JP4040558B2 - Symbol display device and method of using the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a symbol display device used in a game device for producing a prize or a winning announcement using a symbol image, such as a ball game machine, a slot machine, a medal game machine, or the like, and a method of using the symbol display device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a game device (also called a pachinko machine) called a so-called ball game machine has a display device such as a liquid crystal display panel on a part of the game board, and displays a plurality of design images such as characters and figures. There is something that is configured to. These display devices are often used in a pseudo manner to represent a variable display of symbols by a mechanical reel. However, recently, there is a case where the player is instructed by a method that cannot be expressed by a mechanical reel to notify the player of the current game state.

  As notification using the display device, there are notification of winning, notification of reaching (a state where a winning is achieved if the remaining one symbol image is aligned), and the like. The notification that a prize has been won is brought about by the combination of the displayed symbol images being a specific combination of symbol images showing a winning (big hit). For example, in the case of a ball game machine, if a symbol image is displayed on the display device and the combination of symbol images arranged in a horizontal row is a specific combination indicating winning, a predetermined prize ball (prize ball) is paid out. Or, there may be a case where it develops into another production mode (bonus game or the like). The notification of the reach is brought about by the combination of the symbol images excluding the symbol image being variably displayed being a specific combination of symbol images indicating winning. For example, among the three symbol images arranged, only the central symbol image is variably displayed, and when the left and right symbol images are stopped, if the symbol images displayed on the left and right symbol images are the same, the reach is reached. . When the central symbol image stops, “winning” is awarded if the same image as the left and right symbol images is displayed. There may be a case where the notification that the reach is achieved further develops a special reach mode.

  These notifications not only display a combination of symbol images, but also have various tastes in consideration of effects such as changes in background images and movements of human images. These preferences are intended to allow the player to enjoy the game without getting bored by giving changes to the production. However, the effects so far have basically been limited to trying new effects depending on the display contents such as the background image displayed on the display device.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a symbol display device capable of capturing not only symbol images such as characters and graphics displayed on a display unit, but also mechanical operations of the display unit for production, and a method of using the symbol display device. . In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a symbol display device suitable for producing a prize for a ball ball game machine or a prize notice and a method for using the same.

  The gist of the present invention is to include not only the contents of the effect image but also the machine operation such as rotation or movement of the display unit in the effect when performing an effect including winning or winning notice to the player. More specifically, it is a symbol display device that allows a display unit that displays a symbol image to be rotated or moved in accordance with the contents of the effect image displayed on the front part. The specific configuration is as follows.

  The symbol display device of the present invention is a symbol display device that produces a winning or winning notice by starting and stopping a variable display of a plurality of symbol images, and a display unit that displays an effect image including the symbol image; A storage unit that records design data corresponding to the design image and a program for the effect, an image generation control unit that receives the design data from the storage unit, generates the effect image, and controls display on the display unit; A drive unit that performs a rotation of a predetermined angle or a movement of a predetermined distance in a plane parallel to the display surface of the display unit, and controls the image generation control unit and the drive unit, and performs processing according to the effect program An arithmetic processing unit to be executed, and the program for production includes a procedure for starting the variation display, a procedure for stopping the variation display, the rotation of the display unit, And a procedure for performing the movement, which is executed by the arithmetic processing unit, and the combination of the symbol images to be displayed on the center line of the display surface by the rotation or the movement of the display unit is the winning prize. Or it has the structure used as the specific combination of the said symbol image which shows a prize preview.

  The “design image” refers to an image grasped as a design such as an arbitrary character, figure, symbol or the like. An image is grasped as a set of pixels or a set of light emitting points.

  The “variation display of the symbol image” means that the symbol image is displayed in a variable manner. For example, a variable display can be given by sequentially displaying different symbol images at predetermined positions on the display surface of the display device. For example, the same symbol image may be sequentially displayed while changing the display position in a certain direction, or different symbol images may be sequentially displayed without changing the display position.

  “The symbol data corresponding to the symbol image” refers to image data necessary to display the symbol image. The symbol data can be stored in advance in a memory or the like as image data corresponding to each symbol image.

  The “effect image” is an image that represents an effect of notifying the player of “winning”, “winning notice”, or the like.

  “Winning” means obtaining a predetermined game value. The player can recognize the winning by displaying a specific combination of the symbol images indicating the winning on the center line of the display surface of the display unit.

  The “game value” is a value obtained by the player, and the content varies depending on the type of game device. For example, a ball game machine includes a shift to a payout or high payout game, and a slot machine includes a replay or the like in addition to a shift to a payout or high payout game.

  “Winning notice” refers to a state in which any one of the symbol image combinations indicating a winning is not fixed. This is a state generally called reach. The player can expect the possibility of winning a prize by a combination of other symbol images except for one in the variable display.

  The “production program” is a command to the electronic computer, which is a combination of commands so that a prize, a prize advance notice, and other effects can be performed. The effect program may be a program component (object) describing an effect function related to winning or winning notice.

  The “display unit” refers to a part that displays an image such as a character, a figure, or a symbol on its display surface. As the display unit, a liquid crystal display panel, an EL (electroluminescence) display panel, a dot matrix display panel, a plasma display panel, an FED (field emission display), or the like can be used.

  The “center line of the display surface” is, in principle, a line that passes through the center of the display surface (a spatial surface on which an image is formed) of the display unit and is parallel to one side of the display surface. When the display surface is rectangular, it means a line parallel to the long side. Moreover, when a display part consists of a some display panel, the line which connects the center of each display panel is said. The specific combination of the symbol images indicating the winning is not notified of the winning unless it is displayed on the center line of the display surface. In that sense, you may call it a winning line. The center line of the display surface may be a virtual line that is recognized conceptually, or an actual line that actually crosses the display surface or a line that is displayed as an image on the display surface.

  According to the above-described symbol display device, it is possible to introduce not only an effect of winning a prize or winning a prize with a normal symbol image, but also a completely new effect in consideration of rotation or movement of the display unit. Specifically, the combination of symbol images to be displayed on the center line of the display surface can be changed using a new mechanism of rotating the display unit at a predetermined angle or moving a predetermined distance. As a result, even after all the display changes of the symbol image are stopped, the final symbol image combination is not fixed while the display unit is rotating or moving, so it is not known whether the player has won or not. Expectation can be maintained for a long time. Such an effect is particularly conspicuous when the symbol display device of the present invention is used in a ball game machine to produce a prize or a prize advance notice. When the display unit rotates by a predetermined angle, it may be counterclockwise or clockwise.

  In the symbol display device of the present invention, the image generation control unit displays a combination other than the specific combination of the symbol images indicating the winning on the center line of the display surface by executing the procedure of stopping the variable display. The arithmetic processing unit is controlled by the arithmetic processing unit so that the driving unit performs the rotation or the movement of the display unit after a combination other than the specific combination of the symbol images indicating the winning is displayed. Can be controlled.

  The “combination other than a specific combination of symbol images indicating winning” is, in short, a combination of symbol images indicating “losing”. That is, at the time when the variation display of all the symbol images is stopped, a combination of symbol images indicating “lost” is displayed on the center line of the display surface. After that, the combination of the symbol images displayed on the center line of the display surface is changed by rotating the display unit by a predetermined angle or moving by a predetermined distance, and finally a combination of specific symbol images indicating winning Will be displayed. Even after being notified that the winning of the symbol image has not been won once due to the suspension of the display of the symbol image, it is possible to be notified of the winning with a predetermined probability, so that the player's sense of expectation can be sustained for a long time. . Such a completely new production can strongly attract the player's interest.

  In the above-described symbol display device of the present invention, the effect of the advance notice is given to the arithmetic processing unit so that the drive unit performs the rotation or the movement of the display unit while part of the variable display is continued. When the display unit is controlled and the display unit stops after the rotation or movement of the display unit, the image generation control unit displays a specific combination of the symbol images indicating the winning notice on the center line of the display surface This is performed by being controlled by the arithmetic processing unit.

  The “combination of specific symbol images indicating a prize notice” refers to a combination in which only one symbol image is not specified in a combination of specific symbol images indicating a prize. In other words, the combination of the symbol images for which the variation display is stopped after the rotation at the predetermined angle or the movement by the predetermined distance is coincident with a part of the combination of the symbol images indicating the winning. The player pays attention to the display surface when the rotation or movement of the display unit is started, and can make a notification of a winning notice more effectively.

  The effect image displayed on the display surface preferably includes a partially displayed symbol image (a symbol image that protrudes outside the display frame and cannot be partially recognized) in addition to the symbol image displayed as a whole. The partially displayed symbol image does not constitute a combination of symbol images indicating winning or winning notice, but if the entire display is performed by rotating the display unit at a predetermined angle or moving a predetermined distance, the symbol image indicating winning or winning notice is displayed. A combination will be constructed. For example, if the combination of the symbol image that is displayed in whole and the symbol image that is partially displayed is a specific combination of symbol images that indicate a prize, the prize is not notified unless it is on the center line of the display screen. However, the symbol image partially displayed by rotating the display unit at a predetermined angle or moving by a predetermined distance is displayed as a whole, and a specific combination of the symbol images indicating the above winnings is displayed on the center line of the display surface. In this case, the prize is notified at that time. The same can be said about the case of winning a prize.

  In the symbol display device of the present invention, during the rotation or movement of the display unit, the image generation control unit synchronizes the effect image displayed on the display surface with the rotation or movement of the display unit. The arithmetic processing unit is controlled to rotate or move the display unit in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation or movement of the display unit. Thereby, the player can recognize the effect image displayed on the display unit at the same position and the same direction regardless of the rotation or movement of the display unit. In other words, the display unit can be regarded as a display window for visually recognizing a part of the effect image fixed in the space, and there is a portion that can be visually recognized even if the display window rotates or moves. You can think that it only changes.

  In the symbol display device of the present invention, before the rotation or movement of the display unit, the driving unit may be controlled by the arithmetic processing unit to vibrate the display unit. The vibration of the display unit is expressed by the display unit periodically rotating a predetermined angle or moving a predetermined distance around the original position. By adjusting the period of vibration and a predetermined angle (or a predetermined distance), it is possible to produce an effect that vibrates little by little or an effect that fluctuates greatly. By vibrating the display unit, it is possible to notify the player that there is an effect such as winning or winning a prize by the rotation or movement of the display unit. This can further increase the player's expectation. Of course, not only winning or winning notice but also other notice may be given.

  In the symbol display device of the present invention, the display unit includes a plurality of display panels, and the driving unit performs the movement so that the plurality of display panels each move in a plane parallel to the display surface. It is good also as a structure controlled by. By using a plurality of display panels, it is possible to express an effect produced by rotating the display unit at a predetermined angle only by an effect produced by moving a predetermined distance. As a result, it is possible to obtain the same effect as when the display unit is rotated by a predetermined angle or moved by a predetermined distance with a common drive mechanism.

  The present invention can be grasped as a method of using the above symbol display device. Since various effects or notifications can be performed by using the symbol display device of the present invention, the present invention can also be grasped as an effect method or notification method using the symbol display device.

  According to the symbol display device of the present invention, not only symbol images such as characters, figures, symbols and the like displayed on the display surface of the display unit, but also the mechanical operation of the display unit can be taken into effect. In addition, by using the symbol display device of the present invention, it is possible to provide a completely new gaming device notification method or effect method. As a result, the player's expectation and interest can be maintained, and a long game can be provided without getting bored.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different modes and should not be interpreted as being limited to the description of the present embodiment. In principle, the same number is assigned to the same element throughout the embodiment.

[Embodiment 1]
In the first embodiment, an example in which the symbol display device of the present invention is used in a ball game machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a ball game machine using a symbol display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. A game board 102, a decoration lamp 103, a hit ball supply unit 104, a surplus hit ball storage unit 105, a hit ball operation unit 106, a card unit 107, and the like are provided on the game surface of the bullet ball gaming machine 101. The game board 102 is provided with electric actors 108a to 108d, a symbol changing gate 109, and a movable winning opening 110 as so-called actors, and a display unit 111 for changing and displaying a symbol image. In the first embodiment, the display unit 111 is rotatable. In the first embodiment, a liquid crystal display panel is exemplified as the display unit 111.

  When a hit ball enters the electric accessories 108 a to 108 d, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the hit ball supply unit 104. Further, when it is detected that the hit ball has entered the symbol variation gate 109, an internal lottery (a winning lottery based on a known random number extraction or the like) is performed, and the presence or absence of a winning is determined. When it is determined that a prize has been won, the player is awarded a prize. The effect of winning a prize is visually performed using a variation display of the symbol image on the display unit 111, rotation of the display unit 111, and the like. An effect using an acoustic device (not shown) may also be performed.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the symbol display device according to the first embodiment. 21 to 23 correspond to a front view, a top view, and a side view, respectively. In the symbol display device of FIG. 2, the display unit 201 is a control board (hereinafter referred to as an effect control board) that controls display of the symbol image on the display unit 111 and the display unit shown in FIG. )including. In the display unit 201 shown in the present embodiment, the display unit 111 and the effect control board are protected and supported by a molded frame body such as plastic. In order to achieve the object of the present invention, only the display unit 111 can be rotated. However, since the structure of such a configuration is complicated, it is preferable that the display unit and the effect control board are unitized and rotated as a unit as shown in the present embodiment.

  The display unit 201 is provided with two rotating rollers 202a and 202b. The rotation rollers 202a and 202b support the rotation of the display unit 201 by rolling along the inner wall of the base frame 203. As the rotating rollers 202a and 202b, for example, circular rollers whose outer peripheral surfaces are molded with an elastic body such as rubber can be used. In addition, an internal gear may be configured by the rotation rollers 202 a and 202 b and the inner wall of the base frame 203.

  FIG. 3 is an example showing a cross section of the symbol display device of the first embodiment. It corresponds to a cross section cut along AA in the front view 21 of FIG. A motor 301 is provided in the vicinity of the back surface (the surface opposite to the display surface) of the display unit 201, and the torque is output via the motor output gear 302. The teeth of the motor output gear 302 mesh with the teeth of the fixed gear 304 fixed to the display unit 201 together with the shaft 303. Accordingly, the torque of the motor 301 is transmitted to the fixed gear 304, and the display unit 201 rotates. As described above, the display unit 201 rotates while being supported by the rotation rollers 202a and 202b.

  A part of the fixed gear 304 is provided with a protrusion 305 called a striker, and the position of the protrusion 305 is sensed by a photo interrupter (position detector) 306. If the rotation speed of the fixed gear 304, that is, the rotation speed of the display unit 201 is detected using such a known light detection technique, the rotation angle of the display unit 201 can be accurately grasped. Note that the rotation angle of the display unit 201 can be grasped by using a stepping motor or the like as the motor 301. However, in order to accurately synchronize the effect due to the fluctuation display of the symbol image and the effect due to the rotation of the display unit, as shown in the first embodiment, more accurate position detection is performed using a position detector. It is desirable. The position detector 306 may use other known position detection techniques such as a position detector using a change in capacitance in addition to a position detector using an optical sensor.

  FIG. 4 is an example showing a cross section of the symbol display device of the first embodiment. This corresponds to a cross section cut along BB in the side view 23 in FIG. As described above, the fixed gear 304 is rotated by the output of the motor 301 and the display unit 201 integrated with the fixed gear 304 is rotated. The rotation angle of the display unit 201 is accurately grasped using the position detector 306.

  Next, each control board in the bullet ball game machine of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the main control board in the ball game machine of the first embodiment. The main control board 501 includes an input port 502, a basic circuit 503, an output port 504, a reset circuit 505, and a power supply circuit 506.

  A known configuration can be used as the configuration of the main control board 501 shown in FIG. Whatever configuration the main control board 501 has, as long as it has a function of outputting a signal indicating whether or not it has finally won a prize, there is no adverse effect on the use of the symbol display device of the present invention.

  The basic circuit 503 includes an arithmetic processing unit (CPU) 507, a ROM (read only memory) 508, and a RAM (random access memory) 509 that control the entire gaming device. The ROM 508 stores programs and various parameters for controlling the entire gaming device. The RAM 509 functions as a work memory that holds temporary storage data such as input / output data and a random number counter. The CPU 507, ROM 508, and RAM 509 may be integrated into one chip, or may be interconnected using bus wiring.

  The reset circuit 505 is a circuit that generates a signal for resetting the basic circuit 503 when the power is turned on and a signal for periodically resetting the game. The power supply circuit 506 is a circuit for supplying power to the basic circuit 503, the reset circuit 505, and other circuits.

  The electric accessory sensor 510, the symbol variation gate sensor 511, and the movable winning opening sensor 512 correspond to sensors for detecting hitting balls provided in the electric combinations 108a to 108d, the symbol variation gate 109, and the movable winning opening 110, respectively. Other sensors 513 can include, for example, a sensor that detects a hitting operation (rotation of the handle) of the hitting operation unit 106. The input port 502 receives the output signals of the sensors 510 to 513. The signal received at the input port 502 is processed by the basic circuit 503 according to a predetermined program and transmitted to the output port 504. A signal transmitted from the output port 504 is sent to the symbol display device 514, the game operation control device 515, and the other control device 516. The symbol display device 514 will be described later.

  The game operation control device 515 controls a basic operation performed during the game and operations associated with various effects, such as award ball payout operation, output operation of audio equipment, lighting operation of a decoration lamp, solenoid operation of an electric accessory, etc. It is.

  The other control device 516 is a device that controls operations other than the above-described game operation, such as a warning signal generation operation for reporting an illegal act by a player to an external administrator. Of course, the game operation control device 515 and the other control device 516 are not limited to those exemplified here, but may include other control devices according to the needs of the practitioner.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the symbol display device shown in the first embodiment. This corresponds to the symbol display device 514 of FIG. The effect control board included in the display unit 201 of FIG. 2 may have the same configuration as the symbol display device of FIG. Examples of the signal received from the output port 504 of the main control board 501 include a power signal, a control code signal, and a reset signal. The control code signal includes a signal that gives an opportunity to start the effect of winning or winning notice. For example, a “signal indicating whether or not a prize has been won” is output as a result of the internal lottery on the main control board 501. The “whether or not winning” can be determined by assigning the “winning” case to a binary signal “0” or “1” in advance.

  The symbol display device 514 of the first embodiment includes an I / O control CPU 601, an I / O control ROM 602, an image control CPU 603, an image control ROM 604, an image generation control unit 605, a character ROM 606, a video RAM 607, and a drive unit. 608, a display portion 609, and a power supply circuit 610. In addition, although it has a general purpose I / O port and a suitable interface as an input port and an output port of the symbol display device 514, these may be used, and description thereof will be omitted.

  In the first embodiment, CPUs (central processing units) are distinguished, such as an I / O control CPU and an image control CPU. However, one CPU performs all the processing, and three or more CPUs. It can also be used. That is, the symbol display device shown in the first embodiment includes an arithmetic processing unit including one or a plurality of CPUs, and the arithmetic processing unit controls an image generation control unit and a driving unit described later. Yes.

  In this embodiment, the I / O control CPU 601 has a built-in RAM, but a RAM may be provided separately from the CPU. Similarly for ROM and RAM, a plurality of ROMs or RAMs may be used for each function, or only one ROM or RAM may be used if capacity is allowed. That is, the symbol display device shown in the first embodiment includes a storage unit including one or a plurality of ROMs or RAMs, and the storage unit has a configuration in which symbol data and an effect program are recorded. Of course, in addition to the design data, it is also possible to store image data corresponding to each image constituting the effect image, such as a background image or a person image.

  The I / O control CPU 601 receives the control code signal from the main control board 501, reads the effect program stored in the I / O control ROM 602, and executes processing according to the program. A plurality of effect programs are prepared depending on the effect contents, and an effect program to be executed by lottery using random number extraction or the like can be determined. As a method for determining the effect program, the effect program corresponding to the extracted random number may be determined by referring to a table in which the random number and the effect program are associated with each other. Since such a lottery method for content of production is a known technique, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In response to an instruction from the I / O control CPU 601, the image control CPU 603 reads an image control program stored in the image control ROM 604 and executes processing according to the program. A plurality of image control programs are prepared depending on the contents of the effects, and it can be said that the programs constitute a part of the effect programs selected by the I / O control CPU 601. The image control CPU 603 also has a configuration in which a RAM is incorporated, but a configuration in which a RAM is provided separately from the CPU may be employed.

  In response to a command from the image control CPU 603, the image generation control unit 605 generates an image (effect image) necessary for the effect, and controls the display of the effect image on the display unit 609. Symbol data corresponding to the symbol image necessary for generating the effect image is stored in the character ROM 606. The image generation control unit 605 receives design data from the character ROM 606 and receives other image data constituting a background image, a person image, and the like stored in the character ROM 606 as necessary. The video RAM 607 functions as a buffer memory that temporarily stores image data corresponding to the effect image generated by the image generation control unit 605.

  The drive unit 608 is a part having a function of rotating the display unit 609 in a plane parallel to the display surface. In the symbol display device illustrated in the first embodiment, it corresponds to a portion other than the display unit 201 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 (including at least a motor 301, a motor output gear 302, a shaft 303, and a fixed gear 304). To do. Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the example shown here, and it can be grasped as a part combining parts necessary for rotating the display unit in a plane parallel to the display surface regardless of the method.

  The display unit 609 displays a design image and other effect images. In the first embodiment, a liquid crystal display panel is exemplified as the display unit 609, but an EL (electroluminescence) display panel, a dot matrix display panel, a plasma display panel, an FED (field emission display), or the like may be used. good.

  The power supply circuit 610 is a circuit that supplies power for ensuring the operation of the symbol display device 514. The power supply circuit 610 can have a function of receiving a power supply signal from the outside and performing appropriate voltage conversion or the like. There is no need for a special power supply circuit, and a known power supply circuit may be used.

  The reset signal is a signal for resetting the I / O control CPU 601, the image control CPU 603, and the image generation control unit 605. In the first embodiment, the reset signal received from the main control board 501 is combined with the watchdog reset signal generated by detecting the runaway of each CPU for I / O control and image control, and the entire system is Reset signal.

  In addition, as described in the description of FIG. 5, in the first embodiment, an example in which the game operation control device 515 is provided separately from the symbol display device 514 is shown. Control of operation or solenoid operation may be included in the symbol display device 514. In that case, each operation unit can be controlled by the I / O control CPU 601 as in the drive unit 608.

  The symbol display device shown in the first embodiment described above provides a novel effect that combines an effect by an image and an effect by rotation of a display unit when an effect of notifying a player of a winning or winning notice is given to a player. Is possible. Next, an example of the winning effect will be described below.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a winning effect using the symbol display device shown in the first embodiment. The I / O control CPU 601 determines the control code signal monitored in the interrupt process (step 701). If the control code signal is not a signal indicating winning, no winning effect is performed. In this case, it is further determined whether or not a winning announcement is to be made, but the description here is omitted.

  When the control code signal is a signal indicating a prize, an effect program for winning effect is read from the I / O control ROM 602, and processing according to the effect program is executed by the I / O control CPU 601. The The image control CPU 603 starts variable display of all the symbol images displayed on the display unit 609 in accordance with a command from the I / O control CPU 601 (step 702). A known image processing technique may be used for the pattern image variation display method.

  After the elapse of a predetermined period, the image generation control unit 605 stops the change display of the design image under the control of the image control CPU 603 (step 703). The period from the start to the end of the variable display may be set in advance in the effect program stored in the image control ROM 604. It is also free to set the order of stopping individual symbol images.

  After the variable display for all the symbol images is stopped, the drive unit 608 rotates the display unit 609 by a predetermined angle within a plane parallel to the display surface under the control of the I / O control CPU 601 (step 704). The description of the rotation mechanism (drive unit 608) is as described above with reference to FIGS. At this time, under the control of the image control CPU 603, the image generation control unit 605 rotates the effect image displayed on the display surface of the display unit 609 in the opposite direction to the display unit in synchronization with the rotation of the display unit 609. Therefore, when viewed from the player, the effect image is always displayed on the display unit 609 in the same position and in the same direction. Eventually, the combination of symbol images that are displayed on the center line of the display surface by the rotation of the display unit 609 by a predetermined angle is a specific combination of symbol images indicating a winning.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the display unit and the effect image before and after rotation of the display unit at a predetermined angle. A state 81 indicates a state after the display of fluctuation is stopped and before the display unit 201 starts to rotate, and a state 82 indicates a state after the display unit 201 rotates by a predetermined angle. A dotted line 83 represents the position of the display unit before the start of rotation. Although the rotation of the display unit is illustrated here, the rotation of the display unit may be considered as the rotation of the display unit.

  When the variation display of the symbol image is stopped, a plurality of symbol images 802 are displayed in the display surface 801 of the display unit. In the first embodiment, an example is shown in which three symbol images are displayed as a whole and six symbol images are partially displayed. However, the number is not limited to these. A center line 803 of the display surface 801 is a line passing through the center of the display surface 801 and parallel to the long side. In the first embodiment, the combination of the symbol images displayed on the center line 803 of the display surface after the display unit 201 is rotated by a predetermined angle is a specific combination of symbol images indicating a winning. With such a notification effect, the player can recognize that a prize has been won.

  In the state 81 (the state after the variable display is stopped and before the display unit is rotated), a combination of three symbol images showing different characters or figures is displayed on the center line 803 of the display surface. The combinations exemplified here are other than the specific combinations indicating winning, and are combinations of symbol images indicating so-called “losing”. Therefore, in the state 81, the player determines that the notification is that the player has not won a prize. Thereafter, the display unit is rotated at a predetermined angle, and a specific combination of symbol images indicating winning is displayed on the center line 803 of the display surface. The first embodiment exemplifies a case where the combination of three symbol images representing the character “7” is a combination of specific symbol images indicating a winning. The player is informed that the player has won a prize only after reaching the state 82 (the state after the display unit has been rotated).

  As shown in FIG. 8, it appears that the effect image displayed on the display surface 801 is not rotated before and after the display unit 201 is rotated by a predetermined angle. In the symbol display device shown in the first embodiment, the effect of the effect image displayed on the display surface 801 is synchronized with the rotation of the display unit 201 during the rotation of the display unit 201 under the control of the image generation control unit 605. This is because it rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of 201. Such image processing can be realized by rotating and outputting the effect image temporarily stored in the video RAM 607 in accordance with the rotation angle of the display unit 201. This is a generally known image processing technique. The synchronization timing of the effect image and the rotation of the display unit 201 may be controlled between the I / O control CPU 601 and the image control CPU 603.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the effect images displayed on the display surface 801 are different before and after the display unit 201 is rotated by a predetermined angle. That is, the symbol image partially displayed before the display unit 201 is rotated by a predetermined angle is displayed as a whole after the predetermined angle is rotated. In the first embodiment, an effect image in a range that can be displayed by rotation of the display unit 201 (that is, an effect image including a total of nine symbol images) is stored in the video RAM 607, and the entire effect image is rotated. . If a predetermined storage area of the video RAM 607 is displayed using a known clipping function while rotating the entire stored effect image, an effect as shown in FIG. 8 is possible.

  When the symbol display device shown in the first embodiment is used, it is preferable that the symbol images other than the symbol images arranged on the center line 803 are partially displayed. As is clear from state 81, the player can recognize combinations of symbol images including partially displayed symbol images (in the case of FIG. 8, three "7" are aligned in the diagonally downward direction. I can recognize that.) Therefore, it is possible to give the player a higher sense of expectation than before before the display unit 201 starts rotating.

  8 illustrates the case where the predetermined angle is not less than 0 ° and less than 90 °, the predetermined angle may be 90 °. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the display unit and the effect image before and after rotation of the display unit by a predetermined angle. In the case of the effect shown in FIG. 9, in the state 81, different combinations of symbol images 802 are displayed on the center line 803 of the display surface. On the other hand, it can be recognized that “7” is aligned in the central vertical column. Thereafter, when the display unit 201 is rotated by 90 °, the state 82 is reached, and a combination of the same symbol images, that is, a specific combination of symbol images indicating winnings is displayed on the center line 803 of the display surface. In this case, the rotation direction of the display unit 201 may be counterclockwise or clockwise.

[Embodiment 2]
In the first embodiment, an example of the winning effect is shown, but in the second embodiment, an example of the winning notice effect is described. In the second embodiment, an example in which a winning announcement effect is performed using three design images is shown.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a winning notice effect using the symbol display device of the second embodiment. When the I / O control CPU 601 receives the control code signal monitored by the interrupt process from the main control board 501, it determines whether or not to give a prize advance notice regardless of whether or not a prize has been won (step 901). . The presence / absence of a winning notice may be determined using a known technique such as an internal lottery based on random number extraction.

  When the winning announcement is not performed, the process ends, and after the symbol image is displayed in a variable manner, the player is informed whether or not the winning is achieved by the combination of the confirmed symbol images. Of course, when notifying that a prize has been won, it is possible to perform the effects shown in the first embodiment. In the case of performing a prize advance notice, an effect program for an advance notice effect is read from the I / O control ROM 602, and processing according to the effect program is executed by the I / O control CPU 601. The image control CPU 603 controls the image generation control unit 605 in accordance with a command from the I / O control CPU 601 to start the variable display of all the symbol images displayed on the display unit 609 (step 902). A known image processing technique may be used for the pattern image variation display method.

  After the elapse of a predetermined period, the image generation control unit 605 stops the variation display of the first symbol image under the control of the arithmetic control CPU 603 (step 903), and then stops the variation display of the second symbol image (step 904). The period from the start of the variable display to each stop may be set in advance in the effect program stored in the image control ROM 604. The setting of the stop order of the symbol images is also free. The first symbol image and the second symbol image may be arbitrarily determined from the three symbol images.

  The drive unit 608 controls the display unit 609 under the control of the I / O control CPU 601 while the variable display of the third symbol image is continued after the variable display for the first symbol image and the second symbol image is stopped. Vibrate (step 905). This vibration is forewarning that an effect is produced by rotating the display unit 609 at a predetermined angle.

  After the advance notice by vibration, the driving unit 608 rotates the display unit 609 by a predetermined angle in a plane parallel to the display surface (step 906). The description of the rotation mechanism (drive unit 608) is as described with reference to FIGS. At this time, under the control of the image control CPU 603, the image generation control unit 605 rotates the effect image displayed on the display surface of the display unit 609 in the direction opposite to the display unit in synchronization with the rotation of the display unit 609. . The relationship between the rotation of the display unit and the effect image is the same as that in the first embodiment except that one symbol image continues to be variably displayed. Even if one symbol image is variably displayed, a special image processing technique is not required, and it can be handled by a known technique.

  In the second embodiment, the combination of the symbol images that are displayed on the center line of the display surface by the rotation of the display unit by a predetermined angle is a specific combination of symbol images indicating the winning notice. This is a so-called reach. According to the symbol display device shown in the second embodiment, it is possible to produce an effect of notifying the player of the current reach using a new mechanism called rotation of the display unit.

[Embodiment 3]
In the third embodiment, an example of an embodiment of a drive unit in the symbol display device of the present invention will be described. Specifically, this is an example of a drive unit that moves the display unit by a predetermined distance in a plane parallel to the display surface. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a drive unit in the symbol display device shown in the third embodiment. 11, 11 to 13 correspond to a front view, a top view, and a side view, respectively.

  Referring to front view 11, display unit 201 is attached to support 121. The support body 121 is provided with spur gears (rack) 122a and 122b and meshes with gears (pinions) 123a and 123b, respectively. The gears 123a and 123b function as gears that transmit the outputs of the motors 124a and 124b, respectively.

  The drive unit of the symbol display device shown in the third embodiment translates the display unit in a plane parallel to the display surface by converting the rotational motion into a linear motion using a combination of a known rack and pinion. Can be made. If the rack mounting position is changed, the design of the moving direction of the display unit can be easily changed. In practice, it is desirable to fix the moving direction of the support body by providing a guide rail or a bearing (not shown) at a position facing the racks 122a and 122b of the support body 121. This is a conventional technique for machine operation and may be designed as appropriate by the practitioner.

  By using the drive unit shown in the third embodiment, an effect as shown in FIG. 12 is possible. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the display unit and the effect image before and after the movement of the display unit by a predetermined distance. A state 131 shows a state after the change display of the symbol image is stopped and before the display unit starts to move, and a state 132 shows a state after the display unit has moved a predetermined distance. A dotted line 133 represents the position of the display unit before the movement is started. Here, the display unit is clearly shown as a display unit, but the movement of the display unit may be considered as the movement of the display unit.

  When the variation display of the symbol image is stopped, a plurality of symbol images 802 are displayed on the display surface 801 of the display unit, and symbol images other than “a combination of specific symbol images indicating winnings” are displayed on the center line 803. The combination is displayed. The steps so far are the same as in the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, the display unit 201 moves a predetermined distance in a direction perpendicular to the center line 803 (upward in the drawing). At this time, the center line 803 of the display surface is shifted by one column, and a specific symbol image combination indicating a winning is displayed on the center line 803. Of course, it is possible not only to move upward toward the paper surface but also to move downward.

  The symbol display device shown in the third embodiment has the same configuration as the symbol display device shown in the first and second embodiments except that the operation of the display unit is different. That is, the basic configuration such as the display method of the effect image during the movement of the display unit is the same as in the first and second embodiments.

[Embodiment 4]
The fourth embodiment shows an example in which the configuration of the display unit is different from that of the third embodiment. Specifically, this is an example in which the display unit is not configured by a single display panel but is configured by an aggregate of a plurality of display panels.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display unit in the symbol display device shown in the fourth embodiment. A state 141 indicates a state before the display unit starts moving, and a state 142 indicates a state after the display panel has moved a predetermined distance. Dotted lines 143 and 144 indicate the position of the display panel before the start of movement.

  In the display unit shown in the fourth embodiment, a plurality of symbol images 155 are displayed in whole or in part on the display surfaces 154 of the display panels 153a to 153c. Note that although an example in which three display panels are used is described in the fourth embodiment, the number is not limited to this number as long as two or more display panels are used.

  The state 141 shows a state similar to that immediately after the change display of the symbol image is stopped in the first embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the center line 156 of the display surface is a straight line connecting the centers of the display panels 153a to 153c. In the state 141, combinations other than the “combination of specific symbol images indicating winnings” are displayed on the center line 156 of the display surface. At this point, the player determines that the player is “losing”.

  A state 142 indicates a state in which only the display panels 153a and 153c are moved by a predetermined distance. The display panel 153a moves upward toward the paper surface, and the display panel 153c moves downward toward the paper surface. As a result, the center line 156 of the display surface is tilted (rotated) at a predetermined angle, and “a combination of specific symbol images indicating winnings” is displayed on the center line 156. That is, as shown in the first embodiment, it is possible to perform the same effect as when the display unit is rotated at a predetermined angle. Of course, the display panels 153a to 153c can be moved in the same direction. In this case, as shown in the third embodiment, it is possible to perform the same effects as when the display unit is moved by a predetermined distance.

  As described above, the entire display unit is configured by a combination of a plurality of display panels, and only includes a drive unit for moving each display panel by a predetermined distance (specifically, up and down toward the page). Thus, the same effects as the effects shown in the first and third embodiments can be performed. As a driving unit for moving each display panel by a predetermined distance, a combination of a rack and a pinion described in Embodiment 3 may be basically used. Moreover, it is preferable that the effect control board is provided separately from the display panel without being integrated (unitized) with the display panel. In the case of integration, it is necessary to divide the substrates for each of the plurality of display panels and to connect the substrates with wiring, which increases the number of substrates and complicates the structure.

  The symbol display device shown in the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the symbol display device shown in the first and second embodiments except that the configuration and operation of the display unit are different. That is, the basic configuration such as the display method of the effect image while the display panel is moving is the same as in the first and second embodiments.

[Embodiment 5]
In the fifth embodiment, the display unit is vibrated and displayed to the player before the rotation or the predetermined angle movement of the display unit described in the first, third, or fourth embodiment. An example will be described in which an effect of notifying the rotation of a part at a predetermined angle or the movement of a predetermined distance is performed.

  The timing for vibrating the display unit can be exemplified before the start of the variation display of the symbol image, during the variation display, or after the variation display is stopped. In any case, it may be before the effect of the rotation of the display unit described in the first embodiment by the predetermined angle or the movement of the predetermined distance described in the third embodiment is performed. As for the vibration of the display unit, the drive unit 608 causes the display unit 609 to vibrate at an arbitrary angle of ± θ around the reference point (position of the display unit before vibration) under the control of the CPU 601 for I / O control. It can be expressed by making a single vibration with an amplitude of ± X. In addition, by appropriately setting the amplitude and period, it is possible to express small vibrations of the display unit or to express large vibrations that fluctuate.

  FIG. 14 is an example of vibrating the display unit of the symbol display device shown in the first embodiment. Here, the display unit is clearly shown as a display unit, but the rotation of the display unit may be considered as the rotation of the display unit. In FIG. 14, the display unit 201 vibrates around the central axis of the rotation operation. Specifically, with respect to the display unit 201 before vibration, a locus 161a indicated by a dotted line rotates by an angle of + θ, and a locus 161b indicated by a dotted line rotates by an angle of −θ. By repeating this operation a plurality of times alternately, the vibration of the display unit 201 can be expressed.

  FIG. 15 is an example in which the display unit of the symbol display device described in Embodiment 3 is vibrated. Here, the display unit is clearly shown as a display unit, but the movement of the display unit may be considered as the movement of the display unit. In FIG. 15, the display unit 201 vibrates along its moving direction. Specifically, with respect to the display unit 201 before vibration, the locus 162a indicated by a dotted line moves by a distance of + X, and the locus 162b indicated by a dotted line moves by a distance of -X. By repeating this operation a plurality of times alternately, the vibration of the display unit 201 can be expressed.

  The effect image displayed during the vibration of the display unit is the same as the effect image during the rotation or movement of the display unit described in the first embodiment or the third embodiment. It is only necessary to synchronize and rotate or move the display unit in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation or movement. With such a configuration, the player recognizes the effect image in the same position and in the same direction even during the vibration of the display unit.

  In the fifth embodiment, by adding an operation of vibration of the display unit as an effect, it is possible to notify the player that an effect due to the rotation of the display unit by a predetermined angle or the movement of a predetermined distance can occur. Can be expected. Further, when an effect other than the effect indicating the winning or the winning announcement is performed, it is also possible to perform an effect by the vibration of the display unit as the announcement.

  As mentioned above, the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the first to fifth embodiments of the invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and does not depart from the gist thereof. Various changes can be made.

  For example, even when the control code signal is not a signal indicating winning, an effect of rotating the display unit may be performed. After starting the rotation of the display unit, an action such as turning back halfway or overshooting is performed, so that the player finally feels the expectation while maintaining the expectation of the player.

  In addition, an effect image having a story characteristic using a graphic image such as a person image is displayed on the display surface of the display unit in synchronization with the rotation or movement of the display unit at a predetermined angle, and the machine operation of the display unit and the effect image are displayed. It is also possible to produce a fusion.

  As described above, various effects can be made by utilizing the feature of the present invention that the rotation or movement of the display unit can be included in the effect, and the player's interest can be maintained.

It is a figure which shows an example of the ball game machine using the symbol display apparatus which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the symbol display apparatus shown in this Embodiment 1. FIG. It is an example which shows the cross section in the symbol display apparatus shown in this Embodiment 1. FIG. It is an example which shows the cross section in the symbol display apparatus shown in this Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the main control board in the ball game machine shown in this Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the symbol display apparatus shown in this Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart figure which shows an example of the winning effect using the symbol display apparatus shown in this Embodiment 1. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the display part and effect image before and after rotation of the predetermined angle of a display part. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the display part and effect image before and after rotation of the predetermined angle of a display part. It is a flowchart figure which shows an example of the prize notice effect using the symbol display apparatus shown in this Embodiment 2. It is a figure which shows an example of the drive part in the symbol display apparatus shown in this Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the display part and effect image before the movement of the predetermined distance of a display part, and after a movement. It is a figure which shows an example of the display part in the symbol display apparatus shown in this Embodiment 4. FIG. 3 is an example of vibrating a display unit of the symbol display device shown in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is an example which vibrates the display part of the symbol display apparatus shown in Embodiment 3. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 ... Ball game machine, 102 ... Game board, 103 ... Decoration lamp, 104 ... Hitting ball supply part, 105 ... Surplus ball storage part, 106 ... Hitting ball operation part, 107 ... Card unit, 108a-108d ... Electric accessory, 109 ... Symbol changing gate, 110 ... Movable winning opening, 111 ... Display unit, 121 ... Support, 123a, 123b ... Gear (pinion), 124a, 124b ... Motor, 153a to 153c ... Display panel, 154 ... Display surface, 155 ... Symbol image, 156 ... center line of display surface, 201 ... display unit, 202a, 202b ... rotating roller, 203 ... base frame, 301 ... motor, 302 ... motor output gear, 303 ... shaft, 304 ... fixed gear, 305 ... Projection (striker), 306 ... Position detector (photo interrupter), 501 ... Main control board, 502 Input port 503 ... basic circuit, 504 ... output port, 505 ... reset circuit, 506 ... power supply circuit, 507 ... arithmetic processing section (CPU), 508 ... ROM (read only memory), 509 ... RAM (random access memory), 510 ... Electric character sensor, 511 ... Symbol change gate sensor, 512 ... Movable prize opening sensor, 513 ... Other sensor, 514 ... Symbol display device, 515 ... Game operation control device, 516 ... Other control device, 601 ... I / O Control CPU, 602... I / O control ROM, 603. Image control CPU, 604. Image control ROM, 605... Image generation control unit, 606... Character ROM, 607. Display unit 610 Power supply circuit 801 Display surface 802 Pattern image 803 Center line of display surface

Claims (6)

A symbol display device that produces a winning or winning notice by starting and stopping a variable display of a plurality of symbol images,
A display unit for displaying an effect image including the design image;
A storage unit for recording design data and a program for production corresponding to the design image;
An image generation control unit that receives the symbol data from the storage unit, generates the effect image, and controls display on the display unit;
A drive unit that rotates at a predetermined angle or moves by a predetermined distance in a plane parallel to the display surface of the display unit;
An arithmetic processing unit that controls the image generation control unit and the driving unit, and executes processing according to the program for presentation;
Have
The program for production is
A procedure for starting the variable display;
A procedure for stopping the variable display;
A procedure for performing the rotation or the movement of the display unit;
Is executed by the arithmetic processing unit,
During the rotation or the movement of the display unit, the image generation control unit synchronizes the effect image displayed on the display surface with the rotation or the movement of the display unit to rotate or move the display unit. by being controlled to the arithmetic processing unit to rotate or move in the opposite direction, the symbol combination of the symbol image and is displayed on the center line of the display surface indicating the winning or winning notice A symbol display device that is a specific combination of images. By executing the procedure for stopping the variable display, the image generation control unit is controlled by the arithmetic processing unit to display a combination other than the specific combination of the symbol images indicating the winning on the center line of the display surface,
The display unit according to claim 1, wherein after the combination other than the specific combination of the symbol images indicating the winning is displayed, the calculation unit is controlled to perform the rotation or the movement of the display unit. Symbol display device. While the part of the variable display continues, the drive unit is controlled by the arithmetic processing unit to perform the rotation or the movement of the display unit,
When the display unit stops after the rotation or the movement of the display unit, the image generation control unit displays a specific combination of the symbol images indicating the winning notice on the center line of the display surface. The symbol display apparatus of Claim 1 controlled by the arithmetic processing part. The symbol display according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the driving unit is controlled by the arithmetic processing unit to vibrate the display unit before the rotation or the movement of the display unit. apparatus. The display unit comprises a plurality of display panels,
The said drive part is controlled by the said arithmetic processing part so that the said each display panel may perform the said movement in the surface parallel to the display surface, The any one of Claim 1- Claim 4 Symbol display device. A symbol display device that produces a winning or winning notice by starting and stopping a variable display of a plurality of symbol images,
A display unit for displaying an effect image including the design image;
A storage unit for recording design data and a program for production corresponding to the design image;
An image generation control unit that receives the symbol data from the storage unit, generates the effect image, and controls display on the display unit;
A drive unit that rotates at a predetermined angle or moves by a predetermined distance in a plane parallel to the display surface of the display unit;
An arithmetic processing unit that controls the image generation control unit and the driving unit, and executes processing according to the program for presentation;
A method of using a symbol display device having
Starting the variable display;
Stopping the variable display;
Performing the rotation or the movement of the display unit;
Including
During the rotation or the movement of the display unit, the image generation control unit synchronizes the effect image displayed on the display surface with the rotation or the movement of the display unit to rotate or move the display unit. by controlled in the arithmetic processing unit to rotate or move in the opposite direction, the symbol combination of the symbol image and is displayed on the center line of the display surface indicating the winning or winning notice A method of using the symbol display device as a specific combination of images.

Images