JP7844985B2 - Push button switch, reel-type gaming machine, and control method for a reel-type gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a push-button switch and a revolving-type gaming machine.

Slot machines and similar reel-type gaming machines have multiple reels displaying various types of symbols. The number of bets (the number of spins) is set, and when the start switch (such as a start lever) is operated, the reels spin and the lottery process is executed. The player is awarded a prize and paid out in tokens according to the lottery result. Such reel-type gaming machines typically have three types of switches: a start switch, a max bet switch, and a 1 bet switch.

Here, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that reduces the movement of the player's hand by integrating the max bet switch and the start switch.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-119400

However, in Patent Document 1, the color of an integrated operating switch, which combines the max bet switch and the start switch, is changed to indicate its state. Simply changing the color of the operating switch is insufficient, as a first-time user cannot understand which color represents which state, making operational errors highly likely.

One aspect of the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its objective is to provide a push-button switch that has multiple functions and can clearly indicate to the player which function is being executed.

To solve the above problems, a push-button switch according to one aspect of the present invention is a push-button switch mounted on a reel-type gaming machine, comprising: a display unit that displays an image on the button surface; and a switching unit that, in response to a control signal from the control unit of the reel-type gaming machine, switches between displaying at least two images on the display unit from among an image indicating that it is a start switch for starting the rotation of the reels, an image indicating that it is a max bet switch, and an image indicating that it is a 1 bet switch.

Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, a control method for a revolving-type gaming machine according to another embodiment includes the steps of: outputting a control signal to the switching unit of the push-button switch indicating an instruction to switch the image displayed on the display unit, in accordance with the progress of the game; and controlling the progress of the game based on the press output signal from the push-button switch and the display state of the display unit at the time of receiving the press output signal.

According to the above configuration or method, even if a single push-button switch has multiple functions, the player can clearly understand which function the push-button switch is operating as through the image displayed on the display unit. Therefore, operational errors can be prevented. Furthermore, since the control unit of the reel-type gaming machine can control the image displayed on the display unit, it can perform processing based on the state when the push-button switch is pressed.

The switching unit may switch between displaying images on the display unit that indicate the start switch, the maximum bet switch, and the single bet switch.

According to the above configuration, a single push-button switch can have three different functions. Furthermore, it becomes possible to play the game, from placing a bet to starting the game, with just the operation of a single push-button switch.

The switching unit may switch between displaying an image indicating the maximum bet switch and an image indicating the single bet switch on the display unit.

According to the above configuration, a single push-button switch can have two functions. Furthermore, by using a separate switch for the start function, it becomes possible to operate the start operation and the betting operation with different hands.

The display unit comprises a plurality of light sources, a lens array in which a plurality of lenses are arranged in a two-dimensional array, a plurality of pixel regions arranged to include a region through which light emitted from each of the plurality of light sources passes, and a pixel periphery region with constant transmittance arranged around each of the pixel regions. The switching unit may switch the image displayed on the display unit by selecting which light source to emit light from among the plurality of light sources.

According to the above configuration, by switching which of the multiple light sources is used, the pixel area through which the light emitted from the light source passes can be changed. In other words, by switching which of the multiple light sources is used, the display image shown on the display unit can be switched by the light passing through the pixel area. This means that the switching of displayed images can be achieved with a display unit that is inexpensive, small in size, and capable of displaying images with relatively high resolution.

To solve the above problems, a revolving-type gaming machine according to another embodiment comprises a push-button switch as in the previous embodiment, and a game progress control unit that outputs a control signal to the switching unit of the push-button switch indicating an instruction to switch the image displayed on the display unit according to the progress of the game, and controls the progress of the game based on the pressed output signal from the push-button switch and the display state of the display unit when the pressed output signal is received.

According to the above configuration, the game progress control unit, upon receiving the press output signal from the push-button switch, can output a control signal to switch the image displayed on the display unit that outputs to the push-button switch. Therefore, the game progress control unit can control the progress of the game.

The game progress control unit may switch the game progress mode when it detects that the press output signal (1) has continued for a predetermined time or longer, or (2) has been output multiple times within a predetermined time.

According to the above configuration, the player can control the game's progression mode by switching between different modes based on the duration and number of times the push button is pressed, even with only one button switch.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a push-button switch having multiple functions can be provided that clearly indicates to the player which function is being executed.

This is an external perspective view of a revolving-type gaming machine according to Embodiment 1. This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of a revolving-type gaming machine according to Embodiment 1. This is a cross-sectional view of a multi-function switch. This is a schematic diagram of the display unit in a multifunction switch. This is a schematic diagram showing the correspondence between the display unit and multiple light sources in a multifunction switch. This figure shows an example of a display image in the display unit 140. This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a revolving-type gaming machine according to Embodiment 1. This is an external perspective view of a revolving-type gaming machine according to Embodiment 2. This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of a revolving-type gaming machine according to Embodiment 2. This is a perspective view of a typical slot machine.

[Embodiment 1]
Hereinafter, an embodiment relating to one aspect of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as "this embodiment") will be described based on the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

(Reference example)
First, before describing Embodiment 1, we will explain a general type of slot machine.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a typical slot machine 200. The slot machine 200 comprises a reel section 20 and an operating section 230. The reel section 20 includes three individually rotating reels 21-23. Each reel 21-23 has a symbol depicted on its outer circumference. The operating section 230 includes a start lever 34, a max bet switch 35, a single bet switch 36, and stop switches 31-33. The start lever 34 is a switch that operates by moving the lever up and down. The max bet switch 35, the single bet switch 36, and the stop switches 31-33 are push-button switches.

After placing a bet by pressing the Max Bet switch 35 or the 1 Bet switch 36, the draw begins by pressing down the Start Lever 34. Once the draw begins, reels 21-23 start spinning individually. The player presses the Stop Switches 31-33 to line up the symbols depicted on the reels. Each Stop Switch 31-33 corresponds to a specific reel (21-23), and pressing each Stop Switch 31-33 stops the corresponding reel from spinning. Specifically, pressing Stop Switch 31 stops reel 21, pressing Stop Switch 32 stops reel 22, and pressing Stop Switch 33 stops reel 23. A prize is awarded if the symbols line up when all reels 21-23 have stopped spinning.

If a bonus is triggered by a specific combination of symbols, pressing the 1-bet switch 36 and then pressing the start lever 34 will trigger a bonus game draw. During the bonus game, a winning combination is formed with all but one of reels 21-23 remaining. The game involves stopping the rotation of only that remaining reel.

In this example, in addition to stop switches 31-33 for stopping each reel 21-23, a start lever 34, a max bet switch 35, and a 1 bet switch 36 are provided.

§1. Application Example Figure 1 is an external perspective view of a reel-type gaming machine 1 according to Embodiment 1. The reel-type gaming machine 1 includes a reel section 20 and an operating section 30, similar to the reel-type gaming machine 200. The operating section 30 includes a multi-function switch (push-button switch) 100 and stop switches 31 to 33.

The multi-function switch 100 serves as a start switch (corresponding to the start lever 34 in the example), a max bet switch, and a 1 bet switch, and its assigned function switches according to the state of the slot machine 1. The display unit of the multi-function switch 100 can display an image corresponding to the assigned function, and the display image changes as the assigned function switches.

Since the three switches in the reference example are consolidated into the multi-function switch 100, the required space for the operation unit 30 in Embodiment 1 is smaller than that for the operation unit 230 in the reference example. As a result, the saved space can be used to add switches with new functions or to add new display units.

§2. Example Configuration (Configuration of Slot Machine 1)
The reel section 20, like the reel section 20 in the reference example, includes multiple reels 21 to 23. Each of the reels 21 to 23 has a symbol drawn on its outer edge, and the game is played by aligning the symbols on the reels 21 to 23.

The stop switches 31-33, similar to the stop switches 31-33 in the reference example, are switches that individually stop the corresponding reels 21-23. The multifunction switch 100 is a switch unique to Embodiment 1. The multifunction switch 100 is a push-button switch that switches between and displays multiple images. Further details will be described later.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of a reel-type gaming machine 1 according to Embodiment 1. The reel-type gaming machine 1 further includes a game progress control unit 10. The game progress control unit 10 outputs a control signal to the switching unit 130 of the multifunction switch 100, indicating an instruction to switch the image displayed on the display unit 102, according to the progress of the game. Furthermore, the game progress control unit 10 controls the game progress based on the press output signal from the multifunction switch 100 and the display state of the display unit 102 when the press output signal is received. In other words, the game progress control unit 10 manages the game progress state, displays an image corresponding to the current game mode on the switching unit 130, and, when a press output signal is received (input), controls the unit to perform an action appropriate to the current state.

(Configuration of the multi-function switch 100)
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the multifunction switch 100. As shown in Figure 3, the multifunction switch 100 comprises a button body 101, a display unit 102, a sliding part 103, a spring member 104, a case 105, a circuit board 106, a retaining member 107, and a photomicroswitch 108. The button body 101, the display unit 102, and the circuit board 106 on which multiple light sources 109 are provided are collectively referred to as the display unit 140. The multifunction switch 100 has a structure in which the button body 101 is pressed against the case 105. Hereinafter, the side where the button body 101 is located in the multifunction switch 100 will be described as the upper side, and the side where the circuit board 106 is located will be described as the lower side.

The button body 101 is a covered, roughly cylindrical component. The button body 101 has an operating portion (cover portion) 101a that is pressed by the player's finger, a cylindrical portion 101b formed below the periphery of the operating portion 101a, and a pair of engaging portions formed below at opposing positions on the cylindrical portion 101b. The button body 101 is made of a light-transmitting material (e.g., plastic).

The display unit 102 is positioned on the back surface of the button body 101, in the hollow portion of the cylindrical part 101b of the button body 101. The display unit 102 contacts the operating part 101a of the button body 101. A detailed configuration of the display unit 140, which includes the display unit 102, will be described later, referring to Figure 4.

The sliding component 103 is a substantially cylindrical component that slides the button body 101 in response to the button body 101 being pressed. The sliding component 103 has a holding portion 103a, a guided portion 103b formed on the outer circumference of the holding portion 103a and extending downward, and a pair of engaging claws formed at opposing positions on the holding portion 103a. The holding portion 103a abuts against the inner circumference of the cylindrical portion 101b of the button body 101 at its upper part, supporting the display portion 102 from below. The pair of engaging claws are formed at positions corresponding to the engaging portion of the button body 101 and engage with the engaging portion. As a result, the button body 101 and the sliding component 103 become one unit, with the display portion 102 held between them. Furthermore, a light-shielding piece 103d extending downward from the guided portion 103b is formed at a predetermined position on the guided portion 103b.

The spring member 104 is a coil spring that applies elastic force between the button body 101 and the case 105. The spring member 104 is positioned inside the guided portion 103b of the sliding component 103. One end of the spring member 104 abuts against the holding portion 103a of the sliding component 103, and the other end abuts against the bottom portion 105c of the case 105, which will be described later. In the state shown in Figure 3, the spring member 104 is compressed beyond its natural length due to the weight of the button body 101 and the sliding component 103. Therefore, when not in operation, the spring member 104 biases the button body 101 and the sliding component 103 upward.

The case 105 is a component that houses at least the spring member 104. The case 105 has a guide portion 105a that abuts against the outer circumference of the guided portion 103b of the sliding component 103, and a light-shielding member 105b formed inside the guide portion 105a. The guide portion 105a and the light-shielding member 105b are connected to the bottom portion 105c of the case 105 and are integrated. That is, the light-shielding member 105b is part of the case 105 and is formed to extend from the side of the multiple light sources 109 toward the side of the display portion 102. On its inner circumference, the guide portion 105a has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the outer circumference of the guided portion 103b of the sliding component 103. Therefore, the sliding component 103 can slide vertically while abutting against the case 105. In addition, a guide groove portion 105d is formed at a position corresponding to the light-shielding piece 103d, penetrating the bottom portion 105c.

The light-shielding member 105b is positioned inside the spring member 104. That is, the light-shielding member 105b is provided to surround the path of light from the multiple light sources 109 (described later) to the display unit 102, on the side of the path. The spring member 104 is positioned outside the light-shielding member 105b, relative to the said path. This allows the light-shielding member 105b to reduce diffuse reflection of light by the spring member 104. Preferably, the light-shielding member 105b is installed to cover the entire spring member 104. The light-shielding member 105b is made of a material with a transmittance of a predetermined value or less. That is, the light-shielding member 105b does not need to completely block the light from the multiple light sources 109. The light-shielding member 105b only needs to have a transmittance sufficient to suppress diffuse reflection from the spring member 104. An example of the material for the light-shielding member 105b is resin.

Here, the multi-function switch 100 has a switching unit 130. Based on commands from the game progress control unit 10, the switching unit 130 controls the lighting and extinguishing of multiple light sources 109, thereby switching the image displayed on the display unit 102.

Figure 3 illustrates three possible paths (paths L1 to L3) from a specific light source 109-1 to a specific location 102-1 on the display unit 102. Path L2 is the path of straight-traveling light from the light source 109-1 to location 102-1. Paths L1 and L3 are the paths of reflected light that reaches location 102-1 after a portion of the incident light from the light source 109-1 is reflected by the light-shielding member 105b. Here, the reflected light from the light-shielding member 105b is much weaker than the incident light. That is, the light reaching location 102-1 via paths L1 and L3 is much weaker than the light reaching location 102-1 via path L2. Therefore, the light-shielding member 105b defines the path from the light source 109-1 to location 102-1 as path L2.

The substrate 106 has multiple light sources 109 on one side. The substrate 106 is installed so that the side with the multiple light sources 109 faces the display unit 102. The substrate 106 also has a connector on the other side. This connector is connected to a switching unit 130 that controls the light emission of the light sources 109. The multiple light sources 109 are, for example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

The retaining member 107 is a box-shaped member for supporting the case 105. The retaining member 107 is fixed to the case 105 by screws or the like. A circuit board 106 is provided inside the retaining member 107. The circuit board 106 is fixed to the retaining member 107 by screws or the like. The retaining member 107 has a photomicroswitch hole 107a at a position corresponding to the guide groove 105d of the case 105. This structure allows the light-shielding piece 103d of the sliding component 103 to slide along the guide groove 105d and enter the photomicroswitch hole 107a in response to the pressing of the button body 101.

The photomicroswitch 108 is fixed to the photomicroswitch hole 107a of the retaining member 107 with screws or the like. The photomicroswitch 108 has a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part, and is a photointerrupter that detects the entry and exit of an object into the object detection space formed between the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part. Specifically, the photomicroswitch 108 detects the entry and exit of the light-shielding piece 103d into the photomicroswitch hole 107a. The photomicroswitch 108 transmits an OFF signal to the game progress control unit 10 when the light-shielding piece 103d is not in the photomicroswitch hole 107a, and an ON signal when it is in. This allows the photomicroswitch 108 to detect the pressing of the button body 101.

(Configuration of display unit 102)
Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the display unit 140 in the multifunction switch 100. As shown in Figure 4, the display unit 102 comprising the display section 102 of the display unit 140 includes an image layer 121, a matrix layer 122 provided below the image layer 121, and a microlens array (lens array) 123 provided below the matrix layer 122. The matrix layer 122 includes, for example, a pixel area 122a (aperture) and a pixel surrounding area 122b (mask), which is the area other than the pixel area 122a. The lens array 123 is composed of a plurality of lenses arranged in a two-dimensional array.

The lens array 123 focuses light emitted from multiple light sources 109 mounted on the substrate 106. The pixel area 122a is arranged to include the region through which the light focused by each lens of the lens array 123 passes. That is, the light emitted from the multiple light sources 109 displays the image on the image layer 121 via the pixel area 122a. The transmittance in each pixel area 122a is set to correspond to the display image shown on the image layer 121. The pixel surrounding area 122b blocks light from the light source 109 side, i.e., light from the side where the lens array 123 is located. The transmittance in the pixel surrounding area 122b is constant within that area.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the correspondence between the display unit 102 and the multiple light sources 109 in the multifunction switch 100. In Figure 5, the paths of light emitted from specific light sources 109-2 and 109-3 are designated as paths L4 and L5, respectively.

As shown in Figure 5, the light emitted from light source 109-2, focused by lens 123-1, illuminates the image layer 121 via pixel area 122a-1. On the other hand, the light emitted from light source 109-3, focused by lens 123-1, illuminates the image layer 121 via pixel area 122a-2. Thus, light emitted from different light sources and focused by the same lens illuminates the image layer 121 via different pixel areas. In other words, the multifunction switch 100 can switch the displayed image by switching which of the multiple light sources 109 is used.

(Contents displayed on display unit 102)
Figure 6 shows an example of a display image in the display unit 140. In this case, four light sources 109 are used, and they are distinguished as light sources 109a to 109d.

"Display Pattern 1" is an example of the image displayed on the display unit 140 when only the light source 109a is illuminated. This display pattern indicates that the multi-function switch 100 is currently functioning as a max bet switch. In other words, the game mode of the slot machine 1 is "max bet mode."

"Display Pattern 2" is an example of the image displayed on the display unit 140 when only the light source 109b is illuminated. This display pattern indicates that the multi-function switch 100 is currently functioning as a single-bet switch. In other words, the game mode of the slot machine 1 is "single-bet mode."

"Display Pattern 3" is an example of an image displayed on the display unit 140 when only light source 109c is illuminated. This display pattern, used in conjunction with the other light sources 109a, b, and d, has the function of notifying the player of the game mode of the slot machine 1 using the notation "Mode".

"Display Pattern 4" is an example of an image displayed on the display unit 140 when light sources 109a and 109c are illuminated simultaneously. In this display pattern, similar to "Display Pattern 1," the game mode of the slot machine 1 is "Max Bet Mode."

"Display Pattern 5" is an example of an image displayed on the display unit 140 when light sources 109b and 109c are illuminated simultaneously. In this display pattern, similar to "Display Pattern 2," the game mode of the slot machine 1 is "1-Bet Mode."

"Display Pattern 6" is an example of the image displayed on the display unit 140 when only the light source 109d is illuminated. This display pattern indicates that the multifunction switch 100 is currently functioning as a start switch to begin the reel rotation. In other words, the state of the slot machine 1 is in the start operation standby state.

The illumination colors of the multiple light sources 109a to d may each be different. When multiple light sources 109 are illuminated, as in "Display Pattern 4" and "Display Pattern 5," a multi-color image can be displayed.

§3. Operation Example (Operation Example of Slot Machine 1a)
Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the reel-type gaming machine 1 according to Embodiment 1. Below, an example of the operation of the reel-type gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to Figure 7.

First, players can store tokens inside the reel-type gaming machine 1 by inserting them into the token slot or by winning tokens in the game. After at least one game's worth of tokens has been stored, the game on the reel-type gaming machine 1 begins.

In S11, the game progress control unit 10 determines whether the game mode of the reel-type gaming machine 1 is a bonus game. If the game mode is a bonus game (Yes in S11), the process proceeds to S31, and the bonus game is played. Details of this will be described later. If the game mode is not a bonus game (No in S11), the process proceeds to S12.

In S12, the game progress control unit 10 determines whether the multifunction switch 100 was pressed for 1 second or longer (i.e., whether a long press output signal of 1 second or longer was received). If it was not pressed for 1 second or longer (No in S12), the process proceeds to S13. If it was pressed for 1 second or longer (Yes in S12), the process proceeds to S15. Note that while the determination here is based on an operation of "1 second or longer," it is not limited to this; any specific operation would suffice. For example, specific operations include when the press output signal continues for a predetermined time or when it is received multiple times within a predetermined time. In these cases, the game progress mode may be switched.

In S13, if the button is not pressed and held for more than one second, the game will be played in Max Bet mode. Therefore, the game progress control unit 10 sets the game mode to Max Bet mode. Also, in S14, based on the command from the game progress control unit 10, the switching unit 130 displays "Display Pattern 4" on the display unit 140.

In S15, if the button is pressed and held for more than one second, the game will be played in 1-bet mode. Therefore, the game progress control unit 10 sets the game mode to 1-bet mode. Also, in S16, based on the command from the game progress control unit 10, the switching unit 130 displays the display unit 140 in "display pattern 5".

In S17, the game progress control unit 10 determines whether the multifunction switch 100 has been pressed (a press output signal has been received). If the multifunction switch 100 has not been pressed (No in S17), processing returns to S17. Conversely, if the multifunction switch 100 has been pressed (Yes in S17), processing proceeds to S18. In other words, in S17, the system is waiting for the player to check the display on the multifunction switch 100 and select which game mode to play in, or to place a bet.

In S18, based on a command from the game progress control unit 10, the switching unit 130 causes the display unit 140 to display "display pattern 6".

In S19, the game progress control unit 10 determines whether the multifunction switch 100 has been pressed (a press output signal has been received). If the multifunction switch 100 has not been pressed (No in S19), processing returns to S19. Conversely, if the multifunction switch 100 has been pressed (Yes in S19), processing proceeds to S20. In other words, in S19, the player has checked the display of the multifunction switch 100 and is waiting for the game to start.

In S20, the game progress control unit 10 determines whether the game mode is max bet mode or not. If it is max bet mode (Yes in S20), the process proceeds to S21. If it is not max bet mode (i.e., 1 bet mode) (No in S22), the process proceeds to S22.

In S21, the game progress control unit 10 subtracts the number of medals stored in the Max Bet mode and performs a draw. In S22, the game progress control unit 10 subtracts the number of medals stored in the 1 Bet mode and performs a draw.

In S23, it is determined whether the symbols aligned on reels 21-23 constitute the set of symbols that trigger a bonus game. If the set of symbols is the set of symbols that trigger a bonus game (Yes in S23), the process proceeds to S24. Conversely, if the set of symbols is not the set of symbols that trigger a bonus game (No in S23), the process terminates.

In S24, the game progress control unit 10 sets the game mode to bonus game mode.

(Bonus game)
Next, we will explain the case where the game mode is the bonus game mode (Yes in S11). In the bonus game, the number of bets is fixed at 1 bet.

In S31, based on a command from the game progress control unit 10, the switching unit 130 displays the display unit 140 in "display pattern 5".

In S32, the game progress control unit 10 determines whether the multifunction switch 100 has been pressed (a press output signal has been received). If the multifunction switch 100 has not been pressed (No in S32), processing returns to S32. Conversely, if the multifunction switch 100 has been pressed (Yes in S32), processing proceeds to S33. In other words, in S32, the system is waiting for the player to check the display on the multifunction switch 100 and place a bet.

In S33, based on a command from the game progress control unit 10, the switching unit 130 displays the display unit 140 in "display pattern 6".

In S34, the game progress control unit 10 determines whether the multifunction switch 100 has been pressed (a press output signal has been received). If the multifunction switch 100 has not been pressed (No in S34), processing returns to S34. Conversely, if the multifunction switch 100 has been pressed (Yes in S34), processing proceeds to S35. In other words, in S34, the player has confirmed the display on the multifunction switch 100 and is waiting for the game to start.

In S35, the game progress control unit 10 subtracts the number of medals stored in the 1-bet mode and performs a lottery.

In S36, it is determined whether the conditions for ending the bonus game are met. If the conditions for ending the bonus game are met (Yes in S36), the process proceeds to S37. Conversely, if the conditions for ending the bonus game are not met (the bonus game continues) (No in S36), the process ends.

In S37, the game progress control unit 10 sets the game mode to max bet mode. That is, it terminates the bonus game. The conditions for terminating the bonus game are determined by factors such as the number of times the bonus game has been played or the total number of medals obtained through prizes.

§4. Function and Effects Even when a multi-function switch 100, which is a single push-button switch, is equipped with multiple functions, the player can clearly see which function the multi-function switch 100 is operating as through the image displayed on the display unit 140. Therefore, operational errors can be prevented.

The multiple functions consist of three types: a start switch to begin spinning the reels, a max bet switch to place the maximum bet, and a single bet switch to place a single bet.

The display unit 140 can switch the display image displayed on the display unit 102 by switching the emission of multiple light sources 109, thereby using the light transmitted through the pixel area 122a.

Furthermore, the slot machine 1 includes a multi-function switch 100 and a game progress control unit 10 that inputs and outputs signals. The game progress control unit 10 can switch the illumination of multiple light sources 109 according to the game's mode, and can change the game's mode in response to the press of the multi-function switch 100. Moreover, by accepting specific operations (presses) on the multi-function switch 100, the game progress control unit 10 can intentionally switch the game's mode through the player's actions.

[Embodiment 2]
Other embodiments of the present invention are described below. For the sake of clarity, components having the same function as those described in the above embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

Figure 8 is an external perspective view of the revolving-type gaming machine 1a according to Embodiment 2. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the revolving-type gaming machine 1a according to Embodiment 2.

The reel-type gaming machine 1a, like the reel-type gaming machine 1, comprises a reel section 20 and an operating section 30a. The operating section 30a includes a multi-function switch 100a, a start lever 34, and stop switches 31-33.

The multi-function switch 100a serves as both a max-bet switch and a 1-bet switch, switching its assigned function according to the state of the reel-type gaming machine 1a. The player can determine the state of the reel-type gaming machine 1a from the display image on the display unit 140. The switching unit 130a of the multi-function switch 100a can switch the image displayed on the display unit to correspond to the assigned function, i.e., an image indicating that it is the max-bet switch and an image indicating that it is the 1-bet switch. In other words, Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the start switch function is removed from the multi-function switch, and instead, a start lever 34 is provided on the separate operation unit 30a.

By consolidating all betting-related functions into the multi-function switch 100a, it is possible to prevent players from mistakenly performing a betting operation for a start operation. Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the game could be played simply by repeatedly pressing the multi-function switch 100; however, the addition of the start lever 34 operation eliminates the monotonous movement, allowing players to enjoy the game more.

(Variant)
In Embodiment 2, the multifunction switch 100a served as both a max bet switch and a 1 bet switch, but it is not limited to this. That is, the multifunction switch only needs to serve as both a start switch (corresponding to the start lever 34 in the reference example) for starting the rotation of the reels, a max bet switch, and a 1 bet switch, with at least two of these functions combined. For example, the multifunction switch may serve as both a start switch and a max bet switch, or as both a start switch and a 1 bet switch. The switching section of the multifunction switch displays an image corresponding to the function it is responsible for.

[Additional Notes]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

1, 1a, 200 Slot machine 10 Game progress control unit 34 Start lever 35 Max bet switch 36 1 bet switch 100, 100a Multifunction switch (push button switch)
102 Display unit 109 Light source 122a Pixel area 122b Pixel surrounding area 123 Lens array 130, 130a Switching unit 140 Display unit

Claims (6)

A push-button switch installed in a slot machine,
A display unit that displays an image on the surface of the button,
A switching unit that, in response to a control signal from the control unit of the reel-type gaming machine, switches between displaying at least two images on the display unit, selected from an image indicating a start switch that starts the rotation of the reels, an image indicating a max bet switch, and an image indicating a 1 bet switch.
The button body and
A spring member consisting of a coil spring that biases the button body upward,
Light-shielding material and
Equipped with ,
The aforementioned display unit is
Multiple light sources,
A lens array in which multiple lenses are arranged in a two-dimensional array,
Each of the light emitted from the plurality of light sources is arranged to include a plurality of pixel regions that include a region through which the light focused by each of the lenses of the lens array passes,
Each of the aforementioned pixel regions is surrounded by a pixel peripheral region having a constant transmittance,
The switching unit switches the image displayed on the display unit by selecting one of the multiple light sources to emit light.
The light-shielding member is positioned inside the coil spring, which serves as the spring member, and is provided to surround the sides of the path through which light from the multiple light sources reaches the display unit.
Push-button switch. The push-button switch according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit switches between displaying an image indicating the start switch, an image indicating the max bet switch, and an image indicating the 1 bet switch on the display unit. The push-button switch according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit switches between displaying an image indicating a max-bet switch and an image indicating a 1-bet switch on the display unit. A push-button switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
A slot machine comprising: a control unit that outputs a control signal to the switching unit of the push-button switch indicating an instruction to switch the image displayed on the display unit in accordance with the progress of the game, and a game progress control unit that controls the progress of the game based on the pressed output signal from the push-button switch and the display state of the display unit when the pressed output signal is received. The slot machine according to claim 4, wherein the game progress control unit detects that the press output signal has (1) continued for a predetermined time or longer, or ( 2 ) has been output multiple times within a predetermined time. A control method for a revolving-type gaming machine equipped with a push-button switch according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The steps include: outputting a control signal to the switching unit of the push-button switch in accordance with the progress of the game, indicating an instruction to switch the image displayed on the display unit;
A control method for a revolving-type gaming machine, comprising the steps of controlling the progress of the game based on a pressed output signal from the push-button switch and the display state of the display unit when the pressed output signal is received.