JP4762777B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine including a liquid crystal display device as a display unit such as an effect display unit.

In a gaming machine that displays a moving image or the like on a display screen of a liquid crystal display device, a situation in which no game is played (for example, the operation means has not been operated for a certain period of time) continues for a while. A predetermined demonstration display is displayed on the screen (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2005-137672 A

However, even during the demonstration display, since power is supplied to the liquid crystal display device, power consumption during this time is wasted, and the liquid crystal display device may generate heat and adversely affect peripheral devices.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can perform a predetermined demonstration display when a game is not being performed, and reduce power consumption during the demonstration display as much as possible.

The present invention has been made to achieve the above-described object, and features of the present invention will be described below with reference to embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings.
In addition, the code | symbol in parenthesis shows the code | symbol used in embodiment of invention, and does not limit the technical scope of this invention.
(Feature point)
(Claim 1)
The invention described in claim 1 is characterized by the following points.
That is, the gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a liquid crystal display device (67) arranged so that a liquid crystal display screen can be viewed from a display window (effect display window 19) provided on the front side, and the liquid crystal display. A moving plate (22) capable of shielding the liquid crystal display screen by moving along the screen, and a light emitting member (LED) installed on the surface of the moving plate (22) and consuming less power than the liquid crystal display device (67) Element 28) and a game operation determination means (150) capable of determining whether or not a game is being executed based on whether or not the operation means of the gaming machine is operated.

The gaming machine according to the present invention can be a slot machine or a pachinko gaming machine, and in addition to the above configuration, a medal slot (14), a reel unit (60), and an operation for operating the gaming machine. Means (for example, a start switch (30), etc.), a payout device (hopper unit 65) for paying out game media at the time of winning, and other components may be provided.
The display window (19) can be, for example, an opening provided on a front panel of a gaming machine or a transparent window.
The moving plate (22) is a plate member that can be moved vertically or horizontally along the surface of the liquid crystal display screen by a moving device (shutter driving unit 21) for moving the moving plate (22). The liquid crystal display screen can be exposed and shielded by opening and closing the display window (19). As a means for moving the moving plate (22), a well-known technique such as one using a rack and gear, one using a roller and a belt, one using a solenoid, etc. can be applied. ) Is installed on the back side. A plurality of moving plates (22) may be provided. The light emitting member (28) may be a light emitting diode or a light bulb attached to the surface of the moving plate (22).

The game operation determining means (150) can be provided in the control device (20) for controlling the operation of the gaming machine. Here, “determination based on presence / absence of operation on operation means of gaming machine” means that a predetermined operation means (for example, start switch (30)) is operated and a determination is made that a game is being executed, and This includes determining that the game is not being executed when the predetermined operation means is not operated for a predetermined time, or determining that the game is not being executed when the predetermined operation means (for example, the settlement switch (17)) is operated. . Further, “operation on the operation means” includes an act of inserting a medal from the medal insertion slot (14).
And in the present invention, when the game operation determination means (150) determines that the game is not being executed while supplying power to the liquid crystal display device (67), the moving plate (22), The liquid crystal display screen is moved to a shielding position where the light is emitted by supplying power to the light emitting member (28) that is visible from the display window (19) when the moving plate (22) is in the shielding position. A predetermined demonstration display is performed by lighting and blinking the member, and power to the liquid crystal display device (67) that consumes more power than the light emitting member is cut off. Further, when the game operation determination means (150) determines that the game is being executed while the power to the liquid crystal display device is cut off, the moving plate (22) is moved from the display window (19). The entire surface of the liquid crystal display screen is moved to a retracted position where it can be seen, and at least when the moving plate (22) is in the retracted position, power to the light emitting member (28) that is not visible from the display window (19) The game operation determination means is configured to terminate the demonstration display and supply power to the liquid crystal display device (67), while cutting off power to the liquid crystal display device (67). If it is determined that the game is being executed (150), the moving plate (22) is moved to the retracted position after the waiting time until the image of the liquid crystal display device (67) is displayed. It is characterized by.

Here, the moving plate (22) in the “shielding position” does not necessarily need to shield the entire surface of the liquid crystal display screen. For example, only the central part of the liquid crystal display screen may be covered with the moving plate (22). However, the exposed portion of the moving plate (22) from the display window (19) can perform a predetermined display (for example, display of a character figure) by lighting and blinking of the light emitting member (28) provided on the surface. It is desirable to have a certain area.
Further, the moving plate (22) in the “retracted position” does not necessarily have to be completely retracted from the display window (19) as long as the entire surface of the liquid crystal display screen is visible. For example, the entire surface of the liquid crystal display screen and a part of the retracted moving plate (22) may be formed so as to be visible from the display window (19).

And `` power cutoff '' to the liquid crystal display device (67) when the moving plate (22) is in the shielding position is not necessarily all power supply to the liquid crystal display device (67), and the liquid crystal display device (67 ) Need not be completely OFF. In other words, the power required to display an image on the liquid crystal display screen is cut off, but a weak power that allows smooth restoration of the image on the liquid crystal display screen that has disappeared due to power interruption may be applied. , Included in the “power cutoff”.
(Function)
In the present invention, when the game is being executed, that is, when the predetermined operation means is operated or when the operation means for ending the game is not operated, the liquid crystal display device (67) is activated, An effect image is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen. At this time, the moving plate (22) is in the retracted position, and the light emitting member (28) is turned off. However, in this case, the light emitting member (28) arranged in the portion exposed from the display window (19) of the moving plate (22) may be lit or blinked.

When the game is not being executed, that is, when the predetermined operation means has not been operated for a certain period of time or when the operation means for ending the game has been operated, the moving plate (22) moves to the shielding position. The liquid crystal display screen is shielded, and power is supplied to the light emitting member (28) to turn on and blink. Therefore, the display (demonstration display) by the light emitting member (28) can be seen from the display window (19). Further, at this time, the liquid crystal display device (67) is deactivated and the liquid crystal display screen is turned off.
Here, the power consumption of the light emitting member (28) is less than the power consumption when the liquid crystal display device (67) is operating (displaying an image on the liquid crystal display screen). The power consumption can be saved and a predetermined demonstration display can be performed on the display window (19).

Furthermore, when the display is being performed by the light emitting member (28) and the game is resumed, that is, when a predetermined operation means is operated, the moving plate (22) moves to the retracted position and the liquid crystal The display screen becomes visible from the display window (19). Then, the electric power supplied to the light emitting member (28) is cut off, and the electric power is supplied to the liquid crystal display device (67), so that an effect image is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen.
(Claim 2)
The invention described in claim 2 is characterized by the following points in addition to the characteristics of the invention described in claim 1 described above.

That is, the invention described in claim 2 is provided with a symbol display means capable of variably displaying and stopping a plurality of symbols, the medal slot (14) for inserting game medals, and the symbols of the symbol display means are varied. At least a start switch (30) for displaying and a stop switch (50) for stopping and displaying the symbol of the symbol display means that is changing, and by operating the stop switch (50), the symbol display means When the symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined manner, it is a gaming machine in which a prize is awarded and a game medal is paid out, and the inserted medal or the payout medal can be stored in the storage unit as a credit up to a certain number, The credit display unit (62) for displaying the credit amount and the display of the credit display unit (62) are subtracted, and the subtracted number of game medals are inserted A bet switch (16) for handling the credit card, and a settlement switch (17) for zeroing the display of the credit display unit (62) and paying out the game medal of the credit number from the storage unit. Related to gaming machines. Then, the game operation determination means (150), when the adjusting switch (17) is operated, or when the start switch (30) has not been fixed time operation, determining that not in the game execution Features.

Here, the “symbol display means” includes a rotating reel (40) on which a plurality of symbols are displayed and rotated by a drive motor, a belt-type symbol display means, and a liquid crystal display device.
In the present invention, when the symbol display means constituted by the liquid crystal display device (67) is formed so as to be visible from the display window (19), the game rotary reel (40) and the production liquid crystal Both cases where a display device (67) is provided are included.
(Claim 3)
The invention described in claim 3 is characterized by the following points in addition to the characteristics of the invention described in claim 1 or 2.

That is, the invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that when the movable plate (22) is in the retracted position, it is possible to supply electric power to the light emitting member (28) visible from the display window (19). And
In the present invention, the entire surface of the liquid crystal display screen and a part of the moving plate (22) are formed so as to be simultaneously exposed from the display window (19). (28) can be turned on and off simultaneously. Note that no power is supplied to the light emitting member (28) in the portion of the moving plate (22) in the retracted position that is not visible from the display window (19).
According to the present invention, the effect by the image and the effect by the light emitting member (28) can be performed in combination, so the range of the effect can be widened.

  Since the present invention is configured as described above, a predetermined demonstration display can be performed when a game is not being performed, and power consumption during the demonstration display can be reduced as much as possible.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking a slot machine as an example of a gaming machine.
(Explanation of drawings)
1 to 10 show an embodiment of the present invention.
1 is a front view of the appearance of the slot machine 1, FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrams showing a liquid crystal display device 67 and a shutter device 20, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing input, output and control of the slot machine 1, FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the slot machine 1. 7 to 10 are diagrams showing another embodiment of the present invention.

(Slot machine 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 has a box-shaped housing 11, and a front door 3 that can close and lock the front opening of the housing 11 can be opened and closed on the front surface of the housing 11. It is attached. An upper panel 12 is formed on the front upper side of the front door 3. The upper panel 12 has a symbol display window 13 through which symbols of the three rotary reels 40 can be seen, and an effect display portion 66. An effect display window 19 through which the screen of the liquid crystal display device 67 can be viewed is formed. A shutter device 20 capable of opening and closing the effect display window 19 is provided on the back side of the upper panel 12, which will be described later.

A substantially central portion in the height direction of the slot machine 1 is an operation portion in which operation means for operating the slot machine 1 is arranged, and a medal slot 14 is provided at the right end portion of the operation portion. A medal selector 63 for detecting the inserted game medal is provided below the medal slot 14 and inside the front door 3. Further, a lower plate 18 for storing a payout medal is provided at the lower part of the front door 3.
In addition, a reel unit 60 including a rotating reel 40 and a hopper unit 65 for storing and paying out game medals are built in the housing 11. Further, although not particularly illustrated, a control device 200 for controlling the overall operation of the slot machine 1 and a power supply unit for turning on / off the main power of the slot machine 1 and changing game settings are provided.

(Control device 200)
Although not shown, the control device 200 is configured around a CPU and includes a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, and the like. Here, the number of CPUs is not limited to one and may be controlled by two or more CPUs. Further, the CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O, and the like may be integrated to form a one chip. Then, the CPU reads the program stored in the ROM, thereby configuring the following devices (1) and (2).
(1) Game control device 210
(2) Production control device 220
The game control device 210 is for controlling the rotation and stop of the rotary reel 40 by operating the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50. The effect control device 220 is for controlling the effect display device 66 such as the lamp 68 and the speaker 69.

Here, the control device 200 is composed of a main control device and a sub-control device that operates by receiving a signal from the main control device, the game control device 210 as the main control device, and the effect control device 220 It can be arranged in the sub-control device. Thus, by separately forming the control device that controls the game and the control device that controls the performance, it is possible to greatly increase the memory used for the performance control and to change only the performance.
(Input stage)
As shown in FIG. 4, the following parts are connected to the input stage of the control device 200.
(1) Switch 15
(2) Bet switch 16
(3) Checkout switch 17
(4) Start switch 30
(5) Stop switch 50
The input stage is not limited to the parts (1) to (5) described above.

(On switch 15)
As shown in FIG. 1, the insertion switch 15 is a switch built in the medal selector 63 for detecting a game medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 14.
(Bet switch 16)
As shown in FIG. 1, the bet switch 16 is a switch located below the rotary reel 40 and is used to replace credits for inserting medals.
Here, the credit means that a medal for use in the next game or later is stored in advance in the gaming machine, and the slot machine 1 is inserted from the medal slot 14 and the gaming medal passed through the slot switch 15. Or up to 50 game medals to be paid out by winning a prize can be stored inside the gaming machine.

Specifically, if a medal is inserted from the medal slot 14 exceeding the maximum number of medals that can be thrown in a single game (three), or if the winning role with medal payout wins a credit, When the bet switch 16 is operated when the inserted or paid-out number is displayed on the display unit 62 and the display on the credit display unit 62 is “1” or more, the display on the credit display unit 62 is subtracted and the number subtracted. The medals are treated as being inserted.
If the display on the credit display unit 62 exceeds 50, the cancel device of the medal selector 63 operates to cancel the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 14 into the lower plate 18, and the winning medal is lowered from the hopper unit 65. It is designed to pay out to the plate 18.

(Checkout switch 17)
As shown in FIG. 1, the settlement switch 17 is a switch located obliquely below the rotary reel, and is used for paying out stored inserted medals. That is, when the settlement switch 17 is operated when credit is given, the display on the credit display unit 62 becomes “0”, and the displayed number of medals is paid back from the hopper unit 65 to the lower plate 18.
(Start switch 30)
As shown in FIG. 1, the start switch 30 is a lever that is positioned obliquely below the rotary reel 40, and is subject to the insertion of a game medal or the operation of the bet switch 16, or during "replay" This is for starting the driving of the reel unit 60 on condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous game.

Here, “Replay” means that the “Replay” flag is established by the lottery of the winning lottery means 110, and the “Replay” symbols are arranged on the winning line. Thus, in the next game, the game can be played again without newly inserting a game medal.
(Stop switch 50)
The stop switch 50 is for stopping the driving of the reel unit 60. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the stop switch 50 is composed of three switches corresponding to each rotary reel 40, and one stop switch 50 is arranged below each rotary reel 40. The operation of the stop switch 50 corresponding to the rotating reel 40 is set so that the corresponding rotating reel 40 stops rotating.

(Output stage)
As shown in FIG. 4, the following parts are connected to the output stage of the control device 200.
(1) Reel unit 60
(2) Hopper unit 65
(3) Credit display section 62
(4) Effect display section 66 (liquid crystal display device 67, lamp 66 and speaker 69)
(5) Shutter device 20 (drive motor 23 and demo display unit 27)
The output stage is not limited to the parts (1) to (5) described above.

(Reel unit 60)
The reel unit 60 includes three motors fixed to or supported by a frame body and three rotating reels 40 fixed to the output shafts of the respective motors, although not particularly shown. Each rotary reel 40 includes a rotary drum made of a synthetic resin and a tape-like reel tape attached around the rotary drum. A plurality of (for example, 21) symbols are displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the reel tape.
(Hopper unit 65)
As shown in FIG. 1, the hopper unit 65 is a payout device installed at the lower part of the housing 11 for paying medals to the lower plate 18 based on the game result.

(Credit display part 62)
As shown in FIG. 1, the credit display unit 62 is a display device such as a liquid crystal or a 7-segment LED provided below the symbol display window 13 and displays the number of credited medals. is there.
(Direction display section 66)
The effect display unit 66 performs various effects such as notifying a winning or the like under the control of the effect control device 220. Specifically, the effect display device 66 includes a liquid crystal display device 67, a lamp 68, and a speaker 69.

The liquid crystal display device 67 is an image display unit that is attached to the inside of the effect display window 19 provided above the symbol display window 13, and is used for displaying a prize notification and other effects using a liquid crystal screen. is there.
The lamp 68 and the speaker 69 are used for notifying a winning or the like by lighting or blinking of the light emitter and generating a winning sound.
Note that the effect display unit 66 is not limited to the above-described one, and for example, a rotary reel dedicated to the effect may be provided, and the effect may be displayed by a design or character of the reel.
(Shutter device 20)
Details of the shutter device 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A is a plan view of the shutter device 20, and FIG. 2B is a front view of the shutter device 20.

As shown in FIG. 1, the shutter device 20 is provided on the back side of the effect display window 19 and closes the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 67 by moving the effect display window 19 with the moving plate 22 and moves at the same time. A predetermined demonstration display (hereinafter referred to as a demonstration display) can be performed on the surface of the plate 22.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the shutter device 20 includes two moving plates 22 (22A and 22B) and a shutter driving unit 21 for moving the moving plate 22 in the left-right direction. Yes.
The moving plate 22 has a retracted position (see FIG. 3A) where the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 67 can be visually recognized, and a shielding position (see FIG. 3B) that covers the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 67. It consists of two plate members that can move between the left and right. Specifically, a right moving plate 22A capable of shielding the right half of the liquid crystal display device 67 and a left moving plate 22B capable of shielding the left half of the liquid crystal display device 67 are provided. The right moving plate 22A and the left moving plate 22B are normally retracted to the left and right sides of the liquid crystal display device 67 so that the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 67 is visible, and a game is not performed for a certain period of time. In a predetermined case, the operation of the shutter drive unit 21 moves the liquid crystal display device 67 from the near side to a position to cover it.

The shutter drive unit 21 includes a right moving plate moving device 24 for moving the right moving plate 22A, a left moving plate moving device 25 for moving the left moving plate 22B, a right moving plate moving device 24, and a left moving plate. And a drive motor 23 for operating the moving device 25. These are attached to a frame-shaped or box-shaped support member (not shown), and are installed on the upper side of the liquid crystal display device 67 by fixing the support member to the back side of the upper panel 12 (see FIG. 1).
The right moving plate moving device 24 includes a gear 240 and a roller 241 fixed to the drive shaft of the drive motor 23, a roller 242 provided on the opposite side of the roller 241 across the effect display window 19, and the rollers 241 and 242. Further, a belt 243 to which the upper left end portion of the right moving plate 22A is fixed to the coupling portion 244 is provided. Then, when the drive shaft of the drive motor 23 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the front (in the direction of the white arrow in FIG. 2B), the right moving plate 22A fixed to the belt 243 moves to the right. ing.

On the other hand, the left moving plate moving device 25 is provided on the opposite side of the roller 251 across the effect display window 19 with the interlocking gear 250 meshing with the gear 240, the roller 251 fixed coaxially with the interlocking gear 250. A roller 252 and a belt 253 that spans between the rollers 251 and 252 and to which the upper right end portion of the left moving plate 22B is fixed to the coupling portion 254 are provided. Here, the belt 253 is positioned on the near side of the belt 243 so as not to interfere with the belt 243, but the coupling portion 254 extends to the near side as shown in FIG. When the plate 22 is closed, the side surfaces on the center side of the right moving plate 22A and the left moving plate 22B come into contact with each other so that the effect display window 19 can be closed without a gap.
When the drive shaft of the drive motor 23 rotates in the direction of the white arrow in FIG. 2B, the interlocking gear 250 rotates in the reverse direction, so the left moving plate 22B fixed to the belt 253 moves to the left. That is, by driving the drive motor 23, the right moving plate 22A and the left moving plate 22B can move by the same distance in opposite directions.

It is preferable to provide unevenness on the surfaces of the rollers 241, 242, 251, and 252 and provide unevenness that meshes with the unevenness on the back surfaces (contact surfaces with the rollers) of the belts 243 and 253, because the rotation of the drive motor 23 is reliably transmitted. Alternatively, a chain and a chain sprocket may be used instead of the belt and the roller.
Furthermore, the surface side of the two moving plates 22 described above has a demo display device 27 for performing a predetermined demo display when the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 67 is shielded as shown in FIG. It has become. The demonstration display device 27 is a substrate in which a plurality of LED elements 28 are arranged vertically and horizontally, and the LED elements 28 are turned on to display characters and figures, or are turned on and off sequentially in a predetermined pattern. You can move and display columns and videos.

The drive of the drive motor 23 and the operation of the demonstration display device 27 are performed based on the control of an effect control device 220, which will be described later, details of which will be described later.
(Game control device 210)
Next, the game control device 210 will be described in detail.
The game control device 210 is for controlling the rotation and stop of the rotary reel 40 by operating the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50. The game control device 210 functions as the following means (1) to (6).
(1) Normal game control means 70
(2) Special game control means 80
(3) Winning lottery 110
(4) Reel control means 120
(5) Hopper control means 130
(6) Winning determination means 140
Note that the game control device 21 is not limited to the means (1) to (6) described above, and may include other means.

(Normal game control means 70)
The normal game control means 70 is for causing a normal game to be performed.
That is, when the start switch 30 is operated on the condition that a medal is inserted or the bet switch 16 is pressed, or on the condition that a predetermined time has elapsed from the previous game at the time of “Replay”, the reel unit 60 is driven, The rotating reels 40 start to rotate.
Thereafter, when one of the stop switches 50 is operated, the rotation of the corresponding rotary reel 40 is stopped.
When all three stop switches 50 have been operated, all the rotations of the three rotary reels 40 are stopped. At this time, when a predetermined symbol 61 stops on the winning line of the display window 12, a predetermined number of medals are paid out via the hopper unit 65. When the display on the credit display unit 62 is less than “50”, credits are added instead of paying out medals.

  Winning will involve paying out game medals by winning a prize, and there will be no small role winning to give the player profit, special winning to give the player even greater profit than this small role winning, and no game medal paying out However, it is equipped with a “replay” that can be played again without newly inserting a game medal. When the lottery result is won for any combination, a winning flag corresponding to the winning is established by a winning flag establishment means 112 described later. Then, when the lottery result is a special winning flag, a special winning flag is established, and during the special winning flag is established, the combination of the stop symbol 61 of the rotating reel 40 of the reel unit 60 is a predetermined special winning. The game is formed on the condition that it matches the symbol 61 (for example, three “7” s on the winning line), and a special game advantageous to the player is performed. On the other hand, if a special winning flag is established by lottery, but the combination of the stop symbol 61 of the rotating reel 40 does not match the special winning symbol 61, the right to establish the special winning flag is carried over to the subsequent games. Is set to Note that the winning flag of the small role is not carried over to the next game of the right to establish the winning flag when the winning flag is not awarded in the game in which the winning flag is established.

  Whether or not the corresponding winning symbol 61 can be aligned on the winning line while any of the winning flags is established depends on the timing of the stop switch 50 when the rotational speed of the rotary reel 40 is constant. It is. Specifically, since the rotary reel 40 is set to stop within 190 ms after the stop switch 50 is operated, it can be stopped as it is after the stop switch 50 is operated or can be stopped within 190 ms. When the corresponding winning symbol 61 is included in the retractable symbols 61 on the circumference of the rotary reel 40, for example, four consecutive retractable symbols 61 from the stop symbol, the time until the stop is stopped. Delaying the time, the rotating reel 40 pulls the winning symbol 61 on the winning line and stops. On the other hand, when the corresponding winning symbol 61 is not included in the four retractable symbols 61, the winning symbol 61 cannot be drawn on the winning active line and stopped.

(Special game control means 80)
The special game control means 80 is for causing the player to perform a special game advantageous based on the lottery result of the lottery means.
The special game is roughly divided into the following games.
(1) Specified introduction game (big bonus game, hereinafter referred to as BB game)
(2) Specific games (regular bonus game, RB game)
(3) Specified winning game (Jack game, hereinafter referred to as JAC game)
Note that the RB game may be played during the BB game, or may be played alone even when the BB game is not being played. The JAC game is played during the RB game. Further, the special game is not limited to the above-described games (1) to (3).

Specifically, in the normal game, although not shown, for example, when three symbols 61 such as “7” are arranged on the winning line, for example, 15 medals are paid out through the hopper unit 65. At this time, the BB game is started.
When shifting to the BB game, the game starts with the insertion of a maximum of three medals as in a normal game. When the rotation of the three rotating reels is stopped, whether or not the winning symbol is aligned on the winning line is determined. A medal is paid out.
Therefore, during the BB game, a lottery including a small role is performed every time as in a normal game. However, when the specific winning symbols for shifting to the RB game are arranged on the winning line during the BB game, the game shifts to the RB game thereafter.

When the RB game is entered, one medal is inserted, and a specific winning game is awarded when a predetermined symbol 61 of the rotating reel 40 is aligned on the center line of the display window 12. In the RB game, a specific winning game for determining whether or not to win can be performed a maximum of 12 times, of which a maximum of 8 times can be won. In other words, the RB game is ended by winning a maximum of eight times or by ending a maximum of 12 specific winning games.
During the BB game, after the first RB game is completed, the same lottery and control as in the normal game as described above are performed. The BB game ends when a predetermined number of medals are paid out.

(Winning lottery means 110)
The winning lottery means 110 performs a lottery concerning the winning combination based on a predetermined lottery probability. As a result of the lottery by the winning lottery means 110, a winning flag is established when a predetermined winning combination is won, and a combination of stop symbols of the rotating reel 40 is determined in advance while the winning flag is established. It is set so that a prize is awarded on the condition that the two match, and the player is given a medal or a special game.
As shown in FIG. 4, the winning lottery means 110 is roughly divided into the following means.
(1) Determination means 111
(2) Winning flag establishment means 112
The winning lottery means 110 is not limited to the above (1) and (2).

(Determination means 111)
The judging means 111 is for judging winning or losing based on the random number data and the winning judgment table.
Here, although not particularly shown in the drawing lottery means 110, random number generating means for generating random numbers for winning lottery within a predetermined area (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal number), and random numbers generated by the random number generating means Random number extraction means for extracting is provided, and random number extraction is performed at the operation timing of the start switch 30. Here, the winning determination table defines a winning area and a lost area of each winning item among all the random number areas taken by the random number generating means.

Then, the judging means 111 collates the extracted random number data extracted by the random number extracting means with the winning judgment table, and if the extracted random number data belongs to the winning judgment area consisting of the winning area of each winning item, the winning area The winning corresponding to is determined, and if the extracted random number data does not belong to any winning area, the loss is determined.
(Winning flag establishment means 112)
The winning flag establishment means 112 is for establishing a winning flag when the determination means 111 determines winning of any winning combination. The winning flag is a memory part that stores “winning” and “losing” data in the control device, and establishing the winning flag means storing the memory indicating “winning” or “losing” in the memory. It is to let you.

As a general rule, the winning flag establishment means 112 resets the winning flag by winning a prize. However, as described above, in the case of a small role winning and a re-game winning, the winning flag is determined by the end of the game regardless of whether or not the winning is made. To reset. In the case of a special winning, the winning flag is carried over after the next game without winning a game related to the flag establishment.
(Reel control means 120)
The reel control means 120 rotates the rotating reel 40 based on the operation signal of the start switch 30, and the winning lottery means 110 recognizes the current position of the symbol based on the detection signal of the reel rotation detection sensor (not shown). This is for controlling the stop of the rotary reel 40 based on the lottery result and the operation timing of the stop switch 50.

Specifically, when the reel control means 130 stops the rotating reel 40 and the lottery result of the winning lottery means 110 is lost, the symbols of the three rotating reels 40 are not aligned in any winning manner. In the case where the kick control is performed as described above and the lottery result is a win for a predetermined winning combination, the kick and the pull-in control are performed so that the symbols of the three rotating reels 40 are in a winning manner related to the winning as much as possible. These controls are performed by delaying the time until the rotating reel 40 stops by shifting the timing of receiving the operation signal of the stop switch 50 and outputting the stop signal.
(Hopper control means 130)
The hopper control means 130 is for operating the hopper unit 65 based on the medal payout signal from the winning determination means 140 and the operation signal of the settlement switch 17.

(Winning determination means 140)
The winning determination means 140 determines whether the winning symbol of the three rotating reels 40 can be stopped in the winning manner by operating the stop switch 50 when the lottery result of the winning determination is winning, and the winning symbol is determined. If it is possible to stop in the winning mode, the winning is determined. When the prize is accompanied by a medal payout, a game medal payout signal is output to the hopper unit 65, and in the case of a special prize such as a bonus game prize, the special game control means 80 starts a special game. is there.
(Production control device 220)
Next, the effect control device 220 will be described in detail.

The effect control device 220 is for receiving the output signal from the game control device 210 and the operation signal of the start switch 30 and the like, and controlling the operation of the effect display unit 66 and the shutter device 20. And the production | presentation control apparatus 220 has the following means (1) thru | or (4), as shown in FIG.
(1) Game operation determination means 150
(2) Liquid crystal display control means 160
(3) Shutter control means 170
(4) Demo display control means 180
The production control device 220 is not limited to the above-described means (1) to (4), and may include other means. Here, in the present embodiment, the effect using the liquid crystal display device 67 and the control of the shutter device 20 will be described. However, the effect control device 220 may provide other effects, for example, lighting / flashing of the lamp 68, and the speaker 69. Needless to say, it is possible to control the execution of the production by voice output or the like.

(Game operation determining means 150)
The game operation determination means 150 is for determining the operation state of the slot machine 1. That is, it is for determining whether or not the player is playing a game in the slot machine 1.
Specifically, the game operation determination means 150 can receive signals from the respective switches of the insertion switch 15, the bet switch 16, the settlement switch 17, and the start switch 30, and has timer means (not shown). . The timer means starts a time count every time the operation signal of the start switch 30 is received, and outputs a time-up signal when a predetermined time, for example, 30 seconds elapses.

Then, the game operation determination means 150 receives the operation signal of the settlement switch 17, and when the start switch 30 is not operated for a certain time, the liquid crystal display control means 160, the shutter control means 170, the demonstration display control described below The time-up signal of the timer means is output to the means 180 as a non-operation determination signal (a signal notifying that the game is not being executed). In addition, when the medal detection signal of the insertion switch 15 or the operation signal of the bet switch 16 is received after the non-operation determination signal is output, an operation determination signal (a signal notifying that the game is being executed) is sent to each means. It is configured to output.
(Liquid crystal display control means 160)
The liquid crystal display control means 160 is for causing the liquid crystal display device 67 to perform a predetermined effect display.

Specifically, the liquid crystal display control means 160 has a plurality of effect data, determines the effect data based on a predetermined condition, for example, the establishment of the winning flag or the result of the effect lottery, and the liquid crystal display device 67 A predetermined image (including a moving image) is displayed.
Further, when a non-operation determination signal is received from the game operation determination means 150 during the display of the liquid crystal screen, the liquid crystal display device 67 is turned off to stop the effect display on the display screen, and the liquid crystal display device 67 is turned off. If the operation determination signal is received at this time, the liquid crystal display device 67 is turned on to resume the effect display on the display screen.
It should be noted that the effect display that is resumed may be performed from the continuation of the effect that was performed at the time of cancellation, or the effect that was performed at the time of cancellation may be started from the beginning.

(Shutter control means 170)
The shutter control means 170 is for controlling the operation of the shutter device 20 based on the non-operation determination signal and the operation determination signal from the game operation determination means 160.
Specifically, when a non-operation determination signal is received with the moving plate 22 open (see FIG. 3A), the drive motor 23 of the shutter drive unit 21 is driven in the direction in which the moving plate 22 is closed. Then, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 67 is covered with the moving plate 22 (see FIG. 3B), and when the operation determination signal is received when the moving plate 22 is closed, the drive motor 23 is driven in the direction in which the moving plate 22 is opened, and the moving plate 22 is retracted to a position where the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 67 can be viewed from the front side.

(Demo display control means 180)
The demonstration display control means 180 is for controlling the display of the demonstration display device 27 based on the non-operation determination signal and the operation determination signal from the game operation determination means 160.
Specifically, when the non-operation determination signal is received when the demonstration display on the demonstration display device 27 is not performed, the demonstration display device 27 is turned on and the LED elements 28 are blinked in a predetermined pattern in advance. When the set demonstration display is performed and the operation determination signal is received during the demonstration display on the demonstration display device 27, the demonstration display device 27 is turned off to end the demonstration display.
(Operation of slot machine 10)
Next, an outline of the operation of the slot machine 10 having the above configuration will be described based on the flow of FIG.

First, in step 100 shown in FIG. 5, the start switch 30 is turned on by operating the start switch 30 after a predetermined game start condition such as insertion of medals is satisfied. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 101.
In step 101, a lottery process is performed by the winning lottery means 110. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 102.
In step 102, rotation of the rotary reel 40 is started. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 103.
In step 103, when the stop switch 50 is operated, the stop switch 50 is turned ON. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 104.

In step 104, rotation stop processing for the rotary reel 40 is performed. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 105.
In step 105, it is determined whether or not the operation of the stop switch 50 corresponding to the three rotary reels 40 has been performed. If it is determined that the operation of the stop switch 50 corresponding to the three rotary reels 40 is not performed, the process returns to step 103. On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation of the stop switch 50 corresponding to the three rotary reels 40 has been performed, the process proceeds to the next step 106.
In step 106, it is determined whether or not the winning symbols corresponding to the winning flag are aligned on the winning active line while the winning flag is established, that is, whether or not a winning is achieved. If it is determined that a prize has been won, the process proceeds to the next step 107.

In step 107, a medal corresponding to the winning symbol is paid out. Then, the game ends.
If it is determined in step 106 that no winning has been made, step 107 is skipped and the game ends.
Next, the operation of the shutter device 20 and the display control of the liquid crystal display device 67 and the demonstration display device 27 by the effect control device 220 will be described based on the flow of FIG.
First, in an initial state (when the main power supply of the slot machine 1 is turned on), the liquid crystal display device 67 is ON, and the shutter device 20 is in a state where the moving plate 22 is opened (see FIG. 3A). That is, the moving plate 22 is retracted to the back side of the upper panel 12 so that the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 67 can be viewed from the effect display window 19. At this time, the demonstration display device 27 is OFF.

Then, in step 200 of FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not the start switch 30 is turned on. If the start switch 30 is not turned ON, the process proceeds to the next step 201.
In step 201, it is determined whether or not the settlement switch 17 is turned on. If the settlement switch 17 is not turned ON, the process proceeds to the next step 202.
In step 202, it is determined whether a certain time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed. Here, the measurement start for a certain time is when the slot machine 1 is started or when the operation signal of the previous start switch 30 is received. And when fixed time has not passed, it returns to step 200. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 203.

If the settlement switch 17 is turned on in step 201, the process skips step 202 and proceeds to step 203.
In step 203, the moving plate 22 of the shutter device 20 is closed to cover the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 67, and the demonstration display device 27 is turned on to start a demonstration display by blinking the LED element 28 (FIG. 3B). reference). That is, the demonstration display screen can be viewed from the effect display window 19. As described above, when the credit is refunded by operating the settlement switch 17, that is, when the game is ended at the player's will, or when the start switch 30 is not operated for a certain time regardless of the presence or absence of the credit, that is, the game When the player is away from the game machine, the demonstration display is started on the effect display window 19. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 204.

In step 204, the liquid crystal display device 67 is turned off. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 205.
In step 205, it is determined whether or not a medal has been inserted. Specifically, it is determined whether the insertion switch 15 is turned on or the bet switch 16 is turned on. If no medal has been inserted, the process returns to step 205. On the other hand, if a medal has been inserted, the process proceeds to the next step 206.
In step 206, the demo display device 27 is turned off to end the demo display, and the moving plate 22 of the shutter device 20 is opened so that the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 67 can be seen. That is, when the shutter device 20 is closed, the demonstration display continues to be displayed on the effect display window 19 unless a medal is inserted, that is, the first operation for starting the game is performed. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 207.

If the start switch 30 is turned on in step 200, the process skips steps 201 to 206 and proceeds to step 207.
In step 207, if the liquid crystal display device 67 is OFF, it is turned ON, and if the liquid crystal display device 67 is ON, a predetermined display is made on the display screen. Then, the flow from step 200 to step 207 is repeated again.
If the settlement switch 17 is turned on in step 201, the moving plate 22 is not immediately moved to the shielding position, but after a predetermined time has elapsed, for example, after the settlement medal has been paid back (the credit display is set to “0”). The moving plate 22 may be moved at the same time. Specifically, a determination is made between “Yes” and “Yes” between step 201 and step 203, and if this determination is “Yes”, the process proceeds to step 203. By forming in this way, it is possible to see the effect display on the liquid crystal display screen until the credit settlement is completed.

Furthermore, even when the settlement switch 17 is operated when the credit display is “0”, the shutter device 20 may not be closed. In this case, a determination is made between “Yes” and “Yes” between step 201 and “Yes”. If this determination is “No”, the process returns to step 200 and “Yes”. In this case, the process proceeds to step 203. By forming in this way, it is possible to prevent mischief that causes the shutter device 20 to operate meaninglessly by operating the settlement switch 17.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the end of the game or the interruption of the game is determined based on whether or not the start switch 30 is operated and whether or not the settlement switch 17 is operated, and when the player finishes the game or the slot machine 1 Is not operated, the power supply to the liquid crystal display device 67 is stopped, and a predetermined demonstration display is performed by the demonstration display device 27 provided in the shutter device 20 instead. Since the LED used for the demonstration display consumes much less power than the liquid crystal display device 67, the slot machine 1 that is not used by the customer is compared with the case where the demonstration display is performed on the liquid crystal display device 67. It can save a lot of power. Further, by covering the liquid crystal display screen with the moving plate 22, there is also an advantage that the screen can be prevented from being stained or scratched.

  In the above embodiment, the demonstration display control unit 180 is configured to control the display of the demonstration display device 27 based on the non-operation determination signal and the operation determination signal from the game operation determination unit 160. However, the display of the demonstration display device 27 may be controlled based on the operation of the moving plate 22. That is, when the moving plate 22 shields the display screen, the demo display device 27 is turned on to perform a demonstration display by blinking the LED element 28, and when the moving plate 22 is retracted, the demo display device 27 is turned off. To do. The position of the moving plate 22 can be recognized, for example, by providing a sensor (for example, a limit switch) that detects the movement of the moving plate 22 in the vicinity of the effect display window 19. In short, it is sufficient that the power supply to the LED element 28 is cut off when the moving plate 22 is open, and the power is supplied to the LED element 28 when the moving plate 22 is closed.

By the way, when the power supplied to the liquid crystal display device 27 is completely turned off, a certain waiting time is required until a moving image is displayed on the display screen when the power is restored. Therefore, when the liquid crystal display screen becomes visible due to the movement of the moving plate 22, there may be a situation in which no moving image is displayed yet. In order to eliminate such inconvenience, the timing for moving the movable plate 22 to the retracted position may be set in consideration of the standby time until the liquid crystal display device 27 is in the normal activation state.
Specifically, a determination is made between “steps 205 and 206 in the flow of FIG. 6“ whether a predetermined waiting time has elapsed? ”, And if this determination is“ Yes ”, the demonstration display is turned off. Then, the shutter device 20 is opened. If formed in this way, a moving image is immediately displayed on the liquid crystal display screen when the movable plate 22 is retracted. In this case, the demonstration display during the standby time may be performed with a different light emission pattern from the demonstration display during the non-game state.

(Other forms of shutter device 20)
In the above embodiment, the two moving plates 22 are formed so as to be movable left and right, but the configuration of the shutter device 20 is not limited to this. Further, the effect display window 19 may not be arranged above the symbol display window 13 as shown in FIG.
For example, as shown in FIG. 7, an effect display window 19 may be provided on the side of the symbol display window 13, and the shutter device 20 may have a single moving plate 22 that can move up and down. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the shutter drive unit 21 can be provided with a drive motor 23 and a moving plate moving device 26 including a pinion 26A, a rack 26B, and a guide rail 26C. This is because the drive motor 23 is driven to rotate the pinion 26A, and the movable plate 22 provided on the side surface of the rack 26B meshing with the pinion 26A is guided by the guide rail 26C on the side surface opposite to the rack 26B. It can be moved up and down.

As other forms of the moving plate 22, as shown in FIG. 9A, one moving plate 22 is formed so as to be movable left and right, or as shown in FIG. The moving plates 22 may be formed so as to be movable up and down. The configuration of the shutter drive unit 21 in this case is not particularly illustrated, but can be the same as that of the above-described embodiment.
Further, in the above example, when the shutter device 20 is open, the effect display window 19 is entirely the liquid crystal screen, and when the shutter device 20 is closed, the effect display window 19 is all the demo display screen. However, in the present invention, both the liquid crystal display device 67 and the demonstration display device 27 can be simultaneously viewed from the effect display window 19 with the shutter device 20 opened. It ’s good.

For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the height dimension of the effect display window 19 is formed larger than the screen height dimension of the liquid crystal display device 67 and the liquid crystal display device 67 is installed, a space is opened on the upper side. To do. When the movable plate 22 that can move up and down moves (opens) to a position that does not overlap the liquid crystal display screen, a part of the lower end side of the movable plate 22 is exposed from the effect display window 19. Since the LED element 28 constituting the demo display device 27 is provided on the surface of the moving plate 22, as shown in FIG. 10A, a part of the demo display device 27 is opened with the moving plate 22 open. The LED element 28 appears from the effect display window 19.
When formed in this way, during the game, in addition to the effect using the liquid crystal display device 67, an effect using a part of the demonstration display device 27 and an effect combining both of them can be made. The width of becomes wide. In this case, waste of power consumption can be avoided if power is not supplied to the LED elements 28 that are not exposed from the effect display window 19 of the demonstration display device 27. When no game is played, as shown in FIG. 10B, all of the effect display window 19 is closed by the moving plate 22, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 67 is covered, and the demonstration display device If demonstration display is performed using the entire surface of 27, power saving of the liquid crystal display device 67 can be achieved as in the above-described embodiment.

In the embodiment described above, the moving plate 22 is formed so as to cover the entire surface of the liquid crystal display screen when it is in the closed state. If the predetermined demonstration display can be visually recognized, the moving plate 22 does not necessarily have to cover the entire surface of the liquid crystal display screen. For example, the moving plate 22 may cover the center of the liquid crystal display screen.
Further, regarding the interruption of power of the liquid crystal display device 67, in the above embodiment, when the movable plate 22 is in the shielding position, the liquid crystal display device 67 is completely stopped from supplying power. In the invention, power is supplied to the main body of the liquid crystal display device 67, but shutting off the power supply required to display a moving image or the like on the liquid crystal display screen is also included in the “power shutoff”. That is, when the moving plate 22 is shielded, a weak power is supplied to the liquid crystal display device 67 so that the display of the liquid crystal display screen can be quickly restored, and the power supply restricted state (smooth return mode or power saving mode). It may be made to be.

  Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to gaming machines other than slot machines. For example, although not particularly illustrated, in a gaming machine (for example, a pachinko gaming machine) provided with a liquid crystal display device as a symbol display means and having a symbol display window in which the display screen of the liquid crystal display device can be visually recognized, on the back side of the symbol display window, The shutter device 20 as described in the above embodiment can be provided. When no game is played (for example, when the bullet firing device has not been operated for a certain period of time), the symbol display window can be closed with the moving plate 22 to display a demonstration.

FIG. 4 is an external front view of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is the top view and front view of a shutter apparatus. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an outline of a shutter device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an input, output and control device of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is an embodiment of the present invention, and is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the slot machine. 6 is a flowchart showing shutter operation control and demonstration display control according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is other embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is an external appearance front view of a slot machine. It is a front view of the shutter apparatus of FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an outline of a shutter device according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is other embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is a front view which shows the outline of a shutter apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1 Slot machine 3 Front door
11 Housing 12 Top panel
13 Symbol display window 14 Medal slot
15 Insert switch 16 Bet switch
17 Checkout switch 18 Lower plate
19 Production display window
20 Shutter device 21 Shutter drive
22 Moving plate 23 Drive motor
24 Right moving plate moving device 240 Gear
241,242 Roller 243 Belt
244 joint
25 Left moving plate moving device 250 Interlocking gear
251,252 Roller 253 Belt
254 joint
26 Moving plate moving device 26A Pinion
26B rack
27 Demo display device 28 LED element
30 Start switch 40 turn reel
50 Stop switch 60 Reel unit
62 Credit display section 63 Medal selector
65 Hopper unit 66 Production display
67 LCD display 68 Lamp
69 Speaker
70 Normal game control means 80 Special game control means
110 winning lottery means 120 reel control means
130 Hopper control means 140 Prize determination means
150 Game operation determination means 160 Liquid crystal display control means
170 Shutter control means 180 Demo display control means
200 Controller 210 Game controller
220 Production control device

Claims (3)

A liquid crystal display device arranged so that a liquid crystal display screen can be viewed from a display window provided on the front side of the gaming machine;
A moving plate capable of shielding the liquid crystal display screen by moving along the liquid crystal display screen;
A light emitting member that is installed on the surface of the moving plate and consumes less power than the liquid crystal display device;
A game operation determination means capable of determining whether or not a game is being executed based on whether or not the operation means of the gaming machine is operated,
When the game operation determining means determines that the game is not being executed while supplying power to the liquid crystal display device, the moving plate is moved to a shielding position that shields the liquid crystal display screen, and the moving plate A liquid crystal display that supplies power to the light-emitting member that is visible from the display window when the light is in the shielding position to perform a predetermined demonstration display by turning on and flashing the light-emitting member, and consumes more power than the light-emitting member. Shut off the power to the device,
When the game operation determination means determines that the game is being executed while the power to the liquid crystal display device is cut off, the entire surface of the liquid crystal display screen can be viewed from the display window through the display window. The display is moved to the retracted position, and at least when the moving plate is in the retracted position, the power to the light emitting member that is not visible from the display window is cut off to end the demonstration display, and the power to the liquid crystal display device is Formed to supply ,
When the game operation determination means determines that the game is being executed while the power to the liquid crystal display device is cut off, the movement is performed after elapse of a waiting time until the image of the liquid crystal display device is displayed. A gaming machine characterized by moving a board to a retracted position . It is provided with a symbol display means capable of variably displaying and stopping a plurality of symbols,
At least a medal slot for inserting game medals, a start switch for variably displaying the symbol of the symbol display means, and a stop switch for stopping and displaying the symbol of the symbol display means being varied,
A gaming machine in which a symbol is awarded when a symbol of the symbol display means is stopped and displayed in a predetermined manner by operation of the stop switch, and a gaming medal is paid out,
The medal can be stored in the storage unit as credits up to a certain number of inserted medals or payout medals, and the credit display unit for displaying the credit number and the display of the credit display unit are subtracted, and the subtracted number of game medals Further comprising a bet switch for handling as if inserted, and a settlement switch for zeroing the display of the credit display unit and paying out the game medals of the credit number from the storage unit,
The game operation determination means, when the settlement switch is operated, or when the start switch has not been fixed time operation, the gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein determining that not being the game execution.   3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when the moving plate is in the retracted position, electric power can be supplied to the light emitting member visible from the display window.

Images