JP6475415B2 - Gaming machine, gaming method and computer-readable recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, a gaming method, and a computer-readable recording medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a slot machine which is a kind of gaming machine, a machine having a rotating reel and a reel strip on which a plurality of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery of the rotating reel is known.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151561 discloses a gaming machine including an outer reel provided with a reel strip including a transparent symbol on the outer periphery, an inner reel having a plurality of colored regions arranged on the outer periphery, and a light source disposed on the inner side of the inner reel. A machine is disclosed. In the gaming machine of this document, since the color of the colored area of the inner reel can be seen through the transparent symbol of the reel strip of the outer reel, the color of the colored area of the inner reel corresponding to the transparent symbol of the outer reel changes. The color of the transparent symbol changes.

US Pat. No. 5,758,881

  In the gaming machine described above, the arrangement of colors in the chromatic area of the inner reel cannot be changed during the game, and the pattern in which the transparent symbols change color is uniform throughout the game. For this reason, it is not possible to change the type, frequency, or order of the appearing colors by changing the pattern in which the transparent symbol changes color according to the progress of the game. It was not possible to provide a highly diverse game by changing. In this technical field, a gaming machine, a gaming method, or a computer-readable recording medium that provides a highly diverse game is desired.

  A gaming machine according to one aspect of the present invention includes a rotating reel having a reel strip with a plurality of symbols arranged on the outer periphery, and the light of the color adjusted with respect to the reel strip is provided inside the reel strip of the rotating reel. A display device having an illuminable light source, a memory device that stores a plurality of color tables that determine the order of the colors of light emitted from the light source, and one selected from a plurality of color tables stored in the memory device; A controller that sequentially changes the color of light emitted from the light source based on the selected color table.

  In such a gaming machine, a plurality of color tables are stored in the memory device, and based on one color table selected from the memory table, the controller emits light emitted from the light source to the reel strip. Change the color sequentially. That is, as the selected color table changes, the mode of sequential change in the color of light emitted from the light source also changes. Therefore, according to such a gaming machine, various symbol color changes can be realized.

  In one embodiment, the light source has a plurality of light source elements disposed along the reel strip, and is capable of irradiating light of an adjusted color to a plurality of symbols on the reel strip. For example, the colors of a plurality of consecutive symbols can be changed sequentially.

  In one embodiment, the light source element is an LED element having a color adjustment function formed by combining a plurality of LED elements. In this case, since a plurality of colors can be reproduced with one LED element, space saving and a reduction in the number of parts can be achieved as compared with the case where a plurality of single-color LED elements are used.

  In one embodiment, the light source is a surface light source disposed along the reel strip, and is capable of irradiating light of an adjusted color to a plurality of symbols on the reel strip. In this case, uniform light can be irradiated to the entire region where the symbols are formed.

  In one embodiment, the surface light source is a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device capable of color display. In this case, an image and / or a moving image or the like can be displayed on the surface light source, and the symbol display can be further diversified.

  In one embodiment, the light source can irradiate a plurality of symbols on the reel strip with different colors of light. Even when a plurality of symbols have the same shape, different symbols can be displayed as different symbols.

  In one embodiment, the controller changes the color table according to the game state. In this case, the game state can be recognized by the player from the color of light applied to the reel strip.

  In one embodiment, the controller controls the color change of the light emitted by the light source to stop when the rotating reel stops. In this case, when the rotating reel is stopped, the player can simultaneously determine the symbol and its color.

  In one embodiment, the controller controls the color change of the light emitted by the light source to stop before the rotating reel stops. In this case, the player can recognize only the color of the symbol in advance before the rotating reel stops and the symbol can be recognized.

  In one embodiment, the controller controls to stop the color change of light emitted by the light source after the rotating reel stops. In this case, the rotating reel is stopped and only the symbol can be recognized. Thereafter, the player can recognize the color of the symbol only after the change in the color of light emitted from the light source is stopped.

  A gaming method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a rotating reel having a reel strip with a plurality of symbols arranged on the outer periphery, and the light of the color adjusted with respect to the reel strip is provided inside the reel strip of the rotating reel. In a gaming method for providing a game using a display device having an illuminable light source, a controller stores one of a plurality of color tables stored in a memory device and defining a color order of light emitted from the light source. And the color of light emitted from the light source is sequentially changed based on the selected color table.

  In such a gaming method, the controller selects one of a plurality of color tables stored in the memory device, and light emitted from the light source to the reel strip based on the selected color table. Are sequentially changed, thereby changing the color of the symbols provided on the reel strip. Therefore, by changing the color table, the color pattern (type, frequency, or order) of light emitted from the light source can be changed, and the color of the symbol can be changed in various ways.

  A computer-readable recording medium according to one aspect of the present invention includes a rotating reel having a reel strip with a plurality of symbols arranged on the outer periphery, and is adjusted with respect to the reel strip inside the reel strip of the rotating reel. A computer-readable recording medium recording a program for causing one or a plurality of computers to realize a function using a display device having a light source capable of emitting light of a different color, The program selects one or a plurality of computers from a plurality of color tables stored in a memory device and defining a color order of light emitted from the light source, and the light source is selected based on the selected color table. It functions as a controller that sequentially changes the color of the light emitted.

  In such a computer-readable recording medium, the recorded program selects one or a plurality of computers from a plurality of color tables stored in the memory device, and the selected color table is stored in the selected color table. Based on this, the color of light emitted from the light source to the reel strip is sequentially changed, thereby functioning as a controller that changes the color of the symbol provided on the reel strip. Therefore, by changing the color table, the color pattern (type, frequency, or order) of light emitted from the light source can be changed, and the color of the symbol can be changed in various ways.

  According to one aspect and various embodiments of the present invention, there are provided a gaming machine, a gaming method, and a computer-readable recording medium that provide a highly diverse game capable of changing the color of a symbol in various ways. Provided.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a lower display device of the gaming machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the lower display device of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a reel unit of the lower display device of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reel strip of the lower display device of FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system in the gaming machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a color table stored in the memory device of FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a color table stored in the memory device of FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a color table stored in the memory device of FIG. 6. It is an example of a game screen. FIG. 7 is an example of a flowchart for explaining the operation of the gaming machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is an example of a flowchart for explaining the operation of the gaming machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is an example of a flowchart for explaining the operation of the gaming machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a first half of an example of a flowchart for explaining the operation of the gaming machine of FIG. 1. It is the latter half part of the flowchart of FIG. It is the figure which showed the light source of a different aspect.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment provides a game in exchange for the consumption of game value, such as a slot machine, a poker machine, a kino machine, a bingo machine, a pachinko machine, a pachislot machine, etc. that provide a game to a player at a casino. It can be adopted as a machine. The play value is a concept including tangible objects such as coins, bills, coins, medals, tickets, or electronic data having a value equivalent to these. Such game value can be used in the form of being converted into the number of credits as a consumption unit when it is inserted into the gaming machine 1 and providing the game to the player by consuming the accumulated credit. .

  In the following, the gaming machine 1 is a slot machine that includes a reel having a plurality of symbols, stops after rotating the reel, and determines the presence or absence of winning according to the plurality of symbols displayed when the reel is stopped. A case will be described as an example.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 has a vertical casing 19 that extends in the vertical direction (z direction). The housing 19 includes a lower display device 12 including a plurality of rotatable mechanical reels 2 (rotary reels) therein, and an upper display device 13 provided on the upper side of the lower display device 12. Yes.

  The upper display device 13 includes a liquid crystal device 15 that can display an image or video related to the content of the game. The lower display device 12 is provided on the front surface 12a and is provided on the lower side of the window 17 through which the operation of the reel 2 can be visually recognized. The liquid crystal device 9 can display an image or video related to the content of the game. It has. The liquid crystal devices 9 and 15 and the window 17 function as a display unit 18 that displays the game contents.

  A control panel 3 is provided below the display unit 18. More specifically, the control panel 3 is provided in the bottom cabinet 10 provided on the lower side of the lower display device 12. An insertion port 4, an output port 5, and an operation unit 30 are provided on the surface 3 a of the control panel 3. A game value as a consideration for executing the game is input to the insertion slot 4 by the player. As an example of the play value, coins or bills are used here. From the output port 5, for example, in response to an operation of a payout button to be described later, a ticket, which is a medium on which credit information stored in the gaming machine 1 is printed, is output. The insertion port 4 or the output port 5 may be configured such that credit information printed on a ticket can be further read and stored in the gaming machine 1. In this case, the gaming machine 1 can be configured to accumulate credits based on the read credit information.

  The operation unit 30 receives various instructions from the player to the gaming machine 1. The operation unit 30 includes, for example, a spin button 7 and a plurality of buttons 6. The spin button 7 receives an instruction to start a game (reel rotation start). The plurality of buttons 6 include, for example, a bet button group, a line designation button group, a max bet button, or a payout button. The bet button group receives an operation for instructing a game value to be betted by the player by a predetermined unit amount. The line designation button group accepts an operation for designating a line (hereinafter referred to as an effective line) to be a winning determination target. The max bet button accepts an operation for instructing to bet the maximum play value that can be bet at one time. The payout button accepts an operation for instructing payout. Below the control panel 3, a payout tray 24 for paying out game value is provided. The payout tray 24 is provided in the bottom cabinet 10. When the payout button is operated, the gaming machine 1 may output the accumulated credit information from the output port 5 or pay out from the payout tray 24 as a game value. Either is selected by. A configuration may be adopted in which either one is selected according to the player's designation.

  A lower box 11 is disposed between the lower display device 12 and the bottom cabinet 10. A plurality of speakers 8 are provided on the front surface of the lower box 11. The plurality of speakers 8 may output sound according to the progress of the game, for example. The plurality of speakers 8 may output sound even when the gaming machine 1 does not provide a game.

  Next, the lower display device 12 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the lower display device 12 includes a reel accommodating portion 121 and a door 122. The door 122 is attached to the reel accommodating portion 121 so as to be openable and closable, and constitutes a front surface 12a (see FIG. 1) of the lower display device 12. FIG. 2 shows a state where the door 122 is opened. FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along the xz plane) of the lower display device 12.

  In the internal space S of the lower display device 12, a plurality of reel units 35 for rotating the reel 2 independently is accommodated. In the present embodiment, the lower display device 12 accommodates five reel units 35A to 35E arranged along the y-axis direction. The number of reel units 35 can be appropriately increased or decreased according to the game provided by the gaming machine 1.

  The door 122 is provided with the window 17 and the liquid crystal device 9. The window 17 displays a part of each of the five reels 2 (a part of each reel unit 35) so that the player can visually recognize the part from the outside of the lower display device 12.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the reel unit 35. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each reel unit 35 includes a reel 2, and the reel 2 includes a reel strip 36 and a reel frame 37 that holds the reel strip 36 in an annular shape. Each reel 2 has a rotation axis Yr extending in the y-axis direction, and the respective rotation axes coincide with each other, so that all the reels 2 rotate coaxially. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the reel strip 36 is provided with a plurality of symbols 36a.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the reel strip 36 is provided with a plurality of symbols 36 a arranged in a vertical line. The reel strip 36 has an upper end portion and a lower end portion that are bonded together to form an annular shape. Various symbols such as numbers, letters, figures, and the like can be appropriately employed for the symbol 36a. The reel strip 36 has a light-transmitting property that allows at least part of light from the light source 42 to be described later to pass therethrough. For example, the reel strip 36 can be made of a translucent resin.

  The reel unit 35 further includes a light irradiation unit 40 that is disposed inside the reel strip 36 and that irradiates light to the reel strip 36. The light irradiation unit 40 includes a plurality of light sources 42, a support substrate 44 that supports the light sources 42 from the back side, a wall 46 that extends from the support substrate 44 to the front side, and light that controls the light emitted from each light source 42. And an irradiation controller 48.

  In the present embodiment, the light source 42 is an LED element that is a kind of light source element. More specifically, the light source 42 is an LED element formed by combining a plurality of LED elements that emit light of different colors, and has a function of adjusting the color of light to be irradiated (color adjustment function). For example, the light source 42 is a full-color LED element formed by combining LED elements of three colors of red, green, and blue. In the case where the light source 42 is a full color LED element, the color of the irradiated light can be adjusted to an arbitrary color.

  The support substrate 44 is a substrate for arranging the light source 42 along the reel strip 36 inside the reel strip 36. In the present embodiment, 30 light sources 42 are arranged on the support substrate 44. Specifically, the 30 light sources 42 are divided into six stages and are regularly arranged. The 30 light sources 42 are separated by a wall 46 so that the upper two stages, the center two stages, and the lower two stages are divided. The upper two-stage light sources 42 irradiate light on a symbol 36a that is rotated or stopped and displayed on an upper stage of a symbol area 61 described later. The central two-stage light source 42 irradiates light to the symbol 36 a that is rotated or stopped and displayed in the middle of the symbol area 61. The lower two-stage light sources 42 irradiate light on the symbols 36 a that are rotated or stopped displayed on the lower part of the symbol area 61.

  The light irradiation controller 48 controls the light emitted from each light source 42. Specifically, the light irradiation controller 48 performs control to adjust the color of light emitted from the light source 42. At this time, the sets of the light sources 42 separated by the wall portion 46 (in this embodiment, each set of the upper two stages, the center two stages, and the lower two stages each including ten light sources 42) are adjusted to the same color. The irradiated light is irradiated. The wall portion 46 suppresses a situation where light emitted from each set of light sources 42 is mixed with light emitted from the adjacent set of light sources 42 and light of an unintended color is irradiated onto the symbol 36a. The light irradiation controller 48 also controls the intensity of light emitted by the light source 42 and the irradiation timing.

  FIG. 6 shows an outline of a control system in the gaming machine 1.

  The gaming machine 1 includes a central processing unit (hereinafter abbreviated as CPU) 21 as a controller. The gaming machine 1 also includes a memory 22 that can be referred to by the CPU 21.

  The memory 22 may include a non-volatile storage medium such as a magnetic or optical storage medium or an EEPROM. The memory 22 stores a game program necessary for executing the game and data to be referred to by the game program.

  The CPU 21 reads and executes the game program to determine the content of the game and advance the slot game according to a predetermined procedure. Here, the game content refers to content for controlling each part of the gaming machine 1 in the process and result of the game.

  An operation unit 30, an identification unit 31, and a memory device 32 are connected to the CPU 21 via an I / O port (input / output port) 23. The operation unit 30 receives a player instruction and outputs a signal corresponding to the player instruction to the CPU 21. The identification unit 31 identifies the game value (coin, bill, or ticket) inserted from the insertion slot 4 and outputs a signal corresponding to the identified amount to the CPU 21.

  A plurality of color tables 50 are stored in the memory device 32. The color table 50 defines the order of the colors of light emitted from each of the light sources 42 described above. As examples of the color table 50, color tables 50A, 50B, and 50C are shown in FIGS. FIG. 7 shows a color table 50A that is repeated in the order of blue (B), green (G), and red (R). FIG. 8 shows a color table 50B in which three consecutive blue (B), three consecutive green (G), and three consecutive red (R) are repeated. FIG. 9 shows a color table 50C composed only of red (R).

  The CPU 21 determines the content of the game based on the player's instruction, the bet game value, and the like. Further, the CPU 21 is connected to the liquid crystal devices 9 and 15, the reel 2, the light irradiation controller 48, and the payout unit 25 via the I / O port 23.

  The CPU 21 displays the game content in the display area according to the determined game content. Here, the display area is an area of a liquid crystal panel when the display unit 18 is a liquid crystal device, and an area where the reel 2 is visible by the window 17 when the display unit 18 is a window 17. is there. The CPU 21 controls the rotation of the reel 2 in accordance with the determined game content.

  Further, the CPU 21 controls each light source 42 via the light irradiation controller 48. More specifically, the CPU 21 selects one of the color tables 50 stored in the memory device 32, and based on the selected color table 50, the color of light emitted from each light source 42 via the light irradiation controller 48. Are changed sequentially. Referring to the color table 50A shown in FIG. 7 as an example, the CPU 21 sets the light colors of the light source 42 grouped by the wall 46 in the order of blue (B), green (G), and red (R). It is changed sequentially so as to be repeated. At this time, for example, at the timing when the color of the light of the group of light sources 42 divided at the lower side changes from blue (B) to green (G), the color of the light of the group of light sources 42 divided at the center is green ( G) is changed to red (R), and the color of the light of the light source 42 grouped on the upper side is changed from red (R) to blue (B). Similarly, at the timing when the color of the light of the light source 42 grouped at the lower side changes from green (G) to red (R), the color of the light of the light source 42 grouped at the center is changed to red (R ) To blue (B), and the color of the light of the light source 42 grouped on the upper side is changed from blue (B) to green (G). In this way, by changing the color of light of each set of the light sources 42 at the same timing, the virtual color reel in which colors are arranged in the order of the color table 50A is rotated downward in FIG. Visible. Therefore, in the following description, the color table 50 is also referred to as a color reel 50, and the sequential change in the color of light from the light source 42 based on the color table 50 is also referred to as rotation of the color reel 50.

  The CPU 21 selects the virtual color reel 50 described above for each reel 2. That is, in this embodiment, the CPU 21 selects five color reels 50 corresponding to the five reels 2 from the color reels 50 stored in the memory device 32. The CPU 21 can select the same color reel 50 among a plurality of reels of the five reels 2. In addition, when the number of color reels 50 stored in the memory device 32 is equal to or greater than the number of reels 2, different color reels 50 can be selected for all the reels 2.

  Further, the CPU 21 causes the payout unit 25 to manage the payout of the game value to the payout tray 24 and causes the output port 5 to manage printing and outputting the accumulated credit number information on the medium. In addition, devices necessary for executing the slot game are appropriately connected to the controller 20, but their illustration is omitted.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of a game screen displayed on the display unit 18 under the control of the CPU 21. As shown in FIG. 10, a game screen 60 is displayed in the window 17 (display area). The game screen 60 is provided with a symbol area 61 for displaying the symbol 36 a of the reel strip 36 of the reel 2. Here, in the symbol area 61, a plurality of cells 62 as symbol stop positions are defined so as to form a matrix of 3 rows in the vertical direction and 5 columns in the horizontal direction. In the following, the horizontal direction of the game screen 60 may be referred to as a row direction, and the vertical direction may be referred to as a column direction. The boundary line of the cell 62 may be displayed on the display unit 18 in such a manner that the player can grasp it visually, or the display may be omitted. That is, it is sufficient that the cells 62 are logically or conceptually defined inside the gaming machine 1 as the symbol stop positions, and it is not always necessary that the boundaries between the cells 62 be visible.

  A symbol 36 a is displayed for each cell 62 in the symbol area 61. These symbols 36 a are arranged on each of the plurality of reels 2. By arranging the reels 2 in a predetermined arrangement, the symbols 36a are displayed in a matrix form vertically and horizontally in the symbol area 61.

  The effective line is a line that designates a plurality of cells 62 that are to be determined for winning in the slot game, and is set so as to straddle the plurality of reels 2. The configuration may be such that the effective line is appropriately set by the player operating the line designation button group of the operation unit 30, or the effective line may be appropriately set by operating the bet button. As an example, a horizontal line A that connects all the cells 62 positioned at the center in the vertical direction of the symbol area 61 can be set as an effective line. In addition, as the effective line, a line extending in the diagonal direction of the symbol area 61, a line drawing a V-shape or an inverted V-shape in the symbol area 61, and the like can be set. When the player operates the bet button group to designate the number of units to bet in one slot game and selects an effective line by the line designation button group, the CPU 21 recognizes the selection contents. Thereafter, when the player operates the spin button 7, the CPU 21 moves (scrolls) each symbol 36a in the column direction in the symbol area 61, and one symbol 36a appears in one cell 62 at a predetermined stop time. In this way, the scrolling of the symbol 36a is stopped. When the symbol 36a stops, a winning pattern is formed when the symbols 36a displayed in the cells 62 on the active line match or form a predetermined relationship. The winning determination using such an effective line is called line determination.

  A determination method other than the above line determination may be employed. For example, a part or all of the symbol area 61 may be determined as a determination area, and it may be determined that a prize has been won when a predetermined number of specific symbols exist in the determination area. Alternatively, it may be determined that a winning is achieved when a specific symbol is continuously displayed on a predetermined number of reels continuously from the left and right reels of the symbol area 61. Such winning determination is called scatter determination.

  When the reels 2 are mechanically configured as in the present embodiment, the symbols 36a are arranged on the surface of each reel 2, and by rotating the reels, the symbols 36a scroll and stop the reels. Thus, the symbol 36a is stopped.

  Each symbol 36a is colored by irradiating light of the above-described light source 42 adjusted from the inside of the reel strip 36 at the time of reel rotation and reel stop. The color of the light is based on the color reel selected by the CPU 21 among the color reels 50 stored in the memory device 32. For example, in the case of the color reel 50A shown in FIG. 7, the sets of the light sources 42 divided into the upper side, the center, and the lower side are blue (B), G (green), and red (R), respectively. The symbols 36a are sequentially changed, and the upper, middle, and lower symbols 36a of the symbol area 61 are colored when the reel 2 is rotated and the reel is stopped.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a routine executed by the CPU 21 at an appropriate cycle in order to control the display of the game screen 60 when the normal game of the slot game is executed.

  When the routine of FIG. 11 is started, the CPU 21 determines the start of the game (S10). When the game value as a consideration for executing the game is input to the insertion slot 4, the identification unit 31 outputs a signal to the CPU 21. The CPU 21 determines the game start based on the signal from the identification unit 31. If the game start is not instructed, the determination is repeated, and if the game start is instructed, the process proceeds to S12.

  In the process of S12, the CPU 21 determines game settings. The operation unit 30 (the plurality of buttons 6) receives an instruction from the player and outputs a signal corresponding to the instruction from the player to the CPU 21. The CPU 21 determines the game setting based on the signal from the operation unit 30. If the game setting is not instructed, the determination is repeated. When the game setting is instructed, the game setting is determined, and the process proceeds to S14.

  In the process of S14, the CPU 21 receives the signal of the spin button 7. If the signal of the spin button 7 is not input, the determination is repeated, and when the signal of the spin button 7 is input, the process proceeds to S16. Note that the CPU 21 may determine the game setting and proceed to S16 in response to the player operating the bet button in the process of S12, in which case the process of S14 is omitted.

  In the process of S <b> 16, the CPU 21 determines the color reel 50 for each of the reels 2. That is, the CPU 21 selects one of the plurality of color reels 50 stored in the memory device 32. The color reel 50 can be selected at random by acquiring a random number, selected based on the game state, or selected in a predetermined order. In addition, a specific color reel may be selected only when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

  In the process of S18, the CPU 21 rotates the plurality of reels 2 and the color reels 50. At this time, the rotation speed of the reel 2 and the rotation speed of the color reel 50 may be the same speed or different speeds. Hereinafter, the X-th reel 2 from the left will be described as a reel (X), and the color reel 50 corresponding to the reel (X) will be described as a color reel (X). When the CPU 21 rotates all the reels 2 and the color reels 50, the process proceeds to S20. In the process of S20, the CPU 21 sets n = 1 as an initial process. After the setting, the process proceeds to S22.

  In the process of S22, the CPU 21 acquires a random number. After acquisition, the process proceeds to S24. In the process of S24, the CPU 21 determines the stop position of the reel (n) based on the random number acquired in the process of S22. After the determination, the process proceeds to S26. In the process of S26, the CPU 21 sets n = n + 1. After the setting, the process proceeds to S28. In the process of S28, the CPU 21 determines whether or not n> X is satisfied. If n> X is not satisfied, the process proceeds to S22. Thereby, the processing of S22 to S28 is repeatedly executed until n> X is satisfied. Thus, the stop position is determined from reel (1) to reel (X). If n> X is satisfied, it means that the stop positions have been determined for all the reels 2, and the process proceeds to S <b> 30.

  In the process of S30, the CPU 21 sets m = 1 as an initial process. After the setting, the process proceeds to S32.

  In the process of S32, the CPU 21 acquires a random number. After acquisition, the process proceeds to S34. In the process of S34, the CPU 21 determines the stop position of the color reel (m) based on the random number acquired in the process of S32. After the determination, the process proceeds to S36. In the process of S36, the CPU 21 sets m = m + 1. After the setting, the process proceeds to S38. In the process of S38, the CPU 21 determines whether or not m> X is satisfied. If m> X is not satisfied, the process proceeds to S32. Thereby, the processes of S32 to S38 are repeatedly executed until m> X is satisfied. In this way, the stop position is determined from the color reel (1) to the color reel (X). If m> X is satisfied, this means that the stop positions have been determined for all the color reels 50, and the process proceeds to S40.

  In the process of S40, the CPU 21 makes each reel (X) based on the stop position of each reel (X) determined in the process of S24 and the stop position of each color reel (X) determined in the process of S34. And the spinning of each color reel (X) is stopped simultaneously. After each reel (X) and each color reel (X) are stopped, the process proceeds to S42. In the process of S42, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the symbols 36a arranged on the effective line of the symbol area 61 and their colors form a predetermined winning pattern. If no winning pattern is formed, the control process shown in FIG. 11 is terminated. On the other hand, if a winning pattern is formed, the process proceeds to S44. In the process of S44, a prize amount corresponding to the formed winning pattern is calculated, and a game value equivalent to the calculated prize amount is given to the player. The given game value can be used for betting on the slot game after the next time. If the player operates the payout button, a prize equivalent to the game value stored at that time is paid out from the payout unit 25 to the payout tray 24, or information on the accumulated credit number is printed on the medium. Output from the output port 5. Thus, the control process illustrated in FIG. 11 is completed.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1, a plurality of color reels 50 are stored in the memory device 32, and the CPU 21 supplies light to the reel strip 36 based on one color reel 50 selected from the plurality of color reels 50. The color of the light emitted from 42 is sequentially changed. That is, by changing the color reel 50 selected by the CPU 21, the mode of the color pattern (type, frequency, or order) of light emitted from the light source 42 is changed, and the color of the symbol is changed in various modes. Is possible.

  Here, when an inner reel having a plurality of coloring areas arranged on the outer periphery is arranged inside the reel 2, in order to change the color arrangement of the coloring areas of the inner reel, the inner reel is taken out from the inside of the main body of the game machine. It is necessary to replace it with a separately prepared inner reel. For this reason, it takes time and effort to change the color arrangement of the color areas. For example, it is impossible to change the color arrangement of the color areas while providing a game to the player. For this reason, in a gaming machine having an inner reel as described above, only a single inner reel is used while a game is being provided, and the colors of the chromatic areas are uniformly arranged on the single inner reel. The game tends to be monotonous.

  On the other hand, in the gaming machine 1 described above, a plurality of color reels 50 are stored in the memory device 32, and the type of the color reel 50 is changed by the CPU 21 changing the color reel 50 to be selected. The mode of the color pattern (type, frequency, or order) of the emitted light can be changed. That is, in the gaming machine 1 described above, the color reel 50 can be changed easily and instantaneously, and the color reel 50 can be changed at an arbitrary timing even while the game is being provided.

  Therefore, according to the gaming machine 1, the color of the symbol can be changed in various ways. In particular, when the gaming machine 1 provides a game in which the role of the symbol 36a changes depending on the color at the time of winning determination, by changing the color pattern, the winning type, winning probability or payout rate of the game can be changed during the game. It can be changed, and this can provide high game performance.

  In addition, when using reels having the same symbol group (stack symbols) that are continuous in the upper and lower directions, if a stack symbol is displayed in the symbol area, it is easy to win a large amount, so that the payout rate of game value is adjusted. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the display probability of the stack symbol to be low. On the other hand, in the gaming machine 1, even when a stack symbol is displayed in the symbol area, the display probability of the stack symbol is stored in the memory device 32 by storing the color reel 50 having a color arrangement that is difficult to win. It is possible to adjust the payout rate of the game value without adjusting the low.

  Further, the same color is continuously arranged as in the color reel 50B shown in FIG. 8, or only the same color is constituted as in the color reel 50C shown in FIG. It is also possible to make adjustments to increase the play value payout rate.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine 1, the game value payout rate can be adjusted by the color reel to be selected, so that the range of game adjustment is widened.

  In the above-described flowchart described with reference to FIG. 11, an example of stop control in which the CPU 21 simultaneously stops the rotation of the reel 2 and the rotation of the color reel 50 is different. Stop control may be performed.

  FIG. 12 shows a flowchart in which the CPU 21 performs stop control for stopping the rotation of the color reel 50 after the rotation of the reel 2 is stopped.

  The processes of S10 to S38 in the flowchart of FIG. 12 are the same as the processes of S10 to S38 in the flowchart of FIG. In the flowchart of FIG. 12, if m> X is satisfied in the process of S38, the process proceeds to S401. In the process of S401, the CPU 21 stops only the rotation of each reel 2 based on the stop position of each reel 2 determined in the process of S24. That is, in S401, the CPU 21 does not stop the rotation of the color reel 50, and the color reel 50 continues to rotate.

  After the rotation of the reels 2 is stopped in S401, the CPU 21 stops the rotation of each color reel 50 based on the stop position of each color reel 50 determined in the process of S34 as the process of S402. As a result, the rotation of both the reels 2 and the color reels 50 is stopped, and a winning determination is performed in the subsequent process of S42.

  Thus, in the stop control of the flowchart shown in FIG. 12, when the rotation of the reel 2 stops, only the shape of the symbol 36a displayed in the symbol area 61 is determined, but the color reel 50 continues to rotate. Therefore, the color of the symbol 36a is not fixed. Thereafter, when the rotation of the color reel 50 is stopped, the color of the symbol 36a is determined. Accordingly, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 12, the player's expectation that the color reel 50 may stop at a position where the winning pattern is formed after the reel 2 stops until the color reel 50 stops is increased. it can.

  FIG. 13 shows a flowchart for performing stop control for stopping the rotation of the reel 2 after the CPU 21 stops the rotation of the color reel 50, contrary to the flowchart of the stop control shown in FIG. 12.

  That is, the flowchart of FIG. 13 differs from the flowchart of FIG. 12 only in that the order of the processing in S401 and the processing in S402 is reversed. That is, in the flowchart of FIG. 13, if m> X is satisfied in the process of S38, the process proceeds to S402. In the process of S402, the rotation of each color reel 50 is stopped based on the stop position of each color reel 50 determined in the process of S34. That is, in S402 in the flowchart of FIG. 13, the CPU 21 does not stop the rotation of the reel 2 and the reel 2 continues to rotate.

  After the rotation of the color reel 50 is stopped in S402, the CPU 21 stops the rotation of each reel 2 based on the stop position of each reel 2 determined in the process of S24 as the process of S401. As a result, the rotation of both the reels 2 and the color reels 50 is stopped, and a winning determination is performed in the subsequent process of S42.

  As described above, in the stop control of the flowchart shown in FIG. 13, when the rotation of the color reel 50 is stopped, only the color of the light emitted from the light source 42 is determined at the upper, middle, and lower stages of the symbol area 61. Since the reel 2 continues to rotate, the shape of the symbol 36a is not fixed. Thereafter, the shape of the symbol 36a is determined when the rotation of the reel 2 is stopped. Therefore, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 13, it is possible to increase the player's expectation that the reel 2 may stop at a position where it becomes a winning pattern until the reel 2 stops after the color reel 50 stops. .

  When the gaming machine 1 provides a free game which is a kind of special game in addition to the normal game shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 21 performs processing according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Note that a free game is a special game state in which a predetermined number of games are provided without consuming the game value, unlike a normal game that provides a game in exchange for a game value.

  The processes of S10 to S44 in the flowchart of FIG. 14 are the same as the processes of S10 to S44 in the flowchart of FIG. However, in the control process of FIG. 14, the CPU 21 selects the color reel A as the color reel 50 used for the base game.

  In the process of S44, after the game value is given to the player, the process of S46 shown in FIG. 15 is advanced.

  In the process of S46, the CPU 21 determines whether or not a trigger for executing a free game as a special game is established. For example, the CPU 21 triggers when the symbol 36 a displayed in the cell 62 on the active line is a specific combination or when a predetermined number or more of the specific symbols 36 a are displayed in the symbol area 61. It is determined that If the trigger is established, the process proceeds to S48, and if the trigger is not established, the control processes shown in FIGS.

  In the process of S48, the CPU 21 determines the number of free games (Y) and starts Y free games. The number of free games (Y) can be determined as a predetermined number, or can be determined according to the establishment trigger in the process of S46. When the free game is started in the process of S46, the process proceeds to S50.

  In the process of S50, the CPU 21 decreases the number of free games (Y) by one (ie, Y = Y-1), and then the process proceeds to S52.

  In the process of S52, the CPU 21 determines the color reel 50. At this time, the CPU 21 selects the color reel B as the color reel 50 used for the special game. The color reel B selected in the special game may be different from or different from the color reel A selected in the normal game.

  The processing of S54 to S80 in the flowchart of FIG. 15 is the same as the processing of S18 to S44 of FIG.

  Then, in the process of S80, after the game value is given to the player, the process of S82 is advanced.

  In the process of S82, it is determined whether or not the number of free games (Y) is 0, that is, whether or not there is a remaining free game. If the number of free games is 0, the special game control process shown in FIG. 15 is terminated, and the game state returns to the normal game.

  If the number of free games (Y) remains, the process returns to S50, and the processes of S50 to S80 are repeated until the number of free games reaches zero.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine 1, not only in the normal game but also in the special game, the virtual color reel 50 that can be easily changed is used to change the colors of the various symbols 36a. Can be realized.

  In addition, by changing the color reel A selected in the normal game and the color reel B selected in the special game, the color reel 50 can be changed according to the game state. Thereby, the payout rate of game characteristics and play value can be changed between the normal game and the special game. Further, the player can recognize that the transition from the normal game to the special game is made from the difference in the color reels 50 (that is, the difference between the color reel A and the color reel B).

  In the gaming machine 1 described above, the plurality of LED elements that are the light sources 42 are arranged vertically along the reel strip 36, and each of the upper, middle, and lower symbols in the symbol area 61 of the reel strip 36. The light of the color adjusted to 36a can be irradiated. Therefore, the colors of three consecutive symbols 36a in the upper stage, the middle stage, and the lower stage can be sequentially changed in such a manner that the virtual color reel 50 is rotating.

  Moreover, since the LED element of the light source 42 is an LED element having a color adjustment function formed by combining a plurality of LED elements, a plurality of colors can be reproduced with one LED element. Therefore, space saving and a reduction in the number of parts can be achieved as compared with the case where a plurality of single color LED elements are used.

  Further, the light source 42 can irradiate light of different colors to the upper, middle and lower symbols 36 a in the symbol area 61 of the reel strip 36. For example, even when symbols 36a having the same shape are displayed as upper, middle and lower symbols 36a, they can be displayed as different symbols by making colors of symbols 36a having the same shape different from each other.

  In the above-described embodiment, the LED element that is a point light source is described as an example of the light source, but a surface light source may be employed as the light source.

  FIG. 16 shows an example of a light irradiation unit 40A having a surface light source 42A. The light irradiation unit 40 </ b> A has three surface light sources 42 </ b> A separated by a wall 46. The upper surface light source 42 </ b> A irradiates the symbol 36 a that is rotated or stopped and displayed on the upper stage of the symbol area 61. The central surface light source 42 </ b> A irradiates light to the symbol 36 a that is rotated or stopped in the middle of the symbol area 61. The lower surface light source 42 </ b> A irradiates light to the symbol 36 a that is rotated or stopped and displayed at the lower stage of the symbol area 61.

  Also in such a surface light source 42A, similarly to the light source 42 which is the LED element described above, the color of light applied to each symbol 36a of the reel strip 36 is sequentially changed on the basis of the color table 50, so that a virtual color can be obtained. It can be visually recognized as if the reel 50 is rotating.

  Such a surface light source 42A is not limited to a light emitting body that emits only a surface, but may be a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device capable of color display.

  According to such a surface light source 42A, uniform light can be irradiated over the entire region (cell 62) where the symbol 36a is formed. In particular, in the case of the liquid crystal display device and the organic EL display device as described above, an image and / or a moving image (for example, illustration or animation) can be displayed on the surface light source 42A, and the display of the symbol 36a is further diversified. can do.

  The function of the controller 20 described above can also be realized by executing a program by a computer.

  That is, a program for causing one or a plurality of computers to function in the same manner as the controller 20 described above can be created. The function realized by executing such a program is the same as that of the controller 20 described above, that is, a plurality of colors stored in the memory device 32 and defining the order of the colors of light emitted by the light source 42. A function of selecting one of the tables 50 and sequentially changing the color of light emitted from the light source 42 based on the selected color table 50 is realized.

  The program may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a ROM or a semiconductor memory.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in an appropriate form.

  For example, the length, arrangement order, and number of colors of the color table stored in the memory device are not limited to the above example. The color table may be stored in a memory (the above-described memory 22) that records a game program or the like. Further, the number of reels and the number of cells displayed in the symbol area are not limited to the above-described example.

  In the above-described embodiment, the gaming machine of the type that determines the stop positions of the reels and the color reels by random lottery has been described. However, the gaming machine may be of a type that determines a winning combination by random lottery.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which five light sources 42 per stage are provided in six stages and divided by the wall portions 46 is shown, but the number and arrangement of the light sources 42 are not limited to this, and the wall portions 46 are not limited thereto. It is not essential to provide. For example, when the wall portion 46 is not provided, the boundary of the color of light can be moved beyond the boundary of the upper, middle and lower stages, and the manner in which the color reel rotates is shown with higher expressive power. It becomes possible. In this case, it is preferable to use a large number of light sources 42 having high directivity of light to be irradiated.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Gaming machine, 2 ... Reel (rotary reel), 12 ... Lower display device (display device), 21 ... CPU (controller), 22 ... Memory, 32 ... Memory device, 35, 35A, 35B, 35C, 35D, 35E Reel unit 36 Reel strip 36a Symbol 40 Light irradiation unit 42, 42A Light source 50, 50A, 50B, 50C Color table

Claims (12)

A display device comprising a rotary reel having a reel strip with a plurality of symbols arranged on the outer periphery, and having a light source capable of emitting light of an adjusted color to the reel strip inside the reel strip of the rotary reel When,
A memory device that stores a plurality of color tables that define the order of colors of light emitted by the light source;
One of the plurality of color tables stored in the memory device is selected, the color of light emitted from the light source is sequentially changed based on the selected color table, and the symbol and the symbol are irradiated. A controller for determining a prize based on the color of the light ,
The controller changes the color table to change the color pattern of light emitted by the light source while providing a game, and changes the winning type, winning probability or payout rate of the game during the game,
When the rotating reel is rotated, the color of light emitted from the light source is sequentially changed, and the rotation of the rotating reel and the change of the color of the light are stopped, and the symbol at the stop position and the symbol are irradiated. gaming machine that determines a winning based on the color of the light being.   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the light source includes a plurality of light source elements arranged along the reel strip, and is capable of irradiating light of adjusted colors to a plurality of symbols of the reel strip.   The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the light source element is an LED element having a color adjustment function formed by combining a plurality of LED elements.   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the light source is a surface light source arranged along the reel strip, and is capable of irradiating light of an adjusted color to a plurality of symbols of the reel strip.   The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the surface light source is a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL display device capable of color display.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the light source is capable of irradiating light of different colors onto a plurality of symbols of the reel strip.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the controller changes the color table according to a game state.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the controller controls the color change of light emitted from the light source to stop when the rotating reel stops.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the controller controls the color change of the light emitted from the light source to stop before the rotating reel stops.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the controller performs control so as to stop a change in color of light emitted from the light source after the rotating reel stops. A display device comprising a rotary reel having a reel strip with a plurality of symbols arranged on the outer periphery, and having a light source capable of emitting light of an adjusted color to the reel strip inside the reel strip of the rotary reel In a gaming method for providing a game using
A controller selects one of a plurality of color tables stored in a memory device and defining a color order of light emitted from the light source, and the light source emits light based on the selected color table. Sequentially changing the color of the light to be determined , determining a winning based on the symbol and the color of the light irradiated to the symbol ,
The controller changes the color table to change the color pattern of light emitted by the light source while providing a game, and changes the winning type, winning probability or payout rate of the game during the game,
When the rotating reel is rotated, the color of light emitted from the light source is sequentially changed, and the rotation of the rotating reel and the change of the color of the light are stopped, and the symbol at the stop position and the symbol are irradiated. gaming method for determining the winning based on the color of the light being. A display device comprising a rotary reel having a reel strip with a plurality of symbols arranged on the outer periphery, and having a light source capable of emitting light of an adjusted color to the reel strip inside the reel strip of the rotary reel A computer-readable recording medium that records a program for causing one or more computers to realize a function as a function,
The program selects one or more computers from a plurality of color tables stored in a memory device and defining a color order of light emitted from the light source, and the selected color table. Sequentially changing the color of light emitted by the light source based on the symbol, and functioning as a controller for determining a winning based on the symbol and the color of light applied to the symbol ,
The controller changes the color table to change the color pattern of light emitted by the light source while providing a game, and changes the winning type, winning probability or payout rate of the game during the game,
When the rotating reel is rotated, the color of light emitted from the light source is sequentially changed, and the rotation of the rotating reel and the change of the color of the light are stopped, and the symbol at the stop position and the symbol are irradiated. a computer readable recording medium you determine winning based on the color of the light being.