JP2015037555A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of giving a strong impression to a player by switching from an unvisible image to a visible image.SOLUTION: In a liquid crystal display device, a polarizing film having a first transmission axis which allows polarizing light based on radiated light from a light source to transmit is installed on a front surface of a liquid crystal display plate. By using a polarizing member in which a second transmission axis that absorbs polarizing light that has transmitted the first transmission axis is initialized, the liquid crystal display plate in which the polarizing film is set is covered. Based on a determination result of a special game, a performance image displayed on the liquid crystal display plate that is covered with the polarizing member is updated to other performance image according to the determination result, and the second transmission axis of the polarizing member is switched to the first transmission axis. When the transmission axis of the polarizing member is switched from the second transmission axis to the first transmission axis, performance is controlled by using updated other performance image.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  A display device such as a liquid crystal display device for displaying a screen in the game to be provided is mounted in a substantially central portion of the game area of the gaming machine, and various information and images related to the game are displayed on the display device.

  The gaming machine provides a game by displaying an effect image on the display device, and displays, for example, a lottery effect image of a big win lottery or a jackpot effect image when a big win is won. As described above, various effect images are displayed on the display device. In particular, when the game state is shifted, processing for switching the effect image in the game state before the transition and the game state after the transition is required.

  In the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1, the linearly polarized light irradiated from the liquid crystal light emitter can be adjusted by controlling the voltage application state of the liquid crystal layer, and the linearly polarized light is transmitted as a visible image. A configuration in which a polarizing plate is arranged in a display area of a liquid crystal screen is shown. Furthermore, a configuration including a movable polarizing body that can change the visual state of linearly polarized light from a player by moving the polarizing plate vertically and horizontally on the front side of the irradiation surface of the liquid crystal layer is described. Has been.

  Then, it is described that it is possible to change the visible portion of the visible image viewed from the player by moving the polarization movable body based on the signal from the main control that controls the progress of the game. Yes.

JP 2010-000365 A

  However, in such a conventional technique, when switching between an image that can be viewed by the player and an image that cannot be viewed in a state where the irradiation light that forms the effect image is irradiated, a strong impression is given to the player using the image that can be viewed. It is not possible to provide higher playability.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides a gaming machine capable of giving a strong impression to a player by switching from an image that cannot be viewed to an image that can be viewed when switching between an image that can be viewed by the player and an image that cannot be viewed. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 decides that a special game determination means for determining whether or not to play a special game advantageous to the player, and that a special game is performed based on a determination result of the special game determination means. A plurality of special game control means for controlling a special game, and an effect control means for controlling an effect based on the determination result of the special game determination means, and used for the effects controlled by the effect control means. A liquid crystal display device that displays one effect image of the effect images, and the effect control means covers the liquid crystal display device with a movable member to make the effect image difficult to see, and The effect displayed on the liquid crystal display device covered with the movable member by the covering means based on the determination result determined to perform the special game by the special game determining means Image updating means for updating an image to a special game determination notification image representing a determination result determined to perform the special game, and using the special game determination notification image updated by the image update means Control the production.

  According to the present invention, when an image that can be visually recognized by a player can be switched to an image that cannot be visually recognized, a strong impression can be given to the player by switching from an image that cannot be visually recognized to an image that can be visually recognized.

An example of the figure which shows the apparatus structure comprised applying the gaming machine in embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which showed the structure seen from the back surface of the gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. The block diagram which shows the function structure of the game machine comprised by applying the game machine in embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the display control part which the game machine in embodiment of this invention comprises. The block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the accessory control part shown in FIG. The figure which shows the state displayed by the accessory control using the liquid crystal display device and polarizing member of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the state displayed by the accessory control using the liquid crystal display device and polarizing member of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the state displayed by the accessory control using the liquid crystal display device and polarizing member of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the state displayed by the accessory control using the liquid crystal display device and polarizing member of the game machine in embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the flow of the detailed process performed in the game machine in embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an example of a diagram illustrating a device configuration configured by applying a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  A game machine is installed on the side surface of the game machine 1, and a game medium of a quantity corresponding to the valuable money put into the machine, for example, a game ball, is lent, and the operation handle 3 is rotated by the player. Then, the touch sensor 3b provided inside the operation handle 3 detects this and transmits a touch signal to the firing control board 106.

  When receiving a touch signal from the touch sensor 3b, the firing control board 106 permits energization of the firing solenoid 4a.

  And the voltage according to the rotation angle by which the operation handle 3 was rotated is applied to the launching solenoid 4a provided in the game ball launching mechanism. In the firing solenoid 4a to which the voltage is applied, the gear directly connected to the operation handle 3 is rotated according to the applied voltage, and the knob of the firing volume 3a connected to the gear is rotated.

  As a result, the rented game balls are fired toward the game area 6.

  A game area 6 in which game balls are launched and sent is provided in the game board 2, and a glass frame 110 is provided on the outer periphery of the game area 6 of the game board 2.

  The game balls launched into the game area 6 move up in the transport path between the rails 5a and 5b to reach the upper position of the game board 2, and then fall within the game area 6. At this time, the game area 6 is provided with a plurality of nails and windmills, and the game ball falls unpredictably while hitting these obstacles.

  The game area 6 is provided with a plurality of general winning ports 7.

  Each general winning opening 7 is provided with a general winning opening detecting switch 7a, and when the general winning opening detecting switch 7a detects the entering of a game ball, a predetermined winning ball (for example, 10 game balls). Is additionally loaned.

  Further, a normal symbol gate 8 is provided above the general winning opening 7 in the game area 6 so as to pass the game ball. The normal symbol gate 8 is provided with a gate detection switch 8a for detecting the passage of the game ball. When the gate detection switch 8a detects the passage of the game ball, the normal symbol lottery described later is performed.

  Further, a second start port 10 is provided directly below the first start port 9.

  A pair of movable pieces 10b are provided at the entrance portion of the second starting port 10, and the first mode in which the pair of movable pieces 10b closes the second starting port 10 is in a closed state. The pair of movable pieces 10b are controlled to move so as to be in a second state in which the pair of movable pieces 10b are in an open state that guides the flow of game balls into the second starting port 10.

  When the second starting port 10 is in the first mode, the first starting port 9 located immediately above the second starting port 10 becomes an obstacle, making it impossible or difficult to receive the game ball. Yes. On the other hand, when the second starting port 10 is in the second mode, the pair of movable pieces 10b function as a tray, and it is easy to enter the game ball into the second starting port 10.

  The first start port 9 and the second start port 10 are respectively provided with a first start port detection switch 9a and a second start port detection switch 10a for detecting the entrance of a game ball. When a game ball is detected, a right acquisition lottery (hereinafter referred to as “winning lottery”) for executing a special game (win game), which will be described later, is performed, and a predetermined prize ball (for example, three games) Sphere) is loaned.

  Further, a big prize opening 11 is provided further below the second start opening 10.

  The special winning opening 11 is normally kept closed by the special winning opening / closing door 11b, and it is impossible to enter a game ball. On the other hand, when a special game, which will be described later, is started, the special prize opening opening / closing door 11b is opened and maintained in an open state, and the special prize opening opening / closing door 11b puts the game ball in the special winning opening 11. It functions as a receiving tray that guides the game ball and can enter the grand prize opening 11.

  The first prize opening 11 is provided with a first prize opening detection switch 11a, which detects when a game ball enters when guided by the prize opening opening / closing door 11b. (For example, 9 game balls) are additionally loaned.

  The player does not enter any of the general winning port 7, the first starting port 9, the second starting port 10, and the grand winning port 11 further below the grand winning port 11, that is, at the bottom of the game area 6. A discharge port 12 for discharging the game balls from the game area 6 is provided.

  In addition, the game board 2 is provided with an effect device for performing various effects.

  Specifically, a liquid crystal display device 13 composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like is provided at a substantially central portion of the game area 6, and an effect accessory device is provided on the right side surface of the liquid crystal display device 13. 14 and 15 are provided. Further, an effect lighting device 16 is provided at both the upper position and the lower position of the game board 2, and an effect button 17 is provided on the left side of the operation handle 3.

  The liquid crystal display device 13 displays an image that introduces the game while the game is not being played, or displays an effect image according to the progress of the game during the game.

  In particular, when a game ball enters the first start port 9 or the second start port 10, the player is notified of the lottery result obtained through the right acquisition lottery as described above. ”As a production image.

  The effect symbol 30 displays, for example, symbols composed of three numbers or characters by scrolling and rotating the symbols in the vertical direction, and stopping the scrolling rotation after a predetermined time has elapsed to display the symbols in an array. As a result, while the symbols are being scrolled, the player is given the impression that the lottery is currently being performed, and the player is notified of the lottery result based on the combination of symbols displayed when the scrolling is stopped.

  During the variation display of the effect symbol 30, it may be won by winning effect by displaying effect images such as various images and character images or by performing predetermined effects by the effect accessory devices 14 and 15. Giving players high expectations.

  The effect accessory devices 14 and 15 are constituted by a descending or double-spread type polarizing member, and are used to change from a special gaming state (also referred to as a “big hit gaming state”) to a probable gaming state or from a big hit gaming state to a normal game. In addition to a transition instruction to a state, a transition instruction from a special gaming lottery gaming state (hereinafter also referred to as “reach gaming state”) to a jackpot gaming state or a transition instruction from a reach gaming state to a normal gaming state is performed. The polarizing member covers the liquid crystal display device 13.

  This polarizing member has a plurality of fine transmission axes (also referred to as “slits”), transmits only light in the same direction (transmission direction) as the transmission axis, and is orthogonal to the transmission axis ( It is a member that absorbs light in the absorption direction. In addition, the polarizing member has an absorption axis (also referred to as “slit”) instead of the transmission axis, and absorbs light in the same direction (absorption direction) as the absorption axis, and is orthogonal to the absorption axis. It may be a member that transmits only light in the direction (transmission direction).

  That is, light consists of components in various directions, but all these light components are two-direction components (transmission direction, absorption) in the direction of the transmission axis (transmission direction) and the direction (absorption direction) perpendicular to that direction (transmission direction). Since the polarization member can transmit light only in the direction of the transmission axis (transmission direction), the polarizing member absorbs light in a direction (absorption direction) orthogonal to the direction (transmission direction).

  The effect lighting device 16 includes a plurality of lights 16a, which are a plurality of lighting devices, and performs various effects while changing the light irradiation direction, light emission color, and shade of each light 16a.

  The effect button 17 is provided with an effect button detection switch 17a for detecting a pressing operation by the player. For example, the player can display a message for operating the effect button 17 on the liquid crystal display device 13. When the effect button 17 is pressed, further effects can be executed.

  Further, the effect button 17 can be pressed at an arbitrary timing, and the polarizing member is covered except when the message for operating the effect button 17 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13. When the effect button detection switch 17a detects that the player presses the effect button 17 in the state, the transmission axis of the polarizing member covering the liquid crystal display device 13 is switched to another transmission axis.

  Further, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an audio output device 18 (see FIG. 3) formed of a speaker, and in addition to each effect device, an effect by sound is also performed.

  Below the game area 6, a first special symbol display device 19, a second special symbol display device 20, a normal symbol display device 21, a first special symbol hold indicator 22, a second special symbol hold indicator 23, A normal symbol hold indicator 24 is provided.

  The first special symbol display device 19 notifies a lottery result obtained when a game ball enters the first start port 9, and is composed of 7-segment LEDs. That is, a plurality of special symbols (hereinafter referred to as “special symbols”) corresponding to the winning lottery results are provided, and by displaying the special symbols corresponding to the winning lottery results on the first special symbol display device 19. The lottery result is notified to the player.

  For example, “7” is displayed when the jackpot is won, and “−” is displayed when the player wins. “7” and “−” displayed in this way are special symbols, but these special symbols are not displayed immediately, but are displayed in a stopped state after being displayed for a predetermined time. .

  More specifically, when a game ball enters the first starting port 9, a jackpot lottery will be performed, but the jackpot lottery result is not immediately notified to the player, and a predetermined time is passed. The player is notified when it has passed. When a predetermined time has elapsed, a special symbol corresponding to the jackpot lottery result is stopped and displayed so that the player is notified of the lottery result.

  The second special symbol display device 20 is for informing a lottery winning result that is made when a game ball enters the second starting port 10, and the display mode is the first special display device. This is the same as the display mode of special symbols in the symbol display device 19.

  Further, the normal symbol display device 21 is for notifying the lottery result of the normal symbol that is performed when the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 8. When winning is won by the normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol display device 21 is turned on, and then the second starting port 10 is controlled to the second mode for a predetermined time.

  Note that this normal symbol also does not immediately notify the lottery result when the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 8, but the normal symbol display device 21 blinks until a predetermined time elapses. Is displayed in a variable manner.

  Furthermore, if a game ball enters the first starting port 9 or the second starting port 10 during a special symbol change display or a special game to be described later, a certain condition must be met. The right to win a jackpot is reserved.

  In other words, the right to win the jackpot where the game ball enters the first start port 9 and is retained is reserved as “first hold”, and the jackpot where the game ball enters the second start port 10 and is retained The right to draw is reserved as “second hold”.

  Each of these “first hold” and “second hold” has an upper limit reserved number of four, and the reserved number is set to the first special symbol hold indicator 22 for the right held as the first hold. The right displayed and held as the second hold is displayed on the second special symbol hold indicator 23.

  When there is one first hold, the LED on the left side of the first special symbol hold indicator 22 lights up, and when there are two first holds, the two LEDs on the first special symbol hold indicator 22 Lights up. Further, when there are three first holds, the LED on the left side of the first special symbol hold indicator 22 blinks and the right LED is lit. When there are four first holds, the first special symbol hold The two LEDs on the display 22 flash. In addition, the second special symbol hold indicator 23 displays the number of the second reserved reserves as described above.

  The upper limit reserved number of normal symbols is also set to four, and the reserved number of normal symbols is displayed in the same manner as the first special symbol hold indicator 22 and the second special symbol hold indicator 23. 24.

  The glass frame 110 supports a glass plate (not shown) that covers the game area 6 so as to be visible in front of the game board 2 (player side). The glass plate is detachably fixed to the glass frame 110.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the gaming machine 1 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the glass frame 110 is connected to an outer frame (front frame) 100 via a hinge mechanism 111 on one end side in the left-right direction (for example, the left side facing the gaming machine). With the mechanism portion 111 as a fulcrum, the other end side in the left-right direction (for example, the right side facing the gaming machine) can be rotated in a direction to release from the outer frame (front frame) 100.

  The glass frame 110 covers the game board 2 together with the glass plate, and opens the inner part of the outer frame (front frame) 100 including the game board 2 by rotating like a door with the hinge mechanism 111 as a fulcrum. Can do. On the other end side of the glass frame 110, a lock mechanism for fixing the other end side of the glass frame 110 to the outer frame (front frame) 100 is provided. The fixing by the lock mechanism can be released by a dedicated key.

  The glass frame 110 is also provided with a door opening switch 33 (see FIG. 3) for detecting whether the glass frame 110 is opened from the outer frame (front frame) 100.

  On the back surface of the gaming machine 1, a main control board 101, an effect control board 102, a payout control board 103, a power supply board 107, an information output terminal board 108, and the like are provided. Further, a power plug 50 for supplying power to the power board 107 and a power switch (not shown) are provided.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 3, a main control board 101 is a device for controlling the basic operation of the game. The main control board 101 includes a main CPU 101a, a main ROM 101b, and a main RAM 101c.

  The main CPU 101a reads out the program stored in the main ROM 101b based on the input signals from the detection switches and timers, performs arithmetic processing, and directly controls each device and display, or determines the result of the arithmetic processing. In response, a command is transmitted to another board. The main RAM 101c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the main CPU 101a.

  The main control board 101 includes a general winning opening detection switch 7a, a gate detection switch 8a, a first starting opening detection switch 9a, a second starting opening detection switch 10a, a first large winning opening detection switch 11a, and a second large winning opening detection. A switch 90a is connected and a game ball detection signal is input.

  The main control board 101 includes a start opening / closing solenoid 10c for opening / closing the pair of movable pieces 10b of the second start opening 10 and a large winning opening opening / closing solenoid 11c for opening / closing the large winning opening / closing door 11b. In addition to being connected, a first special symbol display device 19, a second special symbol display device 20, a normal symbol display device 21 that constitute a symbol display device, and a first special symbol hold indicator 22 that constitutes a hold indicator, The second special symbol hold indicator 23 and the normal symbol hold indicator 24 are connected, and various signals are output to these.

  Furthermore, the main control board 101 is used for an island controller device that controls each “island” that forms an “island” with a plurality of gaming machines as a group, and a terminal controller device that manages the island controller device of each “island”. Thus, an external information signal necessary for managing the game machine is output to the information output terminal board 108.

  The main ROM 101b of the main control board 101 stores a game control program and data and tables necessary for determining various games.

  For example, the main ROM 101b has a jackpot determination table that is referred to when determining whether or not a special symbol variation stop result is a big hit, and when determining whether or not a normal symbol variation stop result is a hit. Reference hit determination table, fall determination table for determining whether or not to end the high probability gaming state Symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol of a special symbol, determination for determining a gaming state change flag based on the special symbol Table, jackpot end setting data table for determining the gaming state based on the gaming state change flag and the data in the gaming state buffer, special electric accessory operating mode determination for determining the opening / closing conditions of the big prize opening / closing door 11b Table, open mode determination table for long hits, open mode determination table for short hits, open mode determination table for small hits, special Variation pattern determination table or the like for determining the symbol of the fluctuation pattern is stored.

  Note that the above-described table is merely an example of characteristic tables among the tables in the present embodiment, and a number of other tables and programs (not shown) are provided for the progress of the game. ing.

  The main RAM 101c of the main control board 101 has a plurality of storage areas. For example, the main RAM 101c includes a normal symbol reserved number storage area, a normal symbol reserved storage area, a first special symbol reserved number storage area, a second special symbol reserved number storage area, a determination storage area, a first special symbol storage area, a first 2 special symbol memory area, remaining probability count storage area for high probability gaming state, remaining variation count storage area for short-time gaming state, round game count storage area, open count storage area, winning prize entry pitch storage area, gaming status storage An area, a game state buffer, a stop symbol data storage area, a game state change flag storage area, an effect transmission data storage area, and various timer counters are provided.

  The game state storage area includes a short-time game flag storage area, a high-probability game flag storage area, a special-purpose special electric processing data storage area, and a general-purpose normal electric processing data storage area. Note that the above-described storage area is merely an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

  The information output terminal board 108 is a board for outputting an external information signal generated in the main control board 101 to a hall computer or the like of a game store. The information output terminal board 108 is wired to the main control board 101 and is provided with a connector for connecting external information to a hall computer or the like of a game store.

  The power supply board 107 supplies power to the gaming machine via the power plug 50, and includes a backup power source composed of a capacitor. The power supply voltage supplied to the gaming machine is monitored, and the power supply voltage is less than a predetermined value. When this happens, a power interruption detection signal is output to the main control board 101. More specifically, when the power interruption detection signal becomes high level, the main CPU 101a becomes operable, and when the power interruption detection signal becomes low level, the main CPU 101a becomes inactive state. The backup power source is not limited to a capacitor, and may be a battery, for example, or a capacitor and a battery may be used in combination.

  The effect control board 102 mainly controls each effect such as during game play or standby. The effect control board 102 includes a sub CPU 102a, a sub ROM 102b, and a sub RAM 102c, and is connected to the main control board 101 so as to be communicable in one direction from the main control board 101 to the effect control board 102. .

  The sub CPU 102a reads out a program stored in the sub ROM 102b based on a command transmitted from the main control board 101 or an input signal from the effect button detection switch 17a and the timer and performs arithmetic processing. Based on this, the corresponding data is transmitted to the lamp control board 104 or the image control board 105.

  The sub RAM 102c functions as a data work area when the sub CPU 102a performs arithmetic processing.

  The sub ROM 102b of the effect control board 102 stores an effect control program, data necessary for determining various games, tables, and the like.

  For example, the sub ROM 102b stores a variation effect pattern determination table for determining an effect pattern based on a variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 101. Note that the variation effect pattern determination table merely lists characteristic tables among the tables of the present embodiment as an example, and there are many other tables and programs (not shown) in the progress of the game. Is provided.

  The sub RAM 102c of the effect control board 102 has a plurality of storage areas. For example, the sub RAM 102c is provided with a command reception buffer, a game state storage area, an effect mode storage area, and the like. Note that these storage areas merely list characteristic storage areas of the storage areas of the present embodiment as an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

  In the present embodiment, the effect control board 102 is equipped with an RTC (real time clock) 102d for outputting the current time. The sub CPU 102a inputs a date signal indicating the current date and a time signal indicating the current time from the RTC 102d, and executes various processes based on the current date and time. The RTC 102d is normally operated by power from the gaming machine 1 when power is supplied to the gaming machine 1, and is supplied from backup power mounted on the power supply board 107 when the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned off. It operates with a power source that operates. Therefore, the RTC 102d can measure the current date and time even when the gaming machine 1 is powered off. Note that the RTC 102d may be provided with a battery on the effect control board 102 and operated by the battery.

  Alternatively, the RTC 102d may not be provided, and the time may be measured by counting up a counter provided in the sub RAM 102c having a function as a backup RAM every predetermined time (for example, every 2 ms).

  The payout control board 103 performs game ball launch control and prize ball payout control.

  The payout control board 103 includes a payout CPU 103a, a payout ROM 103b, and a payout RAM 103c, and is connected to the main control board 101 so as to be capable of two-way communication. The payout CPU 103a reads out the program stored in the payout ROM 103b based on the input signals from the payout ball count detection switch 32, the door opening switch 33, and the timer for detecting whether or not the game ball has been paid out. At the same time, the corresponding data is transmitted to the main control board 101 based on the processing.

  The payout control board 103 is connected to a payout motor 31 of a prize ball payout device for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls from the game ball storage unit to the player. Based on the payout number designation command transmitted from the main control board 101, the payout CPU 103a reads out a predetermined program from the payout ROM 103b and performs arithmetic processing, and controls the payout motor 31 of the prize ball payout device to execute a predetermined prize. Pay the ball to the player. At this time, the payout RAM 103c functions as a data work area during the calculation process of the payout CPU 103a.

  Also, it is confirmed whether a game ball lending device (card unit) (not shown) is connected to the payout control board 103, and if a game ball lending device (card unit) is connected, the game ball is fired on the launch control board 106. Sending fire control data that allows

  When the launch control board 106 receives the launch control data from the payout control board 103, the launch control board 106 permits the launch. Then, the touch signal from the touch sensor 3b and the input signal from the launch volume 3a are read out, the energization control of the launch solenoid 4a is performed, and the game ball is launched.

  Here, the rotational speed of the firing solenoid 4a is set to about 99.9 (times / minute) based on the frequency based on the output period of the crystal oscillator provided on the firing control board 106. As a result, the number of games played in one minute is about 99.9 (pieces / minute) since one piece is fired every time the firing solenoid rotates. That is, the game ball is fired about every 0.6 seconds.

  The lamp control board 104 includes a lamp CPU, a lamp ROM, and a lamp RAM. The lamp control board 104 controls the lighting of the effect lighting device 16 provided on the game board 2 and controls the driving of a motor for changing the light irradiation direction. Or The lamp control board 104 is connected to the effect control board 102 and performs the above-described controls based on the data transmitted from the effect control board 102.

  The image control board 105 is connected to the effect control board 102 so that bidirectional communication is possible, and the liquid crystal display device 13 is connected to the output side thereof.

  In this image control board 105, in addition to effect images such as effect symbols and background images displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13, the polarizing members of the effect accessory devices 14 and 15 cover the liquid crystal display device 13 to change the polarization. An image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13 via the member is stored in the image ROM, the image CPU reads a predetermined program based on a command transmitted from the effect control board 102, and a predetermined effect image is read from the image ROM to the VRAM. And display control in the liquid crystal display device 13 is performed.

  The image CPU executes various image processing such as background image display processing, effect symbol display processing, and character image display processing on the liquid crystal display device 13.

  That is, the effect design image and the character image are displayed so as to be seen in front of the background image.

  At this time, if the background image and the design image overlap at the same position, the design image is preferentially stored in the VRAM by referring to the Z value of the Z buffer of each effect image by a known hidden surface removal method such as the Z buffer method. .

  The image control board 105 includes a display control unit (not shown) realized using an image CPU, an image ROM, a VRAM, and the like, and a detailed functional configuration of display control processing performed in the display control unit. Will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the display control unit included in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  4, the display control unit includes a reception unit 401, a condition determination unit 402, a condition storage unit 403, an accessory control unit 404, a display instruction unit 405, an image update unit 406, an image storage unit 407, and an effect control unit 408. Configured.

  When an image display instruction is issued from the effect control board 102 shown in FIG. 3, this is received by the receiving unit 401, and the receiving unit 401 sends the image display instruction to the condition determining unit 402.

  If this image display instruction instructs display of a predetermined effect image, the condition determination unit 402 transfers this to the effect control unit 408. At this time, the effect control unit 408 acquires the effect image instructed to be displayed from the image storage unit 407 and causes the liquid crystal display device 13 to display the effect image.

  On the other hand, when the game state transition instruction is received via the reception unit 401, the condition determination unit 402 acquires the “effect execution condition” stored in the condition storage unit 403. This effect execution condition indicates a condition for performing a special effect performed by the accessory control unit 404, and is indicated by a game state before transition and a game state after transition.

  As the performance execution conditions, for example, a special gaming state (also referred to as a “big hit gaming state”) to a transition instruction from a promiscuous gaming state, a transition instruction from a jackpot gaming state to a normal gaming state, a special gaming lottery gaming state (hereinafter, An instruction to shift from the “reach game state” to the jackpot game state and an instruction to shift from the reach game state to the normal game state are set, and the performance execution conditions are stored in the condition storage unit 403.

  When the condition determining unit 402 determines that these effect execution conditions are satisfied according to the shift instruction, the shift instruction is sent to the accessory control unit 404.

  The accessory control unit 404 covers the polarizing plate, which is a polarizing member, by lowering the front surface of the liquid crystal display panel of the liquid crystal display device 13 as an accessory, and the transmission axis of the polarizing plate is set to the transmission axis (the first transmission axis). (1 transmission axis) and switching control to switch to another transmission axis (second transmission axis) that absorbs polarized light transmitted through the transmission axis (first transmission axis).

  For example, switching to the second transmission axis orthogonal to the initially set first transmission axis.

  The accessory control unit 404 displays an effect image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13 on the image update unit 406 while the liquid crystal display device 13 is covered with the polarizing plate with the first transmission axis initialized. The instruction to update to the effect image corresponding to the gaming state after the transition is instructed.

  In the image update unit 406 that has received the update instruction of the effect image from the accessory control unit 404, the effect image corresponding to the game state after the transition instructed to be stored stored in the image storage unit 407 is read, and the effect image is displayed on the liquid crystal display. It is displayed on the device 13 and updated.

  The image storage unit 407 stores effect images in each gaming state, and in particular, displays when the liquid crystal display panel of the liquid crystal display device 13 is covered by controlling the polarizing member by the accessory control unit 404, and the transition-instructed transition An effect image corresponding to a later game state is stored.

  Further, the accessory control unit 404 performs control to remove from the front surface of the liquid crystal display device 13 by raising the polarizing member covering the liquid crystal display device 13 when a predetermined time has elapsed after switching the transmission axis, Upon completion of the exclusion, the production control unit 408 is instructed to execute the production after the migration instructed.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the accessory control unit 404 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 5, the accessory control unit 404 includes a member movable unit 501, a movement completion notification unit 502, a transmission axis switching control unit 503, and a time measuring unit 504.

  When the member moving unit 501 receives the shift instruction from the condition determining unit 402, the member moving unit 501 covers the polarizing member by moving it downward on the front surface of the liquid crystal display panel of the liquid crystal display device 13, and the movement completion notifying unit 502. Is notified that descent movement has been performed. Further, the member movable unit 501 notifies the image update unit 406 shown in FIG. 4 that the polarization member has started to move.

  In the movement completion notifying unit 502, a polarizing film having a first transmission axis (also referred to as a “polarizing film”) is attached to the polarizing member by receiving the descent moving notification from the member moving unit 501 (setting) The liquid crystal display device 13 is moved downward to cover the entire surface. Then, when the whole is covered by moving down, notification of completion of the movement is sent to the member movable unit 501 and the display instruction unit 405 shown in FIG.

  The member movable unit 501 that has received this notification notifies the transmission axis switching control unit 503 that the movement of the polarizing member has been completed.

  At this time, the polarizing member is initially set with a second transmission axis that absorbs polarized light transmitted through the first transmission axis of the polarizing film, and this polarizing member moves down to cover the liquid crystal display device 13. As a result, the player cannot visually recognize the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13.

  For example, the second transmission axis is a transmission axis orthogonal to the first transmission axis of the polarizing film.

  In addition, the display instruction unit 405 that has received the completion notification from the movable completion notification unit 502 sends an effect instruction by pressing the operation button performed after this operation to the transmission axis switching control unit 503 of the accessory control unit 404. Notice.

  At this time, when the transmission axis switching control unit 503 is notified that an effect instruction has been given from the display instruction unit 405 shown in FIG. 4, the transmission member switching unit 503 uses the polarizing member covered on the front surface of the liquid crystal display device 13 in the member movable unit 501. The transmission axis (first transmission axis) is switched to the transmission axis (second transmission axis) that absorbs polarized light that passes through the transmission axis (first transmission axis).

  For example, as described above, the first transmission axis is switched to the second transmission axis orthogonal to the first transmission axis.

  As a result, the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13 is switched from a state where the effect image is not visible to a state where the player can visually recognize the effect image.

  When the transmission axis is switched by the transmission axis switching control unit 503, the time measurement unit 504 is notified, and the time measurement unit 504 starts timing for a predetermined time specified in advance. When the predetermined time is counted, the time measuring unit 504 notifies the transmission axis switching control unit 503 to that effect, and the transmission axis switching control unit 503 issues an exclusion instruction to the member movable unit 501 and performs switching. Perform the process of returning to the previous transmission axis.

  The member movable unit 501 that has received the exclusion instruction from the transmission axis switching control unit 503 performs the ascending movement that moves the polarizing member that covers the front surface of the liquid crystal display device 13.

  When the entire movable polarizing member is removed, the member movable unit 501 receives a notification from the movement completion notifying unit 502 and gives an effect instruction to the effect control unit 408 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state displayed by the accessory control using the liquid crystal display device 13 and the polarizing member of the gaming machine.

  In FIG. 6, FIG. 6 (a) is a diagram showing an example of the effect image displayed in the reach gaming state. In FIG. 6 (a), a polarizing film having the first transmission axis is pasted. On the liquid crystal display panel of the (set) liquid crystal display device 13, the two effect symbols at the left end and the right end are arranged in the same manner, and the effect effect at the center moves from the top to the bottom and rotates. The effect image which shows such a state is shown.

  Thereby, the player is in a state of visually recognizing the effect image through the polarizing film having the first transmission axis.

  FIG. 6B shows the transmission of the first transmission axis on the front surface of the liquid crystal display panel of the liquid crystal display device 13 to which the polarizing film having the first transmission axis as shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the state coat | covered with the coating | coated member by which the 2nd transmission axis which absorbs the polarized light was initialized.

  FIG. 6B shows a state in which all polarized light is absorbed by covering the liquid crystal display panel of the liquid crystal display device 13 to which the polarizing film having the first transmission axis is attached, and the player visually recognizes the effect image. It becomes impossible.

  6B, the image update unit 406 shown in FIG. 4 updates the effect image to an effect image according to the game state after the transition instructed.

  FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating a state in which the player can visually recognize the effect image updated by the transmission axis switching control unit 503 illustrated in FIG. 5 when the transmission axis is switched.

  In FIG. 6C, the second transmission axis initially set on the polarizing member by the transmission axis switching control unit 503 is switched to the same first transmission axis as the polarizing film attached to the liquid crystal display panel. Indicates the state.

  The effect shown in FIG. 6C is that the character (pitcher character) throws a sphere such as a ball toward the wall and the sphere falls to the ground without rebounding to the character. Is shown.

  This effect shows an example in which the gaming state corresponding to the lottery result drawn in the reach gaming state is not the “big hit gaming state” but the “normal gaming state”, that is, the big hit lottery result is “lost” Is an effect image displayed when

  As a result of the lottery, the result from the state of FIG. 6A is shown in FIG. 6D, and the effect symbols different from the effect symbols displayed at the left end and the right end are arranged in the center. Indicates the state. The example shown in FIG. 6D shows an example in which the effect symbols arranged at the center have the number “8”.

  On the other hand, FIG. 7 is a view showing a state displayed by the accessory control using the liquid crystal display device 13 of the gaming machine and the polarizing member, as in FIG. 6, and FIG. 6 (a) shows the same state as FIG. 6 (b), and FIG. 7 (b) shows the same state as FIG. 6 (b).

  FIG. 7C is an effect image that is displayed when the result of the jackpot shown in FIG. 6C is “big jackpot”. Two characters (pitcher character and catcher character) are displayed. It is an image showing an effect of performing a catch ball in which spheres such as balls are thrown each other.

  FIG. 7C shows an image that is displayed when the game state after the transfer instructed is the “big hit game state” and the transfer is instructed from the reach game state.

  Then, as a result of the lottery, the result from the state of FIG. 7 (a) is shown in FIG. 7 (d), and the same effect symbol displayed at the left end and the right end is displayed in the center. It shows a state where the same effect symbols are arranged.

  FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 6, and FIG. 6 shows an example in which a polarizing film is attached to the entire liquid crystal display panel of the liquid crystal display device 13, but in FIG. 8, the right half of the liquid crystal display panel is shown. The example which displayed the example which affixed the polarizing film is shown. Although FIG. 8 shows an example in which a polarizing film is attached to the right half, this is an example of an example in which a polarizing film is attached to a part of a liquid crystal display panel, so the attaching position is limited to the right half. It goes without saying that it is not something.

  In FIG. 8A, the same effect image as the effect images displayed in FIGS. 6A and 7A is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel of the liquid crystal display device 13 with the polarizing film attached to the right half. An example is shown, and the circular polarizing member is installed in a state where it is covered with the liquid crystal display device 13.

  In the drawing shown in FIG. 8A, the polarizing member is further installed so that the transmission axis of the circular polarizing member is the same transmission axis as that of the polarizing film attached to the liquid crystal display device 13. In this state, when a game state transition instruction is given, a transmission axis (second transmission axis) that absorbs polarized light that passes through the transmission axis (first transmission axis) of the polarizing film by rotating the circular polarizing member. ).

  At this time, the first transmission axis and the second transmission axis rotate at an angle perpendicular to each other.

  As a result, the effect image displayed in the portion where the polarizing film and the polarizing member overlap is in a state where it cannot be visually recognized by the player.

  The effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display panel in the state shown in FIG. 8A is in a state where the two effect symbols at the left end and the right end are arranged in the same manner, and the center effect symbol moves from the upper part to the lower part. The effect image which shows the state which is rotating is shown.

  Next, FIG. 8B displays an image in which a character (pitcher character) is throwing a sphere such as a ball as an effect image, and the throwing tip is a portion where the polarizing film and the polarizing member overlap. And since the transmission axis of the polarizing film and the transmission axis of the polarizing member are orthogonal to each other, the effect image cannot be visually recognized by the player.

  In the state shown in FIG. 8B, when an effect instruction is given by pressing an operation button or the like, the polarizing member rotates and the character throws the ball as shown in FIG. 8C. The status is displayed.

  Further, in FIG. 8C, as in FIG. 6C, the state where the character threw the ball is displayed by the polarizing member, and the character thrown by the character hits the wall. It shows the effect of falling to the ground without bouncing back.

  This effect is an effect image that is displayed when the game state after the transition instruction from the reach gaming state is not the jackpot gaming state but the normal gaming state, and the result of the jackpot lottery is “losing” is there. In this state, this effect image is shown in FIG. 8 (d), and FIG. 8 (d) shows a state in which effect symbols different from the effect symbols displayed on the left and right ends are arranged in the center. Yes. FIG. 8D shows an example in which the effect symbols arranged in the center have the number “8”.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 9, FIG. 9 (a) is an image showing the same state as FIG. 8 (a), and FIG. 9 (b) is an image showing the same state as FIG. 8 (b). is there.

  FIG. 9C shows a state where the character has thrown the ball as shown in FIG. 9B, and two characters throw a sphere such as a ball to each other as in FIG. 7C. It is an image which shows the production which is performing the catch ball which fits. FIG. 9C is an image that is displayed when the game state after the transfer instruction instructed is the “big hit game state” and is transferred from the reach game state.

  After displaying the jackpot gaming state according to FIG. 9 (c), the same effect symbols as the effect symbols displayed at the left end and the right end are displayed in the center as the effect image in the jackpot gaming state. The arranged state is shown.

  In FIG. 9, an identification image called the fourth symbol is displayed. This identification image is a number (decoration symbol or color symbol) (first special symbol, second special symbol) which is a production symbol. , The third special symbol) or the like is an image (symbol) displaying that it is in a changed state, and is variably displayed according to the changed state. For example, it is displayed in different colors according to the variation state.

  This identification image indicates that the player is changing even when the effect image such as the effect symbol cannot be displayed, and is displayed on the forefront of the higher hierarchy than the effect image. Even in a state where the effect symbol is not displayed, it is possible to recognize that it is constantly changing by referring to this identification image.

  This identification image is displayed in an area where the polarizing member is not installed.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of detailed processing performed in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 10, in the gaming machine, when a game is provided by controlling the display of an effect image in a predetermined gaming state after the game is started (S1001), it is determined whether a gaming state transition instruction has been performed. (S1002). Until the game state transition instruction is given (NO in S1002), display control of the effect image in the predetermined game state is continued.

  Also, when a game state transition instruction is issued (YES in S1002), whether or not the game state before the transition according to the transition instruction and the game state after the transition according to the transition instruction perform a special effect It is determined whether the instruction is a transition instruction that satisfies the “production execution condition” (S1003).

  If it is not determined that the transition instruction satisfies the performance execution condition by this determination (NO in S1003), the transition is performed to the image in the gaming state after the transition is instructed (S1004).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the transition instruction satisfies the performance execution condition (YES in S1003), for example, as the performance execution condition, the transition instruction from the jackpot gaming state to the probability variation gaming state or the normal gaming state and the jackpot lottery gaming state ( The transition instruction from the “hit gaming state” to the jackpot gaming state or the normal gaming state is set, and the transition instruction is determined by the judgment process, the transition instruction from the jackpot gaming state to the probability change gaming state or the normal gaming state, and reach. When the game state is either a jackpot gaming state or a normal gaming state transition instruction, the front surface of the liquid crystal display panel of the liquid crystal display device 13 to which the polarizing filter (polarizing film) having the first transmission axis is attached In the initial setting, the polarizing shutter with the second transmission axis orthogonal to the first transmission axis is lowered. Coating the liquid crystal display device Te (S1005).

  When covered by the polarizing shutter at this time, the transmission axis (first transmission axis) of the polarizing filter affixed to the liquid crystal display panel of the liquid crystal display device 13 and the transmission axis (second transmission axis) set initially for this polarizing filter. Since the axes are orthogonal to each other, all light from the liquid crystal display panel is blocked, and the player cannot view the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13.

  While the liquid crystal display device 13 is covered with the polarization shutter, the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13 is updated to an image corresponding to the gaming state after the transition instructed (S1006). For example, when the game state after the transition is instructed is a jackpot gaming state, the lottery result is updated to an image representing “bonus” (also referred to as a “special game determination notification image”).

  Then, it is determined whether or not all the polarizing shutters are lowered and the covering is completed (S1007), and the process waits until the entire liquid crystal display device 13 is covered with the polarizing shutters (NO in S1007).

  In contrast, when the entire liquid crystal display device 13 is covered with a polarizing shutter (YES in S1007), that is, in a direction perpendicular to the transmission axis of the polarizing filter attached to the front surface of the liquid crystal display panel of the liquid crystal display device 13. When the player cannot view the image displayed on the liquid crystal display panel by being covered with the polarizing shutter with the transmission axis set, to display another effect image after the update. It is determined whether or not a display instruction is issued (S1008).

  For example, as the display instruction, when the “operation button” is pressed or when a predetermined time elapses after the covering is completed, the transmission axis (second transmission axis) that is initially set to the coated polarizing shutter is displayed. Is switched to another transmission axis (first transmission axis) orthogonal to the transmission axis (second transmission axis) (S1009).

  As a result, the player can visually recognize the updated effect image.

  Further, after switching the transmission axis, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has passed (S1010). Until this predetermined time has passed (NO in S1010), the state in which the transmission axis is switched, the image displayed on the liquid crystal display panel Will continue to be visible to the player. On the contrary, when the predetermined time has passed in advance (YES in S1010), the coated polarizing shutter is raised and removed from the front surface of the liquid crystal display device 13 (S1011).

  Then, an image in the gaming state after the transition instructed is displayed to produce an effect (S1004).

  The embodiment described above is one embodiment of the present invention, and is not limited to these examples, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications within a range not changing the gist thereof.

  The present invention installs the program in a computer from a recording medium (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc.) storing the program for configuring the above-described means, and executes the program to execute the above-described processing. It is also possible to configure a computer to execute. At this time, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a hard disk are connected to the computer via a system bus, and the CPU is a program stored in the ROM or the hard disk. Accordingly, the RAM is used as a work area for processing.

  The medium for supplying the program may be a communication medium (a medium for temporarily or fluidly holding the program such as a communication line or a communication system). For example, the program may be posted on an electronic bulletin board (BBS: Bulletin Board Service) of a communication network and distributed via a communication line.

401 receiving unit 402 condition determining unit 403 condition saving unit 404 accessory control unit 405 display instruction unit 406 image update unit 407 image storage unit 408 effect control unit 501 member movable unit 502 movable completion notification unit 503 transmission axis switching control unit 504 timing unit

Claims (1)

Special game determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player;
Special game control means for controlling a special game when it is determined to perform a special game according to the determination result of the special game determination means;
Effect control means for controlling the effect based on the determination result of the special game determination means,
A liquid crystal display device that displays one effect image among the plurality of effect images used for the effect controlled by the effect control means;
With
The production control means includes
Covering means for covering the liquid crystal display device with a movable member and making the effect image difficult to see;
Based on the determination result determined to play the special game by the special game determination means, the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display device covered with the movable member by the covering means performs the special game. Image updating means for updating to a special game determination notification image representing the determination result determined;
Comprising
A gaming machine that controls the effect using the special game determination notification image updated by the image update means.