JP4363543B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine that provides a real image and a reflected virtual image of a symbol through a plurality of observation windows.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 07-114824 discloses a gaming reel in which a plurality of symbols are represented on the outer peripheral surface. In this gaming reel, for example, at least one of the symbol and the background portion thereof is represented by phosphorescent ink having a property of emitting light by absorbing, accumulating and emitting light.
[0003]
Further, Japanese Patent No. 2673790 discloses that the design of the design drum is formed by peeling and transferring the design display portion printed on the design film by thermal transfer at the stage of the ring body as the base body. Has been. This symbol drum is disposed in the symbol display unit, and is rotationally controlled by a pulse-controlled drive motor. The symbol is accurately stopped and displayed at an appropriate display position while detecting the rotation reference position by the detecting means. Inside the symbol drum, an ultraviolet light emitting lamp is arranged. By irradiating the symbol from the inside, the symbol painted with the light-emitting ink is displayed clearly and effectively.
[0004]
In addition, Japanese Utility Model Registration No. 2589966 discloses a rotating display body that is incorporated in a gaming machine and rotates around a rotation axis to display a pattern in a display window of the gaming machine. The rotating display body is provided with a fluorescent display pattern portion made of ink that emits a fluorescent color when irradiated with ultraviolet rays by a lamp disposed in the rotating body in white and visible inside the rotating body on the outer peripheral portion of the rotating body. ing.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Publication No.7-114824 [Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent No. 2673790 [Patent Document 3]
Utility Model Registration No. 2589966 [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]
However, although the conventional technique draws a symbol with luminescent ink, it does not employ a configuration for observing the symbol from a plurality of different angles. By making it possible to observe a single reel from a plurality of directions, it is possible to selectively use an observation window that displays symbols related to winning and an observation window that displays symbols in positions not related to winning. In particular, it is possible to provide useful information for players by making it possible to observe symbols in positions not related to winning.
[0006]
An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can inspire a player's interest by providing a real image and a reflected virtual image of a symbol through a plurality of observation windows.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention takes the following measures. That is, the gaming machine of the present invention includes a plurality of symbol bands having a plurality of symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface, and a variable display device that is movable in the longitudinal direction of the symbol bands, and at least one that directly provides a real image of the symbols. Two first observation windows, at least one reflector for reflecting a real image of a symbol in a position different from a symbol provided with the real image from the first observation window in the variable display device, and the reflection by the reflector At least one second observation window for providing a reflected virtual image of the symbol, and an arrangement of symbols observed from the at least one observation window when the movement of the symbols in the variable display device stops Providing a predetermined game state.
[0008]
In this way, at least one first observation window that directly provides a real image of the symbol drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the variable display device, and a symbol at a position different from the symbol observed from the first observation window. Since at least one reflector that reflects the real image and at least one second observation window that provides a reflected virtual image of the symbol reflected by the reflector, the same variable display device is different for the player. It can be observed from the direction (angle). Thereby, for example, it is possible to use separately an observation window for displaying symbols related to winning and an observation window for displaying symbols in positions not related to winning. In particular, it is possible to provide useful information for players by making it possible to observe symbols in positions not related to winning. The variable display device includes not only a physical reel but also a device that variably displays a symbol by a belt method. In addition, each of the first and second observation windows may be singular or plural. When a plurality of second observation windows are provided, a plurality of reflectors corresponding to the second observation windows are also provided.
[0009]
The gaming machine of the present invention is characterized in that the reflector is provided on the upstream side of the moving direction of the symbols in the variable display device with respect to the first observation window.
[0010]
Thus, since the reflector is provided on the upstream side of the moving direction of the symbol in the variable display device with respect to the first observation window, the symbol provided in the first observation window is preliminarily set in the second observation window. It can be provided in the observation window. That is, the player can know in advance the symbols displayed in the first observation window after a certain time has elapsed from a certain time. Thereby, the player can easily predict the symbols displayed in the first observation window, and for example, can easily “push”. As a result, the game performance can be improved and the player's interest in the game can be stimulated.
[0011]
The gaming machine of the present invention is characterized in that the symbol is line symmetric with respect to an axis of symmetry orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the symbol band.
[0012]
Thus, since the symbol drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the variable display device is axisymmetric with respect to the symmetry axis orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the design band, the real image and the reflected virtual image can be provided as the same symbol. As a result, even if the moving direction of the real image and the moving direction of the reflected virtual image are different, they can be used as the same symbol without being distinguished from each other.
[0013]
Further, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the reflector is a mirror surface by a half mirror, and further includes a display unit capable of controlling brightness on the back side of the half mirror with respect to the second observation window. The second observation window provides light to be observed from the display unit through the half mirror and a reflected virtual image of the symbol by the half mirror.
[0014]
As described above, the reflector is configured by the half mirror, and the display unit capable of controlling the brightness is provided on the back side of the half mirror with respect to the second observation window. Abundant display can be performed. Thereby, the player's motivation for the game can be stimulated. Note that the display unit can be composed of an image display device such as an LCD or an EL display, a lamp such as an LED, or a 7-segment display.
[0015]
The gaming machine of the present invention is further characterized by further comprising a display area control unit that changes a display area of a reflected virtual image of the symbol provided in the second observation window.
[0016]
Thus, since the display area of the reflected virtual image of the symbol provided in the second observation window is changed, the amount of information given to the player can be controlled.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The gaming machine according to the present embodiment includes a variable display device in which a symbol is drawn on a physical reel or belt, and a real image of the symbol in an observation window (first observation window) provided in front of the housing. Is displayed. Further, a symbol at a different angle from the front direction, that is, a position different from the symbol displayed on the first observation window is reflected by the reflector (half mirror) and displayed on the second observation window. . In the present embodiment, the reflector is arranged on the upstream side with respect to the rotation direction of the physical reel. Thereby, the symbol provided in the first observation window can be provided in advance in the second observation window. That is, the player can know in advance the symbols displayed in the first observation window after a certain time has elapsed from a certain time.
[0018]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a gaming machine according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view when the gaming machine according to the present embodiment is applied to a slot machine. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gaming machine 1 includes a housing 2 and a reel unit 3 having three physical reels 3a, 3b, and 3c on the upper side with respect to the paper surface of the housing 2. ing. A plurality of types of symbols are provided on the outer peripheral surfaces of the physical reels 3a to 3c. This physical reel constitutes a variable display device, and in addition to the physical reel, a device that variably displays symbols by a belt method can be applied.
[0019]
The symbol may be displayed directly or reflected by a half mirror described later. For this reason, the symbols are drawn so as to be line symmetric with respect to an axis of symmetry perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reel band (design band). Therefore, the real image and the reflected virtual image can be provided as the same symbol. As a result, even if the moving direction of the real image and the moving direction of the reflected virtual image are different, they can be used as the same symbol without being distinguished from each other.
[0020]
The reel unit 3 is provided with a lamp 3d that irradiates visible light on the inner peripheral surfaces of the physical reels 3a to 3c. A first observation window 7a is provided in front of the physical reels 3a to 3c. The first observation window 7a directly displays the real images of the symbols on the physical reels 3a to 3c. In FIG. 2, only the lamp 3d that irradiates the inner surface of the reel unit 3 in the direction of the half mirror 5b is illustrated, but a lamp that irradiates the inner surface of the reel unit 3 in the direction of the first observation window 7a is provided. May be. Further, when displaying the real image of the symbol in the first observation window 7a, the effect lamp 7b may be turned on or blinked. Further, the first observation window 7a may include a filter that limits the amount of transmitted light.
[0021]
A second observation window 5a for the player to observe the symbol is provided on the lower side of the reel unit 3 with respect to the paper surface and at a position lower than the lower ends of the physical reels 3a to 3c. A half mirror 5b that reflects the symbols on the physical reels 3a to 3c is provided in the back of the second observation window 5a when viewed from the player side. Further, a liquid crystal display 5c is provided in the back of the half mirror 5b. That is, an image to be observed from the liquid crystal display 5c through the half mirror 5b and a reflected virtual image of the main symbol by the half mirror 5b are displayed in the second observation window 5a. Thus, since the liquid crystal display 5c is provided on the back side of the half mirror 5b with respect to the second observation window 5a, the image and the half mirror to be observed through the half mirror 5b from the liquid crystal display 5c. By combining the reflected virtual image of the main symbol by 5b, it is possible to display a wide variety of variations in the second observation window 5a.
[0022]
For example, the region where the reflected virtual image of the half mirror 5b is provided can be changed by changing the region where the liquid crystal display 5c emits light. Thereby, the amount of information given to the player can be controlled.
[0023]
Providing the two observation windows directly on the reel surface is limited in space, and the symbols cannot always be easily confirmed from the player's viewpoint. For this reason, the second observation window is provided at a position distant from the reel, and a problem that may occur at the time of confirmation is solved by adopting a configuration in which the second observation window is used as a reflected virtual image.
[0024]
The liquid crystal display 5c is composed of a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube), a PDP (Plasma Display Panel), a lamp such as an LCD, an EL display, an LED, a 7-segment display, etc. in addition to a liquid crystal panel. Is possible.
[0025]
Below the second observation window 5a, an operation panel 8 is provided for the player to perform various game operations. The operation panel 8 is provided with an insertion slot for inserting medals or coins, a button for betting, a start button for rotating the physical reels 3a to 3c, and the like.
[0026]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine 1 is electrically composed of a main board A and a sub board B. In the main substrate A, the CPU 30 includes a ROM 31 and a RAM 32, and performs a control operation according to a preset program. In addition to a control program for controlling the operation of the gaming machine 1, the ROM 31 stores a prize group lottery table and the like used for predetermining a prize group (internal lottery).
[0027]
The CPU 30 is connected to a clock generation circuit 33 that generates a reference clock pulse and a random number generation circuit 34 that generates a fixed random number. A control signal transmitted from the CPU 30 is output to the medal payout device 36 for paying out medals and the reel unit 3 via the output port 35.
[0028]
Further, signals output from the medal discriminating device 38 for discriminating the suitability of the medals, the payout medal counter 40 for counting the number of medals to be paid out, and the start button 41 for starting the rotation of the reels are sent to the CPU 30 via the input port 43. Entered. A signal output from the CPU 30 is output to the sub-board B via the data transmission circuit 46 under the control of the transmission timing control circuit 45 that controls the signal transmission timing to the sub-board B.
[0029]
In the sub-board B, the signal output from the data transmission circuit 46 is input to the data input circuit 47. The signal input to the data input circuit 47 is processed by the CPU 48. Connected to the CPU 48 are a clock generation circuit 49 that generates a reference clock pulse, a ROM 50 in which various programs and image data are recorded, and a RAM 51. Data relating to the image is output from the CPU 48 to the liquid crystal display 5c via the display circuit 52 that performs image processing and the like.
[0030]
The liquid crystal display 5c displays characters, still images, moving images, and the like. Further, as described above, the region where the reflected virtual image of the half mirror 5b is provided is changed by changing the region where the liquid crystal display 5c emits light.
[0031]
Further, data related to sound is output from the CPU 48 to the amplifier circuit 56 via the sound LSI 54 that performs sound processing and the like. The sound LSI 54 extracts necessary audio data from the audio ROM 55 and processes the audio data. Audio data that has undergone processing such as amplification by the amplifier circuit 56 is output to the speaker 58 via an audio adjustment circuit 57 that performs audio adjustment.
[0032]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the gaming machine according to the present invention, at least one first observation window that directly provides a real image of the symbol drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the variable display device, and observation from the first observation window. Comprising at least one reflector that reflects a real image of the symbol in a different position from the symbol being rendered, and at least one second observation window that provides a reflected virtual image of the symbol reflected by the reflector, The player can observe the same variable display device from different directions (angles). Thereby, for example, it is possible to use separately an observation window for displaying symbols related to winning and an observation window for displaying symbols in positions not related to winning. In particular, it is possible to provide useful information for players by making it possible to observe symbols in positions not related to winning.
[0033]
Further, according to the gaming machine according to the present invention, the reflector is provided on the upstream side in the moving direction of the symbol in the variable display device with respect to the first observation window, and thus is provided in the first observation window. Can be provided in advance in the second observation window. That is, the player can know in advance the symbols displayed in the first observation window after a certain time has elapsed from a certain time. Thereby, the player can easily predict the symbols displayed in the first observation window, and for example, can easily “push”. As a result, the game performance can be improved and the player's interest in the game can be stimulated.
[0034]
In addition, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, the symbol drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the variable display device is line symmetric about the symmetry axis orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the design strip, so that the real image and the reflected virtual image are the same symbol. Can be provided. As a result, even if the moving direction of the real image and the moving direction of the reflected virtual image are different, they can be used as the same symbol without being distinguished from each other.
[0035]
In addition, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, the reflector is configured by the half mirror, and the display unit capable of controlling the brightness is provided on the back side of the half mirror with respect to the second observation window. It is possible to display a variety of variations in the two observation windows. Thereby, the player's motivation for the game can be stimulated. Note that the display unit can be composed of an image display device such as an LCD or an EL display, a lamp such as an LED, or a 7-segment display.
[0036]
Further, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, since the display area of the reflected virtual image of the symbol provided in the second observation window is changed, the amount of information given to the player can be controlled.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a gaming machine according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view when the gaming machine according to the present embodiment is applied to a slot machine.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 2 ... Housing | casing, 3 ... Reel unit, 3a-3c ... Physical reel, 3d ... Lamp, 5a ... 2nd observation window, 5b ... Half mirror, 5c ... Liquid crystal display, 7a ... 1st Observation window, 7b ... lamp for production, 8 ... operation panel

Claims (1)

A variable display device comprising a plurality of symbol bands in which a plurality of symbols are drawn on the outer peripheral surface, and movable in the longitudinal direction of the symbol band;
At least one first observation window directly providing a real image of the symbol;
At least one reflector for reflecting a real image of a symbol in a position different from a symbol provided with the real image from the first observation window in the variable display device;
At least one second observation window providing a reflected virtual image of the symbol reflected by the reflector;
The symbol is line symmetric about an axis of symmetry perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the design strip;
A game machine that provides a predetermined game state with an arrangement of symbols observed from at least one of the observation windows when the movement of the symbols in the variable display device stops.

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