Performance equipment and gaming machines

Abstract

To achieve a performance device with improved amusement and visibility of a performance.SOLUTION: A performance device (1) is provided in a gaming machine (100). The performance device (1) includes: a small roulette (41), a middle roulette (42), and a large roulette (43) having a different diameter from each other and held rotatably on the same rotation center line; a motor that rotates the roulette (41, 42, 43); a communication unit that transmits and receives a control signal to and from the gaming machine (100); and a control unit that controls the motor on the basis of the control signal from the gaming machine (100).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, gaming machines and the like equipped with various presentation devices have been proposed. For example, in the gaming machine of Patent Document 1, a roulette accessory is provided as a presentation unit inside a push button unit. The roulette accessory notifies the player of the result of the sub-game lottery according to the state when the rotation stops.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The roulette accessory of Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which only one roulette is arranged inside the push button unit, and there is room for improvement from the viewpoints of the player's preference and visibility.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a presentation device that improves the player's preference and visibility.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the performance device according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure is a performance device provided in a gaming machine, comprising: a plurality of roulette wheels having different diameters and rotatably held on the same rotational centerline; a plurality of motors for rotating the plurality of roulette wheels; a communication unit for sending and receiving control signals to and from the gaming machine; and a control unit for controlling the plurality of motors based on the control signals from the gaming machine received by the communication unit.

[0007] According to the above configuration, the control unit controls the motor based on the control signal from the gaming machine to rotate multiple roulette wheels of different diameters arranged concentrically. This improves the entertainment value and visibility of the presentation compared to conventional single-wheel roulette displays. Furthermore, because there are multiple roulette wheels, the results displayed when each wheel stops can be shown in combinations of stopping positions, enabling highly entertaining presentations that were not possible with conventional single-wheel roulette displays.

[0008] In the performance device according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure, in Embodiment 1 described above, the control unit may control each of the motors such that the rotation direction of at least one of the plurality of roulette wheels is different from the rotation direction of the other roulette wheels.

[0009] According to the above configuration, at least one of the multiple roulette wheels rotates in a different direction than the others, thereby improving the entertainment value of the presentation provided by the display device.

[0010] In the performance device according to embodiment 3 of the present disclosure, in embodiment 1 described above, the control unit may control each motor such that the rotation speed of at least one of the plurality of roulette wheels is different from the rotation speed of the other roulette wheels.

[0011] According to the above configuration, at least one of the multiple roulette wheels rotates at a different speed than the others, which can improve the entertainment value of the presentation provided by the entertainment device.

[0012] In the performance device according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure, in Embodiment 1 described above, the control unit may control each motor such that the stopping timing of the rotation of at least one of the plurality of roulette wheels is different from the stopping timing of the rotation of the other roulette wheels.

[0013] With the above configuration, by stopping only the roulette wheel that shows the game result of a gaming machine last among multiple roulette wheels, the player's enjoyment can be further enhanced.

[0014] The performance device according to Embodiment 5 of the present disclosure further comprises, in Embodiment 1 above, a light-emitting unit that emits light, and a light-guiding plate that guides the light emitted from the light-emitting unit and emits it from an emission surface. The control unit may control the light-emitting unit based on a control signal from the gaming machine.

[0015] According to the above configuration, the control unit controls the light-emitting section based on the control signal from the gaming machine, thereby enhancing the entertainment value of the performance device by emitting light from the light guide plate in accordance with the game results of the gaming machine, for example.

[0016] In the display device according to Embodiment 6 of this disclosure, in Embodiment 1 described above, each of the plurality of roulette wheels has a display surface. Each of the display surfaces is arranged to face the player in a flush state.

[0017] With the above configuration, the display surfaces of each of the multiple roulette wheels are arranged so that they face the player in a flush state, which allows for miniaturization of the display device.

[0018] A gaming machine according to one aspect of this disclosure is equipped with any of the presentation devices described in aspects 1 to 6 above.

[0019] According to the above configuration, based on the control signal from the gaming machine, the control unit controls the motor to rotate a plurality of roulette wheels having different diameters from each other, and then stops each roulette wheel at a position corresponding to the game result. As a result, the player can grasp the game result after viewing the effect of the plurality of roulette wheels rotating by the effect device, so that the player's orientation can be improved.

Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an effect device that improves the player's orientation and visibility can be realized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a schematic perspective view of a gaming machine provided with an effect device in an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is an enlarged front view of the effect device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is an exploded perspective view of the effect device of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a side sectional view of the effect device of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is an exploded perspective view of the peripheral members of each roulette wheel of the effect device of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing a longitudinal section of the peripheral members of each motor of the effect device of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] It is an exploded perspective view of the peripheral members of each motor of the effect device of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the gaming machine of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing related to the effect of the gaming machine of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of effect processing by the effect device of FIG. 1. [Figure 11] It is a schematic perspective view of a gaming machine provided with an effect device in a modified example of the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, an embodiment relating 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 descriptions will not be repeated.

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 10. However, the embodiment described below is merely illustrative in all respects of the present invention. Needless to say, various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In other words, in carrying out the present invention, specific configurations depending on the embodiment may be appropriately adopted.

[0024] §1 Examples of Application First, let's describe an example of a scenario to which this disclosure applies. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a gaming machine 100 equipped with the performance device 1 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the performance device 1 is provided in the gaming machine 100. The gaming machine 100 is installed in amusement facilities such as casinos.

[0025] In the gaming machine 100, a first display unit 102 is provided on the front side of the chassis 101, on which images such as reels are displayed. In addition to the first display unit 102, actual rotating reels may also be provided.

[0026] Below the first display unit 102, there is an operation unit 103 and a start button 104. The operation unit 103 displays, for example, a BET screen for setting the bet amount, and accepts bet settings. The start button 104 is a push-button, a so-called SPIN button. When the start button 104 is pressed, a game draw is performed and the reels begin to spin. The reels stop on symbols corresponding to the result of the game draw.

[0027] A second display unit 106 is provided above the first display unit 102. The second display unit 106 displays, for example, animated images for presentation purposes. A presentation device 1, which will be described later, is attached above the second display unit 106. The presentation device 1 is a device for performing presentations according to the game results of the gaming machine 100.

[0028] A third display unit 107 of the gaming machine 100 is provided above the display device 1. The third display unit 107 displays, for example, the quantity of valuable media such as tokens that will be dispensed to the player according to the result of the game lottery conducted by the gaming machine 100.

[0029] In Figure 1, a slot machine is shown as an example of gaming machine 100, but the presentation device 1 can be used with various other gaming machines, such as poker machines, pachinko machines, and pachislot machines.

[0030] §2 Example Configuration Next, the configuration of the display device 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 11. As shown in Figure 1, the display device 1 has three roulette wheels: a small roulette wheel 41, a medium roulette wheel 42, and a large roulette wheel 43. Note that the number of roulette wheels in the display device 1 is not limited to three; it may be two or more, for example, four. The display device 1 is positioned between the second display unit 106 and the third display unit 107 of the gaming machine 100. Note that the arrangement of the display device 1 is not limited to the arrangement shown in Figure 1; for example, it may be positioned above the third display unit 107, as shown in Figure 11.

[0031] The small roulette 41, medium roulette 42, and large roulette 43 are controlled by the control unit 10 shown in Figure 8 according to the game results of the gaming machine 100. Specifically, the control unit 10 controls the rotation of the small roulette 41, medium roulette 42, and large roulette 43 by controlling the drive of the first motor 31, second motor 32, and third motor 33, which correspond to each of the small roulette 41, medium roulette 42, and large roulette 43, respectively. This allows for individual control of the rotation speed and rotation direction of each of the small roulette 41, medium roulette 42, and large roulette 43.

[0032] In other words, the control unit 10 can control the first motor 31, the second motor 32, and the third motor 33 of the small roulette 41, the medium roulette 42, and the large roulette 43 such that the rotation direction of at least one of the roulettes is different from the rotation direction of the other roulettes.

[0033] Furthermore, the control unit 10 can control the first motor 31, the second motor 32, and the third motor 33 of the small roulette 41, the medium roulette 42, and the large roulette 43 such that the rotation speed of at least one of the roulette wheels is different from the rotation speed of the other roulette wheels.

[0034] In other words, the control unit 10 can, for example, rotate the medium roulette 42 so that its rotation direction is different from that of the small roulette 41 and the large roulette 43, and so that the rotation speeds of the small roulette 41 and the large roulette 43 are different from each other.

[0035] Furthermore, the control unit 10 can control the first motor 31, the second motor 32, and the third motor 33 of the small roulette 41, the medium roulette 42, and the large roulette 43 such that the stopping timing of the rotation of at least one of the roulette wheels is different from the stopping timing of the rotation of the other roulette wheels.

[0036] In other words, the control unit 10 can stop the small roulette 41, the medium roulette 42, and the large roulette 43 at different stopping times than each other. The control unit 10 can then stop the small roulette 41, the medium roulette 42, and the large roulette 43 at stopping positions corresponding to the game results of the gaming machine 100.

[0037] This allows players to enjoy a performance involving the spinning of three roulette wheels 41-43 by visually viewing the performance device 1. The content of the performance changes according to the results of the game lottery on the gaming machine 100, thereby enhancing the player's enjoyment. Furthermore, since the performance device 1 is located above the first display unit 102 of the gaming machine 100, the player's visibility of the performance provided by the performance device 1 can be improved.

[0038] Figure 2 is a front view enlargement of the display device 1. As shown in Figure 2, the display device 1 has a disc-shaped outer form. The display device 1 has small roulette 41, medium roulette 42, and large roulette 43 arranged in order from the inside radially outward, each having a different diameter.

[0039] The small roulette 41, the medium roulette 42, and the large roulette 43 are annular rotating bodies that are held rotatably around a rotational centerline C. The small roulette 41 has a display surface 41a. The medium roulette 42 has a display surface 42a. The large roulette 43 has a display surface 43a.

[0040] The display surfaces 41a to 43a of the small roulette 41, the medium roulette 42, and the large roulette 43 are arranged so that they face the player in a flush state (see Figure 4). Furthermore, the display surfaces 41a to 43a of the small roulette 41, the medium roulette 42, and the large roulette 43 are divided into multiple blocks, for example, eight blocks.

[0041] The small roulette wheel 41 has the smallest diameter among the three roulette wheels 41-43. The display surface 41a of the small roulette wheel 41 displays numbers related to the prize money for the game draw, for example. In the example shown in Figure 2, the amounts "50", "100", "150", "200", "500", "1000", "2000", and "3000" are displayed in each section of the display surface 41a of the small roulette wheel 41.

[0042] The medium roulette wheel 42 has a larger diameter than the small roulette wheel 41. The display surface 42a of the medium roulette wheel 42 displays numbers related to multipliers, for example. In the example shown in Figure 2, each section of the display surface 42a of the medium roulette wheel 42 displays multipliers such as "×1", "×2", "×3", "×5", and "×10", as well as the word "CHANCE". The display "CHANCE" indicates, for example, a multiplier greater than 10 times.

[0043] The large roulette wheel 43 has the largest diameter among the three roulette wheels 41-43. The display surface 43a of the large roulette wheel 43 displays text related to the type of win, for example. In the example shown in Figure 2, the text "SUPER GRAND," "GRAND," "MAJOR," "MINOR," and "MINI" is displayed in each section of the display surface 43a of the large roulette wheel 43. Each of these wins has a different multiplier. Sections on the display surface 43a that do not display text related to the type of win indicate a "loser." Note that the numbers and letters displayed on the display surfaces 41a, 42a, and 43a are examples and can be changed as needed.

[0044] A fan-shaped jackpot frame 44 is provided at a position corresponding to one section of the small roulette 41, medium roulette 42, and large roulette 43. The jackpot frame 44 is a component for notifying the player of the results of the game lottery by the gaming machine 100, and is fixed to the cover 40. The display inside the jackpot frame 44 shows the results of the game lottery.

[0045] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the performance device 1. Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the performance device 1. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the performance device 1 further includes a cover 40, a transparent plate 45, a light-emitting part 50, a light guide plate 55, a fixing member 46, a fixing shaft 47, a first partition plate 48, a second partition plate 49, a small gear 51, a medium gear 52, a large gear 53, a base member 54, a first motor 31, a second motor 32, a third motor 33, a small bearing 61, a medium bearing 62, a large bearing 63, and a case 70.

[0046] The cover 40 and the transparent plate 45 are made of resin, for example, and are positioned closer to the player than the small roulette 41, the medium roulette 42, and the large roulette 43, protecting the surfaces of each roulette 41-43 from the outside. The fixing member 46 is a member for fixing the transparent plate 45 and the light guide plate 55 to the cover 40. Note that in Figure 4, the light guide plate 55 and the light-emitting part 50 are omitted. Also, the surface of each roulette 41-43 refers to the side facing the player.

[0047] The light guide plate 55 is a light guide plate that guides incident light from the light-emitting unit 50 and emits it from the emission surface. The light guide plate 55 is made of a light-transmitting material such as acrylic resin or glass and is a transparent thin plate member. The light guide plate 55 has fine recesses formed in a pattern that is to be visible for emitting light. In this embodiment, a pattern is formed that illuminates at least the jackpot area inside the jackpot frame 44.

[0048] The light-emitting unit 50 has a configuration in which, for example, a flexible tape-shaped substrate is arranged with a full-color LED (Light Emitting Diode) that can change color. The light-emitting unit 50 is positioned opposite the end face of the light guide plate 55 and supplies light into the interior of the light guide plate 55 from the end face.

[0049] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the peripheral components of each roulette 41-43 of the display device 1. As shown in Figure 5, on the back side of the cover 40, the small roulette 41, the first partition plate 48, the medium roulette 42, the second partition plate 49, and the large roulette 43 are arranged in order on the same rotational center line C.

[0050] A circular first partition plate 48 is positioned between the small roulette wheel 41 and the medium roulette wheel 42. As shown in Figure 2, the first partition plate 48 is a component that separates the display surface 41a of the small roulette wheel 41 from the display surface 42a of the medium roulette wheel 42. The diameter of the first partition plate 48 is larger than the diameter of the small roulette wheel 41 and smaller than the diameter of the medium roulette wheel 42.

[0051] A second partition plate 49 is positioned between the medium roulette wheel 42 and the large roulette wheel 43. As shown in Figure 2, the second partition plate 49 is a component that separates the display surface 42a of the medium roulette wheel 42 from the display surface 43a of the large roulette wheel 43. The diameter of the second partition plate 49 is larger than the diameter of the medium roulette wheel 42 and smaller than the diameter of the large roulette wheel 43.

[0052] The small roulette wheel 41, the first partition plate 48, the medium roulette wheel 42, the second partition plate 49, and the large roulette wheel 43 are mounted and inserted in order onto the fixed shaft 47.

[0053] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a longitudinal cross-section of the peripheral members of each motor 31-33 of the performance device 1. Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the peripheral members of each motor 31-33 of the performance device 1. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, a first gear 31b is attached to the rotating shaft 31a of the first motor 31. The first gear 31b meshes with a small gear 51 fixed to the small roulette 41. The small gear 51 is an annular gear with teeth formed on its outer circumference and is fixed to a cylindrical protrusion 41b that protrudes toward the rear side from the edge of the central opening of the small roulette 41.

[0054] As a result, the driving force of the first motor 31 is transmitted to the small roulette 41 via the first gear 31b and the small gear 51, causing the small roulette 41 to rotate.

[0055] A second gear 32b is attached to the rotating shaft 32a of the second motor 32. The second gear 32b meshes with a middle gear 52 fixed to the middle roulette 42. The middle gear 52 is an annular gear with teeth formed on its outer circumference and is fixed to a cylindrical protrusion 42b that protrudes toward the back edge of the central opening of the middle roulette 42.

[0056] As a result, the driving force of the second motor 32 is transmitted to the middle roulette 42 via the second gear 32b and the middle gear 52, causing the middle roulette 42 to rotate.

[0057] A third gear 33b is attached to the rotating shaft 33a of the third motor 33. The third gear 33b meshes with a large gear 53 fixed to the large roulette 43. The large gear 53 is an annular gear with teeth formed on its outer surface and is fixed to an annular protrusion 43b that protrudes toward the rear side from the edge of the central opening of the large roulette 43.

[0058] As a result, the driving force of the third motor 33 is transmitted to the large roulette wheel 43 via the third gear 33b and the large gear 53, causing the large roulette wheel 43 to rotate.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, the inner ring of the small bearing 61 is fixed to the outer circumference of the fixed shaft 47. The outer ring of the small bearing 61 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion 41b of the small roulette 41. This allows the small roulette 41 to rotate smoothly relative to the fixed shaft 47.

[0060] Furthermore, the inner ring of the medium bearing 62 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion 41b of the small roulette wheel 41, and the outer ring of the medium bearing 62 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion 42b of the medium roulette wheel 42. This allows the medium roulette wheel 42 to rotate smoothly relative to the protrusion 41b of the small roulette wheel 41.

[0061] Furthermore, the inner ring of the large bearing 63 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion 42b of the medium roulette 42, and the outer ring of the large bearing 63 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion 43b of the large roulette 43. This allows the large roulette 43 to rotate smoothly relative to the protrusion 42b of the medium roulette 42.

[0062] The first motor 31, the second motor 32, and the third motor 33 can be, for example, stepping motors. The control unit 10 controls the number of steps of each motor 31 to 33 to stop the small roulette 41, the medium roulette 42, and the large roulette 43 at desired positions. The first motor 31, the second motor 32, and the third motor 33 are housed in a case 70.

[0063] (Electrical configuration of the performance device 1 and gaming machine 100) Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the performance device 1 and the gaming machine 100. As shown in Figure 8, the performance device 1 further comprises a communication unit 20 and a storage unit 80. The control unit 10 is electrically connected to the first motor 31, the second motor 32, the third motor 33, the storage unit 80, and the communication unit 20, respectively.

[0064] The control unit 10 rotates the small roulette wheel 41 clockwise in Figure 2 by driving the first motor 31 in the forward direction. On the other hand, the control unit 10 rotates the small roulette wheel 41 counterclockwise in Figure 2 by driving the first motor 31 in the reverse direction.

[0065] Furthermore, the control unit 10 rotates the middle roulette 42 clockwise in Figure 2 by driving the second motor 32 in the forward direction. On the other hand, the control unit 10 rotates the middle roulette 42 counterclockwise in Figure 2 by driving the second motor 32 in the reverse direction.

[0066] Furthermore, the control unit 10 rotates the large roulette wheel 43 clockwise in Figure 2 by driving the third motor 33 in the forward direction. On the other hand, the control unit 10 rotates the large roulette wheel 43 counterclockwise in Figure 2 by driving the third motor 33 in the reverse direction.

[0067] Furthermore, the control unit 10 adjusts the rotation speeds of the small roulette 41, medium roulette 42, and large roulette 43 by adjusting the speeds of the first motor 31, second motor 32, and third motor 33.

[0068] The control unit 10 controls the lighting of the LED by controlling the light-emitting unit 50. The control unit 10 transmits and receives control signals, etc., to and from the machine-side control unit 110 of the gaming machine 100 via the communication unit 20. The storage unit 80 stores, for example, a performance code corresponding to the result of the game lottery.

[0069] The gaming machine 100 further includes a reception unit 114 and a payout unit 115. The machine-side control unit 110 is electrically connected to the operation unit 103, start button 104, input detection unit 105, reception unit 114, first display unit 102, second display unit 106, third display unit 107, and payout unit 115, respectively.

[0070] The machine-side control unit 110 displays the BET screen and the like on the operation unit 103 and receives information such as the number of bets based on the player's touch operation on the operation unit 103. When the machine-side control unit 110 receives the player's operation of the start button 104, it displays an image of the reels spinning on the first display unit 102 and performs a game draw.

[0071] Subsequently, the machine-side control unit 110 transmits a performance code corresponding to the result of the game lottery by the gaming machine 100 to the communication unit 20 of the performance device 1. Based on the performance code received by the communication unit 20, the control unit 10 executes the performance processing described later.

[0072] Furthermore, the machine-side control unit 110 displays a visual effect image corresponding to the game lottery result on the second display unit 106, and displays information related to the game lottery result on the third display unit 107. The reception unit 114 receives valuable media such as medals and IC cards for conducting the game lottery. The dispensing unit 115 dispenses medals, etc., according to the game lottery result.

[0073] §3 Example of Operation (Processing flow related to the visual effects of Gaming Machine 100) Next, the operation of the gaming machine 100 will be explained with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow related to the presentation of the gaming machine 100.

[0074] As shown in Figure 9, the input detection unit 105 constantly detects whether or not the start button 104 has been operated (S1). When a player operates the start button 104, the input detection unit 105 detects the operation of the start button 104 (S1: YES) and outputs a signal indicating input detection to the machine-side control unit 110 (S2).

[0075] After S2, the machine-side control unit 110 performs a game lottery process (S3). In S3, the machine-side control unit 110 determines the winning combination, such as "big win," "small win," or "loser," by performing the game lottery process.

[0076] After S3, the machine-side control unit 110 determines a performance code corresponding to the winning role (S4) and outputs the performance code to the control unit 10 of the performance device 1 via the communication unit 20 (S5). After S5, the control unit 10 of the performance device 1 starts performance processing based on the performance code shown in Figure 10 (S6). Note that the performance code may include performances other than those performed by the performance device 1; for example, a performance image may be displayed on the second display unit 106.

[0077] After S6, the control unit 10 determines whether the performance processing by the performance device 1 has finished (S7). Specifically, the control unit 10 determines whether the player has performed a predetermined operation to the operation unit 103 to determine the end of the performance, or whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the performance device 1 started the performance processing.

[0078] If the control unit 10 determines that the performance processing by the performance device 1 has finished (S7: YES), it displays the result of the game lottery of the gaming machine 100 on the first display unit 102 (S8). After S8, the payout unit 115 pays out medals or the like based on the result of the game lottery (S9).

[0079] After S9, if the machine-side control unit 110 has completed the performance processing after a predetermined time has elapsed in S7, it returns to S1 and waits for an operation on the start button 104 for the next game lottery. On the other hand, if the machine-side control unit 110 has performed an operation to start the next game lottery by pressing the start button 104 in S7, it determines YES in S1 and proceeds to S2. In this way, the processing related to the performance of the gaming machine 100 is carried out.

[0080] (Flow of the effects processing by the effects device 1) Next, an example of the performance processing by the performance device 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the performance processing by the performance device 1. In the performance processing shown in Figure 10, the control unit 10 performs a mini-game performance according to the type of winning combination described above.

[0081] First, the control unit 10 of the performance device 1 determines the rotation speeds of the small roulette 41, the medium roulette 42, and the large roulette 43 according to the result of the game lottery process of the gaming machine 100 (S11). The rotation speeds of the small roulette 41, the medium roulette 42, and the large roulette 43 may be different from each other, or they may be the same.

[0082] Next, the control unit 10 drives the first motor 31 in the forward direction, causing the small roulette wheel 41 to rotate clockwise at the rotational speed determined in S11 (S12). The control unit 10 also drives the second motor 32 in the reverse direction, causing the medium roulette wheel 42 to rotate counterclockwise at the rotational speed determined in S11 (S13). Finally, the control unit 10 drives the third motor 33 in the forward direction, causing the large roulette wheel 43 to rotate clockwise at the rotational speed determined in S11 (S14).

[0083] Furthermore, the results of the game lottery process of the gaming machine 100, i.e., the rotation speed and rotation direction of each roulette 41-43 corresponding to each winning combination, are pre-stored in the memory unit 80. Also, the contents of the processes S12-S14 are examples and can be changed as appropriate depending on each winning combination.

[0084] Next, the control unit 10 controls the first motor 31 to stop the small roulette wheel 41 at a position corresponding to the result of the game lottery process (S15). In the example shown in Figure 2, the small roulette wheel 41 stops at a position where the display surface 41a showing the number "2000" is within the jackpot frame 44. This allows the player to understand that they have a chance of winning an amount equal to 2000 yen multiplied by a multiplier.

[0085] After S15, the control unit 10 controls the second motor 32 to stop the middle roulette 42 at a position corresponding to the result of the game lottery process (S16). In the example shown in Figure 2, the middle roulette 42 stops at a position where the display surface 42a showing the number "×2" is within the jackpot frame 44. This allows the player to understand that they can win prizes such as medals equivalent to 4000 yen, which is double the amount of 2000 yen, and increases their expectation of winning the jackpot.

[0086] After S16, the control unit 10 controls the third motor 33 to stop the large roulette wheel 43 at a position corresponding to the result of the game lottery process (S17). In the example shown in Figure 2, the large roulette wheel 43 stops at a position where the display surface 43a showing the words "SUPER GRAND" is within the jackpot frame 44. This allows the player to understand that the result of the game lottery is a "jackpot".

[0087] After S17, the control unit 10 determines whether the result of the game lottery process is a jackpot or not (S18). If it is a jackpot (S18: YES), the jackpot area, which is the region within the jackpot frame 44, is illuminated (S19). As a result, the numbers and characters in the jackpot area are displayed more vividly by the light emitted from the surface of the light guide plate 55. The color of the light emitted from the light-emitting unit 50 may be changed depending on the type of win.

[0088] On the other hand, if the result of the game lottery process is not a jackpot (S18: NO), or after S19, the control unit 10 terminates the performance process shown in Figure 10.

[0089] §4 Action and Effects In the performance using the performance device 1 of this embodiment described above, the control unit 10 controls the motors 31 to 33 based on the control signal from the gaming machine 100, thereby rotating the three roulette wheels, a small roulette 41, a medium roulette 42, and a large roulette 43, which have different diameters, on the same axis. This improves the appeal and visibility of the performance using the performance device 1.

[0090] Furthermore, because there are multiple roulette wheels, the results displayed when each wheel is stopped can be shown in combinations of stopping positions, allowing for highly creative and engaging presentations that were not possible with conventional single-wheel roulette.

[0091] Furthermore, since multiple roulette wheels are held to rotate on the same centerline, players only need to focus their gaze on the vicinity of the centerlines of rotation of the multiple roulette wheels, thereby improving the visibility of the display device.

[0092] For example, by making the rotation direction of the medium roulette wheel 42 different from that of the small roulette wheel 41 and the large roulette wheel 43, and by making the rotation speeds of the small roulette wheel 41, the medium roulette wheel 42, and the large roulette wheel 43 different from each other, the player's enjoyment can be enhanced.

[0093] Furthermore, for example, the roulette wheels 41 through 43 are stopped in the order of small roulette 41, medium roulette 42, and large roulette 43. This ensures that the player sees the result of the game draw on the large roulette 43 last, thereby enhancing the player's enjoyment of the game.

[0094] Furthermore, by providing a light guide plate 55 and a light-emitting unit 50, for example, the jackpot area, which is the area within the jackpot frame 44 of the light guide plate 55, can be illuminated. This allows for the addition of light effects that match the game results of the gaming machine 100, further enhancing the appeal and visibility of the effects provided by the effect device 1.

[0095] Furthermore, since the display surfaces 41a to 43a of the small roulette 41, the medium roulette 42, and the large roulette 43 are arranged to face the player in a flush state, the length of the rotation centerline C of the display device 1 can be shortened, making the display device 1 thinner.

[0096] §5 Variant In the above-described embodiment of the display device 1, the display surfaces 41a to 43a of the three roulette wheels 41 to 43 are arranged flush with each other. However, the device is not limited to this arrangement, and the display surfaces 41a to 43a may be arranged in a stepped manner.

[0097] Furthermore, in the presentation device 1 of the above embodiment, the control unit 10 stops the roulette wheels 41 to 43 in the order of small roulette 41, medium roulette 42, and large roulette 43 in S15 to S17. However, the control unit 10 is not limited to this, and the order in which the roulette wheels 41 to 43 are stopped may be changed, or the roulette wheels 41 to 43 may be stopped simultaneously. In addition, the control unit 10 may gradually decrease the rotation speed of each roulette wheel 41 to 43.

[0098] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment of the performance device 1, the control unit 10 controls the number of steps of each motor 31 to 33 to stop each roulette wheel 41 to 43 at a desired position, but is not limited to this. Encoders for detecting the rotation speed of the motors may be provided on each motor 31 to 33, and the control unit 10 may control the rotation of each roulette wheel 41 to 43 based on the detection results of each encoder.

[0099] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment of the performance device 1, the performance code transmitted from the gaming machine 100 to the control unit 10 corresponds to the result of the game lottery of the gaming machine 100, but this is not limited to this. The performance device 1 may, for example, perform performance processing according to the progress of various games on the gaming machine 100.

[0100] 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]

[0101] 1 Performance device 10 Control Unit 20 Communications Department 31 First Motor 32 Second Motor 33 Third Motor 41 Small Roulette (Roulette) 42. Middle Roulette (Roulette) 43. The Great Roulette (Roulette) 41a, 42a, 43a Display surface 50 Light-emitting part 55 Light guide plate 80 Storage section 100 Gaming Machines 110 Machine-side control unit

Claims

1. A visual effect device installed in a gaming machine, Multiple roulette wheels, each with a different diameter, are held rotatably on the same centerline of rotation, Multiple motors for rotating the multiple roulette wheels, A communication unit that sends and receives control signals to and from the gaming machine, A control unit that controls the plurality of motors based on control signals from the gaming machine received by the communication unit, A fixed shaft that supports the multiple roulette wheels so that they can rotate on the same rotational centerline, A small bearing having an inner ring fixed to the outer circumference of the fixed shaft and an outer ring fixed to the inner surface of a small roulette among the plurality of roulettes, A medium bearing is provided, in which an inner ring is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the small roulette, and an outer ring is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the medium roulette, which has a larger diameter than the small roulette. A large bearing is provided, in which an inner ring is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the medium roulette, and an outer ring is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of a large roulette, which has a larger diameter than the medium roulette, among the plurality of roulettes. Equipped with, Each of the aforementioned roulette wheels has a display surface, The display device is characterized in that each of the aforementioned display surfaces is arranged to face the player in a flush state.

2. The performance device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit controls each motor such that the rotation direction of at least one of the plurality of roulette wheels is different from the rotation direction of the other roulette wheels.

3. The performance device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit controls each motor such that the rotation speed of at least one of the plurality of roulette wheels is different from the rotation speed of the other roulette wheels.

4. The performance device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit controls each motor such that the stopping timing of the rotation of at least one of the plurality of roulette wheels is different from the stopping timing of the rotation of the other roulette wheels.

5. A light-emitting part that emits light, A light guide plate that guides the light emitted from the light-emitting part and emits it from the emission surface, Furthermore, The performance device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit controls the light-emitting unit based on a control signal from the gaming machine.

6. A gaming machine equipped with a performance device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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