JP4409149B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a slot machine in which a predetermined winning is established if a reel in which a plurality of types of symbols are appropriately arranged along the circumferential direction of a peripheral surface is rotated and stopped, and a specific combination symbol is aligned on an effective line.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine forms a symbol display section 3 in which three longitudinal reel display windows 4 are arranged side by side on a front panel 2 provided on the front surface of the casing 1. In general, a configuration in which three reels 5 are arranged so as to correspond to the formation positions of the reel display windows 4 is generally used.
[0003]
Reel tapes displaying a plurality of types of symbols (not shown) such as letters, numbers, figures, characters, etc. are affixed to the peripheral surface of each reel 5, and during the rotation of the reels 5,. While the symbols displayed on the screen appear one after another in the reel display window 4, when the reels 5,... Are stopped, for example, symbols for three frames of each reel 5 are set on the symbol display unit 3. , Middle, bottom, right-up and right-down five stop lines L,.
[0004]
The stop line L is sequentially activated according to the number of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 6 and becomes an effective line. For example, when one medal is inserted, the one horizontal stop line L is effective, and when two medals are inserted, the upper, middle, and lower three stop lines L, ... becomes effective, and when three medals are inserted, all five stop lines L, ... become effective.
[0005]
Then, the start lever 7 provided on the projecting surface below the front panel 2 is operated to start rotation of the three reels 5..., And then push the stop button 8 provided corresponding to each reel 5. When operated, the three reels 5,... Are stopped sequentially. At this time, if a specific combination symbol is arranged on the stop line L,... Which becomes effective by the number of medals inserted, a winning according to the combination symbol is established, and a predetermined number of medals determined according to the winning symbol. Will be paid out.
[0006]
The slot machine employs a complete probability method in which each time the start lever 7 is operated, a lottery is generated by a random number generator of the control unit, and a combination of symbols to be arranged on the active line is determined according to the lottery result. . When a prize is won in the lottery process, an individual flag corresponding to the type of the prize is given (what is called “flag is raised”).
[0007]
Actually, if the flag is not set, even if the timing of pressing the stop buttons 8,. In other words, when the flag is set (it is understood), it is possible to align specific combinations of symbols as long as the timing of pressing the stop buttons 8 is correct. Therefore, a technique (so-called “eye press”) for pressing the stop buttons 8... So that the symbol to be stopped stops at a desired position becomes important.
[0008]
However, the timing of pressing the stop buttons 8,... Cannot be determined unless it is a skilled person, and a beginner who cannot easily identify each symbol of the reel that rotates at high speed cannot accurately aim at the target symbol. . Therefore, as a means for facilitating the pressing, one design is made light-transmitting, or a light transmission part is provided in the vicinity of one design, and the transmitted light of the light source body arranged inside the reel is transmitted. A light source body arranged on the inner side of a reel, provided with a mark (JP-A-6-327808, JP-A-7-10000241) or two different types of light transmitting portions colored in different colors. Have been proposed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-290856).
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the case of the former means, since the transmitted light is limited to one color, it can be applied only to one type of symbol, and a plurality of types of symbols cannot be identified. Therefore, among the multiple prizes that are prepared, such as the Big Bonus Prize, Regular Bonus Prize, or Small Bonus Prize, a prize other than a single type of prize (usually the Big Bonus Prize) is established. (Since a small role winning cannot carry over the flag next time, a so-called “missing” occurs).
[0010]
In the case of the latter means, since the color of transmitted light varies depending on the type of design, the above problem of the former means seems to be solved at first glance, but in reality, the reel rotates at high speed. Thus, the transmitted light of each color is observed by the player in a state where the colors are mixed with each other, and it is impossible to properly identify each of the plurality of types of symbols. This problem becomes more prominent because the interval between the light transmitting portions becomes narrower as the number of types of symbols provided with the light transmitting portions increases.
[0011]
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a slot machine capable of appropriately identifying a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the peripheral surface of the reel and facilitating pushing. It is an issue to provide.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The slot machine according to the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and a reel in which a plurality of types of symbols are appropriately arranged along the circumferential direction of the circumferential surface, and a part of the circumferential surface of the reel from the inside. A reel illuminating device for illuminating, and the reel is formed on the peripheral surface corresponding to at least two kinds of symbols respectively, and the light-transmitting portion whose formation position differs in the width direction of the reel depending on the kind of the symbols, The reel illumination device is a slot machine that includes a plurality of light source bodies corresponding to the formation positions of the respective light transmission portions in the width direction of the reel, and further includes a control unit that controls lighting of each light source body independently. there are, the plurality of light source is, and then臨出into the reflector through a cutout hole formed in the respective bottom portions of the plurality of reflectors each have a opening in the front side arranged in the circumferential direction of the reel As the distance from the light source to the reel periphery becomes substantially uniform, are mounted on a flexible circuit board mounted in a state warped in the back of the reflector, while being arranged side by side on each bottom portion of the reflector, the reflector, so as to define a compartment area of each light source comprises a partition plate along the circumferential direction of the reel between the light source, moreover, said partition switching plate is formed so as not extend to the opening of the reflector A slot machine characterized by that.
[0013]
According to the slot machine configured as described above, if only a part of the light source bodies in the width direction of the reel is turned on, only the light transmitting portion that passes through the front surface of the light source body emits light during the rotation of the reel. . The light transmitting portion that emits light corresponds to a part of a plurality of types of symbols, and thus the player can clearly identify only a specific type of symbols. The lighting pattern of the light source body can be changed by the control means. By changing the lighting pattern, a plurality of types of symbols can be identified.
In addition, the partition plate has a function of blocking the light from other partition areas by demarcating the partition area of each light source body, and suppressing the interference of light emission between the light source bodies. The light from the adjacent partition area is not completely shielded. By doing so, the shadow of the edge of the partition plate is not reflected on the reel tape when the entire pattern is illuminated, and the appearance as a backlight is ensured.
[0014]
The light transmitting portion can be formed in the vicinity of the corresponding symbol. However, as described in claim 2, a part or all of the symbol portion of the peripheral surface of the reel is formed to be transparent or translucent. This may be a light transmission part. In this case, the symbol itself emits light partially or entirely, and the player can directly identify a specific type of symbol.
[0015]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the predetermined type of symbol is arranged so that a part thereof protrudes from the width region of the other type of symbol in the width direction of the reel, and the protruding portion serves as a light transmission part. If comprised in this way, when this predetermined | prescribed symbol turns into a specific kind of symbol, the high visibility in a protrusion part is also match | combined and it will become very easy to push.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of a slot machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention relates to a design of a reel, a backlight (reel illumination device) disposed inside the reel, and control related thereto. Since the other structure is the same as that of the prior art, the reference numerals in FIG. 1 are used as they are and the description thereof is omitted.
[0018]
The three reels 5,... Are incorporated in a reel unit 9 accommodated in the housing 1, as shown in FIG. The reel unit 9 is fixed to the support plate 11 and a hollow box-shaped housing 10 whose front is open, three support plates 11 that divide the interior of the housing 10 into three sections, Three motors 12 that perform rotation / stop control of each reel 5, and three backlights 13 that are respectively fixed to the support plate 11 and arranged inside each reel 5 are provided.
[0019]
The reel 5 is composed of a drum 5a that is fixed to the drive shaft of the motor 12 and rotated as the motor 12 is driven, and a belt-like reel tape 5b that is adhered to the outer periphery of the drum 5a. On the surface of the reel tape 5b, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of symbols (a total of twenty-one symbols, but only a part are illustrated) are arranged at equal intervals. The display window 4 displays symbols for three consecutive frames on the reel tape 5b.
[0020]
The “7” symbol is a special winning symbol such as the so-called “Big Bonus”, and the “Vase” symbol, the “Cherry” symbol, and the “Grape” symbol are small role winning symbols, with the “pyramid landscape” as a motif. The symbol is a replay winning symbol, and each symbol is drawn by being printed with light transmissive colored ink on the back surface of the reel tape 5b, which is a transparent film material. At this time, the “7” design is colored with a light-transmitting red ink, the “vase” design is colored with a light-transmitting yellow ink, and the “grape” design is made of a light-transmitting purple ink. The leaf portion is colored with light-transmitting green ink.
[0021]
The reel tape 5b is printed with the light-transmitting colored ink, and the background is printed with the light-transmitting white ink. Finally, the "7" symbol, the left half of the "vase" symbol, and "grape" Except for the leaf portion of the design, a light-shielding silver ink is printed and masked.
[0022]
Further, the reel tape 5b is divided into four regions along the circumferential direction by a center line L1, side lines L2, L2 and intermediate lines L3, L3 between the center line L1 and the side lines L2, L2. The symbol, “cherry” symbol and replay symbol are arranged between the middle lines L3 and L3 (center position), and the “pot” symbol has the right half between the center line L1 and the left middle line L3 and the left half Arranged between the left side line L2 and the left intermediate line L3, between the center line L1 and the left side line L2 (leftward position), the “grape” symbol has the real part of the center line L1 Between the right intermediate line L3 and the leaf portion is disposed between the right side line L2 and the right intermediate line L3, it is disposed between the center line L1 and the right side line L2 (rightward position).
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 5, the frame member 14 of the backlight 13 includes three reflectors 15 a, 15 b and 15 c arranged in the rotation direction of the reel 5, and each reflector 15 displays on the reel display window 4. The three symbols are attached to the support plate 11 so as to correspond to the positions where the three symbols are displayed. Further, notches 14 a are formed in the bottom surface of each reflector 15, and a plurality of chip-type LEDs (light source bodies) 17 mounted on a circuit board 16 attached to the back surface of the frame member 14. It becomes the appearance which protrudes in the reflector 15 through the notch holes 14a. The circuit board 16 is made of a flexible material so that the distance from each LED 17 to the reel tape 5b is substantially uniform (concentric with the reel tape 5b). It is attached in a state of warping.
[0024]
The LED 17 is a multicolor light-emitting element that has LED chips for red, green, and blue, and has seven light-emitting modes consisting of red, green, blue, light blue, yellow, purple, and white by controlling their lighting. is there. These LEDs 17,... Are individually controlled to be turned on / off and arranged in a matrix of 3 rows × 4 columns, and each row of LEDs 17 in one row has the above four partition areas of the reel tape 5b. Are arranged side by side on the bottom surface of the reflector 15.
[0025]
The reflector 15 includes a partition plate 14b at positions corresponding to the center line L1 and the intermediate lines L3 and L3. The partition plate 14b is for defining a partition region for each LED 17 together with the partition plate 14c for partitioning each reflector 15. The partition plate 14b shields light from other partition regions and emits light between the LEDs 17, 17. It has a function to suppress interference.
[0026]
However, unlike the partition plate 14c, the partition plate 14b does not extend to the opening of the reflector 15, and does not completely block light from the adjacent partition region. In this way, when illuminating the entire design, even if all the four LEDs 17 in the reflector 15 are all lit, the shadow of the edge of the partition plate 14b does not appear on the reel tape 5b. The appearance as the backlight 13 is ensured. In addition, if LED with strong directivity is used, it is not necessary to provide the partition plate 14b.
[0027]
The light emission of the LED 17 is observed from the reel display window 4. That is, if the reel tape 5b rotates with the rotation of the reel 5, the light transmission part (the "7" symbol, the left half of the "vase" symbol, the leaf portion of the "grape" symbol) is in front of the backlight 13 ( If the LED 17 corresponding to the light transmission part is in the lighting state, the light emitted from the LED 17 leaks from the light transmission part and the light transmission part emits light. It will be.
[0028]
Therefore, if only the middle two LEDs 17 and 17 are lit in red, the “7” symbol emits red light in the central area of the reel tape 5 b, and red light emission is observed from the reel display window 4. The timing of passing through the reel display window 4 can be determined, and if only the left LED 17 is lit yellow, the left half of the “cage” symbol in the left area of the reel tape 5b (projects to the left from the other symbols). ) Yellow light emission, yellow light emission is observed from the reel display window 4, it is possible to determine the timing when the “claw” symbol passes through the reel display window 4, and only the right LED 17 is lit green. For example, in the right region of the reel tape 5b, the leaf portion of the “grape” symbol (the portion protruding to the right of the other symbols) emits green light, and green light emission is observed from the reel display window 4. Te, "grape" symbol can be determined when to pass the reel display window 4.
[0029]
As described above, according to the slot machine of the present embodiment, even a beginner can press a stop button 8,... Aiming at a timing when a specific type of symbol passes through the reel display window 4. Thus, it becomes easy to arrange specific combination symbols such as “7-7-7”, “vase-vase-vase”, and “grape-grape-grape” on the effective line L.
[0030]
The lighting control of the backlight 13 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6. First, in the lottery process when the start lever 7 is operated, it is checked whether or not the “pot” winning is won (S10). If so, the left area of the backlight 13 is turned on, and the central area and the right area are turned off (S20). As a result, the “claw” symbol during the rotation of the reel 5 is emphasized, and it becomes easy to press the “claw”, thereby preventing the “claw” prize from being missed.
[0031]
If S10 is NO, it is checked whether or not the “Grape” win has been won (S30). If this is YES, the right area of the backlight 13 is turned on and the central area and the left area are turned off (S40). ). As a result, the “grape” symbol during the rotation of the reel 5 is emphasized, and it becomes easy to push the “grape” winning combination, thereby preventing the “grape” winning from being missed.
[0032]
If S30 is NO, it is checked whether or not a bonus prize is won (S50). If this is YES, the central area of the backlight 13 is turned on and the right and left areas are turned off (S60). As a result, the bonus symbol during the rotation of the reel 5 is emphasized, and it becomes easy to push forward, so that a bonus winning can be established early.
[0033]
If S50 is NO, the player has won a prize for other small role, and in this case, the backlight 13 is fully lit in white (S70) because there is no special support for pressing. )
[0034]
Next, it is checked whether or not the game is over (until whether or not the payout process is completed if a winning is made) (S80). If this is YES, the backlight 13 is in the initial state. As a return, all lights up in white (S90).
[0035]
In this example, the lighting pattern changing process of the backlight 13 is executed for all the reels 5. For example, only for the left reel 5 or only for the central reel 5, Or you may make it perform the lighting pattern change process of the backlight 13 only with respect to any two reels 5 and 5. FIG.
[0036]
In any case, the fact that the lighting pattern of the backlight 13 is changed functions as a notice of winning a prize, and in this sense, a complete notice (if winning a prize, be sure to announce that fact) If not, it is necessary to execute a lottery process for determining whether or not to execute the lighting pattern changing process of the backlight 13. Then, the stop operation of the reel 5 is performed according to the changed lighting pattern. However, if the so-called “gase” effect that the corresponding winning is not established is performed, the preference of the slot machine can be enhanced.
[0037]
Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.
[0038]
For example, in the above embodiment, the LEDs 17 are arranged in a matrix of 3 rows × 4 columns, but the number of rows and the number of columns are not particularly limited. In short, the position of the light transmitting portion is in the width direction of the reel 5 for each type of design (in a direction orthogonal to the rotation direction of the reel 5) so that two or more types of symbols can be clearly identified even during the rotation of the reel 5. In addition to being formed in a shifted manner, at least two light source bodies of the backlight 13 may be provided in the width direction of the reel 5 corresponding to this position.
[0039]
In that sense, it is not necessary to execute the lighting pattern changing process in all of the three backlights 13 arranged in a row with respect to one reel display window 4, even if only one or two backlights 13 are used. Moreover, as the light source body, a known light source body such as a lamp, a liquid crystal, or an EL element can be employed in addition to the LED.
[0040]
In addition, when using monochromatic light such as a lamp or a monochromatic light emitting LED as a light source body, it is more preferable to color the light transmitting portion of the reel 5 from the viewpoint of symbol distinguishability. Since the portion where the portion is formed is different and only the light source body corresponding to the formation portion emits light, even if it is a light source body of monochromatic light and the light transmitting portion is not colored, the light transmission is performed. Due to the difference in position in the horizontal direction of the part, two or more kinds of symbols can be clearly identified even while the reel 5 is rotating.
[0041]
In addition, even when a multicolor light emitting LED is used as in the above embodiment, the light transmitting portion is caused to emit colored light by causing the multicolor light emitting LED to emit colored light without intentionally coloring the light transmitting portion. , It is possible to improve the pattern discrimination.
[0042]
Further, in the above embodiment, all or a part of the design is the light transmission part, but a light transmission part such as a round shape, a square shape or an oval shape may be formed in the design or in the vicinity of the design. .
[0043]
In the above embodiment, the reel 5 includes the drum 5a and the reel tape 5b. However, the specific configuration of the reel is not limited to this. For example, the design is directly applied to the peripheral surface of the drum. It may be a reel to be formed.
[0044]
In the above embodiment, a winning is established when three symbols of the same type are lined up. However, a combination symbol that is established as a winning is not limited to this. For example, “7-Grape-Grape” Alternatively, it may be composed of different kinds of symbols such as “tsubo-grape-7”. In this case, it goes without saying that the lighting pattern changes for each reel 5.
[0045]
In addition, the light transmission portion does not need to be formed for all the target types of symbols. For example, a plurality of the same types of symbols such as a “vase” symbol and a “grape” symbol are arranged on one reel 5. For a thing, you may make it form a light transmissive part only with respect to any one of the designs. In this case, since the light emission period of the light transmission part and the rotation period of the reel 5 are synchronized, the symbol discrimination is further improved.
[0046]
Furthermore, when only the LED corresponding to the light transmission part to be notified is turned on, the other light transmission part may be lighted white with the LED at the same time. Moreover, not only lighting but blinking notification may be used. Furthermore, when notifying a composite combination such as a small combination flag being set when the bonus flag is established, the symbols may be turned on simultaneously or alternately for each symbol.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to cause only some of the light transmitting portions to emit light among the plurality of light transmitting portions corresponding to the types of symbols. In this case, only a specific type of symbols ( Since only a specific light transmission part) is visually emphasized, the player can easily push a specific type of symbol and can eliminate any unexpected missing.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 shows an external perspective view of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows an internal front view of the slot machine according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the reel unit according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a part of the symbol arrangement of the reel according to the embodiment;
5A and 5B show a backlight according to the embodiment, where FIG. 5A is a side view and FIG. 5B is a front view.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of back line lighting control according to the embodiment;
[Explanation of symbols]
4 Reel display window 5 Reel 9 Reel unit 13 Backlight 14 Frame member 14a Notch hole 14b Partition plate 14c Partition plate 15 Reflector 16 Circuit board 17 LED

Claims (3)

A reel in which a plurality of types of symbols are appropriately arranged along the circumferential direction of the peripheral surface, and a reel illumination device that illuminates a part of the peripheral surface of the reel from the inside, wherein the reel has at least two types of symbols. The reel illuminating device is provided at the position where each light transmitting portion is formed in the width direction of the reel. corresponding with a plurality of light source, further, a slot machine having a control means for lighting control each light source independently a, the plurality of light source are each possess an opening on the front side as the distance from臨出to and the light source in the reflector via a plurality of notch hole formed in the respective bottom portion of the reflector arranged in the circumferential direction of the reel to the reel periphery is substantially uniform, the back of the reflector Are mounted on a flexible circuit board mounted in a state in which warps, while being arranged side by side on each bottom portion of the reflector, the reflector, in order to define a compartment area of each light source, in the circumferential direction of the reel comprising a along the partition plate between the light source, moreover, said partition switching plate slot machine characterized in that it is formed so as not extend to the opening of the reflector.   2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the light transmission part is formed by transparently or translucently forming a part or all of the design portion of the peripheral surface of the reel.   3. The slot machine according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined type of symbol is arranged so that a part thereof protrudes from the width region of the other type of symbol in the width direction of the reel, and the protruding portion is a light transmission part.

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