Push button switch, reel-type gaming machine, and control method for a reel-type gaming machine

Abstract

To ensure that a player does not make operation errors, even if the player is not well accustomed to the operation.SOLUTION: A multifunction switch (100) is a push button switch to be mounted to a drum type game machine (1), the multifunction switch including: a display unit (140) that displays an image on the surface of the button; and a switching portion (130) that performs, according to a control signal from a game progress control portion (10) of the drum type game machine, switching of images to be displayed on a display portion, the images to be displayed on the display portion including an image indicating to be a start switch, an image indicating to be a max bet switch, and an image indicating to be a one bet switch.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a push button switch and a rotary gaming machine.

Background Art

[0002] A rotary gaming machine such as a slot machine has a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are displayed. The number of bets (the number of wagers) is set, and when a start switch such as a start lever is operated, the reels rotate and a lottery process is executed. Prizes are awarded to the player according to the lottery result, and medals are paid out. Such a rotary gaming machine generally has three types: a start switch, a max bet switch, and a 1 bet switch.

[0003] Here, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for reducing the movement of the player's hand by integrating the max bet switch and the start switch.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, in order to represent the state of the operation switch in which the max bet switch and the start switch are integrated, the color of the switch is changed. By simply changing the color of the operation switch, a beginner player cannot grasp what color represents what state, and there is a high possibility of making an operation mistake.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its objective is to provide a push-button switch that has multiple functions and can clearly indicate to the player which function is being performed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, a push-button switch according to one aspect of the present invention is a push-button switch mounted on a reel-type gaming machine, comprising: a display unit that displays an image on the surface of the button; and a switching unit that, in response to a control signal from the control unit of the reel-type gaming machine, switches between displaying at least two images on the display unit from an image indicating that it is a start switch for starting the rotation of the reels, an image indicating that it is a max bet switch, and an image indicating that it is a 1 bet switch.

[0008] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, a control method for a revolving-type gaming machine according to another embodiment includes the steps of: outputting a control signal to the switching unit of the push-button switch indicating an instruction to switch the image to be displayed on the display unit, in accordance with the progress of the game; and controlling the progress of the game based on the pressed output signal from the push-button switch and the display state of the display unit at the time of receiving the pressed output signal.

[0009] According to the above configuration or method, even if a single push-button switch is equipped with multiple functions, the player can clearly understand which function the push-button switch is operating as from the image displayed on the display unit. Therefore, operational errors can be prevented. Furthermore, since the control unit of the reel-type gaming machine can control the image displayed on the display unit, it can perform processing based on the state when the push-button switch is pressed.

[0010] The switching unit may switch between images displayed on the display unit, such as an image indicating the start switch, an image indicating the max bet switch, and an image indicating the 1 bet switch.

[0011] According to the above configuration, a single push-button switch can have three different functions. Furthermore, it becomes possible to play the game, from placing a bet to starting the game, with just the operation of a single push-button switch.

[0012] The switching unit may switch between displaying an image indicating that it is a max bet switch and an image indicating that it is a 1 bet switch as the images displayed on the display unit.

[0013] With the above configuration, a single push-button switch can have two functions. Furthermore, by using a separate switch for the start function, it becomes possible to operate the start operation and the betting operation with different hands.

[0014] The display unit comprises a plurality of light sources, a lens array in which a plurality of lenses are arranged in a two-dimensional array, a plurality of pixel regions arranged to include a region through which light emitted from each of the plurality of light sources passes when focused by each of the lenses of the lens array, and a pixel surrounding region with constant transmittance arranged around each of the pixel regions, and the switching unit may switch the image displayed on the display unit by selecting one of the plurality of light sources to emit light.

[0015] According to the above configuration, by switching which of the multiple light sources is used, the pixel area through which the light emitted from the light source passes can be changed. In other words, by switching which of the multiple light sources is used, the display image shown on the display unit can be switched by the light passing through the pixel area. That is, the switching of displayed images can be achieved with a display unit that is inexpensive, small in size, and can switch between images with relatively high resolution.

[0016] To solve the above problems, a revolving-type gaming machine according to another embodiment includes a push-button switch as in the previous embodiment, and a game progress control unit that outputs a control signal to the switching unit of the push-button switch indicating an instruction to switch the image displayed on the display unit in accordance with the progress of the game, and controls the progress of the game based on the pressed output signal from the push-button switch and the display state of the display unit when the pressed output signal is received.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the game progress control unit, which receives the press output signal from the push-button switch, can output a control signal to switch the image displayed on the display unit that outputs to the push-button switch. Therefore, the game progress control unit can control the progress of the game.

[0018] The game progress control unit may switch the game progress mode when it detects that the press output signal has (1) continued for a predetermined time or longer, or (2) been output multiple times within a predetermined time.

[0019] With the above configuration, the player can control the game's progression mode by switching the duration and number of times the push button is operated, even with just one push button switch. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a push button switch having a plurality of functions, which can clearly present to a player which function is being executed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is an external perspective view of a rotating reel gaming machine according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of a main part of a rotating reel gaming machine according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view of a multi-function switch. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram of a display unit in a multi-function switch. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram showing the correspondence relationship between a display part and a plurality of light sources in a multi-function switch. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of a display image in the display unit 140. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing the operation of a rotating reel gaming machine according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] It is an external perspective view of a rotating reel gaming machine according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of a main part of a rotating reel gaming machine according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] It is an external perspective view of a general rotating reel gaming machine.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] 〔Embodiment 1〕 Hereinafter, an embodiment according to one aspect of the present invention (hereinafter, also referred to as "this embodiment") will be described based on the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will not be repeated.

[0023] (Reference Example) First, prior to the description of Embodiment 1, a general rotating reel gaming machine will be described.

[0024] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a typical slot machine 200. The slot machine 200 comprises a reel section 20 and an operating section 230. The reel section 20 comprises three individually rotating reels 21-23. Each reel 21-23 has a symbol depicted on its outer circumference. The operating section 230 comprises a start lever 34, a max bet switch 35, a 1 bet switch 36, and stop switches 31-33. The start lever 34 is a switch that operates by moving the lever up and down. The max bet switch 35, the 1 bet switch 36, and the stop switches 31-33 are push-button switches.

[0025] After placing a bet by pressing the Max Bet switch 35 or the 1 Bet switch 36, the draw begins by pressing down the Start Lever 34. Once the draw begins, reels 21-23 start spinning individually. The player presses the Stop Switches 31-33 to line up the symbols depicted on the reels. Each of the Stop Switches 31-33 corresponds to a specific reel, and pressing each Stop Switch 31-33 stops the rotation of the corresponding reel. Specifically, pressing Stop Switch 31 stops the rotation of reel 21, pressing Stop Switch 32 stops the rotation of reel 22, and pressing Stop Switch 33 stops the rotation of reel 23. When all reels 21-23 have stopped spinning, a prize is awarded if the symbols line up.

[0026] If the symbols match the combination that triggers a bonus, you can press the 1-bet switch 36 to place your bet and then press the start lever 34 to participate in the bonus game lottery. During the bonus game, all but one of the reels 21-23 will have a winning combination, and the game will consist of stopping the rotation of only that remaining reel.

[0027] In this example, in addition to stop switches 31-33 for stopping each reel 21-23, a start lever 34, a max bet switch 35, and a 1 bet switch 36 are provided.

[0028] §1. Examples of Application Figure 1 is an external perspective view of a reel-type gaming machine 1 according to Embodiment 1. The reel-type gaming machine 1 includes a reel section 20 and an operating section 30, similar to the reel-type gaming machine 200. The operating section 30 includes a multi-function switch (push-button switch) 100 and stop switches 31 to 33.

[0029] The multifunction switch 100 is a switch that combines the functions of a start switch (corresponding to the start lever 34 in the reference example) for starting the rotation of the reels, a max bet switch, and a 1 bet switch, and the function it is responsible for switches according to the state of the slot machine 1. The display unit of the multifunction switch 100 can display an image corresponding to the function it is responsible for, and the display image on the display unit also switches when the function it is responsible for switches.

[0030] Since the three switches in the reference example are consolidated into the multi-function switch 100, the required space for the operation unit 30 in Embodiment 1 is smaller than that for the operation unit 230 in the reference example. As a result, the saved space can be used to add switches with new functions or to add new performance units.

[0031] §2. Example Configuration (Configuration of slot machine 1) The reel section 20, like the reel section 20 in the reference example, includes multiple reels 21 to 23. Each of the reels 21 to 23 has a symbol drawn on its outer edge, and the game is played by aligning the corresponding symbol on the reels 21 to 23.

[0032] The stop switches 31-33 are switches that individually stop the corresponding reels 21-23, similar to the stop switches 31-33 in the reference example. The multifunction switch 100 is a switch unique to Embodiment 1. The multifunction switch 100 is a push-button switch that switches and displays multiple images. Details will be described later.

[0033] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the reel-type gaming machine 1 according to Embodiment 1. The reel-type gaming machine 1 further includes a game progress control unit 10. The game progress control unit 10 outputs a control signal to the switching unit 130 of the multifunction switch 100, indicating an instruction to switch the image displayed on the display unit 102, according to the progress of the game. The game progress control unit 10 also controls the progress of the game based on the press output signal from the multifunction switch 100 and the display state of the display unit 102 when the press output signal is received. In other words, the game progress control unit 10 manages the progress of the game, displays an image in the switching unit 130 according to the game mode in progress, and controls the operation to perform according to the state when a press output signal is received (input).

[0034] (Configuration of the multi-function switch 100) Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the multifunction switch 100. As shown in Figure 3, the multifunction switch 100 comprises a button body 101, a display unit 102, a sliding part 103, a spring member 104, a case 105, a circuit board 106, a retaining member 107, and a photomicroswitch 108. The button body 101, the display unit 102, and the circuit board 106 on which multiple light sources 109 are provided are collectively referred to as the display unit 140. The multifunction switch 100 has a structure in which the button body 101 is pressed against the case 105. Hereinafter, the side where the button body 101 is located in the multifunction switch 100 will be described as the upper side, and the side where the circuit board 106 is located will be described as the lower side.

[0035] The button body 101 is a covered, roughly cylindrical member. The button body 101 has an operating part (cover part) 101a that is pressed by the finger of a player or the like, a cylindrical part 101b formed below the periphery of the operating part 101a, and a pair of engaging parts formed below at opposing positions on the cylindrical part 101b. The button body 101 is made of a light-transmitting material (for example, plastic).

[0036] The display unit 102 is positioned on the back surface of the button body 101, in the hollow portion of the cylindrical part 101b of the button body 101. The display unit 102 contacts the operating part 101a of the button body 101. For a detailed configuration of the display unit 140, which includes the display unit 102, please refer to Figure 4 and see the following description.

[0037] The sliding component 103 is a substantially cylindrical component that slides the button body 101 in response to the button body 101 being pressed. The sliding component 103 has a holding portion 103a, a guided portion 103b formed on the outer circumference of the holding portion 103a and extending downward, and a pair of engaging claws formed at opposing positions on the holding portion 103a. The holding portion 103a abuts against the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion 101b of the button body 101 at its upper part, supporting the display portion 102 from below. The pair of engaging claws are formed at positions corresponding to the engaging portion of the button body 101 and engage with the engaging portion. As a result, the button body 101 and the sliding component 103 become one unit while holding the display portion 102 between them. In addition, a light-shielding piece 103d is formed at a predetermined position on the guided portion 103b, extending downward from the guided portion 103b.

[0038] The spring member 104 is a coil spring that applies elastic force between the button body 101 and the case 105. The spring member 104 is positioned inside the guided portion 103b of the sliding component 103. One end of the spring member 104 abuts against the holding portion 103a of the sliding component 103, and the other end abuts against the bottom portion 105c of the case 105, which will be described later. In the state shown in Figure 3, the spring member 104 is compressed beyond its natural length due to the weight of the button body 101 and the sliding component 103. Therefore, when not in operation, the spring member 104 biases the button body 101 and the sliding component 103 upward.

[0039] The case 105 is a component that houses at least the spring member 104. The case 105 has a guide portion 105a that abuts against the outer circumference of the guided portion 103b of the sliding component 103, and a light-shielding member 105b formed inside the guide portion 105a. The guide portion 105a and the light-shielding member 105b are connected to the bottom portion 105c of the case 105 and are integrated. That is, the light-shielding member 105b is part of the case 105 and is formed to extend from the side of the multiple light sources 109 toward the side of the display portion 102. On its inner circumference, the guide portion 105a has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the outer circumference of the guided portion 103b of the sliding component 103. Therefore, the sliding component 103 can slide vertically while abutting against the case 105. In addition, a guide groove portion 105d is formed at a position corresponding to the light-shielding piece 103d, penetrating the bottom portion 105c.

[0040] The light-shielding member 105b is positioned inside the spring member 104. That is, the light-shielding member 105b is provided to surround the path of light from the multiple light sources 109 (described later) to the display unit 102, on the side of the path. The spring member 104 is installed outside the light-shielding member 105b, with respect to the said path. As a result, the light-shielding member 105b can reduce diffuse reflection of light by the spring member 104. Preferably, the light-shielding member 105b is installed so as to cover the entire spring member 104. The light-shielding member 105b is made of a material with a transmittance of a predetermined value or less. That is, the light-shielding member 105b does not have to completely block the light from the multiple light sources 109. The light-shielding member 105b only needs to have a transmittance sufficient to suppress diffuse reflection from the spring member 104. An example of the material for the light-shielding member 105b is resin.

[0041] Here, the multifunction switch 100 has a switching unit 130. Based on a command from the game progress control unit 10, the switching unit 130 controls the lighting and extinguishing of multiple light sources 109, thereby switching the image displayed on the display unit 102.

[0042] Figure 3 illustrates three possible paths (paths L1 to L3) from a specific light source 109-1 to a specific location 102-1 on the display unit 102. Path L2 is the path of straight-traveling light from the light source 109-1 to location 102-1. Paths L1 and L3 are the paths of reflected light that reaches location 102-1 after a portion of the light incident from the light source 109-1 is reflected by the light-shielding member 105b. Here, the reflected light from the light-shielding member 105b is much weaker than the incident light. That is, the light that reaches location 102-1 via paths L1 and L3 is much weaker than the light that reaches location 102-1 via path L2. Therefore, the light-shielding member 105b defines the path from the light source 109-1 to location 102-1 as path L2.

[0043] The substrate 106 has multiple light sources 109 on one side. The substrate 106 is installed so that the side with the multiple light sources 109 faces the display unit 102. The substrate 106 also has a connector on the other side. This connector is connected to a switching unit 130 that controls the emission of light from the light sources 109. The multiple light sources 109 are, for example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0044] The retaining member 107 is a box-shaped member for supporting the case 105. The retaining member 107 is fixed to the case 105 by screws or the like. A circuit board 106 is also provided inside the retaining member 107. The circuit board 106 is fixed to the retaining member 107 by screws or the like. The retaining member 107 has a hole 107a for a photomicroswitch at a position corresponding to the guide groove 105d of the case 105. This structure allows the light-shielding piece 103d of the sliding part 103 to slide along the guide groove 105d and enter the hole 107a for the photomicroswitch in response to the pressing of the button body 101.

[0045] The photomicroswitch 108 is fixed to the photomicroswitch hole 107a of the retaining member 107 with screws or the like. The photomicroswitch 108 has a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part, and is a photointerrupter that detects the entry and exit of an object into the object detection space formed between the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part. That is, the photomicroswitch 108 detects the entry and exit of the light-shielding piece 103d into the photomicroswitch hole 107a. The photomicroswitch 108 transmits an OFF signal to the game progress control unit 10 when the light-shielding piece 103d is not in the photomicroswitch hole 107a, and an ON signal when it is in. As a result, the photomicroswitch 108 can detect the pressing of the button body 101.

[0046] (Configuration of display unit 102) Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the display unit 140 in the multifunction switch 100. As shown in Figure 4, the display unit 102 comprising the display section 102 of the display unit 140 includes an image layer 121, a matrix layer 122 provided below the image layer 121, and a microlens array (lens array) 123 provided below the matrix layer 122. The matrix layer 122 includes, for example, a pixel area 122a (aperture) and a pixel surrounding area 122b (mask), which is the area other than the pixel area 122a. The lens array 123 is composed of multiple lenses arranged in a two-dimensional array.

[0047] The lens array 123 focuses light emitted from multiple light sources 109 mounted on the substrate 106. The pixel area 122a is arranged to include the area through which the light focused by each lens of the lens array 123 passes. That is, the light emitted from the multiple light sources 109 displays the display image on the image layer 121 via the pixel area 122a. The transmittance in each of the pixel areas 122a is set to correspond to the display image to be displayed on the image layer 121. The pixel surrounding area 122b blocks light from the light source 109 side, i.e., light from the side where the lens array 123 is located. The transmittance of the pixel surrounding area 122b is constant in that area.

[0048] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the correspondence between the display unit 102 and the multiple light sources 109 in the multifunction switch 100. In Figure 5, the paths of light emitted from specific light sources 109-2 and 109-3 are designated as paths L4 and L5, respectively.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5, the light emitted from light source 109-2 that is focused by lens 123-1 is directed onto image layer 121 via pixel area 122a-1. On the other hand, the light emitted from light source 109-3 that is focused by lens 123-1 is directed onto image layer 121 via pixel area 122a-2. In this way, light emitted from different light sources and focused by the same lens is directed onto image layer 121 via different pixel areas. In other words, the multifunction switch 100 can switch the displayed image by switching which of the multiple light sources 109 is used.

[0050] (Contents of display unit 102) Figure 6 shows an example of a display image in the display unit 140. In this case, four light sources 109 are used, and they are distinguished as light sources 109a to 109d.

[0051] "Display Pattern 1" is an example of an image displayed on the display unit 140 when only the light source 109a is lit. This display pattern indicates that the multifunction switch 100 is currently functioning as a max bet switch. In other words, the game mode of the slot machine 1 is "max bet mode".

[0052] "Display Pattern 2" is an example of an image displayed on the display unit 140 when only the light source 109b is lit. This display pattern indicates that the multifunction switch 100 is currently functioning as a 1-bet switch. In other words, the game mode of the slot machine 1 is "1-bet mode".

[0053] "Display Pattern 3" is an example of an image displayed on the display unit 140 when only light source 109c is lit. This display pattern is used together with the other light sources 109a, b, and d to notify the player of the game mode of the slot machine 1 with the notation "Mode".

[0054] "Display Pattern 4" is an example of an image displayed on the display unit 140 when light sources 109a and 109c are lit simultaneously. In this display pattern, as with "Display Pattern 1," the game mode of the slot machine 1 is "Max Bet Mode."

[0055] "Display Pattern 5" is an example of an image displayed on the display unit 140 when light sources 109b and 109c are lit simultaneously. In this display pattern, as with "Display Pattern 2," the game mode of the slot machine 1 is "1-bet mode."

[0056] "Display Pattern 6" is an example of an image displayed on the display unit 140 when only the light source 109d is lit. This display pattern indicates that the multifunction switch 100 is currently functioning as a start switch to start the rotation of the reels. In other words, the state of the slot machine 1 is in a start operation standby state.

[0057] The lighting colors of the multiple light sources 109a to d may each be different. When multiple light sources 109 are lit, as in "Display Pattern 4" and "Display Pattern 5," a multi-color image can be displayed.

[0058] §3. Example of Operation (Example of operation of revolving amusement machine 1a) Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the reel-type gaming machine 1 according to Embodiment 1. Below, we will describe an example of the operation of the reel-type gaming machine 1 with reference to Figure 7.

[0059] First, players can store tokens inside the slot machine 1 by inserting them into the token slot or by winning tokens in the game. After enough tokens for at least one game have been stored, the game on the slot machine 1 begins.

[0060] In S11, the game progress control unit 10 determines whether the game mode of the slot machine 1 is a bonus game or not. If the game mode is a bonus game (Yes in S11), the process proceeds to S31 and the bonus game is played. Details of this will be described later. If the game mode is not a bonus game (No in S11), the process proceeds to S12.

[0061] In S12, the game progress control unit 10 determines whether the multifunction switch 100 was pressed for 1 second or longer (i.e., whether a long press output signal for 1 second or longer was received). If it was not pressed for 1 second or longer (No in S12), the process proceeds to S13. If it was pressed for 1 second or longer (Yes in S12), the process proceeds to S15. Note that here the determination is made based on the operation of "1 second or longer," but it is not limited to this and any specific operation will suffice. For example, specific operations include when a press output signal continues for a predetermined time or longer, or when it is received multiple times within a predetermined time, and in these cases the game progress mode may be switched.

[0062] In S13, if the button is not pressed for more than 1 second, the game will be played in max bet mode. Therefore, the game progress control unit 10 sets the game mode to max bet mode. Also, in S14, based on the command from the game progress control unit 10, the switching unit 130 displays the display unit 140 in "display pattern 4".

[0063] In S15, if the button is pressed and held for more than 1 second, the game will be played in 1-bet mode. Therefore, the game progress control unit 10 sets the game mode to 1-bet mode. Also, in S16, based on the command from the game progress control unit 10, the switching unit 130 displays the display unit 140 in "display pattern 5".

[0064] In S17, the game progress control unit 10 determines whether the multifunction switch 100 has been pressed (a press output signal has been received). If the multifunction switch 100 has not been pressed (No in S17), processing returns to S17. Conversely, if the multifunction switch 100 has been pressed (Yes in S17), processing proceeds to S18. In other words, in S17, the system is waiting for the player to check the display on the multifunction switch 100 and select which game mode to play in or place a bet.

[0065] In S18, based on a command from the game progress control unit 10, the switching unit 130 causes the display unit 140 to display "display pattern 6".

[0066] In S19, the game progress control unit 10 determines whether the multifunction switch 100 has been pressed (a press output signal has been received). If the multifunction switch 100 has not been pressed (No in S19), processing returns to S19. Conversely, if the multifunction switch 100 has been pressed (Yes in S19), processing proceeds to S20. In other words, in S19, the player checks the display of the multifunction switch 100 and waits for the game to start.

[0067] In S20, the game progress control unit 10 determines whether the game mode is max bet mode or not. If it is max bet mode (Yes in S20), the process proceeds to S21; otherwise, it is not max bet mode (i.e., 1 bet mode) (No in S22), the process proceeds to S22.

[0068] In S21, the game progress control unit 10 subtracts the number of medals accumulated in the Max Bet mode and performs a draw. In S22, the game progress control unit 10 subtracts the number of medals accumulated in the 1 Bet mode and performs a draw.

[0069] In S23, it is determined whether the symbols lined up on reels 21-23 are the set of symbols that trigger a bonus game. If the set of symbols is the set of symbols that trigger a bonus game (Yes in S23), the process proceeds to S24. Conversely, if the set of symbols is not the set of symbols that trigger a bonus game (No in S23), the process ends.

[0070] In S24, the game progress control unit 10 sets the game mode to bonus game mode.

[0071] (Bonus game) Next, we will explain the case where the game mode is bonus game mode (Yes in S11). In bonus games, the number of bets is fixed at 1 bet.

[0072] In S31, based on a command from the game progress control unit 10, the switching unit 130 causes the display unit 140 to display "display pattern 5".

[0073] In S32, the game progress control unit 10 determines whether the multifunction switch 100 has been pressed (a press output signal has been received). If the multifunction switch 100 has not been pressed (No in S32), processing returns to S32. Conversely, if the multifunction switch 100 has been pressed (Yes in S32), processing proceeds to S33. In other words, in S32, the player checks the display on the multifunction switch 100 and waits for a bet to be placed.

[0074] In S33, based on a command from the game progress control unit 10, the switching unit 130 causes the display unit 140 to display "display pattern 6".

[0075] In S34, the game progress control unit 10 determines whether the multifunction switch 100 has been pressed (a press output signal has been received). If the multifunction switch 100 has not been pressed (No in S34), processing returns to S34. Conversely, if the multifunction switch 100 has been pressed (Yes in S34), processing proceeds to S35. In other words, in S34, the player checks the display on the multifunction switch 100 and waits for the game to start.

[0076] In S35, the game progress control unit 10 subtracts the number of medals stored in the 1-bet mode and performs a draw.

[0077] In S36, it is determined whether the conditions for ending the bonus game are met. If the conditions for ending the bonus game are met (Yes in S36), the process proceeds to S37. Conversely, if the conditions for ending the bonus game are not met (the bonus game continues) (No in S36), the process ends.

[0078] In S37, the game progress control unit 10 sets the game mode to max bet mode, which means ending the bonus game. The conditions for ending the bonus game are determined by the number of times the bonus game has been played, or the total number of medals obtained through prizes.

[0079] §4. Action and Effects Even if a multi-function switch 100, which is a single push-button switch, is equipped with multiple functions, the player can clearly see which function the multi-function switch 100 is operating as through the image displayed on the display unit 140. Therefore, operational errors can be prevented.

[0080] The multiple functions consist of three types: a start switch to start the reel rotation, a max bet switch to place the maximum bet, and a 1 bet switch to place a 1 bet.

[0081] The display unit 140 can switch the display image displayed on the display unit 102 by light passing through the pixel area 122a by switching the emission of multiple light sources 109.

[0082] Furthermore, the slot machine 1 is equipped with a multi-function switch 100 and a game progress control unit 10 that inputs and outputs signals. The game progress control unit 10 can switch the illumination of multiple light sources 109 according to the mode of game progression, and can change the mode of game progression in response to the pressing of the multi-function switch 100. In addition, the game progress control unit 10 can accept specific operations (presses) on the multi-function switch 100, allowing the player to intentionally switch the mode of game progression.

[0083] [Embodiment 2] Other embodiments of the present invention are described below. For the sake of clarity, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0084] Figure 8 is an external perspective view of the revolving-type gaming machine 1a according to Embodiment 2. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the revolving-type gaming machine 1a according to Embodiment 2.

[0085] The reel-type gaming machine 1a, like the reel-type gaming machine 1, includes a reel section 20 and an operating section 30a. The operating section 30a includes a multi-function switch 100a, a start lever 34, and stop switches 31 to 33.

[0086] The multifunction switch 100a is a switch that serves as both a max bet switch and a 1 bet switch, and the function it is responsible for switches according to the state of the slot machine 1a. The player can determine the state of the slot machine 1a by the display image on the display unit 140. The switching unit 130a of the multifunction switch 100a can switch the image displayed on the display unit to an image corresponding to the function it is responsible for, that is, an image indicating that it is the max bet switch and an image indicating that it is the 1 bet switch. In other words, Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the start switch function is removed from the multifunction switch, and instead a start lever 34 is provided on the separate operation unit 30a.

[0087] By consolidating all betting-related functions into the multi-function switch 100a, it is possible to prevent players from mistakenly performing a betting operation for a start operation. Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the game could be played simply by repeatedly pressing the multi-function switch 100, but by adding the operation of the start lever 34, the movement becomes more varied, allowing players to enjoy the game more.

[0088] (modified version) In Embodiment 2, the multifunction switch 100a served as both a max bet switch and a 1 bet switch, but is not limited to this. That is, the multifunction switch only needs to serve as both a start switch (corresponding to the start lever 34 in the reference example) for starting the rotation of the reels, a max bet switch, and a 1 bet switch, and perform at least two of these functions. For example, the multifunction switch may serve as both a start switch and a max bet switch, or it may serve as both a start switch and a 1 bet switch. The switching section of the multifunction switch displays an image corresponding to the function it is responsible for.

[0089] [Additional Notes] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1, 1a, 200 Slot Machine 10 Game Progression Control Unit 34. Start lever 35 Max Bet Switch 36 1-Bed Switch 100, 100a Multifunction Switch (Push Button Switch) 102 Display section 109 Light source 122a Pixel area 122b Pixel surrounding area 123 Lens Array 130, 130a switching section 140 Display Units

Claims

1. A push-button switch installed in a slot machine, A display unit that displays an image on the surface of the button, A switching unit that, in response to a control signal from the control unit of the reel-type gaming machine, switches between displaying at least two images on the display unit, selected from an image indicating a start switch that starts the rotation of the reels, an image indicating a max bet switch, and an image indicating a 1 bet switch. The button body and A spring member consisting of a coil spring that biases the button body upward, Light-shielding material and Equipped with, The aforementioned display unit is Multiple light sources, A lens array in which multiple lenses are arranged in a two-dimensional array, Each of the light emitted from the plurality of light sources is arranged to include a plurality of pixel regions that include a region through which the light focused by each of the lenses of the lens array passes, Each of the aforementioned pixel regions is surrounded by a pixel peripheral region having a constant transmittance, The switching unit switches the image displayed on the display unit by selecting one of the multiple light sources to emit light. The light-shielding member is positioned inside the coil spring, which serves as the spring member, and is provided to surround the sides of the path through which light from the multiple light sources reaches the display unit. Push-button switch.

2. The push-button switch according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit switches between an image indicating that it is the start switch, an image indicating that it is the max bet switch, and an image indicating that it is the 1 bet switch as the images to be displayed on the display unit.

3. The push-button switch according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit switches between displaying an image indicating that it is a max bet switch and an image indicating that it is a 1 bet switch as the images displayed on the display unit.

4. A push-button switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A slot machine comprising: a control unit that outputs a control signal to the switching unit of the push-button switch indicating an instruction to switch the image displayed on the display unit in accordance with the progress of the game, and a game progress control unit that controls the progress of the game based on the pressed output signal from the push-button switch and the display state of the display unit when the pressed output signal is received.

5. The slot machine according to claim 4, wherein the game progress control unit detects that the press output signal has continued for a predetermined time or longer, or has been output multiple times within a predetermined time.

6. A control method for a revolving-type gaming machine equipped with a push-button switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The steps include: outputting a control signal to the switching unit of the push-button switch in accordance with the progress of the game, indicating an instruction to switch the image displayed on the display unit; A control method for a revolving-type gaming machine, comprising the steps of controlling the progress of the game based on a pressed output signal from the push-button switch and the display state of the display unit when the pressed output signal is received.

Images