JP2001112915A - Game stand - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game stand more easily manufacturable and more inexpensive than a conventional game stand in which the display of information relating to the game stand is arranged at a position easy to see for a player with the display device of a form not obstructing the player to confirm the pattern of a reel. SOLUTION: This game stand is provided with the display device for displaying the prescribed information of the game stand to the player by lighting a light source formed so as to display the prescribed information of the game stand by introducing light from the light source from the cross section of a light guide panel for transmitting visible light and emitting the light passing through the light guide panel from an irregular reflection part to the outside.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game medium (medal, ball, etc.), which is used to move (rotate) reels composed of a plurality of types of pictures, and stop them on a reel display window when they are stopped. The present invention relates to an amusement platform (slot machine, pachinko machine, etc.) in which a prize is determined based on a combination of the designated patterns and the player enjoys paying out a predetermined game medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an amusement table of this type represented by a slot machine has a plurality of reels in which a plurality of different patterns are arranged on a reel, a game medium such as a medal is loaded, and all the reels are rotated simultaneously. The reels are stopped for each of the reels by the operation of the player, and the winning is determined based on the combination of the patterns between the reels displayed on the reel picture display window. Medals) are paid out. For example, if there are three reels and three consecutive patterns on each reel can be observed from the reel pattern display window, a total of nine patterns appear on the reel pattern display window.

Here, the number of medals to be inserted by the player (1
The relationship between the number of sheets and the number of winning lines (the positional relationship of the patterns for which the combination of the patterns is valid and the winning is determined) is as follows.

When one medal is inserted: central horizontal line (only one line) When two medals are inserted: central horizontal line and upper and lower horizontal lines (total of three lines) When three medals are inserted: three medals are inserted Line and
Upper left to lower right and lower left to upper right diagonal 2 lines (total 5 lines) In conventional slot machines, these 5 lines are often straight, and each line is displayed on a reel display window using a transparent member. Printed with thin lines. Of these five lines, the line that is valid in the game currently being played (winning effective line) is indicated by turning on a winning effective line display lamp located beside the reel picture display window.

In a slot machine, a CPU (microcomputer) is generally used for a control unit.
The control processing unit determines a combination of patterns (internal winning) that may win at the start of the game. Therefore, in order to increase a player's expectation of winning a game, the control unit actively notifies various information about the amusement board including the internal winning, that is, a lot of effects are performed.

[0006] This production is performed when light, sound, or reach eyes (even if the player wins an internal prize, but the player cannot arrange the corresponding pattern combination on the reel pattern display window. The reel is stopped so that different combinations of predetermined patterns called "reach eyes" are displayed on the reel display window).

Among these effects, one of the main effects by light (illumination) is an effect using a backlight. The effect using the backlight is to notify the above information by illuminating a light source from behind a translucent reel member on which a picture is printed, and making a predetermined picture more conspicuous than other pictures. In this case, the backlight is installed inside the reel, that is, at a narrow installation position on the rotation axis side.

<Conventional Problems> In general, a player is interested in a part other than the reel picture display window in order to watch the combination of pictures at the time of reel stop which determines the game win / loss, that is, the reel picture display window. In the conventional display of the pay line with the pay line display lamp, the display lamp is located beside the reel display window, and therefore, there is a drawback that it is difficult for the player to recognize the pay line and it is inconspicuous.

[0009] The effect of the backlight is of great interest to the player in order for the player to obtain the internal information of the amusement board and advance the game advantageously. However, since the backlight must be installed compactly inside the rotating reel, it is mechanically complicated, and the cost is high.

[0010] Further, in the production by the backlight, a pattern is generally displayed by turning on and blinking light, and for example, there is a drawback that characters and figures cannot be superimposed on a picture.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. That is, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to display information relating to an amusement board (display of a winning line, display of control information of the amusement board using characters and graphics, and effect display of internal information, etc.) for a player. An object of the present invention is to provide an amusement stand arranged at a position that is easy for a player to see, by a display device that does not hinder the confirmation of the picture of the reel. Another object of the present invention is to configure the display device with a simple mechanism,
An object of the present invention is to provide a game console that is easier to manufacture and less expensive than a conventional game console.

[0012]

The present invention has been made to solve this problem, and according to the present invention,
Light is introduced by a light source from the cross section of a light guide panel made of a transparent material that transmits visible light and diffused light is emitted outside from the diffuse reflection part. Then, a predetermined portion is configured to be observable with the naked eye from the front, and the irregular reflection portion is formed so as to display predetermined information of the game console, and a light source is turned on, blinking, or turned off, so that a predetermined portion of the game console is displayed. A display device for displaying information to a player is provided.

Further, there is provided a display device for displaying predetermined information of an amusement table to a player by providing a plurality of light guide panels in an overlapping manner, and turning on, blinking or turning off a light source corresponding to each of the plurality of light guide panels. It is characterized by having.

Further, the display device is provided between the reel display window of the game console and the reel.

Further, the information displayed by the display device is:
At least one of notification of a winning line, notification of a winning, notification of a possibility of winning, notification of a timing when a predetermined pattern passes through a reel pattern display window, and notification of prompting a game to a player. It is characterized by one.

Further, the diffuse reflection portion provided on the light guide panel is a diffuse reflection portion obtained by subjecting at least a predetermined or desired surface of the light guide panel to a display or a back surface thereof to a diffuse reflection process such as a concave portion, a convex portion, or a concave and convex portion. By providing a game console characterized by the above, the problem to be solved by the present invention can be achieved.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, taking a slot machine as an example.

<External Configuration of Slot Machine> (Configuration) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a slot machine according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. At the center of the slot machine main body 100 shown in the figure, three reels (a left reel 10
1, the middle reel 102 and the right reel 103) are housed and configured to be rotatable inside the main body 100. As for the patterns of the reels 101 to 103, three patterns are displayed in the vertical direction for each reel from the reel pattern display windows 131 to 133 on the front of the main body 100, so that the player can see them. Therefore, when the reels are stopped, a total of nine (3 × 3) patterns are displayed to the player in the reel pattern display windows 131 to 133. Reference numeral 105 is a start lever for starting the rotation of the reels 101 to 103 by the player, and 106 is a medal slot for the player to insert medals when starting the game. Reference numeral 107 denotes a medal payout port, and reference numeral 108 denotes a tray for the paid out medals.

Reference numerals 109, 110 and 111 are credit bet buttons for credits, 109 is a button for up to 3 medals, 110 is a button for up to 2 medals,
Reference numeral 111 denotes a button for multiplying one medal, and one to three medal can be inserted (bet) from one displayed on the medal remaining number indicator 114 for one game by a push button operation.

Reference numeral 112 denotes a credit clearing button and a credit switching button (medal clearing button / credit switching button) for storing up to 50 medals obtained by the player as credits.
Alternatively, the button is used to determine whether the medals displayed on the medal remaining number display 114 are to be discharged and stored as credits thereafter.

Reference numeral 113 denotes a sound hole for outputting a sound from a speaker for outputting a sound. The sound hole generates and outputs a sound effect to a player according to the progress of the game. Reference numeral 115 denotes a medal payout number display. When the reels 101 to 103 stop, the combination of pictures displayed in the reel picture display windows 131 to 133 becomes a winning combination (winning), and the medal acquired to the player is discharged. Then, the number of medals paid out is displayed.

Reference numeral 116 denotes a medal insert lamp which urges a player to insert a medal for starting a game. Reference numeral 117 denotes a replay start lamp, that is, a lamp for notifying the player of the replay when the player wins the replay. 1
Reference numeral 18 denotes a notification lamp for notifying a player as internal information that a bonus game (Big Bonus: BB, Regular Bonus: RB) has been internally won as a result of the internal lottery and the internal bonus has been won. It is.

Reference numeral 119 denotes a winning and payout display plate, which is an odds panel. Reference numeral 120 denotes a pay-in effective line display lamp, which corresponds to the number of medals inserted, and indicates a line that is valid (win) when the patterns are aligned, that is, a pay line that is valid in the game. In the present embodiment, the pay-in effective line is 3 lines by adding one middle horizontal line when one medal is inserted and one middle horizontal line and the upper and lower horizontal lines when two medals are inserted. When three lines and medals are inserted, a diagonal line from the upper left to the lower right and a diagonal line from the lower left to the upper right are further added to make five lines a winning line. However, depending on the number of pictures displayed in the reel picture display windows 131 to 133 and the combination of the pictures, the number of payable effective lines (7 lines, 8
The definition of the shape (line, etc.) and the shape (straight line, chevron, valley, etc.) is not limited by the present embodiment.

As described in the present embodiment, when the display device according to the present invention indicates a pay line, the pay line is indicated by the display device. Therefore, the pay line display lamp 120 and the reel picture display window are displayed. 131-1
It goes without saying that the printing of the pay-in effective line printed on 33 can be omitted.

Reference numerals 121 to 123 are stop buttons provided for the player to stop each reel corresponding to each reel. The stop button 121 is provided for the reel 101, and the stop button 122 is provided for the reel 102. ,
There is a stop button 123 for the reel 103. Reference numeral 140 denotes a flicker display lamp, which lights up and flashes when a BB or RB is won or when a BB or RB is internally won, and serves to excite the entire game.

<Outline of Game Operation> An outline of a game using the slot machine shown in FIG. 1 will be described below. The game starts when a player inserts medals through the medal insertion slot 106 and operates the start lever 105. When the game starts, three reels 101, 10
2, 103 start rotating at the same time, and after the rotation speed of each reel reaches a predetermined speed, the operation of the stop buttons 121 to 123 provided corresponding to each reel is activated. Presses these buttons to stop the rotation of the corresponding reels. When each reel stops, if the combination of the symbols stopped on the winning line determined by the number of inserted medals corresponds to the predetermined winning combination, the number of medals corresponding to the type of winning is paid out to the receiving tray 108. One game is over.

Here, if the internal BB or the internal RB has been won by the internal lottery, the notification lamp 118 is turned on or blinked, and the state is displayed on the display device, and the internal information of the slot machine is displayed. Notify.

As the game progresses, the main examples of the timing of displaying the state of the internal control of the slot machine on the display device according to the present invention and the contents to be displayed are as follows. -Before the game starts: Display of advertisements and the like that encourage players to play the game.・ After medal insertion: Display of winning prize lines according to the number of inserted medals.・ After stopping the two reels: display when there is a possibility of the combination of the patterns constituting the winning (referred to as “listening tile” or “reach”), display of the position of the winning pattern, or Display of blinking patterns and the like synchronized with the timing at which a specific pattern passes through the reel display window so that winning combinations can be easily arranged.・ After stopping all reels: If various winnings including bonuses are won, the winnings will be displayed.

<Structure of Control Unit> FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control unit controlled by the microprocessor of the slot machine 100 of the embodiment. FIG. 2 will be described below.

A portion indicated by reference numeral 22 in FIG. 2 is a microprocessor (CPU), which is the center of the control operation of the slot machine in the present embodiment. Is passed.

Reference numeral 23 denotes the medal slot 1 shown in FIG.
06 is a medal sensor for detecting the game medals inserted from the beginning, 24 is a switch input from a stop button switch that operates when the reel stop buttons 121 to 123 for stopping each reel are pressed, and 25 is a start lever 105 operated. , A switch input from a credit bet button switch that is activated when any of the credit bet buttons 109 to 111 is pressed, and these are input via the input interface 27 via the bus 50, It is connected to the CPU 22.

Reference numeral 28 denotes a ROM (Read Only Memory), which includes a program for controlling the slot machine, control data and a table for controlling stop of the reels 101 to 103, and the like. I have. 2
Reference numeral 9 denotes a RAM (random access memory), which stores a work area of the program, variable data, and the like. The memories of the ROM 28 and the RAM 29 are connected to the CPU 22 via a bus 50.

Reference numeral 30 denotes a motor control unit for rotating and stopping the reels 101 to 103, and 31 denotes a hopper control unit for paying out medals. These are the CPU 22 via the bus 50 via the input / output interface 32.
Connected to

Reference numeral 33 denotes a slot machine 1 for a player.
00 is a lamp control unit for notifying a player of the control state of 00 as internal information, and for controlling lighting, blinking, and extinguishing of various lamps provided for effects and decorations.
The PU 22 is connected to the bus 50 via the output interface 34, and performs control such as lighting, blinking, and turning off according to the control of the CPU 22.

Reference numeral 35 denotes a speaker, which is controlled by the sound output unit 36, in accordance with the instruction of the CPU 22,
Outputs various sounds (sound effects).

Reference numeral 37 denotes a random number generator used for lottery. For example, a random number value is obtained by lottery simultaneously with the operation of the start lever, and an internal prize is formed by comparison with a prize table stored in the ROM 28. The combination of pictures is determined.

Reference numeral 38 denotes a display unit (display device) which is a main part of the present invention.
In accordance with the control of the display output unit 39, information on various slot machines is displayed and output.

<Example of Control of Game> Next, an example of control of a game of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to a flowchart relating to control shown in FIG. In the flowchart of FIG. 3, the number of reels is three.
Although the case where there is one is described, the control flow is similar in other cases.

Step S101: (medal insertion?) Depending on the player's selection, one to three game medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 106, or a credit bet button (a maximum of three medal buttons 109, a maximum of two medals). This is a “bet” step that is selected and pressed from the hanging button 110 and the one-medal hanging button 111).

Step S102: (Display) A pay line according to the number of inserted medals is displayed on a reel picture display window by a display device (display unit 38) of the present invention described later. This display is, for the player,
Since the thin line appears to emit light, there is no obstacle to observing the pattern behind the line. Further, when the pay line display lamp 120 is installed as in the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1, the lamp indicating the pay line can be turned on together with the display by the display device of the present invention.

Step S103: (Start lever ON
? When the player operates the start lever 105, the process proceeds to step S104. If it is not operated, it waits until the start lever is operated by the loop. Step S104: (Random Number Lottery) At the same time as the start lever is operated, a random number value is obtained from the random number generator 37 and stored in a predetermined location of the RAM 29. Next, by comparing the random number value obtained in this step with the value of the winning table stored in the ROM 28, the type of internal winning (including loss) is determined.

Step S105: (All reel rotation) The rotation of the three reels 101 to 103 is started.

Step S106: (Stop button of the first reel?) When the reel stop button (one of 121, 122, 123) corresponding to the first reel selected by the player is operated, the reel corresponding to the first reel is operated. To stop,
Proceed to step S107. If there is no operation by the player, the operation waits to accept the operation of the stop button.

Step S107: (Stop button of second reel?) Of the stop buttons (121, 122, 123) corresponding to the second reel selected by the player, step S106
If any one of the buttons except the stop button operated in step (1) is operated, the corresponding reel is stopped, and step S1 is performed.
Proceed to 08. If there is no operation by the player, the operation waits to accept the operation of the stop button.

Step S108: (listening tile?) Stopping the remaining one reel in a state where the two reels are stopped by the previous step S106 and step S107 and the remaining one reel is rotating. Therefore, if there is a possibility that a combination of pictures constituting a winning is obtained (listening tile), the process proceeds to step S109. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S110.

Step S109: (Display) Information indicating that the player is listening is displayed on the reel picture display window by the display device (display section 38) of the present invention described later.

A specific example will be described with reference to a display example of the display device shown in FIG. The lower part of FIG. 4 illustrates an example in which only the right reel is rotating. In the upper diagram of FIG. 4, “7” is aligned in the middle stage of the left reel 101 and the middle reel 102, and the bonus pattern “7” − “7” − “7” is being played. “Chance” is displayed and indicated by the device.

In the lower diagram of FIG. 4, since the upper part of the left reel and the middle part of the middle reel are "7", when "7" is stopped on the right reel, a combination of bonus pictures is obtained (in this example, (Lower right) is indicated by the display device. In FIG. 4, the place where the pattern of “7” is aligned and the place displayed by the display device overlap, but since the displayed figure emits light along a thin line, it is difficult for the player to operate the game. Will not be. In other words, this display does not hinder the player from visually checking the pattern while the right reel is rotating. Further, the display device can be made to blink at a timing synchronized with a rotation cycle in which the picture "7" passes through the position where the picture "7" becomes a bonus so that the player can easily arrange the picture "7".

Step S110: (All reel rotation stopped?) When the reel stop button corresponding to all reels is operated by the player to detect whether or not all reels have stopped, and all reels have stopped. Is Step S111
Proceed to. If some reels are spinning, it waits until all reels stop.

Step S111: (Winning determination?) A winning determination is made as to whether or not the combinations of the patterns corresponding to the winning are arranged on the winning effective lines of the reel picture display windows 131 to 133. Since the control unit stores a combination of pictures corresponding to the winning as a winning table in the ROM 28, the winning judgment is made by comparing the winning table with the combination of the pictures on the pay line. Here, if a prize has been won, the process proceeds to step S112. If it does not correspond to winning, the game ends. In the above description, the case where a winning is determined by a plurality of patterns is described as "combination of patterns", but for example, a case where a winning is achieved with only one pattern represented by a "cherry" pattern The prize determination is performed in the same manner.

Step S112: (medal payout) If the prize is determined as a result of the prize determination in the previous step S111, a predetermined number of medals corresponding to the type of the prize are paid out from the medal payout port 107 to the medal tray 108.

Step S113: (Display) The winning information is indicated by the display device (display section 38) of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows a specific example. The upper diagram of FIG. 5 shows a “regular bonus” (R
In the case where the combination of patterns "R-R-R" as shown in B) is aligned with the winning effective line in the middle horizontal line, the fact that the winning has been achieved is indicated by "JAC I" on the display device (display section 38) of the present invention.
N "to indicate that a predetermined number of games (called" jack games ") in which many medals can be obtained with a high probability are started.

In the lower diagram of FIG. 5, a combination of pictures "7-7-7" to be a "big bonus" (BB), which is a kind of bonus game, is aligned on an oblique pay line from upper left to lower right. In this case, the fact of winning is displayed as "BIG BONUS" on the display device (display unit 38) of the present invention, and the user is notified that a predetermined number of BB games in which a large number of medals can be obtained with a high probability are started. It indicates that you want to.

The control example of the game in the present embodiment has been described in detail using the control flow. In the control of the present embodiment, description is given of notifying three types of information on the slot machine, that is, the pay line, the information on the listening tile, and the information on the winning using the display device (display unit 38) of the present invention. Done.

The information of the game console to be displayed and notified by the display device includes, as described above, a notification of a winning line, a notification of a prize, a notification that there is a possibility of winning, and a predetermined pattern. Such as notification of the timing when the player passes through the reel picture display window, notification of prompting the player to play the game, and the like, such as effects that give the player an interest and expectation, can be displayed.

For example, there is a notification of “carrying flag” information when a bonus game is internally won. Here, “carrying flag” means that when a bonus game is internally won, the internal state of the control unit is maintained until the combination of the corresponding patterns is aligned on the winning line under the control of the CPU. . In other words, even if the game is "losing" in the game, if the flag is carried over, the player can win the bonus game by aligning the bonus patterns in the subsequent games, so that the player has a sense of expectation. To continue the game.

The display of the information that the control unit is in the “flag carryover” state can be displayed by, for example, “display” in the flowchart of FIG.

Further, at the time when predetermined information is displayed by the display device of the present invention, a sound (sound effect) or the like can be emitted, and the game can be made more interesting.

In an amusement stand where a game is not played, a display for prompting a game, such as "Please Insert Coins", "Welcom", is displayed using the display device of the present invention.
e ...... ”etc. can be displayed.

Further, if the display device of the present invention is used, there is no need to provide an effective line display lamp, so that the space for the reel picture display window can be made wider than before by using the space.

That is, by employing the display device according to the present invention, it becomes easy for the player to observe the reel pattern, which is the most gazing point during the game, so that it is possible to provide an amusement table with high taste.

<Configuration of Display Device> Next, an example of a configuration of a display device using the light guide panel of the present invention and an example of an arrangement of the display device will be described with reference to FIGS. This will be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing the positions of the arrangement examples.

(Light guide panel) The material used for the display surface used in the display device is a transparent material that transmits visible light and does not obstruct the picture on the reel even if it is arranged on the front of the reel. A light guide plate (light guide panel) through which light can be transmitted. The light guide plate is slightly larger than the reel picture display window, and light is introduced from a light source through a cross section of the light guide panel.
Part of the light passing through the inside of the light guide panel is irregularly reflected by the irregular reflection portion provided on the front or back surface of the light guide panel, and the irregularly reflected light is emitted to the outside of the light guide panel and can be visually observed by a player. The configuration is as follows.

(Diffuse Reflection Portion) By making the shape of the irregular reflection portion provided in the middle of the light guide panel into the shape of characters, figures, and symbols, the display shape can be made to correspond to information necessary for display. When light is incident from the light source, the irregularly reflected portion can be observed by the player, so that the player can know the state of the game table and the like from the displayed information. Naturally, various information can be displayed by turning on, blinking, or turning off the light source.

The irregular reflection portion provided on the light guide panel is
By performing irregular reflection processing such as a concave or convex part or irregular part for irregular reflection on the front or back surface of the place where the display of the light guide panel is displayed, part of the light incident from the light source is irregularly reflected and can be observed by a player. become.

For example, the concave portion may be formed by cutting a U-shaped or other irregularly-reflected concave portion on the front or back surface of the light guide panel for irregular reflection, or may be formed integrally when forming the light guide panel. It can be formed by performing an irregular reflection process by a chemical process. Further, the convex portion may be formed by attaching a transparent material for diffuse reflection or another material for diffuse reflection to the front or back surface of the light guide panel, integrally forming when forming the light guide panel, or by chemical treatment. This can be realized by performing diffuse reflection processing.

(Example of Light Guide Panel) FIGS.
(D) is a diagram showing a configuration of the display device, and is a diagram showing an example of a light guide panel, each showing another example of a display figure. FIG. 6A shows a display portion (a rectangular portion surrounded by a dotted line: 3) of all the images that can be observed from the reel image display window.
× 3 = 9), which indicates that the light guide panel covers (slightly larger than the reel picture display window) (b)
In (d), the display portion of the picture is omitted, but the same applies.

The display by the light guide panel of FIG.
This is an example of a case where one horizontal horizontal line 202 (portion of irregular reflection processing) is shown as a pay line.

In the lower section of the light guide panel, a light source introducing section 20 is provided.
1 is provided, and light is incident from the light source 203. The incident light is irregularly reflected at the position of the middle horizontal line 202,
One horizontal line in the middle is displayed to the player. This display is used to indicate that the winning effective line is one horizontal middle line when the player inserts one medal at the start of the game.

In FIG. 6A, the display is shown by a small circle. However, by forming the display continuously, a line display can be formed. The size of the width of the line is not particularly limited, but if it is too large, the image of the pattern on the reel to be observed through the transparent plate is curved or refracted, which makes it difficult to see, so that the line width is set to an appropriate size so as not to be an obstacle. Is preferred. Further, the interval between the display portions at adjacent points is not particularly limited. However, by making the interval closer, it is possible to make the display portion look more linear.

It is preferable that a method of expressing a winning line be a "hemispherical depression". However, other than this method, for example, it can be achieved by making a linear cut on a transparent plate. . However, in the case of a straight cut, there is a drawback that a portion of a picture that looks refracted increases as compared with the case of a “hemispherical dent”.

The material (material) of the transparent light guide panel used in the practice of the present invention is not particularly limited, as long as it can transmit visible light. , Visible light transmission,
Desirable in terms of material workability and the like.

Further, as an example of a method of forming a “hemispherical dent” on a transparent plate, a molding method using a mold can be mentioned. That is, it is achieved by designing a mold so that a transparent plate having a “hemispherical dent” is formed when molded.

As shown in FIG. 6B, visible light is applied to the light source 20 from the cross section of the light source introducing portion 201 at one end of the light guide panel.
When irradiation is introduced from 3, light travels through the conductor panel as indicated by the arrows, and is irregularly reflected at three horizontal lines at the upper, middle, and lower stages shown in the figure, and the player can observe the three lines. (This is the case where it is displayed when two coins are inserted).

As the light source 203, light sources of various colors can be used as long as they can be seen with the naked eye. As an example of using light sources of a plurality of colors, when there are many winning lines, by changing the color of the lines, it becomes possible to display the winning lines clearly to the player. For example, if the number of activated pay lines is “7”,
The five-line light guide panel shown in FIG.
By overlapping two light guide panels of two lines showing a mountain shape and a valley shape shown in (d) and irradiating light with light sources of different colors, it is possible to display as a line having a different color, and a complicated line can be displayed. It can be shown to the player in an easy-to-understand manner. In FIG. 6 (d), in order to distinguish between the two types of line chevron and the valley-shaped line, one chevron line is indicated by "x", but both types are "hemispherical dents".
Needless to say, this is fine.

FIG. 7 shows that the light emitted from the light source 203 travels through the light guide panel 211 and is irregularly reflected by a “hemispherical dent” 202 on the way to provide a display that can be seen by the player with the naked eye. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a basic configuration. The light emitted from the light source travels straight through the inside of the transparent plate, and when a part of the light reaches the portion of the “hemispherical depression” 202, the light is irregularly reflected by a hemispherical curve and emitted to the outside. When the light emitted to the outside enters the eyes of the player, it is recognized that the “hemispherical depression” 202 is shining.

In FIG. 6, the description of the display of the pay line is described. However, characters, graphics, symbols, etc. can be displayed as shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. In this case, a "hemispherical dent" may be formed on the surface of the transparent plate along the contour of a character, figure, or the like.

(Example in which a plurality of light guide panels are stacked) A configuration example of a display device in which a plurality of light guide panels are stacked will be described below with reference to FIG. In the display device (light guide panel) according to the present invention, one light guide panel shown in FIG. 6 can be used alone, but usually, a variety of information is transmitted by stacking a plurality of light guide panels. can do.

Each of the light guide panels shown in FIGS.
It is the same as the light guide panel of (a)-(d) of FIG. As shown in FIGS. 8A to 8D, the four light guide panels are overlapped and fixed by the fixing unit 204, so that even if the number of pay lines is different, a display corresponding thereto can be performed. .

For example, when the light source provided on the light guide panel of FIG. 8A is turned on, it is possible to display the case where the number of pay-in effective lines is “1”. Similarly, when the light source provided on the light guide panel of FIG. 8B is turned on, it is possible to display the case where the number of payable pay lines is “3”. When the light source installed on the light guide panel shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D is turned on, the number of active pay lines becomes five as shown in FIG.
By displaying the two lines of (d), it is possible to display that the total number of activated pay lines is “7”.

It is necessary to provide a small gap between adjacent light guide panels so that they do not overlap each other.
This is because visible light emitted from the adjacent light guide panel may be mixed in or refracted on the surface of the adjacent light guide, resulting in a dirty display or an incorrect display. is there.

Here, since the light source that emits visible light is larger (thick in the thickness direction) than the thickness of one light guide panel, the thickness of each light guide panel shown in FIGS. As described above, by shifting the position where the light source introduction unit 201 is installed, the interval between adjacent transparent plates can be reduced, and a large number of light guide panels are inserted between the reel picture display window and the picture with limited space. Display device can be.

(Disposition Position of Display Device) An example of the disposition position of the display device using the light guide panel of the present invention on a game table will be described with reference to FIG.

The display device of the present invention uses the light guide panel 211 in the space between the reel picture display windows 131 to 133 and the reels (reel pictures) 101 to 103 as shown in FIG. The flat part of the transparent plate of the display device is fixed and installed so as to face the player. In FIG. 9, for the sake of simplicity, one light guide panel 211 is used (the number of activated pay lines is "5"), and the above "hemispherical depression" is indicated by a straight line, and the light source introduction portion and the fixing of the light guide panel are fixed. The parts are omitted.

The display device using the light guide panel according to the present invention described in detail above has the reel picture display windows 131-1.
It can be used not only as a display device (display device I) provided between the reel 33 and the reels 101 to 103, but also around the reel picture display window (display device II). Needless to say, it can be used to display information about the platform.

As an example, in a game console equipped with a plurality of display devices, when the number of payout effective lines is large, for example, a linear effective line is indicated by “Display device II”, and a broken line, a mountain shape, a valley shape, or the like is used. Display the effective line indicating the complex shape of the display
As shown by "I", by dividing and displaying the display on a plurality of display devices, there is an advantage that the player can easily see the pay line.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described using an example in which a slot machine is used, the present invention can be applied to a hitting game machine such as a pachinko machine. For example, when a hit ball enters a predetermined winning opening in a pachinko game, the information is reported by the display device according to the present invention, or the timing at which a large number of playing balls can be acquired with a high probability is reported by the display device of the present invention. can do.

According to the present invention, a display device based on a light guide panel for displaying information about an amusement board such as internal winnings and winning lines is provided in a space between a reel picture display window and a reel of the amusement board. By installing the light guide panel, which is the main component of the display device, so that the plane of the light guide panel faces the player, it is a mechanism that is inexpensive and has a relatively simple structure. In addition, it is possible to provide an amusement platform at a lower price.

Further, the effects of the present invention include the following in addition to the above.

First, by increasing the number of the light guide panels and increasing the information that can be notified, it is possible to convey a wide variety of information about the game console to the player, and to provide a game console with a high taste. Can be.

Secondly, in the past, most of the notification by light was performed by lighting or blinking, but according to the present invention,
In addition to notification by these displays, it is possible to easily display and express characters, figures, symbols, and the like, and to provide an amusement stand that is easy for players to understand.

Thirdly, it is possible to provide an amusement table which informs a player of a winning line such as a broken line or a Yamagata in an easy-to-understand manner.

Fourth, it is possible to provide an amusement table with a display device which does not hinder the observation of the picture during the game.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control unit of the slot machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart related to control of the slot machine in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a display example of a display device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a display example of a display device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device in the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device in the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a display device in the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a position of an example of arrangement of a display device on a game console in the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 22 CPU 23 Medal sensor 24 Stop button switch 25 Start lever sensor 26 Credit bet button switch 27 Input interface 28 ROM 29 RAM 30 Motor control unit 31 Hopper control unit 32 Input / output interface 33 Lamp control unit 34 Output interface 35 Speaker 36 Sound output unit 37 random number generator 38 display unit (display device) 39 display output unit 50 bus 100 slot machine 101 left reel 102 middle reel 103 right reel 105 start lever 106 medal slot 107 medal payout port 108 medal tray 109 medal maximum 3 button 110 Button for hanging up to two medals 111 Button for hanging one medal 112 Medal settlement button / credit switching button 113 Sound hole 114 Residual remaining number display 115 Medal payout number display 116 Medal insert lamp 117 Replay start lamp 118 Bonus flag notification lamp 119 Winning payout display board (odds panel) 120 Winning effective line display lamp 121 Left reel stop button 122 Medium reel stop button 123 Right reel stop button 131-133 Reel display window 140 Flicker display lamp 201 Light source introduction part 202 Hemispherical dent 203 Light source 204 Light guide panel fixing part 211 Light guide panel

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A light source for introducing light from a cross section of a light guide panel made of a transparent material that transmits visible light and having a diffused reflection portion provided at a predetermined position, and transmits light passing through the light guide panel. It is configured to be emitted from the diffuse reflection portion to the outside so that the predetermined portion can be observed with the naked eye from the front, the diffuse reflection portion is formed to display predetermined information of an amusement table, and the light source is turned on, blinking, A game console comprising a display device for turning off the light to display predetermined information of the game console to a player. 2. A light source panel corresponding to each of the plurality of light guide panels is turned on and off, and a plurality of light guide panels are provided.
2. A display device for displaying predetermined information of an amusement board to a player by turning off the light.
The amusement platform described. 3. The game console according to claim 1, wherein the display device is provided between a reel display window of the game console and a reel. 4. The information displayed by the display device,
At least one of notification of a winning line, notification of a winning, notification of a possibility of winning, notification of a timing when a predetermined pattern passes through a reel pattern display window, and notification of prompting a player to play a game. The game console according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the number is one. 5. The irregular reflection portion provided on the light guide panel, the diffuse reflection portion having been subjected to irregular reflection processing such as a concave portion, a convex portion, or a concave / convex portion on at least a surface or a back surface of a predetermined portion of the light guide panel where display is desired. The amusement platform according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein