JP6481143B2 - Amusement stand - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine represented by a spinning machine (slot machine) and a ball game machine (pachinko machine).

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a game table represented by a slot machine that rotates a reel with a plurality of types of symbols. The reel includes a reel band provided with a design and a reel frame that supports the reel band. Some of these game machines are provided with a light source on the inner side of the reel band in order to make it easy for the player to visually recognize the symbols applied to the reel band (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-050038 A

  However, when the reel frame is made of a material capable of transmitting light, a linear shadow may be formed at the end of the reel band, and the appearance of the reel may be deteriorated.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a game table that can prevent the appearance of a reel band from being deteriorated due to light passing through a reel frame.

According to the present invention,
An annular reel belt, a rotatable reel,
A light emitting portion disposed inside the reel band;
A game machine equipped with
The reel has a reel frame that holds the reel band;
The reel frame includes a wall portion that overlaps the reel belt,
The reel band is held on the outer peripheral surface of the wall portion,
The reel band has a region irradiated with light emitted from the light emitting part through the wall part,
The wall portion includes an adjustment portion that adjusts the light amount distribution in the width direction of the reel band in the region over the entire circumference of the reel frame ,
The wall portion has a portion where the light transmittance decreases as the adjustment portion goes from the center side of the reel band to the side edge side,
There is provided a game stand characterized by this.

Moreover, according to the present invention,
An annular reel belt, a rotatable reel,
A light emitting portion disposed inside the reel band;
A game machine equipped with
The reel has a reel frame that holds the reel band;
The reel frame includes a wall portion that overlaps a side edge portion of the reel belt,
The reel band is held on the outer peripheral surface of the wall portion,
The side edge portion has a region irradiated with light emitted from the light emitting portion through the wall portion,
The wall portion has an end on the center side in the width direction of the reel band,
An inclined surface is formed over the entire circumference of the reel frame on the outer peripheral surface side of the end portion.
There is provided a game stand characterized by this.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game table that can prevent the appearance of the reel band from being deteriorated due to light passing through the reel frame.

The perspective view of the slot machine of embodiment. The front view of the state which opened the front door of the slot machine of embodiment. The block diagram of the control part of the slot machine of embodiment. The figure which expanded and showed the arrangement | sequence of the symbol given to each reel planarly, and explanatory drawing of a symbol name. The flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part main process. The flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part timer interruption process. (A) is a flowchart of main processing of the first sub-control unit, (b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit, and (c) is a timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit. Flowchart. (A) is a flowchart of main processing of the second sub-control unit, (b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit, and (c) is a timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit. (D) is a flowchart of image control processing of the second sub-control unit. The partial exploded perspective view of a reel drive unit. The exploded perspective view of a reel and peripheral parts. (A) is a disassembled perspective view of a backlight module, (b) is a front view of a backlight module. (A) is a front view of the reel, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA- in FIG. 12 (a), and (c) is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 12 (b). (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing of the subject of the reel frame of a comparative example. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing of the reel frame of embodiment. (A)-(c) is a figure which shows the comparison result of the light quantity of the reel frame of a comparative example, and the reel frame of embodiment. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing of the reel frame of another example. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing of the reel frame of another example. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing of the reel frame of another example. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing of the reel of another example.

<Overall structure>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 that is attached to the front surface of the main body 101 and can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 101. Inside the center of the main body 101 (not shown), three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface are stored and rotated inside the slot machine 100. It is configured to be able to. These reels 110 to 112 are rotationally driven by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

  In the present embodiment, an appropriate number of symbols are printed on the belt-like member at equal intervals, and the reels 110 to 112 are configured by affixing the belt-like member to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member. When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are generally displayed three in the vertical direction from the symbol display window 113 so that a total of nine symbols can be seen. Then, by rotating the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols that can be seen by the player varies. That is, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that displays a plurality of combinations of symbols in a variable manner. In addition to the reel, an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device can also be used as such a display device. In this embodiment, three reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 100. However, the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

  A backlight (not shown) for illuminating the individual symbols displayed on the symbol display window 113 is disposed on the back of each of the reels 110 to 112. It is desirable that the backlight is shielded for each symbol so that the individual symbols can be illuminated evenly. In the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (not shown) including a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit is provided in the vicinity of each of the reels 110 to 112. The light projecting unit and the light receiving unit of the optical sensor are provided. A light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the two. Based on the detection result of the sensor, the position of the symbol on the reel in the rotation direction is determined, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.

  The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp indicating the winning line 114 that is valid. The effective pay line is determined in advance by the number of medals bet as a game medium. There are five pay lines 114. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal pay line is valid, and when two medals are betted, the upper horizontal win line and the lower horizontal pay line are added. If three are valid and three medals are bet, five lines including a right-down winning line and an upper-right winning line are valid as winning lines. The number of winning lines 114 is not limited to five. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal winning line, the upper horizontal winning line, the lower horizontal winning line, the right The down line and the upper right line may be set as valid pay lines, and the same number of pay lines may be set as valid pay lines regardless of the number of bets.

  The notification lamp 123 is, for example, a lamp that informs the player that a specific winning combination (specifically, a bonus) has been won internally in an internal lottery to be described later or that a bonus game is in progress. The game medal insertable lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying that the player can insert a game medal. The replay lamp 122 informs the player that the current game can be replayed (the medal need not be inserted) when winning a replay which is one of the winning combinations in the previous game. It is a lamp. The reel panel lamp 128 is an effect lamp.

  The bet buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) stored electronically in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, each time the bet button 130 is pressed, a maximum of 3 cards are inserted, 2 when the bet button 131 is pressed, and 3 when the bet button 132 is pressed. It has become so. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as a MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamp 129 lights up the number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when a prescribed number of medals are inserted, the game start is informed that the game can be started. The lamp 121 is turned on.

  The medal slot 141 is an slot for a player to insert a medal when starting a game. That is, the medal can be inserted electronically by the bet buttons 130 to 132, or an actual medal can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion slot 141. is there. The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals stored electronically in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various types of internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game) as numerical values. The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals to be paid out to the player as a result of winning a winning combination. The stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127 are 7-segment (SEG) displays.

  The start lever 135 is a lever type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when a desired medal number is inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or when the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation on the start lever 135 is referred to as a game start operation.

  The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with the reels 110 to 112. Hereinafter, the operation on the stop buttons 137 to 139 is referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation is referred to as a first stop operation, the next stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation, and the last stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. Note that a light emitter may be provided inside each stop button 137 to 139, and when the stop button 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitter may be turned on to notify the player.

  The medal return button 133 is a button that is pressed to remove a medal when the inserted medal is jammed. The payment button 134 is a button for adjusting the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the bet medals and discharging them from the medal payout exit 155. The door key hole 140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 is inserted.

  Below the stop button unit 136 is provided a title panel 162 for displaying the model name and pasting various types of certificate. At the lower part of the title panel 162, a medal payout opening 155 and a medal tray 161 are provided.

  The sound hole 143 is a hole for outputting the sound of a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right portions of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for exciting games. An effect device 160 is disposed above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the effect device 160. The effect device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 including two right shutters 163a and a left shutter 163b that can be opened and closed in a horizontal direction, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (effect image) disposed on the back side of the shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 (not shown) is displayed in front of the slot machine 100 (player side). It has a structure that appears in It should be noted that the display device is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, but may be any display device capable of displaying various effect images and various game information. For example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display , A reel (drum), or a display device including a projector and a screen. Further, the display screen has a rectangular shape and is configured so that the player can visually recognize the entire display screen. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but may be square. In addition, a decorative object (not shown) may be provided on the periphery of the display screen, and a part of the peripheral edge of the display screen may be hidden by the decorative object, so that the display screen looks irregular. In the present embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but may be a curved surface.

<Internal structure>
FIG. 2 is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 opened. The main body 101 is a box that is surrounded by the upper surface plate 261, the left side plate 260, the right side plate 260, the lower surface plate 264, and the back plate 242, and that opens to the front. Inside the main body 101, a main control board storage case 210 that stores the main control board is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the ventilation port 249 provided on the upper portion of the back plate 242. Below the three reels 110 to 112 are arranged. On the side plate 260 on the left side of the main control board storage case 210 and the reels 110 to 112, a sub control board storage case 220 containing a sub control board is disposed. Further, an external concentrated terminal plate 248 that is connected to the main control board and outputs the information of the slot machine 100 to an external device is attached to the side plate 260 on the right side.

  The lower surface plate 264 is provided with a medal payout device 180 (device for paying out medals accumulated in a bucket), and has a power supply board above the medal payout device 180, that is, below the reels 110 to 112. A power supply device 252 is provided, and a power switch 244 is provided on the front surface of the power supply device 252. The power supply device 252 converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the slot machine 100 into a direct current, converts it into a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit and each device such as a main control unit 300 and sub-control units 400 and 500 described later. To do. Furthermore, a power storage circuit (for example, a capacitor) for supplying power to a predetermined part (for example, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) even after the external power source is cut off is provided. Yes.

  A medal auxiliary storage 240 is arranged on the right side of the medal payout device 180, and an overflow terminal is arranged behind this (not shown). The power supply device 252 is provided with a power cord connecting portion for connecting a power cord 264, and the power cord 264 connected thereto extends to the outside through a power cord hole 262 provided in the back plate 242 of the main body 101. Yes.

  The front door 102 is hinged to the left side plate 260 of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276, and an effect device 160 and an effect control board (which controls the effect device 160) are provided above the symbol display window 113. An upper speaker 272 is provided. Below the symbol display window 113, there are provided a medal selector 170 for selecting inserted medals, and a passage 266 through which medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops illegal medals etc. on the medal tray 161. Yes. Further, a bass speaker 277 is provided at a position corresponding to the lower sound hole 143.

<Control unit>
A circuit configuration of the control unit of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

  The control unit of the slot machine 100 can be broadly divided into main effects according to a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game and a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “command”) transmitted by the main control unit 300. And a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on a command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 1100 will be described. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery of a winning combination, and reel stop. ROM 306 for storing position, RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, and the like WDT (watchdog timer) 314 is mounted. In the present embodiment, the basic circuit 302 is a microprocessor such as a one-chip microcomputer.

  Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and this is the same for the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 described later. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 314 as a system clock. Further, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 sets the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data. An interrupt request is transmitted to the CPU 304 at every interrupt time. In response to this interrupt request, the CPU 304 monitors each sensor and transmits a drive pulse. For example, when the clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 314 is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1/256, and the data for frequency division of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the interrupt reference time is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz. = 1.504 ms.

  The main control unit 300 includes a random number generation circuit 316 that is used as a hardware random number counter that varies a numerical value in the range of 0 to 65535, and a start signal output circuit that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When the activation signal is input from the activation signal output circuit 338, the CPU 304 starts game control (starts main processing main processing described later).

  In addition, the main control unit 300 includes a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 is inserted from various sensors 318 (a bet button 130 sensor, a bet button 131 sensor, a bet button 132 sensor, and a medal slot 141 at every interruption time. Medal reception sensor, start lever 135 sensor, stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, checkout button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the medal payout device 180, index sensor for reel 110 , The index sensor of the reel 111, the index sensor of the reel 112, etc.).

  When the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, a signal indicating this detection is output to the random number generation circuit 316. Receiving this signal, the random number generation circuit 316 latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores the random value used for the lottery.

  Two medal acceptance sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal insertion slot 141 and detect whether or not a medal has passed. Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 and detect a start operation by the player. The stop button 137 sensor, the stop button 138 sensor, and the stop button 139 are installed in each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and detect the operation of the stop button by the player.

  The bet button 130 sensor, the bet button 131 sensor, and the bet button 132 sensor are installed in each of the medal insertion buttons 130 to 132, and the medals stored electronically in the RAM 308 are inserted as inserted medals into the game. Detecting the input operation when The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the medals stored electronically are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting a medal paid out by the medal payout device 180. Each of the above sensors may be a non-contact type sensor or a contact type sensor.

  The index sensor of the reel 110, the index sensor of the reel 111, and the index sensor of the reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of the reels 110 to 112, and each time a light shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes. Becomes L level. When detecting this signal, the CPU 304 determines that the reel has made one rotation, and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero.

  The main control unit 300 is provided in a drive circuit 322 for driving a stepping motor provided in the reel devices 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 for driving a solenoid provided in a medal selector 170 for selecting inserted medals, and a medal payout device 180. A drive circuit 326 for driving the motor, various lamps 338 (a winning line display lamp 120, a notification lamp 123, a game medal insertion possible lamp 124, a re-game lamp 122, a game medal insertion lamp 129, a game start lamp 121, and a stored number display. A driving circuit 328 for driving the device 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127).

  Further, an information output circuit 334 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 1300 is slotted into an information input circuit 652 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via the information output circuit 334. The game information (for example, game state) of the machine 100 is output.

  The main control unit 300 also includes a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage value of the power source supplied from the power management unit (not shown) to the main control unit 300. The voltage monitoring circuit 330 is a voltage of the power source. When the value is less than a predetermined value (for example, 9v), a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has decreased is output to the basic circuit 302.

  In addition, the main control unit 300 includes an output interface for transmitting a command to the first sub control unit 400 and enables communication with the first sub control unit 400. Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 is configured to be able to transmit signals such as commands to the first sub control unit 400. However, the first sub-control unit 400 is configured not to transmit a signal such as a command to the main control unit 300.

<Sub control unit>
Next, the first sub control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that receives a control command transmitted from the main control unit 300 via an input interface and controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on the control command. The basic circuit 402 includes a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time and frequency. It is installed. In this embodiment, the basic circuit 402 is a microprocessor such as a one-chip microcomputer.

  The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The ROM 406 stores a control program and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, a backlight lighting pattern, data for controlling various displays, and the like.

  The CPU 404 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency dividing data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the interrupt request timing.

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a sound source IC 418, and the sound source IC 418 is provided with speakers 272 and 277 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls sound output from the amplifiers and speakers 272 and 277 in accordance with a command from the CPU 404. The sound source IC 418 is connected to an S-ROM (sound ROM) in which audio data is stored. The audio data acquired from the ROM is amplified by an amplifier and output from the speakers 272 and 277.

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 422, and various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel 162 lamp, etc.) are provided to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface. It is connected.

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 424 for driving the motor of the shutter 163. This drive circuit 424 is a stepping motor (not shown) provided on the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 404. A drive signal is output to.

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a sensor circuit 426, and a shutter sensor 428 is connected to the sensor circuit 426 via an input interface. The CPU 404 monitors the state of the shutter sensor 428 every interruption time.

  In addition, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub control unit 500 via the output interface. Second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of effect device 160 including display control of effect image display device 157. Note that the second sub-control unit 500 is, for example, a control unit that controls display of the liquid crystal display device 157 and a control unit that controls various drive devices for presentation (for example, a control unit that controls motor driving of the shutter 163). For example, it may be configured by a plurality of control units.

  The second sub-control unit 500 includes a basic circuit 502 that receives the control command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400 via the input interface and controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on the control command. The basic circuit 502 includes a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 510 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer for measuring time and frequency 512. In this embodiment, the basic circuit 502 is a microprocessor such as a one-chip microcomputer.

  The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock. The ROM 506 stores a control program and data for controlling the entire second sub control unit 500, data for image display, and the like.

  The CPU 504 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 506 to the counter timer 512 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 512 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and each circuit based on the interrupt request timing.

  The second sub-control unit 500 is provided with a VDP 534 (video display processor), and a ROM 506 and a VRAM 536 are connected to the VDP 534 via a bus. The VDP 534 reads out image data and the like stored in the ROM 506 based on a signal from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of the VRAM 536, and displays the image on the effect image display device 157.

<Pattern arrangement>
A symbol arrangement applied to each of the reels 110 to 112 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the figure is the figure which expanded the arrangement | sequence of the symbol applied to each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112), and was explanatory drawing of the symbol name.

  In each reel 110 to 112, a plurality of types (9 types in this embodiment) of symbols shown on the right side of the figure are arranged in a predetermined number of frames (21 frames of numbers 0 to 20 in this embodiment). Also, numbers 0 to 20 shown at the left end of the figure are numbers indicating the arrangement positions of symbols on the reels 110 to 112. For example, in this embodiment, the number 1 frame of the left reel 110 has a “blank 2” design, the number 0 frame of the middle reel 111 has a “bell” design, and the number 2 frame of the right reel 112 has a number 2 frame. “Replay” symbols are arranged.

<Type of winning prize>
Next, an example of winning combination of the slot machine 100 will be described. The winning combination of the slot machine 100 can include a big bonus (BB), a regular bonus (RB), a small combination, and a replay (replay). Needless to say, the type of winning combination is not limited to this and can be arbitrarily adopted.

  “Big Bonus (BB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game), which is a special game, is started by winning. The corresponding symbol combination can be, for example, “Seven 1-Seven 1-Seven 1” or “Seven 2-Seven 2-Seven 2”. For BB, flag carryover can be performed. That is, when the BB is won internally, a flag indicating this is set (stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300), but even if the BB is not won in the game, the internal winning until the win is won. The state where the flag indicating is maintained is maintained, the BB is being internally elected even after the next game, and the symbol combinations corresponding to the BB are in a state of winning all together.

  The “regular bonus (RB)” is a special role or a special role (operating role) in which a regular bonus game (RB game) is started by winning. The corresponding symbol combination can be, for example, “BAR-BAR-BAR”. Flag carryover can be performed for RB as well as BB described above. However, in the big bonus game (BB game), the start of the big bonus game without having the start condition that the regular bonus game (RB game) is won internally or the symbol combination is displayed on the winning line. A regular bonus game may be set to automatically start such that when a regular bonus game is started later and one regular bonus game is completed, the next regular bonus game is immediately started.

  “Small” is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning, and the corresponding symbol combinations are, for example, “Cherry-ANY-ANY”, “Watermelon-Watermelon-Watermelon”, “Bell-Bell-Bell”. It is. In the case of “cherry-ANY-ANY”, the design of the left reel 110 may be “cherry”, and the design of the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 may be any design.

  “Replay (replay)” is a replaying role (acting role) that allows a game to be played without inserting a medal (game medium) in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out. The corresponding symbol combination is, for example, “Replay-Replay-Replay”.

<Type of gaming state>
Next, the types of gaming state of the slot machine 100 will be described. The gaming state is information for identifying the type of lottery data selected in a lottery or the like. In the present embodiment, the gaming state of the slot machine 100 is roughly classified into a normal game, a BB game, an RB game, and an internal winning game of a big bonus (BB) and a regular bonus (RB). However, the internal winning game may be a division included in the normal game.

<Normal game>
The winning combinations that are internally won for normal games include a big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), replay (replay), and small roles (cherry, watermelon, bell).

  “Big Bonus (BB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game), which is a special game, is started by winning. The “regular bonus (RB)” is a special role or special role (operating role) that starts a regular bonus game (RB game) by winning. The “replay” (replay) is a winning combination (operating combination) in which a game can be performed without a medal being inserted in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out. The “small role” is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning. In addition, the internal winning probability of each combination is a range of random values obtained at the time of internal lottery from numerical data corresponding to the range of lottery data associated with each combination from lottery data prepared for normal games. It is calculated by the value divided by the numerical data (for example, 65535). The lottery data prepared for the normal game is divided into several numerical ranges in advance, and each combination and lose is associated with each numerical range. It is determined whether the random number value obtained as a result of executing the internal lottery is a value corresponding to the lottery data corresponding to which combination, and the internal lottery combination is determined. This lottery data is provided with settings 1 to 6 in which the winning probabilities of at least one combination are different, and a game shop clerk can arbitrarily select and set any set value.

  In the normal game, the internal lottery result is almost lost (big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), replay (replay) and small role won), or any stop display result A setting is made so that the stop display result of the losing that does not correspond to the symbol combination of the combination is generally derived, and the total number of medals to be acquired is less than the total number of inserted medals. Therefore, it is a gaming state that is disadvantageous for the player. However, when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when a specific symbol combination is displayed), it is a gaming state that may be changed to increase the probability of internal winning of replaying. In this case, Consumption of medals used for games is suppressed, and a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning a small role, resulting in a gaming state where the total number of medals exceeds the total number of medals inserted, which is beneficial to the player. May become a gaming state.

<BB game>
The BB game is set to be in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player. That is, the BB game is in a gaming state in which the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the BB game is started by winning a big bonus (BB), and the RB game can be repeatedly executed continuously. One predetermined number (for example, 465) is determined during the game. Ends when more than medals are earned. However, the BB game only needs to be able to execute the RB game a plurality of times. For example, a role for starting the RB game is set, and when this role is won internally or when winning, the RB game is started. May be set. Furthermore, in the BB game, when the BB general game excluding the RB game during the BB game is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 30 times), or the number of the RB games executed during the BB game is a predetermined number of times. It may be made to end when it reaches (for example, three times).

<RB game>
The RB game can be set to be in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player. That is, the RB game is in a gaming state in which the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the RB game is started by winning a regular bonus (RB), and a predetermined role is set to a variation that increases the probability of internal winning (for example, “setting 1” or “normal game”). The internal winning probability 1/15 of “small role 1” is increased to an internal winning probability 1 / 1.2, which is a predetermined value), and a predetermined number (for example, 8 times) It ends when there is a prize. In the RB game, when a predetermined number of times (at least 2 times) is won (for example, 8 times), or when the number of RB games executed during the RB game reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, (8 times). Since the BB game described above can execute the RB game a plurality of times, when a single RB game is performed, the number of medals less than the total number of medals obtained in the BB game is acquired and terminated. Become.

<Big winning (BB) and regular bonus (RB) internal winning games>
The winning combination that is internally won for the internal winning game of the big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB) includes a replay and a small role. The big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB) are not won internally, and are game states in which a symbol combination corresponding to the big bonus (BB) or the regular bonus (RB) can be won.

  However, the probability of the internal winning of the replay may be changed from the next game that has been internally won for the big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB). Until the symbol combination corresponding to the big bonus (BB) and regular bonus (RB) wins, the total number of medals to be acquired is almost the same as the total number of inserted medals, and is compared with the normal game. The gaming state may be beneficial to the player. It should be noted that BB game and RB game are both game states that are beneficial to the player, and may be generally referred to as bonus games or special games.

<Processing example of control unit>
<Main control unit main processing>
The main process of the main control unit executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the main control unit.

  As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with the start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs the start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 to which this activation signal has been input starts reset by a reset interrupt and executes the main process of the main controller shown in FIG. 5 in accordance with a control program stored in advance in the ROM 306.

  When power is turned on, first, various initial settings are made in step SA01. In this initial setting, setting of the stack initial value to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, setting of interrupt inhibition, initial setting of the I / O 310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, operation permission to the WDT 313, and initial setting Set the value. In step SA02, medal insertion / start operation acceptance processing is executed. Here, it is checked whether or not a medal has been inserted, and the winning line display lamp 120 is turned on in response to the insertion of the medal. Note that when a re-win is won in the previous game, a process of inserting the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game is performed, so that it is not necessary for the player to insert medals. In step SA03, it is checked whether the start lever 135 has been operated. If the start lever 135 has been operated, the process proceeds to step SA05.

  In step SA05, the number of inserted medals is determined, and an effective winning line is determined. In step SA07, the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 316 is acquired. In step SA09, the winning combination lottery table stored in the ROM 306 is read according to the current gaming state, and an internal lottery is performed using this and the random value acquired in step SA07. As a result of the internal lottery, when any winning combination (including an operating combination) is won internally, the flag of the winning combination is turned ON. In step SA11, reel stop data is selected based on the internal lottery result.

  In step SA13, rotation of all reels 110 to 112 is started. In step SA15, the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be received. When any one of the stop buttons is pressed, the reel stop control in which one of the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the pressed stop button is selected in step SA11. Stop based on data. When all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the process proceeds to Step SA17.

  In step SA17, winning determination is performed. Here, when a picture combination corresponding to some winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line 114, it is determined that the winning combination is won. For example, if “bell-bell-bell” is arranged on the activated winning line, it is determined that the small role (bell) is won. In step SA19, if any winning combination with payout is won, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out according to the number of winning lines.

  In step SA21, game state control processing is performed. In the game state control process, a process related to transition of each game state of normal game, BB game, RB game, and internal winning game is performed, and the game state is shifted when those start conditions and end conditions are satisfied. Thus, one game is completed. Thereafter, the game proceeds by returning to step SA03 and repeating the above-described processing.

<Main controller 300 timer interrupt processing>
The main control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt process.

  The main control unit 300 includes a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, about once every 2 ms), and the main control unit timer interrupt is triggered by this timer interrupt signal. The process is started at a predetermined cycle.

  In step SB01, timer interrupt start processing is performed. In this timer interrupt start process, a process of temporarily saving each register value of the CPU 304 to the stack area is performed.

  In step SB03, the WDT is periodically updated (so that the count value of the WDT 314 exceeds the initial setting value (32.8 ms in the present embodiment) and no WDT interrupt occurs (so as not to detect a processing abnormality). In the embodiment, the restart is performed once every about 2 ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt.

  In step SB05, input port state update processing is performed. In this input port status update process, the detection signals of the sensor circuits 320 of the various sensors 318 are input via the input ports of the I / O 310 to monitor the presence or absence of the detection signals, and each of the various sensors 318 is partitioned in the RAM 308. Store in the provided signal state storage area.

  In step SB07, various game processes are performed. Specifically, an interrupt status is acquired (various interrupt statuses are acquired based on signals from various sensors 318), and processing according to this status is performed (for example, the interrupt status of each acquired stop button 137 to 139). Based on the stop button reception process). In step SB09, timer update processing is performed. Various timers are updated for each time unit.

  In step SB11, command setting transmission processing is performed, and various commands are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. Note that the output schedule information transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 is composed of 16 bits in the present embodiment, bit 15 is strobe information (indicating that data is set when ON), bit 11 -14 are command types (in this embodiment, basic command, start lever reception command, production command accompanying production lottery processing, rotation start command accompanying the start of rotation of reels 110 to 112, and operation of stop buttons 137 to 139. Bits 0 to 10 are command data (a stop button reception command accompanying the stop processing of the reels 110 to 112, a payout number command accompanying the medal payout processing, a payout end command, a command indicating a gaming state, etc.). Predetermined information corresponding to the command type).

  In the first sub-control unit 400, it is possible to determine the production control according to the change of the game control in the main control unit 300 by the command type included in the received output schedule information, and it is included in the output schedule information. Based on the information of the command data, the contents of effect control can be determined.

  In step SB13, an external output signal setting process is performed. In this external output signal setting process, game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to an information input circuit 652 separate from the slot machine 100 via the information output circuit 334.

  In step SB15, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, first, the signal states of the various sensors 318 stored in the signal state storage area in step SB05 are read to monitor the presence / absence of errors relating to medal insertion abnormality and medal payout abnormality. Error processing (not shown) is executed. Further, according to the current gaming state, the medal selector 170 (medal blocker in which the solenoid provided in the medal selector 170 operates), various lamps 338, and various 7-segment (SEG) indicators are set.

  In step SB17, it is monitored whether or not the low voltage signal is on. Then, when the low voltage signal is on (when power supply cutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step SB21. When the low voltage signal is off (power supply cutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step SB19.

  In step SB19, various processes for ending the timer interrupt end process are performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the value of each register temporarily saved in step SB01 is set in each original register. Thereafter, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, in step SB21, a specific variable or stack pointer for returning to the power-off state at the time of power recovery is saved as a return data in a predetermined area of the RAM 308, and power-off processing such as initialization of input / output ports is performed. After that, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

<Processing of First Sub-Control Unit 400>
The processing of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7A is a flowchart of a main process executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 7B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the first sub control unit 400. FIG. 7C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400.

  First, in step SC01 in FIG. 7A, various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in step SC01. In this initialization processing, initialization of input / output ports, initialization processing of a storage area in the RAM 408, and the like are performed.

  In step SC03, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step SC05. In step SC05, 0 is assigned to the timer variable.

  In step SC07, command processing is performed. In the command processing, the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400 determines whether a command is received from the main control unit 300.

  In step SC09, an effect control process is performed. For example, if there is a new command in step SC07, processing corresponding to this command is performed. This process includes, for example, performing a process such as reading effect data from the ROM 406 and performing an effect data update process when the effect data needs to be updated.

  In step SC11, sound control processing is performed based on the processing result of step C09. For example, if there is a command to the sound source IC 418 in the effect data read in step SC09, this command is output to the sound source IC 418.

  In step SC13, lamp control processing is performed based on the processing result of step C09. For example, if there is a command to the various lamps 420 in the effect data read in step SC09, this command is output to the drive circuit 422.

  In step SC15, an information output process for setting to transmit a control command to the second sub-control unit 500 is performed based on the processing result of step C09. For example, if there is a control command to be transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 in the effect data read in step SC09, the control command is set to be output, and the process returns to step SC03.

  Next, the command reception interrupt process of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output from the main control unit 300. In step SD01 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 408.

  Next, the first sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms), and the timer interrupt process is performed by using the timer interrupt as a trigger. Execute in the cycle.

  In step SE01, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408 described in step SC03 in the first sub control unit main process shown in FIG. 7A, and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step SC03, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10).

  In step SE03, transmission of a control command to the second sub-control unit 500 set in step SC15, an effect random number update process, and the like are performed.

<Processing of Second Sub-Control Unit 500>
The process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8A is a flowchart of main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 8B is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 8C is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500. FIG. 8D is a flowchart of the image control process of the second sub control unit 500.

  In step SG01, various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in step SF01. In this initialization process, input / output port initialization, storage area initialization in the RAM 508, and the like are performed.

  In step SF03, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step SF05. In step SF05, 0 is assigned to the timer variable. In step SF07, command processing is performed. In the command processing, the CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 determines whether a command is received from the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400.

  In step SF09, an effect control process is performed. For example, if there is a new command in step SF07, processing corresponding to this command is performed. This process includes, for example, performing a process such as reading effect data from the ROM 506 and performing an effect data update process when the effect data needs to be updated.

  In step SF11, shutter control processing is performed based on the processing result of step SF09. For example, if there is a shutter control command in the effect data read in step SF09, shutter control corresponding to this command is performed.

  In step SF11, image control processing is performed based on the processing result of step SF09. For example, if there is an image control command in the effect data read in step SF09, image control corresponding to this command is performed, and the process returns to step SF03.

  Next, a command reception interrupt process of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the second sub control unit 500 detects the strobe signal output from the first sub control unit 400. In step SG01 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output from the first sub-control unit 400 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in the RAM 508.

  Next, the second sub control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. The second sub-control unit 500 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms). Execute in the cycle.

  In step SH01, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 508 described in step SF03 in the second sub control unit main process shown in FIG. 8A, and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step SF03, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10). In step SH03, an effect random number update process is performed.

  Next, the image control process in step SF13 in the main process of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of image control processing.

  In step SI01, an instruction to transfer image data is issued. Here, the CPU 504 first swaps the designation of the display areas A and B in the VRAM 536. As a result, an image of one frame stored in the display area not designated as the drawing area is displayed on the effect image display device 157. Next, the CPU 504 sets ROM coordinates (transfer source address of the ROM 506), VRAM coordinates (transfer destination address of the VRAM 536), and the like in the attribute register of the VDP 534 based on the position information table and the like, and then the image from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 536. Set an instruction to start data transfer. The VDP 534 transfers the image data from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 536 based on the command set in the attribute register. Thereafter, the VDP 534 outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 504.

  In step SI03, it is determined whether or not a transfer end interrupt signal is input from VDP 534. If a transfer end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step SI05. Otherwise, a transfer end interrupt signal is input. Wait for it. In step SI05, parameters are set based on the production scenario configuration table and attribute data. Here, in order to form a display image in the display area A or B of the VRAM 536 based on the image data transferred to the VRAM 536 in step SI01, the CPU 504 has information on the image data constituting the display image (coordinate axis and image size of the VRAM 536). , VRAM coordinates (arrangement coordinates, etc.) are instructed to VDP 534. The VDP 534 performs parameter setting in accordance with the attribute based on the instruction stored in the attribute register.

  In step SI07, a drawing instruction is performed. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 534 to start drawing an image. The VDP 534 starts drawing an image in the frame buffer in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 504.

  In step SI09, it is determined whether or not a generation end interrupt signal from the VDP 534 is input based on the end of image drawing. If the generation end interrupt signal is input, the process proceeds to step SI11. If not, the generation end interrupt signal is determined. Wait for input. In step SI11, a scene display counter which is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 508 and counts how many scene images have been generated is incremented (+1), and the process ends.

<Reel and surrounding structure>
The structure of the reels 110 to 112 and its peripheral parts will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of the reel drive unit 10, and FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of each reel and peripheral components.

  The reel drive unit 10 includes a reel case 11 made of a box-shaped metal plate. The reel case 11 includes three reels 110 to 112 (generally referred to as reels R), a drive motor 2 for rotationally driving the reels 110 to 112, and rotation of the reels 110 to 112. An index sensor 3 for detecting the position and a backlight module 4 for projecting light toward the back side of the reel bands T0 to T2 (collectively referred to as the reel band T) of each reel 110 to 112. Is housed.

  The reel R includes an annular reel band T that can transmit light, and is rotatably provided to the drive motor 2. The backlight module 4 is disposed inside the annular reel band T and has a light emitting portion (here, LED) 44A. The reel R includes reel frames 12 and 14 that hold a reel band T. The reel frame 212 supports the left side surface of the reel band T, and the reel frame 214 supports the right side surface of the reel band T. The reel frames 12 and 14 are made of a material that can transmit light (such as transparent or translucent plastic).

  The reel frame 12 includes an annular frame portion 12A and four support portions 12B extending from the frame portion 12A toward the center of the frame portion 12A. An L-shaped light shielding piece 12D is attached to one of the four support portions 12B by a screw 12E so that the light shielding piece 12D passes between the light projecting portion and the light receiving portion of the index sensor 3. Arranged. The reel frame 14 is formed of an annular member having substantially the same diameter as the frame portion 12A of the reel frame 12, and is disposed on the opposite side of the reel frame 12 with the reel band T interposed therebetween.

  The drive motor 2 is fixed to a pedestal formed on the mounting plate 32, and the motor shaft of the drive motor 2 is fixed to the mounting portion 12C of the reel R. In the case of this embodiment, the attachment portion 12 </ b> C is formed on the reel frame 12. By driving the drive motor 2, the reel R rotates around the Z axis that is coaxial with the motor shaft. In the present embodiment, the Z-axis direction is the left-right direction.

  The index sensor 3 is fixed to the mounting plate 32 via an L-shaped mounting base 34. The backlight module 4 includes a reflector 42 that is fixed to the mounting plate 32, and an illumination board 44 that includes a light emitting unit 44A for projecting light from the rear of the reflector 42. The harness connected to the drive motor 2, the index sensor 3, and the backlight module 4 is connected to the relay substrate 12 through a through hole 32 </ b> A formed in the mounting plate 32.

  The configuration of the backlight module 4 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11A is an exploded perspective view of the backlight module 4, and FIG. 11B is a front view of the backlight module 4.

  The backlight module 4 includes a reflector 42 and an illumination board 44 that is detachably attached to the back surface of the reflector 42. The reflector 42 includes two partition portions (partition wall members) 42a, and three openings 46A to 46C are formed in the vertical direction by the two partition portions 42a. In each of the openings 46A to 46C, two light emitting portions 44A are arranged, and the light from each light emitting portion 44A is arranged in the upper design, the opening 46B in the middle design, and the opening 46C in the lower design. Direct to each of the designs. Note that the shape of the reflector 42, the number and arrangement of the light emitting portions 44A, and the like are not limited, and the number of partitions and openings is not particularly limited, but in the present embodiment, the backlight module 4 Since the number of symbols of the reel band T that projects light is set to three, three openings 46A to 46C are formed by the two partition portions 42a.

<Composition of reel frame>
The configuration of the reel frames 12 and 14 will be described with reference to FIG. 12 is a front view of the reel R, FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 12A, and FIG. 12C is an enlarged view of a portion B and a portion C in FIG. The cross-sectional view of FIG. 12B illustrates only the front side portion of the reel R.

  The reel R has a cylindrical shape as a whole around the Z axis. As shown in FIG. 12A, the width direction of the reel band T is the same direction as the Z axis, and is the left-right direction. Each edge in the width direction of the reel band T may be referred to as a side edge, and the center between both side edges may be referred to as the center in the width direction.

  Each of the reel frames 12 and 14 has a cylindrical wall portion 5 centering on the Z axis. The wall portion 5 has a uniform thickness except for the end portion, and overlaps the reel strip T in the radial direction as a whole. The wall portion 5 has an outer peripheral surface 51 and an inner peripheral surface 52, and the reel band T is held on the outer peripheral surface 51 by bonding or the like at its side edge. The wall portion 5 has an inner end portion 5a and an outer end portion 5b. The inner end portion 5a is an end portion on the center side in the width direction of the reel band T, and the outer end portion 5b is an end portion on the side edge side.

  A flange portion 6 is formed integrally with the outer end portion 5b. The flange portion 6 protrudes radially outward from the wall portion 5 and defines the side edge position of the reel R. A rib 7 projecting radially inward from the inner peripheral surface 52 is formed integrally with the wall portion 5 at a position between the inner end portion 5a and the outer end portion 5b. The rib 7 reinforces the wall portion 5.

  The wall portion 5 has an end surface 5 a on the inner end portion 5 a side, and the end surface 5 a extends perpendicular to the inner peripheral surface 52. An adjustment portion 8 is formed from the end surface 5 a to the outer peripheral surface 51. The adjustment unit 8 is formed over the entire circumference of the reel frames 12 and 14. The adjusting unit 8 is a part that adjusts the light amount distribution when the light emitted from the light emitting unit 44A passes through the wall 5, and in the present embodiment, is a notch formed on the outer peripheral surface 51 side at the inner end 5a. The inclined surface is continuous with the end surface 5 a and the outer peripheral surface 51. In other words, the adjustment portion 8 is a portion where the thickness of the end portion 5a is increased from the center side of the reel band T toward the side edge side. Hereinafter, adjustment of the light amount distribution will be described.

  When viewed in the width direction, the reel band T is held by these so as to bridge between the wall portion 5 of the reel frame 12 and the wall portion 5 of the reel frame 14. As shown in FIG. 12B, the light from the light emitting portion 44A illuminates the symbols on the reel band T from the back side of the reel band T. The light emitting portion 44A illuminates the reel band T substantially uniformly in the width direction, but the side edge portion of the reel band T overlaps with the wall portions 5 of the reel frames 12 and 14. The reel frames 12 and 14 are made of a material that can transmit light, and the light from the light emitting portion 44A passes through the wall portion 5 and illuminates the side edge portion of the reel band T.

  Since the side edge of the reel strip T overlaps the wall 5, the lighting tends to be darker than the central part. However, unevenness in the light quantity distribution occurs in the width direction, and this unevenness is a streak when viewed from the player. May appear. This phenomenon will be described with reference to a comparative example.

  FIG. 13A illustrates the shape of a wall portion 5 ′ of a conventional reel frame as a comparative example. About the structure of wall part 5 'corresponding to the wall part 5 of embodiment mentioned above, the same code | symbol as the wall part 5 is attached | subjected. The difference between the wall portion 5 and the wall portion 5 ′ is in the presence or absence of the adjustment portion (notch) 8.

  FIG. 13B schematically shows a refraction mode in the wall portion 5 ′ of the light from the light emitting portion 44A, and FIG. 13C shows that the light from the light emitting portion 44A is transmitted through the wall portion 5 ′. The light quantity distribution in the width direction in the region C ′ of the reel band T to be irradiated is shown.

  Since the light from the light emitting portion 44A is obliquely incident on the wall portion 5 ′, the light incident on the wall portion 5 ′ from the end surface 5a tends to be refracted toward the center side, and is incident on the inner peripheral surface 52. Tends to refract to the side edge side. For this reason, the light refracted from the inner peripheral surface 52 and the light refracted from the end surface 53 are concentrated in a region C3 'slightly away from the end surface 53, and a bright portion is generated. Further, since the refracted light incident from the inner peripheral surface 52 does not reach the end surface 53 side, a region C2 ′ darker than the dense portion described above is generated on the end surface 53 side, and a shadow is formed. . From the above, the light amount distribution in the width direction of the region C ′ becomes a bright region C1 ′, a dark region C2 ′, a slightly bright region C3 ′, and a dark region C4 ′ in order from the center side. Since it changes from bright to dark to bright, the dark region C2 'may be noticeable in a streak shape.

  Thus, in the comparative example, the light refracted from both the back surface 52 of the surface 51 to which the reel band T is attached and the end surface 53 perpendicular to the reel band T is refracted on the outside (slightly bright portion). C3 '), the bright area was generated on the outside.

  The adjusting unit 8 of the wall portion 5 of the embodiment adjusts such a light amount distribution, and adjusts the light amount distribution so that the light amount distribution becomes darker from the center side to the side edge side of the reel band T. The adjustment part 8 is formed as a notch near a portion where light refracted in the conventional shape is concentrated. As a result, from the center side of the reel band T, “area where light from the light emitting part directly irradiates the reel band”, “area where light transmitted through the reel frame is concentrated and irradiates the reel band”, “transmitted through the reel frame Since light is in the order of “region where the reel band is irradiated”, it can be made gradually darker as it goes outside the reel band.

  FIG. 14 (b) schematically shows a refraction mode of the light from the light emitting portion 44A in the wall portion 5, and FIG. 14 (c) shows that the light from the light emitting portion 44A is irradiated through the wall portion 5. The light quantity distribution in the width direction in the area C of the reel band T is shown.

  The right side of FIG. 14C is the center side of the reel band T, and the left side is the side edge side of the reel band T. You can see that it gets brighter (the brightness increases) as it goes to the right side (the center side of the reel). By providing the adjustment unit 8, the amount of light in the portion corresponding to the dark region C2 ′ in FIG. 13C is improved, and in the embodiment, the light amount distribution in the width direction of the region C is the bright region C1, in order from the center side. A slightly bright area C2 and a dark area C3 are improved. Since it changes from bright to slightly bright to dark, there are no dark areas that stand out in a streak.

  FIG. 14A shows an example of dimensions around the wall portion 5 where the light quantity distribution has been improved. In addition, the dimension described here is an example to the last. Although the example of the dimension of the wall part 5 of the reel frame 14 is shown here, the wall part 5 of the reel frame 12 can adopt the same dimension. The thickness of the reel band T is 0.18 mm.

  The width of the end surface 53 (0.4 mm in this example) is desirably less than or equal to half the thickness of the wall portion 5 (1.1 mm in this example). The angle at which the effect is the highest is selected as the angle of the adjusting unit 8 depending on the angle at which the light from the light emitting unit 44A is incident.

  FIGS. 15A to 15C show the results of comparative experiments on the light quantity between the reel frame wall 5 'of the comparative example and the reel frame wall 5 of the embodiment. FIG. 15A shows the measured values of the luminance of the regions C ′ and C, FIG. 15B schematically shows the luminance change of FIG. 15A, and FIG. The change in luminance is displayed in a graph.

  As seen from the graph of FIG. 15 (c), the shape of the conventional wall portion 5 ′ increases once from the center side to the side edge side of the reel strip T, then decreases in luminance, and then rapidly increases in luminance. You can see that it is getting higher. It can be seen that the shape of the wall portion 5 of the embodiment does not change abruptly as compared with the conventional shape, and the luminance gradually decreases from the central side toward the peripheral side.

  As described above, according to the embodiment, it may be possible to prevent the appearance of the reel band T from being deteriorated due to the light passing through the reel frames 12 and 14.

<Other configuration examples of the adjustment unit>
Another configuration example of the adjustment unit 8 will be described. In the following examples, all are adjusted so that the light quantity distribution becomes darker from the center side to the side edge side of the reel band T. Further, in the following example, the configuration of the wall portion 5 of the reel frame 14 will be described, but the wall portion 5 of the reel frame 12 can be similarly configured.

  FIGS. 16A to 16C show other configuration examples of the adjustment unit 8. 16A shows a cross-sectional view of the wall portion 5, FIG. 16B schematically shows a refraction mode of the light from the light emitting portion 44A in the wall portion 5, and FIG. The light quantity distribution in the width direction in the region C of the reel band T irradiated with light from the light emitting part 44A through the wall part 5 is shown. Constituent elements similar to those in the example of FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 16, the adjusting portion 8 is formed as a notch (inclined surface) extending from the inner peripheral surface 52 to the outer peripheral surface 51. In other words, the adjusting portion 8 has an end portion 5 a with a thickness of the reel band T. This is a portion that is thickened from the center side toward the side edge side.

  The difference from the example of FIG. 14 is the presence or absence of the end face 53. In the example of FIG. 16, the end face 53 is not provided. Also in such a configuration example, the side edge side of the reel band T is irradiated by the light incident from the inner peripheral surface 52 and refracted, so that a dark portion is hardly generated on the center side of the reel band T.

  FIGS. 17A to 17C show other configuration examples of the adjustment unit 8. 17A shows a cross-sectional view of the wall portion 5, FIG. 17B schematically shows a refraction mode of the light from the light emitting portion 44A in the wall portion 5, and FIG. The light quantity distribution in the width direction in the region C of the reel band T irradiated with light from the light emitting part 44A through the wall part 5 is shown. Constituent elements similar to those in the example of FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 17, the adjustment portion is formed as a notch (inclined surface) on the inner peripheral surface 52 side. In other words, the adjustment portion 8 has a thickness of the end portion 5 a from the center side of the reel band T to the side edge side. It is the part that is made thicker as it goes to. In the example of FIG. 17, the thickness of the wall portion 5 decreases as it goes to the center side of the reel band T, and the back surface of the outer peripheral surface 51 to which the reel band T is attached is inclined at a constant degree. is there.

  In the example of FIG. 17, the distance necessary for passing through the wall 5 (= thickness of the wall 5) increases from the center side to the side edge side of the reel band T. The irradiation light becomes weaker as it goes to the side edge side, and it becomes easier to darken as it goes to the side edge side of the reel band T.

  In the example of FIG. 17, it is preferable that the inclined surface of the adjusting unit 8 be an inclined surface having a certain angle in consideration of light refraction. When the angle of inclination of the inclined surface changes in the middle, a portion where the refracted light tends to be concentrated may occur.

  FIGS. 18A to 18C show other configuration examples of the adjustment unit 8. 18A shows a cross-sectional view of the wall portion 5, FIG. 18B schematically shows a transmission mode of light from the light emitting portion 44A in the wall portion 5, and FIG. The light quantity distribution in the width direction in the region C of the reel band T irradiated with light from the light emitting part 44A through the wall part 5 is shown. Constituent elements similar to those in the example of FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 18, as the adjustment unit 8, a plurality of portions 8 </ b> A to 8 </ b> D having different light transmittances are arranged in the width direction, and the light transmittance increases toward the center side of the reel band T. It is. In other words, the light transmittance decreases as it goes from the center side of the reel band T to the side edge side. That is, the light transmittance is 8A> 8B> 8C> 8D. The transmittance can be varied depending on the color and the amount of contaminants such as powder mixed in the wall 5.

  With the configuration of FIG. 18, the light transmittance decreases as going to the side edge side of the reel band T, so that the intensity of light applied to the reel band T becomes weaker as going outward.

  In the case of the example in FIG. 18, it is preferable that the thickness of the portion to which the reel band T is attached is made thin overall because the wall portion 5 has a structure in which the light transmittance varies depending on the portion. When the thickness of the portion to which the reel band T is attached is thick, the dense portion of transmitted light due to light refraction is far from the portion where the light from the light emitting portion 44A is directly irradiated to the reel band T. In some cases, a portion where the inner side is darker than the outer side of T is likely to occur. In the example of FIG. 18, the rib 7 is formed so as to be continuous with the flange portion 6 because the wall portion 5 varies in light transmittance depending on the portion.

  FIGS. 19A and 19B show other examples of the configuration of the adjusting unit 8. Here, an example using an adhesive layer interposed between the reel band T and the outer peripheral surface 51 of the wall portion 5 will be described. FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate a configuration example of the adjustment unit 8 using the adhesive layer 9 in addition to the configuration example of the adjustment unit 8 illustrated in FIG. 14, and FIG. FIG. 19B is an enlarged view of a portion D in FIG. 19A. In addition, the structural example of the contact bonding layer 9 described below can also be used together with the structural example of each adjustment part 8 of FIGS. Moreover, the structural example of the contact bonding layer 9 can be comprised as the adjustment part 8 by itself. FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate the wall portion 5 of the reel frame 13, but the same configuration can be adopted for the wall portion 5 of the reel frame 12.

  The adhesive layer 9 is interposed between the outer peripheral surface 51 of the wall 5 and the reel band T, and the reel band T is held on the wall 5 by the adhesive force. For example, the adhesive layer 9 is obtained by curing an adhesive tape or a liquid adhesive. As shown in FIG. 19B, the adhesive layer 9 is not provided in the region 51 a on the center side of the reel band T between the reel band T and the outer peripheral surface 51 of the wall portion 5.

  According to such a configuration, the light that has passed through the region 51a irradiates the reel band T without passing through the adhesive layer 9, so that the luminance does not decrease that much, and the light on the center side in the region C of the reel band T is reduced. Brightness can be increased.

<Other examples of adjustment unit>
In the above embodiment, the adjustment portion 8 is formed on each wall portion 5 of the reel frames 12 and 14. However, a configuration in which the adjustment portion 8 is provided only on one wall portion 5 of the reel frames 12 and 14 can also be adopted. . Further, the configuration of the reel frames 12 and 14 other than the wall portion 5 is not limited to the above configuration, and may be any shape.

<Other light quantity distribution adjustment methods>
In each of the above embodiments, the light emitting unit 44A is disposed inside the reels 110 to 112, and the reels 110 to 112 are enclosed and accommodated in the reel case 11 as shown in FIG. For this reason, as schematically shown in FIG. 19C, the light from the light emitting part different from the light emitting part 44A is not directly irradiated onto the wall part 5 from the outside of the reels 110 to 112.

  However, the light quantity distribution in the width direction at the side edge part of the reel band T may be adjusted by providing a light emitting part different from the light emitting part 44A and irradiating the wall part 5 with light. That is, as a configuration having a light emitting portion that directly irradiates light from the outside of the reel frames 12 and 14 toward the reel R, the side edges of the reel band T are illuminated to prevent dark portions from being noticeable in a streak shape. May be. In addition, when it is set as the structure which has a light emission part which irradiates light directly to the reel R from the outer side of the reel frames 12 and 14, the outer side of the reel R may become bright depending on the shape of the reel frames 12 and 14. Therefore, it is more likely that the above-described configuration of the wall portion 5 is effective.

<Examples of applicable game machines>
In the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine is illustrated, but the present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine other than a slot machine, such as a pachinko machine or an enclosed game machine.

  In game machines such as slot machines and pachinko machines, in recent years, there are an increasing number of full-screen liquid crystal machines in which a transmissive liquid crystal is mounted on the front surface of a reel. In a game machine equipped with such a transmissive liquid crystal, the space inside the housing is narrow, and it is difficult to secure a space for installing a light emitting unit that illuminates the reel from the outside. When a light emitting unit that illuminates the reel from the outside cannot be installed, a configuration in which the entire surface of the reel is brightened by using a light emitting unit (backlight) on the back side of the reel can be considered. Thus, the present invention is particularly effective in a gaming machine that employs a configuration in which the entire surface of the reel is brightened using the backlight on the back side of the reel.

<Summary of Embodiment>
1. The gaming table (e.g., 100) in the above embodiment is
An annular reel band (e.g. T), a rotatable reel (e.g. R),
A light emitting part (e.g. 44A) arranged inside the reel band;
A game machine equipped with
The reel has a reel frame (for example, 12, 14) that holds the reel band,
The reel frame includes a wall portion (for example, 5) that overlaps the reel belt,
The reel band is held on the outer peripheral surface of the wall portion (for example, 51),
The reel band has a region (e.g., C) irradiated with light emitted from the light emitting unit through the wall,
The wall portion includes an adjustment portion (e.g., 8) that adjusts the light amount distribution in the width direction of the reel band in the region over the entire circumference of the reel frame.
It is characterized by that.

  According to this configuration, it may be possible to provide a game table that can prevent the appearance of the reel band from being deteriorated due to light passing through the reel frame.

2. The gaming table (e.g., 100) in the above embodiment is
The adjustment unit adjusts the light amount distribution so that the light intensity distribution becomes darker from the center side to the side edge side of the reel band.
It is characterized by that.

  According to this configuration, it may be possible to gradually darken as it goes to the side edge side of the reel band, and it may be possible to provide gradation to the brightness of the reel.

3. The gaming table (e.g., 100) in the above embodiment is
The wall overlaps with the side edge of the reel strip;
The wall portion has a central end portion (for example, 5a) in the width direction of the reel band,
As the adjusting portion, an inclined surface is formed on the outer peripheral surface side of the end portion (for example, FIG. 12 (c), FIG. 14 (a), FIG. 16),
It is characterized by that.

  According to this configuration, it may be possible to prevent the occurrence of a dark dark portion.

4). The gaming table (e.g., 100) in the above embodiment is
The wall overlaps with the side edge of the reel strip;
The wall portion has an end on the center side in the width direction of the reel band,
As the adjusting portion, the thickness of the end portion is increased from the center side of the reel band toward the side edge side (for example, FIG. 12 (c), FIG. 14 (a), FIG. 16, FIG. 17),
It is characterized by that.

  According to this configuration, it may be possible to prevent the occurrence of a dark dark portion.

5. The gaming table (e.g., 100) in the above embodiment is
The wall portion has, as the adjustment portion, a portion (for example, 8A-8D) in which the light transmittance decreases as it goes from the center side of the reel band to the side edge side.
It is characterized by that.

  According to this configuration, it may be possible to gradually darken as it goes to the side edge side of the reel band, and it may be possible to provide gradation to the brightness of the reel, and a streak dark portion May be prevented from occurring.

6). The gaming table (e.g., 100) in the above embodiment is
The reel band is held on the outer peripheral surface via an adhesive layer,
Between the reel band and the outer peripheral surface, the area on the center side of the reel band has no adhesive layer (for example, 51a),
It is characterized by that.

  According to this configuration, it may be possible to prevent the occurrence of a dark dark portion.

7). The gaming table (e.g., 100) in the above embodiment is
The reel has a structure in which light from a light emitting part different from the light emitting part is not directly irradiated to the wall part from the outside of the reel (for example, FIG. 19 (c)),
It is characterized by that.

  According to this structure, the said effect may be able to be heightened.

8). The gaming table (e.g., 100) in the above embodiment is
An annular reel band (e.g. T), a rotatable reel (e.g. R),
A light emitting part (e.g. 44A) arranged inside the reel band;
A game machine equipped with
The reel has a reel frame (for example, 12, 14) that holds the reel band,
The reel frame includes a wall portion (for example, 5) that overlaps a side edge portion of the reel belt,
The reel band is held on the outer peripheral surface of the wall portion (for example, 51),
The side edge portion has a region (e.g., C) where the light emitted from the light emitting portion is irradiated through the wall portion,
The wall portion has a central end portion (for example, 5a) in the width direction of the reel band,
A notch is formed over the entire circumference of the reel frame on the outer peripheral surface side of the end (e.g., 8),
It is characterized by that.

  According to this configuration, it may be possible to provide a game table that can prevent the appearance of the reel band from being deteriorated due to light passing through the reel frame.

5 Wall, 8 Adjustment, 12 Reel Frame, 14 Reel Frame, 44A Light Emitting, R Reel, 100 Slot Machine

Claims (3)

An annular reel belt, a rotatable reel,
A light emitting portion disposed inside the reel band;
A game machine equipped with
The reel has a reel frame that holds the reel band;
The reel frame includes a wall portion that overlaps the reel belt,
The reel band is held on the outer peripheral surface of the wall portion,
The reel band has a region irradiated with light emitted from the light emitting part through the wall part,
The wall portion includes an adjustment portion that adjusts the light amount distribution in the width direction of the reel band in the region over the entire circumference of the reel frame ,
The wall portion has a portion where the light transmittance decreases as the adjustment portion goes from the center side of the reel band to the side edge side,
A game stand characterized by that. An annular reel belt, a rotatable reel,
A light emitting portion disposed inside the reel band;
A game machine equipped with
The reel has a reel frame that holds the reel band;
The reel frame includes a wall portion that overlaps a side edge portion of the reel belt,
The reel band is held on the outer peripheral surface of the wall portion,
The side edge portion has a region irradiated with light emitted from the light emitting portion through the wall portion,
The wall portion has an end on the center side in the width direction of the reel band,
An inclined surface is formed over the entire circumference of the reel frame on the outer peripheral surface side of the end portion.
A game stand characterized by that. An annular reel belt, a rotatable reel,
A light emitting portion disposed inside the reel band;
A game machine equipped with
The reel has a reel frame that holds the reel band;
The reel frame includes a wall portion that overlaps the reel belt,
The reel band is held on the outer peripheral surface of the wall portion,
The reel band has a region irradiated with light emitted from the light emitting part through the wall part,
The wall portion includes an adjustment portion that adjusts the light amount distribution in the width direction of the reel band in the region over the entire circumference of the reel frame ,
The wall overlaps with the side edge of the reel strip;
As the adjustment portion, the thickness of the wall portion is increased from the end portion on the central side in the width direction of the reel band toward the side edge side,
A game stand characterized by that.