JP2008302248A - Light transmission blocking device, optical processor and game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To selectively magnify an winning symbol alone from among symbols on reels displayed in a display window. <P>SOLUTION: The light transmission blocking device includes: an incident light transmitting means 25 for transmitting incident light formed by two-dimensionally positioning a plurality of first surfaces 26 transmitting the incident light at a first magnification including one fold magnification, and a plurality of second surfaces 27 transmitting the incident light at a second magnification higher than the one fold magnification and different from the magnification of the first surfaces; and a transmission blocking means 31 provided corresponding to the first surfaces 26 and the second surfaces 27 to transmit/block the incident light to the surfaces or outgoing light from the surfaces. Consequently, an object existing on the incident side can be displayed in different sizes. A game machine such as a slot machine using the light transmission blocking device and an optical processor can provide remarkable visual effects such as making the occurrence of winning easy to notice. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a light passage blocking device, a light processing device, and a gaming machine. More specifically, the present invention includes at least one reel having a plurality of symbols attached thereto, and rotates the reels, and a predetermined symbol according to a predetermined lottery result. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that stops the machine in a predetermined area, and a light passage blocking device and a light processing device that can be used for the gaming machine.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a slot machine or the like that includes three reels with a plurality of symbols, rotates each reel, and stops a predetermined symbol at a predetermined position according to a predetermined lottery result. In such a slot machine, a game value may or may not be given depending on the form of the determined symbol when the reel is stopped. When a winning with three symbols on the winning line occurs when the symbols change is stopped, the backlight provided corresponding to the winning line with the symbols is flashed and the symbols are aligned on the winning line. , Letting the player know that a prize has occurred.

However, slot machines are usually equipped with many different types of lamps, which are flashing in a complex manner, so that even if the backlight provided for the winning line is flashed, the player can win a prize. You may not be aware that it has occurred.
By the way, the main part of each of the three reels, which is provided with a design, is constituted by a positive film, and the design applied to the positive film is enlarged by irradiating each reel with diffused light from the inside of each reel. A gaming machine has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-325885 (refer to the description of [0108] to [0109] of the specification and FIG. 4)

However, the above gaming machine always displays a plurality of symbols attached to the positive film and irradiated by the lamp, regardless of the winning state, so that it is difficult to notice that the winning has occurred. The above problem cannot be solved.
The present invention has been made in view of the above facts, and provides a gaming machine capable of selectively enlarging only necessary symbols, and a light passage blocking device and a light processing device that can be used for the gaming machine. The purpose is to do.

  In order to achieve the above object, a light passage blocking device according to the present invention includes a plurality of first surfaces that allow incident light to pass through at a first magnification including one time, and the incident light that passes through the first surface. Incident light passage means is provided that allows incident light to pass therethrough in which a plurality of second surfaces that pass at a second magnification different from the magnification are positioned two-dimensionally.

Thus, the light passage blocking device according to the present invention includes the incident light passing means and the passage blocking means. The incident light passing means enlarges or reduces the incident light as it is or enlarges or reduces the light to a predetermined magnification to a predetermined magnification different from the magnification of the first surface. A second surface that allows light to pass through is two-dimensionally positioned.
Further, the passage blocking means is provided corresponding to each of the first surface and the second surface, and is used for passing / blocking incident light on each surface or light emitted from each surface. .

For example, the passage blocking means passes incident light on each surface of the plurality of first surfaces or outgoing light from each surface, and enters incident light on each surface of the plurality of second surfaces or each of these. When light emitted from the surface is blocked (normal mode), the emitted light is light incident on the first surface.
At this time, for example, when the emitted light is viewed through the first surface without enlarging or reducing the incident light, that is, by allowing the light to pass at a magnification of 1, the object present in the incident light is It can be visually recognized with the same size.

On the other hand, when the passage blocking means passes incident light or outgoing light on the second surface and blocks incident light or outgoing light on the first surface (enlargement or reduction mode), the outgoing light is second Is incident on the surface.
At this time, since the second surface transmits light so as to enlarge or reduce the incident light, when viewing the emitted light, the object present in the incident light is visually recognized so as to be enlarged or reduced to a predetermined magnification. Will be.

  In this way, the incident light is enlarged or reduced (including one time) at different magnifications on the first surface and the second surface to allow the light to pass therethrough, and the incident light or the emitted light from each surface is allowed to pass / block. Therefore, the object existing in the incident light can be visually recognized, for example, with the same size (one time), or enlarged or reduced.

  In the present invention, in addition to the first surface and the second surface, a plurality of other surfaces are further provided, and the passage blocking means corresponding to the other surfaces is further provided. It is possible to change the enlargement magnification or reduction magnification in various ways according to the above.

  In the present invention, each of the plurality of first surfaces is parallel or substantially parallel to a predetermined direction, and the plurality of second surfaces and / or the other surfaces intersect the predetermined direction and As the distance from the predetermined position increases, the crossing angle that intersects the predetermined direction increases, and the lens body is configured in a direction in which incident light perpendicular to the predetermined direction is refracted toward the predetermined position.

That is, the incident light passing means has a plurality of first surfaces parallel or substantially parallel to a predetermined direction and a plurality of second surfaces and / or the other surfaces intersecting the predetermined direction in a two-dimensional manner. Configured.
Here, as the plurality of second surfaces and / or the other surfaces move away from the predetermined location, the crossing angle intersecting the predetermined direction increases. Each of the plurality of second surfaces and / or the other surfaces is disposed in a direction that is refracted toward the predetermined portion on the second surface when incident light perpendicular to the predetermined direction is incident. .

  Here, the passage blocking means allows the light incident on the first surface or the light emitted from the first surface to pass, and from the light incident on the second surface and / or the other surface or the first surface. Let us consider a case in which the outgoing light of the above is blocked. In this case, light in the same direction is incident on each first surface, and light emitted from each first surface is in the same or substantially the same direction. Therefore, when the emitted light is visually recognized, an object existing in the incident light is visually recognized as it is.

  On the other hand, as described above, the plurality of second surfaces and / or the other surfaces have a crossing angle that intersects a predetermined direction as they move away from the predetermined location, and the plurality of second surfaces and / or the other surfaces are increased. When the incident light perpendicular to the predetermined direction is incident, each of the surfaces is arranged in a direction in which the second surface and / or the other surface is refracted toward the predetermined portion. Therefore, the passage blocking means blocks the incident light on the first surface or the outgoing light from the first surface, and the incident light on the second surface and / or the other surface or from the first surface. When the emitted light is allowed to pass, light in the same direction is incident on each second surface and / or the other surface, and the emitted light is directed in the same direction from each second surface and / or the other surface. Instead, the object existing on the incident side is visually recognized as being enlarged or reduced.

  Thus, according to the present invention, the plurality of first surfaces are parallel or substantially parallel to the predetermined direction, and the plurality of second surfaces and / or the other surfaces intersect the predetermined direction as the distance from the predetermined location increases. The second surface and / or the other surface is arranged in such a direction that incident light that is perpendicular to the predetermined direction is refracted toward the predetermined position on the second surface and / or the other surface with an increased crossing angle. In addition, since the incident light on each surface or the emitted light from each surface is passed / blocked, an object existing on the incident side can be visually recognized in the same size, for example, enlarged or reduced, and visually recognized. .

In the present invention, the plurality of first surfaces and the plurality of second surfaces and / or the other surfaces are alternately arranged in a direction away from the predetermined location. Thus, since the plurality of first surfaces and the plurality of second surfaces and / or the other surfaces are alternately arranged in a direction away from the predetermined location, the object existing on the incident side The part visually recognized as it is and the part visually recognized as enlarged or reduced can be alternated. Therefore, when the part visually recognized as it is and the part visually recognized as enlarged or reduced are separated, the feeling of discomfort is reduced when the part is visually recognized as enlarged or reduced. be able to.
The plurality of first surfaces and the plurality of second surfaces and / or the other surfaces may be alternately arranged one by one, or a plurality may be alternately arranged. .

In the present invention, each of the plurality of second surfaces and / or the other surfaces constitutes a ring-shaped lens centered on the predetermined portion and constitutes a lens body as a whole. .
As described above, since each of the plurality of second surfaces and / or the other surfaces constitutes the lens body as a whole, the lens body is visually recognized as it is and the image is visually recognized as enlarged or reduced. When doing so, the feeling of strangeness can be reduced.

  According to the present invention, the incident light passing means is configured in a plate shape, and the passage blocking means includes a liquid crystal layer provided corresponding to the incident light passing means configured in the plate shape, and the liquid crystal layer. A plurality of transparent electrode pairs arranged corresponding to the respective surfaces so as to be sandwiched therebetween.

  The light passage blocking device according to the present invention, and a control means for controlling the passage blocking means so that the incident light on each surface or the outgoing light from each surface is selectively passed or blocked. An optical processing device is proposed. In addition, it further includes mode instruction means for instructing an enlargement mode or a reduction mode, and when the enlargement mode or the reduction mode is instructed by the mode instruction means, the control means is configured to receive incident light on the first surface or the surface The passage blocking means is controlled so that light emitted from the surface is selectively blocked and light incident on the second surface and / or the other surface or light emitted from the surface is selectively passed. You may make it do.

Consider applying an optical processing device to a gaming machine. That is, the present invention is a gaming machine comprising at least one reel with a plurality of symbols, rotating the reel and stopping a predetermined symbol in a predetermined region according to a predetermined lottery result, A light passage blocking device according to the present invention arranged in a direction in which the symbol located inside becomes the incident side, and a plurality of symbols located at positions corresponding to the predetermined symbol when the predetermined symbol stops in the predetermined region Control means for controlling the passage blocking means so that the emitted light from the first surface is blocked and the emitted light from the second surface and / or the other surface passes. ing.
That is, the gaming machine includes at least one reel with a plurality of symbols, and rotates the reel and stops the predetermined symbols in a predetermined area according to a predetermined lottery result.

In the above prior art, all symbols located in a predetermined area are enlarged.
However, in the present invention, the light passage blocking device according to the present invention is arranged in such a direction that the symbol located in the predetermined region is directed to the incident side, and the control means is configured to stop the predetermined symbol in the predetermined region. The light emitted from the first surface is blocked and the light emitted from the second surface and / or the other surface passes among the plurality of surfaces located at positions corresponding to the predetermined design. The passage blocking means is controlled.
As described above, when the predetermined symbol stops in the predetermined region, the light emitted from the first surface among the plurality of surfaces located at the position corresponding to the predetermined symbol is blocked and the second surface and / or Since the outgoing light from the other surface passes, only a predetermined symbol in the predetermined region can be selectively enlarged or reduced.

  As described above, the present invention enlarges or reduces a plurality of first surfaces that allow incident light to be enlarged or reduced at a magnification of 1 or more and to pass the incident light at a magnification larger than that of the first surface. In this way, a plurality of second surfaces that allow light to pass therethrough and incident light on each surface or light emitted from each surface are allowed to pass / block, so that objects existing on the incident side are displayed in different sizes. Has the effect of being able to.

  Further, the plurality of first surfaces are parallel or substantially parallel to the predetermined direction, and the plurality of second surfaces have a crossing angle that intersects the predetermined direction as they move away from the predetermined position, and are incident perpendicular to the predetermined direction. The second surface is arranged in a direction in which the light is refracted toward the predetermined position on the second surface, and the incident light on each surface or the emitted light from each surface is allowed to pass / block, so that it exists on the incident side. It has an effect that the object can be visually recognized in the same size, or can be visually recognized as enlarged or reduced.

  In the present invention, since the plurality of first surfaces and the plurality of second surfaces are alternately arranged in a direction away from the predetermined location, the size of the object existing on the incident side is unchanged. It is possible to alternate between the part that is visually recognized and the part that is visually recognized as being enlarged or reduced, and the part that is visually recognized as it is and the part that is visually recognized as enlarged or reduced are separated from each other. In the case of visually recognizing with an image and when visually recognizing as enlarged or reduced, it is possible to reduce an uncomfortable feeling.

Further, according to the present invention, when the predetermined symbol stops in the predetermined region, the light emitted from the first surface is blocked from the plurality of surfaces located at positions corresponding to the predetermined symbol, and the second surface Therefore, only the predetermined symbol in the predetermined region can be selectively enlarged or reduced.
A gaming machine such as a slot machine using the light passage blocking device and the light processing device according to the present invention can obtain a visually significant effect, for example, making it easy to notice the occurrence of a prize.

Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a slot machine as a gaming machine provided with a light passage blocking device and a light processing device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
Note that the gaming operation of the slot machine in the following embodiments is usually executed by a computer controlled by a program.
Here, the program is provided by a recording medium comprising, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or any other computer-readable means. In addition, the program recorded on the recording medium can be loaded into the computer by directly mounting the recording medium on the computer, or can be loaded into the computer via a communication line.

[Slot machine body]
First, the overall structure of the slot machine main body according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a slot machine with a variable symbol visibility function according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal structure of the slot machine with a variable symbol visibility function according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing an example of a symbol attached to the reel of the slot machine with a variable symbol visibility function according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in the slot machine according to the present embodiment, a plurality of reels 21, 22, and 23 provided in the slot machine main body 1 are rotated in the same manner as the conventional slot machine, and each reel 21 is rotated. A gaming machine that can win a winning medal is configured by stopping symbols (see FIG. 3) made up of characters, symbols, and the like attached to .about.23 in a predetermined arrangement.
Specifically, the slot machine body 1 is provided with a front door 2 on the front.
As shown in FIG. 1, the front door 2 constitutes a front portion of the slot machine (see FIG. 2).

The display window 3 is a window portion for viewing the three reels 21, 22, and 23 disposed inside the slot machine body 1, and is usually made of a colorless and transparent resin panel or the like. Among a plurality of symbols (see FIG. 3) drawn around, a plurality of (usually three) symbols adjacent in the vertical direction can be visually recognized and identified.
The display window 3 has five winning line displays (see FIG. 1). The combination of the symbols of the reels 21, 22, and 23 which are stopped and arranged along the winning line display shows the game. Winning is decided.

  The reels 21, 22, and 23 that are visually recognized from the display window 3 are made of a cylindrical member having a plurality of (usually 21) patterns and characters (see FIG. 3) drawn on the outer periphery (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 2, the three reels 21 (left), the reel 22 (middle), and the reel 23 (right) that rotate in the vertical direction (the vertical direction in the drawing) are laterally ( They are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction of the drawing.

The symbols provided on each of the reels 21 to 23 are arranged at equal intervals on each reel. As shown in FIG. 3, for example, “7” (11th and 21st shown in FIG. 3) or “BAR” (same figure). 6th and 16th characters), a slot machine character, a fruit pattern, and the like are displayed in a predetermined order.
The symbols on the reels 21 to 23 are stopped in a predetermined combination such as “7, 7, 7”, “BAR, BAR, BAR”, etc. along the winning line display of the display window 3 described above. It is determined.
For example, a combination of symbols such as “7, 7 and 7” and “BAR, BAR, and BAR” is a “big hit” arrangement, and symbols such as “Bell, Bell, Bell” and “Fruits, fruits, fruits” The combinations are “small” arrangements, and the other combinations are “lost” arrangements.

The three reels 21 to 23 are controlled to be driven and stopped via a reel unit by a main control board 36 provided inside the main body 1. More specifically, the main control board 36 controls the stop positions of the reels 21 to 23 via the reel unit in accordance with the result of the internal winning lottery performed internally, and the timing when the player presses the stop button 5. Regardless of the above, that is, even if the pressing timing of the stop button 5 is deviated, the reels 21 and 22 are arranged so that the symbols of the reels 21 to 23 are in a specific arrangement within a certain range (usually within the range of four symbols). , 23 are controlled to stop.
For example, as a result of the lottery for the inside, if a predetermined winning content is won, regardless of the timing when the player presses the stop button 5, the symbols of the reels 21 to 23 are “7.7.7” or “BAR.BAR. The stop control (“retraction control” and “winning prevention control”) such as “BAR” or the like is performed within a predetermined range.

A start lever 4 and a stop button 5 are provided below the display window 3 of the front door 2 as shown in FIG.
The start lever 4 gives an instruction to start rotation of the reels 21 to 23 inside the main body to the main control board 36, and when the start lever 4 is pressed by a player's operation, the main control board 36 The internal reels 21 to 23 start to rotate. In addition, when a start signal is input by depressing the start lever 4, the main control board 36 determines the internal lottery.

  The stop button 5 is a button for giving an instruction to stop the rotating reels 21 to 23 to the main control board 36. The three stop buttons 5a, 5b, and 5c correspond to the three reels 21, 22, and 23, respectively. Is provided. The main control board 36 stops the rotation of the corresponding reels 21, 22, 23 by pressing the stop buttons 5 a, 5 b, 5 c at any timing of the player.

Therefore, the player operates the start lever 4 and the stop button 5 to rotate and stop the three reels 21 to 23 so that the symbols attached to the reels 21 to 23 become a predetermined winning arrangement. You can play slot machine games.
Then, as described above, a lottery is performed on the main control board 36 with the start signal from the start lever 4 as a trigger, and it is constant regardless of the timing at which the stop button 5 is pressed under the control of the main control board 36. Within the range, the reels 21 to 23 are stopped at the stop position corresponding to the result of the internal winning lottery.

As shown in FIG. 1, a medal slot 6 is provided in the vicinity of the upper part of the start lever 4 and the stop button 5 of the front door 2. The medal slot 6 is a slot for receiving medals as a game medium used in the game, and the game can be performed by the number of medals inserted from the medal slot 6.
Further, the front door 2 is provided with an internal hitting lamp 7. The internal winning notification lamp 7 is a lamp that lights or blinks when a predetermined bonus game is won as a result of the internal winning lottery on the main control board 36 of the main body 1. It has become a means of notifying inside.
By turning on (flashing) the internal winning notification lamp 7, the player can know that a predetermined bonus game has been won as a result of the internal winning lottery.

Further, a winning medal payout port 8 and a speaker 9 are provided below the slot machine body 1.
The winning medal payout port 8 is a payout port for paying out to the player the amount of medals exceeding the predetermined amount when the payout medal for winning exceeds a predetermined amount. In general, in the slot machine, when the reels 21 to 23 stopped by pressing the stop button 5 are in a predetermined winning arrangement, a number of medals corresponding to the arrangement are paid out for winning. The winning medal is stored (credited) in the slot machine as a stored medal.

Then, when the number of stored medals exceeds a certain amount (for example, 50 medals), the surplus medals are paid out from the winning medal payout slot 8. The prize medal payout port 8 may be configured so that a part or all of the stored medals are paid out as needed.
The speaker 9 generates various sounds such as a melody sound and a message sound for the player so that the player can enjoy the slot machine game comfortably by enhancing the production effect during the game. It has become.

  It should be noted that the above-described parts of the slot machine main body 1 described above are substantially the same in configuration and function as in an existing slot machine, and the game method, game system, and the like are also substantially the same. Therefore, detailed description of the same parts as those of the existing slot machine is omitted.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the reels 21 to 23 and the display window 3 are positioned between the reels 21 to 23 and the display window 3 inside the slot machine body 1. Among the symbols, a plurality (9 in this embodiment) of a plurality (9 in this embodiment) corresponding to each of a plurality of (9 × 3 in this embodiment) located in the region corresponding to the display window 3. Film 25 as a light passage blocking device (in the following description, each of the nine films may be described separately from 25 _{11 to} 25 _{33. In} addition, any film may be described as film 25 _nm ) Is arranged. Incidentally, each of the film ₂₅ (25 11 _{to 25 33)} has the same structure, below, as shown in FIG. 4, it will be described as a representative one film 25 (optional film _{25 nm).}

As shown in FIG. 4, the film 25 _nm includes a transparent resin plate body (in this embodiment, a transparent resin plate body) 30 as incident light passing means, and an instantaneous light control sheet 31 as passage blocking means. Yes.
The transparent resin plate 30 has a plurality of first surfaces 26 that allow incident light to pass through at the same magnification, that is, a plurality of first surfaces that are parallel (or substantially parallel) to a predetermined direction (longitudinal direction of the film 25 _nm ). 26 and a second surface 27 (27a, 27b, 27c...) That transmits light so as to expand incident light, that is, a plurality of second surfaces 27 (27a, 27b, 27c... Intersecting the predetermined direction). ) And a second transparent resin plate 30b having a flat plate shape.
In FIG. 4, the optical axis of the incident light incident on the second surface 27 (27a, 27b, 27c...) Is indicated by a radial straight line.

The plurality of first surfaces 26 and the plurality of second surfaces 27 (27a, 27b, 27c...) Are alternately arranged one by one in a direction away from a predetermined location (for example, the center position of the film 25). Here, the plurality of second surfaces 27 (27a, 27b, 27c...) Are arranged so that the crossing angle intersecting the predetermined direction increases as the distance from the predetermined location increases. Each of the plurality of second surface surfaces 27 (27a, 27b, 27c,...) Is arranged in a direction that is refracted toward the predetermined location on the second surface when incident light perpendicular to the predetermined direction is incident. ing. That is, in the present embodiment, each of the plurality of second surfaces 27 constitutes an annular lens centering on a predetermined location and constitutes a lens body as a whole. Note that a Fresnel lens can be used as such a lens body.
FIGS. 5A and 5B show an example of a Fresnel lens. 5A and 5B, only one side of the Fresnel lens is shown for convenience of illustration.
In the Fresnel lens shown in FIG. 5A, concentric circles that are continuous in a plan view are formed, and the first surface 26 and the second surface 27 (27a, 27b, 27c,...) Alternate between the concentric circles. As a whole, a lens body having a cross section as shown in FIG. 4 is formed.
Of course, the Fresnel lens is not limited to the above-described form, and any shape can be used.
Further, the lens body shown in FIG. 5 (B) is obtained by dividing the light passage surface. In the Fresnel lens shown in FIG. 5 (A), grooves having flat bottom portions are arranged at equal intervals in parallel to the lateral direction. Formed. In this lens body, the bottom of the groove forms the first surface 26.
Incidentally, a lens body having a light passing surface divided therein is known, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-198281. The lens body as shown in FIG. 5B has an advantage that a transparent electrode (ITO) plate can be easily processed.

  The instantaneous light control sheet 31 is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of first surfaces and the plurality of second surfaces, and is for passing / blocking light emitted from each surface. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the instantaneous light control sheet 31 is sandwiched between the first transparent resin plate 30 a and the flat second transparent resin plate 30 b, and corresponds to the transparent resin plate 30. The liquid crystal layer 32 is provided, and a plurality of transparent electrode pairs 28 and 29 are disposed corresponding to the surfaces 26 and 27 so as to sandwich the liquid crystal layer 32 therebetween.

  The liquid crystal layer 32 is formed by sandwiching liquid crystal molecules. As an example, if a voltage is not applied to the transparent electrode pair 28, 29, the orientations are irregularly arranged, so that light is not allowed to pass through, that is, light is blocked. On the other hand, when a voltage is applied to the transparent electrode pairs 28 and 29, the orientations are regularly arranged, that is, the long axes of the molecules are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, and thus light is allowed to pass through. In this way, by applying or not applying a voltage to the transparent electrode pair 28, 29, the emitted light from the corresponding surface can be passed or blocked.

As shown in FIG. 6, the control system that controls the application of voltage to the transparent electrode pairs 28 and 29 controls the plurality of transparent electrode pairs 28 and 29 provided in each film 25 (25 _{11 to} 25 ₃₃ ). A sub-control board 35 is provided. The sub control board 35 is connected to a main control board 36 that controls the entire slot machine body 1. The sub control board 35 and the main control board 36 constitute a control means. The film 25, the sub control board 35, and the main control board 36 constitute an optical processing apparatus.

Here, a case is considered in which the sub control board 35 passes the light emitted from the first surface 26 and blocks the light emitted from the second surface 27 under the control of the main control board 36. That is, as shown in FIG. 7A, a voltage is applied only to the transparent electrode pair 28 corresponding to the first surface 26. Further, no voltage is applied to the transparent electrode pair 29 corresponding to the second surface 27 (27a, 27b, 27c...). In this case, only the light emitted from the first surface 26 passes through the film 25 (25 _{11 to} 25 ₃₃ ).

  That is, as described above, when no voltage is applied to the transparent electrode pair 29 corresponding to the second surface 27 (27a, 27b, 27c...), The second surface 27 (27a, 27b, 27c. The alignment of the liquid crystal molecules existing between the transparent electrode pair 29 is irregularly arranged, so that the light emitted from the second surface 27 (27a, 27b, 27c...) Is not allowed to pass through, that is, the light emitted is blocked. On the other hand, when a voltage is applied to the transparent electrode pair 28 corresponding to the first surface 26, the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules existing between the transparent electrode pair 28 corresponding to the first surface 26 is regularly arranged, That is, the long axes of the molecules are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, and thus the light emitted from the first surface 26 is allowed to pass.

When light in the same direction is incident on each first surface 26, the emitted light from each first surface 26 has the same direction. Therefore, when the emitted light is visually recognized, the object existing on the incident side is visually recognized as it is. As shown in FIG. 7B, when the light from the symbol “7” is incident, the symbol “7” existing on the incident side is visually recognized as it is on the viewing side.
Hereinafter, applying a voltage only to the transparent electrode pair 28 corresponding to the first surface 26 to visually recognize the pattern as it is is referred to as a normal mode.

On the other hand, under the control of the main control board 36, the sub-control board 35 does not apply a voltage to the transparent electrode pair 28 corresponding to the first surface 26, as shown in FIG. When a voltage is applied only to the transparent electrode pair 29 corresponding to the surface 27 (27a, 27b, 27c...), The emitted light from the first surface is blocked and the second surface 27 (27a, 27b, 27c...) The outgoing light passes through.
That is, as described above, when no voltage is applied to the transparent electrode pair 28 corresponding to the first surface 26, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules existing between the transparent electrode pair 28 corresponding to the first surface 26 is irregular. Therefore, the emitted light from the first surface 26 is not allowed to pass, and the emitted light is blocked. On the other hand, when a voltage is applied to the transparent electrode pair 29 corresponding to the second surface 27 (27a, 27b, 27c...), The transparent electrode corresponding to the second surface 27 (27a, 27b, 27c...). The alignment of the liquid crystal molecules existing between the pairs 29 is regularly arranged, that is, the long axes of the molecules are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, and thus the light emitted from the second surface 27 (27a, 27b, 27c...). Pass through.

As described above, the plurality of second surfaces 27 (27a, 27b, 27c,...) Increase in crossing angle with a predetermined direction as they move away from a predetermined location, and the plurality of second surfaces 27 (27a, 27b). , 27c... Are arranged in a direction in which the second surface 27 (27a, 27b, 27c...) Is refracted toward the predetermined location when incident light perpendicular to the predetermined direction is incident. Therefore, even if light in the same direction is incident on each second surface 27 (27a, 27b, 27c...), The emitted light from each second surface 27 (27a, 27b, 27c...) Is in the same direction. The symbol “7” existing on the incident side is visually recognized as enlarged.
Hereinafter, the application of a voltage only to the transparent electrode pair 29 corresponding to the second surface 27 (27a, 27b, 27c...) To enlarge and visually recognize the symbol is referred to as an expansion mode.

[Slot machine operation]
Next, the operation of the slot machine according to this embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the slot machine with a variable symbol visibility function according to the present embodiment.
First, the game is started when the player inserts a medal into the medal slot 6 (step 50).
Here, the medals to be inserted are usually assigned to one bet, two bets or three bets corresponding to the pay line, and when four or more medals are inserted, four or more medals are stored. It will be used as a medal for the second and subsequent games.

After the medal is inserted, when the start lever 4 is pressed (step 51), the three reels 21 to 23 start rotating, and at the same time, the main control board 36 performs a lottery for the inside (step 52). . When the reels 21 to 23 are rotating as described above, the normal mode is set. That is, a voltage is applied only to the transparent electrode pair 28 corresponding to the first surface 26.
The player depresses the stop buttons 5a to 5c (step 53), and performs a "eye push" to align a predetermined symbol arrangement.

  When all the reels 21 to 23 are stopped (step 54), it is determined whether or not a predetermined winning content is won as a result of the internal winning lottery (step 55). If the predetermined winning content is not won, the process skips to step 60. If the predetermined winning content is won, the position of the winning symbol is taken in (step 56), and the electrode of the film 25 corresponding to the winning symbol is captured. Set to the zoom mode. That is, a voltage is applied only to the transparent electrode pair 29 corresponding to the second surface 27. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10B, only the winning symbol is selectively enlarged among the symbols of the reels 21 to 23 displayed in the display window 3.

  As described above, when a predetermined winning content is won, only three winning symbols out of the total nine symbols displayed on the display window 3 are selectively enlarged. The player can easily recognize the winning. Note that, among the symbols shown in FIG. 10 (B), the electrodes of the film 25 corresponding to other symbols that are not winning symbols remain set in the normal mode, and the symbols that are not the winning symbols are not enlarged.

Next, processing according to the winning content is performed (step 58). For example, when winning a bonus game such as “Big Bonus”, a predetermined amount of medals are paid out and the bonus game state is entered. Medals will be paid out.
Thus, when the process according to the winning content is completed, the electrode of the film 25 corresponding to the winning symbol set in the expansion mode is set in the normal mode. The winning symbol is visually restored to its normal size.

As described above, if the predetermined winning content is not won, the process skips from step 55 to step 60 and is not set to the enlargement mode. Therefore, as shown in FIG. The size is maintained.
Thereafter, as in a normal slot machine game, continuation or termination of the game is selected at the discretion of the player (step 60), and when the game is continued, the medal (including the stored medals) is inserted. The game after the first time is started (return to step 150). Note that if the game is not continued, the game ends.

In the embodiment described above, the instantaneous light control sheet 31 is sandwiched between the first transparent resin plate 30a and the flat plate-like second transparent resin plate 30b, the liquid crystal layer 32, and the plurality of transparent electrode pairs 28. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the instantaneous light control sheet 31 may be provided on the light incident side of the first transparent resin plate 30a. .
A button (mode instruction means) is provided corresponding to each film 25 (25 _{11 to} 25 ₃₃ ), and when the button is pressed, the film 25 (25 _{11 to} 25 ₃₃ ) corresponding to the button is expanded. You may make it. Thereby, a symbol can be expanded freely by selection of a player.

Furthermore, in the above description, among the symbols of the reels 21 to 23 displayed in the display window 3, only the winning symbol is selectively enlarged. However, as shown in FIG. You may make it expand the whole 23 display surface with the pattern contained in this.
In the above description, a Fresnel lens is described as an example of the lens body. However, other lens bodies may be used as long as incident light can be enlarged at different magnifications.

Furthermore, in the above description, the enlargement magnification by the first surface 26 is described as one time. However, the magnification is not limited to one as long as it is smaller than the enlargement magnification of the second surface 27, and is larger than this. A magnification can also be set.
In the above description, the case of having two surfaces of the first surface 26 and the second surface 27 and switching the display state between two kinds of magnifications has been described. Correspondingly, the display state can be switched at a plurality of types of magnifications by providing the passage blocking means 31 with a plurality of layers. For example, in the case of a big win, it is possible to display an enlarged image than the normal enlargement magnification.
Furthermore, in the above description, the description is limited to the case of enlarging the symbol. However, in the present invention, the symbol can be reduced to a predetermined magnification. Still further, for example, the design can be reduced on the first surface 26 and the design can be enlarged on the second surface 27.
Although the slot machine has been described above as an example, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to a pachinko machine or other devices.

It is a schematic front view which shows the slot machine with a symbol visibility variable function which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the internal structure of the slot machine with a symbol visibility variable function which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is an expanded view which shows an example of the symbol attached | subjected to the reel of the slot machine with a symbol visibility variable function which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which showed the structure of the film. It is a figure which shows an example of the Fresnel lens as a lens body. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system that mainly controls a transparent electrode pair of the slot machine. (A) is the figure which showed the electrode which applies the voltage of a normal mode, (B) is the figure which showed the display mode of the symbol in a normal mode. (A) is the figure which showed the electrode which applies the voltage of expansion mode, (B) is the figure which showed the display mode of the symbol in expansion mode. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. (A) is the figure which showed the display mode of the symbol displayed on the display window in normal mode, (B) is the figure which showed the two display modes of the symbol displayed on the display window in expansion mode. is there. It is a figure which shows the state which applied to other embodiment of the display in expansion mode, and expanded the whole display surface with the pattern contained in this.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine body 2 Front door 3 Display window 4 Start lever 5 (5a, 5b, 5c) Stop button 6 Medal insertion slot 7 Internal hit notification lamp 8 Winning medal payout slot 9 Speaker 21, 22, 23 Reel 25 (25 nm) Film 26 1st surface 27 (27a, 27b, 27c ...) 2nd surface 28, 29 Several transparent electrode pair 30 Transparent resin board 30a 1st transparent resin board 30b 2nd transparent resin board 31 Instantaneous light control sheet 32 Liquid crystal layer

Claims (8)

A light passage blocking device comprising a plate-like member disposed on the front surface of the target object, for visually recognizing the target object via the plate-like member,
A plate-shaped incident light passing means for passing incident light from the target object side;
A layer formed so as to overlap the incident light passing means, and a passage blocking means for passing or blocking incident light from the target object side incident on the incident light passing means,
The incident light passing means is
A plurality of first and second surfaces alternately formed in a two-dimensional shape, and the first surface passes incident light from the object side at a predetermined magnification and The first lens body is configured to be refracted to a focal point, and the second surface allows the incident light from the target object side to pass at a predetermined magnification different from the magnification of the first surface. Configure another lens body to refract to a predetermined focal point different from the surface,
The passage blocking means is
Provided corresponding to each of the first surface and the second surface, allowing incident light to each surface to pass or block for each of the plurality of first surfaces and second surfaces,
A light passage blocking device for causing a size of a target object visually recognized through the incident light passing means and the passage blocking means to be visually recognized at different magnifications between the first surface and the second surface.   The other surface of the magnification different from the magnification of the first surface and the second surface is further provided, and the passage blocking means corresponding to the other surface is further provided. Light passage blocking device. Each of the plurality of first surfaces is parallel or substantially parallel to a predetermined direction,
The plurality of second surfaces and / or the other surfaces intersect with the predetermined direction and the crossing angle with the predetermined direction increases as the distance from the predetermined position increases, and incident light perpendicular to the predetermined direction The light passage blocking device according to claim 1, wherein the lens body is configured in a direction refracting toward the predetermined portion.   4. The light passage according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of first surfaces and the plurality of second surfaces and / or the other surfaces are alternately arranged in a direction away from the predetermined location. Shut-off device.   4. Each of the plurality of second surfaces and / or the other surface constitutes an annular lens centering on the predetermined portion and constitutes a lens body as a whole. Light passage blocking device. The incident light passing means is configured in a plate shape,
The passage blocking means includes
A liquid crystal layer provided corresponding to the incident light passing means configured in the plate shape;
A plurality of transparent electrode pairs arranged corresponding to the respective surfaces so as to sandwich the liquid crystal layer;
The light passage blocking device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the light passage blocking device is provided. The light passage blocking device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Control means for controlling the passage blocking means so that incident light on each surface or light emitted from each surface is selectively passed or blocked;
An optical processing apparatus. A gaming machine comprising at least one reel with a plurality of symbols, rotating the reels and stopping a predetermined symbol in a predetermined area according to a predetermined lottery result,
The light passage blocking device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a symbol located in the predetermined region is arranged in a direction to be the incident side.
When the predetermined symbol stops in the predetermined region, the emitted light from the first surface is blocked and the emitted light from the second surface is blocked among the plurality of surfaces located at positions corresponding to the predetermined symbol. Control means for controlling the passage blocking means so as to pass;
A gaming machine equipped with.

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