Performance device and gaming machine equipped therewith

Abstract

To provide a performance device capable of acquiring a three-dimensional characteristic performance effect and a game machine equipped with the performance device.SOLUTION: A performance device 10 includes a reel 13a, a roulette plate 14c, a motor 14i, and an LED tape 14bb, a light guide plate 14e, and a control part 16. The roulette plate 14c is provided to the reel 13a and is formed with a first pattern. The motor 14i is rotated with the center of the roulette plate 14c as a rotation center. The LED tape 14bb is provided on a front face side of the roulette plate 14c and radiates light. The light guide plate 14e is provided on the front face side of the roulette plate 14c, and the light radiated from the LED tape 14bb is made incident on the light guide plate. The control part 16 controls the LED tape 14bb so as to switch the display between the display by the light guide plate 14e and the display of the first pattern of the roulette plate 14c by lighting / non-lighting of the light to an incidence plane of the light guide plate 14e depending on a game state of a game machine 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an effect device mounted on a gaming machine installed in a gaming facility such as a casino, and a gaming machine equipped with the same.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in gaming facilities such as casinos, a lighting decoration device that performs effects using a light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) has been installed around the gaming machine. For example, in Patent Document 1, when any slot machine constituting a link system wins a prize, a winning signal is transmitted from the winning slot machine to a topper device installed there, and the topper device that has received the winning signal transmits an effect signal instructing that the slot machine has won a prize to other linked topper devices, and discloses a topper device for a gaming machine that executes an effect for guiding the position of the winning slot machine using a topper liquid crystal panel or an LED.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the topper device of the conventional gaming machine has the following problems. That is, the effect device included in the topper device of the gaming machine disclosed in the above publication is installed on the upper part of a gaming machine such as a slot machine, and various effects are performed by combining a liquid crystal panel that displays various effect screens and LEDs provided around the liquid crystal panel. Therefore, there is a problem that the effect becomes uniform and planar.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a performance device capable of obtaining three-dimensional and distinctive performance effects, and a gaming machine equipped therewith. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first invention relates to a performance device installed in a gaming machine, and comprises a housing, a disc-shaped member, a first rotation drive unit, a first light source unit, a light guide plate, and a first display control unit. The disc-shaped member is provided in the housing and has a first pattern formed on its front surface. The first rotation drive unit rotates the disc-shaped member around its center as the rotation center. The first light source unit is provided on the front side of the disc-shaped member in the housing and emits light in a predetermined direction. The light guide plate is provided on the front side of the disc-shaped member in the housing and has an incident surface into which light emitted from the first light source unit enters, and an exit surface from which light emitted from the incident surface exits. The first display control unit controls the first light source unit to switch between display by the light guide plate and display of the first pattern on the disc-shaped member by turning on / off the light on the incident surface of the light guide plate, according to the game state of the gaming machine.

[0007] Here, for example, in a performance device installed in amusement facilities such as casinos that performs various effects on gaming machines, a light guide plate is placed on the front side of a disc-shaped member on which a first symbol, such as a roulette wheel, is drawn, and when light from a first light source unit enters it, it displays a desired image. The illumination / de-illumination of the light guide plate is switched according to various conditions such as the game state of the gaming machine. Here, the disc-shaped member displays, for example, a roulette pattern, and is driven to rotate according to the game state of the gaming machine.

[0008] The first light source is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) that irradiates light onto the incident surface of the light guide plate. The light guide plate is positioned, for example, to cover the front side of a disc-shaped member, and displays a desired image when light is incident from the first light source, and when no light is incident, it transmits light, making the first pattern on the disc-shaped member on the back side visible.

[0009] This allows for the display of a desired pattern on the light guide plate by illuminating the incident surface of the light guide plate from the first light source unit, and also allows the first pattern on a disc-shaped member located on the back side of the light guide plate to be displayed by de-illuminating the first light source unit, which transmits light through the light guide plate. Therefore, by switching the illumination / deactivation of the light in the first light source, it is possible to switch between the display by the light guide plate and the display of the first pattern on the disc-shaped member. As a result, a three-dimensional and distinctive visual effect can be achieved.

[0010] The display device according to the second invention is the display device according to the first invention, wherein when the first display control unit controls the first light source unit to irradiate light onto the light guide plate, a second pattern is displayed by light reflected by a plurality of prisms arranged on the light guide plate in a predetermined pattern and reflecting light emitted from the incident surface of the first light source unit in a predetermined direction. When the first light source unit is controlled so as not to irradiate light onto the light guide plate, a first pattern is displayed on a disc-shaped member arranged on the back side of the light guide plate, transmitted through the light guide plate.

[0011] As a result, by directing light onto the incident surface of the light guide plate, multiple prisms formed on the light guide plate reflect the light inside the plate, allowing the desired second pattern to be displayed while concealing the first pattern on the disc-shaped member located on the back side of the light guide plate. Furthermore, by keeping the first light source off, the light can be transmitted through the light guide plate to display the first pattern on the disc-shaped member located on the back side of the light guide plate.

[0012] The third invention relates to a performance device according to the first or second invention, further comprising a second light source unit positioned on the back side of a disc-shaped member and irradiating light toward a part of the disc-shaped member, and a second display control unit that controls the second light source unit to display a pattern on a part of the disc-shaped member. This allows the second light source, positioned on the back side of the disc-shaped member, to be illuminated, for example, according to the game state of the gaming machine, thereby illuminating a portion of the disc-shaped member so that only a portion of the first symbol is highlighted.

[0013] The fourth display device is the same as the third display device, wherein the first display control unit controls the first light source unit to irradiate a light guide plate with light, and the second pattern is displayed by the light reflected by a plurality of prisms arranged on the light guide plate in a predetermined pattern and reflecting the light emitted from the first light source unit to the incident surface in a predetermined direction, and the second display control unit controls the second light source unit to display a pattern on a part of a disc-shaped member, so that a part of the first pattern on the disc-shaped member is displayed by passing through a part of the second pattern. This allows light to be incident on the light guide plate to display the second pattern on the light guide plate. For example, by illuminating the second light source, which is located on the back side of the disc-shaped member, with a stronger light intensity than the first light source, it is possible to display the first pattern in a way that highlights only a portion of it, while also allowing light to pass through a portion of the disc-shaped member and the second pattern on the light guide plate.

[0014] The fifth invention relates to a display device which is further comprises a fifth light source unit that irradiates light onto the surface of a first pattern on a disc-shaped member, and a fifth display control unit which controls the first light source unit so that the first light source unit does not irradiate light onto the light guide plate, and the light is transmitted through the light guide plate, and the fifth light source unit is controlled to irradiate light onto the surface of the first pattern on a disc-shaped member which is located on the back side of the light guide plate. As a result, by irradiating the surface of the first pattern with light from the fifth light source, the first pattern on the disc-shaped member located on the back side of the light guide plate can be easily seen, even when light is not being irradiated onto the light guide plate, as the light passes through the light guide plate.

[0015] The sixth invention is a performance device according to the first or second invention, further comprising: a rotating body having a substantially cylindrical shape and rotating about a rotation axis, having a substantially circular first side surface, a second side surface positioned opposite the first side surface, and an outer peripheral surface connecting the first side surface and the second side surface; and a second rotation drive unit that rotates the rotating body about a substantially cylindrical central axis. The housing is the rotating body, and the disc-shaped member is provided on the first side surface side of the rotating body. This allows for, for example, a rotating body such as a reel used for drawing jackpots to be rotatable, and a disc-shaped member to be mounted on the rotating body in a rotatable state, thereby creating a visual effect through the rotation of the rotating body and the disc-shaped member, in addition to the illumination effect from each light source.

[0016] The seventh invention is a performance device according to the sixth invention, further comprising a design sheet provided on the second side of a rotating body, on which a predetermined pattern is formed, which blocks light from the second side and transmits light from the first side. This allows for a different display on the second side of a roughly cylindrical rotating body from the first side, by placing a design sheet with a half-mirror function that blocks light from the second side and transmits light from the first side, on the second side opposite to the first side where the light guide plate is located.

[0017] The eighth invention is a display device according to the seventh invention, further comprising a reflector that is positioned on the back side of the design sheet when viewed from the second side, and reflects light from the design sheet side. This allows for the creation of a display that functions as an infinity mirror by placing a reflective plate on the back of a design sheet with a half-mirror function, using both the design sheet and the reflective plate.

[0018] The ninth invention is a performance device according to the eighth invention, further comprising a third light source unit located inside the rotating body in the space between the design sheet and the reflector, which irradiates light in a desired direction. This allows for a display with depth when viewed from the second side, using light emitted from a third light source positioned between the design sheet and the reflector.

[0019] The effect device according to the 10th invention is the effect device according to the 9th invention, wherein the reflector reflects the light irradiated from the third light source unit toward the second side surface, and the light reflected by the reflector passes through the design sheet provided on the second side surface side. Thereby, the light irradiated from the third light source unit is reflected by the reflector and passes through the design sheet having a half mirror function to be transmitted to the outside from the second side surface, so that an effect can be obtained as an infinity mirror on the second side surface side.

[0020] The effect device according to the 11th invention is the effect device according to the 6th invention, further comprising a fourth light source unit that irradiates light from the inner peripheral surface side of the rotating body, and further comprising a fourth display control unit that controls the fourth light source unit so as to display a predetermined pattern on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body. Thereby, by irradiating light from the fourth light source unit toward the outer peripheral surface of the substantially cylindrical rotating body, for example, a predetermined pattern can be displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body according to the game state of the gaming machine.

[0021] The effect device according to the 12th invention is the effect device according to the 6th invention, further comprising a base unit that supports the rotating body in a rotatable state by a second rotation driving unit, and a third rotation driving unit that rotates the rotating body supported by the base unit about a rotation axis arranged substantially in the vertical direction. Thereby, by rotating the rotating body with respect to the base unit that supports the rotating body, for example, the orientation of the rotating body can be switched so as to face the first side surface, the outer peripheral surface, and the second side surface of the rotating body to a player who plays a game in front of the gaming machine.

[0022] The effect device according to the 13th invention is the effect device according to the 6th invention, wherein the rotating body includes a first lottery unit that conducts a jackpot lottery on a substantially cylindrical outer peripheral surface. Thereby, for example, a jackpot lottery can be conducted in the first lottery unit provided on the outer peripheral surface of the substantially cylindrical rotating body according to the game state of the gaming machine.

[0023] The performance device according to the 14th invention is a performance device according to the first or second invention, wherein the first design of the disc-shaped member includes a second lottery unit for conducting a jackpot lottery. This allows, for example, a jackpot lottery to be conducted in a second lottery section, such as a roulette wheel, provided on the surface of a disc-shaped member, depending on the game state of the gaming machine.

[0024] The performance device according to the 15th invention is a performance device according to the first or second invention, further comprising a performance lottery unit that, upon receiving a jackpot signal from a gaming machine, performs a lottery to determine the content of the performance. This allows the system to receive a jackpot signal from the gaming machine and, through a lottery, determine what kind of effects to display in the display device, enabling a wide variety of effects to be displayed in the display device according to the gameplay.

[0025] The gaming machine according to the 16th invention comprises a performance device according to the first or second invention, a housing in which the performance device is installed, a display unit provided on the front of the housing unit to indicate the game state, and an operation deck provided on the front of the housing unit below the display unit to allow the player to input operations. This makes it possible to configure a gaming machine equipped with a display device that can enhance the visual effects through three-dimensional and diverse displays depending on the state of the gaming machine. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the present invention, a three-dimensional and distinctive visual effect can be obtained using the presenting device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0027] [Figure 1] An overall perspective view showing the configuration of a gaming machine equipped with a performance device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Control block diagram of the performance device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3](a), (b), and (c) are perspective views showing the configuration in which the orientation of the display device in Figure 1 is switched so that the infinite mirror unit, the outer surface of the reel, and the roulette unit each face forward. [Figure 4] (a), (b), and (c) are enlarged perspective views of the performance equipment arranged in the orientation corresponding to Figures 3(a), (b), and (c). [Figure 5] As shown in Figures 3(a), (b), and (c), these are partial cross-sectional views showing the motor that switches the direction of the performance device. [Figure 6] (a) is a partial cross-sectional view of the performance device shown in Figure 1, viewed from above. (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the same device, viewed from the side. [Figure 7] Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the stage production equipment. [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows an exploded perspective view of the infinite mirror unit included in the performance device. [Figure 9] (a) is a front view of the infinite mirror unit. (b) is a cross-sectional view of (a) taken along line AA. [Figure 10] (a) is a diagram showing the LED turned off as displayed on the infinity mirror unit. (b) is a diagram showing the LED turned on as displayed on the infinity mirror unit. [Figure 11] Figure 7 shows an exploded perspective view of the reel unit included in the display device. [Figure 12] Figure 7 shows an exploded perspective view of the roulette unit included in the display device. [Figure 13] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a more detailed configuration of the roulette unit. [Figure 14] (a) is a front view of the roulette unit. (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB. [Figure 15] (a) is a diagram showing the state on the roulette unit side where the LED that illuminates the light guide plate is off and the LED on the back of the roulette board is off. (b) is a diagram showing the state on the roulette unit side where the LED that illuminates the light guide plate is off and the LED on the back of the roulette board is on. [Figure 16](a) is a diagram showing the state where the LED that illuminates the light guide plate is lit and the LED on the back of the roulette board is off, as indicated on the roulette unit side. (b) is a diagram showing the state where the LED that illuminates the light guide plate is lit and the LED on the back of the roulette board is lit, as indicated on the roulette unit side. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] An embodiment of the presenting device 10 and the gaming machine 20 equipped therewith will be described below using Figures 1 to 16(b). In this embodiment, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding for those skilled in the art.

[0029] Furthermore, the applicant provides the accompanying drawings and the following description so that those skilled in the art may fully understand the present invention, and not intends to limit the subject matter described in the claims. As shown in Figure 1, the performance device 10 according to this embodiment is mounted on top of a gaming machine 20, such as a slot machine, installed in a gaming facility such as a casino. The performance device 10 then provides performance effects through illumination and rotation according to the game state of the gaming machine 20.

[0030] (1) Configuration of the gaming machine 20 As shown in Figure 1, the gaming machine 20 comprises a housing 21 and an operation deck 22. The housing 21 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped-shaped member, and a display monitor 21a for displaying the game status is provided on the front side where the player sits. The display monitor 21a displays, for example, multiple symbols that rotate and stop according to the player's actions, and the combination of symbols that stops according to the player's actions determines the winning combination. The gaming machine 20 then awards prizes according to the winning combination determined by the combination of symbols that stopped.

[0031] The control deck 22 is located on the upper surface of a portion of the housing 21 that protrudes towards the player. As shown in Figure 1, the control deck 22 is equipped with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 22a and control buttons 22b. LCD22a is, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display device that receives operation input from a player playing the gaming machine 20. In this embodiment, LCD22a receives input such as operations from a player playing a slot machine, such as specifying the number of bets or rotating the lottery symbols.

[0032] Furthermore, the LCD 22a is positioned in close proximity to the operation buttons 22b, which are located adjacent to the right side of the control deck 22. Operation button 22b is an example of an operation button for a gaming machine included in the operation deck 22 of the gaming machine 20, and is pressed, for example, by a player playing the slot machine to start the rotation of the lottery symbols displayed on the display monitor 21a.

[0033] (2) Configuration of the performance device 10 As shown in Figure 1, the performance device 10 of this embodiment is installed on the upper surface of the housing 21 of a gaming machine 20 such as a slot machine. When the performance device 10 receives a signal (for example, a jackpot signal) from the gaming machine 20, the control unit 16 shown in Figure 2 controls the light source units and motors 13e, 14i, and 15 included in each component. More specifically, when the performance device 10 receives a jackpot signal from the gaming machine 20, the control unit 16 determines the performance content based on the result of a lottery in the performance lottery unit 16b. The performance device 10 then reads the program stored in the memory unit 16a and controls the light source units (LED (Light Emitting Diode) tapes 11d, 14ba, 14bb, LED boards 13b, 14j) and motors 13e, 14i, and 15 included in each component to perform a wide variety of performances according to the determined performance content.

[0034] Specifically, as shown in Figures 3(a), 3(b), and 3(c), the display device 10 rotates around a rotation axis approximately vertically aligned on the upper surface of the housing 21 of the gaming machine 20, with the control unit 16 controlling the motor (third rotation drive unit) 15 (see Figure 5), thereby switching its orientation. This allows the display device 10 to be shown to the player playing the gaming machine 20, for example, depending on the current gameplay, by switching which side of the display device 10 is facing: the front (second side), the back (first side), or the side (outer periphery).

[0035] Furthermore, in the performance device 10, the motor 13e (see Figure 6(b)) included in the reel unit 13, which will be described later, rotates the reel 13a around its roughly cylindrical central axis. This also allows for performance effects caused by the rotation of the reel unit 13. Furthermore, in the display device 10, the roulette plate 14c is rotated by a motor 14i (see Figure 6(a)) included in the roulette unit 14, which will be described later. As a result, the jackpot lottery in the roulette unit 14 can be performed by rotating and stopping the roulette plate 14c. As shown in Figures 4(a), 4(b), and 4(c), the performance device 10 includes an infinite mirror unit 11, a base unit 12, a reel unit 13, a roulette unit 14, and a motor 15 (see Figure 5).

[0036] (2-1) Infinite Mirror Unit 11 The infinity mirror unit 11 is a unit that functions as an infinity mirror, and as shown in Figure 7, it is positioned on the front (second face) side of the components that make up the performance device 10.

[0037] As shown in Figure 8, the infinite mirror unit 11 has, in order from the front side, a diffuser 11a, a design sheet 11b, a cover 11c, an LED tape (illumination part) 11d, a reflector 11e, and a frame 11f. As shown in Figure 8, the diffuser 11a is a light-transmitting, substantially annular member positioned on the outer edge of the front side of the infinite mirror unit 11. The diffuser 11a is illuminated by light emitted from the LED 11da included in the LED tape 11d, thereby producing a lighting effect.

[0038] As shown in Figure 8, the design sheet 11b is a roughly circular sheet that forms the front surface of the infinite mirror unit 11, and displays characters or other patterns on the front surface of the infinite mirror unit 11 when the LED 11da included in the LED tape 11d is not lit. The design sheet 11b also has a half-mirror function that does not transmit light from the front side but transmits light from the back side where the LED tape 11d and reflector 11e are located.

[0039] The cover 11c is a substantially annular member and is positioned to cover the inner circumferential surface of the substantially annular LED tape 11d. The cover 11c has a plurality of openings 11ca at positions facing the plurality of LEDs 11da included in the substantially annular LED tape 11d. As shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), the multiple openings 11ca allow light irradiated from the LED 11da to pass through to the inner circumferential surface.

[0040] The LED tape (illumination section) 11d is located inside the reel 13a in the space between the design sheet 11b and the reflector 11e, and illuminates light in a desired direction. The LED tape 11d is an illumination section that performs the function of an infinite mirror for the infinite mirror unit 11, and has a plurality of LEDs 11da arranged at predetermined intervals on the surface of the tape-shaped member. As shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), the LEDs (third light source) 11da are arranged in groups of three in the width direction of the LED tape 11d, and multiple LEDs are arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the LED tape 11d. As a result, the LEDs 11da are used as light sources responsible for the infinite mirror effect created by the infinite mirror unit 11.

[0041] As shown in Figure 8, the reflector 11e is positioned between the design sheet 11b and the LED tape 11d, etc., and reflects light from the front. In other words, the reflector 11e reflects the light emitted from the LEDs 11da included in the LED tape 11d toward the front. As shown in Figure 8, the frame 11f is a bottomed, substantially cylindrical member, and as shown in Figure 9(b), it is positioned on the outer edge portion on the back side of the infinite mirror unit 11, and holds the reflector 11e and the like from the back side at its bottomed, substantially cylindrical bottom portion.

[0042] In the performance device 10 of this embodiment, various performance effects can be obtained by the infinite mirror unit 11 positioned on the front side. Specifically, when the LED 11da of the LED strip 11d is not lit, the text, patterns, etc. provided on the design sheet 11b are displayed, as shown in Figure 10(a). On the other hand, when the LED 11da of the LED tape 11d is lit, the design sheet 11b, which has a half-mirror function, and the reflector 11e transmit and reflect the light emitted from the LED 11da. As a result, as shown in Figure 10(b), when viewed from the front of the infinite mirror unit 11, it is possible to create a lighting effect that gives the impression of depth.

[0043] (2-2) Base unit 12 The base unit 12 is a component to which the infinite mirror unit 11, the reel unit 13, and the roulette unit 14 are attached. As shown in Figure 7, the base unit 12 is a component of the performance device 10, and together with the reel unit 13, it is positioned between the infinite mirror unit 11 and the roulette unit 14. The base unit 12 has a substantially cylindrical body portion, and the reel unit 13 is positioned on its inner circumferential surface in a rotatable manner. The infinite mirror unit 11 is positioned on the front side of the base unit 12, and the roulette unit 14 is positioned on the back side.

[0044] The base unit 12 is positioned on the upper side of the base portion 12a shown in Figure 7 and rotates relative to the base portion 12a by the motor 15 described above. The base unit 12 is a light-transmitting cylindrical member and encloses the reel unit 13 on its inner circumferential surface in a rotatable manner. As shown in Figure 7, the base portion 12a is a substantially annular member and is attached to the upper surface of the housing portion 21 of the gaming machine 20. The base unit 12 is positioned on the upper side of the base portion 12a in a manner that allows it to rotate.

[0045] (2-3) Reel unit 13 As shown in Figure 7, the reel unit 13 is one of the components that make up the performance device 10, and together with the base unit 12, it is positioned between the infinite mirror unit 11 and the roulette unit 14. The reel unit 13 is positioned on the roughly cylindrical inner surface side of the base unit 12 and is rotated by the motor 13e to perform a jackpot lottery on the performance device 10 side according to the lottery result in the performance lottery unit 16b.

[0046] As shown in Figure 11, the reel unit 13 includes a reel (rotating body, first drawing section, housing) 13a, an LED board (fourth light source section, illumination section) 13b, a pivot 13c, a bracket 13d, a motor (second rotation drive section) 13e, and a rotating shaft 13f. As shown in Figure 11, the reel (rotating body, first lottery unit, housing) 13a is a roughly cylindrical rotating body with a symbol for drawing jackpots on its outer surface, and is rotationally driven by a motor 13e provided in the space on the inner surface side.

[0047] The designs on the outer surface of reel 13a include "MAJOR," "GRAND," "SUPER GRAND," and "MINOR." As shown in Figure 11, the LED board (fourth light source, illumination unit) 13b is fixedly positioned on the inner circumferential surface side of the substantially cylindrical reel 13a, and emits light from the inner circumferential surface side of the reel 13a. The range of light emitted from the LED board 13b is approximately the size of one of the symbols used for the jackpot lottery attached to the outer circumferential surface of the reel 13a. As a result, when the rotation of the reel 13a stops, the symbol on the reel 13a that was illuminated by the LED board 13b is used as the lottery result, allowing the reel unit 13 to perform the jackpot lottery.

[0048] As shown in Figure 11, the pivot support 13c is fixed to the side of the reel 13a using a plurality of screws 13ca, and supports the rotation center of the reel 13a. Bracket 13d is fitted with a motor 13e that rotates the reel 13a and is fixed to the end face of the rotating shaft 13f using multiple screws 13da. The motor (second rotational drive unit) 13e is a rotational drive source that rotates the reel 13a, and rotates the reel 13a via a plurality of gears such as a reduction gear (not shown). The motor 13e's rotation start / stop, rotational speed, rotational direction, etc., are controlled by the control unit 16. As shown in Figure 11, the rotating shaft 13f is a substantially cylindrical member that serves as the rotation center of the reel 13a and is located on the inner circumferential surface side of the reel 13a. The rotating shaft 13f is fixed to the base plate 14a on the roulette unit 14 side by a plurality of screws 13fa.

[0049] (2-4) Roulette Unit 14 As shown in Figure 7, the roulette unit 14 is positioned on the furthest back (first side) of the components that make up the performance device 10. The roulette unit 14 performs the jackpot lottery and various effects using light and rotation on the back side of the performance device 10.

[0050] As shown in Figure 12, the roulette unit 14 includes a base plate 14a, LED tapes 14ba, 14bb, a roulette plate (disc-shaped member, second lottery section) 14c, a spacer 14d, a light guide plate 14e, a spacer 14f, a transparent cover 14g, and a diffuser 14h. As shown in Figure 12, the base plate 14a is a substantially cylindrical member that constitutes the back side of the roulette unit 14, and holds the LED tapes 14ba, 14bb, the roulette plate (disc-shaped member, second drawing section) 14c, the spacer 14d, the light guide plate 14e, the spacer 14f, and the transparent cover 14g between the base plate 14a and the diffuser 14h which is located on the front side of the roulette unit 14.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, the base plate 14a has a recess 14aa, screw holes 14ab and 14ac. As shown in Figure 13, the recess 14aa is a recess on the front side of the base plate 14a into which the LED substrate 14j, which will be described later, is attached, and is formed to be approximately the same size as the LED substrate 14j.

[0052] The screw holes 14ab are through-holes that penetrate the base plate 14a, and as shown in Figure 13, multiple screws 14ia are screwed into them to fix the motor 14i (described later) to the back side of the base plate 14a. As shown in Figure 13, the screw holes 14ac are into which multiple screws 14ka are screwed, which secure the pivot support 14k that supports the roulette plate 14c in a rotatable state on the front side of the base plate 14a.

[0053] As shown in Figure 12, the LED strips 14ba and 14bb are the lighting components that create the effects in the roulette unit 14, and have multiple LEDs arranged at predetermined intervals on the surface of the tape-shaped members. The LED strips 14ba and 14bb are attached to the inner circumferential surface of a substantially cylindrical base plate 14a and fixed in an annular shape, with multiple LEDs that emit light toward the inner diameter side arranged at predetermined intervals.

[0054] As shown in Figures 14(a) and 14(b), the LED tape 14ba (fifth light source, illumination section) is arranged in a roughly ring shape around the outer circumference of the roulette board 14c, and illuminates the surface of the roulette pattern on the roulette board 14c with, for example, white light. This makes the roulette board 14c easily visible when viewed from the front of the roulette unit 14.

[0055] As shown in Figures 14(a) and 14(b), the LED tape 14bb (first light source unit, illuminated unit) is positioned on the front side adjacent to the LED tape 14ba and illuminates the end face of the light guide plate 14e, which will be described later. This allows the display to be switched so that when the LEDs of the LED tape 14bb are lit, the light guide plate 14e displays an image, and when they are off, the light passes through the light guide plate 14e to display the roulette plate 14c located on its back side.

[0056] The roulette board 14c (disc-shaped member, second lottery section), as shown in Figures 12 and 13, is a rotating disc-shaped member with a roulette pattern on its front surface, and performs the jackpot lottery in the roulette unit 14. The roulette pattern includes, for example, numbers such as "200", "300", ... "3000" and letters such as "CHANCE" placed in fan-shaped areas.

[0057] As shown in Figure 12, the spacer 14d is a substantially annular member provided to form a predetermined gap between the roulette plate 14c and the light guide plate 14e, and is positioned between the roulette plate 14c and the light guide plate 14e. As shown in Figure 12, the light guide plate 14e is a roughly circular disc-shaped member that constitutes one of the illuminated parts that perform the light effects in the roulette unit 14. It has an end face (incident surface) into which light irradiated from the LED tape 14bb enters, and a front surface (exit surface) from which the light incident from the end face exits. The light guide plate 14e is positioned on the front side of the roulette board 14c where the roulette pattern is formed. When light from the LED tape 14bb enters the end face of the light guide plate 14e, as shown in Figure 12, the light guide plate 14e displays a predetermined message "BIGDORUM WHEEL" when viewed from the front side due to reflection by a plurality of prisms (not shown) provided inside the light guide plate 14e.

[0058] In this configuration, the light guide plate 14e is positioned in front of the roulette board 14c when the roulette unit 14 is viewed from the front. Therefore, when light is incident on the end face of the light guide plate 14e from the LED tape 14bb, the roulette pattern on the roulette board 14c is obscured by the light guide plate 14e, and the pattern on the light guide plate 14e is displayed. On the other hand, when light is not incident on the end face of the light guide plate 14e from the LED tape 14bb, the light guide plate 14e is light-transmitting, and the roulette pattern on the roulette board 14c, which is positioned on the back side, is displayed.

[0059] At this time, the surface of the roulette pattern is brightly illuminated by the white light emitted from the LED tape 14ba, so the roulette pattern can be clearly seen when viewed from the front. Furthermore, a light guide plate that functions as a shutter to switch the display / hide status of such patterns located on the back side may be provided, for example, one on each front of the pattern attached to the outer circumference of the reel 13a described above.

[0060] In this case, the lottery results can be displayed by making the light guide plate at the position indicating the lottery results nearly transparent without allowing light to enter its incident surface. At the same time, for light guide plates at other positions indicating the lottery results, light can be allowed to enter its incident surface and emit light from its exit surface, making the patterns on the reels on the back side invisible. As shown in Figure 12, the spacer 14f is a substantially annular member provided to form a predetermined gap between the front surface of the light guide plate 14e and the diffuser 14h, and is positioned between the light guide plate 14e and the diffuser 14h (see Figure 14(b)).

[0061] As shown in Figure 12, the transparent cover 14g is a transparent, circular, plate-like member that covers the front side of the roulette unit 14, and its outer edge is fixed by the diffuser 14h. As shown in Figure 12, the diffuser 14h is a light-transmitting, substantially annular member positioned on the frontmost side of the roulette unit 14, and when illuminated by light emitted from the LED, it produces a light-based visual effect.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, the roulette unit 14 includes a motor (first rotation drive unit) 14i, an LED board (lighting unit) 14j, a pivot support 14k, a cover 14l, and a lid 14m. The motor (first rotation drive unit) 14i is a rotation drive source for rotating the roulette plate 14c, and as shown in Figure 13, it is fixed to the back side of the base plate 14a using a plurality of screws 14ia. The motor 14i is controlled by the control unit 16, which controls the start and stop of rotation, rotation speed, rotation direction, etc.

[0063] As shown in Figure 13, the LED board (illumination section) 14j is attached to a recess 14aa formed on the front side of the base plate 14a. The LED board 14j has a plurality of LEDs (second light source section) 14ja that illuminate some of the roulette patterns on the roulette board 14c, which is positioned on the front side of the base plate 14a, when the roulette pattern stops at the 12 o'clock position, from the back side of the roulette board 14c.

[0064] As shown in Figures 14(a) and 14(b), LED 14ja is positioned on the back side of the roulette board 14c and emits light so as to illuminate the roulette symbol that has stopped at the 12 o'clock position on the roulette board 14c. This allows the roulette wheel 14c to be rotated and stopped, with the roulette symbol that stops at the 12 o'clock position being used as the lottery result.

[0065] As shown in Figure 13, the pivot support 14k is a member that supports the central part of the roulette plate 14c from the front side in a rotatable state, and is fixed to the base plate 14a side by screwing a plurality of screws 14ka into screw holes 14ac. The cover 14l is mounted so as to cover the pivot 14k, as shown in Figure 13, and is secured to the pivot 14k by a single screw 14la. As shown in Figure 13, the lid 14m is positioned on the frontmost side of the components that make up the central axis of the roulette plate 14c, and is attached so as to cover the screw portion 14la of the cover 14l.

[0066] (2-5) Motor 15 As described above, the motor 15 is a rotational drive source that rotates the performance device 10 on the upper surface of the housing 21 of the gaming machine 20, and is located on the lower side of the base portion 12a of the base unit 12, as shown in Figure 5. The motor 15 rotates the entire performance device 10 on the upper surface of the housing 21 of the gaming machine 20. Furthermore, the motor 15 is controlled by the control unit 16, which controls the start and stop of rotation, rotation speed, rotation direction, and so on.

[0067] This allows the motor 15 to orient the infinite mirror unit 11 to face the player while they are playing the game machine 20, or to orient the roulette unit 14 on the opposite side, or to orient the reels 13a side of the reel unit 13 on its side, thus switching the orientation of the display device 10. Furthermore, by having the motor 15 continuously rotate the entire display device 10, various display effects such as the infinite mirror effect by the infinite mirror unit 11, the rotation of the reel unit 13 and the roulette unit 14, and the light effects can be further enhanced to be more effective.

[0068] <Lighting effect control by the control unit 16> In the performance device 10 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the control unit 16 controls each light source (LED 11da, 14ja, etc.) included in the infinite mirror unit 11, base unit 12, reel unit 13, and roulette unit 14 to perform light effects.

[0069] Specifically, the control unit 16 controls the LED tape 14bb to switch the display of multiple symbols on the approximately circular surface of the reel 13a by turning on / off the light on the incident surface of the light guide plate 14e, depending on the game state of the gaming machine 20 (such as the result of the jackpot lottery). For example, if the control unit 16 controls the LED tape 14bb so as not to irradiate the light guide plate 14e with light, the roulette pattern on the roulette board 14c, which is located on the back side of the light guide plate 14e, will be displayed as shown in Figure 15(a), as the light will pass through the light guide plate 14e.

[0070] At this time, the LED tape 14ba illuminates the surface of the roulette board 14c with white light, so that the roulette pattern on the roulette board 14c can be clearly seen when viewing the roulette unit 14 from the front. At this time, the control unit 16 controls the LED 14ja of the LED board 14j to display a portion of the roulette pattern on the roulette board 14c as the lottery result.

[0071] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 15(b), the drawing in the roulette unit 14 is performed by illuminating the symbol that stops at the 12 o'clock position on the roulette board 14c with LED 14ja on the LED board 14j located on the back side, and displaying it as the drawing result. On the other hand, for example, if the control unit 16 controls the LED tape 14bb to irradiate light onto the light guide plate 14e, a predetermined pattern will be displayed by the light reflected by multiple prisms arranged on the light guide plate 14e in a predetermined pattern and reflecting the light emitted from the incident surface of the LED tape 14bb in a predetermined direction, as shown in Figure 16(a).

[0072] As a result, a predetermined pattern is displayed by the light reflected by multiple prisms arranged on the light guide plate 14e in a predetermined pattern, which reflect the light emitted from the LED tape 14bb to the incident surface in a predetermined direction. In this state, the control unit 16 controls the LED 14ja of the LED substrate 14j to display a part of the roulette pattern on the roulette board 14c, so that light is irradiated with a greater amount of light than the light incident from the LED tape 14bb to the light guide plate 14e.

[0073] As a result, as shown in Figure 16(b), a portion of the roulette pattern on the roulette board 14c is displayed by making a portion of the predetermined pattern transparent. Therefore, the player of the gaming machine 20 can see only the jackpot portion of the roulette pattern on the roulette board 14c, thereby increasing the sense of excitement during the jackpot drawing. In this case, the LED tape 14bb may be controlled to switch the light on / off of the end face of the light guide plate 14e so as to show or hide the roulette pattern on the roulette plate 14c while the roulette plate 14c is rotating.

[0074] This further enhances the sense of excitement for players while they await the results of the roulette unit 14. Furthermore, the control unit 16 controls the LED tape 14bb on the side facing the roulette unit 14 so that it does not irradiate the light guide plate 14e with light, thereby allowing light to pass through the light guide plate 14e and displaying the roulette pattern on the roulette board 14c located on the back side of the light guide plate 14e. Then, in this state, the control unit 16 controls the LED tape 14ba so that white light is irradiated onto the surface of the roulette pattern.

[0075] As a result, the roulette board 14c displayed on the side of the roulette unit 14 is brightly illuminated, making it easier for players to see the roulette board while playing the gaming machine 20. Furthermore, the control unit 16 controls the on / off state of the LEDs 11da of the LED tape 11d in order to create the effect of an infinite mirror in the infinite mirror unit 11. This allows for switching between displaying the pattern formed on the design sheet 11b shown in Figure 10(a) and displaying it as an infinite mirror with light that gives the impression of depth, as shown in Figure 10(b), thereby achieving a visual effect.

[0076] <Main Feature 1> The performance device 10 of this embodiment is installed in the gaming machine 20 and comprises a reel 13a, a motor 13e, a roulette plate 14c, a motor 14i, and LED tapes 14ba and 14bb. The reel 13a has a substantially cylindrical shape and rotates around a rotation axis, and has a substantially circular front, a back facing the front, and an outer circumferential surface connecting the front and back. The motor 13e rotates the reel 13a around the substantially cylindrical central axis. The roulette plate 14c is located inside the reel 13a when viewed from the back, and has a roulette pattern formed on it. The motor 14i rotates the roulette plate 14c around its center of rotation. The LED tapes 14ba and 14bb are installed on the reel 13a and perform light-based performances.

[0077] This allows for a wide variety of effects to be implemented in accordance with the game state of the gaming machine 20, without the need for an LCD display panel or the like, by combining the rotation of the reel 13a, the rotation of the roulette plate 14c located inside the reel 13a, and the lighting effects provided by the LED tapes 14ba and 14bb located on the reel 13a. As a result, a three-dimensional and distinctive visual effect can be achieved.

[0078] <Main Feature 2> The performance device 10 of this embodiment is installed in a game machine 20 and comprises a reel 13a, a roulette plate 14c, a motor 14i, an LED tape 14bb, a light guide plate 14e, and a control unit 16. The roulette plate 14c is provided on the reel 13a and has a first pattern formed on its front surface. The motor 14i rotates the roulette plate 14c with its center as the rotation center. The LED tape 14bb is provided on the front side of the roulette plate 14c on the reel 13a and emits light in a predetermined direction. The light guide plate 14e is provided on the front side of the roulette plate 14c on the reel 13a and has an incident surface into which light emitted from the LED tape 14bb enters, and an exit surface from which light emitted from the incident surface exits. The control unit 16 controls the LED tape 14bb to switch between the display by the light guide plate 14e and the display of the roulette symbols on the roulette board 14c by turning the light on / off on the incident surface of the light guide plate 14e, according to the game state of the gaming machine 20.

[0079] Here, for example, in a performance device 10 installed in a gaming machine 20 in a gaming facility such as a casino, a light guide plate 14e is placed on the front side of the roulette board 14c on which roulette symbols are drawn, and when light from an LED tape 14bb enters it, it displays a desired image. The illumination / de-illumination of the light guide plate 14e is switched according to various conditions such as the game state of the gaming machine 20.

[0080] This allows light from the LED tape 14bb to be incident on the incident surface of the light guide plate 14e, thereby displaying a desired image on the light guide plate 14e. Additionally, by keeping the LED tape 14bb off, the light can be transmitted through the light guide plate 14e to display the roulette pattern on the roulette board 14c located on the back side of the light guide plate 14e. Therefore, by switching the LED tape 14bb on and off, it is possible to switch between the display on the light guide plate 14e and the display of the roulette pattern on the roulette board 14c. As a result, a three-dimensional and distinctive visual effect can be achieved.

[0081] [Other embodiments] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. (A) In the above embodiment, when a jackpot signal is received from the gaming machine 20, the performance lottery unit 16b of the control unit 16 determines what kind of performance to perform in the performance device 10, and based on that determination, controls each light source unit and each motor to produce a wide variety of performance effects. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the performance device may be installed as one of the components of the gaming machine and controlled by the control unit on the gaming machine side.

[0082] (B) In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the control unit 16 of the display device 10 controls the lighting / non-lighting of the LED tapes 11d, 14ba, 14bb and the LED substrates 13b, 14j. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a configuration in which a separate control unit is provided for each light source unit is also possible.

[0083] (C) In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the control unit 16 of the performance device 10 controls the rotation of three motors 13e, 14i, and 15. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which a separate control unit is provided for each motor is also possible.

[0084] (D) In the above embodiment, an example was given in which a symbol for drawing a jackpot is displayed on the outer surface of a substantially cylindrical reel (rotating body) 13a. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the outer surface of the rotating body may display patterns other than those used for the jackpot lottery, to enhance the player's immersion in the game.

[0085] (E) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a roulette plate 14c, which is driven to rotate and performs a jackpot lottery, is provided on one side of the reel (rotating body) 13a. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the surface of the roulette wheel may display patterns other than those for determining the jackpot, to enhance the player's immersion in the game.

[0086] (F) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the infinite mirror unit 11 is arranged on the other side of the reel (rotating body) 13a. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the lighting unit positioned on the side of the rotating body may be a lighting unit having a lighting function other than an infinite mirror unit.

[0087] (G) In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the design sheet 11b of the infinite mirror unit 11 displays the predetermined characters "OMRON". However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the content displayed on the design sheet may be other textual information, or other display content such as patterns or images.

[0088] (H) In the above embodiment, a slot machine was used as the gaming machine equipped with the performance device 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the performance device may be installed on a gaming machine other than a slot machine. [Industrial applicability]

[0089] The present invention's performance device has the effect of producing three-dimensional and distinctive performance effects, and therefore can be widely applied as a performance device mounted on various types of equipment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 10 Performance device 11 Infinite Mirror Unit 11a Diffuser 11b Design Sheet 11c cover 11ca opening hole 11d LED strip (decorative lighting) 11da LED (3rd light source) 11e Reflector 11f frame 12 Base Unit 12a Base 13 Reel Unit 13a Reel (rotating body, first lottery unit, housing) 13b LED substrate (4th light source section, illuminated section) 13c axis branch 13ca screw 13d bracket 13da screws 13e Motor (Second Rotary Drive Unit) 13f Rotation axis 13fa screw 14 Roulette Units 14a Base plate 14aa recess 14ab screw hole 14ac screw holes 14ba LED strip (5th light source, decorative lighting section) 14bb LED strip (first light source, decorative lighting section) 14c Roulette board (disc-shaped member, second lottery section) 14d Spacer 14e light guide plate 14f Spacer 14g transparent cover 14h Diffuser 14i Motor (First Rotation Drive Unit) 14ia screw 14j LED circuit board (illumination section) 14ja LED (second light source) 14k axis branch 14k screws 14L Cover 14LA screw 14m lid 15. Motor (Third Rotation Drive Unit) 16. Control Units (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Display Control Units) 16a Storage section 16b Production Lottery Section 20 Gaming Machines 21. Enclosure 21a Display Monitor (Display Unit) 22 Operation Decks 22a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display Panel) 22b Operation Buttons

Claims

1. A performance device installed in a gaming machine, The housing and, A disc-shaped member provided in the housing portion, having a first design formed on its front surface, A first rotational drive unit that rotates the disc-shaped member with its center as the rotation center, A first light source unit is provided on the front side of the disc-shaped member in the housing portion and irradiates light in a predetermined direction, A light guide plate is provided on the front side of the disc-shaped member in the housing portion, and has an incident surface into which light irradiated from the first light source unit enters, and an exit surface into which light incident from the incident surface exits, A first display control unit controls the first light source unit to switch between the display by the light guide plate and the display of the first pattern on the disc-shaped member by turning on / off the light on / off the incident surface of the light guide plate according to the game state of the gaming machine, Equipped with, A rotating body having a substantially cylindrical shape and rotating about a rotation axis, having a substantially circular first side surface, a second side surface positioned opposite the first side surface, and an outer circumferential surface connecting the first side surface and the second side surface, The rotating body is rotated by a second rotation drive unit that rotates the substantially cylindrical central axis, Furthermore, The housing portion is the rotating body, The disc-shaped member is provided on the first side surface of the rotating body. A base portion that supports the rotating body in a state where it can be rotated by the second rotation drive unit, A third rotational drive unit rotates the rotating body supported on the base portion around a rotation axis arranged in a substantially vertical direction, It also has, Performance device.

2. The first display control unit is: When the first light source is controlled to irradiate the light guide plate with light, the second pattern is displayed by the light reflected by a plurality of prisms arranged in a predetermined pattern on the light guide plate and reflecting the light emitted from the first light source to the incident surface in a predetermined direction. When the first light source is controlled so as not to irradiate the light guide plate, the first pattern on the disc-shaped member located on the back side of the light guide plate is displayed by passing light through the light guide plate. The performance device according to claim 1.

3. The present invention further includes a second light source unit, which is positioned on the back side of the disc-shaped member and irradiates light toward a part of the disc-shaped member. The system further includes a second display control unit that controls the second light source unit to display a pattern on a part of the disc-shaped member. The performance device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first display control unit controls the first light source unit to irradiate the light guide plate with light, and the second pattern is displayed by the light reflected by a plurality of prisms arranged on the light guide plate in a predetermined pattern and reflecting the light emitted from the first light source unit to the incident surface in a predetermined direction. When the second display control unit controls the second light source unit to display a pattern on a part of the disc-shaped member, a part of the first pattern on the disc-shaped member is displayed by transmitting a part of the second pattern through it. The performance device according to claim 3.

5. A fifth light source unit that irradiates light onto the surface of the first pattern on the disc-shaped member, The first display control unit controls the first light source unit so as not to irradiate the light guide plate, and the fifth display control unit controls the fifth light source unit so as to irradiate the surface of the first pattern on the disc-shaped member located on the back side of the light guide plate, with the first pattern being displayed after passing through the light guide plate. It also has, The performance device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The rotating body further includes a design sheet provided on the second side surface, on which a predetermined pattern is formed, which blocks light from the second side surface and transmits light from the first side surface. The performance device according to claim 1.

7. Viewed from the second side, the system further includes a reflector positioned on the back side of the design sheet, which reflects light from the design sheet side. The performance device according to claim 6.

8. The rotating body further includes a third light source located in the space between the design sheet and the reflector, which irradiates light in a desired direction. The performance device according to claim 7.

9. The reflector reflects the light emitted from the third light source towards the second side, The light reflected by the reflector passes through the design sheet provided on the second side. The performance device according to claim 8.

10. The system further includes a fourth light source that irradiates light from the inner circumferential surface side of the rotating body, A fourth display control unit controls the fourth light source unit so that a predetermined pattern is displayed on the outer surface of the rotating body. Furthermore, it is equipped with The performance device according to claim 1.

11. The rotating body includes a first lottery section on its substantially cylindrical outer surface for conducting a jackpot lottery. The performance device according to claim 1.

12. The first design of the disc-shaped member includes a second lottery unit for conducting a jackpot lottery, The performance device according to claim 1 or 2.

13. The system further includes a performance lottery unit that, upon receiving a jackpot signal from the aforementioned gaming machine, performs a lottery to determine the content of the performance. The performance device according to claim 1 or 2.

14. The performance device according to claim 1 or 2, The housing section on which the aforementioned performance device is installed, A display unit indicating the game state is provided on the front of the aforementioned housing, An operation deck is provided on the front of the housing section, below the display section, where the player inputs operations; A gaming machine equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

Images