JP2013128832A - Game machine with input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine with an input device which remarkably increases player's excitement and enjoyment and prevents failures and breakage.SOLUTION: An input device includes an operation member which is stored in an opening portion formed on a game machine and has an operation portion operated by a player and a reciprocating mechanism for reciprocating the operating member with respect to the opening portion by control of a control means.

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine, and particularly to a gaming machine having an input device through which a player can input information.

Generally, in gaming machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines, the contents of the game are displayed by various display means to enhance the interest of the game. This kind of display means is unique to the gaming machine. The game content is controlled by the control means. In other words, the player can only be involved in the gaming machine by pushing a coin insertion button or reel rotation lever or operating a handle to drive a pachinko ball.

Therefore, in recent gaming machines, in addition to the above, a device has been devised to further increase the interest of games by allowing players to be actively involved.

For example, as a gaming machine, if you take a pachinko machine that has been notified by changing or stopping multiple symbols as a result of jackpot determination, only the last symbol is changing and all the other symbols are all In a state where the game is stopped with the same symbol (so-called reach state), the player is particularly expected to win a big hit, and will want to be actively involved in the gaming machine.

If there is a switch that can be operated by the player and can input information to the control device as proposed in Patent Document 1, for example, a special symbol for notifying the result of the jackpot determination is provided. The player can be actively involved in pachinko games, for example, by stopping the player's fluctuations, or by selecting the two game modes for the probability of winning a jackpot. It is thought that it can raise.

In the case of the patent document 2, if the display result after change is a big hit, the applicant operates the upper plate button (input means) provided on the pachinko machine and the player operates the suggestion effect such as “fish school” with a high probability. Has proposed a pachinko machine to be used in Japan.

JP-A-7-1000025 JP 2008-55204 A, Summary

However, the input means such as “switch” and “top plate button” as described above can enhance the fun, but it is considered that an excited player may strike strongly or make a mischief. It is thought that damage can easily occur.

In addition, the front of the gaming machine has a display means that is as large as possible in order to make the game content visible to the player. Especially in the case of a pachinko machine, there is also a gaming area where the pachinko balls flow down. Since it is necessary, the place where the input means such as “switch” and “top plate button” as described above are provided is limited on the front side of the gaming machine, that is, on the side where the player can easily operate. .

Therefore, the present inventors have completed the present invention as a result of various investigations on how to make the input device that calls the player's interests less likely to cause failure or damage. .

In other words, the object of the present invention can greatly enhance the interest of the player,
In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine including an input device that can hardly cause a failure or breakage.

In order to solve the above problems, first, the means taken by the invention according to claim 1 is:
“A gaming machine comprising display means for displaying game content, control means for controlling the display means, and an input device for a player to input information to the control means,
The input device is housed in an opening formed in the gaming machine, and includes an operation member having an operation unit operated by the player, and the operation member is moved with respect to the opening by control of the control means. A reciprocating mechanism for reciprocating the game machine,
It is.

That is, the gaming machine according to claim 1 includes a display means for displaying game contents, such as a rotating reel and a liquid crystal display means, a control means for controlling at least the display means, and a player receives information on the control means. And an input device for inputting. This input device is operated by the player himself, like the “switch” and “top plate button” described in each of the above patent documents, and the “switch” and “top plate button”. Etc. are provided on the front side of the gaming machine so that the player can operate.

Here, as information to be input by the player, a single “ON / O” such as a general switch is used.
Of course, this includes the case where each of the “ON or OFF” signals is one or more times. Further, this information includes a case where the information is transmitted as a so-called serial signal or parallel signal.

For this reason, an opening is formed on the front side of the gaming machine, and the input device is accommodated in the opening. The input device includes an operation member having an operation unit operated by the player, that is, a pressing unit, and a reciprocating mechanism for reciprocating the operation member with respect to the opening by the control of the control means. It is.

The operation member accommodates the operation portion so as to be able to advance and retreat, and is configured as a so-called “switch”. The operation member itself is an independent electrical component, and the operation portion sinks into the operation member to form an electrical “on” state, or the operation member The “off” state is formed by returning to the original position from the position where it is sunk by a spring mechanism or the like in the member. Note that a light-emitting body such as a light-emitting diode is housed in the operation section, and the light from the light-emitting body can be irradiated from the tip portion.

Of course, this operation member is electrically connected to the control means and controlled, and also transmits an electrical signal, which is information generated by pressing of the operation portion, to the control means. The electrical signal may be a so-called “parallel signal” or a “serial signal”, and the operation member is appropriately formed to generate such a signal. For example, the movement of the operation member itself is detected, the movement of the operation unit relative to the operation member is detected, or both of them are detected.

In the control means to which the above operation members are connected, the timing for receiving information from the operation members is determined, the light emitting body within the operation unit is controlled to emit light, and various controls are performed.

On the other hand, the reciprocating mechanism may be anything as long as it reciprocates the operation member with respect to the opening.
Of course, various combinations can be applied to the combination of the swing member, the combination of the motor and the first swing member, or the combination of the motor and the first swing member and the second swing member. In addition, "reciprocating motion"
In addition to simple “advance and retreat”, “oscillation” like a pendulum is included, and the reciprocating mechanism is selected or configured according to these movements.

And this reciprocation mechanism makes the said operation member advance with respect to the said opening part by control of the said control means. For example, the control means that has formed a predetermined gaming state in the gaming machine is in a state of receiving information from the operation member when the player presses the operation unit, and at the same time, information is sent from the control means to the reciprocating mechanism. The reciprocating mechanism that has received this information advances the operating member relative to the opening.

On the contrary, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation member has been advanced, or at the same time the information from the player is not accepted, the information is sent from the control means to the reciprocating mechanism. The operation member is retracted from the opening.

On the other hand, the operation member constituting the input device has a switch inside as a matter of course as described above, and when the player presses the operation portion of the advanced operation member, A switch transmits information to the control means. Of course, this switch cannot transmit information to the control means when the operation member starts to be retracted or is in the retracted position.

Now, in the gaming machine, the control means enters a state of accepting information from the player, and at the same time, the reciprocating mechanism that has received a signal from the control means advances the operation member relative to the opening. That is, the operation member that has been retracted to the back of the opening portion advances to the opening portion, and the tip portion of the operation portion protrudes from the opening portion or is visible to the player.

In other words, when the control means is ready to receive information from the player, the tip of the operating member is exposed or protrudes from the opening, just like a mole hitting mole.
In this case, in the gaming machine, for example, a state that allows the player to make any selection is formed by, for example, control means, or the pachinko machine is in a so-called “reach state”. However, since the operation member jumps out like a mole hitting mole, the player's interest is even higher.

Therefore, when the player presses the front end of the operation member, information on the pressing is sent to the control means, and the operation result on the display means, for example, the last symbol stop or the game mode with different jackpot probabilities Of these, display of the selected game mode, or the effect of “fish school” as in Patent Document 2 is displayed. It goes without saying that this also increases the interest of the player.

Unlike the above, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the operation member was advanced, or when the control means does not accept a signal from the player, the reciprocating mechanism retracts the operation member from the opening. The operation portion of the member or the tip portion thereof cannot be seen or pressed by the player.

In other words, in this input device, when the gaming machine is in a normal state, the operation part of the operation member is in a state of being retracted from the opening. It is difficult to press.

For this reason, when the gaming machine is in a normal state, the operation unit of the input device is in a state of being retracted from the opening, so that the player cannot press or strike the operation unit,
Unnecessary force is not applied to the input device. For this reason, the failure or breakage of the input device as a whole is less likely to occur.

In addition, since the operation member of this input device has a structure that can only be reciprocated by a reciprocating mechanism, it is also installed in a portion having limited space, such as an upper plate forming portion of a pachinko machine. It is possible.

Therefore, the gaming machine according to claim 1 is provided with an input device that can be installed in a limited place and that is less likely to fail or break.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the means taken by the invention according to claim 2 is about the gaming machine according to claim 1 above.
“The tip of the operation portion is positioned in the opening when the operation member is retracted, and protrudes from the opening when the operation member is advanced.”
It is.

That is, in the gaming machine according to the second aspect of the present invention, the input device is configured such that the tip of the operation portion protrudes from the opening, particularly when the operation member is advanced. That is, in the input device according to the second aspect, when the operation member is advanced, the tip of the operation portion protrudes greatly from the opening portion like a mole hitting mole, and the player can use the input device. Not only does it make it easier to operate, it appeals to the player just to say “hit fast”.

Of course, in this input device, the distal end portion of the operation portion is located in the opening portion when the operation member is retracted, that is, when the gaming machine is in a normal state, the operation portion of the operation member is the opening portion. It is in a state where it is retracted, and it cannot be pressed or it is difficult to press the tip of the operation unit.

For this reason, when the gaming machine is in a normal state, the player cannot press or strike the operation portion of the operation member, and is unable to apply unnecessary force to the input device. For this reason, the failure or breakage of the input device as a whole is less likely to occur.

Therefore, in the gaming machine according to the second aspect, in addition to exhibiting the same function as that of the first aspect, the operation member largely protrudes from the opening, so that the interest of the game in the player is increased. It is.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the means taken by the invention according to claim 3 is the above-mentioned claim 1.
Or the gaming machine according to claim 2,
“When the operation member is moving, when the player operates the operation unit with a force larger than the reciprocating force of the reciprocating mechanism, the entire operation member can be retracted into the opening. "
It is.

That is, the gaming machine according to claim 3 is configured such that the entire operation member can retreat into the opening even when the operation member is in progress. In other words, this claim 3
In the input device constituting this gaming machine, the operation member can be advanced by the reciprocating mechanism, and of course, even when the operating member is advanced by the reciprocating mechanism,
It can be made to retreat.

As a means for enabling the operating member to move backward even when the operating member is moved by the reciprocating mechanism, or as another force generation source, the moving force of the reciprocating mechanism itself is applied by a fluid, particularly gas. Various methods such as utilizing the bending of the first oscillating member itself as in the best mode described later, or employing a tension spring having a contracting force in the direction opposite to the traveling direction are conceivable.

Thus, even when the operating member is moving, the entire operating member must be able to retreat into the opening because the player has greater force than the reciprocating mechanism. This is to prevent the input device from being damaged or damaged by the force when the operation unit is operated.

In other words, in the gaming machine according to claim 3, when the operation member is advanced, when the player operates the operation portion with a force larger than the traveling force of the reciprocating mechanism, the entire operation member is Retreat into the opening. As a result, even if the player strikes the operating portion when traveling with great force, the entire operating member retreats into the opening, so that the input device does not break down or be damaged.

Therefore, the gaming machine of claim 3 performs the same function as that of claim 1 or 2, and even if an excessive force is applied to the operating member by the player, the operating member retracts into the opening. Therefore, the damage and failure of the input device are further reduced.

Further, the means taken by the invention according to claim 4 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
“The reciprocating mechanism has a tension spring interposed between the operation member and the inside of the opening.”
It is.

That is, in the gaming machine according to claim 4, the reciprocating mechanism has a tension spring interposed between the operation member and the inside of the opening, and the operation member is retracted by the tension spring. It is always energized so that it can return in the direction.

When the force in the moving direction is lost in the reciprocating mechanism due to the presence of the tension spring, the operation member constituting the input device is immediately returned to its original position, that is, the retracted position. For this reason, the reciprocating mechanism itself does not need to be able to sufficiently retract the operation member, so that it is not necessary to employ a highly functional one, and it is not necessary to enlarge the entire input device.

Therefore, the gaming machine according to claim 4 can exhibit a function similar to that of the above claims 1 to 3 and can be made small so that the input device can be installed in a place having a limited space.

Further, the means taken by the invention according to claim 5 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
“The reciprocating mechanism further includes a first oscillating member that oscillates in the reciprocating direction of the operation member and is pivotally supported by a support shaft.”
It is.

That is, in the gaming machine according to claim 5, the reciprocating mechanism further includes a first swinging member that swings in the reciprocating direction of the operation member. The first swing member is pivotally supported by a support shaft at a position different from the operation member that advances and retreats in the input device, and the swing of the first swing member causes the operation member to advance and retreat. It is what causes. That is, the first swing member swings when a solenoid or motor that is a tension spring is actuated, and the operation member is moved forward and backward by swinging.

Since the first swing member is pivotally supported by a portion other than the operation member only by the support shaft, the first swing member is generally long and can be bent to some extent. For this reason, when the player presses the operation portion of the operation member with a strong force, the player receives a force from the operation member side and bends. For this reason, when the operation member is advanced, when the player operates the operation unit with a force larger than the traveling force of the reciprocating mechanism, the entire operation member retreats into the opening. The input device is protected.

Therefore, the gaming machine according to claim 5 exhibits the same function as that of the above claims 1 to 4, and the player operates the operation unit with a large force by bending the first swinging member. Sometimes
The entire operation member can be retracted into the opening to protect the input device.

Further, the means taken by the invention according to claim 6 relates to the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
“A free end portion of the first swing member is brought into contact with the operation member, and a portion of the first swing member opposite to the support shaft can be linked to the reciprocating mechanism.”
It is.

That is, the gaming machine according to claim 6 is a specific example of the configuration of the first swinging member pivotally supported by the support shaft as a reciprocating mechanism. A free end is brought into contact with the operating member, and a portion of the first swinging member opposite to the support shaft is linked to the reciprocating mechanism.

The first oscillating member is pivotally supported on the support shaft, and the free end portion is brought into contact with the operation member. This is because the first oscillating member itself has "flexibility" This is because the first swing member absorbs the force received from the operation member. The operation member is pressed by the player, and the player may apply a force exceeding the range in which the operation portion of the operation member functions, and the first swing member exerts a large force in that case. Absorb.

Of course, the reciprocating mechanism that causes the swing of the first swing member may simply be a component such as a “solenoid”, and is used for directly swinging the first swing member. A “stepping motor” may be used.

Therefore, the gaming machine according to claim 6 exhibits the same function as that of the above-described claims 1 to 5 and efficiently converts the swinging motion of the first swinging member into the reciprocating motion of the operating member. It has become something that can be done.

Next, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the means taken by the invention according to claim 7 is the above-mentioned claim 5.
Or the gaming machine according to claim 6,
“The reciprocating mechanism includes a motor, at least one second swinging member that is driven by the motor and swings, and one end of the second swinging member. And a pressing portion that presses the opposite side portion with respect to the support shaft.
It is.

That is, in the gaming machine according to this aspect, the reciprocating mechanism is formed at the motor, at least one second swinging member that is driven by the motor and swings, and one end of the second swinging member. And a pressing portion that presses the opposite side portion of the first swing member with respect to the support shaft.

In other words, in this input device, when the motor constituting the reciprocating mechanism (preferably a stepping motor) rotates forward and backward, the second swing member swings, and the second
Due to the swinging of the swinging member, the pressing portion formed at one end of the second swinging member presses the portion of the first swinging member opposite to the support shaft, or the second swinging member It moves away from the moving member.

When the pressing portion of the second swing member presses the opposite side portion of the first swing member with respect to the support shaft, the operation member is advanced by the free end portion of the second swing member. Of course, when the pressing portion of the second swing member is separated from the first swing member, the operation member is retracted.

Accordingly, the gaming machine according to claim 7 exhibits the same function as that of claim 5 or 6, and also preserves the impact absorbing function by the bending (flexibility) of the first swinging member while maintaining the motor. With this function, the reaction time of the input device can be made as designed.

And, the means taken by the invention according to claim 8 is the gaming machine according to claim 7,
“A door part that opens and closes the opening part is integrated with the other tip of the second swinging member.”
It is.

That is, in the gaming machine according to the eighth aspect, a door portion that opens and closes the opening portion is integrated with the other tip portion of the second swinging member constituting the input device. That is, in the input device according to the eighth aspect, it is natural that the operating member is reciprocated by the reciprocating mechanism, but when the operating member reciprocates, the door provided with the opening in the second swinging member. It is also opened and closed by the part.

Specifically, when the operating member is retracted by the reciprocating mechanism, the second swinging member returns to the original position, and a door portion is provided at the other end of the second swinging member that has returned to the original position. Since it is integrated, the opening is closed by this door.

On the other hand, when the operating member is advanced by the reciprocating mechanism, the second swinging member moves so as to press the first swinging member and swings from the original position into the opening. Since the door part integrated with the other tip part of the swinging member also goes into the opening part, the door part that closed the opening part is opened.

In other words, when the operation member of the input device proceeds to a state where it can be operated by the player, the door portion that has been closed until then is opened, and the operation member cannot be operated by the player If the door is retracted, the door closes the opening.

If the door portion closes the opening, it means that the gaming machine is in a normal state by the control means, and the operation member in the opening cannot be operated. That is, when the gaming machine is in a normal state, the player cannot press the operation part of the operation member,
The input device is protected.

Therefore, the gaming machine according to claim 8 exhibits the same function as that of claim 7, and also protects the input device by a door portion integrated with the second swing member.

As described above, in the present invention,
“A gaming machine comprising display means for displaying game content, control means for controlling the display means, and an input device for a player to input information to the control means,
The input device is housed in an opening formed in the gaming machine, and includes an operation member having an operation unit operated by the player, and the operation member is moved with respect to the opening by control of the control means. And a reciprocating mechanism that reciprocates.
There is a main feature in the structure, and thereby, it is possible to provide a gaming machine equipped with an input device that can greatly enhance the interest of the player and that is unlikely to cause failure or breakage. It can be done.

In addition, according to the gaming machine of claim 2, in addition to exhibiting the same effect as that of claim 1, the operation member largely protrudes from the opening, so that the interest of the game in the player is increased. In addition, the gaming machine of claim 3 exhibits the same effect as that of claim 1 or 2, and even if an excessive force is applied to the operating member by the player, the operating member retreats into the opening. Therefore, the damage and failure of the input device can be further reduced, and the gaming machine according to claim 4 exhibits the same effect as that of the above claims 1 to 3, and the input device has a limited space. It can be made into a small one that can be installed only in a place.

Further, the gaming machine of claim 5 exhibits the same effect as that of the above-described claims 1 to 4, and when the player operates the operation unit with a large force by bending the first swinging member. In addition, the entire operating member can be retracted into the opening, and the input device can be protected, and the gaming machine according to claim 6 has the same effects as those of claims 1 to 5. First to demonstrate
The swinging motion of the swinging member can be efficiently converted into the reciprocating motion of the operation member.

The gaming machine according to claim 7 exhibits the same effect as that of the above-mentioned claim 5 or 6, and also preserves the impact absorption effect due to the bending of the first swinging member, and the effect of the motor by the effect of the motor. The reaction time can be made as designed, and the gaming machine according to claim 8 exhibits the same effect as that of the above-mentioned claim 7, and the input device is provided by a door portion integrated with the second swing member. It can be protected.

It is a front view of the game machine which implemented this invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of an upper plate forming portion of the gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing the input device employed in the gaming machine according to the present invention, in a state in which the operation member is retracted. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the input device according to the first embodiment in a state where an operation member has advanced. FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged vertical sectional view showing the second embodiment of the input device and in a state in which the operation member is retracted. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing the second embodiment of the input device and in a state in which the operation member has advanced. FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged vertical sectional view showing the third embodiment of the input device and in a state in which the operation member is retracted. FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing a third embodiment of the input device, in which the operation member is retracted and the second swinging member is in contact with the first swinging member. FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing a state where the operation member has advanced as a result of the second swinging member depressing the first swinging member according to the third embodiment of the input device. FIG. 10 is a plan view of the input device according to the third embodiment when the operation member retracts or advances. FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of the input device, in which the operation member is retracted and the door portion closes the opening. Example 4 of the same input device, in which the operation member is retracted and the door portion is opened, but the second swinging member is in contact with the first swinging member and is not pressed FIG. FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the operation member has advanced as a result of the second swinging member depressing the first swinging member according to the fourth embodiment of the input device. It is a top view when Example 4 of the input device is shown and an opening part is closed by a door part.

Next, the invention according to each claim configured as described above will be described with reference to the input device 100 which is the best mode shown in the drawings. Since it is divided into four, each example will be described.

Each drawing shows an example in which the input device 100 according to the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine which is a kind of gaming machine. However, the input device 100 may be applied to other gaming machines such as slot machines. Needless to say, it can be applied.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a pachinko machine, which is a gaming machine to which the present invention is applied, and a display means 200 is provided at the upper center of the gaming machine. Various parts such as a lamp are controlled by the control means 300 in the gaming machine. An upper plate forming portion 30 is formed on the lower front surface of the gaming machine, and the input device 100 is provided on the upper plate forming portion 30. This input device 100 is as shown in FIG. 2 when viewed in plan, and is provided in a portion of the upper plate 32 where the pachinko balls do not hit.

Example 1
3 and 4 are enlarged cross-sectional views of the input device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the operation member 10 is in its retracted position, and in FIG. The operating member 10 is shown in the advanced position. This input device 100 is housed in a housing portion in an opening 31 formed on the upper surface side of the upper plate forming portion 30, and includes a cylindrical member 40 that houses an operation member 10 that moves forward and backward in the illustrated vertical direction. This cylindrical member 4 is installed in the opening 31.
The operation member 10 is housed in the 0 so as to be able to advance and retreat.

In addition, the input device 100 is configured such that the operation member 10 is moved to the cylindrical member 40 by the reciprocating mechanism 20.
The reciprocating mechanism 20 according to the first embodiment has a structure that is supported so as to be able to advance and retreat inside.
Is a so-called solenoid. In other words, the reciprocating mechanism 20 includes the control unit 300 of the gaming machine.
The actuator is advanced and retracted by the above control, and the operation member 10 attached to the tip of the actuator is advanced and retracted (moved up and down in the embodiment) in the cylindrical member 40 described above.

The operating member 10 according to the present embodiment is biased so as to return to the original position shown in FIG. 3 by a tension spring 23 hung between the bottom surface of the operating member 10 and the bottom of the cylindrical member 40. The return of the actuator in the reciprocating mechanism 20 is assisted. Further, when the operation member 10 is returned to the original position, the operation member 10 is placed on the member receiver 43 provided in the cylindrical member 40, and is not lowered further. Further, the side wall of the operation member 10 is guided by a plurality of guides 42 formed so as to protrude from the inner surface of the cylindrical member 40, so that it does not roll while reducing the frictional force at the time of advancement and retraction. ing.

Further, on the lower side of the cylindrical member 40 that houses the operation member 10 of the first embodiment, the cushioning material 4
1 is laid, and the cushioning material 41 is disposed on the bottom portion in the opening 31 of the upper dish forming portion 30. This buffer material 41 is also employed in the following embodiments unless otherwise specified.

Now, the operating member 10 of the present embodiment has an operating portion 11 at the upper portion thereof, and this operating portion 1
The upper surface of 1 is a tip 11a. The operation portion 11 of the operation member 10 is pressed by the player, and when pressed, an internal switch (not shown) is operated to generate an electrical signal toward the control means 300.

When the operating member 10 is in the retracted position shown in FIG. 3, the distal end portion 11 a of the operating portion 11 is lowered by the retracted dimension L <b> 1 from the opening 31 formed in the upper dish forming portion 30. On the other hand, when it is in the advanced position shown in FIG. 4, the distal end portion 11a of the operation portion 11 protrudes from the opening 31 formed in the upper plate forming portion 30 by the advance dimension L2. Is in a state. Therefore, the distal end portion 11a of the operation portion 11 at the advanced position is not only easily pressed by the player, but also protrudes from the opening 31 by the advance dimension L2, so that it is very conspicuous. It is something that enhances the interest of the player.

(Example 2)
5 and 6 show a second embodiment of the input device 100 according to the present invention. In the input device 100 according to the second embodiment, the reciprocating mechanism 20 that drives the operating member 10 forward and backward is used as the first swinging mechanism. The difference between the moving member 21 and the solenoid that swings the moving member 21 is that of the first embodiment. In the input device 100 according to the second embodiment, the first swing member 21;
In order to incorporate a solenoid that swings this, the cylindrical member 4 that has guided the operation member 10 is used.
On the outside of 0, another outer member 44 is provided. In addition, when there exists a thing similar to what was used in Example 1 by the other member or components, the same code | symbol as used in Example 1 is attached | subjected in FIG.5 and FIG.6, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

Further, in the operation member 10 of the second embodiment, the operation member 1 is the same as in the first embodiment.
Information (signal) is generated by 0 moving forward and backward with respect to the tubular member 40, and the operation unit 11 is operated from the virtual line position (OFF position) to the solid line position in FIG. Information is also emitted when it goes down. Further, while the operation unit 11 is lowered from the position of the imaginary line to the position of the solid line in FIG. 6, a signal corresponding to the force applied to the operation unit 11 can be generated. As described above, the types of information that can be input by the player using the operation member 10 can be increased.

Of course, the operation unit 11 may be a so-called “button type” as in the above embodiment, or the operation unit 11 may be operated by a so-called “lever”.
Needless to say.

The first oscillating member 21 is formed relatively long and has a certain degree of flexibility. The first swinging member 21 is inserted through the swinging opening 46 formed on the side surface of the cylindrical member 40 so that the free end 21a is inserted below the bottom surface of the operation member 10 and is inserted into the intermediate portion. And is pivotally supported on a support shaft 21 c formed on the side surface of the cylindrical member 40. The first rocking member 21 has an opposite end portion 21b opposite to the free end portion 21a with respect to the support shaft 21c. The other end portion 21b is a reciprocating solenoid that is provided on the outer member 44. It is connected to the mechanism 20. Therefore, the first swing member 21 can swing around the support shaft 21c, and the free end portion 21a located in the cylindrical member 40 is a retracted position of the operation member 10. Thus, it is supported on a swing member receiver 45 provided in the cylindrical member 40.

In the input device 100 having such a first swing member 21, when the reciprocating mechanism 20 is operated to press the other tip portion 21b of the first swing member 21, the other tip portion 21b and the support shaft 21c are pressed. The free end 21a on the opposite side comes into contact with the bottom surface of the operation member 10 and this operation member 1
As shown in FIG. 6, 0 is pushed up in the tubular member 40. If it does so, the operation part 11 of this operation member 10 will protrude from the opening part 31 currently formed in the top plate formation part 30, and will be in the state which a player can press the front-end | tip part 11a.

(Example 3)
7 to 10 show a third embodiment of the present invention. The reciprocating mechanism 2 according to the third embodiment is shown in FIG.
In 0, instead of the solenoid used in the second embodiment, a second swing member 22 and a motor for driving the second swing member 22 are employed. The driving force of the motor is transmitted to the first driven gear 25a and the second driven gear 25b provided integrally with the second swing member 22 via the drive gear 24, and as a result, the second swing member. 22 is transmitted. Each second swing member 22 swings about the central axis of each first driven gear 25a and second driven gear 25b. In the third embodiment, the first driven gear 2 that employs the two second oscillating members 22 and is integrated with each of them is used.
Although the 5a and the second driven gear 25b are engaged with each other, the number of the second swinging member 22 may be one, and in this case, the second driven gear 25b is not necessary.

In the input device 100 according to the third embodiment, when there are members similar to those used in the second embodiment, the same reference numerals as those used in FIGS. 5 and 6 are given to FIGS. The description is omitted.

The input device 100 according to the third embodiment employs the first rocking member 21 described in the second embodiment, and the other tip 21b of the first rocking member 21 is one second Swing member 22
It is pressed by. That is, the outer end portion of the second swing member 22 shown on the left side of FIG. 7 is a pressing portion 22a, and the left second swing member 2 is driven by the driving force of the motor.
7 is swung as shown in the order of FIGS. 7 to 10, the pressing portion 22a comes into contact with the other end portion 21b of the first swinging member 21 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the other tip 21b is pushed down. As a result, the first swinging member 21 moves the operating member 10 up in the same manner as described in the second embodiment.

In addition, the presence of the second swing member 22 can enhance the effect produced by the input device 100 itself. For example, even when the second swing member 22 is in the state shown in FIG. 7, that is, when the operation member 10 is in the retracted position, the operation unit 11 is always exposed from the opening 31. . At this time, if the tip end portion 11a is caused to emit light,
It is possible to enhance the interest of the player, that is, to enhance the effect of the production.

Here, when the second swing member 22 swings from the position shown in FIG. 7 to the position shown in FIG. 8, the pressing portion 22 a comes into contact with the first swing member 21. Further, if the second swing member 22 swings, the operation member 10 advances as shown in FIG.
Protrudes from the opening 31. Therefore, when the second swing member 22 swings between the position shown in FIG. 7 and the position shown in FIG. 8, the player is expected to see if the operation member 10 advances. It is.

That is, if the second swinging member 22 returns to the state shown in FIG. 7 or the operation member 10 shown in FIG. Therefore, the input device 100 can produce an effect that can further enhance the interest of the player.

Example 4
FIGS. 11 to 14 show an input device 100 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this input device 100, each contact surface side of both second swinging members 22 in the third embodiment is shown. Door part 22b
The other features are the same as those of the third embodiment.

When the operation member 10 is in the retracted position, the door 22b closes the opening 31 formed on the upper plate forming portion 30 side as shown in FIG. If 10 is in the advanced position, the opening 31 is completely released as shown in FIG.

When each door portion 22b is in a closed state as shown in FIG. 11, the operation portion 11 of the operation member 10 is not only kept invisible by these door portions 22b, but naturally. However, the operation unit 11 is protected from being pressed. In addition, both doors 2
If the opening 31 is closed by 2b, various things are prevented from entering the opening 31, and naturally, the operation member 10 cannot be illegally operated. Yes.

In addition, the presence of the door portion 22b can enhance the effect of the input device 100 itself. For example, the door portion 22b in the state shown in FIG. 11 opens as shown in FIG. 12, and the operation member 10 does not advance, but the tip portion 11a of the operation portion 11 can be seen by the player. To do. Here, an expectation is given to the player as to whether or not the operation member 10 advances. If the control means 300 controls whether these door portions 22b return to the closed state shown in FIG. 11 or the operation member 10 shown in FIG. The input device 100 can produce an effect that can further enhance the interest of the person.

The above-described complicated production by the input device 100 is made more effective by the opening / closing of the door portion 22b by each second swing member 22 and the pressing portion 22a of one second swing member 22. That is, the pressing of the first swing member 21 is performed with a time difference, and the advanced operation member 10 is retracted in a short time by using the tension spring 23. In particular, FIG.
That is, the opening 31 is completely opened by the door 22b, and at the same time, the movement of the operation member 10 starts to be started through the first swinging member 21.

In the input device 100 according to the fourth embodiment, the reciprocating mechanism 20 includes a second swinging member 22 in which a single motor and a first driven gear 25a and a second driven gear 25b that are meshed with each other are integrated. And the first oscillating member 21 whose other tip 21b is pressed by the pressing portion 22a of the second oscillating member 22, it is simple in spite of performing a very complicated effect as described above. Therefore, it can be installed in a limited space in the opening 31 of the upper plate forming portion 30.

Of course, if both the door portions 22b are fully opened and the operation member 10 is in the advanced state as shown in FIG. 14, the player can operate the operation portion 11 of the operation member 10 in the same manner as in each of the embodiments described above. By pressing, information can be input to the control means 300.

By the way, the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is a pachinko machine in which the display means 200 performs an effect of variably displaying the symbols, but the symbol variation display on the display means 200 is
It is controlled by the control means 300, and at the time of this variable display, the information from the input device 100 described above is input by the player's operation.

The outline of the processing relationship between the above display processing and information from the input device 100 will be described below by taking a pachinko machine as an example. When the display result after the change is a big hit, when the operation member 10 of the input device 100 is operated by the player and the switch of the operation unit 11 is turned on, control is performed so that the suggestive effect such as “fish school” is performed with high probability. An effect is set by the means 300. On the other hand, if the operation unit 11 is not turned on, an effect setting with a low execution probability of the suggestion effect is set. Thus, the suggestion effect is performed by the display means 200 based on the player's operation of the input device 100, and the player's awareness of participation in the game can be enhanced.

An example of the above-described variable display effect process executed by the control means 300 will be described below assuming the following Step 01 to Step 23. In the variable display effect process, a table to be referred to is changed based on whether or not there is an input to the operation member 10, and whether or not the suggestion effect of “fish school” or “large fish school” is performed in the middle of the variable display in which a big hit occurs is set. It is a process to do.

In this variation display effect process, first, it is confirmed whether or not a variation start control command is received from the control means 300 (step 01). If the control command for starting the change is received (step 01: Yes), since it is the timing when the display unit 200 starts the display of the change of the symbol, the display of the change of the symbol is started (step 02). Also, turn on the input display flag (
Step 03), the value of the timer counter is cleared to “0” (Step 04), and it is confirmed whether or not jackpot information is added to the control command (Step 05).

If jackpot information is added (step 05: Yes), the display result after the change is a jackpot, so the jackpot flag is turned on (step 06) and the jackpot effect memory is set to “0”.
"Is cleared (step 07), and the process proceeds to step 08. On the other hand, when the control command for starting change is not received in the process of step 01 (step 01: No), or
If jackpot information is not added to the control command in the process of step 05 (step 05: No), the process proceeds to step 08.

In the process of step 08, the value of the effect determination counter is updated (step 08). The value of the effect determination counter is updated in the range of “0-9”. Specifically, if the value of the effect determination counter is “8” or less, “1” is added to the value, and if it is “9”, the value is “0”.
Cleared.

In the process of step 09, it is confirmed whether or not the input display flag is on. If the input display flag is on (step 09: Yes), it is confirmed whether or not a reach display has appeared in the variable display (step 10). If a reach display appears in the fluctuation display (step 10:
Yes), the value of the timer counter is incremented by “+1” (step 11), and it is confirmed whether or not the value of the timer counter is equal to or greater than the first set value (step 12).

If the value of the timer counter is equal to or greater than the first set value (step 12: Yes), since 4 seconds have elapsed since the reach display appeared in the fluctuation display, “Take!” Is displayed in the fluctuation display. (Step 13), it is confirmed whether or not the input device 100 is turned on (Step 14).

If the input device 100 is not turned on in the process of step 14 (step 14: No), it is confirmed whether or not the value of the timer counter is equal to or greater than the second set value (step 17). If the value of the timer counter is equal to or greater than the second set value (step 17: Yes), since 6 seconds have passed since the reach display appeared in the fluctuation display, the state of waiting for input to the input device 100 is released. It's time. For this reason, it is confirmed whether or not the jackpot flag is on (step 18). If the jackpot flag is on (step 18: Yes), the display result after change is a jackpot, so the value of the effect determination counter The second data is read from the second table and written to the jackpot effect memory (step 19), the jackpot flag is turned off (step 20), and the process proceeds to step 21.

On the other hand, if the jackpot flag is not on in step 18 (step 18: No)
) Since the display result after the change is lost, the process of step 19 for setting the suggestive effect when the jackpot is generated is skipped, and the process proceeds to step 21.

From the processing of step 21, the display of “take!” Displayed on the display means 200 is deleted (step 21), and the input display flag is turned off (step 22). Thereafter, other processes such as an effect according to the value written in the jackpot effect memory and an effect according to the command related to the variable display transmitted from the control means 300 are performed (step 23), and this variable display is performed. The production process ends.

Here, in the process of step 23, when the value of the jackpot effect memory is changed, the suggestion effect of “fish school” or “large fish school” corresponding to the value is immediately executed on the display means 200. If the display result after the change is lost, the “fish school” and other effects are set in the processing of step 23 based on the control command transmitted from the main control board control means 300, and the display means 200 is to be executed.

On the other hand, if the input device 100 is ON in the process of step 14 (step 14: Yes)
It is confirmed whether or not the jackpot flag is on (step 15). If the jackpot flag is on (step 15: Yes), the display result after change is a jackpot, so the value of the effect determination counter value Data is read from the first table and written to the jackpot effect memory (step 16), and the process proceeds to step 20.

If the jackpot flag is not on in the process of step 15 (step 15: No), the display result after the change is lost, so the process of step 16 for setting the jackpot effect is skipped and the process is stepped. 21.

Further, when the input display flag is not on in the process of step 09 (step 09: No)
When it is confirmed in the process of step 10 that the reach display has not appeared (step 10)
: No), when it is confirmed in step 12 that the value of the timer counter is less than the first set value (step 12: No), or the value of the timer counter is set to the second set value in step 17 When it is confirmed that the number is less than (step 17: No), the process of setting the jackpot effect is skipped, and the process proceeds to step 23.

As described above, the variable display effect process shown in FIG. 14 refers to the first table in which the suggestive effect is executed with a high probability only when the input device 100 is turned on in the process of step 14. It is possible to cause the control means 300 to set the suggestion effect based on the state of the input device 100. That is, it is possible to set a suggestion effect corresponding to the input operation of the input device 100 by the player and cause the display means 200 to execute the set suggestion effect, so that the player's awareness of participation in the game can be increased. .

When the input device 100 is turned on in the process of step 14, the value of the jackpot effect memory is changed in the process of step 16, and the suggested effect corresponding to the value is immediately executed in the display means 200 in the process of step 23. Therefore, the suggestion effect of “fish school” or “large fish school” can be executed on the display means 200 at the timing when the player performs an input operation with the input device 100.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Input device 200 Display means 300 Control means 10 Operation member 11 Operation part 11a Tip part 20 Reciprocating mechanism 21 1st rocking member 21a Free end part 21b Other tip part 21c Support shaft 22 Second rocking member 22a Pressing part 22b Door part 23 tension spring 24 drive gear 25a first driven gear 25b second driven gear 30 upper plate forming portion 31 opening 32 upper plate 40 cylindrical member 41 cushioning material 42 guide 43 member receiver 44 outer member 45 swing member receiver 46 swing Opening L1 Regression dimension L2 Progression dimension

Claims (8)

A gaming machine comprising display means for displaying game content, control means for controlling the display means, and an input device for allowing a player to input information to the control means,
The input device is housed in an opening formed in the gaming machine, and includes an operation member having an operation unit operated by the player, and the operation member is moved with respect to the opening by control of the control means. A gaming machine comprising a reciprocating mechanism that reciprocates. The tip of the operation part is located in the opening when the operation member is retracted, and protrudes from the opening when the operation member is advanced. Game machines. When the operation member is moving, when the player operates the operation unit with a force larger than the traveling force of the reciprocating mechanism, the entire operation member can be retracted into the opening. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gaming machine is characterized. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reciprocating mechanism includes a tension spring interposed between the operation member and the inside of the opening. The reciprocating mechanism further includes a first swing member that swings in a reciprocating direction of the operation member and is pivotally supported by a support shaft. 4. The gaming machine according to any one of 4. The free end portion of the first swing member is brought into contact with the operation member, and the opposite side portion of the first swing member with respect to the support shaft can be linked to the reciprocating mechanism. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The reciprocating mechanism includes a motor, at least one second rocking member that is driven by the motor and rocks, and one end of the second rocking member. The gaming machine according to claim 5, further comprising a pressing portion that presses an opposite side portion with respect to the support shaft. 8. The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein a door portion that opens and closes the opening portion is integrated with the other tip portion of the second swing member.

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