JP5070241B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine that draws a jackpot by winning a game ball.

  In a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, a big hit lottery is performed when a game ball wins a prize such as a start opening. When the jackpot is won, the gaming machine is put into a jackpot gaming state in which the jackpot is opened and many winning balls can be obtained. In the gaming machine, various effects such as display on the image display unit, lighting of various lamps, and sound by a speaker are performed in accordance with the game of the game ball by the player.

  In order to prevent a decrease in the concentration of the player due to the game being continued for a long time, the player may be caused to perform some operation when various effects are performed. In addition, when the player performs an instructed operation in order to actively encourage participation, the player may change to a state that is advantageous to the player. In such a case, the player operates an effect input device for effect operation provided in the gaming machine main body. When an operation by the player is performed, the gaming machine main body detects the operation input content of the player by receiving a signal from the effect input device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various types of effect input devices operated by a player, such as buttons, levers, and touch panels, are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This patent document 1 is provided with a touch panel that allows input by touching an area corresponding to the center of the game board, and the player can select any six types of specific symbols from all the jackpot symbols displayed on the touch panel. The structure which selects and displays the specific symbol on the display which the player selected is disclosed. More specifically, whether or not the state changes to the probability variation state is determined with reference to the specific symbol selected by the player, and if the jackpot is displayed with this specific symbol, a special game is performed and the probability variation state is entered. The right to transition is obtained.

JP 2004-16292 A

Here, in recent years, there is a gaming machine that produces a game so that the player performs many production operations as the game progresses. There is also a gaming machine in which a plurality of operation units, which are different operation methods, are arranged side by side as an operation unit for a player to perform a production operation. The plurality of operation units arranged side by side have different operation methods, and the player's operation method is different. Due to such a difference in operation method, there are cases where the player tends to operate the operation unit relatively powerfully.
In such a gaming machine, an operation unit that tends to be operated relatively powerfully is frequently used, and as a result, there is a high possibility that the operation unit will be damaged or destroyed. When such a situation occurs, it becomes impossible to use the gaming machine in the hall store, and maintenance of the gaming machine needs to be performed frequently.
An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can improve the durability of an operation unit that is rendered by a player.

A gaming machine to which the present invention is applied includes a game control unit 200 that controls the progress of a game by a game ball, and an effect control unit 300 that controls an effect accompanying the game in accordance with the control by the game control unit 200. The gaming machine 100 includes a first input area R1 in which position input is possible by contact, and the contents input to the first input area R1 are output to the effect control unit 300 as a signal. A second touch panel unit 10b that has a touch panel unit 10a and a second input region R2 in which position input is possible by contact, and outputs the content input to the second input region R2 to the effect control unit 300 as a signal. If, arranged a gaming machine main body 150 having a holding portion 158 for holding the first panel portion 10a and the second touch panel unit 10b, so as to expose the outer surface of the gaming machine 100 Is the first operation button is pressed for a player performs an input operation for directing to said first input region R1 of the touch panel portion 10a which is held by the holding portion 158 of the game machine main body 150 161 and the gaming machine main body 150 is configured by a plate-like portion, and the first input area R1 of the first touch panel portion 10a held by the holding portion 158 of the gaming machine main body 150 is the gaming machine. The first structure portion 50 that holds the operation button 161 so as to be disposed to face the first input region R1 without being exposed to the outer surface of the 100, and the plate thickness of the first structure portion 50 The second input area R of the second touch panel unit 10b is configured in the gaming machine main body 150 with a plate-like portion having a thickness different from that of the gaming machine main body 150 and is held by the holding unit 158 of the gaming machine main body 150. Has an opening for exposing a, characterized in that it comprises a second structure 70 that allows an input operation for directing said second input region R2 touching the player through the opening Is.
Here, the plate thickness of the first structure portion 50 may be larger than the plate thickness of the second structure portion 70. Further, the second touch panel portion 10b held by the holding portion 158 of the gaming machine main body 150 is deeper than the position of the operation button 161 held by the first structure portion 50. It can be. Further, the first touch panel unit 10 a and the second touch panel unit 10 b may be configured by a single touch panel 10.

  In addition, the said code | symbol in this column is attached | subjected illustratively in the description of this invention, and this invention is not reduced by this code | symbol.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the durability of the operation unit that is effected by the player.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[Basic configuration of gaming machine]
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment.
A pachinko gaming machine 100 as an example of the gaming machine shown in the figure is configured to pay out a prize ball when a game ball launched by an instruction operation by a player wins. The pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a game board 110 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 150 that surrounds the game board 110. The game board 110 is detachably attached to the frame member 150.

The game board 110 has a game area 111 for playing with a game ball on the front surface, a rail member 112 that forms a passage where a game ball launched from below rises toward the upper position of the game area 111, and a game And a guide member 113 for guiding a game ball on the right side of the region 111.
In the present embodiment, an image display unit 114 that displays various images for production is provided at a position of the game area 111 that is easily visible to the player. As the game progresses by the player, for example, the image display unit 114 notifies the player of the symbol lottery result (symbol variation result) with a decorative symbol, or displays a notice effect by the appearance of a character or the appearance of an item. Or As the image display unit 114, for example, a configuration example using a liquid crystal display device, an EL display device, an LED dot display device, a 7-segment display device, or the like can be considered.
In the present embodiment, the front of the game board 110 is provided with a movable accessory 115 and a board lamp 116 used for various effects. The movable accessory 115 is configured to be movable with respect to the game board 110 and performs various effects by movement, and the board lamp 116 performs various effects by light by emitting light.

  The game area 111 is provided with a game nail and a windmill (not shown) for changing the direction in which the game ball falls. Further, in the game area 111, various bonuses relating to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. In addition, the game area 111 is provided with a discharge port 117 through which game balls launched into the game area 111 that have not been won in the winning area are discharged out of the game area 111.

In the present embodiment, as various types of prizes and lotteries, the first start port 121 where a special symbol lottery (a jackpot lottery) is started when a game ball enters and a position below the first start port 121 is placed. The game board 110 is provided with a second start port 122 where a special symbol lottery starts when a game ball enters and a gate 124 where a normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) starts when the game ball passes. ing. Here, the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122 operate either one predetermined special electric accessory (large winning port 125) or one predetermined special symbol display. It means a winning opening related to winning a game ball.
The second start port 122 includes an electric tulip 123 as a normal electric accessory that is turned on and off by a pair of blades in the shape of tulip flowers opened and closed by an electric solenoid. When the blades of the electric tulip 123 are closed, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start port 122. However, when the blades are opened, the entrance of the second start port 122 expands and the game ball moves to the second start port 122. It is configured to be easy to enter. When the electric tulip 123 wins the normal symbol lottery, the blade opens for a specified time (for example, 6 seconds) and a specified number of times (for example, 3 times) while lighting or flashing.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 100 has a high probability state (for example, 1/30) from a low probability state (for example, 1/300) to a high probability state (for example, 1/30) when the jackpot probability that the jackpot is drawn in a special symbol lottery varies under a predetermined condition. ))). In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 100 can reduce the special symbol variation time during the special symbol lottery under a predetermined condition, increase the probability of winning during the normal symbol lottery, or the normal symbol variation time during the normal symbol lottery. In some cases, the opening time of the blades of the electric tulip 123 may be shortened, or the number of times the blades of the electric tulip 123 may be opened (electric chew support).

Further, in the present embodiment, as various types of prizes and lotteries, a large winning opening 125 that is located below the second start opening 122 and opens according to the result of the special symbol lottery, and a game ball wins. However, the game board 110 is provided with a normal winning opening 126 where the lottery does not start. The big winning opening 125 is normally closed, but a round in which the special winning lottery is maintained in an open state is maintained in an open state until a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, 30 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won). Repeat a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times or 2 times).
In the present embodiment, the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 are disposed in the game area 111, but a configuration example in which only one of them is disposed or another start port is disposed. A configuration example is also conceivable. In the present embodiment, one big prize opening 125 is arranged in the game area 111, but a configuration example in which a plurality of big prize openings 125 are arranged is also conceivable.
In the present embodiment, a display 130 for displaying a lottery result and the number of holds is arranged at the lower right position of the game board 110. Details of the display 130 will be described later.

  The payout of prize balls will be described. When a game ball wins at the first start port 121, the second start port 122, the big winning port 125, and the normal winning port 126, a predetermined number of award balls per game ball are paid out according to the place where the game ball has won. It is. For example, when a game ball wins the first start port 121, three prize balls, when a game ball wins the second start port 122, four prize balls, and when the game ball wins the big prize port 125, When a game ball wins the 13 prize balls and the normal prize opening 126, 10 prize balls are paid out respectively. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, there is no payout of the prize ball in conjunction with it.

Note that various boards and the like (not shown) are attached to the rear surface of the game board 110. In other words, the main board and the sub board are arranged on the rear surface of the game board 110. That is, on the rear surface of the game board 110, a game control board in which a later-described game control unit 200 that performs internal lottery, determination of winning, and the like is provided as a main board. The game control board is sealed in a main board case made of a transparent member so that a trace remains when opened.
Also, as a sub-board, an effect control board in which an after-mentioned effect control unit 300 for overall control of effects is configured, and an image control board in which an after-mentioned image / sound control unit 310 for controlling effects by images and sounds is configured. In addition, a lamp control board on which a later-described lamp control unit 320 that controls effects by various lamps and the movable accessory 115 is provided. In addition, a switching power supply (not shown) that converts the supplied 24V AC power supply into a DC power supply and outputs it to various boards and the like is disposed on the rear surface of the game board 110.
In other words, a payout control board 400, which will be described later, which controls payout of payout balls, and a supply control board controlled by the payout control board and temporarily replenished from the outside, The frame member 150 is provided with a payout unit (not shown) for paying out and paying out lending balls.

When the player touches the handle 151 as an example of the operation unit and rotates the lever 152 in the clockwise direction, the frame member 150 moves the game ball at a predetermined time interval (for example, with a hitting force according to the operation angle) It is equipped with a launcher (not shown) that is electrically fired at a rate of 100 per minute. In addition, the frame member 150 includes a supply device (not shown) that sequentially supplies game balls to the launching device one by one at a timing in conjunction with the operation of the player's lever 152, and a game ball that the supply device supplies to the launching device. A plate 153 (see FIG. 2) for temporarily storing. For example, a payout ball by a payout unit is paid out to the plate 153.
In the present embodiment, the plate 153 is configured as an integrated upper and lower plate, but a configuration example in which the upper plate and the lower plate are separated is also conceivable. A configuration example in which the handle 151 of the launching device emits light under a predetermined condition is also conceivable.

The frame member 150 also includes a stop button 154 for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball even when the player is touching the handle 151 of the launch device, and a game ball stored in the tray 153. A take-out button 155 for dropping and taking out the box (not shown).
Further, the frame member 150 includes a speaker 156 and a frame lamp 157 for notifying the gaming state and situation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 and performing various effects. The speaker 156 performs various effects based on music, voice, and sound effects, and the frame lamp 157 performs various effects based on light depending on a pattern or light emission color caused by lighting and blinking. In addition, about the frame lamp | ramp 157, the structural example which enables it to perform the effect which changes the irradiation direction of light can be considered.
The frame member 150 also includes a transparent plate (not shown) for separating the game board 110 from the player.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2A is an enlarged view showing an example of a display 130 arranged at the lower right of the game board 110. b) is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 100. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the display 130 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a first special symbol display 221 that operates in response to winning of the first starting port 121 and a winning of the second starting port 122. The second special symbol display 222 that operates in response to the above and the normal symbol display 223 that operates in response to the passage of the gate 124 are provided. The first special symbol display 221 variably displays the special symbol resulting from winning of the first start port 121 and displays the lottery result. The second special symbol display 222 variably displays special symbols resulting from winning at the second start port 122 and displays the lottery results. The normal symbol display unit 223 displays the normal symbol variably and displays the lottery result when the game ball passes through the gate 124. In the present embodiment, the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 are configured by a 7-segment display device, and the normal symbol display 223 is configured by an LED display device. .

  In addition, the indicator 130 operates in response to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the first special symbol hold indicator 218 that operates corresponding to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222. 2 a special symbol hold indicator 219 and a normal symbol hold indicator 220 that operates in response to the hold in the normal symbol indicator 223. This hold will be described. If there is a prize by another game ball during the fluctuation display operation (while the fluctuation display for one win is being performed), the symbol fluctuation display operation for the prized game ball will be applied to the game ball which has been won first. Until the variable display operation is completed, a predetermined number (for example, four) is held as a limit. The fact that such a hold is made and the number of the hold (the number of undrawn lots) are displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220. In the present embodiment, each of the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220 is constituted by an LED display device arranged in a row, and the lighting thereof The number of holds is displayed according to the mode.

  A frame member (an example of a gaming machine main body) 150 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes an input device for a player to input an effect. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the present embodiment, an effect button 161 and an effect touch portion 162 adjacent to the effect button 161 are arranged on the frame member 150 as an example of the input device. . Further, in the present embodiment, a touch panel (touch sensor) 10 as a pointing device indicated by a broken line in FIG. Note that a detection mechanism (detection structure) for detecting the operation of the effect button 161 and the effect touch unit 162 by the player will be described later.

  The effect button 161 is disposed on the frame member 150 so as to cover a part of the touch panel 10. The effect button 161 is a member operated by the player for the effect. When pressed by the player, the effect button 161 is pressed down with a certain amount of movement (stroke amount) or distance S (see FIGS. 5-1 to 5-2). . More specifically, when the effect button 161 is pressed by the player, the position with respect to the frame member 150 changes. The touch panel 10 detects whether or not the effect button 161 has been pressed by the player. More specifically, when the touch panel 10 detects that the effect button 161 has been pressed, the touch panel 10 outputs a detection signal to the effect control unit 300. The effect button 161 is an example of an operation mechanism unit used when an operation by the player is performed, and the touch panel 10 is an operation detection unit (detection unit) that detects that the operation of the effect button 161 is performed. It is an example.

The touch panel 10 has an input area (touch surface) R (see FIG. 4) that can be input by contact. The touch panel 10 is attached to the frame member 150 so that it is difficult for the player to contact the input area R1 (see FIG. 5-1 or FIG. 5-2) which is a part of the input area R (see FIG. 4). .
The effect touch unit 162 is configured by exposing the input region R2 that is a part of the input region R (see FIG. 4) of the touch panel 10 from the frame member 150. More specifically, for example, the player touches a predetermined position of the input area R2 in the effect touch unit 162 with a finger to indicate and select one of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 114, for example. Is possible. In addition, the player can input predetermined numbers, symbols, and the like by tracing the effect touch unit 162 with a finger.
In addition, it is also conceivable to configure the input area R2 of the touch panel 10 of the present embodiment with a display screen controlled by the effect control unit 300.

[Configuration of control unit]
Next, a control unit that performs operation control and signal processing in the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the control unit. As shown in the figure, the control unit includes a game control unit 200 that performs various controls relating to the number of prize balls to be paid out, such as internal lottery and determination of winning, as main control means. Further, as sub-control means, an effect control unit 300 that comprehensively controls effects, an image / sound control unit 310 that controls effects using images and sound, and effects using various lamps and movable accessories 115 A ramp control unit 320 for controlling the payout, and a payout control unit 400 for performing payout control of the payout ball. As described above, the game control unit 200, the effect control unit 300, the image / sound control unit 310, the lamp control unit 320, and the payout control unit 400 are each a game as a main board disposed on the rear surface of the game board 110. The control board, and further, the effect control board, the image control board, the lamp control board, and the payout control board as sub boards are individually configured.

[Configuration and function of game control unit]
The game control unit 200 includes a CPU 201 that performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the number of paid-out prize balls, such as internal lottery and winning determination, and a ROM 202 that stores programs executed by the CPU 201, various data, and the like. And a RAM 203 used as a working memory for the CPU 201.
The game control unit 200 performs a special symbol lottery when a game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, and sends a determination result as to whether or not it is a win in the special symbol lottery to the effect control unit 300. Also, fluctuation setting of winning probability at special symbol lottery (for example, fluctuation setting from 1/300 to 1/30), special symbol fluctuation time shortening at special symbol lottery, and normal symbol at normal symbol lottery The variable time is set to be shortened, and the setting content is sent to the effect control unit 300.
Further, the game control unit 200 controls the extension of the opening time of the blades of the electric tulip 123, the setting of the number of times the blades of the electric tulip 123 are opened, and the setting of the opening / closing operation interval when the blades are opened. In addition, when a game ball continuously wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, the game ball is suspended until the limit number (for example, four) for the undrawn lots, or the game ball continuously passes through the gate 124. The suspension is set up to the limit number (for example, 4) for the undrawn lots.
In addition, the game control unit 200 keeps an open state in a protruding manner until the special winning opening 125 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 30 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) according to the result of the special symbol lottery. Is controlled to be repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times or 2 times). Furthermore, the opening / closing operation interval when the special winning opening 125 is opened is controlled.

Further, when the game ball is won in the first start port 121, the second start port 122, the big winning port 125, and the normal winning port 126, the game control unit 200 per game ball according to the place where the game ball has won. The payout control unit 400 is instructed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls. For example, when a game ball wins at the first start port 121, three prize balls, when a game ball wins at the second start port 122, four prize balls, and when a game ball wins the big prize port 125, thirteen prizes. When a game ball wins the ball, the normal winning opening 126, an instruction command (command) is sent to the payout control unit 400 so as to pay out 10 prize balls. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the payout control unit 400 is not instructed to pay out the prize ball in conjunction therewith.
When the payout control unit 400 pays out a prize ball in accordance with an instruction from the game control unit 200, the game control unit 200 acquires information on the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control unit 400. As a result, the number of prize balls paid out is managed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the game control unit 200 includes a first start port detection unit (first start port switch (SW)) 211 that detects a winning of a game ball to the first start port 121, and a second start. A second start port detection unit (second start port switch (SW)) 212 that detects a winning of a game ball to the mouth 122, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213 that opens and closes the electric tulip 123, and a game ball to the gate 124 A gate detection unit (gate switch (SW)) 214 that detects passage is connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 has a large winning port detecting unit (large winning port switch (SW)) 215 for detecting a winning of a game ball to the large winning port 125, and the large winning port 125 is inclined to be in a closed state. A large winning opening / closing unit 216 set to the open state and a normal winning opening detecting unit (normal winning opening switch (SW)) 217 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning opening 126 are connected.

In addition, the game control unit 200 displays the reserved number for the undrawn special symbol lottery (big win lottery) started by winning the game ball at the first start port 121 within the limit number (for example, four). A special symbol hold indicator 218, a second special symbol hold indicator 219 for displaying the number of unsold lots in the special symbol lottery started by winning a game ball in the second start port 122 within the limit number, A normal symbol hold indicator 220 is connected to the normal symbol lottery display (open / close lottery) started by the passage of the game ball to the gate 124 and displays the number of unsettled hold numbers within the limit number.
Further, the game control unit 200 includes a first special symbol display 221 for displaying a result of a special symbol lottery started by winning a game ball at the first start port 121, and a game ball to the second start port 122. A second special symbol display 222 that displays the result of the special symbol lottery started by winning and a normal symbol display 223 that displays the result of the normal symbol lottery are connected.

  Then, detection signals detected by the first start port switch 211, the second start port switch 212, the gate switch 214, the big winning port switch 215 and the normal winning port switch 217 are sent to the game control unit 200. In addition, the control signal from the game control unit 200 includes an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213, a prize winning opening / closing unit 216, a first special symbol hold indicator 218, a second special symbol hold indicator 219, a normal symbol hold indicator 220, It is sent to the first special symbol display 221, the second special symbol display 222, and the normal symbol display 223. Thereby, the game control unit 200 performs various controls related to the number of payout prize balls.

  Further, a board external information terminal board 250 that transmits various kinds of information to a host computer (not shown) installed in the hall is connected to the game control unit 200. Then, the game control unit 200 transmits information regarding the number of paid-out winning balls acquired from the payout control unit 400, information indicating the state of the game control unit 200, and the like to the host computer via the board external information terminal board 250. .

[Configuration and function of production control unit]
Next, the effect control unit 300 includes a CPU 301 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the effect, a ROM 302 that stores programs executed by the CPU 301, various data, and the like, and a RAM 303 that is used as a work memory for the CPU 301 and the like. And a real-time clock (RTC) 304 for measuring the date and time.
The production control unit 300 sets the production content based on, for example, the determination result of whether or not the winning is a special symbol lottery sent from the game control unit 200. At that time, in response to an operation input from the user using the effect button 161 or the effect touch unit 162, the contents of the effect according to the operation input may be set.
In addition, when the game is interrupted for a predetermined period, the effect control unit 300 instructs the setting of the screen display for waiting for a customer as one of the effects.
Furthermore, when the game control unit 200 changes the winning probability at the time of the special symbol lottery, shortens the special symbol fluctuation time at the time of the special symbol lottery, and shortens the normal symbol fluctuation time at the time of the normal symbol lottery. In this case, the production control unit 300 sets the production content corresponding to the set content.
In addition, the effect control unit 300 sends a command for instructing execution of the set effect contents to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320.

[Configuration / Function of Image / Sound Control Unit]
The image / sound control unit 310 is a CPU 311 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the image and sound that expresses the content of the effect, a ROM 312 that stores programs executed by the CPU 311, various data, and the like, and a work for the CPU 311. And a RAM 313 used as a memory or the like.
Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 114 and the sound output from the speaker 156 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300.
Specifically, in the ROM 312 of the image / sound control unit 310, a symbol image or background image displayed during the game on the image display unit 114, a decorative symbol for notifying the player of the lottery result, and a notice effect for the player Image data such as a character or item for displaying is stored. Furthermore, various kinds of acoustic data such as music and sound output from the speaker 156 in synchronization with the image data or independently of the image data, and sound effects such as jingles are stored. The CPU 311 selects and reads out the data corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300 from the image data and the sound data stored in the ROM 312. Furthermore, image processing for background image display, symbol image display, symbol image variation, character / item display, and the like are performed using the read image data, and voice processing using the read acoustic data is performed.
Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls screen display on the image display unit 114 based on the image data that has undergone image processing. Further, the sound output from the speaker 156 is controlled by the sound data subjected to the sound processing.

[Configuration and function of lamp control unit]
The lamp control unit 320 stores a CPU 321 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 and the operation of the movable accessory 115, and programs executed by the CPU 321 and various data. A ROM 322 and a RAM 323 used as a working memory for the CPU 321 are provided.
The lamp control unit 320 controls lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157, the emission color, and the like based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300. Further, the operation of the movable accessory 115 is controlled.
More specifically, the ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (light emission pattern data) for the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 according to the production contents set by the production control unit 300. Data) is stored. The CPU 321 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 322 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300. The lamp controller 320 controls light emission from the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the read light emission pattern data.
The ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 115 corresponding to the production content set by the production control unit 300. The CPU 321 controls the operation of the movable accessory 115 based on the read operation pattern data.

[Configuration and function of payout control unit]
The payout control unit 400 includes a CPU 401 that performs arithmetic processing for controlling payout of payout balls, a ROM 402 that stores programs executed by the CPU 401, various data, and the like, and a RAM 403 that is used as a work memory for the CPU 401 and the like. And.
The payout control unit 400 controls payout of the payout ball based on the command sent from the game control unit 200.
Specifically, the payout control unit 400 acquires from the game control unit 200 a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won (such as the first start port 121). Then, the payout driving unit 411 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the command. Here, the payout drive unit 411 includes a drive motor that sends out the game ball from the storage unit of the game ball.

The payout control unit 400 includes a payout ball detection unit 412 that detects the number of prize balls actually paid out from a game ball storage unit (not shown) by the payout driving unit 411, and a game ball in the storage unit. Whether or not there is a ball detecting unit 413 for detecting whether or not there is a storage, and a plate 153 (see FIG. 2) for holding a game ball used when a player plays or a prize ball that is paid out is full. A full tank detection unit 414 that detects whether or not the connection is connected. Then, the payout control unit 400 receives detection signals detected by the payout ball detection unit 412, the ball presence detection unit 413, and the full tank detection unit 414, and performs predetermined processing according to these detection signals.
Further, the payout control unit 400 is connected to a frame external information terminal board 450 that transmits various types of information to a host computer installed in the hall. Then, the payout control unit 400, for example, information on the number of prize balls instructed to pay out to the payout driving unit 411, information on the number of prize balls actually paid out detected by the payout ball detection unit 412, etc. Is transmitted to the host computer via the frame external information terminal board 450. Also, similar information is transmitted to the game control unit 200.

[Configuration and function of touch panel]
Next, the configuration and functions of the touch panel 10 included in the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be mainly described. In addition, as the touch panel 10 demonstrated below, the input device which employ | adopted the electrostatic capacitance system is used.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the touch panel 10 according to the present embodiment. (A) of the figure is a block diagram showing a configuration of the touch panel 10, and (b) is a longitudinal sectional view of the operation panel unit 20 of the touch panel 10.
As shown to (a) of the figure, the touch panel 10 is the process which performs the process for specifying the operation panel part 20 which a player directly operates for production, and the operation content by the player in the operation panel part 20 Part 30.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the operation panel unit 20 of the touch panel 10 includes a glass 21, a shield conductive film 22 located on one surface of the glass 21, a conductive film 23 located on the other surface of the glass 21, And a coating film 24 covering the conductive film 23. On the surface of the coating film 24, an input region R that can be input by contact is formed. The input area R includes an input area R1 (see also FIG. 5-1 or FIG. 5-2) that is difficult for the player to contact, and an input area R2 that allows the player to easily contact ( 5-1 or FIG. 5-2).
More specifically, electrodes (not shown) and sensors (not shown) are arranged at the four corners of the glass 21 of the operation panel unit 20, and a uniform electric field is formed by the conductive film 23. When an input is performed using the effect button 161, a change in capacitance proportional to the distance from the four corners of the glass 21 to the input position in the input region R occurs. A sensor (not shown) continuously measures such capacitance and outputs the measurement result to the processing unit 30 of the touch panel 10.

The processing unit 30 outputs the processing result to the effect control unit 300. In addition, in the present embodiment, as will be described later, the position where the input is performed by the effect button 161 in the input area R is always the same. Therefore, the processing unit 30 performs ON / OFF determination control as to whether or not an input by the effect button 161 has been performed. When the input by the effect button 161 is performed, an ON detection signal is transmitted to the effect control unit. Output to 300.
As the touch panel 10 according to the present embodiment, for example, a capacitance method in which a position touched by a finger is detected by detecting a change in surface charge of a panel in which a low-voltage electric field is formed, or separated from each other. It is possible to use a known technique such as a resistive film method in which the position of the electrode touched by the finger changes from the non-energized state to the energized state to electrically detect the position. In the case of the latter method, pen input using a pen is possible in addition to finger input.

Next, various embodiments of the detection mechanism (detection structure) for detecting the operation of the effect button 161 and the effect touch unit 162 by the player will be described below.
[First Embodiment]
FIGS. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views illustrating the relationship among the touch panel 10, the effect button 161, and the effect touch unit 162 according to the first embodiment, and a line V in FIG. It is sectional drawing in -V.
FIG. 5A illustrates a state where an input operation is performed on the effect touch unit 162, and FIG. 5-2 illustrates a state where an input operation is performed on the effect button 161. In other words, the effect button 161 is not pressed in FIG. 5A, but the effect button 161 is pressed down in FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the touch panel 10 makes it difficult for the player to touch the input area R1, and allows the player to touch the input area R2. It is attached to the frame member 150. In other words, the places where the player can touch with the finger F are the outer surface H (see FIG. 5-2) of the effect button 161 and the input area R2 (see FIG. 5-1) of the touch panel 10. It is difficult for the player to touch the input area R1 (see FIG. 5A) of the touch panel 10 with the finger F.

The touch panel 10 is attached to the frame member 150 so as to be in contact with the effect button 161. The configuration of the touch panel 10 is as described above.
Note that the touch panel 10 according to the present embodiment includes a first touch panel unit 10a having an input region R1 and a second touch panel unit 10b having an input region R2. That is, the touch panel 10 is composed of a single sheet, which can reduce the number of components and simplify the structure. In other words, the first touch panel unit 10a may be configured as one touch panel and the second touch panel unit 10b may be configured as another single touch panel.

[Relationship Between Touch Panel 10 and Production Button 161]
The effect button 161 is an example of an operation unit, that is, a button unit 41, a peripheral surface unit 42, an end surface 43, a reduced diameter unit 44, a moving contact surface 45, a moving contact surface 46, a back surface 47, and an input unit. The protrusion part 48 is provided.
That is, the effect button 161 is exposed to the outside and has a button part 41 having an outer surface H that is a surface that the player contacts, and the back side of the frame member 150 from the outer surface H of the button part 41 (lower side in the figure). And a peripheral surface portion 42 that forms a circumferential surface, and an end surface 43 that is positioned between the button portion 41 and the peripheral surface portion 42. In addition, the effect button 161 is formed between the peripheral surface portion 42 and the reduced diameter portion 44, and the reduced diameter portion 44 having a circumferential surface that is formed at an intermediate portion of the peripheral surface portion 42 and has a diameter smaller than that of the peripheral surface portion 42. And moving side abutting surfaces 45 and 46 which are surfaces facing each other (inner surfaces of the reduced diameter portion 44). In addition, the effect button 161 is formed on the back surface 47 located on the back side (the lower side in the figure) of the frame member 150 with respect to the peripheral surface portion 42, and the protruding portion that protrudes to extend in the direction of the touch panel 10. 48.
The protruding portion 48 is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape at the tip of the protruding portion 48 and has a contact surface T for contacting the input region R1 of the touch panel 10. In other words, the protruding portion 48 is for performing input to the input area R1 of the touch panel 10. Therefore, in addition to the mode in which the protruding portion 48 is brought into contact with the input region R1, the mode in which the input region R1 is input in close proximity without bringing the protruding portion 48 into contact is also conceivable.
The effect button 161 is a conductor configured to obtain electrical continuity.

The frame member 150 is a resin molded product, and includes a first structure portion 50 and a second structure portion 70 that are configured by plate-like portions. The frame member 150 includes a holding unit 158 that holds the touch panel 10 (the first touch panel unit 10a and the second touch panel unit 10b).
The first structure unit 50 holds the effect button 161 so that the effect button 161 covers the input area R1 of the first touch panel unit 10a held by the holding unit 158. The second structure unit 70 has an opening that exposes the input region R2 of the second touch panel unit 10b held by the holding unit 158, and the player touches the input region R2 to perform an input operation for production. Is possible.

The first structure portion 50 includes an accommodation space 51, an accommodation space 52, a bottom surface 53, an extending portion 54, a fixed side contact surface 55, and a fixed side contact surface 56. That is, the first structure unit 50 includes storage spaces 51 and 52 formed to store the effect buttons 161 and a bottom surface 53 formed by the holding unit 158 and to which the touch panel 10 is attached. Further, the first structure portion 50 includes a fixed-side contact surface configured by an extension portion 54 that extends so as to partition the storage space 51 and the storage space 52 from each other, and an end surface (outer surface) of the extension portion 54. 55, 56.
The accommodating space 51 accommodates a portion closer to the button portion 41 than the reduced diameter portion 44 of the effect button 161, and is a step that forms a step shape by being recessed on the back side (lower side in the figure) of the frame member 150. The attaching portion 57 and the extending portion 54 are formed. The accommodating space 52 accommodates a portion closer to the projecting portion 48 than the reduced diameter portion 44 of the effect button 161. The bottom surface 53 is located in the accommodation space 52.

More specifically, the extending portion 54 of the frame member 150 forms a hole that is smaller than the outer diameter of the peripheral surface portion 42 and larger than the outer diameter of the reduced diameter portion 44. Further, the extending portion 54 is engaged with the reduced diameter portion 44 of the effect button 161. That is, the input area R <b> 1 of the touch panel 10 is covered with the extending part 54 and the effect button 161. In this way, it is configured so that it is difficult for the player to touch the input area R1.
The fixed-side contact surface 55 of the frame member 150 faces the moving-side contact surface 45 of the effect button 161, and the fixed-side contact surface 56 of the frame member 150 is the movement-side contact of the effect button 161. Opposite the surface 46. In the state illustrated in FIG. 5A, the fixed-side contact surface 55 and the moving-side contact surface 45 are separated from each other by a distance S. In the state shown in FIG. 5B, the fixed contact surface 56 and the moving contact surface 46 are separated from each other by a distance S.
Further, the fixed-side contact surface 55 of the frame member 150 faces the end surface 43 of the effect button 161. A spring 60 that is a compression coil spring is interposed between the fixed-side contact surface 55 and the end surface 43. That is, one end of the spring 60 is positioned on the fixed contact surface 55 side of the frame member 150, and the other end is positioned on the end surface 43 side of the effect button 161. The spring 60 is a compression coil spring. Therefore, when the spring 60 is bent under a load (compression force), the spring 60 is biased in a direction in which the spring height returns to the original against the load.

The spring 60 is attached between the fixed contact surface 55 and the end face 43 in a state where the spring 60 is bent slightly more than the free height which is the height of the spring in an unloaded state. For this reason, the spring 60 is urged in the direction of increasing the separation distance between the fixed-side contact surface 55 and the end surface 43.
Due to the urging force of the spring 60, as shown in FIG. 5A, the stationary contact surface 56 of the frame member 150 and the moving contact surface 46 of the effect button 161 contact each other. In this case, the button part 41 of the effect button 161 protrudes from the frame member 150. In this case, the contact surface T of the effect button 161 is not in contact with the input area R1 of the touch panel 10 (non-contact state) and is separated.

  On the other hand, when the outer surface H of the button part 41 of the effect button 161 is pressed by the player's finger F, the fixed-side contact surface 56 of the frame member 150 and the moving side of the effect button 161 that have been in contact with each other until then. The contact surface 46 is separated and the spring 60 is bent. Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, the fixed-side contact surface 55 of the frame member 150 and the moving-side contact surface 45 of the effect button 161 are in contact with each other. In this way, the effect button 161 moves to the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 100 main body, that is, the frame member 150 by the distance S. Then, the contact surface T of the effect button 161 is in contact with the input area R1 of the touch panel 10 (contact state). As a result, the operation panel unit 20 (see FIG. 4) of the touch panel 10 outputs a change in surface charge to the processing unit 30 (see FIG. 4), and the processing unit 30 performs a predetermined process based on the output. The result is sent to the effect control unit 300 (see FIG. 4).

[Relationship Between Touch Panel 10 and Production Touch Unit 162]
As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the effect touch unit 162 includes the second structure unit 70. That is, the second structure unit 70 includes an input area R2 of the touch panel 10, an access space 71 for the player's finger F to approach (access) the input area R2 from the outside of the frame member 150, and the frame member 150. A wall portion 73 extending from the peripheral edge portion 72 toward the touch panel 10 and an end portion 74 that is located on the back side of the wall portion 73 and that forms an opening that exposes the input region R2 are provided.
The access space 71 is located on the far side of the frame member 150 (the lower side of the figure) with respect to the outer surface G of the frame member 150. The wall portion 73 is for defining the access space 71 and is formed to be inclined so that the access space 71 becomes narrower from the peripheral edge portion 72 toward the end portion 74. The wall portion 73 is formed so as to surround the input region R2.
The end 74 extends to reach the input region R2, and thus defines the range of the input region R2. In other words, in the effect touch unit 162, the end 74 allows the player to contact the input area R2, and makes it difficult for the player to contact the input area R1. . Note that the end portion 74 adjacent to the input region R2 is configured to be a non-conductive portion.

The frame member 150 will be further described.
In the present embodiment, a side-by-side arrangement in which the effect button 161 and the effect touch part 162 are provided side by side is adopted. And the frame member 150 is formed so that board thickness may differ partially.
More specifically, the frame member 150 includes a first structure part (effect button component part) 50 that is a structure for the effect button 161 and a second structure part (effect effect) that is a structure for the effect touch part 162. And a touch portion component 70). And in the frame member 150, the thickness of the 1st structure part 50 and the thickness of the 2nd structure part 70 are mutually different. That is, the thickness of the first structure portion 50 is made thicker and the thickness of the second structure portion 70 is made thinner.

More specifically, the effect button component includes the stepped portion 57 and the extending portion 54, and the effect touch portion component here includes the wall 73. The plate thickness t1 of the stepped portion 57 and the extending portion 54 in the first structure portion 50 is thicker than the plate thickness t2 of the wall portion 73 in the second structure portion 70 (t1> t2).
In the present embodiment, the holding portion 158 has a plate thickness t3. Then, it is conceivable that the plate thickness t3 of the holding portion 158 is substantially the same as the plate thickness t2 of the wall portion 73 in the second structure portion 70 (t3 = t2). It is conceivable that the thickness 57 of the portion 57 and the extending portion 54 is substantially the same (t3 = t1).

Here, the effect button 161 has a relatively large amount of movement S. Therefore, it is conceivable that the player pushes the effect button 161 with force. In particular, it is conceivable that a player enters an effect on the image display unit 114 and performs an input operation by pressing or striking the effect button 161 with a stronger force than usual.
On the other hand, it is generally difficult to think that the input operation is performed with such a force on the effect touch unit 162.
It is also considered that the use frequency of the effect button 161 is generally higher than that of the effect touch unit 162.
In view of such circumstances, the thickness t1 is increased for the effect button component to increase the strength, and the thickness t2 is not increased for the effect touch component component. It is thinner than the thickness t1.

  In the present embodiment, the second touch panel unit 10 b held by the holding unit 158 is deeper than the position of the effect button 161 held by the first structure unit 50. That is, the input area R2 of the second touch panel unit 10b is depressed more than the outer surface G of the frame member 150. In other words, since the input area R2 is surrounded by the wall 73, the player can input while looking at the game area 111 and the image display section 114 (see FIG. 1) of the game board 110 (without looking at the input area R2). When trying to perform an input operation to the region R2, the wall portion 73 plays a guiding role. In other words, when it is arranged in a direction away from the handle 151 (left direction in the drawing) from the position of the effect touch unit 162 shown in FIG. It can also be expected to serve as a place for the player's left hand (handrest) when no input operation is performed.

In the present embodiment, detection of whether or not the effect button 161 is pressed by the player is performed by the touch panel 10 which is a component different from the effect button 161. That is, the effect button 161 is touched and operated by the player, but the touch panel 10 is arranged inside the main body of the pachinko gaming machine 100 and is not touched and operated by the player. . Therefore, it is possible to improve the durability of the detection mechanism that detects the effect operation of the effect button 161 by the player using the touch panel 10.
More specifically, as the effect button 161 in the present embodiment, an inexpensive molded product can be used, and its attaching operation is relatively easy. On the other hand, the touch panel 10 is an expensive electrical component, and its installation work is difficult due to connection and the like.
Although the effect button 161 is easily damaged by repeated operations by the player and input exceeding the assumption, such a configuration can reduce the possibility of the touch panel 10 being damaged.

[Second Embodiment]
6A and 6B are cross-sectional views for explaining the relationship among the touch panel 10, the effect button 161, and the effect touch unit 162 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6A corresponds to FIG. 5-1, and FIG. 6B corresponds to FIG. In addition, since the configuration of the present embodiment has a portion common to the configuration of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 5-1 and 5-2), the same reference numerals are used for the common portions, The description may be omitted.
As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the effect button 161 according to the present embodiment includes a concave portion 49 formed in a concave shape on a back surface 47 that is a portion opposite to the button portion 41. In addition, unlike the case of 1st Embodiment, this production button 161 is not provided with the protrusion part 48 (refer FIG. 5-1 or FIG. 5-2).

A contact member 80 as an example of an input portion formed in a substantially hemispherical shape is positioned in the concave portion 49 of the effect button 161. The contact member 80 is located outside the recess 49 and has a contact surface T for contacting the input region R1 of the touch panel 10. Further, the contact member 80 is attached to the effect button 161 via the spring 90.
For this reason, the contact member 80 can be displaced with respect to the effect button 161. In other words, when the contact member 80 receives a load, the spring 90 contracts and the protruding amount protruding from the effect button 161 decreases. Then, the contact member 80 returns to the original protruding amount by the biasing force of the spring 90 when the load no longer acts.
Note that the contact member 80 and the spring 90 are conductors configured to obtain electrical continuity.

Here, in the state shown in FIG. 6A, the fixed-side contact surface 55 of the frame member 150 and the moving-side contact surface 45 of the effect button 161 are separated from each other by a distance S1, and the contact of the contact member 80 The surface T and the input area R1 of the touch panel 10 are separated from each other by a distance S2. The distance S2 is smaller than the distance S1 (S2 <S1).
In the state shown in FIG. 6B, the stationary contact surface 56 of the frame member 150 and the moving contact surface 46 of the effect button 161 are separated from each other by a distance S1.

In the present embodiment, since it is configured as described above, when the outer surface H of the button part 41 of the effect button 161 is pressed by the player's finger F as shown in FIG. , The distance S1 moves in the direction approaching the touch panel 10 (lower side in the figure). Along with this, the contact member 80 also moves by the same distance in the same direction, and the contact surface T comes into contact with the input region R1 of the touch panel 10.
Here, the distance S2 between the contact surface T of the contact member 80 and the input area R1 of the touch panel 10 is smaller than the distance S1. Accordingly, the contact member 80 enters the recess 49 of the effect button 161 by the distance δ (δ = S1-S2) after the contact surface T comes into contact with the input region R1 of the touch panel 10.
In this way, the contact surface T of the contact member 80 can be reliably brought into contact with the input region R1 of the touch panel 10, and damage to the input region R1 of the touch panel 10 due to the contact of the contact member 80 is prevented. It becomes possible.

  As described above, in the first to second embodiments described above, when the side-by-side arrangement in which the production button 161 and the production touch unit 162 are arranged close to each other is employed, the production button 161 is displayed. By considering the way of the player to operate, it becomes possible to effectively improve the durability of the places arranged side by side.

It is a schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure explaining the pachinko game machine concerning this Embodiment, (a) is an enlarged view which shows an example of the indicator arrange | positioned at the lower right of a game board, (b) is a pachinko game machine FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a control unit. It is a figure explaining the touchscreen which concerns on this Embodiment. It is sectional drawing explaining the relationship between the touchscreen which concerns on 1st Embodiment, an effect button, and an effect touch part. It is sectional drawing explaining the relationship between the touchscreen which concerns on 1st Embodiment, an effect button, and an effect touch part. It is sectional drawing explaining the relationship between the touchscreen which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, an effect button, and an effect touch part. It is sectional drawing explaining the relationship between the touchscreen which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, an effect button, and an effect touch part.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Touch panel, 10a ... 1st touch panel part, 10b ... 2nd touch panel part, 50 ... 1st structure part, 70 ... 2nd structure part, 100 ... Pachinko game machine, 150 ... Frame member, 158 ... Holding Part, 161 ... effect button, 162 ... effect touch part, 300 ... effect control part, G, H ... outer surface, R, R1, R2 ... input area, t1, t2 ... plate thickness

Claims (4)

A gaming machine comprising: a game control unit that controls the progress of a game by a game ball; and an effect control unit that controls an effect accompanying the game according to control by the game control unit,
A first touch panel unit that has a first input area capable of position input by contact, and outputs the input content to the first input area as a signal to the effect control unit;
A second touch panel unit that has a second input area in which position input is possible by contact, and outputs the input content to the second input area as a signal to the effect control unit;
A gaming machine main body having a holding unit for holding the first touch panel unit and the second touch panel unit;
The player performs an input operation for production on the first input area of the first touch panel unit, which is disposed so as to be exposed on the outer surface of the gaming machine and is held by the holding unit of the gaming machine body. An operation button to be pressed for
The gaming machine main body is constituted by a plate-like portion, and the first input area of the first touch panel portion held by the holding portion of the gaming machine main body is not exposed to the outer surface of the gaming machine. A first structure portion for holding the operation button so as to be disposed opposite to the first input area ;
The gaming machine main body is configured with a plate-like portion having a thickness different from the thickness of the first structure portion, and the second touch panel portion is held by the holding portion of the gaming machine main body. A second structure portion that has an opening that exposes the input area, and that allows a player to touch the second input area through the opening to enable an input operation for production.
A gaming machine comprising:   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a plate thickness of the first structure portion is larger than a plate thickness of the second structure portion.   The said 2nd touch panel part hold | maintained by the said holding | maintenance part of the said game machine main body is recessed behind the position of the said operation button hold | maintained by the said 1st structure part. The gaming machine described in 1.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first touch panel unit and the second touch panel unit are configured by a single touch panel.

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