JP2005118202A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine determining a win combination such as a bonus similarly to the conventional one without reducing the total number of stationary symbol combinations and without restricting the order of symbols disposed on reels even if miniaturizing the dimension of the reels. <P>SOLUTION: This slot machine, in the reels disposed with a plurality of types of symbols, is formed with at least a part of a boundary, which is formed between one symbol display area out of the plurality of symbols and another display area adjacent to one symbol, in a direction deflected from a direction vertical to the turning direction of the reels and controls the reels to stop so that identification information symbols are positioned in predetermined stationary positions. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine in which a game result is determined by a combination of symbols when a reel on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged is stopped.

  In conventional slot machines, the size of each of the symbols arranged on the reel is, from experience, preferably 25 mm or more in length and 35 mm or more in width. In general, the number of symbols arranged on one reel is preferably 21. Furthermore, the time from when the operation of the stop switch is detected until the reel stops is preferably 190 ms or less, and the reel rotation speed during the rotation of the reel preferably does not exceed 80 rotations per minute. It is said that. For this reason, conventionally, when the number of symbols on the reel is 21, for example, the maximum number of symbols to be moved from when the operation of the stop switch is detected until the reel stops is located at the moment when the stop switch is turned on. It became 5 designs including the design.

Further, when a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the reel, a boundary is formed between the two symbols adjacent to each other. The boundary formed between the symbols is, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the reel as in gaming machines disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2002-102410 and 2002-102411. There was only a suitable one (for example, see Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2).
JP 2002-102410 A JP 2002-102411 A

  For this reason, if the size of each symbol is maintained at the same size as before and multiple types of symbols are placed on the reel as before, the size of the reel is simply reduced, the number of symbols Must be less than 21. As described above, when the number of symbols is reduced, the total number of combinations of the three symbols is also reduced, and it is difficult to determine a combination such as a bonus as before.

  In addition, as before, the time from when the stop switch is operated until the reel stops is set to 190 ms or less, and the reel rotation speed is set to 80 rpm or less, and the reel dimensions are simply reduced. In such a case, the maximum number of moving symbols from the detection of the operation of the stop switch to the stop of the reel must be less than 5 symbols. For this reason, the inconvenience that the order of the symbols in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the reel is limited.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and the object of the present invention is as before without reducing the total number of stopped symbol combinations even when the reel dimensions are reduced. It is an object of the present invention to provide a slot machine that can determine a combination such as a bonus and that does not restrict the order of symbols arranged on a reel.

(1) A reel that is rotatable, and is arranged on the circumferential surface along the rotation direction so that a plurality of types of symbols are adjacent to each other;
A reel display window for displaying a predetermined number of symbols of the plurality of types of symbols in a visible manner;
Control means for controlling the progress of the game determined based on the rotation and stop of the reel;
A start switch that issues a rotation start signal for starting rotation of the reel to the control means in accordance with a player's operation;
A stop switch that issues a rotation stop signal for stopping the rotation of the reel to the control means in response to a player's operation, and
When the control means detects a stop signal emitted from the stop switch, the control means stops the reel so that one of the symbols of the type is positioned at a predetermined stop position in the reel display window. A slot machine that
Each display area of the plurality of types of symbols is defined by either an identification information image composed of identification information, or an identification decoration image composed of a decoration image that decorates the identification information image and the identification information image, And,
In the reel, at least a part of a boundary formed between a display area of one of the plurality of kinds of symbols and a display area of another symbol adjacent to the one symbol, Formed in a direction deviated from the direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the reel, and
The slot machine is characterized in that the control means controls the reel to stop so that the identification information map is positioned at the predetermined stop position when detecting a stop signal generated from the stop switch.

  (2) The control means is a midpoint of components of the rotation direction at two ends of the display area along the rotation direction, and is in a direction perpendicular to the rotation direction. The slot according to (1), wherein the reel is controlled to stop such that a central point that is a midpoint of the components in the vertical direction at two ends of the display area along the display area is positioned at the predetermined stop position Machine.

(3) The slot machine according to (2), wherein an identification information image of another symbol adjacent to the one symbol is not arranged at the central point in the symbol display area of the plurality of types of symbols.
“Rotation” indicates not only rotation in a predetermined direction but also movement including rotation in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction. “Identification information” indicates information indicating the essential contents of a specific symbol such as “7” or “watermelon”. Further, the “decorative drawing” refers to a drawing such as a drawing of the background of the identification information given a predetermined color and a production drawing attached to produce the identification information. Here, “drawing” means a picture or drawing attached to the reel.

  The “boundary” refers to a line or region formed between adjacent display regions. The “boundary” is demarcated by two sides or line segments facing each other in the outer periphery constituting the adjacent display area. For example, in the case where a gap is formed between two symbols adjacent to each other, a “boundary” is formed by the gap area, and the two sides and line segments of the display area facing each other across the gap. Defined. In addition, when the display area is formed so that the display areas adjacent to each other are in close contact with each other, two opposite sides and line segments overlap each other, and a boundary is formed by a boundary line formed by the overlapped sides and line segments. The

  Furthermore, “bias” means biasing in either direction, specifically, biasing from this perpendicular direction with reference to a direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the reel.

  According to the above-described invention, even when the dimensions of the reels are reduced, the bonuses and the like can be determined as before without reducing the total number of stopped symbol combinations, and the reels are arranged on the reels. The order of symbols can also be determined without limitation. Furthermore, since the reel diameter can be reduced, the thickness of the slot machine casing in the depth direction can be reduced, and the installation conditions of the slot machine can be relaxed.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
<< Configuration of Slot Machine 10 >>
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a front surface of the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a view showing an internal structure of the slot machine 10.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the slot machine 10 includes a box-shaped base portion 20 and a front door 40 pivotally supported on the front surface of the base portion 20 so as to be opened and closed.

<Base part 20>
As shown in FIG. 2, the base | substrate part 20 is assembled by the timber etc. and is formed in the box shape by which the front surface was opened. A power supply unit 22 for supplying power to various devices mounted on the slot machine 10 and a medal payout device 24 including a hopper for storing medals are provided in the lower portion inside the base body portion 20. A support plate 26 is provided above the power supply unit 22 and the medal payout device 24. The support plate 26 is provided with an image display device 28. A display unit 30 for displaying an image is provided on the front surface of the image display device 28. Further, a main control board 32 that controls the game played in the slot machine 10 as a whole is provided in the lower part inside the base body 20.

<Front door 40>
The front door 40 is attached to the side of the base body 20 so as to be openable and closable so as to cover the front surface of the base body 20.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a start switch 42, three stop switches 44a, 44b, and 44c, a medal slot 46, a medal tray 48, and the like are provided on the front side (player side) of the front door 40. Yes.

  An image display window 50 of the image display device 28 is formed above the start switch 42 and the three stop switches 44a to 44c and from the center to the top of the front door 40. The image display window 50 is made of a transparent member, and when the front door 40 is closed with respect to the base unit 20, the display unit 30 of the image display device 28 described above is positioned behind the image display window 50. Thereby, the player can visually recognize the image displayed on the display unit 30 of the image display device 28 through the image display window 50 from the front of the slot machine 10.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a reel display window 52 is formed above the image display window 50 at a predetermined distance from the image display window 50 so as not to overlap the image display window 50. The three reels 82a to 82c are positioned so that the three reels 82a, 82b and 82c can be visually recognized from the reel display window 52. The left reel 82a corresponds to the left stop switch 44a, the middle reel 82b corresponds to the center stop switch 44b, and the right reel 82c corresponds to the right stop switch 44c. As shown in FIG. 2, a reel unit 80 for driving the reels 82 a to 82 c is provided on the back side of the front door 40. As will be described later, a sub-control board 84 is provided on the rear surface of the reel unit 80.

  As shown in FIG. 2, speakers 54a and 54b are provided on the left and right sides of the sub-control board 84, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1, sound transmission holes 56 a and 56 b are formed in the left and right sides of the reel display window 52, respectively, so that sound emitted from the speakers 54 a and 54 b is transmitted to the front of the slot machine 10. Has been made. A lamp 58 is also provided above the reel display window 52 and the sound transmission holes 56a and 56b.

<Main control board 32>
The main control board 32 is a control board for starting and stopping the rotation of the three reels 82 a to 82 c and for controlling the entire game such as the progress of the game performed in the slot machine 10. The main control board 32 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) for performing arithmetic operations, a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown) that stores a game program, and a RAM (Temporarily storing each data). Random access memory) (not shown). These CPU, ROM, and RAM are electrically connected by an input / output bus so that data signals and address signals can be input / output.

<Sub control board 84>
The sub-control board 84 described above is a board that controls the effects during the game. The above-described image display device 28 is electrically connected to the sub control board 84. Further, the lamp 58 and the speakers 54a and 54b are also electrically connected to the sub control board 84. The sub control board 84 performs control of output of sound emitted from the speakers 54a and 54b, control of lighting, blinking, or extinguishing of the lamp 58, control of display of an effect image by the image display device 28, and the like. The sub-control board 28 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) for performing calculations, a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown) for storing production programs and production data, and temporarily storing each data. A random access memory (RAM) (not shown). These CPU, ROM, and RAM are electrically connected by an input / output bus so that data signals and address signals can be input / output.

  The above-described main control board 32 controls the entire game, whereas the sub control board 84 is a board that belongs to a lower level of the main control board 32 and is a control board that controls the overall effect. The sub control board 84 and the main control board 32 are electrically connected by a harness (not shown). Thereby, the main control board 32 supplies control signals such as various performance execution commands to the sub control board 84, and the sub control board 84, based on the supplied control signals, the speakers 54a and 54b, the lamp 58, and effects in the image display device 28 are controlled.

<Image display device 28>
The image display device 28 is a device that displays an effect image during the game by electric means. In the present embodiment, the image display device 28 is composed of a liquid crystal display device (LCD). The image display device 28 is an image such as a video slot reel image (reel image is displayed in a planar shape and the reel image is displayed in a vertical direction), and a character image indicating a character. Is displayed as an effect image.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the reel unit 80 provided on the back surface side of the front door 40 and the sub control board 84 provided on the back surface of the reel unit 80 as seen from the front surface side. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a part including the sub-control board on the rear side of the reel unit 80 as seen from the back side.

<Reel unit 80>
In the present embodiment, the reel unit 80 is provided with three cylindrical reels 82a to 82c arranged side by side. Corresponding motors 86a to 86c (not shown) are provided at the center of rotation of each of the reels 82a to 82c. By controlling the driving of the motors 86a to 86c, the rotation and stop of the reels 82a to 82c are controlled. Inside each of the reels 82a to 82c, there is provided a back lamp (not shown) for illuminating the symbols displayed on the peripheral surfaces of the reels 82a to 82c from behind.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the reel unit 80 is housed inside a reel case main body 88 and a reel case cover 90. The front side of the reel case main body 88 is opened so as to align with the reel display window 52 of the front door 40 described above. A substrate case main body 92 is attached to the rear portion of the reel case cover 90. The substrate case main body 92 is provided with a sub control board 84, and a substrate case cover 94 is provided on the substrate case main body 92 so as to cover the sub control board 84. By doing so, the sub control board 84 is disposed behind the reel unit 80.

<< Control of Slot Machine 10 >>
Control of the slot machine 10 will be described.
The above-described start switch 42 and stop switches 44a to 44c are electrically connected to the main control board 32. The start switch 42 is a switch operated by the player when starting the rotation of the reels 82a to 82c. Each of the three stop switches 44a to 44c is provided corresponding to the three reels 82a to 82c, and is a switch operated by the player when stopping the corresponding reels 82a to 82c. Further, the main control board 32 is electrically connected to motors 86a to 86c connected to the reels 82a to 82c of the reel unit 80 and controlling the driving of the reels 82a to 82c.

<Control by operating start switch 42>
When the start switch 42 is operated, a rotation start signal for starting the rotation of the reels 82 a to 82 c is supplied to the main control board 32. When the rotation start signal is supplied, the main control board 32 controls all the motors 86a to 86c to rotate. When the reels 82a to 82c are rotated by the motors 86a to 86c, the symbols arranged on the peripheral surfaces of the reels 82a to 82c are moved and displayed in the vertical direction on the reel display window 52 at a predetermined speed. Further, when the rotation start signal is supplied, the main control board 32 issues a signal to the sub control board 84 that the start switch 42 has been operated.

<Control by operation of stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c>
When the stop switches 44a to 44c are operated by the player, a rotation stop signal for stopping the rotation of the reel is supplied to the main control board 32. When the main control board 32 receives this signal, the main control board 32 controls any one of the motors 86a to 86c corresponding to the stop switches 44a to 44c, and performs stop control of any one of the corresponding reels 82a to 82c. .

<Control of slot games>
In the normal game, the player inputs a medal from the medal insertion slot 46 and activates the symbol combination line L (to make it an effective line). The symbol combination line L is a straight line extending in the horizontal direction at the front portion of the reel display window 52 shown in FIG. 1, and constitutes a “predetermined stop position in the reel display window”. This symbol combination line L is a symbol arrangement line when the reels 82a to 82c are stopped, and is an effective line to be determined as to whether or not it is a symbol combination corresponding to any combination. In the present embodiment, the symbol combination line L is set as an effective line by inserting three medals. When the player operates the start switch 42, a rotation start signal is issued from the start switch 42 to the main control board 32, and the rotation of all the reels 82a to 82c is started.

  Next, the player operates the stop switches 44a to 44c to stop the rotation of any one of the reels 82a to 82c corresponding to the operated stop switch. When all of the stop switches 44a to 44c are operated and all of the reels 82a to 82c are stopped, the combination of symbols of the reels 82a to 82c displayed on the active line L is a predetermined combination of symbols. If the combination matches and the winning combination is won, medals are paid out according to the winning combination.

  The main control board 32 described above constitutes “control means for controlling the progress of the game determined based on the rotation and stop of the reel”. Further, the above-described start switch 42 constitutes a “start switch that issues a rotation start signal for starting rotation of the reel to the control means in response to a player's operation”. Further, the above-described stop switches 44a to 44c constitute "a stop switch that issues a rotation stop signal for stopping the rotation of the reel to the control means in accordance with a player's operation". Furthermore, by performing the above-described configuration and control, “when the control means detects a stop signal emitted from the stop switch, the reel of the kind of symbol is placed at a predetermined stop position in the reel display window. The reel is stopped and controlled so that one symbol is positioned. "

<Reel 82a, 82b and 82c and arrangement of symbols>
On each of the three reels 82a to 82c, a long reel tape (not shown) on which a plurality of types of symbols (designs constituting a role, etc.) are printed is stuck around a cylindrical reel. Yes. The reel tape is printed so that a plurality of types of symbols are arranged adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction of the reel tape. When the reels 82a to 82c are mounted on the reel unit and rotate, the longitudinal direction of the reel tape becomes the rotation direction of the reels 82a to 82c. The reels 82a to 82c constitute a "reel arranged on the circumferential surface along the rotation direction so that a plurality of types of symbols are adjacent to each other".

  FIG. 5 shows an example of a plurality of types of symbols printed on a reel tape. The reel tape shown on the left side of FIG. 5 is attached to the left reel 82a, the reel tape shown in the center is attached to the middle reel 82b, and the reel tape shown on the right side is attached to the right reel 82c. In the example shown in FIG. 5, 21 symbols are printed on one reel tape, that is, each of the three reels 82a to 82c. There are multiple types of symbols. As shown in Fig. 5, for example, "REPLAY", "Watermelon", "Cherry", "Star", and "7" divided into three are printed on the reel tape. ing. When these reel tapes are affixed to the reel and mounted on the reel unit 80, and the reel unit 80 is provided on the front door 40, the reel display window 52 of the front door 40, as shown in FIG. It arrange | positions so that one symbol can be seen about each of 82a-82c.

  In addition, the parallelogram-shaped area | region displayed on each of the reels 82a-82c shown in FIG. 1 and located on the symbol combination line L shows a symbol. Thus, when all of the reels 82a to 82c are stopped, the reel display window 52 of the front door 40 is arranged so that a total of three symbols of the reels 82a to 82c are visible. In the present embodiment, each of the reels 82a to 82c is arranged so that one symbol can be seen from the reel display window 52, so that the symbol combination line L described above is one. However, when each of the reels 82a to 82c is arranged so that a plurality of symbols continuous in the vertical direction can be seen, the number of symbol combination lines L can be increased. For example, when the reel display window 52 is formed so that three symbols can be visually recognized for each of the reels 82a to 82c, the reels 82a to 82c are arranged so that a total of nine symbols of the three reels 82a to 82c can be visually recognized. In such a case, the number of symbol combination lines L can be made into a total of five, three in the horizontal direction and two in the diagonal direction.

<Form of Reels 82a, 82b and 82c>
Next, feature points of the reels 82a to 82c in the present embodiment will be described.
In a conventional general reel, the diameter of the reel is about 230 mm, and the lateral width is about 80 mm. In contrast, the reels 82a to 82c in the present embodiment have a diameter of about 120 mm and a lateral width of about 44.5 mm. That is, the reels 82a to 82c in the present embodiment are formed smaller than a conventional general reel. Accordingly, the dimensions of the reel display window 52 of the front door 40 are also made smaller than the dimensions of the conventional display window.

<Design pattern>
The size of each of the symbols arranged on the reel is preferably 25 mm or more in length and 35 mm or more in width from experience. In general, the number of symbols arranged on the reel is preferably 21. When the number of symbols is less than 21, the total number of combinations of the three symbols is reduced, and it is difficult to determine a combination such as a bonus as in the conventional case. In the present embodiment, the horizontal width of the reels 82a to 82c is about 44.5 mm as described above, and the horizontal width of the area occupied by one symbol is secured to 35 mm or more, and the height of the area occupied by one symbol is 25 mm or more. In order to ensure, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 described above, the shape of the area occupied by one symbol is a parallelogram. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing only the outer shape of the reel tape shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a part of the reels 82a to 82c. In FIG. 7, the left and right vertical solid lines indicate the edges of one reel of the reels 82a to 82c, and the area indicated by the solid parallelogram is a display area for one symbol. Further, the direction indicated by the white double arrows extending in the vertical direction is the rotation direction of the reels 82a to 82c. Furthermore, the direction indicated by the white double arrows extending in the horizontal direction is the direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the reels 82a to 82c. In the following, as shown in FIG. 7, the direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the reels 82a to 82c is referred to as the X direction, and the rotation direction of the reels 82a to 82c is referred to as the Y direction.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the lateral width WR of the reels 82a to 82c is about 44.5 mm as described above. The width WP of the display area of one symbol, that is, the base of the parallelogram is 35 mm or more, and the height HP of the display area of one symbol, that is, the height of the parallelogram is 25 mm or more. is there. In this way, the shape HP of the display area of one symbol is set to a predetermined length or more by making the shape of the display area of one symbol gradually deviated in the Y direction as it proceeds in the X direction. By ensuring, the size of the display area of one symbol can be 25 mm or more in length and 35 mm or more in width, which has been regarded as preferable. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, even if the dimensions of the reels 82a to 82c are made smaller than before by arranging adjacent symbols close to each other, the number of symbols is preferred. It can be 21.

  In the past, the reel stop control is performed so that the player can stop the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination on the active line relatively easily when the winning combination is won. A predetermined number of symbols are controlled to be movable until the reel actually stops after the operation of .about.44c. On the other hand, after the operation of the stop switches 44a to 44c, the time from the position where the operation of the stop switches 44a to 44c is detected until the reel stops is usually set to 190 ms or less so that the reel does not stop unnaturally. ing. Furthermore, the rotation speed of the reel is set not to exceed 80 rotations per minute so that the symbols on the reel can be generally identified during the rotation of the reel. For this reason, conventionally, the number of symbols on the reel is 21, for example, and the maximum number of symbols to be moved from when the operation of the stop switches 44a to 44c is detected until the reel stops is the moment when the stop switches 44a to 44c are operated. It is set to 5 symbols including the symbol located at.

  As described above, the diameter of the reels 82a to 82c in the present embodiment is about 120 mm. In this case, when the symbols are arranged in the same manner as the conventional one, the time until the reels stop is 190 ms. In order to keep it below, the maximum number of moving symbols must be reduced from 5 symbols. Thus, when the maximum number of moving symbols is reduced, combinations of symbols that can be displayed when the reels 82a to 82c are stopped are also limited. However, by arranging the symbols having the shapes as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 described above, the maximum number of symbols can be reduced to five symbols as before, and the symbols when the reels 82a to 82c are stopped. The combination of can be made the same as before.

<Pattern 100, Identification Information Image 102, and Decoration Image 104>
As described above, the symbol pattern in the present embodiment is such that the shape of the display area of one symbol is gradually biased in the Y direction as it advances in the X direction. In order to clarify this biased shape, it is necessary to make the shape of the entire symbol such a shape as shown in FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the symbol 100 includes an identification information image 102 including identification information and a decoration image 104 for decorating the identification information image. In FIG. 7, the circled area indicated by the broken line indicates the identification information image 102, and the substantially parallelogram-shaped area indicated by the broken line excluding the identification information image indicates the decorative image 104. In the example shown in FIG. 7, in order to clearly show the area of the decorative drawing 104, the size of the outer shape of the decorative drawing 104 is shown to be slightly smaller than the size of the outer shape of the symbol 100. The size of the outer shape 104 is substantially the same as the size of the outer shape of the symbol 100. Here, the identification information is information indicating the essential contents of a specific symbol. In the example shown in FIG. 5, “REPLAY”, “watermelon”, “cherry”, “star”, “7” Etc. The decoration drawing 104 is a decoration that decorates the identification information drawing 102, and is a drawing of a background image of the identification information drawing 102, an effect drawing attached to produce the identification information, and the like. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the decoration drawing 104 is a drawing of a substantially parallelogram-shaped region drawn around the identification information drawing 102. Thus, by configuring the symbols to include the identification information image 102 and the decorative image 104, the display area of the symbol 100 can be clearly shown to the player. Here, the display area of the symbol 100 is an area where the symbol 100 is displayed and is an area occupied by the symbol 100.

  Further, the entire pattern 100 may be composed only of the identification information image 102. FIG. 8 shows an example in which the entire pattern 100 is composed only of the identification information image 102. 8A and 8B show only one symbol 100. FIG. The example shown in FIG. 8A shows a case where the design is made so that the character “7” occupies the entire display area of the symbol 100. Further, the example shown in FIG. 8B shows a case in which the entire drawing imitating the ticket occupies the entire display area of the symbol 100.

  As shown in FIG. 7 described above, the symbol is configured to include the identification information image 102 and the decorative image 104, or as illustrated in FIG. 8, the symbol is configured to include only the identification information image 102. Thus, “each display area of the plurality of types of symbols is either an identification information image composed of identification information, or an identification decoration image composed of a decoration image that decorates the identification information image and the identification information image. Defined by.

<Boundary 110 formed between display areas of symbol 100>
As described above, the plurality of types of symbols 100 are arranged adjacent to each other along the rotation direction of the reels 82a to 82c. A boundary 110 is formed between the adjacent symbols 100. As described above, in the present embodiment, since the display area occupied by the symbol 100 is clearly shown, the boundary 110 formed between the symbols 100 adjacent to each other can be defined. As described above, since the shape of the display area of the symbol 100 is gradually shifted in the Y direction as it advances in the X direction, the boundary 110 is directed to the A direction (see FIG. 7) deviated from the X direction. Formed. That is, the direction of the boundary 110 is deviated with respect to the direction of the white double arrow shown in FIG. 7, and the angle formed by the X direction and the A direction is an angle θ larger than zero degrees.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, a gap is formed between two symbols 100 adjacent to each other, and this gap region constitutes the boundary 110. On the other hand, the display area may be formed so that the adjacent symbols 100 are in close contact with each other. In this case, the linear lower side 106 of the upper symbol 100 and the linear upper side 108 of the lower symbol overlap, and a boundary 110 is formed by a boundary line formed by these lower and upper sides 106 and 108. The

  Also, as in the example shown in FIG. 7, when a gap is formed between two adjacent symbols 100, the line that defines the boundary 110 is the straight lower side 106 of the upper symbol 100 and the lower side. An area sandwiched between the lower side 106 and the upper side 108 is a boundary 110. In this way, the line defining the boundary 110 is not limited to a straight line, and the line defining the boundary 110 may be a curve. Also in this case, the boundary 110 is defined by a curve located on the upper side and a curve located on the lower side. Further, in this case, the direction that can be recognized by one or both of the upper curve and the lower curve is the direction of the boundary 110, and the direction of the boundary 110 is not limited to a certain direction. The direction is included in the predetermined range. In this case, at least a part of the orientation that can be recognized by one or both of the upper curve and the lower curve is a direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the reels 82a to 82c, That is, if it can be recognized that it is formed in a direction deviated from the X direction shown in FIG. 7, it is included in the present invention.

<Position of Identification Information Image 102>
The identification information image 102 only needs to be displayed within the display area of the symbol 100. In particular, as shown in FIG. 7, the center point OI of the identification information image 102 is the center point of the display region where the symbol 100 is displayed. It is preferable to display so as to be positioned at the OD. Here, as shown in FIG. 7, each of the four vertices of the display area of one symbol 100 is PD1, PD2, PD3, and PD4. Also, the two end points located at the extreme ends along the rotation direction (Y direction) in the region of the identification information image 102 are defined as PI1 and PI2, and the direction perpendicular to the rotation direction (in the region of the identification information image 102) ( The two end points located at the extreme ends along the (X direction) are defined as PI3 and PI4.

In this way, the center point OI of the identification information map 102 can be determined as the point that is the midpoint of the X direction of the identification information map 102 and the midpoint of the Y direction. Specifically, the midpoint of the X direction is the midpoint of the X direction component of PI3 and PI4, and the midpoint of the Y direction is the midpoint of the Y direction component of PI1 and PI2.
Further, the center point OD of the display area of the pattern 100 can be determined as a point that is a midpoint in the X direction and a midpoint in the Y direction. Specifically, the midpoint of the X direction is the midpoint of the X direction component of PD1 or PD2 and PD3 or PD4, and the midpoint of the Y direction is the midpoint of the Y direction component of PD1 and PD3. It is. That is, the midpoint of the X direction is determined by the two extreme ends in the X direction in the display area of the symbol 100, and the midpoint of the Y direction is determined by the two extreme ends in the Y direction of the symbol 100 in the display area. The center point of the display area of the symbol 100 is determined from the midpoint and the midpoint in the Y direction.

<Stopping position of reels 82a to 82c>
When stopping the reels 82a to 82c on which the symbol 100 as described above is controlled, it is preferable that the center point OD of the display area of the symbol 100 is positioned on the symbol combination line L shown in FIG. By doing in this way, the stopped symbol 100 can be clearly shown to the player. By controlling as such a configuration, “the control means is a midpoint of the components in the rotation direction of the two end portions of the display area along the rotation direction, and the rotation is performed. The reel is stopped so that the center point which is the midpoint of the component in the vertical direction at the two end portions of the display area along the direction perpendicular to the moving direction is located at the predetermined stop position. To control.

<Other pattern forms>
In the example described above, the display area of the symbol 100 is a parallelogram shape, but the shape of the symbol display area is not limited to this. FIG. 9 shows typical examples of other symbol forms. In addition, the same code | symbol was attached | subjected about the component same as the example shown in FIG. Similarly to FIG. 7, the left and right vertical solid lines shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C indicate the edge of one reel of the reels 82a to 82c. Further, the direction indicated by the white double arrows extending in the vertical direction is the rotation direction of the reels 82a to 82c. Furthermore, the direction indicated by the white double arrows extending in the horizontal direction is the direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the reels 82a to 82c. Furthermore, as in FIG. 7, the direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the reels 82a to 82c is referred to as the X direction, and the rotation direction of the reels 82a to 82c is referred to as the Y direction.

<When the shape of the display area of the symbol 120 is a triangle>
FIG. 9A shows an example in which the shape of the display area of the symbol 120 is a triangle. As shown in FIG. 9A, the vertex not included in the triangular base is PD1, and the two vertexes included in the base are PD2 and PD3. The triangular shape shown in FIG. 9A is a substantially isosceles triangle, and the base of the triangular shape is arranged in the vicinity of one edge of the reels 82a to 82c so as to follow the rotation direction of the reels 82a to 82c. The apex not included in is arranged in the vicinity of the other edges of the reels 82a to 82c. Further, the two symbols adjacent to each other in the rotation direction are arranged such that the position of the triangular base and the position of the vertex not included in the base are opposite to each other. In addition, although the triangular shape shown to Fig.9 (a) showed the case where it is a substantially isosceles triangle, it is good also as a triangular shape from which the length of three sides differs.

(Boundary 122 formed between the display areas of the symbol 120)
As shown in FIG. 9A, when the shape of the display area of the symbol 120 is a triangle, the two sides other than the bottom gradually shift in the Y direction as the X direction proceeds. Also in this case, since the display area occupied by the symbol 120 is clearly shown, the boundary 122 formed between the symbols 120 adjacent to each other can be defined. As described above, the boundary 122 formed between the display areas of the symbols 120 by arranging the two symbols 120 adjacent to each other in the rotation direction as shown in FIG. It faces in two directions, A direction and B direction.

(Center point of display area of symbol 120)
Also in this example, the center point OD of the display area of the symbol 120 can be determined as a point that is a midpoint in the X direction and a midpoint in the Y direction. Specifically, the midpoint of the X direction is the midpoint of the X direction component of PD1 and PD2 or PD3, and the midpoint of the Y direction is the midpoint of the Y direction component of PD2 and PD3. . That is, the midpoint in the X direction is determined by the two extreme ends in the X direction in the display area of the symbol 120, and the midpoint in the Y direction is determined by the two extreme ends in the Y direction in the display area of the symbol 120. The center point of the display area of the symbol 120 is determined from the midpoint and the midpoint in the Y direction.

<When the shape of the display area of the symbol 130 is a trapezoid>
FIG. 9B shows an example where the shape of the display area of the symbol 130 is trapezoidal. As shown in FIG. 9B, the two vertices included in the upper base are PD1 and PD2, and the two vertices included in the lower base are PD3 and PD4. The trapezoidal shape shown in FIG. 9B is a substantially isosceles trapezoid, and the upper base is disposed in the vicinity of one edge of the reels 82a to 82c so as to follow the rotation direction of the reels 82a to 82c. Is arranged in the vicinity of the other edge of the reels 82a to 82c so as to follow the rotation direction of the reels 82a to 82c. Further, the two symbols 130 adjacent to each other in the rotation direction are arranged such that the position of the upper base and the position of the lower base are opposite to each other. In addition, although the trapezoid shape shown in FIG.9 (b) showed the case where it is substantially isosceles trapezoid shape, it is good also as trapezoid shape from which the length of a trapezoid leg part differs.

(Boundary 132 formed between the display areas of the symbol 130)
As shown in FIG. 9B, when the shape of the display area of the symbol 130 is a trapezoidal shape, the two leg sides other than the upper base and the lower base gradually shift in the Y direction as they proceed in the X direction. I will do it. Even in this case, since the display area occupied by the symbol 130 is clearly shown, the boundary 132 formed between the symbols 130 adjacent to each other can be defined. As described above, by arranging the two symbols 130 adjacent to each other in the rotation direction in a so-called staggered manner, the boundary formed between the display areas of the symbols 130 is A as shown in FIG. The direction is B direction.

(Center point of display area of symbol 130)
Also in this example, the center point OD of the display area of the symbol 130 can be determined as a point that is a midpoint in the X direction and a midpoint in the Y direction. Specifically, the midpoint of the X direction is the midpoint of the X direction component of PD1 or PD2 and PD3 or PD4, and the midpoint of the Y direction is the midpoint of the Y direction component of PD3 and P4D. It is. That is, the midpoint in the X direction is determined by the two extreme ends in the X direction in the display area of the symbol 130, and the midpoint in the Y direction is determined by the two extreme ends in the Y direction in the display area of the symbol 130. The center point of the display area of the symbol 130 is determined from the midpoint and the midpoint in the Y direction.

<When the corner of the display area of the pattern 140 is curved>
FIG. 9C shows an example in which the shape of the display area of the symbol 140 is a substantially parallelogram shape, and the vertex is curved, that is, the so-called vertex is rounded. In this case, in the display area of one symbol 140, the uppermost portion PD1 is the endmost portion along the rotation direction, and the lowermost portion PD2 is the endmost portion along the rotation direction. It becomes. In addition, the points PD3 and PD4 included in the two linear portions along the rotation direction in the display area of one symbol are the two extreme end portions in the direction perpendicular to the rotation direction.

(Boundary 142 formed between display areas of the symbol 140)
Also in the case shown in FIG. 9C, the boundary 142 formed between the display areas of the symbol 140 can be defined as in the example shown in FIG.

(Center point of display area of symbol 140)
By determining the four extreme ends as described above, the center point OD of the display area of the symbol 140 can be determined as a point that is a midpoint in the X direction and a midpoint in the Y direction. Specifically, the midpoint in the X direction is the midpoint for the X direction component of PD3 and PD4, and the midpoint in the Y direction is the midpoint for PD1, PD2, and the Y direction component. That is, the midpoint of the X direction is determined by the two extreme ends in the X direction in the display area of the symbol 140, the midpoint of the Y direction is determined by the two extreme ends of the Y direction in the display area of the symbol 140, and the X direction The center point of the display area of the symbol 140 is determined from the midpoint and the midpoint in the Y direction.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the image display device 50 is provided in the substantially central portion of the slot machine 10 has been described, but three reels may be arranged as in a slot machine that has existed before. . In this case, the three reels arranged at the substantially central portion of the slot machine 10 are auxiliary reels for producing effects, and the reels 82a to 82c described above are the main reels.

2 is a front view showing a front surface of the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the internal structure of the slot machine 10 with the front door 40 opened. 4 is a perspective view of the reel unit 80 provided on the back surface side of the front door 40 and the sub control board 84 provided on the back surface of the reel unit 80 as seen from the front surface side. FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a part including a sub control board on the rear side of the reel unit 80 as seen from the rear side. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the multiple types of symbol arrange | positioned on reel 82a-82c, the arrangement | sequence of a symbol, and the display area of a symbol. It is a figure which shows the outline of the display area of the multiple types of symbol arrange | positioned at reel 82a-82c. It is a figure which shows the outline of the symbol 100, the display area of the symbol 100, the identification information image 102, and the decoration image 104. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example in which the pattern 100 is composed only of the identification information image 102. It is a figure which shows the outline of the display area of a symbol when the display area of a symbol is a triangle shape (a), when it is trapezoidal (b), and when the corner of a display area is curved (c).

Explanation of symbols

10 Slot machine 32 Main control board (control means)
42 Start switch 44a, 44b, 44c Stop switch 52 Reel display window 82a, 82b, 82c Reel 84 Sub control board (control means)
100, 120, 130, 140 Symbol 102 Identification information drawing (identification decoration drawing)
104 Decoration drawings (identification decoration drawings)
110, 122, 132, 142 Boundary L Symbol combination line (predetermined stop position)
X The direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the reel Y The rotation direction of the reel A, B The direction deviated from the direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the reel

Claims (3)

A reel that is rotatable, and is arranged on a circumferential surface along a rotation direction so that a plurality of kinds of symbols are adjacent to each other;
A reel display window for displaying a predetermined number of symbols of the plurality of types of symbols in a visible manner;
Control means for controlling the progress of the game determined based on the rotation and stop of the reel;
A start switch that issues a rotation start signal for starting rotation of the reel to the control means in accordance with a player's operation;
A stop switch that issues a rotation stop signal for stopping the rotation of the reel to the control means in response to a player's operation, and
When the control means detects a stop signal emitted from the stop switch, the control means stops the reel so that one of the symbols of the type is positioned at a predetermined stop position in the reel display window. A slot machine that
Each display area of the plurality of types of symbols is defined by either an identification information image composed of identification information, or an identification decoration image composed of a decoration image that decorates the identification information image and the identification information image, And,
In the reel, at least a part of a boundary formed between a display area of one of the plurality of kinds of symbols and a display area of another symbol adjacent to the one symbol, Formed in a direction deviated from the direction perpendicular to the rotation direction of the reel, and
The slot machine is characterized in that the control means controls the reel to stop so that the identification information map is positioned at the predetermined stop position when detecting a stop signal generated from the stop switch.   The control means is a midpoint of the components in the rotation direction of the two end portions of the display area along the rotation direction, and the direction along the direction perpendicular to the rotation direction. 2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the reel is controlled to stop so that a center point that is a midpoint of the components in the vertical direction at two ends of the display area is located at the predetermined stop position.   3. The slot machine according to claim 2, wherein an identification information image of another symbol adjacent to the one symbol is not arranged at the center point in the symbol display area of the plurality of types of symbols.