JP2009077938A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which does not cause a sense of incongruity between performance by a performance display device and performance by illumination. <P>SOLUTION: According to a combination of symbols stop-displayed on a display window, a game machine 1 dispenses a prescribed quantity of game media. The game machine 1 has a performance display device 800 placed in front of a main body and a pair of upper LED 10L and 10R (a pair of illumination zones) which are placed above the performance display device and comprise a group of LED, and a pair of side LED 11L and 11R (a pair of illumination bands) which are placed on both sides of the main body and includes a plurality of LED vertically intermittent. A performance picture, the pair of illumination zones, and the pair of illumination bands are displayed by linking moving lights. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine. In particular, the present invention relates to a gaming machine that produces moving light in cooperation between an effect display device arranged in the front and an illumination arranged in the vicinity.

  A slot machine, which is a type of gaming machine, generally has a plurality of reels on which a symbol row having a plurality of types of symbols is drawn arranged in parallel in a horizontal direction. When a start operation is performed by the player, a plurality of reels rotate simultaneously. When the stop operation of each reel is performed, it is stopped for each reel on which the stop operation is performed, and when all the reels stop, the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the active line set in the display window Therefore, a predetermined number of game media such as medals are paid out.

  In addition, such a gaming machine enhances the effect by making full use of an acoustic or visual effect device provided in the main body in order to make the game interesting. Such effects are targeted not only at the player facing the gaming machine but also at the surrounding players.

  As a gaming machine provided with the above-described effect device, a game machine in which an effect display device in which an image effect panel and a liquid crystal film for an electronic shutter are laminated is provided in front of the reel has been invented (for example, see Patent Document 1). ).

  In the gaming machine according to Patent Document 1, the electronic shutter can set the shielding area in a software manner, and various shielding areas are set with reference to the gaming situation. For example, since the notice effect during the reel change cannot be pushed when the reel is completely shielded, only the image effect is executed without operating the electronic shutter. The notice effect after all stops provides the player with a clear effect image with the electronic shutter in the entire area shielding state.

In addition, in the gaming machine according to Patent Document 1, a gaming state display lamp and a pair of speakers are arranged at the upper part of the main body. The game state display lamps flash in different display forms when a bonus game occurs or when an error occurs. The pair of speakers output sound effects and error sounds during the game. Furthermore, a substantially vertical panel display is provided in the center of the main body, and an effect display device is provided behind the panel display.
JP 2005-161096 A

  In recent years, a new gaming machine in which a visual production device has been advanced and diversified has emerged from the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1. For example, this new gaming machine is provided with a pair of illumination zones made up of a group of LEDs capable of coloring in a plurality of colors, instead of the gaming state display lamp, at the top of the main body.

  In addition to the panel display section on which the effect display device is provided, this new gaming machine also has a pair of illumination bands made up of LEDs that are connected in series so that a plurality of colors can be developed. And these illumination bands are effect-controlled so that the gaming situation can be notified by the color of the LED to be lit.

  For example, the above-mentioned diversified gaming machines perform presentation control so that a congratulatory video appears on the presentation display device of the panel display unit when winning a bonus combination that can acquire a lot of game media such as medals. Yes. In addition, the illumination zone and the illumination band described above are turned on or blinked at the same time, and production control is performed to congratulate the winning.

  However, since the effect display device arranged in front of the main unit and the illumination arranged in the vicinity are produced without mutual relations, as a production congratulating winning prizes, it is said that the production effect lacking a sense of unity is low It has become. Therefore, there is a demand for a gaming machine that does not give a sense of incongruity between the effect of the effect display device and the effect of the illumination. The above can be said to be the subject of the present invention.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine in which there is no sense of incongruity between the effect of the effect display device and the effect of the illumination.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present inventor can produce a unified feeling by producing a moving light in cooperation with the effect display device arranged in the front and the illumination arranged in the vicinity. Based on this, the following new gaming machines have been invented.

  (1) A gaming machine in which a predetermined amount of game media is paid out according to a combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the display window, and an effect display device arranged in front of the main body, and above the effect display device A pair of illumination zones arranged and composed of LED groups, a pair of illumination bands arranged on both sides of the main body and composed of a plurality of LEDs intermittently connected to each other, the effect display device, the pair of illumination zones, and Control means for controlling the effect of the pair of illumination bands, and the control means emits light in which the effect screen of the effect display device cooperates with the pair of illumination zones and the pair of illumination bands. A gaming machine characterized by directing.

  In the gaming machine according to the invention of (1), a predetermined amount of gaming media is paid out according to the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the display window. An effect display device, a pair of illumination zones, a pair of illumination bands, and control means are provided.

  The effect display device is arranged in front of the main body. The pair of illumination zones is arranged above the effect display device and is composed of LED groups. The pair of illumination bands is arranged on both sides of the main body and is composed of a plurality of LEDs that are intermittently connected vertically. The control means controls the effects of the effect display device, the pair of illumination zones, and the pair of illumination bands.

  In the gaming machine according to the invention of (1), the control means produces light with movement in which the effect screen of the effect display device, the pair of illumination zones, and the pair of illumination bands cooperate.

  For example, the main body may include a housing that opens and closes the front door, and three display windows formed in a vertically long rectangle may be provided in the approximate center of the front of the front door. Three reels are placed behind. The reels may be arranged so that a plurality of symbols rotate in the vertical direction, and the rotation centers of the three reels are arranged coaxially.

  On the outer peripheral surface of the reel, a symbol row as identification information composed of a plurality of types of symbols necessary for the game may be drawn, and the plurality of symbols on the three reels can be observed through the display window. Yes. The three reels may start rotating all at once, may rotate at a constant speed in the row direction, and display a plurality of symbols variably as they descend from top to bottom. Each reel may be stopped independently, and a plurality of symbols are stopped on a predetermined display line formed in the display window.

  The effect display device may be configured by laminating an image effect panel and a liquid crystal film for an electronic shutter, and this liquid crystal film can set a shielding area to be an electronic shutter in terms of software. When the electronic shutter is open, the display window can be formed. On the other hand, the image effect panel can provide a clear effect image to the player with the electronic shutter in the entire area shielding state.

  The illumination zone refers to a closed region in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged in a designed arrangement. The closed region may be closed by a plurality of curves, may be closed by a plurality of straight lines, and a pair of illuminations. It is aesthetically preferable to arrange the zones in a V shape. Normally, the LED group in the illumination zone is turned off, but can be turned on according to the gaming state. That is, it can produce visually.

  The illumination band means a vertically long region in which a plurality of intermittent LEDs are arranged in a strip shape, and extends vertically on both sides of the main body. If the number of LEDs that are continuously lit is increased from one end of the illumination band to the other end, it is possible to produce moving light. In addition, the fact that a plurality of LEDs are intermittent means that, as a substance, continuous LEDs are divided and arranged, and are visually continuous.

  In the gaming machine according to the invention of (1), since the control means produces light with movement in which the effect screen of the effect display device, the pair of illumination zones, and the pair of illumination bands cooperate, the effect of the effect display device A gaming machine that does not feel uncomfortable with the illuminations.

  (2) The control means controls the effects of the effect display device, the pair of illumination zones, and the pair of illumination bands in a special game state advantageous to the player. Gaming machine.

  Here, the special game state refers to a so-called bonus state or big bonus state in which more game media such as medals can be acquired than the normal game state, and is a game state advantageous to the player. In a special gaming state, players are generally more excited.

  In the gaming machine according to the invention of (2), when the special game state is entered, the control means produces light with movement in which the effect screen of the effect display device, the pair of illumination zones, and the pair of illumination bands cooperate. Therefore, the player can feel the blessed feeling and can enjoy the game even more by being caught by the feeling that attracts attention from the surrounding players.

  (3) The effect screen of the effect display device includes a dark region horizontally divided in the vertical direction and displayed above, and a bright region horizontally divided in the vertical direction and displayed below, the pair The illumination band has a first lighting area in which the LED is lit so as to be continuous from the lower end, and a first extinguishing area where the LED is not lit so as to be continuous from the upper end. Produces a moving light by causing the upper end of the bright area and the beginning of the first lighting area to substantially coincide and the increasing speed of the bright area and the increasing speed of the first lighting area to substantially coincide. A gaming machine according to (1) or (2), characterized in that:

  The gaming machine according to the invention of (3) produces a light with a uniform movement such that the lighting area rises in synchronization with the planar lighting area of the effect screen and the banded lighting area of the pair of illumination bands. Yes.

  (4) The effect screen of the effect display device has an inclined bright area that is inclined and divided in the vertical direction and displayed upward, and an inclined dark area that is inclined and divided in the vertical direction and displayed below, One of the illumination bands has a second lighting area in which the LED is lit so as to be continuous from the upper end, and a second lighting area where the LED is not lit so as to be continuous from the lower end. The illumination band includes a third lighting region where the LED is lit so as to be continuous from the upper end, and a third light-off region where the LED is not lit so as to be continuous from the lower end. The means turns on the LED group of the pair of illumination zones, and substantially matches one lower end of the inclined bright area with the top of the second lighting area, and the other of the inclined bright areas. The position end and the head of the third lighting area are substantially matched, and the increasing speed of the inclined bright area and the increasing speed of the second lighting area and the third lighting area are substantially matched to produce moving light. A gaming machine according to (1) or (2), characterized in that:

  The gaming machine according to the invention of (4) is a light with a uniform movement, such that the planar lighting area of the effect screen and the pair of illumination zones and the band-shaped lighting areas of the pair of illumination bands are synchronized and poured light. Directing.

  (5) The gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the plurality of LEDs are partitioned so as to emit light with mutually different hues.

  For example, as the LED, a green light emitting diode, a yellow light emitting diode, a blue light emitting diode, or a red light emitting diode can be used. In the illumination zone, it is preferable from the aesthetic viewpoint to arrange LEDs having the same hue in a predetermined planar section. In addition, it is aesthetically preferable to arrange LEDs having the same hue in a predetermined band-like section in the illumination band. An effect of notifying the gaming state can be performed by the hue of light emission.

  In the gaming machine according to the present invention, the control means produces a light with movement in which the effect screen of the effect display device, the pair of illumination zones, and the pair of illumination bands cooperate, so the effect of the effect display device and the effect of the illumination Can provide a game machine with no sense of incongruity.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention may produce a light with a unified movement such that the lighting rises in cooperation with the effect display device arranged in the front and the illumination arranged in the periphery, and is arranged in the front. The effect display device and the illuminations arranged in the vicinity can cooperate to produce light with a unified movement that pours light.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a control system of the gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a control system of the gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a front view of the gaming machine according to the embodiment, and is a state diagram showing an example in which the effect display device and the illumination produce an effect. FIG. 5 is a front view of the gaming machine according to the embodiment, and is a state diagram showing another example in which the effect display device and the illumination produce effects in cooperation.

  First, the configuration of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described. In FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 is a so-called “slot machine” or “pachi-slot machine”. The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine that uses a gaming medium such as a card that stores information on gaming value given to or given to a player in addition to coins, medals, gaming balls, or tokens. However, in the following description, medals are used.

  In FIG. 1, a gaming machine 1 includes a housing 2 whose main body opens and closes a front door 2a. Three main display windows 3 </ b> L, 3 </ b> C, and 3 </ b> R that are vertically long rectangles are provided at a substantially front center of the front door 2 a that constitutes the main body of the gaming machine 1. Behind the three main display windows 3L, 3C, and 3R, main reels 4L, 4C, and 4R are provided in a horizontal row so that they can rotate in the vertical direction (column direction), respectively.

  In FIG. 1, three main reels 4L, 4C, and 4R are formed of members made of a material used in a general slot machine, and each outer peripheral surface is constituted by a plurality of types of symbols necessary for a game. A symbol string as identification information is drawn. The symbols drawn on the main reels 4L, 4C, 4R can be viewed from the outside of the gaming machine 1 through the main display windows 3L, 3C, 3R. The main reels 4L, 4C, and 4R rotate in the vertical direction at a constant speed (for example, 80 rotations / minute), and the symbol row is displayed in a variable manner in the vertical direction.

  In FIG. 1, an effect display device 800 is arranged above the main display windows 3L, 3C, and 3R. The effect display device 800 is configured by, for example, laminating an image effect panel and a liquid crystal film for electronic shutter (both not shown), and this liquid crystal film is set with a shielding area that becomes an electronic shutter in terms of software. Yes.

  In FIG. 1, the liquid crystal film of the effect display device 800 has three first sub display windows 5L, 5C, and 5R that are vertically long and larger than the main display windows 3L, 3C, and 3R. Behind the three first sub display windows 5L, 5C and 5R, first sub reels 6L, 6C and 6R are provided in a horizontal row so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction. The first sub reels 6L, 6C, and 6R are formed of members made of materials used in general slot machines, like the main reels 4L, 4C, and 4R, and a symbol row is drawn on each outer peripheral surface. .

  In FIG. 1, when the electronic shutter which comprises the effect display apparatus 800 is open, the 1st sub reel 6L * 6C * 6R can be visually recognized through the 1st sub display window 5L * 5C * 5R. On the other hand, the image effect panel included in the effect display device 800 can display a clear effect image with the electronic shutter in the entire area shielding state. That is, when the electronic shutter is open, the symbols drawn on the first sub reels 6L, 6C, and 6R can be viewed from the outside of the gaming machine 1 through the first sub display windows 5L, 5C, and 5R. The first sub reels 6L, 6C, and 6R rotate in the vertical direction at the same speed as the main reels 4L, 4C, and 4R, and the symbol rows are variably displayed in the vertical direction.

  In FIG. 1, one second sub display window 7 that is a horizontally long rectangle is provided above the first sub display windows 5L, 5C, and 5R. Behind the second sub display window 7, a second sub reel 8 is provided so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction (row direction). A rear LED (not shown in FIG. 1) capable of emitting light in a plurality of colors is provided behind the second sub reel 8.

  In FIG. 1, the second sub-reel 8 is formed by a non-transmissive region formed by a member made of a material used in a general slot machine, and a member having a higher transmittance than a member used in the non-transmissive region. And a substantially elliptical transmission region. In the non-transparent area, symbols or characters are drawn on the outer peripheral surface, and the drawn symbols and the like can be visually recognized from the outside of the gaming machine 1 through the second sub display window 7, but the rear LED cannot be visually recognized. It is like that. The rear LED emits red and blue light, and performs an effect of notifying the game situation by the emitted color.

  In FIG. 1, a pair of upper LEDs 10 </ b> L and 10 </ b> R capable of emitting light in a plurality of colors are provided on both sides of the second sub display window 7. The upper LED 10L and the upper LED 10R form an “illumination zone” that means a closed region in which a plurality of LEDs are gathered in a designed arrangement, and the closed region is closed by a plurality of curves and a plurality of straight lines. .

  On the other hand, in FIG. 1, a pair of side LEDs 11 </ b> L and 11 </ b> R are provided substantially linearly from the top to the bottom when viewed from the front of the housing 2, further outside the pair of upper LEDs 10 </ b> L and 10 </ b> R. The side LED 11L and the side LED 11R form an “illumination band” that means a vertically long region in which a plurality of intermittent LEDs are arranged in a strip shape, and extend vertically on both sides of the front door 2a.

  In FIG. 1, the pair of upper LEDs 10L and 10R and the pair of side LEDs 11L and 11R emit at least green, yellow, blue, and red, and notify the game situation by the emitted color. A pair of upper speakers 12L and 12R are provided behind the pair of upper LEDs 10L and 10R, respectively. The pair of upper speakers 12L and 12R perform effects such as sound effects and sounds.

  In FIG. 1, a substantially horizontal base 13 is formed below the main display windows 3L, 3C, and 3R. A medal slot 14 is provided on the right side of the horizontal surface of the pedestal 13, and a 1-BET button 15 and a maximum BET button 16 are provided on the left side.

  In FIG. 1, when the 1-BET button 15 is pressed, one medal is inserted according to the pressing operation, and when the maximum BET button 16 is pressed, a unit game ( The number of medals used for the first game) is inserted. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the number of medals provided for a unit game is three when the bonus is not activated, and two when the bonus is activated. Operating the BET buttons 15 and 16 and inserting a medal into the medal insertion slot 14 are referred to as “BET operation”.

  In FIG. 1, on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal portion 13, the reel is rotated by a player's turning operation, inside the main display windows 3L, 3C, 3R and the first sub display windows 5L, 5C, 5R. A start lever 17 serving as a start operation means for starting display of symbol variation is attached to be freely rotatable within a predetermined angle range.

  In FIG. 1, in the approximate center of the front surface portion of the pedestal portion 13, as a stop operation means for stopping the rotation of the main reels 4L, 4C, 4R and the first sub reels 6L, 6C, 6R by the player's pressing operation. Stop buttons 18L, 18C and 18R are provided. When the left stop button 18L is pressed, the rotation of the left main reel 4L and the left first sub-reel 6L stops according to the pressing operation.

  In FIG. 1, when the center stop button 18C is pressed, the rotation of the center main reel 4C and the center first sub reel 6C is stopped in response to the pressing operation, and the right stop button 18R is pressed. In response to this pressing operation, the rotation of the right main reel 4R and the center first sub reel 6R stops.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, one game (unit game) basically starts when the start lever 17 is operated, and ends when all the main reels 4L, 4C, and 4R are stopped. . The main reels 4L, 4C, 4R, the first sub reels 6L, 6C, 6R, and the second sub reels 8 start to rotate in response to the operation of the start lever 17. Here, in some cases, the second sub reel 8 may be normally not rotated even when the start lever 17 is operated. That is, the second sub reel 8 may rotate only when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the reel stop operation (stop button operation) performed when all the main reels 4L, 4C, and 4R are rotating is “first stop operation” and “first stop operation”. The stop operation performed after the “second stop operation” is referred to as “second stop operation”, and the stop operation performed after the “second stop operation” is referred to as “third stop operation”.

  In FIG. 1, on the right side of the front portion of the pedestal portion 13, there is provided a settlement button 19 for paying out medals stored in a storage portion (not shown) in response to a pressing operation. A medal payout opening 20 through which medals are paid out and a medal receiving portion 21 for collecting medals paid out from the medal payout opening 20 are provided. A lower speaker that produces effects such as sound effects and voices is provided on the lower right side of the lower portion of the housing 2, and the stop buttons 18 </ b> L, 18 </ b> C, 18 </ b> R, the medal receiving portion 21, A waist panel 23 on which a design corresponding to the model motif is displayed is attached to the surface sandwiched between the upper and lower sides.

  Next, the circuit configuration of the control system of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described. In FIG. 2, the control system circuit of the gaming machine 1 includes a main control circuit 60 that controls game processing operations in the gaming machine 1, peripheral devices (actuators) that are electrically connected to the main control circuit 60, and a main control circuit. The sub-control circuit 90 controls the speakers 12L, 12R, the LEDs 9, 10, 11 and the first sub-reels 6L, 6C, 6R, the second sub-reel 8, and the effect display device 800 based on the control command transmitted from 60. It is comprised including.

  In FIG. 2, the main control circuit 60 includes a microcomputer 61 arranged on a circuit board as a main component, and is added to a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 61 includes a main CPU 62 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, and a main ROM 63 and a main RAM 64 that are storage means.

  In FIG. 2, the main CPU 62 is connected to a clock pulse generation circuit 65 and a frequency divider 66 that generate a reference clock pulse, and a random number generator 67 and a sampling circuit 68 that generate a random number to be sampled. As a means for random number sampling, random number sampling may be executed in the microcomputer 61, that is, on the operation program of the main CPU 62. In that case, the random number generator 67 and the sampling circuit 68 can be omitted, or can be left as a backup for the random number sampling operation.

  2, the main ROM 63 of the microcomputer 61 has an internal lottery table used for determination of random number sampling performed every time the start lever 17 is operated (start operation), and a reel stop mode according to the operation of the stop button. Stores a stop table group for determination. In addition, various control commands (commands) to be transmitted to the sub control circuit 90 are stored.

  In FIG. 2, the sub control circuit 90 does not input commands, information, or the like to the main control circuit 60, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 60 to the sub control circuit 90. Various information is stored in the main RAM 64. The main RAM 64 stores information such as an internal winning combination and a carryover combination described later.

  In FIG. 2, as a main actuator whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 61, a hopper that houses medals and pays out a predetermined number of medals according to a command from the hopper drive circuit 71 (a drive unit for payout). 72) and main reel stepping motors 82L, 82C, and 82R that rotationally drive the main reels 4L, 4C, and 4R.

  Further, in FIG. 2, a main reel motor drive circuit 81 for driving and controlling the main reel stepping motors 82L, 82C and 82R and a hopper drive circuit 71 for driving and controlling the hopper 72 are connected to the output section of the main CPU 62. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the main CPU 62 and controls the operation of each actuator.

  In FIG. 2, the main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 61 to generate a control command includes a start switch 17S, a stop switch 18LS / 18CS / 18RS, and a 1-BET switch 15S. , A maximum BET switch 16S, a medal sensor 20S, a settlement switch 19S, a reel position detection circuit 83 for main reels, and a payout completion signal circuit 73.

  In FIG. 2, a 1-BET switch 15S detects an input from the 1-BET button, and a maximum BET switch 16S detects an input from the maximum BET button 16, and whether or not there is a BET operation and the number of BETs, respectively. A signal is supplied to the main CPU 62.

  In FIG. 2, the start switch 17S detects the operation of the start lever 17 and outputs a game start command signal (signal for instructing the start of the game). The medal sensor 20S detects medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 14. The stop switches 18LS, 18CS, and 18RS generate stop command signals (signals that command the stop of symbol variation) in accordance with the operation of the corresponding stop buttons 18L, 18C, and 18R.

  In FIG. 2, a reel position detection circuit 83 for main reels receives a pulse signal from a reel rotation sensor (photo sensor) and supplies a signal for detecting the positions of the main reels 4L, 4C, 4R to the main CPU 62. . The payout completion signal circuit 73 generates a signal for detecting completion of the medal payout when the count value of the medal detection unit 72S (the number of medals paid out from the hopper 72) reaches the designated number data.

  In FIG. 2, a random number generator 67 generates a random number belonging to a certain numerical range (random number range), and a sampling circuit 68 samples one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 17 is operated. . By using the random numbers sampled in this way, an internal winning combination is determined based on, for example, an internal lottery table stored in the main ROM 63. The internal symbol combination (internal symbol combination data) is indirectly associated with the corresponding symbol combination and the profit given to the player via the stop control mode or display combination corresponding to the internal symbol combination. It can be said that.

  In FIG. 2, after the rotation of the main reels 4L, 4C, and 4R is started, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the main reel stepping motors 82L, 82C, and 82R is counted, and the counted value is stored in the main RAM 64. It is written in a predetermined area. From the main reels 4L, 4C and 4R, reset pulses are obtained for each rotation, and these pulses are input to the main CPU 62 via the main reel reel position detection circuit 83.

  In FIG. 2, the count value of the drive pulse counted in the main RAM 64 is cleared to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. As a result, the main RAM 64 stores a count value corresponding to the rotational position within one rotation range for each of the main reels 4L, 4C, and 4R.

  In FIG. 2, a symbol table (not shown) is stored in the main ROM 63 in order to associate the rotational positions of the main reels 4L, 4C, and 4R as described above with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel. ing. In this symbol table, with reference to the rotational position at which the reset pulse is generated as described above, a code number that is sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each main reel 4L, 4C, 4R, and a corresponding code number. A symbol code indicating the symbol provided is associated with the symbol.

  Further, in FIG. 2, a symbol combination table is stored in the main ROM 63. In this symbol combination table, a symbol combination for winning a combination (winning, etc.), a medal payout number for winning, and a winning determination code (establishment determining code) representing the winning (establishment) are associated with each other. The above symbol combination table shows the winning confirmation during the stop control of the left main reel 4L, the central main reel 4C, and the right main reel 4R, and after the stop of all the main reels 4L, 4C, 4R (confirmation of display combination) Referenced when doing. The display combination (display combination data) is basically a combination (established combination) corresponding to the symbol combination arranged along the effective line. The player is given a profit corresponding to the display combination.

  In FIG. 2, when the internal winning combination or the stop winning combination is determined by the lottery process (such as the internal lottery process) based on the random number sampling, the main CPU 62 operates the stop button 18L / 18C / 18R by the player. Based on the operation signal sent from the stop switch 18LS / 18CS / 18RS at the timing and the determined stop table, a signal for controlling the stop of the main reels 4L / 4C / 4R is sent to the main reel motor drive circuit 81.

  In FIG. 2, when the stop mode (that is, the winning mode) indicating the winning combination is won, the main CPU 62 supplies a payout command signal to the hopper driving circuit 71 and pays out a predetermined number of medals from the hopper 72. At this time, the medal detection unit 72S counts the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 72, and when the count value reaches a designated number, a medal payout completion signal is input to the main CPU 62. As a result, the main CPU 62 stops driving the hopper 72 via the hopper drive circuit 71 and ends the medal payout process.

  FIG. 3 shows the speakers 12L and 12R, the LEDs 9 and 10 and the first sub reels 6L, 6C and 6R, the second sub reel 8, and the effect display device 800 based on the control command transmitted from the main control circuit 60. 2 shows a circuit configuration including a sub-control circuit 90 that controls.

  In FIG. 3, the sub-control circuit 90 includes a microcomputer arranged on a circuit board as a main component, and the microcomputer performs a control operation according to a preset program and a sub-ROM 94 as a storage means. And a sub-RAM 95. The sub-control circuit 90 is connected to the sound control circuit 96, the first sub-reel motor drive circuit 97, and the game state display circuit 210 via the sub-relay circuit 92, and in accordance with signals supplied from the main CPU 62, Output a signal.

  In FIG. 3, the sub control circuit 90 receives a signal supplied from the main CPU 62 from the main control circuit 60 via the main sub relay circuit 91 and the sub relay circuit 92. The number of drive pulses supplied to each of the first sub stepping motors 98L, 98C, and 98R is counted after the rotation of the first sub reels 6L, 6C, and 6R is started in accordance with the signal supplied from the main CPU 62. The count value is written in a predetermined area of the sub RAM 95. Reset pulses are obtained from the first sub reels 6L, 6C, and 6R for each rotation, and these pulses are input to the sub CPU 93 via the first sub reel reel position detection circuit 99.

  In FIG. 3, the count value of the drive pulse counted in the sub RAM 95 is cleared to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. As a result, the sub RAM 95 stores the count value corresponding to the rotational position within the range of one rotation for each of the first sub reels 6L, 6C, and 6R.

  In FIG. 3, a symbol table (not shown) is stored in the sub ROM 94 to associate the rotational positions of the first sub reels 6L, 6C, and 6R as described above with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel. Has been. In this symbol table, with reference to the rotational position at which the reset pulse is generated as described above, the code number assigned sequentially for each fixed rotation pitch of each of the first sub reels 6L, 6C, and 6R, and the corresponding code number. Are associated with a symbol code indicating the symbol provided.

  In FIG. 3, the second sub reel 8 starts rotating in accordance with a signal supplied from the main CPU 62, and then the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the second sub stepping motors 505 is counted. The counted value is written in a predetermined area of the sub RAM 95. A reset pulse is obtained from the second sub reel 8 for each rotation, and these pulses are input to the sub CPU 93 via the second sub reel reel position detection circuit 303.

  In FIG. 3, the count value of the drive pulse counted in the sub RAM 95 is cleared to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. As a result, the sub RAM 95 stores a count value corresponding to the rotational position of the second sub reel 8 within one rotation range.

  In FIG. 3, a symbol table (not shown) is stored in the sub ROM 94 in order to associate the rotational position of the second sub reel 8 as described above with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel. In this symbol table, with reference to the rotational position at which the reset pulse is generated as described above, the code number sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of the second sub reel 8 and the symbol provided corresponding to each code number. Is associated with a symbol code.

  In FIG. 3, a sound control circuit 96 includes a sound source IC, generates a sound source based on a command transmitted from the sub-control circuit 90, outputs the generated sound source to an amplifier, and outputs a sound source amplified by the amplifier. A pair of upper speakers 12L and 12R, a rear speaker 523, and a lower speaker 524 are used for output.

  In FIG. 3, the game state display circuit 210 is connected to a pair of upper LEDs 10L and 10R, a pair of side LEDs 11L and 11R, a rear LED 9, and an effect display device 800. The gaming state display circuit 210 outputs an output signal to the pair of upper LEDs 10L and 10R, the pair of side LEDs 11L and 11R, the rear LED 9, and the effect display device 800 according to a command transmitted from the sub control circuit 90 at a predetermined timing. Send. Accordingly, the pair of upper LEDs 10L and 10R, the pair of side LEDs 11L and 11R, the rear LED 9 and the LED 9 emit light in a predetermined manner according to the effect, and the effect display device 800 is controlled as described later.

  Next, an example will be described in which the effect display device and the illumination produce effects in cooperation. In FIG. 4, the effect control shown in the figure is, for example, when an internal winning state (a special gaming state advantageous to the player) such as a bonus state or a big bonus state in which more game media such as medals can be acquired than in the normal gaming state. And a pair of upper LEDs 10L and 10R (that is, a pair of illumination zones) and a pair of side LEDs 11L and 11R (that is, a pair of illumination bands). Produce with light.

  In FIG. 4, the illumination zone (upper LED 10L and upper LED 10R) is, for example, a closed region in which a plurality of LEDs are assembled in a designed arrangement, and this closed region is closed by a plurality of curves or a plurality of straight lines. It is closed and the illumination zones are opposed to each other in a V shape, which is desirable from an aesthetic point of view. Normally, the illumination zone is turned off, but is turned on according to the gaming state.

  In FIG. 4, the illumination bands (side LED 11L and side LED 11R) are vertically long regions in which a plurality of intermittent LEDs are arranged in a strip shape, and are provided on both sides of the front door 2a that can be opened and closed on the housing 2. It extends vertically. Then, if the number of LEDs that are continuously lit is increased from one end of the illumination band to the other end, it is possible to produce moving light. In addition, although discontinuous LED means that the continuous LED is divided and arranged, it is visually continuous.

  In FIG. 4, the effect screen of the effect display device 800 has a dark area 801 that is horizontally divided in the vertical direction and displayed on the upper side, and a bright area 802 that is horizontally divided in the vertical direction and displayed on the lower side. is doing. On the other hand, in the pair of illumination bands (side LED 11L and side LED 11R), the first lighting region 803 in which the LED is lit so as to be continuous from the lower end, and the first LED in which the LED is not lit so as to be continuous from the upper end. And an unlit area 804.

  3 or 4, the sub CPU 93 and the game state display circuit 210 substantially match the upper end of the bright area 802 with the head of the first lighting area 803 when performing the effect control. The speed at which 802 increases (increase speed) and the speed at which the first lighting region 803 increases (increase speed) are substantially matched, thereby producing moving light.

  In this way, in the special gaming state, the sub CPU 93 and the gaming state display circuit 210 are band-shaped lighting areas (side LED 11L and side LED 11R) of the planar lighting area of the effect screen of the effect display device 800. The lighting area is synchronized to produce light with a uniform movement as if the lighting rises.

  Next, another example in which the effect display device and the illumination produce an effect will be described. In FIG. 5, the effect control shown in the drawing is executed when a special game state different from the special game state described with reference to FIG. 4 is entered. As shown in FIG. 5, the effect screen of the effect display device 800 includes an inclined bright area 805 that is inclined and divided in the vertical direction and displayed on the upper side, and an inclination that is divided in the vertical direction and displayed on the lower side. A dark region 806.

  In FIG. 5, one illumination band (for example, the side LED 11L) has a second lighting region 807 in which the LED is lit so as to be continuous from the upper end thereof, and the LED is extinguished so as to be continuous from the lower end. A second extinguishing area 808. On the other hand, the other illumination band (for example, the side LED 11R) has a third lighting area 809 in which the LEDs are lit so as to be continuous from the upper end, and a third unlit area where the LEDs are not lit so as to be continuous from the lower end. 810.

  3 or 5, the sub CPU 93 and the gaming state display circuit 210 turn on the LED group of the pair of illumination zones (upper LED 10L and upper LED 10R), and one lower end of the inclined bright area 805 and the second lighting area. The head of 807 is made substantially coincident, and the other lower end of the bright bright area 805 is made substantially coincident with the head of the third lighting area 809. Then, the sub CPU 93 and the game state display circuit 210 substantially match the speed at which the inclined bright area 805 increases (increase speed) with the speed at which the second lighting area 807 and the third lighting area 809 increase (increase speed). This produces a moving light.

  Thus, in another special gaming state, the sub CPU 93 and the gaming state display circuit 210 synchronize the planar lighting area of the effect screen with the band-shaped lighting areas of the pair of illumination zones and the pair of illumination bands. As a result, it produces a light with a unified movement that feels as if it shines.

  In FIG. 4 or FIG. 5, the illumination zone (upper LED 10L and upper LED 10R) and the illumination band (side LED 11L and side LED 11R) partition a plurality of LEDs so as to emit light with mutually different hues. May be.

  In FIG. 4 or FIG. 5, for example, a green light emitting diode, a yellow light emitting diode, a blue light emitting diode, or a red light emitting diode can be used as an LED, and LEDs having the same color are arranged in a predetermined planar section in the illumination zone. It is preferable from the aesthetic point of view, and it is preferable from the aesthetic point of view that an LED having the same hue is arranged in a predetermined band-shaped section in the illumination band. If it does in this way, the effect which alert | reports a gaming state can be performed with the hue which light-emits.

  Further, the above-described illumination zone (upper LED 10L and upper LED 10R), illumination band (side LED 11L and side LED 11R), and effect control in the effect display device 800 are examples, and other various effects can be achieved by the same method. Control can be performed.

  In this way, in the above-described embodiment, when the special game state is entered, the effect display screen of the effect display device, the pair of illumination zones, and the pair of illumination bands are produced with moving light. As a result, the player can feel the blessed feeling, and the player can enjoy the game even more as if he is attracted to the surrounding players.

  And since the effect screen of the effect display device and the pair of illumination zones and the pair of illumination bands are produced by moving light, a gaming machine that does not feel uncomfortable between the effect of the effect display device and the effect of the illumination. Can be provided.

It is a front view which shows one Embodiment of the game machine by this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the control system of the game machine by the said embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the control system of the game machine by the said embodiment. It is a front view of the gaming machine according to the embodiment, and is a state diagram showing an example in which an effect display device and illumination produce an effect. It is a front view of the gaming machine according to the embodiment, and is a state diagram showing another example in which the effect display device and the illumination produce an effect.

Explanation of symbols

1 gaming machine 2 housing (main body)
2a Front door (main body)
3L / 3C / 3R main display window (display window)
10L ・ 10R A pair of upper LEDs (a pair of illumination zones)
11L / 11R A pair of side LEDs (a pair of illumination bands)
800 Production display device

Claims (5)

A gaming machine in which a predetermined amount of gaming media is paid out according to a combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the display window,
An effect display device arranged in front of the main body,
A pair of illumination zones arranged above the effect display device and configured by LED groups,
A pair of illumination bands that are arranged on both sides of the main body and configured by a plurality of LEDs that are intermittently connected up and down,
Control means for controlling the effects of the effect display device, the pair of illumination zones, and the pair of illumination bands,
The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the control means produces a moving light in which the effect screen of the effect display device, the pair of illumination zones, and the pair of illumination bands cooperate.   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the effects of the effect display device, the pair of illumination zones, and the pair of illumination bands in a special game state advantageous to the player. The effect screen of the effect display device has a dark area horizontally divided in the vertical direction and displayed above, and a bright area horizontally divided in the vertical direction and displayed below,
The pair of illumination bands includes a first lighting region where the LED is lit so as to be continuous from the lower end, and a first extinguishing region where the LED is turned off so as to be continuous from the upper end.
The control means moves by causing the upper end of the bright area and the head of the first lighting area to substantially coincide with each other, and the increase speed of the bright area and the increase speed of the first lighting area to substantially coincide. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a light is produced. The effect display screen of the effect display device has an inclined bright area that is inclined and divided in the vertical direction and displayed above, and an inclined dark area that is inclined and divided in the vertical direction and displayed below,
One of the illumination bands has a second lighting area in which the LED is lit so as to be continuous from the upper end, and a second lighting area where the LED is not lit so as to be continuous from the lower end,
The other illumination band has a third lighting region where the LED is lit so as to be continuous from the upper end, and a third light-off region where the LED is turned off so as to be continuous from the lower end,
The control means turns on the LED group of the pair of illumination zones, makes the lower end of one of the inclined bright areas substantially coincide with the head of the second lighting area, and the other of the inclined bright areas The lower end of the third lighting area and the head of the third lighting area are substantially coincided with each other, and the increasing speed of the inclined bright area and the increasing speed of the second lighting area and the third lighting area are substantially coincided with each other to move light. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game machine produces an effect.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of LEDs are partitioned so as to emit light with different hues.

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