JP2001095971A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine wherein various representative patterns are displayed to produce presentation effects, while interest of a player is stimulated so that zest in a game or expectation for winning can be enhanced. SOLUTION: Light sources, each of which emits light in a surface form by means of any one of a plurality of colors, are arranged at the rear of each of reels 8a, 8b, 8c so as to correspond to three symbol stop positions, respectively. Every time the reels 8a, 8b, 8c stop, light in various colors is shifted and displayed in a predetermined order by a light source corresponding to the stopped reel. The shift display stops according to a stop operation of a following reel or according to the passage of a predetermined time period, so that the color of each light source is maintained in a stationary state. In the case that a flag for a special winning is set, when a final shift display is stopped, stop timing of each shift is controlled so that light sources of the same color are arranged along a winning line.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method of moving and displaying a plurality of symbol arrays, and then stopping the symbol arrays in sequence according to a player's stop operation, and stopping and displaying the symbols at predetermined positions for each symbol array. In particular, each symbol row is formed by a band such as a reel, and a stop operation of each band is performed based on a result of an internal lottery. It relates to a slot machine to be controlled.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional slot machine, three reels each having a plurality of symbols drawn on a peripheral surface are housed in an aligned state inside a fuselage, and at a position corresponding to each reel on the front of the fuselage. Each has a symbol display window. Each reel is rotated simultaneously by a game start operation by the player, and then sequentially stopped by receiving an individual stop operation. At this time, each symbol display window has 3
Symbols are stopped and displayed.

[0003] Each symbol display window is formed at an upper, middle, lower, or diagonal 5 position in accordance with the stop display position of each symbol.
A winning line of the book is formed. When a predetermined symbol is aligned on any of the activated pay lines when each reel is stopped, a winning is achieved, and a privilege such as paying out a predetermined number of medals is given to the player. In particular, when a specific symbol such as “7” is arranged on the winning line, the game is a special winning, and the player is given a privilege of executing a “bonus game” capable of acquiring a large amount of medals.

In a conventional slot machine, a lottery is performed in the control unit in accordance with the start of each reel, and a pull-in control is performed for each reel to draw a predetermined symbol corresponding to the lottery result on a winning line and to stop. are doing. In particular, when the lottery is a "big hit", a symbol for a special prize is drawn in, and a special prize is established by the success of the pull-in control.

However, the number of frames that can be drawn is limited because the time during which the symbols can be drawn is regulated by law. According to the current regulations, the reel must be stopped within 190 ms after the stop operation is performed. For example, in the case of a reel having a rotation speed of 78 rotations / minute, the symbol up to five frames backward including the symbol at the time of the stop operation is required. Even if a lottery wins, depending on the rotation position of the reel at the time of the stop operation,
Attraction of the target symbol becomes impossible.

For this reason, in the conventional slot machine, if the combination of the symbols for the special prize cannot be established even though the "big hit" has occurred due to the lottery,
A flag (hereinafter referred to as a "winning flag") for carrying the lottery result to the next game is set in the control unit, and the lottery result is held until a special winning is established. Is notified to the player (hereinafter, this type of notification is referred to as "flag notification").

[0007] This kind of flag notification is generally made by turning on a hit indicator lamp installed on the front of the body or outputting a specific sound effect from a speaker. Also, slot machines usually have multiple types of special prizes called "big bonuses" and "regular bonuses", so different lamps are turned on and the sound effects are separated according to the type of winning prize. (JP-A-10-305128).

Further, in recent years, in order to enhance the effect, a predetermined light source is displayed in a blinking manner in accordance with the type of the winning prize by utilizing a light source for symbol illumination provided behind the reel. Flag notification has also been proposed (JP-A-11-164934).

[0009]

The conventional flag notification using lamps and sound effects merely informs the result of the lottery, and the notification pattern is fixed, so that the expectation of the player can be sufficiently increased. There is a problem that can not be. If the flag is not notified, a special prize cannot be established, and the player's attention to the symbol display is reduced and the game is monotonous.

On the other hand, according to the notification method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-164934, a dynamic notification pattern of blinking of a light source for back lighting can be developed to enhance the effect. In addition, by linking this notification pattern with a predetermined winning probability, it is possible to generate an ambiguous state that even if the notification is made, the winning flag is not necessarily set, and to attract the player to the game. Is possible. However, in this method, since only one of a plurality of predetermined notification patterns is executed, it is possible to predict what notification pattern will be executed by looking at the notification pattern to some extent, It is hard to say that various announcement patterns will be developed.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and develops various notification patterns by changing display or fixed display of light using the back illumination of the symbol.
It is an object of the present invention to enhance the effect of the effect, to attract a player's eyes, and to maintain a high concentration of the game and a high expectation for winning.

[0012]

According to the invention of each claim, a plurality of strip-shaped portions each having a plurality of symbols arranged on a light-transmitting base material are arranged side by side at a position behind the symbol display window, After moving all the strips at once and displaying the symbols in a variable manner, a predetermined symbol based on the result of the player's stop operation and the lottery is drawn into each strip and stopped at a predetermined position in the symbol display window. This is performed for the slot machine that executes the pull-in control. In the slot machine according to the first aspect of the present invention, a light source is provided behind at least one band-shaped portion in correspondence with a stop display position of each symbol. Lighting control means for causing the light sources at predetermined positions according to the result of the lottery to emit light in a constant state, after the respective light sources are turned on and off in response to the start or stop of the lighting.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a light source is provided for each strip-shaped portion in correspondence with a stop display position of each symbol, and the illumination control means wins a predetermined prize by the lottery. When there is a possibility that each light source is arranged in a predetermined direction across each strip, each light source emits light in the constant state.

In the slot machine according to the third aspect of the present invention, a light source capable of switching and emitting a plurality of types of color lights behind at least one band-shaped portion in correspondence with a stop display position of each symbol. Is arranged, and for the band on which the light source is arranged, according to the start or stop of the band, each light source is caused to emit light while changing the light emission state, and then the light source at a predetermined position is determined according to the lottery result. Illumination control means for emitting light in a predetermined state by predetermined color light is provided.

In the slot machine according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of types of color lights are switched behind the respective strips in correspondence with the respective symbol stop display positions along a predetermined number of directions across the respective strips. A light source capable of emitting light is provided, for each band, according to the start or stop of the band, respectively, at least a light source along one direction across the band, after emitting light while changing the light emitting state Illumination control means for emitting light in a predetermined state with predetermined color light according to the lottery result is provided.

In the slot machine according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a light source capable of switching and emitting a plurality of types of color light in correspondence with a stop display position of each symbol is provided behind each strip. , For each of the strips, at least one light source corresponding to the strip is emitted while changing the light emission state in accordance with the start or stop of the strip, and then a predetermined light corresponding to the result of the lottery is selected. Illumination control means is provided for causing the light source at the position to emit light in a constant state with predetermined color light according to the lottery result.

In the invention according to claim 6, the illumination control means, in response to the start or stop of each strip, causes each of the light sources corresponding to the strip to emit a plurality of types of color light in the order in which the light sources are arranged. After sequentially emitting light while moving the light emitting position, the movement of the light emitting position is stopped when a predetermined color light according to the lottery result moves to a predetermined position corresponding to the result of the lottery, and each light source is set to the fixed It emits light in the state.

[0018] In the invention according to claim 7, the illumination control means is arranged to illuminate in a predetermined direction across the belt-shaped portions when the light is emitted in the constant state when there is a possibility that a predetermined prize has been won by the lottery. Each of the arranged light sources emits light of the same color.

In the invention according to claim 8, the lighting control means is arranged to, in a predetermined direction crossing each band-shaped portion, emit light in the constant state when there is a possibility that a predetermined prize has been won by the lottery. Each of the light sources arranged in the same color is illuminated by the same color light, and when the lottery is out of order, at the time of light emission in the constant state, at least one of the light sources arranged in a predetermined direction across each band is different in color from other light sources Light is emitted by light.

In the ninth aspect of the present invention, the illumination control means causes the number of light sources according to the probability of winning a predetermined prize by the lottery to emit light in the constant state with the same color light.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, when there is a possibility that a predetermined prize has been won by the lottery, the lighting control means may have a prize that may have won the color light to be emitted in the fixed state. It fluctuates according to the kind of.

In the eleventh aspect of the present invention, when there is a possibility that a predetermined prize has been won by the lottery, the illumination control means changes the color light to be emitted under the predetermined condition to the prize winning probability. Vary accordingly.

In the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the lighting control means changes at least one of the light emitting sources to emit light again after shifting to the light emitting operation in the constant state, and after a predetermined time elapses, The light is emitted in a constant state by using color light different from that in the light emission in the constant state.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, each time the moving band stops, the illumination control means controls the light emission to the light source corresponding to the stopped band.

In the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the illumination control means controls the light emission to the light source corresponding to each strip in response to the stop of all the strips.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, each of the light sources irradiates the belt-shaped portion with planar light corresponding to a range in which one frame of symbols is arranged.

[0027]

According to the first aspect of the invention, in response to the start or stop of the band on which the light source is provided, each of the light sources corresponding to the band starts blinking, and after a predetermined time elapses, the blinking state starts. Is completed, and a predetermined symbol stop display position according to the lottery result is illuminated in a fixed state. Therefore, while the light source is blinking, the player cannot know whether or not a prize has been won. However, when the blinking state of each band is stopped, the position of the fixed illumination is used to determine the winning. It is possible to grasp whether or not there is a possibility.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when there is a possibility that a predetermined prize has been won by lottery, a fixed state of illumination is provided at each symbol stop display position arranged in a predetermined direction across each band. Will be applied. Therefore, in association with the blinking state of the light source, it is possible to notify the lottery result by the movement of light imitating the slot game.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, each light source is shifted, or the color of light emitted at each position is changed in accordance with the start or stop of the belt-shaped portion provided with the light sources. A state in which light emission is performed while changing the light emission state is started. When the predetermined time elapses, the fluctuating light emission state stops, and the light source at the predetermined position shifts to an illumination state in which the light source emits light in a constant state by color light according to the lottery result. Therefore, while the light emission state is fluctuating, the player cannot know whether or not a winning has been won, but when the lighting state has shifted to a constant state, the player has won the winning by the emission color. It is possible to know whether there is a possibility.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the light source along at least one direction crossing the band portion blinks, shifts the light emitting position, emits light, or emits light in response to the start or stop of each band portion. The state shifts to a state in which light is emitted while the light emission state is changed, such as changing the light emission state. Then, after a lapse of a predetermined time, the fluctuating light emission state stops, and the light source
The state shifts to an illumination state in which light is emitted in a fixed state by predetermined color light according to the lottery result. Therefore, when the lighting state of all the band-shaped parts has changed to a constant state,
Based on the luminescent colors presented along the predetermined direction, it is possible to know whether or not there is a possibility of winning a prize.

According to the present invention, at least one light source corresponding to each of the strips starts to emit light while changing the light emission state in response to the start or stop of each of the strips. Is done. After a lapse of a predetermined time, the fluctuating light emission state is stopped, and a predetermined symbol display position corresponding to the result of the lottery is illuminated in a constant state by colored light corresponding to the result of the lottery. Therefore, while the light emission state is changing, the player cannot know whether or not a winning has been won, but at the time when the illumination for each belt-shaped portion shifts to a constant state, the position of the illumination and its emission color. Thereby, it is possible to grasp whether or not there is a possibility of winning a prize.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, after a color variation display is performed such that a plurality of types of color lights sequentially flow along the direction in which symbols are arranged on each belt-shaped portion, the color variation is displayed. The display is stopped, and the lottery result is notified by the color light presented at the predetermined symbol stop display position. Therefore, the result of the lottery is notified to the player by a display imitating the slot game using colors.

According to the invention of claim 7, when there is a possibility that a predetermined prize is won by lottery, each symbol stop display position along a predetermined prize line is illuminated with the same color light, and the prize is won. You are notified that you may be Further, according to the invention of claim 8, at least one of the symbol stop display positions along the pay line is illuminated with a color light different from the other positions, and it is notified that the position is "out".

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the possibility of winning a prize is notified by the number of symbol stop display positions illuminated by the same color light.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the color to be emitted in a constant state varies according to the type of winning that may have been won. According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the color to be emitted in a constant state varies according to the winning probability.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the operation of the light source that emits light in a fixed state after a series of notifications for shifting from lighting in a fluctuating state to lighting in a fixed state is executed. Is switched to a state of emitting light while fluctuating, and thereafter, after a lapse of a predetermined time, the light source emits light in a constant state by color light different from the previous state. Therefore, it is possible to change the content of the notification in the middle, for example, from "hit" to "losing" or from "losing" to "hit".

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, each time the band is stopped, the notification pattern by the illumination of the stopped band is developed, so that the content of the notification becomes clear as the band stops.

According to the fourteenth aspect, the notification pattern is developed by the lighting corresponding to each band when all the bands are stopped, so that the winning result of the winning is carried over to the next game. In such a case, it is possible to notify the carryover.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, by turning on the light source, light of a size according to the range in which the symbols for one frame are arranged is transmitted to the front of each symbol stop display position. become.

[0040]

FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the machine. The illustrated slot machine 1 is configured by assembling a door 3 into an opening of a body main body 2 having a front opening. A control board 5 on which a reel block 4 and a control circuit are mounted is provided at an upper position in the body portion of the machine, and a medal dispenser 6 having a hopper 6a is incorporated at a lower position.

The reel block 4 is formed by assembling three reels 8a, 8b and 8c on a metal frame 7. As shown in FIG. 3, each of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c is formed by attaching a belt-shaped sheet 28 to the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical frame 27. The belt-shaped sheet 28 is made of a light-transmitting material such as PET resin, and has a plurality of types of symbols S such as patterns, characters, and numerals drawn on the surface by silk-screen printing. . The symbols S include a plurality of small role winning symbols in addition to the symbol “7” for BB winning, which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 2, each of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c has a mounting plate 10a, 10
It is attached to the reel block 8 via b and 10c. Stepping motors 9a, 9b, 9c for individually rotating the reels 8a, 8b, 8c and a light source unit 30 for back illumination, which will be described later, are also assembled to the mounting plates 10a, 10b, 10c.

In this embodiment, the symbols 8 are displayed by the reels 8a, 8b and 8c on which the belt-shaped sheet 28 is stuck. However, instead of the reels 8a, 8b and 8c, a belt-like base material is used. Each of the symbols may be variably displayed by introducing a band formed with a plurality of symbols and connecting and rotating both ends of the band. Although the slot machine of this embodiment executes a game by inserting medals, other gaming media such as pachinko balls can be used instead of medals.

The main body of the door portion 3 is formed of a metal frame having a predetermined thickness, and three panels 11, 12, and 13 are provided on the front opening thereof, and a wiring board for various indicators and operation switches is provided on the rear surface. (Not shown) and the like.

The panels 11, 12, and 13 are formed by performing silk screen printing on the surface of a transparent synthetic resin plate or tempered glass, and the upper panel 12 and the lower panel 13 have model names, game information, and the like. Is drawn. In addition, a symbol display section 20 is formed on the central front panel 11 by three non-colored and transparent symbol display windows 20a, 20b, and 20c. Behind the symbol display windows 20a, 20b, 20c, three reels 8a, 8b, 8c of the reel block are located. When the reels are stopped, the symbol display windows 20a, 20b, 20c are provided.
Thus, the symbols S displayed on the outer peripheral surface of each of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c can be visually recognized for three frames.

A start lever 14 and a stop button switch 1 are provided on a frame portion between the front panel 11 and the lower panel 13.
5a, 15b, 15c, a medal slot 16 and the like are provided, and a medal payout port 25, a medal tray 26, and the like are provided below the lower panel 13. In the center frame portion, a plurality of medals are stored in an electronic data format, and three bets are stored in order to execute a credit-type game in which the stored medals can be consumed and a game can be performed. Button switch 17, 18, 19, settlement switch 2
2. Switches such as a changeover switch 23 are provided. Each of the bet button switches 17, 18, and 19 is used to withdraw and insert three, two, and one medals from the stored medals by operation. Settlement switch 2
2 is operated when the stored medals are settled and paid out from the medal payout exit 25, and the changeover switch 23 is used to select either the game mode of the credit system of the machine or the game mode by inserting medals directly from the medal insertion slot 16. This is for switching between crabs.

As shown in FIG. 4, a total of five stop lines L1 to L5 (upper, middle, lower, and oblique) are provided on the surface of the front panel 11 so as to cross the respective symbol display windows 20a, 20b and 20c. When the reels are stopped, the reels 8a and 8a are respectively placed on these stop lines L1 to L5.
The symbols S of b and 8c are arranged. These winning lines L1 to L5 are activated according to the number of medals directly inserted from the medal insertion slot 16 or medals inserted by operating the bet button switches 17, 18, and 19. Is one, the central horizontal pay line L1 is activated, and when the number of inserted coins becomes two, three horizontal pay lines L1 to L3 are activated. Further, by inserting three medals, all five pay lines L1 to L5 are activated.

Further, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, a light source 21 is provided on the back side of each of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c in correspondence with the stop position of each symbol.
Each light source 21 is red (R), green (G), and blue (B).
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) of the three primary colors
A light source unit 30 for irradiating planar light to the stopped symbol and its periphery, and three light sources 21 for each of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c are integrated with the mounting plates 10a, 1
0b, 10c.

In the slot machine 1, a plurality of types of winnings are set in association with respective predetermined symbol combinations. The control unit 50 mounted on the control board 5
When the start lever 14 is operated after a predetermined number of prize lines are activated by medal insertion (shown in FIG. 12), a lottery process using random numbers is performed to determine whether or not one of the prizes is established. To determine. Thereafter, when the stop button switch 15a, 15b, 15c is pressed, if the lottery is "hit", the stopped reel 8 is operated.
With respect to a, 8b, and 8c, pull-in control is performed to draw and stop the corresponding winning symbol on the activated pay line. In particular, when the lottery is "big hit", the control unit controls the reels 8a, 8b, 8
In response to c, a specific symbol such as the number “7” is drawn in and stopped, and a special prize called “big bonus” or “regular bonus” is established. Further, when a regular bonus is established, a special game called “bonus game” is executed a predetermined number of times. When the big bonus is established, the game shifts to a special game mode in which the winning probability is changed to a value much higher than usual, and the bonus game is executed each time a regular bonus is established in the high probability mode.

However, since the pull-in control needs to be performed within a predetermined time limit after the stop operation due to legal restrictions, a target symbol may not be able to be pulled in within the time limit. With respect to the normal "hit", the lottery result is cleared by the failure to pull in the winning symbol, but if the pull-in of the "7" symbol fails while the lottery becomes "big hit", BB The lottery result is maintained until a winning is achieved.

FIGS. 5 to 7 show a specific structure of the light source unit 30. FIG. The light source unit 30 of this embodiment has a configuration in which a main body frame 31, three support frames 32, and a side plate 34 on which a plurality of LEDs 33 are provided are integrated. The main body frame 31 includes three support plates 35a, 35b, and 35c that are vertically connected,
Three joint pieces 36a, 36b, 36c protruding rearward from one side of each of the support plates 35a, 35b, 35c, and two vertical pieces 37 connected to the upper and lower support plates 35a, 35c.
a, 37b. Each support plate 35a, 35b, 3
5c is a state in which the central support plate 35b is arranged with its plate surface vertical, while the upper and lower support plates 35a, 35c are inclined obliquely rearward in accordance with the peripheral shape of the reel. It is linked to the central support plate 35b. The width of each of the support plates 35a to 35c is formed to a length corresponding to the reel width, while each of the upper and lower vertical pieces 37a, 37b is formed.
Is formed so as to protrude from the supporting plates 35a and 35c that are continuously provided by a length corresponding to the distance to the mounting plates 10a (10b and 10c) in the width direction. At the end of the protruding portion, mounting pieces 38a and 38b protruding rearward are formed continuously.

The side plate 34 has a front edge formed in an arc shape along the peripheral surface of the reel, and a rear edge formed on the support plate 35 of the main body frame 31.
a, 35c are formed in a linear shape having a length corresponding to the distance between the respective edges. One surface of the side plate 34 has six light sources for each light source.
A total of 18 LEDs 33 are arranged in an arc along the front edge, and a connector portion 39 is provided behind these LEDs 33. The side plate 34 includes an LED 33
Is disposed on one side edge of the main body frame 33 (the mounting piece 38).
a, 38b are formed), and each LED 33 is positioned on the support surface of each support plate 35a, 35b, 35c.

Each support frame 32 has a rectangular opening 4
The front plate 41 is provided with a pair of mounting pieces 42 projecting rearward from both side edges of the front plate 41.
At each edge of the opening 40, light shielding portions 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d projecting forward are formed. In particular, the light-shielding portions 40c and 40d on both side edges of the opening 40 have arc-shaped front edges, and each surface faces obliquely outward with respect to the opening 40 in order to widen a light irradiation range. It is formed as follows.

In the above configuration, the side plates 34 are arranged with the LEDs 33 positioned on the support plates 35a, 35b, 35c.
Are supported on the main body frame 31 and these side plates 34
And three supporting frames 32 are put on the main body frame 31, and each mounting piece 42, 42 is connected to the joining piece 3 of the main body frame 31.
The light source unit 30 in which each of the LEDs 33 is sandwiched between the main body frame 31 and the support frame 32 is formed by screwing to the 6a, 36b, 36c and the side plate 34. Further, each of the mounting pieces 38a, 3
8b is attached to the mounting plate 10a (10b, 1) of the reel unit 4.
The light source unit 30 is fixedly supported at the back side position of the reel 8a (8b, 8c) in a state where each opening 40 corresponds to the symbol stop display position by screwing the screw to the inner surface of 0c).

Therefore, each light source 21 is provided with one support plate 35a.
(35b, 35c), the side plate 34, and the support frame 32
In the space of the front opening surrounded by
D33 is provided on one side of the opening 40 along the length direction of the reel. The support frame 3
3 is provided with an LED on each of the support plates 35a to 35c.
Since each LED 33 is formed so as to correspond to a position not in contact with the LED 33, when viewed from the front, the LEDs 33 are arranged in a state of being hidden by the front plate 34 of the support frame 32 as shown in FIGS. Will be.

Generally, as shown in FIG. 8, the light emitted from the LED has a directivity of traveling around the optical axis while spreading to a predetermined angle around the optical axis. Therefore, according to the configuration of FIGS.
The light travels along the width direction of the reel while spreading in the respective directions on the reel surface and the inside of the machine. Light spreading toward the inside of the machine is supported by the support plates 35a, 35b, and 3 respectively.
Since the light is shielded by the support surface 5c, the light is reflected toward the reel surface while traveling along each support surface. Accordingly, the entire opening 40 is brightly illuminated by the light reflected from the support surface and the light spreading from the LED 33 toward the reel surface, and the size of the opening 40 is reduced to the corresponding symbol stop display position of the reel. The corresponding planar illumination pattern is transmitted. In this embodiment, an opening 40 is provided on the front surface to form a planar illumination pattern. Instead, a transparent or translucent window is formed on the front plate 41 of each support frame 32. May be.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, two LEDs 33 for each of R, G and B colors are arranged side by side for one light source 21 while changing the color one by one. . Each LED 33 is provided with an individual drive circuit for each light source, and a sub-control unit 58 (see FIG.
) Individually controls each drive circuit, whereby each light source 21 can be operated independently.

Each LED 33 in one light source 21
Is controlled individually for each color, thereby enabling emission of a plurality of colors of color light. Specifically, the LEDs 33 of each color emit light alone to emit light in three primary colors of red, green, and blue.
As shown in FIG. 10, by varying the duty ratio of the drive pulse applied to the LED 32 of each color, it is possible to perform a light emitting operation using a plurality of types of color light in addition to white light.

In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the reels 8a, 8b, 8c are rotating, the three light sources 21 corresponding to the reels emit white light, thereby displaying the symbol display windows 20a, 20b. , 20c, the entire peripheral surface of the rotating reels 8a, 8b, 8c is illuminated. Further, in this embodiment, the light source 2
By using 1, it is notified at a predetermined probability whether or not the hit flag is set. Specifically, each time the reels 8a, 8b, 8c are stopped, the notification is switched at a predetermined timing after the emission colors of the light sources 21 corresponding to the stopped reels are switched and various colors are shifted and displayed. The shift display is stopped, and a predetermined color indicating whether or not the hit flag is set at a predetermined symbol stop display position is stopped and displayed.

FIG. 11 shows a light emission pattern to be executed by each light source 21 in order to shift and display colors on each of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c. In the illustrated example, each light source 21 corresponding to each of the left and center reels 8a and 8b has 16 light emission times per cycle, and each light source 21 corresponding to the right reel 8c has 15 light emission times per cycle. Are set respectively, and red, green, blue, purple, yellow, light blue,
The order in which seven color lights of white are emitted is set.
In the illustrated example, “white” of each color light is indicated by a solid color, and each color other than white is indicated by a different pattern.

In the shift display, the light emission operation of each light source 21 is delayed by one timing in either the rotation direction of the reel or the direction opposite to the rotation direction, and the seven types of color light are shown in FIG. This is realized by sequentially emitting light according to the order. In this embodiment, when the colors are shifted along the rotation direction of the reel, each color light is emitted in descending order of the number in the figure, and when the shift display is performed in the reverse direction to the rotation direction of the reel, the ascending order of the number is used. Each color light is emitted. After the shift display is stopped, the light emission color of each light source 21 at that time is maintained for a predetermined period to stop and display a predetermined color at each symbol stop display position.

In the example of FIG. 11, the color light is set to be emitted in the same order on the reels 8a and 8b, but the shift display is performed in a different order for each of the reels 8a, 8b and 8c. May be performed. Also, the order of the shift display on all the reels 8a, 8b, 8c may be the same.

FIG. 12 shows a specific example of a notification pattern executed when the hit flag is set using the light emission pattern of FIG. In each of the illustrated example and the following embodiments, the reels 8a, 8b, and 8c are stopped in the order of left, center, and right. The rotation of the reels is indicated by solid arrows, and the color shift display is indicated by dotted arrows. , Respectively. Each color is indicated by the same fill pattern as in FIG.

FIG. 12A shows each of the reels 8a, 8b, 8
c represents a rotating state, and the light source 21 emits white light as described above, so that the entire reel peripheral surface displayed in the symbol display windows 20a, 20b, and 20c is illuminated. is there.

When the first reel 8a stops in this state, as shown in FIG. 12 (2), the emission color of each light source 21 corresponding to this reel 8a is switched in descending order of the pattern of FIG. The display is executed. This shift display is set so as to stop at the time when the next stop operation is performed or after a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) elapses. By stopping the shift display, as shown in FIG. Each symbol is a color at any position in the table of FIG. 11 (in the illustrated example, 9, 10, 1 in FIG. 11).
(The first color).

For the reel 8b stopped second,
Similarly, after the shift display is started, the shift display is stopped according to the next stop operation or the elapse of a predetermined time, and each symbol is illuminated with a predetermined color (FIG. 12 (4) (5)). )). As a result of the same lighting control being performed on the reel 8c that has been stopped for the third time, finally, as shown in FIG. 12 (6), each symbol along a predetermined pay line (win line L4 in the illustrated example) is obtained. Are arranged in a specific color (red in the illustrated example). This specific color light combination means that the hit flag is set, and even if the actual game result is “out of place” as in the illustrated example, the player wins a special prize. The possibility can be easily recognized.

In this embodiment, the white illumination light includes:
Only the function for back lighting is set, so that all the light sources 21 corresponding to the stopped reels are caused to emit white light even when notifying as shown in FIG. ing. When the announcement pattern is executed, white illumination may be performed along a predetermined pay line, but the illumination is irrelevant to the announcement. Is represented by whether or not the other colors are arranged along the pay line. However, the illumination of the white light may be performed only when the reel is rotating, and the light source irrelevant to the notification may be turned off when the notification pattern is executed.

When the hit flag is set, the color light for illuminating each symbol along the pay line is not particularly limited, but different colors are used for each of the big bonus and the regular bonus. By setting the light, it is possible to clearly notify which special prize has been won.

FIG. 13 shows a final result when the notification pattern is executed in a state where the hit flag is not set. In the illustrated example, the left and center reels 8a and 8b are controlled in the same manner as in FIG.
4, the “reach” in which the same red color stops is established, but for the remaining reel 8 c, the same red color is stopped at a position deviated from the winning line L 4, and the “out-of-color” To indicate that no special prize has been won.

When it is indicated that the hit flag is not set, after the shift display, each light source 21 is sequentially switched to the white light emitting state along the shift direction, thereby shifting the light emitting elements of colors other than white. You may make it disappear while doing. Further, in the above embodiment, after the shift display is completed, the predetermined color light is lit in a stationary state on each light source 21. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when indicating that the hit flag is set, A predetermined light emission pattern may be executed at a specific symbol display position, such as blinking a predetermined color light on each light source 21 for displaying a combination of colors, or emitting light while sequentially switching a plurality of types of color lights. Good.

According to the above notification method, the player is presented with a notification pattern imitating the contents of the game of the slot machine in which color shift display and shift display stop are performed, so that the shift display is stopped. By varying the position in various ways, it is possible to diversify the notification pattern, enhance the effect of the presentation, and make a notification that does not tire the player. Also, it will not be clear if the special prize has been won until the last shift display stops,
The player pays attention to the stop result of the color shift display together with the stop display result of the symbol. In particular, when a “reach” in which the same colors are aligned on a predetermined winning line when two reels stop, the player increases the expectation for the special winning and concentrates on the stopping operation of the last reel. I will be. Furthermore, in the case of this "reach", even if the game result is lost, the last shift display and the stop operation are closely watched, so that the player's concentration on the game can be maintained at a high level until the end. Become.

According to the light emission pattern shown in FIG.
The left most likely to be stopped first and second,
Since the same light emission order is set for each of the central reels 8a and 8b, the shift display for these reels 8a and 8b is stopped at the same position, whereby the position shown in FIG.
(1) “Double reach” and “triple reach” as shown in (2) can appear.

Further, when the "Big Bonus" is won, the color is red, when the "Regular Bonus" is won, the color is green,
In this way, if different prizes are associated with each color that can simultaneously appear "reach", the player will win either prize due to the appearance of double reach or triple reach with these colors I wonder if I'm there,
While pounding, the last reel and the stoppage of the shift display on the reel are watched closely, so that it is possible to further increase the concentration on the game and the expectation for the special prize. Also, in the actual game, it is not recognized that a plurality of types of winnings are simultaneously established. However, as for the "winning" state based on a combination of colors irrespective of the game result, a plurality of types of "winning" may appear simultaneously. . in this case,
The player enters the next game while guessing which prize has been won, and the concentration on the game can be further enhanced.

Each color can be associated with a winning probability as well as a winning type. For example, "hit" by red
It is possible to set such that the state indicates a winning probability of 100%, but the “hit” state of yellow indicates a winning probability of 70%.

The speed of the shift display is determined by the reel 8
It is preferable to set the rotation speeds to about the same as the rotation speeds of a, 8b, and 8c.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and each color may be shifted at a speed lower than the rotation speed of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c in order to allow the player to confirm the color variation state, or conversely, the reels 8a, 8b, Each color may be shifted at a speed faster than the rotation speed of 8c. Also, only for the last stopped reel, super slow movement of each color is performed,
A special notification pattern that reverses the color shift direction may be executed. Further, as in “long reach” of a pachinko gaming machine, it is also possible to notify such that the shift display is continued for a time corresponding to the probability of the special winning being established.

Instead of the method of shifting and displaying the reels 8a, 8b, and 8c in a fixed direction, the shift direction between adjacent reels may be reversed as shown in FIG. Also, instead of a method of notifying that the hit flag is set by arranging the same color on the winning line, the number of display positions for each color
The possibility that the winning flag is set may be notified. 12 and 13, each reel 8
Although the lighting states for a, 8b, and 8c are shown together with the stopped symbols, only the lighting states for the reels are shown in the embodiments after FIG.

FIG. 16 shows an example in which the notification is made based on the number of display positions of the finally displayed colors. In FIG. 16 (1), the rotation of each reel 8a, 8b, 8c and the shift display for each reel are shown. As a result, red light is emitted in three places,
The green light is stopped and displayed at one location. On the other hand,
In FIG. 15 (2), red light is stopped at two places, and green light is stopped at three places.

For example, it is assumed that the red light and the green light are respectively associated with a “big bonus” and a “regular bonus”, and the probability of winning the corresponding special prize increases as the stop display position of these color lights increases. FIG.
The example of (1) indicates that the winning probability for the big bonus is high. In the example of FIG. 16B, the winning probability for the regular bonus is higher than the winning probability for the big bonus. Furthermore, for example, as a notification pattern indicating that the "big bonus" has been hit, three red, two green, and one yellow illumination patterns are displayed at predetermined positions after shift display. Alternatively, an illumination pattern based on a combination of a plurality of colors may be prepared.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show other examples of the notification pattern. In each case, once all reels 8a, 8
After the shift display for b and 8c is stopped, the shift display is restarted, and the shift display is stopped in an illumination state different from the previous stop display. The dotted arrow in each figure indicates the direction of shift display as in FIG.

The top of the embodiment shown in FIG.
The shift display for a, 8b, and 8c indicates that the display has stopped in the "out of contact" state, and thereafter, the shift displays are restarted all at once. The shift display at the time of resumption is performed at a high speed, but after a predetermined time has elapsed, the shift display is switched to a low-speed fluctuation state such as a frame feed state, and each reel 8
The emission colors between a, 8b, and 8c are aligned and changed. After a lapse of a predetermined time, the shift display is simultaneously stopped at the timing when the same color stops along a predetermined pay line (the pay line L3 in the illustrated example) along the horizontal direction.
The direction in which the colors are aligned and changed is not limited to the horizontal direction, and may be an oblique direction.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, once the out-of-color state is displayed, the shift display is restarted, and each shift display is sequentially stopped. In this case, when the hit flag is set, as shown in FIG. 18A, each shift display is stopped at a timing when a "hit" state in which the same color stops along a predetermined pay line is displayed. Let it. On the other hand, when the hit flag is not set, a notification pattern (B in FIG. 18) in which a different color is displayed after the reach and “reach is off” or a different color for each reel is stopped and displayed and “out of reach” The notification pattern for setting the state (C in FIG. 18) is executed.

Instead of shifting and displaying each color on the entire peripheral surface of the reel, the emission color of only the light source 21 at a specific position may be switched. In this case, as shown in FIG. 19, after the rotation of all the reels 8a, 8b, 8c is stopped, each light source 21 along a predetermined pay line is switched, and after a predetermined time, each switching operation is performed simultaneously or sequentially. It is possible to produce an effect that stops and informs whether or not a prize has been won.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show examples of notification patterns incorporating a shift display and a switching operation of the single light source 21. FIG. In the embodiment of FIG. 20, the uppermost portion also shows a state in which the shift display for each of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c is initially stopped, and the color "out of reach" is stopped and displayed. Thereafter, the light source 21 at the off position is switched, the switching operation is terminated after a lapse of a predetermined time, and the state is changed from the "off" state to the "hit" state depending on whether the hit flag is set or not. Alternatively, the result of either "reach out of reach" is displayed again.

In the embodiment of FIG. 21, each of the reels 8a, 8a
After performing the shift display for b and 8c, a green “hit” state appears, and then each light source 21 displaying the “hit” state is switched. The switching operation of each light source 21 stops sequentially or simultaneously after a predetermined time elapses, and displays a hit state or an out-of-state state with a color different from the first stopped state. According to the example of FIG. 21, it is shown that the state has changed from the green hit state to the red hit state. As described above, if the prize types and colors are associated with each other, such as red for the "big bonus" and green for the "regular bonus",
The content of the notification can be changed during the execution of the notification pattern. It is also possible to change the notified winning probability by associating the color with the winning probability.

20 and 21, each reel 8a, 8
The light emission color of the single light source 21 is switched for each of b and 8c. However, by driving two or three light sources 21 in the same light emission order and light emission timing, the reel circumference of two or three frames can be obtained. It is possible to change and display the color on the surface as a whole.

FIG. 22 shows an example of notification in the case where the same color is displayed on the entire peripheral surface of the reel by each light source 21. Each time the reel stops, the light source 21 corresponding to the stopped reel is used. After the color of the reel peripheral surface is changed over three frames while maintaining the same color, the changed display is stopped at a predetermined timing. According to this method, when all the variable displays are stopped, each reel 8
By arranging the same colors for a, 8b, and 8c, it is possible to notify that a prize has been won. In addition, as in FIG. 21, if a specific color is associated with each of the various winnings, it is possible to notify the type of the winning that has been won based on the type of the colors to be arranged.

When performing shift display, the shift direction does not necessarily have to be along the length direction of the reel.
Each color may be shifted along a direction obliquely crossing the reel. FIG. 23 shows an example in which the shift display is performed in the diagonal direction. Each time the reel stops, the stopped reel and the already stopped reel are displayed along a line diagonally connecting the stopped and displayed symbols. Shift display is being performed. The light sources 21 corresponding to the symbols at the top of the reel 8a and the bottom of the reel 8c are caused to execute the switching of the emission color without interlocking with the other light sources 21.

According to the notification example of FIG. 23, each color fluctuates in an oblique direction across each reel, so that the fluctuating display is performed in a direction different from the fluctuating display direction of the symbol in the original game. Can be set to enhance the effect. In addition, when the stop operation is performed in the order of the reels 8a, 8b, and 8c, three lines in which the color is shifted are set for the reel 8c that stops last, including the symbol that varies independently at the bottom. This makes it possible to attract the player's eyes to the shift display to the end. In FIG. 23, each light source 21 that does not perform the shift display on the stopped reel is maintained in a state of emitting white light.

FIG. 24 shows an electrical configuration of the slot machine 1. Reference numeral 50 in the figure denotes a control unit mounted on the control board 5, which is a control and calculation main unit.
U51, ROM 52 for storing programs and tables for lottery processing, RA used for reading and writing data
M53, and a random number generator 54 that generates random numbers for lottery processing.

Various input / output units are connected to the control unit 50 via a bus 55. The CPU 51 recognizes various input signals based on a program in the ROM 52 and gives a drive signal to an output unit to provide a game signal. Executes a series of processes related to. The input unit includes the start lever 14, the stop button switches 15a, 15b, 15c, the bet button switch 1
7, 18, 19, settlement switch 22, changeover switch 23
In addition, a medal detection sensor 56 for detecting a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 16 and the like are connected. As the output unit, in addition to the medal dispensing machine 6 and the reel driving unit 57 for driving the stepping motors 9a, 9b, 9c, a decoration lamp and a display (not shown) are connected.

In the above configuration, the CPU 51 activates a predetermined number of pay lines in response to a detection signal from the medal detection sensor 56 or an operation signal from any of the bet button switches 17, 18, 19, and then activates the starting lever. A lottery process using the random number generator 54 is performed according to the operation signal from the CPU 14 to determine whether or not a winning is achieved. The lottery process also includes a lottery for determining whether to execute the notification pattern using the light source 21.

The CPU 51 further includes a stop button switch 15
Each time a, 15b, or 15c is operated, a pull-in control for drawing and stopping a symbol corresponding to the lottery result on the activated pay line is executed. Note that the pull-in control is performed by the reel driving unit 57 and each stepping motor 9.
While counting the drive signals given to the motors a, 9b, and 9c, the rotational positions of the reels 8a, 8b, and 8c are confirmed based on the counted values. This is performed by stopping the supply of the drive signal. In addition, since this pull-in control needs to be performed within a predetermined time limit from the stop operation, a symbol corresponding to the lottery result may not be able to be pulled in.
If the player has won the big bonus or the regular bonus, the result of the lottery is carried over to the next game, and the pull-in control for the special winning symbols is performed again. Since these controls are publicly known, further description will be omitted.

Further, this slot machine is provided with a sub-control unit 58 for controlling the lighting operation of each of the light sources 21 independently of the control unit 50. The sub-control unit 58 is mainly controlled by a microcomputer similarly to the control unit 50, and its ROM (not shown) stores a combination pattern of the duty ratios of R, G, and B shown in FIG. Also, in addition to the order of the emission colors shown in FIG. 11, a control program for executing various notification patterns as shown in FIGS. 12 to 23 is stored.

Further, the ROM of each of the control units 50 and 58 includes
Each notification pattern is coded and set. The CPU (not shown) in the sub-control unit 58 includes a main control unit 5
When the code information of the notification pattern to be executed is received from 0, a program necessary to execute the specified notification pattern is read out for each light source 21, and a driving circuit (shown in FIG. Z)
Are individually controlled to realize a desired notification pattern.
Thus, the main control unit 50 only needs to output predetermined code information to the sub-control unit 58 in accordance with the flow of the game, so that the burden on the CPU 51 is reduced, and effects with various lighting patterns are performed. be able to. The sub-control unit 50 may be provided on the same substrate as the control unit 43 or on a different substrate.

FIG. 25 shows an example of a control procedure in the slot machine 1. In this embodiment, when the above-described notification pattern is executed, each time the reel is stopped, a color shift display is performed on the stopped reel, and then,
The color representing the lottery result is stopped and displayed at a predetermined position. Further, when a reach with a predetermined color appears when the two reels stop, a special shift display such as a frame feed or a high-speed shift display is performed on the last stopped reel. However, the announcement pattern is not limited to this,
Instead of the shift display, the emission color of only the specific light source 21 may be switched, and as shown in FIGS.
It goes without saying that various notification patterns can be developed, such as temporarily stopping the shift display for each of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c and then restarting the shift display.

In executing the game, the player inserts medals directly from the medal insertion slot 16 or operates one of the bet button switches 17, 18, and 19,
The starting lever 14 is operated. When these operations are performed, ST1 becomes "YES", and the CPU 51 executes a lottery using the random number generator 54 (ST3).

In this lottery process, winning and non-winning of various winnings are determined, and whether or not to execute the above-mentioned notification pattern, and in the case of executing the above-mentioned notification pattern, which form of notification pattern to execute Is determined. The winning flag is set when the special prize of “Big Bonus” or “Regular Bonus” is won, and the notification flag is set when it is determined to execute the notification pattern (ST4 to ST7). In actual control, B
Different winning flags are set for each winning type of B and RB,
Also, when a small winning combination is won, a flag according to the winning type is set, but here, for simplicity of description, one winning flag is set for a special winning, The illustration and detailed description of the winning process for the small role prize are omitted.

When the lottery is thus executed, each reel 8
a, 8b and 8c are started simultaneously. Then, when the notification flag is not set, the stop button switch 1
Each time 5a, 15b, 15c is pressed, the corresponding reel 8a, 8b, 8c is stopped by the pull-in control (ST27 to ST29).

On the other hand, if the notification flag is set, the reel for which the stop operation has been performed first is stopped by the same pull-in control, and then the shift display is started by each light source 21 corresponding to this reel. (ST10-1
2). This shift display ends when the next stop operation or a predetermined time (T seconds) elapses. At this time, if the hit flag is set, it is necessary to finely adjust the stop timing so that the shift display is stopped at the timing when the color light corresponding to the winning winning at the predetermined position is displayed.

If the next stop operation is performed before the elapse of T seconds, the process proceeds from ST13 to ST14 to stop the shift display at substantially the same timing as the stopped reel, and thereafter returns to ST12. The shift display for the newly stopped reel is started. When T seconds elapse before the stop operation, the process shifts from ST16 to ST17 to stop the shift display, and then proceeds to ST11 via ST18 and 19 in response to the next stop operation, and the operation is performed. The reel is stopped by the pull-in control (ST1).
1). Then, shift display is started for this reel in ST12.

Similarly, the shift display for the second stopped reel also ends when the next stop operation is performed or when T seconds have elapsed. When the last stopped reel is stopped by the processing of ST14 or ST20,
In ST21, shift display for the reel is started.
This last shift display is stopped after the elapse of a predetermined time, but if the “reach” is established by the color stopped and displayed on the reels that have already been stopped, the shift display can be advanced by frames or made faster, A special display such as performing a long-time shift display or reversing the shift direction is executed (ST22, ST23). Finally, depending on whether or not the hit flag is set, the shift display is stopped in a state where either the "hit" state or the "losing" state is displayed (ST24 to ST26).

Thus, all the reels 8a, 8b, 8c
Is stopped, the process proceeds to ST30, a winning determination is made, and if a winning is established, a predetermined number of medals are paid out in ST31. If the winning is a special winning, the process proceeds from ST32 to ST33, and after the hit flag and the notification flag are reset, a bonus game routine of ST34 is executed.

If the pull-in control for any one of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c fails even though the hit flag is set and the game results in "losing", ST30 returns "NO". And a series of processing ends, but the winning flag is carried over to the next game,
Again, the pull-in control for establishing a special winning symbol combination is performed on each of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c. At this time, if the notification flag is set together with the hit flag, the notification flag is similarly carried over to the next game, and a notification pattern for notifying the winning of the special prize is developed again.

On the other hand, even when the small result prize has been won or the lottery has been lost, the game result becomes "out", the notification flag is set by the processing in ST6 and ST7, and the notification pattern is executed. In this case, the notification flag is reset in ST35 and ST36. However, even in such a case, the notification flag may be carried over so that the notification pattern appears continuously.

Further, in the above embodiment, the notification pattern due to the color variation appears at a predetermined probability in both the case where the hit flag is set and the case where the hit flag is not set. If so, the notification pattern may be executed without fail. However, even when the hit flag is not set, a dummy "hit" notification is executed, or by increasing the probability that the notification is performed in a state where the hit flag is not set, a certain amount of " Uncertainty "
The appearance of the notification pattern is less likely to be recognized as having won a special prize, and the player can be attracted to the notification pattern until the final result of the notification pattern is presented.

In the above-described embodiment, the shift display is performed on the stopped reel every time the reel is stopped. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
When the reels 8b, 8c stop, the respective reels 8a, 8b, 8c
May be shifted.

FIG. 26 shows a control procedure in the case where the notification based on the color variation is executed when each of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c stops. Here, each step is indicated by "st" to distinguish it from the control of FIG.

Also in this procedure, when the starting lever 14 is operated following the player's medal insertion operation or the operation of the bet button switches 17, 18, 19, a lottery is executed, and depending on the lottery result, a hit flag or a notification flag is set. Set (st
1-7). Hereinafter, in st8-16, each reel 8a, 8
After starting the b and 8c all at once, they are sequentially stopped in response to a stop operation, and a winning determination and a process associated with a winning are executed. These procedures are the same as the control procedure of a general slot machine. Since the control procedure is the same as that in the state where the notification flag of 25 is not set, detailed description is omitted.

If the special prize has not been established due to the stoppage of each of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c, the CPU 51 proceeds to st14.
Then, the process goes to st17 to check whether or not the notification flag is set. If the notification flag has been set, the process further proceeds to st18, where the reels 8a, 8
The shift displays for b and 8c are started all at once, and thereafter, the shift displays are stopped simultaneously or sequentially to notify whether or not a special prize has been won. Also in this embodiment, it is possible to develop various notification patterns according to the specific examples shown in FIGS.

When the notification pattern ends, the CPU 51
Checks whether the hit flag is set, and resets the notification flag if the hit flag is not set. If the hit flag is set, st20
Is skipped, and the notification flag is also carried over to the next game.

The shift display can be executed not only at the time when the reel is stopped but also at the rotating reel.
It is also possible to execute the notification pattern before the player performs the stop operation, or to advance the notification pattern along with the progress of the game. However, in this case, it is desirable to set the light emission amount of the light source 21 low so that the symbol display is not hindered by the shift display. Further, in each of the above embodiments, only the notification of the winning or the possibility of winning a special prize is performed, but if the notification pattern is executed before the end of the game, the winning of the small prize winning is also included in the notification. be able to.

Further, the light source 21 for back illumination is provided in the above-described FIGS.
The light source is not limited to that shown in FIG. 7, and a light source of a type in which light-emitting elements such as LEDs are arranged in a matrix can be used. According to the light source having such a configuration, it is possible to generate light emission patterns of various shapes by individually controlling on / off of each light emitting body. It is also possible to notify such that the patterns are arranged.

However, the light source 21 applicable to the present invention is:
The light source does not necessarily need to emit light in a planar manner, and the light emitter incorporated in the light source is not limited to an LED, and a white lamp or a fluorescent lamp may be used. Also, each reel 8a,
It is not necessary to provide the light source 21 for each stop display position of the symbols 8b and 8c.

For example, three reels 8a, 8b, 8c
Of the three light sources 21 only on the rear side of the central reel 8b.
Even if only one of the light sources 21 stops the predetermined color light after the shift display, various notification patterns can be realized by a combination of the stop display position of the light and the color of the light. Further, for each of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c, the light source 21 is provided only at a position along the central horizontal pay line L1, and the predetermined color light is stopped after the emission color of each light source 21 is changed. Good. In the case where these methods are adopted, FIGS.
As in the case of 21, it is possible to perform an effect of temporarily stopping the shift display or the fluctuation display of the emission color, and then changing the display again to change the notification content.

Further, a monochromatic light source may be used in place of the multicolor light source 21. When a monochromatic light source is used, after the light shift display is performed by blinking each light source in sequence, the shift display is stopped at a predetermined position, and whether or not the light is aligned along a predetermined pay line is determined. By notifying whether the hit flag is set or not,
A notification pattern based on the movement of light that mimics a slot game can be realized, and the contents of the notification are not read by the player until the final stop position of the light is determined, regardless of the actual lottery result , It is possible to increase the player's expectation of winning. The type of winning and the winning probability can also be notified by determining the winning line along which the light is arranged.

[0116]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a light source is provided behind at least one band portion in correspondence with a stop display position of each symbol, and the band portion is started or stopped when the band portion starts or stops. Start the blinking of each light source corresponding to the
After a predetermined time has elapsed, this blinking state is terminated, and a predetermined symbol stop display position according to the lottery result is illuminated in a constant state, so that the content of the notification is clear until the illumination becomes constant. Instead, the player can be attracted until the announcement is over. In addition, since the position where the illumination is performed in a constant state varies depending on the lottery result, it is possible to present various notification patterns to enhance the effect of rendering, and to execute a plurality of types of notifications.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a predetermined state of lighting is applied to each symbol stop display position arranged in a predetermined direction across each belt-shaped portion, thereby notifying that a winning may be achieved. In this way, the notification by the movement of the light simulating the slot game is executed in conjunction with the blinking state of the light source. Therefore, the effect of the effect can be enhanced, and a notification that is easy for the player to recognize can be provided.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in response to the start or stop of the band on which the light source is provided, each light source corresponding to the band is caused to emit light while changing the light emission state, and then the predetermined light is emitted. Since the color light according to the lottery result is displayed at the symbol display position, a variety of notification patterns can be developed using the color light, and depending on which color light is finally displayed, a lottery involving multiple types of prizes Various information such as a result and a lottery probability can be reported. Further, the content of the notification pattern can be changed depending on the position where the change of the light emission state is stopped.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the light emitting state of the light source is sequentially or simultaneously changed in at least one direction across each belt-shaped portion, and then color light according to the lottery result is displayed along the direction. Therefore, similarly to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to develop various notification patterns by colored light and to notify various information.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, at least one light source corresponding to each of the strips is caused to emit light while changing the light emission state in response to the start or stop of each strip, and then the lottery is performed. The color light corresponding to the lottery result is stopped and displayed at the predetermined symbol display position according to the result of
Until it is determined that the illumination for each belt-shaped portion has changed to a certain state, it is not possible to recognize whether or not a winning has been won, and a notification pattern that attracts the player to the end can be developed. In addition, a variety of notification patterns can be obtained by emitting various colors when the light emission state changes, by changing the combination of light sources that emit light when emitting light in a constant state, or by changing the emission color of each light source in various ways. Can be presented.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, a predetermined symbol stop display is performed after performing a color variation display such that a plurality of types of color lights sequentially flow in the direction in which symbols are arranged on each strip. Since the lottery result is announced by the color light presented at the position, the eye-catching display imitating the slot game based on the color can enhance the interest and expectation of the player for winning.

According to the seventh and eighth aspects of the present invention, each symbol stop display position along a predetermined pay line is illuminated in a constant state by the same color light to notify that there is a possibility that a winning has been achieved. Therefore, a notice that is easy for even a beginner to understand can be given. Further, according to the invention of claim 8, at least one of the symbol stop display positions along the pay line is illuminated with a color light different from the other positions,
Although it is announced that it is "losing", before shifting to lighting in a fixed state, the same variable lighting as when there is a possibility of winning is performed, so even if the lottery is missing,
Until the final result of the announcement is displayed, the player's expectation can be increased.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the probability of winning a prize is announced by the number of symbol stop display positions illuminated by the same color light, so that the player can determine the winning probability by the number of displayed predetermined colors. Can be inferred.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, since the color to be emitted in a fixed state varies according to the type of winning that may have been won, the player determines the type of winning that can be achieved based on the color. Becomes possible.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the color to be emitted in a constant state varies according to the winning probability, so that the player can estimate the possibility of winning by using the color. It becomes possible.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the operation of the light source that emits light in a constant state is performed after a series of notifications for temporarily changing the lighting in a variable state to illumination in a constant state are executed. Then, the light is switched to a state of emitting light, and the light is again emitted in a constant state by a color light different from the previous state. So, for example, "out" from "hit",
The content of the notification can be changed on the way, such as from "missing" to "hit", and a surprising notification can be made.

According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the notification pattern by the illumination of the stopped band is developed every time the band stops, so that the contents of the notification become clear as the band stops. By performing the effect, the expectation of the player can be gradually increased.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the notification pattern is developed by the illumination corresponding to each band when all the bands are stopped.
The notification allows the player's attention and expectation to be maintained.

In the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the light source is turned on, so that each symbol stop display position can be moved forward.
Since light of a size corresponding to the range in which the symbols for one frame are arranged is transmitted, the light emitting position can be clearly presented, and a noticeable notice can be made.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the internal structure of the slot machine.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a reel.

FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating a configuration of a symbol display unit.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a light source unit.

FIG. 6 is a front view and a side view showing a configuration of a light source unit.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a light source unit.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing directivity of an LED.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing an example of the arrangement of LEDs on a side plate.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing combinations of duty ratios of drive pulses to LEDs for emitting a plurality of types of color light.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a light emission pattern for shifting and displaying colors.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a process of a notification pattern when a hit flag is set.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a final notification pattern when the hit flag is not set.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of establishment of double reach and triple reach by color.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a shift display direction.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a final notification pattern when a notification is made based on the number of display positions of colors.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification pattern for changing the shift display again.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a notification pattern for changing the shift display again.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of blinking each light source along a pay line.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a notification pattern for changing the color light of one light source after the shift display is stopped.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a notification pattern for changing the color light of each light source indicating a hit state.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a notification pattern that changes the color of the entire reel peripheral surface seen from the symbol display window.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which shift display is performed along an oblique direction.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a control procedure when a shift display is performed each time a reel stops.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a control procedure when a notification pattern is executed after each reel has stopped.

[Explanation of symbols]

 8a, 8b, 8c Reel 21 Light Source 42 LED 50 Control Unit 51 CPU 58 Sub-Control Unit

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of strips each having a plurality of symbols arranged on a light-transmitting base material are arranged side by side at a position behind a symbol display window, and the strips are moved simultaneously to transfer symbols. After the variable display, in the slot machine that performs a pull-in control to draw a predetermined symbol based on the result of the player's stop operation and the lottery to a predetermined position in the symbol display window and stop for each belt-shaped portion, A light source is provided behind at least one of the strips in correspondence with a stop display position of each symbol. For each of the strips on which the light sources are provided, each of the light sources is started or stopped according to the start or stop of the strip. Blinking, and then a lighting control means for causing a light source at a predetermined position according to the result of the lottery to emit light in a constant state. 2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein a light source is provided for each strip-shaped portion in correspondence with a stop display position of each symbol.
A slot machine in which, when there is a possibility that a predetermined prize has been won by the lottery, each light source arranged in a predetermined direction across each band-shaped portion emits light in the constant state. 3. A plurality of strips comprising a plurality of symbols arranged on a translucent base material are arranged side by side at a position behind the symbol display window, and the symbols are moved by moving the strips simultaneously. After the variable display, in the slot machine that performs a pull-in control to draw a predetermined symbol based on the result of the player's stop operation and the lottery to a predetermined position in the symbol display window and stop for each belt-shaped portion, Behind the at least one strip, there is provided a light source capable of switching and emitting a plurality of types of color light corresponding to the stop display position of each symbol. In response to the start or stop of the strip, each light source is caused to emit light while changing the light emission state, and then the light source at a predetermined position is set to a predetermined state by predetermined color light according to the lottery result. Slot machine comprising comprises a lighting control unit to emit light. 4. A plurality of strips comprising a plurality of symbols arranged on a light-transmissive base material are arranged side by side at a position behind the symbol display window, and the strips are moved simultaneously to convert the symbols. After the variable display, in the slot machine that performs a pull-in control to draw a predetermined symbol based on the result of the player's stop operation and the lottery to a predetermined position in the symbol display window and stop for each belt-shaped portion, Behind each of the strips, a light source capable of switching and emitting a plurality of types of color light is provided corresponding to each symbol stop display position along a predetermined number of directions across each of the strips. For each band, according to the start or stop of the band, respectively, at least the light source along at least one direction across the band, the light emitting state while changing the light emitting state, after the lottery results Slot machine comprising comprises a lighting control means by a predetermined color light Flip was emit light at a constant state. 5. A plurality of strips comprising a plurality of symbols arranged on a light-transmitting base material are arranged side by side at a position behind the symbol display window, and the respective strips are moved at once to convert the symbols. After the variable display, in the slot machine that performs a pull-in control to draw a predetermined symbol based on the result of the player's stop operation and the lottery to a predetermined position in the symbol display window and stop for each belt-shaped portion, Behind each of the strips, there is provided a light source capable of switching and emitting a plurality of types of color lights corresponding to the stop display positions of the respective symbols. In response to the start or stop of, after at least one light source corresponding to the band-shaped portion is caused to emit light while changing the light emission state, the light source at a predetermined position according to the result of the lottery is changed. Slot machine comprising comprises a lighting control means for emitting light at a constant state by the predetermined color light corresponding to the lottery result. 6. The illumination control means moves a light emission position of a plurality of types of color light in the order in which the light sources are arranged by the light sources corresponding to the respective band portions in response to starting or stopping of the respective band portions. While sequentially emitting light, the movement of the light emitting position is stopped when a predetermined color light according to the lottery result moves to a predetermined position according to the result of the lottery, and each light source is caused to emit light in the constant state. The slot machine according to claim 5, comprising: 7. The illumination control means, when there is a possibility that a predetermined prize has been won by the lottery, at the time of light emission in the constant state, the same light source arranged in a predetermined direction across each band-shaped portion. 6. A light-emitting device which emits light by using color light.
6. The slot machine described in any one of 6. 8. When there is a possibility that a predetermined prize has been won by the lottery, the illumination control means sets the same light source arranged in a predetermined direction across each band at the time of light emission in the constant state. When the lottery is off, at the time of light emission in the constant state, at least one of the light sources arranged in a predetermined direction across each band is emitted by a different color light from the other light sources. The slot machine according to any one of claims 4, 5, and 6, wherein 9. The illumination control means according to claim 3, wherein the number of light sources corresponding to the probability of winning a predetermined prize by the lottery is emitted in the constant state with the same color light.
A slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6. 10. When there is a possibility that a predetermined winning has been won by the lottery, the lighting control means may select a color light to be emitted in the fixed state according to a type of winning that may have been won. The slot machine according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the slot machine is varied. 11. The lighting control means, when there is a possibility that a predetermined winning has been won by the lottery, changes the color light to be emitted under the predetermined condition according to the winning probability of the winning. Item 7. A slot machine according to any one of Items 3 to 6. 12. The lighting control means, after shifting to the light emitting operation in the constant state, causes at least one light source emitting light to fluctuate again to emit light, and after a predetermined time elapses, the constant state The slot machine according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the slot machine emits light in a constant state by using a color light different from that at the time of light emission in (1). 13. The illumination control means according to claim 1, wherein each time the moving band is stopped, light emission control is performed on a light source corresponding to the stopped band. Slot machine. 14. The illumination control device according to claim 1, wherein the illumination control means controls light emission to a light source corresponding to each of the strips in response to a stop of all the strips. Slot machine. 15. The slot according to claim 1, wherein each of said light sources irradiates a band-shaped portion with planar light according to a range in which symbols for one frame are arranged. Machine.