JP5712425B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a display device that overlaps a part of a gaming area.

  For example, like a gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 below, there is a gaming machine with improved design by giving a novel decoration to a front frame provided around a gaming area.

JP 2007-282802 A

  However, when the game area of the gaming machine is increased in order to enhance the game preference, the front frame becomes smaller, which limits the decoration of the front frame. In particular, in a gaming machine in which a game area to be used is changed according to a game state, it is difficult to improve the design of the front frame because the entire game area becomes larger as compared with other game machines. Thus, it may be difficult to improve the design of the gaming machine while securing the size of the gaming area.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the designability while ensuring the size of a game area.

A gaming machine according to the invention of claim 1, which has been made to solve the above-described problem, is a first gaming area used in the first gaming state and a second gaming state different from the first gaming state. Supported by a second game area to be used, a frame provided around the game area including the first game area and the second game area, and an extension frame projecting from the frame toward the game area side One or a plurality of display devices that are provided so as to overlap at least a part of the second gaming area and have higher transparency in a non-display state in which an image is not displayed than in a display state in which the image is displayed; The second game area includes a specific game ball passage that must pass when a game ball enters the second game area, and projects from the frame toward the game area side. Before being supported by the extension frame Display device is provided so as to overlap at least a portion of the specific game ball passage, whereas when in the first game condition may cause the image to be displayed on the display device, when in the second game condition The display device is not displayed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention, one or a plurality of winnings in which a game ball may be allowed to enter the second gaming area in the second gaming state. An area is provided, and the display device is provided to overlap at least one of the winning areas.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first or second aspect , the second gaming area is provided with one or a plurality of notification means indicating that the second gaming state is set. The display device is provided so as to overlap at least one of the notification means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to any one of the first to third aspects, when the display device is in the first gaming state, the display device executes an effect relating to the game. It is characterized by being.

In the gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention, the display device is provided so as to overlap the second gaming area which is a part of the gaming area. This display device may display an image when in the first gaming state using the first gaming area, but is not displayed when in the second gaming state. In other words, when in the first gaming state, the design around the gaming area can be improved by displaying an image on the display device, and when in the second gaming state, on the display device. Since no image is displayed, the display device overlapping the second game area does not hinder a game using the second game area. In this way, in order to improve the game preference, a game area including a plurality of types of game areas corresponding to the game is set, and even if the size of the entire game area becomes large, the design is improved. It becomes possible to make it .
In addition, if the display device overlaps at least a part of the specific game ball passage through which the game ball always passes when the game ball enters the second game area, it is displayed when in the first game state. By displaying the image on the device, a part of the specific game ball passage is covered with the image. Thereby, the player can recognize that it is not a gaming state in which a game ball enters the second gaming area (that is, the first gaming state). That is, the display device can function not only as an element for improving the designability but also as an element for explaining the game method to the player.

If the display device is provided so as to overlap at least one of the winning areas of the second game area as in the invention described in claim 2 , an image is displayed on the display device when in the first game state. By displaying, at least one of the winning areas is covered with the image. Thereby, the player can recognize that it is not a gaming state aiming for a winning area in the second gaming area (that is, the first gaming state). That is, the display device can function not only as an element for improving the designability but also as an element for explaining the game method to the player.

If the display device is provided so as to overlap at least one of the notification means provided in the second game area as in the invention described in claim 3 , when the display device is in the first game state, By displaying the image, at least one of the notification means is covered with the image. Thereby, the player can recognize that it is not in the second gaming state (that is, in the first gaming state). That is, the display device can function not only as an element for improving the designability but also as an element for explaining the game method to the player.

If an effect relating to a game is executed in the display device in the first gaming state as in the invention described in claim 4 , the display device can be used not only as an element for improving design. It is also possible to function as an element for enhancing the preference of performance in the first gaming state.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention (a state in which an image is displayed on a secondary display device). It is a front view of a front frame and a sub display supported by it. It is a front view of the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention (the sub display device is in a non-display state). It is a front view of the game machine concerning the 1st modification (a sub display device is a non-display state). It is a front view of the game machine concerning the 2nd modification (a sub display device is a non-display state).

  Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. The gaming machine 1 has a frame-shaped machine frame 90, and a front frame 20 (corresponding to a frame body in the present invention) is rotatably supported by the machine frame 90. A transparent plate that allows the game board 10 to be visually recognized from the front side is connected to the front frame 20. Further, the front frame 20 supports a sub display device 30 (corresponding to the display device in the present invention) whose details will be described later.

  The game board 10 is formed of a substantially square plywood and is detachably attached to the front frame 20. The game board 10 is made of a metal that guides a game ball launched by operating a launcher 94 (handle) to a game area (an area including a first game area 11 and a second game area 12 to be described in detail later). A strip-shaped guide rail 91 made of a thin plate is provided so as to have a substantially arc shape.

  The game area is provided with a winning opening through which a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out by the payout device when a winning game ball is won, such as the first starting winning opening 111, the second starting winning opening 121, and the V winning opening 122. In addition, when a game ball passes, a normal winning gate 123 (so-called through) is provided for performing a lottery to determine whether or not to open the second start winning opening 121. As will be described later, the first start winning opening 111 is a winning area that is aimed when in the first gaming state, and the second starting winning opening 121, the V winning opening 122, the normal winning gate 123, and the like are in the second gaming state. It is a winning area to aim at.

  The main display device 92 displays an identification symbol or the like for informing whether or not the jackpot is successful. The display screen of the main display device 92 is visible through the opening 13 formed in the game board 10.

  Also, the game area is provided with a plurality of game nails as obstacles that change the flow-down mode of the game balls when the game balls flowing down collide. The game ball flowing down the game area changes into various modes depending on the condition when it collides with the game nail.

  The gaming method of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is as follows. The gaming state of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment (the gaming state other than the jackpot gaming state) includes at least two gaming states, a first gaming state and a second gaming state. When in the first game state, the player plays a game in which a game ball enters the first game area 11. When in the second game state, the player plays a game in which a game ball enters the second game area 12. The first game area 11 is on the left side of the game area (game board 10), and the second game area 12 is on the right side of the game area (game board 10). Accordingly, when the player is in the first gaming state, the player relatively weakens the launching force of the game ball by the launching device 94 (launching handle) (as compared with the case where the second gaming area 12 is aimed), and the first gaming area 11 Let the game ball enter. That is, a so-called left-handed game is performed. On the other hand, when the player is in the second gaming state, the player relatively increases the firing force of the game ball by the launching device 94 (launching handle) (as compared to the case where the second gaming area 12 is aimed), and the second gaming area 12 Let the game ball enter. That is, a so-called right-handed game is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the first gaming state is a state in which the jackpot is relatively difficult to acquire, and the second gaming state is a state in which the jackpot is relatively easy to acquire. When in the first game state, the game ball is caused to enter the first game area 11 aiming at the first start winning opening 111. In the first gaming state in the present embodiment, a big win lottery is performed with a predetermined probability when the game ball wins the first start winning opening 111.

  When in the second gaming state, a game is entered in the second gaming area 12 with the aim of the second starting winning port 121, the normal winning gate 123 that triggers the opening of the second starting winning port 121, and the V winning port 122. A ball will enter. When a game ball enters the second game area 12, the game ball passes through a specific game ball passage 124 provided in the second game area 12. The specific game ball passage 124 is provided above the game area (above the main display device 92). In the second gaming state according to the present embodiment, a lottery is performed as to whether or not the second start winning port 121 is opened when a game ball passes through the normal winning gate 123, and the lottery is won with a high probability. To do. Therefore, game balls frequently win the second start winning opening 121. When a game ball wins the second start winning opening 121, a big win lottery is performed with a predetermined probability. If the jackpot lottery is missed, the V prize opening 122 is opened for a certain period of time. When a game ball wins the opened V winning opening 122, it is a big hit. In this way, in the second gaming state, not only when winning the jackpot lottery triggered by the winning of the game ball at the second start winning port 121, but also when the game ball wins at the V winning port 122 A big hit. That is, it is a game mode in which it is easier to win a jackpot than in the first game state.

  Note that the game state transition is executed after the jackpot game ends. A part of the jackpot is a jackpot that shifts to the first gaming state after the jackpot game ends, and another part is a jackpot that shifts to the second gaming state after the jackpot game ends. In the big hit game, the big prize opening 93 provided in the second game area 12 is opened frequently and for a long time. Thus, the player can acquire a large number of game balls (the jackpot game in this embodiment is a so-called right-handed game in order to win a game ball in the big prize opening 93, so that the jackpot The game is also included in the second game state).

  The game area is a prize area provided in the second game area 12 such as the second start prize port 121, the normal prize gate 123, and the V prize port 122 when a game ball is made to enter the first game area 11. It is almost impossible to win a prize. Similarly, when a game ball enters the second game area 12, it is almost impossible for the game ball to win the first start winning opening 111.

  Hereinafter, the sub display device 30 provided in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. The sub display device 30 is supported by the front frame 20 described above. In the present embodiment, the front frame 20 is provided with an extension frame 21 projecting toward the game area side, and a flat sub-type is formed in a region surrounded by the front frame 20 (the main body portion of the front frame 20) and the extension frame 21. The display device 30 (the display panel of the sub display device 30) is supported (see FIG. 2). Therefore, the sub display device 30 is located on the same plane as the transparent plate that allows the game area to be visually recognized.

  The sub display device 30 is provided so as to overlap at least a part of the second game area 12. In the present embodiment, the second game area 12 is provided so as to overlap at least part of the specific game ball path. More specifically, the specific game ball path is provided so as to extend from one side in the width direction to the other side.

  The sub display device 30 in the present embodiment is a transmissive liquid crystal display device. The transmissive liquid crystal display device behaves as if it is a transparent plate when in a non-display state where no image is displayed. Therefore, when the sub display device 30 is in the non-display state, a portion where the sub display device 30 overlaps in the second game area 12 is also visible (see FIG. 3). On the other hand, when an image is displayed on the sub display device 30, at least a portion where the image is displayed is inferior in transparency as compared to when no image is displayed. Therefore, when an image is displayed on the sub display device 30, it is more difficult to visually recognize a portion where the sub display device 30 overlaps in the second gaming area 12 than when the sub display device 30 is in a non-display state. (Or impossible) (see FIG. 1). The sub-display device 30 is not limited to a transmissive liquid crystal display device. Any display device may be used as long as it has higher transparency in a non-display state in which no image is displayed than in a display state in which an image is displayed. For example, a so-called illumination panel (registered trademark of Fujikura Co., Ltd.) or the like may be used as the sub display device 30.

  The operation of the sub display device 30 is as follows. When in the first gaming state, an image is displayed on the sub display device 30. The image is desirably an effect that assists the game in the first gaming state. Specifically, an image as if the decoration of the front frame 20 was expanded integrally with the front frame 20, and the success / failure determination result triggered by the winning of the game ball at the first start winning opening 111 is a big hit. An image that suggests a possibility, an image that assists an effect being executed on the main display device 92 (an effect with a story is executed on the main display device 92, and an elapsed time of the story is displayed on the sub-display device 30) Display mode can be exemplified). Thus, when in the first gaming state, the secondary display device 30 functions as a member that expands the decoration of the front frame 20, or functions as a member that executes an effect related to the game (an effect member in the first gaming state). To do.

  In the present embodiment, the secondary display device 30 is provided so as to overlap the specific game ball path of the second game area 12. Therefore, when an image is displayed on the secondary display device 30, a portion overlapping the secondary display device 30 in the specific game ball path is difficult or impossible to see from the player. In other words, the specific game ball path looks as if it is blocked (as if it were a dead end) (see FIG. 1). When the specific game ball path is viewed in this way, it is not when the player should pass the game ball through the specific game ball path, and it is not impossible for the game ball to pass through the specific game ball path. I get the impression. That is, the player can recognize that it is not a so-called right-handed game aiming at the second game area 12 but a so-called left-handed game aiming at the first game area 11. As described above, the sub display device 30 functions not only as a member for performing decoration and effects, but also as a member for causing the player to recognize the gaming state (inducing a gaming method).

  In the first game state, the image need not always be displayed, and may be in a non-display state. However, when it is desired to make the player recognize the gaming state by the secondary display device 30, an image may be displayed on the secondary display device 30 when the first gaming state is started after the end of the big hit game. In this way, after the jackpot game is over, it is possible to prevent the player from wondering whether to play a so-called left-handed game or a right-handed game (incorrect game method). It becomes possible.

  Further, a sensor 125 capable of detecting a game ball is provided in the specific game ball passage 124, and when the game ball is detected by the sensor 125, the second game area 12 is regarded as being used, and the sub display device You may control so that 30 may be in a non-display state.

  On the other hand, when in the second game state, the sub display device 30 is in a non-display state. Therefore, the part where the secondary display device 30 overlaps in the second game area 12 is also visible to the player. That is, the entire second game area 12 is visible to the player. In this embodiment, the player is not given the impression that the specific game ball path is blocked. Therefore, in the past, the decoration of the front frame 20 was configured not to overlap the game area (specific game ball path 124), but the portion overlapping the game area (specific game ball path 124) as in the present embodiment is subordinate. By configuring the display device such as the display device 30 to be highly transmissive in a non-display state, the front frame can be used without giving the player the impression that the game area (specific game ball passage 124) is blocked. It is possible to widen the decorative range of 20 and enhance the design.

  Hereinafter, modified examples of the gaming machine 1 will be described. The gaming machine 1a according to the first modification shown in FIG. 4 is provided such that the sub display device 30 overlaps (covers) at least one of the winning areas provided in the second gaming area 12. In the present modification, the sub display device 30 is provided so as to overlap the V winning opening 122 and the normal winning gate 123. Similar to the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment, an image may be displayed on the secondary display device 30 when in the first gaming state, and the secondary display device 30 is not displayed when in the second gaming state. It is said.

  The operation by providing the sub display device 30 in this way is as follows. As described above, the sub display device 30 can function as a member that expands the decoration of the front frame 20 or functions as a member that performs an effect related to the game when in the first gaming state. is there. Further, when an image is displayed on the secondary display device 30 in the first gaming state, the V winning opening 122 and the normal winning gate 123 overlapping the secondary display device 30 are difficult to see or impossible. In other words, since the winning area provided in the second gaming area 12 that is a target for winning the game ball is difficult or impossible to see, the player intends to play a so-called right-handed game. It is difficult to assume that That is, the player should come to the recognition that at the present time, he should play left-handed games. As described above, also in this modification, the sub display device 30 functions not only as a member that performs decoration and production, but also as a member that causes the player to recognize the gaming state (guidance of the gaming method). .

  A second modification will be described. The gaming machine 1b according to the second modified example shown in FIG. 5 has at least one of one or a plurality of notification means indicating that the secondary display device 30 is in the second gaming state provided in the second gaming area 12. It is provided so as to overlap one. In this modification, a panel 126 drawn as “BONUS” is provided at the lower right of the second game area 12 and when this panel 126 is lit (when the panel 126 is illuminated from the rear). The player recognizes that the second game state is more advantageous than the first game state. In other words, the panel 126 serves as a notification means indicating that it is in the second gaming state. The sub display device 30 is provided so as to overlap the panel 126. Similar to the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment, an image may be displayed on the secondary display device 30 when in the first gaming state, and the secondary display device 30 is not displayed when in the second gaming state. It is said.

  The operation by providing the sub display device 30 in this way is as follows. As described above, the sub display device 30 can function as a member that expands the decoration of the front frame 20 or functions as a member that performs an effect related to the game when in the first gaming state. is there. Further, when an image is displayed on the secondary display device 30 in the first gaming state, the panel 126 indicating the second gaming state becomes difficult or impossible to view. In other words, the notification means provided in the second game area 12 indicating that the game state is the second game state is difficult to see or impossible, so that the player should play a left-handed game at the present time. It should lead to recognition that it is. As described above, also in this modification, the sub display device 30 functions not only as a member that performs decoration and production, but also as a member that causes the player to recognize the gaming state (guidance of the gaming method). .

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  In the above-described embodiment and the modification thereof, it has been described that one sub display device 30 is provided, but a configuration in which a plurality of sub display devices 30 are provided in one gaming machine may be employed. For example, as a configuration in which a plurality of sub display devices 30 are provided so as to overlap each of the specific game ball passage 124, a winning area provided in the second gaming area 12, and a notification means indicating the second gaming state. Also good.

  The first gaming state and the second gaming state described above are merely examples. The technical idea of the present invention can be applied to any gaming machine in which a plurality of gaming states using different gaming areas (the contents of which are not questioned) are set. Further, in the present embodiment, it has been described that the secondary display device 30 is provided so as to overlap the so-called right-handed game area (right game area), but the so-called left-handed game area (left game) The sub display device 30 may be provided so as to overlap the area. In other words, the left game area may be set as a game area used in the second game state, and the secondary display device 30 may be provided so as to overlap the game area. Further, a configuration in which game areas other than the first game area 11 and the second game area 12 (three or more game areas) are set, and game states other than the first game state and the second game state (three The same technical idea can be applied to a configuration in which the above gaming state) is set.

Further, the display device provided so as to overlap the second game area 12 has been described as the sub display device 30, but this is merely a form for distinguishing from the main display device 92. A display device other than the display device provided so as to overlap the second game area 12 may not be provided (the main display device 92 is not provided in the gaming machine according to the above-described embodiment and each modification). .
Examples of specific means obtained from the above embodiment will be described below.
The gaming machine according to means 1 includes a first game area used in the first game state, a second game area used in a second game state different from the first game state, and the first game. A frame provided around the game area including the area and the second game area, and is provided so as to overlap at least part of the second game area by being supported by the frame, and no image is displayed. One or a plurality of display devices that are more transparent than the display state in which an image is displayed in the non-display state, and the image may be displayed on the display device when in the first gaming state The display device is hidden when in the second gaming state.
The gaming machine according to the means 2 is the gaming machine according to the means 1, wherein the second game area includes a specific game ball passage that is surely passed when a game ball enters the second game area. The display device is provided so as to overlap at least a part of the specific game ball passage.
The gaming machine according to the means 3 is the gaming machine according to the means 1 or 2, wherein one or a plurality of gaming balls may be allowed to enter the second gaming area in the second gaming state. The display device is provided so as to overlap at least one of the winning areas.
The gaming machine according to means 4 is the gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 3, wherein the second gaming area is provided with one or a plurality of notification means indicating that the second gaming state is in effect. The display device is provided so as to overlap with at least one of the notification means.
The gaming machine according to means 5 is the gaming machine according to any one of the means 1 to 4, wherein the display device executes an effect relating to the game when in the first gaming state. Features.
In the gaming machine according to the means 1, a display device is provided so as to overlap the second gaming area which is a part of the gaming area. This display device may display an image when in the first gaming state using the first gaming area, but is not displayed when in the second gaming state. In other words, when in the first gaming state, the design around the gaming area can be improved by displaying an image on the display device, and when in the second gaming state, on the display device. Since no image is displayed, the display device overlapping the second game area does not hinder a game using the second game area. In this way, in order to improve the game preference, a game area including a plurality of types of game areas corresponding to the game is set, and even if the size of the entire game area becomes large, the design is improved. It becomes possible to make it.
If the display device is provided so as to overlap at least a part of the specific game ball passage through which the game ball always passes when the game ball enters the second game area like the game machine according to the means 2, When in one game state, a part of the specific game ball passage is covered with the image by displaying the image on the display device. Thereby, the player can recognize that it is not a gaming state in which a game ball enters the second gaming area (that is, the first gaming state). That is, the display device can function not only as an element for improving the designability but also as an element for explaining the game method to the player.
If the display device is provided so as to overlap at least one of the winning areas of the second gaming area as in the invention of the gaming machine according to the means 3, the image is displayed on the display apparatus when in the first gaming state. Is displayed, at least one of the winning areas is covered with the image. Thereby, the player can recognize that it is not a gaming state aiming for a winning area in the second gaming area (that is, the first gaming state). That is, the display device can function not only as an element for improving the designability but also as an element for explaining the game method to the player.
If the display device is provided so as to overlap at least one of the notification means provided in the second game area as in the gaming machine according to the means 4, the image is displayed on the display device when in the first gaming state. Is displayed, at least one of the notification means is covered with an image. Thereby, the player can recognize that it is not in the second gaming state (that is, in the first gaming state). That is, the display device can function not only as an element for improving the designability but also as an element for explaining the game method to the player.
As in the case of the gaming machine according to the means 5, when the display device performs an effect relating to the game in the first gaming state, the display device can be used only as an element for improving the design. In addition, it can be made to function as an element for enhancing the preference of performance in the first gaming state.

1 (1a, 1b) gaming machine 10 gaming board 11 first gaming area 111 first starting winning opening 12 second gaming area 121 second starting winning opening 122 V winning opening 123 normal winning gate 124 specific gaming ball passage 126 panel 20 front Frame 21 Extension frame 30 Sub display device

Claims (4)

A first gaming area to be used in the first gaming state;
A second game area to be used in a second game state different from the first game state;
A frame provided around a game area including the first game area and the second game area;
It is provided so as to overlap at least a part of the second game area by being supported by an extension frame extending from the frame body toward the game area side, and an image is displayed in a non-display state where no image is displayed. One or more display devices that are more transparent than the display state;
Equipped with a,
The second game area includes a specific game ball passage that must pass when a game ball enters the second game area,
The display device supported by the extension frame projecting from the frame body toward the game area side is provided so as to overlap at least a part of the specific game ball passage,
An gaming machine, wherein an image may be displayed on the display device when in the first gaming state, while the display device is not displayed when in the second gaming state. The second gaming area is provided with one or a plurality of winning areas in which a gaming ball may be allowed to enter when in the second gaming state,
The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein the display device is provided so as to overlap at least one of the winning areas. The second gaming area is provided with one or a plurality of notification means indicating the second gaming state,
The display device, gaming machine of claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized in that provided to overlap at least one of said notification means. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the display device executes an effect related to a game when in the first gaming state.

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