Gaming machine

Abstract

To increase motivation of a player to play a game.SOLUTION: A game machine includes reels 41 for displaying symbols and performance means for changing display modes in relation to a game, the reels 41 are arranged behind a front panel part 60 including a display window 6 for allowing symbols to be visually recognized, the performance means has a first surface arranged in front of the front panel part 60 to face a game machine front, and a second surface extended from the first surface toward the front panel part 60, can execute a light emitting performance interlocked with other performance means in a first display mode, and can execute a specific display that cannot be executed by the other performance means in a second display mode, the second surface is composed of a first specification part located closer to the first surface, and a second specification part located closer to the front panel part 60 than the first specification part, the first display mode is visually recognizable from the game machine front face, and the second display mode is not visually recognizable from the game machine front face but is visually recognizable from a position opposing from the second specification part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, gaming machines such as slot machines that construct a specific worldview with decorative members and enhance the gaming motivation of players have been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there was room for improvement in such conventional gaming machines.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a variable display means capable of displaying a plurality of identification information; and a performance means capable of changing the display mode in relation to the game, wherein the variable display means is positioned behind a front panel portion including a display window portion that allows the identification information to be viewed, and the performance means has a first surface positioned in front of the front panel portion and facing the front of the gaming machine, and a second surface extending from the first surface toward the front panel portion, and in the first display mode it is capable of performing a light emission performance in conjunction with other performance means, and in the second display mode it is capable of performing a specific display that cannot be performed by other performance means, and the second surface is composed of a first specific portion located closer to the first surface and a second specific portion located closer to the front panel portion than the first specific portion, and the first display mode is visible from the front of the gaming machine, and the second display mode is not visible from the front of the gaming machine and is visible from a position opposite the second specific portion. Furthermore, the length of the second specific part in the front-to-back direction is shorter than the length of the first specific part in the front-to-back direction, the second specific part and the front panel are in close proximity or in contact, and the second display mode is achieved by taking a photograph from a position facing the second specific part with a portable terminal with a camera function held by the player in close proximity to the front panel, thereby capturing the contents of the photograph. The configuration is designed to be visible from any angle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] This is a schematic front view of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic perspective view of the front door of a slot machine. [Figure 3] This is a schematic perspective view showing the internal structure of a slot machine. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the control configuration of a slot machine. [Figure 5] This is a state transition diagram showing the transitions between game states in a slot machine. [Figure 6] This is the first explanatory diagram relating to the mobile device mounting section. [Figure 7] This is a second explanatory diagram relating to the mobile device mounting section. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the hidden lamp unit. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing the disassembled parts of the hidden lamp unit. [Figure 10](a) is a front view of the concealed lamp unit (excluding the front lamp cover), (b) is a right side view of the concealed lamp unit (excluding the front lamp cover), and (c) is a top view of the concealed lamp unit. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the normal light emission patterns of the lamp. (a) shows the case where the front and back LEDs are not lit, and (b) shows the case where the front and back LEDs are lit. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing the disassembled parts of the hidden lamp box. [Figure 13] This diagram shows the illumination patterns of the hidden lamps in the hidden lamp box. (a) shows the case where the hidden LED is not lit, and (b) shows the case where the hidden LED is lit. [Figure 14] This diagram shows the light emission patterns of the hidden lamp in the hidden lamp unit. (a) shows the case where the hidden LED is not lit, and (b) shows the case where the hidden LED is lit. [Figure 15] (a) is a front view of the hidden lamp unit, and (b) is a side view of the hidden lamp unit. [Figure 16] (a) is an illustrative diagram showing how to photograph the hidden lamp unit from the side using a smartphone, and (b) is a diagram showing the image taken based on (a). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Preferred embodiments of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following describes an example in which this embodiment is applied to a slot machine 1 of the 6th generation, which is equipped with a normal section and an advantageous section, and has an AT (ART) state in the advantageous section. However, the present invention is not limited to this; for example, it can also be applied to a Type A slot machine that allows for real bonus gameplay.

[0008] Let's explain the overall configuration of slot machine 1. Figure 1 is a schematic front view showing the external appearance of slot machine 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the front door of the slot machine 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal configuration of the slot machine 1. The slot machine 1 is an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention, and like a normal slot machine, includes a housing 1b having an opening at the front, and a front door 1a that covers the opening in an openable and closable manner.

[0009] A front panel portion 60 is formed at the center of the front door 1a. A display window (display window portion of the present invention) 6 through which the rear can be viewed is formed at the center of the front panel portion 60, and through this display window 6, the symbols (identification information of the present invention) shown on the reel 41 can be viewed. A stepped portion protruding forward is formed below the display window 6, and an operation panel portion 300 is formed on the horizontal plane of the upper surface of this stepped portion. The operation panel portion 300 includes a medal insertion slot 2 that operates as an operation means for inserting medals, and a bet button 2a for setting the number of bets by a pressing operation of the player when starting the game. On the front surface of the stepped portion, there are provided a start lever 3 that the player operates when starting the game and a stop button 5 that the player presses when stopping the reel 41, both of which operate as operation means. A hidden lamp unit 100 that operates as an effect means is provided on the left side of the front panel portion 60. A portable terminal mounting portion 200 supported by a handle portion 200a is provided on the right side of the front panel portion 60. Details of the hidden lamp unit 100 and the portable terminal mounting portion 200 will be described later.

[0010] Above the display window 6, there is provided a navigation lamp 12 for guiding the player on the operation order of the stop button 5. Also, below the display window 6, there is provided an advantageous section lamp 13 for notifying the player that the state is advantageous.

[0011] A display 8 that operates as an effect means is provided at the upper part of the front door 1a. The display unit 8 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display and performs various effects using images and text, and displays various information related to the game. Although the display unit 8 is configured as a single unit as shown in Figure 1, it is not limited to this configuration and multiple units may be provided. For example, two displays (a main display unit and a sub-display unit) may be provided and arranged side by side, so that the main display unit and the sub-display unit function together as a single display unit. Furthermore, a large display unit called a lower panel display unit may be provided below the slot machine 1, or the display unit 8 may not be provided.

[0012] On either side of the display unit 8 are speakers 9 that provide sound effects and notifications as a means of performance, and lamps 11 that provide light effects and notifications in response to winning each role or the effects displayed on the display unit 8. Furthermore, the lower part of the front door 1a is equipped with a medal dispenser 7b from which medals are dispensed. Furthermore, the back of the front door 1a is equipped with a sub-control unit 20 that has a CPU that controls game effects and other related functions under the control of the main control unit 10, and a medal selector that detects medals inserted into the medal slot 2.

[0013] The enclosure 1b contains a main control unit 10 which is equipped with a CPU that comprehensively controls the gameplay. Furthermore, the housing 1b is equipped with a drum unit 4. The drum unit 4 comprises three reels 41a to 41c arranged horizontally, and each of these reels 41 is configured to be rotatable by the drive of a stepping motor (not shown). Multiple symbols are displayed on the outer surface of each reel 41a to 41c according to a predetermined arrangement, and when the reel 41 is stopped, a predetermined number of consecutive symbols (for example, three) on each reel 41a to 41c can be seen through the display window 6. Furthermore, the lower part of the cabinet 1b is equipped with a medal dispensing device 7 for dispensing medals and a hopper 7a for storing medals. The medals dispensed from the medal dispensing device 7 are paid out to the player via the medal dispensing outlet 7b.

[0014] Figure 4 shows the configuration of the control system for slot machine 1. Components that are the same as or equivalent to those described in Figures 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The main control unit 10 includes a CPU (not shown) that performs various calculations, a ROM (not shown) that stores control programs related to the game and a lottery table for drawing small wins, and RAM (not shown) which has a memory area for temporarily storing various data and a CPU work area. Furthermore, the main control unit 10 is connected to the bet button 2a, medal selector, start lever 3, and stop buttons 5 (stop buttons 5a to 5c), and is configured to accept signals from sensors built into each device.

[0015] The main control unit 10 functions as a lottery means capable of performing a lottery related to the game. Specifically, the main control unit 10 performs processes such as starting the game based on the signal from the start lever 3 and sampling random numbers from a random number generator (not shown). Then, based on the sampled random numbers, the main control unit 10 performs an internal lottery process to determine the winning combination for the current game from among multiple winning combinations, and controls the stopping of the reels 41 so that they stop with a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning result of the internal lottery process. Furthermore, the main control unit 10 realizes the various functions of the embodiment described later by appropriately reading and executing control programs and the like stored in ROM.

[0016] In addition, the main control unit 10 outputs predetermined signals and commands (control information) to the sub-control unit 20 at predetermined game timings (for example, operation of the start lever, operation of stop buttons 5a to 5c, transition of game state, etc.). For example, when the start lever 3 is operated, the main control unit 10 outputs a signal to the sub-control unit 20 indicating that the start lever has been operated. Furthermore, when any of the stop buttons 5a to 5c are operated, the main control unit 10 outputs a signal to the sub-control unit 20 that identifies which stop button 5 was operated and in what order. Furthermore, when each reel 41a to 41c is stopped by the operation of the stop button 5, the main control unit 10 outputs information to the sub-control unit 20 that allows identification of which reel 41 stopped in what order, as well as the symbols on the upper, middle, and lower rows. Furthermore, when the game state of the slot machine 1 changes, the main control unit 10 outputs information to the sub-control unit 20 that allows identification of which game state has been changed to.

[0017] Furthermore, the main control unit 10 is connected to the drum unit 4, the medal payout device 7, the advantageous section lamp 13, and the sub-control unit 20, and is configured to output signals to each of these devices. Specifically, the main control unit 10 performs the following processes based on signals from the start lever 3 and stop button 5: driving the drum unit 4 to rotate and stop the reels 41a to 41c, driving the medal payout device 7 to pay out medals, and lighting up the advantageous section lamp 13 when a game state favorable to the player occurs.

[0018] The advantageous section lamp 13 lights up during the advantageous section, but it may also be designed to light up during the advantageous section and in a game state (such as AT) where the number of medals increases. However, it is also possible to have the advantageous section lamp 13 installed but not light up. Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide the advantageous section lamp 13. In this case, it is preferable to provide a lamp that lights up during AT instead of the advantageous section lamp 13 so that recognition during AT does not become difficult. Furthermore, a probability setting device 14 is connected to the main control unit 10.

[0019] The sub-control unit 20 is equipped with a ROM (not shown) for storing various information such as programs related to performance, image data for performance, and audio data, and a RAM (not shown) which has a memory area for temporarily storing various data and a CPU work area. Furthermore, the sub-control unit 20 is connected to the display unit 8, speaker 9, lamp 11, navigation lamp 12, mobile terminal mounting unit 200, and hidden lamp unit 100, and is configured to transmit and receive various signals between each device. For example, the sub-control unit 20 can control the switching timing of each effect based on signals from the mobile terminal mounting unit 200. Furthermore, the sub-control unit 20 operates as a performance control means and executes performances of each performance means in a manner related to the game in response to one-way commands (control information) from the main control unit 10. For example, the lighting effects of the lamp 11 and the hidden lamp unit 100 are controlled according to the game being played.

[0020] Such a slot machine 1 is configured to be able to perform the following slot machine games through control by the main control unit 10. To begin playing, players set their bet amount using tokens (including credit tokens). There are two ways to set the number of bets: by inserting tokens directly into token slot 2, or by pressing the bet button 2a.

[0021] In the method of setting the bet amount by inserting medals through medal slot 2, the inserted medals are detected by the medal selector located on the back of the front door 1a, and the bet amount corresponding to the number of medals inserted (however, the maximum is 3 bets corresponding to 3 medals) is set.

[0022] When the bet button 2a is pressed, a predetermined number of tokens (for example, 3 tokens) are deducted from the credit tokens stored internally as data, and the deducted amount is set as 3 bets. Additionally, credit medals are accumulated by inserting medals into medal slot 2 or by winning prizes, and for example, up to 50 medals can be credited (stored). The maximum number of bets can be "1", "2", or "4" or more.

[0023] In this way, the number of bets set by inserting coins from the coin slot 2 or by pressing the bet button 2a, etc., is stored in a memory means such as RAM provided in the main control unit 10. Then, when the number of bets reaches the minimum required for one game, the game becomes ready to begin. In this playable state, the start lever 3 becomes operational. When the start lever 3 is tilted in this operational state, the game starts, and the reels 41a to 41c, which display multiple symbols, begin to move. At the same time, an internal lottery process is executed to pre-determine the winning combination for this game from among multiple winning combinations before the reels 41a to 41c stop.

[0024] Each reel 41a to 41c is an example of a variable display means, and each reel 41a to 41c has multiple (for example, 20) symbols on its circumferential surface. Reels 41a to 41c gradually increase their rotational speed from a stationary state, and then reach a steady rotation at a constant speed. Once a steady rotation is achieved, the stop buttons 5a to 5c, which are provided for each reel 41a to 41c, become pressable. As reels 41a to 41c rotate, the symbols change and are displayed through the display window 6.

[0025] The stop buttons 5a to 5c are stop operation means for stopping the reels 41. For example, when a light-emitting means such as an LED built into the stop buttons 5a to 5c lights up, they become ready to be pressed. When each stop button 5 is pressed in this state, each reel 41a to 41c is controlled to stop in such a way that it displays a combination of symbols that is permitted based on the timing of the operation and the result of the internal lottery process.

[0026] In the stopping control of reels 41a to 41c, the stopping is controlled to result in a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning result of the internal lottery process, based on the timing of operation of the stop button 5. Furthermore, if a press operation is performed before the symbol corresponding to the winning combination reaches the active line, a so-called pull-in stop control is performed, which delays the timing of stopping reels 41a to 41c to stop the symbol on the active line.

[0027] Then, after the third stop operation, the combination of symbols that stopped on the active line is determined, and if it is a predetermined combination of symbols, it is determined to be a win, and the game value (medals) corresponding to the combination of symbols is awarded. The third reel refers to the reel that is stopped (the third stop operation) in the third and final stop operation performed on each of the three reels 41a to 41c, each of which has been stopped once for a total of three times. Furthermore, "after the third stop operation" refers to the moment after the player releases their finger or other object from the stop button 5 used to stop the third reel. Similarly, the first reel indicates the reel that was stopped in the first operation (first stop operation), and the second reel indicates the reel that was stopped in the second operation (second stop operation).

[0028] Furthermore, the determination of whether a prize has been won is made when the three symbols displayed on each of the reels 41a to 41c stop (stop display) in a way that is visible from outside the machine, and the presence or absence of a prize is determined based on the manner in which the symbols stop. The main control unit 10 determines whether a prize has been won based on whether a specific combination of symbols has stopped and been displayed. If the unit determines that a prize has been won, it pays out medals as the game value corresponding to the winning combination.

[0029] Slot machine 1 is equipped with a probability setting device 14 that allows the payout rate, which indicates the ratio of the number of tokens dispensed to the number of tokens inserted, to be changed by external operation (manual) using buttons or the like. The probability setting device 14 can change the payout rate, including the probability of winning specific roles (AT or rare roles) and the probability of a pseudo-bonus occurring, to multiple levels (for example, 6 levels). The main control unit 10 stores one of the setting values ​​in its memory unit based on the probability setting operation performed by the arcade staff in the probability setting device 14, and controls the probability of winning a specific role, the probability of a pseudo-bonus occurring, and the payout rate based on the stored setting value. For example, setting 1 has the lowest probability, and the probability increases as the number increases. When a setting value is changed in the probability setting device 14, the main control unit 10 performs a process to initialize all stored information in the RAM (such as information on the winning status of bonus roles), similar to when the slot machine 1 is reset. While the setting value can be configured in six steps, it is not limited to this; for example, it could also be set to four or three steps.

[0030] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the transitions between playable states in slot machine 1. As shown in Figure 5, slot machine 1 is configured to allow transitions between a normal game state and an AT state (including a pseudo-bonus) as game states. The main control unit 10 executes control to transition from one game state to another game state based on the fulfillment of predetermined transition conditions. For example, an AT lottery to determine whether to transition to the AT state is performed in each game during normal gameplay, and if the AT lottery is won, the game is controlled to transition to the AT state from the next game onward. Furthermore, when the number of games played in normal gameplay reaches a predetermined number (ceiling game count), the system is controlled to transition to AT mode regardless of the AT lottery result. The sub-control unit 20 executes display means such as the display unit 8, lamp 11, normal lamp 171, and hidden lamp 172 according to the game state and predetermined conditions. The game features multiple modes during normal gameplay. For example, it includes an internal "Heaven Mode" where the probability of winning the AT lottery is relatively high but the system does not notify the player of this state, a "Chance Mode" with a relatively low ceiling game count, and a "Normal Mode" where the probability of winning the AT lottery is lower than in Heaven Mode.

[0031] The main control unit 10 is equipped with a section control means that can control the game section to either a normal section or an advantageous section, separate from the game state described above. The normal section is a gameplay section in which no button-pressing navigation is performed. It begins when the next game starts after the advantageous section ends, and ends when the conditions for transitioning to the advantageous section are met. Furthermore, the main control unit 10 is controlled to the normal section in its initial state (when reset), and in the normal section, the advantageous section lamp 13 is controlled to be off. Furthermore, in the normal section, the transition to the advantageous section is determined when the conditions for transitioning to the advantageous section are met, for example, when a predetermined role is won in the internal lottery.

[0032] The advantageous period is a gameplay section in which button-press order navigation may be performed, and because button-press order navigation may be performed, it is a gameplay section that is more advantageous for the player compared to the normal period. Furthermore, the advantageous period begins when the conditions for transitioning to the advantageous period are met in the normal period and the next game starts, and ends when the predetermined conditions for ending the advantageous period are met. The advantageous period ends when a predetermined game state is reached, at which point the game returns to the normal period. The advantageous period may end when the advantageous period limiter is reached. For example, the advantageous period may end when the condition is met that "the number of game tokens acquired (difference) during a single advantageous period reaches the upper limit (for example, 2400)." The main control unit 10 counts the number of game tokens acquired during the advantageous period and stores them in the memory unit. Furthermore, during the advantageous period, the advantageous period lamp 13 is controlled to a state where it can be lit. Furthermore, the advantageous section lamp 13 may be lit up whenever the number of game tokens held by the player increases after entering the advantageous section (e.g., during AT). Furthermore, while the advantageous section lamp 13 is provided, it is also possible to configure it so that the lamp does not light up. Furthermore, it is not necessary to provide the advantageous section lamp 13. In this case, it is preferable to provide a lamp that lights up during AT instead of the advantageous section lamp 13 so that recognition during AT does not become difficult. Additionally, a limiter may be provided to terminate the advantageous period if the condition "the number of games played during a single advantageous period reaches the upper limit" is met. Furthermore, it is not necessary to set a limiter on the advantageous period.

[0033] (Mobile device mounting section 200) Slot machine 1 is provided with a mobile device holder 200 above the front panel 60 (upper right side) as a space for placing a mobile device held by the player (see Figures 1, 2, etc.). As an example of a mobile device, a typical smartphone with a camera (model 900) can be used. This type of smartphone 900 is equipped with a camera 910 on the back, and in shooting mode, it can capture videos or still images with the background opposite the back of the smartphone 900 as the subject. Furthermore, the smartphone 900 can store videos or still images of the subject being photographed, or display them on the display unit 920.

[0034] The mobile device mounting section 200 is made of metal or plastic and consists of a frame that is the same size as or larger than the smartphone 900, and a transparent sheet that covers the bottom of the frame, forming a mounting space for the smartphone 900. Since the bottom of the mobile device mounting section 200 is made of a transparent sheet, players can see the slot machine 1 through the mounting space. Specifically, the front panel section 60, including the display window 6, can be viewed through the mounting space. Therefore, when taking a picture with the smartphone 900 placed in the mounting space, the front panel 60 including the display window 6 can be photographed, and thus the operation of the reel 41 can be photographed.

[0035] Figure 6(a) shows the mobile device mounting section 200 without a smartphone 900 mounted on it. Note that the word "Phone" in the figure is a character displayed as a function of the display unit 211, and is an example of a display prompting the placement of a smartphone 900. Figure 6(b) shows the mobile device mounting section 200 with a smartphone 900 placed on it. As shown in Figures 6(a)→(b), when the smartphone 900 is placed on the mobile device mounting section 200 (mounting space) and the camera 910 takes a picture, the operation of the reels 41a to 41c can be captured. Furthermore, the shooting process can be set to be performed automatically in response to the launch of an app pre-installed on the smartphone 900, or in response to the smartphone 900 reading specific identification information attached to the slot machine 1.

[0036] Specifically, the mobile device mounting section 200 is provided on the upper part of the handle section 200a. As shown in Figure 2, the handle portion 200a has a cavity 200b to make it easier for the staff of the amusement arcade to grip. This allows the staff at the amusement arcade to smoothly open and close the front door 1a while gripping the handle 200a.

[0037] Furthermore, the cavity 200b in the handle portion 200a is a part where other adjacent players may be able to peek at the player's gameplay. Therefore, a sliding or rotating plate can be provided, and under normal circumstances, the plate can be used to shield the cavity 200b. This allows for the prevention of peeping while maintaining the functionality of a handle. The mobile device holder 200 can be designed so that it cannot be folded or removed by the player. Furthermore, the mobile device holder 200 may be provided with a space for storing medals. For example, a space for storing medals may be provided on the front side of the handle portion 200a, allowing the player to use this space as a medal storage space. In this way, since the handle portion 200a and the coin slot 2 are close together, if the player has already stored coins in the coin storage space, it will be easier to insert those coins into the coin slot 2, allowing the game to proceed smoothly.

[0038] The mounting space of the mobile device mounting section 200 is made of a transparent sheet, and this transparent sheet functions as a touch panel. Therefore, the mobile terminal mounting unit 200 includes a display unit 211 that functions as a touch panel and an operation unit 212 (Figure 4). The control unit 212 detects when a player touches the transparent sheet with their finger, based on a pressure sensor or the like, and transmits an operation signal to the sub-control unit 20 accordingly. This allows the sub-control unit 20 to detect when the mounting space is touched by a finger (ON). The mobile device mounting unit 200 can function as a performance button, and in response to a touch operation, the sub-control unit 20 can consider that a performance button has been operated and execute a specific performance. Furthermore, it is also possible to detect when a smartphone 900 is placed on the mobile device mounting unit 200. For example, if it is detected that a smartphone 900 has been placed on the mobile device holder 200 for a certain period of time (e.g., 5 seconds or more), it can be considered that the performance button has been operated for a certain period of time.

[0039] In this case, for example, control may be implemented such as switching to a mode in which a specific effect corresponding to the continuous operation of the effect button is not generated. Furthermore, in this mode, the sub-control unit 20 may control the system to generate other effects instead of a specific effect (for example, a reel illumination effect that illuminates the LEDs on the reels 41a to 41c, or a lower panel illumination effect that illuminates the lower panel by illuminating the LEDs on the back of the lower panel). Furthermore, if the main control unit 10 can control the reels 41a to 41c, it is also possible to control the reels so that reel effects (such as reel lock or reverse rotation) are more likely to occur instead of specific effects. Thus, the mobile device mounting unit 200 makes it easy to record gameplay videos of the slot machine 1 and to perform operations and controls related to specific effects.

[0040] The display unit 211 has one or more LEDs on the outer periphery (side) of the light guide plate that makes up the transparent sheet, and can display characters and figures by making them stand out through the light emitted by the LEDs. For example, as shown in Figure 7, displaying "Touch!" can prompt the player to perform a touch operation. Therefore, if you want to execute an animation in response to touch input, you can display "Touch!" to ensure smooth execution of the animation.

[0041] (Modified example of the mobile device mounting section 200) If the device is operated in a specific manner (for example, by touching it three times in a row), a different display effect, such as "Away from Seat," can be displayed on the display unit 211. This type of display can be achieved by placing another light guide plate, configured to display "Away from Desk," on top of the first, and illuminating it with light from another LED placed around the first light guide plate. This allows the display to be positioned at a height close to the eye level of pedestrians, making it easily visible to players walking along the aisle, thus effectively functioning as an "unoccupied" (machine reserved) indicator. Furthermore, to avoid accidentally displaying "Away from Desk," it is desirable to display "Away from Desk" in response to complex operations (for example, touch operations in multiple locations).

[0042] (Hidden lamp unit 100) The hidden lamp unit 100 is a lighting device that functions as a side lamp located at the left end of the front panel section 60 (Figures 1, 2, etc.). As shown in Figure 4, the concealed lamp unit 100 is composed of a normal lamp 171 and a concealed lamp 172. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the concealed lamp unit 100. As shown in Figure 8, the hidden lamp unit 100 constitutes a protruding portion at the left end of the slot machine 1, and this portion is formed by multiple surfaces: a front surface 101, a right side surface 102, and a left side surface 103. Furthermore, the concealed lamp unit 100 is positioned in front of the front panel 60, in a manner that it abuts against the left end of the front panel 60.

[0043] Figure 9 is an exploded view of the hidden lamp unit 100. Figure 10(a) is a front view of the concealed lamp unit 100 (excluding the front lamp cover 110), Figure 10(b) is a right side view of the concealed lamp unit 100, and Figure 10(c) is a top view of the concealed lamp unit 100. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the concealed lamp unit 100 consists of a front lamp cover 110, a lamp illumination substrate 111, a front LED 112, a rear LED 113, a plated frame 120, side lamp covers 130 and 140, and a concealed lamp box 150.

[0044] The front lamp cover 110 is provided on the front side of the concealed lamp unit 100. The front lamp cover 110 is composed of a vertically elongated rectangular cover front 101a and a right cover portion 118 and a left cover portion 119 that extend diagonally backward from both ends of the cover front 101a. The lamp lighting substrate 111 is an LED substrate positioned between the front lamp cover 110 and the plated frame 120. On the surface of the lamp lighting substrate 111, front-facing LEDs 112 are arranged with their illumination direction facing forward. On the back of the lamp lighting board 111, there are rear-facing LEDs 113 whose illumination direction faces backward.

[0045] The front LED 112 and the back LED 113 are LEDs that normally function as lamp 171 and are controlled to light up simultaneously. However, it is not limited to simultaneous lighting; they can also be controlled to light up alternately or in some other coordinated manner. In addition, the lamp 171 is normally controlled to perform lighting effects in conjunction with other effects means (for example, the lamp 11 or the display unit 8). The plated frame 120 is a base component whose surface has been plated, and other components (such as the front lamp cover 110 and the lamp lighting substrate 111) are attached to the plated frame 120. For example, the plated frame 120 has a vertically elongated rectangular flat surface when viewed from the front, and the lamp illumination substrate 111 is attached to this flat surface. The plated frame 120 has slits 114 in the area (flat portion) corresponding to the placement position of the LED 113 on the back side.

[0046] In addition, side lamp covers 130 and 140 are provided on the right side behind the slit 114. The side lamp covers 130 and 140 consist of an upper cover 130 and a lower cover 140. The side lamp covers 130 and 140, together with the right side portion 118 of the cover, constitute part of the right side 102 of the concealed lamp unit 100. However, the right side portion 118 is located closer to the front 101 than the side lamp covers 130 and 140, and the side lamp covers 130 and 140 are located closer to the front panel portion 60 than the right side portion 118. Thus, the right side surface 102 (second surface) of the concealed lamp unit 100 is composed of a right side portion 118 (first specific portion) of the cover located closer to the front surface 101 (first surface), and side lamp covers 130 and 140 (second specific portions) located closer to the front panel portion 60 than the right side portion 118 of the cover.

[0047] As shown in Figure 10(c), by lighting up the front LED 112, the light emitted from it can cause the front lamp cover 110 (front of the cover 101a, right side of the cover 118, and left side of the cover 119) to light up. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10(c), by illuminating the rear LED 113, the side lamp covers 130 and 140 can be illuminated by the light that passes through the slit 114. Figure 11 shows the light emission patterns of the front lamp cover 110 and the side lamp covers 130 and 140 in the concealed lamp unit 100. (a) shows the case when the front LED 112 and rear LED 113, which are normally lamps 171, are not lit, and (b) shows the case when the front LED 112 and rear LED 113, which are normally lamps 171, are lit. As shown in Figure 11(a)→(b), the front lamp cover 110 and the side lamp covers 130, 140 can normally be illuminated by turning on the lamp 171. Thus, the hidden lamp unit 100 is typically used as a side lamp to turn the normal lamp 171 on or off.

[0048] As described above, the hidden lamp unit 100 has a front surface 101 (first surface) which is positioned in front of the front panel 60 and faces the front of the gaming machine and includes a cover front surface 101a, and a right side surface 102 (second surface) which extends from the front surface 101 toward the front panel 60 and includes the right side of the cover 118 and the side lamp covers 130 and 140. Of these, the normal lamp 171 illuminates the cover front surface 101a. Therefore, the illumination of the lamp 171 (first display mode) can be seen from the front of the gaming machine (see Figures 8, 10, 11, etc.).

[0049] (Hidden lamp box 150) The concealed lamp unit 100 has a concealed lamp box 150 inside (Figures 9, 10(c), etc.). Figure 12 is an exploded view of the hidden lamp box 150, which functions as a hidden lamp 172. As shown in Figure 12, the concealed lamp box 150 consists of a concealed lighting substrate 151, a concealed LED 152, a lighting reflector 153, concealed printed sheets 155 and 156, and smoked films 157 and 158. The concealed lighting board 151 is a board on which multiple concealed LEDs 152 are arranged. The hidden LED 152 is an LED whose illumination direction is directed toward the hidden printed sheets 155 and 156, and toward the smoked films 157 and 158. The lighting reflector 153 is a box-shaped member with a mirror-finish surface (at least the inner surface). As a result, the light emitted from the concealed LED 152 is reflected off the inner surface of the illumination reflector 153 and efficiently propagated toward the target object (concealed printed sheets 155, 156 or smoked films 157, 158) without leaking into the outside space. Therefore, when the hidden LED 152 is lit, it is possible to effectively illuminate the target object and cause it to emit light while preventing the problem of the light illuminating something other than the target object. Furthermore, when the LED 113 on the back of the lamp 171 is lit, it is possible to effectively illuminate the target object and cause it to emit light while preventing the problem of the emitted light illuminating something other than the target object (for example, the hidden printing sheets 155, 156).

[0050] The hidden printing sheets 155 and 156 are sheets on which printable objects 159 such as text and images are printed. The upper cover sheet 155 has, for example, a pattern of "○□△" printed in white on a black background, and the lower cover sheet 156 has, for example, the word "SECRET" printed in white on a black background (Figure 12, etc.). Smoke films 157 and 158 are semi-transparent films, such as black films, with low transparency. The upper smoke film 157 and the upper concealing printed sheet 155 are installed overlapping in a position opposite the upper cover 130, and the lower smoke film 158 and the lower concealing printed sheet 156 are installed overlapping in a position opposite the lower cover 140.

[0051] In a hidden lamp box 150 with this configuration, when the hidden LED 152 is not lit, only the black background is visible, as shown in Figure 13(a). However, when the hidden LED 152 is lit, the light is blocked from the parts of the hidden printed sheets 155 and 156 that are not white, and the light passes through the white parts and illuminates the smoked films 157 and 158, causing the printed objects 159 in the white parts to light up and be displayed. For example, Figure 13(b) shows the case where only the lower hidden LED 152 is lit. Furthermore, the concealed LED 152 allows for independent control of the illumination of the upper and lower LEDs. In addition, the illumination reflector 153 is provided with a shielding member 154 that shields the illumination space of the upper LED and the illumination space of the lower LED, preventing light from one LED from leaking into the illumination space of the other LED. As shown in Figure 13(b), when only the lower hidden LED 152 is lit, only the printed object 159 "SECRET" printed on the lower hidden printing sheet 156 will light up, making the character appear to float.

[0052] As a result, as shown in Figure 14(a)→(b), the printed object "SECRET" is illuminated even when the hidden lamp unit 100 is viewed. In other words, the printed objects 159 on the hidden printing sheets 155 and 156 are normally invisible because they are covered by the smoke films 157 and 158, but become visible when the hidden LED 152 is turned on and illuminates. However, the side lamp covers 130 and 140, including these printed objects 159, are impossible or difficult to see even when illuminated, at least when viewed from the front.

[0053] This is because, as shown in Figure 10(b), at least the side lamp covers 130 and 140 (second specific part) are located within a narrow range inside the narrow operation panel 300, and the width d1 of the side lamp covers 130 and 140 is narrower than the width d2 of the right side part 118 (first specific part) of the cover, making it an extremely narrow light-emitting display part. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10(b), the operation panel section 300 in front of the front panel section 60 is provided with a bet button 2a for setting the game value used in the game, but the side lamp covers 130 and 140 (second specific section) are configured to be positioned closer to the front panel section 60 than the bet button 2a. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8 and 10(c), the side lamp covers 130 and 140 (second specific section) and the front panel section 60 are configured to be in close proximity or in contact with each other. In other words, the side lamp covers 130 and 140 are located at the back of slot machine 1 and are on the side, making them difficult to recognize. As a result, the narrow side lamp covers 130, 140 and the hidden printed object 159, which are located on the far side of the front door 1a, are difficult for the player to see even when illuminated.

[0054] Figure 15(a) shows the view from the perspective of a player looking at the front panel 60 and the hidden lamp unit 100 of the slot machine 1. As shown in Figure 15(a), in the concealed lamp unit 100, the light emission pattern of the front cover 101a of the normal lamp 171 can be seen from the front, but the light emission pattern of the side lamp covers 130 and 140 of the concealed lamp 172 is difficult to see from the front. In contrast, Figure 15(b) shows the hidden lamp unit 100 as viewed from the right side. As shown in Figure 15(b), in this case, the side lamp covers 130 and 140 are visible, but they cannot be seen unless you look at them from the side. In other words, the illumination pattern of the side lamp covers 130 and 140 of the hidden lamp 172 (second display pattern) is configured to be invisible from the front of the gaming machine, but visible from a position opposite the side lamp covers 130 and 140 (second specific part). In view of this physical configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the illumination mode of the hidden lamp 172 (second display mode) can be seen from the image captured by the player when they bring their smartphone 900 (a mobile terminal with a camera function) close to the front panel 60 and photograph it from a position opposite the side lamp covers 130 and 140 (second specific part). The illumination pattern of the hidden lamp 172 can be seen by the player if they bring their face close and look at it from the side. However, since there was no space to peer into slot machine 1, we used the camera 910 of smartphone 900 to take a picture and then had the player check the captured image. Figure 16(a) is an illustrative diagram showing how to photograph a hidden lamp unit from the side using a smartphone, and (b) is a diagram showing the image taken based on (a). As shown in Figure 16(b), the camera 910 of the smartphone 900 can capture images of the side lamp covers 130, 140 and the hidden printed object 159 in a visible manner. In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, a hidden lamp 172 is provided in a position that is difficult for the player to see directly, and the lighting status can be determined by taking a picture with a smartphone 900 or the like.

[0055] A specific example of the display mode in the concealed lamp unit 100 with this configuration will be explained. For example, the control is executed to light up the normal lamp 171 as a normal effect in the normal state, and to light up the hidden lamp 172 as a special effect when certain conditions are met (for example, when a jackpot is won). In this case, the normal effect involves a light-up effect linked to other effects (such as lamp 11), but the specific effect involves a light-up effect by lighting up a hidden lamp 172, which is not performed by other effects. Normally, the player can see the effects with the naked eye from the front, but in the case of certain effects, the player moves their smartphone 900 to a position and angle opposite the side lamp covers 130 and 140 so that the camera 910 can capture the side lamp covers 130 and 140 within its shooting range. This allows players to see specific displays that were previously invisible to the naked eye, through captured images. Furthermore, while the game does not normally announce or suggest that it is in Heaven Mode through its regular animations, it is possible to provide a special animation that announces or suggests this to players who are aware of the specific indicator, based on the illumination of the hidden lamp 172. Thus, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, during normal performance (first display mode), a light-emitting effect is performed in conjunction with other performance means such as the lamp 11, and during specific performance (second display mode), a specific display that cannot be performed by other performance means is performed. Such specific presentations can create a sense of anticipation in players in an innovative way.

[0056] (A modified example of the hidden lamp unit 100) Instead of smoked films 157 and 158, it is also possible to apply a half-mirror film with similar transparency to smoked films 157 and 158. The display area (side lamp covers 130, 140) using the hidden lamp 172 is located behind the bet button 2a on the control panel 300, but this bet button 2a can be for one coin or three coins. Furthermore, while the hidden LED 152 may appear to display letters or shapes to the naked eye of the player, it may actually be designed to blink at a speed that is imperceptible to the human eye when photographed with the smartphone 900's camera 910. By doing so, for example, if the flashing cycle is at a constant interval, it can be considered a normal state, and if it is irregular, it can be used to perform effects and notifications such as a confirmed jackpot or an indication of a high setting.

[0057] From an operational standpoint for the gaming establishment, it may be permissible to allow staff to adjust the brightness of only the hidden lamp 172. This is because, when slot machine 1 is installed in a dimly lit gaming machine area, and the light intensity of the hidden lamp 172 is high, there is a problem in that it can be easily determined whether or not the hidden lamp 172 is lit due to light leakage or other factors. In this case, if the arcade staff could adjust the brightness of the hidden lamp 172, the above problem could be easily solved by lowering the brightness, making it a convenient feature for the staff as well. As a special pattern for lighting up hidden lamp 172, you may choose to light it up when all other LEDs are turned off at the end of the game. In this way, the illumination of the hidden lamp 172 can be highlighted, for example, making the player anticipate a transition to a special game state. The function of the hidden lamp unit 100 is based on the premise that the smartphone 900 is brought close to the front panel 60 and photographed with the camera 910, so there is a possibility that the body of the smartphone 900 may come into contact with the front panel 60. In this case, if vibration effects are being performed on the front door 1a of slot machine 1, there is a possibility that smartphone 900 may be damaged. Therefore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the vibration effect is not executed at times when the hidden lamp 172 may light up (such as at the end of the game). This allows the hidden lamp unit 100 to perform effects without damaging the smartphone 900.

[0058] As described above, the present invention provides a gaming machine comprising: reels 41a to 41c (variable display means) capable of displaying multiple symbols (identification information); and performance means capable of changing the display mode in relation to the game. The reels 41a to 41c (variable display means) are positioned behind a front panel 60 including a display window 6 that allows the symbols (identification information) to be viewed. The performance means is positioned in front of the front panel 60 and has a front surface 101 (first surface) facing the front of the gaming machine, and a right side surface 102 (second surface) extending from the front surface 101 (first surface) toward the front panel 60. In normal performance (first display mode), it provides a light emission performance in conjunction with other performance means such as a lamp 11. It is feasible to perform a specific display (second display mode) that cannot be performed by other display means. The right side 102 (second side) is composed of a right side cover portion 118 (first specific portion) located closer to the front 101 (first side) and side lamp covers 130, 140 (second specific portion) located closer to the front panel portion 60 than the right side cover portion 118 (first specific portion). The illumination display mode based on the normal lamp 171 (first display mode) is visible from the front of the gaming machine, while the illumination display mode based on the hidden lamp 172 (second display mode) is not visible from the front of the gaming machine, but is visible from a position opposite the side lamp covers 130, 140 (second specific portion).

[0059] Furthermore, the width d1 of the side lamp covers 130 and 140 (second specific section) is narrower than the width d2 of the right side section 118 (first specific section) of the cover, so that the side lamp covers 130 and 140 (second specific section) and the front panel section 60 are in close proximity or in contact with each other. Furthermore, the machine is equipped with an operation panel section 300 located in front of the front panel section 60 and on a horizontal surface. The operation panel section 300 is provided with a bet button 2a (game value setting means) for setting the game value (medals) to be used in the game, and the side lamp covers 130 and 140 (second specific section) are positioned closer to the front panel section 60 than the bet button 2a (game value setting means).

[0060] Furthermore, the illumination display mode based on the hidden lamp 172 (second display mode) can be made visible from the content of the photograph taken by the player when they bring their smartphone 900 (mobile terminal with camera function) with a camera 910 close to the front panel 60 and photograph it from a position opposite the side lamp covers 130 and 140 (second specific part). Furthermore, a mobile device holder 200 (mounting space) is provided above the front panel 60 for placing a smartphone 900 (mobile device with camera function) equipped with a camera 910, which is carried by the player. The display window 6 can be photographed by the smartphone 900 (mobile device with camera function) equipped with a camera 910 placed on the mobile device holder 200 (mounting space).

[0061] On the other hand, as an example of a conventional gaming machine, patent document (JP 2019-005441) discloses a gaming machine that uses decorative elements to create a specific worldview and enhance the player's desire to play. However, conventional gaming machines had a challenge: they had limitations in their ability to increase players' motivation to play. In the gaming machine of the present invention, a hidden lamp unit 100 and a mobile terminal mounting section 200 are provided, which allows players to feel a sense of anticipation in an innovative way. Furthermore, it allows us to provide convenient game machines for both players and arcade staff. Therefore, the gaming machine of the present invention can solve all or part of the above-mentioned problems that conventional gaming machines have to improve.

[0062] Although preferred embodiments of the gaming machine of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the configuration may involve the sub-control unit 20 performing some or all of the operations that the main control unit 10 performs, or the configuration may involve the main control unit 10 performing some or all of the operations that the sub-control unit 20 performs.

[0063] Furthermore, although this embodiment shows the gaming machine as a slot machine, it is not limited to this. The gaming machine may be other types of gaming machines, such as pachinko or tamari slot machines. Furthermore, the gaming machine may be a so-called "medalless" gaming machine, which can execute games using a pseudo-gaming medium in data format without using physical gaming media such as tokens. In addition, the gaming machine may be a so-called "sealed" gaming machine, which can execute games by circulating gaming media such as game balls internally without dispensing them externally. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1 Slot Machine 1a Front door 11 Lamps 2: Coin slot 2a: Bet button 41: Reel 8: Display 100: Hidden lamp unit 101:Front 101a: Front of cover 102: Right side 103: Left side 110: Front lamp cover 111: Lamp lighting circuit board 112: Front-side LED 113: Rear LED 114: Slit 118: Right side of the cover 119: Left side of the cover 120: Plated frame 130,140: Side lamp cover 150: Hidden Lamp Box 151: Hidden lighting circuit board 152: Hidden LED 153: Lighting reflector 154: Shielding member 155,156: Hidden Print Sheet 157,158: Smoked film 159: Print Object 171: Normal lamp 172: Hidden Lamp 200: Mobile device mounting section 200a: Handle part 211: Display section 212:Operation unit 300: Control Panel 900: Smartphone 910: Camera 920: Display section

Claims

1. In a gaming machine comprising a variable display means capable of displaying multiple pieces of identification information, and a performance means capable of changing the display mode in relation to the game, The variable display means is positioned behind the front panel portion, which includes a display window portion that allows the identification information to be viewed. The aforementioned performance means is It has a first surface positioned in front of the front panel portion and facing the front of the gaming machine, and a second surface extending from the first surface toward the front panel portion, In the first display embodiment, it is possible to perform a light emission effect in conjunction with other performance means, In the second display mode, it is possible to perform specific displays that cannot be performed by other display means, The second surface is composed of a first specific portion located closer to the first surface and a second specific portion located closer to the front panel portion than the first specific portion. The first display mode described above is visible from the front of the gaming machine. The second display mode is not visible from the front of the gaming machine, but is visible from a position opposite the second specific part. The length of the second specific part in the front-to-back direction is shorter than the length of the first specific part in the front-to-back direction. The second specific part and the front panel part are in close proximity or in contact with each other. The second display mode is made visible from the captured image when a player takes a photograph from a position facing the second specific part with a portable terminal equipped with a camera function held close to the front panel. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

2. A mounting space is provided above the front panel for mounting a portable terminal with a camera function that is held by the player, The display window can be photographed using the portable terminal with a camera function that is placed in the aforementioned mounting space. The gaming machine described in feature 1.

3. The front panel section is located in front of the aforementioned front panel section and includes an operation panel section provided on a horizontal surface, The aforementioned control panel is provided with a game value setting means for setting the game value used in the game. The second specific unit is positioned closer to the front panel than the game value setting means. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The second specific part comprises a first sheet with low transparency, a second sheet on the back side of the first sheet on which predetermined information is provided, and a light source located on the back side of the second sheet. The system includes a light emission control means that controls the emission of light from the light source in accordance with the execution of the aforementioned performance means, In the state where the light source is not emitting light, the predetermined information is not visible from a position facing the second specific part. When the light source is emitting light, the predetermined information is visible from a position facing the second specific unit. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The light emission control means is In response to the execution of the aforementioned performance means, high-speed flashing control is possible, which causes the light source to flash at a speed that is not perceptible to the naked eye. In the second display embodiment, when the light source is flashing due to the high-speed flashing control, the flashing is not recognizable to the naked eye from a position facing the second specific unit, but the flashing can be recognized based on an image captured by the portable terminal with a camera function. The gaming machine described in feature 4.

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