JP2009050625A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of obtaining a decoration effect by light irradiation in a wide area even in a limited space, and obtaining various light emission states. <P>SOLUTION: A first light emission end edge part where a first light source for emitting light upward along the extending surface direction of the first area D11 so as to conduct the decoration performance of the first area D11 is arranged, is formed in the lower end edge part of the first area D11 of a decoration area D1. The first area D11 has an outer shape to be tapered in a front view from the first light emission end edge part in the light emitting direction. A second light emission end edge part where a second light source for emitting the light in a direction opposing to the light emitting direction of the first light source, i.e., downward so as to conduct the decoration performance of the second area D12 is arranged, is formed in the upper end edge part in the circumferential edge part of the second area D12. The second area D12 has an outer shape to be tapered in a front view from the second light emission end edge part in the light emitting direction. The first area D11 and the second area D12 are arranged so as to make the tapered parts be adjacent to each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to gaming machines represented by pachinko machines and slot machines.

  For gaming machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines, the game board is made transparent and a liquid crystal display device is placed on the back side, or a lamp is placed on the back side to irradiate the front side with light. There is something that enhances the decoration effect.

Examples of such gaming machines include those described in the following documents.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-075517

  However, in the hall in which the gaming machine is installed, since a plurality of gaming machines are arranged in a row so that the back surfaces are opposed to each other, the space in the front-rear direction on the back side of the gaming machine is limited. In addition, since a mechanism such as a payout device may be arranged on the back side of the gaming machine, for example, as described above, a light emitting means such as a lamp is arranged on the back side of the gaming machine. In this case, there is a problem that it is difficult to secure an installation space for the light emitting means.

  In addition, when the light emitting means is arranged on the back side of the gaming machine and the front side is irradiated with light, the area where the decoration effect can be obtained by the light irradiation is limited, and in particular, the directivity as in the LED When a strong light emitting means is used, the light irradiation range is also limited. In addition, since the light is irradiated on the front side, the light emission mode of the light emission means is directly reflected in the visual sense. Therefore, the light emission mode is approximately limited to the range of the light emission mode of the light emission means, and various It was also difficult to obtain a simple light emission mode.

  The present invention has been devised in view of such problems, and a game in which a decoration effect by light irradiation can be obtained over a wide area even in a limited space, and a variety of light emission modes can be obtained. The purpose is to provide a machine.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes means 1
A gaming machine provided with a light source for irradiating a decoration area formed at a position that can be visually recognized from the outside to perform a decoration effect,
The decoration area is composed of a plurality of areas including a first area and a second area,
A first light emitting edge is disposed on a peripheral portion of the first region, where a first light source that irradiates light in a surface direction in which the first region expands and performs a decoration effect of the first region is disposed, The first region has an outer shape that tapers from the first light emitting edge in a light irradiation direction in front view,
A second light emitting edge portion in which a second light source for irradiating light in a direction opposite to the light irradiation direction of the first light source and performing a decoration effect on the second region is disposed on a peripheral portion of the second region. And the second region has an outer shape that tapers from the second light emitting edge in a light irradiation direction in a front view,
The first region and the second region are arranged so that the tapered portions are adjacent to each other.

  In the present invention, the “outer shape that is tapered in front view” broadly implies a shape in which the width at one end is larger or smaller than the width at the other end, for example, the width is constant from one end to the other end. It also implies a shape that includes a region that has not changed in the region, or a region in which the width changes from increasing to decreasing or vice versa.

Moreover, although it is set as "the 2nd light source which irradiates light in the direction opposite to the irradiation direction of the light by a 1st light source, and performs the decoration effect of this 2nd area | region", as arrangement | positioning of a 1st light source and a 2nd light source, For example, the following arrangements can be mentioned.
-Arrangement so that the direction of light irradiation by the second light source opposes the direction of light irradiation by the first light source-Arrangement such that the direction of the second light source opposes the direction of the first light source-The second light source is mounted Arrangement so that at least a part of the substrate faces the substrate on which the first light source is mounted

  In addition, "advance the taper to each other" means that the taper is brought close to each other with a gap between each other, and that the taper is in contact with each other with no gap between each other. In particular, in the latter case, the individual details may be adjacent to each other so as to contact each other, or the details may be formed integrally.

  According to the gaming machine according to the means 1, light is irradiated from the first light emitting edge and the second light emitting edge to the first area and the second area along the surface direction in which these areas expand. Therefore, it is not necessary to arrange the light source so as to protrude far behind the rear surface of the game board as compared to, for example, the case where light is irradiated forward. In other words, the light source can be installed without taking up a relatively large space behind or in front of the game board, and a limited installation space can be handled without difficulty.

  Further, by adopting a configuration in which light is irradiated along the surface direction in which the first region and the second region are spread, the decoration effect by light irradiation can be obtained over a wider region than when light is irradiated forward. be able to. In particular, when a light source with strong directivity such as an LED is used, the irradiation range of light is limited as described above depending on the configuration in which light is irradiated forward. Conversely, a wider area can be irradiated with strong light.

  Further, the first region and the second region have outer shapes that taper from the first light emitting edge and the second light emitting edge in the light irradiation direction, respectively, and the tips are adjacent to each other. Since the arrangement is arranged, the decoration area can be formed by effectively using the space without waste. In addition, the lengths of the first light emitting edge and the second light emitting edge can be secured large in a certain space, and it is possible to arrange a large number of light sources, thereby making the light more effective. Can be irradiated. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently obtain a decoration effect by light irradiation in a certain space.

  In addition, since the light irradiation direction is substantially perpendicular to the line of sight, the light emission mode of the light source is only indirectly reflected in the visual sense. Specifically, the visual sense greatly depends on the light reflection state of the decoration area. Therefore, it is possible to obtain various light emission modes by diversifying the mode of the decoration region.

Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention is the gaming machine of the means 1 as the means 2,
At least one region of the plurality of regions constituting the decoration region is configured by forming at least one of a concave portion and a convex portion on at least one surface of a plate member having transparency or translucency. It is characterized by that.

  According to the gaming machine according to the above means 2, by using a plate member having transparency or translucency, the decoration region can be made thin, and at least one of the concave and convex portions is provided on at least one surface thereof. By forming one, light can be diffused by the concave and convex portions to express a decorative effect. By forming the concave and convex portions into arbitrary shapes, various decorative effects can be obtained.

Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine of the means 2 as the means 3,
At least one of the concave portion and the convex portion is formed by densely forming at least one of a large number of fine concave portions and convex portions.

  According to the gaming machine according to the means 3, the light can be uniformly diffused in the formation region of at least one of the concave portion and the convex portion.

A gaming machine according to the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the means 1 to 3, as the means 4.
At least one of the plurality of regions constituting the decorative region is formed by forming bubbles inside a molded product having transparency or translucency.

  According to the gaming machine according to the above means 4, the light can be diffused by the bubbles inside the molded product to express the decoration effect, and various decoration effects can be obtained by the arrangement of the bubbles.

In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the means 1 to 4 as the means 5.
At least one of the plurality of regions constituting the decoration region is configured by stacking a plurality of layers in the front-rear direction, and a light source for irradiating light is individually disposed on each of the plurality of layers. It is characterized by that.

  According to the gaming machine according to the means 5, a plurality of layers stacked in the front-rear direction are made to have different aspects, and each layer can be individually irradiated with light to obtain different decoration effects depending on the layer. it can. Therefore, it is possible to further diversify the decoration effect by light irradiation in a certain space. Moreover, depth and a three-dimensional effect can also be provided to the said area | region by setting it as the structure which laminated | stacked several layers in the front-back direction in this way.

Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine of the means 5 as the means 6,
A diffusion preventing member for preventing the light emitted from the light source from diffusing in a direction other than the direction toward the irradiation target is arranged.

  According to the gaming machine according to the means 6 described above, the diffusion target prevents the light emitted from the light source from diffusing in a direction other than the direction toward the irradiation target, thereby irradiating the irradiation target more limitedly. Therefore, even when a plurality of layers are stacked close to each other, light can be irradiated to the irradiation target layer in a limited manner without diffusing the light to a layer other than the irradiation target. Therefore, the plurality of layers can be formed thin as a whole.

Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention is the gaming machine of the means 5 or means 6 as means 7,
The plurality of layers are controlled to be sequentially irradiated with light.

  A plurality of layers may be irradiated with light all at once, but the light emission mode can be changed by sequentially irradiating the plurality of layers with light as in the above means 7, for example, a series of A light emitting mode that expresses movement is also possible.

In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the means 1 to 7, as the means 8.
A black back plate is disposed on the back side of at least one of the plurality of regions constituting the decoration region.

  According to the gaming machine according to the means 8, the contrast of the decoration area is clarified with the black backboard as a background, and the decoration effect in the decoration area can be further clarified. In this case, for example, if the light source is arranged behind the game board, the light source can only be arranged between the decorative area and the back plate on the back side. Since it is difficult to obtain contrast, the configuration of the present invention in which light is emitted from the peripheral edge of the decoration region by a light source is advantageous.

Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the means 1 to 8, as the means 9.
An LED capable of emitting three colors is used as the light source.

  According to the gaming machine according to the means 9, by using an LED capable of emitting three colors as a light source, it is possible to irradiate light of various colors, thereby further diversifying the decoration effect. Further, since the brightness of the light source can be increased, the decoration effect can be further improved.

A gaming machine according to the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the means 1 to 9, as the means 10.
The light source is controlled such that the lighting mode changes according to the game ball entering the winning opening in the game area.

  According to the gaming machine according to the means 10, the lighting mode of the light source is changed, for example, by changing the blinking speed of the light source according to the game ball entering the winning opening in the game area. By controlling, it is possible to effectively produce an effect that enhances the interest of the game.

A gaming machine according to the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the means 1 to 10, as the means 11.
A display device for displaying symbols at a predetermined interval from the upper end of the game area is arranged, and the decoration area is formed above the upper end of the display device.

  In gaming machines such as pachinko machines, the gaming area is usually formed in a substantially circular shape. Therefore, when a rectangular display device such as a liquid crystal display is arranged in the gaming area, the display device is positioned at the upper end of the gaming area. Therefore, a symbol is not displayed in a partial circular portion between the upper end of the game area and the upper end of the display device, and this portion is a dead space (blank) in terms of display function. Region). Here, by forming the decoration region above the upper end of the display device as in the above-described means 11, it is possible to obtain a decoration effect by effectively using the dead space.

A gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine according to any one of the means 1 to 11, as the means 12.
The gaming machine is a pachinko machine.

  As a basic configuration of a pachinko machine, an operation handle is provided, and a ball, which is an example of a valuable object, is launched into a predetermined game area in accordance with the operation of the operation handle, and the ball is disposed at a predetermined position in the game area. In other words, the identification information (such as symbols) that is dynamically displayed on the display device is determined and stopped after a predetermined time on the condition that a winning (or passing through the operation gate) is required for the operation port. In addition, when a special gaming state occurs, a variable winning device (specific winning opening) disposed at a predetermined position in the gaming area is opened in a predetermined manner so that a ball can be won, and a value corresponding to the number of winnings is obtained. Examples include values to which values (including not only premium spheres but also data written on a magnetic card) are given.

  In the pachinko machine, a first light emitting edge in which a first light source that irradiates light in a surface direction in which the first region expands to a peripheral portion of the first region to perform a decoration effect of the first region is arranged. The first region has an outer shape that tapers from the first light emitting edge in the light irradiation direction in front view, and is opposed to the light irradiation direction by the first light source at the periphery of the second region. A second light emitting edge is provided in which a second light source for irradiating light in the direction of the decoration to effect the decoration of the second region is formed, and the second region emits light from the second light emitting edge. Since the first region and the second region are arranged so that the tapered portions are adjacent to each other, the decorative effect by light irradiation is limited even in a limited space. Can be obtained over a wide area, and it is also possible to obtain various light emission modes Dick machine is obtained.

A gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine according to any one of the means 1 to 11, as the means 13.
The gaming machine is a slot machine.

The basic configuration of the slot machine is “variable display means for confirming and displaying the identification information after dynamically displaying an identification information string made up of a plurality of identification information, resulting from the operation of the starting operation means (for example, an operation lever). The dynamic display of the identification information is started, and the dynamic display of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stop (for example, the stop button) or when a predetermined time elapses. The game machine is provided with special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on condition that the confirmed identification information is the specific identification information.
In this case, examples of valuable objects include coins and medals.

  In the slot machine, a first light emitting edge in which a first light source for illuminating the first region by irradiating light in a surface direction in which the first region expands is disposed on the peripheral portion of the first region. The first region has an outer shape that tapers from the first light emitting edge in the light irradiation direction in front view, and is opposed to the light irradiation direction by the first light source at the periphery of the second region. A second light emitting edge is provided in which a second light source for irradiating light in the direction of the decoration to effect the decoration of the second region is formed, and the second region emits light from the second light emitting edge. Since the first region and the second region are arranged so that the tapered portions are adjacent to each other, the decorative effect by light irradiation is limited even in a limited space. Can be obtained over a wide area, and it is also possible to obtain various light emission modes Lot machine is obtained.

A gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine according to any one of the means 1 to 11, as the means 14,
The gaming machine is a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are combined.

  As a basic configuration of a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are integrated, “a variable display means for confirming and displaying identification information after dynamically displaying an identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information, and a starting operation means ( For example, the dynamic display of the identification information is started due to the operation of the operation lever), the dynamic display of the identification information is caused by the operation of the operation means for stop (for example, the stop button), or when a predetermined time elapses. Special game state generating means for generating a special game state that is advantageous to the player on the condition that the display is stopped and the confirmed identification information at the time of the stop is specific identification information, and a ball is used as a valuable object In addition, a gaming machine is configured so that a predetermined number of balls are required at the start of dynamic display of the identification information, and many balls are paid out when a special gaming state occurs. It made.

  In a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are combined, a first light source that irradiates light on a peripheral direction of the first area in a surface direction in which the first area expands and performs a decoration effect on the first area Is formed, and the first region has an outer shape that tapers from the first light emitting edge in the light irradiation direction when viewed from the front. A second light emitting edge is provided in which a second light source for irradiating light in a direction opposite to the light irradiating direction of the one light source to effect decoration of the second region is formed, and the second region is the second Since it has an outer shape that tapers in front view in the light irradiation direction from the light emitting edge, and the first region and the second region are arranged so that the tapered portions are adjacent to each other, it is limited. Even in space, the decorative effect of light irradiation can be obtained over a wide area, and many It is also possible to obtain a Do lighting mode, pachinko machines and gaming machine that combines slot machine is obtained.

  According to the present invention, in the gaming machine in which the light source for performing the decoration effect by irradiating the decoration area formed at the position that can be visually recognized from the outside is provided, the decoration area includes the first area and the first area. A first light source that is composed of a plurality of regions including two regions and that irradiates light in the surface direction in which the first region expands is provided on the peripheral portion of the first region. A first light emitting edge is formed, the first region has an outer shape tapered from the first light emitting edge in a light irradiation direction, and is formed on the peripheral edge of the second region by the first light source. A second light emitting edge is provided in which a second light source for illuminating the second area by irradiating light in a direction opposite to the light irradiation direction is disposed, and the second area is the second light emitting edge. Having an outer shape tapered from the front in the light irradiation direction, the first region and the second region, Since the details are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other, the first light emitting edge and the second light emitting edge are respectively extended from the first light emitting edge and the second light emitting area toward the first region and the second region. Therefore, it is not necessary to arrange the light source so as to protrude far behind the rear surface of the game board. In other words, the light source can be installed without taking up a relatively large space behind or in front of the game board, and a limited installation space can be handled without difficulty.

  In addition, by adopting a configuration in which light is irradiated along the surface direction in which the first region and the second region are expanded, for example, the decoration effect due to light irradiation over a wide range of regions than when light is irradiated forward. Obtainable. In particular, when a light source with strong directivity such as an LED is used, the light irradiation range is limited as described above depending on the configuration in which light is irradiated in the front, but according to the configuration of the present invention, In addition, a wider area can be irradiated with strong light.

  Further, the first region and the second region have outer shapes that taper from the first light emitting edge and the second light emitting edge in the light irradiation direction, respectively, and the tips are adjacent to each other. Since the arrangement is arranged, the decoration area can be formed by effectively using the space without waste. In addition, the lengths of the first light emitting edge and the second light emitting edge can be secured large in a certain space, and it is possible to arrange a large number of light sources, thereby making the light more effective. Can be irradiated. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently obtain a decoration effect by light irradiation in a certain space.

  In addition, since the light irradiation direction is substantially perpendicular to the line of sight, the light emission mode of the light source is only indirectly reflected in the visual sense. Specifically, the visual sense greatly depends on the light diffusion state of the decoration area. Therefore, it is possible to obtain various light emission modes by diversifying the mode of the decoration region.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, there can be obtained a gaming machine in which a decoration effect by light irradiation can be obtained over a wide area even in a limited space, and various light emission modes can be obtained.

  Hereinafter, the best mode of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, pachinko gaming machines (hereinafter simply referred to as “pachinko machines”) are listed as gaming machines.

(Configuration of front side of pachinko machine)
FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 that forms an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and an inner frame 12 that is supported on one side of the outer frame 11 so as to be opened and closed. ing. Below, the structure of the outer frame 11 and the inner frame 12 is demonstrated separately.

  The outer frame 11 is formed in a rectangular shape as a whole by a wooden plate material, and each plate material is assembled by a detachable fastener such as a small screw. The outer frame 11 may be made of a light metal such as resin or aluminum. This is because such a configuration can reduce the weight of the pachinko machine.

  On the other hand, the opening / closing axis of the inner frame 12 is set so as to extend vertically on the opposite side (left side of the pachinko machine 10 in FIG. 1) from the position where the handle (game ball launching handle 18 described later) is installed as viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10. The inner frame 12 can be sufficiently opened to the front side with the opening / closing axis as the axis. If the opening / closing axis of the inner frame 12 is in the vertical direction on the handle installation location side (the right side of the pachinko machine 10 in FIG. 1), the game ball launching handle is opened when the inner frame 12 is opened. This is because the 18 heads and the like interfere with adjacent pachinko machines and card units (ball lending units), and the inner frame 12 cannot be fully opened. The inner frame 12 is made of a synthetic resin, specifically, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) resin. By doing so, the advantages of high viscosity and high impact resistance and low cost production are exhibited.

  The inner frame 12 is roughly divided into a lower pan unit 13 attached to the lowermost portion thereof, and a vertical opening / closing axis on the left side of the inner frame 12 in the range above the lower pan unit 13 as an axis. The front frame set 14 is attached so as to be openable and closable, a resin base (not shown), and a game board 30 (described later) attached to the rear side of the resin base. Each of these configurations will be described in detail below.

  The lower plate unit 13 is fixed to the inner frame 12 with a fastener such as a screw. On the front side of the lower tray unit 13, a lower tray 15, a ball release lever 17, a game ball launching handle 18, an ashtray 22, and a sound output port 24 are provided. The lower tray 15 serving as a ball receiving tray is provided at substantially the center of the lower tray unit 13 and plays a role of stopping a game ball discharged from the discharge port 16 when the upper tray described later becomes full. is there. The ball removal lever 17 is for removing a game ball in the lower tray 15, and by moving the ball removal lever 17 to the left in FIG. 1, a predetermined location on the bottom surface of the lower tray 15 is opened. The game ball stopped in the lower plate 15 can be discharged to the player's ball storage box (dollar box) through the opening on the bottom surface of the lower plate 15. The game ball launching handle 18 is disposed so as to protrude to the front side on the right side of the lower plate 15. In accordance with the operation of the game ball launching handle 18 by the player, the game ball is driven toward a game board 30 described later by a game ball launching device having a launch solenoid. The sound output port 24 is an output port for outputting sound from a speaker provided in the lower plate unit 13 or on the back surface. The ashtray 22 is provided on the left side of the lower plate 15. The right side of the ashtray 22 is supported by the lower plate 15 so as to rotate about the axis in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) as an axis (for example, forwardly toward the front side).

  Note that most of the lower dish unit 13 is molded of ABS resin in the same manner as the inner frame 12. By doing so, it is highly viscous and resistant to impact, and can be manufactured at low cost. In particular, the surface layer forming the lower plate 15 and the front panel portion behind the lower plate are formed of flame-retardant ABS resin. For this reason, this part is hard to burn.

  On the other hand, an upper plate 19 as a receiving tray for game balls is provided integrally with the front frame set 14 at a lower portion of the front frame set 14 (above the lower plate 15 described above). The upper tray 19 is a ball receiving tray for temporarily storing the game balls and guiding them to the game ball launching device 38 while aligning them in a line. In the conventional pachinko machine, a front decorative frame that can be opened and closed with respect to the inner frame is provided below the front frame set, and an upper plate is provided on the front decorative frame. However, in this embodiment, the front decorative frame is omitted. The upper plate 19 is provided directly on the front frame set 14. Similar to the lower plate 15, the upper plate 19 has a structure in which the surface layer is formed of flame-retardant ABS resin. In addition, an effect button 79 for the player to perform an operation such as changing the background of the decorative symbol display device 42 is provided at the lower left of the upper plate 19.

  In addition, the front frame set 14 is provided with light emitting means such as various lamps around it (for example, a corner portion). These light emitting means play a role of enhancing the effect of the game during the game by changing and controlling the light emission mode such as lighting and blinking according to the change of the game state in the big hit game state or the like. For example, at the periphery of the window portion 101, an annular illumination portion 102 containing a light emitting means such as an LED is provided symmetrically, and lighting or blinking in the big hit gaming state, it is in a big hit gaming state It is the structure which alert | reports.

  In addition, a ball lending operation unit 120 is disposed below the window unit 101, and the ball lending operation unit 120 is provided with a ball lending button 121, a return button 122, and a frequency display unit 123. When the ball lending operation unit 120 is operated with a bill or a card inserted in a card unit (ball lending unit) (not shown) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10, a game ball is lent according to the operation. Done. The ball lending button 121 is operated to obtain a lending ball based on information recorded on a card or the like (recording medium), and the lending ball is supplied to the upper plate 19 as long as there is a remaining amount on the card or the like. Is done. The return button 122 is operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted into the card unit. The frequency display unit 123 displays remaining amount information such as a card. Note that the ball lending operation unit 120 is not required for a pachinko machine in which a game ball is directly rented from the ball lending device unit to the upper plate without using a card unit, that is, a so-called cash machine. Therefore, a decorative seal or the like is attached to the installation portion of the ball rental operation unit 120. Thereby, the common use of the lending operation unit of the pachinko machine using the card unit and the cash machine can be achieved.

  Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the configuration of the game board 30, and FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the vicinity of the entrance 61 of the housing portion. The game board 30 is entirely made of a transparent resin, and includes a first start port 33, a second start port 33a and a second start port 33b (configured by an operation chucker 33b), a second start port 33a, a variable winning device 32, and an upper start port 33b. A starting port 34 (comprising a through gate), a special symbol display device (not shown), a normal symbol display device (not shown), a variable display device unit including a decorative symbol display device 42, a center frame 35, and the like are provided. The general winning port 31, the variable winning device 32, the first starting port 33, the second starting port 34, the center frame 35, etc. are respectively arranged in the through holes formed by router processing in the game board 30. Installed from the front side of the game board 30 with wood screws or the like. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a pair of opening and closing blades 60 is provided at the entrance of the lower start port 33b, and an open position for guiding the game ball and a blockage that prevents the game ball from entering the lower start port 33b. Can take a position. The opening / closing blade 60 is driven by a solenoid SL1 disposed on the back side of the game board 30. In addition, an inlet 61 of the accommodating portion is disposed below the lower start port 33b. The inlet 61 of the housing portion will be described later. The entrance detection switch SW1 is provided in the entrance 61 of the housing portion.

  A game ball enters the above-described general winning port 31, variable winning device 32, and first start port 33, and the received ball is detected by a detection switch (a winning port switch, a count switch, an operation port switch, etc.) described later. Based on the output of the detection switch, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the upper plate 19 (or the lower plate 15). In addition, the game board 30 is provided with an out port 36, and game balls that have not entered the various winning devices etc. are guided through the out port 36 to a ball discharge path (not shown). It has become. A number of nails are implanted in the game board 30 in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game balls, and various members (instruments) are arranged.

  The special symbol display device variably displays a special symbol as identification information with a winning at the first start port 33 as a trigger, and the decorative symbol display device 42 variably displays a decorative symbol corresponding to the variation display of the special symbol. The normal symbol display device variably displays the normal symbols with the passage of the second start port 34 as a trigger.

  The special symbol display device is composed of two-color LEDs, and display contents are controlled by a main control device 261 described later. Each LED is variably displayed in red and green, for example.

  The decorative design display device 42 is configured as a liquid crystal display device, and display contents are controlled by a display control device to be described later. On the decorative symbol display device 42, for example, symbols as identification information are displayed at three locations, upper, middle, and lower. These symbols are scrolled and variably displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42. In this embodiment, the decorative symbol display device 42 (liquid crystal display device) is a large-sized 20-inch liquid crystal display that occupies most of the game board 30, and the variable display device unit is attached from the back side of the game board 30. However, the decorative pattern change display described later is performed in a central area surrounded by the center frame 35 (for example, an area occupying an area equivalent to a 10-inch or 12-inch size liquid crystal display). In the outer area, the symbols may be displayed with limited timing, but basically a still image is displayed so as not to obstruct the flow of the game ball visually. Note that reference numeral 30H in FIG. 3 denotes a horizontally long rectangular area (normal fluctuation display area) surrounded by the center frame 35 where the decorative symbols are displayed in a variable manner.

  The center frame 35 is a frame-like member that surrounds the center region where the decorative symbols are displayed in the game board 30 from above, below, left and right, and is attached to the front of the game board 30. The area is divided from the surrounding areas, and the game ball is controlled so as not to flow down to the central area. A spherical guiding path (not shown) is formed inside the center frame 35 at the upper and left and right sides, respectively, and a substantially arc-shaped stage 35S that curves downward is formed at the lower part. A game ball flying above the center frame 35 flows down to the lower left or lower right along the upper edge of the center frame 35, or a ball entrance (not shown) drilled in the upper end of the center frame 35. ), Is guided to the stage 35S through the ball guide path, rolls back and forth on the stage 35S, and falls to the front side of the stage 35S on the way, or rarely The ball enters the guide port 35H that is well drilled on the rear side of the center, is guided to the lower part of the center of the stage 35S, is discharged to the front side, and enters the first start port 33 located immediately below with a high probability.

  The normal symbol display device includes a first lamp and a second lamp for normal symbols. In this embodiment, the first lamp for ordinary symbols is provided, for example, above both display surfaces of the decorative symbol display device 42, and the appearance shape thereof is a “◯” shape, while the second symbol for ordinary symbols is second. The lamp is provided adjacent to the first lamp, and its external shape is an “x” shape. In the normal symbol display device, for example, the display symbol (ordinary symbol) by the first and second lamps is changed every time the game ball passes through the second start port 34. Specifically, the first and second lamps are changed. It is configured so that the lower start port 33b of the first start port 33 is activated (opened) for a predetermined time when it is alternately illuminated and stopped by the first lamp. The number of times that the game ball has passed through the second start opening 34 is held up to a maximum of 4 times, and the number of times that the game ball is held is displayed by a hold lamp (not shown). The first and second lamps may be a plurality of display units that are variably displayed on a part of the decorative symbol display device 42.

  The variable winning device 32 is normally in a closed state in which a game ball cannot be won or difficult to win, and is repeatedly operated in an open state and a normal closed state in which a game ball is easy to win in a big win. However, the specific configuration will be described later. In short, when the special symbol display device is in a specific display mode (when the confirmed symbol after the decoration symbol display device 42 is stopped is a combination of specific symbols set in advance), the special gaming state is appear. Then, the variable winning device 32 is in a ball receiving state and allows a game ball to be won. Specifically, the ball receiving state of the variable winning device 32 is repeatedly released a predetermined number of times, with a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winnings taken as one round. The number of times that the game ball has passed through the first start port 33 is held up to a maximum of 4 times, and the number of times the game ball is held is lit and displayed by a holding lamp (not shown). Note that the hold lamp may be configured so as to be variably displayed on a part of the decorative symbol display device 42.

  The game board 30 is provided with a rail unit 50 for guiding the game ball launched from the game ball launching device to the upper part of the game board 30 and is fired as the game ball launching handle 18 is rotated. The game balls are guided to a predetermined game area through the rail unit 50. The rail unit 50 is formed of a ring-shaped resin molded product (for example, a molded product added with fluororesin), and has an inner rail 51 and an outer rail 52 that are integrally formed in an inner and outer double. . In addition, since the rail unit 50 is shape | molded by adding a fluororesin, it can reduce the frictional resistance of a game ball. The inner rail 51 is formed in a substantially annular shape except for about 1/4 of the upper part, and the outer rail 52 is formed so that a part (mainly the left side) faces the inner rail 51. In such a case, a guide rail is constituted by the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52, and a spherical guide passage is formed by a portion (the left portion facing) where the rails 51 and 52 are parallel to each other at a predetermined interval. The ball guide passage is formed in a groove shape having a contact surface with the game board 30, that is, a groove shape in which the front side is opened.

  A return ball preventing member 53 is attached to the tip portion of the inner rail 51 (upper left portion in FIG. 3). This prevents a situation in which the game ball once guided from the ball guide path between the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 to the upper part of the game board 30 returns to the ball guide path again. Yes. Further, a return rubber 54 is attached to the outer rail 52 at a position corresponding to the maximum flight portion of the game ball (upper right portion in FIG. 3: a portion corresponding to the tip portion of the outer rail 52). Therefore, the game ball fired at a predetermined momentum or more hits the return rubber 54 and is bounced back.

  An arc-shaped flange 56 projecting outward is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the rail unit 50. The flange 56 constitutes a mounting surface for the game board 30. When the rail unit 50 is attached to the game board 30, the flange 56 is brought into contact with the game board 30, and in this state, screws or the like are inserted into a plurality of through holes formed in the flange 56. The rail unit 50 is fastened to 30.

  The game area is partitioned and formed in a substantially circular shape by the inner peripheral part (inner and outer rails) of the rail unit 50. In particular, in this embodiment, the game castle partitioned on the board surface of the game board 30 is more than conventional. It is much larger.

(Back view of pachinko machine)
Next, the configuration of the back surface of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10.

  First, an overall outline of the rear configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. On the back surface of the pachinko machine 10 (actually, the back surface of the inner frame 12 and the game board 30), various control boards are arranged so as to be lined up and down, left and right, or stacked in front and back, A game ball supply device (payout mechanism) for supplying game balls, a protective cover made of resin, and the like are attached. In this embodiment, various control boards are divided into two mounting bases to form two control board units, and these control board units are individually attached to the inner frame 12 or the back surface of the game board 30. . In this case, the main control board (apparatus), the power supply monitoring board (apparatus), and the sub-control board (apparatus) are mounted on one mounting base to form a unit, and the dispensing control board (apparatus) and the launch control board (apparatus) ) And a power supply board (device) are mounted on the other mounting base to form a unit. Here, for convenience, the former unit is referred to as “first control board unit 201”, and the latter unit is referred to as “second control board unit 202”.

  Further, since the dispensing mechanism and the protective cover are integrated as one unit, and the resin portion is generally referred to as a back pack, the unit is referred to as a “back pack unit 203” here. The detailed configuration of each unit 201 to 203 will be described later.

  The first control board unit 201, the second control board unit 202, and the back pack unit 203 are configured to be detachable without using any tools or the like in units of units. Is provided so that it can be opened and closed with respect to the inner frame 12 or the back surface of the game board 30. This is also a device for making it possible to easily check a hidden configuration or the like even if the units 201 to 203 and other configurations are arranged one behind the other.

  The first control board unit 201 described above includes a main control board that supervises the progress of the game, a power supply monitoring board that manages power supply monitoring, display control of the decorative symbol display device 42 and an audio lamp according to instructions from the main control board. And a sub-control board for controlling the control. The main control board and the power supply monitoring board are accommodated in a board box 263 made of a transparent resin material or the like. The board box 263 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected to each other by a sealing unit so that the board cannot be opened. Box 263 is sealed.

  Any configuration can be applied to the sealing unit as long as the box base and the box cover are connected so as not to be opened, and the sealing process by the sealing unit prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing. Even if an unauthorized opening is performed, such a situation can be detected early and easily.

  Next, the second control board unit 202 includes a payout control board, a launch control board, a power supply board, and a card unit connection board. The payout control board controls the payout of prize balls and rental balls, the launch control board controls the launch solenoid according to the operation of the game ball launch handle 18 by the player, and the power supply board requires various control devices and the like. A predetermined power supply voltage is generated and output. Also, the card unit connection board is electrically connected to the ball rental operation unit 120 (see FIG. 1) on the front surface of the pachinko machine and a card unit (not shown), and receives a command for a ball rental operation by a player and pays it out. Output to the substrate. Note that a card unit connection board is not required in a cash machine in which game balls are lent directly to the upper plate from a ball lending device or the like without using a card unit.

  The payout control board is housed in a payout control board case 280 made of a transparent resin material or the like, and the power supply board is housed in a power supply board case 281 made of a transparent resin material or the like. The card unit connection board is housed in a card unit connection board case 314 made of a transparent resin material or the like, and the firing control board is housed in a firing control board case (not shown) made of a transparent resin material or the like. In particular, in the payout control board, the box base and the box cover constituting the board case (encapsulating means) are connected to each other by the sealing unit (sealing means) so as not to be opened, like the main control board described above. Is sealed.

  The payout control board is electrically connected to a state return switch 321. For example, when the state return switch 321 is pressed when a payout error occurs, such as a ball clogging in the payout motor unit, the payout motor is slowly adjusted to the normal state. It is rotated to eliminate clogging (return to normal state).

  Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be described. The back pack unit 203 is a unit in which a resin-formed back pack 351 and a game ball payout mechanism 352 are integrated.

  The back pack 351 is integrally formed of, for example, ABS resin, and includes a substantially flat base portion 353 and a protective cover portion 354 that protrudes rearward of the pachinko machine and has a horizontally long substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 354 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is opened, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the electric accessory unit (center accessory). The sub-control board is also enclosed.) A large number of ventilation holes 354 a are provided on the back surface of the protective cover portion 354. Each of the air holes 354a has a long hole shape, and the air holes 354a are adjacent to each other at a relatively close position. Therefore, the back surface of the back pack 351 can be easily opened by cutting the resin portion between the adjacent vent holes 354a. That is, a predetermined test or the like can be easily performed by cutting the resin portion between the vent holes 354a and exposing the display control device or the like inside the resin portion.

  In addition, a payout mechanism portion 352 is disposed on the base portion 353 so as to bypass the protective cover portion 354. That is, a tank 355 opened upward is provided at the uppermost portion of the back pack 351, and game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are sequentially supplied to the tank 355. Below the tank 355, for example, a tank rail 356 that has two rows (two rows) of ball passages in the horizontal direction and that is gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected. Further, the tank rail 356 is arranged vertically on the downstream side of the tank rail 356. A case rail 357 is connected. The payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 357, and a required number of game balls are paid out appropriately according to a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor. The game balls paid out from the payout device 358 are supplied to the upper plate 19 through a payout passage or the like (not shown).

  The tank rail 356 and the vibrator 360 for applying vibration to the tank rail 356 are unitized so as to be integrated, and if a ball clogging occurs near the tank rail 356, the vibrator 360 is driven. In this way, the clogging of the balls is resolved.

  The payout mechanism 352 is provided with a payout relay board 381 for relaying a payout command signal from the payout control board to the payout device 358, and a power switch board 382 for taking in the main power from the outside. ing. The power switch board 382 is supplied with, for example, an AC 24V main power via a voltage converter, and is turned on or off by a switching operation of the power switch 382a.

  An inner frame opening detection switch 388 for detecting that the inner frame 12 is opened with respect to the outer frame 11 is provided on the upper right side of the inner frame 12. The signal is output from the open detection switch 388 to the computer for the hall (in the pachinko parlor). Further, a front frame opening detection switch 389 is provided on the left side of the inner frame opening detection switch 388. When the front frame set 14 is opened, the front frame opening detection switch 389 is used for the inside of the hall (in a pachinko shop). Output to computer.

(Electric configuration of pachinko machine and various control processes)
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The pachinko machine 10 includes a power supply device 313, a power supply monitoring device 540, a main control device 261, a sub control device 262, a payout control device 311, a display control device 45, and the like. In the following, these devices will be described in detail individually. The power supply monitoring device 540 and the main control device 261 are sealed by the sealing unit as described above.

  Next, the configuration of the main controller 261 will be described. The main controller 261 is equipped with an MPU 501 as a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic unit. The MPU 501 includes a ROM 502 that stores various control programs executed by the MPU 501 and fixed value data, and a memory that temporarily stores various data when the control program stored in the ROM 502 is executed. A certain RAM 503 and various other circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit are incorporated.

  The RAM 503 is configured to retain (backup) data by being supplied with a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the pachinko machine 10 is powered off. The RAM 503 temporarily stores various data and the like. There is an area for.

  Note that the power failure signal SG1 from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the MPU 501 when the power is shut down due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like, and the power failure signal SG1 is the MPU 501. Is input immediately, the NMI interrupt process as a power failure process is immediately executed.

  An input / output port 505 is connected to the MPU 501 of the main control device 261 via a bus line 504 including an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 505 includes a RAM erasing switch circuit 543, a payout control device 311, a launch control device 312, a sub-control device 262, a special symbol display device, a normal symbol display device, a special symbol hold display device ( An ordinary symbol hold display device (not shown), a switch group (not shown), and the like are connected. The special symbol display device is composed of the special symbol display lamp as described above, the normal symbol display device is composed of the normal symbol display lamp as described above, and the special symbol hold display device is as described above. The normal symbol holding display device is constituted by the holding lamp for displaying the number of the holding balls related to the normal symbol as described above.

  The payout control device 311 controls payout of prize balls and rental balls by a payout motor 358a. The MPU 511 that is an arithmetic unit includes a ROM 512 that stores a control program executed by the MPU 511, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 513 that is used as a work memory or the like.

  The RAM 513 of the payout control device 311 is configured to hold (backup) data by supplying a backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the power of the pachinko machine 10 is shut off, like the RAM 503 of the main control device 261. The RAM 513 is provided with an area for temporarily storing various data.

  As with the MPU 501 of the main controller 261, the power failure signal SG1 is also input to the NMI terminal of the MPU 511 from the power failure monitoring circuit 542 when the power is interrupted due to the occurrence of a power failure. When input to the MPU 511, an NMI interrupt process as a power failure process is immediately executed.

  An input / output port 515 is connected to the MPU 511 of the payout control device 311 via a bus line 514 including an address bus and a data bus. A main controller 261 and a payout motor 358a are connected to the input / output port 515, respectively.

  The launch control device 312 permits or prohibits the launch of the game ball by the launch solenoid, and the launch solenoid is permitted to drive when a predetermined condition is met. Specifically, the sensor signal detects that a connection signal indicating that the payout control device 311 is connected to the card unit is output, and that the player is touching the game ball launching handle 18. The firing control device 312 outputs a firing permission signal to the main control device 261 on the condition that the firing stop switch for stopping the firing is not operated. The main controller 261 that has input the firing permission signal outputs a firing solenoid control signal to the firing controller 312. As a result, the launch control device 312 drives the launch solenoid in response to the launch solenoid control signal, and as a result, the game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the amount of operation of the game ball launch handle.

  The sub control device 262 controls the ringing control of the effect speaker 810 and the like in accordance with the change display of the decoration symbol based on the command from the main control device 261, the lighting (flashing) control of the effect lamp 811, and the main control device 261. The function to edit the command to the display control device 45 based on the command from and send it to the display control device 45 is achieved. The MPU 550 of the sub-control device 262 includes a ROM 551 that stores a control program executed by the MPU 550, fixed value data, and the like, and a RAM 552 that is used as a work memory or the like. An input / output port 554 is connected to the MPU 550 via a bus line 553 composed of an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 554 is connected to a speaker, a lamp, an effect button 79 for executing a predetermined display effect during variable display on the decorative symbol display device 42, and a main control device 261. Examples of the effect button 79 include a display effect button such as a step-up notice for notifying that the possibility of a big hit state is high depending on the manner in which predetermined characters appear sequentially. When an effect button 79 is pressed, an effect designation command for executing a predetermined effect is generated and transmitted to the decorative symbol display device 42.

  The display control device 45 controls the variation display of the decorative symbols on the decorative symbol display device 42. The display control device 45 includes an MPU 521 having a RAM 523 used as a work RAM, a ROM (program ROM) 522, a video RAM 524, a character ROM 525, an image controller 526, an input port 527, and an output port 529. I have.

  The MPU 521 receives a symbol display command (stop symbol command, variation pattern command, confirmation command, etc.) transmitted from the sub-control device 262 via the input port 527, analyzes the received command, or based on the received command. A predetermined calculation process is performed to control the image controller 526 (specifically, generation of an internal command for the image controller 526). The program ROM 522 is a memory for storing various control programs executed by the MPU 521 and fixed values, and also stores and holds JPEG format image data for background images. The RAM 523 is a memory for temporarily storing work data, flags, and the like that are used when the MPU 521 executes various programs.

  The image controller 526 is configured by a VDP (Video Display Processor). The VDP is a kind of drawing circuit that directly operates an LCD driver (liquid crystal driving circuit) incorporated in the decorative symbol display device 42. Since it is an IC chip, it is also called a “drawing chip” and its entity is a drawing. It can be said to be a microcomputer chip with built-in processing software. The image controller 526 adjusts the timing of each of the MPU 521, the video RAM 524, etc. to intervene in reading and writing data, and reads the display data stored in the video RAM 524 from the character ROM 525 at a predetermined timing, and sets the output port 529. And output to the decorative symbol display device 42.

  The video RAM 524 is a memory for storing display data displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42, and the display content of the decorative symbol display device 42 is changed by rewriting the content of the video RAM 524. The character ROM 525 serves as an image data library for storing character data such as symbols displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42. The character ROM 525 holds bitmap image data of various display patterns, a color palette table to be referred to when determining the expression color of each dot of the bitmap image, and the like. In particular, a symbol code (symbol number) is assigned to each symbol image data in the bitmap format, and each symbol image can be managed only by the symbol code at the command level. Note that a plurality of character ROMs 525 may be provided, and image data and the like may be stored in each character ROM 525 in a shared manner. Further, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the JPEG format image data for the background image stored in the program ROM 522 is stored in the character ROM 525.

  The power supply device 313 includes a power supply unit 541 for supplying power to each unit of the pachinko machine 10. The power supply unit 541 supplies necessary operating voltages to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311 and the like through the power supply path. As its outline, the power supply unit 541 takes in a voltage of 24 volts AC supplied from the outside, drives a switch, a motor, etc., has a voltage of 12 volts, a voltage of 5 volts for logic, and a RAM backup. A backup voltage or the like is generated, and the 12 volt voltage, the 5 volt voltage, and the backup voltage are supplied to the power supply monitoring device 540, the sub control device 262, the payout control device 311, the display control device 45, and the like. The main control device 261 is supplied with operating voltages (voltages of 12 volts and 5 volts) via the power supply monitoring device 540. In addition, an operating voltage (12 volts and 5 volts) is supplied to the launch controller 312 via the main controller 261.

The power monitoring device 540 includes a power failure monitoring circuit 542 that monitors power interruption due to a power failure or the like, and a reset circuit 544 that outputs a reset signal.
The power failure monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit for outputting a power failure signal SG1 to each NMI terminal of the MPU 501 of the main control device 261 and the MPU 511 of the payout control device 311 when the power is cut off due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like. The power failure monitoring circuit 542 monitors the DC stable voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply unit 541, and determines that a power failure (power shutdown) occurs when this voltage is less than 22 volts. The power failure signal SG1 is output to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311. By the output of the power failure signal SG1, the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311 recognize the occurrence of the power failure and execute the NMI interrupt process. Note that the power supply unit 541 outputs a voltage of 5 volts, which is a drive voltage of the control system, for a time sufficient to execute the NMI interrupt processing even after the DC stable voltage of 24 volts becomes less than 22 volts. Is maintained at a normal value. Therefore, the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311 can normally execute and complete the NMI interrupt process.

The RAM erase switch circuit 543 is a circuit that outputs a RAM erase signal SG2 for clearing backup data to the main controller 261 and the payout controller 311 when the RAM erase switch is pressed. Note that transmission of a signal to the payout control device 311 is performed via the main control device 261.
When the RAM erase signal SG2 is input when the pachinko machine 10 is turned on, the main control device 261 and the payout control device 311 clear the respective backup data.

  The reset circuit 544 is a circuit that outputs a reset signal in order to initialize the main control device 261, the payout control device 311, the sub control device 262, and the display control device 45. The reset signal from the reset circuit 544 is directly given to the main control device 261, but the payout control device 311, the sub control device 262, and the display control device 45 are connected via the power supply device 313. It has come to be given.

  Here, the display contents of the special symbol display device, the normal symbol display device, and the decorative symbol display device 42 will be described. In the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display device as a symbol for showing the occurrence of the jackpot to the player, and the decorative symbol displayed on the decorative symbol display device 42 are two. Types are provided. The decorative symbol is a symbol that changes in synchronization with the special symbol. The decorative symbol starts changing at the same time (or almost at the same time) as the special symbol starts to change, and at the same time (or almost at the same time) as the special symbol changes. To stop the fluctuation. This decorative design is provided in order to provide a player with a variety of display effects so that the player is not bored.

  First, the display contents of the special symbol display device will be described. The change display of the special symbol is expressed by a change in lighting pattern such as a color change (red / green change) or blinking of the special symbol display lamp. The variation display of the special symbol is started based on the winning of the game ball at the start port 33, and the variation display of the special symbol is simultaneously stopped after a certain time. After the stop, if the special symbols are ready, that is, if the two special symbol display lamps are lit in the same color, it will be a big hit, if the special symbols are not ready when the variable display stops, When the two special symbol display lamps are lit in different colors, the two special symbol display lamps are disengaged, and the variable display is performed again based on the winning at the start port 33. The number of times that the game ball has won the start opening 33 is held up to a maximum of 4 times, and the number of times of the hold is displayed on the hold lamp of the special symbol hold display device. In this embodiment, when both the special symbol display lamps are lit in red when the variable display is stopped, it is regarded as a specific symbol (probability variation symbol), and both the special symbol display lamps are lit in green. For example, it is regarded as a non-specific symbol (non-stochastic variation symbol).

  Next, display contents of the decorative symbol display device 42 will be described. On the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 42, for example, three decorative symbol columns Z1 to Z3 are displayed in three display areas divided into an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage. These decorative symbol rows Z1 to Z3 are scroll-displayed from right to left. The decorative symbol is composed of, for example, a main symbol composed of numbers “1” to “9” and a sub symbol smaller than the main symbol, and a symbol row of the decorative symbol is formed by each of the main symbol and the sub symbol. In each symbol row formed with decorative symbols, the main symbols are arranged in ascending or descending order of numbers, and sub-designs are arranged between the main symbols. When a winning at the start port 33, that is, when a start winning is generated, the decorative symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and the variable symbol is stopped after a certain period of time according to the variable pattern. Nine decorative symbols are displayed as display results. In the variable display won in the big win lottery, the display control device 45 controls the three main symbols so that they stop on a vertical or diagonal straight line among the nine decorative symbols. The jackpot is indicated. On the other hand, in the variable display out of the big hit lottery, the display control device 45 controls the game so that three identical main symbols do not stop vertically or diagonally among the nine decorative symbols. The occurrence of detachment is shown to the person.

  Next, the display contents of the normal symbol display device will be described. The variation display of the normal symbol is expressed by alternately lighting the normal symbol display first lamp (appearance is ◯ shape) and the normal symbol display second lamp (appearance is X shape). This variation display of the normal symbol is started on the condition that the game ball passes through the second starting port 34, and the variation display of the normal symbol stops after a certain time. And when it stops with a display 1st lamp | ramp, it is comprised so that the 1st starting port 33 may be in an operation state (open | released) only for predetermined time. The number of times that the game ball has passed through the second start port 34 is held up to a maximum of four times, and the number of times the game ball is held is lit and displayed by the hold lamp of the normal symbol hold display device.

  Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described. In the present embodiment, the MPU 501 in the main control device 261 uses various counter information during the game to set up a jackpot lottery or a symbol display setting of a special symbol display device. Specifically, a counter group related to the special symbol and a counter group related to the normal symbol are provided. First, a counter group related to special symbols will be described. As a group of counters related to the special symbol, the jackpot random number counter C1 used for the jackpot lottery, the jackpot symbol counter C2 used for the selection of the jackpot symbol of the special symbol display device, and the special symbol display device when the special symbol display device is out and fluctuates. Stop pattern selection counter C3 used for selection of stop patterns (corresponding to reach lottery for reaching or completely disabling in the variation of decorative symbols), and initial values used for setting initial values of the jackpot random number counter C1 A random number counter CINI1 and variation type counters CS1 to CS3 for determining a type used for variation pattern selection are provided.

  Here, the variation pattern means each pattern (form) in a case where features having common features of variation display are divided.

  Each of the counters C1 to C3, CINI1, CS1 to CS3 is a loop counter that adds 1 to the previous value every time it is updated, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 503. The RAM 503 is provided with a holding ball storage area 700 composed of one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to fourth areas). In each of these areas, a game ball to the start port 33 is provided. Each value of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2 and the stop pattern selection counter C3 is stored in accordance with the winning timing.

Next, the specific contents of each counter will be described in detail.
The jackpot random number counter C1 is configured such that, for example, 1 is sequentially added within a range of 0 to 738, and after reaching the maximum value (that is, 738), it returns to 0. In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI1 at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. Note that the random number initial value counter CINI1 is configured as a loop counter that is updated in the same range as the big hit random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 738), and is updated once every timer interruption and within the remaining time of normal processing. Will be updated repeatedly. The jackpot random number counter C1 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and stored in the reserved ball storage area 700 of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the start port 33. The number of random number values that are jackpots is set at low probability and high probability, and the number of random numbers that are jackpots at low probability is 2, and the value is “373, 727” There are 14 random numbers that are big hits at high probability, and the values are “59, 109, 163, 211, 263, 317, 367, 421, 479, 523, 577, 631, 683, 733”. is there. When the probability is high, the special symbol combination is a special symbol combination that is a predetermined probability variation symbol (in this embodiment, when the specific symbol display lamps are both lit in green), and the value is added. After that, when the jackpot probability has increased, so-called probability change time, when normal (low probability) is not such a probability change state (in this embodiment, when the specific symbol display lamps are both lit red) ).

  The jackpot symbol counter C2 determines a symbol at the time of a jackpot when the special symbol display device stops changing the special symbol. For example, the jackpot symbol counter C2 is incremented by one within a range of 0 to 4, and the maximum value (that is, 4). After reaching this value, it returns to 0. For example, when the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 is “0” or “1”, the special symbol display lamps both stop in green. In this case, the combination of stop symbols is a non-specific symbol (ordinary jackpot symbol) ).

  When the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 is “2”, “3”, “4”, the special symbol display lamps both stop in red, and the combination of stop symbols in this case is a specific symbol (probability variation symbol) ).

  The jackpot symbol counter C2 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and stored in the reserved ball storage area 700 of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the start opening 33.

  The stop pattern selection counter C3 is, for example, incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 238, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 238). In this embodiment, the special symbol variation display is configured to be expressed by two display lamps. Therefore, in the case of a special symbol, there is no concept of reach, and a stop pattern corresponding to reach is set as a stop pattern selection counter C3. It is decided to decide. On the other hand, in the case of a decorative symbol, since three decorative symbols are stopped, there is a reach. Therefore, in the case of a decorative design, the reach lottery is determined by the stop pattern selection counter C3. That is, in the case of a decorative design, after the reach has occurred, the final stop symbol is shifted by one shift before and after the reach symbol, and the stop symbol is stopped before and after the reach symbol. It is decided to draw “reach other than front / rear off” to stop and “complete out” that does not cause reach. For example, the stop pattern selection counter C3 = 0 to 201 corresponds to complete detachment, the stop pattern selection counter C3 = 202 to 208 corresponds to anteroposterior detachment reach, and the stop pattern selection counter C3 = 209 to 238 lies other than detachment anteroposterior. Applicable.

  Here, “reach” refers to a combination of symbols that stop before the decorative symbol displayed on the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 42 starts changing display, and the combination of symbols that stop first is the same symbol (in a decorative symbol having a plurality of effective lines). A combination of jackpot symbols, suggesting to the player that the jackpot will be a big win depending on the display result of the symbols that are the same symbol on any active line) and satisfy the jackpot condition Is a display that makes a player expect the game, and is a type of entertainment production. An interesting effect is that a predetermined symbol represented by reach is displayed on the display screen of the decorative symbol display device 42 in the middle of variable display, a specific sound is output from a speaker, or a vibration motor is used. This is an effect that causes the player to expect that the display result after the change display will be a big hit with the change display, such as vibrating the game ball launch handle 18.

  The stop pattern selection counter C3 is periodically updated (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and stored in the reserved ball storage area 700 of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball wins the start port 33.

The variation type counter CS1 is, for example, incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 198, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 198). The variation type counter CS2 is, for example, incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 240, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 240). For example, the variation type counter CS3 is incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 162, for example, and reaches a maximum value (that is, 162) and then returns to 0.
The variation type counter CS1 determines a rough symbol variation mode such as a reach type such as normal reach, super reach, premium reach, etc., and the variation type counter CS2 further refines a symbol such as normal reach A, normal reach B, etc. The variation mode is determined, and the variation type counter CS2 determines, for example, the addition / subtraction of the variation time in the case of a slip stop variation. Therefore, a variety of variation patterns can be easily realized by combining these variation type counters CS1 to CS3.

  The counters CS <b> 1 to CS <b> 3 are updated once every time a normal process to be described later is executed once, and are repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal process. Then, the buffer values of the counters CS1 to CS3 are acquired when determining the variation pattern at the start of variation of the special symbol by the special symbol display device and the decorative symbol display device 42.

  Next, a counter group related to normal symbols will be described. The counter group related to the normal symbol includes a winning random number counter C4 used for winning lottery and an initial value random number counter CINI2 used for setting an initial value of the winning random number counter C4.

  The hit random number counter C4 is a loop counter that adds 1 to the previous value every time it is updated, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of the RAM 503. The RAM 503 is provided with a holding ball storage area 701 including one execution area and four holding areas (holding first to fourth areas). In each of these areas, the second starting port 34 is provided. The value of the hit random number counter C4 is stored in accordance with the passing of the game ball.

  Next, the specific contents of the winning random number counter C4 and the initial value random number CINI2 will be described in detail. The winning random number counter C4 is, for example, incremented by 1 within a range of 0 to 250, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 250). When the winning random number counter C4 makes one round, the value of the winning initial value random number counter CINI2 at that time is read as the initial value of the winning random number counter C4. The initial value random number counter CINI2 is configured as a loop counter that is updated in the same range as the winning random number counter C4 (value = 0 to 250), and is updated once per timer interrupt and within the remaining time of normal processing. Will be updated repeatedly. The hit random number counter C4 is updated periodically (once every timer interruption in this embodiment), and stored in the reserved ball storage area 701 of the RAM 503 at the timing when the game ball passes through the second start port 34. The number of random number values hit by the hit random number counter C4 is 149, and the value is “5 to 153”.

  In addition, the magnitude | size and range of each counter are only examples, and can be changed arbitrarily. However, if importance is attached to irregularity, the big hit random number counter C1, the stop pattern selection counter C3, the hit random number counter C4, and the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are all different prime numbers and are not synchronized in any case. It is desirable to leave.

The details of each control process executed by the MPU 501 in the main controller 261 will not be described here.
However, in summary, as described above, the main control device 261 wins a lottery with a predetermined probability due to winning at the start port 33, and upon winning, it shifts to a special gaming state. The variable winning device 32 is in a winning ball receiving state.

(Variable winning device and collection unit)
In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the variable winning device 32 is configured as follows. 7 is a plan view of the variable winning device 32, FIG. 8 is a front view thereof, FIG. 9 is a side view thereof, and FIG. 10 is a rear view thereof.
The basic configuration of the variable prize winning device 32 is such that a ball entering from an inlet 61 of a storage portion having a width that allows a plurality of game balls to pass in the lateral direction of the game board 30 is stored in the storage portion 70. The detection unit 72 is configured to detect the discharge from the discharge unit 71 provided in 70.

  The game area of the game board 30 is provided with a start port 33 (33a and 33b: see FIGS. 3 and 4) for entering a game ball flowing down the flow space between the window portion 101 and the game board 30. When the ball enters the starting port 33, the main controller 261 performs a lottery determination with a predetermined probability, and the game state is shifted to the special game state by the corresponding lottery. In the special game state, at least 1 The variable winning device 32 is switched from the non-ball receiving state to the ball receiving state, and in the ball receiving state, a predetermined number of winning balls received from the entrance 61 of the storage unit in the storage unit 70 are detected by the detection sensor. By detecting at 72, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out.

(Feature configuration)
In the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a decoration region (hereinafter also referred to as an upper decoration region) D <b> 1 is formed at the upper end portion of the game board 30. FIG. 11 is a right side view showing the upper end portion of the game board 30, and FIG. 12 is an exploded side view of the upper end portion of the game board 30.

  The upper decoration area D1 is formed in a partial circular portion at the upper end of the game area, and is composed of three areas, a first area D11, a second area D12, and a third area D13, which are adjacent in the left-right direction. On the back side of the game board 30 in the upper decoration area D1, a molded product, a plate member, a light source, and the like, which will be described later, are arranged.

  The first area D11 is formed on the left side of the upper decorative area D1, and the right side thereof, that is, the boundary with the second area D12 formed at the center of the upper decorative area D1 is inclined leftward from the lower end to the upper end, and therefore the lower end as a whole. The outer shape is tapered from the edge to the upper edge.

  The first region D11 is configured by arranging a large number of molded products having transparency (hereinafter also referred to as light guide rods) 83L, 83M, and 83R. Further, among the light guide rods 83L, 83M, 83R, the several light guide rods 83L, 83R that respectively constitute the left and right ends of the front view are arranged in the front row, and the several light guide rods 83M that constitute the center portion of the front view. Are formed in the rear row, and the light guide rods 83L, 83M, 83R are arranged in two rows in the front and rear in this manner, so that the first region D11 is laminated in two layers in the front and rear direction. Each of the light guide bars 83R constituting the right end portion has a shape that extends from the lower right to the upper left while curving so as to meander gently in a generally S shape, and the left end portion and the central portion are The several light guide rods 83L and 83M that are configured are each curved to the right from the lower end to the upper end.

  The light guide rods 83L, 83M, 83R are formed of a transparent resin so that the rear side has a straight semicircular cross-sectional shape and has an elongated shape, and fine bubbles are formed throughout. It is formed so as to be uniformly distributed. This bubble can be formed by a method such as laser processing. In addition, instead of forming bubbles in the light guide rods 83L, 83M, and 83R so as to be uniformly distributed over the entire surface as described above, for example, the back surface of the light guide rod is provided with fine irregularities such as embossed eyes. Even if it is formed, almost the same decorative effect can be obtained as viewed from the front side.

  The first light source L11 is disposed at the lower edge of the first region D11. The first light source L11 is configured by arranging a large number of LEDs on a substrate laid horizontally along the lower edge of the first region D11. Each of the LEDs is arranged at a position immediately below each of the light guide bars 83L, 83M, and 83R, so that light is emitted by one LED for each of the light guide bars 83L, 83M, and 83R. Is configured to enter from the lower end. The LED is a three-color light emitting LED, and can emit light of any one color of red, green, and blue, or a mixed color of two or three colors. For example, several LEDs constituting the right end portion can be emitted. Each of the light bars 83R is irradiated with light of a different color, and the light guide bar 83R is lit in red, blue, green, and yellow in order from the right. Since the light guide bar 83R is gently curved as described above, the light incident from the lower end is reflected on the inner side of the peripheral surface of the light guide bar 83R, and does not escape outside. Accordingly, each light guide bar 83R is lit with a single color almost uniformly over the entire curved shape, and a plurality of light guide bars 83R are lit with colors substantially along these shapes. ing.

  The first light source L11 irradiates light upward along the surface direction in which the first region D11 expands, and the decoration effect of the first region D11 is performed, and the lower edge of the peripheral portion of the first region D11 The part is a first light emitting edge.

  A black back plate (not shown) is disposed on the back side of the first region D11. This back plate is an opaque plate member made of a slightly thick (about 5 mm thick) black resin, is molded into a shape corresponding to the first region D11, and the back side of the first region D11 is It is installed so as to cover it.

  The second region D12 is formed at the center of the upper decorative region D1, and the right side thereof, that is, the boundary with the third region D13 formed on the right side of the upper decorative region D1, is inclined to the right from the lower end to the upper end, and the left side As described above, the boundary with the one region D11 is inclined to the left from the lower end to the upper end, and thus has an outer shape that is tapered from the upper end edge to the lower end edge as a whole.

  The second region D12 includes a transparent plate member (hereinafter also referred to as a light guide plate) 84. The light guide plate 84 is configured by laminating five light guide plates (hereinafter referred to as first to fifth light guide plates) 84A, 84B, 84C, 84D, 84E in the front-rear direction, and these first to fifth guides. Each of the optical plates 84A, 84B, 84C, 84D, and 84E is roughly the same as the right edge of the light guide rod 83R having the horizontally long rectangular left edge disposed at the rightmost position of the first region D11. Acrylic resin is molded so that it is curved so as to meander gently with an S-shape, and the lower right corner is cut out only at the portion overlapping the light guide plate 85 in the third region D13 described later. This is a plate member.

  As shown in FIG. 13, convex portions are formed on the back surface, which is one surface of the first to fifth light guide plates 84A, 84B, 84C, 84D, and 84E. The convex portions are formed in various shapes. Various decorative effects can be obtained by forming. Specifically, this convex part is formed so as to form a ridge extending along the back surface of the first to fifth light guide plates 84A, 84B, 84C, 84D, 84E, and several kinds of designs with this ridge as an outline. Is formed. On the back surface of the fifth light guide plate 84E disposed at the rearmost side, wavy line protrusions extending in the left-right direction are arranged so as to be juxtaposed vertically. On the back surface of the fourth light guide plate 84D disposed at the position one row before the fifth light guide plate 84E, that is, at the position of the second row from the rear, a large number of large and small circles protrude in a random pattern. Articles are formed. Swim toward the left on the back surface of the first to third light guide plates 84A, 84B, 84C arranged at positions 1 to 3 before the fourth light guide plate 84B, that is, positions 3 to 5 from the back. The ridge which makes the design of a fish school is formed, and the school of fish is arranged and formed on the left side, the center and the right side in the first light guide plate 84A, the second light guide plate 84B and the third light guide plate 84, respectively.

  A second light source L12 is disposed at the upper edge of the second region D12. The second light source L112 is configured by arranging a large number of LEDs on a substrate laid horizontally along the upper edge of the second region D12. Each of the LEDs is disposed at a position immediately above the first to fifth light guide plates 84A, 84B, 84C, 84D, and 84E. Specifically, LEDs at three points and four points are arranged at equal intervals along the entire upper edge of the fourth light guide plate 84D and the fifth light guide plate 84E, and the first light guide plate 84A, the second light guide plate 84B, and Two LEDs are arranged along the left side, center, and right side of the upper edge of the third light guide plate 84C. Thus, light is incident from the upper end by one row of LEDs for each of the first to fifth light guide plates 84A, 84B, 84C, 84D, and 84E. The LED is a three-color light emitting LED like the first light source L11, and each of the first to fifth light guide plates 84A, 84B, 84C, 84D, and 84E is one of red, green, and blue, or It is configured to light up with two or three mixed colors.

  The second light source L12 emits light downward along the surface direction in which the second region D12 expands so as to face the light irradiation direction of the first light source L11, and the decoration effect of the second region D12 And the upper edge of the peripheral edge of the second region D12 is the second light emitting edge.

  The first to fifth light guide plates 84A, 84B, 84C, 84D, and 84E are sequentially irradiated with light from the second light source L12, and are controlled to be lit in this order. That is, first, the fifth light guide plate 84E and the fourth light guide plate 84D are lit in this order, thereby expressing a situation in which waves and bubbles are formed over the entire second region D12, and then the third light guide plate 84C, The second light guide plate 84B and the first light guide plate 84A are turned on in this order, and thereby, a control is performed so that a situation where a school of fish swims from the right end to the left end of the second region D12 is expressed.

  The third region D13 is formed on the right side of the upper decorative region D1, and the boundary with the second region D12 formed on the left side thereof is inclined to the right from the lower end to the upper end as described above, and as a whole, from the lower end edge to the upper end edge. The outer shape gradually tapers from the front as it goes.

  Similar to the second region D12, the third region D13 includes a light guide plate 85 having transparency. The light guide plate 85 is configured by laminating four light guide plates (hereinafter referred to as sixth to ninth light guide plates) 85A, 85B, 85C, 85D in the front-rear direction, and these sixth to ninth light guide plates 85A. , 85B, 85C, 85D are roughly symmetrical so that the left end of the horizontally long rectangle is symmetrical with the right end of the light guide rod 83R disposed at the rightmost position of the first region D11. It is formed in a Z-shape so as to be curved so as to meander gently. However, the seventh light guide plate or the ninth light guide plate 85B, 85C, 85D behind the sixth light guide plate 85A arranged at the foremost side is configured to be shortened step by step, and the right edge is All are aligned at the same position in the left-right direction, and the left end edge is arranged so as to gradually recede inwardly, that is, to the right side from the sixth light guide plate 85A to the ninth light guide plate 85D. In this way, when the gaming machine is viewed from the front at the center position, the left edge of the sixth to ninth light guide plates 85A, 85B, 85C, 85D is sequentially stepped back to the right. These left side edges appear to be aligned, and the appearance is better. Correspondingly, it is more preferable that the right end edges of the first to fifth light guide plates 84A, 84B, 84C, 84D, and 84E are sequentially projected to the right side.

  On the back, which is one surface of the sixth to ninth light guide plates 85A, 85B, 85C, 85D, a large number of minute concave portions are formed densely, and the formation regions of the concave portions have various shapes. By doing so, various decorative effects can be obtained. Specifically, the recess formation region extends vertically in the vertical direction and branches from the middle portion to the lower right direction to form a generally h-shaped pattern as a whole, and the generally h-shaped pattern is formed in the left-right direction. A plurality of adjacent bands 851A, 851B, 851C, and 851D are formed. Further, these bands 851A, 851B, 851C, and 851D are sequentially formed in the sixth to ninth light guide plates 85A, 85B, 85C, and 85D. They are arranged and formed so as to be shifted one step at a time.

  A third light source L13 is disposed at the lower edge of the third region D13. The third light source L13 is configured by arranging a large number of LEDs on a substrate laid horizontally along the lower edge of the third region D13. Each of the LEDs is disposed at a position directly below the sixth to ninth light guide plates 85A, 85B, 85C, 85D. Specifically, the LEDs are respectively disposed at positions immediately below the lower end of the band in which the concave portion is formed. As described above, the band in which the concave portion is formed is arranged so that adjacent bands are shifted by one step in the front-rear direction as well, so that the plurality of LEDs constituting the third light source L13 are also associated therewith. As schematically shown in FIG. 14, adjacent LEDs are arranged so as to be shifted stepwise in the front-rear direction. Thereby, it is comprised so that light may inject from the lower end by one LED for every said recessed part formation zone | band. The LED is a three-color light emitting LED like the first light source L11, and each of the sixth to ninth light guide plates 85A, 85B, 85C, and 85D is one of red, green, and blue, or two colors. Or it is comprised so that it may light by the mixed color of 3 colors.

  The third light source L13 emits light upward along the surface direction in which the third region D13 expands, and the decoration effect of the third region D13 is performed. The lower edge of the peripheral portion of the third region D13 The portion is a third light emitting edge portion.

  As schematically shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, the light emitted from the third light source L <b> 13 is prevented from diffusing at the lower edge of the third region D <b> 13 except in the direction toward the light guide plate to be irradiated. A diffusion preventing member L131 is provided for this purpose. The diffusion preventing member L131 is a plate member made of a black resin, and the rear edge is formed in a stepped planar shape corresponding to the arrangement of the third light source L13. The front side portion of each individual LED to be configured is covered from the front. The diffusion preventing member L131 prevents the light emitted from the individual LEDs constituting the third light source L13 from diffusing forward so that the light guide plate positioned immediately above each LED is more limitedly irradiated. It has become.

  A blindfold 93 is disposed at the lower end of the upper decorative area D1. As shown in FIG. 12, the blindfold 93 has an L-shaped cross section composed of a horizontal piece and a vertical piece, and is a member made of a transparent resin extending slightly longer than the entire length of the lower end edge of the upper decorative region D1. On the outer surface of the vertical piece (the surface facing the front of the gaming machine), fine grooves are densely formed on the entire surface to have light diffusibility. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the blindfold plate 93 is attached to the game board 30 so as to insert a horizontal piece under the upper decorative region D1, and the vertical piece of the blindfold plate 93 The structure of the lower edge portion of the upper decoration area D1 including the first light source L11 and the like of the first area D11 or the structure of the boundary portion between the upper decoration area D1 and the game area below the upper decoration area D1 is concealed. Yes. A light source L14 made of a plurality of LEDs is directed forward along the length direction of the blindfold plate 93 in a horizontally long rectangular column-shaped space having the horizontal and vertical pieces of the blindfold plate 93 as the lower surface and the front surface, respectively. These light sources irradiate forward through the vertical piece of the blindfold plate 93 while diffusing light.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a decoration area (hereinafter also referred to as a lower decoration area) D2 is formed at the lower end of the game board 30. The lower decoration area D2 is formed in a partial circular portion at the lower end of the game area. As described above, at the lower end of the game area, the general winning port 31, the variable winning device 32, the lower starting port 33b of the first starting port 33, and the like are scattered. In the region D2, fourth to tenth regions D14 to D20 configured by the same light guide plate, light source, and the like as in the case of the upper decoration region D1 are arranged in a space extending between the above-mentioned accessories, and the front surface thereof The side is configured to be covered with an opaque sheet 86 having substantially the same shape as the partial circular portion at the lower end of the game area.

  Fourth to sixth regions D14, D15, and D16 are formed on the left side of the lower decorative region D2. The fourth area D14 is formed at the left end of the lower decorative area D2. In the fourth region D14, as in the case of the upper decorative region D1, a light guide plate is arranged with a pattern 87 imitating bubbles and fish by forming a ridge, A light source (not shown) made of three-color LEDs is arranged so that light is emitted rightward along the surface direction in which the fourth region D14 expands. And it is punched in the same shape as the design 87 imitating fish.

  The fifth and sixth regions D15 and D16 are formed on the right side of the fourth region D14. In the fifth region D15, a light guide plate having a pattern 88 imitating bubbles is disposed in the same manner as described above, and a light source (not shown) made of three-color LEDs is disposed on the right edge. Thus, light is irradiated to the left along the surface direction in which the fifth region D15 extends. In the sixth region D16, a light guide plate having a pattern 89 imitating fish is arranged in the same manner as described above, and a light source (not shown) made of three-color LEDs is arranged on the right edge. Thus, light is irradiated to the left along the surface direction in which the sixth region D16 extends. The front sheet 86 is punched in the same shape as the pattern 88 imitating the bubbles and the pattern 89 imitating the fish. In addition, the fifth region D15 and the sixth region D16 are shaped and arranged so that the fifth region D15 partially bites into the sixth region D16.

  Seventh and eighth regions D17 and D18 are formed in the center of the lower decorative region D2. The seventh and eighth regions D17 and D18 are arranged so as to be juxtaposed to the left and right at the position between the variable winning device 32 and the first start port 33 in the central portion of the lower decorative region D2. . In the seventh region D17 arranged on the left side, a semi-transparent shaped object 90 formed by molding a resin in a shape simulating a ridge is installed, and three-color light emission is performed at two upper and lower positions immediately behind it. A light source (not shown) made of LEDs is arranged to irradiate the model 90 with light from behind. In the 8th area | region D18 arrange | positioned on the right side, the light-guide plate which has arranged the pattern which imitated the left-and-right symmetric with the said modeling object 90 is arrange | positioned, and it consists of 3 color light emitting LED in the right edge part. A light source (not shown) is arranged so that light is emitted to the left along the surface direction in which the eighth region D18 expands, and the front sheet 86 is struck in the same shape as the pattern imitating the above-mentioned bag. It has been pulled out.

  Ninth and tenth regions D19 and D20 are formed on the right side of the lower decorative region D2. The ninth region D19 is disposed at a position closer to the left than the right end portion of the lower decorative region D2, and the tenth region D20 is disposed at the right end portion of the lower decorative region D2. The ninth and tenth regions D19, D20 are basically the same as the second region D12 of the upper decorative region D1.

  In 9th area | region D19, the three light-guide plates in which the pattern imitating a fish, the pattern imitating a bubble springing up, and the pattern imitating a seaweed and the pattern imitating a seaweed were laminated in this order from the front A light source (not shown) composed of three-color LEDs is arranged at the left edge so as to correspond to the front and rear positions of each light guide plate, and along the surface direction in which the ninth region D19 extends. The light is irradiated to the right. The front sheet 86 is punched into a size and shape that includes all of the above three types of patterns to form a window portion 91, and most of the light guide plate is exposed to the front surface from the window portion 91.

  In the tenth region D20, three light guide plates each formed with a pattern imitating a fish, a pattern imitating a bubble, and a pattern imitating a wave are arranged in this order from the front, and the right edge A light source (not shown) composed of three-color LEDs is arranged on the part so as to correspond to the front and rear positions of each light guide plate, and light is irradiated to the left along the surface direction in which the tenth region D20 extends. It has a configuration. The front sheet 86 is punched into a size and shape that includes all of the above three types of patterns to form a window portion 92, and most of the light guide plate is exposed to the front surface from the window portion 92.

  The respective light sources arranged in the upper decoration area D1 and the lower decoration area D2 are controlled so as to be constantly lit or blinking while the pachinko machine 10 is in operation, but the game balls to the winning opening in the game area are controlled. It is controlled so that the lighting mode changes according to the ball entering. As described above, when a winning at the starting port 33, that is, a starting winning is generated, a special symbol or a decorative symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and after a certain period of time has elapsed, the result is whether it is a big hit or missed. Although displayed, each of the light sources is controlled so as to be constantly lit or blinked in a constant manner before the variable display is started. For example, the first and third light sources L11 and L13 in the first and third regions D11 and D13 blink at a constant speed, and the first to fifth light guide plates 84A, 84B, 84C and 84D in the second region D12 are flashed. 84E is switched in this order at a constant speed and is lit, thereby controlling the upper decoration region D1 to blink in a certain manner and maintain the decoration effect before starting the variable display. When the variable display is started, the blinking of the first and third light sources L11 and L13 and the switching of lighting of the first to fifth light guide plates 84A, 84B, 84C, 84D and 84E in the second region D12 are accelerated. Thus, the upper decoration region D1 is controlled so as to give a more enhanced impression of the decoration effect. In this way, by controlling the aspect to change according to the game ball entering the winning opening in the game area, the lighting of each light source is performed as one aspect of the above-described entertainment effect, and the variable display An effect is made so that the player can expect that the subsequent display result will be a big hit.

(Function)
According to the pachinko machine 10, in the configuration in which the light sources for irradiating the decoration areas D1 and D formed at positions that can be visually recognized from the outside to perform a decoration effect are arranged, the decoration areas D1 and D2 are arranged. The upper decorative region D1 is composed of a plurality of regions (three regions) including the first region D11 and the second region D12, and the first decorative region D1 has a first lower edge of the peripheral portion of the first region D11. A first light-emitting edge is arranged in which a first light source L11 for performing decoration decoration of the first region D11 by irradiating light upward along the surface direction in which the region D11 expands is formed. It has an outer shape that tapers from the first light emitting edge in the light irradiation direction, and is opposed to the light irradiation direction by the first light source L11 at the upper edge of the peripheral edge of the second region D12. The second region is irradiated with light in the direction, that is, downward. A second light emitting edge is disposed in which the second light source L12 for performing the decoration effect of D12 is arranged, and the second region D12 has an outer shape that tapers from the second light emitting edge in a front irradiation direction in the light irradiation direction. Since the first region D11 and the second region D12 are arranged so that the tapered portions are adjacent to each other, the first region D11 is respectively formed from the first light emitting edge and the second light emitting edge. In addition, light is irradiated along the surface direction in which the first and second regions D11 and D12 extend to the second region D12, and the first light source L11 and the second light source L12 are arranged on the game board 30. There is no need to project the rear side of the back side. That is, the first light source L11 and the second light source L12 are installed without taking up a relatively large space behind and in front of the game board 30, and the configuration that can cope with limited installation space without difficulty. It has become.

  In addition, by adopting a configuration in which light is irradiated along the surface direction in which the first region D11 and the second region D12 spread, for example, the decoration effect due to light irradiation is wider than when light is irradiated forward. Can be obtained over an area. In particular, since a highly directional LED is used as a light source, the light irradiation range is limited depending on the configuration in which light is irradiated forward, whereas the configuration of the pachinko machine 10 conversely It is possible to irradiate a wider area with strong light.

  Further, the first region D11 and the second region D12 have outer shapes that taper from the first light emitting edge and the second light emitting edge in the light irradiation direction, respectively, so that the details are adjacent to each other. Thus, the upper decorative region D1 is formed by effectively using the space without waste. That is, when two regions having a tapered shape similar to the above are disposed, for example, when the taper is arranged in the same direction, a useless space is formed between these regions. Thus, by forming the first region D11 and the second region D12 so as to face each other in the opposite direction and to be adjacent to each other, formation of useless space is suppressed as much as possible. In addition, the length of the first light emitting edge and the second light emitting edge are secured large in a certain space, and the number of LEDs are arranged so that light is more effectively irradiated. It has become. Therefore, it is the structure which can acquire the decoration effect by light irradiation efficiently within a fixed space.

  In addition, since the light irradiation direction is a direction substantially perpendicular to the line of sight, the light emission modes of the first light source L11 and the second light source L12 are only indirectly reflected in the visual sense and directly reflected in the visual sense. It is an aspect of the first region D11 and the second region D12 irradiated with light, specifically, the diffusion of light in the light guide rods 83L, 83M, 83R and the light guide plates 84A, 84B, 84C, 84D, 84E. It is configured so that the visual sense is greatly influenced by the manner. Therefore, the configuration of the upper decorative region D1 is variously configured by the light guide rods 83L, 83M, and 83R and the light guide plates 84A, 84B, 84C, 84D, and 84E, so that various light emission modes can be obtained. Yes.

  Therefore, the pachinko machine 10 can obtain a decorative effect by light irradiation over a wide area even in a limited space, and can obtain various light emission modes.

  Moreover, the 2nd area | region D12 and 3rd area | region D13 of the some area | region (3 area | region) which comprise the upper decoration area | region D1 respectively have a convex part and a recessed part on the back surface which is one side of the board member which has transparency. Since it is configured by forming, the second region D12 and the third region D13 are configured to be thin, and the decorative effect can be expressed by diffusing light at the convex portion or the concave portion. A variety of decorative effects can be obtained by forming various patterns.

  In the third region D13, a large number of fine recesses are formed densely, so that light can be uniformly diffused in the recess formation region.

  Further, since the first region D11 is configured by forming bubbles inside the molded product having transparency, it is possible to express the decoration effect by diffusing light with the bubbles inside the molded product. A variety of decorative effects can be obtained by the arrangement.

  The first region D11, the second region D12, and the third region D13 are each configured by stacking a plurality of layers in the front-rear direction, and light sources L11, L12, and L13 that irradiate light to each of the plurality of layers are provided. A plurality of layers arranged individually and stacked in the front-rear direction have different aspects, and each layer is individually irradiated with light, so that different decoration effects can be obtained depending on the layer It has become. Therefore, the decoration effect by light irradiation in a certain space is further diversified. Moreover, depth and a three-dimensional effect are given to 1st area | region D11, 2nd area | region D12, and 3rd area | region D13 by setting it as the structure which laminated | stacked the several layer in the front-back direction in this way.

  In addition, in the third region D13, the diffusion prevention member L131 for preventing the light emitted from the third light source L13 from diffusing in a direction other than the direction toward the light guide plate to be irradiated is disposed. It is possible to irradiate light more limitedly to the light guide plate, so that even if a plurality of layers, that is, light guide plates are stacked close to each other without diffusing light to the light guide plate other than the irradiation target, Since light can be irradiated to the irradiation target light guide plate in a limited manner, the plurality of light guide plates are configured to be thin as a whole (with intervals).

  In the second region D12, the plurality of layers, that is, the first to fifth light guide plates 84A, 84B, 84C, 84D, and 84E are controlled to be sequentially irradiated with light. A change is given, and specifically, it is a light emission mode in which a series of movements such as waves and bubbles splashing and a school of fish swim are expressed.

  Moreover, since the black back board is arrange | positioned in the back side of the 1st area | region D11, this back board becomes a background, and the contrast of 1st area | region D11 is clarified more, and the decoration in the 1st area | region D11 is the part. The effect is clearer. Here, for example, if the light source is to be disposed behind the first region D11, the light source must be disposed so as to be interposed between the light guide rods 83L, 83M, and 83R and the back plate on the back side. In the configuration, it is difficult to obtain contrast by the back plate. However, in the pachinko machine 10, light is emitted from the first light source L11 from the peripheral portion (lower end edge portion) of the first region D11. It has a configuration capable of obtaining contrast.

  In addition, since LEDs capable of emitting three colors are used as light sources in the upper decorative region D1 and the lower decorative region D2, it is possible to irradiate light of various colors, thereby further diversifying the decorative effect. . Moreover, since the light source has a high luminance by using the LED, the decoration effect is further improved.

  In addition, since the light sources arranged in the upper decoration area D1 and the lower decoration area D2 are controlled so that the lighting state changes according to the game ball entering the winning opening in the game area, The production which raises is effectively performed.

  In addition, the decorative symbol display device 42 is arranged at a certain interval downward from the upper end of the game area, and the upper decorative region D1 is formed above the upper end of the decorative symbol display device 42. In the aspect of the display function of the display device between the display and the upper end of the decorative symbol display device 42, a partial circular portion that is a dead space is effectively used to obtain a decorative effect.

(Modification)
Various modifications can be made to the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the game board 30 is made of a transparent resin, but a wooden game board may be used, for example. In this case, the game board is provided with an opening penetrating in the thickness direction or a recess recessed backward (in the thickness direction), and a molding, a plate member, a light source, etc. are disposed in the opening or the recess. do it.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the several area | region (3 area | region) which comprises the 1st area | region D11 and the 2nd area | region D12 which comprises the upper decoration area | region D1 was formed in parallel, these were formed. The arrangement direction of the plurality of regions is not limited, and can be formed so as to be juxtaposed in an arbitrary direction such as an up-down direction and a diagonal direction.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of the arrangement configuration of the decoration regions. In the example shown in the figure, the decoration region D3 is composed of two regions, a first region D31 and a second region D32, and the first region is located on the left edge of the peripheral portion of the first region D31. A first light emitting edge E31 is formed in which a first light source (not shown) for illuminating the first region D31 by irradiating light in the right direction X1 along the surface direction in which D31 expands, The first region D31 has a right triangle shape that tapers from the first light emitting edge E31 in the light irradiation direction X1, and the right edge of the peripheral edge of the second region D32 A second light emitting edge on which a second light source (not shown) that irradiates light in a direction opposite to the light irradiation direction X1 by the first light source (that is, the left side) and performs a decorative effect on the second region D32 is disposed. A portion E32 is formed, and the second region D32 is a second light emitting edge E. 2 has a right-angled triangular outer shape tapered in front view in the light irradiation direction X2, and the first region D31 and the second region D32 are arranged so that the tapered portions are adjacent to each other. Yes. In this configuration, basically the same effect as in the case of the above-described embodiment can be obtained. However, the roughly rectangular decorative region D3 is partitioned by diagonal lines, and the first region D31 and the second region D32 each having a right triangle shape are formed. By being composed of two regions, a certain space is utilized as effectively as possible, and the lengths of the first light emitting edge portion E31 and the second light emitting edge portion E32 are secured as long as possible.

  16 and 17 are diagrams schematically showing still another example of the arrangement configuration of the decoration regions. In the example shown in FIG. 16, each of the first region D41 and the second region D42 constituting the decoration region D4 includes regions D41e and D42e whose width is constant and unchanged from one end to the other end. Is formed. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the first region D51 constituting the decorative region D5 is formed in a shape including a region D51f whose width turns from increasing to decreasing from one end to the other end. The region D52 is formed in a shape including a region D52f whose width is changed from decreasing to increasing from one end to the other end so as to correspond to the shape of the first region D51. The first region D41 and the second region D42 in the example shown in FIG. 16 and the first region D51 and the second region D52 in the example shown in FIG. 17 have a width at one end larger or smaller than a width at the other end. Since the outer shape of the front view is tapered, it is possible to obtain the same operational effects as in the case of the above embodiment.

  In the embodiment, the molded products (light guide rods) 83L, 83M, 83R and the plate member (light guide plate) 84 constituting the first region D11 and the second region D12 of the upper decorative region D1 are transparent. However, the member constituting the decorative region may be translucent.

  In the embodiment, “the first and third regions D11 and D13 of the upper decorative region D1,” “the fourth region D14 and the tenth region D20 of the lower decorative region D2,” and “the seventh region of the lower decorative region D2. Although a pair of regions formed at positions corresponding to the left and right respectively are configured to be different from each other as in the region D17 and the eighth region D18, etc., the decoration region has a left-right asymmetric layout. The left and right paired regions may be configured in the same or similar manner, and thereby the decorative region may have a symmetrical layout, whereby the decorative region as a whole has a more ordered arrangement.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the black back board was arrange | positioned at the back side of the 1st area | region D11 of the upper decoration area | region D1, other than this as a back board, for example from white resin, blue resin, etc. It is also possible to use a product obtained by plating a resin plate.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although each light source arrange | positioned at the upper decoration area | region D1 and the lower decoration area | region D2 was controlled so that the lighting mode would change with the start and stop of a variable display. In addition to this, it is possible to control in various modes. The gaming state in the pachinko machine 10 changes to several different states based on the game ball entering the winning opening in the game area. In other words, it changes to the `` initial state '' before the start of the variable display, `` normal state '', `` reach state '', `` big hit state '' etc. after the start of the variable display and no reach state or big hit state has occurred. As described above, any one of the timings at which the gaming state changes can be arbitrarily selected, and the lighting mode of the light source can be changed according to the selected timing. For example, in the initial state or the normal state, the light source is normally turned on and blinked at a predetermined speed.With the start of the reach state, the blinking speed and the light emission brightness are increased or the number of light sources to be lit is increased. The light source is turned on in a different manner, such as increasing, and may be controlled to return to normal lighting with the end of the reach state, or in addition, with the start of the jackpot state, In order to further increase or decrease the blinking speed, light emission luminance, etc., the lighting mode is controlled to change in multiple stages according to the change of the gaming state, thereby further changing the entertainment effect. You may do it. Furthermore, for example, normal reach (reach state with low probability of jackpot), super reach (reach state with medium probability of jackpot), premium reach (high probability of approximately 100% of jackpot probability) Depending on the type of reach (such as the reach state), the blinking speed, the light emission brightness, and the like may be controlled in stages.

  Alternatively, there is an operation mode in which the lighting mode of the light source is not controlled as described above, for example, the light source is always turned on or blinked regardless of the game ball entering the winning opening. This is possible, and a constant decoration effect can always be obtained, but as described above, the lighting mode is controlled so as to change according to the game ball entering the winning entrance in the game area. Thus, it is possible to effectively improve the game and enhance the game performance.

In the embodiment, the pachinko machine 10 is exemplified. However, as a gaming machine, a slot machine and a gaming machine in which the pachinko machine and the slot machine are integrated are exemplified.
The basic configuration of the slot machine is “variable display means for confirming and displaying the identification information after dynamically displaying an identification information string made up of a plurality of identification information, resulting from the operation of the starting operation means (for example, an operation lever). The dynamic display of the identification information is started, and the dynamic display of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stop (for example, the stop button) or when a predetermined time elapses. The game machine is provided with special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on condition that the confirmed identification information is the specific identification information.
In this case, examples of valuable objects include coins and medals.
As a basic configuration of a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are integrated, “a variable display means for confirming and displaying identification information after dynamically displaying an identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information, and a starting operation means ( For example, the dynamic display of the identification information is started due to the operation of the operation lever), the dynamic display of the identification information is caused by the operation of the operation means for stop (for example, the stop button), or when a predetermined time elapses. Special game state generating means for generating a special game state that is advantageous to the player on the condition that the display is stopped and the confirmed identification information at the time of the stop is specific identification information, and a ball is used as a valuable object In addition, a gaming machine is configured so that a predetermined number of balls are required at the start of dynamic display of the identification information, and many balls are paid out when a special gaming state occurs. It made.

  As described above, the present invention can obtain a decorative effect efficiently with a simple configuration, and can be widely applied regardless of the type of gaming machine.

The front view which shows an example of a pachinko machine. The perspective view of the front side which shows an example of a pachinko machine. The front view which shows an example of a game board. The front view which shows typically an example of a structure of the game board vicinity of the big prize opening. The rear view which shows an example of a pachinko machine. The block diagram which shows an example of the electrical constitution of a pachinko machine. The top view which shows the variable winning apparatus of a game board. The front view which shows the variable winning apparatus of a game board. The side view which shows the variable winning device of a game board. The rear view which shows the variable winning apparatus of a game board. The left view which shows the structure of the upper end part of a game board. The exploded left view which shows the structure of the upper end part of a game board. The schematic diagram which shows a plate member (light guide plate). The top view which shows arrangement | positioning of a light source and a diffusion prevention member. The schematic diagram which shows another example of arrangement | positioning structure of a decoration area | region. The schematic diagram which shows another example of arrangement | positioning structure of a decoration area | region. The schematic diagram which shows another example of arrangement | positioning structure of a decoration area | region.

Explanation of symbols

D1: Decoration area D11: First area D12: Second area

Claims (1)

A gaming machine provided with a light source for irradiating a decoration area formed at a position that can be visually recognized from the outside to perform a decoration effect,
The decoration area is composed of a plurality of areas including a first area and a second area,
A first light emitting edge is disposed on a peripheral portion of the first region, where a first light source that irradiates light in a surface direction in which the first region expands and performs a decoration effect of the first region is disposed, The first region has an outer shape that tapers from the first light emitting edge in a light irradiation direction in front view,
A second light emitting edge portion in which a second light source for irradiating light in a direction opposite to the light irradiation direction of the first light source and performing a decoration effect on the second region is disposed on a peripheral portion of the second region. And the second region has an outer shape that tapers from the second light emitting edge in a light irradiation direction in a front view,
The gaming machine, wherein the first area and the second area are arranged so that the tapered portions are adjacent to each other.

Images