JP2005152590A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine preventing the light quantity insufficiency of reel window parts in a simple structure. <P>SOLUTION: This game machine is provided with a liquid crystal display 27 having a light guiding plate 174 which is provided in the back side of a liquid crystal panel 173 and guides the light emitted from illuminating means 176a and 176b for the liquid crystal panel 173 to the liquid crystal panel 173, and a variable display device disposed in the back side of the liquid crystal display 27 and parallel disposed with a plurality of reels 3L, 3C and 3R with a plurality of identification information. A portion opposed to the reels 3L, 3C and 3R of the light guiding plate 174 is formed with a cutout penetrating through the light guiding plate 174 or a recessed part in the reel side, and end faces 174a, 174b and 174c of the cutout or the recessed part are treated with a light scattering work. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a pachislot machine, a pachinko machine, and other gaming machines provided with a liquid crystal display device in addition to a variable display device configured by arranging a plurality of reels.

  For example, a pachislot machine has a mechanical variation display device configured by arranging a plurality of reels for varying display of a plurality of symbols in a front display window, or an electrical variation display device for displaying symbols on a reel on a screen. . In response to the player's start operation, the control means controls the drive of the variable display device to rotate each reel, thereby displaying the symbols in a variable manner. Each reel is automatically displayed after a certain time or by a player's stop operation. The rotation is stopped sequentially. At this time, when the symbols of the reels appearing in the display window are in a specific combination (winning symbol), a profit is given to the player by paying out a game medium such as a medal or a coin.

  In addition, in the current mainstream models, in order to establish a winning combination in which predetermined symbol combinations are arranged along an activated winning line (hereinafter referred to as an “effective line”) and medals, coins, etc. are paid out, A combination of symbols indicating that the winning combination of the winning combination (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”) has been won by the internal lottery process (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”) and the winning combination of the internal winning combination (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”). The player is required to perform a stop operation at a timing at which the player can stop at the active line. That is, no matter how much the internal winning is made, if the timing of the stop operation of the player is bad, the winning of the internal winning combination cannot be established. That is, a gaming machine that requires a technique for performing a stop operation with good timing (having a high specific gravity of technical intervention called “push”) is currently the mainstream.

  In addition, a combination of specific symbols is activated when the variable display is stopped based on the skill related to the player's eye-catching so that even a player with low skill in the game operation can play a game with interest. There is provided a gaming machine that displays a symbol or a message necessary for arranging them along a liquid crystal display device provided separately from the mechanical variation display device (see Patent Document 1).

  Such a conventional gaming machine has a front view in order to enhance the effect of the game, in addition to the mechanical variation display device that uses reels to stop and display in each row with respect to the symbol combination corresponding to the game winning form. A liquid crystal display device is provided that is disposed on the front side of the reel and that displays an image extending from the outside of the reel display window to the inside of the reel, and displays the image superimposed on the reel symbol.

  The liquid crystal display device used at this time includes a light guide plate having a light deflection pattern on the back surface for guiding light to the liquid crystal panel. A light deflection pattern is not applied to a portion of the light guide plate facing the reel (hereinafter referred to as a window) so that light can pass therethrough. The player can visually recognize the design of the reel through the window. Cold cathode tubes for irradiating light to the light guide plate are arranged above and below the light guide plate.

As the backlight for the liquid crystal panel of the liquid crystal display device, there are a light emitting means composed of a cold cathode tube and a light guide plate provided with a light deflection pattern for guiding light from the cold cathode tube to the liquid crystal panel. A portion of the light guide plate facing the reel (hereinafter referred to as a window portion) is a transmission region without applying a light deflection pattern so that the symbols on the reel located in the back of the light guide plate can be clearly seen from the player side. As a result, there is no light deflection pattern in this window, so there is no backlight, and the liquid crystal panel display may appear dark, but as a countermeasure, the window can be used as auxiliary light instead of a cold cathode tube. Illumination units (for example, fluorescent tubes and cold cathode tubes) are arranged above and below the units.
JP 2002-143377 A (refer to paragraph 0053, FIG. 4)

  The conventional gaming machine as described above requires a lighting unit that illuminates the window part separately from the cold cathode fluorescent lamps arranged above and below the liquid crystal panel, which complicates the device and increases the cost. It was also a factor.

  In addition, in the conventional gaming machine, in the light deflection pattern formed on the light guide plate, the light emitted from the cold cathode tube is transmitted to the liquid crystal panel regardless of whether it is in the vicinity of the cold cathode tube or in a remote region. Since the ratio of the portion leading to the same is approximately the same, much light emitted from the cold cathode tube is emitted to the liquid crystal panel through the light deflection pattern in the vicinity of the cold cathode tube, and is separated from the cold cathode tube. There is a problem in that the amount of light emitted to the liquid crystal panel is reduced through the light deflection pattern. As a result, the conventional gaming machine has a problem that uneven brightness of the liquid crystal display occurs.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that prevents a shortage of light in a window with a simple structure, or to provide a gaming machine that does not cause uneven brightness of a liquid crystal display.

  In order to achieve the above object, the first feature of the present invention is that, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a liquid crystal panel (for example, a liquid crystal panel 173) and a liquid crystal panel as viewed from the front side of the gaming machine A liquid crystal display device (for example, a light guide plate 174) having a light guide plate (for example, a light guide plate 174) that guides light emitted from the illumination means for the liquid crystal panel (for example, the cold cathode tubes 176a and 176b) to the liquid crystal panel side. A liquid crystal display device 27) and a plurality of reels (for example, reels 3L, 3C, 3R, see FIG. 1) arranged on the back side of the liquid crystal display device and arranged with a plurality of identification information (for example, symbols) are arranged side by side. The portion of the light guide plate facing the reel includes a cutout that penetrates the light guide plate (for example, window portions 40L, 40C, and 40R of the light guide plate 174) or a concave portion from the side facing the reel. Formed A light scattering process for emitting light from the illuminating means (fine rough light that can be emitted as if visible light is scattered on the end face of the cutout or the recess (for example, end faces 174a, 174b, 174c). Processing for forming a surface, for example, blasting) is performed.

  If comprised in this way, since the notch which penetrates a light-guide plate in the site | part which the reel of a light-guide plate opposes, or a recessed part is formed in the said reel side, light scattering processing is given to the said cut-out or the end surface of the said recessed part. The light emitted from the illumination means for the liquid crystal panel is scattered by the light scattering processed surface provided on the end face of the cut-out portion and sent to the reel side, and the reel is illuminated brightly. As a result, according to the present invention, an illumination part for illuminating the window part or the like is not necessary, and it is possible to prevent a shortage of light quantity in the window part with a simple structure.

  Further, the second feature of the present invention is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, from a liquid crystal panel and a lighting means for the liquid crystal panel provided on the back side of the liquid crystal panel when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine. A liquid crystal display device having a light guide plate for guiding emitted light to the liquid crystal panel side, and a plurality of reels (for example, see FIG. 1) arranged on the back side of the liquid crystal display device and arranged with a plurality of identification information are arranged side by side. A portion of the light guide plate facing the reel is formed with a cutout penetrating the light guide plate or a recess from the side facing the reel, and the shape of the cutout or the end face of the recess is the illumination means It is a light scattering shape for emitting light from.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the third aspect is provided on the back side of the liquid crystal panel and in the vicinity of the end of the light guide plate, and emits light. Illuminating means (for example, cold cathode fluorescent lamps 176a and 176b shown in FIG. 12), light provided on the rear side of the light guide plate and on the front side of the reel, emitted from the light guide plate, and from the illumination means A reflection plate (for example, a reflection plate 175 shown in FIG. 12) that reflects the emitted light to the front side, and the back surface of the light guide plate viewed from the front side of the gaming machine from the illumination means. A first light deflection pattern (for example, the first light deflection pattern 174e shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13) and a second light deflection pattern (for example, which guides the emitted light to the liquid crystal panel side and to the reel side. For example, as shown in FIGS. Second light deflection pattern 174d) is formed, and the first light deflection pattern is formed around the cutout or the recess, and the second light deflection pattern is more than the first light deflection pattern. The pattern density in the first light deflection pattern is different from the pattern density in the second light deflection pattern. On the two-dimensional coordinates consisting of the height direction and the horizontal direction when viewed from the front side of the outer peripheral edge of the region where the first light deflection pattern is formed (for example, as shown in FIGS. An inner portion (for example, a region surrounded by the boundary line 174x shown in FIG. 13) is cut out from an end substantially coincident with the boundary line 174x).

  According to the present invention, in addition to the effect of the first feature of the present invention described above, the following effect of the third feature of the present invention can be obtained. That is, on the two-dimensional coordinates, the region of the first light deflection pattern and the region of the reflection plate do not overlap, and only the region of the second light deflection pattern overlaps the region of the reflection plate. For this reason, most of the light emitted from the first light deflection pattern is sent to the reel without being reflected by the reflecting plate, so that most of the light emitted from the light guide plate compared to the prior art, The amount of light emitted to the reel side instead of being sent to the liquid crystal panel can be increased. As a result, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can further prevent the liquid crystal display and the reel from becoming dark due to insufficient light quantity in the window portion.

  In addition, on the two-dimensional coordinate, the reflecting plate has an inner portion cut out from an end substantially matching the outer peripheral end of the region where the first light deflection pattern is formed. In addition to increasing the amount of light transmitted, the amount of light transmitted to the liquid crystal panel side is not significantly reduced. For example, the position of the boundary line 174x between the region where the first light deflection pattern is formed and the region where the second light deflection pattern is formed is a predetermined position (for example, a predetermined position shown in Modification 3). The brightness of the reel that the player can visually recognize from the light transmission area (for example, the window portions 40L, 40C, and 40R) and the liquid crystal panel 173 that the player can visually recognize (for example, other than the area facing the window portion). The balance with the brightness of the LCD panel area is maintained.

  The fourth feature of the present invention is that in any one of the first to third features of the present invention, a part of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is inserted into the cutout or recess. (For example, refer to FIG. 5).

  If comprised in this way, since a part of reel can be inserted in a cutout or a recessed part, a reel can be made to approach a player. Therefore, a powerful gaming machine can be provided. Furthermore, even when the player looks at the liquid crystal display device from an oblique direction, it is possible to reduce the shift due to the parallax between the symbols on the reel and the liquid crystal display on the liquid crystal display device.

  A fifth feature of the present invention is that a liquid crystal panel and a light deflection pattern (for example, a light beam) that is provided on the back side of the liquid crystal panel and guides light emitted from the illumination means for the liquid crystal panel to the liquid crystal panel side. A liquid crystal display device having a light guide plate provided with a deflection pattern A), and a variable display device arranged on the back side of the liquid crystal display device, wherein a plurality of reels arranged with a plurality of identification information are arranged in parallel. In the portion of the light guide plate facing the reel, a cutout penetrating the light guide plate or a recess is formed from the side facing the reel, and the light deflection pattern is applied to the cutout or the recess. The cutout or the end face of the recess is subjected to light scattering processing for emitting light from the illumination means, and light is emitted from the cutout or the end face of the recess to the liquid crystal panel. Degrees (for example, emission of light to the liquid crystal panel 173 per unit area) is characterized in that from the light deflection pattern is applied area is emitted degree the same degree of light to the liquid crystal panel.

  According to the present invention, the light emission degree from the end face of the cutout (window portions 40L, 40C, 40R) subjected to the light scattering processing to the liquid crystal panel is from the region where the light deflection pattern is applied to the liquid crystal panel. The brightness of the liquid crystal display in the area corresponding to the reel and the brightness of the liquid crystal display in the other areas are approximately the same, so that the brightness in the liquid crystal display can be made uniform. it can.

  Further, a sixth feature of the present invention is the fifth feature of the present invention, wherein the illumination means is provided on the back side of the liquid crystal panel and in the vicinity of the end portion of the light guide plate, and emits light. A reflection plate that is provided on the front side of the reel and on the rear side of the light guide plate, and reflects the light emitted from the light guide plate and the light emitted from the illumination means to the front side; A first light deflection pattern and a second light deflection pattern that guide light emitted from the illumination means to the liquid crystal panel side and to the reel side on the back surface of the light guide plate as viewed from the front side of the gaming machine. The first light deflection pattern is formed around the cutout or the recess, and the second light deflection pattern is further away from the cutout or the recess than the first light deflection pattern. Part formed and before The density of the pattern in the first light deflection pattern is different from the density of the pattern in the second light deflection pattern. In the reflector, when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine, the height direction and the lateral direction are different. In the two-dimensional coordinates, an inner portion is cut out from an end portion substantially coincident with an outer peripheral end portion of the region where the first deflection pattern is formed.

  According to the present invention, in addition to the fifth feature of the present invention, the effect of the third feature of the present invention can be obtained.

  The seventh feature of the present invention is that a liquid crystal panel, an illuminating means provided on the back side of the liquid crystal panel as viewed from the front side of the gaming machine, and emitting light emitted from the illuminating means. A light guide plate provided with a light deflection pattern that leads to the front side and the back side, and provided on the front side of the reel on the back side of the light guide plate, and from the light emitted from the light guide plate and the illumination means A liquid crystal display device having a reflecting plate for reflecting the emitted light to the front surface side, wherein the illuminating means is provided in the vicinity of the end of the light guide plate, and disposed on the back surface side of the liquid crystal display device And a variable display device in which a plurality of reels on which a plurality of identification information are arranged are arranged side by side, and a portion of the light guide plate facing the reel is a cutout that penetrates the light guide plate or a side facing the reel From the front side of the gaming machine As seen, on the back surface of the light guide plate, a first light deflection pattern is formed around the cutout or the recess, and at a portion further away from the cutout or the recess than the first light deflection pattern, A second light deflection pattern is formed, and the density of the pattern in the first light deflection pattern is different from the density of the pattern in the second light deflection pattern. The inner part is cut out from the end substantially matching the outer peripheral end of the region where the first light deflection pattern is formed on the two-dimensional coordinates consisting of the height direction and the horizontal direction when viewed from the side. It is characterized by.

  According to the present invention, the effects of the above-described three features of the present invention can be obtained.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the light emitted from the illumination means for the liquid crystal panel is scattered by the light scattering processing or the light scattering shape applied to the end face of the cutout portion, and the light quantity of the reel window portion is insufficient. It is possible to provide a gaming machine that can be prevented, or to provide a gaming machine that does not cause uneven brightness of a liquid crystal display.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described together with illustrated examples. FIG. 1 to FIG. 6 are examples of embodiments for carrying out the invention. In the drawings, the same reference numerals as those in the drawings denote the same or equivalent parts, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing an appearance of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The gaming machine 1 is a so-called “pachislot machine”. The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine that uses a game medium such as a card that stores information on game value given to or given to a player in addition to coins, medals, game balls, tokens, and the like. However, in the following description, medals are used.

  A panel display portion 2a as a substantially vertical surface is formed on the front surface of the cabinet 2 forming the entire gaming machine 1, and a vertically long rectangular left reel display window 4L, a middle reel display window 4C, and a right A reel display window 4R is provided. The left reel display window 4L, the middle reel display window 4C and the right reel display window 4R have a top line 8b, a center line 8c and a bottom line 8d in the horizontal direction as winning lines, and a cross down line 8a and a cross up line 8e in the diagonal direction. Is provided. These winning lines are operated by operating a 1-BET button 11, a 2-BET button 12, and a maximum BET button 13, which will be described later, or by inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 22, respectively. The book is activated. Which winning line is activated is displayed by lighting of BET lamps 9a, 9b, 9c, which will be described later. Here, the winning lines 8a to 8e relate to success / failure of the winning combination.

  That is, a predetermined position (for example, “cherry symbol 97” described later) corresponding to a predetermined combination (for example, “cherry pattern 97” described later) corresponding to one of the activated pay lines is determined. (For example, if the number of BETs to be described later is “3”, the symbol is displayed in a stopped state on the left reel display window 4L) or any of the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined combination is activated. A winning combination of a predetermined combination is established by stopping and displaying in a predetermined position corresponding to the winning line.

  Inside the cabinet 2, three reels 3L, a reel 3C, and a reel 3R each having a symbol row constituted by a plurality of types of symbols on each outer peripheral surface are provided in a horizontal row so as to be rotatable, and a variable display means Is forming. The symbols of each reel can be observed by the player through the left reel display window 4L, the middle reel display window 4C, and the right reel display window 4R. Each reel rotates at, for example, 80 rotations per minute as the rotation speed during constant rotation.

  On the left side of the left reel display window 4L, middle reel display window 4C, and right reel display window 4R, a 1-BET lamp 9a, a 2-BET lamp 9b, a maximum BET lamp 9c, and a credit display unit 19 are provided. The 1-BET lamp 9a, the 2-BET lamp 9b, and the maximum BET lamp 9c are turned on according to the number of medals betted to play one game (hereinafter referred to as “BET number”). Here, in the present embodiment, one game ends when all reels are stopped. The 1-BET lamp 9a is turned on when the BET number is “1” and one winning line is activated. The 2-BET lamp 9b is lit when the BET number is “2” and three pay lines are activated. The maximum BET lamp 9c is lit when the number of BETs is “3” and all (5) winning lines are activated. The credit display unit 19 is composed of 7-segment LEDs and displays the number of stored medals.

  On the right side of the left reel display window 4L, the middle reel display window 4C, and the right reel display window 4R, a notification lamp (so-called WIN lighting lamp) 17 and a payout display section 18 are provided. The notification lamp 17 is basically lit until the BB or RB winning is established after the BB or RB winning is realized. Here, BB and RB are collectively referred to as “bonus” hereinafter. The payout display unit 18 is composed of 7-segment LEDs, and displays the payout number of medals at the time of winning.

  Here, BB and RB are as follows. Currently mainstream models have multiple types of winning modes. In particular, when a winning combination is established, a single medal is not paid out, and the gaming state is better in condition than the normal state for a predetermined period. As such a role, there are a role that can play a game that gives a relatively large profit to a player a predetermined number of times, and a role that can play a game that gives a relatively small profit to a player a predetermined number of times. The former is referred to as “big bonus” and is abbreviated as “BB” hereinafter. The latter is called “regular bonus” and is abbreviated as “RB” hereinafter.

  A bonus game information display unit 20 is provided on the upper left side of the panel display unit 2a. The bonus game information display unit 20 is composed of 7 segment LEDs, and displays the number of games in the BB general game state described later. A horizontal pedestal 10 is formed below the left reel display window 4L, middle reel display window 4C, and right reel display window 4R. The pedestal 10, the left reel display window 4L, the middle reel display window 4C, and the right reel display. A liquid crystal display device 27 is provided between the windows 4R. Information and the like related to the game are displayed on substantially the entire surface of the liquid crystal display device 27.

  The medal slot 22 is provided on the right side of the liquid crystal display device 27, and the 1-BET button 11, the 2-BET button 12, and the maximum BET button 13 are provided on the left side of the liquid crystal display device 27. The 1-BET button 11 bets one of the credited medals on the game by a single pressing operation, and the 2-BET button 12 displays the credited medals by a single pressing operation. Two of them are bet on the game, and the maximum BET button 13 bets the maximum number of medals that can be bet on one game. By operating these BET switches, a predetermined pay line is activated as described above.

  A C / P switch 14 is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal 10 to switch the credit / payout of medals acquired by the player in the game by a push button operation. By switching the C / P switch 14, the medals that have been credited are paid out from the medal payout opening 15 at the lower front, and the paid out medals are stored in the medal receiving portion 16. On the right side of the C / P switch 14, the reel is rotated by the player's operation to start the variable display of symbols in the left reel display window 4L, middle reel display window 4C, and right reel display window 4R. A start lever 6 is rotatably attached within a predetermined angle range.

  Speakers 21L and 21R are provided on the left and right above the cabinet 2, and a payout table panel 23 is provided between the two speakers 21L and 21R for displaying a combination of winning symbols, a payout number of medals, and the like. ing. Three reel stop buttons (stop operation) for stopping the rotation of the three left reels 3L, the middle reel 3C, and the right reel 3R at the center of the front surface of the pedestal 10 and below the liquid crystal display device 27, respectively. Means) 7L, 7C and 7R are provided.

  Note that the gaming machine 1 may be configured without the stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. In such a case, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R that start the variable display according to the operation of the start lever 6 by the player are automatically and sequentially stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the variable display.

  Further, on the right side of the reel stop button 7R, a scroll switch 200 is provided as means for switching a menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal display device 27, and the menu can be switched by the up scroll switch 200a and the down scroll switch 200b.

  FIG. 2 shows a symbol row in which 21 types of symbols represented on each of the left reel 3L, middle reel 3C, and right reel 3R used in the present embodiment are arranged. Each symbol is assigned a code number from “00” to “20”, and is stored (stored) in a ROM 32 (see FIG. 3) described later as a data table. On the left reel 3L, the middle reel 3C, and the right reel 3R, the “red 7 symbol 91”, “blue 7 symbol 92”, “BAR symbol 93”, “bell symbol 94”, “plum symbol 95”, “Replay symbol” A symbol row composed of symbols 96 "and" Cherry Symbol 97 "is shown. The left reel 3L, the middle reel 3C, and the right reel 3R are rotationally driven so that the symbol row moves in the downward arrow direction shown on the left in the drawing.

  Next, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the liquid crystal display device 27. In the liquid crystal display device 27, a second-layer display plate 172 is disposed on the back surface of the first-layer protective glass 171 provided on the front surface, and a third-layer liquid crystal panel 173 is disposed on the back surface of the display plate 172. The fourth layer light guide plate 174 is disposed on the back surface of the liquid crystal panel 173, and the fifth layer light reflector 175 is disposed on the back surface of the light guide plate 174. That is, the liquid crystal display device 27 is constituted by a panel having a five-layer structure. Further, the liquid crystal display device 27 is composed of a table carrier package (TCP) on which an IC for driving the liquid crystal panel is mounted, and includes a flexible substrate (not shown) connected to a terminal portion of the liquid crystal panel 173. The liquid crystal display device 27 is disposed on the front surface of the left reel 3L, the middle reel 3C, and the right reel 3R at a predetermined interval separately from the left reel 3L, the middle reel 3C, and the right reel 3R.

  The protective glass 171 and the display board 172 are comprised by the translucent member. The protective glass 171 is provided for the purpose of protecting the liquid crystal panel 173 and the like, and an image is drawn on a region of the display plate 172 corresponding to the panel display unit 39 (see FIG. 1). In this figure, various display units arranged on the back side of the area of the display plate 172 corresponding to the panel display unit 2a and electric circuits for operating the medal insertion display lamps 9a to 9c are omitted.

  The liquid crystal panel 173 is formed by sealing liquid crystal in a gap between a transparent substrate such as a glass plate on which a thin film transistor layer is formed and a transparent substrate facing the transparent substrate. The display mode of the liquid crystal panel 173 is set to normally white. When the liquid crystal panel 173 is set to normally white, white display is performed in a state where the liquid crystal is not driven, that is, light is transmitted to the display surface side, and the transmitted light is visually recognized from the outside. Even if a situation where the liquid crystal cannot be driven by using the liquid crystal panel 173 set to normally white occurs, the player can display the left reel display window 4L, the middle reel display window 4C, and the right reel display window 4R. Through this, the symbols arranged on the left reel 3L, the middle reel 3C, and the right reel 3R which are displayed in a variable manner or stopped can be visually recognized, and the game can be continued. The liquid crystal panel 173 also displays an image such as an effect image.

  The light guide plate 174 guides light emitted from the cold cathode tubes (cold cathode lamps) 176a and 176b disposed on the end face of the light guide plate 174 to the liquid crystal panel 173 to illuminate the liquid crystal panel 173. For example, it is made of a translucent member having a light guiding function such as an acrylic resin having a thickness of about 2 cm.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective rear view of the light guide plate 174 as viewed from the reel side (back side as viewed from the front of the gaming machine). As illustrated, in the light guide plate 174, the portions 40L, 40C, and 40R that are positioned to face the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are cut out as transmission regions. A light deflection pattern A for guiding the light from the cold cathode fluorescent lamps 176a and 176b to the liquid crystal panel 173 is formed on the back surface of the light guide plate 174. And the light scattering process is given to the end surface which hits the inner method of the said part cut out (it is called window part 40L, 40C, 40R, respectively) (light scattering processed surface 174a, 174b, 174c). Applying light scattering processing to the end face means, for example, applying blast processing or sandpaper processing to the end face. When blasting or sandpaper processing is applied to the end face, a fine rough surface is formed on the end face. On the end surfaces (light scattering processed surfaces 174a, 174b, and 174c) that have been subjected to such light scattering processing, the incident visible light is scattered, so that it is visually recognized as if the end surfaces emit light. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the light scattering processed surfaces 174a, 174b, and 174c are formed at two locations (left end surface and bottom end surface) on the inner end surfaces of the window portions 40L, 40C, and 40R, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be formed at the other two locations (the right end surface and the top end surface) of the inner end surface. In addition, the light scattering processed surface may be formed on one or a plurality of end surfaces among the inner end surfaces (left end surface, bottom end surface, right end surface, top end surface) of the window portions 40L, 40C, and 40R.

  Here, blasting means that particles such as an abrasive are collided with the end face at a high speed to perform uneven processing. Deburring may be performed during the blasting.

  Thus, the light scattering processed surfaces 174a, 174b, and 174c formed by blasting function as the backlights of the window portions 40L, 40C, and 40R where it is difficult to form a light deflection pattern with a mold or the like. Thereby, the color development of the liquid crystal panel 173 is improved, and the light emission unevenness of the RGB-LED of the reel backlight can be canceled. Furthermore, the left reel 3L, the middle reel 3C, and the right reel 3R itself are also illuminated, and the symbols of the left reel 3L, the middle reel 3C, and the right reel 3R are vividly expressed. Further, since no auxiliary light is required, the structure of the liquid crystal display device is simplified correspondingly, and the cost can be reduced. Furthermore, noise generation by the auxiliary light drive circuit (inverter or the like) is eliminated.

  According to the above-described embodiment, the end surface of the cut-out portion of the light guide plate 174 is subjected to blasting to emit light from the end surface. However, when the light guide plate 174 is produced by, for example, injection molding, blast processing is performed. The pattern which deflects light can be formed in the said light-guide plate, without giving. As an example, a pattern that deflects light is formed by performing fine processing such as grooves and cone cut on the mold and transferring a light deflection pattern as a light scattering shape to the surface of the light guide plate 174 by injection molding. May be. In this molded product, a fine V-groove is transferred to the light exit surface side.

  As a result, as described above, the light scattering processed surfaces 174a, 174b, and 174c as the end surfaces to which the scattering pattern for scattering the light is transferred serve as a backlight of the window portions 40L, 40C, and 40R.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the positional relationship among the liquid crystal panel 173 and the light guide plate 174 and the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. These are arranged in the order of the liquid crystal panel 173, the light guide plate 174, and the reels (reel 3L, reel 3C, reel 3R) from the player side (that is, the left side in the figure). Here, when a part of the reel on the liquid crystal panel side is arranged without being inserted into the windows 40L, 40C, and 40R, the reel 3L, the reel 3C, and the reel 3R have a thickness of the light guide plate 174 with respect to the liquid crystal panel 173. It gives the player a deep impression. Further, when the player views the liquid crystal display device 27 from an oblique direction when the liquid crystal display device 27 performs an effect display such that the winning line display or the symbol on the reel is superimposed on the liquid crystal display, There is a shift due to parallax between the position where the symbol on the reel is visually recognized and the position where the liquid crystal display is visually recognized (hereinafter referred to as “the gap due to the parallax between the symbol on the reel and the liquid crystal display”). In some cases, the upper symbol and the liquid crystal display cannot be visually recognized.

  According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R on the liquid crystal panel side are disposed so as to be inserted into the windows 40L, 40C, and 40R. In addition to not giving the player the impression, the deviation due to the parallax between the symbols on the reel and the liquid crystal display can be reduced even when the player views the liquid crystal display device 27 from an oblique direction.

  Further, when the liquid crystal panel 173 is enlarged to increase the screen area from 15 inches to 20 inches, for example, the cold cathode tubes 176a and 176b, which are light emitting means, are used to maintain the light amount per unit area of the liquid crystal panel 173. Must be provided in the depth direction (for example, increase from 1 to 3). Accordingly, it is necessary to increase the thickness of the light guide plate 174 by the amount of the additional cold cathode tubes. In this case, when a part of the reel on the liquid crystal panel side is arranged without being inserted into the window portions 40L, 40C, 40R, the above-mentioned impression of the reel is deep and the shift due to the parallax between the design on the reel and the liquid crystal display. Will be even bigger. In the present embodiment, since a part of the reel on the liquid crystal panel side is inserted into the windows 40L, 40C, 40R, such a situation (a player has a deep impression of the above-mentioned reel, The situation in which the shift due to the parallax between the pattern and the liquid crystal display is further increased) is avoided. In particular, when a plurality of cold-cathode tubes 176a and 176b are provided in the depth direction, the effect obtained by inserting a part of the reel on the liquid crystal panel side into the window portions 40L, 40C, and 40R is increased.

  In this embodiment, the case where the window portions 40L, 40C, and 40R are cut out from the light guide plate 174 as transmission regions is illustrated. However, a part of the light guide plate 174 (window portion) from the reel 3L, reel 3C, and reel 3R side is illustrated. A concave portion may be provided in the light guide plate 174 by cutting or molding a portion of a region corresponding to 40L, 40C, and 40R. And the light scattering process may be given to the inner end face of this recessed part. In addition, a part of the reel 3L, the reel 3C, and the reel 3R may be inserted into the recess.

  Returning to FIG. The cold cathode fluorescent lamps 176a and 176b (arranged in the depth direction when the screen capacity is large) are configured as white light sources including light of all wavelengths at a ratio in which a specific color is not conspicuous in human eyes, The cold-cathode tube 176a is disposed along the upper end portion of the light guide plate 174 (arranged vertically), and the cold-cathode tube 176b is disposed along the lower end portion of the light guide plate 174 in the drawing. Both ends of the cold cathode tubes 176a and 176b are supported by a lamp holder (not shown). The cold cathode fluorescent lamps 176a and 176b mainly function as illumination means for the area corresponding to the effect display area in the liquid crystal panel 173. That is, the cold cathode tubes 176a and 176b generate light to be introduced into the light guide plate 174.

  The reflection plate 175 is, for example, a white polyester film or an aluminum thin film formed by sputtering a silver vapor deposition film, and the light introduced into the light guide plate 174 is directed to the front side of the light guide plate 174, that is, in the direction of the liquid crystal panel 173. Reflect toward you. The reflective plate 175 is formed with a reflective area 177 and a left reel display window 4L, a middle reel display window 4C, and a right reel display window 4R as non-reflective areas. Note that the reflection plate 175 is not limited to a plate-shaped configuration, and may be, for example, a sheet-shaped configuration (reflection sheet).

  In each of the left reel display window 4L, the middle reel display window 4C, and the right reel display window 4R, the left reel display window 4L is the reel 3L, the middle reel display window 4C is the reel 3C, and the right reel display window 4R is the reel 3R. , Respectively. Each reel display window is formed as a light transmissive display portion that transmits incident light without reflecting it. Each reel display window is positioned in front of each of the symbols displayed when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped, and all the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are displayed during stop display. It is provided in a size that can display three types of symbols according to the upper, middle and lower levels. The reflection area 177 reflects incident light and functions as one of illumination means mainly for the area corresponding to the effect display area among the areas of the liquid crystal panel 173 arranged on the front surface. According to this configuration, the player can visually recognize the change display and stop display of the reel 3L, the reel 3C, and the reel 3R through the light transmission display portion (reel display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R) of the reflector, and the liquid crystal display. Since the effect displayed in the effect display area of the panel 173 can be visually recognized, a game can be enjoyed by the display modes of the reel 3L, the reel 3C, the reel 3R, and the liquid crystal display device 27.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the effect aspect of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. The display mode of the stop notification informing the player of the stop order of each reel is shown. The liquid crystal display device 27 of the gaming machine can be configured by a panel having a structure in which a protective glass, a display plate, a liquid crystal panel, a light guide plate, and a reflection plate are arranged in order from the front as described above.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the liquid crystal display device 27 displays the virtual light sources 43 </ b> L, 43 </ b> C, and 43 </ b> R in order from the left in the drawing. The virtual light source 43L is displayed as if a searchlight image 44 as a light transmissive display portion is disposed. This searchlight image 44 is displayed on the reel 3L disposed above the virtual light source 43L. It is configured as an image to be irradiated. The searchlight image 44 is an image extending from the outside of the area of the left reel display window 4L, the middle reel display window 4C, and the right reel display window 4R of the reel 3L to the inside of the area. In the display of the searchlight image 44, the display of the portion in the display area is transmitted, and the symbols of the reel 3L are displayed transparently by displaying the reel symbols superimposed (in the case of FIG. 6). Thereby, the player can be notified of the stop order of the reels, and can be displayed to prompt the player to operate the buttons.

  In addition, a display in which the non-transparent display area 45 that is an image area other than the searchlight image 44 of the liquid crystal display device 27 and the display areas of the reel display windows of the reel 3C and the reel 3R are superimposed is performed, so that the player Is configured such that the reel 3C and the reel 3R that are being variably displayed cannot be viewed. At this time, the player can see the reel 3L from the portion where the searchlight image 44 and the left reel display window 4L overlap.

  In this embodiment, the portion where the searchlight image 44 and each reel display window 4L, 4R, 4C overlap can see the reel as if illuminated by the searchlight. At this time, even if there is no illumination part that illuminates the windows 40L, 40C, 40R separately from the cold cathode fluorescent lamps arranged above and below the liquid crystal panel, the end face of the cutout part (for example, the end face of the window part 40L) 174a etc.), the reel is illuminated brightly.

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment guides light from the light emitter to a liquid crystal panel, and a mechanical variation display device that stops and displays in each column using reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with respect to symbol combinations according to the game winning pattern. A liquid crystal display device in which a light guide plate on which a light deflection pattern is formed is cut out or provided with a concave portion at a position facing the reel, and the end surface of the cut or concave portion is subjected to light scattering processing. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide illumination portions above and below the window portion, and it is possible to provide a gaming machine that prevents the liquid crystal display and the reel from becoming dark due to insufficient light quantity from the window portion.

  In addition, the gaming machine of the present embodiment includes a mechanical variation display device that stops and displays in each column using reels with respect to symbol combinations according to the game winning pattern, and a light deflection pattern that guides light from the light emitter to the liquid crystal panel. And a liquid crystal display device that is provided with a cutout or a recess provided at a portion facing the reel of the light guide plate to which the light is transferred, and a light scattering pattern transferred to the end surface of the cutout or the recess. It is not necessary to provide an illumination part above and below the window part, or it is sufficient to provide a small illumination part.

  Furthermore, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, a part of the liquid crystal panel side of the reel is inserted into the cutout or the concave portion, so that a front space for allowing the reel to approach the player can be formed (see FIG. 5). ) Since the distance between the reel and the player can be made closer, a powerful gaming machine can be provided.

  Furthermore, even when the player looks at the liquid crystal display device 27 from an oblique direction, a shift due to the parallax between the symbols on the reel and the liquid crystal display on the liquid crystal display device 27 can be reduced.

(Modification 1)
In the above-described embodiment, the portion of the light guide plate 174 facing the reel is formed with a cutout that penetrates the light guide plate or a concave portion from the side facing the reel, and the light deflection pattern A is applied to the cutout or the concave portion. In addition, light scattering processing for emitting light from the illumination unit is performed on the end surface of the cutout or the recess, and the liquid crystal panel 173 is formed from the end surface of the cutout or the recess (for example, the light scattering processing surface 174a). The light output to the liquid crystal panel 173 from the region where the light deflection pattern A is applied may be approximately the same.

  A specific description is as follows. Here, a case where the cutout (window portion) is formed in the light guide plate 174 will be described as an example. However, the same can be applied to a case where a concave portion is formed from the side facing the reel. As described above, the light deflection pattern A is applied to the back surface of the light guide plate 174, and the light deflection pattern A is not applied to the cutout portion.

  In the light scattering processed surfaces 174a, 174b, 174c, for example, a grid that is a plurality of grid-like regions for emitting light from the cold cathode tubes 176a, 176b to the liquid crystal panel 173 or the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. You may make it provide an area | region and the space | interval area | region which is an area | region between each grid | lattice-like area | region. When light emitted from the cold cathode tubes 176a and 176b hits the lattice region, the light may be emitted from the lattice region toward the liquid crystal panel 173 or the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. On the other hand, when the light emitted from the cold cathode fluorescent lamps 176a and 176b hits the interval region, it is not emitted to the liquid crystal panel 173 or the reel but is reflected and stays in the light guide plate 174.

  When the light emitted from the cold cathode tubes 176a and 176b strikes the light scattering processed surfaces 174a, 174b, and 174c, for example, a part of the light is emitted to the reel side, and a part of the light is directed to the liquid crystal panel 173 side. Emitted.

  Here, the light scattering processed surfaces 174a, 174b, and 174c may be formed so as to satisfy the following conditions. This condition refers to, for example, the amount of light emitted to the liquid crystal panel 173 per unit area on each light scattering processed surface (an example of the degree of emission, for example, light scattering processing formed on the cut end face corresponding to the window 40L The amount of light emitted from the surface 174a to the liquid crystal panel 173 divided by the cutout area) is the amount of light emitted to the liquid crystal panel 173 per unit area in the light deflection pattern A (an example of the degree of emission, for example, This is a condition that the light emission amount from the light deflection pattern A to the liquid crystal panel 173 is substantially the same as a value obtained by dividing the light emission amount by the area where the light deflection pattern A is applied.

  Specifically, on the light scattering processed surfaces 174a, 174b, and 174c, the light scattering is performed so that the ratio of the number and size of the lattice regions to the interval region per unit area becomes a predetermined value that satisfies the above-described conditions. Processed surfaces 174a, 174b, 174c may be formed.

  In the light guide plate 174 configured as described above, the light emission degree to the liquid crystal panel 173 from the light scattering processed surfaces 174a, 174b, 174c provided on the end faces of the respective cutouts (window portions 40L, 40C, 40R) is as follows. Since the light output from the region where the light deflection pattern A is applied to the liquid crystal panel 173 is approximately the same, the brightness of the liquid crystal display region corresponding to the windows 40L, 40C, and 40R and the other liquid crystal display The brightness of the regions is almost the same, and the brightness in the liquid crystal display can be made uniform.

  In the light guide plate 174 described above, the portion where the light deflection pattern A is not applied is not limited to the case where the light deflection pattern A is provided corresponding to the three reels as described above. For example, one portion corresponding to the three reels is provided. A portion where no light deflection pattern is applied may be provided. 7 and 8 are diagrams showing another light guide plate 174 of this modification example.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the light guide plate 174, a portion for making the three reels visible is cut out, and in the cut out portion itself, the light deflection pattern A is not applied and only the end surface 174a is scattered. Processing may be performed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the light deflection pattern A may not be applied to the portion 174w provided between the three cut-out portions 40L, 40R, and 40C.

(Modification 2)
In the light guide plate of the above-described embodiment and modification example 1 shown in FIGS. 4, 7, and 8, the light deflection pattern A is, for example, cold cathode tubes 176a and 176b in order to make the light emission of the light guide plate 174 more uniform. Near the center of the light guide plate 174, the light deflection pattern A is roughly applied (so that the interval between lattice regions 174 j to be described later is widened), and the region (region) far from the cold cathode tubes 176 a and 176 b, that is, near the center of the light guide plate 174. The roughness of the light deflection pattern A may be varied depending on the part, for example, the light deflection pattern A is made finer as it approaches (for example, the interval between lattice regions 174j described later is narrowed).

  9, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are views showing the state of the back surface of the light guide plate 174 of this modification (the back surface when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine). In the rear surface of the light guide plate 174, the end portion is in a predetermined region from the end portion 174f of the light guide plate 174 to the central vicinity portion 174g (for example, the region of the rear surface of the light guide plate 174 excluding the window region). The light deflection pattern A is applied so that the proportion of the portion of the light deflection pattern A that emits light to the liquid crystal panel 173 increases as the distance from 174f increases. A specific description is as follows.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state where the region X (lower region X) in the vicinity of the end portion 174f of the light guide plate in FIG. 9 is enlarged, and FIG. 11 is a diagram of the central vicinity portion 174g of the light guide plate in FIG. It is a figure which shows a mode that the area | region Y was expanded.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the light deflection pattern A includes a plurality of lattice-like regions (hereinafter referred to as lattice regions 174j) for emitting light from the cold cathode fluorescent lamps 176a and 176b to the liquid crystal panel 173, and And a region between the lattice regions 174j (hereinafter, an interval region 174k). When the light emitted from the cold cathode tubes 176a and 176b hits the lattice region 174j, the light is emitted from the lattice region 174j toward the liquid crystal panel 173. On the other hand, when the light emitted from the cold cathode fluorescent lamps 176a and 176b hits the interval region 174k, the light is not emitted toward the liquid crystal panel 173 and remains in the light deflection pattern A.

  In the light deflection pattern A provided on the back surface of the light guide plate 174, when the ratio of the size of the lattice region 174j to the size of the interval region 174k in the unit area is the same in all regions, the end portion In the region near 174f, a lot of light emitted from the cold cathode fluorescent lamps 176a and 176b is emitted toward the liquid crystal panel 173 via the lattice region 174j, and in the region near the center 174g, Light emitted toward the liquid crystal panel 173 through the lattice region 174j is reduced. In this case, the player visually recognizes that the light guide plate 174 is shining almost uniformly on the entire surface, but the end portion 174f and the central vicinity portion 174g are visually recognized when the light emission conditions are different. You will feel that the brightness of the liquid crystal display is uneven. In this modified example, the above inconvenience is solved as follows.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, in the light deflection pattern A, the ratio of the size of the lattice region 174j to the size of the spacing region 174k in the unit area in the region near the end portion 174f is that of the central vicinity portion 174g. It is smaller than the ratio of the size of the lattice region 174j to the size of the interval region 174k in the unit area in the neighboring region. In other words, in FIG. 11, the size of the lattice region 174j is large and the size and width of the spacing region 174k are small, whereas in FIG. 10, the size of the lattice region 174j is small and the size and width of the spacing region 174k. Is getting bigger.

  Therefore, according to this modification, the amount of light emitted toward the liquid crystal panel 173 via the lattice region 174j is suppressed in the region near the end 174f, and the region in the central vicinity 174g Thus, the amount of light emitted toward the liquid crystal panel 173 can be increased through the lattice region 174j. By using the light deflection pattern A configured in this way, the amount of light per unit area emitted toward the liquid crystal panel 173 via the lattice region 174j in the region near the end 174f, In the region near the center 174g, the amount of light per unit area emitted toward the liquid crystal panel 173 via the lattice region 174j can be made comparable. As a result, a situation in which the brightness differs depending on the location in the regions other than the regions corresponding to the window portions 40L, 40C, and 40R can be avoided, and the brightness in the liquid crystal display can be further uniformed.

(Modification 3)
In the above-described embodiment and the gaming machines of the first and second modification examples, the configuration of the reflection plate 175 and the configuration of the light guide plate 174 may be changed to the configuration shown in this modification example.

  FIG. 12 is an exploded side sectional view showing the relationship between the liquid crystal display device 27 of this modification and the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. FIG. 13 is a supplementary diagram illustrating the back surface of the light guide plate 174 of the present modified example and illustrating the features of the modified example. In this modification, the description of the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 3 is omitted or simplified.

  The liquid crystal display device 27 of this modification is disposed between the player and the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The liquid crystal display device 27 includes a transparent acrylic plate 300 (a plate corresponding to the display plate 172 of the embodiment) and a liquid crystal panel unit 201 disposed on the back side of the transparent acrylic plate 300 (the back side when viewed from the front of the gaming machine). A light guide plate 174 disposed on the back side of the liquid crystal panel unit 201, and a reflector 175 and a heat radiating plate 181 disposed on the back side of the light guide plate 174. The reflection plate 175 is provided on the rear side of the light guide plate 174 and on the front side of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R (front side when viewed from the front of the gaming machine), and the light emitted from the light guide plate 174; The light emitted from the cold cathode fluorescent lamp 176a is reflected to the front side.

  The liquid crystal panel unit 201 includes a deflection plate 180, two overlapping diffusion sheets 178 (hereinafter referred to as a diffusion sheet unit 178), and a liquid crystal panel 173 disposed between the deflection plate 180 and the diffusion sheet unit 178. ing. The liquid crystal panel 173 is the same as the liquid crystal panel of the above-described embodiment.

  The deflecting plate 180 is provided on the front side of the liquid crystal panel 173 and is used for deflecting light emitted from the cold cathode tube 176a in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the liquid crystal panel 173 and guiding it to the front side of the gaming machine 1. belongs to.

  The diffusion sheet 178 is formed of a translucent sheet member, and is a member that diffuses the light emitted from the cold cathode tubes 176a and 176b and uniformizes the light applied to the liquid crystal panel 173. In the diffusion sheet 178, portions corresponding to the window portions 40L, 40C, and 40R are cut out or formed of a transparent member so as not to lower the transparency of the window portions 40L, 40C, and 40R. Thereby, the visibility of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R located behind the liquid crystal display device 27 is enhanced.

  A plurality of cold cathode tubes 176a and a plurality of cold cathode tubes 176b are disposed in the vicinity of the upper end portion and the lower end portion of the light guide plate 174, respectively. This arrangement relationship is the same as that shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, on the back surface of the light guide plate 174, a first light deflection pattern 174e is formed around the outside of the windows 40R, 40C, and 40L, and the periphery of the first light deflection pattern 174e. The second light deflection pattern 174d is formed.

  Here, the pattern density in the first light deflection pattern 174e is higher than the pattern density in the second light deflection pattern 174d. Specifically, it is as follows. In the second light deflection pattern 174d, as a light guide pattern for uniformly emitting light on the entire surface of the light guide plate, for example, a lattice pattern having a pitch of about 2 mm is formed. On the other hand, in the first light deflection pattern 174e, as a fine light guide pattern, for example, a lattice-like pattern having a pitch of about 0.5 mm is formed.

  The area where the first light deflection pattern 174e is formed is, for example, in the case where the position of the window portion and the player's viewpoint substantially coincide in the height direction and the lateral direction when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. Thus, when the player's viewpoint is deviated by a predetermined amount (this predetermined amount is determined based on the range in which the player normally moves during the game), the back surface of the light guide plate 174 is larger than the region visible to the player. Determined to be an area of size.

  The pattern density in the light deflection pattern is determined by, for example, the pitch of the lattice pattern included in the light deflection pattern, the number of lattices, and the size of the lattice, and indicates the fineness of the lattice pattern. It is. It should be noted that even if the light deflection pattern includes a pattern other than the lattice pattern (for example, a dot pattern), the pattern in the light deflection pattern is the same as in the case of the lattice pattern. Density is determined.

  In addition, the first light deflection pattern 174e and the second light deflection pattern 174d of this modification guide light emitted from the cold cathode tube 176a to the liquid crystal panel 173 side, and guide it to the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R side. .

  Specifically, in the first light deflection pattern 174e and the second light deflection pattern 174d, a plurality of dot-like regions (hereinafter referred to as “light emission”) for emitting light from the cold cathode tubes 176a and 176b to the liquid crystal panel 173 side are provided. , First dot region), a plurality of dot-like regions (hereinafter referred to as second dot regions) for emitting light from the cold cathode tubes 176a, 176b to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R side, And a region between them (hereinafter referred to as an interval region).

  When the light emitted from the cold cathode tubes 176a and 176b hits the first dot region or the second dot region, the light is emitted from the first dot region or the second dot region, respectively, on the liquid crystal panel 173 side or the reels 3L, 3C, It is emitted toward the 3R side. On the other hand, when the light emitted from the cold cathode tubes 176a and 176b hits the interval region, the light is not emitted toward the liquid crystal panel 173 side or the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R side, but is reflected and enters the light guide plate 174. stay.

  In the light guide plate 174 of the present embodiment, the window portions 40R, 40C, and 40L are cut out, and light scattering processing is performed on the inner end surfaces of the window portions 40R, 40C, and 40L, respectively. Yes. The inner end surfaces of the window portions 40R, 40C, and 40L are light scattering processed surfaces 174a, 174b, and 174c, respectively. In addition, in the light guide plate 174, the portions of the window portions 40R, 40C, and 40L are not cut out, and the modified example is the same when the recess portions are formed in the portions of the window portions 40R, 40C, and 40L. It is applicable to.

  The reflection plate 175 of this modification example has the following configuration. In other words, the reflector 175 substantially coincides with the outer peripheral edge of the region where the first light deflection pattern 174e is formed on the two-dimensional coordinates in the height direction and the horizontal direction when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine 1. The inner part is cut out from the end part. A specific description is as follows.

  In the reflection plate 175 arranged in the gaming machine, as shown in FIG. 13, the region where the first light deflection pattern 174e is formed and the second light deflection pattern 174d are formed on the two-dimensional coordinates. A portion of the region that is substantially the same as the region surrounded by the boundary line 174x with the region that has been cut out is cut out.

  Thereby, as shown in FIG. 12, in the height direction when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine, the position of the inner end 175a of the reflector 175, the region where the first light deflection pattern 174e is formed, and the first The position of the boundary line 174x with the region where the second light deflection pattern 174d is formed is substantially the same. Similarly, the position of the inner end of the reflector 175, the region where the first light deflection pattern 174e is formed, and the second light deflection pattern 174d are formed in the lateral direction when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine. The position of the boundary line 174x with the region is substantially the same.

  The heat radiating plate 181 is disposed on the back side of the reflecting plate 175, and absorbs heat generated by light emission from the cold cathode tube 176a to suppress an excessive rise in temperature in the liquid crystal display device 27. . In the heat sink 181, as with the reflector 175, the outer periphery of the region where the first light deflection pattern 174 e is formed on the two-dimensional coordinates in the height direction and the horizontal direction when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine 1. An inner portion is cut out from an end portion substantially coincident with the end portion.

  A rear frame 182 is disposed on the back surface of the liquid crystal display device 27 (heat radiating plate 181). The rear frame 182 is for supporting the light guide plate 174 from the back surface. In the rear frame 182, as with the reflector 175, the outer periphery of the region where the first light deflection pattern 174 e is formed on the two-dimensional coordinates in the height direction and the horizontal direction when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine 1. An inner portion is cut out from an end portion substantially coincident with the end portion. Note that the rear frame 182 also has a function of reflecting a part of incident light to the liquid crystal panel 173.

  Further, an antistatic sheet 183 is bonded to the rear surface of the rear frame 182 at a position that covers the opening of the reflecting plate 175, the opening of the heat sink 181 and the opening of the rear frame 182 from the back surface. The antistatic sheet 183 is a transparent member for preventing the liquid crystal panel 173 from being charged.

  In the gaming machine, a lamp reflector 185 includes end portions of the cold cathode tubes 176a and 176b (end portions in the height direction when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine 1), an end portion 175b of the reflector 175, and heat radiation. The plate 181 is disposed across the end 181a. The lamp reflector 185 is for preventing the light emitted from the cold cathode tube 176a from escaping outside the liquid crystal display device 27.

  In addition, inside the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, an LED unit 3a for illuminating the display surface of the reels is provided. Note that a protrusion (not shown) for directing light toward the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is provided on the inner end 182a of the rear frame 182.

  Here, in the height direction of the gaming machine, the position of the boundary line 174x between the region where the first light deflection pattern 174e is formed and the region where the second light deflection pattern is formed is, for example, as follows: It may be decided. That is, the areas of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R that face the windows 40R, 40C, and 40L (the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R that substantially match the areas of the windows 40R, 40C, and 40L when viewed from the front of the gaming machine The amount of light per unit area sent to the area) and the area facing the windows 40R, 40C, 40L (area substantially matching the area of the windows 40R, 40C, 40L when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine) The position of the boundary line 174x is determined at a position (predetermined position) where the difference from the amount of light per unit area sent to the other area (area of the liquid crystal panel 173) is within a predetermined amount. Also good. This predetermined amount is within a range in which the brightness of the reel that can be seen by the player from the window and the brightness of the liquid crystal panel 173 that can be seen by the player (the area of the liquid crystal panel other than the area facing the window) can be maintained. It is decided within.

  According to the gaming machine configured as described above, the following operational effects can be obtained. In the gaming machine of the embodiment and the first modification, in the reflection plate 175, a portion of the region that is substantially the same as the region of the window portions 40L, 40C, and 40R on the two-dimensional coordinate is cut out. Therefore, the light incident on the light guide plate 174 from the cold cathode fluorescent lamps 176a and 176b was able to be emitted to the liquid crystal panel 173 side by the light deflection pattern formed on the back surface of the light guide plate 174. However, since the region of the first light deflection pattern 174e and the region of the reflection plate 175 overlap with each other on the two-dimensional coordinates, the light emitted from the first light deflection pattern 174e is reflected by the reflection plate 175. Since the light is reflected and hardly sent to the reel side, the amount of light emitted to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R side is reduced.

  In the present modified example, the region of the first light deflection pattern 174e and the region of the reflection plate 175 do not overlap on the two-dimensional coordinates, and only the region 174d of the second light deflection pattern is the reflection plate 175. It overlaps with the area. For this reason, most of the light emitted from the first light deflection pattern 174e is sent to the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R without being reflected by the reflecting plate 175, so that the light guiding plate 174 is compared with the prior art. Most of the emitted light is not sent to the liquid crystal panel 173, but the amount of light emitted to the liquid crystal panel 173 side can be increased. As a result, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can further prevent the liquid crystal display and the reel from becoming dark due to insufficient light quantity in the window portion.

  Further, on the two-dimensional coordinates formed in the height direction and the horizontal direction when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine 1, the reflector 175 substantially coincides with the outer peripheral end portion of the region where the first light deflection pattern 174e is formed. Since the inner portion is cut out from the end portion, the amount of light transmitted to the liquid crystal panel 173 side is not greatly reduced. For example, the position of the boundary line 174x between the region where the first light deflection pattern is formed and the region where the second light deflection pattern is formed is determined as the above-described predetermined position, so that the window portion 40L, A balance is maintained between the brightness of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R that can be visually recognized by the player from 40C and 40R and the brightness of the liquid crystal panel 173 that is visually recognized by the player (the area of the liquid crystal panel other than the area facing the window). .

  Conventionally, in the liquid crystal panel 173, the amount of light transmitted tends to be insufficient at the portions facing the window portions 40L, 40C, and 40R. In the present modification, the first light deflection pattern 174e and the second light deflection pattern 174d allow the light emitted from the cold cathode tubes 176a and 176b to face the windows 40L, 40C, and 40R of the liquid crystal panel 173. Can be sent to. Therefore, in the liquid crystal panel 173, it is possible to reduce the difference between the amount of light transmitted to the portions facing the window portions 40L, 40C, and 40R and the amount of light transmitted to the other portions. Further, uneven brightness in the liquid crystal panel 173 can be suppressed. As a result, in the liquid crystal panel 173, the brightness of the portions facing the window portions 40L, 40C, and 40R can be increased, and the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 173 facing the window portions is clarified. be able to.

  According to this modification, even if the player can visually observe the light deflection pattern directly formed on the back surface of the light guide plate, the light deflection pattern is not a coarse light deflection pattern but a fine light deflection pattern. (First light deflection pattern 174e), and since it is difficult for the player to recognize the presence of the light deflection pattern, it is possible to prevent the game machine from being felt to be unsatisfactory and not to detract from the beauty. Can be provided.

(Modification 4)
In Modification 3 described above, the dot-shaped regions included in the first light deflection pattern 174e and the second light deflection pattern 174d are not limited to the dot shape, and may be other shapes such as a lattice shape. May be.

  Further, in the above-described third modification, as shown in FIG. 13, the reflection plate 175, the heat radiating plate 181, and the rear frame 182 are formed by cutting out portions in substantially the same region as the region surrounded by the boundary line 174 x. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as the member, only the reflection plate 175 may be used, or any member of the reflection plate 175, the heat radiating plate 181 and the rear frame 182 may be used.

  Further, in the above-described modification 3, the case where the density of the pattern in the first light deflection pattern 174e is higher than the density of the pattern in the second light deflection pattern 174d has been described. It may be low or the same. Moreover, the diffusion sheet 178 arrange | positioned at the back surface of the liquid crystal panel 173 may be one sheet.

  The embodiment of the present invention and an example of the modification have been described above, but only a specific example is illustrated, and the present invention is not particularly limited. The specific configuration of each unit can be appropriately changed in design. It is. Further, the actions and effects described in the embodiment and its modified examples are merely a list of the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are not limited to the embodiments of the present invention and modifications thereof. It is not limited to those described in the examples.

It is a front perspective view of the slot machine of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the symbol arranged on the reel. It is a disassembled perspective view of a liquid crystal display device. It is a figure which shows the detailed structure of a light-guide plate. It is the figure which showed arrangement | positioning of a light-guide plate and a reel by cross-sectional shape. It is a schematic diagram which shows the effect of this embodiment. It is a back view of the light-guide plate of the modification 1. It is a back view of the other light-guide plate of the example 1 of a change. It is a reverse view of the other light-guide plate of the example 2 of a change. It is a figure which shows a mode that a part of back surface of the other light-guide plate of the example 2 of a change was expanded. It is a figure which shows a mode that a part of back surface of the other light-guide plate of the example 2 of a change was expanded. It is a side part exploded sectional view showing the relation between the liquid crystal display device of modification 3 and a reel. It is a supplementary figure for showing the back of the light guide plate of modification example 3, and explaining the feature of this modification example.

Explanation of symbols

  1 ... gaming machine, 3L, 3C, 3R ... reel, 4L ... left reel display window, 4C ... middle reel display window, 4R ... right reel display window, 6 ... start lever, 7L, 7C, 7R ... reel stop button 17 ... Notification lamp, 27 ... Liquid crystal display device, 40L, 40C, 40R ... Window, 171 ... Protective glass, 172 ... Display plate, 173 ... Liquid crystal panel, 174 ... Light guide plate, 174a, 174b, 174c ... Light scattering processing Surface, 174d, second light deflection pattern, 174e, first light deflection pattern, 174f, end portion, 174g, near central portion, 174j, lattice region, 174k, spacing region, 174x, boundary line, 175, reflector 175a, 175b ... end, 176a, 176b ... cold cathode tube, 177 ... reflection region, 178 ... diffusion sheet, 180 ... deflection plate, 181 ... heat sink, 181a, 182 ... end, 182 ... rear frame, 183 ... antistatic sheet, 185 ... lamp reflector, 201 ... liquid crystal panel portion, 300 ... transparent acrylic plate.

Claims (7)

A liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal panel and a light guide plate that is provided on the back side of the liquid crystal panel when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine and guides the light emitted from the illumination means for the liquid crystal panel to the liquid crystal panel side;
A variable display device arranged on the back side of the liquid crystal display device, and a plurality of reels in which a plurality of identification information are arranged,
In the part of the light guide plate facing the reel, a cutout penetrating the light guide plate or a recess is formed from the side facing the reel, and light from the illumination means is applied to the cutout or the end face of the recess. A gaming machine characterized by being subjected to light scattering processing for emission. A liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal panel and a light guide plate that is provided on the back side of the liquid crystal panel when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine and guides the light emitted from the illumination means for the liquid crystal panel to the liquid crystal panel side;
A variable display device arranged on the back side of the liquid crystal display device, and a plurality of reels in which a plurality of identification information are arranged,
In the portion of the light guide plate facing the reel, a cutout penetrating the light guide plate or a concave portion is formed from the side facing the reel, and the shape of the cutout or the end face of the concave portion is the light from the illumination means. A gaming machine having a light scattering shape for emitting light. An illuminating means provided on the back side of the liquid crystal panel and in the vicinity of the end of the light guide plate, and for emitting light;
A reflection plate that is provided on the rear side of the light guide plate and on the front side of the reel and reflects the light emitted from the light guide plate and the light emitted from the illumination unit to the front side; ,
A first light deflection pattern and a second light deflection guide the light emitted from the illumination means to the liquid crystal panel side and to the reel side on the back surface of the light guide plate as viewed from the front side of the gaming machine. A pattern is formed,
The first light deflection pattern is formed around the cutout or the recess, and the second light deflection pattern is formed at a portion farther from the cutout or the recess than the first light deflection pattern. The pattern density in the first light deflection pattern is different from the pattern density in the second light deflection pattern,
In the reflecting plate, an end portion substantially coincident with an outer peripheral end portion of the region where the first light deflection pattern is formed on a two-dimensional coordinate formed in a height direction and a horizontal direction when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein an inner portion is cut out from the game machine.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a part of the reel is inserted into the cutout or the recess. A liquid crystal display device comprising: a liquid crystal panel; and a light guide plate provided on a back side of the liquid crystal panel and provided with a light deflection pattern for guiding light emitted from the illumination means for the liquid crystal panel to the liquid crystal panel side;
A variable display device arranged on the back side of the liquid crystal display device, and a plurality of reels in which a plurality of identification information are arranged,
In the portion of the light guide plate facing the reel, a cutout penetrating the light guide plate or a recess is formed from the side facing the reel, and the light deflection pattern is not applied to the cutout or the recess. The cutout or the end face of the recess is subjected to light scattering processing for emitting light from the illumination means, and the light emission degree from the cutout or the end face of the recess to the liquid crystal panel is A gaming machine characterized in that it has the same degree of light emission from the region where the light deflection pattern is applied to the liquid crystal panel. An illuminating means provided on the back side of the liquid crystal panel and in the vicinity of the end of the light guide plate, and for emitting light;
A reflection plate that is provided on the rear side of the light guide plate and on the front side of the reel and reflects the light emitted from the light guide plate and the light emitted from the illumination unit to the front side; ,
A first light deflection pattern and a second light deflection pattern that guide light emitted from the illumination means to the liquid crystal panel side and to the reel side on the back surface of the light guide plate as viewed from the front side of the gaming machine. Formed,
The first light deflection pattern is formed around the cutout or the recess, and the second light deflection pattern is formed at a portion farther from the cutout or the recess than the first light deflection pattern. The pattern density in the first light deflection pattern is different from the pattern density in the second light deflection pattern,
In the reflection plate, from an end substantially coincident with an outer peripheral end of the region where the first deflection pattern is formed on a two-dimensional coordinate formed in a height direction and a horizontal direction when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein an inner portion is cut out. A liquid crystal panel, an illumination unit that emits light, provided on the back side of the liquid crystal panel when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine, and a light deflection pattern that guides light emitted from the illumination unit to the front side and the back side And a light guide plate provided on the rear side of the light guide plate and on the front side of the reel, and reflects light emitted from the light guide plate and light emitted from the illumination means to the front side. A liquid crystal display device in which the illumination means is provided in the vicinity of an end portion of the light guide plate;
A variable display device arranged on the back side of the liquid crystal display device, and a plurality of reels in which a plurality of identification information are arranged,
The portion of the light guide plate facing the reel is formed with a cutout penetrating the light guide plate or a concave portion from the side facing the reel, and the cutout is formed on the rear surface of the light guide plate when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine. Alternatively, a first light deflection pattern is formed around the recess, and a second light deflection pattern is formed in a portion further away from the cutout or the recess than the first light deflection pattern. The density of the pattern in the first light deflection pattern is different from the density of the pattern in the second light deflection pattern,
In the reflecting plate, an end portion substantially coincident with an outer peripheral end portion of the region where the first light deflection pattern is formed on a two-dimensional coordinate formed in a height direction and a horizontal direction when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine. A game machine characterized in that an inner part is cut out from the inside.