JP2000350806A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display game information on an image display device relating to a slot machine provided with the image display device of liquid crystal or the like for instance. SOLUTION: A game controller 130 is provided with a background image preparation means 151, a picture pattern image preparation means 152 and an image synthesis means 160. The background image preparation means 151 is for preparing a background image to be displayed on the image display device 100. The picture pattern image preparation means 152 is for preparing a picture pattern image expressing the game information by a picture pattern. The image synthesis means 160 is for synthesizing the background image by the background image preparation means 151 and the picture pattern image by the picture pattern image preparation means 152 and displaying a synthetic image on the image display device 100.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a slot machine provided with an image display device such as a liquid crystal display, and is capable of displaying game information on the image display device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a slot machine provided with an image display device is known (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-124290). The character "Please insert a medal" was displayed as information on the image display device (paragraph number "0022" in the publication).

[0003]

However, the conventional image display device described above has a problem that it is difficult to attract a player's interest because the display is performed by characters. Therefore, the inventions described in the respective claims have been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the conventional technology, and the objects thereof are as follows. (Claim 1) That is, the invention according to claim 1 is such that game information can be displayed in a manner that is easy for a player to understand by using a pattern. (Claim 2) The invention described in claim 2 has the following object in addition to the object of the invention described in claim 1.

[0004] That is, according to the invention described in claim 2, characters can be used together. (Claim 3) The invention described in claim 3 has the following object in addition to the object of the invention described in claim 1 or 2.

[0005] That is, the invention according to claim 3 enables use of a moving image.

[0006]

The inventions described in the respective claims are made to achieve the above-mentioned objects, and the features of the inventions are shown in the drawings. This will be described below using embodiments. In addition, the code | symbol in a parenthesis shows the code | symbol used in embodiment of this invention, and does not limit the technical scope of this invention.

Further, the drawing numbers indicate the drawing numbers used in the embodiments of the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. (Claim 1) The invention according to claim 1 has the following features. That is, for example, in FIG.
As shown in (1), it includes a background image creating means (151), a picture image creating means (152), and an image synthesizing means (160).

The background image creating means (151) is for creating a background image (200) to be displayed on the image display device (100) as shown in FIG. 3, for example. The picture image creating means (152) is, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, for creating a picture image (210) in which game information is represented by a picture. The image synthesizing unit (160) includes a background image creating unit (15).
The background image (200) according to (1) and the design image (210) by the design image creating means (152) are combined, and the combined image is displayed on the image display device (100)
Is to be displayed. (Claim 2) The invention of claim 2 has the following features in addition to the features of the invention of claim 1 described above.

First, the game control device (130) includes a character image creating means (153) as shown in FIG. 1, for example.
The character image creating means (153) is for creating a character image (220) expressing game information as characters as shown in FIG. 4, for example. Second, the image synthesizing means includes a background image (200) by the background image creating means (151), a picture image (210) by the picture image creating means (152), and a character image creating means (153).
Is combined with the character image (220). (Claim 3) The invention according to claim 3 has the following features in addition to the features of the invention described in claim 1 or 2.

That is, a moving image is used for the background image (200) by the background image creating means (151) and the picture image (210) by the picture image creating means (152).

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (Explanation of the Drawings) FIGS. 1 to 18 show an example of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a slot machine, FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the slot machine, and FIGS. 3 to 18 show display examples of a screen of an image display device.

FIG. 19 shows an example of another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a schematic front view of a slot machine. (Slot Machine 10) In FIG. 2, reference numeral 10 denotes a slot machine. The slot machine 10 has a housing 20, as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, a display window 30 is provided at the center of the front surface of the housing 20, as shown in FIG. In the display window 30, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of reel units 40 shown in FIG.
For example, three reels 41 to 43 face. In addition, reels 41 to 43
Is not limited to three, but may be two or four or more. As shown in FIG. 2, a medal slot 50 and a credit medal slot switch 60 are provided below the display window 30.

The above-mentioned medal insertion slot 50 is for inserting a medal. The credit medal insertion switch
60 is for inserting credit medals.
On the diagonally lower side of the credit medal insertion switch 60,
As shown in FIG. 2, a start switch 70 is provided.

The start switch 70 is used to start driving the reel unit 40. Below the three reels 41 to 43, there are three stop switches 80 to 82 as shown in FIG. The stop switches 80 to 82 partially stop the driving of the reel unit 40 and stop the corresponding reels 41 to 43, respectively.

The number of the stop switches 80 to 82 is only required to correspond to the number of the reels 41 to 43, and is not limited to three. On the other hand, an upper panel 90 is provided above the display window 30, as shown in FIG. At the center of the upper panel 90, an image display device 100 is provided as shown in FIG. The image display device 100 is arranged on the upper panel 90 so that the current reel unit 40 can be used. For example, if the image display device 100 is arranged beside the display window 30, the reel unit 40 may be downsized.

Note that the image display device 100 is not limited to the center of the upper panel 90, but can be arranged on one of the right and left sides. The image display device 100 is for displaying game information, and is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel. Note that the image display device 100 is not limited to a liquid crystal panel, but may be a CRT.
May be used.

On the other hand, a medal tray 110 is provided below the housing 20, as shown in FIG. In the above-mentioned medal saucer 110,
The medals paid out from the hopper unit 120 shown in FIG. 1 are stored. (Reel Unit 40) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the reel unit 40 includes three reels 41 to 43 and three motors (not shown) for individually rotating the reels 41 to 43. It is composed of

The number of motors may not be the same as the number of the reels 41 to 43, and the three reels 41 to 43 may be individually rotated by one motor. Each reel 41 ~
Although not shown, a plurality of types of symbols are displayed on the outer peripheral surface of 43. Although not shown, the following symbols are available.

(1) Watermelon Design Although not shown, a picture of a watermelon is displayed on the reels 41 to 43. Then, although three watermelon symbols are arranged on the activated pay line, not shown, twelve medals are paid out to the player via the hopper unit 120.

The number of medals paid out is not limited to twelve. In the so-called credit mode, the number of stored credit medals may be increased. (2) Cherry symbol As a cherry symbol, although not shown, a picture of cherry is displayed on the reels 41 to 43.

When one cherry symbol stops on the activated pay line, two medals are paid out to the player. The payout number of medals is not limited to two. In addition, a plurality of cherry designs, for example, 2 to 3
When all pieces are collected, a prize may be awarded.

(3) BB symbol As the BB symbol, although not shown, for example, numbers "7" and "character" are displayed on the reels 41 to 43.
BB means a so-called big bonus, and hereinafter, "B
B ". Although three BB symbols, not shown, are arranged on the activated pay line, 15 medals are paid out to the player.

The number of medals paid out is not limited to fifteen. At this time, the general game is simultaneously shifted to the BB game which is one of the special games. When shifting to the BB game, up to 30 regular games can be played. In addition, in the general game during the BB game, the RB game can be performed up to three times. RB means a so-called regular bonus, and is hereinafter referred to as “RB”.

Then, the BB game is completed according to the condition which has been achieved, whether the normal game of up to 30 times is completed or the RB game of up to 3 times is completed. (4) RB symbol As the RB symbol, although not shown, for example, characters such as "BAR" are displayed on the reels 41 to 43.

In a general game, although three RB symbols are not shown on the activated pay line, 15 medals are paid out to the player. Note that the number of paid out medals is not limited to fifteen. At this time, the general game is simultaneously shifted to the RB game, which is one of the special games.

When the RB game is started, one medal is inserted, and a JAC game for competing for winning or non-winning of an accessory is started. The JAC game means a so-called jack game, and is hereinafter referred to as “JAC game”. J above
The AC game can be performed up to 12 times. If the player wins eight times out of the twelve JAC games, the RB game ends, and then returns from the RB game to the normal game. If you do not win eight times, when the twelfth JAC game ends,
The RB game ends and returns to the normal game.

On the other hand, in a general game during a BB game,
When the RB symbols are completed, the process shifts to the RB game in the BB game. The types of the symbols are not limited to (1) to (4) described above, and may include other symbols. (Game Control Device 130) On the other hand, a game control device 130 is provided inside the housing 20, as shown in FIG.

The game control device 130 is not shown,
It is composed mainly of a CPU and has ROM, RAM, I / O and the like. When the CPU reads the program stored in the ROM, the CPU functions as a next unit as shown in FIG. (1) Game control means 140 (2) Image creating means 150 (3) Image synthesizing means 160 (4) Sound effect generating means 170
The invention is not limited to the means (4), and may include other means. Also, the number of CPUs is not limited to one,
The control may be performed by a plurality of CPUs. (Input Stage) As shown in FIG. 1, the following means and switches are connected to the input stage of the game control device 130.

(1) Medal Insertion Means 180 The medal insertion means 180 is for inserting medals. Specifically, a medal sensor (not shown) inside the medal insertion slot 50 and a credit medal insertion switch 60
Is equivalent. (2) Start switch 70 (3) Stop switches 80 to 82 Note that the input stage is not limited to the means and switches described in (1) to (3) above. (Output Stage) The following units and devices are connected to the output stage of the game control device 60, as shown in FIG.

(1) Reel unit 40 (2) Hopper unit 120 (3) Image display device 100 (4) Speaker 190 The output stage is limited to the units and devices described in (1) to (4) above. It is not something to be done. (Game control means 140) The game control means 140 is based on the operation of the start switch 70 and the stop switches 80 to 82,
This is for controlling the drive of the reel unit 40.

As shown in FIG. 1, the game control means 140 is roughly divided into the following means. (1) General game control means 141 (2) Special game control means 142 The game control means 140 is not limited to the above-described means (1) and (2). (General Game Control Means 141) The general game control means 141 is for causing a general game to be played. (Special game control means 142) The special game control means 142 performs a special game on the condition that a special symbol, for example, a BB symbol or an RB symbol, among a plurality of types of symbols, is won as a result of the general game by the general game control module 141. This is for playing a game.

Specifically, the special game control means 142 includes the following means as shown in FIG. (1) BB game control means 143 (2) RB game control means 144 Note that the special game control means 142 includes the above (1) to
It is not limited to the means of (2). In addition, as the special symbol, for example, a BB symbol and an RB symbol are illustrated, but any one of them may be used. (BB game control means 143)
During the general game by the general game control means 141, the BB game is played on condition that a BB symbol is won. (RB game control means 144) The RB game control means 144
During the general game by the general game control means 141, or BB
During the BB game by the game control means 143, the RB game is performed on condition that the RB symbol is won. (Image creating means 150) The image creating means 150 is an image display device.
It is for creating various images to be displayed on 100.

More specifically, the image creating means 150 includes the following means as shown in FIG. (1) Background Image Creation Unit 151 The background image creation unit 151 is for creating a background image 200 to be displayed on the image display device 100, as shown in FIG. (2) Picture Image Creation Means 152 The picture image creation means 152 is for creating a picture image 210 in which game information is represented by a picture, as shown in FIG.

(3) Character image creating means 153 The character image creating means 153 is for creating a character image 220 expressing game information as characters as shown in FIG. Note that the image creating means 150 performs the processing described in (1) to
It is not limited to the means of (3). (Image combining means 160) The image combining means 160 combines the background image 200 by the background image creating means, the picture image 210 by the picture image creating means, and the character image 220 by the character image creating means 153, and displays the combined image on the image display device 100. Is to be displayed. (Sound effect generating means 170) The sound effect generating means 170 is a speaker
It is for generating various sound effects through 190. (Display Mode of Image) Next, a display mode of an image displayed on the image display device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

In FIG. 3, the background of the night sky is an example of the background image 200. In the figure, reference numeral 211 denotes a character image. The character image 211 is an example of the picture image 210, appears on the background of the night sky, jumps from the right side to the left side, and is displayed as a moving image. (General game) First, when the general game starts, the image display device
On 100, a start screen of a general game is displayed as shown in FIG.

As an example of the background image 200, as shown in FIG. 4, a stage appears, and a character image 211 appears in the center. On the right side of the character image 211, three medal images 212 appear. The three medal images 212 are an example of the picture image 210, which means that three medals can be inserted. Further, a character image 220 "Please insert a medal" is displayed below the character 211.

When the player inserts one or more medals by the medal insertion means 180, as shown in FIG. 5, the character image "Press the start button and insert" is displayed.
0 is displayed. When the player operates the start switch 70, a smoke background image 200 appears as shown in FIG. Under the smoke background image 200, a character image 220 "Press the STOP button" is displayed.

On the other hand, the player operates the stop switches 80 to 82
Of these, two are operated, and as a result, when, for example, two watermelon symbols are aligned on the activated line, the reach state is established. In the reach state, as shown in FIG.
And the color also changes. From the smoke background image 200, three symbol images 213 appear. 3 design images 2
Reference numeral 13 denotes an example of the picture image 210, which indicates the occurrence of the reach state and the reach pattern. Of the three symbol images 213,
The symbol image 213 on the right side when viewed increases or decreases, and is displayed as a moving image.

On the other hand, when the BB symbol or the RB symbol is in the reach state, as shown in FIG.
Character image 211 appears. (RB game) During the general game, if three RB symbols are aligned, R
Shift to the B game. At this time, a start screen of the RB game is displayed on the image display device 100 as shown in FIG.

When the RB game is started, as shown in FIG. 10, the image changes to a background image 200 in which hearts are scattered. The character image 211 appears in the background image 200 with the hearts dotted. On the right side of the character image 211, as shown in FIG. 10, one medal image 212 appears, indicating that the game is a one-medal insertion. Above the character image 211, twelve JAC game count display images 214 appear. The number-of-JAC-games display image 214 is an example of the pattern image 210 and is used to display the number of remaining games of the JAC game.
This indicates that an AC game can be played. The number of digestive games may be displayed instead of the number of remaining games.

Also, below the character image 211,
As shown in FIG. 10, a character image 220 of "Please insert a medal" is displayed. Although not shown, the character image 220 changes to a display such as "press the start button to insert" and "press the STOP button" as the game progresses.

As a result of the JAC game, when the character is won,
As shown in FIG. 11, a winning image of the JAC game is displayed. When the RB game ends, as shown in FIG.
The RB game end screen is displayed. (BB game) As a result of the general game, when three BB symbols are prepared, the game shifts to the BB game.

At this time, the image display device 100
As shown in the figure, a start screen of the BB game is displayed. B
When the game B is started, as shown in FIG. 14, the background image 200 changes to a background image 200 in which hearts are dotted. The character image 211 appears in the background image 200 with the hearts dotted.

As shown in FIG. 14, three medal images 212 appear on the right side of the character image 211, indicating that the game is a game in which three medals are inserted.
Above the character image 211, three RB game frequency display images 215 appear. RB game count display image 215
Is an example of the picture image 210, and indicates that three RB games can be played.

Also, below the character image 211,
As shown in FIG. 14, a character image 220 "Please insert a medal" is displayed. Although not shown, the character image 220 changes to a display such as "press the start button to insert" and "press the STOP button" as the game progresses.

During the general game of the BB game, if the RB symbol is 3
When the pieces are collected, the start image of the RB game is displayed as shown in FIG. When the RB game in the BB game starts, the background color changes to a color-coded background image 200 as shown in FIG. A character image 211 appears in the color-coded background image 200.

On the left side of the character image 211, as shown in FIG.
5 appears. RB game count display image 215 is a picture image
In an example of 210, this is for displaying the remaining number of RB games in the BB game, and indicates that a maximum of three RB games can be performed. The number of digestive games may be displayed instead of the number of remaining games. One medal image 212 appears on the right side of the character image 211, indicating that the game is a one-medal insertion game. Above the character image 211, there are 12 JACs
The game count display image 214 appears.

Also, below the character image 211,
As shown in FIG. 16, a character image 220 "Please insert a medal" is displayed. Although not shown, the character image 220 changes to a display such as "press the start button to insert" and "press the STOP button" as the game progresses.

On the other hand, after the RB game in the BB game is completed, when the next RB game is started, a display screen of the remaining number of RB games in the BB game is displayed as shown in FIG. Finally, when the BB game ends,
As shown in FIG. 18, the BB game end screen is displayed on the image display device 100. (Other Embodiment) Referring to FIG.
Another embodiment will be described.

The image display device 100 is disposed on the right side of the display window 30 as shown in FIG. The advantage of this embodiment is that the image display device 100 is
This is the point that can be placed at the center of the height of 0. In addition, the image display device 100 is arranged on the right side of the display window 30, but is not limited thereto, and may be arranged on the left side or on the lower side.

[0052]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects. (Claim 1) According to the invention described in claim 1, the following effects are obtained.

That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the game information can be displayed in a manner that is easy for the player to understand by using the picture. (Claim 2) According to the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, the following effect is exerted.

That is, according to the second aspect of the present invention, characters can be used together. (Claim 3) According to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the following effect is exerted.

That is, the invention according to claim 3 can use a moving image.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a slot machine.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the slot machine.

FIG. 3 is a display example of a screen of the image display device.

FIG. 4 is a display example of a screen of the image display device.

FIG. 5 is a display example of a screen of the image display device.

FIG. 6 is a display example of a screen of the image display device.

FIG. 7 is a display example of a screen of the image display device.

FIG. 8 is a display example of a screen of the image display device.

FIG. 9 is a display example of a screen of the image display device.

FIG. 10 is a display example of a screen of the image display device.

FIG. 11 is a display example of a screen of the image display device.

FIG. 12 is a display example of a screen of the image display device.

FIG. 13 is a display example of a screen of the image display device.

FIG. 14 is a display example of a screen of the image display device.

FIG. 15 is a display example of a screen of the image display device.

FIG. 16 is a display example of a screen of the image display device.

FIG. 17 is a display example of a screen of the image display device.

FIG. 18 is a display example of a screen of the image display device.

FIG. 19 is a schematic front view of the slot machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 slot machine 20 housing 30 display window 40 reel unit 41-43 reel 50 medal slot 60 credit medal slot switch 70 start switch 80-82 stop switch 90 upper panel 100 image display device 110 medal tray 120 hopper unit 130 game control device 140 game control means 141 general game control means 142 special game control means 143 BB game control means 144 RB game control means 150 image creation means 151 background image creation means 152 picture image creation means 153 character image creation means 160 image synthesis means 170 sound effect Generation means 180 Medal insertion means 190 Speaker 200 Background image 210 Picture image 211 Character image 212 Medal image 213 Symbol image 214 JAC game count display image 215 RB game count display image 220 Character image

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference)

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A slot machine comprising a reel unit, an image display device for displaying game information, and a game control device connected to the reel unit and the image display device, wherein the game control device includes: A background image creating means for creating a background image to be displayed on the image display device, a picture image creating means for creating a picture image expressing the game information with a picture, and the background image by the background image creating means; An image synthesizing means for synthesizing the picture image by the picture image creating means and displaying the synthesized image on the image display device. 2. The game control device according to claim 1, further comprising: a character image creating unit for creating a character image expressing the game information in characters, wherein the image synthesizing unit includes the background image created by the background image creating unit. The picture image by the picture image creating means,
2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein said character image is synthesized by said character image creating means. 3. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the background image created by the background image creating unit and the picture image created by the picture image creating unit are
3. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein a moving image is used.