JP4928155B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that handles pachinko balls as game balls, and more particularly to a technique for improving the space efficiency of a take-in device that takes a predetermined number of game balls as a unit of a betting rate.

  In recent years, a slot machine type game machine called a so-called parrot has been proposed. While ordinary slot machines use medals as game media, parrots use game balls that are common to pachinko gaming machines as game media. When a unit number of game balls corresponding to the betting rate is inserted, the drum with various symbols on the surface rotates continuously, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out according to the combination of symbols that appear when the drum stops. It is.

  Since the parrot uses game balls, it can be installed on the same game island as the pachinko game machine, and a ball supply / discharge mechanism common to the pachinko game machine can be used. For a game store, this parrot has advantages such as simplification of equipment and reduction of management costs for game media.

  In the slot machine, a bet rate is selected when a player inserts a medal corresponding to a bet rate into a medal slot. In accordance with the selected betting rate, a combination line that is valid among symbol combinations derived in one game is determined. For example, one combination line corresponding to one medal is determined as an object of validity determination, and three combination lines corresponding to two medals are determined as an object of effective determination, and corresponds to three medals. Thus, five combination lines are determined as targets for validity determination.

  A part selection similar to the slot machine is also adopted in the parrot. However, in general, since the game value of one game ball is set lower than the game value of one medal, in the parrot, a plurality of game balls having the same game value as one medal are placed in the betting rate. Need to be taken in as a unit. For example, the game value of one game ball is set to 1/5 of the game value of one medal. According to this game value setting, it is necessary to take in five game balls in order to make one combination line a target of validity determination. Therefore, the parrot is provided with a game ball take-in device in order to take a predetermined number of game balls corresponding to the unit number of the betting rate from the ball tray into the parrot at a time.

  As a game ball take-in device, there is a device that draws a predetermined number of game balls waiting on a waiting path at the same time with a pull-out member, and drops them into a take-in basket (see, for example, “Patent Document 1”).

  This game ball take-in device has a standby path that communicates with a ball tray. The game balls that have flowed in from the ball trays stand in a line on the waiting path. On the long side one side of the standby path, an intake rod having an opening along the long side one side is arranged. The opening extends over a range corresponding to the number of game balls corresponding to one unit of the betting rate waiting on the standby path. The drawing member is disposed on the opposite side of the opening with the standby path therebetween. The drawing member has a drawing plate having a length corresponding to the number of game balls of one unit, and this drawing plate is disposed to face the opening. When the drawing member moves toward the opening across the flow-down direction of the waiting path, one unit of the game ball facing the opening is simultaneously pushed into the take-in basket by the drawing plate and thrown in. The solenoid that moves the pulling member is installed behind the pulling member, and the pulling member moves across the standby path when the solenoid pushes the plunger.

Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 7-55246 (see FIG. 31)

  A conventional game ball take-in device is provided with a take-in basket and a pull-out member across a standby path. That is, the take-in cage, the standby path, and the withdrawal member are arranged in parallel in the depth direction of the game ball take-in device, and the depth of the game ball take-in device is increased. Further, since the game ball is inserted by moving the pull-out member by linear motion, a solenoid is disposed behind the pull-out member, and the depth of the game ball capturing device is further increased.

  The installation space of the gaming machine is determined in the width and depth directions. In recent years, with the increasing complexity of gaming machines, the number of devices installed inside tends to increase. Therefore, various devices installed inside gaming machines are particularly required to be compact in width or depth.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for reducing the size of a game ball take-in device installed inside a game machine.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1 is a gaming machine provided with a gaming ball capturing device that captures a predetermined number of gaming balls as a unit of a betting rate, the gaming ball capturing device Has a standby path in which a plurality of game balls are arranged in a line, and an opening extending for a predetermined number of game balls along the long side of the standby path, and is installed in the depth direction of the standby path A game that is arranged directly above the standby path, has a predetermined length along the standby path, and is arranged in the range of the predetermined length by rotating from the standby path to the take-in cage side. A throwing means for throwing the ball into the take-in basket through the opening, a drive unit disposed so as to overlap the take-up pole and actuating the throwing means, the take-in bowl and the drive is arranged between the parts, and the actuation verification means for indicating that the closing means is actuated, the waiting path And a transmission means that is pivotally supported in the direction and converts the reciprocating motion in the depth direction of the drive portion into a rotational motion and transmits the rotational motion to the throwing means, and the standby path is covered with a space larger than the diameter of the game ball. A frame that pivotally supports the transmission means, and the standby path has an edge at a position opposite to the long side where the opening is provided in the depth direction, and the transmission means includes: The rotational movement is performed within a range that does not move outward from an edge of the standby path in the depth direction .

The loading means has a locking piece, a locking hole into which the locking piece is inserted, and the locking piece abuts on an end of the locking hole, thereby reducing the rotation range of the charging means. It further comprises a regulating means for regulating (corresponding to the invention described in claim 2).

The frame has the locking hole (corresponding to the invention according to claim 3).

  According to the present invention, the input means is disposed above the standby path, and the drive unit for operating the input means is disposed above the intake rod. Thereby, in the depth direction of the game ball take-in device, the standby path and the take-in basket are arranged in parallel, and the throwing means and the drive unit are positioned above. Therefore, the compactness in the depth direction of the game ball take-in device can be achieved.

  The drive unit is a solenoid, and is disposed above the take-in rod, and is disposed above the input unit, and includes a transmission unit that converts the linear motion of the solenoid into a rotational motion and transmits the rotary motion to the input unit. According to the operation of the throwing means by the means, the game balls arranged in a predetermined length range may be thrown into the take-in basket through the opening. As a result, the distance between the loading means and the drive unit is shortened in the depth direction of the game ball take-in device, compared with a configuration in which a transmission means with the drive unit is provided on the side of the throwing means to push the throwing means forward. And further compactness can be achieved.

  In addition, a plurality of input means are arranged along the waiting path, the solenoids are arranged to face the plurality of input means on a one-to-one basis, and are arranged close to one end side of the intake trough, and the other end directly above the intake trough You may make it further provide the connector into which the electric signal for performing drive control of a solenoid is input into the side. As a result, the connector can be disposed directly above the take-in rod, and the length of the game ball take-in device in the depth direction is not affected. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game ball take-in device from becoming large in the depth direction.

  In addition, in the input means that is paired with the solenoid that is disposed to be opposed to one end of the predetermined length, the transmission arm is disposed between the solenoid and the other end of the predetermined length. You may make it the bearing part in which a dynamic shaft is inserted protrude. As a result, it is possible to prevent rattling and wobbling of the charging means paired with the solenoid that is biased and arranged to be opposed to one end of a predetermined length while securing the installation space for the connector. Therefore, practicality can be maintained while preventing an increase in size.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a game ball take-in device according to the present invention and a gaming machine in which this device is arranged will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Outline of gaming machines)
FIG. 1 is a view showing a front panel of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. The gaming machine 1 is a so-called parrot device that is a slot machine type and uses a game ball as a game medium. When a predetermined betting rate is selected, game balls with the number of balls corresponding to the unit of the selected betting rate are taken in and the game is started, and game balls with the number of balls according to the game result are paid out. In the game, a plurality of drums with various symbols continuously attached to the surface rotate, and a predetermined number of game balls are paid out according to the combination of symbols appearing when the drum is stopped.

  The gaming machine 1 has a casing that is composed of an outer frame 2, a middle frame 3, and a front frame 4 that are attached and fixed to island facilities in the gaming hall. The outer frame 2 is provided with a hinge portion 12 on one side edge portion. The middle frame 3 is located on the front side of the outer frame 2 and is pivotally supported by the hinge portion 12 so that it can be opened and closed. The front frame 4 is located on the front side of the middle frame 3 and is pivotally supported by the hinge portion 12 so that it can be opened and closed. The middle frame 3 and the front frame 4 are provided with a locking device 17 at a side edge opposite to the pivot end. The middle frame 3 and the front frame 4 are configured to be able to be integrally opened and closed with respect to the outer frame 2 by being locked by the locking device 17.

  The front frame 4 is provided with a window portion 13 in the center of the front surface thereof. The window 13 covers a variable display device (not shown) that is installed on the middle frame 3 and faces the back surface of the front frame 4 so that the variable display device can be visually recognized. The variable display device includes a plurality of drums arranged with various symbols continuously provided on the surface.

  A ball tray 15 is disposed below the window portion 13. The outer shape of the ball tray 15 is configured by a cover member 150 bulging from the front frame 4 to the outside of the gaming machine 1. The ball tray 15 stores the game balls paid out by winning, and supplies the stored game balls to the game ball take-in device 50 (see FIG. 3) provided on the back surface of the front frame 4.

  A lower tray 16 is disposed below the ball tray 15. The lower tray 16 stores game balls that have overflowed from the ball tray 15.

  The operation unit 14 is installed on the upper surface and the front surface of the cover member 150. The operation unit 14 is provided with a lever 141, a stop button 142, and a settlement button 145 on the front surface thereof. On the top surface, a BET button 143a, a MAX BET button 143b, and a switching button 144 are arranged.

  The lever 141 is disposed on the left side of the operation unit 14. The stop buttons 142, 142, 142 are arranged on the right side of the lever 141 corresponding to each drum. The settlement button 145 is arranged on the right side of the stop button 142. The BET button 143a and the MAX BET button 143b are arranged above the lever 141. The switching button 144 is disposed above the settlement button 145.

  The lever 141 constitutes start operation means that is operated to start variable display in the symbol combination game, and starts rotating the drums all at once by a pressing operation. The stop buttons 142, 142, 142 constitute stop operation means for individually stopping each rotating drum by a pressing operation.

  The BET button 143a constitutes an input means for inserting game balls, and inputs the number of game balls corresponding to the unit of the betting rate corresponding to the number of pressing operations. In addition, the MAX BET button 143b allows a game ball having the number of balls corresponding to all units of the betting rate to be inserted by a single pressing operation.

  The switch button 144 constitutes a handling format change operation means for changing the handling format of the gaming balls that have already been taken in and stored and the gaming balls that are paid out to the player as a result of establishment of a predetermined condition. To do. The change of the handling format is, for example, changing whether the handling of the game ball to be paid out is discharged from the lower plate 16 described later as an actual game ball or stored in the control device of the gaming machine as a virtual game ball. Means that.

  The payment button 145 constitutes a discharge operation means for discharging the game balls stored in the ball receiving tray 15 to the lower tray 16. That is, when the player finishes the game and tries to take out the game balls stored in the ball tray 15, the game ball in the ball tray 15 is moved to the lower plate 16 by pressing the settlement button 145. To be discharged. In addition to this, the settlement button 145 also has a function of paying out the game balls once taken in by the pressing operation of the BET button 143a and the game balls stored and stored as described above.

  FIG. 2 is a view showing the back surface of the front frame 4. The ball tray 15 is fitted so as to protrude from the back surface of the front frame 4 to the front surface. The rear surface of the ball tray 15 is urged by the stay 20 so as to be pushed forward. The stay 20 is installed on a metal first reinforcing member 21 and a second reinforcing member 22 that are installed along both side edges of the front frame 4.

  The first reinforcing member 21 is integrally formed with the hinge portion 12. A locking device 17 is attached to the second reinforcing member 22.

  The back surface of the front frame 4 includes a ball tray 15 and accommodates a path through which game balls circulate. In the front frame 4, a discharge port 23 that penetrates from the back surface to the front surface of the front frame 4 is penetrated above one side of the ball tray 15. The game balls paid out according to the game result pass through the back surface of the front frame 4 and are stored in the ball tray 15 protruding to the front surface through the discharge port 23.

  The ball tray 15 has a dish bottom surface inclined in the opposite direction with the discharge port 23 side as an upper end. In the wall surface waiting for the lower end of the inclination, a wall portion remaining on the back surface side of the front frame 4 is penetrated with an intake port (not shown) communicating from the dish surface of the ball receiving tray 15 to the outer surface. The game balls stored in the ball tray 15 on the back surface side of the front frame 4 flow around the inclination, pass through the intake port, and flow into the back surface of the front frame 4.

  A game ball take-in device 50 is attached to the front frame 4. It faces the rear surface of the ball tray 15 below the stay 20 and is attached with the side surface of the device facing the intake port. The inside of the apparatus and the ball tray 15 communicate with each other through an intake port. The game ball take-in device 50 temporarily waits for a game ball that has flowed in through the take-in port of the ball tray 15 and corresponds to a unit of a betting rate corresponding to pressing of the BET button 143a or the MAX BET button 143b. It is a device that captures.

  Below the game ball take-in device 50, a mechanism-side outflow path 24 that forms an outflow path to the ball supply / discharge mechanism for the taken game balls is disposed. The game ball taken into the game ball take-in device 50 flows out from the outlet 25 formed in the game ball take-in device 50 and flows into the mechanism-side outflow path 24, and the ball outside the gaming machine 1 from the lower outlet 26. Outflow toward supply and discharge mechanism.

(Game ball take-in device)
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an appearance of the game ball take-in device 50. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the game ball take-in device 50 is covered with a case 51 that is long in the width direction of the gaming machine 1. The case 51 is configured by combining a front and rear case that is split in the front-rear direction along the mounting surface 51 a facing the back surface of the ball tray 15.

  On the attachment surface 51a of the case 51, a long hole 51d facing the back surface of the settlement button 145 installed in the front frame 4 is provided penetrating inward. From the long hole 51d, a ball removal lever 52 accommodated therein protrudes. The elongated hole 51d has an extra space below the protruding position of the ball removal lever 52, and is open so that the ball removal lever 52 can be pushed down. The back surface of the payment button 145 and the ball removal lever 52 are in direct contact with each other directly or via a transmission member. The ball removal lever 52 is pushed down by the player depressing the checkout button 145, and the game balls stored in the ball receiving tray 15 are removed through the game ball take-in device 50.

  The upper surface 51b of the case 51 is provided with a rectangular connector insertion port 53 that is long in the long side direction of the upper surface 51b. The connector insertion port 53 is penetrated so as to be biased toward one end side in the long side direction of the upper surface 51b. A cable extending from a control unit (not shown) and the power supply device of the game ball take-in device 50 is inserted into the connector insertion port 53 and connected to the internal connector 61. Drive power and a drive signal are supplied to the game ball take-in device 50 through the connector 61, and a signal from the game ball take-in device 50 is taken out.

  The reason why the connector insertion port 53 is unevenly penetrated is that, due to the internal structure of the game ball take-in device 50, the connector 61 is arranged in parallel with other internal configurations in the long side direction of the game ball take-in device 50. This is because it became possible to make it happen.

  One side surface 51c orthogonal to the mounting surface 51a and the upper surface 51b of the case 51 is penetrated by an inlet 54 that communicates with the intake port of the ball tray 15 and allows the game ball to flow into the game ball intake device 50. Has been. The inflow port 54 has a width and height that are slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball. Through the inflow port 54, the game ball flows into the game ball take-in device 50 and is taken in one ball or a predetermined number of units. The game is allowed to start.

(Internal configuration of game ball take-in device)
4 to 7 are diagrams showing an internal configuration of the game ball take-in device 50. FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the internal configuration of the game ball take-in device 50 as viewed from the mounting surface 51a side. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the internal configuration of the game ball take-in device 50 viewed from the surface opposite to the mounting surface 51a. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the game ball take-in device 50 as viewed from the side opposite to the side surface 51c. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the game ball take-in device 50. In each figure, the configuration is partially omitted for convenience of explanation.

(Basic configuration of game ball take-in device)
As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the game ball take-in device 50 includes a standby path 55 for waiting for a game ball, and a plurality of input mechanisms 56 (56-1, 56-1) for performing an operation for inputting a game ball waiting on the standby path 55. 56-2, 56-3) and the take-in cage 57 for taking in the game balls that have been thrown in are the basic internal components.

(Standby path configuration)
The standby path 55 is a belt-shaped path and extends from the inflow port 54. The take-in basket 57 is a slide for a game ball, extends from one long side of the standby path 55 in a direction orthogonal thereto, and has a width over the entire length of the standby path 55. The input mechanism 56 is positioned above the standby path 55 and the intake rod 57, and includes a sheath member 56a, a hinge portion 56b, a shaft 56c, a latching solenoid 56d, a plunger 56f, and a transmission arm 56g.

  The standby path 55 is a road surface on which the game balls that have flowed into the game ball take-in device 50 wait in a line. The waiting path 55 has an inclination with the inflow port 54 as an upper end, and the game ball can flow toward the lower end on the opposite side. The total length of the waiting path 55 has a length in which game balls corresponding to at least all units of the betting rate are arranged. The width of the standby path 55 is slightly longer than the radius of the game balls, and the game balls are arranged in a line on the standby path 55. For example, if the minimum unit of the betting rate is 5 balls and the total unit of the betting rate is 15 balls, the total length of the standby path 55 is at least 15 game balls in a line.

  The position in the width direction of the waiting path 55 is set to a range from one end of the bottom of the inflow port 54 that opens slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball to a position slightly closer to the other end of the bottom than the center of the bottom, and the other ranges cover the entire length. It has been cut off. That is, the surface width of the standby path 55 is the minimum width at which the game ball can be placed on the standby surface, and the game ball is placed on the cut-off side with the vicinity of the edge on the cut-off side of the standby surface as a contact. By setting the width of the standby path 55, space saving performance in the depth direction A of the game ball take-in device 50 is achieved.

(Take-in configuration)
The intake trough 57 is a flow surface 57 a that takes a game ball from the standby path 55 and flows it down. It is installed on the cut-off side of the standby path 55 and extends in a direction orthogonal to the long side of the standby path 55. The intake rod 57 has an opening 57b that extends along the long side of the standby path 55, and is connected to the standby path 55 on the cut-off side. The expansion range of the opening 57b covers a range in which game balls corresponding to all units of the betting rate waiting on the standby path 55 are arranged.

  The flow surface 57a extends with the width of the opening 57b maintained. If the total unit of the betting rate is 15 balls, the flow surface 57a has a width in which 15 game balls are arranged. That is, even if game balls corresponding to all units of the betting rate waiting on the standby path 55 are simultaneously inserted into the take-in basket 57, the game balls can simultaneously be made without causing interference with each other to change the flow direction. The flow surface 57a can flow down.

  Further, the flow surface 57a stands up below the standby path 55, and is curved with a gentle arc-shaped curve. On the side edge of the flow surface 57a, a barrier 57c is provided to prevent the game ball from falling off.

  A plurality of partition walls 57d are erected at equal intervals on the flow surface 57a. Each partition wall 57d is erected in accordance with the game balls waiting on the standby path 55, and extends along the extending direction of the flow surface 57a. The opening 57b is a start end, and the end extends to at least a position where a thrown-ball detecting means described later is disposed.

  The section in the width direction of the partition wall 57d has a mountain shape such as a triangle or a semicircle, and has a width and a height that can be accommodated in a space defined by the game balls that come into contact with each other and the mounting surface of these game balls. . A notch 57e is provided on the end surface on the opening 57b side of the partition wall 57d. The notch 57e is notched so as to form an angle of attack toward the flow direction of the flow lower surface 57a.

  The flow surface 57a is partitioned into a plurality of strips by the standing of each partition wall 57d, and an intake channel 57f is formed between the partition walls 57d. Each intake channel 57f is formed for each game ball by standing the partition wall 57d, and extends from the standby position of the corresponding game ball in the direction in which the intake basket 57 extends.

(Input mechanism configuration)
A plurality of input mechanisms 56 are arranged, and in the present embodiment, a first input mechanism 56-1, a second input mechanism 56-2, and a third input mechanism 56-3 are installed. Each throwing mechanism 56 is installed above the standby path 55 and the intake trough 57 along the long side direction of the standby path 55. When the game ball take-in device 50 is viewed from the side surface, each input mechanism 56 is installed in a region from the opposite end of the standby path 55 to the cut-off side to the end of the take-in rod 57, and the game ball take-in Space saving in the depth direction A of the device 50 is achieved. This arrangement relationship is achieved only when a latching solenoid 56d, which will be described later, is arranged above the intake rod 57.

  Each of these input mechanisms 56 has a sheath member 56a. Each throwing member 56 a is arranged in the long side direction of the standby path 55. The sheath member 56a is hollowly supported on the standby path 55 and covers the standby path 55 from above. The sheath member 56 a has a semicircular arch shape that covers the game ball, and extends and extends in a predetermined range along the long side of the standby path 55.

  A shaft 56c is fixed above the sheath member 56a in parallel with the long side direction of the sheath member 56a. A hinge portion 56b is integrally formed on the outer peripheral surface of the sheath member 56a and protrudes upward. The shaft 56c extends through the hinge portion 56b. The sheath member 56a is supported hollow by the shaft 56c via the hinge portion 56b.

  The sheath member 56a supported by the shaft 56c is rotatable about the shaft 56c as a rotation axis. In a state where the sheath member 56a is stationary at a position covering the standby path 55 from above, the game ball can flow into the envelope space surrounded by the sheath member 56a and the standby surface of the standby path 55. In a state where the sheath member 56a is rotated to the upper limit of the limit and is farthest from the standby path 55, a part of the sheath member 56a remains on the standby path 55, and the inflow of game balls is prevented.

  The shaft 56c is supported by a fixed portion of the game ball take-in device 50, and is common to the input mechanisms 56-1, 56-2, and 56-3.

  The making mechanism 56 has a latching solenoid 56d as a rotational power source of the sheath member 56a. The latching solenoid 56d is installed above the intake rod 57. A sheet metal 56 e is installed above the intake trough 57 in parallel with the standby surface of the standby path 55. The sheet metal 56e is installed biased to the lowermost end side of the standby path 55. The latching solenoid 56 d is placed on the sheet metal 56 e and directs the plunger 56 f in parallel with the width direction of the standby path 55. The latching solenoids 56d of the input mechanisms 56-1, 56-2, 56-3 are placed on a common sheet metal 56e. Since the latching solenoid 56d is arranged above the take-in basket 57, the throwing mechanism 56 is not parallel to the standby path 55 and the take-in bowl 57 in the depth direction A, and the game ball take-in device 50 has a depth direction A. Space saving performance can be achieved.

  A transmission arm 56g is erected on the hinge portion 56b. The transmission arm 56g is integrally formed with the hinge portion 56b. The distal end of the transmission arm 56g and the distal end of the plunger 56f are linked to form a joint, and the transmission arm 56g is pushed or pulled in conjunction with the protrusion or suction of the plunger 56f.

  In the closing mechanism 56, when the plunger 56f protrudes and moves outside by the protrusion operation of the plunger 56f by the latching solenoid 56d, the tip of the transmission arm 56g is pushed out in the direction opposite to the intake rod 57. Accordingly, the sheath member 56a rotates so that the opening is directed toward the latching solenoid 56d with the shaft 56c as a rotation axis. Since the latching solenoid 56d is placed immediately above the capture rod 57, in other words, the sheath member 56a rotates so that the opening is directed toward the capture rod 57. When viewed from the whole charging mechanism 56, the sheath member 56 a rotates so as to be drawn into the inside.

  Of the input mechanisms 56, the first input mechanism 56-1 is installed at the lowermost end of the standby path 55. The length of the long side is set so that the sheath member 56a of the 1st throwing-in mechanism 56-1 may extend to the range which covers the single game ball waiting at the lowest end.

  The second input mechanism 56-2 is installed on the upstream side adjacent to the first input mechanism 56-1. The sheath member 56a of the second throwing mechanism 56-2 is hollowly supported in a range that covers further upstream from the game ball waiting one upstream of the single game ball waiting at the lowermost end. The length of the long side is set so as to extend to a range that covers game balls having one ball less than the number of balls corresponding to one unit of the betting rate. If the unit of the betting rate is 5 balls, 4 balls are covered from the game balls waiting one upstream of the single game ball waiting at the lowest end.

  The third charging mechanism 56-3 is installed on the upstream side adjacent to the second charging mechanism 56-2. The sheath member 56a of the third throwing mechanism 56-3 is hollowly supported in a range that covers further upstream from the game ball waiting upstream one of the game balls covered by the second throwing mechanism. The length of the long side is set so as to extend to a range covering the number of game balls obtained by subtracting the number of balls corresponding to one unit of the betting rate from the number of balls corresponding to all units of the betting rate. If the total unit of the betting rate is 15 balls and the unit of the betting rate is 5 balls, 10 balls are covered from the game balls waiting upstream one of the game balls covered by the second insertion mechanism 56-2. .

  The first throwing mechanism 56-1 and the second throwing mechanism 56-2 are operated once at the same time, thereby putting one unit of a betting rate into the take-in basket 57. Further, all units of betting rates are input to the take-in basket 57 by operating all the input mechanisms 56-1, 56-2, 56-3 once at the same time. Further, only the first throwing mechanism 56-1 operates once or a plurality of times, so that the insufficient balls that could not be taken in by the first taking-in operation are thrown into the take-in basket 57.

  In addition, the hinge part 56b which the 3rd throwing mechanism 56-3 has is the 1st throwing mechanism 56-1 and the 2nd throwing-in with respect to the long side of the sheath member 56a which the 3rd throwing mechanism 56-3 has. It is biased to the mechanism 56-2 side. Accordingly, the latching solenoid 56d of the third throwing mechanism 56-3 corresponds to the hinge portion 56b of the third throwing mechanism 56-3, and the long side of the sheath member 56a of the third throwing mechanism 56-3. On the other hand, it is biased to the first charging mechanism 56-1 and the second charging mechanism 56-2. This is because a connector 61, which will be described later, is arranged in the area occupied by the standby path 55 and the take-in basket 57, and the space saving in the depth direction A of the game ball take-in device 50 is realized.

    A hinge portion 56j protrudes from the third input mechanism 56-3 at a position symmetrical to the hinge portion 56b. The hinge portion 56j is provided with a shaft 56c that is shared with the hinge portion 56j, and serves as a bearing for supporting one side of the sheath member 56a. This is for preventing the rattling and wobbling of the sheath member 56a caused by the bias of the hinge portion 56b. The rotating mechanism can transmit the equal turning force to the hinge portion 56j side by the shaft 56c.

(Inside peripheral structure of game ball take-in device)
The gaming ball take-in device 50 having such a basic configuration includes various sensors related to the taking-in operation of the game balls, and signal lines for supplying pulse voltage for deriving detection signals of these sensors and for making the making mechanism 56 be turned on. Each configuration is arranged.

  The game ball take-in device 50 accommodates a pair of substrates 58a and 58b that sandwich the take-in basket 57 from the side. The substrate 58 a is disposed facing the back surface of the capture rod 57, and the substrate 58 b is disposed to face the flow surface 57 a of the capture rod 57. The board 58a and the board 58b are electrically connected by connectors 60a and 60b. The board 58b is provided with a connector 61 for connecting a cable (not shown) in which signal lines extending from the control unit and the power supply device are combined.

  The connector 61 is disposed in a space secured next to the latching solenoid 56d of the third input mechanism 56-3. Since the latching solenoid 56d of the third closing mechanism 56-3 can be disposed close to the other latching solenoid 56d, the connector 61 can be disposed at this position. Thereby, the connector 61 is not arranged in series with the standby path 55 and the take-in basket 57, and the space saving of the game ball take-in device 50 is achieved.

  A connector 64 for supplying a pulse voltage to the latching solenoid 56d is disposed on the substrate 58b. The arrangement position of the connector 64 corresponds to the arrangement position of the latching solenoid 56d.

  An intermediate frame 62 is interposed between the flow surface 57a and the substrate 58b. The intermediate frame 62 supports the substrate 58b, the sheet metal 56e on which the input mechanism 56 is placed, and the shaft 56c. It has the same curved shape as the flow lower surface 57a, and covers and covers a space larger than the diameter of the game ball on the flow lower surface 57a.

  The intermediate frame 62 has a connector housing portion 62 a at a position facing the connector 61. The connector housing portion 62a bulges a part of the intermediate frame 62 to the opposite side of the substrate 58b, and houses the connector 61 in the recess.

  At the upper edge of the intermediate frame 62, a flange portion 62b protruding between the latching solenoids 56d is provided upright. A flange portion 56h bent from the edge of the sheet metal 56e is erected between the latching solenoids 56d on the sheet metal 56e, and the flange portion 62b of the intermediate frame 62 and the flange portion 56h of the sheet metal 56e are brought into contact with each other on the surface. The sheet metal 56e is supported on the intermediate frame 62 by being fixed with bolts or the like.

  In addition, an arm 62c is provided on the surface of the connector housing portion 62a and the flange portion 62b on the standby path 55 side so as to project up to just above the standby path 55. A shaft 56c is sandwiched and supported at the tip of the arm 62c.

(Throwing ball detection means)
The game ball take-in device 50 is provided with thrown ball detection means for detecting the thrown game ball for each game ball. The throwing ball detection means is, for example, an optical sensor, and includes a light emitting unit 63a and a light receiving unit 63b.

  The light emitting parts 63a are arranged on the substrate 58a in a one-to-one correspondence with the respective intake channels 57f. The light receiving parts 63b are arranged on the substrate 58b in a one-to-one correspondence with the respective intake channels 57f. Each intake channel 57f has a through hole 57g penetrating the intake rod 57, and each light emitting portion 63a is inserted into the corresponding through hole 57g. The intermediate frame 62 has through holes 62d penetrating the intermediate frame 62 at positions facing the respective through holes 57g, and the respective light receiving portions 63b are inserted into the corresponding through holes 62d. The light emitting part 63a and the light receiving part 63b are arranged to face each other through the through hole 57g and the through hole 62d.

  The light emitting unit 63a emits light. The light receiving unit 63b outputs a light detection signal when receiving light. The throwing ball detection means outputs a throwing ball detection signal to the control unit when the light detection signal from the light receiving unit 63b is not output. A circuit for outputting the throwing ball detection signal when the light detection signal is not output is installed on the substrate 58b. When a game ball is thrown into the take-in basket 57 and the game ball flows down through the take-in flow path 57f, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 63a is temporarily blocked, and the light does not reach the light receiving unit 63b. The light receiving unit 63b does not output a light detection signal during a period when the light has not reached, and the throwing ball detection means receives the non-output of the light detection signal and outputs the throwing ball detection signal to the control unit.

(Operation check means)
In addition, the game ball take-in device 50 is provided with an operation confirmation means for the throwing mechanism 56. A locking piece 56i projects from the outer peripheral surface of each sheath member 56a of the input mechanism 56. A photo sensor 65 is disposed on the substrate 58b so as to face the locking piece 56i in a one-to-one correspondence. The photo sensor 65 is a sensor that detects the proximity of an object. A long hole 62e is penetrated at a position facing the photo sensor 65 of the intermediate frame 62.

  The operation confirmation means includes the locking piece 56i and the photo sensor 65. When the sheath member 56a rotates and the distal end of the locking piece 56i is inserted into the elongated hole 62e and approaches the photosensor 65, the photosensor 65 receives an operation confirmation signal indicating that the corresponding input mechanism 56 has been activated. Output. An appropriate operation of the input mechanism 56 at an appropriate timing is confirmed by outputting the operation confirmation signal at an appropriate timing.

(Rotation restriction means and game ball inflow prevention means)
The long hole 62e also serves as a restricting means for restricting the rotation range of the sheath member 56a. The elongated hole 62e has an extra space above the insertion position of the locking piece 56i. When the locking piece 56i is inserted and the sheath member 56a further rotates, the locking piece 56i comes into contact with the upper end of the elongated hole 62e, and further rotation is prevented. The total length of the elongated hole 62e is set so that a part of the sheath member 56a remains on the standby path 55 when the locking piece 56i comes into contact with the upper end.

  When the sheath member 56a remains on the standby path 55, the game ball is prevented from flowing into the standby path 55 existing in the arch of the sheath member 56a during the charging operation, and the game ball is placed behind the sheath member 56a. Prevent inflow. By preventing the game ball from flowing into the arch, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being thrown in excess of the number of game balls to be thrown. In addition, it is possible to prevent the sheath member 56a from returning to the standby path 55 from being out of order or being unable to take in the next time by preventing the game ball from flowing into the outside of the arch of the sheath member 56a, that is, to the back side of the sheath member 56a.

(Game ball insertion and game ball detection operation)
8 to 10 are diagrams showing a process of taking-in of the game ball taking-in device 50. FIG. FIG. 8 is a view showing a state in which a game ball is flowing into the game ball take-in device 50, and is a perspective view seen from the opposite side of the take-in cage 57. FIG. 9 is a view showing the insertion of the game ball of the game ball take-in device 50, and is a cross-sectional view of the midway position of the standby path 55 as viewed from the long side direction. FIG. 10 is a view showing the game ball take-in device 50 after the game ball is inserted, and is a perspective view as seen from the take-in basket 57 side.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the game balls that have flowed into the game ball take-in device 50 from the ball receiving tray 15 through the inflow port 54 flow around the inclination of the waiting path 55 and contact the previous game balls in order from the lowest end. To wait in line on the waiting path 55. Here, one unit or all units can be selected as the betting rate of the gaming machine 1, and one unit is 5 balls and all units are 15 balls. In the game ball take-in device 50, 15 game balls stand in a line.

  The closing mechanism 56 is supplied with a pulse voltage last time, and the latching solenoid 56d maintains the suction of the plunger 56f. Each sheath member 56 a is stationary on the standby path 55 with the string portion facing the standby surface of the standby path 55. The game balls that have swung the inclination of the waiting path 55 are accommodated in the envelope space of each input mechanism 56. A single gaming ball at the lowermost end is accommodated in the sheath member 56a of the first throwing mechanism 56-1. The second throwing mechanism 56-2 accommodates four game balls. Ten game balls are accommodated in the third throwing mechanism 56-3.

  Assume that the player presses the BET button 143a and, for example, one unit of a betting rate is selected. In response to the pressing of the BET button 143a, the control unit controls the power supply of the power supply device, and the first input mechanism 56-1 and the second input mechanism 56- via the cable, the connector 61, and the connector 64. The pulse voltage is supplied to the second latching solenoid 56d.

  Note that the power supply device intermittently supplies the pulse voltage twice with respect to one control signal of the control unit. In the first pulse voltage supply, the rotation of the sheath member 56a toward the take-in rod 57 is performed, and in the second pulse voltage supply, the return of the sheath member 56a onto the standby path 55 is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the latching solenoid 56d of the first closing mechanism 56-1 and the second closing mechanism 56-2 supplied with the first pulse voltage causes the plunger 56f to protrude to the outside. The plunger 56 f protrudes in the width direction of the standby path 55 toward the side opposite to the intake rod 57. From the protrusion of the plunger 56 f, the distal end of the transmission arm 56 g linked to the distal end of the plunger 56 f is pushed out in the width direction of the standby path 55 toward the opposite side of the intake rod 57. Accordingly, the sheath member 56a rotates in the width direction of the standby path 55 in the direction of the intake rod 57 with the shaft 56c as the rotation axis. The sheath member 56 a that rotates in the direction of the take-in basket 57 rakes the game ball accommodated therein from the standby path 55 and throws it out to the opening 57 b of the take-in bowl 57.

  During the rotation of the sheath member 56a, the locking piece 56i standing on the sheath member 56a of the first input mechanism 56-1 and the second input mechanism 56-2 is an elongated hole 62e that penetrates the intermediate frame 62. And then abuts on the upper end of the elongated hole 62e to restrict further rotation of the sheath member 56a. At the same time, the locking pieces 56i are close to the corresponding photosensors 65, and an operation confirmation signal is output from each photosensor 65. Based on the output of the operation confirmation signal, the control unit confirms the operations of the first input mechanism 56-1 and the second input mechanism 56-2.

  In a state where the rotation of the sheath member 56 a is restricted, a part of the arch shape of the sheath member 56 a remains on the standby path 55. The game balls that have not been thrown in are blocked by the sheath member 56a of the second throwing mechanism 56-2 that is being thrown in, and the back side of the first throwing mechanism 56-1 and the second throwing mechanism 56-2 and Inflow to the inside of the sheath member 56a is prevented.

  When a certain period of time elapses after the closing operation, the power supply device supplies a second pulse voltage via the cable, the connector 61, and the connector 64 to the first closing mechanism 56-1 and the second closing mechanism 56-2. For the latching solenoid 56d. The latching solenoid 56d of the first closing mechanism 56-1 and the second closing mechanism 56-2 receives the pulse voltage and sucks the plunger 56f. Along with this, the sheath member 56a returns to the standby path 55 and rests with the chord portion of the sheath member 56a facing the standby surface.

  When the sheath member 56a returns to the waiting path 55, the inflow of the game ball that has been prevented from flowing in is released, and the envelope of the sheath member 56a of the first throwing mechanism 56-1 and the second throwing mechanism 56-2 is released. A game ball flows into the space and is replenished.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the game ball thrown out to the opening 57b is guided in the flow-down direction by the partition wall 57d and flows down through the corresponding intake flow channel 57f. Since the notch 57e is formed in the end surface on the opening 57b side of the partition wall 57d, the game ball is prevented from being caught on the end surface of the partition wall 57d when the game ball is thrown in and clogged. In addition, since the section wall 57d has a mountain shape having a width and height that fits in a gap defined by the game balls with which the cross-sectional shape in the width direction contacts and the mounting surface of these game balls, The distance between the game balls lined up in contact with each other 55 and the distance between the intake flow paths 57f can be made to coincide with each other. The cut-out 57e and the sectional shape of the partition wall 57d ensure the introduction into the intake trough.

  The game ball flowing down the intake flow path 57f passes through throwing ball detection means installed on the way. In the throwing ball detection means, the game ball blocks the light emitted from the light emitting unit 63a from reaching the light receiving unit 63b, and outputs a throwing ball detection signal. The throwing ball detection signal is output only from the throwing ball detection means installed in the intake flow paths 57f for five rows from the lowermost end and is input to the control unit. As a result, it is confirmed that the game balls corresponding to one unit of the betting rate have been taken in without excess and deficiency, and the game start is permitted. That is, the lever 141 is in a standby state.

(Insufficient ball take-in action)
FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrams illustrating a process of the operation of the game ball capturing device 50 according to the present embodiment, and a game ball of a unit in which a game ball flowing into the game ball capturing device 50 is selected. Indicates the case where the number is insufficient. FIG. 11 is a view showing a state in which a game ball less than the number of units is caused to flow down to the take-in rod 57, and is a perspective view of the take-in rod 57 viewed from the flow lower surface 57a side. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a state where the game ball take-in device 50 is in a shortage ball replenishment operation.

  It is assumed that the number of game balls that are less than the number of units, for example, three balls that are less than 5 balls, which is one unit of the betting rate, is waiting on the waiting path 55. The three balls wait in order from the lowest end of the standby path 55.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when one unit of betting rate is selected by pressing the BET button 143a, the sheath members 56a of the first insertion mechanism 56-1 and the second insertion mechanism 56-2 are rotated.

  The first input mechanism 56-1 rotates the sheath member 56a to input the single sphere at the lowermost end into the intake rod 57. The second throwing mechanism 56-2 turns the sheath member 56a and throws the two game balls accommodated in the envelope space into the take-in basket 57.

  When the game balls are thrown into the take-in cage 57, the throw-in ball detecting means arranged in the take-in flow passages 57f for three rows from the lowermost end detects the take-in, but the two take-up flow channels 57f in the upstream thereof The throwing-ball detecting means arranged in No. 1 does not detect take-in, and no throw-in detection signal is output to the control unit.

  In response to the fact that the input detection signal is not output from the input detection means arranged in the upstream two rows, the control unit is arranged in the single-sphere intake channel 57f covered by the first input mechanism 56-1. Until a total of two detection signals are output from the input detection means, the first input mechanism 56-1 is intermittently supplied with a pair of pulse voltages in which the input operation and the return operation are set as one set.

  First, a pulse voltage is supplied to the first throwing mechanism 56-1 and the second throwing mechanism 56-2 as a return action in the throwing operation in which the shortage has occurred before the short ball replenishing action. In response to the supply of the pulse voltage, the sheath member 56a of the first throwing mechanism 56-1 and the second throwing mechanism 56-2 returns to the standby path 55, and the game ball blocked by a part of the sheath member 56a. Flows into the envelope space of the first input mechanism 56-1 and the second input mechanism 56-2.

  If there is no game ball in the ball tray 15 or the game ball take-in device 50, the player waits for the player to refill the ball tray 15 with the game ball. The game balls replenished by the player flow into the game ball take-in device 50 through the ball tray 15 and flow around the standby path 55 to enter a single ball in the sheath member 56a of the first input mechanism 56-1. Is housed. If the game ball is not replenished even after waiting for a certain period of time and cannot be taken in, the game ball that has been taken in is paid out.

  After a predetermined interval has elapsed since the return operation in the closing operation in which the shortage has occurred, the control unit performs the first power supply control on the power supply device. In response to this power supply control, a pulse voltage for the first charging operation is supplied from the power supply device to the first charging mechanism 56-1. When the pulse voltage is supplied, as shown in FIG. 12, the sheath member 56 a of the first throwing mechanism 56-1 is rotated, and the single game ball inside the sheath member 56 a is released toward the take-in cage 57. .

  The released single game ball flows down in the intake channel 57f immediately below the lowermost end and passes through the input ball detection means arranged in the intake channel 57f. The throwing ball detecting means arranged in the intake flow path 57f detects the passing of the game ball and outputs a throwing detection signal. The control unit receives the input detection signal and counts down the remaining shortage by one.

  After a certain interval, a pulse voltage for returning operation is supplied from the power supply device to the first input mechanism 56-1. In response to the supply of the pulse voltage, the sheath member 56a of the first throwing mechanism 56-1 returns to the standby path 55, and the game ball that has been prevented from flowing into the sheath member 56a of the first throwing mechanism 56-1. Flow into.

  The controller performs the second power supply control on the power supply device if the shortage remaining after the countdown is not zero. In response to this power supply control, a pulse voltage for the first charging operation is supplied from the power supply device to the first charging mechanism 56-1. When the pulse voltage is supplied, the sheath member 56 a of the first throwing mechanism 56-1 rotates and releases the single game ball inside the sheath member 56 a toward the take-in cage 57.

  The released single game ball flows down in the intake channel 57f immediately below the lowermost end and passes through the input ball detection means arranged in the intake channel 57f. The throwing ball detecting means arranged in the intake flow path 57f detects the passing of the game ball and outputs a throwing detection signal. The control unit receives the input detection signal and counts down the remaining shortage by one.

  The two throwing operations of the first throwing mechanism 56-1 are corrected for the shortage of game balls, and the shortage of game balls is resolved. In the control unit, the number of shortage remaining becomes zero upon receiving the output of the input detection signal twice in total from the input ball detecting means arranged in the intake flow path 57f immediately below the lowermost end. When the shortage remaining number becomes 0, the control unit permits the start of the game. That is, the lever 141 is on standby.

(Function and effect)
Thus, in this gaming machine 1, in the game ball take-in device 50, the sheath member 56a is arranged directly above the standby path 55, and the latching solenoid 56d for operating the sheath member 56a is arranged above the take-in rod 57. Thereby, in the depth direction A of the game ball take-in device, the standby path 55 and the take-in rod 57 are arranged in parallel, and the sheath member 56a and the latching solenoid 56d are positioned above. Therefore, the compactness in the depth direction A of the game ball capturing device 50 can be achieved.

  The sheath member 56 a rotates via a transmission arm 56 g that converts the linear motion of the latching solenoid 56 d into a rotational motion, and throws the game ball into the take-in cage 57. Thereby, a transmission means with the drive unit is provided on the side of the throwing means for throwing in the game ball, and the distance between the sheath member 56a and the latching solenoid 56d is reduced compared to the case where the throwing means is moved forward by the configuration. The game ball take-in device 50 can be shortened in the depth direction A, and further compactness can be achieved.

  In addition, a plurality of sheath members 56a are arranged along the standby path 55, and the latching solenoids 56d are arranged to face the plurality of sheath members 56a on a one-to-one basis, and are arranged close to one end side of the intake rod 57. You may make it further provide the connector 61 into which the electrical signal for performing drive control of the latching solenoid 56d is input to the other end right above the bayonet 57. Thereby, the connector 61 can be disposed immediately above the take-in cage 57, and the length of the game ball take-in device 50 in the depth direction A is not affected. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent an increase in the size of the game ball take-in device 50 in the depth direction A.

  In addition, the transmission arm 56g is disposed between the sheathing member 56a paired with the latching solenoid 56d disposed to be opposed to the one end side of the predetermined length, and the other end of the predetermined length. A hinge portion 56j into which the shaft 56c is inserted may be protruded as a bearing. As a result, it is possible to prevent rattling and wobbling of the sheath member 56a paired with the latching solenoid 56d disposed to be opposed to the one end of the predetermined length while securing the installation space for the connector 61. Therefore, practicality can be maintained while preventing an increase in size.

It is a figure which shows the front panel of the game machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the back surface of a front frame. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of a game ball taking-in apparatus. It is the perspective view of the internal structure seen from the attachment surface side of the game ball taking-in apparatus. It is the perspective view of the internal structure seen from the surface on the opposite side of the attachment surface of a game ball taking-in apparatus. It is sectional drawing seen from the surface opposite to the side surface of a game ball taking-in apparatus. It is a disassembled perspective view of a game ball taking-in apparatus. It is a figure which shows the state in which the game ball is flowing in the game ball taking-in apparatus, and is the perspective view seen from the opposite side of the take-in basket. It is a figure which shows the time of insertion of the game ball of the game ball take-in device, and is a cross-sectional view of the midway position of the waiting path as viewed from the long side direction. It is a figure which shows after insertion of the game ball of the game ball taking-in apparatus, and is a perspective view seen from the take-in basket side. It is a figure which shows the state which flowed down the game ball which is less than the number of units to the take-in basket, and is the perspective view which looked at the game ball take-in device from the flow lower surface side of the take-in bowl. It is a perspective view which shows the state in which the game ball taking-in apparatus is performing the short ball replenishment operation | movement.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 2 Outer frame 3 Middle frame 4 Front frame 12 Hinge part 13 Window part 14 Operation part 141 Lever 142 Stop button 143a BET button 143b Max BET button 144 Switching button 145 Settlement button 15 Ball tray 16 Lower dish 17 Locking device 20 Stay DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 1st reinforcement member 22 2nd reinforcement member 23 Outlet 24 Mechanism side outflow path 50 Game ball taking-in apparatus 51 Case 51a Mounting surface 51b Upper surface 51c Side surface 52 Ball release lever 53 Connector insertion port 54 Inlet 55 Waiting path 56 throwing mechanism 56-1 first throwing mechanism 56-2 second throwing mechanism 56-3 third throwing mechanism 56a sheath member 56b hinge part 56c shaft 56d latching solenoid 56e sheet metal 56f plunger 56g transmission arm 56h flange part 56i Stop piece 56j 57 part Inlet part 57 Inlet 57a Flow surface 57b Opening part 57c Barrier 57d Partition wall 57e Notch 57f Intake channel 57g Through hole 58a, 58b Substrate 60a, 60b Connector 61 Connector 62 Intermediate frame 62a Connector accommodating part 62b Flange part 62c Arm 62d Through hole 62e Long hole 63a Light emitting part 63b Light receiving part 64 Connector 65 Photo sensor

Claims (3)

A gaming machine provided with a game ball take-in device for taking a predetermined number of game balls as a unit of a betting rate,
The game ball take-in device
A waiting path in which a plurality of game balls are arranged in a line;
An intake trough that has an opening for a predetermined number of game balls along the long side of the standby path, and is installed in the depth direction of the standby path;
The game balls arranged in the range of the predetermined length are arranged directly above the standby path, have a predetermined length along the standby path, and rotate from the standby path toward the take-in cage. A charging means for charging the intake trough through the opening;
A drive unit disposed so as to overlap above the intake trough, and operating the input means;
An operation confirming means disposed between the intake trough and the drive unit and indicating that the input means has been activated;
A transmission means that is pivotally supported above the standby path, converts the reciprocating motion of the drive unit in the depth direction into a rotational motion, and transmits the rotational motion to the input device;
A frame for supporting the transmission means while securing a space larger than the diameter of the game ball and covering the standby path;
Equipped with a,
The standby path has an edge at a position opposite to the long side where the opening is provided in the depth direction,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the transmission means performs the rotational motion within a range that does not move outward from an edge of the standby path in the depth direction . The throwing means has a locking piece,
It further comprises a restricting means for restricting a rotation range of the input means by having an engaging hole into which the engaging piece is inserted, and the engaging piece abutting against an end of the engaging hole. The gaming machine according to claim 1. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the frame has the locking hole .

Images