JP2009077939A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine having a variable display device capable of securing favorable visibility of symbols. <P>SOLUTION: This game machine 1 is provided with a second sub variable display device disposed inside a body and having a second sub reel 8 rotating while displaying a plurality of symbols. The second sub reel 8 has a rotating reel drum 8a and a reel strip 8b attached to the outer circumference of the reel drum 8a, wherein the reel strip 8b has performance pictures 8c, or the symbols, formed projecting in the centrifugal direction as three-dimensional molded bodies. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine. In particular, the present invention relates to a structure of a gaming machine including a variable display device (hereinafter referred to as a reel unit) having a plurality of mechanically driven reels as a variable display unit that displays a plurality of symbols in a variable manner.

  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 a stop operation is performed for each reel, the reel is stopped for each reel on which the stop operation has been performed. When all reels stop, a predetermined number of reels are displayed according to the combination of symbols that are stopped and displayed on the active line. Game media such as medals are paid out.

  In such a gaming machine, when a start operation is performed, lottery (internal lottery) is executed inside the apparatus. And it is controlled so that the symbol combination (lottery combination) won in this internal lottery is aligned on the effective line. On the other hand, the symbols that are stopped and displayed on the active line also depend on the timing at which the player operates the stop button.

  In other words, such a gaming machine is controlled so that a desired symbol cannot be stopped on the active line if the symbol is not hit by an internal lottery even if the symbol is correctly stopped (so-called eye-catching). On the other hand, even if the internal lottery is won, if the timing for operating the stop button is removed, the desired symbol combination cannot be aligned on the effective line.

  Therefore, the symbol drawn on the reel is required to have good visibility. In response to such a demand, there is a gaming machine that ensures good visibility during rotation and stop of the reel, avoids an increase in the size of the reel unit, and further enables complete three-dimensional design of the reel. Invented (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  A gaming machine according to Patent Document 1 includes a reel on which a plurality of symbols are arranged on an outer peripheral portion, and includes a variable display device that displays symbols in a variable manner as these reels rotate. This variable display device is provided with a pattern member with a pattern drawn on the outer periphery of the reel in a hanging shape, and while rotating the reel while maintaining the hanging position with the pattern member facing the surface of the gaming machine, The symbols are displayed in a variable manner. For example, the symbol member is a three-dimensional object showing a three-dimensional symbol.

In the gaming machine according to Patent Document 1, since the symbol member provided on the reel rotates like a ferris wheel, when the reel is viewed from the front, the symbol is displayed in a variable manner so that the symbol almost faces directly in front and descends vertically. Therefore, not only can the deformation of the symbol due to the curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the reel be suppressed, the visibility of the symbol can be improved, but the player's attention can be attracted by a novel variable display method. . In addition, since the symbol member is vertically dropped facing the front when viewed from the player side through the display window, the visibility in the variable display state is reduced and the size of the apparatus is increased without rotating and rotating as in the prior art. It can be avoided.
JP 2006-334209 A

  In the gaming machine according to Patent Document 1, since the position of the weight portion is set in the vector direction of the resultant force in which gravity and centrifugal force are balanced, the weight portion formed on the design member always has gravity and centrifugal force. The design member is positioned in the resultant force direction and is maintained in a predetermined hanging posture.

  Here, when the reel is in a stopped state, centrifugal force does not act on the weight portion, and the symbol member is maintained in a predetermined hanging posture only when the reel is in a rotating state. That is, since the reel repeats the rotation and stop operations, it is estimated that the symbol member swings in the process from the rotation to the stop of the reel. After all, it is considered difficult to visually recognize the pattern drawn on the reel.

  Therefore, there is a need for a gaming machine that ensures good visibility of symbols and enables three-dimensional symbols when the reel rotates and stops.

  Further, the specification of Patent Document 1 does not disclose any reel rotation means such as using a motor. Generally, in such a gaming machine, the output shaft of the stepping motor is directly connected to the rotation center of the reel.

However, the gaming machine according to Patent Document 1 has a large moment of inertia (inertia) because a plurality of symbol members (including a weight portion) are arranged on the outer periphery of the reel. In the case of a ring-shaped rotating object such as a reel, the moment of inertia (N) is proportional to the mass (m) of the ring, the square of the distance to the ring (radius r), and the angular acceleration (dw / dt). (N = m × r ² × dw / dt).

  In order to start and stop such a reel having a large moment of inertia, it is necessary to use a stepping motor having a large power. In other words, it is necessary to use a costly stepping motor, and the reel unit has been an impediment to cost reduction. Therefore, even for a reel having a large moment of inertia, an inexpensive reel rotation method is required instead of the direct connection method. The above can be said to be the subject of the present invention.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a gaming machine that can ensure good visibility of a pattern and includes a variable display device having an inexpensive reel rotation method instead of a conventional direct connection method. The purpose is to do.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present inventor has found that these problems can be solved by providing a three-dimensional object on the outer periphery of the reel and transmitting the rotation of the stepping motor to the reel. Based on this, the inventors have invented a gaming machine equipped with the following new variation display device.

  (1) A gaming machine including a variable display device provided inside a main body and provided with one or more reels that display and rotate a plurality of symbols, the reel being a rotating reel drum and the reel drum A reel band attached to the outer periphery of the game machine, wherein the reel band is raised in the centrifugal direction as a three-dimensional modeled body.

  The gaming machine according to the invention of (1) includes a variable display device. The variable display device is provided with one or more reels that display and rotate a plurality of symbols. The reel has a rotating reel drum and a reel band. The reel band is attached to the outer periphery of the reel drum. In the reel band, the design is raised in the centrifugal direction as a three-dimensional model.

  Here, the main body of the gaming machine may be composed of a front door and a housing that opens and closes the front door, and the variable display device is disposed inside the main body. Including a first aspect that is disposed, including a second aspect in which the variable display device is disposed inside the center of the housing, and a third aspect in which the variable display device is disposed inside the upper portion of the housing. be able to.

  The gaming machine according to the invention of (1) may include an aspect having both the first aspect and the second aspect, and may also include an aspect having all the third aspect from the first aspect. . It is preferable to provide a display window on the main body so as to face the variable display device. A plurality of symbols may rotate in the column direction (vertical direction) with respect to the main body, and a plurality of symbols may rotate in the row direction (horizontal direction) with respect to the main body. Included in the invention.

  The gaming machine according to the invention of (1) may be defined by the structure of one reel, and an aspect in which three reels of the same structure are arranged together is also included in the invention of (1). A mode in which three reels that rotate while displaying a plurality of symbols in the row direction may be used as a main reel that determines a game lottery result by a combination of symbols displayed on the display window. Depending on the combination of symbols displayed on the screen, it may be used as an effect reel for detecting the game lottery result. A mode in which a single reel that rotates by displaying a plurality of symbols in the row direction can be used as an effect reel for notifying a lottery result of a game by a symbol appearing in the display window.

  In the gaming machine according to the invention of (1), since the symbol displayed on the reel band is raised in the centrifugal direction as a three-dimensional modeled object, good visibility of the symbol can be secured when used as a main reel. In addition, when used as a production reel, the ability to express stop symbols can be improved. That is, it is possible to realize a differentiated three-dimensional expression that cannot be expressed by a conventional two-dimensional design.

  (2) The gaming machine according to (1), wherein the reel band is made of a synthetic resin film, and the three-dimensional structure is integrally formed on the synthetic resin film.

  The reel band is preferably made of a synthetic resin film that is lightweight and easily thermoformed. The reel band may be composed of a transparent film that easily transmits light, may be composed of a translucent film that is relatively easy to transmit light, and is a chromatic or achromatic paint that is difficult to transmit light to the surface of a three-dimensional structure. May be printed and it is preferred that a non-transmissive region be formed. By irradiating the backlight from the back of the reel band, the three-dimensional model can be highlighted.

  The three-dimensional modeled body preferably has a hollow inside and can reduce the moment of inertia. The three-dimensional modeled body preferably has a shape that can be molded with a pair of opposed molds. By devising the shape of the three-dimensional model, the manufacturing cost can be reduced without increasing the number of molds. The gaming machine according to the invention of (2) can provide a reel band in which a three-dimensional model can be easily formed.

  (3) The variable display device includes a stepping motor for rotating the reel inside the reel, and the reel drum extends radially around a hub supported by a cantilevered rotation shaft. A plurality of spokes, an annular first rim coupled to the extended ends of the spokes, and an annular second rim coupled to the reel band facing the first rim, The stepping motor has a driving gear with a small number of teeth on its output shaft, and the hub is provided with a driven gear with a large number of teeth meshing with the driving gear (1) or (2) Game machines.

  The gaming machine according to the invention of (3) includes a stepping motor in which the variable display device rotates the reel. The stepping motor is provided inside the reel.

  In the gaming machine according to the invention of (3), the reel drum has a hub, a plurality of spokes, and annular first and second rims. The hub is supported by a cantilevered rotating shaft. The plurality of spokes extend radially around the hub. The first rim is coupled to the extended ends of the plurality of spokes. The second rim is coupled to the reel band so as to face the first rim.

  The stepping motor has a driving gear with a small number of teeth on its output shaft. The hub is provided with a driven gear having a large number of teeth meshing with the driving gear.

  For example, a conventional rotating reel has its rotation center directly connected to the output shaft of the stepping motor. On the other hand, in the rotating reel according to the present invention, the rotation of the output shaft of the stepping motor is transmitted as a gear. The gear transmission has an advantage that the rotation angle (including the number of rotations) can be reliably transmitted.

  The gaming machine according to the invention of (3) has a degree of freedom in the arrangement of the stepping motor provided in the variable display device, and allows, for example, the backlight to be arranged inside the reel without being obstructed by the stepping motor. Yes.

  In addition, the gaming machine according to the invention of (3) can reduce the load torque of the stepping motor with respect to the moment of inertia of the reel if the gear transmission efficiency is neglected because the stepping motor transmits the reel at a reduced speed. There is an advantage that an inexpensive stepping motor can be used.

  For example, the output shaft equivalent torque of the stepping motor is Ts (N · m), the number of teeth of the driving gear on the stepping motor side is “Z1”, the load torque of the reel is Tr (N · m), and the driven gear on the reel side is If the number of teeth is “Z2,” the gear reduction ratio G can be obtained by (Z1 / Z2), and the output shaft equivalent torque Ts of the stepping motor can be obtained by the formula Ts = Tr × G. Here, since the gear reduction ratio G = Z1 / Z2 is a fraction smaller than “1”, it can be seen that the output of the stepping motor can be reduced in proportion to the gear reduction ratio G.

  In the gaming machine according to the present invention, since the symbol displayed on the reel band is raised as a three-dimensional modeled body in the centrifugal direction, it is possible to ensure good visibility of the symbol. In addition, it is possible to realize a differentiated three-dimensional expression that cannot be expressed by a conventional two-dimensional design.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention has the merit that the stepping motor can reduce the load torque of the stepping motor with respect to the inertia moment of the reel and the small and inexpensive stepping motor can be used because the stepping motor transmits the reel at a reduced speed. .

  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 longitudinal sectional view of the second sub-variable display device provided in the gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective external view of the second sub-variable display device provided in the gaming machine according to the embodiment, and illustration of the reel band is omitted. FIG. 5 is a perspective external view of a second sub reel provided in the gaming machine according to the embodiment.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective external view of a first sub-variable display device provided in the gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective external view of a first sub reel provided in the gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a right side view of the first sub reel provided in the gaming machine according to the embodiment.

  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 “pachislot machine”, and the gaming machine 1 is a coin, a medal, a game ball, a token, etc., as well as information on the gaming value given to or given to the player. Is a game machine that uses a game medium such as a card that stores the card, but will be described below using a medal.

  In FIG. 1, three main display windows 3L, 3C, and 3R that are vertically long rectangles are provided at a substantially front center of a housing 2 that forms the entire gaming machine 1, and these three main display windows 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided. Behind 3R, main reels 4L, 4C, and 4R are provided in a horizontal row so that they can rotate in the vertical direction (row direction).

  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, above the main display windows 3L, 3C, 3R, there are provided three first sub display windows 5L, 5C, 5R that are vertically long rectangles and are larger than the main display windows 3L, 3C, 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.

  In FIG. 1, the first sub reels 6L, 6C, and 6R are formed of members made of a material used in a general slot machine, like the main reels 4L, 4C, and 4R. It is drawn. The symbol drawn on the first sub reel can be visually recognized 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 which is a horizontally long rectangle is provided above the first sub display windows 5L, 5C and 5R, and behind the second sub display window 7 is a second sub reel. 8 is rotatably provided 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. It is constituted by 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, the housing 2 is provided with a front door 2a that can be opened and closed, and constitutes a main body. A main variable display device provided inside the front door 2a has main reels 4L, 4C, and 4R, and these main reels 4L, 4C, and 4R are rotated to display a variable display. The first sub-variable display device disposed inside the housing 2 has the first sub-reels 6L, 6C, and 6R, and the second sub-variable display device disposed on the top of the housing is the second sub-reel. 8.

  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, and the outer sides of the pair of upper LEDs 10 </ b> L and 10 </ b> R are viewed from the front of the housing 2. A pair of side LEDs 11L and 11R are provided in a substantially straight line from the top to the bottom. The pair of upper LEDs 10L and 10R and the pair of side LEDs 11L and 11R emit light at least in 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. The pair of upper speakers 12L and 12R can 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. In the horizontal plane of the pedestal 13, a medal slot 14 is provided on the right side, 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 illustrated embodiment, 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. When the center stop button 18C is pressed, the rotation of the center main reel 4C and the center first sub-reel 6C stops according to the pressing operation, and when the right stop button 18R is pressed, In response to the 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.

  In FIG. 1, a lower speaker is provided on the right side of the lower portion of the housing 2 to provide effects such as sound effects and sounds, and among the front of the lower portion of the housing 2, the stop buttons 18 </ b> L, 18 </ b> C, 18 </ b> R and medals A waist panel 23 on which a design corresponding to the motif of the model is displayed is attached to a surface sandwiched between the receiving portion 21 and 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. A sub control circuit 90 for controlling the speakers 12L, 12R, LEDs 9, 10, 11 and the first sub reels 6L, 6C, 6R, the second sub reel 8, and the backlight 521 based on a control command transmitted from 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. 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. In the main RAM 64, for example, information such as an internal winning combination, a carryover combination described later, and the like are stored.

  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 stepping motors 82L, 82C, and 82R for the main reels 4L, 4C, and 4R 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 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, main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 61 to generate a control command include a start switch 17S, a stop switch 18LS / 18RS / 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, the 1-BET switch 15S detects an input from the 1-BET button, and the maximum BET switch 17S detects an input from the maximum BET button 16, and each of the presence / absence of a BET operation and the number of BETs 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 winning combination (internal winning combination data) is indirectly determined by the combination of the corresponding symbol combination and the number of medals given to the player through the stop control mode or display combination corresponding to the internal winning combination. It can be said that it is associated.

  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 stepping motors 82L, 82C and 82R is counted, and the counted value is stored in a predetermined area of the main RAM 64. Written. 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. A medal corresponding to the display combination is awarded to the player.

  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.

  In FIG. 2, the sub-control circuit 90 is based on the control command transmitted from the main control circuit 60, and the speakers 12L and 12R, the LEDs 9 and 10 and 11, the first sub reels 6L, 6C and 6R, and the second sub reels. 8. Control the backlight 521.

  In FIG. 2, the sub control circuit 90 includes a microcomputer arranged on a circuit board as a main component, and although not shown, the microcomputer includes a sub CPU that performs a control operation according to a preset program, Sub ROM and sub RAM as means are included. The sub-control circuit 90 is connected to a sound control circuit, a first sub-reel motor drive circuit, and a game state display circuit (not shown) via a sub-relay circuit 92, and various signals according to signals supplied from the main CPU 62. Is output.

  In FIG. 2, 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. In response to a signal supplied from the main CPU 62, the rotation of the first sub reels 6L, 6C, 6R is started, and then the drive pulses supplied to each of the three stepping motors for the first sub reels 6L, 6C, 6R The number is counted, and the counted value is written in a predetermined area of the sub RAM.

  In FIG. 2, reset pulses are obtained from the first sub reels 6L, 6C, and 6R every rotation, and these pulses are input to the sub CPU via a first sub reel reel position detection circuit (not shown). . The count value of the drive pulse counted in the sub RAM is cleared to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. Thereby, the count value corresponding to the rotation position within the range of one rotation is stored in each of the first sub reels 6L, 6C, and 6R in the sub RAM.

  In FIG. 2, a symbol table (not shown) is stored in the sub ROM in order 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. 2, the second sub reel 8 starts to rotate in accordance with a signal supplied from the main CPU 62 and then is supplied to the stepping motor 815 for the second sub reel 8 (see FIG. 3 or FIG. 4). The number of pulses is counted, and the counted value is written in a predetermined area of the sub RAM. A reset pulse is obtained from the second sub reel 8 for each rotation, and these pulses are input to the sub CPU via a second sub reel reel position detection circuit (not shown).

  In FIG. 2, the count value of the drive pulse counted in the sub-RAM is cleared to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. Thereby, the count value corresponding to the rotation position within the range of one rotation of the second sub reel 8 is stored in the sub RAM.

  In FIG. 2, a symbol table (not shown) is stored in the sub ROM in order to associate the rotational position of the second sub reel 8 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.

  Next, the configuration of the second sub-variable display device will be described. In FIG. 3, the second sub-variable display device has a backlight 521. The backlight 521 faces the second sub display window 7 (see FIG. 1) with the second sub reel 8 interposed therebetween. That is, the backlight 521 is provided inside the second sub reel 8. The second sub reel 8 is disposed in the housing 2 by a mounting portion 8e. The attachment portion 8 e constitutes a part of the housing 2.

  In FIG. 3, the backlight 521 is supported by a backlight support 521a extending from the attachment portion 8e. The second sub reel 8 has a reel drum 8a which is rotatable and is attached to the outer periphery of the reel drum 8a. As will be described later, a plurality of effect images are formed on the reel band 8b.

  3 and 4, the reel drum 8 a includes a hub 810. The hub 810 is supported by a cantilever rotating shaft 811 that is rotatably connected to the attachment portion 8e via a bearing (not shown). A plurality of spokes 812 extending radially about the hub 810 are connected to the hub 810. An annular first rim 813 is coupled to the extended ends of the plurality of spokes 812.

  3 and 4, the reel drum 8 a is provided with an annular second rim 814 facing the first rim 813. The reel band 8b is coupled to the second rim 814. That is, the reel band 8 b supported by the first rim 813 is coupled to the second rim 814.

  3 and 4, a stepping motor 815 is attached to the attachment portion 8 e, and the stepping motor 815 is accommodated inside the second sub reel 8. A driving gear 817 having a small number of teeth is fitted on the output shaft 816 of the stepping motor 815. On the other hand, a driven gear 818 having a large number of teeth meshing with the driving gear 817 is attached to the hub 810.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a ring plate 820 is attached to the lower end of the rotating shaft 811, and the ring plate 821 fitted in the rotating shaft 811 contacts the lower surface of the hub 810, and the ring plate 820, the ring plate 821, Between them, a spring 822 is disposed to urge the hub 810 toward the base end of the rotating shaft 811.

  3 and 4, a disc-shaped detected body 823 is fixed to the upper surface of the driven gear 818. A center portion of the detection object 823 is fitted into the rotation shaft 811. The detection object 823 has a surrounding wall formed along an outer peripheral edge thereof, and slits 824 are formed in the surrounding wall at a predetermined interval. In addition, a detection unit 825 is disposed on the attachment unit 8e. The pair of detection pieces 826 extending from the detection unit 825 are opposed to each other via the surrounding wall of the detection target 823. One of the detection pieces 826 is provided with a light emitter, and the other of the detection pieces 826 is provided with a light receiver. The detected object 823 and the detection unit 825 constitute a part of the second sub reel reel position detection circuit.

  In such a configuration, light from the light emitter is received by the light receiver only when the light emitter is opposed to the light receiver via the slit, otherwise The light from the light emitter is shielded by the surrounding wall. The photoreceptor generates a pulse only when it receives light.

  In the above-described embodiment, as described above, 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 the stepping motor 815 is counted. The count value is written in a predetermined area of the sub RAM. A reset pulse is obtained from the second sub reel 8 for each rotation, and these pulses are input to the sub CPU via the second sub reel reel position detection circuit. The count value of the drive pulse counted in the sub RAM is cleared to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. Thereby, the count value corresponding to the rotation position within the range of one rotation of the second sub reel 8 is stored in the sub RAM.

  In order to associate the rotational position of the second sub reel 8 with the effect image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second sub reel, a symbol table (not shown) is stored in the sub ROM. 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.

  Next, the configuration of the reel band provided in the second sub reel 8 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the reel band 8b is formed with a plurality of effects images 8c that are raised as a three-dimensional structure in the centrifugal direction.

  In FIG. 5, the reel band 8b is made of a synthetic resin film that is lightweight and easily thermoformed, for example, and a plurality of effect images 8c that are three-dimensionally shaped bodies are integrally formed on the synthetic resin film. The reel band 8b may be made of a transparent film that easily transmits light, or may be formed of a translucent film that relatively easily transmits light. Further, a chromatic or achromatic paint that is difficult to transmit light may be printed on the surface of the three-dimensional model.

  In FIG. 5, the effect image 8c has a non-transmissive region 801 in which the effect image 8c is drawn and difficult to transmit light, and a semi-transparent region 802 in which the background is drawn and light is relatively easy to transmit. And the backlight 521 can irradiate light from the back of the effect image 8c, and can make a solid modeling body stand out (refer FIG. 3).

  In FIG. 5, the effect image 8c has a non-transparent area 801 formed by printing a chromatic or achromatic paint that is difficult to transmit light on the surface of a transparent film. As a background, a chromatic or achromatic paint that is relatively easy to transmit light is printed on the surface of the transparent film, so that a semi-transmissive region 802 is formed. In the translucent area 802, the background excluding the area where the image is drawn is drawn.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described. In the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment, the winning expectation degree of the internal winning of the bonus combination is foretold by the effect image appearing in the second sub display window 7. The effect image with high appearance and few characters appearing lowers the level of expectation of winning, and provides an interesting game effect. Since the effect image 8c is formed as a three-dimensional model on the reel band 8b, the expressive power for the stop symbol can be improved. That is, it is possible to realize a differentiated three-dimensional expression that cannot be expressed by a planar design.

  In addition, as for said solid modeling body, it is desirable to make the inside into a cavity, and if the inside of a three-dimensional modeling body is made into a cavity, the moment of inertia of the 2nd sub reel 8 can be made small. And it is desirable that the three-dimensional model is a shape that can be molded with a pair of opposed molds. Thus, by devising the shape of the three-dimensional model, the number of molds does not increase, Manufacturing costs can be reduced.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, since the driving gear 817 fixed to the output shaft 816 of the stepping motor 815 is connected to the driven gear 818, the output of the stepping motor 815 is connected to the second sub reel 8. The rotation of the shaft 816 (including the number of rotations) is transmitted as a gear. In addition, the stepping motor 815 is freely arranged, and the backlight 521 can be arranged inside the second sub reel 8 without being obstructed by the stepping motor.

  Since the stepping motor 815 transmits the second sub reel 8 at a reduced speed, if the gear transmission efficiency is ignored, the load torque of the stepping motor 815 can be reduced with respect to the inertia load of the second sub reel 8, and the size is small. An inexpensive stepping motor can be used.

  For example, the output shaft equivalent torque of the stepping motor 815 is Ts (N · m), the number of teeth of the driving gear 817 is Z1, the load torque of the second sub reel 8 is Tr (N · m), and the number of teeth of the driven gear 818 is If Z2, the gear reduction ratio G = Z1 / Z2 is obtained, and the output shaft equivalent torque Ts of the stepping motor 815 is obtained by Ts = Tr × G. Here, since the gear reduction ratio G = Z1 / Z2 is a fraction smaller than 1, the output of the stepping motor 815 can be reduced in proportion to the gear reduction ratio G.

  Next, the configuration of the first sub-variable display device will be described. In FIG. 6, the first sub reels 6L, 6C, and 6R are rotatably supported by the angle member 930 and are provided in a horizontal row. The first sub reels 6L, 6C, and 6R are detachably accommodated in a reel case (not shown). Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the first sub reel 6 </ b> L can be pulled out from the reel case together with the angle member 930. Since the first sub reels 6L, 6C, and 6R are configured in the same manner as described above, the first sub reel 6L may be described below as a representative.

  7 or 8, the first sub-variable display device has a backlight 921. The backlight 921 faces the first sub display window 5L (see FIG. 1) via the first sub reel 6L. That is, the backlight 921 is provided inside the first sub reel 6L. The first sub reel 6 </ b> L is disposed in the housing 2 by an angle member 930. The angle member 930 constitutes a part of the first sub-variable display device.

  6 to 8, the backlight 921 is supported by the angle member 930. The first sub reel 6L includes a rotatable reel drum 91a and a reel band 91b attached to the outer periphery of the reel drum 91a. A plurality of symbols are formed on the reel band 91b as will be described later.

  6 to 8, the reel drum 91 a includes a hub 910. The hub 910 is supported by a cantilevered rotating shaft 911 that is rotatably connected to the angle member 930 via a bearing (not shown). A plurality of spokes 912 extending radially about the hub 910 are connected to the hub 910. An annular first rim 913 is coupled to the extended ends of the plurality of spokes 912.

  6 to 8, the reel drum 91 a is provided with an annular second rim 914 facing the first rim 913. The reel band 91b is coupled to the second rim 914. That is, the reel band 91 b supported by the first rim 913 is coupled to the second rim 914.

  6 to 8, a stepping motor 915 is attached to the angle member, and the stepping motor 915 is housed inside the first sub reel 6L. A driving gear 917 having a small number of teeth is fitted on the output shaft of the stepping motor 915. On the other hand, a driven gear 918 having a large number of teeth meshing with the driving gear 917 is attached to the hub 910.

  6 to 8, a ring plate is attached to the tip of the rotating shaft 911, and a spring 922 is disposed between the ring plate and the hub 910 so that the hub 910 is connected to the base of the rotating shaft 911. It is biased to the end side. A detection unit 925 that detects the rotation angle of the reel drum 91a is disposed inside the reel drum 91a.

  7 and 8, the reel band 91b is formed with a plurality of symbols 91c as a three-dimensionally shaped body that protrudes in the centrifugal direction. The reel band 91b is made of a synthetic resin film that is lightweight and easily thermoformed, for example, and a plurality of symbols 91c that are three-dimensionally shaped bodies are integrally formed on the synthetic resin film.

  6 to 8, the reel band 91b may be made of a transparent film that easily transmits light, or may be formed of a translucent film that relatively easily transmits light. Further, a chromatic or achromatic paint that is difficult to transmit light may be printed on the surface of the three-dimensional model. And the backlight 921 can irradiate light from the back of the pattern 91c, and can make a three-dimensional molded object stand out.

  In addition, as for said solid modeling body, it is desirable to make the inside into a cavity, and if the inside of a three-dimensional modeling body is made into a cavity, the moment of inertia of the 2nd sub reel 8 can be made small. And it is desirable that the three-dimensional model is a shape that can be molded with a pair of opposed molds. Thus, by devising the shape of the three-dimensional model, the number of molds does not increase, Manufacturing costs can be reduced.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, since the driving gear 917 fixed to the output shaft of the stepping motor 915 is connected to the driven gear 918, the output shaft of the stepping motor 915 is connected to the first sub reel 6L. The rotation (including the number of revolutions) of the gear is transmitted through the gear. In addition, there is a degree of freedom in the arrangement of the stepping motor 915, and the backlight 921 can be arranged inside the first sub reel 6L without being obstructed by the stepping motor.

  Since the stepping motor 915 transmits the first sub reel 6L at a reduced speed, if the gear transmission efficiency is ignored, the load torque of the stepping motor 915 can be reduced with respect to the inertia load of the first sub reel 6L. An inexpensive stepping motor can be used.

  For example, the output shaft equivalent torque of the stepping motor 915 is Ts (N · m), the number of teeth of the driving gear 917 is Z1, the load torque of the first sub reel 6L is Tr (N · m), and the number of teeth of the driven gear 918 is If Z2, the gear reduction ratio G = Z1 / Z2 is obtained, and the output shaft equivalent torque Ts of the stepping motor 915 is obtained by Ts = Tr × G. Here, since the gear reduction ratio G = Z1 / Z2 is a fraction smaller than 1, the output of the stepping motor 915 can be reduced in proportion to the gear reduction ratio G.

  The reel band on which such a three-dimensional model is formed is also applied to the main variation display device, and it is possible to ensure good visibility of the symbols when the main reels 4L, 4C, and 4R are rotated and stopped ( (See FIG. 1).

  Thus, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, in at least one of the main variation display device, the first sub variation display device, and the second sub variation display device, the design formed on the reel band is a three-dimensional model. You can do it. The plurality of symbols may be rotated in the column direction (vertical direction) with respect to the main body (housing 2) or may be rotated in the row direction (horizontal direction). In the main variation display device, when the design is a three-dimensional model, good visibility of the design can be ensured.

  Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention can improve the expressive power with respect to the stop symbol as described above when the symbol is a three-dimensional model in the variable display device. That is, it is possible to realize a differentiated three-dimensional expression that cannot be expressed by a flat design.

  In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention has an advantage that the stepping motor can reduce the load torque of the stepping motor with respect to the inertia moment of the reel, and can use a small and inexpensive stepping motor because the stepping motor transmits the reel at a reduced speed. There is.

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 longitudinal cross-sectional view of the 2nd sub fluctuation display apparatus with which the game machine by the said embodiment is equipped. It is a perspective appearance figure of the 2nd sub change display device with which the gaming machine by the above-mentioned embodiment is provided, and illustration of a reel belt is omitted. FIG. 4 is a perspective external view of a second sub reel provided in the gaming machine according to the embodiment. 2 is a perspective external view of a first sub-variable display device provided in the gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective external view of a first sub reel provided in the gaming machine according to the embodiment. It is a right view of the 1st sub reel with which the game machine by the said embodiment is equipped.

Explanation of symbols

1 gaming machine 2 housing (main body)
2a Front door (main body)
4L ・ 4C ・ 4R Main reel (reel)
6L ・ 6C ・ 6R 1st sub reel (reel)
8 Second sub reel (reel)
8a / 91a Reel drum 8b / 91b Reel belt 8c Production image (design)
91c design

Claims (3)

A gaming machine provided with a variable display device that is arranged inside a main body and has one or more reels that display and rotate a plurality of symbols,
The reel has a rotating reel drum, and a reel band attached to the outer periphery of the reel drum,
The reel band is a gaming machine characterized in that the symbol is raised in a centrifugal direction as a three-dimensional model.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the reel band is made of a synthetic resin film, and the three-dimensional model is integrally formed on the synthetic resin film. The variable display device includes a stepping motor that rotates the reel inside the reel.
The reel drum includes a hub supported by a cantilevered rotating shaft, a plurality of spokes extending radially around the hub, an annular first rim coupled to the extended ends of the spokes, An annular second rim coupled to the reel band opposite to the one rim,
The stepping motor has a driving gear with a small number of teeth on its output shaft,
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hub is provided with a driven gear having a large number of teeth meshing with the driving gear.

Images