JP2002239095A - Pachinko machines - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] While the player can easily perceive his or her playing state,
To provide pachinko machines that are rich in design and entertainment. PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game state creation display means for creating a game state and displaying a change in the game state, and to enable a player to easily perceive at least one of the present, future and past game states. A sub-variable display means for displaying is provided. The sub-variable display means may be composed of a member which is close to or integral with the game state creation display means, and the content to be displayed may be related to the game state provided by the game state creation display means. The sub-variable display means may be configured to include at least one of an electronic display device, a display device including an electric light emitting member, a rotating drum, or a combination thereof.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a pachinko type game machine such as a pachinko machine and a slot machine for playing a game on a game board. In particular, the present invention relates to a means for informing a gaming state in a pachinko gaming machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a pachinko game machine, a game state is created by a game state creation display means such as a prize device or a variable display device provided on a game board, and a change in the game state advantageous or disadvantageous to a player is displayed. are doing. Therefore,
The player can know his / her game state mainly by the game state creation display means, and the display method and contents of the game state creation display means have a great influence on the entertainment of the gaming machine. However, in the conventional pachinko game machines, the display by the game state creation display means is mainly intended to display the process of determining the game state, and rather reduces the interest of the game by performing a complicated display. Was thought to end up being
It was displayed with a simple design that was easy to identify. Particularly, gaming machines such as slot machines and pachinko machines of the first kind, which include a rotating drum and enjoy a combination of symbols, often include a game state creation display means for displaying only symbols.

[0003] However, when the design is simplified, the visual effect is recognized to some extent. However, if the person is not accustomed to the gaming machine, he or she cannot accurately grasp his or her gaming state, and feels the original interest of the gaming machine. As a result, the entertainment of the game was spoiled as a result. In addition to the current game state, it is possible to improve the entertainment by enabling the player to easily confirm the future game state that is about to occur or the game state that occurred immediately before. Yes, but did not have these functions.
Therefore, as a conventional method, Japanese Patent Publication No. 63-22832 discloses a configuration in which a segment display is arranged together with a rotating drum display mechanism to display the number of winning balls. And
It is stated that when the display state of the rotary drum display mechanism and the display state of the segment display unit becomes a certain combination, it can be determined that the specific game state has been reached. However, although this method makes it easier to understand the game state to some extent, it is the player who determines the combination and stays in the passive function of preventing the player from misunderstanding his / her game state. It cannot be said that the state can be easily determined.

As another method, Japanese Patent No. 17791 is disclosed.
Japanese Patent Publication No. 28 discloses a configuration including a variable display unit and a variable display state notifying unit. However, in this configuration, the period in which the variable display state notifying means displays in a visually recognizable manner is during the variable display period, and can merely notify the current display state of the variable display means, The player cannot understand the game state accurately and in detail. In addition, the game state cannot be easily determined without providing an explanation plate for explaining the notification content of the notification means, or the notification content is only a so-called "big hit". Has not been reached.
Furthermore, this configuration is not mounted on the game board but mounted on the frame of the island facility, and it is difficult for the player to understand his / her own game state because it is difficult for the player to understand. It cannot be a method to solve the problem.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to enable a player to easily perceive his or her playing state and to improve the design. And to provide pachinko machines that are highly entertaining and entertaining.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, a pachinko game machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine according to the present invention has the following arrangement. That is, a game state is created, and the game state creation display means for displaying a change in the game state is provided, and the current, or future, or at least one of the past game states is easily perceived by the player. Sub variable display means for displaying is provided. The sub-variable display means may be composed of a member which is close to or integral with the game state creation display means, and the content to be displayed may be related to the game state by the game state creation display means. The sub-variable display means may be configured to include at least one of an electronic display device, a display device including an electric light-emitting member, a rotating drum, or a combination thereof. Further, the game state creation display means is a rotary drum having a rotation axis in a horizontal direction, a display by an electronic display device visualizing the same, or a display by an electric light emitting member that visualizes it. On the other hand, the sub-variable display means may be a rotary drum having a rotation axis in the vertical direction, a display by an electronic display device visualizing the rotary drum, or a display by an electric light emitting member that visualizes the rotary drum.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on examples. Here, a pachinko machine is exemplified as a pachinko machine, but the present invention can be applied to a general game machine that performs a game on a game board using a sphere, in addition to the pachinko machine. The embodiment can be appropriately designed and modified without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0008] Pachinko machines are generally classified into first to third types according to a method of creating a jackpot, and the first type is a display device provided in a game machine for counting when a pachinko ball flows into a prize winning device. And a pattern matching, and a big hit state is created by the result. The second type is provided with opening and closing blades on the upper side of the winning device, and when a predetermined winning opening is won, the blades are opened and the pachinko balls easily flow into the winning device, and a special winning opening provided below the winning device is provided. When the ball wins, a jackpot is reached. In the third type, when the pachinko ball passes through a predetermined site, the display device performs pattern matching, and when the winning patterns are aligned, the special winning right is generated and the winning opening opens, and when the ball wins the special winning opening in it. A jackpot situation is created.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an arrangement of each member in the game board (P). This pachinko machine is a pachinko machine classified as the first type, and performs symbol matching and number matching with a central symbol display device (10) which is a gaming state creation display means, and determines a gaming state based on the result. I do. When the player operates a handle (not shown) on the game board (P) of the pachinko machine, a pachinko ball is fired from a firing device (not shown). The hit ball hit into the game board (P) through the hitting hole (11) flows down the game board (P) surface while changing the course by nails and various members arranged on the game board (P). On the game board (P), in addition to the symbol display device (10), left and right gates (12) and (12) for detecting the passing of a hit ball, and left and right drop prize holes (13) and (1)
A general winning port for hitting balls such as 3) is provided. When a hit ball wins in each of the winning holes such as the left-fall winning opening (13), a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out from the payout device by being detected by a winning opening SW attached to each winning opening. Furthermore, a windmill (14) (14) that operates as the game progresses
There are many types of lamps for producing games and games, and speakers for producing sound effects. The pachinko game is realized by cooperating with a back control mechanism including a main board for controlling the pachinko balls, and an island facility for supplying and recovering pachinko balls.

In this embodiment, a symbol display device (10)
Is a rotating drum (16) (1) having a rotating shaft in the horizontal direction.
6) (16), and three drums are arranged in parallel. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing one structure of the rotating drum (16), and FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the symbol display device (10). The rotating drum (16) includes a base (20), a lamp substrate (21), a lamp reflector (22), and a motor (2).
A set is formed from 3), and can be rotated at an accurate rotation speed and rotation speed by a motor (23), and is illuminated by a backlight (24) on the inner surface of the rotating drum. The backlight (24) not only makes it easier to see the design of the rotating drum (16), but also contributes to improving the entertainment of the gaming machine by producing a visual effect by blinking. On the circumferential surface of the rotating drum (16), patterns such as numbers, letters, and symbols are drawn. The order of the numbers does not necessarily have to be the permutation as shown in FIG. 1 and may be arranged randomly. Each rotating drum (16) (16) (1
6) The arrangement may be changed every time. Three sets of the rotating drums (16) configured as described above are connected in series, stored in the drum cover (30), and mounted on the back of the game board (P).

Next, the operation of the symbol display device (10) will be described. When the hit ball passes through the left and right gates (12) and (12), the main board determines “hit” or “loss” as to whether or not to open the starting port. In the case of the "hit" determination, the main board opens the blade of the starting port (15) for a predetermined time to make it easy to receive a hit ball. When the hit ball wins the starting port (15), a winning SW (not shown) in the starting port is detected and transmitted to the main board. The main board transmits a control command such as a symbol change to a symbol controller which controls the symbol display device (10). FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the symbol control unit. The symbol control unit (40) has a CP provided on the main board.
A sub CPU chip (41) for display control separately from the U
(42), a CPU for sequentially processing the programs, and a RAM (43) used in the process of processing are integrally formed. When a control command such as a symbol change is received from the main board, an operation procedure called a table is called, and the symbol display device (10) is controlled based on the procedure.
There are tables of a variation pattern (44), a ramp pattern (45), a left symbol (46), a middle symbol (47), and a right symbol (48).

First, when a variation pattern designation command for designating a variation pattern of the symbol display device (10) is received from the main board, a procedure for varying the symbol is read from the variation pattern table (44) based on the command. The fluctuation pattern is composed of data such as the rotation speed and time of the rotating drum (16). Then, a lamp pattern corresponding to the fluctuating pattern is read from the lamp pattern table (25), and blinking control of the backlight (24) is performed.
That is, a lamp driver (49) (49) (4) for controlling the blinking of the lamp of each rotating drum (16) (16) (16).
The operation data is sent to 9), and the backlights (24), (24), (24) in each rotating drum (16) are turned on and off. Also, the left, middle, and right symbol tables (46) 47) (4)
From 8), the designation of the design of each rotating drum (16) (16) (16) corresponding to the design designation command transmitted from the main board is read. And each rotating drum (16) (1
6) (16) First, rotation is started based on the fluctuation pattern. A driver that controls the operation of each motor (23) (23) (23) is a motor driver (50) (50) (50)
It is. And the rotating drum (16) (16) (16)
Is that, after the high-speed rotation, when shifting to the medium speed, the positions of the symbols displayed by the drum sensors (51), (51), (51) are grasped, and at the same time, the symbol tables (46), (47) are obtained from the remaining rotation time. ) The number of rotations required until the symbol specified in (48) is calculated, and a predetermined deceleration is performed. As a result, the rotating drums (16), (16), (16) finally determine a rotating state or a stationary pattern by the fluctuation pattern designation command or the symbol designation command transmitted from the main board, and stop. Further, at the stage where the all symbol stop command is received from the main board, the symbol display section (40) definitely stops the symbols of the rotating drums (16), (16), (16), and ends the symbol changing operation.

Here, in the present invention, a sub-symbol display device (17) as sub-variable display means is provided separately from the symbol display device (10). The sub-symbol display device is a display device that is disposed immediately above the symbol display device (10), and is a flat drum (6) that rotates around a vertical direction as an axis.
0). FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the sub-symbol display device (17). This device (17) comprises a flat drum (60) as a display portion and a motor (6) for rotating the flat drum (60).
2) and a lamp that illuminates from the inside of the flat drum (6)
1). Here, a sub-symbol table (52) is newly prepared in the symbol control section (40), and the sub-symbol display device (17) is controlled in association with the above-mentioned variation pattern. Specifically, a signal is sent to the lamp driver (53) for the blinking operation of the lamp (61), and the flat drum (6) is turned on.
A signal is sent to the motor driver (54) for the operation of the motor (62) for rotating 0). Each of the drums (16) and (16) of the symbol display device (10) is provided with a drum sensor (55) for monitoring the rotation of the flat drum (60).
Same as (16).

The basic operation method is the same as that of the rotary drums (16), (16) and (16), but the sub-symbol display device (17) according to the present invention is a symbol display device (10).
Plays a very different role. Next, display contents on the sub-symbol display device will be described in detail. FIG. 6 shows examples of characters and symbols written on the circumferential surface of the flat drum (60) in this embodiment. The symbols indicating the determination results of “hit” and “losing” as to whether or not to open the starting port are “開放” (70) and “X” (71), respectively. When the main board makes the determination, the symbol control unit (40) reads out the data for determining the rotation of the flat drum (60) from the variation pattern table (44), and at the same time reads out the symbols to be displayed from the sub symbol table (52). . And drum sensor (55)
While detecting the position of the drum motor (62),
The flat drum (60) is stopped at the symbol to be displayed. Also, when a big hit state occurs, such as when the symbols are aligned on the symbol display device (10), the sub-symbol display device (17) displays "big hit" (72). As described above, since the sub-symbol display device (17) is provided immediately above the symbol display device (10), unlike the conventional jackpot display provided on the island facilities and the like, the player can immediately hit the jackpot. The state can be perceived, which contributes to the entertainment of the game. Here, the sub-symbol display device is not limited to the case where the sub-symbol display device is disposed immediately above as in the present embodiment, but may be disposed on a member integrated with the symbol display device. When the sub-symbol display device and the symbol display device are configured from members that are close to or integral with each other, it is more desirable from the viewpoint of amusement, but in the present invention, the positional relationship between the sub-symbol display device and the symbol display device is arbitrary, and They can be appropriately arranged according to the contents.

Also, "probable change" (7)
3), "Time saving 50 times", which indicates 50 times of time reduction (74),
"200 hours reduction" indicating time saving 200 times (75), "Large hit notice (reach)" (76) indicating that two symbol alignments of the symbol display device (10) are in a reach state.
It also has a display function. Here, the probability fluctuation means that the subsequent big hit / small hit probability is increased by the big hit of the specific symbol, and the time reduction is, after the big hit of the specific symbol,
This is to reduce the rotation time of the symbol display device or the sub symbol display device. Conventionally, since there is no function of notifying these game states or relying on blinking of a lamp, a novice player cannot grasp his or her own game state, or it is very difficult. Therefore, it is originally desirable for the player to appropriately understand the state of the pachinko machine and play the game, but this has not been realized. In the sub-symbol display device (17) according to the present invention, the function of performing the display (73 to 75) as described above is provided, so that the game proceeds in any state of the pachinko machine after the player or the clerk hits the jackpot. Since it is possible to accurately understand whether or not to play, it is possible to greatly enhance the entertainment of the game and contribute to a pachinko machine that can be enjoyed even by a beginner. In addition, the display of the “big hit notice (reach)” (76) may be displayed in advance before the symbol change starts, or may be displayed when the reach state is reached. The effect of the present invention can be utilized by using this function when the expectation of the user increases. As described above, the present invention has a function of displaying not only a state in which a game is in progress but also a state to be changed from now on, that is, a function of displaying a game state in the near future, as in a conventional device for notifying a game state. It is possible to provide a pachinko gaming machine that is easy to understand and that can maximize the player's expectation.

Further, the sub-symbol display device (17) can additionally notify the player of the game state by blinking a lamp (61). That is, a method of blinking a lamp to notify a winning state such as a big hit in advance or blinking when there is a possibility of winning is adopted. The blinking of the lamp has a strong visual impression, and in particular, by displaying a notice, the expectation of the player is increased, and the amusement of the game is improved. Also, the blinking of the lamp can be used when a winning state such as a big hit ends. In this case, too, by notifying the end time in advance, the player can make an effort to achieve the prize again during the prize state, which can contribute to entertainment. As the lamp, any member such as a light bulb and a light emitting diode may be used as long as the member emits light. Also, a configuration may be adopted in which the design itself is made to emit light by a diode or the like that emits light in a plane without disposing a lamp. Instead of blinking as described above, the emission color may be changed. For example, a plurality of light bulbs may be provided to emit light alternately, or the lights may be emitted simultaneously to change the color development by a combination of colors. Further, an arbitrary member such as a member such as a light emitting diode which changes in color depending on a change in load voltage may be used.

Further, a configuration may be employed in which the rotation of the flat drum (60) gives a visual impression, and may have a role of informing the gaming state. For example, at the time of a notice of a winning state such as a big hit, it may be rotated at a high speed or a low speed,
The effect may be produced by reversing the rotation direction. Further, it can be used in combination with the above-mentioned operation such as blinking of the lamp. By performing such various combinations of operations, the symbol display function of the sub-symbol display device can be more effectively produced, so that the entertainment of the pachinko-type gaming machine can be further improved.

When the game state overlaps with two or more display contents on the sub-symbol display device (17), for example, during the probability change of the big hit, the "hit" of whether or not to open the starting port is determined.
When indicating the result of “losing”, “probable change” (7
There are times when 3) and "o" (70) or "x" (71) are desired to be displayed redundantly. At this time, the judgment result is notified by flashing of the lamp as described above, or the flat drum (6
0) can also be notified by rotating.

In this embodiment, the symbol display device (1
A rotary drum (16) having an axis in the horizontal direction is used for 0), and a flat drum (60) having an axis in the vertical direction is used for the sub-symbol display device. By using a rotating drum, it is possible to display a pattern at a very high speed, and at the same time, it is possible to obtain a visually interesting effect during the rotation, which is preferable. In addition, by coloring the circumferential surface, a color that is difficult to obtain with an electric or electronic device can be provided. Further, by changing the axial direction of the rotation as in the present embodiment, a different impression can be given to the player by the vertical rotation and the horizontal rotation, thereby contributing to the entertainment of the pachinko game machine. In addition, it is easy to clearly distinguish the functions of the two, and the design is also suitable.

However, the structure of the symbol display device and the sub-symbol display device according to the present invention need not be limited to the above.
It can be changed as appropriate. In particular, the symbol display device may be in any form, such as an electronic display device such as a liquid crystal display monitor, an electrical display device that performs display by a group of small lamps, a mechanical display device, for example, a plate on which a symbol is drawn. Arbitrary forms such as a mechanism for displaying the information can be used. Even when a rotating drum is used, the axial direction can be arbitrarily changed. In particular, in the case of an electronic display device or the like, it is possible to display a rotating drum in a graphic form using a technique such as computer graphics, and to perform a display in which a pattern such as a number is rotated and stopped. Can also have the same function as the rotating drum, so that the same effect as in the case of using the mechanical drum as described above can be obtained. Also in the sub-symbol display device, the game state may be displayed on an electronic display device such as a liquid crystal display monitor or an electric display device instead of the mechanical drum as described above. In particular, when an electronic display device is used for the sub-symbol display device, it is easy to explain the state in an easy-to-understand manner in Japanese, and it is possible to easily know the player's own game state, which is the main object of the present invention. It contributes to pachinko machines. In particular, in the case of an electronic display device, if a flashlight is provided around the display portion or the display device itself is produced, a more impressive pachinko game machine can be provided, which is effective.

[0021]

As described above, the pachinko gaming machine of the present invention has the following configuration, and thus has the following effects. According to the pachinko gaming machine described in claim 1, the player can easily know his or her gaming state by the sub-variable display means, so that even a novice can fully enjoy the amusement of the gaming machine. It is possible to provide a pachinko-type game machine that can enjoy interesting games. In particular, you can not only know the current game state during the game, etc., but also know the future game state, such as a prize announcement, and the game state immediately before, so various types of pachinko machines It is easy to grasp the game state.

According to the pachinko game machine of the second aspect, the sub-variable display means is arranged close to or integral with the game state creation display means, so that the player can easily perceive the game. And a sub-variable display means that can be understood while continuing. Further, by performing display in cooperation with the display of the game state creation display means, it contributes to a pachinko gaming machine which is interesting and has an excellent design.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the sub-variable display means is constituted by any one of an electronic display device, a display device comprising an electric light-emitting member, a rotating drum, and a combination thereof. By doing so, it is possible to easily display complicated contents, and to contribute to the sub-variable display means that the player can easily perceive it. Further, by using these display devices, it is possible to not only display the game state but also to elaborate the display mode, thereby contributing to the entertainment of the pachinko game machine.

According to the pachinko game machine of the fourth aspect, since the rotating drum and the display representing the rotating drum have rotation axes in different directions, it is easy to clearly distinguish the respective functions. Further, it is possible to provide a pachinko game machine that is visually interesting.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board of a pachinko machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a rotary drum.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the symbol display device.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of a symbol control unit.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a flat drum.

FIG. 6 shows display contents of a sub-variable display device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 P Game board 10 Symbol display device 11 Launch outlet 12 Left / Right gate 13 Left / Right drop winning port 14 Windmill 15 Starting port 16 Rotary drum 17 Sub-symbol display device 20 Base 21 Lamp substrate 22 Lamp reflector 23 Motor 24 Backlight 30 Drum cover 40 Symbol control unit 41 Sub CPU chip 42 ROM 43 RAM 44 Variable pattern table 45 Lamp pattern table 46 Left symbol table 47 Middle symbol table 48 Right symbol table 49 Lamp driver 50 Motor driver 51 Drum sensor 52 Sub symbol table 53 Lamp driver 54 Motor Driver 55 Drum Sensor 60 Flat Drum 61 Lamp 62 Motor 70-76 Sub-design

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A pachinko game machine such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine playing a game on a game board, comprising a game state creation display means for creating a game state and displaying a change in the game state. A pachinko-type gaming machine, comprising a sub-variable display means for displaying at least one of the past game states in a future in a manner that the player can easily perceive. 2. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the sub-variable display means comprises a member which is close to or integral with the game state creation display means, and the content to be displayed is related to the game state provided by the game state creation display means. Item 2. A pachinko game machine according to item 1. 3. The sub-variable display means according to claim 1, wherein the sub-variable display means comprises at least one of an electronic display device, a display device comprising an electric light-emitting member, a rotating drum, or a combination thereof. Pachinko machines. 4. The game state creation display means includes: a rotating drum having a rotation axis in a lateral direction; an electronic display device that visualizes the rotating drum; or an electric light-emitting member that visualizes the same. Wherein the sub-variable display means is a rotary drum having a rotation axis in a vertical direction, an electronic display device that visualizes the rotary drum, or a display using an electric light emitting member that visualizes the rotary drum. Claims 1 to 3
A pachinko game machine according to any one of the above.