JP4223009B2 - Game equipment - Google Patents

Description

  A gaming machine comprising: a gaming machine having a variation display unit in a gaming area; and a side device provided with a display means provided corresponding to the gaming machine and capable of displaying gaming-related information related to gaming on a display surface About.

  Conventionally, game machines have been provided with inter-device devices such as card units so as to correspond to each gaming machine. A display device such as a liquid crystal display is attached to the stand device so that the player can effectively use this stand device to improve the service to the player, and the player can view game data and TV broadcasts using the display device. Has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-201935 A

  However, since the display device is provided in the card unit in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the display provided in the card unit for a player who is playing a game while paying attention to the gaming area of the gaming machine. It is difficult to continue the game while watching the device, and it cannot always be said that it can contribute to the improvement of service to the player.

  Therefore, in view of the above problems, the present invention has an object to provide a gaming apparatus that realizes a display function that can be viewed without difficulty while playing a game on a gaming machine, and improves the convenience of the player. .

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 is provided corresponding to the gaming machine having a variation display unit in the gaming area and the gaming machine, and can display game-related information on the game on the display surface. In the gaming device including the display device having the display means, the side device has at least a display evacuation state in which the display means is retracted from the front side of the variable display unit in the game machine to be provided, and the game to be provided. An LED data communication transmitter that can be converted into a display advance state in which the display surface of the display means is located on the front side of the variable display unit in the machine, and that can transmit data in a blinking pattern in the gaming area of the gaming machine. Provided with an LED data communication receiving unit capable of receiving data from the LED data communication transmitting unit in the display advance state, and converting the adjacent device into the display advance state. It is characterized in that it allowed the data transmission to the hotel's device from the gaming machine.

The invention according to claim 2 is the gaming device according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine can transmit flag information established in the game from an LED data communication transmitting unit, and the side device can perform LED data communication. Based on the flag establishment information from the gaming machine received by the receiving unit, the type of established flag can be notified .

The invention according to claim 3 is the gaming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gaming machine rotates a reel having a plurality of symbols drawn on a peripheral surface thereof facing a display area. A slot machine having a variable display unit, wherein the display unit of the side device includes a shutter display unit that can convert a display pixel unit between a transmissive state and a non-transmissive state, and a transmissive / non-transmissive state conversion in the shutter display unit. A shutter display control unit that performs control, and when the side device is converted into a display advance state, and the display surface of the display unit is positioned so as to cover the display area of the slot machine, the shutter display control unit, Synchronized with the timing when a specific symbol on a reel that rotates at a constant speed passes through the display area, the front side of the display area is in a transparent state, and the specific symbol does not pass through the display area It is characterized by controlling the front side of the display area in the opaque state.

The invention according to claim 4, in the gaming apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the features apparatus includes a housing portion capable of housing the display unit, the display on the housing part Storage state detection means capable of detecting whether or not the means is stored,
The display means is disabled based on the detection of the state in which the display means is stored in the storage portion by the storage state detection means .

  According to the gaming apparatus according to claim 1, the side-by-side apparatus includes at least a display evacuation state in which the display unit is evacuated from the front side of the fluctuation display unit in the game machine provided side by side, and a variable display unit in the game machine provided side by side. The display surface of the display means is positioned on the front side of the variable display section that is easily visible to the player during the game. In the advanced state, the player can view the game related information while playing the game, and can display information with high convenience. Further, when display of game related information is unnecessary, it can be converted to a display evacuation state in which the display means is evacuated from the game area surface, so that a player who does not need to display game related information can When playing a game, it is possible to prevent the display means from interfering with the game.

In addition, the gaming area of the gaming machine is provided with an LED data communication transmission unit capable of transmitting data by a blinking pattern, and the annexed device has LED data capable of receiving data from the LED data communication transmission unit in the display advance state. By providing a communication reception unit and converting the co-located device to the display advance state, data transmission from the gaming machine to the co-located device has become possible, so new data is displayed by the display means of the co-located device using the received data from the gaming machine. Can create a unique game.

In addition, according to the gaming device according to claim 2 , the gaming machine can transmit flag information established in the game from the LED data communication transmitting unit, and the side device receives from the gaming machine received by the LED data communication receiving unit. Since the type of flag that has been established can be notified based on the flag establishment information, the established flag can be left for the player, thereby creating new playability. Also, depending on the setting of the side-by-side device, the flag establishment notification can be made and the notification target flag can be restricted, so that the degree of freedom in business of the amusement store is not impaired.

In addition, according to the gaming apparatus according to claim 3 , the gaming machine is a slot machine having a variable display unit that rotates a reel having a plurality of symbols drawn on the peripheral surface facing the display area. The display means includes a shutter display unit capable of converting between a transmission state and a non-transmission state in units of display pixels, and a shutter display control unit that performs transmission / non-transmission state conversion control in the shutter display unit. Is converted to the display advance state, and when the display surface of the display means is positioned so as to cover the display area of the slot machine, the shutter display control unit determines when the specific symbol in the reel rotating at a constant speed passes through the display area. The front side of the display area is controlled to be in a transparent state and the front side of the display area is controlled to be in a non-transparent state during a period when a specific symbol does not pass through the display area. The display area of the slot machine will be visually recognized from the display surface of the display means at a cycle of passing through the display area, and the timing at which a specific symbol passes through the display area even for a player unfamiliar with the game of the slot machine The period can be recognized effectively.

Further, according to the gaming device of claim 4 , the side-by-side apparatus includes a storage unit that can store the display unit, and a storage state detection unit that can detect whether or not the display unit is stored in the storage unit. And the display means is disabled based on the detection of the state in which the display means is stored in the storage portion by the storage state detection means, so that it is useless in the storage state where information notification cannot be made to the player. It is possible to prevent the display means from being left activated, which is effective in reducing power consumption.

  Next, an embodiment of the gaming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, a slot machine is provided as a gaming machine constituting the gaming apparatus. 1 is a perspective view of the gaming apparatus 1, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming apparatus 1.

  The gaming device 1 includes a slot machine 100, a member device 200 provided adjacent to one side corresponding to the slot machine 100, and a rental medal device 300 provided adjacent to one side of the member device 200. And consists of

  In the slot machine 100, various mechanisms are provided inside a box-shaped housing 101 whose front surface is open, and a front door 102 is provided on one side of the front surface of the housing 101 (for example, on the side where the member device 200 is disposed). The reel 104 (for example, the first reel 104a, the second reel 104b, and the third reel 104c) is mounted on the variable display window 103, which is a variable display provided at an appropriate position on the front surface of the front door 102. ), And a plurality of pieces of identification information (numerals, symbols, etc.) drawn on the peripheral surface of each reel 104 are visually displayed to the player from the variation display window 103 as the reel 104 rotates in a fixed direction. To do.

  An example of the symbols drawn on the above-described reels 104a to 104c is as shown in FIG. 3, for example, symbols for convenience 21 frames from array numbers 0 to 20 are shown at regular intervals. The types of symbols include “7 (filled)” (for example, array number 0 of the first reel 104a), “7 (outlined)” (for example, array number 1 of the first reel 104a), “ “Crown” (for example, array number 2 of the first reel 104a), “Replay (re-game)” (for example, array number 3 of the first reel 104a), “Main character” (for example, array of the first reel 104a) No. 4), “Watermelon” (for example, array number 5 of the first reel 104a), and “Cherry” (for example, array number 9 of the first reel 104a, etc.). Of these, “7 (filled out)”, “7 (outlined)”, and “main character” are also collectively referred to as a bonus symbol.

  The medal insertion slot 105, the MAX bet switch 106a, the 1 bet switch 106b, the medal return switch 107, and the stop switch 109 (for example, the first reel 104a for stopping the first reel 104a) are appropriately below the variable display window 103 in the front door 102. 1 reel stop switch 109a, a second reel stop switch 109b for stopping the second reel 104b, a third reel stop switch 109c) for stopping the third reel 104c, etc. A medal storage tray 111 and an ashtray 112 for storing medals paid out from the medal payout opening 110 are provided.

  In addition, the front door 102 has various display functions and information display functions, such as an effect display device 113 formed of a liquid crystal display device or the like in the upper center, and a decoration display unit 114 on the left and right sides of the effect display device 113. Bet line display unit 115 for displaying the bet line that has been played, game state display unit 116 for displaying the game state (game over, weight, replay, etc.), and the number of payouts for displaying the number of medals to be paid out for the established prize. Display unit 117, game progress display unit 118 for displaying the number of games such as a BB game, credit display unit 119 for displaying the number of inserted medals, a big bonus flag establishment notification lamp 120 for informing that a big bonus flag has been established, etc. Is provided.

  The big bonus (hereinafter abbreviated as BB) is one of the winning combinations in the slot machine 100, and other winning combinations include a regular bonus (hereinafter abbreviated as RB) and replay as shown in FIG. There is a prize, a small part prize (for example, a watermelon prize, a crown prize, and a cherry prize).

  The BB winning is “7 (filled), 7 (filled), 7 (filled)” or “7 (opened), 7 (opened), 7 (on the active line determined according to the number of bet coins”. A winning result mode is established when one of “main character” or “main character, main character, main character” is arranged, and 15 medals are awarded to the player and a BB game is played.

  The RB winning is a winning result mode when any of “7 (filled), 7 (filled), main character” or “7 (open), 7 (open), main character” is aligned on the active line. As a result, 15 medals are awarded to the player and an RB game is played.

  Replay winning means that a winning result mode is established when "replay, replay, replay" are arranged on the active line, and medals are not paid out for winning, but automatic even if the player does not make a new bet. Thus, the same number of bets as the game are taken over, and the next game (regame; replay) can be performed simply by operating the start lever 108.

  In the normal game, the crown winning is achieved by arranging the “crown, crown, crown” on the active line, and the winning result mode is established, and eight medals are awarded to the player. In the watermelon winning, “watermelon, watermelon, watermelon” is arranged on the active line, and the winning result mode is established. Ten medals are awarded to the player.

  The cherry winning is that the winning result mode is established only by “cherry” being stopped and displayed on the first reel 104a on the active line, and no matter what the stop symbols of the second and third reels 104b and 104c are. A medal is awarded to the player. When “Cherry” is stopped and displayed in the middle of the first reel 104a, only two medals are paid out because the winning line is 1, but all betting lines are activated by three bets. In the game, when “Cherry” is stopped and displayed on the top or bottom of the first reel 20a, the winning line is 2, so 2 × 2 = 4 medals are paid out.

  During the RB game started by the RB winning, a special game called a JAC game can be executed up to a predetermined number (for example, 12 times). In this JAC game, the bet number of medals is, for example, one, and a winning result mode (for example, a replay symbol) is arranged on an active line (for example, a middle horizontal line) corresponding to the one bet (for example, a replay symbol). The same as the result of winning the replay winning), the JAC winning is established, and 15 medals are awarded to the player. Note that the RB game is either the first end condition in which the JAC game is played a predetermined number of times (for example, 12 times) or the second end condition in which the JAC winning is a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times). The process ends when

  In addition, in the BB game executed after the BB winning is established, a special game called a small role game can be executed up to a predetermined number of times (for example, 30 times). In the small role game, control is performed so that a small role winning is generated with a higher probability than in a normal game. Further, during the BB game, the above-described RB game can be executed up to a predetermined number of times (for example, three times).

  The condition for starting the RB game during the BB game is that the result of the small role game is a winning result mode in which specific JAC in symbols (for example, replay symbols) are aligned on the active line (for example, a winning result mode of replay winning). (Same as above) (JAC in winning), and with the establishment of JAC in winning in this BB game, two medals are awarded to the player and the small role game is temporarily suspended. An RB game (a game in which a JAC game can be performed a predetermined number of times) is started. In the BB game, either the first end condition for performing the small role game a predetermined number of times (for example, 30 times) or the second end condition for performing the RB game a predetermined number of times (for example, 3 times) has the earliest end condition. It ends when it is established.

  The member device 200, which is an example of a side-by-side device provided side by side with the slot machine 100 configured as described above, stores a member card possessed by a member of the game store in which the gaming device 1 is installed as a member card slot 201. In order to receive various member benefits, Furthermore, when the lending medal device 300 provided side by side inserts banknotes from the banknote insertion slot 301, medals of a quantity corresponding to the inserted banknotes are paid out to the lending medal outlet 302.

  Therefore, in the gaming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, as display means held by the movable arm 210 extending from an appropriate position of the member apparatus 200 (for example, a position corresponding to the variable display window 103 of the slot machine 100). The multi-function display device 220 is provided. The multi-function display device 220 includes a shutter display unit 221 having a transparent liquid crystal panel in which a transparent pixel electrode is formed on a transparent glass substrate as a display surface, and the movable arm 210 is arranged in a substantially horizontal direction. At some point (see the solid line in FIG. 2), when the shutter display unit 221 is positioned just on the front side of the variable display window unit 103 of the slot machine 100 and is rotated so that the movable arm 210 is substantially vertically upward (FIG. 2), the shutter display unit 221 retracts from the front surface of the variable display window unit 103.

  That is, the member device 200 holds the multifunction display device 220 in a rotatable manner by the movable arm 210, so that the shutter display of the multifunction display device 220 is displayed from the front side of the variable display window 103 in the slot machine 100 provided therewith. The display evacuation state in which the part 221 is evacuated and the display advance state in which the shutter display part 221 is positioned on the front side of the variable display window part 103 in the slot machine 100 can be converted.

  The movable arm 210 of this configuration example has a simple structure with one degree of freedom in which the base of the arm rotates. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the conversion operation of the multi-function display device 220 can be performed with an arm structure with two or more degrees of freedom. The position of the multifunction display device 220 may be freely changed by adopting a flexible arm structure.

  Further, the display evacuation state in which the shutter display unit 221 of the multi-function display device 220 is retracted from the front side of the variable display window unit 103 may be set in multiple stages. For example, in the first display retracted state, the shutter display unit 221 is positioned in the vicinity of the variable display window unit 103, so that the display of the multifunction display device 220 can be performed while paying attention to the variable display game of the reel in the variable display unit 103. In the second display retracted state, the multifunction display device 220 is completely retracted from the front surface of the slot machine 100 so that the entire surface of the front door 102 can be seen and maintained. This prevents the front door 102 from being opened and closed during work or the like. As described above, if two or more types of display evacuation states are set, it is possible to convert the display evacuation state according to the purpose of the player or game clerk. Can be increased.

  Similarly, the display advancement state may be set in multiple stages. For example, the horizontal width of the shutter display unit 221 is formed to be substantially equal to the reel width, and in the first display advance state, the shutter display unit 221 is located on the front side of the left reel 104a in the variable display window 103, and the second display advancement is performed. In the state, the shutter display unit 221 is positioned on the front side of the middle reel 104b in the variable display window unit 103, and in the third display advance state, the shutter display unit 221 is positioned on the front side of the right reel 104c in the variable display window unit 103. If the multi-stage conversion is possible, the small and light multi-function display device 220 can be used, and the display advancement state is changed as necessary, so that the front side of the variable display unit 103 can be changed to an appropriate position. The shutter display unit 221 can be positioned.

  The shutter display unit 221 of the multifunction display device 220 functions as a display surface for displaying game-related information, and can switch between transmission and non-transmission for each pixel by control from a shutter display control unit (not shown). For example, when the voltage is not applied to the pixel electrode, it is in the transmissive state when the pixel electrode is OFF, and the player can visually recognize the display window 103 on the back side. Thus, the player cannot visually recognize the variable display window 103 on the back side. As described above, the shutter display unit 221 appropriately controls the transmissive pixel and the non-transparent pixel, so that the transmissive region in which the variable display window unit 103 on the back surface side can be seen, and the non-transmissive region in which the variable display window unit 103 cannot be seen. Can be produced.

  Note that, when the transmissive area and the non-transmissive area are generated on the shutter display unit 221 as described above, if the transmissive area and the non-transmissive area are somewhat large, it is easy to distinguish both areas. When the region is a minute region, it is difficult to distinguish between the transmissive region and the non-transmissive region if there is no luminance difference or color difference between the two regions. In particular, in the multi-function display device 220 in the display advance state, when the first to third reels 104a to 104c are rotated on the back side of the shutter display unit 221, and the symbols are variably displayed, Even if game-related information is displayed by characters, it is difficult to identify a minute transparent region or non-transparent region, and it is difficult to enhance the visual effect. Therefore, a display panel in which a light emitting layer by organic EL is formed on the front side of the liquid crystal shutter layer is used so that clear patterns and characters can be displayed with multicolor light emission by organic EL on the front side of the non-transmission region by the liquid crystal shutter. Thus, the display function of the multi-function display device 220 can be further enhanced.

  In addition, when the control of the transmission area and the non-transmission area by the shutter display unit 221 is possible, when the simple control for converting the entire surface into the transmission state and the non-transmission state is possible, the conversion cycle between the transmission state and the non-transmission state is set as a game. It may be possible for a person to adjust it arbitrarily. In this configuration example, the multi-function display device 220 is provided with a shutter adjustment unit 222 that can be operated by the player himself.

  Furthermore, the multi-function display device 220 of this configuration example is provided with an LED data communication receiving unit 223, and when the multi-function display device 220 is converted into the display advance state, an appropriate position of the front door 102 in the slot machine 100 (for example, The LED data communication transmitter 121 provided in the vicinity of the variable display window 103 is positioned so that the LED data communication receiver 223 can receive light (see FIG. 5). That is, when the multi-function display device 220 is converted to the display advance state, the data transmitted as the LED blinking pattern by the LED data communication transmitting unit 121 can be received by the LED data communication receiving unit 223. Various controls can be performed, and the range of games can be expanded.

  The data received via the LED data communication receiving unit 223 is not limited to being used by the multi-function display device 220, but may be used on the main body side of the member device 200. Further, the LED data communication receiving unit 223 is provided in the multi-function display device 220. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the LED data communication receiving unit may be provided in the movable arm 210, for example. Further, by forming a peripheral wall portion that rises from the periphery of the light receiving surface of the LED data communication receiving unit 223 to the back side, disturbance light (other than the LED light from the LED data communication transmitting unit 121) is generated in the LED data communication receiving unit 223. It is also possible to prevent the occurrence of data errors due to incidence of light that interferes with communication) and improve the quality of LED data communication.

  Here, the game control unit of the slot machine 100, which is a gaming machine attached to the member device 200, will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. The slot machine 100 of this configuration example includes a game control device (main control device) 130 that performs main game control, and an effect control device (sub-control device) 150 that performs various effect controls.

  The game control device 130 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 130a, a ROM (Read only memory) 130b, a RAM (Random Access memory) 130c, an I / F (Interface) 130d, and the like. The presence / absence of a prize and the winning combination are determined from randomly generated random numbers.

  The game control device 130 includes a inserted medal detection signal from a inserted medal detection sensor 131, a start operation detection signal from a start lever switch 132, and first to third reels 104a from first to third reel stop switches 109a to 109c. From the first to third reel position detection sensors 133a to 133c, the rotation reference position passing signal corresponding to each reel 104a to 104c, the 1-bet signal from the 1-bet switch 106b, and the MAX-bet switch 106b. MAX bet signal, medal return signal from medal return switch 107, payout medal detection signal from payout metal detection sensor 134, probability setting signal from probability setting device 135, reset request signal from reset switch 136, front door opening from front door opening switch 137 The detection signal is S is input.

  In addition, from the game control device 130, a medal payout signal corresponding to the established winning combination is sent to the medal payout unit 138, and a drive pulse corresponding to the drive / stop of the first reel 104a is sent to the first reel motor 139a. A drive pulse corresponding to the driving / stopping of the second reel 104b is sent to the motor 139b for the second reel, and a driving pulse corresponding to the driving / stopping of the third reel 104c is sent to the motor 139c for the third reel. The display signal is output to the big bonus flag establishment notification lamp 120, and the LED blinking control pulse for LED data communication is output to the LED data communication transmitter 121.

  The game control device 130 of this configuration example can perform data communication with the member device 200 via the external signal output board 140. For example, the multi-function display device 210 by LED blinking of the LED data communication unit 121 is used. Data communication may be performed, and the multifunctional data display device 220 may be relayed to supply data to the control function of the member device 200. However, if data communication can be performed directly to the member device 200 via the external signal output board 140 as in this configuration example, the member device 200 is in the display retracted state (the shutter display unit 221 is on the front side of the variable display window 103). In the state where the LED data communication receiving unit 223 cannot receive a signal from the LED data communication transmitting unit 121 and the LED data communication transmitting unit 121 cannot perform data communication by blinking the LED. There is an advantage that information transmission to the apparatus 200 can be performed.

  The effect control device 150 that receives the effect command from the game control device 130 has various display functions provided on the front door 102 of the slot machine 100, that is, a decoration display portion 114, a bet line display portion 115, and a game state display portion 116. In addition to performing display control of the payout amount display unit 117, the game progress display unit 118, the credit display unit 119, and the like, an effect display command corresponding to the game state is transmitted to the effect display device 113, and various effects are output from the sound output unit 151. Output sound.

  Next, a specific example of display control performed by the multi-function display device 220 in accordance with the progress of the game by the slot machine 100 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.

  The first display control example is shown in FIGS. 7 (a1) to (a4), which uses the characteristic that the first to third reels 104a to 104c of the slot machine 100 rotate at a constant speed. . Since 21 symbols are drawn at equal intervals on the peripheral surfaces of the reels 104a to 104c of the slot machine 100, and the symbols are rotating at a constant speed of 4.1 seconds / time, each symbol on the reel is 4. Appears in the fluctuation display window 103 at a cycle of 1 second. In addition, since the variable display window 103 is large enough to display three symbols in the vertical direction at the same time, the time required for a specific symbol to appear from the top of the variable display window 103 and disappear from the bottom is “ 4.1 × 3/21 ”seconds, and after“ 4.1 × 18/21 ”seconds, the specific symbol appears again on the upper part of the variable display window 103.

  Therefore, when letting the player experience the passage timing of a specific symbol (for example, fill 7), the shutter display unit 221 is displayed for “4.1 × 18/21” seconds when the specific symbol is not visible in the variable display window 103. The non-transparent state is set (see FIG. 7 (a1)), the shutter display unit 221 is converted to the transparent state at a timing when the specific symbol appears from the upper part of the variable display window unit 103, The “4.1 × 3/21” seconds until it disappears, the transmission state is maintained (see FIGS. 7A2 and 7A3), and the shutter display unit is again displayed at the timing when the specific symbol becomes invisible from the variable display window unit 103. 221 is converted to an opaque state (see FIG. 7A4). In this way, the player can easily grasp the timing at which the specific symbol passes through the variable display window 103 at a constant period, and even if the player is unfamiliar with the game, the pressing timing of the stop switch 109 is not significantly removed. , Make it possible to push specific symbols.

  Note that the period during which the specific symbol passes through the variable display window 103 and the period during which the specific symbol passes through the variable display window 103 by the shutter display control on the shutter display unit 221 is not limited to the above-described time. For example, if the period for the transparent state is “4.1 × 1/21” seconds and the period for the non-transparent state is “4.1 × 20/21”, the display position of the specific symbol is the upper, middle, The display can be limited to any one of the lower tiers.

  As described above, the control to synchronize with the timing at which the symbol to be stopped passes through the variable display window 103 is performed by the multi-function display device 220 based on the command signal from the control device of the member device 200. The timing may be automatically adjusted, or the player may adjust the desired symbol passage timing by operating the shutter adjustment unit 222 himself / herself.

  When the player can adjust the timing using the shutter adjustment unit 222, for example, the shutter function is preset so that the time ratio between the transmission state and the non-transmission state is 3:18 (= 1: 6). The player operates the shutter adjustment unit 222 to adjust the transmission / non-transmission cycle in the shutter display unit 221 (a cycle longer than 4.1 seconds, which is the cycle at the time of constant speed rotation of the reel 104). Or a short cycle) so that the desired symbol can be seen from the variable display window 103, and the transmission / non-transmission cycle in the shutter display unit 221 at the timing when the desired symbol can be seen on the bet line. Is set to the rotation period of the reel 104 (4.1 seconds), it is possible to adjust the timing at which a desired symbol is fixedly displayed at a fixed position.

  As described above, the timing adjustment using the shutter adjustment unit 222 is complicated, and if the player is not skilled in the adjustment operation, the transmission / reception of the shutter display unit 221 is performed at a timing when a desired symbol passes through the variation display unit 103. It is difficult to synchronize the opacity conversion timing. In addition, since the synchronization adjustment of the symbols to be stopped must be performed separately for the first to third reels 104a to 104c, it may take a considerable amount of time to complete one game. Profitability may be impaired. Therefore, the transmission / non-transmission shutter adjustment function by the shutter adjustment unit 222 is not always available, and is effective only in, for example, a specific gaming state (for example, a state in which a specific winning combination establishment flag is set). You may do it.

  On the other hand, when automatically adjusting the transmission / non-transmission shutter function in the shutter display unit 221 by the multi-function display device 220, start condition achievement information (for example, flag establishment information) for starting automatic adjustment, and synchronous display The target symbol information (stop symbol information to be a winning combination according to the establishment flag) and the rotation state of the reels to be synchronously displayed (elapsed time from the reference position detection by the reel position detection sensor 133 or for the first to third reels) The shutter display control unit of the multi-function display device 220 knows that the number of pulses supplied to the motors 140a to 140c and the symbol array on the reel surface can identify the symbol passing through the variable display window 103). It is necessary to keep.

  These pieces of information may be transmitted from the LED data communication transmission unit 121 of the slot machine 100 to the shutter display control unit of the multi-function display device 220, or transmitted to the control device of the member device 200 via the external signal output board 140. In response, the control device of the member device 200 may transmit data to the shutter display control unit of the multi-function display device 220. Note that the symbol arrangement information on the reel surface may be stored in advance in the member device 200 when the slot machine 100 is installed.

  Further, reel stop information by operating the first to third reel stop switches 109a to 109c is supplied to the shutter display control unit, and the shutter display control corresponding to the stopped reel is ended based on the reel stop information. You may do it. For a player who cannot operate the reel stop switch 109 at a timing when the specific figure corresponding to the establishment flag passes through the variable display window portion 103 even though the specific symbol is cyclically displayed by the shutter display control. Then, it is possible to change to the control that cyclically displays other symbols that can just compensate for the deviation of the operation timing, and to perform support control for stopping at a specific symbol corresponding to the establishment flag.

  The game related information displayed by the multi-function display device 220 is not limited to the cyclic display of the specific symbol by the shutter display operation described above, and any information that is useful in the game in the slot machine 100 can be used. Information display may be performed, and the display start timing or display end timing can be arbitrarily set.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, flag information internally established in the game control device 130 of the slot machine 100 (for example, a watermelon symbol when the type of establishment flag is a watermelon prize) is displayed. Anyway. Note that such establishment flag notification is performed at a timing when the data from the LED data communication transmission unit 121 of the slot machine 100 is received by the LED data communication reception unit 223 of the multi-function display device 220, and does not interfere with the progress of the game. The display may be automatically ended after the period has elapsed, or may be continuously displayed until the player recognizes the establishment flag information and performs a display end operation (for example, an operation of a display end switch provided in advance). good. Further, as shown in FIG. 7C, for example, the stop symbol corresponding to the establishment flag is indirectly stopped at a predetermined position by designating a position at which a conspicuous symbol (for example, paint 7) is stopped. May be notified.

  In addition, whether or not to provide services by the various display controls described above is determined based on the member information of the player who is playing the game device 1 (members recorded on the member card inserted in the member device 200). Judgment from the information or the member number managed by the amusement shop using the membership management device based on the unique number recorded on the membership card, and the service provision standards (for example, visit points and operating points are predetermined standards) The display control such as the shutter display operation and the flag notification as described above may be activated only for members satisfying the above).

  Next, a gaming apparatus 2 according to a second embodiment that includes a pachinko machine 400 as a gaming machine will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 8, the gaming apparatus 2 includes a pachinko machine 400, a member apparatus 500 provided adjacent to one side corresponding to the pachinko machine 400, and an adjacent side of the member apparatus 500. And a ball lending device 600 provided.

  The pachinko machine 400 is provided with a frame-like front frame 403 that can be opened and closed on the front side of the machine frame 402, and a glass frame 404 and an opening / closing door 405 that can be opened and closed on the front side of the window portion opened in the front frame 403. A game board 406 is mounted on the back side of the window part so as to close the window part, and a ball tray 407 and a firing operation handle 408 are attached to the lower front side of the front frame 403.

  Further, the opening / closing door 405 is provided with a ball supply tray 409 as a game ball storage means, and a game ball supplied from the ball supply tray 409 to a hitting ball launching mechanism (not shown) is ejected, and a game area ( This is an area where the player can visually recognize the game window 404b not covered by the decorative member 404a of the glass frame 404, which will be described in detail later. Speakers 404c and 404c are provided on the left and right sides of the substantially central portion of the window 404b, respectively.

  In addition, the game board 406 is formed by forming a game unit 410 having various game devices, game machines and the like on the surface of a main board obtained by processing a thick plywood material into a substantially square shape. You can change to another model by exchanging. A plurality of obstacle nails (not shown) are planted in the game unit 406 to which the game balls bullets emitted by the hitting ball launching device are guided, and the variation display unit 411 including the variation display unit 411a and the open / close door 412a are used to increase the size. In addition to a large game device such as a variable winning device 412 that can be converted into a first state in which a winning opening is closed and a second state in which a large winning opening is opened, a winning opening 413... And a windmill 414 are arranged.

  In addition, the game area 410 is provided with a general start gate 415 for detecting a passing game ball. When the sensor of the general start gate 415 detects the passing of the game ball, a general display displayed on the variable winning device 415 is provided. A normal symbol variation display game using the device 416 is performed. In this normal symbol variation display game, for example, the left display lamp and the right display lamp are made to correspond to the hit lamp and the off lamp, respectively, and these are turned on alternately, and the display lamp stopped and displayed after a predetermined time has passed. In the case of a lamp, the movable member of the ordinary electric accessory 417 opens to the left and right, making it easy to win a special drawing start opening.

  When the special figure start sensor 418 detects a winning ball at the special figure start opening provided on the ordinary electric accessory 417, a plurality of pieces of identification information are variably displayed on the fluctuation display unit 411a of the fluctuation display device 411. A special symbol variation display game that stops and displays at a predetermined timing is performed. The special symbol variation display game is a special display mode in which, for example, a three-digit stop display mode is set in advance after a three-digit number, various symbols, and the like are converted and displayed at high speed and then stopped and displayed in a predetermined order. For example, “0,0,0”, “2,2,2”, “3,3,3”, “7,7,7”, etc.) Then, the game transition condition to the special game is achieved.

  In addition, special prize result modes (for example, “1,1,1”, “3,3,3”, “5, which are odd numbers”), which are particularly defined among the special display modes in which the transition condition to the special game is achieved. 5, 5 ”,“ 7, 7, 7 ”,“ 9, 9, 9 ”), the probability of occurrence of the special display mode in the special symbol variation display game is changed from the normal first probability to the special display mode. By changing to the second probability that the probability of occurrence is higher than the first probability (changing to the so-called probability variation mode), a privilege that makes it easy to achieve the next special game transition condition may be given. Further, when a winning ball is detected at the special figure starting port during the execution of the variable display game, it is stored up to a predetermined number (for example, four) and is also stored in the starting winning memory display 411b of the variable display device 411. The next variable display game can be executed on the basis of the start-up memory after the visual display and the variable display game is over.

  In the special game that is performed when the stop display mode of the special symbol variation display game becomes the special display mode as described above, the variable prize winning device 412 is used, for example, the opening / closing door 412a opens the big winning opening. The first condition at the end of the cycle when the two-state conversion time reaches a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), and the predetermined number of balls (for example, 10) for the big winning opening detected by the count sensor 412b after the conversion to the second state is detected. When any one of the second conditions for reaching the cycle end is reached, the cycle game is ended, and the cycle game is performed again after the wait time of the predetermined time width elapses. In addition, the cycle update in the special game is limited to a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times), and when the 16th cycle game is counted from the first cycle game, the special game is terminated at the end of the 16th cycle game. It was supposed to be

  Note that the content of the special game is not limited to the above-described example, and may be set as appropriate in accordance with the purpose of the special game to increase the player's gain. Of course, the normal variation display game is not limited to the above-described example. Alternatively, the normal display 416 for performing the normal variation display game may not be provided separately, but may be performed using the variation display unit 411a of the variation display device 411.

  The member device 500, which is an example of a side device provided side by side with the pachinko machine 400 configured as described above, stores a member card held by a member of a game store in which the gaming device 2 is installed as a member card slot 501. In order to receive various member benefits, Further, in the ball lending device 600 provided on the side, when coins are inserted from the coin insertion slot 601, a number of pachinko balls corresponding to the inserted coins are discharged through the lending ball guide bar 602.

  Thus, in the gaming device 2 according to the present embodiment, the member device 500 is held by the movable arm 510 extending from an appropriate position (for example, a position corresponding to the variation display portion 411a of the variation display device 411 of the pachinko machine 500). A display panel 520 as display means. The display panel 520 is similar to the multifunction display device 220 in the first embodiment, for example, a shutter display unit 521 having a transmissive liquid crystal panel in which a transparent pixel electrode is formed on a transparent glass substrate as a display surface. However, the function as a shutter control unit that performs shutter control on the shutter display unit 521 is included in the control device in the main body of the member device 500 so that the display panel 520 can be reduced in size and weight at low cost. did.

  The movable arm 520 is, for example, a first arm portion 511 that protrudes forward from the front end surface of the member device 500, and a first arm portion 511 that extends from the front end portion to the side (pachinko machine 100 side). As shown in FIG. 8, when the second arm portion 512 is in a substantially horizontal direction, the shutter display portion 521 of the display panel 520 supported on the front end side of the second arm portion 512 is as shown in FIG. When the second arm portion 512 is positioned on the front side of the fluctuation display portion 411a of the pachinko machine 400 and the second arm portion 512 is rotated upward with respect to the first arm portion 511 (see FIG. 9), the shutter display portion 521 is changed to the fluctuation display portion. Retreat from the front of 411a.

  That is, the member device 500 holds the display panel 520 rotatably by the movable arm 510, so that the shutter display unit 521 from the front side of the variation display unit 411a of the variation display unit 411 provided in the pachinko machine 500 provided side by side. Can be converted into a display retracted state in which the shutter display unit 521 is located and a display advance state in which the shutter display unit 521 is positioned on the front side of the variable display unit 411a of the variable display device provided in the pachinko machine 500. The display evacuation state and the display advance state may be set in multiple stages.

  The movable arm 510 of this configuration example allows the display panel 520 supported by the upper end of the second arm portion 512 to be rotated about 90 ° around the vertical axis in a state where the second arm portion 512 is rotated in the substantially vertical direction. By rotating the display panel 250 so that the display surface of the display panel 250 is substantially parallel to the front-rear direction surface of the pachinko machine 400, the horizontal width of the display panel 250 is reduced. For a shaft support portion 513 (for example, having a substantially horizontal rotation axis in a vertical plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction surface in the pachinko machine 400) that rotatably supports the base end portion of the first arm portion 511. When the first arm portion 511 is rotated from below to the rear, the movable arm 510 and the display panel 520 can be housed in the housing portion 502 that opens to the front surface of the main body of the member device 500. Referring to the dashed line in FIG. 9).

  In addition, when the movable arm 510 and the display panel 520 are stored at fixed positions in the storage unit 520, the storage state detection switch 503 detects the state. That is, the member device 500 of the gaming apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment can detect the storage unit 502 that can store the display panel 520 as the display means, and whether or not the display panel 520 is stored in the storage unit 502. And a storage state detection switch 503 as a proper storage state detection means.

  In this configuration example, it is possible to detect indirectly that the display panel 520 has also reached the proper storage position by detecting that the movable arm 510 has reached the proper storage position by the storage state detection switch 503. However, the storage state detection switch 503 may directly detect that the display panel 520 has reached an appropriate storage position. Further, the storage state detection switch 503 may be a non-contact detection type such as an optical sensor or a contact type detection type such as a limit switch.

  The shutter display unit 521 of the display panel 520 supported by the movable arm 510 as described above is similar to the shutter display unit 221 of the multi-function display device 220 of the gaming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment described above for each pixel. It is possible to switch between transmission and non-transmission. For example, when the voltage is not applied to the pixel electrode, it is in a transmission state, and the player can visually recognize the surface of the game area 410 on the back side and the fluctuation display portion 411a. When the voltage is applied to the pixel electrode, the pixel electrode is in an impermeable state, and the player cannot visually recognize the surface of the game area 410 on the back surface side or the fluctuation display portion 411a. As described above, the shutter display unit 521 can generate a transmissive region where the back side is visible and an opaque region where the back side is not visible by appropriately controlling the transmissive pixel and the non-transparent pixel.

  Furthermore, the display panel 520 of this configuration example is provided with an LED data communication receiving unit 522, and in the display advance state where the shutter display unit 521 is located at least on the front side of the fluctuation display unit 411a, the display area 520 in the pachinko machine 400 The LED data communication transmitter 419 provided at an appropriate position is positioned so that the LED data communication receiver 522 can receive light. That is, in the display advance state where the shutter display unit 521 is located at least on the front side of the variation display unit 411a, the LED data communication receiving unit 422 can receive data transmitted as the LED blinking pattern by the LED data communication transmitting unit 419. Therefore, various display controls using this data can be performed by the member device 500, and the range of games can be expanded.

  Next, the control unit of the pachinko machine 400 will be described based on the functional block diagram of FIG. The pachinko machine 400 includes a game control device 450 that controls main game control, an effect control device 460 that controls various effect operations according to the effect commands from the game control device 450, and a prize ball discharge according to a discharge command from the game control device 450. A discharge control device 470 and the like for controlling the operation are provided.

  In the game control device 450, a game microcomputer 451 having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory) operates in response to an operation clock from an oscillator 452, and an input interface 453 The special figure start sensor 418, the general figure start sensor 420 for detecting the passing ball of the normal figure start gate 415, the count sensor 412b, and the first winning prize for detecting the winning balls from the first winning port to the nth winning port. Each detection information is inputted from the mouth sensor 421a to the n-th prize winning mouth sensor 421n, etc., and the general-purpose solenoid 422 for converting and driving the movable member of the general-purpose display 416 and the ordinary electric accessory 417 via the output interface 454. A winning prize solenoid 423 for driving to convert the open / close door 412a for closing the winning prize opening, a launch control device 470, and a production control system. It sends a control signal or control command to the device 460 or the like.

  In the display advance state where the shutter display unit 521 of the display panel 520 is located on the front side of the variable display unit 411a of the variable display device 411, the LED data communication transmission unit 419 blinks under the control of the game control device 450. Although various data can be transmitted from the pachinko machine 400 to the member device 500 by receiving light by the LED data communication receiving unit 522 provided in the display panel 520 of the member device 500, the shutter display of the display panel 520 is displayed. In the retracted state where the unit 521 is retracted from the front side of the variable display unit 411a of the variable display device 411, data communication from the pachinko machine 400 to the member device 500 cannot be performed by LED data communication. The pachinko machine 400 is provided with an external signal output board 424, and this external signal is output. Via the output board 424 may be allowed to transmit various data to members 500 (in FIG. 10, indicated by broken lines).

  Next, the control device 530 having a function as a shutter control unit that performs shutter control on the shutter display unit 521 of the display panel 520 in the member device 500 will be described.

  The control device 530 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an input / output interface. When member specifying data is input from a card reader 504 that reads information from a member card such as a magnetic card or an IC card, the member specifying information is transmitted to the member management device 700. Member information corresponding to the member specifying information is supplied from the member management apparatus 700, and based on the member information, a service to be provided to the player is determined. In addition, when a membership card that can rewrite recorded contents is adopted, information may be additionally written to the membership card using a card reader / writer.

  Further, in the member device 500 of this configuration example, when the control device 530 receives the storage detection signal from the storage state detection switch 503 and detects that the display panel 520 is stored in the storage unit 502, the display panel 520 is displayed. Display control (for example, supply of source signals and gate signals) to the shutter display unit 521 is stopped, and the display operation by the display panel 520 is disabled.

  That is, when the display panel 520 is stored in the storage unit 502 and the display operation for the player is no longer necessary, the display operation is automatically terminated by the control of the control device 530, and unnecessary power consumption is suppressed. Note that a switch for switching ON / OFF of the display operation may be provided on the display panel 520 so that the ON / OFF of the display operation can be switched by arbitrary selection by the player. Further, like the multifunction display device 220 in the gaming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment described above, the display panel 520 is also provided with a shutter adjustment unit 523 (indicated by a broken line in FIG. 11), and an adjustment signal from the shutter adjustment unit 523 is provided. Accordingly, the control device 530 may perform a shutter display operation on the shutter display unit 521.

  When the reception data received from the LED data communication transmission unit 419 of the pachinko machine 400 via the LED data reception unit 522 of the display panel 520 is received by the control device 530, various operations according to the reception data are performed. For example, when a reach effect in a variable display game performed using the variable display device 411 is executed, when performing a service for providing the player with the effect video data, effect video data corresponding to the executed reach effect is obtained. When transmitted from the pachinko machine 400 to the member device 500, the fact is displayed on the shutter display unit 521 of the display panel 520 (see FIG. 12 (a1)), or transmitted from the pachinko machine 400 and provided to the player. A list display of the produced moving image data (see FIG. 12A2) is performed.

  In the member device 300 of this configuration example, in order to provide effect video data to the player, for example, a data output unit 505 that can be connected to a data communication terminal of a mobile phone is provided in the member device 500 in advance. The data stocked in the control device 530 is transmitted to the mobile phone possessed by the player via the data output unit 505. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other recording media and other transmission methods are used. Further, the production moving image data may be provided to the player. The data transmission from the pachinko machine 400 to the member device 300 is not limited to LED data communication, and may be directly transmitted to the control device 530 via the external signal output board 424 provided in the pachinko machine 400.

  The display performed by controlling the display panel 520 by the control device 530 of the member device 500 is not limited to that related to the transmission data from the pachinko machine 400, and any game related information may be displayed. For example, when the service provision level based on the membership card has reached a certain standard, teaching information that can be used to determine whether or not the setting of the pachinko machine 400 is preferable for the player (for example, as shown in FIG. 12B) In addition, an arrow indicating an adjustment direction of a game nail that is advantageous for game progress may be displayed on the shutter display unit 421).

  Further, when the pachinko machine 400 is not in operation, the game history information of the pachinko machine 400 (for example, as shown in FIG. 12 (c1), the number of starts from the previous big hit, the number of today's big hits, etc.) is displayed on the shutter display unit 521. And a service that can be used as a reference when the player selects a gaming apparatus 2 to play a game from now on. Note that the display of the game history information is erased (the entire surface is converted to a transparent state) with the start of the game (for example, touch detection on the firing operation handle 408) or the start of the variable display game by the variable display device 411. By changing to a reduced display as shown in (c2), the game progress is not hindered.

  Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiments, it should be considered that all of the embodiments disclosed in the present specification are examples and are not limited to the disclosed technology. That is, the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed restrictively based on the description in the above-described embodiment, but should be construed in accordance with the description of the scope of claims, and the description of the scope of claims. All modifications within the scope of the claims and the equivalent technology are included.

It is a perspective view of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment provided with a slot machine as a gaming machine. It is a front view of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. It is symbol arrangement explanatory drawing in each reel. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between types of winning combinations, symbol combination modes, and winning contents (number of payouts, etc.) in the slot machine. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a correspondence relationship between the multifunction display device in which the member device can be displayed and the slot machine. It is a block block diagram of the control part in a slot machine. It is explanatory drawing of the example of a display by a multifunction display apparatus. It is a front view of the game device concerning a 2nd embodiment provided with a pachinko machine as a game machine. It is a schematic explanatory drawing of the accommodating part in a member apparatus. It is a block block diagram of a pachinko machine. It is a block block diagram of a member apparatus. It is explanatory drawing of the example of a display by a display panel.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game device 100 Slot machine 103 Fluctuation display part 104a 1st reel 104b 2nd reel 104c 3rd reel 200 Member apparatus 210 Movable arm 220 Multifunctional display 221 Shutter display part

Claims (4)

A gaming machine having a variable display in the gaming area;
An apparatus provided with a display means provided corresponding to the gaming machine and capable of displaying game-related information related to the game on a display surface;
In a gaming device including
The side-by-side device has at least a display retracted state in which the display unit is retracted from the front side of the variation display unit in the game machine provided side by side, and a display surface of the display unit on the front side of the variation display unit in the side-by-side game machine. It is possible to convert to the display advance state that was positioned ,
The gaming area of the gaming machine is provided with an LED data communication transmitter capable of transmitting data by a blinking pattern,
The side device is provided with an LED data communication receiving unit capable of receiving data from the LED data communication transmitting unit in the display advance state,
A gaming device characterized in that data can be transmitted from a gaming machine to the side device by converting the side device to a display advance state . The gaming machine can transmit flag information established in the game from the LED data communication transmission unit,
2. The gaming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the side-by-side apparatus is capable of informing the type of flag that has been established based on flag establishment information received from the gaming machine by the LED data communication receiver . The gaming machine is a slot machine having a variable display unit that rotates a reel on which a plurality of symbols are drawn on a peripheral surface, facing a display area,
The display unit of the side device includes a shutter display unit that can convert a display pixel unit between a transmission state and a non-transmission state, and a shutter display control unit that performs transmission / non-transmission state conversion control in the shutter display unit. Become
When the side device is converted to the display advance state and the display surface of the display means is positioned so as to cover the display area of the slot machine, the shutter display control unit is configured to display a specific symbol on the reel rotating at a constant speed. The front side of the display area is controlled to be in a transparent state in synchronization with the timing of passing through the display area, and the front side of the display area is controlled to be in a non-transparent state during a period when a specific symbol does not pass through the display area. Item 3. A gaming device according to item 1 or item 2. The side device includes a storage unit that can store a display unit, and a storage state detection unit that can detect whether or not the display unit is stored in the storage unit,
Based on the fact that the display means while being held in the holding section is detected by the storage state detecting means, any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the deactivation of the display means The gaming device described in 1 .

Images