JP2020093181A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine having a simple structure in which a performance using a projector can be executed.SOLUTION: A game machine 1 of the present invention includes a projector, a display member including a projected portion onto which projection light emitted from the projector is projected, and an optical system that guides the projected light emitted from the projector to the projected portion. The game machine includes a holding member having at least the projector and the optical system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

Conventionally, a "pachi-slot" that includes a plurality of reels on each surface of which a plurality of symbols are arranged, a start switch, a stop switch, a stepping motor provided corresponding to each reel, and a control unit. A game machine called is known. The start switch detects that the start lever has been operated by the player (hereinafter also referred to as "start operation") after a game medium such as a medal or coin has been inserted into the game machine, and the rotation of all reels is detected. Output a signal requesting start. The stop switch detects that the stop button provided corresponding to each reel is pressed by the player (hereinafter, also referred to as "stop operation"), and outputs a signal requesting stop of rotation of the corresponding reel. To do. The stepping motor transmits the driving force to the corresponding reel. In addition, the control unit controls the operation of the stepping motor based on the signals output by the start switch and the stop switch, and performs the rotation operation and the stop operation of each reel.

In such a gaming machine, when a start operation is detected, a lottery process using random numbers on the program (hereinafter referred to as “internal lottery process”) is performed, and the result of the lottery (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”). ") and the timing of the stop operation, the reel stop control is performed. Then, when the rotation of all reels is stopped and the combination of symbols relating to the establishment of the winning is displayed, the privilege corresponding to the combination of symbols is awarded to the player. Note that examples of benefits given to the player include payout of game media (medals, etc.), operation of replay (replay) in which internal lottery processing is performed again without consuming game media, and opportunity for payout of game media. The bonus game operation, etc., in which

Further, in the gaming machine having the above structure, various techniques have been conventionally proposed for performing a predetermined effect during a game by, for example, a mechanical operation, a light emitting operation, or an operation of both of them (for example, a patent. Reference 1).

Patent Document 1 proposes a game machine that enlarges and projects a video for a game on a display screen (screen) provided on the front surface of a game machine housing by using a liquid crystal projector provided therein. Specifically, in the gaming machine of Patent Document 1, projection light from a liquid crystal projector arranged in the lower portion of the gaming machine is reflected by a reflecting mirror provided in the upper portion of the gaming machine, and the reflected projection light is reflected. Is directed to the back side of the display screen (screen), whereby projection light is projected on the display screen.

JP, 06-035066, A

In a gaming machine, when arranging a projector, there is a problem that the design needs to be changed significantly.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to enable an effect using a projector with a simple configuration.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a gaming machine having the following configuration.

With a projector,
A display member including a projected portion onto which projection light emitted from the projector is projected;
An optical system for guiding the projection light emitted from the projector to the projection target portion,
A gaming machine comprising:
A game machine comprising a holding member having at least the projector and the optical system.
The gaming machine described above, wherein the optical system is a reflection mirror.
The display member is
A first member having an opening,
A second member including a three-dimensional structure at least in part,
The gaming machine according to the above, wherein the second member is disposed in the opening of the first member.

According to the present invention, an effect using a projector can be achieved with a simple configuration.

It is a figure for explaining the functional flow of the game machine in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the gaming machine main body of the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the gaming machine body in the embodiment of the present invention. It is an exploded perspective view of the projector unit provided in the game machine in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of a projector unit provided in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the projector unit provided in the gaming machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a top perspective view of the projector unit provided in the game machine in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an image projection operation of the projector unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an image projection operation of the projector unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram showing the whole circuit composition with which the game machine in one embodiment of the present invention is provided. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the sub-control circuit in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a main flow chart which shows the example of processing of the main control circuit of the game machine in one embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the interrupt processing by control of the main CPU(Central Processing Unit) in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the main board communication task performed by the sub CPU in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flow chart which shows the example of the production registration task performed by the sub CPU in one embodiment of the present invention. It is a flow chart which shows an example of production contents decision processing in one embodiment of the present invention. 14 is an external perspective view of a projector unit provided in the gaming machine in Modification Example 1. FIG. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a display member of a projector unit according to modification 1. FIG. 16 is an external perspective view of a gaming machine in Modification 6;

Hereinafter, a pachi-slot showing an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Function flow]
First, with reference to FIG. 1, a functional flow of a pachi-slot according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the pachi-slot of the present embodiment, medals are used as game media for playing games. In addition to medals, for example, coins, game balls, game point data, tokens, or the like can be applied as the game medium.

When a player inserts a medal into a pachi-slot and operates a start lever, one value (hereinafter, a random number value) is extracted from random numbers in a predetermined numerical value range (for example, 0 to 65535).

The internal lottery means performs lottery based on the extracted random number value and determines an internal winning combination. By the determination of the internal winning combination, the combination of symbols that is allowed to be displayed along the winning determination line described below is determined. The types of symbol combinations include those related to "winning prizes" in which benefits such as payout of medals, operation of replays, operation of bonus games, etc. are given to the player, and those related to other so-called "losses". And are provided.

Further, when the start lever is operated, the plurality of reels are rotated. After that, when the player presses a stop button corresponding to a predetermined reel, the reel stop control means and the special game stop control means, based on the internal winning combination and the timing at which the stop button is pressed, Performs control to stop rotation.

The pachi-slot is basically controlled to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel within a specified time (190 msec) from when the stop button is pressed. In the present specification, the number of symbols that move along with the rotation of the reel within this specified time is referred to as the “number of sliding pieces”, and when the specified period is 190 msec (maximum delay time), the maximum number (maximum) Number of sliding pieces) is set to 4 symbols.

The reel stop control means, when the internal winning combination permitting the display of the symbol combination related to the winning is determined, the symbol combination is usually on the winning determination line within a prescribed time of 190 msec (for four symbols). The rotation of the reel is stopped so as to be displayed as much as possible. Further, the reel stop control means uses the specified time to stop the rotation of the reels so that a combination of symbols which is not allowed to be displayed by the internal winning combination is not displayed along the winning determination line.

As described above, when all the rotations of the plurality of reels are stopped, the winning determination means determines whether or not the symbol combination displayed along the winning determination line is related to winning. .. Then, when it is determined by the winning determination means that the winning combination is a combination of symbols, the player is provided with a privilege such as payout of medals. In the pachi-slot, the series of operations described above are performed as one game (unit game).

Further, in the pachi-slot, among the series of operations described above, a video display operation by a liquid crystal display device, a light output operation by various lamps, a sound output operation by a speaker, an image projection operation by a projector, or these operations Various effects are performed using the combination of. Such effect operation is performed as follows.

First, when the start lever is operated, a random number value for production (hereinafter referred to as a random number value for production) is extracted in addition to the random number value used for determining the internal winning combination described above. When the random number value for effect is extracted, the effect content determination means randomly determines the effect content to be executed this time from among a plurality of kinds of effect content associated with the internal winning combination.

When the effect content is determined, the effect execution means executes the corresponding effect in association with each trigger such as the start of rotation of the reels, the stop of rotation of each reel, and the determination of the presence or absence of a prize. In this way, in the pachi-slot, the player is given the opportunity to know or predict the determined internal winning combination (in other words, the combination of the symbols to be aimed at) by executing the effect contents associated with the internal winning combination. It is provided, and the interest of the player can be improved.

[Structure of pachi-slot]
Next, the structure of the pachi-slot in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the cabinet 10 of the pachi-slot 1 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a front view of the cabinet 10 (a diagram showing an internal structure). 2 and 3, only the projector unit 100 and the reel unit 3 which are the characteristic parts of the present invention among the various devices mounted inside the cabinet 10 are shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 for the sake of simplicity. Illustration of devices (eg, main control board, hopper device, power supply, etc.) is omitted. These various omitted devices can be arranged inside the cabinet 10 in the same manner as a conventional pachi-slot.

The pachi-slot 1 includes a substantially box-shaped cabinet 10 (gaming machine main body) and a front door attached to the cabinet 10 so as to be openable and closable. 2 and 3, the front door is not shown in order to simplify the description.

Inside the cabinet 10, a reel unit 3 (variable display device section) including three reels 3L, 3C, 3R (display row) and a projector unit 100 (projector device section) are provided.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the reel unit 3 is arranged at a position slightly above the center of the cabinet 10 in the height direction (direction from the bottom plate portion to the ceiling plate portion 10a). The projector unit 100 is arranged between the reel unit 3 and the ceiling plate portion 10a, that is, above the reel unit 3.

The three reels 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged in a line along a direction (horizontal direction in the example shown in FIG. 3) orthogonal to the rotation direction of the reel. Hereinafter, the reels 3L, 3C and 3R are referred to as the left reel 3L, the middle reel 3C and the right reel 3R, respectively. Each reel has a cylindrical reel body and a translucent sheet material mounted on the peripheral surface (circulating surface) of the reel body. On the surface of the sheet material, a plurality of (for example, 21) symbols are continuously drawn along the circumferential direction of the reel body. Each reel is connected to a corresponding stepping motor (to be described later, any of stepping motors 61L, 61C, and 61R in FIG. 12) via a gear having a predetermined reduction ratio.

Here, the configurations of various devices of the pachi-slot 1 which are not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 will be briefly described.

Inside the cabinet 10, a main control board (main board) on which a main control circuit 41 (see FIG. 10) described later is mounted is provided. The main control circuit 41 is a circuit that controls the main operation of the game in the pachi-slot 1 and the flow between the operations, such as the determination of the internal winning combination, the rotation and stop of each reel, and the determination of the presence or absence of a prize. The specific configuration of the main control circuit 41 will be described later in detail.

Further, inside the cabinet 10, a medal payout device 33 (hereinafter referred to as a hopper 33: see FIG. 10 described later) having a structure capable of accommodating a large amount of medals and discharging them one by one is provided. Be done. Further, inside the cabinet 10, a power supply device that supplies necessary power to each device included in the pachi-slot 1 is provided.

A front door (not shown) of the pachi-slot 1 of the present embodiment is provided with various devices (medal slot, bet button, settlement button, start lever, three stop buttons) to be operated by the player.

The medal insertion slot is provided for receiving medals that are dropped onto the pachi-slot 1 from the outside by the player. The medals received through the medal insertion slot are inserted into one game with a predetermined number (for example, 3) being the upper limit, and medals exceeding the predetermined number can be deposited in the pachi-slot 1. (The so-called credit function).

The bet button is provided to determine the number of medals deposited in the pachi-slot 1 for one game. The payment button is provided for pulling out the medals stored inside the pachi-slot 1 to the outside.

The start lever is provided to start rotation of all reels (3L, 3C, 3R). The three stop buttons 17L, 17C, 17R (see FIG. 10 described later) are provided in association with the left reel 3L, the middle reel 3C, and the right reel 3R, respectively, and each stop button stops the rotation of the corresponding reel. It is provided for. Hereinafter, the stop buttons 17L, 17C, 17R are referred to as the left stop button 17L, the middle stop button 17C, and the right stop button 17R, respectively.

The front door is provided with a medal payout opening, a medal tray, and the like. The medal payout port guides the medals discharged by driving the hopper 33 described later to the outside. Further, the medal tray stores the medals discharged from the medal payout opening.

Further, the front door is provided with a 7-segment display 6 including a 7-segment LED (Light Emitting Diode) (see FIG. 10 described later). The 7-segment display 6 is the number of medals inserted into the current game (the number of inserted coins), the number of medals to be paid out to the player as a privilege (hereinafter referred to as the number of payouts), and the medals stored inside the pachi-slot 1. Information such as the number of sheets (hereinafter referred to as the number of credits) is digitally displayed.

Further, the front door is provided with an image display device 20 including, for example, a liquid crystal display device (see FIGS. 10 and 11 described later). Then, the image display device 20 includes a display screen including a symbol display area (display window) of each reel. In this embodiment, an image is displayed and a predetermined effect is executed by using the entire display screen including the symbol display area.

It should be noted that the display window of each reel displays three symbols, which are continuously arranged, out of a plurality of types of symbols drawn on the reel, when the rotation of the corresponding reel provided behind the reel stops. Configured to be able to. That is, each display window is provided with upper, middle, and lower regions, and one symbol can be displayed in each region. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to display the symbols on the display screen in a 3×3 array form. Then, in the present embodiment, in the symbols displayed in the 3×3 array form, the pseudo line set from the display window of the left reel 3L to the display window of the right reel 3R indicates whether or not to win. It is defined as a line for determination (hereinafter referred to as a prize determination line).

Further, the front door is provided with a light emitting device 22 including, for example, a lamp (LED or the like), an audio output device 21 including, for example, a speaker, and the like (see FIGS. 10 and 11 described later). The light emitting device 22 turns on and off the light in a pattern corresponding to the effect contents. Further, the audio output device 21 outputs a sound effect such as a sound effect or a music corresponding to the effect contents.

Further, a selector is provided below the symbol display area (display window) of each reel on the back side of the front door (the side opposite to the display screen side). The selector is a device for selecting whether or not the material, shape, and the like of the medal inserted from the outside through the medal insertion opening are proper, and guides the medal determined to be proper to the hopper 33. Further, a medal sensor 35S (see FIG. 10, which will be described later) for detecting that a proper medal has passed is provided on the path through which the medal passes in the selector.

Further, in the pachi-slot 1 of the present embodiment, a sub-control circuit 42 (see FIGS. 10 and 11 described below) that controls a rendering operation by the image display device 20, the audio output device 21, the light emitting device 22, the projector 101, and the like is provided. A mounted sub control board (sub board) is provided. The sub control board is provided inside the cabinet 10 or in the front door. The specific configuration of the sub control circuit 42 will be described in detail later.

[Configuration of projector unit]
Next, the configuration of the projector unit 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the projector unit 100, and FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of the projector unit 100. 6 is a front view of the projector unit 100, and FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the projector unit 100.

The projector unit 100 includes a projector 101, two mirrors 102 and 103 (hereinafter referred to as a first mirror 102 and a second mirror 103), a display member 104, and a base member 105 (holding member) to which these members are attached. With.

The projector 101 emits projection light of a predetermined image (video) at the time of rendering. In the present embodiment, the projector 101 is composed of, for example, a commercially available small liquid crystal projector. Note that the projector 101 is not limited to a small liquid crystal projector, and a small projector that can be integrally configured with the display member 104 and the optical system (the first mirror 102 and the second mirror 103) as in the present embodiment. If so, any projector can be used.

The first mirror 102 and the second mirror 103 are optical systems for guiding the projection light emitted from the projector 101 to the display member 104. In the present embodiment, both the first mirror 102 and the second mirror 103 are made of flat plate-shaped reflectors. Each mirror may be a plate-shaped mirror or a plate-shaped member whose surface is mirror-finished. Further, each mirror may be configured by a plate-like member having a mirror-finished sheet attached to the surface.

In the present embodiment, the projection light of the image emitted from the projector 101 is reflected by the first mirror 102 and the second mirror 103 in this order and enlarged and projected on the decorative member 104 a of the display member 104. Therefore, the spot size of the projection light when the projection light reaches the first mirror 102 is smaller than the spot size of the projection light of the image when the projection light reaches the second mirror 103. The size of the reflecting surface of the first mirror 102 is made smaller than the size of the reflecting surface of the second mirror 103. The size of the reflecting surface of the first mirror 102 can be set to any size as long as it is equal to or larger than the spot size of the projection light when the projection light reaches the first mirror 102.

The display member 104 includes a decorative member 104a and a display member main body 104b to which the decorative member 104a is attached.

The decorative member 104a is a substantially plate-shaped member formed of a light-transmissive material (translucent material in this embodiment), and one surface (the side facing the player) of the decoration member 104a corresponds to a predetermined design. The convex portion is formed so that the region projects outward. That is, a predetermined pattern is formed in a three-dimensional structure on the surface of the decorative member 104a on the side facing the player.

The display member main body 104b is a substantially plate-shaped member in which a concave portion is formed in the center of a flat plate member, the opening shape of the concave portion is circular, and the side wall shape of the concave portion is cylindrical. In addition, an opening is formed at the bottom of the recess in a pattern corresponding to the pattern pattern provided on the decorative member 104a.

In this embodiment, the display member 104 is manufactured by mounting the decorative member 104a on the bottom of the recess of the display member main body 104b. At this time, the convex portion (the area corresponding to the predetermined pattern) of the decorative member 104a is fitted into the corresponding opening formed in the bottom of the concave portion of the display member main body 104b. As a result, the predetermined three-dimensional pattern provided on the decorative member 104a is in a state of protruding outward from the bottom of the recess of the display member main body 104b (see FIGS. 5 and 7).

The base member 105 includes an upper plate 111, a lower plate 112, a pair of display body mounting members 113, a projector mounting member 114, and six connecting members 115.

Both the upper plate 111 and the lower plate 112 are plate-shaped members whose surfaces are substantially rectangular. Both sides have the same long side length, but the short side length of the upper plate 111 is longer than that of the lower plate 112. One long side of the lower plate 112 (the side opposite to the arrangement side of the display member 104) is a long side extending linearly, and the other (long side of the display member 104) is long side. It has a shape in which the side portion is bent in a substantially U shape from the vicinity of the center to the region near one corner.

A first upper groove portion 111a into which the first mirror 102 is fitted and a second upper groove portion 111b into which the second mirror 103 is fitted are formed on the surface of the upper plate 111 facing the lower plate 112.

The first upper groove portion 111a is provided in the vicinity of a corner of one of the long sides of one of the upper plates 111 (the side opposite to the side where the display member 104 is arranged) (the side where the projector 101 is arranged). At this time, the first upper groove portion 111a is formed by linearly extending from a long side portion that defines the one corner portion to a short side portion that defines the one corner portion. That is, the first upper groove portion 111a is composed of a linear groove that is inclined at a predetermined angle (about 45 degrees in the present embodiment) with respect to the extending direction of the long side portion of the upper plate 111.

The second upper groove portion 111b is provided near the corner portion of the other (the opposite side to the arrangement side of the projector 101) of the long side portion on one side (the opposite side to the arrangement side of the display member 104) of the upper plate 111. At this time, the second upper groove portion 111b is formed by linearly extending from the long side portion that defines the other corner portion to the short side portion that defines the other corner portion. That is, the second upper groove portion 111b is configured by a linear groove that is inclined at a predetermined angle (about 45 degrees in this embodiment) with respect to the extending direction of the long side portion of the upper plate 111.

Further, a first lower groove portion 112a into which the first mirror 102 is fitted and a second lower groove portion 112b into which the second mirror 103 is fitted are formed on the surface of the lower plate 112 facing the upper plate 111.

The first lower groove portion 112a is formed at a position facing the first upper groove portion 111a of the upper plate 111, and the shape and extending direction of the groove are the same as those of the first upper groove portion 111a. Further, the second lower groove portion 112b is formed at a position facing the second upper groove portion 111b of the upper plate 111, and the shape and extending direction of the groove are the same as those of the second upper groove portion 111b. The inclination angle (attachment angle of each mirror) with respect to the extending direction of the long side of each groove is the display member through which the light (projection light) emitted from the projector 101 passes through the first mirror 102 and the second mirror 103. It is appropriately set so as to be projected on the decorative member 104a of 104.

Further, in this embodiment, as described above, the size of the reflecting surface of the first mirror 102 is made smaller than the size of the reflecting surface of the second mirror 103. Therefore, the second lower groove portion 112b is formed directly on the surface of the lower plate 112, but the first lower groove portion 112a is formed on the upper surface of the convex portion 102c provided on the surface of the lower plate 112, as shown in FIG. Formed in. The convex portion 102c is formed by linearly extending in the same direction as the first lower groove portion 112a.

Then, in this embodiment, when the projector unit 100 is assembled, the first mirror 102 is attached between the first upper groove portion 111a of the upper plate 111 and the first lower groove portion 112a of the lower plate 112, and The two-mirror 103 is attached between the second upper groove portion 111b of the upper plate 111 and the second lower groove portion 112b of the lower plate 112. At this time, since the first lower groove portion 112a is formed on the upper surface of the convex portion 102c, as described above, the first mirror 102 is formed by the height of the convex portion 102c from the surface of the lower plate 112. It is placed in a floating state (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

A pair of display body mounting members 113 and a projector mounting member 114 are mounted on the surface of the upper plate 111 facing the lower plate 112.

The pair of display body mounting members 113 extends from substantially the center of the other long side of the upper plate 111 (the side opposite to the side where the groove is arranged) to the vicinity of one corner (the side opposite to the side where the projector 101 is arranged). Can be installed. At this time, the pair of display body mounting members 113 are arranged along the other long side portion at a predetermined distance (a distance equal to or larger than the diameter of the pattern surface of the decorative member 104a) from each other.

The display member 104 is fixed to the upper plate 111 by the pair of display body mounting members 113. At this time, the display member 104 is attached so that its design surface (convex surface) and the surface of the upper plate 111 are orthogonal to each other, and the design surface of the display member 104 is on the side opposite to the arrangement side of the mirror ( It is attached so that it faces outward. Further, in the present embodiment, the display member 104 is attached to a position such that the tip end portion of the design surface of the display member 104 projects outward (toward the player) from the reel unit 3 (see FIG. 9 described later).

The projector mounting member 114 is provided near the corner of the other long side portion (the side opposite to the side where the groove is arranged) of the upper plate 111 and the other side (the side opposite to the side where the display body mounting member 113 is arranged). Then, the projector 101 is fixed on the surface facing the lower plate 112 of the upper plate 111 by the projector mounting member 114.

At this time, the projector 101 is attached to the upper plate 111 so that the lower surface (bottom surface) of the projector 101 faces the surface of the upper plate 111 (the ceiling plate portion 10a of the cabinet 10). That is, the projector 101 is turned upside down with respect to the upper plate 111 (the ceiling plate portion 10a of the cabinet 10).

Further, in the present embodiment, the emission port of the projection light of the projector 101 does not face the projection light irradiation surface of the display member 104, that is, the emission direction of the projection light emitted from the projector 101 is the display member 104. The projector 101 is attached to the upper plate 111 so as to be different from the traveling direction of the projection light applied to the upper plate 111. Specifically, the projector 101 is attached to the upper plate 111 so that the projection light emission port of the projector 101 faces the first mirror 102 (to face the rear surface side of the cabinet 10 ). Thereby, even if the projector 101 is provided above the reel unit 3, the optical path length of the projection light can be extended and a necessary projection distance can be secured.

Each connecting member 115 is composed of a rod-shaped member. One end of the connecting member 115 is attached to the surface of the lower plate 112 on which each groove is formed, and the other end is attached to the surface of the upper plate 111 on which each groove is formed. At this time, the lower plate 112 and the upper plate 111 are arranged so that the first lower groove portion 112a and the second lower groove portion 112b of the lower plate 112 face the first upper groove portion 111a and the second upper groove portion 111b of the upper plate 111, respectively. Are connected by six connecting members 115.

Note that, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, among the end portions of the six connecting members 115, the one end portions of the four connecting members 115 are respectively located near the four corner portions of the lower plate 112. It is attached. Further, of the remaining two connecting members 115, one end of one connecting member 115 is attached in the vicinity of the bent portion at the approximate center of the long side bent in a substantially U shape, and the other connecting member 115. One end of the one is attached to a position facing the one end of the one connecting member 115 on the long side on the arrangement side of the groove.

[Image projection operation by the projector unit]
Next, an image (video) projection operation in the projector unit 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. 8 and 9 are diagrams showing a state of image projection operation by the projector unit 100 of the present embodiment, FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the projector unit 100, and FIG. 9 is a height of the cabinet 10. It is a schematic sectional drawing which follows a direction.

When performing an effect using the projector 101 in the pachi-slot 1 of the present embodiment, first, the projection light (broken line arrow in FIGS. 8 and 9) of a predetermined image (video) emitted from the projector 101 It is incident on one mirror 102. Then, the incident projection light is reflected by the first mirror 102 toward the second mirror 103.

Next, the projection light reflected by the first mirror 102 is incident on the second mirror 103, and the projection light thus incident is reflected by the second mirror 103 toward the display member 104. Then, the projection light reflected by the second mirror 103 is applied to the decorative member 104a of the display member 104. As a result, the decorative member 104a is displayed in a predetermined color pattern and/or a blinking pattern according to the projected image, and various effects can be performed.

The projection light of the image emitted from the projector 101 is projected on the decorative member 104a via the above-described optical path while being enlarged, as shown in FIG. Then, in the present embodiment, the projection light so that the spot size of the projection light of the image irradiated on the decorative member 104a is substantially the same as the size of the pattern surface of the decorative member 104a (the bottom surface of the recess of the display member main body 104b). The optical path length of is set appropriately. However, the optical path length of the projection light is, for example, the arrangement position of the projector 101, the emission angle of the projection light from the projector 101, the arrangement position of each mirror, the arrangement position of the display member 104, the depth of the concave portion of the display member 104, or the like. It can be appropriately adjusted by changing various conditions.

[Circuit Structure of Pachi-Slot]
Next, with reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, a configuration of a main circuit included in the pachi-slot 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a block configuration diagram of the entire circuit included in the pachi-slot 1, and FIG. 11 is a block configuration diagram showing the internal configuration of the sub control circuit.

As shown in FIG. 10, the pachi-slot 1 includes a main control circuit 41 (main control unit), a sub control circuit 42 (sub control unit), and a peripheral device (actuator) electrically connected to these circuits. ..

(1) Main Control Circuit The main control circuit 41 is mainly composed of the microcomputer 50 mounted on the circuit board. As other components, the main control circuit 41 has a clock pulse generation circuit 54, a frequency divider 55, a random number generator 56, a sampling circuit 57, a display drive circuit 64, a hopper drive circuit 65, as shown in FIG. And a payout completion signal circuit 66.

The microcomputer 50 includes a main CPU 51 including a CPU, a main ROM (Read
Only memory) 52 and main RAM (Random Access Memory) 53.

The main ROM 52 has a control program for various processes (see FIGS. 12 and 13 described later) executed by the main CPU 51, a data table (not shown) such as an internal lottery table, and various control commands for the sub control circuit 42 ( Data for transmitting a command) is stored. The main RAM 53 is provided with a storage area (not shown) for storing various data such as an internal winning combination determined by executing the control program and various flags required for control.

As shown in FIG. 10, a clock pulse generation circuit 54, a frequency divider 55, a random number generator 56, and a sampling circuit 57 are connected to the main CPU 51. The clock pulse generation circuit 54 and the frequency divider 55 generate clock pulses. The main CPU 51 executes the control program based on the generated clock pulse. The random number generator 56 also generates a random number in a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 65535). Then, the sampling circuit 57 extracts one value from the generated random numbers.

Various switches, sensors and the like are connected to the input port of the microcomputer 50. The main CPU 51 receives input signals from various switches and controls the operations of peripheral devices such as the stepping motors 61L, 61C, 61R.

The stop switch 17S detects that the player has pressed each of the left stop button 17L, the middle stop button 17C, and the right stop button 17R (stop operation). The start switch 16S detects that the player has operated the start lever (start operation). The settlement switch 14S detects that the settlement button has been pressed by the player.

The medal sensor 35S detects that a medal inserted into the medal insertion slot has passed through the selector. Further, the bet switch 12S detects that the bet button has been pressed by the player.

Further, as the peripheral device whose operation is controlled by the microcomputer 50, there are three stepping motors 61L, 61C, 61R, a 7-segment display 6 and a hopper 33. Further, a drive circuit for controlling the operation of each peripheral device is connected to the output port of the microcomputer 50.

The motor drive circuit 62 controls driving of three stepping motors 61L, 61C, 61R provided corresponding to the left reel 3L, the middle reel 3C, and the right reel 3R, respectively. The reel position detection circuit 63 detects, for each reel, a reel index indicating that the reel has made one rotation, by an optical sensor having a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion.

Each of the three stepping motors 61L, 61C, 61R has a configuration in which the momentum thereof is proportional to the number of output pulses, and the rotation axis can be stopped at a designated angle. The driving force of each stepping motor is transmitted to the corresponding reel via a gear having a predetermined reduction ratio. Then, each time a pulse is output to each stepping motor, the corresponding reel rotates at a constant angle.

The main CPU 51 detects the reel index of each reel and then counts the number of times that a pulse is output to the corresponding stepping motor to determine the rotation angle of each reel (specifically, how many symbols the reel has. Just rotate).

Here, the management of the rotation angle of each reel will be specifically described. The number of pulses output to each stepping motor is counted by a pulse counter (not shown) provided in the main RAM 53. Then, each time the pulse counter counts a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times) of pulse output required to rotate one symbol, the value of the symbol counter (not shown) provided in the main RAM 53 is set to "1". Is added. The symbol counter is provided for each reel. Then, the value of the symbol counter is cleared when the reel position detection circuit 63 detects the reel index.

That is, in the present embodiment, by managing the value of the symbol counter, the number of symbols changed by the rotation operation after the reel index detection is managed. Therefore, the position of each symbol on each reel is detected with reference to the position where the reel index is detected.

Further, in the present embodiment, the maximum number of sliding pieces in the game is set to four symbols. Therefore, for example, when the left stop button 17L is pressed, the symbols positioned on the winning determination line of the left reel 3L at that time and the symbols existing within the range of up to four of them are stopped on the winning determination line. It becomes a possible pattern.

The display drive circuit 64 included in the main control circuit 41 controls the operation of the 7-segment display 6. The hopper drive circuit 65 controls the operation of the hopper 33. The payout completion signal circuit 66 manages the detection of medals performed by the medal detection unit 33S provided in the hopper 33, and checks whether or not the number of medals discharged from the hopper 33 to the outside reaches a predetermined payout number. To do.

(2) Sub Control Circuit As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the sub control circuit 42 is connected to the main control circuit 41, and produces the effect contents based on a command (predetermined data) transmitted from the main control circuit 41. Performs processing such as decision and execution.

As shown in FIG. 11, the sub control circuit 42 basically includes a sub CPU 71, a sub ROM 82, a sub RAM 83, a rendering processor 84, a drawing RAM 85, a driver 86, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 90, an audio RAM 91, A. A /D (Analog to Digital) converter 92 and an amplifier 93 are included.

The sub CPU 71 is composed of a CPU, and controls output of video, sound, light, and a projected image according to a control program stored in the sub ROM 82 in response to a command transmitted from the main control circuit 41. The sub ROM 82 basically has a program storage area and a data storage area.

Various control programs executed by the sub CPU 71 are stored in the program storage area. In the control program stored in the program storage area, for example, a main board communication task for controlling communication with the main control circuit 41, a random number value for effect is extracted to determine effect contents (effect data), and An effect registration task for performing registration, a drawing control task for controlling display of an image by the image display device 20 (liquid crystal display device) based on the determined effect contents, and control of light output by the light emitting device 22 (lamp). Programs such as a lamp control task for controlling the voice output, and a voice control task for controlling the output of voice by the voice output device 21 (speaker). Further, in this embodiment, the program of the control task of the image projection on the display member 104 by the projector 101 is also stored in the program storage area.

In the data storage area, for example, a storage area for storing various data tables, a storage area for storing effect data forming various effect contents, a storage area for storing animation data related to image creation, sound data regarding BGM and sound effects. Various storage areas such as a storage area for storing the data, a storage area for storing the lamp data related to the pattern of turning on and off the light, and a storage area for storing the data of the projected image.

The sub RAM 83 has a storage area for registering the determined effect contents and effect data, a storage area for storing various data such as an internal winning combination transmitted from the main control circuit 41, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 11, the sub-control circuit 42 is connected with sub-devices such as the image display device 20, the audio output device 21, the light-emitting device 22, and the projector 101, and the operation of each sub-device depends on the sub-control circuit. Controlled by 42.

In the present embodiment, the sub CPU 71, the rendering processor 84, the drawing RAM 85 (including the frame buffer), and the driver 86 create a video according to the animation data specified by the effect contents, and the created video is the image display device 20. (Liquid crystal display device). Further, the sub CPU 71, the DSP 90, the audio RAM 91, the A/D converter 92, and the amplifier 93 output sounds such as BGM by the audio output device 21 (speaker) according to the sound data specified by the effect contents. In addition, the sub CPU 71 turns on and off the light emitting device 22 (lamp) according to the lamp data specified by the effect contents. Further, in the present embodiment, the sub CPU 71 controls the operation of the projector 101 according to the projection image data specified by the effect content.

[Description of operation of main control circuit]
Next, the contents of main processing executed by the main CPU 51 of the main control circuit 41 using a program will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

(1) Main Operation Process of Pachi-Slot by Main CPU First, the procedure of the main operation process of the pachi-slot 1 controlled by the main CPU 51 will be described with reference to the main flowchart (hereinafter referred to as the main flow) shown in FIG.

First, when the power of the pachi-slot 1 is turned on, the main CPU 51 performs initialization processing when the power is turned on (S1). In this initialization processing, it is determined whether the backup has been performed normally, the setting has been changed appropriately, etc., and the initialization corresponding to the determination result is performed.

Next, the main CPU 51 conducts initialization processing at the end of one game (S2). In this initialization processing, the data in the designated storage area in the main RAM 53 is cleared. The designated storage area here is, for example, a storage area such as an internal winning combination storage area or a display combination storage area in which data needs to be erased for each unit game (one game).

Next, the main CPU 51 performs medal acceptance/start check processing (S3). In this processing, the input of the medal sensor 35S and the start switch 16S is checked.

Next, the main CPU 51 extracts a random number value and stores the extracted random number value in a random number value storage area provided in the main RAM 53 (S4). Then, when the extracted random number value is stored in the random number storage area, the main CPU 51 conducts an internal lottery process (S5). In this processing, the internal winning combination is determined by lottery based on the random number value.

Next, the main CPU 51 executes a start command transmission process (S6). In this process, the start command is transmitted from the main control circuit 41 to the sub control circuit 42. The start command includes a parameter for identifying an internal winning combination and the like.

Next, the main CPU 51 executes reel rotation start processing (S7). In this process, the main CPU 51 requests rotation start of all reels. Then, when the rotation start of all reels is requested, the driving of the three stepping motors 61L, 61C, 61R is controlled by an interrupt process (see FIG. 13) described later that is executed at a constant cycle (1.1173 msec). Then, the left reel 3L, the middle reel 3C, and the right reel 3R start rotating. At this time, each reel is subjected to acceleration control until the rotation speed thereof reaches a predetermined speed, and then controlled so that the predetermined speed is maintained.

Next, the main CPU 51 executes reel stop control processing (S8). In this process, the rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped based on the timing of pressing the left stop button 17L, the middle stop button 17C, and the right stop button 17R and the internal winning combination.

Next, the main CPU 51 carries out a winning search process (S9). In this process, the main CPU 51 searches for a combination of symbols displayed on the winning determination line after the left reel 3L, the middle reel 3C, and the right reel 3R are all stopped, and pays out medals based on the search result. Determine the number of sheets. Specifically, in this process, the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line is collated with the symbol combination defined in the symbol combination table (not shown), and if the two match, the corresponding The display combination to be performed and the number of payouts are determined.

Next, the main CPU 51 performs display command transmission processing (S10). In this process, the display command is transmitted from the main control circuit 41 to the sub control circuit 42. The display command includes parameters for specifying the display combination and the number of medals to be paid out.

Next, the main CPU 51 executes medal payout processing (S11). In this process, the hopper 33 is driven and the credit number is updated based on the payout number of the display combination determined in S10, and the medals are paid out.

Next, the main CPU 51 conducts update processing of the bonus end number counter (S12). In this process, the value determined as the payout number of medals in S10 is subtracted from the bonus end number counter. The bonus end number counter is a counter for managing the trigger of bonus end, and is provided in the main RAM 53, for example.

Next, the main CPU 51 determines whether or not the bonus operation flag is on (S13). The bonus operation flag is stored in, for example, a predetermined storage area of the main RAM 53, and when the bonus operation flag is in the ON state, it means that the bonus game is in operation.

In S13, when the main CPU 51 determines that the bonus operation flag is not ON (NO in S13), the main CPU 51 performs the process of S15 described below.

On the other hand, in S13, when the main CPU 51 determines that the bonus operation flag is ON (YES in S13), the main CPU 51 performs bonus end check processing (S14). In this processing, the main CPU 51 refers to various counters for managing the timing of ending the bonus game and checks whether or not the operation of the bonus game is ended.

After the process of S14, or when the determination of S13 is NO, the main CPU 51 performs a bonus operation check process (S15). In this processing, it is mainly checked whether or not the operation of the bonus game is started. Then, when the bonus operation check process ends, the main CPU 51 returns the process to S2, and repeats the processes from S2.

(2) Interrupt processing by the main CPU (1.1173 msec)
Next, with reference to FIG. 13, an interrupt process periodically performed by the main CPU 51 will be described. First, the main CPU 51 saves the register (S21). Next, the main CPU 51 performs an input port check process (S22). In this process, signals input from various switches such as the stop switch 17S are checked.

Next, the main CPU 51 executes reel control processing (S23). In this process, the main CPU 51 starts the rotation of the left reel 3L, the middle reel 3C, and the right reel 3R when the rotation start of all reels is requested, and thereafter, the respective reels rotate at a constant speed. The three stepping motors 61L, 61C, 61R are drive-controlled. Further, when the number of sliding symbols is determined, the main CPU 51 updates the symbol counter of the corresponding reel by the number of sliding symbols. Then, the main CPU 51 waits for the updated symbol counter to match the value corresponding to the planned stop position (the symbol at the planned stop position reaches the area on the winning determination line of the display window), and then the corresponding reel. The drive control of the corresponding stepping motor is performed so that the rotation is decelerated and stopped.

Next, the main CPU 51 carries out a lamp/7-segment driving process (S24). In this process, the main CPU 51 drives and controls the 7-segment display 6 to display the number of payouts, the number of credits, and the like. Next, the main CPU 51 performs a register restoration process (S25). Then, after that, the main CPU 51 ends the interrupt processing.

[Explanation of operation of sub control circuit]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16, contents of main processing (task) executed by the sub CPU 71 of the sub control circuit 42 using a program will be described.

(1) Main board communication task First, the main board communication task performed by the sub CPU 71 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the sub CPU 71 checks the reception of the command transmitted from the main control circuit 41 (S31). Next, when receiving the command, the sub CPU 71 extracts the type of the received command (S32).

Next, the sub CPU 71 determines whether or not a command different from the previous command is received (S33). When it is determined in S33 that the sub CPU 71 has not received a command different from the previous command (when S33 is NO), the sub CPU 71 returns the process to S31 and repeats the processes from S31.

On the other hand, when it is determined in S33 that the sub CPU 71 has received a command different from the previous command (YES in S33), the sub CPU 71 stores the message in the message queue based on the received command (S34). .. The message queue is a mechanism for exchanging information between processes. Then, after the processing of S34, the sub CPU 71 returns the processing to S31 and repeats the processing of S31 and thereafter.

(2) Effect Registration Task Next, with reference to FIG. 15, an effect registration task performed by the sub CPU 71 will be described.

First, the sub CPU 71 takes out a message from the message queue (S41). Next, the sub CPU 71 determines whether or not there is a message in the message queue (S42). When the sub CPU 71 determines in S42 that there is no message in the message queue (NO in S42), the sub CPU 71 performs the process of S45 described below.

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 71 determines in S42 that there is a message in the message queue (YES in S42), the sub CPU 71 copies the game information from the message (S43). In this process, for example, various data such as an internal winning combination, the type of reel whose rotation has stopped, a display combination, a game state flag, etc. specified by the parameters are copied to a storage area (not shown) provided in the sub RAM 83. It

Next, the sub CPU 71 performs effect content determination processing (S44). In this process, the sub CPU 71 determines effect contents, registers effect data, and the like according to the type of the received command. The details of the effect content determination process will be described later with reference to FIG. 16 described later.

After the process of S44 or when the determination of S42 is NO, the sub CPU 71 registers animation data (S45). Next, the sub CPU 71 registers sound data (S46). Next, the sub CPU 71 registers the lamp data (S47). Next, the sub CPU 71 registers the projection image data (S48). Note that these registration processes are performed based on the effect data registered in the effect content determination process of S44. Then, after the processing of S48, the sub CPU 71 returns the processing to S41 and repeats the processing of S41 and thereafter.

(3) Effect Content Determination Processing Next, with reference to FIG. 16, an example of effect content determination processing performed in S44 in the flowchart of the effect registration task (see FIG. 15) will be described. Note that the flow chart of the effect registration task is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 16, and may be appropriately changed according to the type of the command transmitted from the main control board 31 to the sub control board 32, and the like.

First, the sub CPU 71 determines whether or not it is time to receive a start command (S51).

When the sub CPU 71 determines in S51 that the start command is being received (YES in S51), the sub CPU 71 performs the start command receiving process (S52). In this process, the sub CPU 71 extracts a random number value for effect, randomly determines an effect number based on an internal winning combination or the like, and registers it. Here, the effect number is data that specifies the effect content to be executed this time.

Next, the sub CPU 71 registers the effect data at the start according to the registered effect number (S53). The effect data is data that specifies animation data, sound data, lamp data, and projected image data. Therefore, when the effect data is registered, the corresponding animation data or the like is determined, and the effect such as the image display is executed. After that, the sub CPU 71 ends the effect content determination process, and moves the process to S45 of the effect registration task (see FIG. 15).

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 71 determines in S51 that the start command is not received (NO in S51), the sub CPU 71 determines whether or not the reel stop command is received (S54).

When it is determined in S54 that the sub CPU 71 is receiving the reel stop command (YES in S54), the sub CPU 71 produces an effect at the time of stop according to the registered effect number and the type of the operation stop button. Data is registered (S55). After that, the sub CPU 71 ends the effect content determination process, and moves the process to S45 of the effect registration task (see FIG. 15).

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 71 determines in S54 that the reel stop command is not received (NO in S54), the sub CPU 71 determines whether the display command is received (S56).

In S56, when the sub CPU 71 determines that the display command is being received (YES in S56), the sub CPU 71 registers the effect data at the time of display according to the effect number and the display combination that are registered. (S57). After that, the sub CPU 71 ends the effect content determination process, and moves the process to S45 of the effect registration task (see FIG. 15).

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 71 determines in S56 that the display command is not received (NO in S56), the sub CPU 71 determines whether or not the bonus start command is received (S58).

When the sub CPU 71 determines in S58 that the bonus start command is received (YES in S58), the sub CPU 71 registers effect data for bonus start (S59). After that, the sub CPU 71 ends the effect content determination process, and moves the process to S45 of the effect registration task (see FIG. 15).

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 71 determines in S58 that the bonus start command is not received (NO in S58), the sub CPU 71 determines whether or not the bonus end command is received (S60). In S60, when the sub CPU 71 determines that it is not the time to receive the bonus end command (NO in S60), the sub CPU 71 ends the effect content determination process and shifts the process to S45 of the effect registration task (see FIG. 15). Transfer.

On the other hand, when the sub CPU 71 determines in S60 that the bonus end command is being received (YES in S60), the sub CPU 71 registers the effect data for bonus end (S61). After that, the sub CPU 71 ends the effect content determination process, and moves the process to S45 of the effect registration task (see FIG. 15).

In the pachi-slot 1 of the present embodiment, the main operation is performed according to the various processing procedures described with reference to FIGS.

[Various effects]
As described above, the pachi-slot 1 of the present embodiment has a rendering function using the projector 101, and the display member 104 (decorative member 104a) used in the rendering function is provided on the reel unit 3. In the present embodiment, the display member 104 includes a projector 101 that irradiates the display member 104 with projection light, an optical system that guides the projection light to the display member 104 (first mirror 102 and second mirror 103), and a base. The member 105 is integrally configured.

That is, in the present embodiment, a projector 101 that irradiates the display member 104 with projection light in an empty space on the back surface side (the side opposite to the player side) of the display member 104 provided on the upper portion of the reel unit 3, An optical system that guides the projection light to the display member 104 is arranged together. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to make a large design change of the internal configuration of the pachi-slot 1, and a simple configuration enables novel production using the projector 101.

In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, the constituent members necessary for the rendering function using the projector 101 are integrated into one unit as the projector unit 100. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the effect function using the projector 101 can be realized with a simpler configuration, and the projector unit 100 can be easily attached to the cabinet 10.

Further, in the present embodiment, the emission port of the projection light of the projector 101 does not face the projection light irradiation surface of the display member 104, that is, the emission direction of the projection light emitted from the projector 101 is the display member 104. The projector 101 is arranged so as to be different from the traveling direction of the projection light applied to the projector. Therefore, even if the projector 101 is arranged above the reel unit 3, the optical path length of the projection light can be extended and a necessary projection distance can be secured.

In this embodiment, the optical system that guides the projection light emitted from the projector 101 to the display member 104 is configured by two mirrors. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the configuration of the optical system can be simplified, and an effect function using the projector 101 can be provided at low cost.

Further, in this embodiment, the size of the reflecting surface of the first mirror 102 is made smaller than the size of the reflecting surface of the second mirror, and the first mirror 102 is substantially higher than the surface of the lower plate 112 of the base member 105 by the convex portion 112c. Place it in a floating state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary reflection of projection light (for example, irregular reflection) that may occur near the lower portion of the first mirror 102 (the surface of the lower plate 112). Further, in the present embodiment, the optical system is configured by using two mirrors having different sizes, but since the mounting portion (groove) of each mirror is provided in the base member 105 in advance, the two mirrors are Can be installed more easily.

[Variations]
The configuration and operation of the gaming machine according to the present invention are not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be included without departing from the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

(1) Modification 1 (Modification of display member)
The design of the decorative member 104a used in the projector unit 100 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. For example, when the model of the pachi-slot 1 or the contents of effects are changed, the design of the decorative member 104a is also changed accordingly.

17 and 18 show a configuration example (Modification 1) of a projector unit having a decorative member in which a design different from that of the above-described embodiment is three-dimensionally formed. FIG. 17 is an external perspective view of the projector unit 200 according to Modification 1, and FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the display member 204 according to Modification 1. In the projector unit 200 of this example shown in FIG. 17, the same components as those of the projector unit 100 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 are designated by the same reference numerals.

As is clear from the comparison between FIG. 17 and FIG. 5, in the projector unit 200 of this example, the configuration of the display member is only changed in the projector unit 100 of the above embodiment. Therefore, here, only the configuration of the display member 204 will be described, and description of other configurations will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 18, the display member 204 of this example includes a decorative member 204a and a display member main body 204b to which the decorative member 204a is attached.

The decorative member 204a is a substantially plate-shaped member made of a light-transmissive material (a translucent material in the present embodiment), and one surface of the decorative member 204a is formed so that a face pattern of a predetermined character projects outward. Has been done. That is, a face pattern of a predetermined character is formed in a three-dimensional structure on the surface of the decorative member 204a.

The display member main body 204b is a substantially plate-shaped member in which a recess is formed in the center of a flat plate member, the opening shape of the recess is substantially quadrangular, and the side wall shape of the recess is substantially quadrangular tubular. Further, an opening having a shape corresponding to the face pattern provided on the decorative member 204a is formed at the bottom of the recess.

Also in this example, similarly to the above-described embodiment, by fitting the convex portion (the area corresponding to the face pattern) of the decorative member 204a into the opening formed in the bottom of the concave portion of the display member main body 204b, the display member 204 is produced. As a result, as shown in FIG. 17, the predetermined three-dimensional face pattern provided on the decorative member 204a is in a state of protruding outward from the bottom of the recess of the display member main body 204b.

As shown in this example, in the projector unit of the present invention, even if, for example, the model of the pachi-slot 1 or the contents of the effect are changed, the display member is simply replaced with a display member having a correspondingly three-dimensional pattern. Then, it is possible to easily deal with such a change. Therefore, the projector unit of the present invention can be configured at a lower cost.

(2) Modification 2 (Modification of optical system)
In the projector unit 100 of the above embodiment, an example in which the optical system for guiding the projection light emitted from the projector 101 to the decorative member 104a of the display member 104 is configured by two mirrors has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Not limited. The optical system may be composed of one mirror or three or more mirrors depending on the required magnification of the projection light, that is, the optical path length of the projection light.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which the optical system is configured by using two mirrors having mutually different reflecting surface sizes has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the reflecting surface sizes of the two mirrors are not limited to this. May be the same as each other. In this case, the optical system can be constructed at a lower cost.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example using a flat mirror is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the surface of the mirror may be a convex surface depending on the required enlargement ratio of the projection light, the effect design, and the like.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example in which the optical system is configured by a mirror has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the projection light emitted from the projector 101 is guided to the display member 104 and projected at a predetermined magnification. The optical system can be arbitrarily configured as long as the display member 104 can be irradiated with light. For example, the optical system may be configured by using various optical members such as lenses, prisms, and optical waveguides, or the optical system may be configured by appropriately combining these optical members and mirrors. From the viewpoint of low cost and simplicity of configuration, it is preferable to configure the optical system with a mirror as in the above embodiment.

(3) Modified Example 3 (Modified Example of Arrangement Configuration and Connection Configuration of Projector)
In the above embodiment, an example in which the projector 101 is attached to the upper plate 111 such that the lower surface (bottom surface) of the projector 101 faces the ceiling plate portion 10a of the cabinet 10, that is, an example in which the projector 101 is upside down is described. The invention is not limited to this.
For example, the projector 101 may be attached to the upper plate 111 so that the upper surface of the projector 101 faces the ceiling plate portion 10 a of the cabinet 10.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the projector 101 is arranged such that the projection light emission port of the projector 101 (the emission direction of the projection light from the projector 101) faces the side opposite to the display member 104 side of the projector 101. Explained. That is, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the projector 101 is arranged so that the emission direction of the projection light emitted from the projector 101 is opposite to the traveling direction of the projection light emitted to the display member 104. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the emission direction of the projection light from the projector 101 can be arbitrarily set according to, for example, the required optical path length (magnification ratio) of the projection light, the configuration of the optical system, and the like. You can

For example, when the optical system can be configured with one mirror, the emission direction of the projection light from the projector 101 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the direction from the front side to the back side of the cabinet 10. Good. Further, for example, when there is a sufficient empty space on the back surface side of the display member 104, or when the optical system is configured by a lens (magnifying lens) whose light exit surface side is convex, the projection light of the projector 101 is emitted. The projector 101 may be arranged so that the mouth faces the irradiation surface of the display member 104. In this case, the emission direction of the projection light from the projector 101 is the same as the traveling direction of the projection light with which the display member 104 is irradiated.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the configuration example in which the projector 101 is directly and electrically connected to the sub CPU 71 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the configuration may be such that the projector 101 is indirectly connected to the sub CPU 71 via a relay control board between which the projector 101 can be controlled based on the projection image data. In this case, the diversion of the projector 101 (projector unit 100) between the types of gaming machines becomes easier.

(4) Modified Example 4 (Modified Example of Base Member)
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration example of the base member 105 that connects the upper plate 111 and the lower plate 112 using the rod-shaped connecting member 115 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the rod-shaped connecting member 115, a plate-shaped connecting member may be used to connect the upper plate 111 and the lower plate 112. That is, the base member 105 may be a box-shaped member.

Further, for example, in the base member 105, the lower plate 112 and the connecting member 115 are omitted, and the projector 101, the first mirror 102, the second mirror 103, and the display member 104 are all held only by the upper plate 111. Good. From the viewpoint of ease of handling the projector unit (attachment to a cabinet, carrying, etc.), the configuration of the above embodiment and the case where the base member 105 is a box-shaped member are superior.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration example in which the projector 101, the first mirror 102, the second mirror 103, and the display member 104 are integrated by using the base member 105 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the projector 101, the first mirror 102, the second mirror 103, and the display member 104 may be attached to, for example, the ceiling plate portion 10a of the cabinet 10 without providing the base member 105.

(5) Modified Example 5 (Modified Example of Arrangement Form of Projector Units)
In the above embodiment, an example in which the projector unit 100 is arranged above the reel unit 3 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the projector unit 100 according to the above-described embodiment can be applied to a gaming machine in which a decorative member used for the effect by the projector is installed in an area other than the upper portion of the reel unit 3, and the same effect can be obtained. can get.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the shape of the arrangement space of the projector unit 100 is horizontally long when viewed from the front side of the cabinet 10, that is, an example in which the projector unit 100 is mounted in the cabinet 10 in a horizontal position has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the arrangement space of the projector unit 100 has a vertically long shape when viewed from the front side of the cabinet 10, the entire projector unit 100 of the above-described embodiment may be rotated by 90 degrees and mounted in the cabinet 10. (It may be installed vertically). That is, as in the present invention, by forming the constituent members necessary for the rendering function using the projector 101 as one unit, it is possible to easily cope with the change in the shape of the arrangement space of the projector unit 100. ..

(6) Modification 6 (application example)
In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the projector unit of the present invention (configuration technique of the rendering means using the projector) is applied to a pachi-slot has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the projector unit of the present invention may be, for example, It may be applied to a gaming machine called "pachinko".

Here, FIG. 19 shows an example of the pachinko machine 300. Note that FIG. 19 is an external perspective view of the pachinko machine 300 of this example.

The pachinko machine 300 has a base door 301 and a glass door 302 attached to the base door 301 so as to be openable and closable. Further, the pachinko machine 300 has various devices, such as a plate unit 303, an effect button unit 304, and a launching device 305 for launching a game ball, which are provided below the glass door 302. Although not shown, the game board on which the game balls fired by the launching device 305 roll down, and the liquid crystal display device for displaying an image related to the game are on the back side of the glass door 302 (what is the player side? On the other side).

Further, in the pachinko machine 300 shown in FIG. 19, a decorative portion 310 in which a predetermined pattern (a character pattern “GOD” in the example shown in FIG. 19) is three-dimensionally configured is provided above the glass door 302. When the projection unit irradiates projection light to the decorative portion 310 having such a three-dimensional character pattern to perform an effect, a projector unit having the same configuration as the projector unit 100 described in the above embodiment may be used. it can. Also in this case, the same effect as that of the above embodiment can be obtained.

1... Game machine (pachi-slot), 3... Reel unit, 10... Cabinet, 100, 200
... projector unit, 101... projector, 102... first mirror, 103... second mirror, 104, 204... display member, 104a, 204a... decorative member, 104b, 20
4b... Display member main body, 105... Base member, 111... Upper plate, 111a... First upper groove part, 11
1b... 2nd upper groove part, 112... lower plate, 112a... 1st lower groove part, 112b... 2nd lower groove part, 11
2c... convex part, 113... display body mounting member, 114... projector mounting member, 115... connecting member, 300... gaming machine (pachinko), 301... base door, 302... glass door, 303
...Plate unit, 304...Direction button unit, 305...Launching device, 310...Decorative portion

Claims (3)

With a projector,
A display member including a projected portion onto which projection light emitted from the projector is projected;
An optical system for guiding the projection light emitted from the projector to the projection target portion,
A gaming machine comprising:
A game machine comprising a holding member having at least the projector and the optical system. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the optical system is a reflection mirror. The display member is
A first member having an opening,
A second member including a three-dimensional structure at least in part,
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second member is arranged in an opening of the first member.

Images