JP2008206565A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine with excellent operability in shooting game balls onto a game board, allowing a player to enjoy the shooting technique while feeling less fatigue. <P>SOLUTION: The Pachinko game machine has a pistol-grip-shaped shooting operation part equipped with a shooting driving means for shooting game balls onto the game board. The shooting operation part comprises a grip part to be held by the player, a first operation part to be operated with the player's fingers for turning on/off the shooting driving means, and a second operation part for controlling the strength of shooting game balls by the shooting driving means according to the amount of the operation. Since the player does not have to fix the wrist at the same angle for a long period of time, the stress and the fatigue felt by the player can be relieved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine using a game ball.

  As a representative example of this type of gaming machine, a game ball is launched into a game area of a game board by a player operating a launching means, and a game is repeated while repeatedly colliding with a large number of game nails installed in the game area. There is known a pachinko gaming machine in which a winning ball is acquired by causing a winning ball provided in the gaming area to win a prize ball while rolling down the ball.

In order to obtain a better game result in such a pachinko game, since the player is required to have a skill to adjust the launch intensity of the game ball, the player operates the launch means, for example, every time the game ball is launched, The game is played while adjusting the strength.
However, the launching means in the conventional pachinko gaming machine has a handle structure, and the operation is an aspect in which the handle is gripped and rotated. That is, in order to adjust the launch intensity of the game ball, the handle must be rotated so as to have a predetermined rotation angle.
In addition, this turning operation requires a certain amount of force and a heavy burden on the wrist, which has been an obstacle to enjoying pachinko games for those who are handicapped.
In addition, since the launch handle is generally provided on the right side of the pachinko gaming machine as viewed from the player, for the left-handed person, points such as operating force and fine hand movement for fine adjustment. It was disadvantageous from.

Therefore, there has been proposed a pachinko gaming machine in which the adjustment of the launch intensity is not performed by a rotating operation, that is, by a button operation, a dial operation, or a lever operation (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).
JP 09-187550 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-80543 JP-A-10-234940

  However, in the pachinko gaming machines described in these patent documents, although the operation force is reduced, in order to exert a game skill for adjusting the firing strength with the player holding the launching means, for example, the launching means It was not so easy to adjust the firing intensity, such as having to take his hand off from the camera and operating the adjusting means with the other hand.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and provides a gaming machine that is excellent in operability when firing a game ball on a game board and that can enjoy the firing skill with less fatigue. With the goal.

  (1) In the present invention, it is provided with launching means provided with launch drive means for launching a game ball onto a game board, and launch drive control means for controlling drive of the launch drive means, wherein the launch means is a game And a first operation unit and a second operation unit that can be operated with fingers of the gripped hand, and the firing drive control means is configured to operate according to the operation of the first operation unit. The gaming machine is configured to switch on / off of the firing driving means and control the firing strength of the game ball by the firing driving means in accordance with the operation amount of the second operation unit.

  (2) According to the present invention, in the above (1), a touch sensor that detects contact of a player's hand and outputs a detection signal is provided on the surface of the grip portion, and the firing drive control means includes the touch sensor When the output of the detection signal is stopped, the firing intensity is minimized regardless of the operation amount of the second operation unit.

  (3) According to the present invention, in the above (1) or (2), the first operation part and the second operation part are arranged at a part that can be operated simultaneously with different fingers of a hand holding the grip part. It is characterized by being.

  (4) In any one of the above (1) to (3), the present invention is characterized in that the first operation unit is a switch that can be pressed with a finger.

  (5) In any one of the above (1) to (4), the present invention is characterized in that the second operation unit is a dial that can be rotated with a finger.

  According to the present invention, when launching a game ball, the grip portion is gripped by hand, and by operating the finger of the gripped hand, the game ball launch drive is turned on and off without causing a burden on the hand, and the firing strength Because it is easy to adjust the game, it is possible to enjoy the game while demonstrating the game amount necessary for adjusting the launch intensity of the game ball even for a long time even if it is a person without hand power Become.

  The gaming machine of the present embodiment includes launching means having launch drive means for launching a game ball onto a game board, and launch drive control means for controlling drive of the launch drive means, wherein the launch means is a game And a first operation unit and a second operation unit that can be operated with fingers of the gripped hand, and the firing drive control means is configured to operate according to the operation of the first operation unit. The firing driving means is switched on and off, and the launch intensity of the game ball by the firing driving means is controlled in accordance with the amount of operation of the second operation unit. Thereby, the player can easily control the game ball projected on the game board by gripping the grip portion and operating the first operation portion and the second operation portion with a finger. You can enjoy the game while fully exhibiting.

The firing drive means is a mechanical system including a solenoid for projecting a game ball onto the game board, a motor, a spring, or the like, and its on / off and firing strength are controlled via the firing drive control means.
The launching means is an input device having a grip portion, a first operation portion, and a second operation portion, and is formed in a gun grip shape or a joystick shape, and is provided on the front side of the gaming machine and operated by a player. The The firing driving means is switched on and off in accordance with the operation of the first operation section, and the launch intensity of the game ball by the firing driving means is controlled in accordance with the operation amount of the second operation section.
The firing drive control means is a control system that controls the firing drive means by acquiring an operation signal corresponding to the on / off switching and operation amount input via the launch means, and is a main control for managing the gaming machine The function can be carried by a circuit or the like.

The gaming machine of the present embodiment is provided with a touch sensor that detects contact of a player's hand and outputs a detection signal on the surface of the grip portion, and the firing drive control means outputs the detection signal from the touch sensor. When is stopped, the firing intensity can be minimized regardless of the amount of operation of the second operation unit. As a result, the player cannot play the game unless he / she always holds the grip portion, so that game manners can be improved.
The touch sensor can also be applied to the first operation unit, and a personal computer input sensor or the like that can be input by a player simply touching with a fingertip or the like can be applied. When the touch sensor is applied to the first operation unit, even a handicapped person can enjoy the game without difficulty.
Examples of the touch sensor include a capacitance change type touch sensor that can sense a touch without directly touching a metal part, or a touch type electrode that turns a relay on and off by simply touching the electrode. There is.

  Moreover, the 1st operation part and 2nd operation part in the game machine of this embodiment are arrange | positioned in the site | part which can be operated simultaneously with a different finger of the hand holding the grip part. For example, the first operation unit may be disposed at a position where the first operation unit can be operated with an index finger and the second operation unit can be operated with a thumb. Thus, the player can control the game ball launch driving means with one hand without difficulty, and can concentrate on the game ball launch operation without giving a feeling of fatigue.

  Furthermore, the first operation unit can be a switch that can be pressed with a finger. This makes it possible to give the player a realistic operational feeling and realistic sensation that pulls a pistol trigger, and can provide a gaming machine with new game characteristics.

  On the other hand, the second operation unit can be a dial that can be rotated with a finger. Thereby, the player can control the launch state of the game ball with a feeling of operation such as a mobile phone familiar to him / her. Furthermore, since it can be operated only by the movement of the player's fingertips, the burden on the player related to the operation is greatly reduced compared to the conventional handle operation, even for elderly people with disabilities and disabled persons It can make pachinko games easy to enjoy.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. A case where the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine is shown as a preferred embodiment for the gaming machine according to the present invention.

[Composition of gaming machine]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an overview of the pachinko gaming machine 10, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine. In FIG. 3, the description of the plurality of obstacle nails 13 driven into the game board 14 is omitted. Hereinafter, the gaming machine of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a base frame 12 having an opening 12 a formed on the front surface, a door 11 and a base door 11 a that are pivotally mounted in front of the base frame 12 so as to be openable and closable. It is composed of The door 11 is for closing various components arranged in the opening 12a from the front, and a game is performed in the closed state.

On the front side facing the base frame 12 of the pachinko gaming machine 10, a firing operation portion 26 formed in the shape of a control stick as a launching means is disposed so as to protrude toward the player.
This launching operation unit 26 (launching means) controls a launching device 130 (see FIG. 5) serving as a launching drive means provided with a launching solenoid, a motor, and a spring for launching a game ball onto a game board 14 described later. It becomes an input device that transmits a command signal to the firing drive control means.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the launch operation unit 26, FIG. 8 (a) is an explanatory diagram in plan view, and FIG. 8 (b) is an explanatory diagram in side view.
As shown in the figure, the firing operation unit 26 is connected to a grip part 26a formed in a gun grip shape that can be gripped by a player by hand, and a base part of the grip part 26a, so that the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is connected. And a base portion 26d formed to project.

  A first operation portion 26b that can be operated with the index finger of the gripped hand is provided on the front side surface of the grip portion 26a, and a second operation portion 26c that can be operated with the thumb of the gripped hand is provided on the top surface of the grip portion 26a. Provided.

In the present embodiment, the first operation unit 26b is a trigger type that is mechanically pulled and actuated. For example, the first operation unit 26b is detected by detecting that a player's hand contacts the surface of the grip unit 26a. You may comprise from touch sensors, such as an electrostatic capacitance change type which outputs a signal.
According to the operation of the first operation unit 26b, the on / off of the launching device 130 serving as the firing drive means is switched via the payout / launch control circuit 126 (FIG. 5) serving as the firing drive control means. Yes.

The second operation unit 26c is of a so-called jog dial operation type, and according to the operation amount that the player rotates the dial, the game ball is fired by the firing drive means including a firing solenoid, a motor, a spring and the like. The intensity is controlled.
The main part of the launching device 130 including a launching solenoid (not shown) is provided on the back side of the game board 14. Further, a touch sensor is provided at the peripheral edge of the grip portion 26a of the firing operation portion 26, and when the touch sensor is touched by the player, it is detected that the grip portion 26a is gripped by the player. Thus, the grip portion 26a is gripped by the player and the launching device 130 is turned on by the operation of the first operation portion 26b, and then the dial of the second operation portion 26c is rotated clockwise. When this occurs, electric power corresponding to the rotation angle is supplied to the launch solenoid, and the game balls fed from the upper plate 20 to the launcher 130 are sequentially launched onto the game board 14 to advance the game.

  Further, when the output of the detection signal from the touch sensor provided on the grip b26a is stopped, the firing intensity is controlled to be the minimum regardless of the operation amount of the second operation unit 26c. Therefore, since the player must hold the grip part 26a in order to proceed with the game, it can be said that the configuration of the firing operation part 26 according to the present embodiment contributes to improving manners in the game hall.

  FIG. 9 shows a first modification of the launch operation unit 26. The second operation unit 26c ′ of the launch operation unit 26 according to the first modification includes a left-right rotation type dial (FIG. 9A) or a vertical rotation type dial (FIG. 9B), which is necessary. Accordingly, it is arranged on the top surface portion of the grip portion 26a. What type of dial is used can be appropriately selected according to the gaming environment, the player's propensity, and the like.

  FIG. 10 shows a second modification of the launch operation unit 26. As shown in the figure, the base of the grip portion 26a is detachably attached to the base portion 26d, and the grip portion 26a and the base portion 26d are connected by a flexible wire 26e that also serves as a signal line. Thus, the launch operation unit is configured. Since the launch operation unit 26 of this modification 2 can be used by moving it to a player's favorite position, for example, even a disabled person who is physically disabled can sit on a wheelchair or the like while sitting on a wheelchair. The adjustment of the firing intensity can be easily operated at hand. Further, since the firing operation unit 26 serving as the launching means is connected to the pachinko gaming machine 10 through the flexible wire 26e, it is not taken away from the gaming machine main body or lost.

  Remotely controlling the launch drive means by communicating the launch control unit detachably attached to the game machine body and the main control circuit of the game machine body via radio communication means such as radio waves, sound waves, and infrared rays. Is also possible.

  FIG. 11 shows a third modification of the launch operation unit. As shown in the figure, the base portion of the grip portion 26a in this modification 3 is erected so as to be tiltable in the front-rear direction (FIG. 11 (a)) and the left-right direction (FIG. 11 (b)) with respect to the base portion 26d. A tilt detection sensor 26f for detecting these tilt directions is provided on the base portion 26d.

  According to the launching means of the modified example 3, a predetermined command signal can be transmitted to the main control circuit or the like in accordance with the tilting operation of the grip portion 26a in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. For example, a command for outputting a calling signal for calling a game hall staff, a command for adjusting a game ball firing interval by a launching solenoid, and the like may be assigned to tilting operations in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction of the grip portion 26a. it can. Therefore, the convenience of the launch operation unit 26 is enhanced, and the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 can be performed more comfortably.

  More specifically, the operation of tilting the grip portion 26a in the front-rear direction etc., for example, slows down the launch interval of the game ball up to 100 times per minute, and elderly people who want to enjoy leisurely and pachinko games It is possible for a person or the like to play a pachinko game without difficulty.

  FIG. 12 shows a fourth modification of the launch operation unit. As shown in the figure, in the fourth modification, two launch operation units 26 and 26 are arranged on both the left and right sides of the pachinko gaming machine 10, respectively. Thus, the player can comfortably perform the operation of launching the game ball onto the game board 14 regardless of the left and right dominant arms.

  FIG. 13 shows a fifth modification of the launch operation unit. As shown in the figure, in this modified example 5, the base portion 26d on which the grip portion 26a is erected is supported and arranged so as to be slidable in the left-right direction along the lateral groove 26g formed on the lower side of the game board 14. ing. Thus, the player can always enjoy the pachinko game by stably arranging the launch operation unit 26 at the desired position. In this case, even if there is only one launching operation unit 26, the player can comfortably perform the launching operation of the game ball regardless of the left and right dominant arms.

Returning to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, description of other configurations of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be continued. As shown in FIG. 2, inside the opening 12a of the base frame 12, a liquid crystal display device 32 for displaying an image, a spacer 31, a game board 14 and the like are disposed on the base door 11a. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted in order to make an understanding easy about various components (not shown) other than the game board 14, the spacer 31, and the liquid crystal display device 32. FIG.
The base door 11a is hinged so that it can be opened and closed with respect to the base frame 12, and a liquid crystal display device 32 is provided. As shown in FIG. 2, a door 11 having a protective glass plate or the like is attached to the front side of the base door 11a so as to be freely opened and closed.

  The game board 14 arranged on the base door 11a is entirely formed of a plate-shaped resin (a member having a light transmitting property) having a light transmitting property. Examples of the translucent member include various materials such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, and methacrylic resin. In addition, the game board 14 has a game area 15 on the front side thereof in which the launched game ball can roll. The game area 15 is an area surrounded by the guide rail 30 and allowing the game ball to roll. In addition, a plurality of obstacle nails 13 are driven into the game area 15 of the game board 14.

  A liquid crystal display device 32 that displays an effect image relating to the game is provided behind the game board 14 with the spacer 31 interposed therebetween, and is attached to the base door 11a. In other words, the liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed behind the translucent member of the game board 14. The liquid crystal display device 32 has a display area 32a that enables display of an image relating to a game. The display area 32a is disposed so as to overlap the whole or a part of the game board 14 from the back side with the spacer 31 interposed therebetween. Specifically, the liquid crystal display device 32 is disposed behind the game board 14 so that the display area 32 a overlaps all or part of the game area 15 and all or part of the game area outer area 16. . In the liquid crystal display device 32, various images such as a production effect image and a decoration image are displayed in the display area 32a.

  Further, by providing the liquid crystal display device 32 behind the translucent area in the game board 14, for example, the area where the game member such as the obstacle nail planting area, the accessory, and the decorative member is provided can be enlarged, and the degree of freedom of layout is increased. Can be further increased.

  The spacer 31 is disposed on the rear side (back side) of the game board 14 and on the front side (front side) of the liquid crystal display device 32. That is, the spacer 31 is sandwiched between the game board 14 and the liquid crystal display device 32. The spacer 31 is made of a light-transmitting material, and has a large through hole 31a at the center. An electrical decoration unit 53 is provided in the through hole 31a, and is visible from the game board 14 as shown in FIG.

  An enlarged view of the electrical decoration unit 53 is shown in FIG. As shown in the drawing, a display case 37 is provided at a substantially central portion of the illumination unit 53, and the special symbol display 33 accommodated in the display case 37 is composed of a 7-segment LED 41. The 7-segment LED 41 is repeatedly turned on and off when a predetermined special symbol variation display start condition is satisfied. When the 7-segment LED 41 is turned on / off, 10 numeric symbols from “0” to “9” are variably displayed as special symbols.

  On both the left and right sides of the display case 37, special symbol holding lamps 34a to 34d are provided. The special symbol hold lamps 34a to 34d display the number of executions of the special symbol variation display held by turning on or off (so-called “number of special symbols on hold ball”).

  A normal symbol display 35 is provided on the right side of the special symbol display 33. The normal symbol display 35 is composed of two display lamps (not shown). When these display lamps are alternately turned on and off, symbols such as “O” and “X” are displayed. Fluctuated display as a normal symbol.

  Under the display case 37, normal symbol holding lamps 50a to 50d are provided. As will be described later, the normal symbol holding lamps 50a to 50d display the number of executions of the fluctuation display of the normal symbol held by turning on or off (so-called “the number of holding balls of the normal symbol”).

  The description of the overview of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be continued using FIGS. Decorative lamps 133a and 133b as light-emitting display means are disposed outside the light-transmitting area of the game board 14, and display a predetermined light-emitting mode according to the gaming state. A protective plate 19 having translucency is disposed on the door 11. The protection plate 19 is disposed so as to face the front surface of the game board 14 with the door 11 closed.

  In addition, in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 disposed behind (on the back side of) the game board 14, an effect image related to the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display 33 is displayed.

  During the variation display of the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 33, in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, it is a decorative symbol consisting of numbers, symbols, etc. in a single symbol row (also identification information for effect). For example, “0” to “9” are displayed in a variable manner. In addition, the special symbol that has been variably displayed on the special symbol display 33 is stopped and displayed, and the decorative symbol for effect is also stopped and displayed on the display area 32 a of the liquid crystal display device 32.

  In addition, when a special number symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display 33, an effect image that allows the player to grasp that it is a big hit is displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32. Specifically, when a specific numeric symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display 33, a combination of effect decorative symbols displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32 is a specific display. This is a mode (for example, a mode in which all of “1” to “9” are stopped and displayed).

  Next, various game members provided on the game board 14 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 14 is provided with two guide rails 30 (30 a and 30 b), obstacles 55 and 57, a passage gate 54, a starting port 25, and a big winning port 39. An obstacle 55 is provided in the upper part of the game board 14, and an obstacle 57 is provided in the approximate center of the game board 14. A starting port 25 is provided below the obstacle 57.

  The two guide rails 30 provided on the left side of the game board 14 are composed of an outer rail 30a that partitions (defines) the game area 15 and an inner rail 30b that is disposed inside the outer rail 30a. . The launched game ball is guided by a guide rail 30 provided on the game board 14, moves to the upper part of the game board 14, passes through the electric decoration unit 53, and the plurality of obstacle nails 13 ( 2), due to the collision with the obstacles 55, 57, etc. provided on the game board 14, it flows down toward the lower side of the game board 14 while changing its traveling direction.

  When a game ball wins at the start opening 25, the special symbol display by the special symbol display 33 described above is started.

  In the game according to the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the start opening 25, a lottery is performed as to whether or not to shift to a game advantageous to the player, and the special symbol display 33 changes the identification symbol. The display is performed, and the liquid crystal display device 32 is a game in which the decorative symbols change display as the effect and the accompanying effect display are performed. If the result of the lottery is winning, the special symbol and the decorative symbol are predetermined. The combination mode is stopped and displayed, and the game shifts to a jackpot gaming state where there is a possibility of acquiring a large number of prize balls. In the present embodiment, the process from the change display to the stop display of the special symbol is referred to as a “special symbol game”.

  If the game ball is won at the start opening 25 while the special symbol game is being executed, that is, while the variation of the special symbol is being displayed, the game ball is won at the start opening 25 until the special symbol being displayed is stopped. The execution (start) of the special symbol variation display is suspended. Thereafter, after the special symbol that has been variably displayed is stopped and displayed, the variable symbol of the reserved special symbol is displayed. That is, the special symbol hold lamps 34a to 34d (see FIG. 4) provided in the lighting unit 53 are lit in order from the left in correspondence with the number of executions of the variable display of the reserved special symbols. When the change display of the symbol is temporarily stopped and the next change display of the special symbol that has been put on hold is started, the special symbol hold lamp corresponding thereto is turned off. An upper limit is set for the number of times the execution of the special symbol variable display is suspended. For example, the special symbol variable display is suspended up to four times (number).

  Also, in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display device 32, when a game ball wins the start opening 25 described above, the variation display of the decorative design for production starts in accordance with the start of the variation display of the special symbol. Is done. Further, when the game ball wins the start opening 25 during the variation display regarding the special symbol, the effect based on the winning of the game ball at the start opening 25 until the identification information for the effect during the variation display is stopped and displayed. Execution (start) of the variable display of decorative symbols for use is suspended. Thereafter, when the decorative design for effect that has been variably displayed is stopped and displayed, the variable display of the decorative symbol for effect that has been put on hold is started.

  A passing gate 54 is provided on the left side of the approximate center of the game board 14. The passing gate 54 is provided with a passing ball sensor 114 (see FIG. 5) described later. The passing ball sensor 114 detects that the game ball has passed through the passing gate 54. When the passing of the game ball is detected by the passing ball sensor 114, the normal symbol variation display is started on the normal symbol display 35, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the normal symbol variation display is stopped. As described above, this normal symbol is a symbol such as “◯” or “×”.

  When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a predetermined symbol, for example, “◯”, the blade members (so-called normal electric accessories) 23 provided on both the left and right sides of the start port 25 are changed from the closed state to the open state, It becomes easy for a game ball to enter the start opening 25. Further, when a predetermined time has elapsed after the blade member 23 is opened, the blade member 23 is closed to make it difficult for a game ball to enter the start port 25. As described above, a game in which the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped and the open / closed state of the blade member 23 differs depending on the result is referred to as a “normal symbol game”.

  As with the special symbol variation display, when the game ball passes through the passing gate 54 during the normal symbol variation display, until the normal symbol in the variation display is stopped and displayed, Execution (start) of normal symbol variation display based on the passing of the game ball is suspended. That is, the normal symbol hold lamps 50a to 50d (see FIG. 4) provided in the illumination unit 53 are lit in order from the left in accordance with the number of executions of the variable display of the held normal symbols. Is stopped, the next normal symbol variation display that has been put on hold is started, and the corresponding normal symbol hold lamp is turned off. Note that an upper limit is set for the number of times that the execution of the variable symbol display is suspended. For example, the upper limit is four times (pieces).

  The big prize opening 39 is provided with a shutter 40 that can be opened and closed on the front side (front side). The shutter 40 is driven so as to be in an open state in which it is easy to accept a game ball when a special numerical symbol is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display 33 and the gaming state is shifted to the jackpot gaming state. Is done. As a result, the special winning opening 39 is in an open state where it is easy to accept a game ball.

  On the other hand, a special winning opening 39 provided on the back side (rear) of the shutter 40 includes a specific area (not shown) having a V / count sensor 102 (see FIG. 5) and a count sensor 104 (see FIG. 5). There are general areas (not shown) having a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls, or the shutter 40 is opened until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses. Driven. When a condition for winning a predetermined number of game balls in the grand prize opening 39 or elapse of a predetermined time is satisfied in the open state, the shutter 40 is driven so as to be in a closed state in which it is difficult to accept the game balls. . As a result, the special winning opening 39 is in a closed state in which it is difficult to accept a game ball.

  A game from an open state in which the big prize opening 39 is in a state in which it is easy to accept game balls to a closed state in which the big prize opening 39 is in a state in which it is difficult to accept game balls is called a round game. Therefore, the shutter 40 is opened during the round game and is closed between the round games. Since the round game is counted as the number of rounds such as “1” round, “2” round, etc., the first round game may be referred to as the first round and the second round as the second round.

  Subsequently, the shutter 40 driven from the open state to the closed state is driven to the open state again on condition that the game ball received in the big prize opening 39 in the open state has passed through the V / count sensor 102. . In other words, it is possible to continue to the next round game on condition that the game ball received in the special winning opening 39 in the opened state of the shutter 40 has passed the V · count sensor 102. Note that the game from the first round game to the end of the (final) round game that cannot continue to the next round game is referred to as a jackpot gaming state. That is, the jackpot gaming state is a gaming state advantageous for the player.

  In addition, when a game ball wins or passes through the specific area and the general area in the start opening 25, the general winning openings 56a to 56d, and the large winning opening 39, the number set in advance according to the type of each winning opening. The game balls are paid out to the upper plate 20 or the lower plate 22.

[Electric configuration of gaming machine]
A control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment.

The control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10 mainly includes a main control circuit 60 as game control means and a sub control circuit 200 as effect control means.
The main control circuit 60 includes a payout / fire control circuit 126 (fire drive control means) that controls the fire device 130 (fire drive means) based on an operation signal input via the fire operation unit 26 (fire means). It is equipped and controls the game.
The sub-control circuit 200 controls the production according to the progress of the game (for example, image display control, sound output control, decoration lamp control, etc.).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the main control circuit 60 includes a main CPU 66, a main ROM (read only memory) 68, and a main RAM (read / write memory) 70 as control means. The main control circuit 60 controls the progress of the game.

  The main CPU 66 is connected to a main ROM 68, a main RAM 70, and the like, and has a function of executing various processes according to a program stored in the main ROM 68. In this way, the main CPU 66 functions as, for example, special game execution means or lottery means executed by the game program.

The main ROM 68 stores a program for controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by the main CPU 66. In addition, various tables such as a jackpot determination table that is referred to when a jackpot determination is made by random number lottery. Is remembered.
Such a jackpot lottery table includes, for example, a normal mode (a mode in which the lottery probability is relatively low such as 1/300) and a probability change mode (a mode in which the lottery probability is relatively high such as 1/60). In accordance with each game state, lottery probability data of “out” and “hit” is registered, respectively, and lottery processing using random numbers is performed based on these lottery probability data. Thus, by appropriately setting the probability data in the lottery table, an advantageous / disadvantageous state in the pachinko game is set.

  The main RAM 70 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the main CPU 66.

  The main control circuit 60 also has a command for a reset clock pulse generating circuit 62 that generates a clock pulse of a predetermined frequency, an initial reset circuit 64 that generates a reset signal when the power is turned on, and a sub-control circuit 200 described later. IC for serial communication 72 is provided. The reset clock pulse generation circuit 62, the initial reset circuit 64, and the serial communication IC 72 are connected to the main CPU 66. The reset clock pulse generation circuit 62 generates a clock pulse every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds) in order to execute the system timer interrupt process. The serial communication IC 72 corresponds to transmission means for transmitting various commands to the sub-control circuit 200 (various means included in the sub-control circuit 200).

  Various devices are connected to the main control circuit 60. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a V / count sensor 102, a count sensor 104, general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, 112, a passing ball sensor 114, a start winning ball sensor 116, a normal electric accessory solenoid 118, a large winning opening solenoid 120, a seesaw solenoid 122, and a backup clear switch 124 are connected.

  The V / count sensor 102 is provided in a specific area in the special winning opening 39. The V / count sensor 102 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball passes through a specific area in the special winning opening 39.

  The count sensor 104 is provided in a general area different from the specific area in the special winning opening 39. The count sensor 104 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game ball passes through the general area at the special winning opening 39.

  The general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, and 112 are provided in the general winning ports 56a to 56d, respectively. The general winning ball sensors 106, 108, 110, and 112 supply a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when a game ball wins each of the general winning ports 56 a to 56 d.

  The passing ball sensor 114 is provided in the passing gate 54. The passing ball sensor 114 supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60 when the game ball passes through the passing gate 54.

  A start winning ball sensor 116 which is a game ball detecting means is provided at the start port 25. The start winning ball sensor 116 detects that a game ball has won the start opening 25 and supplies a predetermined detection signal to the main control circuit 60.

  The ordinary electric accessory solenoid 118 is connected to the blade member 23 via a link member (not shown), and makes the blade member 23 open or closed according to a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66. .

  The big prize opening solenoid 120 is connected to the shutter 40 shown in FIG. 3 and drives the shutter 40 in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66 to make the big prize opening 39 open or closed.

  The seesaw solenoid 122 is connected to a seesaw (not shown) provided in the shutter 40 in the shape of a plate. The seesaw solenoid 122 is displaced in accordance with a drive signal supplied from the main CPU 66 to tilt the seesaw. change. As a result of tilting the seesaw, the seesaw is switched so as to easily pass through the specific region or to pass through the general region.

  The backup clear switch 124 is built in the pachinko gaming machine 10 and has a function of clearing backup data in the event of a power failure or the like in accordance with the operation of the game hall manager.

  The main control circuit 60 is connected to a payout / launch control circuit 126 having a function of a firing drive control means for controlling the launch of the game ball. The payout / launch control circuit 126 includes a payout device 128 for paying out game balls, a launch device (launch drive means) 130 for launching game balls, and a launch operation unit (launch means) for sending operation signals from the player. 26, the card unit 150 is connected.

The payout / launch control circuit 126 receives a prize ball control command supplied from the main control circuit 60 and a lending ball control signal supplied from the card unit 150, and transmits a predetermined signal to the payout device 128. The paying device 128 pays out the game ball.
Further, the payout / firing control circuit 126 performs a control of firing a game ball by supplying a predetermined firing signal to the launching device 130 based on an operation signal sent from the launch operation unit 26.

  As described above, the grip portion 26a formed in the shape of a control stick of the firing operation portion 26 includes the first operation portion 26b and the second operation portion 26c. When the trigger-like first operation portion 26b provided on the grip portion 26a is pressed by the player and the dial portion of the second operation portion 26c is rotated clockwise, the rotation angle is set to the rotation angle. Electric power is supplied to the launch solenoid of the launcher 130 with the corresponding launch intensity. In this way, the game balls stored in the upper plate 20 are sent to the launching device 130 and sequentially fired onto the game board 14 by the launch solenoid.

  Note that a touch sensor for detecting a player's hand contact is provided on the surface of the grip portion 26a, and when the output of the detection signal from the touch sensor is stopped, the dial in the second operation portion 26c. The firing intensity is controlled to be changed to a preset minimum state regardless of the amount of operation. With this minimum launch strength, the game ball does not reach the game area 15 and the game cannot proceed.

  Further, a lamp control circuit 76 is connected to the main control circuit 60, and the lamp control circuit 76, in accordance with an instruction from the main CPU 66, special symbol holding lamps 34a to 34d, normal symbol holding lamps 50a to 50d, special symbols. The symbol display 33 (7 segment LED 41), the normal symbol display 35 (display lamp), and the like are controlled.

  On the other hand, the sub-control circuit 200 is connected to the serial communication IC 72. The sub control circuit 200 performs display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, control related to sound generated from the speaker 46, control of the decoration lamps 133a and 133b, and the like according to various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60.

  The main control circuit 60 is configured not to supply a predetermined command to the sub control circuit 200 and to supply a signal from the sub control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60. However, the present invention is not limited to this. There is no problem even if it is configured such that a signal can be transmitted from the control circuit 200 to the main control circuit 60.

  The sub control circuit 200 is generated from a variable display control means, a sub CPU 206 as sound generation control means, a program ROM 208 as storage means, a work RAM 210, a display control circuit 250 for performing display control in the liquid crystal display device 32, and a speaker 46. The voice control circuit 230 controls the sound to be generated, and the lamp control circuit 240 controls the lamps 133a and 133b such as decorative lamps. The sub-control circuit 200 executes an effect according to the progress of the game in accordance with a command from the main control circuit 60.

  A program ROM 208, a work RAM 210, and the like are connected to the sub CPU 206. The sub CPU 206 has a function of executing various processes according to the program stored in the program ROM 208. In particular, the sub CPU 206 controls the sub control circuit 200 in accordance with various commands supplied from the main control circuit 60. The sub CPU 206 functions as various means.

  In the program ROM 208, the sub CPU 206 relates to a plurality of types of effect image data associated with the image display of the liquid crystal display device 32 executed in association with the variable display of the special symbol of the pachinko gaming machine 10, and related to the round game during the jackpot game A plurality of types of effect image data to be executed are stored, and in addition, various tables such as a reach time table that defines a display period of reach effects are also stored.

  The work RAM 210 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. For example, various variables are positioned such as a timer variable for controlling the reach effect time, an effect display selection random number counter for selecting an effect pattern, and the like.

  The display control circuit 250 is executed in association with a plurality of types of effect patterns that are supplied from the sub CPU 206 and accompanied by the progress of effect display that is executed in relation to the variable display of special symbols, and in the round game during the jackpot game. Control is performed to cause the liquid crystal display device 32 to display images of effect image data such as a plurality of types of effect patterns.

  The sound control circuit 230 generates sound from the speaker 46 in response to a sound generation command supplied from the sub CPU 206.

  The lamp control circuit 240 performs light emission control of the decorative lamps 133a and 133b according to a program stored in the program ROM 208 supplied from the sub CPU 206.

  In the control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10, the main control circuit 60 as the game control means and the sub control circuit 200 as the effect control means are configured separately, but the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200 May be composed of the same substrate.

[Game machine operation]
First, the gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment will be briefly described. The gaming state in the present embodiment is a general gaming state (which is disadvantageous for a so-called player who consumes a game ball while performing a jackpot lottery. State) and jackpot gaming state (a so-called advantageous state for a player who can expect to acquire a large amount of game balls in a short time). Further, even in the general game state, game states such as a normal mode, a probability change mode, and a time reduction mode are provided. Hereinafter, a routine of main processing and system timer interruption processing in the pachinko gaming machine 10 for realizing these gaming states will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

The main process is a main routine responsible for setting a game mode in the pachinko gaming machine 10, a lottery process by winning a game ball, and the like, and is started when the power is turned on.
As shown in FIG. 6, in the first step S11 in the main process, an initial setting process including a RAM access permission process, a backup restoration process, a work area initialization process, and the like is executed.
In the next step S12, the special symbol game is advanced, and a special symbol control process related to the control of the special symbols and decorative symbols displayed on the liquid crystal display device 32 and the special symbol display 33 is executed.
Then, the normal symbol control process related to the normal symbol game progress and the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 35 is executed (step S13).
As described above, in the main process, after the initial setting process in step S11 is completed, the special symbol control process in step S12 and the normal symbol control process in step S13 are repeatedly performed, whereby various types of the pachinko gaming machine 10 are performed. A gaming state is provided.
The special symbol control process and the normal symbol control process in the main process can be executed by various programs set in accordance with the game form and game environment required for the pachinko gaming machine 10. .

The system timer interrupt process is a process executed by interrupting a system call by a timer during execution of the main process. Even when the main CPU 66 is executing the main process, the main CPU 66 interrupts the main process and executes the system timer interrupt process.
Here, the following system timer interrupt process is executed in accordance with clock pulses generated from the reset clock pulse generation circuit 62 every predetermined period (for example, 2 milliseconds).

  Hereinafter, the system timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the main CPU 66 executes a random number update process for updating each lottery value such as the jackpot lottery random value (step S21). Then, the main CPU 66 executes an input detection process for detecting a winning of a game ball to the start opening 25 or the like (step S22). In this processing, the main CPU 66 stores in the predetermined area of the main RAM 70 data for paying out the game balls (winning the game balls) on the condition that the game balls have won the various winning ports. A waiting time timer for synchronizing the main control circuit 60 and the sub control circuit 200, a big prize opening timer for measuring the opening time of the big prize opening 39 that is opened when a big hit occurs, and the like. The timer update process is executed (step S23). Then, an output process is executed in order to supply a signal for drive control based on various variables to a solenoid, a motor or the like (step S24). If this process ends, the process moves to a step S25.

  In step S25, command output processing is executed. In this process, the main CPU 66 supplies various commands to the sub control circuit 200. These various commands include a demonstration display command, a derived symbol designation command indicating the type of special symbol that is derived and displayed, and the like. If this process ends, the process moves to a step S26.

  In the process of step S26, the main CPU 66 executes a payout process such as transmitting a prize ball control command for causing the payout device 128 to perform a prize ball to the payout / firing control circuit 126. Specifically, the main CPU 66 supplies to the payout / launch control circuit 126 a prize ball control command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls as a result of the game balls winning in various winning holes. When this process is completed, this subroutine is terminated, and the routine returns to the main process routine by returning to the address before the occurrence of the interrupt.

  As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the launching means including the firing drive means for launching the game ball onto the game board 14 includes the grip portion 26a gripped by the player and the gripped finger. The first operation unit 26b that is operated in step S1 to switch on / off of the firing drive unit, and the second operation unit 26c that controls the launch intensity of the game ball by the launch drive unit according to the operation amount. There is a special feature.

  That is, the jog dial-like second operation unit 26c is installed on the upper part of the firing operation unit 26, and the first operation unit 26b serving as a firing switch is disposed at a portion where the index finger of the grip unit 26a hits. When the jog dial type second operation portion 26c is operated with the thumb and rotated in the state of being pulled on like a trigger, the firing intensity can be adjusted. That is, the function as the launch switch of the first operation unit 26b is reversed from the launch stop switch provided in the conventional gaming machine, and is set so as not to fire unless pressed.

  In the operation of the firing operation section 26, the player grasps the grip section 26a, and determines the firing intensity while rotating the dial of the second operation section 26c with the thumb while pulling the first operation section 26b with the index finger. Therefore, at the stage where the firing strength is determined, the player does not feel stress on the wrist because the player simply presses the switch of the first operation unit 26b disposed on the index finger portion while holding the grip portion 26a of the firing operation unit 26. . Further, since the dial firing strength can be reset and returned to the initial state by releasing the hand from the grip portion 26a, the operability is extremely good.

  Thus, according to the launch operation unit 26 according to the present embodiment, the wrist is held at the same angle for a long time as in the conventional pachinko gaming machine in which the launch strength of the game ball is determined by twisting the electric handle or the like with the wrist. There is no need for fixing, and the stress and fatigue on the player can be reduced.

The following gaming machines are realized from the embodiment described above.
A launching unit (e.g., launching operation unit 26) provided with a launching drive unit (ejecting device 130) that launches a game ball onto the game board 14, and a launch drive control unit (e.g., payout) that controls the launching drive unit A launch control circuit 126), and the launch means includes a grip portion 26a that is held by a player, and a first operation portion 26b and a second operation portion 26c that can be operated with fingers of the gripped hand. The firing drive control means switches on / off the firing drive means in accordance with the operation of the first operation section 26b, and the game ball by the firing drive means in accordance with the operation amount of the second operation section 26c. A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 10) characterized by controlling the launch intensity of the machine.

  A touch sensor that detects a player's hand contact and outputs a detection signal is provided on the surface of the grip portion 26a, and the firing drive control unit is configured to output the detection signal when the output of the detection signal from the touch sensor is stopped. 2. A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 10) that minimizes the firing strength regardless of the amount of operation of the operation unit 26c.

  The first operation unit 26b and the second operation unit 26c are gaming machines (pachinko gaming machine 10) that are arranged at sites that can be operated simultaneously with different fingers of the hand holding the grip unit 26a.

  The first operation unit 26b is a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 10) that is a switch that can be pressed with a finger.

  The second operation unit 26c is a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 10) that is a dial that can be rotated with a finger.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, only the specific example and its effect were illustrated, and this invention is not limited by this.
That is, the specific configuration such as the design of the gaming machine can be changed as appropriate. For example, the firing operation unit 26 formed in the shape of a gun grip as the launching means has been described. However, the main body portion may be designed in the shape of an anime character, or the player's gripping portion may be specified according to the game state. By providing an operation mechanism such as a vibration device that generates an action, it is possible to add a game effect with a more realistic feeling.

1 is a perspective view showing an overview of a pachinko gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the general appearance of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a front view which shows the general view of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a front view which shows the electrical decoration unit of the same pachinko gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the main control circuit and sub-control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a flowchart of the main process in the same pachinko gaming machine. It is a flowchart of the system timer interruption process of the pachinko gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing of the discharge operation part in the pachinko game machine. It is explanatory drawing of the modification 1 which concerns on the same launch operation part. It is explanatory drawing of the modification 2 which concerns on the same launch operation part. It is explanatory drawing of the modification 3 which concerns on the same launch operation part. It is explanatory drawing of the modification 4 which concerns on the same launch operation part. It is explanatory drawing of the modification 5 which concerns on the same launch operation part.

Explanation of symbols

10 Pachinko machines (game machines)
14 game board 26 launch operation part (launching means)
26a Grip part 26b 1st operation part 26c 2nd operation part 26d Base part 26e Flexible filament 26f Tilt detection sensor 26g Horizontal groove 60 Main control circuit 126 Discharge / launch control circuit (launch drive control means)
128 Dispensing device 130 Launching device (launching drive means)

Claims (5)

Launching means comprising launch drive means for launching a game ball onto the game board;
Firing drive control means for performing drive control of the firing drive means;
With
The firing means includes
The player has a grip part that is gripped by a hand, and a first operation part and a second operation part that can be operated with fingers of the gripped hand,
The firing drive control means switches on / off of the firing drive means according to the operation of the first operation section, and according to the operation amount of the second operation section, the firing strength of the game ball by the firing drive means A gaming machine characterized by controlling the machine.   A touch sensor that detects contact of a player's hand and outputs a detection signal is provided on a surface of the grip portion, and the firing drive control unit is configured to output the detection signal when the detection signal output from the touch sensor is stopped. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the firing intensity is set to a minimum regardless of the amount of operation of the two operation units.   3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the first operation unit and the second operation unit are arranged in a portion that can be operated simultaneously with different fingers of a hand that holds the grip unit.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the first operation unit is a switch that can be pressed with a finger.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the second operation unit is a dial that can be rotated with a finger.

Images