JP4350645B2 - Transparent display device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a transmissive display device.

  In general, a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine is provided with a launching device that launches a game ball by a handle operation, and the game ball fired by this launching device passes through a specific winning opening (start winning prize opening). In response to this, the change of the special symbol displayed on the variable display device (electronic winning / losing lottery) is started. When the winning / losing lottery is won, a combination of predetermined special symbols is displayed on the variable display device, and a jackpot gaming state advantageous to the player is generated. In the jackpot gaming state, the special winning opening (big winning opening) opens and closes to accept gaming balls, so that the player can acquire many winning balls.

JP 2004-160029 A

  However, conventional ball game machines have been enhanced in the game by attracting the player's interest by directing them using electrical decorations and variable display devices provided on the game board. As the game progressed, the player's interests were often lost. In addition, it is necessary to change the electrical decoration and the variable display device according to the model, which is costly and troublesome.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to prevent the player's interest from being lost as the game progresses, and to play a game on the game board. It is an object of the present invention to provide a transmissive display device and a ball game machine in which an area can be easily viewed by a player.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a transmissive display device provided in a ball game machine for playing a game ball on a game area of a board surface of the game board, the transmissive display panel, A light guide means, a second light guide means, and a light emitting means. The display panel is disposed in front of the board surface of the game board. The light emitting means causes light to enter the light guiding means and the second light guiding means. The light guide means is disposed between the board surface of the game board and the display panel, changes the direction of light incident from the light emitting means, and irradiates the board surface of the game board. The second light guiding unit changes the direction of light incident from the light emitting unit and irradiates light toward the display panel.

  In the above configuration, the player can visually recognize the game area from the front of the game board through the display panel and the light guide means, both of which are transparent, and can be placed in a desired area of the display panel away from the surface of the game board. The displayed still image and moving image can be viewed. In addition, the display panel displays 2D (two-dimensional (dimension)) or visual 3D (three-dimensional (dimension)) graphics, or displays in combination with various LED display devices arranged on the game board. As a result, the illumination effect increases. Therefore, it is possible to perform innovative effects that are not found in conventional ball game machines, surprising effects, effects that are in tune with or harmonized with game balls existing in the game area, etc. It is possible to prevent the player's interest from being lost as the game progresses.

  In addition, when a transmissive display panel is arranged in front of the game board, there is a risk that the amount of irradiation from the room lighting or the like to the game board will decrease due to the influence of the display panel. However, since the light from the light guiding means arranged between the game board and the display panel is directly irradiated to the board surface of the game board, sufficient brightness is obtained when the game board is looked through the display panel. Therefore, the board surface of the game board does not become dim due to the influence of the display panel. That is, the player can visually recognize the game board through the display panel by the reflected light of the light applied to the game board. Therefore, the visibility of the game board can be reliably improved by a simple configuration in which the light guide means is disposed between the game board and the display panel.

  Furthermore, the light irradiated to the board surface of the game board is reflected toward the display panel. Thereby, since the display panel is irradiated with light from behind, the brightness is improved in a region of the display panel where the light is received. Therefore, it is possible to improve the visibility of a moving image or a still image displayed in a region of the display panel that receives the reflected light.

As a result, the player can view the image displayed on the display panel while easily grasping the behavior of the game ball falling on the game area of the game board. It can certainly be increased.
In addition, a transmissive second light guide means that changes the direction of light incident from the light emitting means and emits light toward the display panel is disposed in front of the display panel, so that the light is emitted toward the game board. As a result, the light intensity of the game board can be increased and the brightness of the board surface of the game board can be increased, and accordingly, the visibility of the game board is further improved.

  Further, the display panel may cover almost the entire game area, and the light guide means may irradiate the light incident from the light emitting means in a plane toward the almost entire game area.

  In the above configuration, almost the entire game area is covered with the display panel. Therefore, an image can be displayed in a wide area of the display panel, and various effects can be displayed, so that the player's interest in games can be further enhanced.

  In addition, since almost the entire game area is covered with the display panel, the influence on the visibility of the game area increases. However, the light emitted from the light guide means is irradiated in a planar shape over almost the entire game area, so that the game area is uniformly brightened over a wide range. Therefore, the player can visually recognize the game area without any difficulty by the reflected light of the light applied to the game area.

  In this way, it is possible to achieve both expansion of the display range by the display panel and improvement of the visibility of the game area of the game board.

  Further, the light guide means may change the direction of the light incident from the light emitting means and irradiate light in a planar shape toward both the board surface of the game board and the display panel.

  In the above configuration, at least a part of the display panel is irradiated with light from the light guide unit from the rear. Therefore, the light guide unit functions as a backlight of the display panel, and the visibility of the displayed moving image or still image is further improved in the region of the display panel that receives light from the light guide unit.

  The light guide means is disposed between the game board and the display panel and irradiates light incident from the light emitting means in a plane toward the board surface of the game board, and the display panel and the first light guide plate. And a second light guide plate that radiates the light incident from the light emitting means toward the display panel in a planar shape.

  In the above configuration, the first light guide plate and the second light guide plate have different directions of irradiating light, so the first light guide plate and the second light guide plate can be manufactured separately, and the light guide means It is possible to facilitate the processing in the manufacture of the above.

  The light guide means has a first area facing the game area on the board surface of the game board and a second area facing the non-game area other than the game area, and is incident from the light emitting means in the first area. The emitted light may be emitted toward the board surface of the game board, and the light incident from the light emitting means may be emitted toward the display panel in the second region. Further, the display panel may have an image display area facing a non-game area other than the game area on the board surface of the game board.

  In the above configuration, the light from the first area of the light guide means is emitted toward the game area of the game board, and the light from the second area is emitted toward the area of the display panel that faces the non-game area. The As a result, the brightness of the game area is mainly improved on the board surface of the game board, and the light applied to the game area is reflected toward the display panel. That is, since the reflected light of the light irradiated to the game area can be transmitted through the display panel satisfactorily, the player can surely see the game area of the game board through the display panel. Moreover, since the light from the 2nd area | region which opposes a non-game area | region among light guide means is not irradiated toward the board surface of a game board, the brightness of the non-game area | region of a board surface can be suppressed. For this reason, even if it is a case where an electrical decoration, a liquid crystal, etc. are provided in a non-game area | region, it can prevent effectively that the presentation effect is impaired. Further, even if the brightness of the non-game area is kept low, the player can easily visually recognize the behavior of the game ball in the game area as long as the brightness of the game area is ensured. Therefore, even with a small amount of light, the game area can be brightened efficiently. On the other hand, in the display panel, the area facing the non-game area is directly irradiated with light from the light guide means toward the display panel, and reflected light of the light emitted toward the game area is displayed. Since the light is emitted toward the panel, the player can clearly see the image displayed in the area facing the non-game area in the display panel. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the visibility with respect to each of the behavior of the game ball in the game area of the game board and the image displayed in the area of the display panel facing the non-game area.

  Furthermore, since the light from the light guide means is applied to each of the game area of the game board and the image display area of the display panel, these areas are efficiently irradiated with light. That is, it is possible to ensure the visibility with respect to the game area of the game board and the visibility with respect to the image displayed on the display area of the display panel while suppressing the light amount of the light emitting means that causes light to enter the light guide means. Therefore, it is possible to save power and extend the life of the light emitting means.

  In addition, the second light guide unit may irradiate light incident from the light emitting unit in a planar shape, and may be disposed to face a region other than the image display region in the display panel.

  In the above configuration, the light emitted from the second light guide unit is not directly emitted to the image display area of the display panel. Therefore, since the image displayed in the image display area of the display panel is not directly affected by the light from the second light guide unit, it is possible to reliably prevent the image from being difficult to see from the front.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform a novel effect that is not found in conventional ball game machines, an unexpected effect, an effect that is in tune with or in harmony with a game ball or the like existing in the game area, etc. Thus, the player's interest can be prevented from being lost as the game progresses. In addition, it is possible to ensure the brightness when looking through the display panel through the display panel, and it is possible to reliably improve the visibility of the game area of the game board.

  Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of a ball game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This ball game machine is installed in a place such as a game machine installation store, and a player plays a game based on the supply of game balls.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a prepaid card purchased by a player from a game machine-installed store is paid into a prepaid card unit (hereinafter referred to as a CR unit) 1 by paying a value such as cash. Thus, the configuration and operation of a gaming machine in which a player plays a game in the form of borrowing a game ball used for the game will be described. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine is electronic when a borrowed game ball is received in a predetermined winning opening (start chucker, starting winning opening) 2 and enters a winning state. If the result of the lottery is selected and the result of the lottery is a win, the game ball is easy to win the special winning opening (large winning opening) 3 so that the gaming state is advantageous to the player from the normal gaming state. This is a bullet ball game machine (hereinafter referred to as a game machine). However, the present invention is not limited to the gaming machine of the present embodiment. For example, in the Law on the Optimization of Customs Business and the Law on the Suitability of Business (Fair Management Optimization Act) and the Law Enforcement Regulations, the pachinko game It is applicable to gaming machines that are classified as machines.

[Outline of gaming machine structure]
The gaming machine of this embodiment has an outer frame (wooden frame) 4, a main body member (main body) 5, an opening frame door 6, a game board 7, a door 8 with a ball tray, a ball tray 9, and a rotating type as external structures. An operation handle (ball launching handle) 10, a ball lending-related operation unit 11, a stored ball discharge operation button 12 for the ball tray 9, and the like are provided on the front side thereof. In addition, this gaming machine has, as an internal structure, a main control device 13, a sub-control device 14, a game ball payout device 15, a ball lending signal control device 16, a movable object control device 17, a collection passage member 18, a storage tank 19, A passage member (prize ball opening) 20 used when paying out game balls, and a power supply device 21, a firing control device 22, a firing drive device 23, and the like are provided on the rear surface side.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described in detail in the order of an external structure, an internal structure, a game area configuration, and an electrical configuration with reference to FIGS.

[External structure]
First, the external structure of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The outer frame 4 is a wooden frame member having a vertical rectangular shape for fixing to an installation location (island facilities or the like) provided in a gaming machine installation sales shop.

  The main body member 5 is a member that is provided inside the outer frame 4 and serves as a longitudinal rectangular gaming machine base body that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 4 via a hinge portion 26. Moreover, the main body member 5 is formed in a frame shape and has a space portion inside.

  The opening frame door 6 has a lock function 25 and is attached to the front surface of the main body member 5 on the front side of the gaming machine so as to be openable and closable via a hinge portion 26, and is configured in a frame shape. This is a door member having an opening 27 inside thereof. The opening frame door 6 is provided with a cover unit 28 which will be described later so as to face the opening 27, and an electric decoration 29 and a speaker 30 are attached in the vicinity of the opening 27.

  The game board 7 has a game area 31 on its board surface, and is detachably attached to the main body member 5 using a predetermined fixing member so as to face the space of the main body member 5. The game area 31 can be observed from the opening 27 after the game board 7 is mounted on the main body member 5. Here, in the present embodiment, the game area 31 refers to an area in the surface of the game board 7 in which the launched game ball is movable. On the other hand, an area other than the game area 31 (hereinafter referred to as a non-game area 99) of the game board 7 is an area outside the game area 31 (hereinafter referred to as an outer non-game area 99a) and an abbreviation of the game area 31. A region slightly above the center portion (hereinafter referred to as an inner non-game region 99b) includes a variable display device (special symbol display device) 34, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display device. 35, a specific hold number display lamp 41 and a passing hold number display lamp 42 are provided.

The door 8 with a ball tray is a door member attached to the lower side of the main body member 5 on the front surface of the gaming machine so as to have a lock function and be openable and closable. In the present embodiment, the following members are attached to the door 8 with a ball tray.
(1) A ball tray 9 in which a plurality of game balls can be stored and a passage for guiding the game balls to the firing drive device 23 is provided.
(2) A rotary operation handle 10 having a game ball launch stop button 10a for launching a game ball guided to the launch drive device 23 to a game area 31 provided on the surface of the game board 7. .
(3) A ball lending-related operation unit 11 including buttons for instructing a prepaid card reading process and a lending process related to a game ball borrowed by a player (hereinafter referred to as a lending ball).
(4) A stored ball discharge operation button 12 for the ball receiving tray 9 for allowing the player to discharge the game balls stored in the ball receiving tray 9 to a game ball collecting container (common name, dollar box).

  As shown in FIGS. 8 to 12, the cover unit 28 includes a first transparent plate member 61, a second transparent plate member 62, a frame-shaped first frame 63, and a frame-shaped second frame. A frame 64, a thin plate-like transmissive display device 65, and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) substrate (light emitting means) 66 (shown in FIG. 13) are provided. The first and second transparent plate members 61 and 62 are made of glass or resin, and the peripheral portions thereof are fixed to the first and second frames 63 and 64 by adhesion or the like, respectively. The first transparent plate member 61 and the second transparent plate member 62 have substantially the same size and shape.

  One side edge of the first frame 63 and the second frame 64 is rotatably connected by two upper and lower hinges 67, so that the first frame 63 and the second frame 64 can be opened and closed. Two other upper and lower engaging projections 69 are formed on the other side edge of the first frame 63, and two upper and lower flexible locking points corresponding to the engaging projections 69 are formed on the other side edge of the second frame 64. A frame 70 is formed. In the closed position shown in FIG. 10, the first frame 63 and the second frame 64 overlap with each other in contact or close proximity, and the outer surface 61a of the first transparent plate member 61 (the game area 31 side is defined as the inner surface 61b). And the inner surface 62b of the second transparent plate member 62 (the player side is referred to as the outer surface 62a) are arranged to face each other substantially in parallel, and a plate-like space 68 is formed between the first and second transparent plate members 61 and 62. Partitioned. The plate-like space 68 functions as an air layer that accommodates the transmissive display device 65 and prevents the first and second transparent plate members 61 and 62 from being fogged. Further, the engaging projection 69 is inserted into the flexible locking frame 70 and engaged with each other, whereby the first and second frames 63 and 64 are held in the closed position. As shown in FIG. 12, when the engagement between the engagement protrusion 69 and the flexible locking frame 70 is released and the first and second frames 63 and 64 are moved from the closed position to the open position, a plate-like shape is obtained. The space 68 is opened. Two upper and lower connecting portions 71 are formed on one side edge of the first frame 63, and two upper and lower cover support portions 72 (shown in FIG. 5) corresponding to the connecting portion 71 are formed on the opening frame door 6. Is formed. As shown in FIG. 11, each connecting portion 71 has a rotation support shaft 73 that protrudes downward, and each cover support portion 72 has a shaft support hole 74 that rotatably supports the rotation support shaft 73. . By attaching the rotation support shaft 73 to the shaft support hole 74, the cover unit 28 is rotatably connected to the opening frame door 6.

  On the other side edge of the second frame 64, two upper and lower lock pieces 75 are formed. As shown in FIG. 5, the opening frame door 6 has upper and lower portions corresponding to the lock pieces 75 (shown in FIG. 8). Two cover fixing portions 76 are rotatably provided. Each cover fixing portion 76 has a locking piece 77 with the lock piece 75, and each cover fixing portion is in a state where the second frame 64 is in contact with or close to the peripheral portion on the back surface side of the opening 27 of the opening frame door 6. By rotating 76 and engaging each locking piece 77 with each locking piece 75, the rotational movement of the cover unit 28 is restricted and fixed to the opening frame door 6. In this state, by closing the opening frame door 6, the cover unit 28 (the inner surface 61 b of the first transparent plate member 61) in the plate-like space 68 is disposed opposite to the surface of the game board 7 to define the game area 31. Covering, the outer surface 62a of the second transparent plate member 62 is exposed to the player side.

  Two engagement holes 92 are formed on the upper surface of the lower side portion 63a of the first frame 63 (one edge portion of the first frame 63). A control board accommodating portion 90 is integrally formed on the upper portion of the first frame 63. A control board 91 constituting the display control device is housed and fixed in the control board housing portion 90. The control board 91 controls a display panel 82 and an LED board 66 described later. A control board cover 94 that covers the control board 91 is attached to the control board housing portion 90. Two engagement grooves 93 are formed in the lower wall portion 90a (the other edge portion of the first frame 63) facing the lower side portion 63a. The control plate accommodating portion 90, the engagement hole 92, and the engagement groove 93 may be provided in the second frame 64.

  Next, the transmissive display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the display panel unit, FIG. 14 is a front view of the display panel unit, FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX of FIG. 14, and FIG. In FIG. 14, the portions other than the shaded portion indicate the region of the display panel that overlaps with the game region of the game board as viewed from the player (hereinafter referred to as the first region A), and the shaded portion indicates the game on the display panel. A region (hereinafter referred to as a second region B) overlapping with a non-game region of the game board as viewed from the player is shown. In FIG. 15, A indicates a region facing the first region A of the display panel, B indicates a region facing the second region B of the display panel, and an arrow 200 is emitted from the LED substrate. The arrow 201 indicates the reflection direction of the reflected light of the light irradiated on the game board.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, the transmissive display device 65 according to the first embodiment includes a display panel unit 78, a panel frame 79, a pair of LED boards 66, and a pair of harnesses as communication connection means. 80 and a panel frame cover 81, arranged in a plate-like space 68 (shown in FIG. 16), and opposed to the first and second transparent plate members 61, 62 (shown in FIG. 16).

  The panel frame 79 includes upper and lower horizontal frame portions 79a and 79b as a pair of outer edge portions of the transmissive display device 65, and a pair of vertical frame portions 79c that connect both ends of the horizontal frame portions 79a and 79b. It has a substantially rectangular frame shape. Two harness fitting grooves 86 into which the harness 80 is fitted are formed in the upper horizontal frame portion 79a. Two locking projections 87 are formed on the lower horizontal frame portion 79b so as to protrude downward. Each vertical frame portion 79c includes a substrate accommodating portion 88 that accommodates the LED substrate 66, and a plurality of openings 89 that allow light emitted from the LED substrate 66 to enter the diffusion sheet 83 (transparent light guide means). .

  The display panel unit 78 has a substantially rectangular thin plate shape as a whole. The display panel unit 78 has a transmissive display panel 82 facing the second transparent plate member 62, and a transmissive planar guide superimposed on the back surface of the display panel 82. A diffusion sheet 83 as an optical member, and a protective sheet 84 that is superimposed on the back surface of the diffusion sheet 83 and faces the first transparent plate member 61 are provided. The display panel 82 is configured by a transmissive organic EL display or a transmissive liquid crystal display. The display panel 82 includes a first area A that overlaps with the game area 31 of the game board 7 when viewed from the player and a second area B that overlaps with the non-game area 99 of the game board 7 when viewed from the player. The diffusion sheet 83 is a transparent plate made of a transparent resin or the like, and is reflected on the front inner wall surface 83a (the inner wall on the game area 31 side is the rear inner wall surface 83b) such as a thin line that is invisible to the eye. A prism (prism cut) 83c is formed over the entire surface. And according to lighting of the LED board 66 mentioned later, the light irradiated toward the diffusion sheet 83 can be reflected in the direction of the game area 31 by the reflecting prism 83c, and the light irradiation mode (light By setting the irradiation method) in a predetermined manner, the reflected light can illuminate the game area 31 in a planar shape. Note that the light irradiation mode of the diffusion sheet 83 includes, for example, a case where the reflection prism 83c is formed on one of the inner wall surface and the outer wall surface of the diffusion sheet 83, a case where it is formed on both the inner wall surface and the outer wall surface, and the reflection prism 83c. By changing the location where the reflecting prism 83c is formed, such as the range where the is formed, or the shape of the reflecting prism 83c, etc., the desired mode can be appropriately set.

  Further, the peripheral portion of the display panel unit 78 is fixed and supported by the panel frame 79 by adhesion or engagement.

  In the gaming board 7 of the present embodiment, a reflective sheet 103 having a high light reflectance is attached to the gaming area 31 and the outer non-gaming area 99a. The reflection sheet 103 may be a design sheet with a desired design.

  The LED substrate 66 is a light emitting device having LEDs (light emitting elements), and is accommodated and fixed in two substrate accommodating portions 88 of the panel frame 79, respectively. In addition, the LED substrate 66 is configured to emit light uniformly from almost the entire region in the length direction of the vertical frame portion 79c.

  The light emitted from the LED substrate 66 enters the side surface portion of the diffusion sheet 83 through the opening 89 and is diffused into the diffusion sheet 83 by repeating total reflection between the front inner wall surface 83a and the rear inner wall surface 83b. . The light is reflected toward the game board 7 (arrow line 200) by a large number of step-like reflecting prisms 83c formed on the entire front inner wall surface 83a of the diffusion sheet 83. Thereby, the light incident on the diffusion sheet 83 becomes a planar light source on the inner surface of the diffusion sheet 83, and is irradiated (arrow 200) from the inner surface of the diffusion sheet 83 toward almost the entire area of the board surface of the game board 7. . That is, the light emitted from the diffusion sheet 83 improves the brightness of the board surface of the game board 7 uniformly, so that the game area 31 can be prevented from being dim due to the influence of the display panel 82. Therefore, the player can improve the visibility of the game area 31 of the game board 7 through the display panel 82 by the reflected light (arrow line 201) of the light irradiated on the board surface of the game board 7, so that the player The behavior of the game ball falling in the game area 31 can be easily grasped.

  Further, the light applied to the board surface of the game board 7 is reflected by the board surface and travels toward the back surface of the display panel 82. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the reflective sheet 103 having a high reflectance is attached to the board surface, the light irradiated on the board surface is efficiently reflected (arrow line 201) toward the back surface of the display panel 82. Thereby, since the brightness of the display panel 82 is ensured, the player can view images displayed in the first area A and the second area B of the display panel 82. In this embodiment, the protective sheet 84 is provided on the back surface of the diffusion sheet 83. However, the protective sheet 84 is not necessarily provided.

  The harness 80 extends from the upper end of the LED board 66 and bends along the shape of the panel frame 79 (the upper end portion of the vertical frame portion 79c and both end portions of the upper horizontal frame portion 79a), and the tip portion thereof is harness-fitted. It is fitted in the groove 86 and protrudes upward. The tip portion protruding upward constitutes the harness connection portion 80a.

  The panel frame cover 81 has a substantially rectangular frame shape, is attached to the back side of the panel frame 79, and covers the harness 80 excluding the LED substrate 66 and the harness connection portion 80a.

  When assembling the transmissive display device 65 to the first and second frames 63 and 64, first, as shown in FIG. 17, the first and second frames 63 and 64 are set to the open position, and the first frame The locking projection 87 (shown in FIG. 14) is inserted into the engagement hole 92 (shown in FIG. 12) in a state where the transmissive display device 65 is tilted with respect to 63, and the transparency is centered on the locking projection 87. After the display device 65 is rotated and the harness connecting portion 80a is inserted into the engaging groove 93, the harness connecting portion 80a and the control board 91 are electrically connected. When the locking projection 87 is engaged with the engagement hole 92 and the harness connecting portion 80a is fitted in the engagement groove, the transmissive display device 65 is positioned and held with respect to the first frame 63. In this state, the control board 91 and the LED board 66 are electrically connected via the harness 80, and the control board 91 and the display panel 82 are electrically connected via the harness 80 and the LED board 66. Is done.

  Next, the first and second frames 63 and 64 are moved from the open position to the closed position. As a result, the panel frame 79 is sandwiched and fixed between the first and second frames 63 and 64. In this state, the first frame 63 and the second frame 64 are fixed, the cover unit 28 is fixed to the opening frame door 6, and the opening frame door 6 is closed, so that the cover unit 28 is in front of the game board 7. The transparent display device 65 is arranged in the area, and is arranged in the front area corresponding to the structure of the game area 31 (the specific winning port 2, the special winning port 3, the variable display device 34, etc.). In the present embodiment, the display panel unit 78 is provided on the opening frame door 6, but is not limited thereto, and may be provided on the main body member 5 side.

  The control board 91 and the LED board 66 are electrically connected by the harness connecting portion 80a, and the control board 91 and the opening frame door 6 side or the main body member 5 side have a harness 95 as a communication connection means. Is electrically connected to the main controller 13. The harness connecting portion 80a is detachably connected to the control board 91, and the harness 95 is connected to a relay connecting portion 95b (shown in FIG. 19) with the main control device 13 on the opening frame door 6 side or the main body member 5 side. In contrast, it is detachably connected. By removing the harness connecting portion 80 a from the control board 91, the transmissive display device 65 can be detached from the first frame 63. Further, by removing the harness 95 from the opening frame door 6 side or the main body member 5 side, electrical connection between the cover unit 28 side and the relay connection portion 95b on the opening frame door 6 side or the main body member 5 side (power supply or The interface such as transmission of the control signal is released, and the connection between the connecting portion 71 and the cover support portion 72 is released, so that the cover unit 28 can be detached from the opening frame door 6.

  As a light emitting means, instead of the LED substrate 66, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, a pair of cathode tubes 96 and a reflector 97 may be provided. In this case, the cathode tube 96, the reflector 97, and the harness 98 are disposed and fixed in each vertical frame portion 79c of the panel frame 79. The light emitted from the cathode tube 96 enters the side surface portion of the diffusion sheet 83 and exits from the surface of the diffusion sheet 83 toward the back surface of the display panel 82. The upper end of the harness 98 is bent along the shape of the panel frame 79 (the upper end portion of the vertical frame portion 79c and both end portions of the upper horizontal frame portion 79a), and the tip end portion thereof is fitted into the harness fitting groove 86. Projects upward. The tip portion protruding upward constitutes the harness connecting portion 98a. The panel frame cover 81 has a substantially rectangular frame shape, is attached to the back side of the panel frame 79, and covers the harness 98 excluding the cathode tube 96, the reflector 97, and the harness connection portion 98a. The control board 91, the display panel 82 and the cathode tube 96 are electrically connected via a harness 98.

[Internal structure]
Next, the internal structure of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The main control device 13 functions as a control means according to the present invention, and is provided via the main body member 5 or the game board 7 or a support member provided to these. The main control device 13 performs electric game control processing and generates main processing information.

  The sub-control device 14 is provided via the main body member 5 or the game board 7 or a support member provided to them, and performs control to execute a predetermined output mode process according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. Device. In addition, although mentioned later in detail, the sub control apparatus 14 has the symbol control apparatus 14a, the lamp control apparatus 14b, the audio | voice control apparatus 14c, and the payout control apparatus 14d. The symbol control device 14a functions as a control unit according to the present invention together with the main control device 13.

  The game ball payout device 15 is a device provided with a drive source for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as a game profit (hereinafter referred to as a prize ball) in accordance with the establishment of a predetermined winning condition.

  The ball lending signal control device 16 controls the prepaid card reading processing relationship and the lending lending processing relationship.

  The movable object control device 17 has a plurality of movable objects (for example, a movable piece 44, a movable door 45, a prize area distribution item, an effect, etc.) arranged in the game area 31 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control apparatus 13. A moving object for operation) is provided individually corresponding to a plurality of movable objects. The movable object control device 17 of the present embodiment includes a movable piece drive device, a movable door drive device, a winning area distribution drive device, and an effect moving object drive device.

  The collection passage member 18 is a passage for collecting the game balls that have been launched into the game area 31 provided on the surface of the game board 7 by the rotary operation handle 10 to the back side of the game board 7 (common name, collective bowl). It is the member which becomes.

  The passage member 20 used when paying out the game ball is a member that serves as a passage for guiding a winning ball or a rental ball to the ball tray 9.

  The power supply device 21 is a device that supplies power to each control device in the gaming machine in response to power being turned on.

  When an operation for launching a game ball to the game area 31 is performed via the rotary operation handle 10, the launch control device 22 launches 100 play balls in one minute. And the like, and the launching intensity of the game ball is adjusted in accordance with the amount of rotation of the rotary operation handle 10.

  The launch drive device 23 is a device that activates the launch drive unit for the game ball in accordance with launch control by the launch control device 22 and launches the game ball into the game area 31.

[Composition of game area]
Next, the configuration of the game area 31 of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The game area 31 is partitioned and formed so as to be substantially circular by a guide rail 32 and a game ball regulation rail 33 for sliding the game ball, and regulates the movement range of the game ball launched by the rotary operation handle 10. It is an area. The game ball regulation rail 33 is configured to be continuously connected to the guide rail 32, and the guide rail 32 and the game ball regulation rail 33 are spirally arranged on the board surface of the game board 7 as a whole. .

  Further, in the game area 31, a variable display device 34, an LED display device 35, a stage 36, a predetermined winning port (general winning port) 37, a predetermined passing port (through chucker) 38, an out port 39, and a game nail (not shown) ), A windmill 40, a specific hold number display lamp 41, a passing hold number display lamp 42, an effect display lamp 43, and the like.

  The variable display device 34 has identification information in accordance with a result of an electronic winning lottery executed in response to the establishment of a predetermined condition (for example, winning a game ball into a predetermined winning opening). The display control device stops display after variably displaying the identification display information (for example, a symbol, a character, a background image, etc.). The variable display device 34 may be a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, a drum display device, a dot matrix display device, a 7-segment display device, or an EL (ElectroLuminescence) display device. .

  The LED display device 35 is a device that displays various information to the player using LEDs. For example, a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, a game ball passes through a predetermined passage, etc.). In accordance with the result of the electronic winning lottery executed according to the above, the identification lighting information as identification information is variably displayed by the LED and then stopped and displayed.

  The stage 36 is a structure provided with a landing that allows the game ball to stay temporarily below the variable display device 34 and then allows the game ball to fall.

  The predetermined winning opening 37 is a structure provided with a plurality of openings at appropriate positions in the game area 31 and having openings for receiving the falling game balls. Note that the specific prize opening 2 and the special prize opening 3 are also included in the predetermined prize opening 37.

  Here, the specific winning opening 2 is any of a plurality of winning openings, and includes an electric movable piece 44 for expanding and reducing the opening range of the winning opening, and the game ball wins the winning opening. In response to this, the variable display device variably displays the identification display information, and is a winning opening for allowing the player to acquire a prize ball. The special winning opening 3 is one of a plurality of winning openings, and includes an electric movable door 45 that generates an open state in which the winning opening is exposed and a closed state in which the winning opening is closed. Is a winning opening that allows a player to acquire more prize balls than other winning openings in response to winning a winning opening. Hereinafter, a plurality of predetermined winning ports 37 other than the specific winning port 2 and the special winning port 3 are referred to as other winning ports 37.

  A predetermined number of the predetermined passage openings 38 are provided at appropriate positions in the game area 31 and are structures having gates that allow the falling game balls to pass therethrough.

  The out port 39 is a game ball collection opening provided at a position where the game balls that have not entered any of the predetermined winning ports 37 are converged.

  The game nail 53 is driven into an appropriate position on the board surface of the game board 7 in order to make the movement direction of the game ball irregular by contacting with the game ball or to regulate the movement direction of the game ball. It is a rod-shaped member.

  The windmill 40 is a rotating member that can rotate by contact with a game ball.

  The specific number-of-holds display lamp 41 is a light-emitting device that notifies the on-hold state relating to the start of variable display after winning a prize to the specific winning opening 2 by turning on or off.

  The passing hold number display lamp 42 is a light emitting device that notifies the holding state relating to the start of variable display after the passage to the predetermined passage port 38 is turned on or off.

  The effect display lamp 43 is a light-emitting device that has various lighting modes according to changes in the gaming state after the power is turned on.

[Electrical configuration]
Next, the electrical configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment has, as an electrical configuration, a CR unit 1, a main control device 13, a sub control device 14, a ball lending signal control device 16, a movable object control device 17, a power supply device 21, and a launch control device 22. , A firing drive device 23, a detection sensor 47, a centralized management device 48, and the like. The configurations of the CR unit 1, the ball lending signal control device 16, the movable object control device 17, the power supply device 21, the launch control device 22, and the launch drive device 23 are as described above, and hence the description thereof is omitted below. To do.

The main controller 13 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 13a.
A ROM (Read Only Memory) 13b for storing a predetermined control program (computer program), a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing the generated processing information and deleting the stored information (Possible storage unit) 13c, a frequency generation circuit unit 13d for generating a periodic signal, and the like, and performs main information processing in the gaming machine and generates processing information to be input to the sub-control device 14.

  The sub-control device 14 includes a symbol control device 14a, a lamp control device 14b, a voice control device 14c, and a payout control device 14d, and performs predetermined output mode processing according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. The sub-control device 14 may be configured as a device for each output mode process, or may be configured by combining a plurality of output mode processes. Each control device constituting the sub-control device 14 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM so that the processing can be executed independently according to the processing information.

  Here, the symbol control device 14a controls the variable display device 34, the LED display device 35, or the transmissive display device 65 via the video display processor (VDP) 50 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control device 13. By performing control, the control unit performs control so that the identification lighting information or the identification display information is variably displayed and then stopped and displayed, and by controlling the transmissive display device 65 via the VDP 50, It is an apparatus that performs control to display a moving image. In the present embodiment, among the symbol control device 14 a and the VDP 50, those related to the control of the transmissive display device 65 are provided on the control board 91 of the cover unit 28.

  Note that the VDP 50 may output an image signal to both the transmissive display device 65 and the variable display device 34 to display a symbol having a series of relationships with each other.

  The lamp control device 14b is used for effects provided in the electrical decorations 29 (including effect notification lamps, payout lamps, trouble lamps) and the game area 31 of the opening frame door 6 according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13. It is a device that controls lighting of the display lamp (electric decoration) 43, the specific hold number display lamp 41, the passing hold number display lamp 42, or the like. The information represented by the specific hold number display lamp 41 or the passing hold number display lamp 42 may be notified as identification display information by the variable display device 34.

  The voice control device 14c is a device that controls the voice generation device 51 such as the speaker 30 and the sound processor according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13 to generate voice.

  The payout control device 14d is a device that performs control for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls by the game ball payout device 15 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control device 13. Further, the payout control device 14d refers to the data information stored in the prepaid card read into the CR unit 1 via the ball lending signal control device 16 according to the processing information generated by the main control device 13, and determines a predetermined value. It is a device that performs control to pay out a number of rented balls and counts and manages the number of lent out balls.

  The detection sensor 47 includes a specific winning ball detection sensor 47a, a special winning ball detection sensor 47b, a winning specific area detection sensor 47c, a passing ball detection sensor 47d, other winning ball detection sensors 47e, a game ball payout detection sensor 47f, and an error detection sensor. 47g and an operation handle detection sensor 47h. Each of the detection sensors excluding the operation handle detection sensor 47h includes a specific winning port 2, a special winning port 3, a winning specific region (for example, a region on the right side from the approximate center of the special winning port 3), a predetermined passing port 38, In addition, it is provided in the vicinity of the ball path 49a of the ball path member 49 where the winning hole 37, the prize ball port 20, and the ball path member 49 are likely to be clogged, and detects whether or not a game ball passes at each place. The operation handle detection sensor 47 h is provided on the rotary operation handle 10 and detects the presence or absence of a tentacle to the player's rotary operation handle 10.

  The centralized management device 48 is a device that manages processing information generated by the main control device 13 outside the gaming machine.

[Game machine operation]
Next, the operation of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described by dividing it into the operations of the main control device 13, the sub control device 14, and the movable object control device 17.

[Operation of main controller]
First, the operation of the main controller 13 that performs main game control will be described.

  The power supply device 21 supplies power to the electrical control device of the gaming machine in response to power being turned on. Then, when the power is supplied, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 checks the following necessary confirmation items as an initial setting, and checks whether or not the gaming machine is in an appropriate activated state.

  Here, the main routine processing in the present embodiment is executed by a control program (computer program) stored in advance in the ROM 13b provided in the main control device 13. Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 performs, as main routine processing, random number update processing, input detection reception processing, input management processing, abnormality monitoring processing, special symbol control processing, normal symbol control processing, lamp management processing, and preparation ball payout processing. External information management processing and output management processing are performed.

  The main routine processing is to generate a periodic timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) by frequency division setting based on a periodic signal generated by the frequency generation circuit unit 13d, and to match the generated timing pulse. The CPU 13a is a basic routine that repeatedly executes a control execution process including reading and updating of each of the processes, writing and storing, or deletion of the memory.

  Hereinafter, the random number update process, the input detection reception process, the input management process, the special symbol control process, the transparency display control process, the normal symbol control process, the lamp management process, and the output management process among the main routine processes will be described in detail. explain.

"Random number update process"
The random number update process is a process of setting a lottery game process and a random number generation range composed of a group of a plurality of predetermined numerical groups for each individual type, and generating a random number based on this setting. The random number in the present embodiment is a random number generation program in which a random number generation range corresponding to each lottery game process is set (for example, the random number generation range for determination of success / failure is 0 to 699, the random number generation range for determining the variation pattern is 0 to 39, the display symbol determination random number generation range is 0 to 11 etc.), and means a numerical value when the numerical value is updated by +1 within the random number generation range according to the timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds). . The random number update process is not limited to a software process by a control program stored in the ROM 13b of the main control device 13, but a random number update process based on a random number generation unit that is a physical device provided outside. This random number may be taken into the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 to perform a random number extraction control process.

"Input detection reception process"
The input detection reception process includes a specific winning ball detection sensor 47a, a special winning ball detection sensor 47b, a winning specific area detection sensor 47c, a passing ball detection sensor 47d, other winning ball detection sensors 47e, a game ball payout detection sensor 47f, and error detection. This is processing for monitoring whether there is input information generated by the sensor 47g and the operation handle detection sensor 47h according to a timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) and receiving input information from the sensor.

"Input management process"
The input management process analyzes the input information received by the input detection reception process, and, for example, according to the analysis result such as which detection sensor is the input signal, Performs processing such as counting management of the number of game balls, time management from the time of reception related to winning detection until control processing based on the winning is started, abnormality monitoring processing, special symbol control processing, and transparency display control described later This is a process that makes it possible to use the processing results as appropriate in performing the process, the normal symbol control process, and the lamp management process.

  The input management process includes determining whether or not the player is playing a game and processing the determination result. In the present embodiment, a predetermined time after the operation handle detection sensor 47h detects the player's tentacles and after the operation handle detection sensor 47h is changed from the state where the operation handle detection sensor 47h detects the player's tentacles to the state where it is not detected. Until the time elapses, the CPU 13a determines that the player is playing a game (hereinafter referred to as a gaming state) and outputs a gaming state detection signal. On the other hand, when the operation handle detection sensor 47h does not detect the player's tentacle for a predetermined time or more, it is determined that the player is not playing (hereinafter referred to as a non-game state), and no game state detection signal is output.

  It should be noted that instead of the operation handle detection sensor 47h, a launch ball detection sensor (not shown) is provided at the upper end of the guide rail 32 and in the launch direction of the launch ball, and whether or not the game ball launched into the game area has passed The non-gaming state and the gaming state may be discriminated by detecting the non-gaming state and the processing may be performed, and both the operation handle detection sensor 47h and the shot ball detection sensor detect the non-gaming state and the gaming state. Processing may be performed by determining the state.

"Special symbol control process"
The special symbol control process performs an electronic winning / losing lottery (a jackpot lottery) in response to receiving input information from the specific winning ball detection sensor 47a provided in the vicinity of the specific winning opening 2, This is a process for making it easy for a game ball to win a special winning opening 3 so that a game state advantageous to the player (a big hit game state) is changed from the normal game state. In this special symbol control process, the CPU 13a of the main controller 13 controls display of identification display information (hereinafter referred to as a special symbol) on at least one of the variable display device 34 and the transmissive display device 65 (display panel 82). The process related to doing is also performed.

  Here, the special symbol is a plurality of pieces of identification information (for example, three symbols of left, middle, and right) that variably display the result of the success / failure lottery based on the winning of the game ball in the specific winning port 2. When the lottery result is a win, a plurality of identification information is displayed in a display mode stopped in a predetermined combination (for example, a state in which all three symbols of left, middle, and right are aligned with the same symbol) Thereby, it is notified that the game state (big hit game state) advantageous to the player has been shifted. In such a gaming state, a state in which more prize balls can be acquired in a shorter time than in the normal gaming state occurs continuously. On the other hand, if the lottery result is out of place, a plurality of pieces of identification information are stopped in a display mode other than a predetermined combination (for example, at least one of the three symbols of left, middle, and right is different from the other). Thus, it is notified that the normal gaming state is continuing.

  Moreover, the variable display in the special symbol is a mode in which a plurality of different special symbols (for example, 12 types) set in advance are periodically displayed at a predetermined speed in a plurality of display areas (for example, This is a display method performed in three ways (left, middle, right, etc.). Hereinafter, the effect in the variable display and the background fluctuation (including character display) accompanying the variable display is referred to as a notification effect.

  In this special symbol control process, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 receives the winning of a game ball in the specific winning opening 2 as a trigger, and determines whether or not the lottery results according to the comparison of predetermined numerical values by random number extraction and the lottery result. In order to perform such display control, a random number for determining whether or not to shift to an advantageous gaming state for determining whether or not to win (lottery), and whether or not the determination is made by at least one of the variable display device 34 and the transmissive display device 65 A random number for determining a variation pattern for providing a notification effect that becomes variable display according to the determination result, and a stop display mode according to the determination result of success / failure in at least one of the variable display device 34 and the transmissive display device 65 And a random number for determining a special symbol to be generated by random number update processing. Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 individually reads the generated random numbers and stores them in the storage means as acquired random numbers.

  Further, in this special symbol control process, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 stores the condition on the condition that the preceding control process such as the notification effect process by the special symbol control has not already been performed at the time of obtaining the random number. The determination is made by comparing the acquired random number with a comparison value for success / failure preset in the table as a numerical distribution data group, and the result information is stored in the storage means.

  Next, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 stores the variation pattern comparison numerical value for winning or losing that has been classified and stored in advance in the table on the basis of the success / failure, and the stored obtained random number for determining the variation pattern. Then, by comparing and comparing according to the success / failure information stored in the storage means, the determination of the variation pattern is performed, and the variation pattern information (pattern number) used for hit or miss as a result is stored in the storage means.

  Further, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 compares special symbols in a stop display mode (for example, left / middle / right alignment mode) that is preliminarily classified and stored in the table based on whether or not it is correct. The special symbol determination is performed by comparing the stored numerical value and the stored random number for determining the special symbol with the stored determination information according to the variation pattern information to be used for hitting or losing. Each of the plurality of special symbols obtained from the result is individually stopped and displayed, and special symbol information (left, middle and right special symbol numbers) for hitting or losing is stored in the storage means.

  Here, comparing and comparing according to a table having a numerical value for fluctuation pattern comparison or a special symbol comparison numerical value and an acquired random number corresponding thereto, This is the process of finding a match by determining the match of the combination with the acquired random number corresponding to, and if it is not, determining the match of the combination of the comparison numerical value for removal and the corresponding acquired random number. . Then, a variation pattern number for winning or losing according to the match or a plurality of special symbol numbers for winning or losing are stored in the storage means.

  In addition, at the time of acquisition of the random number by the random number generating means, it is said that “the determination of success / failure is made on the condition that the advance control process such as the notification effect process by the special symbol control is not performed”, but the trigger condition is arbitrarily set The design can be changed.

By the special symbol control process described so far, the following information is generated as the processing information obtained after winning a prize at the specific winning opening 2.
(1) A variation pattern number for winning or losing.
(2) A plurality of special symbol numbers for winning or losing that temporarily stop display (including fine motion display) for a predetermined variable display area.
(3) A fixed stop instruction number for making a stop display mode for a plurality of special symbols that are temporarily stopped.
(4) A jackpot transition instruction number in the case of winning in the determination of success / failure.

  Then, when transmitting the variation pattern number and the plurality of special symbol numbers to the sub-control device 14 side through an output management process described later, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 sets the control processing execution time corresponding to the determined variation pattern. Set the timer to update the timer that performs the count calculation process. It should be noted that the fixed stop instruction number and the jackpot transition instruction number in case of winning in the determination of success / failure are transmitted via the output management process at a timing corresponding to the elapse of the control process execution time by the timer.

  Therefore, whether or not to shift to a game state advantageous to the player is determined by, for example, a lottery game process for determination of success / failure, and “special use” associated with 0 to 697 “exclusion numbers” for normal use. In the random number update process, a “number” and a “random number generation range” consisting of a total of 700 including the “number for special feature” associated as a more useful hit than the normal use are set to correspond to each other, The numerical value updated at the timing according to the winning time of the game ball to the specific winning opening 2 described above is read out and acquired as a random number, and whether or not the acquired random number is “special numerical value” or “special numerical value” is determined. Determined by the results. That is, when the winning determination is a 1/350 lottery probability triggered by the winning, the condition for shifting is satisfied.

  In addition, when the combination of the special symbols (for example, the left, middle, and right special symbols are of the same type) is used for the stop and display mode to shift to a gaming state that is advantageous to the player, one step before that The undecided display is referred to as a so-called reach effect. The contents of various other notification effects including such reach effect are as follows: (a) the result of the hit / decision determination, and (b) the aforementioned It is determined based on the obtained random number for determining the variation pattern and the special symbol for reading out according to the winning timing of the game ball with respect to the specific winning opening 2. That is, at least one of the variable display device 34 and the transmissive display device 65 via the symbol control device 14a can be variably displayed at random.

  In the case where a preceding control process such as a notification effect process by special symbol control has been performed at the time of acquisition of a random number by the random number generating means, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 until the control process ends. In order to store the acquired random number related to the special symbol control as the read result or the processing information for executing the display mode in the storage unit and notify the storage, the specific hold number display lamp 41 is stored every time the random number is stored. Lighting command information to be transmitted to the sub-control device 14 (lamp control device 14b) is generated.

  Then, based on the timer that is updated by the count calculation that is set to manage the transition of the variation display time of the variation pattern that is variably displayed, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 notifies the stop display mode notification time. At the same time, unnecessary acquired random numbers or processing information stored in the storage means are deleted, and when the fixed stop instruction number is transmitted, the specific hold number display lamp 41 is turned off one by one. That is, the sub-control device 14 (lamp control device 14b) uses the fixed stop instruction number as the turn-off command processing information when the specific hold number display lamp 41 is turned on.

  In this embodiment, when the acquired random number or processing information is stored in the storage means, an upper limit number (for example, 5) of the acquired random number or processing information to be stored is determined in advance, and the prior control processing is performed. When the total storage number including the storage of the acquired random number or processing information is the upper limit, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 stores it as an invalid condition even if the condition for generating the acquired random number or processing information is satisfied No special symbol control is performed.

  Also, in this special symbol control process, the result of determination of whether or not to shift to the advantageous gaming state (big hit gaming state) is a hit, and in order to notify the winning result, a predetermined combination of the special symbols is predetermined. When executing the displayed stop display mode, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 performs the following processing. That is, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 responds to the win in order to shift to the advantageous gaming state (a) the movable door 45 provided to be closed with respect to the special prize winning port 3. Either an open state, (b) a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed, or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are awarded to the special winning opening 3 The closing of the movable door 45 is controlled on condition that the above condition is satisfied. Further, (c) any of the game balls won in the opened state passes through the winning specific area provided in the special winning opening 3. On the condition that the winning specific area detection sensor 47c has detected, the movable door 45 is continuously opened, and (d) the movable door 45 is opened and closed with the transition of the same condition as described above. , Reached the predetermined upper limit (for example, 16 times) Generating processing information for instructing to repeat until.

  Further, at the time of the validity determination by comparing the acquisition random number for the success and the table of comparison values for the success / failure, the acquired random number is “corresponding to a predetermined special value (for example, corresponding to the transition to the hit probability increasing fluctuation state”). If it is determined that the winning is based on “the numerical value)”, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 uses, for example, a winning probability of 1/350 to 1/75 for the table used after the advantageous gaming state ends. The reference table is changed to a table with a high probability of winning, and then the number of variable displays based on winning in the specific winning port 2 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10,000 times) or special When a condition determined to be a winning related to symbol control is satisfied, processing information for instructing to return to the table before the change is generated. A gaming state controlled by such processing information is referred to as a privilege gaming state.

  Further, as another embodiment in the privilege gaming state, when a table in which a variation display time related to one variation pattern is set with a shorter variation pattern compared to that in the normal gaming state is provided, and it is determined that it is a hit by a special random number The CPU 13a of the main control device 13 changes the reference table to the table, until the number of variable displays based on winning in the specific winning opening 2 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10,000 times), or special If a condition determined to be a win related to symbol control is satisfied, processing information for instructing to return to the table before the change may be generated. That is, in the present invention, the form of the privilege gaming state is not concerned.

"Transparency display control process"
The transmissive display control process is a process of displaying an image on the transmissive display device 65 in addition to the special symbol control process, and a still image or a moving image such as a symbol or a character that is always displayed, or an image display state from a transmissive state Or whether there is processing information related to the execution state of the image processing information related to the control to switch from the image display state to the transparent state, etc., and the trigger for the execution of the transparent display control processing generated in the input management processing etc. This is a process of generating image processing information which is monitored according to a timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) and has an output mode corresponding to the processing information when the processing information is present. Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 transmits the generated image processing information (image pattern number) to the sub control device 14 side, stores the image processing information in the storage means, and performs display processing according to the storage. To run. It should be noted that when the input management process is determined to be a gaming state and when it is determined to be a non-gaming state and an image is displayed on the display panel 82, the LED board 66 and the cathode tube 96 are illuminated. A command processing signal is also generated to emit light.

"Normal design control processing"
The normal symbol control process is a process for making the game state advantageous to the player, and electronic determination of lottery in response to receiving input information from the passing ball detection sensor 47d provided in the vicinity of the predetermined passing port 38. In the case of winning, the movable pieces 44 provided on both sides of the entrance of the specific winning port 2 are expanded to expand the opening range thereof, and the launched game ball can easily enter the specific winning port 2 . In this normal symbol control process, the LED display device 35 also performs a process of controlling display of identification information called a normal symbol.

  Here, the normal symbol is a predetermined number of pieces of identification information for variably displaying or blinking the result of the success / failure lottery according to the input information from the passing ball detection sensor 47d (for example, “O · −” → winning symbol, “ − · × ”→ off symbol). When the lottery result is a win, a predetermined number of pieces of identification information are displayed in a specific combination that is stopped in a predetermined combination (for example, “O · −”), and thereby a gaming state advantageous for the player (for example, , Small hit) is notified. In such a gaming state, compared to the normal gaming state, a state in which a launched game ball is likely to win a prize occurs once or continuously. On the other hand, when the lottery result is out, the predetermined number of pieces of identification information becomes a display mode (eg, “− · ×”) that is stopped in a combination other than a predetermined specific combination, and thus the normal gaming state continues. Is informed. In the present invention, instead of the LED display device 35 that controls the display of identification information, the variable display device 34, the transmissive display device 65, or a drum-type or dot-matrix type display device may be used. Is not concerned.

"Lamp management process"
The lamp management process monitors whether or not there is processing information relating to lamp lighting, such as winning process information generated in the input management process, in accordance with a timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds). This is a process for generating light emission processing information that is an output mode corresponding to the processing information when there is processing information related to the processing information. Then, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 transmits the generated light emission processing information to the sub-control device 14 side, and stores the light emission processing information in the storage means so as to be executed as a lighting notification output mode in the lamp management processing. .

"Output management process"
The output management process is an output for transmitting processing information generated by the abnormality monitoring process, the special symbol control process, the normal symbol control process, the lamp management process, and the preparation ball payout process to the sub-control device 14 side. This is a process of editing the data and transmitting the output edited storage information together with a strobe (STB) signal for notifying the output timing of the processing information.

[Operation of sub-control unit]
Next, the operation of the sub control device 14 will be described.

  The sub-control device 14 performs an initial setting at the start of activation upon power-on, and performs a check process for necessary confirmation items. If the check processing result is normal, the shift to the main routine processing in the sub-control device 14 is permitted, and main control activation start information, which is stored information transmitted from the CPU 13a of the main control device 13, is received. .

  The main routine process of the sub-control device 14 is a main control program stored in advance in the ROM provided in each of the symbol control device 14a, the lamp control device 14b, the voice control device 14c, and the payout control device 14d. In accordance with a periodic timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) generated by the frequency derivation circuit unit 13d, a basic routine for repeatedly executing a control execution process including read update, write storage, or deletion of the storage That is. Hereinafter, an example of basic processing in the main routine processing of the sub-control device 14 will be described.

  First, the sub-control device 14 monitors whether or not the processing information transmitted in the output management processing has been received according to the timing pulse, and if it is being received, the sub-control device 14 stores it in the storage means (for example, RAM). Remember. Next, the sub-control device 14 performs an analysis process on the received process information, and in any gaming state, any of an abnormality monitoring process, a special symbol control process, a normal symbol control process, a lamp management process, and a ball payout process It is determined which processing information (preceding command) and what kind of output mode the processing information (subsequent command number) is executed.

  Then, the sub-control device 14 sets a flag according to the result of the analysis process, sets a timer for counting based on the control process execution time according to the output mode, and stores a predetermined control program A control process for reading out and executing a control program for an output mode corresponding to the result of the analysis process from (for example, ROM) is performed.

  Hereinafter, the operation related to the special symbol control of the symbol control device 14a when the processing information is received will be described.

"Operation of the design controller"
Multiple special patterns for winning or losing that the processing information makes a variation pattern number for winning or losing in the normal game state for special symbol control and a temporary stop display (including fine movement display) for a predetermined variable display area When it is a symbol number (for example, left, middle, and right), the symbol control device 14a classifies and stores in advance a notification effect classification table based on whether or not it is in a normal gaming state for special symbol control. Then, by collating and comparing the fluctuation pattern numbers, a notification effect classification table for winning or losing is determined.

  Then, the symbol control device 14a reads out from the random number generating means for updating the effect selection random number provided in the symbol control device 14a based on the determined notification effect classification table in response to the reception of the variation pattern number. The notification effect data for winning or the notification effect data for losing is set by comparison with the acquired random number stored in the storage means.

  In addition, the symbol control device 14a is configured so that a special symbol classification table for a normal gaming state in which a plurality of types of special symbols for performing a stop display on a predetermined variable display area are programmed, and the plurality of special symbol numbers individually. By comparison by collation, each of a plurality of special symbol data for hitting or losing is set for at least one of the variable display device 34 and the transmissive display device 65 to perform stop display. Note that the special symbol for stop display stored in the special symbol classification table may include a temporary stop. Thereafter, the symbol control device 14a displays variable display and stop display according to the set notification effect data and a plurality of special symbol data in at least one of the variable display device 34 and the transmissive display device 65 via the VDP 50. Take control.

  In addition, the symbol control device 14a relates to display control by the timer of the main control device 13 or the sub control device 14 that performs update by counting according to transmission or reception of the variation pattern number and a plurality of special symbol numbers. A stop display mode (for example, left / middle / right alignment) for a plurality of special symbols for which display control of variable display has been performed in accordance with a fixed stop instruction number transmitted or received based on the timing of processing execution time Aspect) is performed.

  Further, when the jackpot transition instruction number is received at the time of receiving the fixed stop instruction number, the symbol control device 14a sets the game effect notification effect data advantageous to the player, and the stop display mode After that, display control for jackpot. When the received information is information in a gaming state or a privilege gaming state advantageous for a player for special symbol control, the symbol control device 14a performs the notification effect classification table or the special symbol control related to the special symbol control. The reference table is changed to the symbol classification table, and notification effect data for hit or miss for variable display and stop display performed in the advantageous game state or privilege game state, and a plurality of special symbol data for hit or miss Set.

  When the received information is stored information in a state that is advantageous for a player for special symbol control or in a privileged game state, the symbol control device 14a performs the blinking effect classification related to normal symbol control. Change the table referred to by the table or the special symbol classification table, blinking effect data for hitting or losing to be displayed in the advantageous gaming state or privilege gaming state, and a plurality of specials for winning or losing Set symbol data.

  Further, when the processing information is the image processing information (image pattern number) generated by the transmissive display control process, the symbol control device 14a, based on the image data table for transmissive display control, Image processing data (including display data such as symbols and characters, transparent display data, etc.) corresponding to the image pattern number is set, and the display mode according to the set image processing data is obtained by the transmissive display device 65. Thus, the image display process is performed via the VDP 50.

  Further, in the present embodiment, of the processing of the symbol control device 14 a, processing of information regarding the transmissive display device 65 including turning on and off of the LED substrate 66 is executed on the control substrate 91 of the cover unit 28.

  Next, image display on the display panel 82 of the transmissive display device 65 will be described separately for a gaming state and a non-gaming state. When the input management process is determined as the gaming state and when it is determined as the non-gaming state and an image is displayed on the display panel 82, the control board 91 of the cover unit 28 is an LED board. 66 is set to the lit state, and when the input management process determines that it is in the non-gaming state and no image is displayed on the display panel 82, the control board 91 of the cover unit 28 turns the LED board 66 off. It is set.

  When it is determined that the game state is in the input management process (when the symbol control device 14a receives a gaming state detection signal), for example, a special symbol is variably displayed in the second area B of the display panel 82. An image that is useful information for the player such as an image (hereinafter referred to as an effect image) or an auxiliary image other than the effect image (hereinafter referred to as an auxiliary image) is displayed. Since the second area B of the display panel 82 faces the non-game area 99 of the game board 7, the image displayed in this area affects the visibility of the game ball falling in the game area 31. Absent. For this reason, in the second area B of the display panel 82, for example, when a main image (hereinafter, referred to as a main image) such as an image for variably displaying a special symbol on the variable display device 34 is displayed. As the game progress changes, images with various brightness from high to low transparency are displayed. On the other hand, an auxiliary image is displayed in the first area A of the display panel 82. Since the first area A of the display panel 82 faces the game area 31 of the game board 7, the image displayed in this area has an extremely great influence on the visibility of the game ball falling in the game area 31. large. For this reason, an image with low transparency is displayed in the first region A of the display panel 82.

  When the main image is displayed on the variable display device 34, the second area B of the display panel 82 is located in an area facing the inner non-game area 99b of the game board 7 (hereinafter referred to as an inner display area). Displaying the displayed image in the second area B of the display panel 82 in the area facing the outer non-game area 99a of the game board 7 (hereinafter referred to as the outer display area) or the first area A. Is desirable. Thereby, the main image displayed on the variable display device 34 is not hidden behind the image displayed on the display panel 82, and the player mistakes the main image displayed on the variable display device 34. , Can prevent getting hard to see.

  Further, in the second area B of the display panel 82, spec information such as capture information corresponding to the progress of the game may be displayed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the input management process that the game state is a non-game state (when the symbol control device 14a has not received a game state detection signal), the display area of the display panel 82 (the first area A and the second area) In the conspicuous position of B), spec information and the like as judgment materials for selecting a gaming machine are displayed.

  Therefore, when the player is playing a game, the player can easily grasp the behavior of the game ball falling on the game area 31 of the game board 7 and is displayed in the second area B of the display panel 82. The effect image or auxiliary image and the auxiliary image displayed in the first area A can be viewed, and the player's interest in the game can be enhanced. On the other hand, when the player is not playing a game, the player displays in advance a feature of the gaming table by displaying information that is a judgment material for selecting the gaming machine at a conspicuous position in the display area of the display panel 82. Can be grasped, and a gaming machine according to a player's request can be easily selected.

  It may be set so that no image is displayed on the display panel 82 when it is determined in the input management process that the game state is not gaming.

[Operation of movable object control device]
Next, the operation of the movable object control device 17 will be described separately for the operations of the movable piece drive device, the movable door drive device, and the winning area distribution drive device.

"Operation of movable piece drive"
In the processing by the main control device 13, the movable piece driving device has reduced the opening range of the specific winning opening 2 in response to generating the small hit transition instruction number in the normal gaming state for normal symbol control. A predetermined voltage (for example, 12V) is applied to a drive unit such as a solenoid provided in the movable piece driving device so that the pair of movable pieces 44 is expanded for a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) and then contracted again. A command for instructing to execute the enlargement execution process for applying a predetermined number of times (for example, once) is generated.

  In addition, in the processing by the main control device 13, when a small hit transition instruction instruction number in a gaming state or a privilege gaming state advantageous for a player for normal symbol control is generated, the movable piece driving device is configured to receive the specific prize. A solenoid provided in the movable piece driving device so that the pair of movable pieces 44 whose opening range is reduced with respect to the mouth 2 is enlarged from 0.2 seconds to 1.7 seconds and then enlarged and reduced again. A command for transmitting a predetermined voltage to a drive unit such as the above, and generating an instruction to perform an enlargement execution process from one to two times, for example, is generated.

  Further, in the processing by the main control device 13, the movable piece driving device is provided with a solenoid provided in the effect moving object driving device in response to generating processing information including lamp management control or prize ball payout control. A predetermined voltage (for example, 12V) is applied to the driving unit such as and the like, and a command for performing a rendering operation that is in an appropriate fluctuation state for a predetermined time is generated.

"Operation of movable door drive"
In the processing by the main control device 13, the movable door drive device is a solenoid provided in the movable door drive device in response to generating a jackpot transition instruction number in the normal game state or the special game state for special symbol control. A predetermined voltage is transmitted to a drive unit such as. And the said movable door drive device operates the movable door 45 closed with respect to the said special winning opening 3, and makes it an open state, and predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) passes since it becomes an opening, or If any condition for winning a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls is awarded to the special winning opening 3, a command for instructing execution processing to be closed again is generated.

  Further, on the condition that any of the game balls won during the opening state passes through the winning specific area provided in the special winning opening 3, and is detected by the winning specific area detecting sensor 47c, The movable door driving device causes the movable door 45 to be closed again and repeats opening and closing the movable door 45 when the same condition as described above is satisfied until a predetermined upper limit is reached. A command for instructing application of a predetermined voltage is generated.

  When a jackpot transition instruction number in a gaming state advantageous for a player for special symbol control is generated during execution of the opening / closing process in the movable door driving device, the jackpot transition is performed until the opening / closing process is completed. The control process based on the generation of the instruction number is not performed and is put on hold.

"Operation of winning area distribution drive device"
In the processing by the main control device 13, the prize area allocation driving device is provided in the prize area distribution in the special prize opening 3 in response to generating a command for opening the special prize opening 3. A predetermined voltage (for example, 12V) is applied to a driven object such as a solenoid, and a command to move the open-state so as to be a seesaw motion corresponding to a specific winning area allocation is generated.

  As described above, according to the transmissive display device 65 of the first embodiment, the player visually recognizes the game area 31 from the front of the game board 7 through the transmissive display panel 82 and the diffusion sheet 83. It is possible to view a still image or a moving image displayed in a desired area of the display panel 82 away from the surface of the game board 7. In addition, the display panel 82 displays 2D (two-dimensional (dimension)) or visual 3D (three-dimensional (dimension)) graphics, and various electric decorations 29 and LED display devices arranged on the game board 7. By performing display combined with 35 and the variable display device 34, the illumination effect is increased. Therefore, it is possible to perform novel effects that are not found in conventional ball game machines, surprising effects, effects that are in tune with or harmonized with game balls existing in the game area 31, and the like. It is possible to prevent the player's interest from being lost as the game proceeds.

  Further, when a transmissive display panel is arranged in front of the game board 7, there is a risk that the irradiation amount to the game board 7 from indoor lighting or the like is reduced due to the influence of the display panel 82. However, since the surface of the game board 7 is directly irradiated with light from the diffusion sheet 83 disposed between the game board 7 and the display panel 82, when the game board 7 is viewed through the display panel 82. The brightness is sufficiently secured, and the board surface of the game board 7 is not dimmed by the influence of the display panel 82. That is, the player can visually recognize the game board 7 through the display panel 82 by the reflected light of the light applied to the game board 7. Therefore, the visibility of the game board 7 can be reliably improved by a simple configuration in which the diffusion sheet 83 is disposed between the game board 7 and the display panel 82.

  Further, the light emitted to the board surface of the game board 7 is reflected toward the display panel 82. Thereby, since the display panel 82 is irradiated with light from behind, the brightness is improved in the area of the display panel 82 where the light is received. Therefore, it is possible to improve the visibility of moving images and still images displayed in the area of the display panel 82 that receives the reflected light.

  As a result, the player can view the image displayed on the display panel 82 while easily grasping the behavior of the game ball falling on the game area 31 of the game board 7, so that the player's game Can certainly increase the interest in

  According to the transmissive display device 65 of the first embodiment, almost the entire game area 31 is covered by the display panel 82. Therefore, an image can be displayed in a wide area of the display panel 82, and various effects can be displayed. Therefore, the player's interest in games can be further enhanced.

  Further, since almost the entire game area 31 is covered with the display panel 82, the influence on the visibility of the game area 31 is increased. However, since the light irradiated from the diffusion sheet 83 is irradiated in a planar shape over almost the entire game area 31, the game area 31 becomes uniformly bright in a wide range. Therefore, the player can visually recognize the gaming area 31 without any difficulty by the reflected light of the light irradiated on the gaming area 31.

  In this way, it is possible to achieve both expansion of the display range by the display panel 82 and improvement of the visibility of the game area 31 of the game board 7.

  In the present embodiment, the area slightly above the center of the game area 31 (inner non-game area 99b) is set as the non-game area 99. However, the present invention is not limited to this area. May be set as the game area 31, and the second area for displaying an image with a low transparency or an image with a high transparency in the area of the display panel 82 facing the non-game area 99 b inside the game board 7. Although it is set as B, this area may be set as the first area A and only the image with high transparency may be displayed.

  Further, although the LED substrate 66 (or the cathode tube 96 and the reflector 97) is arranged in the display panel unit 78, it may be arranged in the first or second frame 63, 64.

[Other Embodiments]
The transmissive display devices according to the second to fourth embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 to 24 are sectional views taken along the line XX of FIG. 14, and FIG. 22 shows a second embodiment of the present invention in which a diffusion sheet for irradiating light in opposite directions is integrally formed. FIG. 23 shows a third embodiment of the present invention in which a diffusion sheet for irradiating light in opposite directions is formed separately, and FIG. 24 is directed to the display panel in front of the display panel of the second embodiment. It is the figure which showed the 4th Embodiment of this invention which further provided the diffusion sheet which irradiates light. 22 to 24, A indicates a region facing the first region of the display panel, B indicates a region facing the second region of the display panel, and an arrow 200 is emitted from the LED substrate. The irradiation direction of the light emitted from the diffusion sheet toward the game board, the arrow 201 indicates the irradiation direction of the light emitted from the LED substrate and irradiated from the diffusion sheet toward the display panel, and the arrow 202 indicates the game board. The arrow 203 indicates the direction of light reflected from the second diffusion sheet (second light guiding means) toward the game board. Show. Also, the second to fourth embodiments shown in FIGS. 22 to 24 differ only in the aspect of the diffusion sheet of the first embodiment described above, and the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. For this reason, the same numbers are assigned and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[Second Embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 22, the display panel unit 78 according to the second embodiment includes a transmissive display panel 82 that faces the second transparent plate member 62, and a transmissive property that is superimposed on the back surface of the display panel 82. And a protective sheet 84 that is superimposed on the back surface of the diffusion sheet 83 and faces the first transparent plate member 61. The diffusion sheet 83 is an area facing the first area A of the display panel 82 (hereinafter referred to as the first area A of the diffusion sheet 83) and an area facing the second area B of the display panel 82 (hereinafter referred to as the first area A). , Referred to as a second region B of the diffusion sheet 83), and a front inner wall surface 83a of the first region A of the diffusion sheet 83 and a rear inner wall surface 83b of the second region B of the diffusion sheet 83, respectively. The reflecting prism 83c is formed in a stepped manner in accordance with the game area 31 or the non-game area 99 so as not to exist on both the front inner wall surface 83a and the rear inner wall surface 83b in the same area.

  In the first region A of the diffusion sheet 83, the light emitted from the LED substrate 66 is changed in the direction of the light to the direction of the game board 7 by the reflecting prism 83c formed on the front inner wall surface 83a. Is irradiated (arrow line 200) toward the game area 31 of the game board 7. On the other hand, in the second region B of the diffusion sheet 83, the direction of the light is changed to the direction of the display panel 82 by the reflecting prism 83c formed on the rear inner wall surface 83b. Irradiation (arrow 201) toward region B.

  Since the game area 31 of the game board 7 is directly irradiated with light (arrow 200) from the first area A of the diffusion sheet 83 toward the game area 31 of the game board 7, the brightness of the game area 31 is improves. In addition, the first area A of the display panel 82 is not irradiated with the light from the diffusion sheet 83 from behind, and the brightness is suppressed in this area, so the influence on the visibility of the game area 31 is extremely small. Thereby, the reflected light of the light irradiated to the game area | region 31 can permeate | transmit the display panel 82 favorably (arrow line 202). Therefore, the player can visually recognize the game area 31 by the reflected light of the light applied to the game area 31.

  On the other hand, the second region B of the display panel 82 is directly irradiated with light (arrow 201) from the second region B of the diffusion sheet 83 to the back surface of the second region B of the display panel 82, Since the reflected light of the light emitted from the first area A of the diffusion sheet 83 toward the game area 31 is irradiated (arrow line 202), the player can display an effect image or an auxiliary image displayed in this area. You can see it clearly.

  In addition, the first area A of the display panel 82 is irradiated from behind by the reflected light of the light irradiated to the game area 31 (arrow 202). Thereby, the brightness of the first area A of the display panel 82 is ensured, so that the player can view the auxiliary image displayed in this area.

  As described above, according to the transmissive display device 65 of the second embodiment, the light from the diffusion sheet 83 is irradiated to the second region B of the display panel 82 from behind. Therefore, the diffusion sheet 83 functions as a backlight of the display panel 82, and the visibility of the displayed moving image and still image is further improved in the second region B of the display panel 82.

  The light from the first area A of the diffusion sheet 83 is irradiated toward the game area 31 of the game board 7, and the light from the second area B is irradiated toward the second area B of the display panel 82. . Thereby, the brightness of the game area 31 is mainly improved on the board surface of the game board 7, and the light irradiated to the game area 31 is reflected toward the display panel 82. That is, since the reflected light of the light irradiated to the game area 31 can be transmitted through the display panel 82 satisfactorily, the player can surely see the game area 31 of the game board 7 through the display panel 82. Further, the light from the second area B of the diffusion sheet 83 is not irradiated toward the board surface of the game board 7, so that the brightness of the non-game area 99 of the game board 7 can be suppressed. For this reason, it can prevent effectively that the effect of the various electrical decoration 29 arrange | positioned in the non-game area | region 99, the LED display apparatus 35, and the variable display apparatus 34 is impaired. Even if the brightness of the non-game area 99 is kept low, if the brightness of the game area 31 is ensured, the player can easily visually recognize the behavior of the game ball in the game area 31. Therefore, the game area 31 can be efficiently brightened even with a small amount of light. On the other hand, the second region B of the display panel 82 is directly irradiated with light from the diffusion sheet 83 toward the display panel 82 and reflected light of the light irradiated toward the game region 31 is reflected. Since the light is emitted toward the display panel 82, the player can clearly see the image displayed on the second area B of the display panel 82. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the visibility of the behavior of the game ball in the game area 31 of the game board 7 and the image displayed in the second area B of the display panel 82.

  Further, since the light from the diffusion sheet 83 is applied to each of the game area 31 of the game board 7 and the second area B of the display panel 82, the light is efficiently applied to these areas. . That is, it is possible to ensure the visibility of the game area 31 of the game board 7 and the visibility of the image displayed in the display area of the display panel 82 while suppressing the amount of light of the LED board 66 that causes light to enter the diffusion sheet 83. It becomes possible. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the power consumption and extend the life of the LED substrate 66.

[Third Embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 23, the display panel unit 78 according to the third embodiment includes a transmissive display panel 82 that faces the second transparent plate member 62, and a transmissive property that is superimposed on the back surface of the display panel 82. And a protective sheet 84 that is superimposed on the back surface of the diffusion sheet 83 and faces the first transparent plate member 61. The diffusion sheet 83 includes a first region A and a second region B for diffusing light, and the first light guide plate 100 provided with the first region A and the second region B provided therein. 2 light guide plate 101. The first light guide plate 100 is overlaid on the back surface of the display panel 82, and the front inner wall surface 100a of the first region A of the first light guide plate 100 (the inner wall on the game region 31 side is defined as the rear inner wall surface 100b). A large number of reflecting prisms 83c are formed stepwise. On the other hand, the second light guide plate 101 is overlaid on the back surface of the first light guide plate 100, and the rear inner wall surface 101b of the second region B of the second light guide plate 101 (the inner wall on the player side is defined as the front inner wall surface 101a). A large number of reflecting prisms 83c are formed stepwise.

  The light emitted from the LED substrate 66 enters the side portions of the first light guide plate 100 and the second light guide plate 101 from the opening 89. The light incident on the first light guide plate 100 is diffused into the first light guide plate 100 by repeating total reflection between the front inner wall surface 100a and the rear inner wall surface 100b. The direction of the light is changed to the direction of the game board 7 by the reflecting prism 83c formed on the front inner wall surface 100a of the first light guide plate 100, and the light is irradiated toward the game area 31 of the game board 7 (arrow line 200). ) On the other hand, the light incident on the second light guide plate 101 is diffused into the second light guide plate 100 by repeating total reflection between the front inner wall surface 101a and the rear inner wall surface 101b. The direction of the light is changed to the direction of the display panel 82 by the reflecting prism 83c formed on the rear inner wall surface 101b of the second light guide plate 101, and the light is irradiated toward the second region B of the display panel 82 (arrows). Line 201).

  Since the game area 31 of the game board 7 is directly irradiated with light (arrow 200) from the first area A of the diffusion sheet 83 toward the game area 31 of the game board 7, the brightness of the game area 31 is improves. Further, the first area A of the display panel 82 is not irradiated with light from the diffusion sheet 83 from behind, and the brightness is suppressed in this area, so the influence on the visibility of the game area 31 is extremely small. . Thereby, the reflected light of the light irradiated to the game area | region 31 can permeate | transmit the display panel 82 favorably (arrow line 202). Therefore, the player can visually recognize the game area 31 by the reflected light of the light emitted to the game area.

  On the other hand, the second region B of the display panel 82 is directly irradiated with light (arrow 201) from the second region B of the diffusion sheet 83 to the back surface of the second region B of the display panel 82, Since the reflected light of the light emitted from the first area A of the diffusion sheet 83 toward the game area 31 is irradiated (arrow line 202), the player can display an effect image or an auxiliary image displayed in this area. You can see it clearly.

  In addition, the first area A of the display panel 82 is irradiated from behind by the reflected light of the light irradiated to the game area 31 (arrow 202). Thereby, the brightness of the first area A of the display panel 82 is ensured, so that the player can view the auxiliary image displayed in this area.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, the first light guide plate 100 and the second light guide plate 101 are different from each other in the direction in which light is irradiated. It can be manufactured separately, and processing can be facilitated in manufacturing the diffusion sheet 83.

  In the present embodiment, the display panel 82, the first light guide plate 100, the second light guide plate 101, and the diffusion sheet 83 are arranged to overlap each other. May be arranged.

[Fourth Embodiment]
As shown in FIG. 24, the display panel unit 78 of the transmissive display device 65 according to the fourth embodiment includes a transmissive second diffusion sheet that is superimposed on the surface of the display panel 82 according to the second embodiment. (Second light guide means) 85 and a protective sheet 102 that is superimposed on the back surface of the second diffusion sheet 85 and faces the first transparent plate member 61. The second diffusion sheet 85 includes a region facing the first region A of the display panel 82 (hereinafter referred to as the first region A of the second diffusion sheet 85) and a second region B of the display panel 82. And an area (hereinafter referred to as a second area B of the second diffusion sheet 85), and a front inner wall surface 85a (on the game area 31 side) of the first area A of the second diffusion sheet 85. A plurality of reflecting prisms 85c are formed stepwise.

  In the present embodiment, the first area A of the display panel 82 is set as an area where no image is displayed (an area other than the image display area).

  The light emitted from the LED substrate 66 is incident on the side surface portion of the second diffusion sheet 85 through the opening 89 and repeats total reflection between the front inner wall surface 85a and the rear inner wall surface 85b, and the second diffusion sheet 85. Diffused inside. Then, this light is reflected (arrow line 203) toward the game board 7 by a large number of step-like reflecting prisms 85c formed on the front inner wall surface 85a of the first region A of the second diffusion sheet 85. . Thereby, the light incident on the second diffusion sheet 85 becomes a planar light source on the inner surface of the second diffusion sheet 85, and is directed from the inner surface of the second diffusion sheet 85 toward the game area 31 of the game board 7. Is irradiated (arrow line 203).

  The game area 31 of the game board 7 is directly irradiated with light from the first area A of the diffusion sheet (first light guide means, hereinafter referred to as the first diffusion sheet) 83 (arrow line). 200) and light from the first region A of the second diffusion sheet 85 is transmitted through the display panel 82 and the first diffusion sheet 83 (arrow 202), so that the game on the game board 7 The brightness of the area 31 can be increased, and accordingly, the visibility of the game area 31 is further improved.

  On the other hand, the second region B of the display panel 82 is directly irradiated with light from the second region B of the first diffusion sheet 83, and the first diffusion sheet 83 and the second diffusion sheet 85 are Since the reflected light of the light irradiated to the game area 31 of the game board 7 is irradiated from the above, the brightness of this area is further improved. In addition, since the second region B of the display panel 82 is not directly irradiated with light from the second diffusion sheet 85, the effect image or the auxiliary image displayed in this region is from the second diffusion sheet 85. It is hard to be directly affected by light. Thereby, the player can surely view the effect image displayed in the second area B of the display panel 82.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the amount of light emitted toward the game board 7 is increased, so that the brightness of the board surface of the game board 7 can be increased, and accordingly the visual recognition of the game board 7 is achieved. The property is further improved.

  Further, the light irradiated from the second diffusion sheet 85 is not directly irradiated to the second region B of the display panel 82. Accordingly, the image displayed in the second area B of the display panel 82 is not directly affected by the light from the second diffusion sheet 85, and thus it is possible to reliably prevent the image from being difficult to see from the front. Can do.

  In this embodiment, the second diffusion sheet 85 is provided on the surface of the display panel 82 of the second embodiment. However, the display panel 82 of the first embodiment or the display panel 82 of the third embodiment. A second diffusion sheet 85 may be provided on the surface.

  In addition, the display panel 82 is set not to display an image in the first area A, but an image may be displayed in this area.

  Further, the same LED substrate 66 is used as a light source for making light incident on each of the first diffusion sheet 83 and the second diffusion sheet 85, but the LED substrate 66 is provided separately for each diffusion sheet. In this case, for example, depending on the progress of the game such as when the main image is displayed on the variable display device 34, the amount of light emitted from the LED board 66 is increased or decreased or the LED board 66 is started or stopped. The control may be performed for each LED substrate 66 provided in each of the first diffusion sheet 83 and the second diffusion sheet 85.

  In addition, the first diffusion sheet 83 and the second diffusion sheet 85 are arranged one by one in the transmissive display device 65, but the first diffusion sheet 83 and the second diffusion that irradiate light to different areas. A plurality of sheets 85 may be arranged, and the LED substrate 66 may be provided separately for each of the diffusion sheets arranged. In this case, the increase / decrease of the amount of light emitted from the LED board 66 or the start / stop control of the LED board 66 may be performed for each of the plurality of LED boards 66 provided in accordance with the progress of the game.

  In the second to fourth embodiments, the light from the same region of the diffusion sheet 83 is emitted toward either the game board 7 or the display panel 82, but both from the same region. You may make it irradiate toward. Further, in the fourth embodiment, the light from the second diffusion sheet 85 is irradiated toward the first region A of the display panel 82, but may be irradiated toward the entire area of the display panel.

  In the second to fourth embodiments, the LED substrate 66 is provided as a light emitting unit. However, as in the first embodiment, a cathode tube 96 may be provided instead of the LED substrate 66. .

  Furthermore, the reflection which reflects light toward the display panel 82 on the back surface of the area | region facing the outer non-game area | region 99a of the game board 7 among the protection sheets 84 of 1st this embodiment-4th embodiment. A sheet may be affixed, and a reflection sheet that reflects light toward the display panel 82 may be affixed to the outer non-game area 99 a of the game board 7.

  As in the first embodiment, the reflective sheet 103 may be attached to the game area 31 and the outer non-game area 99a of the game board 7 of the second to fourth embodiments.

  Further, in the display panel unit 78 of the second to fourth embodiments, the protective sheet 84 and the protective sheet 102 are provided. However, similarly to the first embodiment, the protective sheet 84 and the protective sheet 102 are provided. It does not necessarily have to be provided.

  As mentioned above, although the embodiment to which the invention made by the present inventor is applied has been described, the present invention is not limited by the description and the drawings that form part of the disclosure of the present invention according to this embodiment. That is, it should be added that other embodiments, examples, operation techniques, and the like made by those skilled in the art based on this embodiment are all included in the scope of the present invention.

1 is an external perspective view of a ball game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the ball game machine shown in FIG. 1. It is a principal part front perspective view of the ball game machine shown in FIG. It is a rear view of the ball game machine shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the ball game machine shown in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view of the ball game machine shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the ball game machine shown in FIG. It is a front view of a cover unit. It is a rear view of a cover unit. It is a perspective view of a cover unit. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows connection with a cover unit and an opening frame door. It is a disassembled perspective view of a cover unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of a display panel unit. It is a front view of a display panel unit. It is XX arrow sectional drawing of the display panel unit of 1st Embodiment which concerns on this invention of FIG. It is a principal part expansion perspective view of a cover unit. It is a perspective view of the panel unit which shows the assembly | attachment middle of a display panel unit. It is an upper expansion perspective view of the 1st panel unit. It is an upper part front view of a cover unit. It is a disassembled perspective view of another display panel unit. It is principal part sectional drawing of another display panel unit. It is XX arrow sectional drawing of the display panel unit of 2nd Embodiment which concerns on this invention of FIG. It is XX arrow sectional drawing of the display panel unit of 3rd Embodiment which concerns on this invention of FIG. It is XX arrow sectional drawing of the display panel unit of 4th Embodiment based on this invention of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

7 ... Game board, 13 ... Main control device, 13a ... CPU, 13b ... ROM, 13c ... RAM, 14 ... Sub control device, 14a ... Design control device, 28 ... Cover unit, 31 ... Game area, 50 ... Video display Processor (VDP), 61: first transparent plate member, 62: second transparent plate member, 63: first frame, 64: second frame, 65: transmissive display device, 66: LED substrate ( (Light emitting means), 67 ... hinge, 68 ... plate-like space, 69 ... engaging projection, 70 ... flexible locking frame, 71 ... coupling portion, 72 ... cover support portion, 73 ... rotation support shaft, 74 ... shaft support Hole, 75 lock piece, 76 ... cover fixing part, 77 ... locking piece, 78 ... display panel unit, 79 ... panel frame, 80 ... harness, 80a ... harness connection part, 81 ... panel frame cover, 82 ... display panel, 8 ... Diffusion sheet (light guide means), 83c ... reflection prism, 84 ... protection sheet, 85 ... second diffusion sheet (second light guide means), 85c ... reflection prism, 86 ... harness fitting groove, 87 ... Stop projection, 88 ... Board housing part, 89 ... Opening, 90 ... Control board housing part, 91 ... Control board, 92 ... engagement hole, 93 ... engagement groove, 94 ... control board cover, 95 ... harness, 96 ... Cathode tube (light emitting means), 97: Reflector (light emitting means), 98 ... Harness, 98a ... Harness connecting portion, 99 ... Non-game area, 100 ... First light guide plate, 101 ... Second light guide plate, 102 ... Protective sheet, 103 ... reflection sheet

Claims (6)

A transmissive display device provided in a ball game machine that launches and plays a game ball in a game area on a surface of a game board,
A transmissive display panel disposed in front of the surface of the game board;
A transmissive light guiding means disposed between a board surface of the game board and the display panel;
A transmissive second light guiding means disposed in front of the display panel;
A light emitting means for making light incident on the light guiding means and the second light guiding means ,
The light guide means changes the direction of light incident from the light emitting means and irradiates light toward the board surface of the game board ,
The transmissive display device, wherein the second light guide means changes the direction of light incident from the light emitting means and emits light toward the display panel . The transmissive display device according to claim 1,
The display panel covers almost the entire gaming area,
The transmissive display device, wherein the light guide unit irradiates light incident from the light emitting unit in a planar shape toward almost the entire game area. The transmissive display device according to claim 1 or 2,
The transmissive display device, wherein the light guide means changes the direction of light incident from the light emitting means and irradiates light in a planar shape toward both the board surface of the game board and the display panel. The transmissive display device according to claim 3,
The light guide means is disposed between the game board and the display panel, and irradiates light incident from the light emitting means in a plane toward the board surface of the game board, and the display panel. A transmissive display device, comprising: a second light guide plate that is disposed between the first light guide plate and irradiates light incident from the light emitting means in a plane toward the display panel. The transmissive display device according to claim 3 or 4,
The light guide means includes a first area facing the game area on the board surface of the game board, and a second area facing an area other than the game area, and the light emitting means in the first area. Is irradiated toward the surface of the game board, in the second region, the light incident from the light emitting means is irradiated toward the display panel,
The display panel includes an image display area facing an area other than the game area on the board surface of the game board. The transmissive display device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The transmissive display device, wherein the second light guide unit is arranged to face a region other than the image display region of the display panel, and irradiates light incident from the light emitting unit in a planar shape .

Images