JP2014184156A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize that a screen presentation having an impact by presenting a pattern giving an impression as a light source and the like by brightly shining on a liquid crystal displaying device of a game machine.SOLUTION: A liquid crystal displaying device is constructed in a manner where a liquid crystal shutter is arranged between a transmission liquid crystal panel displaying an image and a light source board on which light-emitting diodes are aligned, and in the liquid crystal shutter, a polymer dispersed liquid crystal sheet is sandwiched from both sides with matrix consisting of a horizontal axis electrode X and a vertical axis electrode Y on which strip-shaped transparent electrodes are aligned in parallel respectively. A voltage is applied between the transparent electrodes selected from the horizontal axis electrode X and the vertical axis electrode Y so as to make blocks B1 to B3 on which the transparent electrodes of the liquid crystal sheet crossing into transparent, resulting in formation of transparent regions having a predetermined pattern in which the transparent electrodes are assembled. When any voltage is not applied, the liquid crystal shutter acts as a diffusion plate, whereas a voltage is applied, the transmission liquid crystal panel is directly irradiated with light from its backside without reduction in intensity of the light from the light-emitting diodes facing to the transparent region so that a player may see a brightly shining pattern in an overlapped manner with an image on the transmission liquid crystal panel.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine including a liquid crystal display device that displays a screen effect according to game content.

  A gaming machine such as a pachinko machine that includes a liquid crystal display device and displays a screen effect is known. For example, the gaming machine disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-319717 by the present applicant is also provided with a liquid crystal display device for variably displaying a plurality of types of special symbols and the like in a predetermined arrangement at the center of the gaming surface, Based on the winning of the ball at the starting port composed of, etc., a special symbol is displayed on the liquid crystal display device, and a special game state such as a jackpot can be displayed according to the stop mode when the special symbol is stopped It has become.

JP 2007-319717 A

  A liquid crystal display device generally includes a transmissive liquid crystal panel configured by sandwiching a liquid crystal and a color filter between two polarizing filters, and a backlight disposed on the back of the transmissive liquid crystal panel. In each part, a voltage is applied to or cut off from the liquid crystal, thereby transmitting or blocking light from the backlight through a predetermined color filter to display a predetermined image.

  For the backlight, an edge light system in which a light source such as a cold cathode tube is arranged at the edge of the light guide plate covering the image display area of the transmissive liquid crystal panel, or a light source arranged on the back surface of the transmissive liquid crystal panel There is a direct type with a diffuser plate in between, but the edge light method repeats reflection at an infinite number of traveling angles within the light guide plate, while the direct type method is scattered by the diffuser and the entire surface is almost uniform. In either case, light having a reduced luminance is output compared to direct irradiation from a light source.

By the way, in order to have a great impact on the screen effect displayed on the liquid crystal display device, a scene in which a part of the image looks shining, that is, a pattern that gives the impression of a light source itself (hereinafter referred to as a light source pattern). The video containing Examples of this include, for example, a case where lightning is superimposed and displayed as a sub-picture on the main picture, and a case where the locus of the cutting edge that cuts off the air when the sword is swung down is highlighted.
In such a case, the conventional liquid crystal display device has displayed the lightning and sword tip trajectory in the main video as a sub-video in white or yellow light color that is relatively bright. , It just looks like a white line and is still not fully satisfactory.

Therefore, in order to increase the brightness of lightning and the like, for example, even if the output light quantity of the light source provided at the edge of the light guide plate is increased in an edge light type backlight, only a part of the image is strongly lit only by making the entire screen brighter. It doesn't matter.
On the other hand, with direct type backlights, it is not impossible to increase the amount of light in only a specific part of the screen, but for this purpose, each light source must be controlled independently, and a complicated control system is required. Need. Moreover, in order to prevent unevenness in the entire screen display, it is essential to place a diffusion plate between the light source and the transmissive liquid crystal panel. Since the light is reduced by the diffuser before doing so, the effect is weak.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine provided with a liquid crystal display device capable of producing a screen with more impact in order to further enhance the interest of the player by paying attention to the above problems.

For this reason, the present invention is a gaming machine provided with a display means for displaying a screen effect.
The display means displays an image by a video signal and transmits light, a light irradiation means provided on the back side of the video display panel, and disposed between the video display panel and the light irradiation means Plate-shaped light quantity changing means,
The light quantity changing means is a liquid crystal shutter having at least one first electrode on one surface and a plurality of second electrodes on the other surface of a polymer dispersed liquid crystal sheet in which liquid crystal droplets are dispersed in a polymer. Yes,
In the liquid crystal sheet, the first electrode is disposed to face each of the second electrodes, and when a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, the predetermined electrode is The opposing block is configured to be transparent,
In synchronization with the formation of the transparent block, the display means is configured to display an area overlapping the transparent block in the video on the video display panel.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the light of the light irradiating means passes through the transparent area of the liquid crystal shutter and directly irradiates the transmissive liquid crystal panel without reducing the amount of light, so that the shape of the transparent area is given to the player as the light source. Since it appears to shine strongly as a pattern, a part of the image displayed on the image display panel shines strongly like a light source, and an impactful screen effect can be obtained.

It is an external view of the slot machine of the embodiment to which the invention is applied. It is a perspective view which shows the basic composition of a liquid crystal display device. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation principle of a liquid-crystal shutter. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the transparent electrode in the liquid-crystal shutter of 1st Example. It is a figure which shows the state which the liquid-crystal shutter opened. It is explanatory drawing which shows the light color display area | region in the image | video of a transmissive liquid crystal panel. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the light emitting diode in a light source panel. It is a figure which shows the screen of the liquid crystal display device by which the light emission source-like design was shown. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the transparent electrode in the liquid-crystal shutter of a 2nd Example. It is a figure which shows the state which the liquid-crystal shutter opened. It is a figure which shows the screen of the liquid crystal display device by which the light emission source-like design was shown. It is a perspective view which shows the basic composition of the liquid crystal display device in a 3rd Example. It is a figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of the transparent electrode in the liquid-crystal shutter of a 3rd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a drive of the liquid-crystal shutter by a matrix. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of an event which the unnecessary block of a liquid-crystal shutter opens. It is explanatory drawing which shows the drive point which prevents the unnecessary block of a liquid-crystal shutter from opening. It is a figure which shows the backlight of the state which the liquid-crystal shutter opened. It is explanatory drawing which shows the light color display area | region in the image | video of a transmissive liquid crystal panel. It is a figure which shows the screen of the liquid crystal display device by which the light emission source-like design was shown.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of examples.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine.
At the center of the front surface, which is the gaming surface 2 of the machine body 1, viewing windows 6 are arranged corresponding to the three rows of rotating reels (4a, 4b, 4c) installed inside, and the outer periphery of the rotating reels of each row A part of the variation symbol given to the player can be visually recognized by the player.
An operation panel 10 provided below the viewing window 6 is provided with a medal slot 11, a start lever 12, stop buttons 13 (13a, 13b, 13c) and the like corresponding to each row of rotating reels. A medal payout opening 14 is provided below the.

When a medal is inserted into the medal slot 11, a virtual effective line related to the changing symbol is determined, and when the start lever 12 is operated, the rotating reel 4 starts rotating. By sequentially pressing the stop button 13 at an arbitrary time, the rotating reel 4 is stopped, and the variation symbols in each row are stopped. The state of the stopped symbol appearing in the viewing window 6, for example, a prize is awarded when a combination of predetermined symbols on the active line is stopped, and a privilege that a medal is paid out to the medal payout port 14 or a privilege that the game state is shifted is given to the player. Is granted.
Further, a liquid crystal display device 20 is installed above the viewing window 6. On the liquid crystal display device 20, the control device 18 (see FIG. 2) displays an image for enhancing the player's interest as a screen effect in relation to the gaming state and the benefits obtained by the player. ing.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the liquid crystal display device 20.
The liquid crystal display device 20 includes a transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 that displays an image by a video signal from the control device 18, and a backlight 24 disposed on the back side of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22.
The backlight 24 includes a light source panel 26 in which a large number of single-color light emitting diodes (LEDs) 28 are mounted on a substrate 27, and a liquid crystal shutter 30 disposed on the light source panel 26 on the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 side. The light emitting diodes (LEDs) 28 are arranged so as to cover the entire range corresponding to the video display area 23 of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 and have a planar shape as a whole.

In FIG. 2, the members of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22, the liquid crystal shutter 30, and the light source panel 26 are illustrated as being separated from each other for the sake of easy understanding. The unit is assembled as a unit.
In addition, although the wiring terminal with the exterior in each member is provided in each edge part, illustration is abbreviate | omitted.

As the liquid crystal shutter 30, for example, a predetermined part of a polymer dispersion type liquid crystal sheet 32 sandwiched by an electrode set 33 composed of a pair of transparent electrodes 34a and 34b is suitable. FIG.
In this liquid crystal shutter 30, the liquid crystal sheet 32 has a structure in which liquid crystal droplets 102 are wrapped in a polymer 100, and a state in which no voltage is applied between the transparent electrodes 34 a and 34 b is shown in FIG. As described above, the liquid crystal molecules 104 are oriented in random directions in the droplet 102, and the incident light is scattered. On the other hand, when a voltage is applied between the transparent electrodes 34a and 34b, the directions of the liquid crystal molecules 104 are aligned as shown in (b), and the incident light can be transmitted as it is. In the figure, reference numeral 106 denotes a power source and 108 denotes a switch.

Therefore, when no voltage is applied, the entire surface exhibits opaque milky white and functions as a diffusion plate. Further, when a voltage is applied between the transparent electrodes 34a and 34b, only the region sandwiched between the transparent electrodes becomes transparent.
Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, “applying a voltage between the transparent electrodes 34a and 34b” is also referred to as “applying a voltage to the electrode set 33”.
A state in which the region sandwiched between the transparent electrodes 34a and 34b is transparent by applying a voltage to the electrode set 33 is a driving state of the liquid crystal shutter 30 that opens the region.

FIG. 4 shows an arrangement example of the transparent electrodes in the liquid crystal shutter 30.
Here, the light source pattern is lightning.
In the electrode set 33, the transparent electrodes 34a and 34b (see FIG. 3) have the same planar lightning shape, and both transparent electrodes 34a and 34b (the lightning shape) are polymer-dispersed liquid crystal. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the sheet 32, they overlap each other.
It should be noted that the wiring 34ah to the transparent electrode 34a and the wiring 34bh to the transparent electrode 34b are set so as not to overlap each other with different drawing directions. It is preferable that the wirings 34ah and 34bh are made transparent by forming them simultaneously with the transparent electrodes 34a and 34b, for example, so that the liquid crystal shutter 30 functions as a diffusion plate that performs uniform illumination when not driven. . Since the wirings 34ah and 34bh do not overlap with each other, the liquid crystal sheet 32 does not become transparent in the wiring part, and the light emitting source-like pattern in which the transparent electrodes 34a and 34b are arranged at the center, for example, and separated from the periphery of the video display area 23. Can also be formed.

In FIG. 4, the video display area 23 in the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 is shown overlapping with a two-dot chain line.
In the range corresponding to the video display area 23, in addition to the electrode set 33, a plurality of electrode sets 35 and 37 are also set at positions separated from each other, and like the electrode set 33, the liquid crystal sheet 32 is sandwiched between transparent electrodes. It is configured.
Wiring to the electrode sets 35 and 37 is not shown.

In the liquid crystal display device 20 configured as described above, while the liquid crystal shutter 30 is not driven, the liquid crystal shutter 30 serves as a diffusion plate, and the backlight 24 including the light source panel 26 and the liquid crystal shutter 30 serves as the video display area 23 of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22. A surface light source that is leveled over the entire surface is provided, so that a uniform, stable and high-quality image is displayed.
On the other hand, the control device 18 outputs a drive signal to the liquid crystal shutter 30 at a necessary timing for the screen effect, and applies a voltage to the electrode set 33, for example.
Accordingly, when the backlight 24 is viewed from the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 side, the light emitting diode 28 is directly visually recognized in the region (transparent region T) of the electrode set 33 that is transparently opened in the liquid crystal shutter 30 as shown in FIG. The

In synchronization with the necessary timing, as shown in FIG. 6, the video signal to the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 has a portion corresponding to the electrode set 33 of the liquid crystal shutter 30 in the video in a planar shape (lightning bolt). ) And the same light-colored display area U as white, for example, and is therefore set to display whitish lightning.
Therefore, the lightning pattern that gives the impression of a light emitting source that directly passes through the light-color display area of the image on the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 without being scattered by the light emitting diode 28 enters the player's eyes. become.

When the light source pattern is a lightning bolt, the light emitting diodes 28 are preferably arranged more densely in the light source panel 26, and the arrangement direction is arbitrary. However, in the installation posture of the liquid crystal display device 20, as shown in FIG. In addition, it is more effective if the light-emitting diode array is formed in an oblique lattice shape extending in the directions of 45 ° and 135 °.
In many cases, lightning bolts are displayed so as to extend obliquely, and in this case, the light emitting diodes 28 face the densest and continuous areas in the transparent region T generated when a voltage is applied to, for example, the electrode set 33 of the liquid crystal shutter 30. The light from the light-emitting diode 28 enters the player's eyes as a homogeneous collection without interruption.

  The transparent region T of the liquid crystal shutter 30 has the same lightning shape as the light-colored display region in the image displayed on the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22, and a large number of light emitting diodes 28 are arranged in the region T. The light from the light emitting diode 28 is recognized as light with a strong lightning shape as a whole. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, when a voltage is applied to the electrode set 33, a screen effect is obtained in which lightning FL1 that shines as a light source pattern on the image of the liquid crystal display device 20 runs.

  The color of the light-colored display area in the image of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 has been exemplified as white. However, in order to present strong light, the light intensity reduction from the light emitting diode 28 is as small as possible, and The selection may be made in comparison with other video parts so that the shape of the lightning bolt is recognized as a whole.

  The case where a voltage is applied to the electrode set 33 has been described above, but the same applies to the case where a voltage is applied to another electrode set 35 or 37. Note that each of the electrode sets 33, 35, and 37 shown in FIG. 4 has a lightning shape with a length extending from the upper side to the lower side of the region corresponding to the video display area 23. The lightning bolt may have a size shorter than the vertical width, and the lightning shape such as a shape extending from the side of the video display area 23 is arbitrarily set.

In addition, since the liquid crystal shutter 30 includes a plurality of electrode sets 33, 35, or 37, a voltage is applied to these plurality of electrode sets simultaneously or at different timings in accordance with the video according to the progress of the game and the benefits. By doing so, lightning can be presented in various ways.
FIG. 8 shows a plurality of lightning bolts FL1 in the order of (a)-(b)-(c) by applying voltages to the plurality of electrode sets shown in FIG. The presentation example which displayed FL3 and FL2 in the different position is shown. As a presentation example, of course, all or a plurality of selected lightning bolts can be presented simultaneously.

In this embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 20 corresponds to the display means in the invention, and the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 corresponds to the video display panel.
The light source panel 26 having a large number of light emitting diodes 28 mounted on the substrate 27 corresponds to the light irradiation means in the invention, and the liquid crystal shutter 30 corresponds to the light quantity changing means.
The lightning that is presented overlaid on the image of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 and appears to shine strongly corresponds to the light source pattern.

  The first embodiment is configured as described above, and the liquid crystal display device 20 includes a transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 that displays an image by a video signal, a light source panel 26 provided on the back side of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22, and a transmissive liquid crystal. A liquid crystal shutter 30 is disposed between the panel 22 and the light source panel 26 and sandwiches the liquid crystal sheet 32 from both sides by an electrode set 33 formed of lightning-shaped transparent electrodes 34a and 34b. A voltage is applied to the electrode set 33. Since the region sandwiched between the electrode sets 33 of the liquid crystal shutter 30 is transparent at this time, the light from the light source panel 26 passes through the transparent region T of the liquid crystal shutter 30 without reducing the amount of light, and directly transmits the liquid crystal panel 22. As a light source pattern, the lightning appears to shine as strongly as the light source, giving the player an impactful stimulus.

Since the liquid crystal shutter 30 uses a polymer dispersion type liquid crystal sheet 32, the incident light is scattered in the state of no electric field, so that it functions as a diffusion plate when no voltage is applied to the electrode set 33. As a result, the image displayed on the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 has a uniform, stable and high quality.
Since the arrangement direction of the light emitting diodes 28 on the light source panel 26 is inclined, it corresponds substantially to the lightning shape having an oblique silhouette of the electrode set 33 (transparent electrode). Since more light-emitting diodes face the transparent region T than in the case where they are arranged vertically, the lightning level of lightning that is presented on the image of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 is further improved.

  Further, in addition to the electrode set 33, lightning-shaped electrode sets 35 and 37 are provided at different positions on the liquid crystal sheet 32. By applying a voltage to each of the plurality of electrode sets at a predetermined timing, a light emitting source-like pattern is obtained. Since a plurality of lightning bolts can be presented, various screen effects can be obtained by presenting these lightning bolts individually or at different times.

  In addition, the liquid crystal display device 20 displays a light-colored area overlapping the lightning shape of each electrode set in the image of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 in synchronization with voltage application to the electrode set 33 and the electrode sets 35 and 37 of the liquid crystal shutter 30. Therefore, the decrease in the amount of light when the light from the light source panel 26 is transmitted through the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 is particularly small, and the lightning presented to the player is noticeably shining, and the interest is greatly improved.

  The light source panel 26 serves as a backlight for displaying images on the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 and also serves as a light source for presenting a light emitting source-like pattern. Contributes to cost reduction and cost reduction.

Next, a second embodiment will be described.
In the first embodiment described above, the transparent electrodes 34a and 34b in the liquid crystal shutter 30 of the liquid crystal display device 20 are used as a pair of electrode sets 33 (or electrode sets 35 and 37) that are independent for each lightning as a light source pattern. However, in the second embodiment, different light-emitting source-like symbols are displayed at partially overlapping positions by a combination of a plurality of transparent electrodes.
FIG. 9 shows a transparent electrode arrangement example of the liquid crystal shutter 30A of the liquid crystal display device 20A in the second embodiment.
Since the liquid crystal display device 20A of the present embodiment is different only in the liquid crystal shutter, other configurations will be described using the reference numerals in the first embodiment.

Here, it is assumed that two trajectories of the cutting edge of the sword that cuts air as the light source pattern are set at positions intersecting with each other, and on both surfaces of the polymer dispersion type liquid crystal sheet 32 of the liquid crystal shutter 30A, Transparent electrodes for forming two trajectories are arranged.
As in the first embodiment, a pair of transparent electrodes facing each other on both surfaces of the liquid crystal sheet 32 will be described below as an electrode set.

The transparent electrode forming one locus is composed of electrode sets 40, 41 and 42, and the transparent electrode forming the other locus is composed of electrode sets 45, 41 and 46. That is, the electrode set 41 is set corresponding to a region where two trajectories intersect and overlap, and the other electrode sets 40 and 42 and the electrode sets 45 and 46 are separated with the electrode set 41 in between. Yes.
The electrode sets 40, 41 and 42 as a whole exhibit the silhouette of one locus, and the electrode sets 45, 41 and 46 as a whole exhibit the silhouette of the other locus.
Here, the wiring to the transparent electrodes forming a pair of each electrode set is not shown, but it is set so as not to overlap each other when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the liquid crystal sheet 32 as in the previous embodiment.

Each electrode set is connected to a control device 18 that outputs a video signal to the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 as in the first embodiment.
The control device 18 synchronizes with outputting a drive signal to the liquid crystal shutter 30A and applying a voltage to a predetermined electrode set at the necessary timing of the screen effect, and transmits the liquid crystal shutter 30A in the image to the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22. A video signal is output in which a portion corresponding to the electrode set to which the voltage is applied is a light-colored display area having the same locus shape as the electrode set.
Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  When a voltage is applied to the group of electrode sets 40, 41, and 42 by the control device 18, as shown in FIG. 10A, the liquid crystal shutter 30A becomes transparent in the region where one locus shape is formed, and the transmissive liquid crystal From the panel 22 side, when the liquid crystal shutter 30A is viewed, the light emitting diode 28 is directly visually recognized in the transparent region T1.

When a voltage is applied to the group of electrode sets 45, 41, and 46, as shown in FIG. 10B, the liquid crystal shutter 30A becomes transparent in the area where the other locus shape is formed, and the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 side. The light emitting diode 28 is directly visually recognized in the transparent region T2 of the liquid crystal shutter 30A.
Therefore, the light of the light emitting diode 28 is not scattered, and in the image of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22, the light is transmitted directly through the light-colored display area synchronously, so that the players have strong light tracks KL 1 and KL 2 (see FIG. 11). Will be in the eyes.

In addition, the light-color display area in the image of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 is not divided according to the separated electrode sets, but for example, the electrode sets 40, 41 and 42 to which voltage is applied are continuously corresponding to the locus indicated as a whole. One region is preferable.
When the group of electrode groups to which the voltage is applied is switched at a short time interval that can be identified by the human eye, the so-called X-cut effect shown in FIG. 11 can be obtained by the trajectories KL1 and KL2 as the light source patterns. it can. In the drawing, a locus KL1 indicated by a thin line indicates an afterimage.

In this embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 20A corresponds to the display means in the invention, and the liquid crystal shutter 30A corresponds to the light amount changing means.
The region formed by the contours of the electrode sets 40, 41, and 42 corresponds to a divided region that forms a region having a predetermined shape corresponding to one light emitting source-like pattern in the invention, and is formed by the contours of the electrode sets 45, 42, and 46. The region to be formed corresponds to a divided region that forms a region having a predetermined shape corresponding to another light source pattern, and the electrode set 41 particularly corresponds to the predetermined divided region.
In addition, as in the first embodiment, the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 corresponds to the video display panel, and the light source panel 26 corresponds to the light irradiation means.
And the locus | trajectory of the cutting edge of the sword which is presented overlaid on the image of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 and shines strongly corresponds to the light source pattern.

  The second embodiment is configured as described above, and the liquid crystal display device 20A displays the image by the video signal, and the light source panel 26 (light emitting diode 28) provided on the back side of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22. A liquid crystal shutter 30A in which a liquid crystal sheet 32 is sandwiched from both sides by electrode sets 40, 41, and 42 that are arranged between the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 and the light source panel 26 and form a trajectory of the cutting edge of the sword. When the voltage is applied to these electrode sets, the region sandwiched between the electrode sets of the liquid crystal shutter 30A becomes the transparent region T1, so that the light from the light source panel 26 is transmitted to the transparent region of the liquid crystal shutter 30A. Since the liquid crystal panel 22 is directly irradiated through the T1 without reducing the amount of light, the player sees the locus KL1 of the cutting edge of the sword as if it is a light source. , Given the high-impact stimulus.

In addition, since the polymer dispersion type liquid crystal sheet 32 is used for the liquid crystal shutter 30A, the incident light is scattered in the state of no electric field. Therefore, when no voltage is applied to the electrode sets 40, 41, and 42, It functions as a diffusing plate, and the image displayed on the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 has a uniform, stable and high quality.
Since the arrangement direction of the light emitting diodes 28 on the light source panel 26 is inclined, it corresponds substantially to the trajectory shape of the cutting edge of the sword having the oblique silhouette of the electrode sets 40, 41, and 42, and emits light when a voltage is applied. Compared with the case where the diodes 28 are arranged horizontally or vertically, more light-emitting diodes 28 face the transparent region T1, and therefore the light of the locus KL1 of the cutting edge of the sword that is presented over the image of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 The degree is further improved.

  The liquid crystal sheet 32 is provided with electrode sets 45 and 46 in addition to the electrode sets 40, 41 and 42 that form one locus shape. Since it is set so as to form a trajectory shape, it is possible to selectively present the trajectories KL1 and KL2 of the cutting edge of the sword as crossing points as the light source pattern by sharing the electrode set 41.

  Further, the liquid crystal display device 20A is configured such that the voltage applied to the image of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 is applied in synchronization with the voltage application to the electrode sets 40, 41, and 42 or the electrode sets 45, 42, and 46 of the liquid crystal shutter 30A. Since the region overlapping the trajectory shape formed by the pair is displayed in a light color, the light amount drop when the light from the light source panel 26 (light emitting diode 28) passes through the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 is particularly small, and the sword presented to the player Since the cut-out loci KL1 and KL2 appear to shine even more, the interest is greatly improved.

In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the light source pattern, in particular, the example in which three lightnings FL1 to FL3 are displayed in the first example is shown. The display order including the display can be arbitrarily set. The shape of the lightning bolt is not limited to the illustrated example.
Further, in the second embodiment, an example in which the sword cut locus KL1 and KL2 are displayed as the light source pattern is shown, but similarly, the number of the cut locus and the display order including the simultaneous display are arbitrary. Can be set. The shape of the trajectory is not limited to the illustrated example.
Furthermore, the light-emitting source pattern is not limited to the locus of the lightning bolt or sword, but an arbitrary picture or pattern can be set in accordance with the video displayed on the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 or its story.

  Furthermore, the electrode set (transparent electrode) of the liquid crystal shutters 30 and 30A has a shape that defines a part of the image display area 23 of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 such as a lightning bolt or a sword trajectory. The set may cover the entire surface of the liquid crystal shutter. Even in this case, when no voltage is applied, the liquid crystal shutters 30 and 30A function as a diffusing plate so that an image can be seen under uniform illumination. On the other hand, when the voltage is applied, the entire surface of the liquid crystal shutter becomes transparent. For each of the upper light emitting diodes 28, each part of the video display area 23 corresponding to the light emitting diode can show stronger light than the surroundings.

Next, a third embodiment will be described. This also differs in the configuration of the liquid crystal shutter in the liquid crystal display device.
FIG. 12 shows the configuration of the liquid crystal display device 20B.
The liquid crystal display device 20 </ b> B includes a transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 that displays an image by a video signal from the control device 18, and a backlight 24 </ b> B disposed on the back side of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22.
The backlight 24B includes a light source board 26B on which a large number of single-color light emitting diodes (LEDs) 28 are mounted on a substrate 27, and a liquid crystal shutter 30B disposed on the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 side of the light source board 26B. The light emitting diodes (LEDs) 28 are arranged in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction so as to cover the entire range corresponding to the video display area 23 of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 and have a planar shape as a whole.

In FIG. 12, for ease of understanding, the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22, the liquid crystal shutter 30B, and the light source panel 26B are illustrated as being separated from each other. The unit is assembled as a unit.
In addition, although the wiring terminal with the exterior in each member is provided in each edge part, illustration is abbreviate | omitted.
The liquid crystal shutter 30B is configured, for example, by disposing transparent electrodes on both surfaces of a polymer dispersion type liquid crystal sheet 32, and the operation principle thereof is as described with reference to FIG. 3 in the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a specific arrangement example of the transparent electrodes in the liquid crystal shutter 30B.
On both surfaces of the liquid crystal sheet 32, a large number of narrow strip-like transparent electrodes are arranged in parallel at regular intervals over the area covering the entire video display area 23 of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22.
That is, on the front surface of the liquid crystal sheet 32 facing the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22, transparent electrodes X1, X2, X3... (Hereinafter collectively referred to as horizontal axis electrodes X) arranged in the horizontal direction are provided. On the back surface facing 26B, there are provided transparent electrodes Y1, Y2, Y3,... (Hereinafter collectively referred to as vertical axis electrode Y) arranged in the vertical direction. The horizontal axis electrode X and the vertical axis electrode Y are arranged at 90 ° different from each other, and form a matrix M (see FIG. 14) when seen through from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the liquid crystal sheet 32.
Note that the direction in which the transparent electrodes are arranged may be reversed on the front surface and the back surface of the liquid crystal sheet 32.
Here, the horizontal axis electrode X corresponds to one of the transparent electrodes 34a and 34b in FIG. 3, and the vertical axis electrode Y corresponds to the other.

When the size of the video display area 23 is, for example, 146 mm × 242 mm in length and width, the horizontal axis electrode X is, for example, 800 and the vertical axis electrode Y is 480.
Although not specifically shown, each of the horizontal axis electrodes X (X1, X2, X3,..., X800) is selectively powered by the control device 18 via a connector (not shown) provided on the edge of the liquid crystal sheet 32. Are connected to one end of the power source (for example, the + terminal), and each of the vertical axis electrodes Y (Y1, Y2, Y3,..., Y480) is also selectively connected to the other end (for example, the − terminal) of the power source via a connector (not shown). Connected. As a result, in the matrix M, a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal sheet 32 at a portion (block B) where the horizontal axis electrode X and the vertical axis electrode Y that are connected to the respective power sources intersect, and the block B becomes transparent.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the liquid crystal shutter by the matrix M.
In the matrix of FIG. 14, for example, when the horizontal axis electrodes X3, X4, and X5 are connected to the power source and the vertical axis electrode Y3 is connected to the power source, a voltage is applied to the intersection of each electrode, A substantially square block B1 in which the axis electrode Y3 overlaps, a substantially square block B2 in which the horizontal axis electrode X4 and the vertical axis electrode Y3 overlap, and a substantially square block B3 in which the horizontal axis electrode X5 and the vertical axis electrode Y3 overlap. Becomes transparent. In the figure, hatching extending in the longitudinal direction of each electrode indicates a power supply connection state.
Therefore, by selecting the horizontal axis electrode X and the vertical axis electrode Y connected to the power source, an arbitrary symbol composed of a set of transparent blocks B (B1, B2, B3) is formed.
A state in which the selected horizontal axis electrode X and vertical axis electrode Y are connected to a power source and the block B in which both electrodes overlap is transparent is a driving state of the liquid crystal shutter 30B in which the region is opened.

In forming a symbol, not only necessary blocks but also unnecessary blocks may become transparent.
For example, as shown in FIG. 15, when it is desired that the blocks B4 and B5 have a transparent design, if the horizontal axis electrodes X3 and X5 and the vertical axis electrodes Y2 and Y4 are simultaneously connected to the power source, first, the horizontal axis corresponding to the block B4 is displayed. A voltage is applied to the intersection of the axis electrode X3 and the vertical axis electrode Y4 and the intersection of the horizontal axis electrode X5 and the vertical axis electrode Y2 corresponding to the block B5. However, voltage is also applied to the intersection of the horizontal axis electrode X3 and the vertical axis electrode Y2 and the intersection of the horizontal axis electrode X5 and the vertical axis electrode Y4, and even blocks B6 and B7 which are unnecessary as a pattern are spread. It becomes transparent.

  Therefore, in such a case, as shown in FIG. 16 (a), first, the horizontal axis electrode X3 and the vertical axis electrode Y4 are connected to a power source, and the block B4 in which both are overlapped is made transparent for a predetermined time. Later, as shown in (b), the power supply connection between the horizontal axis electrode X3 and the vertical axis electrode Y4 is cut off, and the horizontal axis electrode X5 and the vertical axis electrode Y2 are connected to the power source.

Thereby, in (a), even if the horizontal axis electrode X3 is connected to the power source, the vertical axis electrode Y2 is cut off from the power source (broken line hatching), so the block B6 at the intersection of the horizontal axis electrode X3 and the vertical axis electrode Y2 Similarly, in (b), the horizontal axis electrode X5 and the vertical axis electrode Y4 are cut off from the power source (broken line hatching) even if the horizontal axis electrode X5 is connected to the power source in (b). Block B7 at the intersection of is not transparent.
As described above, by shifting the power connection timing of the horizontal axis electrode X and the vertical axis electrode Y corresponding to each block B constituting the symbol, it is possible to make unnecessary blocks transparent to the intended symbol. Can be avoided.

In the liquid crystal display device 20B configured as described above, while the liquid crystal shutter 30B is not driven, the liquid crystal shutter 30B serves as a diffusion plate, and the backlight 24B including the light source panel 26B and the liquid crystal shutter 30B serves as the video display area 23 of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22. A surface light source that is leveled over the entire surface is provided, so that a uniform, stable and high-quality image is displayed.
On the other hand, the control device 18 outputs a drive signal to the liquid crystal shutter 30B at the necessary timing of the screen effect, connects the selected predetermined horizontal axis electrode X and vertical axis electrode Y to the power source, and connects the horizontal axis electrode X and the vertical axis. The block B where the axis electrodes Y intersect is made transparent.

As a result, when the backlight 24B is viewed from the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 side, as shown in FIG. 17, the transparent region T that is composed of a set of blocks B and has a predetermined pattern (here, a multi-branched lightning bolt) as a whole. It is formed. The transparent region T is an open region of the liquid crystal shutter 30B, and the light emitting diode 28 is directly visually recognized in the transparent region T.
While the interval between the transparent electrodes (X, Y) forming the matrix is very small for human eyes, strong light is emitted from the light emitting diode 28 facing the transparent block. The block part looks like a continuous pattern.
Note that the timing of shifting the power connection of the horizontal axis electrode X and the vertical axis electrode Y for each block in order not to generate the above-described unnecessary transparent block is set in a short time within a range where an afterimage of light from the light emitting diode 28 remains.

In synchronization with the necessary timing, the video signal to the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 has the same pattern as that of the transparent area T in the portion corresponding to the transparent area T of the liquid crystal shutter 30B in the video, as shown in FIG. For example, a light-colored display area U such as white is set, and accordingly, a whitish lightning is displayed.
A large number of light emitting diodes 28 are arranged in the transparent region T, and the light is not directly scattered by the liquid crystal shutter 30B, but directly passes through the light color display region U of the image on the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22, so that the liquid crystal is shown in FIG. A screen effect can be obtained as if the lightning FL shining as a light source pattern on the image of the display device 20B ran.

  The color of the light-colored display area in the image of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 is exemplified as white. However, from the aim of presenting strong light, the amount of light reduction from the light emitting diode 28 is as small as possible, and as a whole The selection may be made in comparison with other video parts so that the shape of the lightning bolt is identified.

  The design illustrated in FIG. 17 is a multi-branched lightning bolt, but the design of the transparent region T in the liquid crystal shutter 30B is determined by the selection of the horizontal axis electrode X and the vertical axis electrode Y in the matrix. With the control program, an arbitrary shape, position, and number can be set in the video display area 23.

In this embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 20B corresponds to the display means in the invention, and the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 corresponds to the video display panel.
The light source board 26B having a large number of light emitting diodes 28 mounted on the substrate 27 corresponds to the light irradiation means in the invention, and the liquid crystal shutter 30B corresponds to the light quantity changing means.
The horizontal axis electrode X corresponds to the first electrode, and the vertical axis electrode Y corresponds to the second electrode.
Further, the lightning FL that is presented overlaid on the image of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 and appears to shine strongly corresponds to the light source pattern.

  The third embodiment is configured as described above. The liquid crystal display device 20B includes a transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 that displays an image by a video signal, and a light source panel 26B (light emitting diode 28) provided on the back side of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22. And a liquid crystal sheet 32 sandwiched from both sides by a horizontal axis electrode X and a vertical axis electrode Y, which are arranged between the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 and the light source panel 26B and in which a plurality of thin strip-like transparent electrodes are arranged in parallel. The horizontal axis electrode X and the vertical axis electrode Y are orthogonal to each other to form a matrix, and between the predetermined transparent electrodes selected from the horizontal axis electrode X and the vertical axis electrode Y, respectively. As the block B where the transparent electrodes intersect in the liquid crystal sheet 32 when the voltage is applied becomes transparent, a transparent region T of a pattern composed of a set of transparent blocks B is formed in the liquid crystal shutter 30B. Therefore, the light emitted from the light source panel 26B passes through the transparent region T of the liquid crystal shutter 30B and directly irradiates the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 without reducing the amount of light. Appears to shine strongly like a light emitting source, giving an impactful stimulus.

Since the shape of the transparent region T of the liquid crystal shutter 30B is determined by the selection of the transparent electrode in each of the horizontal axis electrode X and the vertical axis electrode Y of the matrix, the light source pattern is not fixed and the liquid crystal display While the device 20B is mounted on the slot machine, different designs, that is, arbitrary shapes, positions, and numbers of symbols are presented at different timings according to the video according to the progress of the game and the benefits by the control program of the control device 18. be able to.
Therefore, it is also possible to present the light-emitting source-like design that appears to shine strongly as if it is moving in various ways.

  Further, since the polymer dispersion type liquid crystal sheet 32 is used for the liquid crystal shutter 30B, the incident light is scattered in the state of no electric field, so that a voltage is applied between the horizontal axis electrode X and the vertical axis electrode Y. When not, it functions as a diffusion plate, and the image displayed on the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 is uniform and stable with high quality.

  Further, when generating the transparent block B, the voltage application timing is shifted between the corresponding blocks as necessary, so that a block unnecessary for the design can be avoided even in a complicated light source pattern. The

  Further, in synchronization with the formation of the transparent region T of the liquid crystal shutter 30B, the liquid crystal display device 20B performs light-color display on the region of the image of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 that overlaps the transparent region T of the liquid crystal shutter 30B. The light intensity drop when the light passes through the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 is particularly small, and the lightning as a light-emitting source pattern presented to the player shines noticeably, and the interest is greatly improved.

  Further, the transparent region T generated in the liquid crystal shutter 30B has a shape that defines a part of the image display area 23 of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 such as lightning by applying a voltage between a part of the horizontal axis electrode X and the vertical axis electrode Y. However, it is also possible to apply a voltage between all the horizontal axis electrodes X and the vertical axis electrodes Y that cover the entire surface of the liquid crystal shutter 30B. Even in this case, when no voltage is applied, the liquid crystal shutter 30B functions as a diffusion plate and an image can be seen under uniform illumination. On the other hand, when the voltage is applied, the entire surface of the liquid crystal shutter 30B becomes transparent and the light source panel 26B For each light emitting diode 28, each portion of the video display area 23 corresponding to the light emitting diode can show stronger light than the surroundings.

In addition, although the illustrated horizontal axis electrode X and vertical axis electrode Y are arranged in a thin strip of equal width and arranged at equal intervals and form a matrix orthogonal to each other, the present invention is not limited to this.
That is, the horizontal axis electrodes X may not have the same width per line, or may present a curve instead of a straight line. Further, the horizontal axis electrodes X do not have to be the same width as each other, do not have to be parallel, and do not need to be equally spaced.
Similarly, the vertical axis electrodes Y may not have the same width per line, or may exhibit a curve instead of a straight line. Further, the vertical electrodes Y may not be the same width as each other, may not be parallel to each other, and need not be equally spaced.
And the arrangement | positioning which cross | intersects diagonally when the horizontal axis electrode X and the vertical axis | shaft electrode Y do not orthogonally cross mutually and see through may be sufficient.
Also in the case of the orthogonal matrix, the number of the horizontal axis electrodes X and the vertical axis electrodes Y is naturally not limited to the illustrated number.

In the embodiments covering the first to third examples, the arrangement of the light emitting diodes 28 in the illustrated light source panels 26 and 26B is an example, and the arrangement density is determined in consideration of the output of the light emitting diodes 28 and others. do it. Further, for the sake of simplicity, the arrangement density of the light emitting diodes 28 in FIG. 12 does not match the arrangement density of the light emitting diodes 28 shown in FIG.
The direction of the array of the light emitting diodes 28 is also different between the light source panels 26 and 26B, but can be arbitrarily set according to the light source pattern.
Furthermore, although the light source panels 26 and 26B are formed by mounting a large number of single light emitting diodes 28 on the substrate 27, they may be formed by integrating a large number of light emitting diodes in a planar shape.

  In the embodiment, a voltage is applied to the transparent electrodes of the liquid crystal shutters 30 and 30A or the transparent electrodes (horizontal axis electrode X and vertical axis electrode Y) of the liquid crystal shutter 30B to generate the transparent regions T, T1, and T2. The portion corresponding to the transparent region in the main image displayed on the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 is set to the same color thin color display region U in synchronization with the display, but is not limited thereto. Even when it is configured to drive only the liquid crystal shutter (apply a voltage to the transparent electrode) at a predetermined timing without generating a light-colored display area having the same shape as the transparent electrode, the various colors displayed as the main video are displayed. Since the light-emitting source-like pattern that includes a portion that shines strongly, which is not known in the past, is observed while maintaining the light and shade, an interest different from the case where the whole light-emitting source-like pattern appears to shine uniformly is obtained.

  In this case, if a full-color light emitting diode is used as the light emitting diode 28 arranged in a plane on the light source boards 26 and 26B, the light emission color of the light emitting diode 28 facing the transparent region T or the like is changed to the transparent region in the image of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22. By controlling to match the color of each part that overlaps with each other, the luminous source-like pattern that shines by emphasizing the partial color of the image displayed on the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22 is presented, and an impactful stimulus is presented. Can also be given.

  In the embodiment, the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22, the liquid crystal shutters 30, 30A, 30B, and the light source panels 26, 26B are each formed into a rectangular flat plate shape, so that the liquid crystal display devices 20, 20A, 20B assembled with these are also image display areas. However, the external shape of the liquid crystal display device is not limited to this, and the video display area 23 may be circular or elliptical, and the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22, the liquid crystal shutters 30, 30A, and 30B. The light source panels 26 and 26B and the like may be formed on a convex surface or a concave surface, respectively, so that the video display area 23 is curved.

  In the embodiment, a light source panel 26, 26B is employed in which a direct type is employed as the light irradiation means, and a large number of light emitting diodes 28 are mounted on the substrate 27 so as to face the back surface of the transmissive liquid crystal panel 22. However, the light irradiation means is not limited to this, and even when an edge light system is adopted, strong light can be presented through the transparent region by driving the liquid crystal shutters 30, 30A, 30B. The arrangement of itself is arbitrary.

  Furthermore, although the embodiment shows an example in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine as a gaming machine, the present invention is not limited to this, and a different type of gaming machine, specifically, a ball-ball type using a gaming ball as a gaming medium. You may apply to a game machine, what is called a pachinko machine, etc. For example, a pachinko machine that unlocks a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters a specific area of a special device, a pachinko machine that generates a right when a game ball enters a specific area of a special device, and other roles You may make it implement as game machines, such as a pachinko machine provided with a thing, an arrangement ball machine, and a sparrow ball.

  In addition, a non-ballistic gaming machine, for example, a gaming machine main body supported to be openable and closable on an outer frame, is provided with a storage unit and a capture device, and a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage unit are obtained by the capture device. It may be implemented as a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused, in which rotation of the reel is started by operating a start lever after being taken in.

  Further, the liquid crystal display devices 20, 20A, 20B of the embodiment are provided as a sub display unit with respect to the viewing window which is the main display unit of the slot machine, but the liquid crystal display device is used as the main display unit of the gaming machine. It may be provided.

Hereinafter, the features of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiments will be described together with effects as necessary.
(1) In a gaming machine having display means for displaying a screen effect,
The display means displays an image by a video signal and transmits light, a light irradiation means provided on the back side of the video display panel, and disposed between the video display panel and the light irradiation means And a light amount changing means for increasing the amount of light from the light irradiation means that passes through a region of a predetermined shape that occupies only a part of the video display area in the video display panel,
A gaming machine, wherein the predetermined shape of the light source pattern is presented in the video display area.
The region having the predetermined shape is shining intensely like a light source over the video displayed on the video display panel.

(2) A plurality of regions of the predetermined shape are set at different positions in the video display area,
The game according to (1), wherein a plurality of the light-emitting source-like symbols are presented by increasing the amount of the light that passes through the region having the predetermined shape at each predetermined timing by the light amount changing means. Machine.
Various screen effects can be obtained by presenting a plurality of light-emitting source-like symbols individually or at different timings.
(3) The regions having the predetermined shapes respectively corresponding to the plurality of light emitting source-like symbols are divided into a plurality of divided regions,
The game according to (1), wherein the predetermined divided area is shared by a predetermined shape area corresponding to one light source pattern and a predetermined shape area corresponding to another light source pattern. Machine.
By sharing a predetermined divided region, different light source patterns can be selectively presented at positions where they intersect each other.

(4) The light quantity changing means is a liquid crystal shutter in which a liquid crystal sheet is sandwiched from both sides by an electrode set comprising a pair of transparent electrodes,
The shape of the electrode set corresponds to the region of the predetermined shape;
The gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein when a voltage is applied to the electrode set, a region sandwiched between the electrode sets becomes a transparent region.
Since the area of the predetermined shape becomes transparent, the light-emitting source-like symbol presented superimposed on the video displayed on the video display panel is particularly intense and has a great impact.

(5) In a gaming machine equipped with a liquid crystal display device for displaying screen effects,
The liquid crystal display device is disposed between a transmissive liquid crystal panel that displays an image by a video signal, a light irradiation unit provided on a back side of the transmissive liquid crystal panel, and between the transmissive liquid crystal panel and the light irradiation unit. A gaming machine comprising: a light amount changing means for changing the amount of light from the light irradiating means that passes through at least a part of an image display area in a liquid crystal panel.
In a liquid crystal display device, for example, by partially increasing the amount of light passing through the image display area compared to other image portions by the light amount changing means, the portion can be made to shine strongly like a light source. A screen effect with impact can be obtained.

(6) In a gaming machine equipped with a liquid crystal display device for displaying screen effects,
The liquid crystal display device includes a transmissive liquid crystal panel that displays an image by a video signal, a light source panel that is provided on the back side of the transmissive liquid crystal panel, and in which a plurality of light emitting diodes are arranged, and between the transmissive liquid crystal panel and the light source panel. And a liquid crystal shutter sandwiching the liquid crystal sheet from both sides with a pair of electrodes composed of a pair of transparent electrodes,
The liquid crystal shutter is configured such that when a voltage is applied to the electrode set, a region sandwiched between the electrode sets becomes a transparent region.
By applying a voltage to the electrode set of the liquid crystal shutter, light from a large number of light emitting diodes arranged in the transparent region is transmitted through the transmissive liquid crystal panel, so that it is sandwiched between the electrode sets superimposed on the image displayed on the transmissive liquid crystal panel. The illuminated area is illuminated as if it were a light source.

(7) The gaming machine according to (6), wherein the liquid crystal sheet is a polymer dispersion type in which liquid crystal droplets are dispersed in a polymer.
The polymer-dispersed liquid crystal sheet scatters incident light in the absence of an electric field, so the liquid crystal shutter functions as a diffuser plate when no voltage is applied to its electrode set, and the image displayed on the transmissive liquid crystal panel Is homogeneous, stable and of high quality.
(8) The electrode set has a predetermined shape that occupies only a part of the image display area in the transmissive liquid crystal panel,
The gaming machine according to (6) or (7), wherein when a voltage is applied to the electrode set, the predetermined shape of the light emitting source pattern is presented in the video display area.

(9) In the installation posture of the liquid crystal display device, a predetermined shape of the transparent electrode includes a portion extending obliquely, and a row direction of the light emitting diodes on the light source panel is inclined (8) The gaming machine described in 1.
When the light-emitting source pattern is a lightning bolt or sword trajectory, the direction of the light-emitting diode row roughly corresponds to the slanted shape of the electrode pair (transparent electrode) of the liquid crystal shutter. Since more light-emitting diodes face the transparent region as compared with the case where they are arranged horizontally or vertically, the degree of light emission of the light-emitting source-like pattern presented superimposed on the image of the transmissive liquid crystal panel is further improved.

(10) A plurality of the electrode sets are provided at different positions on the liquid crystal sheet,
The gaming machine according to (8) or (9), wherein a plurality of light emission source-like symbols are presented by applying a voltage to each electrode set at a predetermined timing.
Various screen effects can be obtained by presenting a plurality of light-emitting source-like symbols individually or at different timings.

(11) Each electrode set corresponding to each of the plurality of light emitting source-like designs is divided into a plurality of divided electrode sets,
(8) or (9), wherein the predetermined divided electrode group is shared by an electrode group corresponding to one light source pattern and another electrode group corresponding to another light source pattern Gaming machine.
By sharing a predetermined divided electrode set, different light source patterns can be selectively presented at positions where they intersect each other.

(12) The liquid crystal display device is configured so that a region overlapping the electrode set to which the voltage is applied in the image of the transmissive liquid crystal panel is displayed in light color in synchronization with the voltage application to the electrode set of the liquid crystal shutter. The gaming machine according to any one of (6) to (11), wherein:
The light intensity drop when the light from the light source panel (light emitting diode) passes through the transparent area of the liquid crystal shutter and the transmissive liquid crystal panel is particularly small, so the light intensity of the light source pattern displayed in the video display area is further increased. improves.

(13) In a gaming machine provided with a display means for displaying a screen effect,
The display means displays an image by a video signal and transmits light, a light irradiation means provided on the back side of the video display panel, and disposed between the video display panel and the light irradiation means And a light amount changing means for changing the amount of light from the light irradiation means that passes through at least a part of the video display area of the video display panel.
In the display means, for example, by partially increasing the amount of light passing through the image display area in comparison with other image portions by the light quantity changing means, the part appears to shine strongly like a light source, and there is an impact. Screen production can be obtained.

(14) In a gaming machine comprising display means for displaying a screen effect,
The display means displays an image by a video signal and transmits light, a light irradiation means provided on the back side of the video display panel, and disposed between the video display panel and the light irradiation means Plate-shaped light quantity changing means,
The light amount changing means includes a plurality of first electrodes on one surface and a plurality of second electrodes on the other surface, and is disposed so that the first electrode faces each of the second electrodes. When a voltage is applied between each of the predetermined electrodes of the electrode and the second electrode, the amount of light from the light irradiation means that passes through the block facing the predetermined electrode is changed,
A gaming machine, wherein a symbol is formed from a set of blocks in which the amount of light passing therethrough is changed.
By selecting the electrodes to which the voltages of the first electrode and the second electrode are applied, it becomes possible to form a plurality of symbols with various complicated shapes at arbitrary positions in a timely manner.

(15) The gaming machine according to (14), wherein the voltage application between the predetermined electrodes is performed with a timing difference between the corresponding blocks.
When a symbol is formed by a large number of blocks, it is possible to avoid a change in the amount of light passing to a block unnecessary for the intended symbol.
(16) The gaming machine according to (14) or (15), wherein the light irradiation means includes a plurality of full-color light emitting diodes arranged in a planar shape.
It is possible to give an impact stimulus by matching the light emission color of the light emitting diode facing the block that changes the amount of light passing through, for example, the color of each part overlapping the block in the video of the video display panel.

(17) In a gaming machine equipped with a liquid crystal display device that displays a screen effect,
The liquid crystal display device is disposed between a transmissive liquid crystal panel that displays an image by a video signal, a light irradiation unit provided on a back side of the transmissive liquid crystal panel, and between the transmissive liquid crystal panel and the light irradiation unit. A light amount changing means for changing the amount of light from the light irradiation means that passes through at least a part of the image display area in the liquid crystal panel,
The light quantity changing means is a liquid crystal shutter in which a liquid crystal sheet is sandwiched from both sides by a matrix composed of a horizontal axis electrode and a vertical axis electrode each having a plurality of strip-like transparent electrodes arranged in parallel.
When a voltage is applied between each of the horizontal axis electrodes and the vertical axis electrodes, the block where the predetermined transparent electrodes intersect in the liquid crystal sheet becomes transparent. A gaming machine characterized in that a transparent area of a symbol composed of a set is formed.
By irradiating the transmissive liquid crystal panel directly through the transparent area of the liquid crystal shutter without the light quantity of the light irradiating means decreasing, the shape of the transparent area appears to shine strongly as a light source pattern.

(18) The gaming machine according to (17), wherein the liquid crystal sheet is a polymer dispersion type in which liquid crystal droplets are dispersed in a polymer.
The polymer-dispersed liquid crystal sheet scatters incident light in the absence of an electric field, so the liquid crystal shutter functions as a diffuser when no voltage is applied between the horizontal and vertical electrodes, and a transmissive liquid crystal panel The video displayed on the screen is homogeneous, stable and of high quality.

(19) The liquid crystal display device is configured to display an area overlapping the transparent area in the image of the transmissive liquid crystal panel in a light color display in synchronization with the formation of the transparent area of the liquid crystal shutter. The gaming machine according to (17) or (18).
As the light from the light irradiating means passes through the transmissive liquid crystal panel through the transparent area of the liquid crystal shutter, the reduction in the amount of light is particularly small, so that the light intensity of the light emitting source-like pattern presented in the video display area is further improved. .

(20) A transmissive liquid crystal panel that displays an image by a video signal, a light irradiating means provided on the back side of the transmissive liquid crystal panel, and disposed between the transmissive liquid crystal panel and the light irradiating means. A liquid crystal shutter in which a liquid crystal sheet is sandwiched from both sides by a matrix composed of a horizontal axis electrode in which transparent electrodes are arranged in parallel and a vertical axis electrode is arranged, and a voltage is applied between predetermined transparent electrodes of the horizontal axis electrode and the vertical axis electrode. A liquid crystal display configured such that when the voltage is applied, a block in which the predetermined transparent electrode intersects is transparent, and a transparent region of a pattern composed of a set of transparent blocks is formed on the liquid crystal shutter. In a gaming machine equipped with a device,
A screen rendering method for a gaming machine, wherein the transparent regions having different designs are formed by the selection of the predetermined transparent electrodes, and different light source patterns are presented on the liquid crystal display device.
Select a transparent electrode for each of the horizontal and vertical electrodes of the matrix to set the shape of the transparent area arbitrarily, and emit light in accordance with the video according to the progress and benefits of the game without changing the liquid crystal shutter The source design can be changed and presented.

(21) A transmissive liquid crystal panel that displays an image by a video signal, a light irradiating means provided on the back side of the transmissive liquid crystal panel, and disposed between the transmissive liquid crystal panel and the light irradiating means. A liquid crystal shutter in which a liquid crystal sheet is sandwiched from both sides by a matrix composed of a horizontal axis electrode in which transparent electrodes are arranged in parallel and a vertical axis electrode is arranged, and a voltage is applied between predetermined transparent electrodes of the horizontal axis electrode and the vertical axis electrode. A liquid crystal display configured such that when the voltage is applied, a block in which the predetermined transparent electrode intersects is transparent, and a transparent region of a pattern composed of a set of transparent blocks is formed on the liquid crystal shutter. In a gaming machine equipped with a device,
A display effect method for a gaming machine, wherein a light-emitting source-like pattern that is set so that the transparent area of the symbol is moved by selection of the predetermined transparent electrode is moved to the liquid crystal display device.
The player's impact is further increased by the movement of the light-emitting source pattern that appears to shine strongly.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Machine main body 6 Viewing window 10 Operation panel 12 Start lever 13a, 13b, 13c Stop button 18 Control device 20, 20A, 20B Liquid crystal display device 22 Transmission liquid crystal panel 23 Video display area 24, 24B Backlight 26, 26B Light source panel 27 Substrate 28 Light emitting diode 30, 30A, 30B Liquid crystal shutter 32 Liquid crystal sheet 33, 35, 37 Electrode set 34a, 34b Transparent electrode 40, 41, 42, 45, 46 Electrode set B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7 Block FL, FL1, FL2, FL3 Lightning KL1, KL2 Trajectory T, T1, T2 Transparent area U Light color display area X, X1, X2, X3, ... Horizontal axis electrode Y, Y1, Y2, Y3, ... Vertical axis electrode

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine equipped with a display means for displaying a screen effect,
The display means displays an image by a video signal and transmits light, a light irradiation means provided on the back side of the video display panel, and disposed between the video display panel and the light irradiation means Plate-shaped light quantity changing means,
The light quantity changing means is a liquid crystal shutter having at least one first electrode on one surface and a plurality of second electrodes on the other surface of a polymer dispersed liquid crystal sheet in which liquid crystal droplets are dispersed in a polymer. Yes,
In the liquid crystal sheet, the first electrode is disposed to face each of the second electrodes, and when a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, the predetermined electrode is The opposing block is configured to be transparent,
The display means is configured to display an area overlapping with the transparent block in the video of the video display panel in a light color display in synchronization with the formation of the transparent block. .

Images