JP2001120712A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attract eyes of players and to give various information on lottery results intelligibly. SOLUTION: The light source, of which the light is emitted in one of more than one color and the light takes the form of a flat surface, is prepared behind each of reels 8a, 8b and 8c, being correspondent to each of three symbol stop display positions. According to the start or stop of the reels 8a, 8b and 8c, the light emission action of each light source is controlled and light-emitting patterns representing such characters as 'L', 'U', 'T' and the like are displayed. The character and the background of these light-emitting patterns have different colors from each other, and it is set to show the possibility of winning various kinds of prizes respectively for more than one stage, by means of the shape and the presented color of the light-emitting patterns.

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, a maximum of 5 symbols including the symbol at the time of the stop operation are required. Even if a lottery is won, depending on the rotation position of the reel at the time of the stop operation, the target symbol cannot be pulled in.

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. 11-164934, a light emission pattern for notification is displayed in a symbol display window watched by a player, and a form is formed for each winning type. Since different light emission patterns are shown, it is possible 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 the above method, since a monochromatic light-emitting miniature lamp is used as a light source, even if various light-emitting patterns are set for performing various notifications, each light-emitting pattern can be displayed only in a certain color. For this reason, it is difficult for the player to identify the difference between the patterns, and there is a problem that the content of the notification cannot be sufficiently recognized.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and a light source capable of switching colors is disposed behind a plurality of symbol stop display positions, and the light sources are used in the symbol display window. The purpose of the present invention is to display a light-emitting pattern that represents the color of the game, thereby attracting the player's eyes and notifying various information related to the lottery result in an easily understandable manner.

[0012]

According to the present invention, a plurality of strips on which symbols of a plurality of frames are arranged are arranged behind a symbol display window, and the strips are moved simultaneously to display symbols in a variable manner. The present invention relates to a slot machine that draws a predetermined number of symbols at a predetermined position into the symbol display window and stops each band-shaped portion based on a result of a player's stop operation and a lottery after the operation. According to the first aspect of the present invention, a light-transmitting portion is formed on a background or a symbol of at least one band-shaped portion of the slot machine having the above-mentioned configuration, and at least one symbol is displayed at a stop display position behind the band-shaped portion. Correspondingly, a light source capable of switching and emitting a plurality of types of color light is provided. Further, an illumination control means for controlling a lighting operation of each of the light sources in accordance with starting or stopping of each band-shaped portion and displaying a predetermined light emitting pattern for notifying a possibility of hitting the lottery by color is provided.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, a light-transmitting portion is formed on the background or symbol of each band portion, and behind each band portion, a plurality of types of colors are provided corresponding to the stop display position of at least one symbol. A light source capable of switching light to emit light is provided. The lighting operation of each light source is described in claim 1.
And lighting control means for displaying a predetermined light emission pattern for notifying the possibility of winning in the lottery by color.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the illumination control means is configured to display a character or graphic light emission pattern in a predetermined color by causing a predetermined number of light sources to emit light.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the illumination control means is configured to display a light emitting pattern composed of a background of a predetermined color and a character or graphic of another color by causing a predetermined number of light sources to emit light. Is done.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the illumination control means is configured to display a light emitting pattern in which at least a part of the color is different depending on the possibility of the lottery.

In the invention according to claim 6, the lighting control means displays a light emitting pattern in which at least a part of the color is different depending on the possibility of the lottery, and displays a light emitting pattern of a different form according to the type of winning. It is configured to

In the invention according to claim 7, the illumination control means is configured to display a light emitting pattern in which at least a part of the color is different depending on the type of winning that may have been won.

In the invention according to claim 8, the illumination control means is provided with a display changing means for changing a display from the predetermined light emitting pattern to another light emitting pattern having a different color or form.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the light source is provided at each stop display position of each symbol of each strip.

According to the tenth aspect, the first, second, and ninth aspects are provided.
In each of the above configurations, each of the light sources is configured to irradiate the belt-shaped portion with planar light corresponding to a range in which one frame of symbols is arranged.

[0022]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, one or a plurality of light sources corresponding to at least one band-shaped portion are respectively turned on in a predetermined color, so that a light emission pattern in a predetermined form is displayed. According to the second aspect of the present invention, one or more of the light sources arranged at the stop display positions of one or more symbols for each belt-shaped portion are lit in a predetermined color to thereby achieve the same effect. The light emission pattern is displayed. These light emitting patterns indicate the possibility of winning in the lottery by colors, so that the color of the light emitting pattern changes according to the content of the information to be notified.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the character or graphic pattern is displayed in a color corresponding to the content of the information to be announced by the light emitting operation of each light source. According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the character or graphic pattern and the background portion are displayed in different colors.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to indicate the possibility of the lottery in a plurality of stages by the color of a part or the whole of the light emitting pattern.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the same notification, different types of light emission patterns are displayed according to the type of winning, so that the combination of the types and colors of the light emitting patterns is used to determine the winning of a plurality of types of winning. The possibility can be shown in a plurality of stages.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the color of a part or the whole of the light emitting pattern is used to notify which of a plurality of types of prizes may have been won.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, once the notification is made in the predetermined light emission pattern, the content of the notification is changed by changing to another light emission pattern.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the light sources are provided at all the symbol stop display positions in the symbol display window, when each of the strips is moving and displayed, or when the moving display is performed. When you are stopped,
It is possible to display the light emission pattern over the entire symbol display window.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, since the light source emits light, the belt-like portion is irradiated with planar light according to the range in which one frame of symbols is arranged. By providing a light-transmitting portion having a suitable size, a light-emitting pattern in which light-emitting elements are combined according to the shape and size of the light-transmitting portion can be displayed.

[0029]

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, 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 symbols for a small bonus prize in addition to symbols for a big bonus and a regular bonus 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 on the reels 8a, 8b, 8c on which the belt-shaped sheet 28 is stuck. However, the reels 8a, 8b, 8c are used instead of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c. 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 each symbol display window 20a, 20b, 20c, three reels 8a, 8b, 8c of the reel block are located. When the reels are stopped, the reels 8a, 8b, The symbols S shown on the outer peripheral surface of 8c are respectively visible 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, which are upper, middle, lower and diagonal, traverse the respective symbol display windows 20a, 20b and 20c, as shown in FIG. 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 so as to correspond to 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 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 winning lines have been activated by inserting medals (shown in FIG. 19), a lottery process using random numbers is performed to determine whether or not one of the winnings 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” (hereinafter collectively referred to as “bonus prize”) 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 from the stop operation due to legal regulations, a target symbol may not be able to be pulled in within the time limit. For the normal "hit", the lottery result is cleared by failing to pull in the winning symbol. However, if the lottery becomes "big hit" but the pull-in of a symbol such as "7" fails, The lottery result is maintained until a special prize is established.

FIGS. 5 to 7 show a specific structure of the light source unit 30. FIG. The light source unit 30 of this embodiment includes:
The main body frame 31, three support frames 32, and a side plate 34 on which a plurality of LEDs 33 are disposed are integrated. The main body frame 31 is provided with three support plates 35a, 35b, and 35c that are provided in the vertical direction.
And three joint pieces 36a, 36b, 36c projecting rearward from one side of each of the support plates 35a, 35b, 35c, and two vertical pieces 3 connected to the upper and lower support plates 35a, 35c.
7a and 37b. Each support plate 35a, 35b,
35c, the center 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 an opening 40 on the front surface surrounded by four light-shielding walls 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d. Among the light shielding walls 40a to 40d, a light shielding wall 40d corresponding to the mounting side of the side plate 34 is integrally formed with a front plate 41 projecting outward from a center position, and the other light shielding walls 40a, 40b, and 40c are provided with: At both sides of the frame, mounting pieces 43 and 44 projecting rearward are formed continuously. On the mounting side of the side plate 34, between each of the L of the side plate 34, between the front plate 41 and the mounting piece 44.
A gap 42 corresponding to the size of the ED 33 is provided. Each of the light-shielding walls 40c and 40d at both sides has an arc-shaped front edge, and is formed so that each surface faces obliquely outward with respect to the front in order to widen a light irradiation range.

In the above configuration, the side plate 34 is placed in a state where the LEDs 33 are positioned on the support plates 35a, 35b, 35c.
Are supported on the main body frame 31 and these side plates 34
The main body frame 31 is covered with three support frames 32, and the mounting pieces 43, 44 are screwed to the joining pieces 36a, 36b, 36c, and the side plate 34 of the main body frame 31, respectively. The light source unit 30 sandwiched between the light source unit 30 and the support frame 32 is formed. Furthermore, each mounting piece 38 of the main body frame 31
a, 38b to the mounting plate 10a (10
The light source unit 30 is fixedly supported at the rear side position of the reel 8a (8b, 8c) in a state where each opening 40 corresponds to the symbol stop display position by screwing to the inner surface of (b, 10c). .

Accordingly, 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.
Because it is formed at a position that does not cover 33
When viewed from the front, the reference numeral 33 is arranged in a state where the reference numeral 33 is hidden by the front plate 41 of the support frame 32, as shown in FIG.

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, the opening 40 is provided on the front surface to form a planar illumination pattern. Alternatively, a transparent or translucent window may be formed on the front surface of each support frame 32. Good.

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 with white light. Further, in this embodiment, the light source 21 is used to notify at a predetermined probability whether or not the lottery has been won.

Specifically, this notification is made when all the reels 8a, 8b, 8c are stopped, or when each reel 8a, 8b, 8c is stopped.
When the light sources 21a, 8b, and 8c are started, the light emission color of each light source 21 is switched from white to a predetermined color light to display a light emission pattern for notification over the entire three symbol display windows 20a, 20b, and 20c. . This light emission pattern is a pattern imitating a character or a figure, and each light source 21 representing a character or a figure is colored in the same color (for example, red).
And the other light source 21 emits light in a color (eg, green) representing the background. In addition, a plurality of light emitting patterns having different forms (here, character types and graphic shapes) and colors are prepared according to the type of winning and the probability of winning the winning. In the following description, as shown in FIG. 11, a total of nine light sources 21 for each of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c are assigned identification numbers of 〜 to 、, and the light emitting pattern is expressed based on the identification numbers. Each light source 21
Are shown below.

FIG. 12 shows a specific example of a light emission pattern using characters. The light emission pattern in FIG.
Each light source 21 in the color of the character, and each light source 21
By emitting light in the background color,
Represents the letter "L". The light emission pattern in FIG.
The light source 21 emits light in the color of a character and the light source 21 emits light in the color of a background, thereby expressing the character “U”. In the light emission pattern of FIG. 14, each light source 21 is represented by a character color.
The light source 21 emits light in the color of the background, thereby representing the character "T". In each figure, in order to clarify the character part, only the color representing the character is shown by solid color, and the color of the background part is shown by solid color,
Each light source 21 constituting the background may basically emit any color as long as the color is different from that of the character portion, or may maintain white light emission when the reel rotates. Alternatively, the light source 21 corresponding to the background may be turned off. Alternatively, light the background part in a predetermined color,
By turning off the character portion, the character may be displayed in an embossed state.

FIG. 15 shows an example of setting a light emission pattern according to the content of the notification. In this embodiment, two types of light emission patterns are set: a light emission pattern in which a predetermined degree of expectation is set for "per lottery" and a light emission pattern in which no degree of expectation is set. The light emitting patterns having the expected degree include light emitting patterns (hereinafter, “L-shaped”, “U-shaped”) imitating the characters “L”, “U”, and “T” shown in FIGS. , "T-shaped" light emission pattern). The L-shaped light-emitting pattern indicates the probability of winning a big bonus and a regular bonus (hereinafter, referred to as “BB winning” and “RB winning”), in which the character portion is red and the background portion is green. Indicates that the winning in the BB winning is reliable. Further, the light emission pattern in which the character portion is blue and the background portion is green indicates that the winning in the RB prize is reliable. Further, when an L-shaped light-emitting pattern with a combination of colors other than the above two types is displayed, it indicates that the player has won the RB winning with a probability of 20%.

The U-shaped light-emitting pattern is used to indicate the possibility of winning either the BB or RB bonus prize. The U-shaped light-emitting pattern has a red or blue character portion and a green background portion. The light emission pattern indicates that the probability of winning any of the bonus prizes is 50%. In addition, the possibility of winning a bonus prize due to the U-shaped light emitting pattern of other color combinations is one.
It is shown to be 0%.

The T-shaped light-emitting pattern is for indicating the possibility of winning the small role prize, and the character portion is red,
A light emission pattern with a green background indicates that the possibility of winning a small winning combination is 50%. In addition, the T-shaped light emission pattern by the combination of the other colors indicates that the possibility of winning the small winning combination is 10%. Note that the winning of the small role prize is normally effective only for the game in which the lottery is performed. Therefore, the above-mentioned T-shaped light emission pattern may be different from the game result such as when each of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c starts. Must be displayed before leaving.

On the other hand, as a light emission pattern having no expectation, a light emission pattern imitating each character of "A", "C", "I", "X", and "Z" is set. Each of these light emission patterns is controlled so that the character portion is red or blue and the background portion is green or yellow, and the light emission pattern representing “lottery out” which has not been won in either a bonus prize or a small role prize. Function as However, in order to indicate that there is no possibility of winning, not only the light emission pattern of such a character but also a light emission pattern having the expected degree is displayed in a state where a part of the character is lost as shown in FIG. You may do it.

Further, in this embodiment, for the L-shaped light emitting pattern, the certainty of winning in the BB winning and the RB winning is indicated by changing the character color for each winning type, and one of the bonus winnings is won. In order to show the possibility, a U-shaped light emission pattern is set. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a different character type depending on the winning type, such as an L-shape for BB winning and a U-shape for RB winning. May be adopted, and for each light-emitting pattern, the possibility of winning a prize represented by the pattern may be expressed by the color of the character. Further, in the above embodiment, when the L-shaped light emitting pattern indicates the certainty of the winning of the BB winning or the RB winning, the color of only the character portion is changed depending on the winning type. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Both of the backgrounds may be changed. Since the light source 21 of this embodiment can display various colors as shown in FIG. 10, the winning probability is divided into several steps, and a different color is assigned to each step, so that the winning is achieved. It is possible to announce the possibility of subdividing in detail.

As described above, the symbol display windows 20a, 20
b, in a 9 × 9 display area over 20c,
Since the possibility of winning a prize is represented by the character type and its color, the player who pays attention to the reel stop operation can check the notification content without moving his / her eyes. In addition, the player can easily recognize the character part by separating it from the background part and confirm the color of the character part at a glance, so it is easy to distinguish the difference between each light emission pattern and correct the notification content. It is possible to recognize. In addition, by displaying the colors, the entire symbol display section 20 can be displayed in an eye-catching and vivid manner to attract other players.

Further, in the case where the notification is performed after the reels 8a, 8b, 8c are stopped, it is possible to take a sufficient time for the notification.
It is possible to perform effects such as randomly changing one emission color or shifting various color lights sequentially along the length direction of the reel. Also, once a predetermined light emission pattern is displayed, the notification content can be changed such that the light emission color of each light source 21 is randomly changed to cause another light emission pattern to appear. In this case, the player:
The color display developed on the symbol display unit 20 is watched with a sense of expectation until the end, and the interest of the game can be greatly enhanced.

In the above embodiment, each of the reels 8a, 8
The entire background portion b, 8c is made translucent, and the background portion is made to transmit rectangular light from the light source 21. The background portion is colored to shield light, and the symbol portion is made transmissive. And light may be emitted while changing the symbol color by the back illumination by the light source 21. Further, as shown in FIG. 17 described below, a light-transmitting portion 45 is formed in a part of the symbol, and a light-shielding layer is provided in the other portion and the background portion of the symbol so that light from the light source 21 is transmitted through the light-transmitting portion. Alternatively, the light may be transmitted from only 45.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, of the nine light sources 21,
The light source 21 emits light of a predetermined color other than white, and the remaining light sources 21 emit white light, thereby expressing a light emission pattern imitating the "5" eye of the dice.

FIG. 18 shows, for each of the dice “1” to “6”, the control content of each light source 21 for generating a light emission pattern of the die and the notification content in association with each other. In this example, the combination of the displayed eye type and the color of the eye indicates the probability of winning a predetermined prize. In particular, the light emitting pattern representing the eye of “1” is a BB prize. The possibility of winning is indicated by a combination of the colors of the eyes and the background. In addition, when none of the light emission patterns is displayed in a predetermined color, the light emission pattern functions as a light emission pattern representing “outside” that has not been won in any of the winnings.

The light emission pattern is shown in FIGS.
Not limited to the above example, various patterns such as a light emitting pattern imitating symbols such as +,-, =, /, and や, and a light emitting pattern in which the T-shaped or U-shaped light emitting pattern is vertically inverted are set. It is possible to

Further, in the above embodiment, each of the reels 8a, 8
The light source 21 is made to correspond to all three symbol stop display positions for each of b and 8c to generate a light emission pattern by a combination of nine light emitters. The light source 21 may be provided only for the light source 21 to generate a light emission pattern based on a combination of the color lights of these three light sources. Alternatively, a light source 21 may be provided at each symbol stop display position along one or two pay lines to generate a light emission pattern based on a combination of colored light of each light source. Although the information to be notified is limited, it is also possible to arrange the light source 21 only in one place such as the position shown in FIG. 11 and to notify the possibility of winning such as a bonus prize by the emission color of the light source 21. It is.

FIG. 19 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 supplies 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 winning lines according to a detection signal from the medal detection sensor 56 or an operation signal from any of the bet button switches 17, 18, and 19. Further, the CPU 51
A random number generator 54 according to an operation signal from the starting lever 14
To determine whether a winning is achieved or not, and whether to notify the possibility of winning based on the light emission pattern.

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, a control program for executing various light emission patterns as shown in FIGS. 15 and 18 is stored.

Further, the ROM of each of the control units 50 and 58 has
Each light emission 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 light emission pattern to be executed is received from 0, a program necessary for executing the specified light emission pattern is read out for each light source 21, and a driving circuit (shown in FIG. Z)
Are individually controlled to realize a desired light emission 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. 20 shows an example of a control procedure in the slot machine 1. The procedure shown here is such that when each of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c is stopped and the game result is "out" or a small role prize, the player wins either the BB prize or the RB prize. The lottery is performed to determine whether or not to make a notification for each game.

In executing the game, the player operates the start lever 14 after inserting a medal directly from the medal slot 16 or operating one of the bet button switches 17, 18, 19. When these operations are performed,
ST1 becomes “YES”, and the CPU 51 executes a lottery using the random number generator 54 and determines whether to achieve either a bonus prize or a small role prize (ST).
3).

In this lottery process, if either the BB prize or the RB prize is won, ST4 returns “YE”.
S ", and a winning flag for holding the winning is set in the next ST5. However, if the hit flag has been set in the previous game, ST2 returns "YE
S "and the hit flag is held, and ST6
, A lottery for only the small winning prize is executed. In the actual control, different winning flags are set for each of the BB and RB winning types, and a flag corresponding to the winning type is also set when a small portion winning is won. Therefore, one winning flag is set for a special prize, and the illustration and detailed description of the winning process for the small prize winning are omitted.

In the next ST7, the lottery for the notification is further executed. In this lottery, it is determined whether or not to perform the notification based on the light emission pattern, and in the case of performing the notification, the light emission pattern to be used is determined, and a notification flag is set in ST9. Although not shown here, code information corresponding to the determined light emission pattern is set in a predetermined area in the RAM 53 and held until a notification is executed.

When the lottery is executed, the CPU 51
Causes the light sources 21 to emit white light and simultaneously starts the reels 8a, 8b, 8c (ST10). Since the opening 40 of each light source 21 has a size that covers almost the entire reel width, when each of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c is rotated at a high speed, the light from the three light sources 21 corresponding to the respective reels is generated. White light is diffused over the entire peripheral surface of the reel, and the illumination effect can be enhanced.

Thereafter, the CPU 51 sets 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 (ST11 to ST13). At this time, in the lottery process of ST6, if the winning flag is set and the small winning combination is won, the CPU 51 preferentially draws the small winning symbol and stops the symbol.

When all the reels 8a, 8b, 8c are stopped, ST13 becomes "YES" and a prize determination is made. If a prize is established, ST14 to ST15 are executed.
Then, a predetermined number of medals are paid out. Further, if the winning is a special winning, the process proceeds from ST16 to ST17, and after the hit flag and the notification flag are reset, a bonus game routine is executed in ST18.

On the other hand, if the game result is a small win or "losing", and the notification flag is set, ST19 becomes "YES". CPU receiving this
51 reads out the code information of the light emission pattern held in the RAM 53 and transmits the code information to the sub-control unit 58, thereby executing the notification based on the light emission pattern determined by the lottery (ST20). And the next ST21
Then, the notification flag is reset. When these controls are completed, the CPU 51 determines in each of the light sources 21 in the last ST22.
Lights off, and waits for the next game start operation.

According to the above control procedure, the hit flag is held until a bonus prize is established.
Since the notification flag is reset each time the game is played, the notification is not always performed continuously even when the hit flag is set. Therefore, the player is expected and worried about winning the bonus prize,
a, 8b, and 8c, the symbol display windows 20a, 2
0b, 20c will continue to pay attention to the display,
You can greatly increase your concentration on the game. However, the notification method is not limited to this, and the notification may always be performed when the hit flag is set.
Also, in the case of a small part winning, if the winning is not established, the winning result of the winning is carried over to the next game, and after the reels 8a, 8b, 8c are stopped, the possibility of winning the small part winning is suggested. May be displayed.

When the notification is made at the time of starting each of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c, the procedure is the same as that of FIG. 20 up to the point where a series of lottery processes are executed in response to the game start operation of the player. If the notification flag is not set by the lottery, each of the reels 8a, 8b, and 8c is started while each light source 21 emits white light, as in FIG. 20, but if the notification flag is set, each of the reels 8a, 8b , 8c is started and the light emission pattern determined by the lottery is displayed.

[0079]

According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the lottery can be performed by controlling the light emitting operation of the light source provided behind one or a plurality of strips in accordance with the start or stop of the strip. Since the light-emitting pattern in which the character is represented by color is displayed, it is possible to clearly notify the difference of various notification contents by color. Therefore, the effect of the effect can be enhanced by attracting the player's eyes, and the content of the notification can be easily grasped by the player.

According to the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, the character or graphic pattern is displayed in a color corresponding to the content of the information to be announced. For example, different character or graphic patterns are displayed depending on the type of winning. A variety of notifications can be executed by giving a variation to the information to be notified. According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the character or figure portion and the background portion are displayed in different colors, so that a more attractive light-emitting pattern can be presented.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to make the player easily and accurately recognize the possibility of the lottery by the color of a part or the whole of the light emitting pattern. Further, according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the possibility of winning for a plurality of kinds of winnings can be indicated in a plurality of stages by using a combination of the form and the color of the light emitting pattern, so that various contents can be notified.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the color of a part or the whole of the light emitting pattern makes it possible to clearly indicate to the player a winning type that may have been won.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the content of the notification is changed by changing to a different light emitting pattern after the notification is once given by the predetermined light emitting pattern. Can enhance the interest of the people. In addition, the player may watch the symbol display window until the end of the notification in consideration of the possibility of the notification content being changed, or may expect the notification to be changed to a more favorable notification, or to determine whether the notification is changed to a bad notification. If you become worried, you can make the game more interesting.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the light sources are provided at all the symbol stop display positions in the symbol display window, light-emitting patterns of various colors are displayed over the entire symbol display window to produce the effect. The effect can be enhanced.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, by providing a sufficiently large light transmitting portion on the strip-shaped portion side, a light emitting pattern combining light emitters according to the shape and size of the light transmitting portion can be displayed. Is possible, the form is easy to understand,
A clear light emitting pattern can be displayed.

[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 diagram showing identification numbers given to respective light sources in generating a light emission pattern.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an L-shaped light emitting pattern.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a U-shaped light emitting pattern.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a T-shaped light emitting pattern.

FIG. 15 is a table showing, in association with each other, a light emission pattern in characters and notification contents.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a U-shaped light emitting pattern is displayed with a part thereof being deleted.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a light-transmitting portion is provided in a symbol portion to display a light emitting pattern of dice eyes.

FIG. 18 is a table showing, in association with each other, a light emitting pattern of dice eyes and notification contents.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure when a notification 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 (10)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of strips on which symbols of a plurality of frames are arranged are arranged behind a symbol display window, and the respective strips are moved at once to variably display the symbols. A slot machine that draws a predetermined number of symbols at a predetermined position into the symbol display window based on a result of a stop operation and a lottery performed by a player and stops the symbol display window. A light source that is formed and that is capable of switching and emitting light of a plurality of types of color lights is provided behind the band-shaped portion in correspondence with a stop display position of at least one symbol. The lighting operation of each light source is controlled in accordance with the start or stop of each band-shaped portion, and a predetermined light emission pattern is displayed to notify the possibility of hitting the lottery by color. Slot machine comprising comprises a light control means. 2. A plurality of strips in which symbols of a plurality of frames are arranged are arranged behind the symbol display window, and the respective strips are moved at once to variably display the symbols. In a slot machine in which a predetermined number of symbols at a predetermined position are drawn into the symbol display window and stopped based on a result of a stop operation and a lottery performed by a player, each band portion has a light-transmitting portion formed in the background or the symbol. And at least one behind each strip.
A light source capable of switching and emitting a plurality of colors of light corresponding to the stop display position of the individual symbols is provided, and the lighting operation of each light source is controlled according to the start or stop of each strip. And a lighting machine for displaying a predetermined light-emitting pattern for notifying the possibility of winning in the lottery by color. 3. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein said lighting control means displays a light-emitting pattern of characters or graphics in a predetermined color by causing a predetermined number of light sources to emit light. 4. The lighting control means according to claim 1, wherein the lighting control means displays a light emitting pattern including a background in a predetermined color and a character or graphic in another color by causing a predetermined number of light sources to emit light. The described slot machine. 5. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein said lighting control means displays a light emitting pattern in which at least a part of the color is different depending on the possibility of the lottery. 6. The lighting control means displays a light emitting pattern in which at least a part of the color is different depending on the possibility of the lottery, and displays a light emitting pattern in a different form according to a type of winning. A slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 7. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein said lighting control means displays a light emitting pattern in which at least a part of the color is different depending on the type of winning that may have been won. 8. The lighting control means includes display changing means for changing a display from the predetermined light emitting pattern to another light emitting pattern having a different color or form.
4. The slot machine according to any one of 4. 9. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the light source is provided at each stop display position of each symbol of each strip. 10. The light source according to claim 1, wherein each of the light sources irradiates a band-shaped portion with planar light corresponding to a range in which one frame of symbols is arranged. Slot machine.