JP3985975B2 - Coin-operated ball game machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a coin-type ball game machine characterized by a launch instruction unit of a game ball launching device that reduces fatigue of hands and arms and improves operability.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As shown in FIG. 10, an arrangement machine 101 called a coin-type arrangement ball has one game each time a predetermined number (for example, 16) of game balls B enclosed in the arrangement machine 101 are bulleted. Is configured so that the game of one game is permitted by inserting one predetermined coin (including coins or coins) into the arrangement machine 101. Arrangement machine 101 has a plurality of entrances 106 and a collective display device 103 in which display units 104 corresponding to the entrances 106 are arranged in a matrix, and game balls B enter the entrances 106. If the corresponding display unit 104 of the collective display device 103 is lit, and the lit display unit 104 forms a predetermined arrangement such as vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines, the player is scored. The frame 105 is provided with a game board 102, a coin slot 108, a game ball number display unit 111, a payout button 110, a game start button 114, a launch handle 116, and a lower tray 117. During the game, the player holds the firing handle 116 with the right hand and plays the game while properly inserting coins into the coin insertion slot 108 with the right hand. A game ball launching device (not shown) is connected to a launching handle 116, and the shaft of the launching handle 116 is connected to a biasing spring via a mechanical connecting member such as a rod to adjust the amount of rotation. Thus, the urging force of the urging spring for urging the launching rod is adjusted so that the flight distance of the hit ball can be adjusted to a desired flight distance. The firing handle 116 is provided with a touch switch (not shown) for detecting that the player is touching the firing handle 116, and is turned on when the player touches a predetermined part of the firing handle 116. It is configured. Recently, a game ball launcher has been developed and put into practical use in which a launcher is directly biased by an electric drive source such as a rotary solenoid instead of a biasing spring. By changing the amount of movement, the resistance value of the variable resistor connected to the axis of the launch handle is changed, and the change of this resistance value adjusts the operating force of the rotary solenoid, thereby adjusting the flight distance of the hit ball is doing.
[0003]
However, in the coin-type ball game machine 101 of FIG. 10 described above, the player rotates the firing handle 116 arranged at the lower right to hold the position, so that the player can return the turning force of the firing handle 116. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain the posture with the wrist unnaturally twisted. For this reason, there is a disadvantage that the right hand is particularly fatigued when the game is continued for a long time. In addition, the player needs to rotate the firing handle 116 and always touch a predetermined portion of the firing handle 116 to turn on a touch switch (not shown), which is a factor that further increases fatigue. . Furthermore, the firing handle 116 that adjusts the flight distance of the hit ball may need to adjust its rotation position appropriately in order to ensure an appropriate trajectory of the hit ball during the ball game, The operability when rotating the firing handle 116 is not necessarily excellent when playing a game for a long time. And, since the coin insertion slot 108 is on the upper right of the frame 105 and the firing handle 116 is on the lower right side of the ball game machine 101, the coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot 108 with one hand, in particular, the right hand, The firing handle 116 must be operated, and if the game is played for a long time, the fatigue of the right hand is severe. Further, since the coin insertion slot 108, the payout button 110, the game start button 114, and the like are vertically arranged in the upper right part, there is a disadvantage that the operability is inferior. Further, the various operation devices and the launch handle 116 provided in the game frame 105 are important parts in the ball game machine 101, and their configuration has a great influence on the ball game function and operability. It is also a part that affects the overall design of the ball game machine and affects the game motivation.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  Therefore, the claim1SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a coin-operated ball game machine in which hand fatigue, particularly right hand fatigue, is reduced even if a game is continued for a long time, the operability is greatly improved, and the design is improved. It is what.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In view of the above-mentioned drawbacks and inconveniences, the invention described in claim 1 executes one game based on a predetermined number of coins, gives a score to a player when a winning display state is entered, and a predetermined encapsulated in a ball game machine. A coin-type ball game machine configured to finish one game each time a number of game balls are shot, and is provided on the front of the ball game machine.The coin is inserted into the operation part formed by expanding the front surface from the right end part to the middle part and the front part from the middle part to the left end part, and the upper surface bulging on the right end side of the operation part. A coin insertion portion formed to include a coin insertion slot and a coin holding recess for storing coins, and from the recessed left end portion side of the operation portion toward the right end portion side of the coin insertion portion. The operation unit has a gap in front of the operation unit and extends in the horizontal direction, and the end is formed as a free end, and the game unit launches a game ball when touched by the player. A touch switch for operating the device, a strengthen button for increasing a ball hitting force of the game ball by the game ball launching device on a side facing the gap of the gripping portion, and a game ball hitting by the game ball launching device Power A hitting force adjuster button weakening weakening is continuously provided,It is a coin-operated ball game machine characterized by having. The “operation unit” here is a member that plays a role in which a player works on a ball game machine in order to play a game and performs some function, and the type of operation is not particularly limited, Usually, it includes a firing handle, a coin slot, and the like. Also, "The “gripping part” can be gripped by hand, preferably has a handle shape, etc., may have a free end, and both ends or one end are operated.PartIt is connected. Positionally, the gripping part is provided at one end of the operation part, so that various operations can be performed with one hand leaning on it, so that the burden on the hand and arm can be greatly reduced. Can.
[0006]
  The invention described in claim 1Since the `` grip part '' is provided at the left end, it is possible to concentrate the left hand on the firing command and to insert coins with an empty right hand, and the advantage that hand and arm fatigue is greatly reduced by sharing these roles Will occur. Also, with the hand resting on the “gripping part”, the above two “strong buttons” or “weakening” can be performed with two fingers (mainly two of the index finger or ring finger, which are adjacent to each other). Touching the “button” simplifies the adjustment of the hitting force, and the “touch switch” turns on simply by grasping the “gripping part” with one hand, and the “touch switch” turns off simply by releasing the hand. The intention to launch is easily communicated without complicated operations, and the launching operation is extremely easy and rational. Since the grip part extends from the left side of the operation part and the end part is a free end part, it is possible to operate it with your left thumb if you have some operation button on the free end part, and you can operate it significantly Is easier.
[0007]
  According to the invention of claim 1,In addition to giving a firing instruction with the left hand, it is possible to insert a coin with the right hand, greatly reducing the burden on the hand and arm. Furthermore, there is an advantage of improving the design while focusing on those functions.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 4 schematically show a coin-type arrangement ball 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This coin-type arrangement ball 1 includes a game board 2 and its surface as shown in FIG. The display unit 4 includes a collective display device 3 in which the display unit 4 is arranged in a matrix, a frame 5 that is pivotally attached at one end to be opened and closed, and a plurality of entrances 6 that are arranged in a horizontal row. . As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 (a) and 3 (b), on the lower side of the frame body 5, the left end portion is pivotally attached and the right end portion is detachable so that it can be opened and closed. The operation portion 7 made of synthetic resin according to the characteristic configuration of this embodiment is fixed to the lower part of the game board 2, and the operation portion 7 has a cantilever support structure in the closed state. As shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b), the operation portion 7 has a hollow structure, the right end portion bulges, the front surface is recessed from the middle portion to the left end portion, and the handle 14 extends from the left end portion to the right end. Toward the part side, it extends substantially horizontally while providing a gap with the operation unit 7. On the upper right side of the operation unit 7 is provided a coin insertion unit 10 provided with a coin insertion slot 8 for inserting coins and a coin holding recess 9 for temporarily storing coins. On the central upper surface, there are provided a coin count display section 11 constituted by a 3-digit 7-segment LED, a remaining game count display section 12 constituted by a 3-digit 7-segment LED, and a coin jam release button 13.
[0009]
The above-described handle 14 extends from the left end side of the operation unit 7 to the right end side, has its end portion as a free end portion, and is formed in a shape and size that can be gripped by hand. It has a characteristic configuration. The handle 14 has little fatigue of the hand and arm even if it is gripped for a long time with one hand, its shape is a substantially circular cross section, and it is a rod-like shape extending along the operation part 7 in the lateral direction, The size is set to an appropriate size that can be gripped without being too large and not too small. Accordingly, by realizing the so-called hand rest state by letting the left hand lean on it, the firing operation and the settlement can be performed, so that the burden on the hand and the arm can be greatly reduced. Since the handle 14 is provided at the left end in this way, it is possible to concentrate the left hand on the firing command, and it is possible to insert coins with an empty right hand, and the division of these roles greatly reduces hand and arm fatigue. Benefits arise. As shown in FIG. 2 (b), the handle 14 is formed with a gap between the handle 14 and a finger can be inserted there. On the side of the handle 14 facing the operation section 7 side, there are a strong button 16 for increasing the hitting force of the game ball launching device 30 (see FIG. 3) and a weakening button 17 for weakening the hitting force of the gaming ball launching device 30. These are provided in series, and these constitute a hitting force adjusting unit which is a characteristic configuration of the present embodiment. In a handrest state where the handle 14 is held with the left hand, the ball hitting force can be obtained by freely touching the two buttons 16 and 17 with two fingers (mainly, either the index finger or the ring finger, two adjacent fingers). Adjustment can be simplified. The free end is provided with a settlement button 15 that can be pushed down in the axial direction, and in the handrest state in which the handle 14 is gripped with the left hand, by pressing the handle 14 in the axial direction with the thumb of the left hand, Checkout after the game can be executed. Furthermore, a level meter 18 is provided on the upper left surface of the operation unit 7 to display the strength of the hitting force, and the handle 14 has a built-in touch switch 18a, and if the handle 14 is grasped with the left hand, When it is turned on, a touch signal is sent and a game ball is fired from the game ball launcher 30. On the other hand, when the left hand is released from the handle 14, it is turned off and no touch signal is sent and the game ball from the game ball launcher 30 is turned off. Is configured to stop firing. Therefore, the touch switch 18a is turned on simply by grasping the handle 14 with the left hand, and the touch switch 18a is turned off simply by releasing the hand, so that the communication of the launch can be easily performed without any complicated operation. Thus, the launch operation is extremely easy and rational. Furthermore, a coin return mechanism 50 is provided on the upper surface of the operation unit 7, and the coin return mechanism is activated by depressing this button even when the number of possessed coins (credit), in other words, the remaining game remains. The game is activated so that the coins can be paid out and the game can be finally ended. As described above, since various operation units such as the coin insertion slot 8 and the hitting force adjusting unit are provided in the operation unit 7 in a concentrated manner, the operability is remarkably improved. Then, the hitting force strength button 16, the hitting force weakening button 17, and the touch switch 18a constitute a firing instructing unit, and by touching it with the hand, it is possible to instruct whether or not there is an intention to launch the hitting ball and the strength of the hitting force. It becomes possible.
[0010]
As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a coin payout opening 19 for paying out coins is disposed below the operation unit 7. A game ball circulation path 23 is provided on the rear surface of the operation unit 7 to allow the game ball B from the game ball receiving port 20 or the foul ball receiving port 21 to flow down to the game ball supply device 22. Also, a coin outflow path 24 communicating with the coin insertion slot 8 is provided.
[0011]
As shown in FIG. 4, the collective display device 3 is configured by arranging a plurality of display portions 4 corresponding to the entrance 6 in a one-to-one manner in a matrix form of four rows and four rows. Each display unit 4 is given the same number as that assigned to the corresponding entrance 6 and a game ball B enters the corresponding entrance 6 to indicate the winning. Display state. Here, in the winning display state, each display unit 4 is configured as a blinkable lamp, and one of the lighting state and the extinguishing state is exemplified as a winning display state, and the other is exemplified as a non-winning state. Can do. In addition, each display unit 4 is a CRT or a liquid crystal display panel that displays the number and the background portion thereof in different colors or lightness, and one of the combinations of the colors or lightness between the numbers and the background portion that are different from each other. Can be set to a winning display state, and the other can be set to a non-display winning state. In this case, each display unit 4 may be formed by dividing the screen of a single CRT or liquid crystal display panel.
[0012]
The lowermost entrance 6 as a 16 mm entrance shown in FIG. 4 is composed of 16 entrances (6a to 6p) and corresponds to each entrance (6a to 6p) on a one-to-one basis. Characters or patterns to be played (for example, any number from 1 to 16; hereinafter, represented by a number) are arranged in a row in the width direction on the lower side of the game board 2, and from the upper side. The game ball B is received. Inside the entrance 6, 16 entrance sensors 38 (see FIG. 5) constituted by limit switches or proximity switches are arranged so that the entrance of the game ball B is detected. The game ball B that has entered the entrance 6 is dropped and collected in the game ball concentration bowl 25 of FIG. 4, and flows out from the game ball outlet 26 provided below, To the game ball receiving port 20 shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b). The coin outflow trough 27 shown in FIGS. 3A and 4 is configured such that coins from the coin outflow path 24 communicating with the above-described coin insertion slot 8 flow into the coin outflow trough 27 shown in FIG. Further, a foul ball guide rod 29 for collecting foul balls is provided below the upper end portion of the firing guide rail 28, and the foul balls flow down to the foul ball receiving port 21 from here.
[0013]
In the coin-type arrangement ball 1, 16 game balls B are enclosed, and coins can be inserted from the coin insertion slot 8. By holding the handle 14, the game ball B can be bulleted. It is in a state. When the game balls B stand by in a line, and the hit ball strengthening button 16 or the hit ball weakening button 17 is depressed, as shown in FIG. 3 (a), the game balls are released by the game ball launching device 30 having the hitting hammer 30a. B is sequentially played and flows down on the game board 2. When all of the 16 game balls B have been fired, one game is completed. Here, the number of coins required to perform the one game (hereinafter referred to as the number of one game coin) is set to three. The coin used in common with a slot machine type gaming machine 60 described later as shown in FIG. 8 is used.
[0014]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram including the electronic control device 31 of the coin-type arrangement ball 1. The electronic control device 31 includes an I / O port 32, a CPU 33, a ROM 34, a RAM 35, a counter 36, and a timer 37 connected thereto. Etc. In addition, each entrance sensor 38 in the entrance 6 is connected to the I / O port 32 via each corresponding switch detection circuit 39, and an entrance detection signal is input to the CPU 33. In addition, each display unit 4 constituting the collective display device 3 is connected via each display control circuit 40 corresponding thereto, and a display control signal is output from the CPU 33. A coin sensor 41 for detecting inserted coins is provided in the coin insertion slot 8 and is connected to the I / O port 32 via the switch detection circuit 42 so that a coin detection signal is input to the CPU 33. It has become. A coin payout mechanism 43 that accepts coins from the coin outflow path 24 and pays out coins to the coin payout exit 19 is connected to the I / O port 32 via the payout control circuit 44, and a coin payout command signal is sent from the CPU 33. It is output. Further, the settlement button 15 is connected to the I / O port 32 via the signal generation circuit 45 so that a settlement signal is input to the CPU 33. The game ball supply device 22 and the game ball launch device 30 are connected to the I / O port 32 via a drive control circuit 46, and a drive command signal is output from the CPU 33. The touch switch 18a is connected to the I / O port 32 via the signal generation circuit 47, and a touch signal is input to the CPU 33. The coin count display unit 11 and the remaining game count display unit 12 are connected to the I / O port 32 via the display control circuits 48 and 49, respectively, and the coin count display command signal and the remaining game count display command are respectively sent from the CPU 33. A signal is output. The coin return mechanism 50 is connected to the I / O port 32 via the return control circuit 51, and a coin return command signal is output from the CPU 33. The ball hitting strength increasing button 16 is connected to the I / O port 32 via the signal generating circuit 56 so that a ball hitting strength increasing signal is input to the CPU 33, and the ball hitting strength weakening button 17 is connected to the signal generating circuit 57. The I / O port 32 is connected to the CPU 33 so that a hitting force weakening signal is input to the CPU 33.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 6, the ROM 34 stores a game control program 34a, an inserted coin number management program 34b, a display control program 34c, a payout control program 34d, and a game ball launch control program 34e. The RAM 35 has a coin count memory 35a for temporarily storing the value of the current coin count N, and a remaining game count memory 35b for temporarily storing the current remaining game count V (this corresponds to the coin count). The remaining number of games that can be executed), the surplus coin number memory 35c for temporarily storing the current value B of the surplus coin number, and the state of entering the collective display device 3 temporarily. A ball entry table 35d and a hitting force adjustment memory 35e are respectively formed for storing data. The counter 36 is formed with a game ball number counter 36a for counting the current number of game balls C, and an inserted coin number counter 36b for counting the number of inserted coins M.
[0016]
Hereinafter, the game ball launch control process of the coin-type arrangement ball 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The process of FIG. 7 shows the flow of the process for launching the game ball and adjusting the hitting force. The electronic control unit 31 initializes a counter, a timer, etc., and executes a main routine (not shown), and performs the processing of FIG. 7 based on the game ball launch control program 34e (see FIG. 6) by a hardware interrupt. Start and execute every minute. The initial value of the hitting force V is set to U0, and when this process is started, it is first determined whether or not a touch signal is sent from the touch switch 18a, that is, whether or not the handle 14 is grasped with the left hand (step S1). ). If a negative determination is made in step S1, the process returns to the return without performing any process, and no game ball launch command is issued. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1, it is determined whether or not the high hitting force button 16 has been pressed (step S2). Here, if a positive determination is made, a hitting force addition process is performed. That is, the current hitting force V is read from the hitting force adjustment memory 35e, and in response to the hitting force increasing button 16 being pressed once, the unit amount U is added to the current hitting force V (step S3). The increased hitting force V is stored in the hitting force adjustment memory 35e, and based on the new hitting force V, the game ball launching device 30 is driven with the corresponding strength and displayed on the level meter 18. Instruct (step S6). If a negative determination is made in step S2, it is determined whether or not the hitting force weakening button 17 has been pressed (step S4). Here, if a positive determination is made, a hitting force subtraction process is performed. That is, the current hitting force V is read from the hitting force adjustment memory 35e, and in response to the hitting force weakening button 17 being pressed once, the unit amount U is subtracted from the current hitting force V (step S5). The subtracted hitting force V is stored in the hitting force adjusting memory 35e. Based on the new hitting force V, the game ball launching device 30 is driven according to the strength and displayed on the level meter 18. Instruct (step S6). On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S4, since neither the hitting force increasing button 16 nor the hitting force weakening button 17 is pressed, the current hitting force is maintained. That is, the current hitting force V is read from the hitting force adjustment memory 35e, and based on this hitting force V, the game ball launching device 30 is driven with a corresponding strength and the current display of the level meter 18 is maintained. (Step S6). In this way, if the player wants to increase the hitting force, the player can keep pressing the hitting force strength button 16 until it becomes appropriate strength. On the other hand, if the player wants to weaken the hitting force, the player presses the hitting strength weakening button. You can keep pressing 17 until it is strong enough, and if you think that the current strength is good, you don't need to press any buttons. Further, the current hitting force can be easily confirmed by the display of the level meter 18.
[0017]
Furthermore, as one of other types using coins, a slot machine type gaming machine 60 as shown in FIG. 8 is widely known. It is configured such that the display of the variable display section 64 starts changing when a predetermined number of coins are inserted from the coin insertion slot 61 and the lever 62 is tilted. The variable display unit 64 is composed of, for example, three drum-type display units 63. The display state changes randomly, and the rotation is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed or when the stop button 65 is operated, and the symbol is displayed on the window 64a. Stop display. The number of symbols displayed in the window 64a is 9 in total, 3 columns and 3 rows each. When the number of inserted coins is 1, the center row is 1 row. In addition to this, two rows above and below, a total of three rows, if there are three, a total of five rows plus two diagonal lines are set as effective winning lines, and specified in each effective winning line When a combination of symbols is generated, a winning combination is made and a predetermined number of prize coins are paid out to the coin payout exit 66. The current number of coins held is displayed on the display unit 67. For example, a gaming system 70 as shown in FIG. 9 can be constructed by combining the slot machine type gaming machine 60 of FIG. 8 and the coin-type arrangement ball 1 of FIG. That is, in the gaming system 70, a plurality of coin-type arrangement balls 1 and slot machine type gaming machines 60 are arranged in a predetermined space in the game hall 71, and the player can arrange both coin-type arrangements. Coins that are commonly used for the ball 1 and the slot machine type gaming machine 60 are purchased from the coin lending machine 72, and the game can be enjoyed by a desired gaming machine using the coins. The prize coins acquired in the coin-type arrangement ball 1 and the slot machine type gaming machine 60 can be exchanged by a common prize exchange device 73.
[0018]
Although the present embodiment has been described above, it is a matter of course that the configuration of the present invention can be changed as appropriate without departing from the technical idea of the present invention, and such a change also belongs to the technical scope of the present invention. It is.
[0019]
【The invention's effect】
  Claim1According to the described invention, even if the game is continued for a long time, the fatigue of one hand, particularly the right hand, is reduced, the operability is remarkably improved, and the design can be greatly improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a coin-type ball game machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an operation unit of one embodiment of the coin-type ball game machine, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of FIG.
3A is a perspective view showing a state where an operation member of an embodiment of the coin-type ball game machine of the present invention is opened, and FIG. 3B is a rear view of the operation unit.
FIG. 4 is a front view showing the inside of one embodiment of the coin-type ball game machine of the present invention.
5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic control device of the coin-type ball game machine of FIG. 1. FIG.
6 is a memory map showing the contents of the ROM and RAM of FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of game ball launch control.
FIG. 8 is a front view showing an example of a slot machine type gaming machine.
FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view showing a configuration example of the gaming system of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a front view showing an example of a conventional coin-type ball game machine.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Coin-type arrangement ball
2 Game board
3 collective display device
4 display section
6 entrance
8 Coin slot
11 Number of coins displayed
12 Remaining game count display area
14 Handle
15 Checkout button
16 Strong hitting button
17 Hit force weakening button
18 Level meter
33 CPU
34 ROM
34e Game ball launch control program
35 RAM
35e hitting force adjustment memory
45, 47, 56, 57 Signal generation circuit
60 slot machine type gaming machine
70 gaming system

Claims (1)

One game is executed based on a predetermined number of coins, and when the winning display state is reached, a score is given to the player, and the one game is completed every time a predetermined number of game balls enclosed in a ball game machine are shot. A coin-operated ball game machine configured as
An operation unit that is provided on the front surface of the ball game machine and that is formed by expanding the front surface from the right end portion to the middle portion and recessing the front surface from the intermediate portion to the left end portion;
A coin insertion part formed including a coin insertion slot for inserting coins and a coin holding recess for storing coins on the bulging upper surface on the right end side of the operation part;
Extending horizontally from the left end side of the operation section toward the right end side where the coin insertion section is formed, with a gap in the front of the operation section, and the end is free. A gripping part formed as an end;
A touch switch that is built in the gripping unit and that activates the game ball launching device when touched by a player;
A strengthening button for increasing the hitting force of the game ball by the game ball launching device and a weakening button for weakening the hitting force of the game ball by the gaming ball launching device are provided on the side of the grip portion facing the gap. A hitting force adjusting portion provided;
A coin-operated ball game machine characterized by comprising:

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