CN100364630C - game console - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a slot machine (10), which is provided with a display device (30) for displaying images and a display control device for causing the display device (30) to display images related to games. The slot machine (10) is further provided with an auxiliary control substrate (74) that is packaged with a display control device, and a proportional substrate (76) that is packaged with a control device to receive an image signal provided by the display control device, so that the image signal It is converted into an enlarged image signal having a display size larger than the displayed size of the image signal, thereby supplying the enlarged image signal to a display device (30).

Description

game console

technical field

The present invention relates to a game machine and a display device for the game machine.

Background technique

In the prior art, the game machine has been liked by the public. The game machine displays a moving or stationary rotating reel with a plurality of symbols drawn on its outer periphery so as to pay pinballs, game medals or game media according to the combination of the symbols displayed at rest. Readers stay interested and never get bored.

Among these gaming machines, slot machines display reels in a stationary state on a stopped basis. Such slot machines are considered to involve higher player skill than pinball machines.

In particular, it can be the "observation press" in which the player must perform a stop operation within a predetermined time, thereby stopping the reels to display predetermined symbols on their faces in a stationary state, which is what makes slot machines so popular . (See Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. JP-B-H3-72313)

In recent years, game machines such as pachinko machines or pachi-slot machines have spread widely, and each game machine manufacturer develops and sells various types of game machines.

This game machine has a display unit in the cabinet, and various images are displayed in the display unit, such as images showing game content or effect images that produce effects. Such a display unit is indispensable in such a game machine.

In this display unit, various liquid crystal displays, CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), STN (Super-Twisted Transistor) and TFT (Thin Film Transistor) type displays can be used. This kind of display unit can be installed in the cabinet of the game machine, so that the display surface substrate presents a convex shape from the outside. In order to reduce the size of game consoles, thin liquid crystal displays have become mainstream. (See Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, Publication No. JP-A-2002-272903)

Contents of the invention

However, it is not easy for the player to visually recognize symbols displayed in a moving state and stop the reels to display desired symbols in a stationary state in such gaming machines. Therefore, especially beginners may not be able to perform such a stopping operation. Even if an enjoyable game is provided, some people will not enjoy it because they lack the skill to stop the reels from displaying the desired symbols.

Here, the gaming machine provides symbol lighting lights that illuminate the reels from the front so that the reels can be easily identified. However, gobo lights alone are not enough.

On the other hand, some gaming machines are provided with reel backlights that illuminate the reels from behind. These backlights can be turned on for various effects. However, these backlights are only on when the effect is produced, and are not lit when the effect is not produced, so having a backlight is not enough.

There has also been proposed a gaming machine in which such a reel backlight is blinked to urge a stop operation in response to the lighting operation. However, such a game machine cannot satisfy the joy of "observation press" of stopping and displaying in response to a cue from the game machine, and provide sufficient technical intervention to obtain a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction obtained through the player's own stop and display operation .

According to the present invention, it is an object to provide a game machine that allows more players to enjoy the pleasure of "seeing and pressing" by making the pattern more visible.

However, in this game machine, uncomfortable images may be displayed due to malfunction of the liquid crystal display, thereby hindering the player's interest.

Such uncomfortable images are caused by noise and static electricity, for example. It is necessary to eliminate such uncomfortable images as much as possible.

On the other hand, in some gaming machines, such a liquid crystal display is installed in front of the reels. When the circuit that provides the image signal for the liquid crystal display is abnormal, the liquid crystal display cannot display the moving drum pattern to be visually recognized. This failure of visual recognition can be unpleasant.

The liquid crystal display is powered with power from the circuit or using its source of image signals through the same connecting cable as that which supplies the image signals. In the absence of a power supply circuit or an image signal source, the foregoing abnormality is caused by disconnection of a connecting cable or the like.

According to the present invention, it is an object to provide a game machine capable of continuing the player's interest even when no power is supplied to the board having the display control means.

According to the present invention, it is an object to provide a gaming machine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, it is an object to provide a gaming machine capable of continuing the player's interest even when no power is supplied to the display control means.

On the other hand, in some game machines, such a liquid crystal display is provided in front of the reels. When the image signal supplied to the liquid crystal display is abnormal or a circuit supplying the image signal to the liquid crystal display is abnormal, the liquid crystal display cannot display the moving reel pattern to be visually recognized. This failure of visual identity is unpleasant.

On the other hand, in some gaming machines, such a liquid crystal display is provided in front of the reels. When the circuit for supplying the image signal to the liquid crystal display is abnormal, the liquid crystal display cannot display the moving drum pattern to be visually recognized. This visual recognition glitch is unpleasant.

In order to accomplish the foregoing object, in the game machine of the present invention, the reel illuminating device has a function of illuminating the reels when the power is turned on.

More specifically, the present invention provides the following functions:

(1) A gaming machine may include a rotating reel having a plurality of symbols drawn on its periphery, and a reel lighting device that illuminates the reel, the reel lighting device having a function of lighting the reel when the power is turned on.

According to (1), "the drum illuminating device has a function of illuminating the drum when the power is turned on". Since the function of illuminating the reels can be realized by turning on the power, it is possible to provide a game in which the reels can be easily seen and continue the player's interest for a long time. Since visibility becomes easier, the game machine can keep the player interested for a long time with little or no fatigue.

Especially when the patterns are displayed in motion, since the drum is rotating, it is more difficult to visually recognize them than when they are displayed statically. According to this gaming machine, it is possible to provide a game in which the visual recognition of the reels is easier than in the prior art and the interest of the player can be continued. Now that visibility becomes easier, it is possible to provide a game that keeps the player interested for a long time with little fatigue. Since the game content is often determined in accordance with the reel stop mode, such a game machine can provide a game that enables the player to continue his interest for a long time.

Here, the aforementioned "case where the power is turned on" is a concept including the cases where the power is only turned on and the power is turned on again. For example, in the cases included, the power may be turned on upon operation of a power button, and the power may be turned on again upon operation of a reset button.

(2) The gaming machine of the present invention includes a rotating reel with a plurality of symbols drawn on its periphery, and a reel lighting device that illuminates the reel, and the reel lighting device has a function of lighting the reel at all times when the power is turned on.

According to (2), "the drum lighting device has a function of lighting the drum at all times when the power is turned on". In the case where the game machine is turned on and ready to play, it is possible to provide a game in which the reels are easy to see and the player's interest can be continued for a long time. Since visualization becomes easier, it is possible to provide a game that hardly tires the player and can maintain interest for a long time.

(3) A game machine comprising a rotating reel with a plurality of symbols drawn on its periphery, a reel illuminating device for illuminating the reel, and the reel illuminating device has the function of not illuminating the reel when an effect is produced, and illuminating the reel when no effect is produced. Function.

According to (3), "the drum illuminating device has the function of not illuminating the drum when the effect is produced, and illuminating the drum when the effect is not produced". Thus, an effect can be produced by turning off the drum, but illuminating the drum all the time that no effect is produced. In other words, the drum is normally visible, and the effect is produced by not illuminating the drum. As a result, it is possible to provide a game that produces the effect of having the reels glow, makes the reels easy to see, and continues the player's interest for a long time. Since this visualization is more easily produced, it is possible to provide a game in which the player hardly gets tired and can maintain interest for a long time.

(4) The game machine of the present invention may further include: a display device installed on the front surface of the reel to display images; a display control device for displaying images related to the game on the display device, and the display control device has a function for displaying images on the display device. A feature for relatively high-transparency images.

According to (4), "the game machine further includes: a display device installed on the front surface of the reel to display an image; a display control device for displaying an image related to the game on the display device; Functions for High Transparency Images". Therefore, invisibility is eliminated by displaying a higher transparency image. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game that makes the reels more visible and continues the player's interest for a long time. Since visualization is easier, it is possible to provide a game in which the player hardly gets tired and can maintain interest for a long time.

(5) Provide a kind of game machine and comprise the display unit of display image, and the display control device that shows relevant image with game on the display unit, further comprise: have the image display unit of display control device; And independent direction display device and a power supply device for supplying power to the image display unit.

According to (5), "an image display unit having a display control device; and a power supply device independently supplying power to the display device and the image display unit are provided". Even in the absence of power supply to the image display unit, the power supply means independently supplies power to the display device so that the display device itself is not disconnected from the power source. Therefore, by eliminating a factor that causes uncomfortable feeling during game play, a game machine that continues the player's interest for a long time can be provided.

The aforementioned concept of "supplying power independently" includes not only the individual use of independent power supply units, but also the case where a power supply unit is supplied to one board even when the power supply unit is shared and other boards have no power supply.

(6) According to (6), there is provided a game machine further comprising an image state holding substrate having image state holding means for receiving an image signal from a display control means to display an image on a display means , and control the display device to remain in a constant state when the image signal is abnormal.

According to (6), "the game machine includes an image state holding substrate having image state holding means that receives an image signal from a display control means to display an image on a display means, and In case of abnormality, the control and display device remains in a constant state". Even when there is no power supply to the image display unit, the power supply device independently supplies power to the display device so that the display device itself is not separated from the power supply. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game machine capable of continuing the player's interest for a long time by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game.

Furthermore, by providing such image state maintaining means, a predetermined image is displayed when the image is abnormal. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game machine capable of continuing the player's interest for a long time by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game.

(7) The gaming machine according to (5) or (6), further comprising a rotating reel having a plurality of symbols drawn on its outer periphery, wherein the display device is mounted on a front surface of the reel.

According to (7), "the gaming machine includes a rotating reel on the periphery of which a plurality of symbols are drawn, and a display device is installed on the front surface of the reel". A gaming machine in which the display device is located on the front surface of the reels where the player's attention is most noticeable provides a dynamic effect to the game, but may produce a more uncomfortable image effect on the player due to the more attention-grabbing position. Especially when the display device is placed in front of the reels, the player may experience serious discomfort. Therefore, by eliminating one factor of causing uncomfortable feeling during the game, it is possible to provide a game that can continue the player's interest for a long time.

(8) According to any one of (5) to (7), the game machine further includes a power switch for switching the power supplied from the power supply device to branch and supply the power to the image display unit and the display device. connecting device.

According to (8), "the game machine further includes power transfer means for switching power supplied from the power supply means to branch and supply the power to the image display unit and the display means". Therefore, the number of cables from the wiring of the power supply device can be reduced, and there is no need to bundle many cables during the manufacturing process. In addition, many cables do not need to be unwound for convenience during reuse and re-use steps.

For example, a related art game machine is configured by: a main body having a groove; a door covering the groove; and a device (including a base plate) placed inside. The aforementioned power supply device is usually placed in the groove of the main body. On the other hand, various power supply devices are placed in the groove of the main body or in the door. Therefore, instead of the device placed in the main body, the device placed in the door is placed farther away from the power supply device. In order to supply power to these devices, troublesome work of wiring many power cables is required. In addition, when the door is opened/closed, the cable for supplying power is caught by the door and disconnected.

Therefore, by providing the power conversion device, the number of power cables to the power conversion device can be reduced, making the work easier in the manufacturing process.

Especially by providing a power transfer unit with a power transfer device for the door, the wiring work can be more efficient. Furthermore, in recent multifunctional game machines, many devices are placed on the doors. Therefore, the number of power supply cables for supplying power to these devices can be reduced and efficiently wired.

(9) According to any one of (5) to (8), there is provided a game machine, wherein the image display unit is mounted on an upper portion of the game machine.

According to (9), "the image display unit is mounted on the upper part of the game machine". Therefore, the image display unit is installed not at the lower part accessible to the player but at the upper part of the game machine under consideration. Therefore, the image display unit is hardly affected by static electricity that may be generated due to contact with the player.

On the other hand, static electricity may occur frequently, especially in dry areas unlike areas like Japan. Even if static electricity occurs, the image state maintaining substrate is placed on the top of the game machine, so that the generated static electricity does not reach the image state maintaining substrate and flows as much as possible to the ground in contact with the cabinet. Therefore, the structure is effective against static electricity.

(10) There is provided a display device for a game machine, comprising a display device for displaying an image, and a display control device for displaying an image related to a game on the display device. The display device further includes: an image display unit having a display control device; and a power supply device independently supplying power to the display device and the image display unit.

According to (10), "the display device includes an image display unit having display control means; and a power supply device independently supplying power to the display device and the image display unit". Therefore, even if power is not supplied to the image display unit, the power supply means independently supplies power to the display device so that the display device itself is not powered off. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game machine that continues the player's interest for a long time by eliminating a factor that produces an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game.

Therefore, "the display device includes an image display unit having display control means; and a power supply device independently supplying power to the display device and the image display unit". Therefore, even if power is not supplied to the image display unit, the power supply means independently supplies power to the display device so that the display device itself is not powered off. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game machine that continues the player's interest for a long time by eliminating a factor that produces an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game.

To achieve the aforementioned object, the game machine of the present invention includes: an image display unit with an image control device; an image display unit for receiving an image signal from the display control device and controlling the display device in a predetermined state when the image signal is abnormal. The image state holding unit of the state holding device, and the power supply device for independently supplying power to the image state holding unit and the image display unit.

More specifically, the present invention provides the following.

(11) There is provided a game machine comprising display means for displaying images, and display control means for displaying images related to games on the display means. The game machine further comprises: an image display unit having a display control device; an image state holding device having an image state holding device for receiving an image signal from the display control device and controlling the display device to be in a predetermined state when the image signal is abnormal. unit, and a power supply device for independently supplying power to the image state holding unit and the image display unit.

According to (11), "the game machine further includes: an image display unit having a display control device; an image state holding device for receiving an image signal from the display control device and controlling the display device in a predetermined state when the image signal is abnormal. The image state holding unit of the device, and the power supply device for independently supplying power to the image state holding unit and the image display unit”. Therefore, even if power is not supplied to the image display unit, the power supply means independently supplies power to maintain the image state without displaying any disturbing images. Therefore, by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

The aforementioned concept of "independently supplying power" includes not only individual use of different power supply units, but also power supply for not one but other cases even when the power supply units are shared.

(12) There is provided a game machine according to (11), wherein the image state holding unit has not only the image state holding means but also image enlargement conversion means for converting received image signals into enlarged image signals.

According to (12), "the image state holding unit has not only image state holding means but also image enlarging conversion means for converting received image signals into amplified image signals". Therefore, even if no power is supplied to the image control unit, the power supply means independently supplies power to maintain the image state without displaying any disturbing images. Therefore, by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

In addition, the image signal is displayed after being enlarged and converted, allowing a larger image to be displayed in the display device than in the prior art. Such a display can provide a game with a dynamic effect, but produces a more uncomfortable image effect on the player as the image becomes larger. Especially when displaying such an enlarged and converted image, it may cause serious discomfort to the player. Therefore, by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

In addition, by providing a common image state holding unit having the game state holding means and the image enlargement switching means, not only no increase in size is possible, but also space saving and less influence of receiving noise.

(13) In the game machine according to (11) or (12), the image state holding unit is mounted on the upper part of the game machine.

According to (13), "the image state maintaining unit is mounted on the upper part of the game machine". That is, the image state maintaining unit is mounted on the upper part of the gaming machine, rather than the lower part of the gaming machine which may come into contact with the player. Therefore, the image display unit is hardly affected by static electricity that may be generated by contact with the player.

On the other hand, static electricity often occurs especially in dry areas different from areas like Japan. Even when static electricity occurs, the image state maintenance unit is placed on the top of the game machine, so that the generated static electricity cannot reach the image state maintenance unit and flow to the ground connected with the cabinet as much as possible. Therefore, this configuration is effective for antistatic.

(14) According to any one of (11) or (13), the gaming machine further includes a rotating reel having a plurality of symbols drawn on its outer periphery, and the display device is mounted on a front surface of the reel.

According to (14), "the gaming machine further includes a rotating reel having a plurality of symbols drawn on its outer periphery, and a display device is mounted on a front surface of the reel". A gaming machine in which the display device is located on the front surface of the reels that attracts the most attention to the player can produce a game with a dynamic effect, but produces a more uncomfortable image effect on the player due to the more attention-grabbing position. Especially when the display device is placed on the front surface of the reel, it may cause serious discomfort to the player. Therefore, by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game machine in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

On the other hand, rather than displaying uncomfortable images which may be caused by various problems, images of higher transparency are displayed on the display device. Therefore, when an abnormality is detected, the player is allowed to see the reels.

Therefore, it is possible to provide a game which can continue the player's interest without displaying an image which may be uncomfortable when playing the game unless an abnormality occurs in the image signal monitoring unit.

Also, since the reels are visible, the game is not interrupted even in the event of an abnormality in the monitoring unit. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game that can not only be continued, but also can hardly be suspected when the player performs an inappropriate action, so that the player's interest can be continued.

(15) According to any one of (11) to (14), the game machine further includes a power switching device, which switches the power supplied by the power supply device, and branches and supplies the power to the image state maintaining device and Image display unit.

According to (15), "the game machine further includes a power transfer device, which transfers the power supplied by the power supply device, and branches and supplies the power to the image state maintaining device and the image display unit". Therefore, the number of wiring cables from the power supply device can be reduced, and many cables do not need to be bundled during the manufacturing process. In addition, it provides the convenience that many cables do not need to be unbundled during reuse and recycling.

For example, a prior art game machine is constructed of: a main body with a groove; a door covering the groove; and a device (including a base plate) placed inside. The aforementioned power supply device is usually placed in the groove of the main body. On the other hand, various power supply devices are placed in the groove of the main body or in the door. Therefore, instead of the device placed in the main body, the device placed in the door is placed farther away from the power supply device. In order to supply power to these devices, troublesome work of wiring many power cables is required. In addition, when the door is opened/closed, the cable for supplying power is caught by the door and disconnected.

Therefore, by providing the power conversion device, the number of power cables to the power conversion device can be reduced, making the work easier in the manufacturing process.

Especially by having the door with a power switch unit with that kind of power switch unit, the wiring work can be made very efficient. Furthermore, in recent multifunctional game machines, many devices are placed on the doors. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of power supply cables for supplying power to these devices and efficiently wire the cables.

(16) There is provided a display device for a game machine, comprising a display device for displaying an image, and a display control device for displaying an image related to a game on the display device. The display device further comprises: an image display unit having a display control device; an image state holding device which receives an image signal from the display control device and controls the display device to maintain a predetermined state when the image signal is abnormal. unit; a power supply device independently supplying power to the image state holding unit and the image display unit.

According to (16), "the display device further includes: an image display unit having a display control device; an image state holding device for receiving an image signal from the display control device and controlling the display device to remain in a predetermined state when the image signal is abnormal. The image state holding unit of the device; the power supply device independently supplying power to the image state holding unit and the image display unit”. Therefore, even if power is not supplied to the display control unit, independently supplying power makes it possible to maintain the image state without displaying disturbing images. Therefore, by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

Therefore, "the display device further includes: an image display unit having a display control device; an image display unit having an image state holding device that receives an image signal from the display control device and controls the display device to maintain a predetermined state when the image signal is abnormal. State holding unit; a power supply device independently supplying power to the image state holding unit and the image display unit". Therefore, even if power is not supplied to the display control unit, independently supplying power makes it possible to maintain the image state without displaying disturbing images. Therefore, by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

In order to achieve the above object, the game machine of the present invention includes: an image display substrate having a display control device; an image signal control device that receives an image signal from the display control device to display an image on the display device and detects abnormality of the image signal , and a transparent image display device for displaying a higher transparency image on the display device when the image signal control device detects that the image signal is abnormal.

More specifically, the present invention provides the following items.

(17) A kind of game machine provided comprises: the periphery is painted with a plurality of corresponding rotating drums; the display device installed on the front surface of the drum for displaying images; the display control for displaying images related to the game on the display device device. The game machine further includes: an image display substrate having a display control device; an image signal control device that receives an image signal from the display control device to display an image on the display device and detects abnormality of the image signal; and A transparent image display device that displays a relatively transparent image on the display device when the device detects an abnormal image signal.

According to (17), "the game machine further includes: an image display substrate having a display control device; the image signal control substrate includes a device for receiving an image signal from the display control device to display an image on the display device and detecting an abnormality of the image signal. An image signal control device; and a transparent image display device that displays a relatively high-transparency image on a display device when the image signal control device detects that the image signal is abnormal." Therefore, what is displayed on the display device is not an uncomfortable image which may be caused by various troubles, but a higher transparency image. Therefore, when an abnormality is detected, the player can see the reels.

Therefore, it is possible to provide a game machine that can continue the player's interest while playing a game without displaying images that may be uncomfortable unless the image signal control substrate is abnormal.

Furthermore, since the reels can be seen, the game is hardly interrupted even when the monitoring unit is abnormal. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game that can not only be continued, but also be hardly suspected by the player even if an inappropriate operation is performed, so that the interest of the player can be continued.

(18) In the game machine according to (17), the image signal control substrate includes not only the image signal control means and the transparent image display means but also an image signal for converting the received image signal into an enlarged image signal. Amplification conversion device.

According to (18), "the image signal control substrate includes not only image signal control means and transparent image display means, but also image enlargement conversion means for converting received image signals into enlarged image signals". Therefore, uncomfortable images that may be formed due to various problems can be maintained in a predetermined state without being displayed in the display device. Therefore, by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

In addition, the image signal is displayed after being enlarged and converted, and a larger image than in the prior art is displayed in the display device. Such a display can provide a game with a dynamic effect, but produces a more uncomfortable image effect on the player as the image becomes larger. Especially when displaying such an enlarged and converted image, it may cause serious discomfort to the player. Therefore, by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

In addition, by providing a common image signal monitor substrate having image state maintaining means and image enlarging switching means, the number of substrates can be reduced, ie, no increase in size, and space can be saved. In addition, signals are transmitted by lines formed on the substrate, minimizing the influence of received noise.

(19) In the game machine according to (17) or (18), the display control means has a function of displaying a color image on the display unit so that the color image is invisible to the player.

According to (19), "the display control means has a function of displaying a color image on the display unit so that the color image is invisible to the player". Therefore, instead of uncomfortable images that may be caused by various problems, images of higher transparency are displayed on the display device. Thus, the reels are visible to the player in the event of an abnormality being detected.

Therefore, it is possible to provide a game that can continue the player's interest without displaying an image that may be uncomfortable during game play unless an abnormality occurs in the image signal control substrate.

Furthermore, since the reels are visible, the game hardly stops even when an abnormality occurs in the monitoring unit. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game that can not only be continued but also not interrupted even when the player performs an improper operation, so that the player's interest can be continued.

(20) According to any one of (17) to (19), the image signal control board is mounted on the upper part of the game machine.

According to (20), "the image signal control board is mounted on the upper part of the game machine". Therefore, the image signal control board is installed not at the lower part which can be contacted by the player, but at the upper part of the game machine. Therefore, the gaming machine is hardly affected by static electricity that may be generated due to contact with the player.

On the other hand, static electricity can frequently occur especially in other dry areas different from areas like Japan. Even if static electricity occurs, the image signal control board is arranged on the top of the game machine, so the generated static electricity does not reach the image signal control board, but flows to the ground connected to the cabinet as much as possible. Therefore, this configuration is effectively antistatic.

(21) A display device for a game machine is provided, comprising: a rotating drum with a plurality of symbols drawn on its periphery; a display device installed on the front surface of the drum for displaying images; displaying images related to the game on the display device display control device. The display device further includes: an image display substrate having an image control device; the image signal control substrate includes an image signal control device that receives an image signal from the display control device to display an image on the display device and detects an abnormality of the image signal , and a transparent image display device for displaying a relatively high-transparency image on the display device when the image signal control device detects an abnormality in the image signal.

According to (21), "the display device further includes: an image display substrate having an image control device; the image signal control substrate includes receiving an image signal from the display control device to display an image on the display device and detecting an abnormality of the image signal. An image signal control device, and a transparent image display device that displays a relatively high-transparency image on a display device when the image signal control device detects that the image signal is abnormal." Therefore, instead of displaying uncomfortable images that may be caused by various problems, images with higher transparency are displayed on the display device. Therefore, when an abnormality is detected, the reels are made visible to the player.

Therefore, it is possible to provide a game which can continue the player's interest without displaying uncomfortable images which may be caused by various problems unless an abnormality occurs in the image signal control substrate.

Furthermore, since the reels are visible, the game is hardly interrupted even if an abnormality occurs in the monitoring unit. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game that can not only be continued but is hardly interrupted when the player performs an improper operation, so that the player's interest can be continued.

In order to achieve the above object, the game machine of the present invention includes: an image display unit with a display control device; receiving an image signal from the display control device to display an image on the image display unit, and controlling the display when the image signal is abnormal. The image state holding unit of the image state holding means for holding the device in a predetermined state.

More specifically, the present invention provides the following.

(22) There is provided a game machine comprising: display means for displaying images, and display control means for displaying images related to games on the display means. The game machine further includes: an image display unit having a display control device; a device for receiving image signals from the display control device to display images on the image display unit, and controlling the display device to remain in a predetermined state when the image signal is abnormal. The image state maintaining unit of the image state maintaining device.

According to (22), "the game machine further includes: a display device for displaying an image, and a display control device for displaying an image related to the game on the display device. The game machine further includes: an image display unit having a display control device; An image state holding unit of an image state holding device that receives an image signal from a display control device to display an image on an image display unit, and controls the display device to maintain a predetermined state when the image signal is abnormal. Therefore, uncomfortable images that may be formed by various problems can be kept in a predetermined state without being displayed in the display device. Therefore, by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

The provided game makes the player feel uncomfortable by displaying disturbing images due to failure of, for example, a display device, a display control device, and a power supply. Therefore, by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

(23) The game state holding unit has not only the image state holding means but also image enlargement conversion means for converting the image signal received from the display control means into an enlarged image signal.

According to (23), "the image state holding unit has not only the image state holding means but also image enlargement conversion means for converting the image signal received from the display control means into an enlarged image signal". Therefore, uncomfortable images that may be formed due to various problems can be kept in a predetermined state without being displayed in the display device. Therefore, by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

In addition, the image signal is enlarged and converted to display a larger image in the display device than in the prior art. This display enables the game to have a dynamic effect, but produces a more uncomfortable image effect on the player as the image becomes larger. Especially when displaying such an enlarged and converted image, it may cause serious discomfort to the player. Therefore, by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

Furthermore, by providing the common image state holding unit having the image state holding means and the image enlarging and converting means, not only does not increase in size, but also saves space and receives less influence of noise.

(24) The gaming machine according to (22) or (23) further includes a rotating reel having a plurality of symbols drawn on its periphery, and the display means has a transparent image display means mounted on the front surface of the reel to display a higher transparency image.

According to (24), "the game machine according to (22) or (23) further includes a rotating reel with a plurality of symbols drawn on its periphery, and the display device has a transparent image display mounted on the front surface of the reel to display a higher transparency image." device". A game machine having a display device mounted on the front surface of the reel that most easily attracts the player's attention can provide a game that has a dynamic effect but produces a more uncomfortable image effect on the player because the position is more attention-grabbing. Especially when the display device is installed in front of the reels, it may cause serious discomfort to the player. Therefore, by eliminating a factor that produces an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game that keeps the player's interest for a longer period of time.

(25) In the game machine according to any one of (22) to (24), the image state holding unit is mounted on an upper portion of the game machine.

According to (25), "the image state maintaining unit is mounted on the upper part of the game machine". Therefore, the image state maintaining unit is installed not at the lower part which can be contacted with the player, but at the upper part of the game machine. Therefore, it is hardly affected by static electricity that may be generated by contact with the player.

On the other hand, static electricity can frequently occur especially in other dry areas different from areas like Japan. Even if static electricity occurs, the image state maintaining unit is arranged on the top of the game machine, so the generated static electricity does not reach the image state maintaining unit and flows to the ground connected with the cabinet as much as possible. Therefore, this configuration is effectively antistatic.

(26) There is provided a display device for a game machine, comprising a display device for displaying an image, and a display control device for displaying an image related to a game on the display device. The display device further includes: an image display unit with a display control device; a device for receiving image signals from the display control device to display images on the image display unit, and controlling the display device to remain in a predetermined state when the image signal is abnormal The image state holding unit of the image state holding device.

According to (26), "the display device further includes: an image display unit having a display control device; an image display unit receiving an image signal from the display control device to display an image on the image display unit, and controlling when the image signal is abnormal. An image state holding unit of an image state holding device for holding a display device in a predetermined state". Therefore, uncomfortable images that may be formed due to various problems can be kept in a predetermined state without being displayed in the display device. Therefore, by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

The provided game makes the player feel uncomfortable by displaying disturbing images due to failure of the display device, display control device and power supply. Therefore, by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

In order to achieve the above object, the game machine of the present invention further includes: an image display unit with a display control device; a device for receiving image signals from the display control device to display images on the display unit, and controlling the display device when the image signal is abnormal. The image state holding unit of the image state holding means for holding in a predetermined state.

More specifically, the present invention provides the following.

(27) There is provided a game machine comprising: a display device for displaying an image related to a game; and an image state holding unit for controlling an image to be displayed. The game machine is characterized in that the image state holding unit controls the display means to remain in a predetermined state when it determines that the image signal supplied to the display means and related to the image cannot satisfy a predetermined condition.

According to (27), "the display device further includes: an image display unit having a display control device; receiving an image signal from the display control device to display an image on the image display unit, and controlling the display device when the image signal is abnormal. image state holding means for holding in a predetermined state; image state holding unit". Therefore, an uncomfortable predeterminable state that may be formed due to various problems is not displayed in the display device. Therefore, by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

If an image is displayed with disturbance due to, for example, an abnormality of the display device or display control device or due to a failure of the power supply, the player may feel uncomfortable. Therefore, if no disturbing images are displayed, the interest of the player can be sustained for a long time.

The aforementioned "display device" is defined by the display device (indicated by 30) explained in the later embodiments. More specifically, the display device is constructed to include a liquid crystal display device (designated by 54), a liquid crystal driving circuit (designated by 291) and a liquid crystal backlight (designated by 292). On the other hand, the aforementioned "display control means" is defined by the image control circuit (indicated by 250) explained in the later embodiments. On the other hand, the aforementioned "image display unit" is defined by an auxiliary control circuit (indicated by 200) explained in the later embodiments. On the other hand, the aforementioned "image state holding unit" is defined by a scale circuit (indicated by 400) explained in the later embodiments.

(28) In the game machine according to (27), the image state holding unit has not only the image state holding means, but also an image enlargement converter for converting the image signal received from the display control means into an enlarged image signal. device.

According to (28), "the image state holding unit has not only the image state holding means but also image enlargement conversion means for converting the image signal received from the display control means into an enlarged image signal". Therefore, uncomfortable images that may be formed due to various problems can be kept in a predetermined state without being displayed in the display device. Therefore, by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

In addition, the image signal is enlarged and converted to display a larger image in the display device than in the prior art. This display enables the game to have a dynamic effect, but produces a more uncomfortable image effect on the player as the image becomes larger. Especially when displaying such an enlarged and converted image, it may cause serious discomfort to the player. Therefore, by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

Furthermore, by providing the common image state holding unit having the image state holding means and the image enlarging and converting means, not only does not increase in size, but also saves space and receives less influence of noise.

(29) The gaming machine according to (27) or (28) further includes a rotating reel having a plurality of symbols drawn on its outer periphery, and the display means has a transparent image display device mounted on the front surface of the reel to display a higher transparency image.

According to (29) of the present invention, "the game machine according to (27) or (28) further includes a rotating reel with a plurality of symbols drawn on its periphery, and the display device has a transparent image mounted on the front surface of the reel to display a higher transparency image." like a display device". A game machine having a display device mounted on the front surface of the reel that most easily attracts the player's attention can provide a game with a dynamic effect, but produces a more uncomfortable image effect on the player because the position is more noticeable. Especially when the display device is installed on the front surface of the drum, it may cause serious discomfort to the player. Therefore, by eliminating a factor that produces an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game that keeps the player's interest for a longer period of time.

(30) In the game machine according to any one of (27) to (29), the image state holding unit is mounted on the upper portion of the game machine.

According to (30), "the image state maintaining unit is mounted on the upper part of the game machine". Therefore, the image state maintaining unit is installed not at the lower part which can be contacted with the player, but at the upper part of the game machine. Therefore, it is hardly affected by static electricity that may be generated by contact with the player.

On the other hand, static electricity can frequently occur especially in other dry areas different from areas like Japan. Even if static electricity occurs, the image state maintaining unit is arranged on the top of the game machine, so the generated static electricity does not reach the image state maintaining unit and flows to the ground connected with the cabinet as much as possible. Therefore, this configuration is effectively antistatic.

(31) There is provided a display device for a game machine, comprising: a display device for displaying an image, and a display control device for displaying an image related to a game on the display device. The display device further includes: an image display unit having a display control device; a device for receiving image signals from the display control device to display images on the image display unit, and controlling the display device to remain in a predetermined state when the image signal is abnormal. The image state maintaining unit of the image state maintaining device.

According to (31), "the display device further includes: an image display unit having a display control device; receiving an image signal from the display control device to display an image on the image display unit, and controlling the display when the image signal is abnormal. An image state holding unit of an image state holding device for holding the device in a predetermined state". Therefore, uncomfortable images that may be formed by various problems can be kept in a predetermined state without being displayed in the display device. Therefore, by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

The provided game makes the player feel uncomfortable by displaying disturbing images due to failure of the display device, display control device and power supply. Therefore, by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

To achieve the above object, the game machine of the present invention further includes: an image display unit having display control means; and a power supply means independently supplying power to the display means and the image display unit.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a slot machine according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a display screen of a slot machine according to the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a display screen of a slot machine according to the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a display screen of a slot machine according to the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a slot machine according to the present invention.

Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a display device of a slot machine according to the present invention.

Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a display device of a slot machine according to the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the slot machine according to the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the slot machine according to the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the slot machine according to the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the slot machine according to the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the slot machine according to the present invention.

Fig. 13 is a flowchart of a control process executed in the slot machine according to the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a flowchart of a control process executed in the slot machine according to the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a flowchart of a control process executed in the slot machine according to the present invention.

Fig. 16 is a flowchart of a control process executed in the slot machine according to the present invention.

Fig. 17 is a flowchart of a control process executed in the slot machine according to the present invention.

Fig. 18 is a flowchart of a control process executed in the slot machine according to the present invention.

Fig. 19 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the slot machine according to the present invention.

Detailed ways

The present invention will be described in connection with its embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment to be described, the present invention is applied to a slot machine in which a plurality of mechanically rotating reels are used as variable display means to variably display discrimination information images necessary for various games. However, the present invention should not be limited thereto, but can be employed in various game machines, such as pinball game machines, medal gaming machines, or card game machines.

【Structure of Game Machine】

The slot machine 10 is as shown in FIG. 1 .

A cabinet 12 included in the game machine 10 is composed of a main body 11 and a door 13 .

The cabinet 12 forming the whole of the slot machine 10 has a rectangular display device 30 on the front surface. The display device 30 is a liquid crystal display for displaying various pleasant images for the player, such as images for understanding the contents of the game, effect images, and the like.

In addition, as described below, the display device 30 is capable of displaying images of XGA type, 1024 bits wide, 768 bits high, and 8 bits of red, green, and blue data.

Also, the display device 30 can control the display image to a higher transparency image, thereby enabling the reels 26L, 26C and 26R (see FIG. 2 ) installed behind the display device 30 to be visible to the player.

In addition, the display device 30 is provided with a contact surface substrate 51 (see FIG. 6 ) to enable the player to perform various operations.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the display device 30 is provided with a rectangular display window 14 (14L, 14C, and 14R) on its back side. Display device 30 is provided with frame member 33 (referring to Fig. 4) that will be described later at its peripheral edge, and when the image that makes display device 30 display is a higher transparency state, the player sees cylinder 26L uniquely from display window 14. , 26C and 26R.

In the cabinet 12, three rollers 26L, 26C and 26R are rotatably arranged, and various descriptive information images are painted on the outer periphery of each roller. The rollers 26L, 26C and 26R can be seen individually through the aforementioned display window 14 .

In addition, rotationally driving the rollers 26L, 26C and 26R causes the identification information images drawn on the outer peripheries of the rollers 26L, 26C and 26R to move downward through the display window 14 . When the respective rotating reels 26L, 26C and 26R are stopped, the identification information image painted on the periphery of the three reels is visible through the display window 14 for each reel.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1 , a substantially horizontal base portion 28 is provided below the display device 30 , and a medal insertion opening 31 is formed on the right side of the upper surface of the base portion 28 .

In addition, on the left side of the upper surface of the base portion 28 are provided: a 1-BET switch 20 for betting only one inserted medal; a 2-BET switch 22 for betting only two inserted medals; bet the maximum number of inserts allowed in one game Medal of MAX-BET Switch 24.

As shown in Figure 2, when the player operated the 1-BET switch 20, only the winning line L1 composed of three central discrimination information images was activated in the three visual identification information images of each reel (that is to say , the identification information image combination activated for the determination of the game result is called "activation line") for the determination of the game result.

On the other hand, when the 2-BET switch 22 is operated, a total of three winning lines are activated: the aforementioned activation line; The winning lines L2A and L2B formed by the combination of discrimination information images.

Furthermore, when the MAX-BET switch 24 is operated, if the inserted medals are three or more, all five winning lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A and L3B are activated: the aforementioned activation lines; identified by the upper part on the drum 26L Information image, the winning line L3A formed by the middle discrimination information image on the cylinder 26C and the bottom discrimination information image on the cylinder 26R; by the bottom discrimination information image on the cylinder 26L, the middle discrimination information image on the cylinder 26C The winning line L3B formed in combination with the upper identification information image on the cylinder 26R.

However, when there are two remaining medals inserted, only three of the five winning lines L1, L2A, L2B are activated. On the other hand, when one of the inserted medals remains, only one L1 among the five winning lines is activated. The winning line thus activated is reported to the player by displaying the activation on the side of the display window 14 .

By pushing one of these BET switches 20, 22 and 24, the aforementioned winning line is activated according to the pushed BET switch. When the aforementioned 1-BET switch 20, 2-BET switch 22 or MAX-BET switch 24 is pushed by the player, the start state of the game is established.

As shown in FIG. 1, on the left side of the front surface of the base portion 28, a tilting start lever 32 is provided. When the player tilts this start lever 32, the aforementioned three reels 26L, 26C and 26R are all started at once. As these three rollers 26L, 26C and 26R rotate, the discrimination information images drawn on the outer peripheries of the respective rollers 26L, 26C and 26R are displayed in motion in the display window 14 . When the rotational speeds of the three reels 26L, 26C, and 26R reach a predetermined level, the operation of stop buttons 34L, 34C, 34R described later by the player is activated.

In the middle of the front surface of the base portion 28 are provided three stop buttons 34L, 34C, 34R. Among them, the stop button 34L corresponds to the drum 26L; the stop button 34C corresponds to the drum 26C; and the stop button 34R corresponds to the drum 26R. When the player presses the stop button 34L, the reels 26L stop; when the player presses the stop button 34C, the reels 26C stop; when the player presses the stop button 34R, the reels 26R stop.

On the left side of the start lever 32, a stored medal settlement button 36 is provided. When the player presses the stored medal settlement button 36 , the inserted medals are paid out from the medal payout port 38 provided at the lower part of the front surface, and the paid medals are collected in the medal receiving tray 40 .

Further, on the upper side of the slot machine 10, there are provided sound openings 42 (42L and 42R) for transmitting sound from a speaker (see FIG. 8) located inside the cabinet 12 to the outside of the cabinet 12.

A predetermined number, such as 21, of discrimination information images are painted on the outer peripheries of the aforementioned respective rollers 26L, 26C and 26R. Depending on the arrangement of these discrimination information images visible through the display window 14 when the reels 26L, 26C and 26R are respectively stopped, medals are paid out, or the game is switched to a state more favorable to the player.

【Display mode of game console】

The aforementioned display device 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 .

The display device 30 displays not only various images but also highly transparent images. These highly transparent images are images formed in highly transparent tones of liquid crystal display devices. When the display window 14 displays a highly transparent image, the background reel symbols can be seen although they use different shades. Various images and highly transparent images can not only be displayed in full screen, but also in local areas.

For example, by making the display device 30 highly transparent along the display window 14, the player can see the reels 26L, 26C, and 26R actually provided on the back side, as shown in FIG. Furthermore, on the peripheral edges of the rollers 26L, 26C and 26R, there are displayed edge images 35 (35L, 35C and 35R).

In addition, in addition to such a high transparency display of the display device 30, various effect images using a low transparency tone (that is, a so-called "black output") can be displayed so that the player cannot see the background, as shown in FIG. , making the rollers 26L, 26C and 26R located on the back invisible.

In addition, the entire surface of the display device 30 can be displayed with high transparency so that the player can see the reels 26L, 26C and 26R in the display window 14 and the frame member 33 on the peripheral edge of the display window 14, as shown in FIG. The frame members 33 are thus formed so that only the minimum required portion and not the rest are visible to the player.

【Substrate structure of game console】

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the slot machine cabinet. In FIG. 5 , the door 13 is opened from the slot machine 10 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , various devices and various control boards are installed in the slot machine 10 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , the slot machine 10 is provided with reels 26L, 26C and 26R on the side of the main body 11 , a hopper 126 for storing game media, and a power supply unit 79 for powering the entire slot machine 10 . In addition, various substrates and devices are provided, such as the main control substrate 72 encapsulating the main control circuit 100 (see FIG. 8 ) including a random number for generating random numbers to draw lots to determine whether to establish a favorable state for the player. Random number generator 116 (see FIG. 8 ) and main CPU 102 (see FIG. 8 ).

On the other hand, on the side of the door 13 of the slot machine 10, various devices and various control boards are provided, including an auxiliary control board 74, a scale board 76, a lamp control board 78, and an image display board. An auxiliary substrate 80 and a power adapter substrate 82 .

On these substrates, various circuits are packaged.

On the auxiliary control substrate 74 , an auxiliary control circuit 200 is packaged that determines various effect modes based on or not based on signals and instructions from the main control circuit 100 (see FIG. 8 ).

On the proportional substrate 76, encapsulating and converting the image signal from the auxiliary control substrate 74 to display the image in an enlarged state on the display device 30 and monitoring the signal from the auxiliary control substrate 74 to generate a signal to the display device 30 when abnormality is determined Proportional circuit 400 (see FIG. 8 ) for various controls.

On the lamp control substrate 78, a lamp control circuit 300 (see FIG. 8 ) that generates light effects and sound effects based on the effect signals from the auxiliary control substrate 74 is packaged.

On the image display auxiliary substrate 80, an image display auxiliary circuit (although not shown) forming part of the display device 30 to drive the signal from the proportional substrate 76 and control the liquid crystal backlight 292 (see FIG. 11 ) of the display device 30 is packaged. ).

On the other hand, the power transfer board 82 has functions of collectively receiving power from the power supply unit 79 and independently distributing the power to the aforementioned boards and devices.

On the other hand, the aforementioned auxiliary control substrate 74 and proportional substrate 76 are provided on the upper portion of the door 13 .

In short, the image state holding unit described so far is mounted on the upper part of the game machine under consideration. Therefore, the image state maintaining unit is not located at the lower portion of the gaming machine which may come into contact with the player, and thus is hardly affected by static electricity due to contact with the player.

On the other hand, the image signal control unit described so far is mounted on the upper part of the considered game machine. Therefore, the image signal control unit is located not at the lower part of the gaming machine which may be in contact with the player, but at the upper part of the gaming machine, thereby being hardly affected by static electricity due to contact with the player.

In addition, the image display unit is mounted on the upper part of the game machine under consideration with little contact with the player. Therefore, it is hardly affected by static electricity due to contact with gamers.

On the other hand, with the configurations described so far, static electricity can be frequently generated especially in dry areas different from areas like Japan. Even when static electricity is generated, the image state maintaining unit is arranged on the top of the game machine so that the generated static electricity does not reach the image state maintaining area and flows to the ground in contact with the cabinet as much as possible. Therefore, this configuration is effective against static electricity.

On the other hand, the lamp control board 78 is provided at the lower portion of the door 13 . However, compared with the auxiliary control substrate 74 and the proportional substrate 76, the lamp control substrate 78 is hardly affected by the electrostatic output. Therefore, the lamp control substrate 78 is disposed at a lower position due to the installation space.

In the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment: the main control substrate 72 is provided in the main body 11 ; the sub-control substrate 74 and the holding substrate are provided in the door 13 . However, the arrangement of the present invention should not be limited thereto, but the auxiliary control substrate 74 and the holding substrate can be arbitrarily arranged in the main body 11 and the main control substrate 72 can be arbitrarily arranged in the door 13 .

Furthermore, the power supply unit 79 is provided with a restart switch 164, a setting switch 166, and the like.

【Structure of display device】

On the other hand, details of the display device 30 in the slot machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 .

The door 13 is provided with a display device 30 on which various effect images are displayed.

In the display device 30, there is a thin substrate-shaped image layer 53 on the inside of the touch-surface substrate 51 for detecting the coordinate position in contact with the observer and the transparent acrylic substrate (acryl plate) 52 as a protective cover, wherein Various symbols are printed on the transparent film layer, as well as a liquid crystal display device 54 composed of a transparent liquid crystal display device (such as ITO).

In addition, on the upper and lower parts of the liquid crystal display device 54, liquid crystal backlights 292 are provided, which serve as lighting devices for the liquid crystal display device 54 as a backlight. Also, the liquid crystal backlight 292 is controlled to be turned on at power supply time. Therefore, by always driving the liquid crystal backlight 292 during the power supply time, the image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 54 is clearly visible to the player. In these liquid crystal backlights 292, cold cathode tubes are mainly used, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

In addition, on the upper and lower parts of the inner surface of the display device 30, symbol illuminating lamps 57 are provided as illuminating means for illuminating the symbols on the reel 26. In addition, these symbol lighting lamps 57 are controlled to turn on when power is supplied. Therefore, by driving these symbol illuminating lamps 57 at all times, the symbols can be clearly seen. In these symbol illuminating lamps 57, cold cathode tubes are mainly used, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

The symbols drawn on the image layer 53 are not affected by the effect control state of the slot machine 10 during the operation of the respective display elements, so that they can always be seen by the player. The liquid crystal display device 54 is a display area for image effects such as a bit hit effect or various progress prompt effects.

Further, in the vicinity of the front surface of the drum 26, there are provided lamp shades 62 (62L, 62C and 62R) on which drum backlamps 63 (63L, 63C, 63R) (see FIG. 7 ) are mounted.

[Structure of the drum tail light]

These tumbler lights 63 will be described with reference to FIG. 7 . Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of the rollers 26L, 26C and 26R.

These cylinders 26L, 26C and 26R have cylinder bands 61L, 61C and 61R made of a translucent film material, on which symbols such as the symbol "Cherry (cherry)" or the symbol "7" are printed with optically transparent color ink, and The rest of the area is masked with masking ink.

Behind the reel belts 61L, 61C and 61R, there are provided lamp shades 62L, 62C and 62R which cover the beams of the respective lamps so that the beams do not interfere with other symbol areas. The tumbler tail lights 63L, 63C and 63R are housed in respective compartments of the lamp housings 62L, 62C and 62R.

The light control circuit 300 controls the tail drum lights 63L, 63C and 63R to blink based on parameters determined by the auxiliary microcomputer 210 .

For example, at the time of medal payout, blinking control of the tumbler tail lights 63L, 63C and 63R blinking symbols on winning lines and different blinking patterns of built-in winning combinations are prepared. The display prompts the player what winning symbol to aim at by the effect display produced when each winning symbol is satisfied.

In addition, the roller tail lights 63L, 63C and 63R generally remain illuminated to make the symbols easy to see. Also, at the power-on time and restart time, the roller tail light is triggered to maintain the lighting state of the lighting/off state.

As described above, effects can be produced on symbols by extinguishing lights. On the other hand, in this embodiment, an effect is produced on the sign. However, the present invention should not be limited thereto, and effects may not be produced on symbols. In this case, at the power-on and restart times, the on/off state is shifted to the on state by activating the roller tail lamps 63L, 63C and 63R and lighting them at all times.

In addition, in this embodiment, an effect can be produced on the symbol by the extinguishing operation. However, the present invention should not be limited thereto, and various colored lights can also be used to produce effects. In this case, at the power-on and restart times, the on/off state is shifted to the on state by activating the roller tail lamps 63L, 63C and 63R and lighting them at all times.

A lighting device such as a drum tail light illuminates the aforementioned drum when the power is turned on. On the basis of the power-on operation, the function of illuminating the drum is activated to make the drum easy to see. Therefore, it is possible to continue the interest of the player for a long time. In addition, since visualization becomes easier, the game allows the player to hardly get tired so as to maintain interest for a long time.

In addition, the drum lighting device may have a function of lighting the drum at all times when the power is turned on. When the game machine is powered on, that is, when the game machine can be played, it is easy to see the reels to continue the player's interest for a long time. If this visualization becomes easier, the game makes the player hardly tired and can maintain interest for a long time.

In addition, the drum lighting can be switched off when the effect is on. Illuminates the roller when no effect is produced. In other words, by illuminating the device, the drum is made easily visible. Even when the drums are not illuminated by the lighting means, they are visible with or without effects.

And, "the game machine further comprises a display device installed on the front surface of the reel to display images; and a display control device for displaying an image related to the game on the display device, the display control device having a function of displaying a higher transparency image on the display device." function". Therefore, by displaying high-transparency images, invisibility is eliminated. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that makes the reels more visible and continues the player's interest for a long time. Since visualization becomes easier, it is also possible to provide a game in which the player is hardly tired and can maintain interest for a long time.

Especially when the symbols are displayed in motion by rotating the drum, it is more difficult to see the symbols than when the symbols are displayed stationary. If the reels are more visible than in the prior art, the image on the display device can continue the player's interest for a long time. Furthermore, if visualization becomes easier even in motion display, it makes the player hardly tired and can maintain interest for a long time. If a gaming machine is provided that often determines the game content based on the reel stop pattern so that the evolution of symbols from a moving display to a static display is easily seen, it can keep the player's interest for a long time.

Here, the aforementioned case where the power is turned on may include the cases where the power is turned on for the first time and the case where the power is turned on again after being turned off. For example, in the case included, the power can be turned on again based on the operation of the power button as well as the operation of the reset button.

【Structure of game machine control unit】

The circuit configuration shown in FIG. 8 includes: a main control circuit 100 for controlling game operations in the slot machine 10; peripheral devices electrically connected to the main control circuit 100; and an auxiliary control circuit 200 for controlling a lamp control circuit of the display device 30. 300 and the proportional circuit 400 are based on the speaker 46 and the effect lamp 172 that the main control circuit 100 issues control commands.

The main control circuit 100 is provided with a main CPU 102 , a main ROM 104 , a main RAM 106 and an input-output bus 108 , a clock pulse generator 110 , a frequency divider 112 , a sampling circuit 114 and a random number generator 116 mounted on a circuit substrate.

The main CPU 102 can control various peripheral devices in accordance with programs stored in the main ROM 104 and data signals or address signals input/output from the input-output bus 108 . Furthermore, main CPU 102 is provided with a timer (although not shown).

Main CPU 102 is connected to main ROM 104 . The main ROM 104 stores various programs such as a control program for controlling the entire game flow of the slot machine 10, or initial data for executing the control program.

For example, it is stored: a probability extraction table for judging random digital sampling for each operation of the start lever 32 (for the start operation); a stop control table for determining the drum stop mode according to the operation of the stop button; Stopping the statically displayed symbols of the control table to determine the winning symbol combination table of the number of game medals paid out; various control instructions (or commands) transmitted to the auxiliary control circuit 200 . Here, details of these probability extraction tables, stop control tables, and winning symbol combination tables will be described below.

In addition, various control commands are "demonstration display command", "start command", "all drum stop command", and "winning combination command". Here, the auxiliary control circuit 200 does not input commands or the like to the main control circuit 100 , but communicates from the main control circuit 100 to the auxiliary control circuit 200 only in one direction. The main control circuit 100 and the auxiliary control circuit 200 are connected by sixteen data signal lines and one signal line. And, these commands are composed of 2 bytes, 4 bytes and 6 bytes, and one command is sent in 1, 2 or 3 sequence through sixteen data signal lines.

Furthermore, the main CPU 102 is connected to the main RAM 106 which stores the values of flags or variables used in the aforementioned programs.

In addition, the main CPU 102 is connected to a clock pulse generator 110 for generating reference clock pulses, a frequency divider 112 , a random number generator 116 for generating sampling random numbers, and a sampling circuit 114 .

In addition, the random number generator 116 generates a random number belonging to a predetermined range of values, and the sampling circuit 114 samples a random number at an appropriate time after the activation lever 32 is operated.

The internal winning combination is determined based on the sampled random numbers and the probability draw table stored in the main ROM 104 . After the internal winning combination is determined, random number sampling is performed to select the "stop control table" and "stop table" contained in the former.

Here, the random number generator 116 generates random numbers within a predetermined range of values, such as 0 to 65535 (ie, 2 to the 16th power). Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the random numbers generated by the random number generator 116 , but may be configured to perform random number sampling in accordance with the operating program of the main CPU 102 . In this case, the random number generator 116 and the sampling circuit 114 can be omitted, but they can also be left as spares for the random number sampling operation.

Since the main input signal generating device generates the input signal required for the main CPU 102 to generate the control signal, the device is provided with a start switch 150, a 1-BET switch 20, a 2-BET switch 22, a MAX-BET switch 24, a storage medal settlement button 36, Medal sensor 152 , reel stop signal circuit 154 , reel position detection circuit 156 , payout completion signal circuit 158 , payout switch 162 , restart switch 164 , setting switch 166 and contact sensor 168 . These elements are also connected to the main CPU 102 via the input-output bus 108 .

The drum stop signal circuit 154 detects the operation of the respective stop buttons 34L, 34C, 34R, and transmits a stop signal to the main CPU 102 through the input-output bus 108 when it detects the stop operation.

The activation switch 150 detects the operation of the activation lever 32 and transmits an activation signal to the main CPU 102 through the input-output bus 108 when it detects the operation of the activation lever 32 .

The medal sensor 152 detects a game medal inserted into the medal insertion port 31 and transmits a medal insertion signal to the main CPU 102 through the input-output bus 108 when it detects the game medal inserted into the medal insertion port 31 .

The 1-BET switch 20 detects its own operation, and when it detects its own operation, transmits a 1-BET signal to the main CPU 102 through the input-output bus 108 .

The 2-BET switch 22 detects its own operation, and when it detects its own operation, transmits a 2-BET signal to the main CPU 102 through the input-output bus 108 .

The MAX-BET switch 24 detects its own operation, and when it detects its own operation, transmits a MAX-BET signal to the main CPU 102 through the input-output bus 108 .

The payout switch 162 detects the operation of the storage medal settlement button 36 , and when it detects the operation of the storage medal settlement button 36 , transmits a storage medal settlement signal to the main CPU 102 .

The restart switch 164 is provided in the slot machine 10, and when it detects the operation of the slot machine 10, transmits a reset signal to the main CPU 102 through the input-output bus 108.

The setting switch 166 detects the operation of a setting button (although not shown) provided in the slot machine 10, and transmits a setting signal to the main CPU 102 through the input-output bus 108 when it detects the operation of the setting button.

The drum position detection circuit 156 provides drum position signals to the main CPU 102 through the input-output bus 108 to detect the positions of the respective drums 26L, 26C, 26R in response to pulse signals from the drum rotation sensors.

The payment completion signal circuit 158 detects that the game medal payment is complete, and when the count value of the medal detection unit 160 (that is, the number of game medals paid out from the hopper 126) reaches the specified number data, it transmits an indication to the main CPU 102 through the input-output bus 108 to indicate the detection. The payment completion signal.

The main devices controlled by the control signal from the main control circuit 100 are: various lamps 120; various display units 122; hoppers 126 for storing game medals and paying a predetermined number of game medals in response to instructions from the hopper drive circuit 124 (including a drive unit for payment), and stepper motors 128L, 128C, 128R that rotationally drive the drums 26L, 26C, 26R. Here, the various lamps 120 include the symbol illuminating lamp 57 .

In addition, connected with the output unit of the main CPU 102 through the input-output bus 108 are: the motor driving circuit 130 for controlling the stepping motor 128L, 128C, and 128R; the funnel driving circuit 124 for controlling the driving of the funnel 126; a lamp driving circuit 132; and a display unit driving circuit 134 controlling the driving of various display units. These drive circuits control the operations of the respective devices in response to respective control signals such as drive signals output from the main CPU 102 .

Furthermore, an auxiliary control circuit 200 whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the main control circuit 100 is included in the device.

Furthermore, the auxiliary control circuit 200 is connected with the lamp control circuit 300 , the proportional circuit 400 , the display device 30 , the speakers 46 ( 46L and 46R ) and the effect lamp 172 .

The display device 30 receives the image signal supplied from the auxiliary control circuit 200 and the proportional circuit 400 and displays an image.

The speaker 46 receives sound signals supplied from the auxiliary control circuit 200 and the lamp control circuit 300 and generates sound.

The effect light 172 receives effect signals supplied from the auxiliary control circuit 200 and the light control circuit 300 and generates effects. Here, these effect lights 172 include roller tail lights 63 .

[Electrical structure of auxiliary control circuit]

The auxiliary control circuit 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 . 9 and 10 are block diagrams showing the construction of the auxiliary control circuit.

The auxiliary control circuit 200 performs display control of the display device 30 , output control of the sound of the speaker 46 , and effect control of the effect lamp 172 based on control instructions (or commands) of the main control circuit 100 or automatically.

The auxiliary control circuit 200 is constructed of a circuit substrate different from that of the main control circuit 100, includes the auxiliary microcomputer 210 as its main element, and includes an image control circuit 250 that controls the display of the display device 30.

The auxiliary microcomputer 210 includes: an auxiliary CPU 212 that executes control operations according to the control instructions sent by the main control circuit 100 ; an auxiliary ROM 214 that stores control programs of the auxiliary microcomputer 210 ; auxiliary RAM 216 ; input port 218 and output port 220 .

On the other hand, the auxiliary control circuit 200 is not provided with a clock pulse generator, a frequency divider, a random number generator and a sampling circuit, but it is constructed to perform random number sampling in accordance with the operation program of the auxiliary CPU 212 .

Based on the game information command sent by the main control circuit 100, the auxiliary CPU 212 determines the effects to be produced by various effect control circuits, and sends the determined content to each effect control circuit.

The sub-ROM 214 stores a communication sequence program with the main control circuit 100, an effect selection table for selecting various effects based on received game information, a sound sequence program, and the like.

Sub RAM 216 is used as a work area for executing these control programs.

The input port 218 has a function of receiving game information of images and sounds transmitted from the main control circuit 100 , and transmits the game information to the sub CPU 212 .

Here, the input port 218 only transmits game information from the main control circuit 100 to the sub CPU 212 , and does not transmit information from the sub CPU 212 to the main control circuit 100 . Therefore, even if the auxiliary control circuit 200 fails, it is not transmitted to the main control circuit 100 .

The output port 220 has the function of transmitting the image display signal to the image control circuit 250, the function of transmitting the sound generation signal to the sound source IC302 in the light control circuit 300, and transmitting the effect light signal to the light control circuit 300 to turn on and off the effect Function of lamp 172 .

As shown in Figure 10, image control circuit 250 is made up of image control CPU252, image control ROM254, image control RAM256, image ROM258, video RAM260, image control IC262 and input port 264.

The image control CPU 252 receives the parameters determined in the auxiliary microcomputer 210 through the input port 264, and determines the display content in the display device 30 according to the image control sequence program stored in the image control ROM 254.

The image control ROM 254 stores a sequence program for receiving image effect commands from the auxiliary microcomputer 210 and an image control sequence program for controlling the image control IC 262 .

The image control RAM 256 is used as a work area when the image control program is executed.

The image control IC 262 forms an image by using the image data stored in the image ROM 258 according to the display content determined by the image control CPU 252, temporarily stores the image in the video RAM 260, and passes the image control IC 262 at an appropriate time. The image is sent to the scaling circuit 400.

[Electrical structure of lamp control circuit]

The lamp control circuit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 9 .

The lamp control circuit 300 is constructed of: a sound source IC 302 that controls sound from the speaker 46 ; a sound ROM 304 that stores sound data; a power amplifier 306 as an amplifier; and a lamp drive circuit 322 that drives the effect lamp 172 .

The lamp control circuit 300 having the above configuration is controlled by the auxiliary control circuit 200 . As shown in FIG. 19 , the lamp control circuit 300 may be configured to be controlled by the main control circuit 100 . With this structure, even if the auxiliary control circuit 200 cannot operate due to power failure or failure, the main control circuit 100 can control the lamp driving circuit 322, and since the main control circuit 100 controls the driving circuit 322, the suspended drum can be turned on. Tail lights 63L, 63C, 63R. Therefore, the number of lamps illuminating the identification information images drawn on the respective outer peripheries of the reels 26L, 26C, and 26R can be adjusted arbitrarily according to the game situation so that the game can be stably carried out.

【Electrical structure of proportional circuit】

The scaling circuit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. 11 .

The proportional circuit 400 is composed of a signal conversion CPU272, a signal conversion ROM274, a video RAM276, an input port 278 and an output port 280.

According to the signal conversion sequence program stored in the signal conversion ROM274, the signal conversion CPU272 receives the image signal generated in the image control circuit 250 through the input port 278, and converts the image signal into a display that can be displayed normally in the display device 30. type and store them in Video RAM276.

Further, the signal conversion CPU 272 transmits the image data stored in the video RAM 276 as an enlarged image signal suitable for the display device 30 to the display device 30 through the output port 280 .

Specifically, the signal conversion CPU 272 converts an image signal such as VGA into an enlarged image signal corresponding to a large display size such as an XGA type.

In this embodiment, each bit of image data of the display size VGA is enlarged and converted to the display size XGA. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and image data of VGA size may be received and synthesized into image data of display size XGA.

Here in this embodiment, conversion of enlarged image signals of XGA type, 1024-bit width and 768-bit height, 8-bit red data, green data and blue data is performed. However, in the present invention, the enlarged image signal can display a larger-sized image, and the conversion type, width and height byte values, and gray scale bytes for each color should not be limited to the aforementioned values.

In addition, the signal conversion CPU 272 is designed to receive the image signal transmitted from the auxiliary control circuit 200 within a predetermined period. The image data stored in the video RAM 276 displays a predetermined image when no normal image signal is received for a predetermined period of time.

In short, the image conversion CPU 272 monitors whether the image signal from the auxiliary control circuit 200 is normal or not. When the monitoring result determines that the image signal is not normal, that is, abnormal, a predetermined image is displayed, and the state of the image displayed in the display device 30 is maintained. When the monitoring of the input synchronous signal shows lack of synchronous signal and exceeds the limit, transparent control (ie "white output") is performed on the display device 30 .

On the other hand, the signal conversion CPU 272 is constructed to display predetermined images as described above. Image data is stored in the video RAM 276 so that the predetermined image may be a higher transparency image to allow the player to see the reels 26L, 26C and 26R.

The signal conversion ROM 274 stores: a communication sequence program with the image control circuit 250; a sequence program for converting a received image signal into an enlarged image signal; and a program for transmitting the converted enlarged image signal to the display device 30 through the output port 280 Communication sequence program.

The input port 278 has a function of receiving an image signal from the image control circuit 250 and sending the image signal to the signal conversion CPU 272 . On the other hand, the output port 280 performs an image display effect by transmitting the enlarged image signal converted in the image signal conversion circuit 270 to the display device 30 .

Here, in this embodiment, the image signal sent to the image signal conversion circuit 270 adopts LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling, Low Voltage Differential Signaling). The present invention should not be limited thereto but can take various forms. Preferably, for example, by using a differential form such as LVDS, the image signal is hardly affected by noise so that the displayed image does not deteriorate.

In addition, in this embodiment, the image signals delivered to the image signal conversion circuit 270 have a VGA (Video Graphics Array, Video Graphics Array) size, and they are converted into XGA (eXtended Graphics Array) by the operation of the image signal conversion circuit 270. , Extended Graphics Array) size enlarged image signal. Here in the present embodiment, the video signal of the VGA size is supplied to the video signal conversion circuit 270 . However, the present invention should not be limited thereto, and image signals of various sizes can be delivered.

[Substrate structure of display device]

The electrical configuration of the display device 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 11 .

As shown in FIG. 11 , the display device 30 is constructed to include a liquid crystal display device 54 , a liquid crystal drive circuit 291 and a liquid crystal backlight 292 .

The liquid crystal display device 54 displays various images based on the image signal from the aforementioned scaling circuit 400 .

The liquid crystal driving circuit 291 receives the image signals from the aforementioned scaling circuit 400, and displays an image in the liquid crystal display device 54 based on these image signals.

The liquid crystal backlight 292 clearly displays liquid crystals by backlighting the liquid crystal display device 54 .

[Power supply structure using a power adapter board]

The electrical configuration of the power supplied by the power supply unit 79 will be described with reference to FIG. 12 .

As shown in FIG. 12, the power supply of the power supply device 79 is supplied to the power transfer board 82, and then to the connecting cable (although not shown) for power supply, the main control board 72, the auxiliary control board 74, the lamp control board 78, Scale base plate 76 , display device 30 and symbol illuminator 57 .

As described above, there are provided: a display device having a display control device; a diagram having an image state holding device which receives an image signal and controls the image display device to maintain a predetermined state when the image signal from the display control device is abnormal. an image state holding unit; and a power supply device independently supplying power to the image state holding unit and the display device. Therefore, even when no power is supplied to the display device, power is independently supplied from the power supply device to the image state maintaining unit, so that the image state can be maintained without displaying disturbing images.

Furthermore, there are provided a display device having a display control device, and a power supply device independently supplying power to the display device. Even if there is no power supply to the display device, the power supply device independently supplies power to the display device.

Also, the image signal control unit is constructed to include image signal control means, transparent image display means, and image enlargement conversion means for converting received image signals into enlarged image signals. Therefore, uncomfortable images that may be formed due to various problems can be kept in a predetermined state without being displayed in the display device. By eliminating a factor that may cause an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, the interest of the player can be continued for a long time.

In addition, the image signal is displayed as a larger image than in the prior art in the display device after being enlarged and converted. This display can provide a game with dynamic effects, but produces a more uncomfortable image for the player because the image becomes larger. Especially when displaying such an enlarged and converted image, it may cause serious discomfort to the player. By eliminating a factor that may cause an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game that can keep the player's interest for a long time.

By providing the common image signal monitoring unit having the image state maintaining means and the image enlarging switching means, not only no size enlargement occurs, but also space is saved and less influence of noise is received.

Moreover, "the image state maintaining unit not only has the image state maintaining means, but also image enlargement conversion means for converting the received image signal into an enlarged image signal". Therefore, even if no power is supplied to the display control unit, independently supplying power from the power supply means enables maintaining the image state without displaying disturbing images. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest can continue for a long time by eliminating a factor that may cause an uncomfortable feeling when playing the game.

In addition, the image signal is displayed as a larger image than in the prior art in the display device after being enlarged and converted. This display can provide a game with dynamic effects, but produces a more uncomfortable image for the player because the image becomes larger. Especially when displaying such an enlarged and converted image, it may cause serious discomfort to the player. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest can continue for a long time by eliminating a factor that may cause an uncomfortable feeling when playing the game.

By providing the common image state maintaining means having the image state maintaining means and the image enlarging switching means, not only no size enlargement occurs, but also space is saved and less influence of noise is received.

Also, there may be provided a power transfer device which transfers the power supplied from the power supply device and branches the supply to the image display unit and the display device. Therefore, the number of connection cables from the power supply unit can be reduced, and many cables do not need to be bundled during the manufacturing process. In addition, many cables do not require unbundling during the reuse and recycling step making their manufacturing process simple and convenient.

For example, a related art game machine is configured by: a main body having a groove; a door covering the groove; and a device (including a base plate) placed inside. The aforementioned power supply device is usually placed in the groove of the main body. On the other hand, various power supply devices are placed in the groove of the main body or in the door. Therefore, instead of the device placed in the main body, the device placed in the door is placed farther away from the power supply device. In order to supply power to these devices, troublesome work of wiring many power cables is required. In addition, when the door is opened/closed, the cable for supplying power is caught by the door and disconnected.

Therefore, by providing the power conversion device, the number of power cables to the power conversion device can be reduced, making the work easier in the manufacturing process.

Especially by providing a power transfer unit with a power transfer device for the door, the wiring work can be more efficient. Furthermore, in recent multifunctional game machines, many devices are placed on the doors. Therefore, the number of power supply cables for supplying power to these devices can be reduced and efficiently wired.

There may be provided a power transition means that transitions the power supplied from the power supply means and branches the supply to the image state holding unit and the display means. Therefore, the number of cables from the wiring of the power supply device can be reduced, and many cables do not need to be bundled during the manufacturing process. Additionally, many cables do not require unbundling during the reuse and recycling step to provide a simple, convenient manufacturing process.

For example, a related art game machine is configured by: a main body having a groove; a door covering the groove; and a device (including a base plate) placed inside. The aforementioned power supply device is usually placed in the groove of the main body. On the other hand, various power supply devices are placed in the groove of the main body or in the door. Therefore, instead of the device placed in the main body, the device placed in the door is placed farther away from the power supply device. In order to supply power to these devices, troublesome work of wiring many power cables is required. In addition, when the door is opened/closed, the cable for supplying power is caught by the door and disconnected.

Therefore, by providing the power conversion device, the number of power cables to the power conversion device can be reduced, making the work easier in the manufacturing process.

Especially by providing a power transfer unit with a power transfer device for the door, the wiring work can be more efficient. Furthermore, in recent multifunctional game machines, many devices are placed on the doors. Therefore, the number of power supply cables for supplying power to these devices can be reduced and efficiently wired.

【Operation of game console】

Subroutines executed in various circuits such as the aforementioned main control circuit 100 and sub control circuit 200 to control the slot machine 10 are shown in FIGS. 13 to 18 . Here, the subroutines shown in FIGS. 13, 16 and 18 are called and executed after the main program has been executed for a predetermined time in advance.

Next, assuming that the slot machine 10 has been started in advance, the variables used in the aforementioned main CPU 102, sub CPU 212, image control CPU 252 and signal conversion CPU 272 are initialized to predetermined values so that the slot machine 10 operates stably.

[Operation of main control circuit]

First, initialization is performed in the slot machine 10 (at step S101), as shown in FIG. 13 . Specifically, the main CPU 102 initializes the contents stored in the main RAM 106, communication data, and the like. The initialization of the stored content in the main RAM 106 is performed by turning on the slot machine 10 to clear the indeterminate value stored in the main RAM 106 .

Here, the main CPU 102 may leave all or part of the area of the main RAM 106 uninitialized. As a result, when the power is turned on, game play is enhanced by randomly changing the game situation of the slot machine 10 .

Furthermore, the active signal is fed to the roller tail light 63 in such a way that the tail light 63 is turned on at normal times. When the processing ends, the program proceeds to step S102.

Next, erasure of stored content is performed at the end of the game (at step S102). In this processing step, the main CPU 102 erases the data used in the previous game in the writable area of the main RAM 106, and stores the necessary parameters for the next game and the data for the next game in the writable area of the main RAM 106. The start address of the sequence program. When the processing ends, the program proceeds to step S103.

Next, it is determined (at step S103) whether 30 seconds have elapsed since the previous game ended. In this processing step, the main CPU 102 determines whether the count value of the timer packaged in the main CPU 102 starting from the end of the previous game is during a predetermined time, such as 30 seconds or longer in this embodiment. If the main CPU 102 determines that the count value of the timer is 30 seconds or longer, it transfers the processing to step S104, but if it does not determine that the count value of the timer is 30 seconds or longer, it transfers the processing to step S104. S105.

Next, a demonstration command is issued (at step S104). In this processing step, the main CPU 102 transmits a display instruction to display a demonstration screen to the auxiliary control circuit 200 through the input-output bus 108 . In response to this instruction, the sub CPU 212 in the sub control circuit 200 displays a demonstration screen on the display device 30 through the image control circuit 250, which will be described later. After this processing step is completed, go to step S105.

Next, it is determined whether automatic insertion is required (at step S105). In this processing step, the main CPU 102 determines whether the overall game state is a previous game and whether a replay combination is won. The main CPU 102 reads data from the previous game located in the main RAM 106 indicating the winning state. In this case, if it is recognized that the read data are those indicating a winning replay combination, the process goes to step S106. When it is not recognized that the read data are those indicating a winning replay combination, the process goes to step S107.

Next, automatic insertion of desired game medals is performed (at step S106). In this processing step, the main CPU 102 reads out data indicating the number of previous inserts from the main RAM 106, stores the BET number in the main RAM 106, and turns on the BET lamp 18 based on these data. When this processing step ends, go to step S108.

Next, it is determined whether a game medal has been inserted (at step S107). In this processing step, the medal sensor 152 transmits a medal insertion signal to the main CPU 102, which accordingly stores the received medal insertion signal in the main RAM 106 as a BET number. Furthermore, when the BET number is the maximum value, the main CPU 102 stores the signal not as the BET number but as the credit number.

Then, the main CPU 102 reads the BET number from the RAM 106, if it recognizes that the calculated or stored BET number is data other than 0, switch to step S108, if it cannot recognize that the stored BET number is data other than 0, Go to step S103.

Next, it is determined whether the start switch is turned on (at step S108). In this processing step, when the operation of the start lever 32 is detected, the start switch 150 supplies a start signal to the main CPU 102, and the main CPU 102 having received the start signal determines whether the start switch has been turned on. If the main CPU 102 recognizes that the start switch is on, it receives the start signal and goes to step S109, but if it neither receives the start signal nor recognizes that the start switch is on, the processing steps go to step S108 again.

Next, it is determined (at step S109) whether 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the previous game start. In this embodiment, in this processing step, the main CPU 102 determines whether the count value of the timer encapsulated in the main CPU 102 from the previous game startup is within a predetermined time period, such as 4.1 seconds or longer in this embodiment . If the main CPU 102 recognizes that the count value of the timer is 4.1 seconds or more, the processing step goes to step S111, but if it does not recognize that the count value of the timer is 4.1 seconds or more, it goes to step S110.

Next, consumption of the game start waiting time is performed (at step S110). In this step, the main CPU 102 consumes the game waiting time without going to the next processing step until the count time of the processing step S109 reaches 4.1 seconds. When it recognizes in step S109 that the count value reaches 4.1 seconds, the main CPU 102 shifts the processing step to step S111.

Next, the drum is rotated (at step S111). In this step, the main CPU 102 provides a driving signal to the motor driving circuit 130 to control the driving of the stepping motors 128L, 128C, 128R which drive the rollers 26L, 26C, 26R in rotation. After this step ends, go to step S112.

Next, random numbers are extracted (at step S112). In this step, the main CPU 102 provides the sampling signal to the sampling circuit 114 , and the sampling circuit 114 that has received the sampling signal provides data for generating a random number to the random number generator 116 . The random number generator 116 provides random numbers to the main CPU 102 . Furthermore, the main CPU 102 stores the random number supplied by the random number generator 116 into the main RAM 106 .

On the basis of these random numbers, the stop control positions of the drums 26L, 26C, 26R that have been rotationally driven in step S111 are determined. In this step, the main CPU 102 extracts the drawn random number. Specifically, random numbers are drawn from the range of 0 to 16383. When this processing step ends, go to step S112.

Next, the drawn random number is extracted (at step S112). In this process, the main CPU 102 supplies the random number generator 116 with a signal to generate a random number. Also, in response to a signal from the main CPU 102 to generate random numbers, the random number generator 116 generates random numbers and supplies them to the main CPU 102 . Main CPU 102 receives the random numbers and stores them into main RAM 106 . After this processing ends, the processing goes to step S113.

Next, a 1-game monitoring timer is set (at step S113), as shown in FIG. 14 . In this processing, main CPU 102 sets a timer installed therein. The timers include auto-stop timers that automatically stop the reels 26L, 26C, 26R not based on the player stopping the operation. When this processing ends, the processing goes to step S114.

Next, the game state is monitored (at step S114). In this process, the main CPU 102 monitors the game state in the slot machine 10, as described below. When this processing ends, go to step S115.

Next, probability extraction is performed (at step S115). In this processing, the main CPU 102 executes internal extraction processing on the basis of the random number stored in the main RAM 106 by the processing step S112. When this processing ends, go to step S116.

Next, a stop list group is selected (at step S116). The main CPU 102 selects a stop table based on the game state or the like, as described below. When this processing ends, go to step S117.

Next, a start command is sent (at step S117). In this process, the main CPU 102 supplies the auxiliary control circuit 200 with pieces of information such as internal winning combination information, the selection result of the stop list group, the game state, the kind of the stored probability drawing table and the stock number as data for starting the game. When this processing ends, go to step S118.

Next, it is determined (at step S118) whether the stop button is pressed. In this process, the drum stop information circuit 154 supplies a stop signal to the main CPU 102 when the operation of the respective stop buttons 34L, 34C, and 34R is detected. The main CPU 102 receives the stop signal, thereby recognizing that the stop button has been pressed, and the process goes to step S120. The main CPU 102 does not receive the stop information and thus does not recognize the pressing of the stop button, and the process proceeds to step S119.

Next, it is determined (at step S119) whether or not the value of the automatic stop timer is "0". In this process, the main CPU 102 makes this determination based on the count initiated by the process step S113. When determining that the value of the automatic stop timer is "0", the main CPU 102 advances the process to step S120, but when it is not sure that the value of the automatic stop timer is "0", it advances the process to step S118.

Next, the number of slide pictures is determined (at step S120). In this process, the main CPU 102 determines the number of slide screens based on the stop positions obtained by the detected operations of the respective stop buttons 34L, 34C, and 34R and the stop tables contained in the selected stop table group, and stores it. in main RAM 106 . When this processing ends, go to step S121.

Next, the reels corresponding to the number of slid screens rotate and then stop (at step S121). In this processing, the main CPU 102 reads out the data representing the number of screens slid by being stored in the main RAM 106 in the processing of step S120, and based on these data, sends A stop signal is provided to stop the stepper motors 128L, 128C and 128R to stop and display the rollers 26L, 26C and 26R. When this processing ends, go to step S122.

Next, it is determined (at step S122) whether all the rollers have stopped. In this process, if the main CPU 102 recognizes that all the reels are stopped, it goes to step S123, but when it does not recognize that all the reels are stopped, it goes to step S118.

Next, a stop command is sent (at step S123), as shown in FIG. 15 . In this process, the main CPU 102 supplies a command indicating that all the reels are stopped to the auxiliary control circuit 200 . When this processing ends, go to step S124.

Next, a prize is retrieved (at step S124). In this process, the main CPU 102 retrieves prizes based on the stop positions of the respective reels 26L, 26C and 26R, the BET number data and the winning symbol combination table, and stores the winning tokens in the main RAM. When this processing ends, go to step S125.

Next, it is determined (at step S125) whether the winning flag is normal. In this process, if the main CPU 102 recognizes that the winning flag is normal, the process goes to step S127, but if it recognizes that the winning flag is not normal, it goes to step S126.

Next, an illegal error is displayed (at step S126). In this process, the main CPU 102 supplies a display instruction to the auxiliary control circuit 200 through the input-output bus 108 to display an illegal error box. In response to this instruction, the sub CPU 212 in the sub control circuit 200 displays an illegal error frame in the display device 30 through the image control circuit 250 . When this processing ends, the game is interrupted.

Next, the game medal is credited or paid (at step S127). In this process, based on the winning flag stored in the main RAM 106 in the processing step S124, the main CPU 102 increases, updates or stores the credit number of the game medal located in the main RAM or provides a payout instruction signal to the hopper drive circuit 124 to make the slave The hopper 126 pays out the specified number of game medals. When this processing ends, go to step S128.

Next, the game state at the end time is monitored (at step S128). In this process, the main CPU 102 reads out the data indicating the state of the game stored in the main RAM 106 and determines the state of the game at the next and subsequent times on the basis of these data. Furthermore, when it determines the next and subsequent game states, the main CPU 102 can set various data and flags on the basis of the determination result. When this processing ends, go to step S129.

Next, an end command is issued (at step S129). In this process, the main CPU 102 supplies the auxiliary control circuit 200 with a command indicating that a game is over. When this processing ends, go to step S102.

【Operation of Auxiliary Control Circuit】

As shown in FIG. 16, in the auxiliary control circuit 200, it is determined (at step S201) whether or not a demonstration command has been received. In this processing, when the sub CPU 212 recognizes that the demo program has been received through the entry 218, the process goes to step S202, but when it does not recognize that the demo program has been received, it goes to step S203.

When it is determined in step S201 that a demonstration command has been received, an effect variable of demonstration time is stored (at step S202). In this process, the sub CPU 212 stores a variable indicating the presentation time in the sub RAM 216 . When the processing ends, go to step S203.

Next, it is determined (at step S203) whether a start command has been received. In this processing, when the sub CPU 212 recognizes that the start command has been received through the entry 218, the process goes to step S204, but when it does not recognize that the start command has been received, it goes to step S205.

When it is determined in step S203 that the activation command has been received, the effect variable of activation time is stored (at step S204). In this process, sub CPU 212 stores a variable indicating the startup time in sub RAM 216 . When the processing ends, go to step S205.

Next, it is determined (at step S205) whether a stop command has been received. In this process, when the sub CPU 212 recognizes that the stop command has been received, the process goes to step S206, but when it does not recognize that the stop command has been received, it goes to step S207.

When it is recognized in step S205 that a stop command has been received, an effect variable for the stop time is stored (at step S206). In this process, sub CPU 212 stores a variable indicating the stop time in sub RAM 216 . When the processing ends, go to step S207.

Next, it is determined (at step S207) whether an end command has been received. In this processing, when the sub CPU 212 recognizes that the end command has been received through the entry 218, the process goes to step S208, but when it does not recognize that the end command has been received, it goes to step S209.

When it is recognized in step S207 that the end command has been received, an effect variable for the end time is stored (at step S208). In this process, sub CPU 212 stores a variable indicating the end time in sub RAM 216 . When this processing ends, go to step S209.

Next, the effect is controlled according to the effect variable (at step S209). In this process, the sub-CPU 212 reads out variables indicating game conditions in the sub-RAM 216, such as demo time, start time, stop time or end time, and produces effects based on these variables. When the processing ends, go to step S201.

On the other hand, the effect control performed at step S209 will be described with reference to FIG. 17 .

First, as shown in FIG. 17, effect variables are referred (at step S211). In this process, the sub-CPU 212 reads out variables in the sub-RAM 216 indicating game conditions, such as demonstration time, start time, stop time or end time. When the processing ends, go to step S212.

Next, image control is performed on the basis of the effect variable (at step S212). In this process, the sub CPU 212 supplies an image display instruction to the image display control circuit 250 through the output port 220 on the basis of the effect variable referred to in step S211.

In the image display control circuit 250, the image control CPU 252 receives the image display instruction provided by the microcomputer 210 through the entry 264, and provides the image display instruction to the image control IC based on the image display instruction.

Image control IC 262 reads predetermined image data from image ROM 258 on the basis of image display instructions, stores image data in a superimposed manner in video RAM 260, and image control IC reads out image data stored in video RAM 260 , and provide them to the proportional circuit 400. When the processing ends, go to step S213.

Next, the sound is controlled based on the effect variable (at step S213). In this process, the sub CPU 212 supplies sound effect instructions to the lamp control circuit 300 through the output port 220 based on the effect variable referred to in step S211.

Sound source IC 302 receives a sound effect command, and reads predetermined sound data from sound ROM 304 . The sound source IC 302 provides sound data to the power amplifier 306 to make the sound from the speaker 46 produce sound effects. When the processing ends, go to step S214.

Next, lamp control is performed on the basis of the effect variable (at step S214). In this process, the sub CPU 212 supplies a light effect instruction to the light control circuit 300 through the output port 220 based on the variable referred to in step S211.

The light driving circuit 322 receives a light effect command to turn on/off the effect light 172 .

Here, in this process, various lights can be used to produce light effects, but the use of the roller tail lights 63 to produce light effects is prohibited. Normally, the roller tail lights are on, and when it's time to make an effect, turn them off or turn on another color. When this processing ends, this subroutine ends.

[Operation of the proportional circuit]

As shown in FIG. 18, in the proportional circuit 400, the timer count is started (at step S301). In this processing, the signal conversion CPU 272 starts counting the timer set there. When this processing ends, go to step S302.

Next, it is determined (at step S302) whether a predetermined time has elapsed. In this processing, when the signal conversion CPU 272 recognizes that the count of the timer installed therein has passed the predetermined time, the process goes to step S303, but when it does not recognize that the count of the timer installed therein has passed the predetermined time, Then go to step S302 again.

When it is recognized at step S302 that the predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined (at step S303) whether an image signal or a synchronization signal has been received. In this processing, when the signal conversion CPU 272 recognizes that an image signal has been received through the input port 278, the process goes to step S304, but when it does not recognize that an image signal has been received, it goes to step S306.

When the received image signal is recognized by the processing at step S303, the received image signal is amplified (at step S304). In this process, the signal conversion CPU 272 amplifies and converts the received image signal into an amplified and converted image signal. When this processing ends, go to step S305.

Next, the enlarged image is stored (at step S305). In this process, the signal conversion CPU 272 stores in the video RAM 276 the image signal enlarged and converted in step S304. When this processing ends, go to step S307.

When it is not recognized that an image signal has been received through the processing of step S303, a transparent image is stored (at step S306). In this process, the signal conversion CPU 272 stores a higher transparency image in the video RAM 276 . When this processing ends, go to step S307.

Next, an image signal is sent out (at step S307). In this process, the signal conversion CPU 272 reads out the image data stored in the video RAM 276 and supplies the image data to the display device 30 through the output port 280 .

On the other hand, when the signal conversion CPU 272 supplies an image signal, it supplies a light-emitting effect signal to the liquid crystal backlight 292 .

The liquid crystal driving circuit 291 having received the image data converts the image data and displays an image in the liquid crystal display device 54 based on the image data.

In addition, the liquid crystal backlight 292 receives the aforementioned effect signal and illuminates the liquid crystal display device 54 from behind. When this processing ends, go to step S301.

Therefore, "the drum illuminating device has the function of illuminating the drum when the power is turned on". On top of the power-on operation, the function of activating the illuminated drum makes the drum easy to see. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game that can continue the player's interest for a long time. Since visualization becomes easier, it is also possible to provide a game that keeps the player's interest for a long time without making the player almost tired.

Especially when the symbols are displayed with a rotating drum motion, it can be more difficult to see the symbols than when the symbols are displayed statically. According to this game machine, it is possible to provide a game in which the reels are easier to see than in the prior art, and the player's interest can be continued for a long time. Since visualization becomes easier, it is also possible to provide a game that keeps the player's interest for a long time without making the player almost tired. Since the game content is always determined in the reel stop mode, it is possible to provide a game that can keep the player's interest for a long time.

Here, the aforementioned concept of "the case where the power is turned on" includes the cases where the power is only turned on and the power is turned on again. For example, in the cases included, the power may be turned on based on the operation of the power button, and the power may be turned on again based on the operation of the reset button.

In addition, "the drum illuminating device has a function of illuminating the drum at all times when the power is turned on". When the gaming machine is turned on, that is, when the gaming machine is playable, a game can be provided in which the reels are easy to see and the player's interest can be continued for a long time. Since visualization becomes easier, it is also possible to provide a game that keeps the player's interest for a long time without making the player almost tired.

In addition, "the drum illuminating device has the function of not illuminating the drum when the effect is produced, and illuminating the drum when the effect is not produced". Thus, an effect can be produced by turning off the drum, but lighting the drum all the time that no effect is produced. In other words, the rollers are generally visible and the effect is created by not illuminating the rollers. As a result, it is possible to provide a game that can produce an effect by the brightness of the reels, making the reels easy to see and continuing the player's interest for a long time. In addition, since visualization becomes easier, it is also possible to provide a game that can keep the player's interest for a long time without making the player almost tired.

And, "the game machine further includes: a display device installed on the front surface of the reel to display images; a display control device for displaying images related to the game on the display device, the display control device having a function of displaying a relatively high-transparency image on the display device." function of the image". Therefore, invisibility is eliminated by displaying a higher transparency image. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game in which the reels are easier to see and the player's interest can be continued for a long time. Since visualization becomes easier, it is also possible to provide a game that keeps the player's interest for a long time without making the player almost tired.

Here in this embodiment, the display device 30 is provided on the front surfaces of the rollers 26L, 26C and 26R, and the display device 30 is constructed so as to display relatively transparent images. However, the present invention should not be limited thereto, and the display device 30 need not be provided on the front surfaces of the drums 26L, 26C, and 26R. In addition, no problem occurs even when the display device 30 has no function of displaying relatively transparent images. At this time, the construction is such that the display device is controlled to maintain the screen state by displaying a predetermined image when an abnormality is detected.

In addition, the effects described here are merely enumerations of the most suitable effects obtained from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention should not be limited thereto.

In order to achieve the aforementioned object, the game machine of the present invention provides an image display unit having display control means, and a power supply means independently supplying power to the display unit and the image display unit.

The aforementioned concept of "supplying power independently" includes not only the use of different power supply devices, but also the supply of power not to one substrate but to other substrates even when the power supply devices are shared.

In addition, "the display device is provided with an image state maintaining unit having image state maintaining means for receiving an image signal from the display control means and controlling the display device to maintain a predetermined state when the image signal is abnormal" . Therefore, even if power is not supplied to the image display unit, the power supply means independently supplies power to the display device so that the display device itself is not disconnected from the power source. Therefore, by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game machine in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

Furthermore, by providing such image state maintaining means, a predetermined image is displayed when the image is abnormal. It is possible to provide a game machine that keeps the player's interest for a long time by eliminating a factor that produces an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game.

Furthermore, "the gaming machine includes a rotating reel with symbols drawn on its outer periphery, and a display device is mounted on the front surface of the reel". A gaming machine in which the display device is located on the front surface of the reels where the player pays the most attention can provide a game with a dynamic effect, but may have a more uncomfortable image effect on the player due to the more noticeable position. Especially when the display device is installed on the front surface of the drum, it can cause serious discomfort to the player. By eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

Here in this embodiment, the display device 30 is provided on the front surfaces of the rollers 26L, 26C and 26R, and the display device is constructed so that the display device 30 can display relatively transparent images. However, the present invention should not be limited thereto, and the display means need not be provided on the front surfaces of the drums 26L, 26C and 26R. , no problem occurs even when the display device 30 has no function of displaying a relatively transparent image. At this time, the construction is such that the display device is controlled to maintain the screen state by displaying a predetermined image when an abnormality is detected.

In addition, the effects described here are merely enumerations of the most suitable effects obtained from the present invention, and the effects of the invention should not be limited thereto.

The aforementioned concept of "supplying power independently" includes not only the use of different power supply devices, but also the supply of power to not one substrate but other substrates even when the power supply devices are shared.

On the other hand, "the image state maintaining unit not only has the image state maintaining means, but also the image enlargement conversion means for converting the received image into an enlarged image signal". Therefore, even if there is no power supply to the display control unit, the independent supply of power by the power supply means makes it possible to maintain the image state without displaying disturbing images. By eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

In addition, the image signal is displayed after being enlarged and converted, allowing a larger image to be displayed in the display device than in the prior art. Such a display can provide a game with a dynamic effect, but produces a more uncomfortable image effect on the player as the image becomes larger. Especially when displaying such an enlarged and converted image, it may cause serious discomfort to the player. Therefore, by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

Furthermore, by providing a common image state holding unit having the game state holding means and the image enlargement switching means, not only no size enlargement occurs, but also space saving and less influence of reception noise.

In addition, "the gaming machine further includes a rotating reel having a plurality of symbols drawn on its outer periphery, and a display device is installed on the front surface of the reel". A gaming machine in which the display device is located on the front surface of the reels where the player pays the most attention can provide a game with a dynamic effect, but may have a more uncomfortable image effect on the player due to the more noticeable position. Especially when the display device is installed on the front surface of the drum, it can cause serious discomfort to the player. By eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

On the other hand, the display device does not display an uncomfortable image which may be formed due to various problems, but displays a higher transparency image. Therefore, when an abnormality is detected, the reels are still made visible to the player.

Therefore, there is provided a game that continues the player's interest without displaying uncomfortable images that may be formed due to various problems unless an abnormality occurs in the image signal monitoring unit.

Now that the reels are visible, the game will hardly be interrupted even if the monitoring unit malfunctions. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game that not only can be continued, but also is hardly distrusted by the player when inappropriate handling is performed, so that the interest of the player can be continued.

Here in this embodiment, the display device 30 is provided on the front surfaces of the rollers 26L, 26C and 26R, and the display device is constructed so that the display device 30 can display relatively transparent images. However, the present invention should not be limited thereto, and the display means need not be provided on the front surfaces of the drums 26L, 26C and 26R. No problem occurs even when the display device 30 has no function of displaying relatively transparent images. At this time, the construction is such that the display device is controlled to maintain the screen state by displaying a predetermined image when an abnormality is detected.

In addition, the effects described here are merely enumerations of the most suitable effects obtained from the present invention, and the effects of the invention should not be limited thereto.

Therefore, "the display device further includes: an image display substrate having an image control device; an image signal control substrate, the image signal control substrate includes receiving an image signal from the display control device to display an image on the display device and detecting An image signal control device with an abnormal image signal, and a transparent image display device that displays a relatively high-transparency image on a display device when the image signal control device detects an abnormal image signal". Therefore, instead of displaying uncomfortable images that may be caused by various problems, images with higher transparency are displayed on the display device. Therefore, when an abnormality is detected, the reels are made visible to the player.

Therefore, it is possible to provide a game that can continue the player's interest without displaying an image that may be uncomfortable during game play unless an abnormality occurs in the image signal control substrate.

Now that the reels are visible, the game will hardly be interrupted even if the monitoring unit malfunctions. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game that not only continues, but also can be trusted by the player to continue the player's interest when inappropriate handling is performed.

On the other hand, "the image signal control substrate includes not only the image signal control means and the transparent image display means, but also image enlargement conversion means for converting received image signals into enlarged image signals". Therefore, uncomfortable images that may be formed by various problems can be kept in a predetermined state without being displayed in the display device. By eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

In addition, the image signal is displayed after being enlarged and converted, allowing a larger image to be displayed in the display device than in the prior art. This display can provide a game with a dynamic effect, but produces a more uncomfortable image effect on the player as the image becomes larger. Especially when displaying such an enlarged and converted image, it may cause serious discomfort to the player. Therefore, by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

In addition, by providing a common image signal monitoring substrate having the game state maintaining means and the image enlargement switching means, the number of substrates can be reduced, size enlargement can be avoided, and space can be saved. In addition, signals are supplied through lines formed on the substrate, making it less affected by reception noise.

In addition, "the display control means has a function of displaying a color image on the display unit so that the color image is invisible to the player". Therefore, instead of displaying uncomfortable images which may be caused by various problems, images of higher transparency are displayed on the display device. Therefore, when an abnormality is detected, the reels are made visible to the player.

Therefore, it is possible to provide a game that can continue the player's interest without displaying an image that may be uncomfortable during game play unless an abnormality occurs in the image signal control substrate.

Now that the reels are visible, the game will hardly be interrupted even if the monitoring unit malfunctions. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game that not only continues, but also can be trusted by the player to continue the player's interest when inappropriate handling is performed.

Furthermore, the effects described so far do not exceed the enumeration of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and the effects of the invention should not be limited to the foregoing description.

The present invention will be described in connection with its embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiment to be described, the present invention is applied to a slot machine in which a plurality of mechanically rotating reels are used as variable display means to variably display a variety of discrimination information images for games. However, the present invention should not be limited thereto but can be employed in various game machines such as pinball game machines, medal game machines or card game machines.

In the image display auxiliary substrate 80, an image display auxiliary circuit (although not shown) 290 is packaged, and the image display auxiliary circuit 290 forms a part of the display device 30 to drive the image signal from the proportional substrate 76 and control the display device. 30 liquid crystal backlight 292 (refer to FIG. 11 ).

Therefore, there are provided a display device having display control means, and an image state holding unit having image state holding means which receives an image signal from the display control means and controls the display device to maintain a predetermined state when the image signal is abnormal. Uncomfortable images that may be formed due to various problems can be kept in a predetermined state without being displayed in the display device. Therefore, by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

For example, games are provided that can make players uncomfortable by displaying disturbing images due to malfunctions of display devices, display control devices, power supplies, and the like. Therefore, by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game machine in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

In addition, the image state holding unit is provided with image state holding means, and image enlarging conversion means for converting an image received from the image control means into an enlarged image signal. Therefore, uncomfortable images that may be formed due to various problems can be kept in a predetermined state without being displayed in the display device. By eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

In addition, the image signal is displayed after being enlarged and converted, allowing a larger image to be displayed in the display device than in the prior art. Such a display can provide a game with a dynamic effect, but produces a more uncomfortable image effect on the player as the image becomes larger. Especially when displaying such an enlarged and converted image, it may cause serious discomfort to the player. Therefore, by eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

In addition, by providing a common image state holding unit having the image state holding means and the image enlargement conversion means, not only no size enlargement occurs, but also space saving and less influence of reception noise.

In addition, the display device is provided with a rotating drum having a plurality of symbols drawn on its outer periphery, and a transparent image display device installed on the front surface of the drum to display a higher transparency image. In the game machine, the display device is arranged on the front surface of the reel where the player pays the most attention, so that a game with dynamic effects can be provided. However, for the more attention-grabbing positions, the more severely uncomfortable images tend to be produced for the player. Especially when the display device is installed on the front surface of the drum, it can cause serious discomfort to the player. By eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

Here in this embodiment, the display device 30 is provided on the front surfaces of the rollers 26L, 26C and 26R, and the display device is constructed so that the display device 30 can display relatively transparent images. However, the present invention should not be limited thereto, and the display means need not be provided on the front surfaces of the drums 26L, 26C and 26R. No problem occurs even when the display device 30 has no function of displaying relatively transparent images. At this time, the construction is such that the display device is controlled to maintain the screen state by displaying a predetermined image when an abnormality is detected.

In addition, the effects described here are merely enumerations of the most suitable effects obtained from the present invention, and the effects of the invention should not be limited thereto.

In addition, the tail drum lights 63L, 63C, 63R are normally kept on to make the symbols easy to see. At the time of power-on and restart, the tumbler tail lamps 63L, 63C, 63R are activated to maintain the lighting state in the lighting/extinguishing state.

Since the main input signal generating device generates the input signal required for the main CPU 102 to generate the control signal, the device is provided with a start switch 150, a 1-BET switch 20, a 2-BET switch 22, a MAX-BET switch 24, a storage medal settlement button 36, Medal sensor 152 , reel stop signal circuit 154 , reel position detection circuit 156 , payout completion signal circuit 158 , payout switch 162 , restart switch 164 , setting switch 166 and contact sensor 168 . These components are also connected to main CPU 102 via input-output bus 108 .

The setting switch 166 detects the operation of a setting button provided in the slot machine 10, and supplies a setting signal to the main CPU 102 through the input-output bus 108 when it detects the operation of the setting button.

The lamp control circuit 300 is configured by: a sound source IC 302 for controlling sounds emitted from the speaker 46 ; a sound ROM 304 storing these sound data; a power amplifier 306 as an amplifier; and a lamp driving circuit 322 driving the effect lamp 172 .

Here, in this embodiment, an image signal is supplied to the proportional circuit 400 using LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling). The present invention should not be limited thereto, but various forms can be used. Preferably, for example, by using a differential format such as LVDS, the image signal is hardly affected by noise, so that image display does not deteriorate.

In addition, in the present embodiment, the image signal supplied to the scaling circuit 400 is of VGA (Video Graphics Array) size, which can be converted into an enlarged image signal of XGA (Extended Graphics Array) size by the operation of the scaling circuit 40 . Here in this embodiment, a VGA-sized image signal is supplied to the scaling circuit 400 . However, the present invention should not be limited thereto, but image signals of various sizes can be provided.

Furthermore, the image signal control unit is constructed to include image signal control means, transparent image display means, and image enlargement conversion means for converting received image signals into enlarged image signals. Therefore, uncomfortable images that may be formed due to various problems can be kept in a predetermined state without being displayed in the display device. By eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

Next, automatic insertion of desired game medals is performed (at step S106). In this processing step, the main CPU 102 reads out data representing the previous insertion number from the main RAM 106, and stores the BET number in the main RAM 106 on the basis of this data. When this processing step ends, go to step S108.

Next, it is determined (at step S122) whether or not all the rollers 26L, 26C and 26R have stopped. In this process, when the main CPU 102 recognizes that all the reels 26L, 26C, and 26R are stopped, the process goes to step S123, but when it does not recognize that all the reels are stopped, it goes to step S118.

Next, a stop command is sent (at step S123), as shown in FIG. 15 . In this process, the main CPU 102 supplies a command indicating that all the reels are stopped to the auxiliary control circuit 200 . When this processing ends, go to step S124.

In the image display control circuit 250, the image control CPU 252 receives the image display command from the microcomputer 210 through the input port 264, and provides the image display command to the image control IC based on the image display command.

According to the present invention, there is provided a display device having a display control device, and an image state holding unit having functions of receiving an image signal from the display control device to display an image on the display device and controlling when the image signal is abnormal. The image state maintaining means for displaying the device into a continuous state. Therefore, uncomfortable images that may be caused by various problems can be kept in a predetermined state without being displayed in the display device. By eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

The present invention will be described in connection with its embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiment to be described, the present invention is applied to a slot machine in which a plurality of mechanically rotating reels are used as variable display means to variably display a variety of discrimination information images for games. However, the present invention should not be limited but can be employed in various game machines such as pinball game machines, medal game machines or card game machines.

According to the present invention, "the drum lighting device has a function of lighting the drum when the power is turned on", that is, the function of lighting the drum is activated based on the power-on operation. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game in which the reels are easy to see and the player's interest can be continued for a long time. In addition, since visualization becomes easier, the game enables the player to maintain interest for a long time with little fatigue.

According to the present invention, "the display device further includes an image display unit having a display control device; and a power supply device independently supplying power to the display device and the image display unit". Therefore, even if the image display unit has no power supply, the power supply means independently supplies power to the display device so that the display device itself will not be powered off. By eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

According to the present invention, "the game machine further includes: an image display unit having a display control device; image and an image state holding device that controls the display device in a predetermined state when the image signal is abnormal; and a power supply device that independently supplies power to the image state holding unit and the image display unit". Therefore, even if there is no power supply to the image display unit, the independent supply of power from the power supply means keeps the image state without displaying any disturbing images. By eliminating a factor of causing an uncomfortable feeling when playing a game, it is possible to provide a game in which the player's interest continues for a long time.

According to the present invention, "the game machine further includes: an image display substrate having a display control device; an image signal control substrate, and the image signal control substrate includes receiving an image signal from the display control device to display an image on the display device and An image signal control device that detects an abnormal image signal, and a transparent image display device that displays a relatively high-transparency image on a display device when the image signal control device detects an abnormal image signal." Therefore, instead of displaying uncomfortable images that may be caused by various problems, images of higher transparency are displayed on the display device. Therefore, when an abnormality is detected, the reels can be made visible to the player.

Although only a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many changes are possible in the above exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, many such modifications are intended to be within the scope of this invention.

Claims (23)

1. A gaming machine, comprising: a rotating drum with symbols painted on its periphery; and drum lighting means for illuminating said drum, It is characterized in that the reel illuminating device has the function of illuminating the reel when the game machine is turned on, a display device for displaying an image, said display device being arranged in front of said drum, and A display control device for controlling the display device to display images related to the game, the display control device switches between a highly transparent image showing a reel pattern and a low transparent image not displaying a reel pattern, so as to displayed on the display device. 2. A gaming machine, comprising: a rotating drum with symbols painted on its periphery; and drum lighting means for illuminating said drum, It is characterized in that the reel illuminating device has the function of illuminating the reel at all times when the game machine is turned on, a display device for displaying an image, said display device being arranged in front of said drum, and A display control device for controlling the display device to display images related to the game, the display control device switches between a highly transparent image showing a reel pattern and a low transparent image not displaying a reel pattern, so as to displayed on the display device. 3. A gaming machine, comprising: a rotating drum with symbols painted on its periphery; and drum lighting means for illuminating said drum, It is characterized in that the drum illuminating device has the function of not needing to illuminate the drum when the effect image is displayed, but illuminating the drum when the effect image is not displayed, a display device for displaying an image, said display device being arranged in front of said drum, and A display control device for controlling the display device to display images related to the game, the display control device switches between a highly transparent image showing a reel pattern and a low transparent image not displaying a reel pattern, so as to displayed on the display device. 4. A game machine, characterized in that it comprises: a display device for displaying an image, said display device being arranged in front of the drum, and Display control means for controlling said display means to display images related to the game, said display control means switching between a highly transparent image displaying a reel pattern and a low transparency image not displaying a reel pattern, to display on said display means displayed above, further includes: an image display unit having said display control means; and A power supply device independently supplies power to the display device and the image display unit. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, further comprising: An image state maintaining substrate having image state maintaining means that receives an image signal from said display control means to display an image on said display means, and controls said The display means keeps it in a predetermined state, so that the display means displays a predetermined image different from the image and maintains the image state. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising: A power transfer device for switching the power supplied from the power supply device to branch and supply the power to the image display unit and the display device. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The image display unit is installed on the top of the game machine. 8. A game machine, characterized in that it comprises: a display device for displaying images, and A display control device for controlling the display device to display images related to the game, further comprising: An image display unit with a display control device; An image state holding unit having image state holding means that receives an image signal from said display control means to display an image on said display means, and controls said the display device is in a predetermined state such that said display device displays a predetermined image different from said image and maintains the image state; and and a power supply device independently supplying power to the display state holding unit and the image display unit. 9. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein: The image state maintaining unit includes image state maintaining means and image enlarging conversion means for converting received image signals into amplified image signals. 10. The gaming machine according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The image state keeping unit is installed on the top of the game machine. 11. The gaming machine according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising a rotating reel with a plurality of symbols drawn on its periphery, Wherein, the display device is arranged in front of the drum. 12. The game machine according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising A power switching means for switching the power supplied from the power supply means to branch and supply the power to the image state holding unit and the image display unit. 13. A gaming machine, comprising: a display device for displaying images, and A display control device for controlling the display device to display images related to the game, further comprising: an image display unit having said display control means; and An image state holding unit having image state holding means that receives an image signal from said display control means to display an image on said display means, and controls said The display means is maintained in a predetermined state such that the display means displays a predetermined image different from the image and maintains the image state. 14. The gaming machine of claim 13, wherein: The image state holding unit has image state holding means and image enlargement conversion means for converting the image signal received from the display control means into an enlarged image signal. 15. The game machine according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising: a rotating reel with a plurality of symbols drawn on its periphery, Wherein, the display device has a transparent image display device for displaying images with higher transparency, and the display device is arranged in front of the drum. 16. A gaming machine according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: The image state keeping unit is installed on the top of the game machine. 17. A gaming machine, comprising: a rotating drum with symbols painted on its periphery; a display device arranged in front of said drum for displaying images; and display control means for controlling said display means to display images related to the game, said display control means switching between a highly transparent image displaying a reel pattern and a low transparency image not displaying a reel pattern, to display on said display displayed on the device, further including: An image display substrate having said display control device; an image signal control substrate including image signal control means that receives an image signal from said display control means to display an image on said display means and detects an abnormality in the image signal, and When the image signal control device detects that the image signal is abnormal, the transparent image display device displays a relatively transparent image on the display device. 18. The game machine according to claim 17, wherein the image signal control substrate includes an image signal control device, a transparent image display device and a device for converting the received image signal into an enlarged image signal. Image enlargement conversion device. 19. A gaming machine according to claim 17 or 18, wherein: The image signal control substrate is installed on the top of the game machine. 20. A display device for a game machine, comprising: a display device for displaying an image, said display device being arranged in front of the drum, and display control means for controlling said display means to display images related to the game, said display control means switching between a highly transparent image displaying a reel pattern and a low transparency image not displaying a reel pattern, to display on said display displayed on the device, further including: an image display unit having said display control means; and A power supply device independently supplies power to the display device and the image display unit. 21. A display device for a game machine, comprising: a display device for displaying images, and A display control device for controlling the display device to display images related to the game, further comprising: an image display unit having said display control means; and An image state holding unit having image state holding means that receives a signal from said display control means to display an image on said display means, and controls said display means when the image signal is abnormal Maintaining in a predetermined state causes said display means to display a predetermined image different from said image and maintains the image state. 22. The display device according to claim 21, further comprising: A power supply device independently supplies power to the image state holding unit and the image display unit. 23. The display device according to any one of claims 20-22, further comprising: A rotating drum with multiple symbols painted on its periphery, an image signal control substrate including image signal control means that receives an image signal from said display control means to display an image on said display means and detects abnormality of the image signal; and A transparent image display device that displays a higher transparency image on said display device when the image signal control device detects an abnormal image signal, Wherein the display device is arranged in front of the drum.

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