JP2001346969A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine for reducing the fatigue of eyes even in the game of a long time while enlarging a display part and imparting further fun/unexpectedness to direction in the display part. SOLUTION: This game machine is provided with the display part provided with a game image display area where game images are displayed, a start winning port for receiving a Pachinko ball to be a trigger for variably displaying the game image displayed at the display part and plural obstacles arranged near the display part and the start winning port on a panel surface. It is provided with a shielding member for hiding a part of the display part, a control circuit for changing the size of the game image display area displayed at the display part and image data, and the like.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine, and more particularly, to a game machine in which a player enjoys playing a game using a ball.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A pachinko machine is an example of a gaming machine in which a player enjoys playing a game using a ball. This pachinko machine includes a display unit for displaying a symbol such as "777" on a game board (game area) provided on the front surface of the front frame while changing the symbol every moment according to the progress of the game.

A game board provided with a display unit is provided with a plurality of obstacles such as obstacle nails and windmills, and a start winning hole which is a trigger for variably displaying a symbol displayed on the display unit. In addition, the ball hit at the upper part of the game board by the ball hitting device provided in the pachinko machine falls while randomly changing the traveling direction and speed while hitting these various obstacles. Then, when a ball is won in the starting winning opening, an internal lottery is executed to determine the progress of the game, and a plurality of symbols or the like for notifying the player of the lottery result are displayed on the display unit. .

[0004] Usually, a display portion provided on the game board has a liquid crystal (LCD) display or a cathode ray tube (CRT).
2. Description of the Related Art An image display device such as a display has been adopted, and in recent years, an image display device attached to a display unit has been increasing in size with diversification of display contents on the display unit.

[0005] As this kind of pachinko machine, for example, a pachinko machine in which a liquid crystal wide display well exceeding 6 inches is arranged at the center of a game board can be exemplified. Then, a game image composed of a numeral pattern, a picture, and the like is displayed in an entire image displayable area (hereinafter, simply referred to as an entire display area) on which an image can be displayed on the liquid crystal wide display. As described above, in a conventional gaming machine, a large liquid crystal display is employed to display more images, and at the same time, the designs and pictures are enlarged and displayed to enhance the interest in the game.

[0006]

However, in the conventional gaming machine, since the image is continuously played using the entire display area of the enlarged display unit, the viewpoint cannot be determined in a long-time game. In some cases, it can cause eye fatigue. That is, there is a possibility that the original fun of the game is spoiled. In addition, since the image is simply displayed using the entire display area, all the models have a similar effect and have an interesting effect.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine in which the size of the display section is increased and eye fatigue is reduced even in a long-time game. It is another object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine in which effects on the display unit are provided with more interesting and surprising characteristics.

[0008]

According to the present invention, the following configuration is provided to solve the above-mentioned problems. That is, the present invention provides a display unit having a game image display area on which a game image is displayed, a start winning port for receiving a ball serving as a trigger for variably displaying the game image displayed on the display unit, And a plurality of obstacles disposed in the vicinity of the starting winning opening, on a board, and a ball is shot at the top of the board, and the shot ball is dropped by gravity to play a game. A gaming machine, comprising: a display area changing unit configured to change a size of a game image display area in which the game image is displayed.

[0009] The display area changing means may be configured to change the size of the game image display area based on the progress of the game. In addition, a lottery determination unit that determines that the lottery has been won in response to the plurality of conditions being provided is provided, and the display area changing unit determines that all conditions necessary for the lottery determination unit to be determined to be a winning are provided. The game image display area may be enlarged in response to the transition of the game state to the state immediately before the game state. That is, the game image display area can be configured to be enlarged in response to the transition of the game state to the reach state.

[0010] By changing the size of the game image display area in this way, the player can be made to recognize as if the entire display section was enlarged or reduced. Therefore, even when a large-sized image display device is employed, the player recognizes as if playing a game while looking at the small image display device by reducing the game image display area as desired. For this reason, there is no burden on the eyes even in a long-time game, and the player can fully enjoy the original fun of the game. In addition, when the player looks at the game image, especially in the reach state, the game image display area can be enlarged to further provide the display with unexpectedness and fun. In changing the size of the game image display area, the size may be changed based on the player's own intention.

[0011] The display area changing means may be provided with an openable and closable shielding member provided on the front side of the display unit to cover at least a part of the game image displayed on the display unit. Further, as the shielding member, a shielding member slidably provided from the side of the display unit to the front surface of the display unit, and a rotatable pivot about a required axis provided near the display unit. A provided shielding member or the like is preferable. The sliding direction of the shielding member provided slidably with respect to the display unit is not limited to the lateral movement, and may be any sliding direction such as a shielding member that slides from above and below the display unit to the front side of the display unit. Absent.

The required axis provided in the vicinity of the display unit may be any orientation such as a rotation axis provided in parallel with the game board and a rotation axis vertically provided from the game board. As described above, by providing the shielding member that covers at least a part of the display unit on the front side of the display unit, the size of the visible display area in the display unit can be changed.

Further, a first game image displayed using the entire display area of the display unit and a second game image displayed using a partial display area of the display unit are stored. A game image storage unit, wherein the display area changing unit reads and displays the first game image on the display unit when the game image display area is enlarged, and when the game image display area is reduced,
The second game image may be read out and displayed on the display unit.

That is, image data created so as to be displayed using a part of the display area is prepared in advance, and this image data is read out and displayed on the display unit, so that the display unit is reduced in size. It is possible to pretend to be a player as if. In addition, when the display area is enlarged, image data created so as to be displayed using the entire display area of the display unit is read out and displayed on the display unit, so that the display unit looks as if it has been enlarged.

When the second game image is displayed on the display unit, a monochrome image is displayed in a display area other than the display area used by the second game image. Good. For example, by inputting and displaying an image of the same color as the decorative frame provided to surround the periphery of the display unit in a blank portion of the display unit, that is, a display area where no game image is displayed, a frame is formed. A sense of unity with the margin is created. Therefore, when the game image display area is reduced, an image can be displayed without a sense of incongruity.

The monochrome image data may be written in advance when the second game image is created.
May be additionally incorporated after the game image is displayed. In addition, the monochromatic image data also includes the meaning of complementing the game image displayed in the game image display area. That is, the image may be a still image or a pattern that is plain against the game image so that the game image stands out on the display unit.

[0017] The display area changing means may further include an image processing device for changing the image size of the game image displayed on the display unit and displaying the image on the display unit.
That is, image data created so as to be displayed using the entire display area of the display unit is displayed using an image processing technique such as a VDP (Video Digital Processor).
When displaying a game image using the image processing device, the game image is compressed and displayed on the display unit. Further, only a part of the game image may be displayed on the display unit.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment> A gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is constituted by a vertically long rectangular frame.
An outer frame 2 firmly fixed to the installation location, a table frame 3 held on one side by the outer frame 2 and provided to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 2, and an upper front part of the table frame 3 And a window frame 4 that can be freely opened and closed, and substantially all of the main components constituting the gaming machine 1 are collectively provided on the front frame 3.

The main components provided on the front frame 3 include a game board 5 whose board surface is a game area, an upper plate 6 for temporarily storing balls to be supplied to the game machine 1, and a prize ball from the game machine 1. A lower plate 7 for storing a part of the discharged ball, a ball driving device 9 for driving the ball onto the upper part of the game board 5, an operation handle 8 for operating the ball driving device 9, and if necessary. A ball dispensing unit 2 for discharging a predetermined number of balls to the upper plate 6
3. Control bases 77, 75, 76 for controlling various devices.

Further, in this embodiment, a card unit device 10 is attached to the side of the gaming machine 1. This card unit device 10 is a device for renting out a ball to a player, and includes a card reader and the like. In the present embodiment, the card unit device 10 is exemplified as a device for renting a ball to a player. However, for example, a device capable of inserting a banknote or the like to borrow a ball may be used. . Hereinafter, these configurations will be described in detail.

The window frame 4 provided to be openable and closable with respect to the front frame 3 has a see-through window 11 through which the entire game area of the game board 5 can be peeped. In addition, this see-through window 11
Is fitted with a glass plate. In addition, see-through window 1
A decorative LED 12, a decorative fluorescent lamp 13, a speaker 14, and the like are provided along the outer periphery of the device 1. This decoration LED12
And the decorative fluorescent lamp 13 are turned on or off according to the state of the game. For example, repeatedly turning on and off at the time of the big hit,
Enhance the atmosphere of the game. The speaker 14 emits various sound effects according to the progress of the game.

The upper plate 6 provided on the front frame 3 is formed by combining a plurality of synthetic resin members, and is provided below the window frame 4. Further, the inside of the upper plate 6 is formed to be slightly inclined, and a prize ball payout opening 16 is provided upstream of the upper surface. A game ball supply port 17 is provided on the downstream side. Further, a storage ball alignment path 18 is provided by connecting the prize ball payout port 16 and the game ball supply port 17, and the balls are aligned in a line in the storage ball alignment path 18 after the game ball supply port 17. Supplied to

The upper plate 6 is provided with a ball release lever 19. The ball release lever 19 is provided so as to be operable in the left-right direction, and moves in one direction against the urging force of a spring (not shown) to move the ball stored in the upper plate 6 to the back surface of the front frame 3. It is guided to the lower plate 7 by flowing down to a formed ball emptying passage (not shown).

The lower plate 7 attached to the lowermost part of the table frame 3
Is formed by combining a plurality of synthetic resin members, and an extra ball payout port 20 is provided in the inside thereof.
The surplus ball payout port 20 is connected to the upper plate 6 via a surplus ball bypass passage (not shown) provided on the back surface of the front frame 3, and the prize balls that cannot be secured by the upper plate 6. Is connected to the lower plate 7 through the surplus ball bypass passage and the surplus ball payout port 20.
Is discharged into

An ashtray 21 is provided integrally on the left side of the lower plate 7, and an operation handle 8 is provided on the right side. The operating handle 8 has a built-in main switch and a touch antenna for moving the ball launching device 9, and the operating condition of the operating handle 8 can arbitrarily adjust the momentum of the ball launched on the game board 5. it can. The ball launching device 9 is provided on the back side of the front frame 3 and includes an electric motor 92 that continuously operates a launching rod 91 that launches a ball.

A lower hole 7 (both not shown) is provided in the lower plate 7 to be opened by operation of a ball release operation lever, and the lower plate 7 is stored in the lower plate 7 by operating this release operation lever. The winning prize ball can be pulled out of the ball hole and transferred to another container.

The ball dispensing unit 23 is provided on the back side of the front frame 3 and includes a ball tank 24 for storing balls and a prize ball processing device 25 for counting the number of balls discharged as prize balls.
And a prize ball alignment rail 26 for sending the spheres in the sphere tank 24 to the prize ball processing device 25. At the time of a prize or the like, the prize ball processing device 25 generates a number of balls corresponding to the prize. The measured number of bullets are paid out to the upper plate 6 as prize balls.
The ball dispensing unit 23 is connected to the card unit device 10 via the card unit control board 10a, and discharges a ball to be a game ball to the upper plate 6 in response to a command from the card unit device 10. Sometimes.

The game board 5 is formed of a substantially square plywood 54 so as to be stored and fixed in a game board storage frame (not shown) integrally formed on the back side of the front frame 3.
In addition, a guide wall 51 formed in a circular spiral shape is provided on the front surface, and a plurality of obstacles 52 such as obstacle nails and windmills are provided in a region surrounded by the guide wall 51. Further, at the lowermost part of the game board 5, there is provided an out port 53 into which a ball which does not win any of the winning ports is taken.

In the center of the game board 5, there is provided a display section 60 for displaying a game image composed of various symbols and pictures in accordance with the progress of the game. Immediately below the display unit 60, a start winning hole (start chucker) 15 for receiving a ball serving as a trigger for variably displaying a game image displayed on the display unit 60 is provided. Above the display section 60, a reserved ball display LED 22 for displaying the number of retained balls for variably displaying a game image displayed on the display section 60 by winning the start winning opening 15 is provided.

The display section 60 displays the game board 5 as shown in FIG.
An opening 55 provided at the center of a plywood 54 forming
A frame-like frame 56 fitted along the periphery of the opening 55, and a liquid crystal display 61 provided on the back side of the plywood 54 and to close the opening 55 from behind.
(Hereinafter, referred to as an image display device 61), and the surface of the image display device 61 facing the opening 55 is a game image display area (game image display area) 62.

In the present embodiment, the image display device 61 of a 7-inch wide size (screen ratio 16: 9) is provided for the opening 55, but is not limited to this size. For example, an image display device 61 of various sizes such as an image display device of 5 inch size (screen ratio 4: 3) widely used in general game machines and an image display device exceeding 8 inch size may be attached. . Further, not only a liquid crystal driven image display device but also an image display device which displays an image using a cathode ray tube may be used.

An openable and closable door 63 (shielding member) is provided so as to cover a part of the image display device 61. The openable and closable door 63 includes doors 63 provided on both sides of the display unit 60 as shown in FIGS.
Solenoid 6 provided on each door 63 to open and close the door 63
6 and a slot 64 provided in the frame 56, and a door 63 is slidably incorporated in the slot 64. When the solenoid 66 is activated, the door 63
Slides along the slot 64 to cover the surface of the image display device 61 which becomes the display area 62. Hereinafter, the openable and closable door 63 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

The door 63 has a substantially planar rectangular shape as shown in FIG. 6, and a slide rail 67 extending in the lateral direction of the door 63 is formed integrally with the door 63 above and below. Further, a connection portion 65 connected to a solenoid 66 is provided above the door 63. In addition, the solenoid 66 is
An exciting coil 66b wound up in a cylindrical shape, and a metal mandrel 66 inserted into the exciting coil 66b having a cylindrical shape.
a spring 66c for urging a metal mandrel 66a to one side of the exciting coil 66b;
b and a case body 6 containing a metal mandrel 66a and the like
6d, the mandrel 66a normally inserted into the exciting coil 66b is stored in the case body 66d by a spring 66c provided in the case body 66d. When an exciting current is input to the exciting coil 66b, the exciting coil 66b is magnetized to
a is projected out of the case body 66d.

On the other hand, the frame 56 in which the door 63 is incorporated
Is a square frame-shaped wall 68 directly fitted into the opening 55.
And a flange 69 radially extending from the periphery of the wall 68.
When the wall 68 is inserted into the opening 55, the wall 6
8, a slot 64 formed near the image display device 61.
(See FIG. 7). 7 and 8, the slot 64 extends from both sides of the wall 68.
8 is cut into. The door 63 is slidably incorporated in the slot 64.

When the door 63 is installed in the slot 64, the slide rail 67 provided above and below the door 63 is installed outside the slot 64. That is, the guide groove of the door 63 is constituted by the slot 64 and the slide rail 67. The opening 55 into which the frame 56 is incorporated has a plurality of notches 55a formed so as to avoid buffering between the solenoid 66 attached to the frame 56 and the door 63.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, one solenoid 66 connected to the connecting portion 65 of the door 63 is provided for each door 63 above the frame 56 and behind the flange 69. I have. More specifically, the tip of the mandrel 66a is fixed facing the outside of the frame 56. When the solenoid 66 is energized, the metal mandrel 66a is pulled toward the exciting coil 66b, and one end of the mandrel 66a is connected to the case main body 6a.
It is fixed in a state protruding from 6d. For this reason mandrel 6
The door 63 connected to 6a also slides out of the display area together with the mandrel 66a. When the exciting current input to the solenoid 66 is cut off, the mandrel 66a is pulled out of the exciting coil 66b by the tension of the spring 66c, and the door 63 also slides toward the front of the display area in accordance with the movement of the mandrel 66a. .

By controlling the exciting current input to the solenoid 66 in this way, the door 63 can be opened and closed arbitrarily. The control of the solenoid 66, that is, the opening / closing operation of the door 63, is controlled based on the progress of the game, and is provided on the game circuit control board 75 and the decoration control board 76 provided on the back side of the front frame 3. Various ROM
(Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), CPU (Central Control Unit), and other programs are controlled.

The game circuit control board 75 is a board on which main control over the entire game such as an internal lottery is performed, and includes a lottery determination section (lottery) for determining whether or not the internal lottery has been won. (Determination means), and a game signal notifying unit for notifying each device of a game signal based on the progress state of the game so as to prompt each device to perform control based on the result of the internal lottery.

The decoration control board 76 is a base for controlling the operation of the electric decorations provided on the front of the gaming machine 1 based on a game signal notified from the game circuit control board 75. In controlling the above-mentioned door 63 in the decoration control board 76, when the game signal notified from the game circuit control board 76 is a game signal corresponding to the jackpot state and the reach state, the door 63 is opened and the display section is opened. The entire 60 display area 62 is made visible. When another game signal, that is, a game signal corresponding to the normal game state is notified, the door 63 is closed and the display area 63 is reduced. 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the flow of control relating to the opening and closing operation of the door 63.

Hereinafter, a control example of the door 63 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. When the game is started by the player, first, control is performed to cut off the exciting current flowing through the solenoid 66 in order to reduce the viewable display area 62 (step 101). Then, the solenoid 66 from which the exciting current is interrupted pulls the mandrel 66a back into the case body 66d by the spring 66c provided inside, and slides the door 63 into the display area 62 (step 102). That is, in steps 101 and 102, as the initial setting of the control associated with the opening / closing operation of the door 63, the door 6 is set to reduce the display area 62.
3 is controlled.

Then, with the start of the game, the ball launching device 9
In response to the fact that the bullet hit in the game has won the starting winning opening 15 immediately below the display unit, the game circuit control board 75 executes an internal lottery (step 103). Then, every time the internal lottery is executed, a game signal is notified from the game circuit control board 75 to the decoration control board 76 to prompt the control corresponding to the current game state (step 104).

The decoration control board 76 to which the game signal has been input recognizes the current game state based on the game signal, and inputs an excitation current to the solenoid 66 when the game signal corresponds to the reach state (step). 105, step 106). If it is determined that a game signal that does not correspond to the reach state has been input, step 10 is continued.
Steps 1 to 105 are repeated.

The solenoid 66, to which the excitation current has been input in step 106, pushes the mandrel 66a out of the case body 66d by the magnetic force of the magnetized excitation coil 66b, and slides the door 63 out of the display area 62 (step 106). 107). That is, in steps 105 to 107, control is performed to enlarge the display area 62 in response to the state of progress of the game reaching the reach state.

Further, in the game circuit control board 75, the internal lottery is performed continuously from step 104, and a game signal corresponding to the lottery result is notified to the decoration control board 76 again (step 108). And the decoration control board 76
Then, it is determined whether or not the gaming state has shifted from the reach state to the big hit state based on the game signal notified from the game circuit control board 75 in step 107 (step 109). Then, when it is recognized that the state has shifted to the big hit state, the exciting current is continuously input to the solenoid 66, and the door 63 is kept slid out of the display area 62 (step 110). In step 109, when the game signal notified from the game circuit control board 75 is a game signal notifying that the internal lottery has been removed,
Returning to step 101 to reduce the display area 62, the control is again switched to the control for cutting off the exciting current. Then, the door 63 is slid again into the display area 62 (step 102).

The decoration control board 76 recognizes that the game state has returned to the normal game state based on the game signal notified from the game circuit control board 75 upon completion of the jackpot state, and cuts off the exciting current of the solenoid 66. To slide the door 63 into the display area 62 (step 11).
1, step 112). That is, in steps 111 and 112, control is performed to return the door 63 to the initial state according to the end of the big hit state. If a game signal indicating the continuation of the jackpot state is notified in step 111, the control in step 110 is continued and the state in which the door 63 is slid out of the display area 62 is maintained. Then, when the game is over, this control is finished. If the game is to be continued, the process returns to step 101 and repeats this control.

As described above, the opening / closing operation of the door 63 provided on the display unit 60 is controlled according to the progress of the game. That is, when the player is not paying much attention and looking at the display unit 60, such as in a normal game state, the display area 62 is reduced to reduce the burden on the player. Further, when the player pays attention to the display unit 60 such as the reach state and the jackpot state, the game image is displayed using the entire display area 62 of the display unit 60.

Further, since the display area 62 is enlarged and displayed at the same time when the game state progresses to the reach state and the jackpot state, it is possible to provide the display unit 60 with new and interesting effects. Further, the effect of the display unit 60 can be greatly differentiated from other models.

In the above description, the door 63 slidably provided on the front surface of the display unit 60 has been described as an example of the display area changing means. However, a required shaft provided near the display unit 60 is rotated. Door 90 provided rotatably at the center
Can be used to change the size of the display area 62.

The door 90 that rotates about a required axis as a rotation center
As shown in FIG. 14, a door 90 having a substantially rectangular planar shape, a rotation shaft 91 provided on one side of the door 90 and serving as a rotation center of the door 90, a gear 93 provided at an end of the rotation shaft 91, and An electric motor 92 for rotating the gear 93 is provided.

On the other hand, the wall 68 on the frame 56 side
As shown in FIG. 3, a rotation shaft support hole 94 in which the rotation shaft 91 is rotatably engaged is provided for each corner, and a door 90 is attached through the rotation shaft support hole 94. I have. When the electric motor 92 is driven, the rotation of the electric motor 92 is transmitted to the gear 93 fixed to the rotating shaft 91 of the door 90, so that the door 90 turns. In addition,
The control related to the turning operation of the door 90, that is, the opening / closing operation, may be controlled in accordance with the progress of the game, as in the case of the sliding door 63 described above.

As described above, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the doors 63 and 90 (shielding members) are provided on the front side of the display unit 60 to cover at least a part of the game image displayed on the display unit 60, and the display area is provided. Although the size of the display area 62 is changed, the above two examples are merely examples of the present invention, and a shielding member capable of covering a part of the display area 62 is provided in front of the display area 62. Any structure, such as its shape and opening / closing mechanism, can be used. Further, the shielding member may have a structure that covers the entire display area. In this case, the presentation method on the display unit 60 can have a wide range.

The control relating to the opening and closing of the shielding member is not limited to the above example. For example, the shielding member is continuously opened and closed in response to the transition of the gaming state to a probability variation state in which the winning probability in the internal lottery increases. By opening and closing the shielding member, it is possible to perform various effects that have not been seen in the past, such as notifying the player to that effect. Further, a display area changeover switch 70 or the like may be provided on the front surface of the gaming machine 1, and the opening and closing of the shielding member may be performed in conjunction with the operation of this switch. That is, the size of the display area 62 may be changed based on the player's own intention.

When changing the size of the display area 62, the game image P displayed on the display unit 60, that is, the display area 100P of the image directly related to the game is displayed on the display unit 60 as described below. Total display area 100 at 60
Can be displayed to the player as if the display unit 60 had been reduced. Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the display unit 60 looks small on an image will be described.

<Second Embodiment> In changing the size of a display area (game image display area) 100A related to a game on an image, the entire display area of the display unit 60 is displayed as shown in FIGS. The first image data (first game image) created so that the game image P is displayed using the area 100 and the display area 100P of a part of the display unit 60 as shown in FIG. 19 are used. And a second image data (second game image) created so as to display the game image P, and a game image storage ROM for storing beforehand on the back side of the front frame,
When the game image display area 100P is enlarged, the first game image data is read from the game image storage ROM to the display unit 60 and displayed. When the game image display area 100P is reduced, the second game image data is read out and displayed on the display unit 60.

Here, in the first image data in which the game image P is displayed using the entire display area 100 of the display section 60, the game state shifts to a big hit state such as "7? 7" as shown in FIG. The game has shifted from the reach state to the big hit state, such as reach image data that informs the player that the player is in the state immediately before the game is in the reach state, or “777” or “big hit” as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. It is composed of jackpot game image data and the like that inform the player of the fact that the game image data directly related to the game is created with the same number of pixels as the total number of pixels of the image display device 61 provided on the display unit 60. ing.

Further, a partial area 100 of the display area 100
As shown in FIG. 19, the second image data in which the game image P is displayed using P includes the game image data P in which irregular symbols such as "135" displayed in the normal game state are arranged on the display unit. A game image P composed of single-color image data B or the like created so that a single-color image such as red or black is displayed on the display unit 60 is directly displayed on the display unit 60. It is created with a smaller number of pixels than the total number of pixels of the device 61. Further, the monochrome image data B is written in advance in an area 100B other than the display area used by the game image data P.

The single-color image data B is preferably image data that displays red, for example, when the frame 56 provided on the display unit 60 is red. When a blue frame is provided on the display unit 60, image data for displaying blue is preferable.
That is, it is preferable to use image data that displays colors in the same series as the colors around the display unit 60.

When the second image data is selected and displayed on the display unit 60, the game image P directly related to the game is displayed on only a part of the display unit 60. Another area 100B in which the monochrome image data B is displayed
Is a frame 56 provided along the outer periphery of the display unit 60.
And appear visually assimilated. Therefore, it looks as if the entire display area 100 in the display unit 60 has become smaller. Therefore, the player plays the game while looking at the display unit 60 which looks as if it is configured as a small display area, so that the movement of the viewpoint is reduced, and eyestrain can be suppressed even in the game for a long time.

When the game has progressed to the reach state, the jackpot state, or the like, the entire display area 10
Since the first image data for displaying the game image P using 0 is displayed on the display unit 60, for the player playing the game while viewing the display unit 60 displaying the second image data. Is displayed as if the entire display area 62 was enlarged at the same time that the first image data was displayed on the display unit 60. In this way, an unprecedented effect becomes possible, and further interestingness and unexpectedness can be imparted.

The switching control of these various image data,
That is, the switching of the game screen is controlled by various types of ROMs (read only memories) provided on the game circuit control board 75 and the variable display circuit board 77 provided on the back side of the front frame 3 and the RA.
This is performed by a program developed in M (random access memory), CPU (central control unit), and the like. In addition, the variable display circuit board 77 is based on the game signal notified from the game circuit control board 75 described above.
This is a base for selecting a desired image from the game image storage ROM that stores the image data and the second image data and displaying the selected image on the display unit 60.

More specifically, when the game signal notified from the game circuit control board 75 is a game signal corresponding to the reach state and the jackpot state, the first image data is read out from the game image storage ROM and displayed on the display unit. Display at 60. If the game signal notified from the game circuit control board 75 is a game signal corresponding to the normal game state, the second image data is read out from the game image storage ROM and displayed on the display unit 60.

As described above, the entire display area 10 of the display unit 60
The first image data for displaying the game image P using 0 and the second image data for displaying the game image P using the display area 100P of a part of the display section 60 as desired. By individually reading out the information on the display unit 60, the game image display area 100P in which the game image P is displayed can be enlarged and reduced with respect to the entire display area 100.

The monochrome image data B includes not only image data for displaying a monochrome image on the display unit 60, but also
For example, image data for displaying a pattern such as an arabesque pattern may be used. Still image data such as fixed character information may be used. In other words, it is only necessary for the image to be somewhat plain so as not to burden the eyes of the player. Further, in the above-described example, the monochrome image data is incorporated in advance when the second image data is created. However, the monochrome image data is displayed on the display unit 60 and the monochrome image data is simultaneously displayed on the control program of the variable circuit control board 77. Image data may be incorporated.

In displaying the game image P using a part of the display area 100, the game image data P created so as to be displayed using the entire display area 100 of the display unit 60 is used for general purpose. The image is compressed and displayed using an image processing device or the like. In addition, by displaying only a part of the game image data P, it is possible to make the player appear as if the entire display area was reduced. Note that an image processing device such as a VDP (Video Digital Processor) can be adopted as a general-purpose image display device.

An image processing apparatus of this type includes an image data input section 110 for inputting image data as shown in FIG.
A V-RAM (video random access memory) 111 for temporarily storing image data input from the image data input unit 110, and compressing and dividing image data developed on the V-RAM into a desired image size An image processor 112 that performs editing work such as performing
An image data output unit 113 that outputs the edited image data developed on the AM to the image display device 61 via the image processor 112 is provided. In the gaming machine described in this embodiment, The image processing apparatus having the above configuration can be incorporated in the variable display circuit board 77. Then, the image display device 6 provided in the display unit 60
By displaying the game image data P generated with the same number of pixels as the number of pixels on the display unit 60 via the image processing apparatus, the game image data P is displayed on the display unit 60 using only a part of the display area 100. Can display the game image P.

More specifically, the game signals corresponding to the reach state and the jackpot state are displayed on the variable display control circuit 77.
Is displayed on the display unit 60 without editing the input game image data P. When a game signal corresponding to the normal game state is notified, the input game image data P is edited via the image processing device and displayed on the display unit 60. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing processing of the variable display circuit board 77 in a normal game state.

As described above, the entire display area 100 of the display unit 60
The ratio of the game image display area 100P occupying the display unit 60 can be changed by editing and displaying the image data for displaying the game image P as desired by using. In addition,
Other display area 100B except game image display area 100P
May incorporate monochromatic image data as described above.

In the gaming machine of the present invention, the size of the game image display area in which the game image is displayed is changed by intentionally suppressing a part of the original image display capability of the display unit. Therefore, even when a large-sized image display device is attached to the display unit, the image display device can be used so that the player does not notice it. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the eyestrain of the player.

Further, when the player looks at the display unit in the reach state or the like, the game image is displayed using the entire display area in order to take advantage of the enlarged image display device. The advantage of the image display device is not impaired. In addition, a new effect is produced in association with the enlargement and reduction of the game image display area, and various effects can be provided by the synergistic effect of these effects.

[0071]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which the size of the display section is increased and eye fatigue is reduced even in a long-time game. In addition, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which effects on the display unit are provided with more interesting and unexpected characteristics.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view of the display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the rear side.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line A-A ′ in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a door provided on a display unit.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a frame provided in a display unit.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a frame provided on the display unit as viewed from above.

FIG. 9 is a control flowchart relating to an opening and closing operation of a door provided on the display unit.

FIG. 10 is a control flowchart relating to an opening and closing operation of a door provided on the display unit.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing another example of the display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

12 is a plan view of the display unit in FIG. 11 as viewed from above.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a frame provided in the display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a door provided on the display unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a screen configuration of a display area according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a view showing an image of first image data when displayed on a display unit.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an image of first image data displayed on the display unit.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an image of first image data when displayed on a display unit.

FIG. 19 is a view showing an image of second image data when displayed on a display unit.

FIG. 20 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an outline of an image processing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing processing in a variable display circuit board in a normal game state.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Gaming machine 2 Outer frame 3 Table frame 4 Window frame 5 Game board 6 Upper plate 7 Lower plate 8 Operation handle 9 Ball ejection device 10 Card unit device 10a Card unit control board 11 Transparent window 12 Decorative LED 13 Decorative fluorescent lamp 14 Speaker 15 Start winning prize port (start chucker) 16 Prize ball payout port 17 Game ball supply port 18 Reserving ball alignment path 19 Ball release lever 20 Extra ball payout port 21 Ashtray 22 Reserved ball display LED 23 Ballistic payout unit 24 Ballistic tank 25 Prize Ball processing device 26 Prize ball alignment rail 51 Guide wall 52 Obstacle 53 Out port 54 Plywood 55 Opening 55a Notch 56 Frame 60 Display 61 Liquid crystal display (image display) 62 Display area (game image display area) 63 Door 64 Slot 65 Connecting part 66 Solenoid 66a Metal mandrel 66b Il 66c Spring 66d Case body 67 Slide rail 68 Wall 69 Flange 70 Display switch 75 Game circuit control board 76 Decoration control board 77 Variable display control board 90 Door 91 Rotary shaft 92 Electric motor 93 Gear 94 Rotary shaft support hole 100 Display Area 100P Game image display area 100B Other display area 110 Image data input unit 111 V-RAM (video random access memory) 112 Image processor 113 Image data output unit P Game image (game image data) B Monochromatic image (Single color image data)

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A display unit having a game image display area on which a game image is displayed, a start winning port for receiving a ball serving as a trigger for variably displaying the game image displayed on the display unit, and the display Part and a plurality of obstacles arranged in the vicinity of the starting winning opening, on the board, while launching a ball at the top of the board, the dropped ball is dropped by gravity to play the game A game machine to be played, characterized by comprising a display area changing means for changing a size of a game image display area in which the game image is displayed. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display area changing means changes the size of the game image display area based on a progress state of the game. 3. A lottery judging means for judging that a lottery has been won in response to a plurality of conditions being met, wherein the display area changing means is required for the lottery judging means to judge a win. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming image display area is enlarged in response to a transition of a gaming state to a state immediately before all conditions are met. 4. The display area changing means includes an openable / closable shielding member provided on a front side of the display unit and covering at least a part of a game image displayed on the display unit. Item 4. The gaming machine according to any one of Items 1 to 3. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the shielding member is provided so as to be slidable from a side of the display unit to a front surface of the display unit. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the shielding member is provided rotatably about a required axis provided near the display section as a center of rotation. 7. A first game image displayed using an entire display area of the display unit and a second game image displayed using a partial display area of the display unit. A game image storage means for storing, wherein the display area change means reads and displays the first game image on a display unit when the game image display area is enlarged, and when the game image display area is reduced, The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a second game image is read out and displayed on the display unit. 8. When a second game image is displayed on the display section, a monochrome image is displayed in a display area other than a display area used by the second game image. The gaming machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said display area changing means includes an image processing device for changing an image size of a game image displayed on said display section and displaying the game image on said display section. A gaming machine according to any of the above.