JP4948859B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that launches a game ball on a gaming board and plays a game, and more particularly to a gaming machine that displays a gaming image in a visually recognizable manner through a transparent gaming board.

  Conventionally, a variable display area that displays a variable pattern, a non-variable display area that does not include a variable display area, and an expandable boundary that represents the size of the display boundary that divides the variable display area and the non-variable display area And a display boundary changing means for expanding the display boundary up to the expandable boundary under a predetermined condition, it is possible to clearly grasp how much the variable display area is expanded, There is a pachinko gaming machine that can keep a player's interest (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Also, while the real sphere is passing through the warp device, the real sphere is switched to the image sphere to play the game. For example, when the image tulip is closed, the image sphere flows down between the image nails and left There is a pachinko gaming machine in which an image game such as winning a picture tulip is performed and a game using a real ball is performed again according to the game result of the image ball. In such a gaming machine, the first variable display device is activated when a game ball wins the start winning opening, and when the first variable display device is a big hit, the first variable winning device, the second variable winning device, the third A jackpot state is generated in which the variable winning device is activated to accept the fired ball (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-034606 JP-A-8-010411

  In the pachinko machine described in Patent Document 1 described above, the variable display area is formed over the entire game board, and the image of the variable display game can be displayed in a large size. Here, when the technique described in Patent Document 1 is applied to the pachinko machine described in Patent Document 2 described above, the following problems occur.

  The pachinko machine of Patent Document 2 described above is configured so as to play a game by launching a game ball only to the left half of the game board 1 in order to aim at the start opening 14 at normal times. On the other hand, when the jackpot is reached, the first variable winning device 73, the second variable winning device 74, and the third variable winning device 75 in the right half of the game board 1 are operated, and the player has a game ball in the right half of the game board 1. Is configured to play a game (see FIG. 1 of Patent Document 2).

  Accordingly, the pachinko gaming machine described in Patent Document 2 is a gaming machine in which the player needs to change the launching force of the game ball depending on the gaming state. If the variation display area is formed over the entire game board as in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the path of the launched game ball and the image of the variation display game overlap, and the image is The problem that it becomes difficult to see arises.

  Therefore, the present invention realizes a configuration that makes it easy to see the game image of the transparent game board unit even if the player needs to change the launching force of the game ball depending on the game state, thereby It is an object to provide a gaming machine that can maintain the game.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a game ball is configured to flow down on the front side of a game board base formed including a transparent member, and a winning area in which the game ball can win is arranged on the front side of the game board base. The game board unit in which the game area is formed and the game board unit are detachably stored on the front surface, and a predetermined image can be visually recognized from the front side of the game board unit through the transparent member. A variation that includes a main body frame having an image display panel on the back side of the game board unit and a launching device that launches a game ball to the game area, and displays a plurality of identification information in a variable manner based on a predetermined start condition. In a gaming machine that executes a display game and generates a special gaming state that grants a privilege to a player in accordance with the result of the variable display game, the gaming machine is provided substantially at the upper center of the gaming area and flows down from above. An armor portion for diverting the game ball in the left-right direction, a hitting ball flow range determining means for determining a flow range of the game ball fired by the launching device, and a display position of the image of the variation display game based on the flow range Display position determining means for determining the width of the image of the variable display game from the left end of the identification information displayed on the leftmost side to the right end of the identification information displayed on the rightmost side. The display position determination means sets the display position of the image of the variable display game when the flow range of the game ball is on the left side of the game area. The display position is determined so that the left end of the image is on the right side of the left end of the armor portion, and the display position of the image of the variable display game is determined when the flow range of the game ball is on the right side of the game area. The above The display position is determined so that the right end of the image of the moving display game is on the left side of the right end of the armor portion, and the image display panel displays the image of the variable display game at the display position determined by the display position determining means. Display output.

According to a second aspect , in the first aspect, the game area has an elastic repulsion with which the game ball contacts when the launch force applied to the game ball launched by the launching device is equal to or greater than a predetermined strength. And a contact detection means for detecting that the game ball has contacted the elastic repulsion body, and the hitting ball flow range determination means determines the flow range based on a detection result by the contact detection means. To do.

According to the first invention, so as not to overlap with the flow down the range of gaming balls flowing down Yu skill area, it can be displayed game image in the proper position.

According to the second invention, when fired in the game ball to flow down the left Yu technique regions, by using that there is little that the game ball is in contact with the elastic repulsion member, a stream with a simple configuration it is possible to determine the range.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine (pachinko machine) 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 1 in which a glass frame 9 is similarly opened. In the description of the present embodiment, the front-rear direction is shown with the side where the player of the gaming machine 1 plays (the left front side in the figure) as the front.

  One side of a front frame 3 for detachably storing a game board unit 5 to be described later is attached to the outer frame 2 of the gaming machine 1 via a hinge 4 so as to be capable of opening and closing.

  Further, a glass frame 9 is attached to the front frame 3 through a hinge 10 so as to be capable of opening and closing. A substantially circular opening 11 is formed on the front surface of the glass frame 9. A cover glass 12 is incorporated into the glass frame 9 from the back side. When the gaming machine 1 is viewed from the front with the glass frame 9 closed, the front surface of the gaming board unit 5 is covered with a cover glass 12 so as to be seen through.

  A decorative light-emitting device 15 made up of a lamp, LED, or the like is provided at a key point of the front frame 3. The decorative light emitting device 15 emits light corresponding to the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 when an event such as a big hit gaming state or an abnormality occurs.

  Below the front frame 3, an upper plate 16 that stores the game ball and guides it to the launching device 402 (see FIG. 4) is disposed. Further, the lower plate 18 and the firing operation unit 19 of the launching device 402 are disposed on the fixed panel 17 below the front frame 3. The launch device 402 launches a game ball into the game area 52 of the game board unit 5 in accordance with the operation of the launch operation unit 19 by the player.

  The firing operation unit 19 activates the launching device 402 by a turning operation by a player with a handle-like grip. In accordance with this, from the launching device 402, the game balls held in the upper plate 16 at a predetermined time interval are launched toward the game area 52 with a firing force corresponding to the amount of rotation operation of the firing operation unit 19. Is done. When the firing control device 400 detects a turning operation of the firing operation unit 19 by the player, the firing control device 400 transmits a control signal corresponding to the operation amount of the turning operation to the launching device 402. At the same time, the launch control device 400 transmits a control signal to the display control device 150 (see FIG. 4).

  The display control device 150 that has received the control signal estimates the flow-down range of the game ball based on the operation amount of the turning operation by the player, as will be described later (see FIG. 5). Here, the flow-down range expresses which area of the game area 52 the game ball launched by the launching device 402 is currently flowing down at the present time. In the present embodiment, a state where there are many game balls flowing down the left side of the armor portion 68 (see FIG. 3) is “left main”, a state where there are many game balls flowing down the right side of the armor portion 68 is “right main”, A state in which the game balls are separated and flowing substantially equally to the left and right of the portion 68 is expressed as “left and right even”.

  As described above, the launch operation unit 19 functions as a launch operation unit that sets the launch force to be given to the game ball.

  Upon receiving the control signal from the launch control device 400, the launch device 402 activates a motor (not shown) provided in the launch device 402, and moves the game balls in the upper plate 16 to the game area 52 at predetermined time intervals. Fire towards. The launched game ball reaches the upper part of the game area 52 through the guide path 58 (see FIG. 3) partitioned by the guide rail 51 and flows down the game area 52.

  When a game ball flowing down the game area 52 wins a general winning opening 73, a starting symbol starting main gate 70, a starting symbol starting subgate 71 or a variable winning device (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, provided in the gaming region 52. The number of prize balls corresponding to the type of the winning prize opening is discharged from the payout unit (not shown) provided in the gaming machine 1 to the upper plate 16 or the lower plate 18. Also, the upper plate 16 has a number of game balls corresponding to the ball rental request of the card unit 45, which is connected to the gaming machine 1 and is operated at the start of the game, as shown in the block diagram of the control unit in FIG. Then, it is discharged from a replenishment tank 20 provided on the back surface of the gaming machine 1.

  On the upper edge of the upper plate 16, a card balance display section (not shown) for displaying the balance of the prepaid card inserted in the card unit 45, a ball lending switch 22 for instructing lending of game balls, and a return of the prepaid card And a screen position selection button 21 for selecting a display position on the screen of a game image such as a variable display displayed when the variable display game is executed based on a player's operation. The screen position selection button 21 is connected to a screen position selection switch 21 </ b> A that detects whether or not the screen position selection button 21 is operated. When the player performs a button operation, a detection signal is transmitted to the display control device 150. .

  As described above, the screen position selection button 21 functions as a display position selection unit that selects the display position of the game image.

  Further, an upper plate return lever 24 for discharging the game balls stored in the upper plate 16 to the lower plate 18 is provided on the side edge of the upper plate 16.

  Below the lower plate 18, a lower plate return lever 25 is provided for discharging the game balls stored in the lower plate 18 downward. Normally, a game ball storage box is placed on a lower plate (counter) (not shown) below the lower plate 18, and the game balls discharged downward from the lower plate 18 are stored in the game ball storage box. Is possible.

  A sound output device (speaker) 26 and an ashtray 27 are provided on the left of the lower plate 18.

  The front frame 3 is a frame-like frame having an opening 31 having substantially the same shape and the same area as the game board unit 5. A game board storage part 32 is formed integrally with the front frame 3, and a game board mounting table 33 having the same front-rear width as the board thickness of the game board unit 5 is formed integrally with the lower part of the game board storage part 32. ing.

  The game board unit 5 is stored in the game board storage section 32 in a state of being mounted on the upper surface of the game board mounting table 33. At this time, the game board unit 5 is in a state in which one side can be attached and detached by a fastening bracket 34 provided on one side wall of the game board storage part 32, and the upper side of the game board storage part 32 and the other side. The upper side and the other side are fixed by a fixing member (not shown) provided on the side wall and stored in the game board storage portion 32.

  In the present embodiment, in the gaming machine 1, members other than the game board unit 5 and the game control device 100 and the display control device 150 shown in FIG. 4 (specifically, the outer frame 2, the front frame 3, The light source unit 6, the glass frame 9, and the game board storage portion 32) are assembled together and integrated to form the main body frame 13. The game board unit 5 is detachably attached to the front surface of the main body frame 13.

  The game board unit 5 has a different design for each model, but the main body frame 13 is configured to be commonly used for all models. Therefore, when the model of the gaming machine 1 is replaced, the main body frame 13 is not replaced but left in the island facility, and only the game board unit 5, the game control device 100, and the display control device 150 are replaced with a new model. It ’s all over.

  The fixing member described above is rotatably attached to the upper and other walls of the game board storage portion 32. Then, by rotating the tip toward the inside of the front frame 3, it comes into contact with the front surface of the game board unit 5 stored in the game board storage section 32 and presses and fixes the game board unit 5 backward. .

  The game board unit 5 includes a game board base 50 made of a transparent plate-like member such as acrylic, and resin side cases 53 respectively provided on the four sides thereof. Therefore, the inside of the game board base 50 can be seen through. On the surface of the game board base 50, a substantially circular game region 52 surrounded by the guide rails 51 is formed. The side case 53 provided on the upper right and lower right of the game board base 50 is formed with an engaging portion 54 that is partially recessed. The game board unit 5 is fixed to the game board storage section 32 by rotating a fixing member provided on the other side wall of the game board storage section 5 inward by 90 degrees and engaging with the engagement section 54.

  Further, on the front frame 3, a light source unit 6 having substantially the same area as the opening 31 is disposed on the back of the game board storage unit 32. An image display panel 55 and a transmission plate 61, which will be described later, are disposed on the front surface of the light source unit 6, and include a backlight (light source) (not shown) that irradiates the image display panel 55 from the back side. In FIG. 2, portions of the light source unit 6 that are covered with the outer frame 2 and the front frame 3 and cannot be seen are indicated by broken lines.

  On the front frame 3, a thin image display panel 55 for displaying a game image is arranged at a position corresponding to the game area 52 on the back surface of the game board unit 5. The image display panel 55 is configured by an LCD (liquid crystal display). The image display panel 55 is provided immediately before the light source unit 6 and on the back surface of the transmission plate 61 such as glass. The image display panel 55 is illuminated from the back side by a backlight (light source).

  Although not shown, the game area 52 of the game board base 50 is provided with an armor portion 68 (see FIG. 3) at the upper center, and a starting symbol starting main gate 70 (see FIG. 3) below the armor portion 68. The starting symbol starting sub-gate 71 (see FIG. 3) is provided diagonally to the right of the armor portion 68. Further, the game area 52 is provided with a direction changing member, a variable winning device, four general winning ports 73, etc. (see FIG. 3) (not shown). With this arrangement configuration, the image display panel 55 is arranged over the entire back surface of the game area 52, but an image is displayed by a moving image using the area between the armor portion 68 and the starting symbol starting main gate 70. Display control is performed so that a still image is displayed (background display) at a position facing each winning award.

  The game board unit 5 includes a starting symbol display device 74 including a starting symbol display 74A and a starting symbol memory display 74B related to the starting symbol variation display game shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and a first symbol. The first symbol display device 78 consisting of the first symbol display 78A and the first symbol memory display 78B related to the variation display game, and the second symbol display 80A and the second symbol memory display related to the second symbol variation display game. A second symbol display device 80 comprising a container 80B is provided.

  In FIG. 2, the opening 11 on the front surface of the glass frame 9 that is transmitted through the cover glass 12 is not shown.

  FIG. 3 is a front view of the game board unit 5 of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  A substantially circular gaming area 52 is formed on the surface of the gaming board 5. The game area 52 is defined by resin side cases 53 and guide rails 62 provided on each side of the game board unit 5. The side case 53 provided at the lower right of the gaming area 52 is covered with a black transparent certificate paper plate 65 at the center of the front surface. The side cases 53 provided at the upper right and lower right of the game area 52 are provided with engaging portions 54 for fixing the game board unit 5 to the front frame of the game machine.

  Behind the game area 52, as described above, a thin image display panel 55 for displaying game images is arranged. The image display panel 55 is configured by an LCD (liquid crystal display). The image display panel 55 is provided immediately before the light source unit 6 and on the back surface of the transmission plate 61 such as glass. The image display panel 55 is illuminated from the back side by a backlight (light source).

  Among the display screens displayed by the LCD, a plurality of variable display areas are provided in an area that is visible to the player through the transparent game board base 50, and identification information (decorative symbols) is provided in each variable display area. And an image relating to a starting symbol variation display game, which will be described later, such as a character that produces a variation display game. That is, in the variable display areas provided on the left, middle, and right of the display screen, decorative symbols (for example, numbers from “0” to “9” and “A” and “B” assigned as identification information) are displayed. 12 types of English characters) are displayed in a variable manner, and the starting symbol variation display game is played. In addition, an image based on the progress of the game (for example, jackpot display, fanfare display, ending display, etc.) is displayed on the display screen.

  A decoration device 76 such as a decoration lamp or LED is provided at a key point of the game area 52, and these decoration devices 76 emit light according to the progress of the game when an event such as a hit occurs.

  A starting symbol starting main gate 70 is provided as a starting symbol starting region below the approximate center of the gaming region 52, and a starting symbol starting sub-gate 71 is also provided in the upper right part of the gaming region 52 as a starting symbol starting region. Established. An armor portion 68 is formed so as to protrude substantially at the upper center of the game area 52, and the game balls that have flowed down to the upper approximate center of the game area 52 are distributed to the left and right by the armor portion 68. It flows down from the left and right ends.

  In the lower left part of the game area 52, four general winning ports 73 are arranged vertically along the outer periphery of the game area 52. In addition, a starting symbol display device 74 having a general winning port 73 at an upper portion is disposed immediately below the starting symbol starting main gate 70.

  Then, a variable display game is executed by the starting symbol display device 74, the first symbol display device 78, and the second symbol display device 80.

  When the game ball passes through the starting symbol starting main gate 70 provided substantially at the lower center of the gaming area 52 or the starting symbol starting sub-gate 71 provided in the upper right portion of the gaming area 52, the gaming ball 52 is directly below the starting symbol starting main gate 70. The starting point symbol display game is executed by the starting point symbol display device 74 provided.

  The starting symbol display device 74 includes a starting symbol display 74A that executes a starting symbol variation display game, and a starting symbol memory display 74B that includes four LEDs that display the starting symbol start memory number. In the starting symbol display 74A, a starting symbol consisting of a 7-segment LED (for example, numbers from “0” to “9” and English letters such as “A”, “C”, “E”) is turned on. The starting symbol variation display game is executed. For the starting symbol, a specific number or English letter is set in advance as a winning symbol.

  In the lower right part of the game area 52, a starting symbol variation winning device 77, a first symbol variation winning device 79, and a second symbol variation winning device 81 are arranged in order from the top.

  The starting symbol variation winning device 77 functions as a first symbol starting port (first symbol starting region). The starting symbol variation winning device 77 includes one movable wing piece, and the starting symbol variation winning device 77 does not accept the game ball by opening the movable wing piece outward (disadvantageous state for the player). To an open state in which a game ball can be easily received (an advantageous state advantageous to the player), by energizing the starting point winning device solenoid 40 (see FIG. 4) so as to be expanded for a predetermined time.

  In the present embodiment, the state where the variable winning device cannot be operated and the game ball cannot be received is defined as “unfavorable state” (unfavorable state from the viewpoint of the player), and the variable winning device operates to play the game ball. The state in which the game can be accepted is defined as an “advantageous state” (a state advantageous from the viewpoint of the player). However, the “disadvantaged state” is not limited to a state in which the variable winning device cannot accept the game ball, but includes a state in which the opening portion of the variable winning device is extremely narrow and it is difficult to receive the game ball. In addition, the “advantageous state” may be an advantageous state for all time periods from when the variable winning device starts operating for the first time until the intermittent operation is continuously performed a plurality of times until the intermittent operation ends.

  The starting symbol variation winning device 77 includes a decoration device 76 such as a decorative lamp or LED that emits light in accordance with the progress of the game when an event such as a win occurs.

  A first symbol variation winning device 79 is provided at the lower left of the starting symbol variation winning device 77. The first symbol variation winning device 79 functions as a second symbol start port (second symbol start region). The first symbol variation winning device 79 includes one movable wing piece, and the movable symbol is opened to the outside so that the first symbol variation winning device 79 does not accept a game ball (disadvantageous disadvantage to the player). The state is converted from an open state to an open state in which a game ball can be easily received (an advantageous state advantageous to the player) so that the first winning device solenoid 42 (see FIG. 4) is energized so as to expand for a predetermined time.

  The first symbol variation winning device 79 includes a first symbol display device 78. The first symbol display device 78 includes a first symbol display 78A for executing the first symbol variation display game (first symbol auxiliary game), and a first symbol comprising four LEDs for displaying the first symbol start memory number. It consists of a memory display 78B. In the 1st symbol display 78A, the 1st symbol variation display game is performed by lighting the 1st symbol which consists of 7 segment LED. In the first symbol, a specific number or English character is set in advance as a winning symbol.

  On the lower left side of the first symbol variable winning device 79, a second symbol variable winning device 81 is provided. The second symbol variation winning device 81 functions as a lowermost winning port (lowermost winning region). The second symbol variation winning device 81 includes one movable wing piece, and the movable symbol is opened to the outside so that the second symbol variation winning device 81 does not accept a game ball (disadvantageous disadvantage to the player). The state is converted from an open state to an open state where the game ball can be easily received (an advantageous state advantageous to the player) so that the second winning device solenoid 43 (see FIG. 4) is energized so as to expand for a predetermined time.

  Further, the second symbol variation winning device 81 includes a second symbol display device 80. The second symbol display device 80 includes a second symbol display unit 80A for executing a second symbol variation display game (second symbol auxiliary game), and a second symbol comprising four LEDs for displaying a second symbol start memory number. It consists of a storage display 80B. In the second symbol display device 80A, the second symbol variation display game is executed by turning on the second symbol consisting of the 7-segment LED. In the second symbol, a specific number or English character is set in advance as a winning symbol.

  In the gaming machine 1, a game is played by launching a game ball (pachinko ball) from the launching device 402 (see FIG. 4) toward the game area 52. The game ball launched from the launching device 402 reaches the game area 52 through the guide passage 58 provided with the firing speed measuring sensor 59A and guiding the game ball to the game area 52, and is arranged at various locations within the game area 52. The game area 52 flows down while changing the rolling direction by a direction changing member such as a nail or a windmill. Then, the player wins the general winning opening 73, the starting symbol starting main gate 70, the starting symbol starting sub-gate 71 or the symbol winning device, or is discharged from the out port 57 provided at the lowermost part of the game area 52.

  The winning of a game ball to the general winning opening 73 is performed by the general winning detection switches 73.1 to 73. N (FIG. 4). When a game ball wins the general winning opening 73, a predetermined number (for example, five) of the prize balls are discharged from the payout unit (discharge device) to the upper plate 16 or the lower plate 18 provided on the front frame of the game machine. Is done.

  Of the game balls flowing down from the game area 52, the game balls flowing down the left half of the game area 52 mainly win the starting symbol starting main gate 70 (see arrows in FIG. 6). In addition, game balls that flow down the right half of the game area 52 mainly win the starting symbol starting sub-gate 71 (see arrows in FIG. 7).

  The passing of the game ball to the starting symbol starting main gate 70 or the starting symbol starting sub gate 71 is detected by the starting symbol starting main switch 70A (see FIG. 4) or the starting symbol starting sub switch 71A (see FIG. 4), respectively.

  Thus, the starting symbol start main switch 70A is a left game ball detecting means (first game ball) capable of detecting a game ball flowing down the left side of the game area 52 (area between the armor portion 68 and the guide passage 58). The starting symbol starting sub switch 70B functions as a detecting means), and a right game ball detecting means capable of detecting a game ball flowing down the right side of the game area 52 (an area between the armor portion 68 and the elastic repulsion body 56) ( 2nd game ball detecting means).

  The starting symbol random number counter value extracted by the passing timing of the game ball is a predetermined number (for example, maximum continuous) in the starting symbol starting storage area (starting symbol starting storage means) in the gaming control device 100. Memorize up to 4 times). The starting symbol starting memory number is displayed on the starting symbol memory display 14B. The game control device 100 executes the starting symbol variation display game on the starting symbol display 74A based on the starting symbol start memory. At this time, the identification information is variably displayed on the image display panel 55 in synchronization with the starting symbol variation display game. In addition, an effect image related to the starting symbol variation display game is also displayed on the image display panel 55 (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

  When the starting symbol variation display game is started on the starting symbol display 74A, the symbol (identification information) composed of the numbers and the like described above is displayed on the left (first special symbol), middle (first) symbol on the image display panel 55. (2 special symbol) and right (third special symbol) are displayed in order of variation. When the symbol is confirmed on the starting symbol display 74A, the symbol on the image display panel 55 is also stopped and displayed in a stop mode corresponding to the result of the starting symbol variation display game.

  Specifically, if the result of the starting symbol variation display game is a win, each symbol displayed on the image display panel 55 is stopped in a combination of all the eyes (winning symbol), and the result of the starting symbol variation display game is If it is off, each symbol displayed on the image display panel 55 stops with a combination other than a glance (off symbol). That is, the variation display game is also executed on the image display panel 55, and the result of the variation display game on the image display panel 55 is also derived in accordance with the result of hit / miss of the starting symbol variation display game. As described above, the starting symbol display 74A accurately notifies the player of the change display state and the change display result, and the image display panel 55 produces various displays to improve the interest.

  When a game ball passes through the starting symbol starting main gate 70 or the starting symbol starting sub-gate 71 at a predetermined timing (specifically, when the starting symbol random number counter value at the time of passing is a winning value). Is in a hit state, and a specific result mode is derived from the display pattern. Specifically, the starting symbol display 74A stops at a winning symbol, and the image display panel 55 stops at a state where three pieces of identification information are aligned (winning symbol). At this time, conversion is performed so that the starting symbol variation winning device 77 is opened only for a predetermined time by energizing the starting point winning device solenoid 40 (FIG. 4). That is, since the first symbol start opening provided in the starting symbol variation winning device 77 is largely opened for a predetermined time, the player acquires a lot of game balls during this time, and subsequently executes the first symbol variation display game. The game value of being able to be given is given.

  The winning value of the starting symbol random number counter value is extracted with a probability of about 1/300. When the starting symbol display 74A is won, the winning symbol is also displayed on the image display panel 55, and the starting symbol variation winning device 77 is opened for about 6 seconds.

  A game ball won in the opened starting symbol variation winning device 77 becomes a winning in the first symbol starting port, and is detected by a first symbol starting switch 77A (see FIG. 4) provided in the first symbol starting port. The first symbol random number counter value extracted by the winning timing of the game ball is stored in the first symbol start storage area (first symbol start storage means) in the game control device 100 as a predetermined number of symbol start memories (for example, A maximum of 4 consecutive times) is stored. The first symbol start memory number is displayed on the first symbol memory display 78B.

  The game control device 100 executes the first symbol variation display game on the first symbol display 78A based on the first symbol start memory. Then, a first symbol variation display game corresponding to the determination result of the first symbol random number counter value is performed, and when a winning state is generated as a result, the first symbol winning device solenoid 42 (FIG. 4) is energized to cause the first symbol variation display game. Conversion is performed so that the variable winning device 79 is opened for a predetermined time. That is, since the second symbol start opening provided in the first symbol variation winning device 79 opens greatly for a predetermined time, the player acquires a lot of game balls during this time, and then continues the second symbol variation display game. The game value that can be executed is given.

  It should be noted that most of the first symbol random number counter values are constituted by winning values, and outliers are preferably extracted with a very low probability (for example, 1/4000). In other words, as a result of the first symbol variation display game, the probability that an out-of-game state occurs is infinitely close to zero.

  The game ball won in the opened first symbol variation winning device 79 becomes a prize in the second symbol start opening and is detected by the second symbol start switch 79A (FIG. 4) provided in the second symbol start opening. The second symbol random number counter value extracted by the winning timing of this game ball is stored in a second symbol start storage area (second symbol start storage means) in the game control device 100 as a second symbol start storage (for example, A maximum of 4 consecutive times) is stored. The second symbol start memory number is displayed on the second symbol memory display 80B.

  The game control device 100 executes the second symbol variation display game on the second symbol display device 80A based on the second symbol start memory. Then, when the second symbol variation display game corresponding to the determination result of the second symbol random number counter value is executed and a hit state is generated as a result, the second winning device solenoid 43 (FIG. 4) is energized to generate the second symbol The symbol variable winning device 81 is converted to be opened for a predetermined time. In other words, since the second symbol variation winning device 81 is largely opened for a predetermined time, a game value is given that the player can acquire many game balls during this time.

  Note that most of the second symbol random number counter values are constituted by winning values, and outliers are extracted with a low probability (for example, 1/500). That is, as a result of the second symbol variation display game, there is almost no possibility that a disengaged state will occur. However, if an out-of-game state occurs as a result of the second symbol variation display game, the execution time of the second symbol variation display game is adjusted to reduce the non-operation time of the second symbol variation winning device 81. Is called.

  Then, the winning of the game ball to the second symbol variation winning device 81 is detected by the lowest winning detection switch 81A (FIG. 4) provided in the second symbol variation winning device 81.

  When a game ball wins the starting symbol variation winning device 77, the first symbol variation winning device 79, or the second symbol variation winning device 81, the upper plate 16 or the lower plate provided on the front frame of the gaming machine from the payout unit. 18, a predetermined number (for example, 15 each) of prize balls are discharged. The starting symbol variation winning device 77, the first symbol variation winning device 79, and the second symbol variation winning device 81 are all arranged on the right side of the game area 52, and are started from the lower right of the armor portion 68. Since obstacle nails (not shown) are arranged on the right side of the symbol starting main gate 70, in order to make each of these variable winning devices win a game ball, the player places the game ball on the right side of the game area 52. It is necessary to adjust the launching force of the game ball by the launching device 402 so as to flow down.

  In this way, the game ball passes to the starting symbol starting main gate 70 or the starting symbol starting sub-gate 71, and the starting symbol display device 74 executes the starting symbol variation display game. As a result of the variation display game, the hit state In response to the occurrence of the game, the low-order variation display game, that is, the variation display game is executed in the order of the first symbol variation display game and the second symbol variation display game, and the player can acquire many game balls. Value is added.

  In addition, when the result of the starting symbol variation display game is a hit state, after the starting symbol variation winning device 77 is released, until the second symbol variation winning device 81 stops operating, or the first symbol variation display. A game until a disengaged state occurs in the game or the second symbol variation display game is designated as a special game.

  During the special game, the player adjusts the firing force of the game ball by the launching device 402 so that the game ball flows down to the right side of the game area 52, so that the game ball frequently passes through the starting symbol sub-gate 71. As described above, since the obstacle nails are arranged from the lower right of the armor portion 68 to the right side of the starting symbol starting main gate 70, the game ball hardly passes the starting symbol main gate 70 during the special game. . Then, when the starting symbol variation display game is won again during the special game, the starting symbol variation winning device 77 opens again and takes in the game ball, thereby extending the special game.

  In addition, the starting symbol starting sub-gate 71 is nail-adjusted so that the game ball is less likely to pass through than the starting symbol starting main gate 70. Therefore, if it is not a special game (during a normal game), the player can play the game area 52. The launching force of the game ball by the launching device 402 is adjusted so that the game ball flows down to the left side, and the game is played so that the game ball passes through the starting symbol starting main gate 70. As described above, since the obstacle nails are arranged from the lower right of the armor portion 68 to the right side of the starting symbol starting main gate, the game ball hardly passes through the starting symbol sub-gate 71 during the normal game.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a part of a control system centering on the game control device 100 of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The game control device 100 is a main control device that controls the game in an integrated manner, a CPU that controls the game control, a ROM that stores invariant information (programs, data, etc.) for game control, and at the time of game control The game microcomputer 101 includes a RAM used as a work area, an input interface 102, an output interface 103, and the like.

  The gaming microcomputer 101 is provided with an external communication terminal, and an identification number uniquely set in the gaming microcomputer 101 can be output from the external communication terminal. By connecting an inspection device or a management computer (so-called hall control) to the external communication terminal, the management computer can identify the gaming machine.

  The gaming microcomputer 101 includes various detection devices (general winning detection switches 73.1 to 73.N, a starting symbol starting main switch 70A, a starting symbol starting sub switch 71A, and a first symbol starting switch 77A via the input interface 102. In response to the detection signal from the second symbol start switch 79A or the bottom stage winning detection switch 81A), various processes such as winning lottery are performed.

  In addition, the gaming microcomputer 101 includes a starting symbol display device 74 (starting symbol display 74A, starting symbol memory display 74B) and a first symbol display device 78 (first display) provided in the gaming area 52 via the output interface 103. Various information is output to the 1 symbol display 78A, the 1st symbol memory | storage display 78B), or the 2nd symbol display apparatus 80 (2nd symbol display 80A, 2nd symbol memory | storage display 80B).

  The start symbol display 74A outputs a display related to the start symbol variation display game. The starting symbol memory display 74B outputs a starting symbol start memory number display.

  A display relating to the first symbol variation display game is output to the first symbol display 78A. In addition, the first symbol memory display 78B outputs the first symbol start memory number display.

  A display relating to the second symbol variation display game is output to the second symbol display device 80A. Further, the second symbol memory display 80B outputs a second symbol start memory number display.

  In addition, the gaming microcomputer 101 is connected to each subordinate control device (the display control device 150 and the discharge control device 200), the starting winning device solenoid 40, the first winning device solenoid 42, and the second winning device solenoid via the output interface 103. A command signal is transmitted to 43 etc., and a game is controlled comprehensively. Detection signals from the starting symbol start main switch 70A and the starting symbol start sub switch 71A are transmitted to the display control device 150 via the output interface 103.

  The gaming microcomputer 101 outputs information related to the gaming machine to the management computer via the board external information terminal 44.

  The discharge control device 200 controls the operation of the payout unit based on the prize ball command signal from the game control device 100 and discharges the prize ball. Further, based on a ball rental request signal from the card unit 45 provided in the gaming machine, the operation of the payout unit is controlled to discharge the rental ball.

  From the game control device 100 to the display control device 150, a change start command, a change display command, an identification information command, a confirmation command, a demo display command, a fanfare command, a win command, an error command, and the like are transmitted as display control command signals. Further, a command signal for changing the display mode according to a difference in the gaming state such as the normal gaming state, the special gaming state, the probability variation state, or the like is also transmitted.

  Note that the normal game state is a state in which no special game is executed. The special game state is a state in which a winning state is generated as a result of the starting symbol variation display game and a special game (winning game) is being executed. The probability variation state is a state in which the probability of winning per game is higher than that in the normal gaming state and acts on the player in favor of the occurrence of the special gaming state.

  The change start command instructs the start of the change display game. The variation display command indicates a variation display mode of the identification information. The identification information command indicates identification information to be stopped and displayed as a result of the variable display game. The confirmation command instructs the stop of the variation display of the identification information. The demonstration display command instructs a display performed when the starting symbol variation display game is not played for a predetermined time. The fanfare command instructs display of the state before the transition to the special gaming state. The hit command instructs display during a special game state such as interval display during a special game state, display of a confirmed symbol, and the like. The error command instructs display when there is an abnormality.

  The display control device 150 can grasp the transition of the game state managed by the game control device 100 based on these display control command signals (commands).

  The display control device 150 is provided with a CPU for display control, a ROM storing programs and data, a work area during operation of the CPU, and a frame buffer for temporarily storing image data displayed on the image display device 7. RAM, VDC (Video Display Controller), input interface and the like.

  The CPU creates screen information (symbol display information, background image information, moving image character screen information, etc.) based on the display command signal from the game control device 100 and stores it in the RAM. This screen information is transferred to the VDC by a direct memory access controller (DMAC) that has received a transfer command at the timing of the vertical synchronization interrupt of the VDC. Based on this image information, the VDC captures the corresponding image data in the ROM, performs horizontal scanning and vertical scanning on the screen of the image display device (image display panel) 55, and performs predetermined image display (drawing).

  A communication interface that connects the display control device 150 and the game control device 100 is provided with a buffer that is a signal transmission direction regulating means. Therefore, in the communication between the game control device 100 and the display control device 150, only signal input from the game control device 100 to the display control device 150 is allowed, and signal output from the display control device 150 to the game control device 100 is not allowed. prohibited. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an unauthorized signal from being input to the game control device 100 from the display control device 150. When bidirectional communication is performed between the game control device 100 and the display control device 150, a bidirectional buffer may be used as the buffer.

  In addition, a screen position selection switch 21A, a hitting ball repulsion detection switch 56A, a firing speed measurement sensor 59A, a launch control device 400, a decoration control device 250, and a sound control device 300 are connected to the communication interface.

  The launch control device 400 is connected to the launch device 402 and the launch operation unit 19 that operates the launch device 402, and the launch device 402 launches toward the game area 7 based on the launch force set by the launch operation unit 402. Controls the launching power of the playing ball. The launch control device 400 outputs a launch signal to cause the launch device 402 to launch a game ball, and outputs the launch signal to the display control device 150.

  As described above, the launch operation unit 19 functions as a launch operation unit that sets the launch force to be given to the game ball.

  The hit ball repulsion detection switch 56A is installed behind an elastic repulsion body 56 provided in the upper right part of the game board unit 5 (see FIG. 3). The hit ball repulsion detection switch 56A detects a game ball that contacts the elastic repulsion body 56 by using a magnetic flux change when an iron game ball approaches. When the hitting ball repulsion detection switch 56A detects a game ball, it outputs a detection signal to the display control device 150.

  In this way, the elastic repulsion body 56 functions as an elastic repulsion body that comes into contact with the game ball when the launch force applied to the game ball launched by the launching device 402 is equal to or greater than a predetermined strength, and detects hitting ball repulsion. The switch 56 </ b> A functions as a contact detection unit that detects that a game ball has contacted the elastic repulsion body 56.

  The screen position selection switch 21 </ b> A is connected to a screen position selection button 21 provided on the upper plate 16 at the lower front of the gaming machine 1. The screen position selection switch 21A detects whether or not the player has operated the screen position selection button 21. The screen position selection switch 21 </ b> A outputs a detection signal to the display control device 150 when detecting an operation of the screen position selection button 21 by the player.

  As described above, the screen position selection button 21 functions as a display position selection unit that selects the display position of the game image.

  Two firing speed measuring sensors 59 </ b> A are arranged in the guide path 58 on the left side of the game board unit 5 in a line up and down. The firing speed measurement sensor 59A detects a game ball passing near the sensor using a change in magnetic flux when an iron game ball approaches. The firing speed measurement sensor 59A measures the speed of the passing game ball from the detection interval (time lag) of the two sensors that detect the game ball passing through the guide passage 58. When the passing speed of the game ball is fast, the detection interval of the two sensors is small, and when the passing speed of the game ball is slow, the detection interval of the two sensors is large.

  The decoration control device 250 controls a decoration device 76 such as a decoration lamp or LED provided in the game area 52 based on a decoration control command signal from the display control device 150.

  The sound control device 300 controls the sound effect output from the speaker provided on the front frame of the gaming machine based on the sound control command signal from the display control device 150.

  The display control device 150 is provided with an output interface. An image display device 7 is connected to the output interface, and a signal is output to the image display device 7 via the output interface. The image display device 7 displays an image corresponding to the display area based on the image display signal from the display control device 150.

  A power supply device (not shown) of the gaming machine includes a backup power supply unit and a power failure monitoring circuit in addition to the power supply circuit. When the power failure monitoring circuit detects a voltage drop of the power supply device, the power failure monitoring circuit sequentially outputs a power failure detection signal and a reset signal to the game control device 100 and the like. When the game control device 100 receives a power failure detection signal, the game control device 100 performs a predetermined power failure process, and when it receives a reset signal, stops the operation of the CPU. The backup power supply unit backs up game data (game information, game control information) and the like by supplying backup power to the RAM of the game control device 100 or the like. However, if a memory clear switch (not shown) is operated when power is applied to the gaming machine, the backed up data is erased and initialized.

  Although the decoration control device 250 and the sound control device 300 are provided separately from the display control device 150, the decoration control device 250 and the sound control device 300 among the subordinate control devices are included in the display control device 150, and the decoration control device 250 and the sound control device 300 are included. The control device 250 and / or the sound control device 300 may be configured integrally with the display control device 150.

  Further, the decoration control device 250 and the sound control device 300 may be directly connected to the game control device 100 without being connected to the display control device 150.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of image position determination processing according to the embodiment of the present invention, which is executed by the display control device 150.

  In the image position determination process, the display control device 150 first determines whether or not there is a screen position selection operation using the image position selection button 21 (see FIG. 1) by the player (S1).

  The operation of the image position selection button 21 by the player is detected by an image position selection switch 21A (see FIG. 4) connected to the image position selection button 21, and a detection signal is transmitted to the display control device 150.

  In the present embodiment, the image position selection button 21 is composed of four buttons. The player can set the screen position downward by pressing one of the four buttons as viewed from the player. Further, the player can set the screen position upward by pressing a button on the back side as viewed from the player. Similarly, the player can set the screen position to the left side by pressing the left button and the screen position to the right side by pressing the right button.

  As described above, the screen position selection button 21 functions as a display position selection unit that selects the display position of the variable display image 90.

  The number of buttons constituting the image position selection button is not limited to four, but may be two on the left and right or top and bottom, or may be other numbers.

  Further, the operation of the screen using the buttons is not limited to the movement of the screen such as left and right, up and down, but may be enlargement / reduction of the screen. Based on this operation, for example, the image can be reduced to prevent the game ball flowing down from overlapping the image, or when the image does not overlap, the image can be enlarged for easy viewing.

  In selecting an image position, a lever can be used instead of a button.

  If it is determined in step S1 that there is an operation for selecting the screen position by the player, the display control device 150 sets the symbol display position corresponding to the selection operation (S2).

  In this way, the display control device 150 functions as a display position determination unit that determines the display position of the variable display image 90 based on the operation of the screen position selection switch 21 by the player.

  Thereafter, the process returns to the main interrupt process, and the symbol variation display game process is executed at the set symbol display position.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that there is no screen position selection operation by the player, the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, the display control device 150 estimates the current flow range of the game ball (hereinafter referred to as the hit ball flow range).

  Specifically, the hitting ball flow range at that time can be estimated by the number of winnings within a predetermined time to the starting symbol start main gate 70 or the starting symbol start sub-gate 71 provided in the game board unit 5. The winning of the starting symbol starting main gate 70 is detected by the starting symbol starting main switch 70A arranged in the starting symbol starting main gate 70. Similarly, winning in the starting symbol starting subgate 71 is detected by a starting symbol starting subswitch 71A arranged in the starting symbol starting subgate 71.

  Thus, the starting symbol start main switch 70A functions as a left game ball detecting means capable of detecting a game ball flowing down the left side of the game area 52, and the starting symbol start sub switch 70B flows down the right side of the gaming area 52. It functions as a right game ball detection means capable of detecting a game ball to be played. Thereby, in order to determine the flow-down range of the game ball flowing down the game area, the detection means used for the game provided in the conventional gaming machine is used, so that the detection means for starting the variable display game, It becomes possible to share the detection means for determining the flow-down range, and it is possible to suppress an increase in cost compared to a configuration in which detection means are provided separately.

  The flow range is determined as follows. If the winning at the starting symbol starting main gate 70 per unit time (for example, 1 minute) is more than the winning at the starting symbol starting sub-gate 71 per unit time, the hitting ball flow range is estimated as “left main” To do. On the other hand, if the winning at the starting symbol starting sub-gate 71 per unit time is larger than the winning at the starting symbol starting main gate 70 per unit time, the hitting flow down range is estimated to be “right main”. If neither condition is satisfied, the hitting ball flow range is estimated to be “equal to the left and right”.

  In addition, instead of counting the number of winnings to the starting symbol starting main gate 70 and the number of winnings to the starting symbol starting sub-gate 71, it is also possible to estimate the hitting flow down range by another method. For example, it can be performed based on the set value of the launch operation unit 19. The launching force of the game ball to be fired is determined according to the amount of the turning operation by the player of the launch operation unit 19 provided in the lower front portion of the gaming machine 1, but the game ball flowing down the game area 52 The flow range changes according to this firing force. That is, if the amount of the rotation operation is large, the launching force of the game ball to be fired is strong, so that the game ball passes above the armor portion 68 disposed at the upper part of the game region 52 and passes the right side of the game region 52. It will flow down. On the other hand, if the amount of the rotation operation is small, the firing force is weak, so that the game ball flows down from the left part of the armor part 68 arranged at the upper part of the game area 52 to the left side of the game area 52. Therefore, the hitting ball flow-down range can be estimated from the amount (setting value) of the turning operation of the firing operation unit 19 that determines the firing force.

  In this case, when the amount of the rotation operation of the firing operation unit 19 is less than the first predetermined value, the hitting ball flow-down range is estimated as “left main”. When the amount of the turning operation of the firing operation unit 19 is equal to or larger than the first predetermined value and smaller than the second predetermined value, the hitting ball flow range is estimated to be “left and right even”. When the amount of the turning operation of the firing operation unit 19 is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value, the hitting flow down range is estimated as “right main”.

  As described above, the launch operation unit 19 functions as a launch operation unit that sets the launch force to be given to the game ball. Thus, by using the fact that the flow range of the game balls flowing down the game area 52 corresponds to the launch force, the flow range can be determined in a short time in advance.

  In addition, the hitting ball falling range can be estimated based on the speed of the game ball. The speed of the game ball passing near the firing speed measurement sensor 59A can be measured by the firing speed measurement sensor 59A disposed in the left guide passage 58 of the game board unit 5.

  If the speed of the game ball passing near the firing speed measurement sensor 59 </ b> A is high, the game ball passes over the armor portion 68 disposed at the upper part of the game area 52 and flows down on the right side of the game area 52. On the other hand, if the speed of the game ball passing through the vicinity of the firing speed measurement sensor 59A is slow, the game ball flows down to the left of the game area 52 from the left part of the armor part 68 arranged at the upper part of the game area 52. Thus, the flow range of the game balls flowing down the game area 52 changes according to the speed in the guide passage 58. Therefore, it is possible to estimate the hitting flow down range based on the speed of the game ball in the guide passage 58 measured by the firing speed measurement sensor 59A.

  In this case, when the measured velocity of the game ball is less than the first predetermined value, it is estimated that the hitting flow range is “left main”. When the measured speed of the game ball is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value and lower than the second predetermined value, the hitting ball flow-down range is estimated to be “left and right even”. When the measured velocity of the game ball is equal to or higher than the second predetermined value, the hitting flow down range is estimated to be “right main”.

  Further, the hitting ball falling range can be estimated based on the frequency with which the game ball contacts the elastic repulsion body 56 provided in the upper right part of the game board unit 5.

  If the frequency of contact of the game sphere with the elastic repulsion body 56 is high, the launch force of the game sphere is strong, so that most of the game sphere flows down to the right side of the game area 52. On the other hand, if the frequency of contact of the game sphere with the elastic repulsion body 56 is low, the launch force of the game sphere is weak, so that most of the game sphere flows down to the left of the game area. Therefore, by counting the contact of the game ball detected within a predetermined time, it is possible to evaluate the frequency with which the game ball contacts the elastic repulsion body 56. The contact of the game ball with the elastic repulsion body 56 in the game area can be detected by a hitting ball repulsion detection switch 56A installed behind the elastic repulsion body 56.

  In this way, the elastic repulsion body 56 functions as an elastic repulsion body that comes into contact with the game ball when the launch force applied to the game ball launched by the launching device 402 is equal to or greater than a predetermined strength, and detects hitting ball repulsion. The switch 56 </ b> A functions as a contact detection unit that detects that a game ball has contacted the elastic repulsion body 56.

  In this case, when the number of game balls detected by the hit ball repulsion detection switch 56A within a predetermined time is less than a first predetermined value (for example, 33 game balls in contact with one minute), the hit ball flow down range is “ "Left main" When the number of game balls detected by the hit ball repulsion detection switch 56A within a predetermined time is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value and less than a second predetermined value (for example, 66 game balls in contact with one minute) The hit ball flow down range is estimated to be “left and right even”. When the number of game balls detected by the hit ball repulsion detection switch 56A within the predetermined time is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value, the hit ball flow down range is estimated to be “right main”.

  In addition, the above-mentioned estimation methods of the hitting ball flow range are estimated by using each independently. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and by combining all or a part of the above hitting ball flow range estimation methods, The range can also be estimated. For example, when all the above estimation methods are used, the estimation result of each method is “0” for “left main”, “1” for “left and right equal”, “right main” for each estimation method. Then, it evaluates by the value of "0"-"2" as "2". And the value which totaled this evaluation value takes the value between "0"-"10". The hit ball flow range is “main left” when the total value is “0” to “3”, “equal left and right” when “4” to “6”, and “7” to “10”. Presumed to be “right main”.

  Here, although each estimation method calculated the total value with the same specific gravity, it may be added with a different weight for each estimation method.

  In this manner, the display control device 150 functions as a hitting ball flow-down range determination unit that determines the flow-down range of the game ball fired by the launching device 402.

  Thereafter, the display control device 150 determines a symbol display area based on the hitting ball flow range estimated in step S3 (S4). If it is determined that the hitting flow down range is the main left side, the symbol display area is set to the right (S5). When it is determined that the hit ball flow down range is equal to the left and right, the symbol display area is set at the center (S6). When it is determined that the hitting flow down range is the main right side, the symbol display area is set to the left.

  In this way, the display control device 150 functions as a display position determination unit that determines the symbol display area that is the display position of the variable display image 90 based on the hitting ball flow-down range.

  Thereafter, the process returns to the main interrupt process, and the symbol variation display game process is executed at the set symbol display position.

  In the present embodiment, the flow range of the game ball flowing down the game area 52 is estimated by dividing into three categories of “left main”, “left and right equal”, and “right main”. Although the display area is determined, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display area may be divided into 2 or 4 or more, and the flow range may be estimated and the symbol display area may be determined by a continuous amount.

  6 and 7 are front views of the game board unit 5 in which the variation display image 90 according to the embodiment of the present invention is displayed at the position determined by executing the image position determination process.

  FIG. 6 is a front view of the game board unit 5 when the display position of the variable display image 90 is determined on the right side.

  In FIG. 6, for example, a normal game in which the starting symbol variation winning device 77, the first symbol variation winning device 79, and the second symbol variation winning device 81 in the lower left part of the game area 52 are closed is performed. The game ball is launched with a weak launching force, such as when the player is aiming at the starting symbol starting main gate 70 at the approximate center of the game area 52 and reducing the operation amount of the launch operation unit 402. Has been.

  The game ball launched into the game area 52 through the guide passage 58 with a weak launching force does not reach the elastic repulsion body 56 as shown by the arrow in the figure, and moves from the left end of the armor portion 68 to the left side of the game area 52. Flow down. This arrow is shown for explaining the flow-down range of the game ball, and is not displayed on the actual image display panel 55.

  Further, in FIG. 6, the variation display image 90 is displayed at a position that is slightly to the right of the game area 52 and that avoids the game ball flowing down the game area 52 as shown by the arrows in the drawing to the right. The display position of the variable display image 90 is set by the image position determination process (see FIG. 5).

  In addition, a variation display game is executed by the variation of the left symbol 90L, middle symbol 90C, and right symbol 90R constituting the variation display image 90.

  The left symbol 90L (for example, “6” “·” “7” ”from the top) and the right symbol 90R are stopped and displayed (for example,“ 7 ”“ • ”“ 6 ”” from the top) When the second row from the top of the displayed middle symbol 90C is confirmed with “7”, it is in a reach state that is a big hit.

  FIG. 7 is a front view of the game board unit 5 when the display position of the variable display image 90 is set to the left side.

  In FIG. 7, for example, a case where a big hit game is performed in which the starting symbol variation winning device 77, the first symbol variation winning device 79, and the second symbol variation winning device 81 in the lower left portion of the game area 52 are being performed, As in the case where the player increases the amount of operation of the rotation operation of the launch operation unit 402 aiming at the variable winning device at the lower left, the game ball is launched with a strong firing force.

  The game ball launched into the game area 52 through the guide passage 58 with a strong launching force passes over the armor portion 68 to reach the elastic repulsion body 56 as indicated by an arrow in the figure, and reaches the elastic repulsion body 56. It is reflected by contact and flows down the right side of the game area 52. Note that this arrow is illustrated for explaining the flow-down range of the game ball as in FIG. 6 and is not displayed on the actual image display panel 55.

  Further, in FIG. 7, the variation display image 90 is displayed at a position on the left side of the game area 52 so as to avoid the game ball flowing down the game area 52 as indicated by an arrow in the drawing to the left. The display position of the variable display image 90 is set by image position determination processing (see FIG. 5) as in FIG.

  Similarly to FIG. 6, the variation display game is executed by the symbol variation of the left symbol 90 </ b> L, the middle symbol 90 </ b> C, and the right symbol 90 </ b> R constituting the variation display image 90, and is in a reach state.

  As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, the display position of the variable display image 90 is changed by appropriately setting the relationship between the display position of the game ball on the game area 52 by the image position determination process. It can be avoided that the image 90 overlaps with the game ball flowing down the game area 52 as indicated by the arrows in the figure, and the fluctuation display image 90 is visually recognized while the fluctuation display image 90 is displayed in the game area 52 where the game ball flows down. It is possible to prevent a decrease in property.

  In addition, during the execution of the variation display game due to the pattern variation of the variation display image 90 in which the variation display game is being executed, the variation display can strongly give a sense of expectation that the special game will be executed (for example, the figure). 6 and FIG. 7, when the second row from the top of the middle symbol 90 </ b> C that is variably displayed is a “7”, the player wins the result of the variable display game. Therefore, the user is interested in the variable display image 90 (for example, the middle symbol 90C in the case of FIGS. 6 and 7). Here, the change display image 90 in the reach state and the game ball flowing down the game area 52 are prevented from overlapping to make the change display image 90 easy to see, thereby improving the interest of the game as a result. Can do.

  In the present embodiment, as an example of the game image whose display position is changed depending on the flow range of the game ball, the image of the variable display game is illustrated, but another image may be used. For example, an image for explaining the game method is displayed on the image display panel 55 as a game image, and the display position of the image for explaining the game method is set in an arbitrary direction on the image display panel 55 according to the flow range of the game ball. You may make it move.

  The embodiment disclosed this time is illustrative in all points and is not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the invention but by the scope of claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of claims.

  As described above, the present invention can be applied to a gaming machine in which a gaming image can be visually recognized through a transparent gaming board.

1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the gaming machine with the glass frame of the embodiment of the present invention opened. It is a front view of the game board unit of the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows a part of control system centering on the game control apparatus of the game machine of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the image position determination process of embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of a game board unit when the display position of the game image of the embodiment of the present invention is determined on the right side. It is a front view of a game board unit when the display position of the game image of the embodiment of the present invention is determined on the left side.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 5 Game board unit 13 Main body frame 19 Launch operation part 21 Screen position selection button 21A Screen position selection switch 50 Game board base 52 Game area 55 Image display panel 56 Elastic repulsion body 56A Hitting ball repulsion detection switch 59A Firing speed measurement sensor 70 Starting symbol starting main gate 70A Starting symbol starting main switch 71 Starting symbol starting sub gate 71A Starting symbol starting sub switch 100 Game control device 150 Display control device 400 Launch control device 402 Launch device

Claims (2)

A game area is formed by arranging a game ball on the front side of a game board base formed including a transparent member so that the game ball can flow down and arranging a winning area where the game ball can win on the front side of the game board base. A game board unit that has been
The game board unit is detachably housed on the front side, and an image display panel is provided on the back side of the game board unit so that a predetermined image can be visually recognized from the front side of the game board unit through the transparent member. Body frame,
A launching device for launching a game ball in the game area,
In a gaming machine that executes a variable display game that variably displays a plurality of identification information based on a predetermined start condition, and generates a special gaming state that gives a player a privilege corresponding to the result of the variable display game,
An armor portion that is provided substantially at the upper center of the game area and diverts the game ball flowing down from the upper side in the left-right direction;
Hitting ball flow down range determination means for determining the flow down range of the game ball fired by the launch device;
Display position determining means for determining a display position of the image of the variable display game based on the flow-down range;
In the image of the variable display game, the width from the left end of the identification information displayed on the leftmost side to the right end of the identification information displayed on the rightmost side is set wider than the width in the longitudinal direction of the armor portion,
The display position determining means includes
When the flow range of the game ball is on the left side of the game area, the display position of the image of the variation display game is displayed so that the left end of the image of the variation display game is on the right side of the left end of the armor portion. Determine the position,
When the flow range of the game ball is on the right side of the game area, the display position of the image of the variation display game is displayed such that the right end of the image of the variation display game is on the left side of the right end of the armor portion. Determine the position,
The gaming machine, wherein the image display panel displays and outputs the image of the variable display game at a display position determined by the display position determining means. An elastic repulsion body that comes into contact with the game ball when the launch force applied to the game ball launched by the launch device is equal to or greater than a predetermined strength;
Contact detection means for detecting that the game ball has come into contact with the elastic repulsion body,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the hitting flow down range determination unit determines the down flow range based on a detection result by the contact detection unit.