CN1663655B - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

In a game machine having a plurality of display devices, a game result display device for displaying a game result and a main control circuit (41 ). The game result display device includes reels (3L, 3C, 3R) and a liquid crystal display (31) arranged in front of the reels (3L, 3C, 3R) viewed from the front side of the game machine. The gaming machine has LED lights (29) or fluorescent lights (38a, 38b) that illuminate the reels (3L, 3C, 3R) and the liquid crystal display (31). According to this structure, each lighting device can be illuminated so that the player can clearly see and recognize the display content regardless of whether the lighting device is provided individually for each display device.

Description

game console

technical field

The present invention relates to a game machine with a liquid crystal display.

Background technique

The present invention relates to a game machine, which has a variable display device for variably displaying symbols necessary for various games; the game machine also has a control device such as a microcomputer, the control device uses For controlling variable displays, the game machines include so-called Japanese pachi slot machines, slot machines, pinball machines such as Japanese pachinko machines of the first to third ranks, array ball machines, hemp ball game machines, or slot machines, Video slot machines, video card machines, etc.

For example, the Japanese pachi slot machine has a mechanically variable display device in which a plurality of rotating reels are provided, each reel variably displays a plurality of symbols in a display window arranged in front of the machine, the reels are parallel along a plurality of lines set up. According to the activation operation of the player, the control means drives and controls the variable display means and the reels are rotated, thereby variably displaying symbols on the reels. And, the rotation of each reel is stopped automatically or according to the player's stop operation. At this time, in a case where the symbols of the respective reels appearing in the display window include a predetermined combination (win mode), game media such as medals and coins are paid out, thereby giving predetermined benefits to the player.

Moreover, there has been proposed a gaming machine having a plurality of drums; drum belts, each of which is provided on the outer circumference of each drum, and on each outer surface of the drum in separate The mode is depicted with symbols; light source, each of these light sources provides illumination for the group of symbols arranged on it from the rear side of each drum belt, and is arranged in each drum drum; and the control device, which is used to control The lighting of the light source. Here, in the reel tape, the symbol portion is made translucent, and the background of the symbol is made transparent or translucent, and the light source is composed of a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged in a dot matrix. The control device controls the light emission of each LED, so that the light emission of the light source is controlled, so that characters or images are displayed by the LEDs.

See, for example, Japanese Unexamined Publication No. 2001-353255.

Contents of the invention

However, as described above, in gaming machines in which light sources are provided in each reel drum to illuminate the reel strips from the back side, the light sources have only one purpose for illuminating the reel strips.

An object of the present invention is to provide a game machine in which various lighting devices can be illuminated at low cost so that the player can clearly see and Display content with sufficient brightness is identified regardless of whether lighting means are individually provided for each display means.

A game machine according to the present invention includes: game result display means for displaying a game result thereon; When on the game result display device, an advantageous state is generated for the player; wherein the game result display device includes a first display device (such as the reels 3L, 3C, 3R described below) and a second display device (such as the liquid crystal described below) display 31), the second display device is arranged at a position in front of the display area of the first display device seen from the front of the game machine, and a common lighting device (for example, LED lamp 29 or fluorescent lamp 38a, 38b) is provided therein. ), the device is used to provide illumination for the first display device and the second display device.

In the gaming machine of the present invention, the common lighting means may include front lighting means (for example, fluorescent lamps 38a, 38b) for illuminating the first display means from its front side; the common lighting means may also include rear lighting means (for example LED lights 29) for illuminating the first display means from its rear side.

In the gaming machine of the present invention, the first display means may include a plurality of symbol display parts (for example, reels 3L, 3C, 3R described below) that can variably display and stop one or more symbols, and can Be configured so that one of the symbol display parts positioned between the second display device and the common lighting device has a light transmittance; wherein the second display device may be composed of a liquid crystal display (for example, a liquid crystal display 31 described below), the device Comprising a liquid crystal panel (for example, the following liquid crystal panel 34); a light guide device (for example, the light guide panel 35) arranged on the rear side of the liquid crystal panel; an independent lighting device (for example, the following fluorescent lamps 37a, 37b), the device For guiding light to the light guiding device; and reflecting means (for example, the reflective film 36 described below), which is used to reflect the light guided to the light guiding device to the liquid crystal panel positioned in front of the light guiding device, and wherein A region of the reflective means corresponding to the symbol display portion (for example, non-reflective regions 36BL, 36BC, 36BR described below) may be formed as a light-transmitting portion.

In the game machine of the present invention, the liquid crystal panel may be set to be generally white.

The game machine of the present invention may also include: a game start instruction device, which can be operated by a player; an inside win combination determination device, which is used to judge an inside win combination according to the output of the game start instruction device; and a game result display control device , the device is used to execute the display control of the game result display device according to the determination result of the internal winning combination determining device; wherein, when the internal winning combination determining device determines that the predetermined combination is an internal winning combination, the game result display control device can turn off the All lighting fixtures within a common lighting fixture.

In the gaming machine of the present invention, the lighting means included in the common lighting means may be able to variably display symbols.

According to the present invention, since the game result display means is provided for displaying the game result thereon, there is also provided the advantageous state generating means for generating an A favorable state for the player, wherein the game result display means includes a first display means and a second display means, the second display means is arranged at a position more forward than the display area of the first display means as viewed from the front of the gaming machine, and Therein is provided a common lighting means for illuminating the first display means and the second display means. Thus, it is possible to provide a game machine in which each lighting device can be illuminated at a low cost so that the player can clearly see and recognize that there are enough The brightness of the displayed content, regardless of whether the lighting device is provided separately for each display device.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a panel display section and a liquid crystal display section.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an appearance of a drum mechanism in which lamps are provided in each drum.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a drum and a circuit board disposed inside the drum for accommodating LEDs therein.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view roughly showing the structure of a liquid crystal display.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the liquid crystal display.

Fig. 7 is a schematic view for explaining functions of an LED lamp and a fluorescent lamp.

Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the circuit in this embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the structure of the sub-control circuit.

Detailed ways

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, the gaming machine 1 is a so-called Japanese pachi slot machine. Although, in the gaming machine 1, the player plays the game by using game implements, such as coins, medals or tokens, or playing cards, in which game value information for the player is stored, the gaming machine 1 using medals will be described below.

At present, the mainstream Japanese pachi slot machine has a variety of winning modes. Particularly, when realizing the predetermined winning combination, the player can obtain a game state more favorable than the general game state so as not to end the game within a predetermined period while only paying the medal once. For this winning combination, there is a winning combination mode of a game that can provide relatively large benefits to the player within a predetermined time (this winning combination is called "big prize" and is hereinafter abbreviated as "BB") and Another winning combination of the game that provides relatively small benefits to the player for a predetermined time (this winning combination is called "regular prize" and hereinafter abbreviated as "RB").

And, in the mainstream Japanese pachi slot machine, to realize a winning combination in which a medal or coin is paid out when a predetermined combination of symbols is arranged side by side along a driven pay line (hereinafter simply referred to as a driven line) , it is necessary to use the internal lottery processing (hereinafter referred to as "internal lottery") to win the winning combination (hereinafter referred to as "internal winning"), and to win the combination of symbols shown in the winning combination (hereinafter referred to as "internal winning combination") ) can be stopped along the driven line, and the stop operation of the symbol can be performed by the player. That is to say, even if the inside winning combination wins inside, if the stop operation of the player is not within the timing, winning according to the inside winning combination cannot be realized. That is, in the Japanese pachi slot machines that are mainstream at present, a technique for performing a stop operation of symbols at an appropriate timing is required. This technique is called "observation pressing", so this technical intervention in this Japanese pachi slot machine is highly regarded.

On the front surface of the cabinet 2 integrally forming the game machine 1, a panel display unit 2a having a substantially vertical panel, a liquid crystal display unit 2b, and a fixed display unit 2c are formed. As for the panel display unit 2a, the liquid crystal display unit 2b and the fixed display unit 2c, they will be described below with reference to FIG. In the cabinet 2 (located on the rear side of the liquid crystal display unit 2b), three reels 3L, 3C, 3R (the first display device including the game result display device) are rotatably arranged along a horizontal line, and outside each of these reels, Symbolic lines including various symbols are depicted on the circumference. The drums 3L, 3C, 3R form a variable display device. The symbols on the respective reels (rotary drum type display means) can be seen through the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R (shown in FIG. 2 below). Each drum is configured to rotate at a constant rotational speed (eg, 80 rpm).

At lower positions of the panel display unit 2a, the liquid crystal display unit 2b, and the fixed display unit 2c, a forward protruding portion 4 having a substantially horizontal plane is formed. On the left side of the forward protruding portion 4 is provided a BET switch 5 for depositing medals for betting by a button pressing operation. A medal slot 6 is formed on the right side of the forward projecting portion 4 . On the left front side of the forward protruding portion 4, there is provided a c/p switch 7 for switching deposit/payout of medals obtained by the player in the game through a button pressing operation. According to switching of the c/p switch 7 , medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 8 , and the paid-out medals are accumulated in the medal storage tray 9 .

On the right side of the C/P switch 7, an actuating lever 10 (a game start instructing device that can be operated by the player) is arranged to be rotatable within a predetermined angle, and the actuating lever activates the rotation of the reels when operated by the player, And the variable display of the symbols in the respective symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R (see FIG. 2 ) is started (the game is started). At the front middle part of the forward protruding part 4 and the right side of the start lever 10, there are three stop buttons 11L, 11C, 11R (game result guiding means which can be operated by the player) which are respectively operated to stop the reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotation. Speakers 12L, 12R are provided on the upper left side and right side of the cabinet 2 . Between the speakers 12L, 12R, there is provided a payout surface panel 13 showing a winning combination of symbols and the number of medals paid out as an award.

The panel display unit 2a, the liquid crystal display unit 2b, and the fixed display unit 2c will be described below with reference to FIG.

The panel display unit 2 a includes a bonus game information display section 16 , BET lamps 17 a to 17 c , a payout display section 18 and a credit display section 19 . Here, the bonus display section 16 is composed of 7-segment LEDs and displays game information in the bonus game. The 1-BET lamp 17a, the 2-BET lamp 17b and the MAX-BET lamp 17c are turned on according to the number of medals bet for playing the game. When the number of medals bet is "1", the 1-BET lamp 17a is turned on. When the number of medals bet is "2", the 2-BET lamp 17b is turned on. And when the number of bet medals is "3", the MAX-BET lamp 17c is turned on. The payment display section 18 and the deposit display section 19 are respectively composed of 7-segment LEDs. When winning, the payout display section 18 displays the number of medals paid out. The credit display section 19 displays the accumulated (deposited) number of medals.

The liquid crystal display unit 2 b includes symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R, window frame display areas 22L, 22C, 22R, and an effect display area 23 . The display contents displayed on the liquid crystal display 2b are variably changed according to the variable symbol display mode of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, the stop display mode of symbols and the operation of the liquid crystal display 31 as described above.

The symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R are provided correspondingly to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, respectively, and display symbols provided on the outer circumferences of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and various effects thereon. Here, while the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R are rotating, or the stop buttons 11L, 11C, 11R corresponding to the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R are in a state for the reels 3L. , 3C, 3R are operable, each symbol display area 21L, 21C, 21R is transparently displayed, so that the symbols arranged on the outer circumference of the drum 3L, 3C, 3R can be easily recognized, and are composed of, for example, symbols, letters, The effects of characters, trademarks, and images on still images and moving images are not displayed.

The window frame display areas 22L, 22C, 22R are formed to enclose the respective symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R and represent frames of symbols provided on the outer circumferences of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

The effect display area 23 is formed in an area of the liquid crystal display 2b other than the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R and the window frame display areas 22L, 22C, 22R. This effect display area 23 finally displays an image (representing a so-called "win light") that shows what can be achieved when winning an award, this effect increases the attractiveness of the game and the information required by the player to Good for continuing the game.

The fixed display means 2c is an area where a predetermined image is displayed. Specifically, the fixed display device 2c displays "a part of a row of houses" depicted on a display panel 33 described below. By combining the image displayed on the fixed display device 2c and the image displayed on the effect display area 23, a still image or a moving image can be displayed. In this embodiment, a complete image of the row of houses can be displayed.

Also, the LED lights 29 provided in the drums 3L, 3C, 3R will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 . The LED lights 29 are used as lighting means for providing illumination to the symbols provided on the outer circumferences of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and for the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R in an area mainly corresponding to the liquid crystal panel 34 (see below). One of the lighting fixtures that provide lighting for the area. Therefore, the LED lamp 29 is used as a common lighting means that provides illumination commonly for the above-mentioned symbols and areas. And the LED lamp 29 also serves as a rear lighting means for illuminating the first display means from its rear side.

As shown in Figure 3, in drum 3L, 3C, 3R, be provided with LED accommodating circuit board 24, this circuit board is positioned at the back of the symbol of three symbolic lines (nine symbols in total), when drum 3L, 3C, 3R rotates When stopped, each symbol line appears in each symbol display area 21L, 21C, 21R. Each LED receiving circuit board 24 has three LED accommodating portions in each of which a plurality of LED lamps 29 are provided. Hereinafter, among the nine LED accommodating parts, in the upper horizontal line, the LED receiving parts are sequentially represented as Z1, Z2, and Z3 from the left part, and in the middle horizontal line, the LED receiving parts are sequentially represented from the left part as Z4, Z5, and Z6, in the lower horizontal line, the LED receiving portion is denoted as Z7, Z8, and Z9 sequentially from the left. LED lights 29 illuminate the rear side of the roller plate with white light, and the roller plate is connected to the outer circumference of the rollers 3L, 3C, 3R. The roller board is made translucent so that the light emitted from the LED light 29 is transmitted to the front panel of the roller board.

As shown in FIG. 4, the drum 3L is composed of a cylindrical frame structure transmission member 28 in which two circular frames 25 and 26 having the same shape are connected by a plurality of connecting members 27 and separated by a distance therein. (corresponding to the drum width), and the transmission member is used to transmit the driving force of the stepping motor 53L (see FIG. 8 ) arranged in the center of the frame structure to the circular frames 25 and 26 .

The LED accommodating circuit board 24 provided in the drum 3L has three LED accommodating portions Z1 , Z4 and Z7 each accommodating a plurality of LED lamps 29 . The LED accommodating circuit board 24 is arranged so that the LED accommodating portions Z1, Z4, Z7 are respectively located on the rear side of the symbols (three symbols in total), which the player can see through the symbol display area 21L. Here, although the rollers 3C and 3R are not shown, these two rollers also have the same structure, and the LED accommodating circuit board 24 is provided in each roller.

A transmissive type liquid crystal display 31 (corresponding to the second display means constituting the game result display means) will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view (viewed from the rear side of the cabinet 2) showing the outline structure of the liquid crystal display 31. As shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a partial structure of the liquid crystal display 31. As shown in FIG.

The liquid crystal display 31 is made of a protective screen 32, a display panel 33, a liquid crystal panel 34, a light guide plate 35, a reflective film 36, and is used as a so-called white light source (which can emit light including all wavelengths with a predetermined proportion so that the characteristic color is visible to the human eye. less conspicuous) fluorescent lamps 37a, 37b, 38a, 38b, lamp holders 39a~39h, and a flexible circuit board (not shown) having a thin film package (TCP) provided with an IC for driving a liquid crystal panel, and a liquid crystal The terminal portions of the panels 34 are connected. The liquid crystal display 31 is provided at a position further forward than the drums 3L, 3C, 3R (a position further forward than the display panels thereof) so as to be spread over the entire drums 3L, 3C, 3R. And the rollers 3L, 3C, 3R and the liquid crystal display 31 are independently provided (with a predetermined distance therebetween).

The protective screen 32 and the display panel 33 are made of light-transmitting materials. The protective screen 32 has the purpose of protecting the liquid crystal panel 34 . In areas corresponding to the panel display unit 2a and the fixed display unit 2c of the display panel 33, images are drawn. Here, the display of various display portions and circuits for operating the BET lamps 17a to 17c on the rear side of the area in the display panel 33 corresponding to the panel display portion 2a is omitted.

The liquid crystal panel 34 is formed by filling a liquid crystal material into a gap formed between transparent plates, for example, a glass plate on which a thin film transistor layer is formed with the transparent plate facing the thin film transistor layer. The display mode of the liquid crystal panel 34 is set to normal white. Here, "ordinary white" refers to a configuration in which, when the liquid crystal panel 34 is not driven, the liquid crystal panel 34 is in a white display state (light can be incident on the display panel, that is, can be transmitted from the outside. see the transmitted light). By using the liquid crystal panel 34 configured to have a normal white mode, even if there is a problem that the liquid crystal panel cannot be driven, it can be seen and recognized from the symbol display areas 21L, 212C, 21R provided on the drums 3L, 3C, 3R The symbol (variable display and stop display of the symbol display part). Thus, the player can continue the game. That is, if the above-mentioned problem occurs, the game according to the basic functions such as variable display and stop display of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R can be performed.

The light guide plate 35 is disposed on the rear side of the liquid crystal panel 34 to guide the light emitted from the light emitting lamps 37a, 37b to the liquid crystal panel 34 (to provide illumination for the liquid crystal panel). For example, the light guide plate 35 is composed of a light-transmitting member made of acrylic resin with a thickness of about 2 mm (having light-transmitting capability).

For the reflective film 36, for example, a member in which silver plating is formed on a white polyester film or a thin aluminum film is used. The reflective film 36 reflects light guided toward the light guide plate 35 toward its front surface. This reflective film 36 is composed of a reflective region 36A and non-reflective regions (non-transmittable regions) 36BL, 36BC, 36BR. The non-reflective areas 36BL, 36BC, 36BR are formed as light-transmittable areas made of a transparent material and transmit light guided thereto without reflection, and, when the rotation of the drums 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, Non-reflective areas are provided at respective front positions of the displayed symbols (three in total). In this case, the area corresponding to the roller plate serves as an area through which light can be transmitted. Specifically, the size and position of the non-reflective areas 36BL, 36BC, 36BR coincide with those of the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R. The reflective area 36A reflects light guided thereto and serves as a lighting means for the window frame display areas 22L, 22C, 22R and the effect display area 23 in areas mainly corresponding to the liquid crystal panel 34 . According to the above structure, since the player can see and recognize the variable display and stop display of the symbols in the symbol display area from the light-transmitting area in the reflection device, the player can And play the game.

Fluorescent lamps 37 a and 37 b are disposed along upper and lower edges of the light guide plate 35 , and both ends of the fluorescent lamps 37 a , 37 b are supported by lamp holders 39 . The fluorescent lamps 37 a and 37 b serve as lighting means for areas mainly corresponding to the window frame display areas 22L, 22C, 22R and the effect display area 23 within the area on the liquid crystal panel 34 . That is, the fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b emit light that is guided to the light guide plate 35 (the lamps guide the light to the light guide plate 35, respectively).

Also, fluorescent lamps 38 a and 38 b are provided at upper and lower positions on the rear side of the reflective film 36 toward the drums 3L, 3C, 3R. The liquid crystal panel 34 is illuminated by light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b, reflected on the surface of the drums 3L, 3C, 3R and entering the non-reflective areas 36BL, 36BC, 36BR. Therefore, the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b serve as lighting means for illuminating the symbols provided on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and as a lighting means for mainly corresponding to the area on the liquid crystal panel 34. Symbols within the display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R. Fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b serve as common lighting means for illuminating the above symbols and areas. Furthermore, the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b also serve as forward lighting means for illuminating the first display means from its front side.

As described above, the first display device and the second display device are commonly illuminated by the common lighting device. That is, since not only the first display device but also the second display device are illuminated by the light from the common lighting device, the cost is less expensive than the case where lighting devices are provided independently for the respective display devices. Furthermore, by controlling the common lighting device, the lighting control can be easily performed, and the same lighting can be provided to the two display devices at the same time.

The functions of the LED lamp 29 and the fluorescent lamps 37a, 37b, 38a, 38b will be described below with reference to FIG. 7 . In Fig. 7, the direction of movement of the light emitted from the lamp is shown by the arrow.

FIG. 7(1) schematically shows when the liquid crystal existing in the symbol display areas 12L, 12C, 12R is not driven (the voltage is not applied between the transparent plates corresponding to the part of the symbol display area in the liquid crystal panel 34) The function of each light.

A part of the light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 38a, 38b is reflected on the roller plate. And part of the light emitted from the LED lamp 29 provided on the LED containing circuit board 24 passes through the roller plate. Since the above-mentioned light passes through the non-reflective areas 36BL, 36BC, 36BR, the light guide plate 35 and the liquid crystal panel 36 together constitute the liquid crystal display 31, and the player can see and recognize the symbols arranged on the reels. Therefore, in the case where the liquid crystals present in the symbol display areas 12L, 12C, 12R are not driven, the LED lamps 29 and the fluorescent lamps 38a, 38b serve as lighting means for the rollers provided on the drums 3L, 3C, 3R. symbol.

On the contrary, the light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 37a, 37b and guided to the light guide plate 35 passes through the liquid crystal panel 34 and enters the player's eyes. That is, the fluorescent lamps 37a, 37b serve as lighting means for areas of the liquid crystal panel 34 corresponding to the above-mentioned window frame display areas 22L, 22C, 22R and the effect display area 23 .

FIG. 7(2) schematically shows the operation of each lamp when the liquid crystal present in the symbol display areas 12L, 12C, 12R is driven (voltage is applied between the transparent plates corresponding to the symbol display areas in the liquid crystal panel 34). Function.

A part of the light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 38a, 38b is reflected on the roller plate. On the other hand, part of the light emitted from the LED lamp 29 passes through the roller plate. Since a part of the above-mentioned light is reflected or absorbed or transmitted through an area in which the liquid crystal is driven in the area of the liquid crystal panel 34, the player can see and recognize the light in the symbol display area 21L, Effect display on 21C and 21R, etc. Therefore, in the case where the liquid crystals present in the symbol display areas 12L, 12C, 12R are driven, the LED lamps 29 and the fluorescent lamps 38a, 38b serve as lighting means corresponding to the symbol display areas 21L, 21L, 21C, 21R.

Here, in the case where a part of the area corresponding to the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R within the area of the liquid crystal panel 34 is driven, the LED lamp 29 and the fluorescent lamps 38a, 38b serve as lighting means for setting in The symbols on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are used in the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R in the liquid crystal panel 34 corresponding to the areas of the liquid crystals that are not driven.

8 shows a circuit structure, which includes a main control circuit 41 for controlling game processing operations in the game machine 1, peripheral devices electrically connected with the main control circuit 41, and a The transmitted control commands control the liquid crystal display 31 and the sub-control circuit 71 of the speakers 12L, 12R. The main control circuit 41 serves as inside winning combination determining means, first display control means and advantageous state generating means. The inside winning combination determining means determines an inside winning combination from among a plurality of winning combinations based on the output of the game start instruction means. The first display control means controls the first display means according to the judgment result of the winning combination and the output of the game result guiding means. The advantageous state generating means generates an advantageous state for the player when a predetermined game result is displayed on the game result display means. And, the sub-control circuit 71 controls the second display device according to the judgment result of the winning combination judging device and the output of the game result guiding device.

The main control circuit 41 is mainly composed of a microcomputer 42 provided on a circuit board and a circuit for sampling random numbers. The microcomputer 42 includes a CPU 43, a ROM 44, and a RAM 45, and the CPU performs control operations according to preset programs.

A clock pulse generator 46 for generating reference clock pulses, a frequency divider 47 , a random number generator 48 for generating random numbers for sampling, and a sampling circuit 49 are respectively connected to the CPU 43 . Here, as for the means for sampling random numbers, it may be configured to perform random number sampling according to the operating program of the CPU 43 in the microcomputer 42 . In this case, the random number generator 48 and sampling circuit 49 may be omitted, or may be retained to back up the random number sampling operation.

In the ROM44 of the microcomputer 42, there is stored a random number probability lottery table for judging the random number sampling caused by each operation (start operation) of the start lever 10, which is used to transmit to the sub-control circuit according to the operation of the stop button and various The control command (command) of 71 determines the stop control table of the stop combination of the drum. Here, the sub-control circuit 71 never transmits commands, information, etc. to the main control circuit 41 , but only performs one-way transmission from the main control circuit 41 to the sub-control circuit 71 .

In the circuit shown in FIG. 8, for the main driver controlled by the control signal from the microcomputer 42, there are various lamps (1-BET lamp 17a, 2-BET lamp 17b, MAX-BET lamp 17c); various display parts (bonus game information display section 16, payment display section 18, deposit display section 19); conveyor 52, which is used as a game value providing device (including a drive section for payment), accumulates medals and according to the conveyor drive circuit 51 instruction to pay a predetermined number of medals; and stepping motors 53L, 53C, 53R for driving the rotation of the drums 3L, 3C, 3R.

A motor drive circuit 54 for driving and controlling the stepper motors 53L, 53C, 53R, a conveyor drive circuit 51 for driving and controlling the conveyor 52 and a lamp drive circuit 55 for driving and controlling various lamps and A display drive circuit 56 that drives and controls the display section is connected to an output section of the CPU 43 through an I/O port 57 . These drive circuits control operations in the respective drivers when receiving control commands such as respective drive commands output from the CPU 43 .

Also, for the input signal generating means which mainly generates the input signal necessary for the microcomputer 42 to generate the control command, there are provided the BET switch 5, the medal sensor 6S for detecting the inserted medal, the C/P switch 7, the start switch 10S, Drum stop signal circuit 58 , drum position detection circuit 59 and payment completion signal circuit 60 . These are also connected to the CPU 43 through the I/O port 57 .

The medal sensor 6S detects a medal inserted into the medal slot 6 . The start switch 10S detects the operation of the start lever 10 . The drum stop signal circuit 58 generates a stop signal corresponding to the operation of each stop button 11L, 11C, 11R. The drum position detection circuit 59 provides a signal for detecting the position of each drum 3L, 3C, 3R by the CPU 43 when a pulse signal is received from the drum rotation sensor. When the count value of the medal detection unit 52S (corresponding to the number of medals paid out from the conveyor 52) reaches a specified value, the payout completion signal circuit 60 generates a signal for detecting the completion of the medal payout.

In the circuit shown in FIG. 8 , the random number generator 48 generates random numbers within a predetermined value range, and after the start lever 10 is operated, the sampling circuit 49 guides the execution of a random number sampling at an appropriate timing. Based on the random numbers sampled in this way and the probability lottery table stored in the ROM 44, winning combinations of symbols are determined. After the winning combination is determined, sampling of random numbers is performed again to select the "stop control table".

After the rotation of the drums 3L, 3C, 3R is started, the number of the respective driving pulses supplied by the respective stepping motors 53L, 53C, 53R is counted, and the counted number is written into a predetermined area of the RAM 45 . Reset pulses are generated from the respective drums every rotation of the drums 3L, 3C, 3R, and these reset pulses are input to the CPU 43 through the drum position detection circuit 59 . According to the reset pulse thus obtained, the counted driving pulse count value in the RAM 45 is cleared to "0". Accordingly, count values corresponding to the rotational positions in one revolution of the respective drums 3L, 3C, and 3R are stored in the RAM 45 .

A symbol table is stored in the ROM 44 in order to associate the rotational positions of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R with the symbols drawn on the outer circumference of the reels. In this symbol table, both coded values and symbol codes are associated with each other, wherein each coded value is spaced by one of each cylinder 3L, 3C, 3R by setting the rotational position at which the reset pulse is generated as the reference rotational position. The manner of predetermined rotation distance is given sequentially, and each symbol code shows the symbol corresponding to each code value.

Also, a winning symbol combination table is stored in the ROM 44 . In the winning symbol combination table, winning symbol combinations corresponding to various winnings, payout numbers each corresponding to various winnings, and winning determination codes each indicating various winnings correspond to each other. When performing stop control of the left reel 3L, middle reel 3C, and right reel 3R, and when confirming such winning after all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R stop, refer to the winning symbol combination table above.

When a winning combination is won by the lottery process (probability lottery process) based on the sampling of the above-mentioned random numbers, the operation signal transmitted from the reel stop signal circuit 58 and the result will be determined based on the timing at which the player operates the stop buttons 11L, 11C, and 11R. In the selected stop control table, the CPU 43 transmits a stop signal for executing stop control of the drums 3L, 3C, and 3R to the motor drive circuit 54 .

If the symbols stop in a stop mode in which a winning combination of wins is realized, the CPU 43 supplies a payout command signal to the conveyor drive circuit 51 so that a predetermined number of medals are paid out from the conveyor 51. At this time, the medal detection unit 52S counts the number of medals paid out, and inputs a medal payout completion signal into the CPU 43 when the number of medals paid out reaches a set value. Accordingly, the CPU 43 stops the driving of the conveyor 52 by the conveyor driving circuit 51, and as a result, the medal payment process ends.

FIG. 9 shows the configuration of the sub-control circuit 71 . The sub-control circuit 71 performs turn-on and turn-off processing of the LED 29 in accordance with control commands of the main control circuit 41, display control of the liquid crystal display 31, and output control of sound output from the speakers 12L, 12R. This sub-control circuit 71 is constructed on a circuit board separate from the circuit board on which the main control circuit 41 is located, and is mainly composed of a microcomputer 72 (hereinafter simply referred to as "sub-microcomputer"). The sub-control circuit 71 is made up of the following parts: LED drive circuit 77, this LED drive circuit is used as a display control device for controlling a plurality of decorative lamps, LED lamps 29 and fluorescent lamps 37a, 37b arranged on the game machine cabinet 1; A control circuit 81 as a display control means of the liquid crystal display 31; a sound source IC 78 for controlling outputs from the speakers 12L, 12R; and a power amplifier 79 as an amplifier.

The sub-microcomputer 72 includes a sub-CPU 73 that performs control operations in accordance with control commands transmitted from the main control circuit 41, a program ROM 74 and a work RAM 75 as storage means. Although the sub-control circuit 71 does not have a clock generator, a frequency divider, a random number generator, and a sampling circuit, it is still configured to perform random sampling in the operation program of the sub-CPU 73 . The program ROM 74 stores control programs executed in the sub CPU 73 . Furthermore, the program ROM 74 also stores an image control program and various selection lists related to display on the liquid crystal display 31 . The work RAM 75 is configured as temporary storage means when the control program is executed by the sub CPU 73 .

The video control circuit 81 is composed of a video control work RAM 83 , a video ROM 86 , a video RAM 87 and a video control IC 82 . The image control IC 82 determines the display content to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 31 according to the parameters specified by the sub-CPU 73 . The image control work RAM 83 is used for temporarily storing images when an image is formed by the image control IC 82 and when an image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 31 next is assigned to the image control IC 82 by the sub-CPU 73 . The image control IC 82 forms an image corresponding to the display content determined by the sub CPU 73, and outputs the image to the liquid crystal display 31. The image ROM 86 stores various images to form images to be displayed. The video RAM 87 is constructed as a temporary storage device used when an image is formed in the image control IC 82 .

Although described based on the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above.

In the embodiment, although the drums 3L, 3C, 3R are used as the first display means and the liquid crystal display 31 is used as the second display means, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, CRT, LCD, plasma display, 7-segment LED, LED dot matrix, lamp, LED, fluorescent lamp, organic EL display, disk, electronic paper, flexible LED, flexible liquid crystal, liquid crystal projector, FED, etc. can be used as The first display device, the second display device or the third display device. Also, a third display device different from the first display device and the second display device can be provided at a position more forward than the second display device as viewed from the front of the game machine, or between the first display device and the second display device. between, or at a position further back than the first display device as viewed from the front of the gaming machine. The display results displayed on the first display device, the second display device or the third display device consist of still images or moving images. A combination in which two or more or all of the first display device, the second display device, and the third display device are combined can be integrally configured. In this case, there may be a situation in which the integrally constructed unit can be completely replaced, and this situation is preferable because time and manpower for disassembling or combining its work can be omitted, and maintenance work can be improved. Also, it is preferable if parts and construction can be shared among the units, as it can help to reduce costs. Of course, if a lighting device that can be commonly used as a common lighting device is included in the unit, the same effect as described above can be expected.

Also, the favorable state includes: the state of achieving a predetermined combination (e.g., replay, BB, RB, small combination, single bonus, etc.); free play; the state of reporting information that is helpful for the player to play; A state with a higher probability of internal winning; a state in which a predetermined combination is achieved with a higher probability; a predetermined combination is won or a predetermined combination that can be continued with a greater probability; And basically stop the so-called "challenge time"; small combination; medium combination; large combination; combination (so-called "symbol start opening" (when the ball enters the symbol start opening, start the variable movement of the symbol) open or increase the state ); or a combination of the above states. Here, in so-called Japanese pachinko game machines, small combinations, medium combinations and large combinations related to the status of the so-called "jackpot" are drawn.

Also, when the winning combination judging means judges a predetermined combination (for example, bonus) as a winning combination, one or more or all lighting devices included in the common lighting device can be turned off. For example, when each operation button corresponding to the LED lamp 29 provided for each drum 3L, 3C, 3R is operated or each operation button other than the above-mentioned operation button is operated, the lamp can be turned off. According to the above structure, the attractiveness of the game is increased. And it is possible to provide forward lighting means (fluorescent lamps 38a, 38b) for the respective symbol display portions (reels 3L, 3C, 3R).

Also, one or more or all of the lighting devices included in the common lighting device can be configured to be variably displayed. For example, a still image or a moving image can be displayed on the first display means (drum board) by changing the turn-on pattern of the LED lamp 29 or the color of light emitted therefrom or by continuously changing them. Also, a self-emission type plasma display, an organic EL display, or the like can be used as the lighting means (for example, the third lighting means), whereby an image can be displayed on the first display means. With this structure, the attractiveness of the game is increased.

In the case where a specific game result (for example, a combination of symbols indicating that a bonus win has been achieved) is displayed on the first display means or the second display means, special game state generating means can be provided for displaying thereon the The player's favorable state. Also, both the special game state generating means and the second display means can be formed on a single control circuit board. The state of the game can be displayed by superimposing the image displayed on the first display means and the image displayed on the second display means. Also, effect display can be made on the second display means to avoid stopping and displaying specific symbols on the symbol display portion or superimposing specific symbols according to a trigger signal realized in a predetermined state. If the game state is displayed by the superimposed image, a favorable state for the player can be generated with a higher probability than in the case where the superimposed image is not displayed. Thus, it is possible to achieve an effect that the player's expectations increase compared to the aforementioned case. Therefore, this effect can contribute to increasing interest.

In this embodiment, although the activation lever 10 is used as the game activation instruction means, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the BET switch 5, the medal slot 6, the medal sensor 6S, or the start switch 10S can be employed.

Such display includes: display by vision, display by hearing, notification by smell, turning on a light or a combination of these. Display modes include: color, style, shape (outline shape, inner shape), etc. And the game result can be displayed after the operation of the game start command device or the game result guide device.

In this embodiment, although the above LED driving circuit is used as a display control device for a plurality of decorative lights, LED lights and fluorescent lights provided in the cabinet, the present invention is not limited thereto. The ON control of the LED lamp may be performed by another display control device. In this case, for example, in the on control of the LED lamp, power may be supplied so that the LED lamp is always on from the time the game machine is turned on until it is turned off. Here, switching on includes a blinking mode in which the LED light blinks intermittently at very short intervals. Therefore, since the LED lamp is always on, even when an abnormality occurs in the LED drive circuit, the light emitted from the LED lamp always illuminates the respective symbol display areas. Thus, the player can always see the symbols provided on the respective reels through the respective symbol display areas, so the above-mentioned opening control is preferable.

Also, the above-mentioned turn-on control of the fluorescent lamp may be performed by another display control device. In this case, for example, in the on control of the fluorescent lamp, power may be supplied so that the fluorescent lamp is always on from the time the game machine is turned on to the time it is turned off. Thus, similarly to the above, the light emitted from the fluorescent lamp always illuminates the respective symbol display areas even if an abnormality occurs in the LED driving circuit. Thus, the player can always see and recognize the symbols provided on the respective reels through the respective symbol display areas.

Also, in this embodiment, although the above-mentioned sub-CPU performs display control of a plurality of decorative lights provided in the cabinet, sound output control and image display control of the liquid crystal display, the present invention is not limited thereto. Another sub-CPU separate from the above-mentioned sub-CPU can execute the above-mentioned various controls. For example, in the case where another sub-CPU separate from the above-mentioned sub-CPU executes the control of a plurality of decorative lights provided in the cabinet, and for example, in the case where an abnormality occurs in display control, only the normal sub-CPU or a The circuit structure of the sub-CPU is sufficient to replace the sub-CPU in which the abnormality occurred or the circuit structure including the sub-CPU in which the abnormality occurred. Therefore, time and manpower for eliminating the cause of abnormality generation can be omitted, and this configuration is quite preferable. And, in the case where another sub-CPU other than the above-mentioned sub-CPU executes sound output control or image display control, or for example, in the case where an abnormality occurs in the sound output control or image display control, only the abnormality is replaced. A generated sub-CPU or a circuit structure including a sub-CPU with abnormal generation is sufficient.

Also, the liquid crystal display described in this embodiment may have image enlarging means for enlarging an input image by a predetermined magnification factor. For example, the image enlarging means may convert image data having a resolution of 640x480 into image data of 1024x768, and output the converted image data to the display section (the above-mentioned terminal section). Thus, it is possible to use image data for a smaller display area whose data amount is smaller than that for an actual display area. As a result, the memory capacity of the ROM and the image data formation time can be reduced.

Also, in the present embodiment, although the symbol display area is divided corresponding to the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the symbol display area may be formed so as not to be divided. For example, it is possible to see and recognize two or three drums 3L, 3C, 3R via one symbol display area. And, if the first display device and the third display device are arranged on the rear surface or one side of the second display device, it can be constructed so that the player sees and recognizes a part or all of the first display device through a symbol display area. Or part or all of the second display portion. In producing the reflecting means, there may be a case in which the reflecting means can be easily manufactured compared to the case of separately forming a plurality of transparent parts.

Also, in addition to the slot machine of the present embodiment, the present invention can be applied to Japanese pachinko game machines, arrangement ball game machines, mahjong ball game machines, video slot machines, video card game machines, and other game machines . And even in a game program that simulates the operation of the slot machine described above in a home game machine, the present invention can be applied and executed. In this case, a CD-ROM, FD (Flexible Disk), and the like can be used as a storage medium storing the game program.

Here, recently, among mainstream Japanese Pachinko game machines, game machines have been popularized in which an electronic display device such as a liquid crystal display is provided in the middle of a game board. In this electronic display device, a plurality of symbols represented by images (hereinafter simply referred to as "specific symbols") are variably displayed, thereby simulating the display of three rows of reels in a slot machine. The game becomes favorable when the variable display of specific symbols stops in a predetermined stop pattern (where the same specific symbol stops, such as 7-7-7, and this stop pattern is often called a "big combination") specific game state of the player. In a typical Japanese Pachinko game machine, variable display of specific symbols is activated when a pachinko shot into a game board enters a predetermined winning hole (so-called "variable display activation hole") by operation of a shooting lever. After a predetermined time elapses, the variable display of the specific symbol stops.

In such a Japanese Pachinko game machine, a liquid crystal display (second display means) and a first display means (for example, a drum-type reel) may be arranged in a display area that is smaller than the liquid crystal display (display panel) when viewed from the front side of the game machine. ) further back. And the specific symbol can be variably displayed on one or both of the first display device (for example, a liquid crystal display) and the second display device (for example, a drum type roller).

The game result display device described above may be configured to include a first display device and a second display device which are arranged at a position more forward than a display area of the first display device as viewed from the front surface of the gaming machine. Also, the game result display means may be configured to include a first display means and a second display means, which are arranged at a position more forward than a display area of the first display means seen from the front side of the gaming machine.

The rear lighting means illuminates the second display means from its rear side. The above-mentioned front lighting device provides illumination for the second display device from the rear side thereof. And the front lighting device can provide illumination for the second display device from the side.

The first display device and/or the second display device described above may be formed in a curved shape. Regarding the degree of curvature, the first display device and the second display device may have approximately the same curvature. Thus, there may be a case where the design of the gaming machine is improved and the gaming machine is made attractive. Even if the first display device is curved with a small curvature radius or a large curvature radius, the same effect as above can be obtained.

The above-mentioned reflecting device corresponds to a device having at least one function of refracting part or all of the light guided by the light guiding device toward the liquid crystal panel and providing illumination for the liquid crystal panel.

The above game activation instruction means may display activation holes for variable symbols, which generate an output signal upon detection of a winning combination or passage of a ball. The game start instruction device in the pinball machine corresponds to a variable display start hole (or start gate) for a specific symbol, a variable display start hole for a specific symbol, various judgment symbol display start holes (or a start gate) ).

In a case where the winning combination judging means described above determines that the predetermined combination is a winning combination, one or more lighting devices included in the common lighting device are turned off. Alternatively, the lighting device may always be turned off.

There may be a case where one or more lighting devices included in the common lighting device are turned off at substantially the same timing, and the winning combination judging means described above judges a predetermined combination as an winning combination. Or the lighting device could always be off.

Various display modes are possible with respect to the variable display using the lighting means included in the common lighting means. For example, it may be configured to be able to perform variable display of specific symbols. Here, the variable display of specific symbols can be performed in a mode in which: the brightness of a part or all of the display parts in the lighting device is different from that in the variable display of non-specific symbols; The static images, moving images, specific letters, numbers, characters, and images displayed in the display are displayed; the variable display speed is different from the speed in the variable display of non-specific symbols. Also, an automatic display mode can be used. In the case where the variable display of the specific symbol is performed, it may be configured so that the favorable state for the player is generated with a greater probability than when the variable display of the specific symbol is not realized. Thus, it is possible to include an effect that the player desires to increase more than the foregoing case. Therefore, this effect can contribute to increasing interest.

As for the device used as the third display device, a display device that can be used as the first display device and the second display device can be used, as described above. There may be a case where one or more effect display rollers are used as the third display means, and the first display means and the third means are provided on the rear surface and sides of the second display means. In this case, a symbol display area may be provided in the second display device, through which the player sees the display area of the third display device. Therefore, the player can easily recognize the display content on the display area of the third display means, so this structure is very preferable.

Moreover, it can be controlled to make the player see the image produced by superimposing the image of the second display device and the image of the third display device, and, when this control takes place, the favorable state is more favorable than this control. A higher probability of occurrence in the absence of occurrence. Thus, there can be an effect of increasing the player's desire more than the foregoing case. Therefore, this effect can contribute to increasing interest.

Moreover, any one of the first display device, the second display device and the third display device may be configured as a movable structure having the shape of, for example, characters, dolls, animals, insects, famous buildings, fishes, vehicles . For example, the structure described above may move in a rotational, swinging, reciprocating, or vibratory manner in the following situations, including: a specific combination is an internal win, a specific combination is achieved, the number of combinations is the same as a specific combination internal win is not achieved More than a predetermined number, a specific image is displayed on a display device having a structure different from that described above. There may be a case where the above structure is composed of a plurality of parts, and a part of the parts is moved. In this case, there may be a situation in which more various effects of display other than the image display device can be further expected.

Also, the front lighting device may be disposed on front sides of the first display device and the second display device. In this case, if the entertainment hall is dark, the front lighting device can provide enough light to illuminate the first display device and the second display device. Therefore, there may be a situation where the player can clearly recognize the image displayed on the display device, and therefore it can be expected that the player can enjoy more various effects on the gaming machine.

Although only some exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. . Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.

Claims (4)

1. game machine, it comprises:

The game result display unit, this device is used for showing game result thereon; With

Favo(u)red state generating apparatus, this device are used for producing when predetermined game result is presented on the game result display unit for the favourable state of player;

Wherein, the game result display unit comprises: first display unit, described first display unit have a plurality of symbol display parts that can show a plurality of symbols changeably, and each described symbol display part has light transmission; And second display unit, described second display unit is set to be in the front of described first display unit when the front of game machine is seen, and described second display unit is by the LCD structure that comprises liquid crystal board, and

Wherein be provided with shared lighting device, described shared lighting device comprises: front lighting device is used for illumination being provided and providing illumination from the liquid crystal board back for it from the first display unit front for it; And rear lighting unit, it is set among first display unit, and being used for from the first display unit back providing illumination and the light by the described symbol of the break-through display part liquid crystal board that throws light on for it.

2. according to the game machine of claim 1,

Wherein LCD also comprises: be arranged on the liquid crystal board rear side the light guiding device, be used for light emission to the independent lighting device of light guiding device be used for being directed into the reflection unit of the light reflection of light guiding device to the liquid crystal board that is arranged at light guiding device front side, and

Wherein the zone with the corresponding reflection unit in symbol display part of first display unit forms the light transmission part, so that the light of the described symbol of break-through display part arrives described liquid crystal board.

3. according to the game machine of claim 2, it is characterized in that liquid crystal board is set to common white.

4. according to the game machine of claim 1, also comprise:

Can be by the recreation enabled instruction device of player's operation;

Be used for judging interior interior win combination decision maker of winning combination according to the output of recreation enabled instruction device; With

Be used for carrying out the game result display control unit of the demonstration control of game result display unit according to the predetermined result of interior win combination decision maker;

Wherein, judge that at interior win combination decision maker predetermined combinations is that the game result display control unit cuts out all lighting devices that are included in the shared lighting device under the situation of interior win combination.

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