JP2009178268A - Reel unit of game machine and game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To illuminate the patterns of reels and parts between the patterns without the interference of light. <P>SOLUTION: In the reel unit 29 of a game machine comprising the plurality of reels 31 displaying two or more patterns on the outer peripheral surfaces and a back light part 33 arranged on the inner peripheral side of the respective reels 31 and fixed to a prescribed member for illuminating some patterns of the reels 31 from the inner peripheral side of the reels 31, the back light part 33 has: a first light emitting body 21c disposed behind the pattern to be an illuminating object; a light emitting body chamber 37c which roughly forms a box shape with its front face opened, houses the first light emitting body 21 in the inside and is sectioned for each pattern to be the illuminating object; a second light emitting body 21d disposed at a position to illuminate a non-pattern area between the patterns to be illuminated by the first light emitting body 21c; and a slit part 37d formed by providing gaps between the adjacent light emitting body chambers 37c, on the upper side of the light emitting body chamber 37c at the top and on the lower side of the light emitting body chamber 37c at the bottom respectively. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a reel unit of a gaming machine and a gaming machine which are arranged on the inner peripheral side of a reel displaying a plurality of kinds of symbols on the outer peripheral surface, and have a backlight unit for illuminating between the symbols displayed on the reel and the symbols. It is about.

In general, a slot machine, which is one of the gaming machines, illuminates a symbol displayed on the outer peripheral surface of a reel with a back lamp from the inner peripheral side of the reel, and the player sees the illuminated reel symbol while playing the game. I do.
Further, an effective line as a symbol combination line is set according to the number of medals inserted by the player. When all the reels are stopped, the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination is stopped on any active line, and when the winning combination of the winning combination is made, a medal corresponding to the winning combination is paid out. .

Here, as a slot machine, in order to illuminate the symbols on the reel and between the symbols, a back lamp that illuminates the symbols on the reel (hereinafter referred to as a symbol back lamp) and between the symbols on the reels are illuminated. A technique has been proposed in which back lamps (hereinafter referred to as inter-design back lamps) are provided on the inner peripheral side of each reel (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Registered Utility Model No. 2578052

However, when the design back lamp and the inter-design back lamp are provided as in the technique of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, there is a problem in that both lights interfere with each other. In particular, when the light emission color of the design back lamp is different from the light emission color of the inter-design back lamp, there is a problem that the light emission of each other interferes and the desired light emission color is not obtained.
Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to allow the design back lamp and the inter-design back lamp to emit light in a desired emission color without interfering with each other.
Furthermore, it is to propose a new effect using the inter-design back lamp.

The present invention solves the above problems by the following means.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of reels displaying a plurality of types of symbols on the outer peripheral surface, and arranged on the inner peripheral side of each reel and fixed to a predetermined member, In a reel unit of a gaming machine including a backlight unit for illuminating from the inner peripheral side of the reel, the backlight unit has a first light emitter disposed behind a symbol to be illuminated and a front surface opened. The first light emitter is housed inside, and the non-design area between the light emitter chamber partitioned for each symbol to be illuminated and the symbols illuminated by the first light emitter is illuminated. Formed by providing a gap between each of the second light emitters arranged at a position adjacent to each other, between the adjacent light emitter chambers, above the uppermost light emitter chamber, and below the lowermost light emitter chamber. Light from the second light emitter Becomes a passage of the light when it is illuminated behind the outlet of the passage, characterized in that it comprises a slit portion that is near set the inner circumferential surface of the reel.

  In the invention of claim 1, the first light emitter is disposed behind the symbol to be illuminated. The illuminant chamber has a substantially box shape with an open front, accommodates the first illuminant inside, and is partitioned for each symbol to be illuminated. The 2nd light-emitting body is arrange | positioned in the position which illuminates the non-symbol area | region between the symbols illuminated by the 1st light-emitting body. The slit portions are formed by providing gaps between adjacent light emitter chambers, above the uppermost light emitter chamber, and below the lowermost light emitter chamber, and light from the second light emitter is reeled. When illuminated behind, the light becomes a passage, and the exit of the passage is located close to the inner peripheral surface of the reel. The second light emitter illuminates a non-design area between symbols illuminated by the first light emitter through the slit portion.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the reel unit of the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the first light emitter and the second light emitter are mounted, and the light emitter substrate fixed to the backlight unit is provided. It is characterized by that.

  In the invention of claim 2, the first light emitter and the second light emitter are mounted on a light emitter substrate fixed to the backlight portion.

  Further, the invention of claim 3 is a gaming machine comprising the reel unit of the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a start switch operated by the player when starting the rotation of the reel, When the start switch is operated, the lottery means for performing the lottery of the combination, and the light emission of the second light emitter of the backlight unit are controlled so as to correspond to the lottery result of the combination by the combination of lottery means And an effect control means.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the rotation of the reel is started by the player's operation of the start switch, and the winning lottery means performs the winning lottery. The effect control unit controls the light emission of the second light emitter of the backlight unit so as to correspond to the lottery result of the combination by the combination lottery unit.

  Further, the invention according to claim 4 is the gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the second light emitter is a light emitting diode, and the effect control means wins a specific role by the role lottery means. Control is performed so that at least a part of the second light emitter emits light with a color peculiar to the specific combination.

  In the invention of claim 4, the effect control means controls to emit at least a part of the second light emitters with a color specific to the specific combination when the specific combination is won by the combination lottery means.

  Further, the invention of claim 5 is the gaming machine according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the display window formed so that the symbol illuminated by the backlight unit is visible to the player, and the role Reel control means for stopping the reel so as to correspond to the lottery result of the lottery means, and the effect control means is the result of the stop control of the reel by the reel control means, the result lottery means When the symbol related to the winning combination is stopped in the display window, control is performed so that the upper and lower sides of the symbol emit light with the second light emitter.

  In the invention of claim 5, the display window is formed so that the symbol illuminated by the backlight portion can be seen by the player. The reel control means stops and controls the reel so as to correspond to the lottery result of the winning combination by the winning lottery means. When the symbol related to the winning combination by the winning lottery means is stopped in the display window as a result of the reel control means being controlled to stop the reel, the effect control means emits light from the top and bottom of the symbol by the second light emitter. To control.

  Furthermore, the invention of claim 6 is the gaming machine according to claim 3 or claim 4, further comprising reel control means for controlling the stop of the reel so as to correspond to the lottery result of the winning combination by the winning lottery means, As a result of the reels being controlled to stop by the reel control means, the effect control means, when the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination by the winning lottery means stops on any active line, the winning of each reel Control is performed so that the second light-emitting body emits light at the top and bottom of the symbol related to the winning combination.

  In the invention of claim 6, the reel control means stops and controls the reels so as to correspond to the winning lottery result by the winning lottery means. When the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination in the winning lottery means stops on any of the effective lines as a result of the reel controlling means stopping the reels, the effect control means is related to the winning combination of each reel. Are controlled so that the second light emitter emits light.

  According to the present invention, the first light emitter that illuminates the design and the second light emitter that illuminates the design can illuminate the design of the reel with the desired light emission color without interfering with each other. it can. Furthermore, a new effect can be performed using the second light emitter.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the following embodiments, a slot machine 10 will be described as an example of the gaming machine of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating the inside of the base portion 11 with the front mask portion 12 of the slot machine 10 opened in FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing of the slot machine 10 is composed of a base part 11 and an openable / closable front mask part 12 attached to the front side of the base part 11.

  Here, the base | substrate part 11 assembles | assembles wood etc. and forms it in the box shape which the front side opens. As shown in FIG. 2, a power supply unit 101 that supplies electric power necessary for the game, a hopper tank 108 that stores medals, and a hopper tank A medal payout device 102 for paying out medals stored in 108 is provided.

A reel base 103 is provided inside the base body 11 and above the hopper tank 108. Furthermore, a symbol variation display device 30 in which three reels 31 are arranged in parallel is provided on the reel base 103. Reel tapes on which a plurality of symbols (21 symbols in this embodiment) (designs constituting a combination (described later)) are attached to the outer peripheral surface of each reel 31.
A motor (stepping motor) 32 (described later) is connected to the rotation center portion of each reel 31, and each reel 31 is individually rotated by drive control of the motor 32.

On the other hand, the front mask portion 12 is attached to the base portion 11 so as to be openable and closable so as to cover the opening surface of the base portion 11. The front mask portion 12 can be locked to the base portion 11 by a door key 45 attached to the front side thereof.
As shown in FIG. 1, the front mask portion 12 has a bet switch 40, a start switch 41, a stop switch 42, a medal slot 43, and a medal tray 44 on the front side (player side). Has been.

Here, the bet switch 40 is a switch that is operated when the player inserts a stored medal. Similarly to the bet switch 40, the medal insertion slot 43 is a part for inserting an actual medal. The insertion of a medal from the medal insertion slot 43 is included in the operation of the bet switch 40.
The start switch 41 is a switch operated by the player when starting the reel 31.
Furthermore, three stop switches 42 are provided corresponding to the three reels 31 and are operated by the player when stopping the corresponding reels 31.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the reel 31 is provided with left, middle, and right, and correspondingly, the stop switch 42 has left, middle, and right as shown in FIG. The right three are provided. That is, the reel 31 corresponding to the left stop switch 42 is the left reel 31, the reel 31 corresponding to the middle stop switch 42 is the middle reel 31, and the reel 31 corresponding to the right stop switch 42 is the right reel 31.

In addition, above the start switch 41 and the like, there are provided effect output devices such as an upper lamp 21a and side lamps 21b, a speaker 22, and an image display device 23 for outputting an effect during the game.
Here, the upper lamp 21a and the side lamp 21b are lamps that are controlled so as to be lit when, for example, winning a winning combination.
The speaker 22 outputs sound as an effect.
Furthermore, the image display device 23 includes a liquid crystal image display device, a dot display, and the like, and performs image display as an effect or game information display during a game.

Further, a transparent display window 13 is provided in the center of the front mask portion 12 so that a part of the reel 31 can be seen from the display window 13.
FIG. 3 is a front view showing the design of the reel 31 as viewed from the display window 13. As shown in FIG. 3, the display window 13 is arranged so that three symbols (a total of nine symbols) that are continuous above and below each reel 31 can be seen.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the slot machine 10 is provided with symbol combination lines L1 to L5. Here, the “symbol combination line” is a line of symbols when the reel 31 is stopped, and is a line that forms a combination of symbols. In the present embodiment, the symbol combination lines include three symbol combination lines L1 to L3 provided respectively in the middle, upper and lower stages in the horizontal direction, and symbol combination lines L4 and L5 in the diagonally downward and leftward directions. There are a total of five. The three symbols that are continuous above and below each reel 31 are positioned on one or more symbol combination lines.

Further, among the five symbol combination lines, an effective line and an invalid line are set from the symbol combination lines according to the number of medals inserted by the player.
Here, in the present embodiment, the “effective line” is a line for winning a combination when a combination of symbols corresponding to any combination stops on the line.
On the other hand, an “invalid line” is a line that is not set as an effective line among symbol combination lines, and even if a combination of symbols corresponding to any combination stops on that line, This is a line that does not give profits (medal payout etc.). In other words, the invalid line is a line that is not a target of combination of symbols in the first place.

In the present embodiment, during a normal game, for each game, the player can select any one of the number of inserted medals from 1, 2, or 3.
When one medal is inserted, one symbol combination line L1 in the middle in the horizontal direction is set as an effective line (the remaining four symbol combination lines are set as invalid lines). In addition, when two medals are inserted, the three symbol combination lines L1 to L3 in the upper, middle, and lower rows in the horizontal direction are set as valid lines (the remaining two symbol combination lines are set as invalid lines). ) Furthermore, when three medals are inserted, all five symbol combination lines L1 to L5 are set as valid lines (no invalid line exists).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a medal selector 110 is disposed in a lower portion on the rear surface side (back surface side) of the front mask portion 12 corresponding to the medal insertion slot 43 (see FIG. 1). The medal selector 110 is a device for selecting whether or not the inserted medal can be accepted according to the gaming state or the like. When the medal can be accepted, the inserted medal is the medal guiding path 107. Through the hopper tank 108 and stored. Conversely, when the medal cannot be received, the inserted medal is guided to the medal tray 44 (see FIG. 1) via the medal return path 109 and returned.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, a main control board 104 housed in a transparent board case 105 is disposed above the symbol variation display device 30 inside the base body 11. The main control board 104 is a control board that controls the overall progress of the game, and includes a CPU that performs calculations, a ROM that stores game programs, a RAM that temporarily stores data for games, and the like.

  Further, in FIG. 2, a sub-control board 106 is provided above the rear side (back side) of the front mask portion 12. The sub-control board 106 is a board that controls effects during the game, and includes a CPU that performs calculations, a ROM that stores effects programs and effects data, a RAM that temporarily stores various data, and the like.

  At the start of the game, the player operates the bet switch 40 to insert a previously stored medal, or inserts a medal from the medal insertion slot 43, and turns on the start switch 41. When the start switch 41 is operated, all reels 31 are controlled to rotate. By rotating the reels 31 in this way, the symbols of the respective reels 31 are moved and displayed in the display window 13 at a predetermined speed.

  Then, the player presses each stop switch 42 to stop the rotation of each reel 31. When the stop switch 42 is operated, the reel 31 corresponding to the stop switch 42 is controlled to stop. When all the reels 31 are stopped, if the combination of symbols stopped on the active line matches a predetermined combination of symbols of the winning combination, and the winning combination of the winning combination is made, according to the winning combination Then, medals are paid out.

  Next, the symbol variation display device 30 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the symbol variation display device 30, and FIG. 5 is a front view showing the symbol variation display device 30. FIG. 6 is a side view showing the reel unit 29, and FIG. 7 is a side view of the inside of the reel unit 29. 4 and 5, illustration of the reel tape of the right reel 31 is omitted, and the inside is shown so that the inside can be seen.

As shown in FIG. 4, the symbol variation display device 30 of the present embodiment has three reel units 29 arranged side by side. Each reel unit 29 has one reel 31.
As shown in FIG. 4, the symbol variation display device 30 includes a frame 28 including a top wall 28 a, a bottom wall 28 b, and a side wall 28 c, and three reel units 29 are accommodated in the frame 28. Each reel unit 29 has a support member 34 supported by the top wall 28a and the bottom wall 28b of the frame 28, and a motor 32 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) is fixed to the support member 34. And this motor 32 and the rotation center part of the reel 31 are connected.

Further, the backlight portion 33 is fixed to the attachment member 35 (see FIGS. 4 and 6) supported by the support member 34. The backlight unit 33 includes a backlight substrate 36 and a lamp case 37. And the backlight board | substrate 36 is attached to the back surface of the lamp case 37 (refer FIG. 7).
The lamp case 37 is partitioned for each pattern to be illuminated, and has three lamp chambers 37c (a cross section is substantially concave) of an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage (see FIG. 7). Each lamp chamber 37c is composed of a bottom wall, left and right walls, and upper and lower walls, and has a substantially box shape in which only the front side is opened.

In addition, two back lamps 21c are disposed on the bottom wall of each lamp chamber 37c (see FIG. 5), and the back lamps 21c are mounted on the backlight substrate 36. The back lamp 21c of each lamp chamber 37c is located behind (directly behind) each symbol of the reel 31 so that each symbol can be illuminated from behind.
As a result, the back lamp 21c of each lamp chamber 37c is configured so as to illuminate only one corresponding pattern by the wall of the lamp chamber 37c, and the light does not reach other areas.

  Further, the uppermost part of the lamp chamber 37c, between the lower wall of the upper lamp chamber 37c and the upper wall of the middle lamp chamber 37c, and between the lower wall of the middle lamp chamber 37c and the upper wall of the lower lamp chamber 37c. In the lowermost part of the lamp chamber 37c, a slit portion (gap) 37d formed by two walls (plates) is provided. As shown in FIG. 7, the tip of the slit portion 37d is located close to the inner peripheral surface of the reel 31 (however, no contact is made).

On the other hand, on the backlight substrate 36, three LEDs 21d are mounted in the horizontal direction for one slit portion 37d corresponding to the position of each slit portion 37d (see FIG. 7). The LED 21d can emit light of a plurality of colors. And the light from LED21d passes through the slit part 37d, and it forms so that between the symbols of each reel 31 may be illuminated.
In this way, the light of the LED 21d from one slit portion 37d is condensed by the slit portion 37d, and is formed so as to illuminate only between one symbol and not between symbols and other symbols.
By arranging the back lamp 21c and the LED 21d as described above, the back lamp 21c and the LED 21d can illuminate the symbols to be illuminated and between the symbols without interfering with each other.

  FIG. 8 is a front view showing the positional relationship among the display window 13, the reel 31, the back lamp 21c, and the LED 21d. In FIG. 8, the back lamp 21c is indicated by “◯” and the LED 21d is indicated by “·”.

Next, control of the slot machine 10 will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an outline of control of the slot machine 10.
In FIG. 9, the game control means 60 is provided on the main control board 104 described above, and controls the progress of the game such as winning lottery, driving control of each reel 31, and payout at the time of winning. .
The effect control means 70 is provided on the sub-control board 106 described above, and controls the effect during the game.
Furthermore, the game control means 60 and the effect control means 70 are electrically connected, and a command (command and information necessary for the output of the effect) is transmitted from the game control means 60 side to the effect control means 70. It is configured to be able to.

  As shown in FIG. 9, a bet switch 40, a start switch 41, and three stop switches 42 are electrically connected to the input side (left side) of the game control means 60. Further, the motor 32 is electrically connected to the output side (right side) of the game control means 60.

  Further, the upper lamp 21a, the side lamp 21b, the back lamp 21c, the LED 21d, the speaker 22, and the image display device 23 are electrically connected to the output side of the effect control means 70. These are the effect control means 70. Controlled by.

As shown in FIG. 9, the game control means 60 includes the following combination lottery means 61 and the like. The following means in the present embodiment are examples, and the game control means 60 is not limited to the means shown in the present embodiment.
The role lottery means 61 performs a lottery for a role. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating combinations of combinations of types (combinations drawn by the combination lottery means 61), the number of payouts, and the like in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, special combinations, small combinations, and replays are provided as combinations.

The special role is a role that shifts from a normal game to a special game (a game in which a medal can be expected more than a normal game). In the present embodiment, BB (first type big bonus) and RB (regular bonus) are provided as special roles. BB is a role for shifting to a BB game, which is one of special games, and RB is a role for shifting to an RB game, which is another one of special games.
Other special roles include MB (middle bonus) and SB (single bonus), which are not provided in this embodiment.

The small combination is a combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out. In the present embodiment, three types of small combination 1, small combination 2, and small combination 3 are provided. The combination of symbols and the number of payouts at the time of winning are set differently for each small role.
Furthermore, the replay is a re-playing role that allows the re-playing while maintaining the number of medals inserted in the game.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, combinations of symbols of the reels 31 corresponding to the above various combinations are determined in advance. Note that “any” in the small part 1 means that any symbol may be used.
When all the reels 31 are stopped, if the combination of symbols corresponding to any of the combinations stops on the active line, the winning combination of the combination is won. For example, when “7”-“7”-“7” is stopped on any active line, a BB win is awarded.

  The role lottery means 61 is based on, for example, a random number generation means (hardware random number, etc.) for a role lottery, a random number extraction means for extracting a random number generated by the random number generation means, and a random value extracted by the random number extraction means. And determining means for determining the presence / absence of a winning combination and the winning combination.

  The random number generator generates random numbers in a predetermined area (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation). The random number is, for example, a random number for which the counter that performs 1 count at 200 n (nano) sec continues to count as a cycle in the range of 0 to 65535, and continues to count the random number while the power of the slot machine 10 is turned on. .

  Furthermore, the random number extraction means extracts the random number generated by the random number generation means at a predetermined time, in this embodiment, when the start switch 41 is turned on by the player. The determination unit determines the combination corresponding to the region to which the random number value belongs by comparing the random number value extracted by the random number extraction unit with a combination lottery table 62 described later. For example, if the extracted random number value belongs to the small role 1 winning area, it is determined that the small role 1 is won, and if it belongs to the non-winning area, it is determined to be non-winning.

  The combination lottery table 62 defines the types of combinations to be selected and the winning probability of each combination. Each combination lottery table 62 has a predetermined range of lottery areas. The lottery area is divided into a winning area and a non-winning area for each combination, and the winning combination has a predetermined winning probability. It is set to a predetermined ratio so that

  First, the reel control means 63 controls to start rotation of all (three) reels 31 when the start switch 41 is operated. Further, the reel control means 63 determines a stop position determination table, which will be described later, based on the winning lottery result by the winning lottery means 61 when the stop switch 42 is operated and the timing when the stop switch 42 is operated. 64, the stop position of the reel 31 corresponding to the stop switch 42 is determined, and the motor 32 is driven and controlled to stop the reel 31 at the determined position.

  For example, the reel control means 63, in the game won for the role, within the range of the stop control of the reel 31 (in this embodiment, within 5 symbols counted from the symbol at the moment when the stop switch 42 is operated). The reel 31 is stopped and controlled so as to stop the combination of symbols corresponding to the active line, and the reel 31 is controlled to stop the combination of symbols corresponding to the combination other than the winning combination on the effective line.

  As a result, when any of the symbols up to the number of symbols within the range of stop control of the reel 31 counted from the symbol at the moment when the operation of the stop switch 42 is detected is a symbol to be stopped on the effective line, the stop When the switch 42 is operated, the design is controlled to stop at the active line.

  In other words, if the reel 31 is stopped immediately at the moment when the stop switch 42 is operated at the time of winning the winning combination, if the symbol related to the winning winning combination does not stop on the effective line, By controlling the rotational movement of the reel 31 within the “stop control range”, the symbol related to the winning combination is controlled to be stopped on the effective line as much as possible.

  On the contrary, if the reel 31 is stopped immediately at the moment when the stop switch 42 is operated when the winning combination is not won, the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination is stopped on the effective line. When the reel 31 is stopped, the reel 31 is controlled to rotate and move within the “reel 31 stop control range” so that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is not stopped on the active line.

  The stop position determination table 64 is provided for each lottery result of the combination by the combination lottery means 61, and determines the stop position of the symbol of the reel 31 corresponding to the position of the reel 31 at the moment when the stop switch 42 is operated. Is.

  Furthermore, the stop symbol determination means 65 determines whether or not the symbol combination of the reel 31 stopped on the effective line matches the symbol combination corresponding to any combination when the reel 31 is stopped. is there. The stop symbol determination means 65 determines a symbol on the effective line by detecting, for example, an angle or the number of steps when the motor 32 is stopped.

  Further, the payout unit 66 determines that the combination of symbols stopped on the active line when the reel 31 is stopped matches the combination of symbols corresponding to any of the combinations by the stop symbol determination unit 65 and wins the combination. In response to the winning combination, a predetermined number of medals are paid out to the player, or credits are added. Further, at the time of replay winning, control is performed so that the number of medals inserted in the game is automatically inserted without paying out medals.

In addition, the effect control unit 70 generates, for each game, an effect pattern (what kind of effect is received) based on the result of lottery by the role lottery unit 61 (receives information related to the result of the lottery from the game control unit 60). , Which determines at what timing the data should be output). Particularly in this embodiment, a plurality of types of effect patterns are provided in advance. Then, the effect control means 70 selects one effect pattern by lottery using software random numbers after the role lottery means 61 has been drawn at the start of the game.
Then, the effect control means 70 controls to output an effect from the effect output device at a predetermined timing according to the selected effect pattern.

Next, effects (control) of the back lamp 21c and the LED 21d in the present embodiment will be described.
First, the effect control means 70 controls to turn on all the back lamps 21c in principle during the game. However, as described above, when the effect related to the selected effect pattern is an effect that causes at least one back lamp 21c to blink or extinguish, a predetermined back lamp 21c blinking or extinguishing process is performed according to the effect pattern. Control to do.

Moreover, in this embodiment, when a small combination (small combination 1 to small combination 3) or replay is won, control is performed to perform the following effects.
Here, the color of the symbol corresponding to each combination is determined in advance. The symbol of “Cherry” relating to the small role 1 is red, the symbol of “Watermelon” relating to the small role 2 is green, the symbol of “Bell” relating to the small role 3 is yellow, and the “ The design of “RP” is blue.

And in this embodiment, in order to notify a player of a winning combination when winning a small combination or replay, an effect of causing the LED 21d to emit light in the color of the symbol related to the winning combination is performed.
Among the above described effect patterns, a plurality of effect patterns such as effect pattern 1, effect pattern 2,...

  For example, the production pattern 1 is selected with a predetermined probability (for example, 1/5) set in advance at the time of winning a small role or replay (selected by lottery using software random numbers). In the production pattern 1, when the start switch 41 is operated, before the first stop switch 42 is operated, the LED 21d of at least one reel 31 (left reel 31 in the following example) is displayed on the symbol related to the winning combination. This is an effect pattern that emits light in color.

  FIG. 11 shows an example in which (all) LEDs 21d of the left reel 31 are lit. In this example, the LEDs 21d of the middle reel 31 and the right reel 31 are turned off. For example, if replay is won, the LED 21d is controlled to emit blue light. In this way, if an effect based on the effect pattern 1 is output, the player can know the winning combination in the game before operating the stop switch 42.

Furthermore, as one of the effect patterns 1, an LED 21d emission color corresponding to all the roles is predetermined as “white”, and an effect pattern for causing the LED 21d to emit white light is provided. It may be controlled such that the production pattern 1 is selected (by lottery or the like) at the time of non-winning and the LED 21d is turned on in white.
In addition, the light emission color of the LED 21d corresponding to the special role (BB or RB) is defined as “white”, and an effect pattern 1 for causing the LED 21d to emit light in white is provided, and this effect pattern 1 when the special role is selected or not selected May be selected by lottery or the like, and the LED 21d may be lit in white.

  Further, the effect pattern 2 is selected with a predetermined probability set in advance when a small role or replay is won. In the production pattern 2, when the first (first, for example, left) stop switch 42 is operated and the first reel 31 is stopped, when the symbol related to the winning combination exists in the symbol on the stopped reel 31, This is an effect pattern in which the LEDs 21d positioned above and below the symbol are turned on.

FIG. 12 shows that when effect pattern 2 is selected at the time of replay winning, when “RP” stops in the lower stage when the left reel 31 is stopped, the LEDs 21d located above and below the symbol of the RP are displayed in blue An example of lighting is shown.
In the case of performing an effect based on the effect pattern 2, when the first reel 31 is stopped, the stop symbol determining means 65 determines whether or not the symbol “RP” is stopped on any effective line. When it is determined that the stop has occurred, the effect control means 70 performs control to turn on the LEDs 21d corresponding to the position (up and down the symbol).

  In the present embodiment, when winning the winning combination of BB, RB, small combination 1, or small combination 2, the winning combination is configured not to win unless the stop switch 42 is operated at an appropriate position. In other words, the symbols related to these roles have a portion (not shown) that is arranged 6 or more apart (beyond the range of stop control of the reel 31).

  For example, when the small role 2 related to “watermelon” is won and the production pattern 2 is selected, when the first reel 31 is stopped, the stop symbol determination means 65 displays the symbol “watermelon”. It is determined whether or not the vehicle has stopped at any one of the effective lines. When it is determined that the vehicle has stopped, the LED 21d corresponding to the position is turned on as described above. On the other hand, when it is determined that the symbol “watermelon” is not stopped on any effective line, the LED 21d is controlled not to be lit. Even when the “watermelon” symbol does not stop on any active line (when the small role 2 is missed), at least a part of the LEDs 21d related to the stopped reel 31 is lit in green, It is also possible to notify the player that he has won the role 2.

  Further, the effect pattern 3 is selected with a predetermined probability set in advance when a small role or replay prize is awarded. The effect pattern 3 is an effect pattern in which the LEDs 21d positioned above and below the activated line (in other words, a combination of winning symbols) are turned on when all the reels 31 are stopped and a winning combination is won. FIG. 13 shows that when the production pattern 3 is selected and the replay is won, when the symbol “RP” is stopped on the effective line L4 when all the reels 31 are stopped, “RP” positioned on the effective line L4 is displayed. In this example, the upper and lower LEDs 21d of the symbol "" are lit in blue.

In addition, when performing an effect based on the effect pattern 3, the predetermined LED 21d may be turned on only when all the reels 31 are stopped, but each reel 31 is stopped every time the reel 31 is stopped. The upper and lower LEDs 21d of the symbol related to the winning combination may be turned on.
However, since only the symbol of the left reel 31 is determined for the small role 1, only the LED 21d related to the left reel 31 is lit when the effect pattern 3 is selected and the small role 1 wins. To do.

Furthermore, if the active line in which the combination of symbols corresponding to the combination is stopped is turned on with the LED 21d as in the production pattern 3, the winning is clarified to the player even for the slot machine having the irregular effective line. Can be notified.
FIG. 14 shows an example of an irregular effective line L6. When the player has such an effective line L6, it is difficult for the player to instantaneously determine the winning even if the combination of symbols corresponding to the combination stops on the effective line L6. However, if the upper and lower LEDs 21d of the symbol related to the winning combination are turned on based on the production pattern 3, the winning can be easily known. In the example of FIG. 14, the combination of the symbols corresponding to the small role 2 (watermelon) is stopped on the active line L6, and the upper and lower LEDs 21d of each symbol are lit in green.

Further, as the effect pattern 4, when the start switch 41 is operated, a pattern is provided in which all the LEDs 21d of the three reels 31 are lit in a predetermined color before the first stop switch 42 is operated. That is, the LED 21d is in a lighting state as shown in FIG. The effect pattern 4 is selected with a predetermined probability when the special combination is won and with a predetermined probability when the special combination is not won.
When an effect based on the effect pattern 4 is selected, the player can expect to win a special role.

Subsequently, an example of a flow of control processing in the effect by the LED 21d will be described based on a flowchart.
FIG.15 and FIG.16 is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process when performing the production | presentation which concerns on LED21d based on the production pattern 3 mentioned above.

  In step S11 of FIG. 15, the game control means 60 continues to detect whether or not a medal has been inserted. And when insertion of a medal is detected, such as operating the bet switch 40, it progresses to step S12. In step S12, the game control means 60 continues to detect whether the start switch 41 is turned on. When ON is detected, an effective line is set according to the number of inserted medals, and the process proceeds to step S13. In step S <b> 13, the role lottery means 61 uses the role lottery table 62 to draw a role. In the next step S14, the effect control means 70 performs a lottery (selection) of the effect pattern based on the result lottery result.

  Next, in step S15, the effect control means 70 has selected an effect related to the LED 21d in the effect pattern lottery in step S14 (whether the effect pattern 3 has been selected in the example of this flowchart). Is determined. And when it determines with the production | presentation which concerns on LED21d having been selected, it progresses to step S16, and when it determines with having not selected, it progresses to step S17.

  In step S16, the effect control means 70 controls to turn on the LED effect flag. Here, the LED effect flag is a flag that is turned on in the game in which the effect related to the LED 21d is selected, and is used to determine whether or not the effect related to the LED 21d is performed. Then, the process proceeds to step S17.

In step S <b> 17, the reel control unit 63 performs control so that rotation of all the reels 31 is started.
In step S18, the reel control means 63 sets a stop position determination table 64 corresponding to the winning combination of the game. In the next step S19, the game control means 60 continues to determine whether or not the stop switch 42 is turned on. When it is determined that the stop switch 42 has been turned on, the process proceeds to step S20, and the reel control means 63 controls the drive of the motor 32 to perform stop control of the reel 31 corresponding to the turned on stop switch 42.

In the next step S21, the effect control means 70 determines whether or not the LED effect flag is on in the game. And when it determines with it being ON, it progresses to step S22, and when it determines with it not being ON, it progresses to step S24.
In the next step S22, the effect control means 70 determines whether or not the symbol related to the winning combination has stopped on any active line, and if so, to which position it has stopped. When the reel 31 is stopped, the effect control means 70 receives information on the determination result by the stop symbol determination means 65, and makes the above determination based on the received information.

When it is determined that the symbol related to the winning combination has stopped at any one of the active lines, the process proceeds to step S23, and when it is determined that the symbol has not stopped, the process proceeds to step S24.
In step S23, the effect control means 70 outputs the effect of lighting the upper and lower LEDs 21d of the symbol related to the winning combination. Then, the process proceeds to step S24.

  In step S24, the game control means 60 determines whether or not all the reels 31 have stopped, and when it determines that they have stopped, the process proceeds to step S25. On the other hand, when it is determined that all the reels 31 have not stopped yet, the process returns to step S19.

  In step S25, the stop symbol determination means 65 determines whether any winning combination has been won (whether the combination of symbols corresponding to any winning combination has stopped on the active line), and determines that winning has occurred. If so, the process proceeds to step S26. On the other hand, when it is determined that no winning is made, the process proceeds to step S27. In step S26, the payout means 66 performs a process such as paying out medals according to the winning combination. For example, when the small combination 3 wins, the number of medals corresponding to the small combination 3 (eight) is paid out. Then, the process proceeds to step S27.

In step S27, the effect control means 70 determines whether or not the LED effect flag is on. When it is determined that it is on, the process proceeds to step S28. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not ON, the processing according to this flowchart is terminated.
And when progressing to step S28, the production control means 70 turns off the LED production flag. Then, the process according to this flowchart is terminated.
In the case where the LED effect is performed, the timing for turning off the lighted LED 21d may be any time as long as it is after step S26 in the game. For example, it may be performed simultaneously with step S28.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, For example, the following various changes are possible.
(1) In this embodiment, the example applied to the slot machine 10 is shown as one of the gaming machines. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and includes a backlight unit 33 that illuminates the symbols of the reel 31 and between the symbols. If so, it can be applied to gaming machines other than the slot machine 10.

(2) In this embodiment, two back lamps 21c and three LEDs 21d between each symbol are used for one symbol. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any number may be used.
(3) In the present embodiment, the LED 21d is mounted directly on the backlight substrate 36, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a substrate dedicated to the LED 21d may be provided.

It is a perspective view of the front side which shows the slot machine of this embodiment. In FIG. 1, the front mask part of the slot machine is open | released, and it is the front view shown in figure so that the inside of a base | substrate part could be seen. It is a figure which shows the design of the reel seen from a display window. It is a perspective view which shows a design variation display apparatus. It is a front view which shows a symbol fluctuation display apparatus. It is a side view which shows a reel unit. It is a side view which shows the inside of a reel unit. It is a figure which shows a back lamp and LED. It is a block diagram which shows the outline of control of a slot machine. It is a figure which shows the combination of the kind of combination, the number of payout, etc., and a symbol. It is a figure which shows the example which lighted LED corresponding to one reel. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example in which, when a replay is won, when the symbol “RP” stops in the lower stage when the left reel is stopped, LEDs located above and below the symbol are lit. It is a figure which shows the example which lighted up and down LED of the symbol which concerns on the replay located on an active line at the time of a replay winning. It is a figure which shows the example which made the upper and lower sides of the symbol on this effective line light with LED, when the combination of the symbol corresponding to the small role 2 stops in an irregular effective line. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process when performing the effect which concerns on LED based on the effect pattern 3. FIG. It is a flowchart following FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10 Slot machines (gaming machines)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Base part 12 Front mask part 13 Display window 21a Upper lamp 21b Side lamp 21c Back lamp (1st light-emitting body)
21d LED (second light emitter)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 22 Speaker 23 Image display apparatus 28 Frame 28a Top wall 28b Bottom wall 28c Side wall 29 Reel unit 30 Symbol fluctuation display apparatus 31 Reel 32 Motor 33 Backlight part 34 Support member 35 Mounting member 36 Backlight board (light-emitting body board)
37 Lamp case 37c Lamp housing (light emitter room)
37d slit portion 40 bet switch 41 start switch 42 stop switch 43 medal slot 44 medal tray 45 door key 60 game control means 61 role lottery means 62 role lottery table 63 reel control means 64 stop position determination table 65 stop symbol judgment means 66 payout means 70 Production Control Unit 101 Power Supply Unit 102 Medal Dispensing Device 103 Reel Base 104 Main Control Board 105 Substrate Case 106 Sub Control Board 107 Medal Guide Path 108 Hopper Tank 109 Medal Return Path 110 Medal Selector

Claims (6)

Multiple reels displaying multiple types of symbols on the outer surface,
A reel unit of a gaming machine comprising: a backlight unit disposed on an inner peripheral side of each reel and fixed to a predetermined member, and illuminates a part of the design of the reel from the inner peripheral side of the reel. ,
The backlight unit is
A first light emitter disposed behind the pattern to be illuminated;
A substantially box shape with an open front, containing the first light emitter inside, and a light emitter chamber partitioned for each pattern to be illuminated;
A second light emitter disposed at a position to illuminate a non-design region between symbols illuminated by the first light emitter;
It is formed by providing gaps between adjacent light emitter chambers, above the uppermost light emitter chamber, and below the lowermost light emitter chamber, and the light from the second light emitter is A reel unit of a gaming machine, comprising: a slit portion that becomes a passage for the light when illuminated behind the reel, and an exit of the passage is provided close to the inner peripheral surface of the reel. In the reel unit of the gaming machine according to claim 1,
A reel unit for a gaming machine, comprising: a light emitter substrate on which the first light emitter and the second light emitter are mounted and fixed to the backlight unit. A gaming machine comprising the reel unit of the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
A start switch operated by a player when starting the rotation of the reel;
Role lottery means for performing lottery when the start switch is operated,
A game machine, comprising: an effect control means for controlling light emission of the second light emitter of the backlight unit so as to correspond to a result of lottery by the role lottery means. The gaming machine according to claim 3,
The second light emitter is a light emitting diode;
The game machine according to claim 1, wherein when the specific combination is won by the combination lottery unit, the production control unit controls to emit at least a part of the two light emitters with a color unique to the specific combination. In the gaming machine according to claim 3 or claim 4,
A display window formed so that the player can see the pattern illuminated by the backlight unit;
Reel control means for controlling the stop of the reel so as to correspond to the lottery result of the combination by the combination lottery means,
When the symbol related to the winning combination by the winning lottery means is stopped in the display window as a result of the reel controlling means being stopped by the reel controlling means, the effect controlling means moves the second above and below the symbol. A gaming machine that is controlled to emit light with a light emitter. In the gaming machine according to claim 3 or claim 4,
Reel control means for controlling the stop of the reel so as to correspond to the result of lottery by the role lottery means,
When the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination won by the winning lottery means stops on any active line as a result of the reel controlling stop by the reel controlling means, the effect controlling means A game machine, wherein the second light emitter is controlled to emit light at the top and bottom of the symbol related to the winning combination.

Images