Pachinko gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a Pachinko game machine that allows an entire performance part showing characteristics of an individual game machine to be replaced.SOLUTION: A Pachinko game machine includes a game board attached to the inside of a frame body attached in a game parlor, which includes a game area for rolling game balls along the surface, a performance part disposed around the game board so as to fill a part between the frame body and the game board, and an attaching frame to which the performance part is fixed. The attaching frame is removably combined with respect to the game board.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pachinko gaming machine in which the presentation section can be replaced, and in particular to a pachinko gaming machine in which the entire presentation section that shows the characteristics of an individual gaming machine can be replaced. [Background technology]

[0002] In response to social demands for environmental conservation, pachinko machines are also being required to be designed with reuse and recycling in mind. Therefore, gaming machines have been proposed that allow the replacement of the display parts (including decorative elements such as LEDs and LCD display devices; the same applies hereinafter) that show the characteristics of each individual gaming machine, allowing players to change to a new gaming machine and reuse some of them.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming machine that can be upgraded to a new model by replacing only the gaming board without replacing the gaming machine frame. The gaming board is mounted on the gaming machine frame, and a front door that can be opened and closed is attached to the front side of the gaming board. The front door is equipped with performance components (LEDs, speakers, etc.) that are part of the performance section. By attaching a drive control circuit board that operates the performance components to the back of the gaming board, the drive circuit board can be reused as a drive circuit board for the performance components of the new model, even if the gaming board is replaced.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a gaming machine in which the entire decorative body, including the sheet material attached to the gaming board, can be replaced, allowing the front body of the gaming board to be reused. Here, in a gaming machine with a gaming board that includes a front body that is provided with a decorative body as well as a sheet material that represents the characteristics of the gaming machine, when changing the gaming machine model, the sheet material and the decorative body must be replaced together. Therefore, the proposal is to make it possible to remove only the decorative body from the gaming board, allowing the front body to be reused. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-68628 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-42567 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As mentioned above, pachinko machines have been proposed that allow for the replacement of parts of the presentation section that show the characteristics of each individual machine, but replacing the entire machine would be large-scale and the mechanical structure would be very complicated. It would also be desirable to be able to replace the control board that controls the electrical components of the presentation section at the same time.

[0007] The present invention was made in consideration of the above situation, and its purpose is to provide a pachinko gaming machine in which the entire presentation section that shows the characteristics of each individual gaming machine can be replaced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The pachinko game machine according to the present invention comprises a game board attached to the inside of a frame body that is attached to an amusement park and having a game area in which game balls roll along the surface, a presentation unit that is arranged around the game board so as to fill the gap between the frame body and the game board, and a mounting frame to which the presentation unit is fixed, and the mounting frame is characterized in that it is combined with the game board in a manner that allows it to be attached and detached freely.

[0009] According to this feature, by using a mounting frame provided with a presentation part, it is possible to easily replace the presentation part that shows the characteristics of an individual gaming machine.

[0010] The invention described above may be characterized in that it includes a main frame to which the game board provided with a main board is fixed, and the mounting frame is detachably combined with the main frame. The mounting frame may also be characterized in that it is attached to the back of the main frame. This feature allows for easier replacement of the performance unit.

[0011] In the above invention, the gaming board may include a display window made of a transparent or translucent plate material through which the back surface thereof can be seen, and the mounting frame may be fitted with a variable display device, which is combined with the main frame so that the display surface of the variable display device faces the back surface of the display window. According to this feature, it is possible to easily replace the presentation unit showing the characteristics of each individual gaming machine.

[0012] In the above invention, a performance board for controlling the operation of the performance unit may be provided on the mounting frame, which makes it possible to easily replace the performance unit that shows the characteristics of an individual gaming machine.

[0013] In the above invention, the performance board may include a CPU and a memory unit that stores a program that provides the CPU's operation, and the program in the memory unit may be rewritable. The program in the memory unit may be rewritable while the mounting frame remains attached to the main frame. The program in the memory unit may be rewritten remotely via a communication device. This feature allows for a greater variety of performances to be achieved by replacing the performance unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine in one embodiment according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a top view of a pachinko gaming machine in one embodiment according to the present invention. [Figure 3]1 is a side view of a pachinko gaming machine in one embodiment according to the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is an exploded side view of a pachinko gaming machine in one embodiment according to the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a front view of (a) a separation section and (b) a main body section of a pachinko game machine. [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram of the main parts of a pachinko gaming machine in one embodiment according to the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a side view of a pachinko gaming machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] A pachinko gaming machine as one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, gaming machine 1, which is a pachinko gaming machine, is attached inside outer frame 2, which is a frame body installed in an island facility in an amusement parlor (not shown). Gaming machine 1 has a main frame 5 attached to outer frame 2 so as to be able to open and close freely, and a door frame 3 having an opening 3a attached to main frame 5 so as to be able to open and close freely. Door frame 3 is further equipped with a transparent plate 6 that closes opening 3a, a handle 7 that is operated to launch gaming balls, an upper tray 8 that stores gaming balls, and a lower tray 9. Note that, hereinafter, when directions are indicated, the directions will be those seen from the perspective of a player facing gaming machine 1 as shown in the figure.

[0017] The main frame 5 is a generally rectangular frame body that fits along the outer frame 2. A game board 10 is fixed inside the main frame 5, forming a game area 19 between itself and a transparent plate 6 fitted into the door frame 3, along whose surface game balls roll. A first effect device 12 is provided in the approximate center of the game board 10 to display the results of the jackpot lottery process with accompanying effects to notify the player. The first effect device 12 may be, for example, a liquid crystal panel display device, but may also be an LED dot matrix or a rotating belt display device. The game board 10 is further provided with prize slots such as a start chucker 13 and an attacker 14, as well as other prize slots, pegs, and other devices (not shown), which can direct the path of the game balls that roll and fall within the game area 19.

[0018] The door frame 3 is separate from the second effect device 4 provided at the top, and can be opened and closed by rotating around the rotation axis between the middle hinge 11b and the lower hinge 11c. The upper hinge 11a, together with the lower hinge 11c, is used to obtain the rotation axis for rotating the main frame 5 relative to the outer frame 2. The second effect device 4 is arranged to protrude forward around the transparent plate 6 when the door frame 3 is closed, and can produce effects according to the progress of the game using the installed lighting and speakers. The second effect device 4 is a so-called decorative element made of LEDs, and together with the first effect device 12, it is a performance unit whose performance operation is controlled by the performance board 30.

[0019] 3, the gaming machine 1 is provided with a main board 20 that performs lottery processing and controls game operations, located at the rear of the gaming board 10 and below the first presentation device 12. The main board 20 is enclosed in a board case (not shown) and attached to the back of the gaming board 10. Furthermore, at the rear of the first presentation device 12, a presentation board 30 is provided that mainly controls presentation operations for notifying the results of the lottery processing.

[0020] Referring to Figures 4 and 5 together, the gaming machine 1 can be separated into a main body portion 1a and a separate portion 1b. The separate portion 1b includes an attachment frame 5a and a first effect device 12 and a second effect device 4 as a performance section 4' fixed thereto. The attachment frame 5a can be detachably combined with the main body frame 5 of the main body portion 1a. By combining the attachment frame 5a with the main body portion 1a, the second effect device 4 is positioned so as to fill the space 5c between the gaming board 10 and the upper part of the main body frame 5. In other words, the second effect device 4 of the performance section 4' is positioned around the left, right, and upper periphery of the gaming board 10.

[0021] The separation unit 1b also supports the first effect device 12 by means of an auxiliary frame 5b connected to the rear side of the mounting frame 5a, so that it protrudes from the rear toward the front. The separation unit 1b also supports the effect board 30, which is located behind the first effect device 12, and the second relay port 50 (described later). The separation unit 1b then inserts the second effect device 4 into the space 5c from the rear along the top of the main frame 5, and fixes the mounting frame 5a to the main frame 5 from the back. As a result, the separation unit 1b also fixes the second effect device 4 to the main unit 1a, protruding toward the front. At this time, the first effect device 12 is positioned so that it faces forward from behind the through-hole 10a in the center of the game board 10. The mounting frame 5a and auxiliary frame 5b thus serve to unite multiple effect devices into one unit, and may be configured like a housing.

[0022] 6, the main board 20 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, and an input / output port 24. In the main board 20, the CPU 21 executes processing related to game operations in accordance with a program recorded in the ROM 22. The CPU 21 also advances processing while rewritably recording data generated during processing in the RAM 23 as necessary. Through these operations, the main board 20 mainly controls game operations.

[0023] The main board 20 receives, for example, a signal detecting the entry of a game ball from a sensor provided in a prize opening such as the start chucker 13 via the input / output port 24, and performs lottery processing such as for a jackpot. The main board 20 also sends a signal for paying out prize balls in response to a prize to a separately provided payout control board. Furthermore, the main board 20 sends signals to operate solenoids such as the electric devices involved in the progression of the game and the attacker 14. In this way, the main board 20 can control game operations such as prize detection, lottery processing, and payout. Furthermore, the main board 20 sends a game signal including information about the lottery processing, such as the result of the lottery processing, to the performance board 30. The game signal includes, for example, information such as whether or not a jackpot lottery was won and the time required for the performance to display the lottery result.

[0024] A payout control board 60 is connected to the main board 20, and includes a CPU 61, a ROM 62, a RAM 63, and an input / output port 64. The payout control board 60 can control mainly payout-related operations among the gaming operations performed by the main board 20 described above based on signals from the main board 20. It can also control the payout of prize balls and payouts in response to requests for loaned game balls.

[0025] Generally, the performance boards that receive signals from the main board, such as the payout control board described above, are electrically connected directly to the main board by wiring. In contrast, in this embodiment, the game signals from the main board 20 are transmitted to the performance board 30 contactlessly via two relay ports.

[0026] In detail, the first relay port 40 connected to the main board 20 is capable of receiving game signals transmitted unidirectionally from the main board 20. In addition, a second relay port 50 is connected to the performance board 30, and game signals or signals corresponding thereto can be transmitted unidirectionally from the second relay port 50 to the performance board 30. A signal transmission means for transmitting game signals non-contactly is provided between the first relay port 40 and the second relay port 50, and game signals can be transmitted unidirectionally from the first relay port 40 to the second relay port 50. As the signal transmission means, an emission device 41 for transmitting game signals to the first relay port 40 is provided, and a reader 51 for reading game signals emitted from the emission device 41 is provided at the second relay port 50.

[0027] For example, an image display device capable of displaying two-dimensional codes is used as the issuing device 41, and a camera capable of recognizing two-dimensional codes through image processing is used as the reading device 51. This converts the gaming signal into a two-dimensional code, allowing the gaming signal to be transmitted without contact. Alternatively, by appropriately using optical transmission means, gaming signals can be transmitted at high speed and with high stability. Instead of optical transmission means, other transmission means capable of transmitting gaming signals without contact, such as sound waves or magnetic waves, can also be used.

[0028] In this way, the performance board 30 can receive a game signal from the second relay port 50. The performance board 30 is equipped with a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, an input port 34, and an output port 35. In the performance board 30, the CPU 31 executes processing related to performance operations in accordance with a program recorded in the ROM 32. The CPU 31 also proceeds with processing while rewritably recording data generated during processing in the RAM 33 as necessary. These operations enable the performance board 30 to control performance operations.

[0029] The performance board 30 extracts the result of the jackpot lottery and the time required for the performance to display the lottery result from the game signal received via the input port 34, and controls the performance operation to notify the player of the result of the lottery process accordingly. For example, the performance operation may involve varying a multi-digit number on the first performance device 12, stopping the multi-digit number at a repeating number if the result of the lottery process is a jackpot, or stopping it at a different number (number) if the result is a loss. The series of operations from the number variation to the number stopping are performed in accordance with the time required for the performance described above. Furthermore, as a performance operation, light and sound effects using lighting and speakers mounted on the second performance device 4 can be performed in accordance with the progress of the game.

[0030] In detail, the performance board 30 can select one pattern corresponding to the game signal from a plurality of predetermined performance patterns and send a signal indicating this pattern via the output port 35. Such signals are input to the respective sub-sub-boards for image performance, LED performance, and sound performance (not shown). Each sub-sub-board operates the lighting and speakers of the first performance device 12 and the second performance device 4 in a pattern corresponding to the input signal, thereby performing the performance of the pattern selected by the performance board 30.

[0031] As described above, the main board 20 is provided at the rear of the game board 10, below the first performance device 12. In other words, the main board 20 is attached to the game board 10 of the main body 1a. On the other hand, the performance board 30 is provided at the rear of the first performance device 12, and is attached to the separation part 1b. Then, by removing the separation part 1b from the main body 1a, the main board 20 and the performance board 30 can be separated.

[0032] For this reason, the first relay port 40 connected to the main board 20 is arranged in the main body section 1a, and the second relay port 50 connected to the performance board 30 is arranged in the separation section 1b. When the main body section 1a and the separation section 1b are combined, the first relay port 40 and the second relay port 50 are arranged so that they can transmit game signals to each other without contact. For example, when the above-mentioned optical transmission means is used, the emission device 41 of the first relay port 40 and the reading device 51 of the second relay port 50 are arranged to face each other.

[0033] As described above, the gaming machine 1 detachably combines the separation unit 1b including the mounting frame 5a with the presentation board 30 and the main unit 1a including the game board 10 with the main board 20, and is equipped with an emitter 41 and a reader 51 as signal transmission means for non-contact transmission of game signals from the main board 20 to the presentation board 30. This makes it possible to easily replace the separation unit 1b and the presentation unit 4' provided therein. The presentation unit 4' is made up of the first presentation device 12 and the second presentation device 4 and is manufactured to reflect the characteristics of an individual gaming machine, and by simply replacing the presentation unit 4' of the gaming machine 1, it can be used as a different model without replacing the main unit 1a.

[0034] Although the example above shows that the game signal is transmitted from the issuing device 41 to the reading device 51 using a two-dimensional code, this may also be done using a code. For example, the game signal is encrypted at the first relay port 40, an image corresponding to the code is displayed on the image display device used as the issuing device 41, this image is captured by the reading device 51, and the image is decoded at the second relay port 50 to obtain the game signal.

[0035] Furthermore, predetermined codes can also be used as game signals. A correspondence table that defines codes corresponding to each set of information, such as whether a jackpot lottery has been won or not, and the time required for the effects to display the lottery results, is stored in the main board 20, and this code is extracted when the main board 20 creates a game signal. The extracted code is then transmitted as a game signal to the effect board 30 that stores the same correspondence table, and the effect board 30 selects an effect corresponding to the code and performs the effect. Furthermore, a second correspondence table that defines effect patterns corresponding to the codes can be stored in the effect board 30, and the effect can be performed based on this table.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, a gaming machine 1′ as another embodiment is the gaming machine 1 described above, further comprising a display window 60 on the gaming board 10. The display window 60 is formed, for example, by fitting a transparent or translucent plate 61 into an opening 62 provided in the gaming board 10, allowing the back (rear side) of the display window to be seen. A variable display 63 is provided on the back of the display window 60 so as to face it. Similar to the first performance device 12, the variable display 63 is supported by the auxiliary frame 5b on the separation unit 1b so as to protrude from the rear side to the front side, and the image displayed on the display surface of the variable display 63 is controlled by the performance board 30. In other words, the variable display 63 is also provided as part of the performance unit 4′, together with the separation unit 1b, so as to be detachable from the main body unit 1a.

[0037] As a result, the image to be displayed in the display window 60 by transmitting through the plate material 61 or projecting onto the plate material 61 can be controlled by the effect board 30 via the variable display device 63. As described above, the variable display device 63 is attached to the separation unit 1b, and therefore the effect unit 4', which can be replaced as the separation unit 1b, can be used to provide the gaming machine 1 with images such as characters and patterns that show the characteristics of each gaming machine, including the image to be displayed in the display window 60. Note that the gaming board 10 may be made of a transparent or translucent material, and the display window 60 may be obtained by making the gaming board 10 itself function as the plate material 61.

[0038] The performance board 30 may be configured to be rewritable with a program for processing performance operations. In this case, at least a portion of the program is stored in the RAM 33, which serves as a storage unit, and the performance operations are processed by referring to the program stored in the RAM 33 in accordance with a program recorded in the ROM 32. This increases the variety of performances. It is also preferable that the program stored in the RAM be rewritable while the separation unit 1b remains combined with the main unit 1a. For example, it is preferable that the stored program can be rewritten by accessing the RAM 33 from a remote location using a communication means.

[0039] Although the embodiments of the present invention and modifications based thereon have been described above, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these examples. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will be able to find various alternative embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention or the scope of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 1. Gaming machines 1a Main body 1b Separation section 5 Main frame 5a Mounting frame 10 Game Board 20 Main board 30 Production board 60 Display window

Claims

1. An outer frame which is a frame body installed in the island equipment in the amusement park; a main frame that is a frame body that is provided along the outer frame and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape when viewed from the front, and is attached to the outer frame so as to be able to be opened and closed; A game board portion is attached to fill a part of the space inside the frame of the main frame and has a game area for rolling game balls along the surface; An attachment frame is attached to the main frame so as to fill the gap between the game board unit and the space inside the frame of the main frame, and is a frame body for arranging a performance unit around the game board unit, The mounting frame is attached to the rear surface of the main frame and is detachably combined with the main frame.

2. 2. The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game board has a main board on the back surface.

3. The game board includes a display window made of a transparent or translucent plate material through which the back surface of the game board can be seen, 3. The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the mounting frame is fitted with a variable display device, and is combined with the main frame so that the display surface of the variable display device faces the back surface of the display window.

4. 4. The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein an effect board for controlling the operation of the effect unit is provided on the mounting frame.

5. 5. The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the performance board includes a CPU and a memory unit that stores a program that provides the CPU's operation, and the program in the memory unit is rewritable.

6. 6. The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the program in the memory section can be rewritten while the mounting frame remains attached to the main frame.

7. 7. The pachinko gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the program in the memory section can be rewritten from a remote location by communication means.

Images