JP2009153811A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine having an image having reduced incompatibility around the boundary between a transmission area and an area other than the transmission area. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine (1) includes a light control panel (200) having a light transmission varied by controlling voltage applied to a transparent electrode. Voltage is applied only to a transparent electrode in an area facing symbol display areas (21L, 21C, and 21R) of the light control panel (200) to reduce the amount of incident light into the symbol display areas (21L, 21C, and 21R). Voltage is applied only to a transparent electrode in an area facing a presentation display area (23) of the light control panel (200) to reduce the amount of incident light into the presentation display area (23). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  For example, a slot machine equipped with a stop button, a so-called pachislot machine, displays a mechanical variation display device configured by arranging a plurality of rotating reels that variably display a plurality of symbols in a front display window, or a symbol on a screen. It has an electrical fluctuation display device for displaying on the screen. In response to the player's start operation, the control means controls the drive of the variable display device to rotate each reel, thereby displaying the symbols in a variable manner. Each reel is automatically displayed after a certain time or by a player's stop operation. The rotation is stopped sequentially. At this time, when the symbols of the reels appearing in the display window are in a specific combination (winning symbol), the player is given a profit by paying out game media such as medals and coins.

  Currently, the mainstream model has a plurality of types of winning modes. In particular, when a predetermined winning combination is established, a single medal is not paid out, and the gaming state is better in condition than the normal state for a predetermined period. As such a role, a role that can give a player a relatively large profit a predetermined number of times (referred to as “Big Bonus”, hereinafter abbreviated as “BB”) and a relatively small profit to the player There is a role (referred to as “regular bonus”, hereinafter abbreviated as “RB”) in which a game can be played a predetermined number of times.

  In addition, in the current mainstream models, in order to establish a winning combination in which predetermined symbol combinations are arranged along the activated winning line (hereinafter referred to as “active line”) and medals, coins, etc. are paid out, Indicates that the winning combination of the winning combination (hereinafter referred to as “internal winning combination”) is won by the internal lottery process (hereinafter referred to as “internal random determination”) The player is required to perform a stop operation at a timing at which the symbol combination can be stopped on the active line. In other words, no matter how much internal winning is made, if the timing of the stop operation of the player is bad, a winning cannot be established. In other words, gaming machines that require skill in the timing of the stop operation (the high importance of technical intervention called “to push”) are currently mainstream.

In such a gaming machine, a transparent area that is arranged on the front surface of the above-described rotating reel, variably displays an image on the display area, and through which a symbol displayed on the rotating reel can be seen through is provided in a part of the display area. A liquid crystal panel having a liquid crystal panel has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to this gaming machine, by displaying an image over the entire surface of the display area, it is possible to produce an effect by the image displayed over the entire surface of the display area, or on the area of the display area excluding the transmission area. The image displayed on the rotating reel through the transmissive area and the image displayed on the area other than the transmissive area on the display area and the rotating reel through the transmissive area are displayed. It is possible to produce effects by combining the symbols displayed by the above.
JP 2004-166963 A

  By the way, in the above-described gaming machine, light is irradiated from the first illumination means provided on the liquid crystal panel to the area other than the transmission area. On the other hand, in the transmission area, the light emitted from the second illuminating means provided outside the rotating reel is reflected by the outer peripheral surface of the rotating reel, or is provided inside the rotating reel. The light emitted from the illuminating means 3 passes through the rotating reel and is irradiated with the light. According to the above, the amount of light to be irradiated may be different between the transmission region and the region excluding the transmission region. For this reason, a difference occurs in the color of the image between the transmissive region and the region excluding the transmissive region, and there is a concern that the image may be uncomfortable in the vicinity of the boundary between these regions.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can suppress an uncomfortable feeling in an image near the boundary between a transmissive region and a region excluding the transmissive region.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and is arranged on the front side of the symbol display means in a gaming machine, variably displays an image on the display area, and is part of the display area. An electrical display means provided with a transmissive area through which a symbol displayed by the display section can be seen through, and a first irradiating means arranged between the electrical display means and the symbol display means to irradiate the display area with light And a second irradiating means for irradiating the symbol display means with light, and a light shielding means for shielding the light, arranged between the electric display means and the first irradiating means. And a light shielding rate control means for controlling the light shielding rate of the light shielding means, wherein the light shielding means is provided so as to be able to shield the light irradiated to the transmission area in the display area.

  More specifically, the present invention provides the following.

  (1) Symbol display means (for example, reels 3L, 3C, 3R to be described later) and display windows 4L, 4C to be described later having a plurality of display portions (for example, reels 3L, 3C, 3R to be described later) for displaying a plurality of types of symbols. , 4R, etc.) and start control means for starting the display of the variation of symbols on the plurality of display units (for example, motor drive circuit 39 described later, stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R described later, main control circuit 71 described later, etc.) Stop control means (for example, means for performing step S14 in FIG. 11, which will be described later, main control circuit 71, which will be described later), and the front surface of the symbol display means. The image is arranged on the side and variably displays an image on a display area (for example, a liquid crystal display section 5a described later), and is displayed on the display section by a part of the display area. Electrical display means (for example, a liquid crystal panel 134 to be described later) provided with a transparent region (for example, symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R to be described later), the electrical display means and the symbol display means And a first irradiating means (for example, fluorescent lamps 137a and 137b, which will be described later) for irradiating the display area with light, and a rear side of the electrical display means, and the symbol display means A second irradiating means (for example, fluorescent lamps 138a and 138b, which will be described later) for irradiating the light, and a light shielding means (not shown) that is disposed between the electrical display means and the first irradiating means. For example, a light control panel 200 described later) and a light blocking rate control unit (for example, a light control panel 200 described later, a main control circuit 71 described later) for controlling the light blocking rate of the light blocking unit. The gaming machine is characterized in that the light means is provided so as to be able to block the light applied to the transmission region of the display region.

  According to the gaming machine described in (1), the light blocking unit that is disposed between the electrical display unit and the first irradiation unit, blocks light, and the light blocking rate control unit that controls the light blocking rate of the light blocking unit, Was provided. The light shielding means can shield light applied to the transmissive area in the display area. For this reason, by adjusting the amount of light emitted to the transmissive area in the display area, and reducing the difference in the amount of light emitted to the transmissive area and the area excluding the transmissive area, the hue of the image in these areas can be reduced. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of the difference, and to suppress the occurrence of a sense of incongruity in the image near the boundary between these regions.

  (2) Symbol display means (for example, reels 3L, 3C, 3R, which will be described later) and display windows 4L, 4C, which will be described later, having a plurality of display units (for example, reels 3L, 3C, 3R, which will be described later) that display a plurality of types of symbols. , 4R, etc.) and start control means for starting the display of the variation of symbols on the plurality of display units (for example, motor drive circuit 39 described later, stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R described later, main control circuit 71 described later, etc.) Stop control means (for example, means for performing step S14 in FIG. 11, which will be described later, main control circuit 71, which will be described later), and the front surface of the symbol display means. The image is arranged on the side and variably displays an image on a display area (for example, a liquid crystal display section 5a described later), and is displayed on the display section by a part of the display area. Electrical display means (for example, a liquid crystal panel 134 to be described later) provided with a transparent region (for example, symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R to be described later), the electrical display means and the symbol display means And a first irradiating means (for example, fluorescent lamps 137a and 137b, which will be described later) for irradiating the display area with light, and a rear side of the electrical display means, and the symbol display means A second irradiating means (for example, fluorescent lamps 138a and 138b, which will be described later) for irradiating the light, and a light shielding means (not shown) that is disposed between the electrical display means and the first irradiating means. For example, a light control panel 200 described later) and a light blocking rate control unit (for example, a light control panel 200 described later, a main control circuit 71 described later) for controlling the light blocking rate of the light blocking unit. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the light means is provided so as to be able to block light applied to an area excluding the transmission area in the display area.

  According to the gaming machine described in (2), the light blocking unit that is disposed between the electrical display unit and the first irradiation unit and blocks light, and the light blocking rate control unit that controls the light blocking rate of the light blocking unit, Was provided. The light shielding means can shield light applied to the display area except for the transmission area. For this reason, by adjusting the amount of light emitted to the areas other than the transmissive area in the display area, the difference in the amount of light emitted to the transmissive area and the area other than the transmissive area is reduced, so that images in these areas are displayed. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of a sense of incongruity in the vicinity of the boundary between these regions.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, by adjusting the amount of light irradiated to the transmissive region in the display region, and reducing the difference in the amount of light irradiated to the transmissive region and the region excluding the transmissive region, It is possible to suppress the occurrence of a difference in the hue of the image in the region, and to suppress the occurrence of a sense of incongruity in the image near the boundary between these regions.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The gaming machine 1 is a so-called “pachislot machine”. This 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, tokens, and the like. In the following description, it is assumed that medals are used.

  The casing 4 forming the entire gaming machine 1 includes a box-shaped cabinet 60 and a front door 2 that opens and closes the cabinet 60.

  A liquid crystal display unit 5a, a panel display unit 5b, and a fixed display unit 5c are formed on the front surface of the front door 2 as substantially vertical surfaces (see FIG. 2 described later). In addition, behind the front door 2, three reels 3L, 3C, 3R in which a plurality of kinds of symbols are drawn on the respective outer peripheral surfaces are provided in a horizontal row so as to be freely rotatable. The symbols of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R can be viewed from the outside of the gaming machine 1 through the vertically long rectangular display windows 4L, 4C, 4R provided in the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R of the liquid crystal display unit 5a. It has become. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R rotates at a constant speed (80 rotations / minute in this embodiment), and the symbols are variably displayed.

  A pedestal portion 10 having a substantially horizontal plane is formed below the liquid crystal display portion 5a, the panel display portion 5b, and the fixed display portion 5c. A medal insertion slot 22 for inserting medals is provided on the right side of the pedestal 10 in the horizontal plane. The medal inserted into the medal slot is credited or bet on the game. On the other hand, a 1-BET switch 11a, a 2-BET switch 11b, and a maximum BET switch 11c for betting medals credited by a pressing operation are provided on the left side in the horizontal plane of the pedestal unit 10.

  When the 1-BET switch 11a is pressed, one of the credited medals is bet on the game, and when the 2-BET switch 11b is pressed, two of the credited medals Bet on the game and the maximum BET switch 11c is pressed down, the maximum number of medals (3 in this embodiment) that can be bet on one game is bet. Then, a display line described later is activated according to the number of medals bet. An operation of pressing the BET switches 11a, 11b, and 11c and an operation of inserting a medal into the medal insertion slot 22 (an operation of inserting a medal for playing a game) are hereinafter referred to as a “BET operation”.

  An operation unit 12 is provided on the left side in the horizontal plane of the pedestal unit 10 and behind the BET switches 11a, 11b, and 11c (closer to the panel display unit 5b than the BET switches 11a, 11b, and 11c). Yes. The operation unit 12 is provided for operating display of information such as a game history on the liquid crystal display unit 5a.

  A C / P switch 14 is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal unit 10 to switch the credit / payout of medals acquired by the player in the game by a pressing operation. As a result of switching by the C / P switch 14, medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 15 at the lower part of the front, and the paid-out medals are stored in the medal receiving portion 16.

  On the right side of the C / P switch 14, there is a start lever 6 for rotating the reels 3L, 3C, 3R by the player's turning operation and starting the display of the symbols in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. , And is rotatably attached within a predetermined angle range.

  Stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R for stopping the rotations of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R by a player's pressing operation are provided at substantially the center of the front surface of the base portion 10, respectively. In the present embodiment, one game (unit game) is basically started by operating the start lever 6 and is ended when all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped.

  In this embodiment, the reel stop operation (stop button operation) performed when all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotating is the next to the “first stop operation” and the “first stop operation”. The stop operation that is performed next is referred to as “second stop operation”, and the stop operation that is performed after “second stop operation” is referred to as “third stop operation”.

  The above-described medal payout port 15 from which medals are paid out and a medal receiving portion 16 for storing the paid out medals are provided in front of the lower portion of the front door 2. Speakers 9 </ b> L and 9 </ b> R are provided on the left and right above the medal receiving portion 16 for producing effects such as sound effects and sounds. A waist panel 20 with a design corresponding to the model motif is attached to the front face of the lower part of the front door 2 and sandwiched between the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R and the medal receiving part 16. It has been.

  The liquid crystal display unit 5a, the panel display unit 5b, and the fixed display unit 5c will be described with reference to FIG.

  The liquid crystal display unit 5a includes symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R and an effect display area 23. As described above, the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R are provided with the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R, and the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R from the outside of the gaming machine 1 through the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R. The design of can be visually recognized.

  These symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R are provided with a top line 8b, a center line 8c, and a bottom line 8d in the horizontal direction, and a cross-up line 8a and a cross-down line 8e in the diagonal direction as display lines. These display lines are activated when the BET switches 11a, 11b, and 11c are pressed or medals are inserted into the medal slot 22 (hereinafter, the activated display lines are referred to as “validated”. Line ”). The fact that the display line has been validated is indicated by lighting of the BET lamps 9a, 9b, 9c.

  Here, in each of the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R, three symbol stop positions (upper, middle, and lower) are provided in the vertical direction (vertical direction). When the symbol variation display (moving display) on each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, the symbol is stopped and displayed at each of the symbol stop positions provided in the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R. Each display line connects a symbol stop position in each symbol display area 21L, 21C, 21R, and is related to the success or failure of the combination. Specifically, the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the predetermined combination are stopped and displayed side by side at predetermined positions corresponding to any of the effective lines, whereby the predetermined combination is established.

  The symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R are displayed at least when the corresponding reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotating and when the corresponding stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R can be pressed. The 3L, 3C, and 3R symbols are in a transmissive state so that they can be visually recognized.

  The effect display area 23 is an area excluding the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R in the liquid crystal display unit 5a. In the effect display area 23, an effect image is displayed.

  The panel display unit 5b includes a 1-BET lamp 9a, a 2-BET lamp 9b, a maximum BET lamp 9c, a payout display unit 13, a credit display unit 18, and a bonus game information display unit 19. The 1-BET lamp 9a, the 2-BET lamp 9b, and the maximum BET lamp 9c are turned on according to the number of medals betted to play one game (hereinafter referred to as “BET number”). Specifically, the 1-BET lamp 9a is lit when the BET number is one. The 2-BET lamp 9b is lit when the BET number is two. The maximum BET lamp 9c is lit when the number of BETs is three.

  The payout display unit 13 and the credit display unit 18 are each composed of a 7-segment LED, and display the number of medals paid out and the number of credited medals when a winning is achieved. The bonus game information display unit 19 includes a 7-segment LED, and displays game information in the bonus.

  The fixed display portion 5c is an area where a predetermined figure, picture or the like is drawn. A single still image or moving image may be displayed by connecting a figure, a picture, or the like drawn on the fixed display unit 5c with an image displayed in the effect display area 23.

  With reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the LED lamp 155 provided inside the reels 3L, 3C, 3R will be described. This LED lamp 155 is one of the design illumination means arranged on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and the illumination means mainly in the area corresponding to the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R in the area of the liquid crystal panel 134 described later. As these are commonly illuminated. The LED lamp 155 is disposed on the reel sheet 156 from the inside of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R (that is, from the back side of the reel sheet 156 mounted along the outer peripheral surface of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R). Illuminate the pattern that is on.

  As shown in FIG. 3, inside the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R stops, three vertical rows of symbols (total 9) appearing in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. LED storage circuit boards 150L, 150C, and 150R are installed on the back side of the individual symbols). The LED storage circuit boards 150L, 150C, and 150R each have three (that is, nine in total) LED storage portions Z1 to Z9, and a plurality of LED lamps 155 are provided therein. The LED lamp 155 illuminates the rear surface side of the reel sheet 156 mounted along the outer peripheral surface of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R with white light. In more detail, the area | region corresponding to the above-mentioned display windows 4L, 4C, 4R is illuminated. The reel sheet 156 is configured to have translucency, and light emitted from the LED lamp 155 is transmitted to the front side.

  FIG. 4 shows the left reel 3L and the LED storage circuit board 150L provided inside the left reel 3L. The left reel 3L has a cylindrical frame structure formed by connecting two annular frames 151 and 152 having the same shape with a plurality of connecting members 153 separated by a predetermined interval (for example, reel width), and the frame And a transmission member 154 that transmits the driving force of the stepping motor 49L provided at the center of the structure to the annular frames 151 and 152. A reel sheet 156 is mounted along the outer peripheral surface of the left reel 3L.

  The LED storage circuit board 150L disposed inside the reel 3L includes three LED storage portions Z1, Z2, and Z3 that store a plurality of LED lamps 155, respectively. The LED storage circuit board 150L is installed so that the LED storage portions Z1, Z2, and Z3 are positioned on the back side of each of the symbols (total of three symbols) that the player can visually recognize through the display window 4L. Although the center reel 3C and the right reel 3R are not shown, they have the same structure as the left reel 3L shown, and the LED storage circuit boards 150C and 150R are provided inside the reels 3C and 3R. Yes.

  A transmissive liquid crystal display device 131 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the liquid crystal display device 131. FIG. 6 is a development view of a part of the configuration of the liquid crystal display device 131.

  The liquid crystal display device 131 includes a protective glass 132, a display plate 133, a liquid crystal panel 134, a light guide plate 135, a reflective film 136, and a white light source (for example, light of all wavelengths is included at a ratio where a specific color is not conspicuous in human eyes). Fluorescent lamps 137a, 137b, 138a, 138b, lamp holders 139a to 139h, a table carrier package on which an IC for driving a liquid crystal panel is mounted, and a flexible substrate (not shown) connected to a terminal portion of the liquid crystal panel 134 Composed. The liquid crystal display device 131 is provided on the front side of the display area of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R as viewed from the front (that is, on the front side of the display surface). Further, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the liquid crystal display device 131 are provided separately (for example, at a predetermined interval).

  The protective glass 132 and the display board 133 are comprised with the translucent member. The protective glass 132 is provided for the purpose of protecting the liquid crystal panel 134. In the display board 133, a figure, a picture, etc. are drawn in the area | region corresponding to the above-mentioned panel display part 5b and the fixed display part 5c (refer FIG. 2). Here, in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the above-described various display units (payout display unit 13, credit display unit 18, and bonus game) arranged on the back side of the area corresponding to the panel display unit 5 b on the back surface of the display board 133. Illustration of various electric circuits for driving the information display unit 19) and the BET lamps 9a to 9c is omitted.

  The liquid crystal panel 134 is formed by sealing liquid crystal in a gap between a transparent substrate such as a glass plate on which a thin film transistor layer is formed and a transparent substrate facing the transparent substrate. The display mode of the liquid crystal panel 134 is set to normally white. The normally white is a configuration in which white display is performed in a state where the liquid crystal is not driven (that is, a state where no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal panel 134). That is, light goes to the display surface side, and thus the transmitted light is visually recognized from the outside.

  By adopting the normally white liquid crystal panel 134, each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R passes through the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R even when the liquid crystal cannot be driven. The graphic drawn on the outer peripheral surface can be visually recognized, and the game can be continued. That is, even when a situation in which the liquid crystal cannot be driven occurs, it is possible to play a game centering on the rotation and stop of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  The light guide plate 135 is provided on the back side of the liquid crystal panel 134 in order to introduce light from the fluorescent lamps 137a and 137b into the liquid crystal panel 134 (illuminate the liquid crystal panel 134), and has an acrylic resin thickness of, for example, about 2 cm. It is comprised by translucent members (namely, member which has a light guide function).

  The reflective film 136 includes a reflective region 136A and non-reflective regions (that is, transmissive regions) 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR, and illuminates the liquid crystal panel 134.

  The non-reflective regions 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR are formed of a transparent material, and are formed as a light transmitting portion that transmits incident light without reflecting it. These non-reflective areas 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR are provided at positions in front of the symbols that are displayed when the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R stop rotating. The sizes and positions of the non-reflective regions 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR are formed so as to coincide with the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R (see FIG. 2).

  On the other hand, the reflective film 136 is formed of, for example, a white polyester film or an aluminum thin film formed with a silver vapor deposition film, and is formed as a light reflecting portion that reflects the light introduced into the light guide plate 135 toward the front side. Yes.

  The fluorescent lamps 137a and 137b are arranged along the upper end and lower end of the light guide plate 135, and both ends thereof are supported by lamp holders 139a, 139b, 139c, and 139d. These fluorescent lamps 137 a and 137 b emit light introduced into the light guide plate 135.

  The fluorescent lamps 138a and 138b are disposed at an upper position and a lower position on the back side of the reflection film 136. The light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 138a and 138b is reflected by the surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and enters the non-reflective regions 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR. The incident light passes through the non-reflective regions 136BL, 136BC, and 136BR to illuminate the liquid crystal panel 134. Therefore, the fluorescent lamps 138a, 138b are mainly designed to correspond to the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R among the display means of the design illumination means and the liquid crystal panel 134 drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. These are commonly illuminated as one of the illumination means. The fluorescent lamps 138a, 138b illuminate the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R from the outside of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  The light control panel 200 is disposed on the back side of the reflective film 136, that is, between the liquid crystal panel 134 and the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The light control panel 200 includes two glass substrates that are arranged to face each other at a predetermined interval, and a liquid crystal that is sealed between the two glass substrates. Transparent electrodes made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) or IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide) are formed on the surfaces of the two glass substrates facing each other. When a voltage is applied to these transparent electrodes, the orientation and order of the liquid crystals change, and the transmittance at which light incident from one glass substrate side of the two glass substrates is transmitted to the other glass substrate side changes. For this reason, the light control panel 200 can change the transmittance | permeability of light in arbitrary area | regions by controlling the area | region which applies a voltage among transparent electrodes. In addition, in the light control panel 200 of a present Example, the transmittance | permeability shall fall as a voltage is applied to a transparent electrode.

  With reference to FIG. 7, functions of the LED lamp 155 and the fluorescent lamps 137a, 137b, 138a, 138b and the light control panel 200 will be described. In FIG. 7, the moving direction of the emitted light from the lamp is indicated by an arrow.

  FIG. 7A shows each lamp when the liquid crystal in the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R is not driven (that is, when no voltage is applied to the portion of the liquid crystal panel 134 corresponding to the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R). The function of is shown.

  A part of the light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 138a and 138b is reflected by the reel sheet 156. A part of the light emitted from the LED lamp 155 provided on the LED storage circuit boards 150L, 150C, and 150R passes through the reel sheet 156. These lights pass through the non-reflective areas 136BL, 136BC, 136BR and the above-described light guide plate 135 and liquid crystal panel 134 constituting the liquid crystal display device 131, so that the player can visually recognize the symbols arranged on the reel. Can do. Therefore, when the liquid crystal in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R is not driven, the LED lamp 155 and the fluorescent lamps 138a, 138b can illuminate the symbols arranged on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  On the other hand, the light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 137a and 137b and introduced toward the light guide plate 135 passes through the liquid crystal panel 134 and enters the eyes of the player. That is, the fluorescent lamps 137a and 137b can illuminate the area of the liquid crystal panel 134 corresponding to the above-described symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R and the effect display area 23.

  FIG. 7B shows each lamp when driving the liquid crystal in the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R (that is, when applying a voltage to the portion of the liquid crystal panel 134 corresponding to the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R). The function of is shown.

  A part of the light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 138a and 138b is reflected by the reel sheet 156. Further, part of the light emitted from the LED lamp 155 passes through the reel sheet 156. Among the areas of the liquid crystal panel 134, in the area where the liquid crystal is driven, part of the light is reflected, absorbed, or transmitted, so that the player can display the effects displayed on the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. Images and the like can be visually recognized. Therefore, when driving the liquid crystal in the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R, the LED lamp 155 and the fluorescent lamps 138a, 138b have a region corresponding to the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R in the region of the liquid crystal panel 134. Can be illuminated.

  Here, when driving a part of the liquid crystal in the region corresponding to the display windows 4L, 4C, 4R in the region of the liquid crystal panel 134, the LED lamp 155 and the fluorescent lamps 138a, 138b are connected to the reels 3L, 3C, The area corresponding to the liquid crystal that is not driven by the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R among the areas of the design illumination means and the liquid crystal panel 134 arranged on 3R can be illuminated.

  Here, the light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 137a and 137b is mainly incident on the effect display area 23. On the other hand, in the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R, in addition to the light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 137a and 137b, the light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 138a and 138b is reflected by the reel sheet 156. And the light emitted from the LED lamp 155 enter. For this reason, the incident light quantity may differ between the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R and the effect display area 23.

  Therefore, the amount of light incident on the light control panel 200 is adjusted. Specifically, when the amount of light incident on the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R is larger than the amount of light incident on the effect display area 23, the light control panel 200 faces the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R. In the region, a voltage is applied to the transparent electrode. According to this, a part of the light irradiated to the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R is shielded by the light control panel 200, and the amount of light incident on the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R is incident on the effect display area 23. Can be reduced to a value approximately equal to the amount of light to be emitted.

  On the other hand, when the amount of light incident on the effect display area 23 is larger than the amount of light incident on the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R, a voltage is applied to the transparent electrode in the area of the dimming panel 200 facing the effect display area 23. Apply. According to this, a part of the light irradiated to the effect display area 23 is shielded by the light control panel 200, and the amount of light incident on the effect display area 23 is substantially equal to the amount of light incident on the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R. Can be reduced to an equal value.

  FIG. 8 shows a symbol row in which 21 types of symbols represented on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are arranged. Each symbol is assigned a code number “0” to “20”, and is stored (stored) in a main ROM 32 (see FIG. 9 described later) as a data table. On each reel 3L, 3C, 3R, “red 7 (design 111)”, “BAR (design 112)”, “watermelon (design 113)”, “bell (design 114)”, “blue cherry (design 115) ) ”,“ Red cherry (symbol 116) ”,“ yellow cherry (symbol 117) ”,“ replay (symbol 118) ”, and“ blank (symbol 119) ”. Yes. Each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is rotationally driven so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is based on a main control circuit 71 that controls game processing operations in the gaming machine 1, peripheral devices (actuators) that are electrically connected to the main control circuit 71, and control commands transmitted from the main control circuit 71. 1 shows a circuit configuration including a liquid crystal display unit 5a, speakers 9L and 9R, LEDs 101, and a sub-control circuit 72 that controls the lamps 102.

  The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 disposed on a circuit board as a main component, and is added with a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 30 includes a main CPU 31 that performs a control operation according to a preset program (see FIGS. 11 and 12 described later), and a main ROM 32 and a main RAM 33 that are storage means.

  Connected to the main CPU 31 are a clock pulse generation circuit 34 and a frequency divider 35 for generating a reference clock pulse, and a random number generator 36 and a sampling circuit 37 for generating a random number to be sampled. As a means for random number sampling, random number sampling may be executed in the microcomputer 30, that is, on the operation program of the main CPU 31. In that case, the random number generator 36 and the sampling circuit 37 can be omitted, or can be left as a backup for the random number sampling operation.

  In the main ROM 32 of the microcomputer 30, the reels 3L, 3C are used in accordance with the operation of the internal lottery table and stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R used for determination of random number sampling performed every time the start lever 6 is operated (start operation). , 3R stop table group for determining the stop mode, and the like are stored. In addition, various control commands (commands) to be transmitted to the sub control circuit 72 are stored. The sub control circuit 72 does not input commands and information to the main control circuit 71, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the sub control circuit 72. The main RAM 33 is provided with various storage areas and stores information such as internal winning combinations and carryover combinations.

  In the circuit of FIG. 9, the main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 30 are a BET lamp 9 and a hopper that stores medals and pays out a predetermined number of medals according to a command from the hopper drive circuit 41. 40 (including a drive unit for payout) and stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R that rotationally drive the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  Further, a motor drive circuit 39 that drives and controls the stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R, a hopper drive circuit 41 that drives and controls the hopper 40, and a lamp drive circuit 45 that drives and controls the BET lamp 9 are output from the main CPU 31. It is connected to the. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the main CPU 31 and controls the operation of each actuator.

  The main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 30 to generate a control command includes a start switch 6S, stop switches 7LS, 7CS, 7RS, a BET switch 11, and a C / P switch 14. , A medal sensor 22S, a reel position detection circuit 50, and a payout completion signal circuit 51.

  The start switch 6S detects the operation of the start lever 6 and outputs a game start command signal (a signal for instructing the start of the game). The medal sensor 22S detects medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 22. The stop switches 7LS, 7CS, and 7RS generate a stop command signal (a signal for instructing to stop the change of the symbol) in accordance with the operation of the corresponding stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R. The reel position detection circuit 50 receives the pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor and supplies a signal for detecting the position of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R to the main CPU 31. The payout completion signal circuit 51 generates a signal for detecting completion of the medal payout when the count value of the medal detection unit 40S (the number of medals paid out from the hopper 40) reaches the designated number data.

  In the circuit of FIG. 9, the random number generator 36 generates a random number belonging to a certain numerical range (random number range), and the sampling circuit 37 generates one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 6 is operated. Sampling. The random numbers sampled in this way are stored in a random value storage area provided in a predetermined area of the main RAM 33. The random number stored in the random value storage area is used, for example, when determining an internal winning combination (see step S6 in FIG. 11 described later).

  Specifically, by using the above random number, an internal winning combination is determined based on an internal lottery table stored in the main ROM 32. The internal symbol combination (internal symbol combination data) indirectly corresponds to the corresponding symbol combination and the profit given to the player through the stop control mode or display combination corresponding to the internal symbol combination. It can be said that it is attached.

  After the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is counted, and the counted value is written in a predetermined area of the main RAM 33. From the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, reset pulses are obtained for each rotation, and these pulses are input to the main CPU 31 via the reel position detection circuit 50. The count value of the drive pulse counted in the main RAM 33 is cleared to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. As a result, the main RAM 33 stores the count value corresponding to the rotational position within one rotation range for each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  A symbol table (not shown) is stored in the main ROM 32 in order to associate the rotational positions of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R as described above with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel. In this symbol table, a code number that is sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R and a code number provided for each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R with reference to the rotation position where the reset pulse is generated. A symbol code indicating the displayed symbol is associated with the symbol.

  Furthermore, a symbol combination table is stored in the main ROM 32. In the symbol combination table, the display combination corresponding to the combination of symbols stopped and displayed at each of the three symbol stop positions connected by one effective line is associated with the information on the number of payouts corresponding to the display combination. Yes. Based on this symbol combination table, the player is given a profit corresponding to the display combination.

  When the internal winning combination or the stop winning combination is determined by lottery processing (such as internal lottery processing) based on the random number sampling described above, the main CPU 31 sends a signal for controlling the rotation start of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R to the motor drive circuit. Send to 39. Then, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are controlled to stop based on an operation signal sent from the stop switches 7LS, 7CS, 7RS at the timing when the player operates the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R and a stop table described later. To the motor drive circuit 39.

  If the stop mode (that is, the winning mode) indicating the winning combination is won, the main CPU 31 supplies a payout command signal to the hopper driving circuit 41 and pays out a predetermined number of medals from the hopper 40. At this time, the medal detection unit 40S counts the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 40, and inputs a medal payout completion signal to the main CPU 31 when the counted value reaches a designated number. As a result, the main CPU 31 stops driving the hopper 40 via the hopper drive circuit 41 and ends the medal payout process.

  The configuration of the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to the block diagram of the sub control circuit 72 shown in FIG.

  The sub-control circuit 72 controls effects related to video, sound, light, or a combination of these, and a main control circuit 71 that controls the progress of a series of games such as determination of an internal winning combination and reel control. Are configured on separate circuit boards.

  The main control circuit 71 and the sub control circuit 72 are electrically connected by a harness or the like, and the sub control circuit 72 is based on various commands (such as a start command described later) transmitted from the main control circuit 71. Various processes such as determination and execution of production contents are performed. As described above, communication between the main control circuit 71 and the sub control circuit 72 is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 71 to the sub control circuit 72, and the sub control circuit 72 sends commands and information to the main control circuit 71. And so on.

  The sub control circuit 72 includes a sub CPU 81, a sub ROM 82, a sub RAM 83, a rendering processor 84, a drawing RAM 85 (including a frame buffer 86), a driver 87, a DSP 88, an audio RAM 89, a D / A converter 90, and an amplifier 91. Consists of.

  The sub CPU 81 controls the output of video, sound, and light according to a control program stored in the sub ROM 82 based on various commands transmitted from the main control circuit 71. The sub control circuit 72 does not include a clock pulse generation circuit, a frequency divider, a random number generator, and a sampling circuit, but is configured to execute random number sampling on the control program of the sub CPU 81. The random numbers sampled in this way are stored in a sub random number storage area provided in a predetermined area of the sub RAM 83.

  The sub ROM 82 basically includes a program storage area and a data storage area.

  A sub CPU control program is stored in the program storage area. Specifically, a main board communication task for controlling communication with the operating system, device driver, main control circuit 71, a lamp control task for controlling light output by the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102, and the speaker 9L. , 9R, a sound control task for controlling sound output, a drawing task for controlling display of video on the liquid crystal display unit 5a, and the like.

  In the data storage area, a table storage area for storing various tables such as a jump table having information on processing performed in response to a command transmitted from the main control circuit 71, a drawing for storing animation data such as character object data, etc. Control data storage area, voice control data storage area for storing sound data such as video sound based on animation data and operation sound of start lever 6, LED / lamp control data storage area for storing lighting pattern, etc. Consists of.

  The sub RAM 83 is configured as a temporary storage means for work when the sub CPU 81 executes a control program, and the sub control circuit 72 also determines an internal winning combination, a display combination, a carryover combination, an operating flag, etc. It can be done.

  The rendering processor 84 is connected to the sub CPU 81 and generates an image corresponding to the content of the effect determined by the sub CPU 81 based on a command output from the sub CPU 81. Data necessary for a task performed by the rendering processor 84 is expanded in the drawing RAM 85 at the time of activation. The generated video is displayed by the liquid crystal display unit 5a via the driver 87.

  The DSP 88 is connected to the sub CPU 81, and determines sound data for outputting sound from the speakers 9L and 9R based on a command output from the sub CPU 81. The sound data determined here is stored in a sound storage area provided in the audio RAM 89.

  The D / A converter 90 is connected to the DSP 88 and converts the sound data stored in the sound storage area as digital data into analog sound. The amplifier 91 is an amplifier that amplifies the sound converted into analog by the D / A converter 90 and outputs the amplified sound from the speakers 9L and 9R.

  The sub CPU 81 is connected to the LEDs 101 and the lamps 102 and outputs light based on an output signal transmitted from the sub CPU 81.

  In addition, the operation unit 17 is connected to the sub CPU 81. In the present embodiment, information such as game history is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5a in response to the operation unit 17 being operated.

  The control operation of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to the main flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  First, the main CPU 31 performs initialization at the start of the game (at the start of the game) (step S1). In this process, the contents stored in the main RAM 33 are initialized, communication data is initialized, and the like. Subsequently, the predetermined stored contents of the main RAM 33 at the end of the game are erased (step S2), and the process proceeds to step S3. In this process, the data in the writable area of the main RAM 33 used in the previous game is erased, the parameters necessary for the next game are written in the write area of the main RAM 33, and the start address of the sequence program of the next game is specified And so on.

  In step S3, medal insertion / start check processing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S4. In this processing, processing such as updating the number of BETs is performed based on input from the start switch 6S, the medal sensor 22S, or the BET switch 11.

  In step S4, a game medal insertion command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, a random number for internal lottery is extracted, the extracted random number is stored in a random value storage area provided in a predetermined area of the main RAM 33, and the process proceeds to step S6. The random numbers extracted in this process are used in the internal lottery process described later.

  In step S6, an internal lottery process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S7. In this process, an internal winning combination is determined using a random number stored in the random value storage area. In step S7, a game start command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S8. This game start command includes information such as a game state and an internal winning combination. In step S8, a reel stop initial setting process for setting a stop table corresponding to the internal winning combination is performed, and the process proceeds to step S9.

  In step S9, it is determined whether 4.1 seconds have elapsed since at least one of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R started rotating in the previous game. When this determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S11, and when NO, the process proceeds to step S10. In step S10, a game start waiting time digest process (wait process) is performed, and the process proceeds to step S11. In this process, a process of invalidating an input based on an operation for starting a game by the player is performed until 4.1 seconds elapse after the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R start rotating in the previous game.

  In step S11, a game monitoring timer is set, and the process proceeds to step S12. The game monitoring timer includes an automatic stop timer for automatically stopping the reels 3L, 3C, 3R without depending on the player's stop operation of the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R. In step S12, the start of rotation of all reels is requested, and the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, a reel stop permission command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, stop control processing for stopping the reel corresponding to the stop button for which the pressing operation has been performed is performed, and the process proceeds to step S15 in FIG.

  In step S15 of FIG. 12, display combination search processing is performed, and the process proceeds to step S16. In this process, a process for setting a flag for identifying a display combination (a winning combination) is performed based on the pattern stop mode of the display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R. In step S16, an error check process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S17. In step S17, a display combination establishment command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S18. This display combination establishment command includes information on the established display combination.

  In step S18, a medal payout process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S19. In this process, based on the flag set in the display combination search process, the medals corresponding to the display combination are stored (credited) or paid out. In step S19, a payout end command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 72, and the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine 1, the light control panel 200 that can change the light transmittance in an arbitrary region is provided. For this reason, in the area | region which opposes symbol display area 21L, 21C, 21R among the light control panels 200, the light quantity which injects into symbol display area 21L, 21C, 21R can be reduced by applying a voltage to a transparent electrode. it can. Moreover, in the area | region which opposes the effect display area 23 among the light control panels 200, the light quantity which injects into the effect display area 23 can be reduced by applying a voltage to a transparent electrode. According to the above, the light control panel 200 can make the amount of incident light substantially uniform in the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R and the effect display area 23. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of an image color tone in these areas, and to prevent the image from feeling uncomfortable in the vicinity of the boundary between these areas.

  As mentioned above, although the Example was described, this invention is not limited to this.

  In the above-described embodiment, the light control panel 200 includes two glass substrates and a liquid crystal. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any light control panel may be used as long as the light transmittance can be controlled.

  Moreover, in the above-mentioned Example, it is preferable that a light sensor is provided as an illuminance detection means for detecting the illuminance in the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R and the effect display area 23. According to this, the amount of light incident on the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R and the amount of light incident on the effect display area 23 can be detected, and the difference between the amounts of light incident on these areas can be determined. For this reason, it is possible to further suppress the occurrence of a color tone in the image in these regions, and further suppress the occurrence of an uncomfortable feeling in the image in the vicinity of the boundary between these regions.

  In the above-described embodiment, an internal lottery table is provided in which the numerical range corresponding to the winning combination is a continuous value. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, you may make it provide the internal lottery table which shall contain the several value which does not continue the numerical value range corresponding to a combination.

  In the above-described embodiment, the gaming machine 1 is set with the first type special bonus (RB). However, the second type special bonus and the second type special bonus are operated continuously. It is also possible to provide a continuous accessory actuating device. The type 2 special combination is a combination that activates the condition device related to the prize regardless of the result of the internal lottery. It operates when determined in advance, and the result of one game is obtained. In some cases, the operation ends. The so-called challenge game (CG) and / or single challenge game (SCG) can be mentioned as the second type special combination. Moreover, what is called a challenge bonus (CB) can be mentioned in the accessory continuous operation apparatus which operates a 2nd type special accessory continuously.

  In addition to the gaming machine 1 as in the above-described embodiment, the present invention can be applied to other gaming machines such as a parrot. Furthermore, the present invention is also applied to a game program in which the operation of the gaming machine 1 described above is simulated for a home game machine or a portable terminal (for a mobile phone, a portable game machine, etc.). Can run the game. In that case, a DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, FD (flexible disk), or any other recording medium can be used as a recording medium for recording the game program.

The perspective view which shows the external appearance of a gaming machine. The figure which shows the panel display part of a liquid crystal display device, a liquid crystal display part, and a fixed display part. The front view which shows the external appearance of the reel mechanism which has arrange | positioned the LED lamp inside a reel. The figure which shows the circuit board for LED accommodation provided in the left reel and its inside. The perspective view which shows schematic structure of a liquid crystal display device. FIG. 3 is a development view of a part of the configuration of a liquid crystal display device. The figure which shows the function of a LED lamp and a fluorescent lamp, and a light control panel. The figure which shows the example of the pattern arranged on the reel. The block diagram which shows the structure of an electric circuit. The figure which shows the structure of a subcontrol circuit. The main flowchart of a main control circuit. The flowchart following FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 2 Front door 3L, 3C, 3R Reel 5a Liquid crystal display part 6 Start lever 7L, 7C, 7R Stop button 30 Microcomputer 31 Main CPU
32 Main ROM
33 Main RAM
71 Main control circuit 72 Sub control circuit 131 Liquid crystal display device 200 Light control panel

Claims (2)

A symbol display means having a plurality of display units for displaying a plurality of types of symbols;
Start control means for starting the variable display of symbols in the plurality of display units;
Stop control means for stopping the variable display of symbols in the plurality of display units;
An electrical display that is arranged on the front side of the symbol display means, displays an image variably on a display region, and is provided with a transmissive region through which a symbol displayed by the display unit can be seen through a part of the display region. Means,
A first irradiating means disposed between the electrical display means and the symbol display means for irradiating the display area with light;
A second irradiating means disposed on the back side of the electrical display means for irradiating the symbol display means with light;
A light shielding means arranged between the electrical display means and the first irradiation means for shielding light;
A light shielding rate control means for controlling a light shielding rate of the light shielding means,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the light shielding means is provided so as to be able to shield light applied to the transmission region of the display region. A symbol display means having a plurality of display units for displaying a plurality of types of symbols;
Start control means for starting the variable display of symbols in the plurality of display units;
Stop control means for stopping the variable display of symbols in the plurality of display units;
An electrical display that is arranged on the front side of the symbol display means, displays an image variably on a display region, and is provided with a transmissive region through which a symbol displayed by the display unit can be seen through a part of the display region. Means,
A first irradiating means disposed between the electrical display means and the symbol display means for irradiating the display area with light;
A second irradiating means disposed on the back side of the electrical display means for irradiating the symbol display means with light;
A light shielding means arranged between the electrical display means and the first irradiation means for shielding light;
A light shielding rate control means for controlling a light shielding rate of the light shielding means,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the light blocking means is provided so as to be able to block light applied to an area of the display area excluding the transmission area.

Images