Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of suppressing a decrease in visibility of an object.SOLUTION: A game machine comprises: a board having a light emitting section, a sheet that is disposed in front of the board and is irradiated with light of the light emitting section; and a lens disposed in front of the sheet. An object is provided in the sheet, an uneven section is provided on the front of the lens, at least a part corresponding to a peripheral section of the front of the lens is a planar section with a predetermined range near the periphery of the object as the peripheral section, and the outside of the planar section is the uneven section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002] A known gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine that includes a gaming board and a launching device, etc. In a pachinko gaming machine, gaming media (gaming balls) are launched into a gaming area provided in front of the gaming board, and a gaming benefit is awarded to the player based on whether the gaming ball enters a winning slot provided in the gaming area.

[0003] Some of these gaming machines are equipped with a special device for producing effects (special effect device) (see Patent Document 1, for example). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-217428 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, in gaming machines, it is required to suppress a decrease in the visibility of objects.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine in which the decrease in visibility of objects is suppressed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises: Equipped with a light-emitting decorative unit (light-emitting decorative unit 200), The luminous decorative unit is a substrate (substrate 210) having a light-emitting unit (LED 211); a sheet (decorative sheet 240) disposed in front of the substrate and illuminated by light from the light emitting unit; a lens (outer lens 250) disposed in front of the seat; The sheet has an object (character X) provided thereon, The lens has a front surface provided with an uneven portion (uneven portion C), If a predetermined range near the periphery of the object is defined as a periphery (periphery G), At least the portion of the front surface of the lens that corresponds to the peripheral edge portion is a flat portion (flat portion D), and the outer side of the flat portion is the uneven portion.

[0008] By making at least the portion of the front surface of the lens that corresponds to the peripheral portion flat, it is possible to prevent the outline of the object from becoming blurred (distorted), make the outline of the object clear, and prevent a decrease in the visibility of the object. Furthermore, by making the outer side of the flat portion on the front surface of the lens uneven, it is possible to diffuse light over a wider range, thereby enhancing the dramatic effect. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the visibility of objects. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the door open; [Figure 2] This is a view of the gaming machine from the front. [Figure 3] This is a view of the game board from the front. [Figure 4] This is a view of the game board from the front. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6]1 shows the outer lens of the same, where (a) is a view from above and (b) is a perspective view from the front, with a portion enlarged. [Figure 7] 1, (a) is a front view of the decorative sheet, and (b) is a front view of the outer lens. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine, which is one type of gaming machine, will be described, but other gaming machines may also be used. In the following description, basically, "front and back" means, when a player is in front of the pachinko gaming machine, the player side is "front" and the pachinko gaming machine side is "rear," "up and down" means the top side of the pachinko gaming machine is "up" and the bottom side is "down," and "left and right" means the player's left hand side is "left" and the player's right hand side is "right."

[0012] 1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 100, showing the state in which the door is open. The gaming machine 100 (pachinko gaming machine 100) uses gaming balls as gaming media, and a player borrows gaming balls from an amusement facility operator to play on the gaming machine 100. In playing on the gaming machine 100, each gaming ball is a medium having gaming value, and the benefits (profits) enjoyed by the player as a result of playing can be converted into gaming value based on, for example, the number of gaming balls acquired by the player.

[0013] The gaming machine 100 comprises an outer frame 102 formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape (vertically long rectangular frame shape), an inner frame 104 attached (pivoted) to the outer frame 102 via a hinge mechanism so as to be able to open and close freely, and a front frame 106 (door unit) attached (pivoted) to the inner frame 104 (or outer frame 102) via a hinge mechanism so as to be able to open and close freely. The hinge mechanism (hinge portion) is provided on one side (left side) in the left-right direction (width direction).

[0014] The inner frame 104 and the front frame 106 are openable and closable with the hinge mechanism side (left side) as the axis (rotation axis). The other side (right side) in the left-right direction (width direction) of the inner frame 104 and the front frame 106 is a free end. The inner frame 104 and the front frame 106 are openable and closable independently of the outer frame 102. The inner frame 104 can be opened and closed relative to the outer frame 102 either alone or integrally with the front frame 106. The combined configuration of the front frame 106 and the inner frame 104 may be referred to as a "main frame." Furthermore, the front frame 106 can be opened and closed independently of the base (inner frame 104 and outer frame 102) and can be opened and closed integrally with the inner frame 104 relative to the outer frame 102. It can also be said that the main body frame (front frame 106 and inner frame 104) opens and closes between a closed position (closed state) that closes the opening provided in outer frame 102 and an open position (open state) that opens the opening provided in outer frame 102. The front frame 106 can also be said to be a front door or a glass door frame.

[0015] The inner frame 104, like the outer frame 102, is formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape. The inner frame 104 holds a game board 108 (game board unit). The game board (game board) 108 is formed of, for example, a transparent synthetic resin (e.g., acrylic). Note that the term "inner frame" may refer to a unit (inner frame unit) in which a frame-shaped member and components (such as the game board 108) provided on the frame-shaped member are integrated.

[0016] The front frame 106 holds a glass unit (transmitting plate). In this embodiment, a glass unit is used, but a resin plate may also be used. Furthermore, the term "front frame" may refer to a unit (door unit) in which a frame-shaped member and a part (such as a decorative member) attached to the frame-shaped member are integrated.

[0017] When the inner frame 104 and the front frame 106 are closed against the outer frame 102, the game board 108 and the glass unit face each other substantially parallel with a predetermined gap (gap) between them. At this time, the game board 108 can be seen through the glass unit from the front side of the gaming machine 100.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a view of the gaming machine 100 as seen from the front side. Note that FIG. 2 shows the gaming machine 100 with the glass unit removed. The gaming machine 100 is equipped with an effect operation device 208, a lighting device 204, a speaker 206, and the like, as effect devices that perform effects during game play, etc. The effect operation device 208 is configured to be able to accept operations related to effects, and is equipped with an effect button 208a and an effect handle 208b. The effect button 208a has a substantially circular knob and can be pressed. The effect handle 208b has a rod-shaped handle and can be pulled forward (toward the player) to rotate around the effect button 208a. The lighting device 204 is equipped with an LED or the like and is configured to be able to emit light in different light colors and different lighting modes (light-emitting modes). The speaker 206 is configured to be able to output voice, sound effects, background music, and the like.

[0019] The gaming machine 100 also includes an operating handle 112 (handle) that is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 106 and is configured to be rotatable. The operating handle 112 protrudes toward the front side of the gaming machine 100. When a firing operation is performed by rotating the operating handle 112, a gaming ball is fired from a firing mechanism (not shown) with a strength (firing force) that corresponds to the rotation angle (operation angle) (rotation amount) of the operating handle 112.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a view of the game board 108 as seen from the front side. The game board 108 is provided with a substantially circular outer rail 114b and an inner rail 114a formed in an arc shape so as to follow the outer rail 114b. A game ball launched from the launching mechanism rises between the inner rail 114a and the outer rail 114b and is guided to a game area 116. The game area 116 (board surface) is a space formed between the game board 108 and the glass unit, and is an area in which the game ball can move (flow down, roll). The game board 108 is provided with a large number of game pegs and pinwheels, and game balls guided to the game area 116 collide with the pegs and pinwheels and move (flow down, roll) in irregular directions.

[0021] The outer rail 114b extends clockwise from the bottom of the gaming board 108 toward the upper left, and also extends clockwise from approximately the center of the vertical direction (up and down direction) of the gaming board 108 toward the upper right. The outer rail 114b extends in a curved manner from the bottom to the top of the gaming board 108, surrounding the gaming area 116. In other words, the area surrounded by the outer rail 114b is the gaming area 116 in which the gaming ball moves. The inner rail 114a is provided on the left side of the gaming board 108, and is located more inward than the outer rail 114b in the gaming area 116.

[0022] The play area 116 includes a first play area 116a and a second play area 116b, which allow game balls to be hit at different degrees of entry depending on the launch strength of the launch mechanism. The first play area 116a is located on the left side of the play area 116 as seen by a player facing the gaming machine 100, and the second play area 116b is located on the right side of the play area 116 as seen by a player facing the gaming machine 100. Because the outer rail 114b and the inner rail 114a are on the left side of the play area 116, game balls launched by the launch mechanism with a launch strength below a predetermined strength will enter the first play area 116a (left-hitting area), and game balls launched by the launch mechanism with a launch strength equal to or greater than the predetermined strength will enter the second play area 116b (right-hitting area). Operating the operating handle 112 to hit the game ball into the first game area 116a is referred to as performing a left hit, and operating the operating handle 112 to hit the game ball into the second game area 116b is referred to as performing a right hit.

[0023] The gaming area 116 is also provided with a general winning opening 118 and a start winning opening 120 (starting opening) into which gaming balls can enter. When a gaming ball enters the general winning opening 118 or the start winning opening 120, a predetermined number of prize balls (gaming balls acquired by winning) are paid out to the player. The number of prize balls may be any number greater than or equal to one. The number of prize balls paid out from the general winning opening 118 and the start winning opening 120 may be different or may be the same.

[0024] The start winning slot 120 is located in the center of the lower side of the game area 116 (center in the left-right direction). Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, when a game ball enters the start winning slot 120, a big prize lottery is held to determine whether a predetermined game profit will be awarded, and if a jackpot is won in the big prize lottery, a big prize game is executed. The big prize game is made up of multiple round games, and the big prize slot is opened during each round game. The big prize slot is located in the second game area 116b. Each round game ends when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the game, or when a preset upper limit number of game balls enters the big prize slot. When a game ball enters the big prize slot, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player, so the player can win a large number of prize balls by executing the big prize game.

[0025] An outlet 122 (discharge outlet) is provided at the bottom of the game area 116. Game balls that do not enter any of the general winning opening 118, the starting winning opening 120, or the big winning opening are discharged from the game area 116 to the back side of the game board 108 through the outlet 122.

[0026] Furthermore, the gaming board 108 is formed with a through-hole 108a that penetrates in the thickness direction (the front-to-rear direction of the gaming machine 100). Furthermore, a liquid crystal display device (not shown) is provided on the back of the gaming board 108 as an effect device. The liquid crystal display device (liquid crystal display) has a display unit on which images for effect are displayed. The display unit of the liquid crystal display device is exposed through the through-hole 108a, so that the images displayed on the display unit can be viewed from the front side.

[0027] The game area 116 also includes an upper passage 116c that connects the left-hand hitting area 116a and the right-hand hitting area 116b. The upper passage 116c is provided above the through-hole 108a.

[0028] The gaming machine according to this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main board and a sub-board. The functions of each board, such as the main board and the sub-board, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in ROM, etc.

[0029] The main board (main control means) receives input signals from the input means (various sensors, etc.), performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls the operation of the output means (payout device, etc.) based on the calculation results.

[0030] The sub-board (sub-control means) receives commands sent from the main board and input signals from the presentation operation sensor that detects operations on the presentation operation device 208, performs various calculations to execute presentations that match the progress of the game, and controls the operation of the presentation device based on the calculation results.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a view of the game board 108 as seen from the front. The inner frame 104 is equipped with a light-emitting decorative unit 200 (movable body, movable role device, performance role device). The light-emitting decorative unit 200 (light-emitting decorative device) is configured to be movable in front of the liquid crystal display. In this embodiment, the light-emitting decorative unit 200 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction. When not in operation, the light-emitting decorative unit 200 is retracted to a position behind the decorative member 150 provided above the game board 108, where it is difficult to see from the front (a hidden position) (see FIG. 3). It is activated (moved) upon a predetermined trigger and appears in front of the liquid crystal display (see FIG. 4). An example of the predetermined trigger is when the performance operation device 208 is operated while a special symbol changes based on the entry of a game ball into the start winning hole 120. When not in operation, the light-emitting decorative unit 200 waits (retracts) at the top and descends downwards. The operation of the illumination decoration unit 200 is realized by a drive mechanism (not shown) provided on the back side. By operating the illumination decoration unit 200 during the fluctuation of the special symbols based on the execution of the big prize lottery, the player can have a sense of anticipation for a big win.

[0032] In this embodiment, the light-emitting decorative unit 200 has a shape that resembles a searchlight.

[0033] 5 is an exploded perspective view of the luminous decorative unit 200. The luminous decorative unit 200 is provided with a plate-shaped base member 201 arranged on the rearmost side. The base member 201 covers the rear side of the substrate 210.

[0034] The light-emitting decorative unit 200 is equipped with a substrate 210 (illumination substrate) on which multiple LEDs 211 (light sources, light-emitting units) are mounted. In this embodiment, the substrate 210 is composed of an upper substrate 210a and a lower substrate 210b. The upper substrate 210a and the lower substrate 210b are white substrates. LEDs 211 are arranged in the left-right direction above and below the upper substrate 210a and the lower substrate 210b, respectively. The LEDs 211 are full-color LEDs. The LEDs 211 light up (emit light) when the light-emitting decorative unit 200 is operating. The light color of the LEDs 211 may be configured to change over time, for example. In addition, there may be a configuration in which all the LEDs 211 emit light in the same color, or a configuration in which a predetermined number of LEDs emit light in different colors.

[0035] The illuminating decorative unit 200 is equipped with a board hiding sheet 220. In this embodiment, the board hiding sheet 220 is composed of an upper board hiding sheet 220a and a lower board hiding sheet 220b. The upper board hiding sheet 220a and the lower board hiding sheet 220b are milky white. The board hiding sheet 220 is disposed in front of the board 210 and covers the front side of the board 210 but does not cover the LEDs 211. Since the board 210 has multiple through holes (not shown), the through holes (black dots) of the board 210 can be seen when viewing the illuminating decorative unit 200 from the front. However, by interposing the milky white board hiding sheet 220, it is possible to prevent the through holes of the board 210 from being seen from the front (making the through holes less noticeable).

[0036] The luminous decorative unit 200 is equipped with a plate-shaped inner lens 230. In this embodiment, the inner lens 230 is composed of an upper inner lens 230a and a lower inner lens 230b. The inner lens 230 is disposed on the front side of the board hiding sheet 220. The inner lens 230 is formed of a transparent resin and functions as a light-guiding member, capable of diffusing light over the entire surface (entire surface).

[0037] The light-emitting decorative unit 200 includes a decorative sheet 240. The decorative sheet 240 is formed by drawing a character X on a transparent sheet. In this embodiment, the decorative sheet 240 is composed of an upper decorative sheet 240a and a lower decorative sheet 240b. The decorative sheet 240 is disposed on the front side of the inner lens 230. On the decorative sheet 240, the character X is black (filled in black, silhouette). Therefore, the part of the character X does not transmit the light of the LED 211 forward (blocks the light of the LED 211). In other words, the part of the character X does not emit light in the color of the LED 211. In this embodiment, the character X is provided on the decorative sheet 240, but it is not limited to a character, and may be a letter, a figure, a symbol, etc. Furthermore, characters, letters, figures, symbols, etc. may be collectively referred to as objects. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the character X is painted black, but it may be painted in a color other than black.

[0038] The light-emitting decorative unit 200 includes an outer lens 250. In this embodiment, the outer lens 250 is composed of an upper outer lens 250a and a lower outer lens 250b. The outer lens 250 is disposed on the front side of the decorative sheet 240. The outer lens 250 is made of a transparent resin and is capable of transmitting light (emitting light).

[0039] 6(a) is a view of the upper outer lens 250a viewed from above. An uneven portion C in which concaves and convexities are alternately provided in the left-right direction is formed on the front surface of the outer lens 250 (upper outer lens 250a and lower outer lens 250b). In other words, an uneven portion C in which concaves and convexities are alternately provided continuously in the left-right direction is formed on the front surface of the outer lens 250. In further other words, an uneven portion C in which concaves and convexities are regularly arranged is formed on the front surface of the outer lens 250.

[0040] FIG. 6(b) is a perspective view of the outer lens 250 (upper outer lens 250a) seen from the front side, with a partially enlarged view. The uneven portion C is formed by arranging semi-cylindrical (semi-cylindrical) cylinders extending in the vertical direction side by side in the horizontal direction. The uneven portion C realizes (expresses) the texture of a searchlight. By providing the uneven portion C on the surface, it is possible to diffuse light over a wider range.

[0041] Returning to Figure 5, the luminous decorative unit 200 is equipped with a decorative member 260. The decorative member 260 is located on the front side of the outer lens 250, at the frontmost side of the luminous decorative unit 200. The decorative member 260 has a shape resembling a part of a searchlight, and is made of a non-translucent member. In other words, the decorative member 260 does not transmit light from behind to the front, and does not emit light. For this reason, the decorative member 260 is visible in black.

[0042] As described above, the uneven portion C is formed on the front surface of the outer lens 250, but the portion of the front surface of the outer lens 250 corresponding to the character X is not the uneven portion C but a flat surface (flat portion D). When the LED 211 emits light, the outer lens 250 emits light in the portions other than the portion corresponding to the character X (uneven portion C), but the portion corresponding to the character X (flat portion D) does not emit light. The character X (black silhouette) on the decorative sheet 240 can be seen through the flat portion D.

[0043] FIG. 7(a) is a front view of the decorative sheet 240 (upper decorative sheet 240a). Here, a predetermined range near the periphery (outline, contour) of character X is defined as the periphery G. The "predetermined range near the periphery of character X" is the range (area) between a first line that offsets the periphery (outline) of character X inward by approximately 1.5 mm to 2 mm, and a second line that offsets the periphery (outline) of character X outward by approximately 1.5 mm to 2 mm. Although not shown, the periphery G is similarly defined for the lower decorative sheet 240b.

[0044] FIG. 7(b) is a front view of the outer lens 250 (upper outer lens 250a). A flat portion D is provided on the front surface of the outer lens 250. In this embodiment, the flat portion D includes a portion corresponding to the peripheral edge G. In other words, the portion corresponding to the peripheral edge G is also the flat portion D. In this embodiment, the flat portion D is not the same area as the character X, but is larger than the character X. Although not shown, the flat portion D in the lower outer lens 250b is configured in the same way.

[0045] In the outer lens 250, the boundary between the flat portion D and the uneven portion C is located outside the periphery (outline) of the character X by a predetermined distance (approximately 1.5 mm to 2 mm).

[0046] If the flat portion D is provided so that the boundary between the flat portion D and the uneven portion C coincides with the periphery of the character X, the periphery of the character X and the uneven portion C overlap when viewed from the front, which can cause the outline of the character X to become blurred (become fuzzy, wide, or unclear) when illuminated. This problem is particularly likely to occur when viewing the character X from an oblique direction from the front. In this embodiment, the portion corresponding to the periphery G is the flat portion D, so that the boundary between the flat portion D and the uneven portion C is located outside the periphery of the character X by the predetermined distance. This prevents the outline of the character X from becoming blurred when illuminated, and prevents a decrease in the visibility of the character X. Furthermore, the character X can be seen with a clear outline even when viewed from an oblique direction from the front.

[0047] Note that the front surface of the outer lens 250 may be partially provided with an uneven portion C in a portion corresponding to a position inside the peripheral edge G of the decorative sheet 240. Even if the uneven portion C is provided on the inside, the portion corresponding to the peripheral edge G is a flat portion D, so the outer edge of the uneven portion C is inside the peripheral edge of the character X. This prevents the outline of the character X from becoming blurred when illuminated.

[0048] The gaming machine of this embodiment is Equipped with a light-emitting decorative unit (light-emitting decorative unit 200), The luminous decorative unit is a substrate (substrate 210) having a light-emitting unit (LED 211); a sheet (decorative sheet 240) disposed in front of the substrate and illuminated by light from the light emitting unit; a lens (outer lens 250) disposed in front of the seat; The sheet has an object (character X) provided thereon, The lens has a front surface provided with an uneven portion (uneven portion C), If a predetermined range near the periphery of the object is defined as a periphery (periphery G), At least the portion of the front surface of the lens that corresponds to the peripheral edge portion is a flat portion (flat portion D), and the outer side of the flat portion is the uneven portion.

[0049] By making at least the portion of the front surface of the lens that corresponds to the peripheral portion flat, it is possible to prevent the outline of the object from becoming blurred (distorted), make the outline of the object clear, and prevent a decrease in the visibility of the object. Furthermore, by making the outer side of the flat portion on the front surface of the lens uneven, it is possible to diffuse light over a wider range, thereby enhancing the dramatic effect.

[0050] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine is not limited to that of the above-described embodiment. Any component of the present invention can be modified or omitted within the scope of the invention.

[0051] Furthermore, the above-described configuration can be applied not only to pachinko gaming machines but also to other gaming machines such as slot machines. For example, a slot machine may be provided with the light-emitting decoration unit 200, and the light-emitting decoration unit 200 may be activated at a predetermined opportunity (when a predetermined result is obtained in a lottery), giving the player a sense of expectation that a special benefit (such as a transition to an advantageous state) will be granted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 200 luminous decorative units 210 Substrate 211 LED (light-emitting part) 240 Decorative Sheet (Sheet) 250 outer lens (lens) C Uneven part D Flat part X Character (Object) G Periphery

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine equipped with a light-emitting decoration unit, The luminous decorative unit is a substrate having a light emitting portion; a sheet disposed in front of the substrate and irradiated with light from the light emitting unit; a lens disposed in front of the seat; an object is provided on the sheet; The front surface of the lens is provided with an uneven portion, If a predetermined range near the periphery of the object is defined as a periphery, In the gaming machine, at least the portion of the front surface of the lens that corresponds to the peripheral edge portion is a flat portion, and the outside of the flat portion is the uneven portion.

Images