and a character decorative body 312d simulating a golf ball. Can be mentioned. Further, a substantially transparent background decoration body 312e is attached to a position corresponding to the rear side of the logo decoration body 312a and the background decoration bodies 312b and 312c, and the background decoration body 312f and the right inner side of the effect unit are further rearward of the background decoration body 312e. Is provided with a background decoration body 312h.

  An opening 470 that communicates with the general winning port 224, the first start port 212, and the second start port 214 is formed below the effect unit 318. In the upper part, there is provided a distribution device 330 that distributes the destinations of the game balls won in the attacker device when the pair of opening / closing members 274 (FIG. 1) is opened.

  The background decoration bodies 312b, 312f, 312g, and 312h are formed by imitating rocks by members having low translucency. When the decoration unit 240 is assembled, the outer periphery of the effect display device 202 is surrounded by the background decoration bodies 312f, 312g, and 312h having low translucency. By so doing, light from other light emitting devices 238 (see FIG. 1) can be appropriately blocked, and the image on the effect display device 202 can be easily viewed. Moreover, the effect image of the effect display device 202 can be made to stand out by surrounding the effect display device 202 with a unified decorative body.

  The background decorative body 312c is formed by imitating a spray of a material with reduced translucency, suppressing the light of the light emitting device 238 and reducing the dazzling feeling, thereby avoiding the loss of the overall design. is doing.

  The diffusion decoration member 316 is a member formed of a translucent member, and the surface thereof has a fine polyhedral shape. Although not shown, an LED board, which will be described later, is disposed on the back side of the diffusion decoration member 316. The diffusion decoration member 316 has a function of diffusing emitted light from the LED mounted on the LED substrate and suppressing glare for the player.

  The decorative body 312 and the diffusion decorative member 316 have a mortar-like shape, that is, a shape that is deeper into the center as viewed from the front. By doing so, it is possible to feel the depth in the effect space 310 inside the unit decoration member 320.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the decoration unit 240 as seen from the back. As shown in the figure, a production unit 318 is attached, and a diffusion decoration member 316 is disposed so as to surround the periphery. As described above, the diffusion decoration member 316 has a polyhedral shape having a large number of projections and depressions, and light from the LED is diffused in multiple directions in the polyhedron part. Therefore, the diffusion decoration member 316 is entirely planar. It looks shining. Some of the light is reflected several times on the uneven surface. The diffusion decoration member 316 can effectively diffuse light in a planar shape over a wide range by the action of such an uneven surface. In this sense, in this specification, the diffusion decoration member 316 may be referred to as a planar light emitter.

  In the decoration unit 240 of this example, a diorama of a golf course surrounded by rocks and water is developed in the effect space 310 by the above-described structure or the like. Further, since the game nail 230 is planted on the transparent holding plate 242, it is possible to give a visual effect as if the game nail 230 is planted on the surface of each decorative body 312. Furthermore, since the decoration body 312 and the diffusion decoration member 316 made of a transparent member have a multi-layered structure, a further depth can be felt.

A4. Configuration of LED board:
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the LED substrate. The state which looked at the decoration unit 240 from the front was shown. As described above, in the decoration unit 240, the LED substrate is disposed between the unit instruction member 320 and the diffusion decoration member 316. A number of LEDs are mounted on the LED substrate, and light emitted from the LEDs is visually recognized by the player through the diffusion decoration member 316 and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a diffusion decoration member 316 is attached to the upper left of the decoration unit 240 and from the left to the lower left. LED substrates 351, 352, 353, 354, and 355 are installed behind the diffusion decoration member 316. LEDs 351L, 352L, 353L, 354L, and 355L are mounted on each LED substrate. A large number of rectangles in the figure represent LEDs. The difference in shape is due to the difference in luminance and emission color. Thus, one of the advantages of using the transparent resin holding plate 242 is that LEDs can be mounted over a wide range of game areas.

  The diffusion decoration member 316, the LED substrate, and the LED constitute the light emitting device 238. In the drawing, as an example, it is shown that the diffusion decoration member 316, the LED substrate 351, and the LED 351L correspond to the light emitting device 238. In order to avoid complication of the drawing, the reference numerals are omitted, but the other LED boards 352, 353, 354, and 355 and the LEDs 352L, 353L, 354L, and 355L also constitute the light emitting device 238 together with the diffusion decoration member 316.

  The LED is also mounted on a portion where the diffusion decoration member 316 is not disposed. The LED board 356 is disposed behind the character decoration body 312d simulating a golf ball. Here, two types of LEDs 356L are mounted, and the character decoration body 312d can emit light in various colors.

  LED boards 357, 358, and 359 are arranged on the right and upper sides of the decoration unit 240. The LED substrate 357 is disposed behind the background decoration body 312h. The background decoration body 312h is a member also called a lens, and is not a member having a more uneven shape than the diffusion decoration member 316. Light emitted from the LEDs 357L and 358L mounted on the LED boards 357 and 358 is diffused so weak that it can be recognized as a point light source and is visually recognized by the player. A member for diffusing the emitted light is not arranged on the front surface of the LED 359L mounted on the LED board 359, and the player can directly check the lighting state of each LED through the game board made of transparent resin. . These LEDs 359L variably display the lottery state related to the opening of the ordinary electric accessory depending on the lighting state.

B. Game nail color selection (achromatic):
In the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 1, the game nail 230 is colored. This is because a brass game nail has a gold surface, which affects the hue of the light emission color due to interference with the light emission color of the light emitting device 238 and impairs its design. In addition, the game nail 230 reflects the light of the light emitting device 238, which may be annoying to the player. In this embodiment, to avoid such an effect, the game nail 230 is colored achromatic. A uniform color may be used for the entire game board, or a plurality of types of achromatic colors may be used in the game board. The game nail 230 can be colored by, for example, plating, baking painting, resin coating, or the like.

The achromatic color includes various colors having no hue such as white, black, gray, and silver, and the color of the game nail 230 can be arbitrarily selected. The following effects are obtained according to the color to be selected.
(1) White: The player can faithfully recognize the luminescent color of the light emitting device 238.
(2) Black: Since there is a tendency to absorb colored colors, the entire game board can be made to have a calm image. Moreover, the effect of tightening the entire design can be achieved by using black partially.
(3) Gray: Since it is an intermediate color, it is possible to avoid the game nail 230 from being conspicuous and to prevent the entire game board from becoming a dark image.
(4) Silver color: The same effect as gray can be obtained, and the whole game board can be given a high-class feeling due to the metallic luster. In addition, there is an advantage that a sense of incongruity during the game can be suppressed in terms of harmony with the color of the game ball. When the surface gloss remains sufficiently, the game nail 230 reflects the light of the light emitting device 238, so that the effect of highlighting the emitted color can be achieved.

  In consideration of the various effects described above, silver was adopted in this example. As a method of making the game nail 230 silver, the surface of the game nail made of brass is plated with nickel, tin cobalt, trivalent chromate, etc., or a thin film layer of these metals is deposited on the surface of the game nail by vapor deposition or sputtering. It is possible to adopt a method for forming the film. Further, instead of brass, the game nail 230 is formed using silver white (alloy with an alloy ratio of approximately 18% Ni (nickel), 64% Cu (copper), 18% Zn)). May be. In order to increase the surface gloss of the white, a metal thin film layer may be formed on the surface by the above-described plating or the like. Since the color of the white and the metal thin film layer are both silver white, there is an advantage that even if the metal thin film layer is peeled off by the collision of the game ball, the peeling is not noticeable.

  According to the gaming machine of the first embodiment described above, by making the game nail 230 achromatic, even if the light emitted from the light emitting device 238 is reflected by the game nail, the interference that causes a hue change in the emitted color. Can be avoided. Therefore, it can suppress that the design property implement | achieved by the light-emitting device 238 is impaired by the color of a game nail.

  Further, by causing the light emitting device 238 behind the game nail 230 to emit light with high luminance, it is possible to avoid the game nail 230 from being reflected on the game board surface. In the first embodiment, the case where the achromatic game nail 230 is used is illustrated, but the effect of mitigating the reflection can be obtained in the same manner even when the gold game nail is used. The luminance with which such an effect is obtained may be obtained experimentally or analytically according to the brightness of an external light source such as a hall where the pachinko machine 1 is used, the gloss of the game nail 230, the reflectance of the game board 5, and the like.

  The light emitting device 238 does not always need to emit light with high luminance, and the luminance may be changed by providing a period of low luminance including darkness. However, the present invention does not prohibit a low-luminance light emission state in which a reflected image can be visually recognized as described above. By sandwiching the low luminance, it is possible to make the player clearly recognize the change in the game state such as the big hit during the game, and it is possible to realize an effect that gives an impact to the player.

  In this case, it is preferable to control the luminance so that the light emission time at high luminance is longer than the light emission time at low luminance. By doing so, it is possible to lengthen the period during which the reflection can be avoided as a whole, to suppress the feeling of obstruction of the game nail, and to improve the design of the game board. In order to obtain a sufficient effect of suppressing reflection, it is preferable to continue light emission at a high luminance for a predetermined period. This is because, when the high luminance and the low luminance are varied at a relatively high frequency, the impression of the reflected image that is visually recognized at the low luminance remains, and the feeling of annoyance increases. In general, it is known that the residual effect on vision is maintained at 50 to 60 Hz, and the afterimage effect may be maintained even at about 25 Hz. Therefore, switching between high luminance and low luminance has a lower frequency. preferable.

  In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which almost the entire region where the game ball flows down is a planar light emitter, and the reflection of the game nail is suppressed over substantially the entire region. The planar light emitter is not necessarily provided in the entire region, and may be provided only in a part. In this case, it is preferable to provide behind the guide nail 230L driven into the lower left of the holding plate 242. This is because the guide nail 230L is often watched by the player in order to confirm whether or not there is a winning at the start winning opening 212, and thus the reduction of the reflection at this portion is effective in improving the design.

C. Second Example-Selection of Game Nail Color (Chromatic Color):
The game nail 230 may be colored in a hue color (chromatic color) that matches the light emission color of the light emitting device 238 during the game. Hereinafter, as a second embodiment, a color selection method in such a case will be described. Prior to the description of the color selection method, the color system used in this specification will be described.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a 20-color hue circle. Although there are various hue rings according to various definitions, a hue ring (sometimes referred to as a modified Munsell hue ring) employed in the JIS standard is used in this specification. As the hue ring, five colors of red (R), yellow (Y), green (G), blue (B), and purple (P) are used as basic colors according to the application, and each intermediate color (YR in the figure). , GY, BG, PB, RP), a 20-color hue ring including intermediate colors therebetween, and the like are used. In the figure, the 20-color hue circle set in this way is shown. For convenience of explanation, Y is # 01 and color numbers up to # 20 are assigned clockwise.

Each color has an image such as a warm color system or a cold color system (hereinafter referred to as “color system”). As shown in the figure, the image generally recognized in the 20-color hue circle is as follows.
Color numbers # 01 to # 03 ... neutral warm color;
Color numbers # 03 to # 06 ... neutral colors;
Color number # 06 to # 08 ... neutral cold color;
Color number # 08- # 11 ... cold color;
Color numbers # 11 to # 14 ... neutral colors;
Color numbers # 14 to # 16 ... neutral warm color;
Color numbers # 16 to # 20 ... warm colors;

  In the second embodiment, the color of the game nail 230 is matched with the decorative body 312 disposed behind the transparent resin holding plate 242. In this embodiment, except for the logo decoration body 312c shown in FIG. 3, the decoration bodies 312b, 312c, and 312e arranged in the area where the game ball flows down are colored light blue and translucent in the image of flowing water. ing. The unit support member 320 is also colored light blue translucent. However, the diffusion decoration member 316 is colorless and transparent. In this state, when the LED shown in FIG. 5 is turned on, the region where the game ball flows down emits light blue as a whole due to the diffusion effect of the diffusion decoration member 316.

  In the second embodiment, the game nail 230 is colored in the same color in order to match this light emission state. For example, if the surface of the brass game nail 230 is nickel-plated and then colored light blue, it can be finished in a metallic light blue. Coloring can be performed by a method such as baking painting or resin coating. Colored plating may be applied. By forming a metallic thin film on the surface of the game nail 230 by a method such as plating, it becomes possible to create a high-class feeling as a whole.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the game board surface that is emitting light with high brightness. It can be seen that almost all of the region (see FIG. 5) where the diffusion decoration member 316 is arranged (region A indicated by a broken line in the drawing) emits light in a planar shape by the action of the diffusion decoration member 316. The game nail 230 has melted into this light emission and is almost unobtrusive.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the game board surface that is emitting light with low luminance. Since the light is emitted with low luminance, the game nail 230 can be sufficiently visually recognized. However, since the color of the game nail 230 is the same light blue as the decorative bodies 312b, 312c, and 312e, the game nail 230 itself is not conspicuous. In addition, the reflected image of the game nail 230 is almost invisible because it melts into the emission color.

  According to the second embodiment, the surface light emission color of the decorative bodies 312b, 312c, and 312e and the color of the game nail 230 are the same color, so that the game nail 230 itself can be avoided from being too conspicuous. In addition, since the game nail 230 has the same color as the light emission color, the image reflected on the game board surface can be merged with the light emission color, thereby avoiding an uncomfortable feeling due to the image reflected. it can. In the second embodiment, the overall design can be improved by these actions. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the effect of suppressing the reflection is obtained in a relatively wide range including the plurality of game nails 230 by the planar light emitting portion, so that the contribution to the improvement of the design is also high. However, this does not mean that it is essential to emit light in a planar shape in order to obtain the above-described effect.

  In the second embodiment, an example in which the color of the game nail 230 is the same color as the light emission color of the light emitting device 238 over almost the entire region where the game ball flows down, but only a part of the color may be the same color. In this case, it is preferable that the guide nail shown at the lower left of the game board has the same color. The guide nail part is a part that is often watched by the player in order to confirm the presence or absence of a prize at the start winning opening 212, and therefore, the reduction of the reflection in this part is effective in improving the design. is there.

C1. Modification of the second embodiment:
In the second embodiment, the case where the game nail 230 is the same color as the light emission color is shown. The game nail 230 does not have to be exactly the same color as the emission color, and may be the same color. For example, light blue is a color with increased brightness of blue (# 9), and therefore belongs to a cold color (see FIG. 6). Therefore, the color of the game nail 230 may be another color included in the cold color instead of the light blue color. It may be selected from neutral cold colors in the sense of cold colors. Further, when the emission color changes, for example, in the range of blue (# 9) to green (# 5), it may be blue-green (# 7) which is an intermediate color between them. In this way, the color of the game nail 230 when the emission color changes can be selected by the following method, for example.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a method for selecting a color of the game nail 230. The hue circle shown in FIG. 6 is shown linearly on the horizontal axis, and the light emission range of the light emitting device 238 is illustrated. CASE 1 in the figure indicates that the emission color of the light emitting device 238 changes in the range of # 16 to # 20 during the game. The hue may change stepwise or may change continuously. Although only the hue change is shown here, the brightness and saturation may be changed together. In order to ensure the design of the game board, it is preferable to select a color of the game nail 230 to be planted on the front surface of the light emitting device 238 in harmony with the light emitting color of the light emitting device 238. In CASE1, the light emitting device 238 changes within the warm color range. In such a case, if one of the colors of the game nail 230 is selected as a warm color, the color of the light emission device 238 is the same or similar to the color of the light emission, and the harmony can be maintained. It can be unified with the image of and can establish design. In the example of the figure, a case where red (R), which is a basic color included in the warm color, is selected is shown. Other colors may be selected.

  CASE 2 indicates that the light emitting device 238 changes over a neutral warm color and a warm color in the range of # 14 to # 20. In this case, if considered as a “warm color system” in a broad sense including neutral warm colors and warm colors, a representative color of the warm color system can be selected as the color of the game nail 230 in the same manner as CASE1. In CASE 2, a method of selecting a representative color from neutral warm colors may be used.

  CASE 3 indicates that the light emitting device 238 changes in neutral, neutral warm color, and warm color in the range of # 12 to # 20. Considering that neutral colors do not contribute much in terms of establishing a unified design of the game board, the light emission of the light emitting device 238 can be changed to warm colors (neutral warm colors and warm colors) or cold colors (neutral cool colors and cold colors). Let's think and divide. Considering this, in the case of CASE 3, it can be said that light is emitted in a broad range of “warm color” in the sense that a cold color is not emitted. In the figure, an example in which red (R), which is a representative color of the warm color system, is selected based on this concept is shown.

  On the other hand, a method of selecting any one of neutral, neutral warm color, and warm representative colors may be employed. Although any color can be selected, as an example, it is preferable to select a color close to a cold color. In the figure, as an example, purple (P) included in neutrality is selected. Generally, the cold color has a property as a backward color. Therefore, by selecting the color of the game nail in this manner, the game nail 230 can be avoided from being noticeable, and the influence on the design can be suppressed. The mode of selecting a color close to the cold color is not limited to the case where the light emission state changes over a plurality of color systems as in CASE3, but can be similarly applied to CASE1 and CASE2.

  CASE 4 indicates that the light emitting device 238 changes in a neutral cold color, a cold color system, and neutral in a range of # 06 to # 12. Considering a warm color system and a cold color system in two minutes, this corresponds to an example in which light is emitted in a cold color system as a whole. In the example of the figure, the case where blue (B), which is a representative color of the cold color, is selected is shown. The color can be selected arbitrarily, and can be selected from neutral cold colors and neutral colors. However, if it is selected from the cold colors, it is possible to realize a color scheme having the same hue or a similar hue as the emission color of the light emitting device 238, and that the game nail 230 is too conspicuous due to the effect of the backward color described above. Can be suppressed.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a modification of the color selection method of the game nail 230. In the example of FIG. 9, only the light emission range of the light emitting device 238 is considered, whereas FIG. 10 shows an example of considering the light emission pattern. The abscissa indicates the hue circle, and the ordinate indicates the change in light emission over time. In the example shown in the figure, the light emitting device 238 emits light at # 15 between times t1 and t2, and then emits light at # 17 (R) at t2 to t3. Emits light while changing. As shown on the right side, light is emitted in warm colors at times t1 to t3, cold colors at times t3 to t5, neutral colors at times t5 to t6, and cold colors at times t6 to t7. Also, the longest display color in this light emission pattern is # 11 (PB).

  The color of the game nail 230 can be selected by various methods in consideration of the light emission pattern. For example, the longest display color # 11 (PB) described above may be selected. By doing so, the period during which the same hue as that of the light emitting device 238 is maintained becomes longer, so that harmony with the light emitting device 238 can be maintained as a whole. In this example, it is also possible to select a representative color in the cold color system by paying attention to the fact that the display in the cold color system is longer than the warm color system. In the example in the figure, the case where blue (B) is selected as the representative color of the cold color system is illustrated.

  The color of the game nail 230 can be selected by various methods other than those illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. For example, any one of the colors included in the emission color range of the light emitting device 238 may be arbitrarily selected. In addition, a color outside the range of the emission color may be selected. In this case, it is preferable to avoid a color that is inconsistent with the emission color, for example, a color that has a medium-difference hue coloration or a complex harmony.

  9 and 10 show an example in which the color of the game nail 230 is selected based on the light emission color of the light emitting device 238 located on the back side of the game nail 230. The light emitting device 238 to be used as a reference for color selection is not limited to the one located on the back side. For example, a device with the highest visibility on the game board surface, a device that emits light with the most various patterns, an image display device 16, or the like may be used as a reference. In this case, the reflection of the game nail 230 cannot be reduced, but the light emission color of the light emitting device 238 and the color of the game nail can be harmonized, and the design of the game board can be improved.

D. Third Example-Selection of Game Nail Color (Decoration Member Standard):
The color of the game nail 230 is not limited to the case of selecting the light emission color of the light emitting device 238 as a reference as shown in FIGS. Hereinafter, as a third embodiment, an example in which the color of the game nail 230 is selected on the basis of a non-light emitting decorative member attached to a gaming machine and having a fixed color will be described. In the game board 5 having the holding plate 242 made of transparent resin, since the decorative unit that emits light tends to be frequently used, the ratio of the non-luminescent decorative member that is fixedly colored is relatively low. This is because the design role of the decorative member may be important. In the third embodiment, an example in which the design of the entire board surface is improved by determining the color of the game nail 230 based on the color of the non-light emitting decorative member instead of the light emitting color of the light emitting device 238 will be described.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a game nail color selection method based on decorative members. The example which selects the color of the game nail 230 for every site | part in the game board 5 based on the color of the decoration member etc. of the vicinity was shown. In the part N1, a color harmonious with the opening / closing member 274 existing in the vicinity is selected. Since the opening / closing member 274 is also a part that the player watches, the harmony with the opening / closing member 274 can improve the sense of unity of the game board 5.

  In the part N2, the image color of the entire game board 5 may be arranged. Since the upper left is a place where human consciousness is easily directed and hits the launching hole of the game ball, the image of the entire game board 5 is easily affected. Therefore, by arranging the image color in this part, the overall design uniformity can be improved.

  For example, the color of the portion N3 may be selected in consideration of harmony with the nearby decorative member D1. In the part N4, the color can be selected in consideration of the harmony with the decoration unit 240 behind and the harmony with the decoration member D2 at the lower right of the game board 5. When considering harmony with the decorative member D2, the design of the game board 5 can be provided with left-right symmetry, and a sense of stability can be increased. The part N5 can select a color in consideration of harmony with the decoration unit 240 located on the back side and harmony with the variable winning device 210 and the start winning ports 212 and 214.

  In the above-described aspect, as the harmonious color, for example, it is conceivable to adopt a color scheme such as the same hue, a similar hue, a dominant tone, and natural harmony. A harmonic color scheme can be realized by emphasizing any one of lightness, saturation, and hue while approximating one or two of the other. For example, when the contrast of lightness is strong, it is preferable to make the contrast of either or both of hue and saturation common. In general, achromatic colors such as white, black, gray and silver are harmonious with all colors.

  An accent color may be used for a relatively limited portion of the game board 5. Accent color is a highly attractive color. The attractiveness is generally warmer than cold, high-saturation colors are higher than low-saturation colors, and chromatic colors tend to be higher than achromatic colors. Therefore, according to the overall hue of the game board 5, the attractiveness Select a high color. By partially using the accent color in this way, an effect of tightening the entire design can be achieved. For example, if an accent color is used for a part where the player can easily focus his gaze like the part N2, the whole can be tightened and the game board 5 can be strongly impressed.

  In the example of FIG. 11, the example in which the color is determined on the basis of the decorative member close to the game nail 230 is mainly described, but the reference decorative member can be arbitrarily selected. For example, as described in the part N4, the decorative member D2 in a symmetrical position may be used as a reference, or the entire game board as described in the part N2 instead of using a specific decorative member as a reference. The image color may be used as a reference. In addition, the color of various members such as a color frequently used for all decorative members in the game board surface and a color used for the largest decorative member can be used as a reference. When the entire transparent game board is colored, the color of the game board may be used as a reference as one of the decorative members. In the example of FIG. 11, an example of changing the color selection method for each part is shown, but the color itself and the selection method of the game nail 230 may be unified as a whole. Further, gradation may be realized by gradually changing the color of the game nail 230.

  In addition, the color of the game nail 230 may take into account not only the color uniformity with other decorative members but also the harmony with the image drawn on the game board 5. As can be seen from the golf ball-like decorative member D2, the game board 5 shown in FIG. 11 is configured with an image of a golf course. In such a case, for example, the game nail 230 may be colored green or brown to represent a lawn or a standing tree. By doing so, it is possible to make the flat game board feel a three-dimensional effect, a perspective, a texture, etc., and to improve the design. As another aspect, in the case of a game board that images the universe, the starry sky may be expressed by using game nails colored in silver white or white. Even in this case, it is not necessary to draw a pattern such as a constellation with game nails. Moreover, in the design which imitated the stadium, the audience who stands up and is cheering may be expressed by setting up game nails colored in various colors in the area that looks like a spectator seat. The harmony with the image drawn on the game board 5 described above refers to an aspect in which the image drawn on the game board 5 changes depending on the presence or absence of the game nail 230.

  In general, a unified sense of image on the design of the entire game board largely depends on a decorative member that is fixedly colored so as not to emit light, rather than a decorative unit whose light emission color changes variously during the game. In the above aspect, since the color of the game nail is selected in consideration of the harmony with the colors of these decorative members and the image drawn on the game board, there is an advantage that the design of the entire game board can be ensured.

  Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and it goes without saying that various configurations can be adopted without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The color of the game nail 230 can be selected in consideration of one or both of the light emission color of the light emitting device 238 and the color of the decorative member that is fixedly colored according to the site. In the present invention, it is not necessary to select a color considering design harmony for all the game nails 230. A golden game nail that has been used for a part of the game board 5 may be used. Furthermore, the density of the golden game nails is reduced and the influence on the design is suppressed by alternately arranging the golden game nails and the game nails selected in consideration of design harmony. You may take an aspect.

It is a front view of the game board 5 with which the pachinko machine was equipped. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a game board 5. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a decoration unit 240. FIG. It is the perspective view which looked at the decoration unit 240 from the back. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a LED board. It is explanatory drawing of a 20-color hue ring. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state of the game board surface currently light-emitted with high brightness | luminance. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state of the game board surface currently light-emitted with low brightness. It is explanatory drawing which shows the selection method of the color of the game nail 230. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification of the selection method of the color of the game nail 230. It is explanatory drawing which shows the color selection method of the game nail on the basis of a decoration member. It is an enlarged photograph of a part of a game board game board made of transparent resin transparent resin. It is explanatory drawing which shows the generation | occurrence | production cause of reflection.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 5 ... Game board 10, 10a ... Game nail 11 ... Tip part 12 ... Spiral part 13 ... Body part 14 ... Head part 37 ... Game area 76, 77 ... Rail 79 ... Front component 91 ... Substrate holder 93 ... Peripheral control board box 95 ... Main control board box 200 ... Central role 202 ... Production display device 210 ... Variable winning device 212 ... Start winning port 224 ... General winning port 230 ... Game nail 238 ... Light emitting device 240 ... Decoration unit 242 ... Holding plate 242h, 242h1 242h2 ... pilot hole 244 ... holding plate support frame 274 ... opening / closing member 300 ... partition plate

Claims (7)

A gaming machine for winning a game ball in a predetermined winning opening,
A game board made of a transparent resin on which the winning opening is provided and the game ball flows down;
A game nail that is driven into the front of the game board as an obstacle to flow down;
A gaming machine comprising: an effect light-emitting device that emits light of substantially uniform brightness from a planar region including the plurality of game nails. A gaming machine according to claim 1,
The light emitting device
A light source provided on the back side of the game board;
A gaming machine comprising a translucent member provided between the light source and a game board, which diffuses light emitted from the light source in multiple directions. A gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
A light emission control device for controlling the luminance of the light emitting device;
The issuance control device is in a low-luminance light emitting state in which the visible glare is generated during a period of time during which the gaming nail is in a high-luminous light emitting state capable of avoiding visible glare on the game board. A gaming machine for controlling the brightness so as to be longer than time. A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Below the game board, a plurality of game nails are implanted in a straight line or a curved line as a guide nail for guiding a game ball to any winning opening,
The gaming machine, wherein the planar region is a region including at least a part of the guide nail. A gaming machine for winning a game ball in a predetermined winning opening,
A game board made of a transparent resin on which the winning opening is provided and the game ball flows down,
A game nail that is driven into the front of the game board as an obstacle to flow down;
A light-emitting device for presentation that is arranged on the back of the game board and emits light in a predetermined light-emitting color;
The gaming machine, wherein the game nail is colored in a color similar to the light emission color. A gaming machine according to claim 5,
The emission color is controlled to change in a predetermined color range during the game,
The gaming machine, wherein the game nail is colored in a similar color of the color included in the changing color range. A gaming machine according to claim 5 or 6,
Below the game board, a plurality of game nails are implanted in a straight line or a curved line as a guide nail for guiding a game ball to any winning opening,
The light emitting device is disposed on the back side of the guide nail,
A gaming machine in which at least a part of the guide nail is colored in a color similar to the emission color.