JP2002085626A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine capable of suppressing a fraudulent action and offering a game sound effect to a player without remarkably deteriorating sound quality. SOLUTION: This slot machine is provided with a variable display means having a variable display area capable of displaying symbols of multiple kinds, a stop action device capable of stopping the symbols displayed on the variable display area, and a sound output device 110 capable of giving a prescribed game value to a player and outputting the game sound effect or the like when the display result on the variable display area becomes a predetermined specific display mode. At least one sounding section 78a having a plurality of separated sounding areas 123a-123c is provided at a prescribed position on the front face of a case 2b, and the game sound effect outputted from the sound output device 110 is discharged via the sounding section 78a.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a slot machine in which a predetermined game value is given to a player when, for example, a predetermined specific display mode is displayed in a variable display area. The present invention relates to a slot machine including an audio output device capable of outputting a game sound effect corresponding to a state.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a slot machine of this type is constituted by, for example, three reels having a plurality of types of symbols on the outer periphery, and the symbols can be generally identified by operating a start lever or the like after inserting a coin. When the game is started by being rotated at about the speed and the player stops the rotation of each of the reels via the stop button, when a predetermined combination of symbols are aligned on the activated line and a winning condition is established. A predetermined number of coins are paid out to the player.

The winning contents include, for example, a replay (the next game can be played again without coin insertion under the same conditions), a small number of coins to be paid out (for example, 10), a so-called big bonus ( There are big hits, such as BB, and regular bonus (hereinafter, RB), which are conditions for establishing a transition to a gaming state in which a large number of coins can be obtained.

In such a slot machine, generally, a speaker is built in a housing in which various devices are built, and during the above-mentioned game, for example, coin insertion, start lever operation, and the like. , When various operations such as a stop button operation are performed, when a winning combination is established along an activated line in which a specific symbol combination is activated, or when a big bonus game or a regular bonus game is executed. In some cases, for example, game sound effects corresponding to various game states are output from the speakers, and the interest of the game is enhanced.

[0005] Such a speaker is usually provided inside a housing constituting a slot machine, and a game sound effect output from the speaker passes through an opening formed at a predetermined position in the housing. In many cases, it is released outside the housing.

[0006]

However, if the opening is made large in order to prevent a decrease in the sound quality of the game sound effect, for example, various devices provided inside the housing through the opening may allow the external device to be mounted outside the housing. There was a danger that unauthorized processing would be performed.

Further, if the opening is made small in order to prevent such an illegal act, there is a problem that not only the sound quality of the game effect sound is reduced but also a powerful game effect sound cannot be provided.

The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and provides a slot machine capable of suppressing fraud and providing a game effect sound to a player without significantly reducing sound quality. The purpose is to do.

[0009]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a slot machine of the present invention comprises a variable display means having a variable display area capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols, and a variable display area displayed in the variable display area. And a stop operation means capable of stopping a symbol, wherein a predetermined game value is given to the player when the display result of the variable display area becomes a predetermined specific display mode. A slot machine comprising an acoustic output device capable of outputting game sound effects and the like, wherein at least one sound emitting unit having a plurality of sound emitting areas spaced apart from each other is provided at a predetermined position on the front surface of the housing. And the game effect sound output from the sound output device is emitted through the sound emitting unit. According to this feature, since the area of the sound emitting area in the sound emitting section is secured by the plurality of sound emitting areas, it is possible to prevent the sound quality and the like of the game effect sound from being reduced by reducing the area of the sound emitting area in the sound emitting section. . In addition, since the sound emission areas are separated from each other, it becomes difficult to perform an unauthorized process from the outside of the housing to various devices provided inside the housing, so that illegal acts can be effectively suppressed.

In the slot machine of the present invention, it is preferable that the plurality of sound emission areas are provided in advance on a cover attached to a front surface of the housing. With this configuration, the sound emitting unit can be easily configured without performing complicated processing on the housing.

In the slot machine of the present invention, it is preferable that the sound output device includes at least one speaker with a horn. With this configuration, since the speaker is disposed farther from the sound emitting unit, it is possible to effectively prevent illegal acts on various devices inside the housing, which may be caused by, for example, destroying a diaphragm or the like of the speaker.

[0012] In the slot machine of the present invention, it is preferable that the sound emitting sections are respectively provided on left and right sides of a front surface of the housing. With this configuration, the game effect sound can be expanded with a simple configuration.

[0013] In the slot machine of the present invention, it is preferable that the left and right sound emitting sections are provided so as to emit the game effect sound toward the player. In this way, the game effect sound is emitted from around the player and toward the player, so that the audibility of the game effect sound by the player is improved.

[0014] In the slot machine of the present invention, it is preferable that individual sound effects corresponding to directions are emitted from the sound emitting section. By doing so, the game effect sound can be reproduced in stereo, and the sound quality of the game effect sound can be improved.

[0015] In the slot machine of the present invention, the stop operation means is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of variable display areas, and each of the stop operation means is operated in response to a stop operation of each of the stop operation means. It is preferable that a predetermined game effect sound is emitted from the sound emitting section associated with the game sound. With this configuration, the player can recognize the operation position of the stop operation unit that has performed the stop operation based on the directionality of the game sound effect emitted from the sound emitting unit, and the interest of the game is improved.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. First, FIG. 1 shows a front view of a slot machine 1 as an example of the slot machine according to the present invention. At a predetermined location on the front of the slot machine 1, a display window 5L for allowing a player to visually recognize identification information such as symbols variably displayed by a variable display device 70 (see FIG. 2) as variable display means provided inside. ,
A variable display section 71 including a display window 5C and a display window 5R is provided.

When a player plays a game, when the insertion instruction lamp 19 is lit or blinking, the player uses a coin or a credit, which is an example of the value, to obtain a value of a desired size. Bet.

This slot machine 1 has a coin slot 1
8 and coins given as prizes can be stored as credits in a storage unit (not shown) provided inside the slot machine 1 and the like. In, a coin of a desired size can be bet by inserting a coin through the coin insertion slot 18 or by using a credit.

In a storage unit (not shown), a predetermined value (value in this embodiment, value corresponding to 50 coins) can be stored in advance as credits. The number of coins) is displayed on the credit indicator 26. Also,
When using a credit, the credit operation button 14a for three betting or the credit operation button 14b for one betting only has to be pressed, and when the credit operation button 14a for three betting is pressed, the credit display is displayed. 2
When the number of credits is subtracted from "6" by "3", the bet amount for three coins is set, and when the credit operation button 14b for one bet is pressed, the credit indicator 2 is displayed.
The number of credits is subtracted from "6" by "1", and the bet amount for one coin is set. A payment button 73 is operated to refund the credited value to the player. By pressing the payment button 73, the number of coins displayed on the credit display 26 is reduced to a value of the game. Is returned to the person.

When a player inserts, for example, one coin from the coin insertion slot 18, the start lamp 72 is turned on to indicate that the start lever 12 can be operated and the game can be started. At the same time, one horizontal line of effective lines L in the middle of the display windows 5L, 5C and 5R.
Effective line display lamp 21 corresponding to 1 (hit line)
Is lit to indicate that the valid line L1 has become valid.

When two coins are inserted from the coin insertion slot 18 by the player, the display windows 5L, 5C,
5R, upper, middle, lower three horizontal lines of effective lines L1,
Active line display lamps 21 and 2 corresponding to L2 and L2 '
2 is lit and a total of three effective lines L1, L2, L2 '
Is activated, and when three coins are inserted from the coin insertion slot 18 by the player, the display windows 5L, 5L
C, 3R effective lines L in the upper, middle and lower rows of 5R
1, L2, L2 'and two lines of diagonal diagonal lines L
3, active line indicator lamps 21 and 2 corresponding to L3 '
2 and 23 are turned on, and a total of five effective lines L1, L2,
L2 ', L3, and L3' become effective.

The number, shape, etc. of the activated lines activated according to the value bet such as coins and credits can be arbitrarily changed, and are not limited to the embodiment. Absent. The number of activated lines activated according to the bet amount can also be arbitrarily changed. For example, when one coin is inserted, all five activated lines L are activated.
1, L2, L2 ', L3, L3' may be validated.

Next, when the start lever 12 is pressed while the start lamp 72 is lit, the variable display device 70 is operated, and a plurality of types of symbols are continuously changed in each of the display windows 5L, 5C, and 5R. Is displayed as follows.
Then, the player operates the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9 provided below the display windows 5L, 5C, 5R, respectively.
By pressing R, each display window 5 corresponding to each of them can be operated.
Each symbol is stopped in the upper, middle, and lower display areas of L, 5C, and 5R.

Within each of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R, operation valid lamps 11L, 11C, 11R for lighting or blinking to indicate that the pressing operation of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R are effectively received, respectively. Is provided,
The light is turned off in response to a pressing operation of each of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R. In addition, these stop buttons 9L,
Around the 9C and 9R, a display lamp 105 that is turned on when, for example, it is determined that the shift to the big bonus is permitted is provided.

The order in which the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R are pressed is indefinite, and can be arbitrarily selected by the player. For example, when the left stop button 9L is pressed first, the corresponding operation enable lamp 11L is pressed. Is turned off, the symbol is stopped and displayed in the display window 5L, and the center stop button 9 is displayed.
When C is pressed, the operation valid lamp 11C is turned off and the symbol is stopped and displayed in the display window 5C. Thus, any two of the three display windows (for example, the display window 5
(L, 5C), when the symbols are stopped and displayed at the stage where the symbols of the same type are aligned and displayed on predetermined effective lines in both display windows, a reach is established. In addition,
When the player does not press the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R, each display window 5 is set after a predetermined variable display time elapses.
The display contents displayed on L, 5C, and 5R automatically and sequentially stop, for example, in the priority order of the display window 5L, the display window 5C, and the display window 5R.

At the time when the variable display device 70 is stopped, a predetermined combination of specific symbols is displayed on any of the activated lines activated according to the bet amount. Is a prize, and a predetermined value is given to the player by paying out a predetermined number of coins. In particular, when a predetermined combination of special symbols is displayed and a jackpot is won, coins are paid out and a BB (Big Bonus) as a special game state advantageous to the player is provided. A predetermined game value is provided by providing a RB (regular bonus) or the like.

The slot machine 1 of this embodiment has a box-shaped main body 2a (see FIG. 2) having an open front, and a front panel 2b (FIG. 3) rotatably supported by the side end of the main body 2a. The lock is released by inserting a predetermined key into the locking device 3 and rotating it clockwise to open the front panel 2b. In addition, when a big bonus described later is terminated or an error occurs during a game, the game cannot be resumed until a reset operation is performed. This operation is performed by inserting the key and operating in the counterclockwise direction.

As shown in FIG. 1, on the front surface of the front panel 2b, a display panel 77 for displaying the various prize contents described above, the number of coins to be paid out set corresponding to the various prize contents, game contents, and the like. And sound emitting units 78a and 78b for outputting various game effect sounds to be described later are provided on the left and right sides, respectively. Further, a plurality of gaming effect lamps 24 are provided above the display panel 77, and are lit in various light emitting modes in various states such as during a big bonus or a regular bonus, and when paying out coins. A sound emitting section 79 for outputting various game effect sounds is provided in the vicinity of the coin storage tray 30 protruding from the lower front surface of the front panel 2b.
Reference numeral 20 denotes a game over lamp, which is lit or flashed when the slot machine is stopped (game over).

Also, on the front of the front panel 2b, a coin return button 16 used for clearing a jam of coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 18 and the number of executed big bonus games and bonus games , And a payout number display 27 for displaying the number of coins awarded when a winning of a predetermined content is established. In addition,
The number of coins to be awarded to the player when a predetermined winning is established is set in advance in accordance with each winning content, and the upper limit (50) of the storage unit is usually set.
The value provided within a range not exceeding the number of coins is stored as a credit, and when the storage exceeds the upper limit (50), coins exceeding the upper limit are transferred from the coin payout exit 29 to the coin storage tray 30. It is configured to be paid out.

FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the main body 2a. In a substantially central portion of the main body 2a, a plurality of reels 6L, 6C, and 6R (in this embodiment, three reels) around which a belt-shaped reel sheet (see FIG. 5) on which a plurality of types of symbols are printed is wound around the outer periphery. ) Are provided. Each of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R is configured to rotate and stop independently by a reel drive motor 7L, 7C, 7R composed of a stepping motor provided correspondingly.
The rotation of 6C and 6R causes the display windows 5L and 5R to rotate.
The various symbols are displayed while continuously changing in C and 5R.

In each of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R, a reel position detecting sensor 8L, 8 for detecting a reference position of each reel.
C, 8R are provided, and the reel position detection sensors 8L, 8C, 8R can derive the stop positions of predetermined symbols, and the reels 6L, 6R.
C, a plurality of irradiation lamps 100 to 102 that can individually irradiate a specific region from the back surface in 6R, respectively, upper, middle,
Three are provided at the lower stage, and mainly function as a backlight.

Below the variable display device 70, a coin storage tank 37 for storing coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 18 is provided via a guide rail 80 fixed to the upper surface of a lower plate constituting the main body 2a. It is arranged so that it can be pulled out forward. A coin payout motor 38 is provided below the coin storage tank 37, and the coins in the coin storage tank 37 are discharged from the coin outlet 40 by the rotation of the coin payout motor 38. The discharged coin is detected by a payout coin sensor 39 provided in the vicinity of the coin discharge port 40, and then discharged from the coin payout port 29 to the coin storage tray 30 through a return coin flow path 95 described later. Note that the coin payout motor 38
Is controlled to stop when the payout coin sensor 39 detects a predetermined number of payout coins.

On the side of the coin storage tank 37, a probability setting switch 44 for changing the winning probability is provided on the front, a power switch 81, and the game is played again at the end of the big bonus or when an error occurs during the game. A power supply unit 83 provided with a reset switch 82 and the like for resetting to a state where it can be continued is provided. The probability setting switch 44 is used to connect a specific key possessed by the manager of the game arcade or the like to the key slot 8 provided on the upper front of the power supply unit 83.
4 to perform an operation by performing a predetermined key operation. Reference numeral 45 denotes a control unit for performing game control of the slot machine in the present embodiment, and includes a microcomputer and the like.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the front panel 2b. A coin inserted from the coin insertion slot 18 is introduced into the coin storage tank 37 at a substantially central portion of the rear surface of the front panel 2b. A coin selector 35 is fixedly provided. On the upstream side of the inserted coin selector 35, there is provided an illegal coin discharging section 94. An illegal coin having a size and a thickness different from those of an appropriate coin is located above the return coin flow path 95 provided below the inserted coin selector 35. The coin is discharged to the insertion slot and returned to the coin storage tray 30 through the coin payout port 29.

A flow path switching solenoid 33 is provided downstream of the unauthorized coin discharge section 94 so as to selectively switch the flowing coin flow path. At normal time, the flow path switching solenoid 33 is excited, and the flowing-down coin flows down without switching the flow path, and is detected by the inserted coin sensor 36 provided on the downstream side. It is being stored. For example, when the number of credits has reached 50 and coins are inserted through the coin insertion slot 18 or coins are paid out to the player, the flow path switching solenoid 33 is used.
Is released, the flow path is switched, and the coin is guided to the return coin flow path 95 via the return flow path.

As described above, the sound emitting sections 78a provided on the upper left and right sides of the front panel 2b,
On the back side of the front panel 78b, loudspeakers 110 and 111 for high sound as an audio output device are fixed, and a sound emitting section 7 formed at a predetermined lower portion of the front panel 2b.
On the back side of the speaker 9, a bass speaker 28 as a sound output device is fixed by screws.

As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the speakers 28, 110, and 111 as sound output devices are provided in the housing 2, and, for example, coins are inserted into the coin insertion slot 18. , Start lever 12
, The operation of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R, and the like, when various operations are performed during the game, or a combination of specific symbols is displayed on an activated line in which the combination is activated. In various game states such as when the game is established or when a big bonus game or a regular bonus game is being executed, a predetermined game sound effect or the like corresponding to the game state is output to each of the speakers 28 and 11.
0 and 111 are output.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used in the slot machine 1. The control circuit includes a control unit 45 as a control center, and the control unit 45 has a function of controlling the operation of the slot machine 1 as described below. The control unit 45 is composed of, for example, an LSI of several chips, and includes a CPU 46 capable of executing a control operation in a predetermined procedure, a ROM 47 storing an operation program of the CPU 46, and a ROM for storing necessary data. And a read / write RAM 48. Further, an I / O port 49 for ensuring signal consistency between the CPU 46 and an external circuit, and a CPU
Initial reset circuit 51 for applying a reset pulse to 46
A clock generation circuit 52 that supplies a clock signal to the CPU 46; a pulse frequency division circuit (interrupt pulse generation circuit) 53 that frequency-divides the clock signal from the clock generation circuit 52 and periodically supplies an interrupt pulse to the CPU 46; , CPU 46
An address decoding circuit 54 for decoding address data from the CPU, a random number generating circuit 103 for generating random numbers used for predetermining winning of predetermined contents at the same time as the start of the game, and a random number for sampling the generated random value. A numerical sampling circuit 104.

The CPU 46 can execute the operation of the interrupt control routine in accordance with the interrupt pulse periodically given from the pulse dividing circuit 53. The address decode circuit 54 decodes address data from the CPU 46, and stores the data in the ROM 47, the RAM 48, the I / O port 4
9. A chip select signal is given to the sound generator 50, respectively.

In this embodiment, a programmable ROM 47 is used as the ROM 47 so that its contents can be rewritten, that is, if necessary, a program for the CPU 46 stored therein can be changed. ing. Then, the CPU 46 responds to input of control signals from various devices according to a program stored in the ROM 47, and provides control signals to the various devices.

The I / O port 49 detects a coin inserted through the coin insertion slot 18 through a switch / sensor circuit 55, and detects a coin to be paid out by a coin payout motor 38. Payout coin sensor 39, a start switch 13 for detecting a pressing operation of the start lever 12, a settlement switch 76 for detecting an operation of a settlement button 73, a reset switch 4 for detecting a key operation of the locking device 3, and a credit operation. A credit switch 15 for detecting the operation of the button 14, a key switch 43 for detecting a predetermined key operation in the key slot 84, a probability setting switch 44 for enabling input reception by the key switch 43, a power switch 81, Pressing the reset switch 82 and pressing the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R is detected. Stop switch 10L, 10C,
10R, a full tank sensor 42 for detecting the amount of coins in the coin storage tank 37, and reel position sensors 8L, 8C, 8R for detecting the positions of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R.

The I / O port 49 is connected to reel drive motors 7L, 7C, 7R via a motor circuit 56, the coin payout motor 38 via a motor circuit 57, and a solenoid. The flow path switching solenoid 33 is connected via a circuit 58 and LE
Through the D circuit 59, the game number display 25, the credit display 26, and the number-of-payouts display 27 are respectively connected. Also, through the lamp circuit 60, the game effect lamp 24, the insertion instruction lamp 19, the activated line display lamp 2
1, 22, 23, operation valid lamps 11L, 11C, 11
R, a game over lamp 20, a start lamp 72, a display lamp 105, and irradiation lamps 100 to 102 are respectively connected.

The speakers 28, 110 and 111 are connected to the address decode circuit 54 via a sound generator 50 and an amplifier 61, respectively. The above-described various devices and control circuits include a power supply circuit 6.
2 supplies a predetermined current. The RAM 48 is configured to be supplied with a current for storing data from the backup power supply 63.
Even if the supply of the current from the power supply 2 is stopped, the probability set value and the game state can be stored for a predetermined period.

The CPU 46 in the present embodiment includes:
A communication unit 92 for performing data communication with a management computer 91 installed in the hall via a communication cable 93
Is connected, and an abnormal signal, game information, and the like can be transmitted to the management computer 91 as appropriate.

FIG. 5 is a development view showing symbols as identification information drawn on the outer periphery of each of the aforementioned reels 6L (left reel), reel 6C (middle reel), and reel 6R (right reel). I have. Numerals shown on the left side of the figure are symbol numbers, and "black 7", "white 7", "BAR", "watermelon", and "black 7" corresponding to each symbol number of "1" to "21".
Twenty-one symbols including symbols such as "bell", "cherry", and "plum (hereinafter referred to as JAC)" are drawn.

Next, the sound output device and the sound emitting sections 78a and 78 applied to the slot machine 1 as an embodiment of the present invention.
8b and 79 will be described in detail below.

Various game effect sounds in this embodiment are recorded in a stereo system, and are stored in a storage unit (not shown) provided in the sound generator 50.
Are registered in advance in a state associated with various game states, and in various game states, predetermined game sound effects are selected and output from the speakers 28, 110, and 111.

The "game sound effect" is, as described above,
For example, when various operations are performed during the game, such as insertion of a coin into the coin insertion slot 18, operation of the start lever 12, operation of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R, or a valid combination in which a specific symbol combination is activated. It is displayed on the line and is not limited to only output when the winning condition of the predetermined content is satisfied, or when a big bonus game or a regular bonus game is being executed. It also includes game sound effects output corresponding to various game states.

Next, the detailed structure of the sound emitting sections 78a and 78b will be described. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, a vertically long opening 113 is formed on each of the upper left and right sides of the front panel 2 b, and a substantially triangular cover body 114 is attached in front of the opening 113. As well as
On the back side of the opening 113, a speaker 110 with a horn,
111 are provided. The left and right sound emitting sections 78a,
Since 78b has the same configuration, FIGS.
In FIG. 8, in particular, only the configuration of the sound emitting section 78a will be described.
The description of the sound emitting section 78b is omitted.

The cover body 114 is formed of a synthetic resin material. Circular holes 123a to 123c as sound emission areas are formed at predetermined positions on the front, upper, middle and lower parts.
Are formed independently so as to be separated from each other, and in each of these holes 123a to 123c,
Speaker nets 116a, 116b, and 116c formed of a metal material having a plurality of small-diameter holes 115 are attached. In particular, the central hole 123b is
It is formed at the back end of a concave portion formed like a cone-shaped speaker on the front surface of the cover body 114.

The cover body 114 configured as above is
It is firmly attached to the front panel 2b via screws while being housed in a recess 117 formed around the opening 113 on the front surface of the front panel 2b. In addition, as shown in FIG.
Is formed so as to face the center side of.

The loudspeaker 110 (111) is a horn-equipped loudspeaker in which a horn 118 formed in a hollow shape of a synthetic resin material is integrally attached in advance to the front. In this embodiment, the loudspeaker has a relatively small diameter. Therefore, a tweeter suitable for outputting a high frequency range is used. Further, the tip opening of the horn 118 is formed substantially in the same shape as the opening 113 formed in the front panel 2b.

The loudspeaker 110 to which the horn 118 is integrally mounted in advance as described above has a state in which the front end opening of the horn 118 is fitted into the recess 119 formed on the back surface side of the opening 113 in the front panel 2b. The upper and lower ends of the mounting piece 120 integrally formed on the inner surface thereof are shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, a vertically extending support piece 121 formed on the upper surface of the rear surface of the front panel 2b is fixed by screws to the horn 118 from the speaker 110.
The game effect sound output through the front end opening is released to the outside through the holes 123a to 123c constituting each sound emitting area. The opening 113 and the concave portion 119 are also formed so as to face the center of the front panel 2b similarly to the concave portion 117 on the front surface.

The performance of the speakers 110 and 111 and the shape of the horn are not particularly limited. For example, the speaker may be a full-range type or the like, and the horn 118 may have a length, a shape and a material. Can be variously modified.

In this embodiment, the horn 118
Of the front panel 2 via a mounting piece 120 formed in advance on the front panel 2
b is fixed to the support piece 121 formed on the back surface,
The mounting position is not particularly limited to this, and can be fixed at any position. However, it is preferable that the mounting position is fixed to, for example, a strong member that does not easily generate vibration so as not to reduce sound quality. . Further, the speaker 110 itself may be directly fixed to a predetermined location such as the front panel 2b.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a plurality of small-diameter holes 122 for sound emission are formed at predetermined lower portions of the front panel 2b, and the back surface of the holes 122 is formed. , A speaker 28 is fixed via a screw. In this embodiment, the speaker 28 has a relatively large diameter and uses a woofer suitable for outputting a low frequency range.

As described above, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when a predetermined game state is entered, the CPU 46 responds to the game state based on a predetermined program registered in the ROM 47 or the like in advance. The reproduction signal of the predetermined game effect sound is output to the sound generator 50. The sound generator 50 that has received this signal amplifies it via the amplifier 61 and outputs sounds in different frequency bands in the game effect sound to be reproduced from separate speakers 28, 110, and 111, respectively. . Therefore, high sound quality of the game effect sound can be achieved with a simple configuration without using an expensive speaker or the like.

In particular, the loudspeakers 110 and 111 output a treble range mainly of the game effect sound to be reproduced, and this treble range is transmitted via the horn 118 to the front panel 2b.
The sound is emitted from a sound emitting section 78a provided at the upper part of the front panel 2b, and the speaker 28 outputs a low range of the game effect sound mainly reproduced. This low range is provided at a lower part of the front panel 2b. The sound is emitted from the sound emitting portion 78b. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9 (a), the high-frequency range of the game sound effect is released above the player Y who plays the game in the slot machine 1 installed in the hall or the like. Since the audibility of the sound effect is improved, and the low frequency range of the game effect sound is released below the player Y, for example, even if the output of the low frequency range is increased, the player Y may feel uncomfortable. A powerful dynamic sound can be provided without giving.

The speakers 28, 110, 11
1 is provided in a housing 2 composed of a box-shaped main body portion 2a having a front opening and a front panel 2b capable of opening and closing the front opening.
The sound of the opposite polarity generated from the back of 0 and 111 is confined in the housing 2 and the sneaking forward is prevented. That is, since the housing 2 functions as a so-called enclosure, reduction in sound quality is effectively prevented.

In particular, each of the sound emitting portions 78a and 78b
A plurality of relatively small-diameter holes 123a to 123c (sound emission areas) are provided, and game sound effects output from the speakers 110 and 111 are emitted to the outside of the housing 2 through the respective holes 123a to 123c. This makes it difficult not only to perform unauthorized processing from the outside of the housing via wires or the like to various devices provided inside the housing through the holes 123a to 123c, for example. , Each hole 12
3a to 123c are spaced apart from each other,
Since the distances from 3a to 123c to a predetermined device inside the housing 2 are different from each other, it is difficult to intensively perform fraud on the predetermined device, so that fraud can be effectively prevented. . In addition, the appearance is improved as compared to the sound emitting portion 79 or the like simply including the plurality of holes 122.

Since the area of the sound emitting area in each of the sound emitting sections 78a and 78b is ensured by the plurality of holes 123a to 123c, the game due to the decrease in the area of the sound emitting area in each of the sound emitting sections 78a and 78b. It is possible to prevent the sound quality of the sound effect from being reduced.

The plurality of holes 123a to 123
Since the sound emission area made of c is formed in the cover body 114 in advance and the cover body 114 can be easily attached to the front surface of the front panel 2b, the front panel 2b is subjected to complicated processing. Without the sound emitting unit 78
a and 78b can be easily configured.

In the present embodiment, the holes 123a to 123c are used as protection members for preventing unauthorized actions into the inside of the housing 2 from the holes 123a to 123c forming the sound emission areas.
Although the speaker nets 123a are provided with speaker nets 116a to 116c made of a metal material that is hard to break, if the speaker nets are hard to break and have sound permeability, such protective materials are used as the speaker nets 116a to 116c. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

In this embodiment, in particular, the main body 2
a In order to avoid cheating on the control unit 45 disposed on the upper part, sound emitting parts 78a and 78b having a plurality of holes 123a to 123c (sound emitting areas) are respectively provided on the upper left and right sides of the front panel 2b. Although applied, it goes without saying that the sound emitting section 79 may be configured as a sound emitting section having a plurality of sound emitting areas. Further, in the present invention, at least one sound emitting section having the plurality of holes 123a to 123c (sound emitting area) as described above may be provided on the front panel 2b.

By using a speaker with a horn in which a horn 118 is integrally attached to the front as an acoustic output device, the speaker can be installed at a position from the sound emitting portions 78a and 78b provided on the front surface of the housing 2. Since the user moves away, it is possible to effectively prevent illegal acts on various devices installed inside the main body 2a, which are performed by breaking a diaphragm or the like of the speaker. Further, speakers 28, 1b are provided on the back side of sound emitting sections 78a, 78b, 79 on front panel 2b.
Even when there is not enough space to dispose the loudspeakers 10, 110, 111, the horn 118 extends into the main body 2a from the back surface of the sound emitting units 78a, 78b, 79, so that the speakers 28, 110, 111 Can be arranged in an empty space in the main body 2a. In this embodiment, the speaker 28 is not provided with a horn, but needless to say, the speaker 28 may be a speaker with a horn. Further, the speakers 110 and 111 may be hornless speakers.

The sound emitting sections 78a and 78b for outputting the respective game effect sounds output from the speakers 110 and 111 to the outside are provided on the upper left and right sides of the front panel 2b, so that the game effect sounds can be spread. Not only can be provided, but also the speakers 110 and 111 themselves, the opening 113, and the speaker net 116a of the cover body 114.
-116c is formed so as to face the center side of the front panel 2b. As shown in FIG. 9B, the treble range of the game sound effect is directed from the periphery of the player and toward the player. Since this is output, the audibility of the game effect sound by the player is improved.

Since the game effect sound is recorded by stereo recording and can be reproduced by the two speakers 110 and 111 having different output directions, the sound quality of the game effect sound can be improved.

Further, in this embodiment, the left, center,
Along with the stop operation of each of the right stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R, a game sound effect is output from predetermined speakers 110, 111. For example, at the time of the stop operation of the left stop button 9L, the predetermined game sound effect is output only from the left speaker 110 and the sound emitting unit 78 is output.
a, and at the time of the stop operation of the right stop button 9R, the predetermined game effect sound is output only from the right speaker 111 and output from the sound output unit 78b, and further, the center stop button 9C is output. At the time of the stop operation, the predetermined game effect sound is output from the left and right speakers 110, 1 and 2.
11 and simultaneously output from the sound emitting units 78a and 78b.

As described above, the sound emitting sections 78a and 78b are respectively provided at different places in the housing 2, and the stop buttons 9L, 9C and 9R pressed in response to the pressing operation of the predetermined stop buttons 9L, 9C and 9R. By outputting the game effect sound only from the predetermined sound emitting units 78a and 78b previously associated with the player, the player does not need to view the positions of the stop buttons 9L, 9C and 9R that have performed the stop operation. , Sound emitting section 7
It is possible to confirm by the directionality of the sound output from 8a and 78b, and the interest of the game is improved.

Each element in each of the above embodiments corresponds to the present invention as follows.

A first aspect of the present invention is a variable display means (variable display device 70) having a variable display area (variable display section 71) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols, and displayed in the variable display area. Stop operation means (stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R) capable of stopping symbols, when the display result of the variable display area is a predetermined specific display mode, A sound output device (speakers 28, 110, 11) which is provided with a predetermined game value and is capable of outputting game sound effects and the like.
A slot machine comprising a plurality of sound emitting areas (holes 1) spaced apart from each other at predetermined positions on the front surface of a housing (2).
23a to 123c) (78a, 78b)
Is provided, and the game effect sound output from the sound output device is emitted through the sound emitting unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the plurality of sound emission areas (holes 123a to 123c) are provided in advance on a cover (114) attached to the front surface of the housing (2). .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the sound output device includes at least one horn-equipped speaker (speaker 1).
10, 111).

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the sound emitting section (78)
a, 78b) are provided on the left and right sides of the front surface of the housing (2), respectively.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the left and right sound emitting portions (78a, 78b) are provided so as to emit the game sound effects toward the player.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the sound emitting section (78)
a, 78b), individual game sound effects corresponding to the directions are emitted.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the stop operation means (stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R) are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of variable display areas (variable display section 71). According to the stop operation of the stop operation means, predetermined sound effects are emitted from the sound emitting sections (78a, 78b) associated with the respective stop operation means.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the specific structure is not limited to these embodiments, and even if there are changes and additions without departing from the gist of the present invention. Included in the invention.

For example, although coins have been used as game media, the game media is not limited to such small piece media, but spherical pachinko balls or the like may be used.

The game effect sounds are not limited to various game effect sounds output from the sound output device in a state where the player is playing a game as described in the above embodiment. It also includes various game sound effects and the like output from the sound output device when the player is not playing a game.

Further, the “game value” described in the claims of the present invention is not limited to coins and credits as examples of valuable value given to a player as described in the above embodiment, It includes all benefits related to the game, such as a big bonus and a regular bonus, which are advantageous game states for the player.

[0082]

The present invention has the following effects.

(A) According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the area of the sound emitting area in the sound emitting section is secured by a plurality of sound emitting areas, the game by reducing the area of the sound emitting area in the sound emitting section is achieved. It is possible to prevent the sound quality of the sound effect from being reduced. Also,
Since the sound emission areas are spaced apart from each other, it becomes difficult to perform unauthorized processing from the outside of the housing on various devices provided inside the housing, and thus, illegal acts can be effectively suppressed.

(B) According to the second aspect of the invention, the sound emitting portion can be easily formed without performing complicated processing on the housing.

(C) According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the speaker is located away from the sound emitting unit, the diaphragm of the speaker is destroyed and the like. Fraud can be effectively prevented.

(D) According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the game effect sound can be expanded with a simple structure.

(E) According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the game effect sound is emitted from around the player and toward the player, the audibility of the game effect sound by the player is improved. I do.

(F) According to the invention of claim 6, since the game effect sound can be reproduced in stereo, the sound quality of the game effect sound can be improved.

(G) According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the player can recognize the operation position of the stop operation means having performed the stop operation by the directionality of the game effect sound emitted from the sound emitting section. It becomes possible and the interest of the game is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a slot machine to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is an internal structural diagram of the slot machine of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a front panel of the slot machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the slot machine of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a development view showing symbols drawn on the outer periphery of the reel.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a main part showing a configuration of a sound emitting unit.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a sound emitting unit.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 7;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic diagrams showing the directionality of a game sound effect output from a sound emitting unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 slot machine 2 housing 2a main body 2b front panel 3 locking device 4 reset switch 5L, 5C, 5R display window 6L, 6C, 6R reel 7L, 7C, 7R reel drive motor 8L, 8C, 8R reel position detection sensor 9L, 9C, 9R Stop button 10L, 10C, 10R Stop switch 11L, 11C, 11R Operation valid lamp 12 Start lever 13 Start switch 14a Credit operation button 14b Credit operation button 15 Credit switch 16 Coin return button 18 Coin slot 19 Insertion instruction lamp 20 Game over lamps 21, 22, 23 Active line display lamps 24 Game effect lamps 25 Number of games display 26 Credit display 27 Number of payouts display 28 Speaker 29 Coin payout exit 30 Coin storage 33 flow path switching solenoid 35 inserted coin selector 36 inserted coin sensor 37 coin storage tank 38 coin payout motor 39 payout coin sensor 40 coin outlet 42 full tank sensor 43 key switch 44 probability setting switch 45 control unit 46 CPU 47 ROM 48 RAM 49 I / O port 50 Sound generator 51 Initial reset circuit 52 Clock generation circuit 53 Pulse frequency dividing circuit 54 Address decoding circuit 55 Switch / sensor circuit 56, 57 Motor circuit 58 Solenoid circuit 59 LED circuit 60 Lamp circuit 61 Amplifier 62 Power supply circuit 63 Backup power supply Reference Signs List 70 Variable display device 71 Variable display section 72 Start lamp 73 Settlement button 76 Settlement switch 77 Display panel 78a, 78b Sound emitting section 79 Sound emitting section 80 Information 81 Power switch 82 Reset switch 83 Power supply unit 84 Key slot 91 Management computer 92 Communication unit 93 Communication cable 94 Illegal coin discharge unit 95 Return coin flow path 100-102 Irradiation lamp 103 Random number generation circuit 104 Random number sampling circuit 105 display lamp 110, 111 speaker 113 opening 114 cover body 115 hole 116a to 116c speaker net 117 recess 118 horn 119 recess 120 attachment piece 121 support piece 122 hole 123a to 123c hole L1 effective line L2, L2 'effective line L3 , L3 'effective line

Claims (7)

[Claims] A variable display unit having a variable display area capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols; and a stop operation unit capable of stopping symbols displayed in the variable display area; When the display result of the display area becomes a predetermined specific display mode, a predetermined game value is provided to the player, and a sound output device capable of outputting a game sound effect or the like is provided. At least one sound emitting section having a plurality of sound emitting areas separated from each other is provided at a predetermined location on the front surface of the housing, and the game effect sound output from the sound output device is A slot machine characterized by being emitted through a sound emitting section. 2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of sound emission areas are provided in advance on a cover attached to a front surface of the housing. 3. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the sound output device includes at least one speaker with a horn. 4. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the sound emitting sections are provided on left and right sides of a front surface of the housing, respectively. 5. The slot machine according to claim 4, wherein the left and right sound emitting sections are provided so as to emit the game effect sounds toward a player. 6. A game effect sound corresponding to a direction is emitted from the sound emitting section.
The slot machine according to any of the above. 7. The stop operation means is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of variable display areas, and is associated with each of the stop operation means in accordance with a stop operation of each of the stop operation means. 7. A predetermined game effect sound is emitted from the sound emitting section.
The slot machine according to any of the above.