Lighting and effect devices and lighting and effect sets for gaming machines

Abstract

The present invention provides a lighting effect device and lighting effect set that minimizes load on the fan motor and control circuit of the blower even during continuous operation over long periods, and that does not experience malfunctions or abnormal shutdowns during normal operation other than jackpots or when fraud is detected, thus eliminating the need for frequent maintenance, repairs, or replacements. [Solution] The control board 2 includes a signal input unit 161 that receives an input signal from a specific connected game machine 3 wired to the control board 2 as a predetermined input signal, a signal output unit 162 that receives the input signal received as an output signal to the main casing wired to the control board 2, and a light receiving unit that receives a setting signal for input / output acceptance processing via a wireless signal from the remote control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting effect device for a gaming table that is installed on each gaming table with a hit rate such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine together with signal input and performs lighting effects according to the state of the gaming table, and a lighting effect set that is installed at specific locations of each of a plurality of gaming machines with a hit rate and arranged in an island shape and performs lighting effects.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a gaming machine island stand has been disclosed in which a blower device is attached to the display decoration section of each pachinko machine, and each display decoration section is operated individually for each machine (see Patent Document 1). This display decoration section is provided on an opening / closing plate whose upper edge is pivotally supported by a hinge so as to be able to open and close, and a cover member as a decorative plate is attached to almost the entire front surface of the opening / closing plate, which is formed in a mountain shape when viewed from the side. Behind the movable decorative plate, a blower device consisting of a vane that rotates with a motor is provided, and when the blower device is driven, the movable decorative plate swings open due to the air pressure. The display decoration section configured in this way is driven and controlled by a control circuit board provided inside the gaming machine island stand. However, when a jackpot occurs in any of the pachinko machines 2 installed on the gaming machine island 1 and a special prize signal is generated, first, the entire gaming machine island 1 (or one side in the case of a type where gaming machines are arranged in a back-to-back row) including the light display area 13 of the display decoration section 10 corresponding to the pachinko machine 2 that generated the special prize signal is driven by moving the lamps 14 to light up in a wave-like motion. This is said to greatly enhance the decorative effect on the top of the gaming machine island 1. Furthermore, after this overall lamp drive is performed for a certain period of time (for example, 5 seconds), all the lamps, speakers, and blowers of the display decoration section corresponding to the pachinko machine that generated the special prize signal are driven and controlled. When the blower is driven, the movable decorative plate is swung by the wind pressure, which is said to more clearly indicate whether or not a special prize has occurred in which pachinko machine, and to enhance the decorative effect.

[0003] In addition to the above, a general-purpose illuminated product is disclosed, which is an illuminated structure that emits light in the manner of a flame rising. (See Patent Document 1, Utility Model Registration 3195070). This is an illuminated structure that emits light with a flame-like flicker without using fire, and is composed of a blower that discharges air upward, a thin cloth body positioned above the blower, and an LED light-emitting element. The thin cloth body has a metal member connected to its lower end, which is locked near the blower, and its upper end gradually tapers. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-000623 [Patent Document 2] Utility Model Registration No. 3195070 Gazette [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, the display decoration unit disclosed in Patent Document 1 above operates only when a special prize signal for a jackpot is generated. It does not perform any actions or synchronized effects during gameplay when a jackpot signal is not generated, or when fraud is detected when a fraudulent signal is generated.

[0006] Furthermore, in the case of a device like the one described in Patent Document 2 above, where the light-emitting part can be switched to multiple colors and has a metal plate support structure, the heat load on the fan is large, and continuous use or continuous fan operation exceeds the normal operating lifespan.

[0007] Generally, pachinko machines operate continuously for long periods, from opening to closing time on operating days, and these operating days cover most weekdays and extended periods on weekends and holidays. However, continuous operation of the aforementioned display and decorative parts during these long periods of operation can put a load on the fan motor and control circuit of the blower, sometimes leading to malfunctions or abnormal shutdowns due to thermal runaway or other causes. As with the display and decorative parts described in Patent Document 1, each machine is individually installed, which presents the problem of requiring frequent maintenance, repair, and replacement for each display and decorative part.

[0008] Furthermore, different effects are displayed during normal gameplay even when a special prize signal is not issued, and an invalid identification signal is displayed when an invalid signal is issued, by operating the display and decoration unit based on the input.

[0009] Therefore, the objective of the present invention is to provide a lighting effect device and lighting effect set that do not require frequent maintenance, repair, or replacement, as they do not cause excessive load on the fan motor and control circuit of the blower even when operated continuously for long periods of time, and do not experience malfunctions or abnormal shutdowns during normal operation other than when a jackpot is hit or when fraud is detected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In view of the above issues, the present invention employs the following measures. However, the numbers or letters following the names of the components below are merely symbols added for convenience in understanding the drawings and are not intended to limit the concept, shape, or structure of the components.

[0011] (1) The lighting and presentation device for a gaming machine according to the present invention is A box-shaped main casing 1 having a vertical cylindrical hole and installed on top of a specific connecting game machine, The main casing consists of a fabric material fixed to the top of the cylinder, which inflates or stands upright and flutters when blown by the wind, and a fluttering fabric (strip fabric 11, balloon 17), A small, axially rotating fan 12 is attached to the center of the cylindrical hole, spaced below the lower end of the main casing, and blows air almost vertically upward to blow the fabric strip upward. A multi-color switching light-emitting element 13 is interposed inside the cylindrical hole near the upper part of the main casing, A control board 2 is wired to the outside of the main casing and housed in a separate transparent casing, It consists of a control board 2 and a setting remote control capable of transmitting wireless signals related to the selection setting information for input / output acceptance processing, The control board 2 is A signal input unit 161 receives an input signal from a specific connected gaming machine 3, which is wired to the control board 2, as a predetermined input signal, The signal output unit 162 receives the input signal received above and outputs it as an output signal to the main casing which is wired to the control board 2, It includes a light receiving unit 17 that receives and receives setting signals for input / output acceptance processing via wireless signals from the remote control, The system includes a storage unit that stores selection setting information for input / output acceptance processing received from the light receiving unit 17. In the signal input unit 161, the input signal from a specific connected game machine 3 is processed according to the input acceptance processing selection setting information stored in the memory unit, and is accepted as an input signal after processing. In the signal output unit 162, the processed input signal received by the signal input unit 161 is processed according to the output reception processing selection setting information stored in the storage unit, and is then output as a processed output signal. The small fan 12, in response to the output signal, repeatedly executes a predetermined airflow pattern consisting of a change in unit time between operation and non-operation, comprising at least a strong airflow operation with a relatively large first rotation speed, a weak airflow operation with a relatively small second rotation speed, or an intermittent stop that stops operation for a certain period of time, for a predetermined number of times according to the selection setting information of the output reception processing related to the output signal. The light-emitting element 13 repeats a predetermined light emission pattern consisting of a unit time change between light emission and non-light emission, corresponding to the output signal, a predetermined number of times according to the selection setting information of the output reception process related to the output signal. The predetermined airflow pattern and predetermined light emission pattern are controlled in conjunction by receiving an output signal so that one or more of the following timings—the timing of switching between unit time changes, the start timing of each pattern, and the end timing of each pattern—are synchronized, either simultaneously or with a predetermined fixed time difference.

[0012] (2) The timing of the intermittent stop period in the predetermined airflow pattern, during which the operation of the small fan 12 is stopped, is set to overlap with the timing of the non-emitting period in the predetermined light emission pattern, during which the light emitter stops emitting light.

[0013] (3) The control board 2 is In addition to the first signal input unit 161 which receives the input signal from a specific connected game machine 3 that is wired to the control board 2 as the first input signal which is the first priority, The control board 2 is equipped with a spare signal input unit 163 that accepts an input signal from a specific connected gaming machine 3, which is wired to the control board 2, as a second-priority second input signal. In addition, the first signal output unit 162 receives the first input signal received and outputs it as a first output signal, which is the first priority, to the main casing connected to the control board 2 by wire, according to the selection setting information for the input / output reception process. The system includes a preliminary signal output unit 164 that receives the second input signal received above and outputs it as a second output signal, which is the second priority, to the main casing connected via wire to the control board 2, according to the selection setting information for the input / output reception process. In the first signal input unit 161, the input signal from a specific connected game machine 3 is processed according to the input acceptance processing selection setting information stored in the memory unit, and is accepted as the first input signal after processing, which is the first priority. In the second signal input unit 163, the input signal from a specific connected game machine 3 is processed according to the input acceptance processing selection setting information stored in the memory unit, and is accepted as the second input signal after processing, which is the second priority. In the first signal output unit 162, the processed first input signal received by the first signal input unit 161 is processed according to the output reception processing selection setting information stored in the storage unit, and is then received as the first processed first output signal, which is the first priority. In the second signal output unit 164, the processed second input signal received by the second signal input unit 161 is processed according to the input reception processing selection setting information stored in the storage unit, and is then output as the second-priority processed second output signal. The small fan 12 repeatedly executes a predetermined air blowing pattern consisting of unit time changes between operation and non-operation according to the first output signal a predetermined number of times according to the selection setting information of the output reception process related to the output signal, and when the first output signal does not exist or has ended, it repeatedly executes a predetermined air blowing pattern consisting of unit time changes between operation and non-operation according to the second output signal a predetermined number of times according to the selection setting information of the output reception process related to the output signal, Also, the light emitter 13 repeatedly executes a predetermined light emission pattern consisting of unit time changes between light emission and non-emission according to the first output signal a predetermined number of times according to the selection setting information of the output reception process related to the output signal, and when the first output signal does not exist or has ended, it repeatedly executes a predetermined air blowing pattern consisting of unit time changes between operation and non-operation according to the second output signal a predetermined number of times according to the selection setting information of the output reception process related to the output signal, which is characterized in that.

[0014] (4) A lighting effect device for a gaming table that is wired-connected to a connection gaming table, which is one of a plurality of gaming machines arranged side by side adjacent to each other, lighting effect devices for other gaming tables are also respectively connected one-to-one by wire to each of the plurality of other gaming machines, The control board of this lighting effect device for a gaming table has a bridging input section that inputs via a runner wire 14 to another lighting effect device for a gaming table adjacent to this lighting effect device for a gaming table, The lighting effect devices for other gaming tables that are wired-connected to each of the other gaming machines arranged side by side adjacent to each other also input via the runner wire 14 to each other between the adjacent lighting effect devices for other gaming tables, When one of the multiple gaming machine lighting devices connected to each other via runner lines 14 processes a winning signal, each of the adjacent gaming machine lighting devices connected via runner lines 14 sets the winning machine that processed the winning signal as the reference machine, and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, ... machines adjacent to it on the left and right are set as running priority 1, running priority 2, running priority 3, ... The first signal input unit 161 is characterized in that it receives and outputs the first output signal after processing, which is the first priority, according to the set running order that was received as input in the forward input unit.

[0015] (5) The selection settings information for input / output acceptance processing is: Processing of the first input signal reception, processing of the second output signal reception, Processing of receiving output of the second input signal, processing of receiving output of the second output signal, Processing of receiving the running order signal input from the crossover input section when neither the first input signal nor the second input signal is present. And, This setting configures the output processing for illumination operation when none of the inputs—the first input signal, the second input signal, or the running order signal from the crossover input section—are present. Of these, the output processing for illumination operations is characterized by the setting of multiple illumination operations consisting of a first illumination operation, a second illumination operation, a third illumination operation, etc., and the automatic execution of multiple types of set illumination operations according to the setting of the time period and / or year, month, and day.

[0016] (6) The memory unit can store which of a plurality of signal types it will accept is selected from a predetermined set of multiple types of winning signals (jackpot (BB), regular bonus (RB), assist time (AT)), or a call signal, fraud detection signal, etc., and the selection setting information is set by making it possible to select one of the stored signal types.

[0017] (7) In the execution of illumination operations, The predetermined airflow pattern is, To ensure that the continuous operating time of the small fan 12 does not exceed the pre-set operating time, It is set to include a certain period of intermittent shutdown at regular intervals of operating time, To ensure that the continuous operating time of the small fan 12 does not exceed the pre-set operating time, A predetermined light emission pattern, consisting of a change in unit time between emission and non-emission, is repeated a predetermined number of times by reducing the number of repetitions, and then a certain intermittent stop time is set thereafter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] By employing the above-mentioned means, the present invention provides a lighting effect device and lighting effect set that, even when operated continuously for long periods of time, is less likely to cause load on the fan motor and control circuit of the blower, and does not experience malfunctions or abnormal shutdowns during normal operation other than when a jackpot is hit or when fraud is detected, thus eliminating the need for frequent maintenance, repairs, or replacements. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This is a side view showing the external appearance of a lighting and presentation device for a gaming machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an external perspective view of a lighting set including lighting equipment for multiple gaming machines and multiple gaming machines themselves. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows the wiring diagram for the lighting and display devices for the three gaming machines. [Figure 4] This is an example of a selection setting item in the settings table, which is an input setting item. [Figure 5] This is the first example of output settings for running settings ranked from 1st to 3rd priority based on the winning machine. [Figure 6] This is the first example of output settings for illumination operation based on the host unit. [Figure 7] This is a second example of output settings for illumination operation settings based on the host unit. [Figure 8] This is a plan view of the lighting and presentation device for a gaming machine according to Example 1. [Figure 9] This is an exploded perspective view of the main body and fabric strip of the lighting and display device for a gaming machine in Example 1. [Figure 10] These are the plan view (A), the A-A side view (B), and the B-B side view (C) of Example 2. [Figure 11] This is an exploded perspective view of the strip fabric from Example 2. [Figure 12] These are the plan view (A), the Γ-Γ side view (B), and the Δ-Δ side view (C) of Example 3. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of the operating state of the lighting and presentation device for a gaming machine in Example 3. [Figure 14] This is an exploded perspective view of the main body, balloon, and fabric strip of the lighting and display device for the gaming machine in Example 3. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view of the operating state of the lighting effect set, including the gaming machine and the gaming machine, according to Example 3. [Figure 16] Figure 15 shows the wiring diagram for the lighting and display devices for the three gaming machines. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] The embodiments of the lighting and lighting effects device and lighting and lighting effects set for gaming machines according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the numbers or letters that follow the names of the components below are symbols added for convenience in understanding the drawings and are not intended to limit the concept, shape, or structure of the components.

[0021] The configuration of the lighting and lighting effects device and lighting effects set 100 for gaming machines of the present invention is as shown in Figures 1 to 9 (Example 1), Figures 10 to 11 (Example 2), and Figures 12 to 16 (Example 3), A cylindrical main casing having a vertical cylindrical hole and installed on top of a specific connecting game machine, The main casing consists of a fabric material fixed to the top of the cylinder, and a flapping cloth (fabric band 11, balloon 17) that inflates or stands up and flutters when blown by the wind, A small, axially rotating fan 12 is attached to the center of the cylindrical hole, spaced below the lower end of the main casing, and blows air almost vertically upward to blow the fabric strip upward. A multi-color switching light-emitting element 13 is interposed inside the cylindrical hole near the upper part of the main casing, A control board 2 is wired to the outside of the main casing and housed in a separate transparent casing, It consists of a control board 2 and a setting remote control capable of transmitting wireless signals related to the selection setting information for input / output acceptance processing.

[0022] The control board 2 is A signal input unit 161 receives an input signal from a specific connected gaming machine 3, which is wired to the control board 2, as a predetermined input signal, The signal output unit 162 receives the input signal received above and outputs it as an output signal to the main casing which is wired to the control board 2, It includes a light receiving unit 17 that receives and receives setting signals for input / output acceptance processing via wireless signals from a remote control,

[0023] The system includes a storage unit that stores selection setting information for input / output acceptance processing received by the light receiving unit 17. In the signal input unit 161, the input signal from a specific connected game machine 3 is processed according to the input acceptance processing selection setting information stored in the memory unit, and is accepted as an input signal after processing. In the signal output unit 162, the processed input signal received by the signal input unit 161 is processed according to the output reception processing selection setting information stored in the storage unit, and is then output as a processed output signal. The small fan 12, in response to the output signal, repeatedly executes a predetermined airflow pattern consisting of a change in unit time between operation and non-operation, comprising at least a strong airflow operation with a relatively large first rotation speed, a weak airflow operation with a relatively small second rotation speed, or an intermittent stop that stops operation for a certain period of time, for a predetermined number of times according to the selection setting information of the output reception processing related to the output signal. The light-emitting element 13 repeats a predetermined light emission pattern consisting of a unit time change between light emission and non-light emission, corresponding to the output signal, a predetermined number of times according to the selection setting information of the output reception process related to the output signal. The predetermined airflow pattern and predetermined light emission pattern are controlled in conjunction by receiving output signals so that one or more of the following timings—the timing of switching between unit time changes, the start timing of each pattern, and the end timing of each pattern—are synchronized, either simultaneously or with a predetermined fixed time difference.

[0024] The timing of the intermittent stop period in the predetermined airflow pattern, during which the operation of the small fan 12 is stopped, is set to overlap with the timing of the non-emitting period in the predetermined light emission pattern, during which the light emitter stops emitting light.

[0025] The control board 2 is In addition to the first signal input unit 161 which receives the input signal from a specific connected game machine 3 that is wired to the control board 2 as the first input signal which is the first priority, The control board 2 is equipped with a spare signal input unit 163 that accepts an input signal from a specific connected gaming machine 3, which is wired to the control board 2, as a second-priority second input signal. In addition, the first signal output unit 162 receives the first input signal received and outputs it as a first output signal, which is the first priority, to the main casing connected to the control board 2 by wire, according to the selection setting information for the input / output reception process. The system includes a preliminary signal output unit 164 that receives the second input signal received above and outputs it as a second output signal, which is the second priority, to the main casing connected via wire to the control board 2, according to the selection setting information for the input / output reception process. In the first signal input unit 161, the input signal from a specific connected game machine 3 is processed according to the input acceptance processing selection setting information stored in the memory unit, and is accepted as the first input signal after processing, which is the first priority. In the second signal input unit 163, the input signal from a specific connected game machine 3 is processed according to the input acceptance processing selection setting information stored in the memory unit, and is accepted as the second input signal after processing, which is the second priority. In the first signal output unit 162, the processed first input signal received by the first signal input unit 161 is processed according to the output reception processing selection setting information stored in the storage unit, and is then received as the first processed first output signal, which is the first priority. In the second signal output unit 164, the processed second input signal received by the second signal input unit 161 is processed according to the input reception processing selection setting information stored in the storage unit, and is then received as the second-priority processed second output signal.

[0026] The small fan 12 then repeats a predetermined airflow pattern consisting of a unit time change between operation and non-operation, corresponding to the first output signal, a predetermined number of times according to the selection setting information for the output reception process related to the output signal. If the first output signal is absent or has ended, a predetermined airflow pattern consisting of a change in unit time between operation and non-operation, corresponding to the second output signal, is executed a predetermined number of times according to the selection setting information for the output reception process related to the output signal.

[0027] Furthermore, the light-emitting element 13 repeats a predetermined light emission pattern consisting of a unit time change between light emission and non-light emission, corresponding to the first output signal, a predetermined number of times according to the selection setting information for the output reception process related to the output signal. If the first output signal is absent or has ended, a predetermined airflow pattern consisting of a change in unit time between operation and non-operation, corresponding to the second output signal, is executed a predetermined number of times according to the selection setting information for the output reception process related to the output signal.

[0028] (Lighting and display device set for gaming machines) The lighting and effect system for gaming machines is wired to one of several gaming machines arranged side-by-side, forming a lighting and effect set. Each of the other gaming machines is also wired to another gaming machine lighting and effect system, in a one-to-one correspondence. The control board for the lighting and effect device for this gaming machine has a crossover input section that inputs signals across runner wires 14 to this gaming machine's lighting and effect device and to other adjacent gaming machine's lighting and effect devices. Other gaming machines, which are installed side-by-side and adjacent to each other, are connected by wires to other gaming machine lighting and effect devices, and these devices are also connected to each other via runner wires 14, thereby forming a gaming machine lighting and effect device set consisting of multiple combinations of gaming machine lighting and effect devices and gaming machines.

[0029] (Output accepted) Then, when one of the multiple gaming machine lighting devices connected via runner lines 14 processes a winning signal, each of the adjacent gaming machine lighting devices connected via runner lines 14 sets the winning machine that processed the winning signal as the reference machine, and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd... machines adjacent to it on the left and right are set as running priority 1, running priority 2, running priority 3,... In the first signal input section 161, the signal is received as the first output signal after processing, which is the first priority, according to the set running order that was received as input in the forward input section.

[0030] (Selection settings for input / output acceptance processing and output processing for illumination operation) The selection settings information for input / output acceptance processing is: Processing of the first input signal reception, processing of the second output signal reception, Processing of receiving output of the second input signal, processing of receiving output of the second output signal, Processing of receiving the running order signal input from the crossover input section when neither the first input signal nor the second input signal is present, and, This setting configures the output processing for illumination operation when none of the inputs—the first input signal, the second input signal, or the running order signal from the crossover input section—are present. Of these, the output processing for illumination operations involves setting multiple illumination operations, consisting of a first illumination operation, a second illumination operation, a third illumination operation, and so on. Multiple types of set illumination operations are automatically executed according to the time of day and / or date settings.

[0031] (Settings for selection information) The memory unit can store which of several signal types it will accept, selected from a predetermined set of multiple types of winning signals (jackpot (BB), regular bonus (RB), assist time (AT)), or a call signal, fraud detection signal. By making it possible to select one of these stored signal types, the selection setting information is configured.

[0032] (Setting the operating time of the fan pattern during illumination operation) The airflow pattern is, To ensure that the continuous operating time of the small fan 12 does not exceed the pre-set operating time, It is set to include a certain period of intermittent shutdown at regular intervals of operating time, To ensure that the continuous operating time of the small fan 12 does not exceed the pre-set operating time, A predetermined light emission pattern, consisting of a change in unit time between emission and non-emission, is repeated a predetermined number of times by reducing the number of repetitions, and then a certain intermittent stop time is set thereafter.

[0033] The timing of switching between unit time changes, the start timing of each pattern, and the end timing of each pattern are controlled to occur simultaneously or with a predetermined time difference, through coordinated control via the reception of output signals.

[0034] The light emission pattern consists of a program that sequentially sets the emission of a specific color or no emission for each set unit time, which is obtained by dividing a predetermined pattern time (for example, a pattern time of 20 seconds) into a number of set unit time intervals (for example, a unit time of 1 second).

[0035] The device operates or stops according to the set operation / non-operation type, which consists of high-speed operation with a specific light emission color from among the first, second, and third colors, low-speed operation with a relatively low second rotation speed, or intermittent stop operation where operation is stopped for a certain period of time. The memory unit can store information by pre-selecting which of several signal types—including predetermined types of winning signals (jackpot, regular bonus, assist time), call signals, and fraud detection signals—a signal received from a specific gaming machine.

[0036] When the signal input unit and the auxiliary signal input unit each receive a signal of one of the signal types pre-selected and stored in the memory unit, the control unit operates or stops the small fan and light-emitting element according to a preset operation / non-operation type according to that signal type, The signal that has been pre-configured and selected according to the type of signal received is output from the signal output unit and the auxiliary signal output unit to a specific connected gaming machine.

[0037] The control board 2 is configured as a separate unit from the main casing and connected by relay cables, making it less susceptible to heat and other influences from the mechanical components of the stage lighting, which consist of a fan and light-emitting elements, thus enabling long-term operation.

[0038] Furthermore, since the fan is attached to the lower part of the cylindrical casing with a gap on the side and a central opening, it can draw in air from the side, thus cooling the fan's mechanical structure. The control unit either operates the fan in complete operation or idle operation, preventing a decrease in the fan's durability due to prolonged continuous operation.

[0039] By setting the acceptance of input signals according to pre-configured input signal types, excessive processing load is reduced, enabling long-term operation. By having a backup wiring input section and a backup wiring output section, signal input errors are avoided, ensuring reliable signal transmission and reception.

[0040] The control board 2 for the gaming machine lighting and effect system has a relay signal connection section 14 that receives signals via relay wiring from other lighting and effect systems corresponding to other adjacent gaming machines. The input signals from multiple adjacent gaming machine lighting and effect systems are set with a running order.

[0041] The aforementioned settings for operation / non-operation types include a setting for intermittent operation, which stops the illumination miniature fan for a certain period of time during normal operation when no hit signal, call signal, or fraud detection signal is received.

[0042] The cloth belt is made of four triangular pieces of cloth joined together by their perpendicular inner edges, and a notch 11S is provided in the crotch diagonal. It consists of a light-emitting element that illuminates the fabric strip, a signal input unit from the base, and a blow-up / light-emitting control unit with a communication device. Each lamp device consists of a fabric strip fixed at one end, a small fan that blows the fabric strip upwards, a light-emitting element that illuminates the fabric strip, a signal input unit from the base, and a blow-up / light-emitting control unit with a communication device.

[0043] Synchronized lighting effects for the entire lamp set A set of multiple "flame lamps equipped with multi-unit communication for special effects" allows the flame-flame effects of each lamp to be coordinated and synchronized.

[0044] Synchronized actions during "Big Win Running" Each gaming machine is equipped with a communication-enabled unit, which is then placed side-by-side and interconnected, allowing for synchronized performances and animations that start from the winning machine and affect adjacent and surrounding machines. (The fan airflow and LED lighting colors are combined and arranged in various modes, such as during a jackpot, running, bonus rounds, and re-draws.)

[0045] Interlocking operation during "normal operation" Even during normal operation when a jackpot is not in the works, the flame lamps communicate with each other to trigger one of the following effects: effect 1, effect 2, or effect 3. • Normal mode 1: A gentle breeze causes the fabric to sway, repeatedly changing between red, blue, green, and red. • In normal mode (version 2), three lights will light up randomly every few seconds. • Normal operation (part 2): All lights illuminate simultaneously for a few seconds at 1-minute intervals (to extend the lifespan of the intake fan).

[0046] (Definition of the linkage order & location of the starting device) In the operations related to the aforementioned bloating effect, if a jackpot signal is received, a sequence of interconnections (012...) is defined starting from the corresponding lamp device, consisting of the starting lamp device 0, the adjacent lamp devices 1 to its left and right, and the adjacent lamp device 2 further ahead, and so on. The output patterns or output amounts of the multiple lamp devices are then varied and operated continuously or simultaneously according to the sequence of interconnections of each adjacent lamp device and the position of the starting device within the island (the Nth from the end of the island).

[0047] Each lamp device consists of a fabric strip fixed at one end, a small fan that blows air onto the fabric strip, a light-emitting element that illuminates the fabric strip, a signal input unit from the base, and an air-blowing / light-emitting control unit with a communication device.

[0048] The combination of three lighting patterns (C call, AT assist time, RB regular bonus) and three blow-up setting patterns allows for a variety of effects. Each unit has a flame lamp fixed to it, and the direction of the airflow and the light from each lamp are synchronized by a unified signal between multiple units.

[0049] The signal input section has one main input terminal and one spare terminal, allowing for spare relay wiring. (Function to prevent errors from increasing or decreasing the number of units) • Power is supplied via parallel wiring across the crossover.

[0050] The lamp system consists of multiple units comprising a fabric strip fixed at one end for blowing light effects, a small fan, and multi-color LEDs. A lamp device set in which each unit is fixed and signal-connected to multiple adjacent gaming machines and interconnected by a relay circuit, In response to a signal from one of the fixed gaming machines, The lamp device set is characterized by the fact that the blasting effect of each lamp device is operated in a coordinated manner among the individual devices.

[0051] In the aforementioned blow-up effect related operations, If a jackpot signal is detected, the corresponding lamp device will be used as the starting point. A sequence of interconnections is defined consisting of the starting ramp device, the adjacent ramp devices on the adjacent units to its left and right, and the adjacent ramp devices further ahead, ... According to the interlocking order of each adjacent lamp device and the type of jackpot signal from the starting lamp device, The fan airflow and LED lighting color of each lamp device are characterized by continuous or simultaneous operation while varying the output pattern or output amount.

[0052] • The LEDs are full-color. • Input terminals: 1 for jackpot + 1 spare (signals: C call, AT assist time, RB regular bonus, etc.) The device is characterized by its ability to control a flow animation pattern where the fabric is blown up in sequence, starting from the winning machine and activating the lights on each machine sequentially from left to right with a time delay.

[0053] • Under normal conditions, it provides a gentle breeze and creates a fabric swaying effect. It also incorporates features such as a 10-second pause during normal operation to extend the fan's lifespan. A key characteristic is that the pause control is performed according to the relay circuit connection sequence.

[0054] (flapping cloth) A flapping cloth refers to a fabric-like component (including sheet materials and film materials) that moves in a flapping manner when blown by the wind from the central opening surrounded by the inclined plates of the main casing. Both strip cloth and balloon cloth are forms of flapping cloth, and combinations of these are also considered flapping cloth. In each embodiment, the flapping cloth is fixed only at the four corners of its bottom edge, and the center of the bottom edge is either rounded or consists of an unbonded opening, allowing wind to be expelled through the gap at the bottom edge and causing it to move. The strip of cloth is composed of two or four pieces of cloth combined in an X-shape in plan view, and when it is blown up by the wind, it consists of a triangular vertical piece of cloth with the center as its apex, and small, curved diagonal slits are formed on the sides. In embodiments 2 and 3, an isosceles triangular strip of cloth with a rounded convex curve at the bottom edge and a second strip of cloth with a V-shaped slit at the top center are combined so that their rounded bottom edges and the centers of their V-shaped slits intersect, and both ends of the bottom edges of each are fixed to one side of a rectangular vertical arm. On the other hand, since the wind blown into the flapping cloth is expelled upward from the central rectangular opening surrounded by the inclined plate of the main casing, the greatest wind pressure is generated at the center of the intersecting axis of the X-shaped strip of cloth in the center of the rectangular opening, and turbulence is generated above the periphery of the rectangular opening. Furthermore, the fluttering fabric is made of a translucent material that semi-transmits light.

[0055] Embodiment 1, shown in Figures 11 to 9, is an example in which two strips of fabric, roughly isosceles triangles, are combined in an X-shape in plan view and attached as a "flapping cloth" for a gaming machine's lighting effect device.

[0056] In Example 1, two or four pieces of cloth are combined to form an X-shaped strip of fabric in plan view, which is then intersected in a planar manner to create a strip of fabric that resembles flames.

[0057] (Figures 8 and 9 are views of the main body and strip fabric of Embodiment 1 from above or diagonally above. The four roughly right-angled triangular strip fabrics 11 are combined in an X-shape in plan view to form four mountain-shaped pieces with the center as the apex, and the outer ends of the lower edges of each of the four pieces are attached and fixed to a specific side of the plate-shaped arms 11R at the four corners.)

[0058] (Example 2) The second embodiment shown in Figures 10-11 is an example in which two strips of fabric are combined in an X-shape in plan view and attached as a "flapping cloth" for a gaming machine's lighting effect device.

[0059] In Embodiment 2, a first strip of fabric 111 having a curved concave edge 111B in the center of its lower edge and a second strip of fabric 112 having a V-shaped cut portion 112V in the center of its upper edge are intersected in a planar X-shape in plan view such that the V-shaped cut portion 112V and the curved concave edge 111B intersect, forming a strip of fabric 11 that mimics a flame (Figures 10 and 11). Four flattened spherical light-emitting elements 13 are installed in the lower center of the box-shaped main body casing 1, which is surrounded by the four-sided inclined surfaces 10S of the cylindrical hole. Light from the light-emitting elements illuminates the fluttering surface of the strip of fabric 11, which is attached intersectingly across the upper part of the casing.

[0060] Example 3 includes a box-shaped balloon tube fabric and a combined strip fabric consisting of a first strip and a second strip sewn diagonally to the perforated top surface of the balloon tube fabric. In both cases, the flapping motion of a small fan causes them to stand upright, and the combined motion with the illumination of light creates the effect of moving flames or balloons inflating.

[0061] The balloons are made of light-transmitting fabric, allowing the light to pass through and create a light show where the sides of the balloons, inflated by the wind, glow. The band fabric is made of light-transmitting and light-reflective material. The luminous colors flicker and move, creating a light effect resembling flames of various colors.

[0062] (Example 3) Embodiment 3, shown in Figures 12 to 16, is an example in which a balloon-attached strip of fabric is attached as a "flapping cloth" for a gaming machine's lighting effect device. The "fluttering cloth" of Example 3 is integrally constructed from a balloon 17 made of a cylindrical cloth that inflates with wind, and a strip of cloth 11 sewn to a perforated top surface 172 made of a centrally perforated cloth that closes the top of the balloon (Figures 12 to 16). The balloon 17 inflates and stands upright in a four-sided box-bag shape due to upward airflow from the air outlet surrounded by the four inclined surfaces 10S of the cylindrical hole in the main body casing 1. The strip of cloth 11 straddles the center of the perforated top surface 172 of the balloon 17 and stands upright and flutters due to the wind blown up from the top opening 170H that passes through the inside of the balloon 17. The four corners of the balloon are attached and fixed by covering the upper three surfaces of the plate-shaped arms 11R at the four corners of the top of the box-shaped main body. Four flattened spherical light-emitting elements 13 are installed in the lower center of the box-shaped main casing 1, which is surrounded by the four inclined surfaces 10S of the cylindrical hole. Light from the light-emitting elements illuminates the inflated side of the balloon 17, which is made of translucent fabric, causing it to emit light through the light, and light also illuminates the surface of the strip fabric 11 from the top opening 170H.

[0063] Even with continuous operation over long periods, the fan motor and control circuit of the blower are less likely to experience load. Furthermore, malfunctions and abnormal shutdowns do not occur during normal operation outside of jackpots or during fraud detection, eliminating the need for frequent maintenance, repairs, or replacements.

[0064] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the above description is merely illustrative in all respects of the present invention. Needless to say, various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] Cloth obi 11 (flapping cloth), Balloon 17 (flapping cloth) Main casing 1 Small fan 12 Luminous element 13 Runner line 14 Signal input section 161 Signal output section 162 Auxiliary signal input section 163 Auxiliary signal output section 164 Light receiving unit 17 Control board 2 Gaming machine 3 Winning signals (Big Win (BB), Regular Bonus (RB), Assist Time (AT))

Claims

1. A cylindrical main casing having a vertical cylindrical hole and installed on top of a specific connecting game machine, It consists of a fabric material fixed to the top of the main casing, which inflates or stands up and flutters in response to wind, and A small, axially rotating fan is attached to the center of the cylindrical hole, spaced below the lower end of the main casing, and blows air almost vertically upward to blow the fabric strip upward. A multi-color switching light-emitting element is interposed inside the cylindrical hole near the upper part of the main casing, A control board is wired to the outside of the main casing and housed in a separate transparent casing, It consists of a setting remote control capable of transmitting wireless signals related to the selection setting information for input / output acceptance processing to the control board, The control board is A signal input unit that receives input signals from a specific connected gaming machine, which is wired to the control board, as predetermined input signals, The signal output unit receives the input signal received as an output signal to the main casing, which is wired to the control board, It includes a light receiving unit that receives and receives setting signals for input / output acceptance processing via wireless signals from a remote control, It comprises a storage unit that stores selection setting information for input / output acceptance processing received by the light receiving unit, In the signal input section, the input signal from a specific connected gaming machine is processed according to the input acceptance processing selection setting information stored in the memory section, and is then accepted as an input signal after processing. In the signal output unit, the processed input signal received in the signal input unit is processed according to the output reception processing selection setting information stored in the memory unit, and is then output as the processed output signal. The small fan, in response to the output signal, repeatedly executes a predetermined airflow pattern consisting of a change in unit time between operation and non-operation, comprising at least a strong airflow operation with a relatively large first rotation speed, a weak airflow operation with a relatively small second rotation speed, or an intermittent stop that stops operation for a certain period of time, for a predetermined number of times according to the selection setting information of the output reception processing related to the output signal. The light-emitting element repeats a predetermined light emission pattern, consisting of a unit time change between light emission and non-light emission, corresponding to the output signal, a predetermined number of times according to the selection setting information of the output reception process related to the output signal. A lighting and performance device for a gaming machine, characterized in that the predetermined airflow pattern and predetermined light emission pattern are controlled in conjunction by receiving an output signal so that one or more of the following timings—the timing of switching between unit time changes, the start timing of each pattern, and the end timing of each pattern—are synchronized, either simultaneously or with a predetermined fixed time difference.

2. The lighting and presentation device for a gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the timing of the intermittent stop period in which the operation of the small fan is stopped among the predetermined airflow patterns is set to overlap with the timing of the non-lighting period in which the light-emitting element stops emitting light among the predetermined light-emitting patterns.

3. The control board is In addition to the first signal input unit, which accepts the input signal from a specific connected gaming machine wired to the control board as the first input signal with the highest priority, It is equipped with a backup signal input section that accepts input signals from a specific connected gaming machine, which is wired to the control board, as a second-priority, second input signal. Furthermore, in addition to the first signal output unit that receives the first input signal received and outputs it as a first output signal with first priority to the main casing connected via wire to the control board, according to the selection setting information for the input / output reception process, The system includes a preliminary signal output unit that receives the second input signal received above and outputs it as a second output signal, which is the second priority signal, to the main casing connected via a wire to the control board, according to the selection setting information for the input / output reception process. In the first signal input unit, the input signal from a specific connected gaming machine is processed according to the input acceptance processing selection setting information stored in the memory unit, and is accepted as the first input signal after processing, which is the first priority. In the second signal input section, the input signal from a specific connected gaming machine is processed according to the input acceptance processing selection setting information stored in the memory section, and is accepted as the second input signal after processing, which is the second priority. In the first signal output unit, the first input signal after processing, which has been received in the first signal input unit, is processed according to the output reception processing selection setting information stored in the storage unit, and is then received as the first output signal after processing, which is the first priority. In the second signal output unit, the processed second input signal received in the second signal input unit is processed according to the input reception processing selection setting information stored in the storage unit, and is then output as the second-priority processed second output signal. The small fan repeats a predetermined airflow pattern consisting of a unit time change between operation and non-operation, corresponding to the first output signal, a predetermined number of times according to the selection setting information for the output reception process related to the output signal, If the first output signal is absent or has ended, a predetermined airflow pattern consisting of a unit time change between operation and non-operation corresponding to the second output signal is repeated a predetermined number of times according to the selection setting information for the output reception process related to the output signal. Also, The light-emitting element repeats a predetermined light emission pattern, consisting of a unit time change between light emission and non-light emission, corresponding to the first output signal, a predetermined number of times according to the selection setting information for the output reception process related to the output signal. The lighting and presentation device for a gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, if the first output signal is absent or has ended, a predetermined airflow pattern consisting of a unit time change of operation or non-operation corresponding to the second output signal is repeated a predetermined number of times according to the selection setting information of the output reception process related to the output signal.

4. A lighting and presentation device for a gaming machine, which is wired to one of several gaming machines arranged side by side adjacent to each other, and is designated as a connected gaming machine. Each of the other gaming machines is also connected to another gaming machine's lighting and effect device via a wired connection, one-to-one. The control board for the lighting effects device of this gaming machine has a crossover input section that connects this gaming machine's lighting effects device to another adjacent gaming machine's lighting effects device via runner wires. Lighting and presentation devices for other gaming machines, which are wired to each of the other gaming machines installed side-by-side and adjacent to each other, are also connected to each other by runner wires. When one of the lighting and presentation devices for a gaming machine, which is connected to each other via runner lines, processes a winning signal, each of the adjacent lighting and presentation devices connected via runner lines sets the winning machine that processed the winning signal as the reference machine, and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and so on adjacent machines to its left and right as running priority 1, running priority 2, running priority 3, and so on. The lighting and presentation device for a gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the first signal input unit receives the input in the forward input unit as the first output signal after processing, which is the first priority.

5. The selection settings information for input / output acceptance processing is: Processing of the first input signal reception, processing of the second output signal reception, Processing of receiving the output of the second input signal, processing of receiving the output of the second output signal, Processing of receiving the running order signal input from the crossover input section when neither the first input signal nor the second input signal is present. And, This setting configures the output processing for illumination operation when none of the inputs—the first input signal, the second input signal, or the running order signal from the crossover input section—are present. The lighting and performance device for a gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the output processing of the illumination operation has multiple illumination operations set, consisting of a first illumination operation, a second illumination operation, a third illumination operation, and so on, and multiple types of set illumination operations are automatically executed according to the setting of the time period and / or year, month, and day.

6. The storage unit is capable of storing which of a plurality of signal types, consisting of a plurality of predetermined types of winning signals, or a plurality of signal types consisting of a call signal and a fraud detection signal, is to be accepted by selecting in advance, and the selection setting information is set by making it possible to select any of the stored signal types, as described in claim 1.

7. In the execution of the illumination operation, the predetermined airflow pattern is: To ensure that the continuous operation time of the small fan does not exceed the predetermined operating time, a certain period of intermittent stopping is included at regular intervals of operating time. The lighting and presentation device for a gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the number of repetitions of a predetermined light emission pattern consisting of a unit time change between light emission and non-light emission is reduced and adjusted to a predetermined number of times so that the continuous operating time of the small fan does not exceed a preset operating time, and thereafter a certain intermittent stop time is set.

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