JP4575905B2 - Reel unit for gaming machine and gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a reel unit for a gaming machine and a gaming machine.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a gaming machine (cylinder type gaming machine, slot machine) having a plurality of reels composed of a plurality of reel tapes having a pattern arranged on the surface and a plurality of reel bodies (drums) around which the reel tape is wound Are known. This type of gaming machine gives a certain game value to game media such as medals and pachinko balls, and performs a game for acquiring such game media.

  Specifically, a player plays a game by stopping a plurality of rotating reels by pressing a stop button, and the result of the game is played by a combination of symbols displayed in a stopped state of the plurality of reels. If the winning combination is determined, it is determined whether or not medals are paid out. In addition, in this type of gaming machine, the control of stopping a plurality of reels is performed according to the result of the internal lottery that determines whether or not the winning combination is won, so the visibility of the symbols when the reels are rotating is the result of the game Greatly affects.

  For this reason, in conventional gaming machines, in order to improve the visibility of the symbols arranged on the surface of the reel tape during the game, there are various types of symbols that are easy to see when irradiated with light from the back side of the reel tape. Is applied to the reel tape. For example, the design of the reel tape is processed so that the light irradiated from the back side is transmitted, and the portion other than the design of the reel tape is blocked from the light irradiated from the back side.

Also, in conventional gaming machines, a light source that illuminates a plurality of reels from the back side of the reel tape is arranged on a reel tape by switching the light source on / off so that only a specific symbol is illuminated when a specific symbol passes. Attempts have also been made to improve the visibility of only the specified symbols (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2005-245607 A

  However, in the conventional attempt, only a specific symbol is illuminated while a specific symbol is passing, so that there is a problem that visibility of other symbols is deteriorated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a reel unit for a gaming machine and a gaming machine that can improve the visibility of a specific area of a reel without affecting the visibility of a symbol. is there.

  (1) The present invention provides a reel tape having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on a surface thereof, a plurality of reels each having a reel body around which the reel tape is wound, a reel driving unit that rotationally drives the plurality of reels, A reel unit for a gaming machine comprising a light source for illuminating a reel from the rear surface side of the reel tape, wherein at least one reel tape of the reel tapes for each reel is part of the rear surface from the light source. It is formed as a special reel tape provided with a reflection area for reflecting the illumination light of the above-mentioned, and a reflection member for reflecting the light is provided on the back side of the special reel tape, and is reflected by the reflection area of the special reel tape. Illuminated light from the light source is applied from the back side to the front side of the special reel tape on the side with respect to the rotation direction of the reel. It relates gaming machine reel unit provided with the reflective member as wither.

  In the present invention, each reel is composed of one reel tape and one reel body as a pair. Further, it is sufficient that at least one of the plurality of reel tapes is formed as a special reel tape, and all the reel tapes may be formed as a special reel tape. Further, the reflecting member may be provided so as to correspond to all of the plurality of reels, or may be provided corresponding to only the reel around which the special reel tape is wound.

  According to the present invention, the illumination light from the light source is reflected by the reflection region provided on a part of the back surface of the special reel tape, and the reflected light is reflected by the reflection member on the side of the special reel tape. Since the light is guided from the rear surface side to the front surface side, it is possible to visually recognize that a specific area of the reel is passing by the light viewed from the side of the reel. Further, according to the present invention, the player guides the illumination light from the light source to the side of the reel through the reflection area provided on the rear surface of the reel tape and the reflection member provided on the rear surface side of the reel tape. Since it did in this way, the visibility of the specific area | region of a reel can be improved now without affecting the visibility of each symbol arranged on the surface of a reel tape.

  (2) In the reel unit for gaming machines of the present invention, the reflection area may be provided in an area corresponding to a specific symbol among a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the special reel tape.

  In this way, the visibility of a specific symbol can be improved without affecting the visibility of other symbols.

  (3) In the reel unit for gaming machines of the present invention, a plurality of the specific symbols are arranged on the special reel tape, and the reflective region is provided on the back surface, and the reflective region May be arranged on the special reel tape with the specific symbols not provided on the back surface.

  In this way, the interval at which the light guided from the side of the reel through the reflecting member can be seen is increased, so that it is easy for the player to measure the timing at which a specific symbol passes. As a result, the reel can be easily stopped at the position aimed by the player, and the operating interface environment of the gaming machine can be further improved.

  (4) Further, the present invention provides a reel tape having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on a surface thereof, a plurality of reels each having a reel body around which the reel tape is wound, a reel driving unit that rotationally drives the plurality of reels, and the plurality of the reels. A reel unit including a light source that illuminates the reel from the back side of the reel tape, an operation means for performing an operation that triggers rotation and stop of the plurality of reels, and whether or not the role is achieved using a random number. A gaming machine comprising: lottery means for performing an internal lottery to be determined; and reel control means for performing control to stop the plurality of reels according to whether or not a combination is based on a stop operation to the operation means, At least one reel tape among the reel tapes for each reel has a special reel tape provided with a reflection area for reflecting illumination light from the light source on a part of the back surface thereof. In the reel unit, a reflection member for reflecting light is provided on the back side of the special reel tape in the reel unit, and the illumination light from the light source reflected by the reflection area of the special reel tape is provided. The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with the reflecting member so as to be guided from the rear surface side to the front surface side of the special reel tape on the side with respect to the rotation direction of the reel.

  Also in the present invention, it is possible to visually recognize that a specific area of the reel is passing by the light visible from the side of the reel. Also in the present invention, since the light source can always illuminate the reel tape from the back side, the visibility of a specific area of the reel can be improved without affecting the visibility of the symbols arranged on the surface of the reel tape. Can be improved.

  (5) In the gaming machine of the present invention, each of the reel tapes for each reel is formed as the special reel tape having the reflection area provided on a part of the back surface thereof, and the reel control means Depending on the result of the internal lottery, the reels may be controlled to stop so that the reflective areas provided on the back surfaces of the reel tapes for the reels are arranged in a straight line.

  In this way, the light visible from the side of the reel is arranged in a straight line, so that the player can be notified of the result of the internal lottery.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. In addition, this embodiment demonstrated below does not unduly limit the content of this invention described in the claim. In addition, all the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

1. Configuration of Gaming Machine The gaming machine of the present embodiment is a so-called slot machine or spinning-type gaming machine, and is a type of gaming machine that performs games using medals as gaming media.

  In the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, a reel unit including a first reel R1 to a third reel R3 (a plurality of reels) is housed in a box-shaped casing including a storage box BX, a front upper door UD, and a front lower door DD. It has been. A hopper unit (not shown) as a medal payout device is housed in the lower portion of the reel unit in the housing. In the gaming machine casing of the present embodiment, a CPU, ROM (an example of an information storage medium), RAM, and the like are mounted, and a control board for controlling the operation of the gaming machine is also housed.

  Each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 shown in FIG. 1 is divided into 21 regions (each region is referred to as “frame”) at regular intervals on the outer peripheral surface, and each frame has a plurality of types of symbols. One is arranged. Further, the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are pivotally supported by a step motor (reel driving means), and are each driven to rotate around the axis of the step motor. It is provided so that it can be stopped in units of frames (predetermined rotation angle units) by controlling. That is, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the step motor rotates and drives the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 in accordance with the drive pulse supplied from the control board, and the supply of the drive pulse from the control board is interrupted, As the rotation of the step motor stops, the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 stop. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, a reflection member RU that reflects light is provided on the side of each reel of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 (right side in FIG. 1) in the reel unit. The role of the reflecting member RU will be described in detail later.

  Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the front upper door UD and the front lower door DD are provided so as to be individually openable and closable, and the front reel UD is rotated and stopped by the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. A display window DW that allows the state to be observed is provided. In the stopped state of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, three (three frames) of a plurality of types of symbols arranged at regular intervals on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. The symbols (upper symbol, middle symbol, lower symbol) can be observed from the front of the gaming machine through the display window DW. The player's game result is determined by the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the five active lines L1 to L5 in the display window DW, and the combination of the symbols on the effective line corresponds to a predetermined combination. In the case of, medals are paid out from the hopper unit as the winning combination.

  The five activated lines L1 to L5 are determined according to the number of medals inserted (the number of bets). In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, it is possible to insert medals in the range of 1 to 3 for one game, and one medal is inserted into the medal slot MI provided in the front lower door DD. In this case, when one effective line L1 is activated and two medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot MI, three effective lines L1 to L3 are activated and three medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot MI. When it is input, all the five effective lines L1 to L5 are activated.

  The front upper door UD is provided with a game information display section DS. The game information display section DS is composed of an LED, a lamp, a 7-segment display, etc., and the number of internally stored medals (number of credits), the number of medals paid out (or the number acquired) in one game, the remaining number of bonus games, etc. The various game information is displayed.

  Further, the front upper door UD is provided with a liquid crystal display LCD for performing a game effect. On the liquid crystal display LCD, various videos (or images) for assisting the game or for exciting the game are displayed. Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, a plurality of speakers (not shown) for performing a game effect are provided for the front upper door UD and the front lower door DD. From the speaker, various sounds for assisting the game or for exciting the game are output.

  The front lower door DD is provided with various operation means. As the operation means, a bet button B0 for performing an operation for putting a stored medal into an inserted state, and a start lever for performing an operation for triggering a game by rotating the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. SL, stop buttons B1 to B3 are provided for performing an operation that triggers the stop of each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 that is rotationally driven by the step motor.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the player is set in a ready state in which a game can be started by inserting a medal into the medal insertion slot MI or performing an operation of pressing the bet button B0. When the player depresses the start lever SL, the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 start rotating by driving the step motor, and the rotation speed of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 increases to a predetermined speed. On the condition that a predetermined waiting time (wait time) has elapsed, the pressing operation of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is permitted.

  Thereafter, when the player presses down the stop buttons B1 to B3 at an arbitrary timing, stop switches (stop signal output means: for example, a photo sensor, a continuity sensor, a pressure) built in each of the stop buttons B1 to B3 A sensor or the like) performs an ON operation, and changes a reel stop signal input to the control board from the OFF state to the ON state.

  When the player releases the stop buttons B1 to B3 that are in the pressed state at an arbitrary timing, the stop switch of each button is turned off, and the reel stop signal input to the control board is changed from the on state to the off state. .

  Then, the control board changes the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 based on the change from the OFF state to the ON state of the reel stop signal whose signal state changes according to the press timing and release timing of the stop buttons B1 to B3. Stop.

  Further, a medal payout opening MO and a medal tray MP are provided at the lower part of the front lower door DD, and a number of medals according to the game result are paid out from the medal payout opening MO to the medal tray MP.

2. Configuration of Reel Unit FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a reel unit for a gaming machine in the present embodiment.

  In the reel unit of the present embodiment, each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is substantially U-shaped via a metal or resin support unit SU that supports a step motor SM for driving each reel. It is fixed to a base unit BU made of metal or resin formed into a shape.

  Each reel of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 accommodated in the base unit BU is a reel tape made of a strip-shaped resin film on the outer periphery of a resin-made reel body RD (reel drum) formed in an annular shape. A TP is wound around. The reel tape TP is wound around the reel body RD so that the front surface forms the outer peripheral surface of each reel and the back surface forms the inner peripheral surface of each reel, and the ends are fixed with an adhesive or the like. Yes.

  Further, each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is fixed at a position corresponding to the rotation center of the reel body RD by bolting or the like with the drive shaft of the step motor SM. The step motor SM for each reel is also fixed to the support unit SU by bolting or the like.

  Further, the reel tape TP for each reel is partitioned into a symbol arrangement area of 21 frames at regular intervals, and a plurality of reel tapes TP are provided on the surface of the reel tape TP for each position corresponding to each frame as shown in FIG. Any one of the types of symbols (bell symbol, JAC symbol, plum symbol, bonus symbol, etc.) is arranged. In the present embodiment, the winning combination of the combination is determined when the same kind of symbols are stopped along with any of the effective lines L1 to L5. For example, if the bell symbols are stopped on the active line, the winning of the small bell will be confirmed. If the JAC symbols are stopped on the active line, the replay winning will be confirmed and the plum symbol will be valid. The winning of the plum which is a small role is fixed when stopping on the line, and the winning of the big bonus is determined when the bonus symbols stop on the active line.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, on the back surface of the reel tape TP, the region corresponding to the pattern is processed so as to be a transmission region that can transmit the light irradiated from the back surface side. The region corresponding to the portion other than is processed so as to be a light shielding region that blocks light irradiated from the back surface side. Further, in the present embodiment, the reel tape TP for each reel is formed as a special reel tape that can reflect the light irradiated from the back side on a part of the back side of the reel tape TP. Specifically, on the back surface of the reel tape TP, irradiation is performed from the back surface side of the reel tape TP near the side of the region where the plum symbol (specific symbol) is arranged (the region where the plum symbol is printed on the surface). A reflection region is provided so that the reflected light can be reflected. However, as shown in FIG. 3, the reflection area is not provided corresponding to all the plum symbols, and a reflection area is provided near the side of the plum symbol P1. No reflection area is provided near the side. By doing so, it is possible to thin out the time interval in which the light irradiated from the back surface side is reflected in the reflection region, compared to the case where the reflection region is provided corresponding to all the plum symbols. Yes.

  The reel unit of the present embodiment includes a light source unit LU that illuminates the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 from the back surface side (the inner peripheral surface side of each reel) of the reel tape for each reel. The light source unit LU for each reel is provided with light sources such as lamps and LEDs so as to illuminate the symbols of three frames (upper, middle, and lower) that can be observed from the display window DW of the gaming machine. In the present embodiment, there are provided three light sources: a light source L1 that illuminates the symbol located in the upper stage, a light source L2 that illuminates the symbol located in the middle stage, and a light source L3 that illuminates the symbol located in the lower stage.

  Furthermore, in the reel unit of the present embodiment, the illumination light from the light sources L1 to L3 is reflected on the right side of each reel of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 and on the back side of the reel tape TP for each reel. A reflecting member RU formed of a mirror to be moved is provided. That is, the reflecting member RU for each reel is provided on the inner peripheral surface side of each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. When the illumination light from the light sources L1 to L3 is reflected by the reflection area provided on a part of the back surface of the reel tape TP, the reflection member RU converts the illumination light from the light source reflected by the reflection area to the reel tape. It is a member provided to reflect again so as to guide from the back surface side of the TP to the front surface side. For example, a reflecting member RU having a mirror-finished reflecting surface can be formed by coating a given surface of a resin molded product with a metal film (for example, an aluminum film). That is, according to the configuration of the reel unit of this embodiment, when the player observes the display window DW from the front side of the gaming machine, the light guided through the reflecting member RU is lateral to the rotation direction of each reel. It will be visible.

  Next, the operation of the reel unit in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when a symbol other than the plum symbol or a plum symbol with no reflective area on the back of the reel tape is located in front of the light source, as shown in FIG. 4 (A), it corresponds to the shape of the symbol. Although the illumination light from the light source is transmitted through the provided transmission region, since the illumination light is not transmitted or reflected in the light shielding region, the reflection member provided on the rear surface side of the reel tape reflects the reflected light of the illumination light. The player does not receive the light, and the player cannot see the light from the reflecting member.

  On the other hand, when the plum pattern in which the reflective area is provided on the rear surface of the reel tape is located in front of the light source, as shown in FIG. 4B, the transmission area corresponding to the plum pattern on the rear surface of the reel tape is shown. Illumination light from the light source is reflected in a reflection region provided at a position corresponding to the side. Then, the reflecting member provided on the rear surface side of the reel tape reflects the reflected light of the illumination light again, so that the illumination light from the light source is guided from the rear surface side of the reel tape to the front surface side through the reflecting member. As a result, when a predetermined plum symbol passes in front of the light source, the player can visually recognize the illumination light from the light source guided through the reflecting member as shown in FIG. . For this reason, it becomes possible to easily grasp that a specific area of each reel is passing.

  In particular, in this embodiment, light is guided through the reflecting member only when a predetermined plum symbol passes, so that the light guided through the reflecting member is rotated in the rotation direction like the reel. Performing a pressing operation on the stop buttons B1 to B3 so as to stop the target symbol at a desired position while measuring the speed at which the reel rotates and the timing at which the specific area of the reel passes while visually checking the movement along the line. Will be able to.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the reflection area is provided on the back surface of the reel tape TP in correspondence with the plum design. However, as shown in FIG. 3, the plum design (P1) in which the reflection area is provided on the back surface. ) And a plum symbol (P2) in which the reflection area is not provided on the back surface. By configuring the reel tape TP in this way, a time interval at which the light guided from the side of the reel through the reflecting member becomes visible is increased, so that the player passes a specific plum symbol. It becomes easy to measure timing. This makes it easier for the player to perform the operation of stopping the reel at the target position using the light from the reflective member that is visible as the reflective area passes through the plum symbol provided on the back surface of the reel tape TP as a mark. The operation interface environment of the machine can be further improved.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4B, the reflection member is provided so that the reflection surface of the reflection member and the reel tape do not overlap when the display window is observed from the front of the gaming machine. As shown in C), when the display window is viewed from the front of the gaming machine, the reflective member may be provided so that the reflective surface of the reflective member and the reel tape partially or entirely overlap each other. . That is, the reflecting member can be provided so that part or all of the reflecting member is hidden by the reel tape by suitably adjusting the angle at which the light is reflected by the reflecting surface.

  As described above, according to the reel unit for the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the illumination light from the light sources L1 to L3 is applied to the reflection area provided on the back surface of the reel tape TP and the back surface side of the reel tape TP. Since the player is guided to the side of the reel through the reflection member provided, the reel can be identified without affecting the visibility of the symbols arranged on the surface of the reel tape TP. The visibility of the area can be improved.

3. Next, the functions of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of the present embodiment.

  The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by the game control means 100. The game control means 100 receives input signals from input means such as the medal insertion switch 210, the bet switch 220, the start switch 230, the stop switch 240, etc., and performs various calculations for executing the game, and based on the calculation results. Then, operation control of output means such as the reel unit 310, the hopper unit (dispensing device) 320, the display device 330, the speaker 340, and the like is performed. The functions of the game control means 100 are realized by various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or hardware such as RAM, or software comprising a given program. Is done.

  The game control means 100 includes a random number generation means 110, a lottery means 120, a reel control means 130, a winning determination means 140, a payout control means 150, a replay processing means 160, a game state transition control means 170, an effect control means 180, and a storage means. 190 is included.

  The random number generation means 110 is a means for generating random numbers for lottery. The random value can be generated based on, for example, a count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numerical values so as to circulate a predetermined count range). In this embodiment, the “random number value” is not only a value that is randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but even if the generation itself is regular, the acquisition timing and the like are irregular. Includes a value that can function as a random number.

  The lottery means 120 is a means for performing an internal lottery for determining whether or not a winning combination is made based on a game start signal from a start switch 230 that is actuated by the player depressing the start lever SL. , Random number determination processing, flag setting processing, and the like.

  In the lottery table selection process, it is determined which of the plurality of lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage unit 191 of the storage unit 190 is to be used for lottery. In the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, a plurality of types of gaming states such as a normal state, a big bonus state (BB state), and a regular bonus state (RB state) can be set. The lottery table for the internal lottery is stored. In the lottery table for each game state, a predetermined number of medals are paid out for each of a plurality of random values (for example, 65536 random values from 0 to 65535) and small roles (winning prizes). The roles to be played: bells, plums, etc.), various bonuses such as big bonus (BB) or loses are associated.

  In the gaming machine of this embodiment, in the lottery table for each gaming state, the types of combinations that are the targets of the internal lottery executed in each gaming state are different. For example, in the normal state, the big bonus (BB), the small role, and the replay are the targets of the internal lottery. In the BB state, the small role is the target of the internal lottery, but the replay is the internal lottery. Not subject. Even in the BB state, replay may be an object of internal lottery.

  In the random number determination process (so-called internal lottery), one random number value (lottery random number) is acquired from the random number generating means 110 for one game based on the game start signal from the start switch 230, and the acquired random number value is stored. It is determined whether or not the winning combination has been won with reference to the lottery table stored in the lottery table storage unit 191 of the unit 190.

  In the flag setting process, based on the result of random number determination, the flag of the winning combination determined to be won is changed from the non-internal winning state (first flag state, off state) to the internal winning state (second flag state, on state). ). The flag setting information is stored in the flag storage unit 192 of the storage unit 190. Also, in this embodiment, a flag that can carry on the internal winning state for the next game until the prize is won (carry-over possible flag) and a non-internal winning without carrying the internal winning state for the next game regardless of the winning. A flag to be reset to a state (carry-over impossible flag) is prepared. The combination with which the former flag (carry-over possible flag) is associated is a big bonus (BB), and other combinations (for example, small role, replay, etc.) are associated with the latter flag (carry-through impossible flag). ing.

  The reel control means 130 controls to rotate and drive the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 by a step motor based on a game start signal from a start switch 230 that is actuated when the player depresses the start lever SL. At the same time, the player is driven to rotate by a step motor based on a reel stop signal from a stop switch 240 that is actuated by pressing down stop buttons B1 to B3 (an example of operation means) (an example of a stop operation). Control is performed to stop the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 in accordance with the flag setting state (whether or not the winning combination).

  Further, when the reel control means 130 stops the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, the stop buttons B1 to B3 are referred to by referring to the stop control table stored in the stop control table storage means 193 of the storage means 190. The stop positions of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are determined according to the pressing timing of the button (mode of stop operation), and the reels so that the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 stop at the determined stop position. Control is performed to stop each reel by stopping the supply of drive pulses (motor drive signal) to the step motor of the unit 310.

  The reel control means 130 performs so-called pull-in processing and kick-out processing as control for stopping the reel. The pull-in process is a control process for stopping the reel so that the symbol corresponding to the combination whose flag is set to the internal winning state is stopped on the active line (so that the winning combination can be won). On the other hand, the kicking process is a control to stop the reel so that the symbol corresponding to the combination whose flag is set to the non-internal winning state does not stop on the active line (so that the winning combination cannot be won). It is processing. That is, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, in order to realize the above-described pull-in process and kick-off process, the flag setting state, the press timing of the stop buttons B1 to B3, the press order, the stop position of the reel that has already stopped (or the effective line) The stop control table is set so that the stop position of each reel changes according to the types of symbols stopped on L1 to L5. In this way, the reel control means 130 can stop the symbol of the combination for which the flag is set to the internal winning state in the form of winning, while the symbol of the combination for which the flag is set to the non-winning state is in the form of winning. Control is performed to stop the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 so as not to stop.

  In the gaming machine of this embodiment, in the stop control table for determining the stop position of each rotating reel, the number of frames required for each reel to stop is set up to 5 frames, and the reel control The means 130 is a symbol that is a maximum of four frames ahead from the frame positioned in the display window DW when an operation that triggers the stop of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is performed in the pull-in process for the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. The reels are controlled so that they can be pulled in. For this reason, with respect to the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, with respect to specific symbols arranged on each reel (for example, JAC symbols associated with replay winnings), the interval is within 5 frames. If arranged, it is also possible to configure the reel unit 310 having a symbol arrangement that allows a specific symbol to be drawn on the effective line regardless of the pressing timing, pressing sequence, etc. of the stop buttons B1 to B3. .

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the reel control means 130 has a linear (linear) reflection area provided on the back surface of each reel tape corresponding to each reel according to the result of the internal lottery by the lottery means 120. The first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are controlled so as to be lined up. In this way, the light visually recognized from the side of each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is arranged in a straight line, so that the player can be notified of the result of the internal lottery. become.

  For example, when the big bonus (BB) flag is not in the internal winning state and only the plum flag is in the internal winning state, the first reels R1 to R1 are arranged so that the plum symbols (specific symbols) are aligned on the active line. Control is performed to stop the third reel R3. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7A, on the effective line, a plum symbol having no reflective area on the back surface of the reel tape TP is placed on the reel tape TP. Control is performed to draw on the effective line in preference to the plum symbol having a reflection area on the back surface.

  On the other hand, it is assumed that the big bonus (BB) is won in the internal lottery, but the big bonus flag is not achieved and the big bonus flag is carried over in the internal winning state. At this time, in the game where the prize is won in the internal lottery, the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are arranged so that the plum symbol provided with the reflection area on the back surface of the reel tape TP is aligned with any of the effective lines L1 to L5. Control to stop. That is, in the state where the big bonus is won, the priority regarding the pull-in control of the plum symbol set in the stop control table is changed, and the plum symbol having the reflection area provided on the back surface of the reel tape TP is changed to the reel tape TP. Control is performed to draw on the effective line in preference to the plum symbol having no reflection area on the back surface. In this way, as shown in FIG. 7B, in the stopped state of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, the display window shows a state in which light viewed from the side of each reel is arranged in a straight line. Since it is observed through the DW, the player can be notified of the winning of the big bonus.

  In addition, in a game in which an internal lottery does not win a plum in the above assumed example, a reflective area is provided on the back surface of the reel tape TP at a stop position (a position other than the upper, middle and lower stages) where the player cannot observe from the display window DW Control is performed so that the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are stopped so that the formed plum symbols are arranged in a straight line. In this way, when the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 start to rotate in the next game, as shown in FIG. 8, the light that is visible on the side of each reel is displayed in a straight line. A state of passing through the window DW is observed, and the player can be notified of the bonus winning.

  The winning determination unit 140 performs processing for determining whether or not a winning combination has been won based on the stopped state of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. Specifically, when all of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are stopped, referring to the winning determination table stored in the winning determination table storage unit 194 of the storage unit 190, each reel is stopped. It is determined whether or not the combination of symbols stopped on the active line is a predetermined winning combination.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, based on the determination result of the winning determination means 140, it is determined whether to perform control for paying out medals, replay processing, or control for shifting the game state. For example, when the small role is won, the payout control means 150 performs the medal payout control, and when the replay is won, the replay processing means 160 performs the replay process and the big bonus (BB) is won. In this case, the game state transition control means 170 performs control to shift the game state.

  The payout control means 150 performs control related to the payout of medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a small combination such as a bell or plum wins, control is performed to instruct the hopper unit 320 (dispensing device) the number of medals to be paid out corresponding to the winning small combination. The hopper unit 320 performs an operation of paying out the designated payout number of medals. When credits (internal storage) of medals are permitted, instead of paying out medals, the number of credits stored in a credit number storage area (not shown) of the storage unit 190 (the number of internally stored medals) On the other hand, only when the credit number has not reached the upper limit number of credits (for example, 50), a process (credit process) of adding the payout number due to winning is performed.

  When the replay (re-game) wins, the replay processing means 160 performs a replay process (re-game process) for setting the same preparation state as the previous game without requiring insertion of medals for the next game. That is, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a replay is won, the next game is started with the same effective line as the previous game automatically activated without requiring the player to insert medals (bets). Waiting for an operation (depressing the start lever SL by the player).

  The gaming state transition control means 170 performs control to transition the gaming state between the normal state and the big bonus state (BB state) based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition. As the game condition transition condition, one condition may be defined, or a plurality of conditions may be defined. When a plurality of conditions are defined, the gaming state can be shifted to another gaming state based on the fact that one of the plurality of conditions is satisfied.

  The BB state is a gaming state in which a predetermined bonus symbol (BB symbol) is stopped in a winning form when the big bonus (BB) is internally won in the normal state. In the BB state, the end condition is that medals exceeding a predetermined number (a predetermined number of 465 sheets or less) are paid out in the bonus game, and the game state is in the normal state when the end condition is satisfied. It is controlled to return to.

  In the bonus game in the BB state, the type of winning combination (small role) from which a predetermined number of medals are paid out and the winning probability are controlled in accordance with winning. That is, in the BB state, it is easier to obtain more medals in a shorter period than in the normal state, and is a gaming state (special state, bonus state) that is advantageous to the player.

  The effect control means 180 controls the effect device (display device 330, speaker 340) to execute a game effect. For example, control regarding display effects performed using the display device 330 such as a lamp, LED, liquid crystal display, and sound effects by sounds output from the speaker 340 is performed. Specifically, in response to the occurrence of gaming events such as insertion of medals, operations on the bet button B0, start lever SL, stop buttons B1 to B3, winning or losing of a combination, winning a combination, transition of gaming state, etc. By turning on or blinking the LED, changing the display content of the liquid crystal display LCD, or outputting sound from the speaker 340, effect control for exciting the game or assisting the game is performed.

  Note that the functional block configuration of the present embodiment can also be applied to a computer system (including a game system). In these systems, the function is realized by downloading a program that causes the computer to function as the game control means 100 of the present embodiment from an information storage medium such as a CD or DVD or a Web server on the Internet via a network. be able to. In the above computer system, the medal insertion switch 210, the bet switch 220, the start switch 230, the stop switch 240 and the like virtually function their functions with respect to operation means such as a keyboard, a pointing device (mouse, etc.), or a controller. This can be realized by assigning. In the computer system, the reel unit 310, the hopper unit 320, and the like are not indispensable constituent elements, and these device units virtually function their functions by controlling images displayed on the display (display device 330). Can be realized.

4). Example of control processing of gaming machine Next, an example of control processing in the gaming machine of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when the player depresses the start lever SL and the start switch is actuated (Y in step S10), an internal lottery is performed (step S11). At this time, the flag of the winning combination (winning winning combination) in the internal lottery is set to ON (internal winning state).

  Subsequently, supply of drive pulses to the step motor that drives the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is started, and each reel is rotationally driven (step S12). When the rotation speed of each reel reaches a predetermined speed, the operation of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is permitted, and when the player presses the stop buttons B1 to B3, the stop switch corresponding to each button is activated to operate the step motor. Processing to stop the reel by stopping the supply of the drive pulse to is performed (Y in step 13, step S14).

  Particularly in the present embodiment, in the control for stopping the reel, in the state where the flag setting state stored in the flag storage unit 192 is confirmed and the big bonus flag and the plum flag are set to the internal winning state, The bonus symbol is controlled to be drawn on the active line in preference to the plum symbol, but the plum symbol is valid if the stop operation by the player cannot be stopped in a winning pattern. Control to pull on the line. And when performing control to pull the plum symbol onto the active line, the big bonus has been won by preferentially pulling the plum symbol with the reflective area on the back of the reel tape onto the active line. To the player.

  In addition, in the state where only the big bonus flag is set to the internal winning state, even if the mode of the stop operation by the player is a mode in which the bonus symbol cannot be stopped in the form of winning, it is on the active line. In this case, the plum design that has a reflective area on the back of the reel tape is stopped in a straight line (line shape) at a position where it cannot be observed from the display window. I do. In this manner, when the first lever R1 to the third reel R3 start rotating by pressing the start lever in the next game, the plum symbols that are aligned and stopped pass through the display window all at once. Thus, the player can grasp that the big bonus is won by observing the illumination light reflected by the reflecting member being aligned in a straight line.

  When all of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are stopped (Y in step S15), a winning determination process is performed based on the stopped state of each reel (step S16). If any winning combination is won as a result of the winning determination (Y in step S16), a winning process is performed (step S17). For example, when a small combination wins, the number of medals corresponding to the small combination is paid out. However, if the number of credits stored and stored as credit medals has not reached the upper limit number of credits (for example, 50), a process of adding a part or all of the payout number as credit medals until the upper limit number is reached. Do. Also, for example, when a replay wins, after processing 0 sheets, when starting the next game, the same number of medals as the previous game are inserted without requiring the player's own medals. Automatic loading processing is performed. In addition, for example, when a bonus (BB) is won, a process of shifting the gaming state to the bonus state (BB state) is performed after processing 0 sheets.

  The present invention is not limited to the one described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the normal state and the BB state are set as the gaming state has been described as an example. However, other gaming states may be set. For example, a regular bonus state in which a bonus game in which the winning rate of the small role is increased is continuously performed until a predetermined condition is satisfied with respect to the number of wins (for example, 8 times) or the number of games (for example, 12 times). (RB state) or a replay time state (RT state) in which a game is played with the winning probability of replay higher than the normal state may be set.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the reflective area is provided on the back surface of the reel tape corresponding to the plum symbol arranged on the surface of the reel tape has been described as an example. However, the back surface of the area corresponding to the bonus symbol on the reel tape is described. A reflective region may be provided. Further, it is sufficient that at least one reel tape (special reel tape) provided with a reflection area is prepared, and the reflection area is not necessarily provided on the reel tapes for all reels. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, both symbols having a reflective area on the back surface of the reel tape and symbols having no reflective area on the back surface of the reel tape are prepared for the same type of symbols arranged on the same reel tape. However, the reflective area may be provided on the back surface of the reel tape for all the same type of symbols arranged on the same reel tape.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the game machine of this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the reel unit for game machines of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the reel tape currently wound around the reel for game machines of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an effect | action of the reel unit for game machines of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the rotation state of the reel in the gaming machine of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the functional block of the gaming machine of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the stop state of the reel in the gaming machine of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the rotation state of the reel in the gaming machine of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a control process of the gaming machine of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

BX storage box, UD front upper door, DD front lower door, DW display window,
DS game information display, LCD liquid crystal display,
R1 first reel, R2 second reel, R3 third reel, SL start lever,
B0 bet button, B1-B3 stop button,
MI medal slot, MO medal outlet, MP medal tray,
RU reflecting member, RD reel body, TP reel tape, SM step motor,
BU base unit, SU support unit, LU light source unit, L1-L3 light source,
100 game control means, 110 random number generation means, 120 lottery means,
130 reel control means, 140 winning determination means, 150 payout control means,
160 replay processing means, 170 gaming state transition control means, 180 effect control means,
190 storage means, 191 lottery table storage means,
192 flag storage means, 193 stop control table storage means,
194 winning determination table storage means, 195 production table storage means,
210 medal insertion switch, 220 bet switch, 230 start switch,
240 stop switch, 310 reel unit, 320 hopper unit,
330 display device, 340 speaker

Claims (5)

A plurality of reels having a reel tape on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on a surface and a reel body around which the reel tape is wound;
Reel driving means for rotationally driving the plurality of reels;
A reel unit for a gaming machine comprising a light source for illuminating the plurality of reels from the back side of the reel tape,
At least one reel tape among the reel tapes for each reel is formed as a special reel tape provided with a reflection region for reflecting illumination light from the light source on a part of the back surface thereof,
On the back side of the special reel tape, a reflection member that reflects light is provided,
The reflection member is provided such that illumination light from the light source reflected by the reflection area of the special reel tape is guided from the back side to the front side of the special reel tape at a side with respect to the rotation direction of the reel. A reel unit for gaming machines that features In claim 1,
A reel unit for a gaming machine, wherein the reflective area is provided in an area corresponding to a specific symbol among a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the special reel tape. In claim 2,
A plurality of the specific symbols are arranged on the special reel tape,
The reel for gaming machines, wherein the specific symbol in which the reflection area is provided on the back surface and the specific symbol in which the reflection area is not provided on the back surface are arranged on the special reel tape. unit. A plurality of reels having a reel tape having a plurality of kinds of symbols arranged on the surface and a reel body around which the reel tape is wound, reel driving means for rotationally driving the plurality of reels, and the plurality of reels on the back surface of the reel tape A reel unit including a light source that illuminates from the side;
Operation means for performing an operation that triggers rotation and stop of the plurality of reels;
A lottery means for performing an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination is a random number;
A gaming machine comprising reel control means for performing control to stop the plurality of reels depending on whether or not a role is achieved based on a stop operation to the operation means,
At least one reel tape among the reel tapes for each reel is formed as a special reel tape provided with a reflection region for reflecting illumination light from the light source on a part of the back surface thereof,
In the reel unit, a reflective member that reflects light is provided on the back side of the special reel tape,
The reflection member is provided such that illumination light from the light source reflected by the reflection area of the special reel tape is guided from the back side to the front side of the special reel tape at a side with respect to the rotation direction of the reel. A gaming machine characterized by In claim 4,
Each of the reel tapes for each reel is formed as the special reel tape in which the reflection region is provided on a part of the back surface thereof,
The reel control means is
According to the result of the internal lottery, a control is performed to stop the plurality of reels so that the reflection areas provided on the back surfaces of the reel tapes for the reels are arranged in a straight line.

Images