JPH0924136A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a comfortable environment for a game player by configurating a game machine in such a way that a display page shown on an image display device can be laid out so as to enable plural sets of display information to be shown on the display page of the image display device, and making it possible to simultaneously show plural sets of display information to the game player. SOLUTION: Almost in the center of a game region on a pachinko game machine, an image display device 62 is installed which shows a change in a display state by variably displaying various sets of identification information. In addition, on CPU 183 of are lay integrated circuit board 165, a signal for switching an image which switches a displayed page on an image display device 62 through an interface 182 is entered from an integrated circuit board 71 for game control, a control device 181, an image changeover switch 200 and an integrated circuit board 95 for controlling earned points. This CPU 183 decides the layout of various images to be displayed out of the plural types of layouts stored in the layout table of ROM 184 so that the image requested for by the signal for switching an image is added to the image display device 62 and then is displayed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by, for example, a pachinko gaming machine or a coin gaming machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine having an image display device whose display state can be changed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In this type of gaming machine, one generally known in the past is, for example, a CRT (Cathode Ra).
Some have an image display device configured using a y tube) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). In such a gaming machine, the display state of the image display device can be changed, and when the display result is a predetermined specific display mode, a big hit occurs and a large amount of prize balls can be paid out. It was configured such that a predetermined valuable value such as "Naru" can be added.

In a game arcade where such a game machine is installed, an information collecting terminal capable of obtaining information such as characteristics of each game machine and store information is provided on the floor.
The player was able to obtain various information by operating this terminal.

[0004]

However, in the past, in order to obtain the above-mentioned information, the player must interrupt the game and move to the place where the information collecting terminal is installed, which is troublesome. Met.

Alternatively, when the game is in a game state other than the so-called specific game state in which the display result of the image display device is a predetermined display mode, the player may feel that the player does not have a handheld game. there were. In addition, there are cases where it is desired to confirm information such as a sports relay program during a game. In such a case, if the player himself does not have a portable information device such as a radio, the game is once played. Had to stop and move to a place where such information was available.

On the other hand, while the game is interrupted, there is a disadvantage that the operating rate of the game machine is reduced and the profit on the amusement hall side may be damaged because the game machine is not operating.

That is, since the conventional game machines were developed exclusively for the purpose of improving the interest of the game contents themselves, no added value other than the game was given to the player. As a result, there is an inconvenience that a comfortable game environment for the player is not provided.
And, this has been a factor that hinders the improvement of the operating rate of the gaming machine.

The present invention has been conceived in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object thereof is to improve the enjoyment of the game by providing a comfortable game environment for the player and the operating rate of the game machine. It is to provide a game machine capable of improving the game.

[0009]

The present invention according to claim 1 is a gaming machine having an image display device whose display state can be changed, and is necessary for displaying game information relating to a game on the image display device. The game display information is input, and the image input information necessary for displaying the image information other than the game information on the image display device is input to the information input unit and the information input unit. Layout determining means for determining the layout of the display screen of the image display device based on the displayed information, the layout determining means displaying a plurality of the images on the image display device in accordance with the information input state to the information input unit. The layout of the display screen of the image display device is determined so that information can be displayed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the invention, the gaming machine can play a game by using the valuable value owned by the player, and the valuable value is provided. It is characterized by further comprising value updating means for updating the valuable value when a value updating condition for updating is satisfied, and the image information includes an update result by the value updating means.

[0011]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the game display information necessary for displaying the game information related to the game on the image display device is input to the information input unit, and
Image display information necessary to display image information other than the game information on the image display device is input. The layout determining means determines the layout of the display screen of the image display device so that the plurality of pieces of display information can be displayed on the image display device according to the information input status to the information input unit. ..

According to the present invention described in claim 2, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 1, when the value updating condition for updating the valuable value is satisfied by the function of the value updating means. The valuable value is updated. Further, the image information includes an update result by the value updating means.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine is shown as an example of the gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a coin gaming machine, an image display type slot machine, or the like, and any gaming machine having an image display device whose display state can be changed is applicable.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a gaming machine 1 and a common card unit. When a player wants to play a game, he or she searches for a gaming machine 1 to be played from among a plurality of pachinko gaming machines installed in a gaming hall, and a common card of a common card unit 42 connected to the gaming machine. The common card unit owned by the user is inserted into the insertion / ejection port 43. A common card is a third-party-issued prepaid card that can be used anywhere in the game arcade that is a member of the common card system.

The common card has a magnetic stripe which is an information recording area. The magnetic stripe has a common card number, which is the number of the common card. ， Issuer code that issued this common card ， The date when the common card was issued ，
A card balance, which is a common valuable value of the common card, and a security code for maintaining the security of the common card are recorded. At the time of purchase, this common card is paid out to the player in a state where a valuable value corresponding to the purchase price paid by the player is recorded in the card balance.

This common card is used for card insertion / payment exit 43
When the card is inserted into the card reader / writer unit 8, the record information recorded on the inserted common card is recorded.
Is read. As described above, the card information includes the card balance information, and the card balance is displayed on the variable display unit 160 of the variable display device 27 based on the read card balance information. Then, the player presses the withdrawal switch 20 after confirming that the withdrawable indicator 21 is lit and the withdrawal is possible.
Then, a predetermined amount (for example, 100 yen) is deducted from the balance of the card, and is added to and updated on the points. The variable display unit 160 displays the added and updated points, and also displays the deducted and updated remaining amount after the withdrawal. Further, in the upper part of the front frame 2 of the gaming machine 1, a holding point analog display 13 for displaying the holding points in an analog manner by the lighting amount is provided. Further, speakers 14 are provided on the left and right of the point analog display 13.

On the front surface of the game board 25, two partition rails 16 are planted in a circular shape. The partition rail 16 includes an outer rail and an inner rail. Partition rail 1
A circular area surrounded by 6 is called a game area 26.
When the player operates the game handle 5 in the state where the points are held, the hitting ball hammer 22 is intermittently guided and the pachinko balls are fired one by one to form the game area 26 formed on the front surface of the game board 25. Be driven into. The shot ball that has been shot and emitted is detected by the shot ball detector 23. Note that the pachinko balls whose launch momentum is too weak to reach the game area 26 flow down and are detected as foul balls. A foul ball detector 24 for detecting the foul ball is provided. In the game area 26, normal winning holes 37, 3
5 and a start winning opening 38 are provided. In addition, a variable display device 27 that variably displays a plurality of types of identification information and changes the display state is provided in the approximate center of the game area 26.

The variable display device 27 has a variable display section 160 composed of a CRT or the like for displaying an image. On the variable display section 160, in addition to the plurality of types of identification information that are variably displayed, the point value information described above is simultaneously displayed.

Further, on the variable display section 160, a television program, a program provided by a video tape, a program provided by a laser disk, and the number of big hits of the game machine, etc. are displayed in accordance with the operation of the image changeover switch 200 by the player. Gaming machine information and the like are displayed. By operating the channel changeover switch 201, a specific program or the like can be selected.

Alternatively, various kinds of information, such as the fact that the business of the amusement park is about to end soon, the time service will be started, and other store information, will be automatically performed under the condition that the game of the player is not hindered. , Or in accordance with the operation of the screen changeover switch 200 by the player (store information).

By connecting a predetermined earphone or headphone to the earphone terminal 189, the variable display section 10
You can enjoy the audio information synchronized with the program displayed at 0, or the audio information is amplified through the speaker 17.

Below the variable display device 27, the opening / closing plate 30 is opened to a first state which is advantageous to the player, and the opening / closing plate 30 is closed to be in a second state which is disadvantageous to the player. A variable winning ball device 28 that can be changed is provided.

When a pachinko ball wins the starting winning opening 38 and the starting winning ball is detected by the starting winning ball detector 39, the variable display device 27 starts variably and when the variable display device 27 stops variably. If the display result of is a predetermined specific display mode (for example, 777), a specific game state occurs, the opening / closing plate 30 of the variable winning ball device 28 is opened, and a hit ball is placed in the special winning opening 29. This is the first state where it is easy to win a prize. In the variable winning ball device 28, since the excitation of the solenoid 31 is normally released, the opening / closing plate 30 is closed and the hitting ball cannot enter the second state. When the gaming state occurs, the solenoid 31 is excited and the variable winning ball apparatus 28 is in the first state, and the big hit control is performed. The first state of the variable winning ball device 28 ends when a predetermined number of hit balls (for example, 10) wins or a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds), whichever comes first, is satisfied. The second state. In addition, a specific winning area (V pocket) 32 is provided at a predetermined location inside the special winning opening 29 of the variable winning ball device 28, and a winning ball that has won a prize in this specific winning area 32 is a specific winning ball detector 33. Detected by. Further, all the winning balls that have won in the variable winning ball device 28 are detected by the winning number detector 34. In the gaming machine shown in the present embodiment, the specific winning ball detector 33 and the winning number detector 3
The number of winning balls detected by 4 is the "count" number,
It is displayed in the variable display area 160.

If a hit ball is won in the specific winning area 32 and detected by the specific winning ball detector 33 while the variable winning ball device 28 is in the first state, the variable winning ball device for that time is detected. After the completion of the first state of 30, the repeat continuation control for controlling the variable winning ball apparatus 28 to the first state is performed again. The upper limit number of times of this repeated continuation control is set to 16 times, for example. In the gaming machine shown in the present embodiment, the number of times of this repeated continuation control is displayed in the variable display area 160 as the “round” number.

Further, a special combination that improves the probability of a big hit is defined in the combination of the identification information that causes a big hit. After this special combination causes a big hit, and after the above-described predetermined number of repeated continuation controls are completed, the probability of a big hit is improved thereafter. This state is called a probability improvement state or a probability fluctuation state. In the probability improving state, the big hit occurs twice so that the gaming state returns from the probability improving state to the normal state.

When a pachinko ball enters the ball entrance 36 provided above the variable display device 27, the ball is guided downward and guided to above the starting winning opening 38, and the starting winning opening 38 of the starting winning opening 38. It is released to the game area 26 again from above. As a result, the released pachinko balls are in a state where it is easy to win the start winning hole 38. If the pachinko ball re-wins the start winning hole 38 while the variable display device 27 is variably displaying, the start winning is stored, and the variable display of the variable display device 27 is stopped and the variable display can be started again. At that stage, the variable display device 27 is variably displayed again based on the memory of the winning prize. For example, the upper limit of the memory for winning the start prize is set to four. Reference numeral 41 in the figure denotes a side lamp that lights up or blinks depending on the game state. Further, at the lowermost end of the game area 26, an out port 40 is formed for collecting, as an out ball, a pachinko ball that has not won any winning port or winning ball device.

Each time a pachinko ball is fired and detected by the fired ball detector 23, the holding point is decremented by "1" and the variable display section 160 or the holding point analog display 13 subtracts and displays. . On the other hand, each time a pachinko ball becomes a foul ball and is detected by the foul ball detector 24, the score is incremented by "1" and the variable display section 160 is added.
Alternatively, the point analog display 13 is additionally displayed. Also, if a pachinko ball wins the winning opening or the winning ball device, the score of a predetermined size is displayed on the variable display unit 1.
It is possible to display addition update on 60. The addition and update of the points that accompany the winning is added and updated point by point, and the addition and update of the point is displayed by the addition display unit 160. Further, as will be described later, the speaker 14 outputs an addition sound at the time of renewal of the addition to the holding point due to a winning of a ball hitting, an output of a ball rental sound when deducting from the balance of the common card, and the holding point. An alarm sound is output to notify that the predetermined number has been reached. As shown in the figure, the operation panel 4 is provided with the above-mentioned various displays and switches, and is also provided with a speaker 17. From the speaker 17, the sound effect at the time of the big hit is emitted. .

When the player wants to end the game, he depresses the game end switch 18. Then, when the score is not 0, the score card stored in the card stocker 10 is recorded with the score information at the end of the game and is discharged from the card insertion / discharge port 9 to the player.

The point card has a magnetic stripe as an information recording area. The magnetic stripe has a card N as in the case of the common card described above.
O. , The issuing store code, the date, and the security code are recorded, and further, the points and the expiration date are recorded. Here, the recorded expiration date is the expiration date when this point card can be used for a game or exchange of prizes.

Recording of the score information is performed by the card reader / writer unit 8. In addition, card stocker 1
When the number of cards in 0 is insufficient, the card depletion lamp 12 is turned on, and when the score card is full in the card stocker 10, the card full lamp 11 is turned on. Reference numeral 6 denotes an opening, and the card insertion / discharge port 9, the card full lamp 11, and the card shortage lamp 12 of the card reader / writer unit 8 face the opening 6. The point card processing device 7 including the card stocker 10 and the card reader / writer unit 8 is configured to be attachable / detachable to / from the gaming machine 1, and when the gaming machine 1 is replaced with a new one in the game hall, The point card processing device is detached from the gaming machine 1 and is reattached to the newly installed gaming machine, so that the point card processing device 7 can be continuously used.

Further, the common card unit 42 is also configured to be separable from the gaming machine 1, and when the gaming machine 1 is replaced at the gaming hall, it is separated from the gaming machine 1 and a new pachinko gaming machine is provided. It is configured to connect to it when installed.

By inserting the point card into the card insertion / ejection port 9, the record information (including the point) of the point card is read by the card reader / writer unit 8 and the read point is read. It becomes possible to play with the gaming machine 1 within the range. When the points of the point card are used up, the 0 point card is collected in the card stocker 10.

A member card is inserted into the card reader / writer unit 8 in addition to a point card. This membership card is a card issued when a player performs a predetermined membership admission procedure at a game hall.

Reference numeral 47 in the figure denotes a unit availability indicator for lighting and indicating that the common card unit is in a usable state. Reference numeral 44 is a fraction display switch, and when there is a fraction in the balance of the common card, by pressing the fraction display switch 44, the fraction is displayed by the variable display section 160. Reference numeral 45 is a connection direction indicator, which lights up and displays the connection direction of the gaming machine 1 to which the common card unit 42 is connected. 46 is a card insertion indicator,
The display indicates that a common card is inserted in the discharge port 43. Reference numeral 161 is an information output unit, which is for outputting the amount of money used by deducting the remaining amount of the common card to a terminal box installed in the game arcade. In the terminal box, the output amount information thus output is output to the host computer of the common card issuing company. Further, 3 is a glass door, which is a game area 2
The front surface of 6 is openably and closably covered.

FIG. 2 is a rear view showing a partial internal structure of the pachinko gaming machine and the common card unit. Gaming machine 1
In the game board holding frame 48, the rotating lever 4 for mounting the game board
9 is provided, and by rotating the rotation lever 49, the game board 25 can be attached and detached.

On the back side of the game board 25, there is provided a winning ball guide cover member 61 for guiding the winning balls won from the winning openings and the winning ball device formed on the game board. Below the prize-ball guiding cover member 61, there is provided a prize-ball collecting cover member 76 having a prize-ball collecting gutter 77 for collecting the prize balls at one place. Then, all the winning balls won from the winning opening and the winning ball device provided in the game area are collected by the winning ball collecting cover member 76 and detected by the winning ball detector 78, and then to the joining trough 79. Be induced. The winning ball collecting cover member 76 is also provided with a member for guiding the out balls that have entered the out port 40, and the out balls from the out port 40 are guided to the confluence gutter 79. The out gutter and the winning ball are merged by the merging trough 79, detected by the striking ball detector 80, and led to the ball firing position where they are struck by the striking ball hammer 22 again through the striking ball outlet 81. . The hitting ball hammer 22 is intermittently guided by the driving force of the hitting ball firing motor 58 of the hitting ball launching unit 57. The interlocking elevating rod 60 moves up and down in association with the intermittent guidance of the ball hitting hammer 22, and the pachinko balls are supplied to the ball hitting position one by one according to the vertical movement. Then, the pachinko ball supplied to the hitting ball firing position is repelled by the hitting ball hammer 22 and is hit into the game area 26.

On the back surface side of the game board 25, a game control board 71 for controlling the game state of the game machine 1 is provided. Further, on the back surface side of the winning ball collecting cover member 76, a holding point calculation control board 95 for calculating and controlling the holding points, and relay boards 89 and 132 are provided. Further, on the back surface side of the winning ball guide cover member 61, an image display control board 62 that constitutes the variable display device 27 faces.
A relay board 64 is provided. Reference numeral 2 in the drawing denotes a front frame.

On the other hand, the common card unit 42 includes a unit control board 162 and a card reader / writer unit 97.
Are provided. The unit control board 162 and the card reader / writer unit 97 connect the connector 96,
It is electrically connected via 98. The unit control board 162 is provided with a withdrawal amount setting switch 163, and an attendant at the game hall sets and operates the withdrawal amount setting switch 163. The withdrawal amount of (card balance) is entered.

The starting winning ball detector 39 is connected to the relay board 64 via the connector 68. The specific winning ball detector 33 is connected to the relay board 64 via the connector 69. The winning number detector 34 is connected to the relay board 64 via the connector 70. The solenoid 31 is connected to the relay board 64 via the connector 67. The lamp 41 and the like provided on the front surface of the game board are connected to the relay board 64 via the connector 66. This relay board 64 is
It is connected to the game control board 71 via the connectors 65 and 73.

The winning ball detector 78 is connected to the relay board 89 via the connector 91. The hit ball detector 80 is connected to the relay board 89 via the connector 94. The launch ball detector 23 described above is connected via the connector 92, and the foul ball detector 24 is connected via the connector 93.
It is electrically connected to the relay substrate 89 by electrical wiring passing through 52. The relay board 89 is connected to the holding point control board 95 via the connectors 90 and 85.

On the holding point control board 95, the connector 1
49, a connector 150, and a connector 151 are provided. These connectors 149, 150, 151 have openings 1
It is connected to the speaker 17, the game end switch 18, and the message display 15 by electric wiring passing through 52.

Furthermore, the holding point control board 95 is electrically connected to the card reader / writer unit 8 via connectors 83 and 84. In the figure, 7 is a point card processing device, and 10 is a card stocker. Also,
The holding point control board 95 is electrically connected to the hit ball launching unit 57 via the connectors 88 and 59. further,
The holding point control board 95 is electrically connected to the game control board 71 via the connectors 87 and 72, electrically connected to the relay board 50 via the connectors 82 and 51, and further, the connector. It is electrically connected to the relay substrate 132 via 86 and 133.

The relay board 132 includes the connectors 136 and 16
4 is electrically connected to the unit control board 162. The relay board 132 is electrically connected to the withdrawal switch 20 and the return switch 19 via the connector 134, and is also electrically connected to the withdrawable indicator 21 via the connector 135.

Further, the holding point control board 95 includes the connector 8
It is electrically connected to the game control board 71 via 7, 72. Further, the game control board 71 has connectors 74, 6
3 is electrically connected to the image display control board 62.

The game control board 71 is electrically connected to the point analog display 13 described above through a connector 75. Further, the holding point analog display 13 is electrically connected to the relay board 50 via the connector 52. The relay board 50 is provided with output connectors 53 to 56, and these connectors 53 to 56 are connected to a hall management computer. And connector 5
Withdrawal information (sales) is output via 3 and the connector 54
The profit information (subtraction) is output via the connector, the disadvantage information (addition) is output via the connector 55, and the stoppage information is output via the connector 56.

The relay board 165 has connectors 172, 17
It is electrically connected to the point control board 95 through 7, and the game control board 71 through the connectors 173 and 175.
, And is electrically connected to the image display control board 62a via the connectors 174 and 176. Further, the relay board 165 is electrically connected to the image changeover switch 201 via the connector 171, and is electrically connected to the channel changeover switch 201 via the connector 170.

The relay board 165 has a connector 167.
And 168, and is electrically connected to the hall management computer (management device 181) through the connector 16
The image on the video tape etc. is provided through 9.
It is electrically connected to a video source 190 to be described later, and is electrically connected to a receiving facility 191 to be described later, which receives a television broadcast or the like via a connector 178.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control circuit for the holding point control board, the game control board, and the peripheral devices connected to them.

The holding point control board 95 is provided with a holding point control microcomputer 99. The point control microcomputer 99 is a CPU as a control center.
In addition to (not shown), a read-only ROM 100 that stores a control program and the like, a RAM 101 that can read and write data at any time, and the like are provided. ROM1
00 is the lending number information (for example, 25 points) corresponding to the withdrawal unit amount (for example, 100 yen) when the credit is deducted from the card balance recorded on the common card inserted in the common card unit 42 and the points are lent. ) Is stored. Further, the RAM 101 is provided with a storage area for storing respective count values of a winning number counter, a first added value winning number counter, a second added value winning number counter, and a third added value winning number counter, which will be described later. Furthermore, RAM10
1 also has a storage area for storing the points. The points stored in the RAM 101 are rewritten at any time.

Further, the holding point control board 95 has connectors 85, 82, 87, a detection circuit 102, and an LED circuit 10.
3, an information output circuit 104, an information input circuit 105, a signal circuit 106, a power supply circuit 107, and a backup power supply 108 are provided. The backup power supply 108 normally supplies the power from the power supply circuit 107 to the RAM 101. When the potential of the power supply circuit 107 decreases due to a power failure or the like, the backup power supply 108 supplies the RAM 101 with power of a normal voltage. Is configured to supply. This allows the RAM 101 to operate even when a power failure occurs.
It is possible to prevent the stored data stored in the memory from being erased.

When a pachinko ball is fired by the ball hitting hammer 22, the fired ball is detected by the fired ball detector 23, and the detection output is transmitted through the connectors 92 and 90 provided on the relay board 89. The detection signal is input to the detection circuit 102 via the connector 85, and the detection signal is input to the holding point control microcomputer 99 from the detection circuit 102. When a pachinko ball hit in the game area 26 wins and is detected by the winning ball detector 78, the detection signal is the connector 91, 90 provided on the relay board 89.
Via the connector 85 and the connector 85, and the detection signal from the detection circuit 102 is input to the holding point control microcomputer 99. If the pachinko ball fired by the ball hitting hammer 22 becomes a foul ball and is detected by the foul ball detector 24, the detection signal is detected by the connector 93 provided on the relay board 89.
Detection circuit 102 via 90 and via connector 85.
And the detection signal from the detection circuit 102 is input to the holding point control microcomputer 99. When the hit ball in which the winning ball and the out ball join together is detected by the hit ball detector 80, the detection signal is detected via the connectors 94 and 90 provided on the relay board 89 and via the connector 85. The signal is input to the circuit 102, and the detection signal from the detection circuit 102 is input to the holding point control microcomputer 99.

The holding point control microcomputer 99 is
A signal for controlling a point analog display is transmitted via the LED circuit 103 and the connector 82, and also via the connectors 51 and 52 provided on the relay board 50.
Output to 3. Microcomputer 99 for holding point control
Are connectors 51 and 53 provided on the relay board 50 via the information output circuit 104 and the connector 82.
The withdrawal information (sales) is output to the hall management computer via. The withdrawal information (sales) is information on a withdrawal amount deducted from the remaining balance of the common card, and is sales information using the common card. The holding point control microcomputer 99 receives the information output circuit 104, the connector 82, the connector 51 of the relay board 50,
Profit information (subtraction) is output to the hall management computer via 54. The profit information (subtraction) is information on a subtraction value obtained by subtracting the score by firing a ball, etc., and is profitable information for the game arcade. The point control microcomputer 99 includes an information output circuit 104,
The disadvantage information (addition) is output to the hall management computer through the connector 82 and the connectors 51 and 55 of the relay board 50. This disadvantage information (addition)
Is information relating to the points added with points due to winning of hit balls, etc., and is information that is disadvantageous to the game arcade. Further, stop information is sent from a hall management computer or the like via the connectors 56 and 51 of the relay board 50, and
Input to the information input circuit 104 via the connector 82,
The input information is input to the microcomputer 99 for point control.

On the game control board 71, a game control microcomputer 109 is provided. This game control microcomputer 109 is C as a control center.
In addition to a PU (not shown), a ROM 110 that is a read-only memory that stores control programs and the like, a RAM 111 that can read and write data at any time, and the like are provided. The ROM 110 stores the first added value, the second added value, and the third added value.
The added value is stored. These added values are the game area 2
The ball hit in 6 is an additional value to be added to the score according to the winning portion where the prize is won. For example, when the ball hits the starting winning opening 38, the first additional value (for example, 5) is given. The second added value (for example, 10) is added when the hit ball is won in the normal winning opening 37, and the third added value (for example, 15) when the hit ball is won in the variable winning ball unit 28. ) Is added to the points. Further, the RAM 111 is provided with an area for storing count values of a start prize number counter and a special winning opening prize number counter, which will be described later.

On the game control board 71, further, connectors 72, 73, 74, 75, 177, a signal circuit 112, a detection circuit 113, a solenoid 114, a lamp circuit 115,
A display circuit 116, a sound circuit 117, a power supply circuit 118, and a backup power supply 119 are provided. The backup power supply 119 normally supplies the power from the power supply circuit 118 to the RAM 111, but supplies the power of a normal potential to the RAM 111 when the potential of the power supply circuit 118 is lowered due to a power failure or the like. is there. This backup power supply 119 can prevent the inconvenience that the stored data in the RAM 111 is erased even if a power failure or the like occurs.

When a pachinko ball hit in the game area 26 enters the starting winning opening 38 and is detected by the starting winning ball detector 39, the detection signal is a connector 68 provided on the relay board 64. , 65, and the connector 7
3 is input to the detection circuit 113, and the detection circuit 113
The detection signal from the game control microcomputer 1
09 is input. If a pachinko ball that has entered the variable winning ball device 28 enters the specific winning area 32 and is detected by the specific winning ball detector 33, the detection signal is a relay board 6
4 through the connectors 69 and 65, and the connector 73
Is input to the detection circuit 113 via, and the detection signal from the detection circuit 113 is the game control microcomputer 10
9 is input. If the pachinko ball that has entered the variable winning ball device 28 is detected by the winning number detector 34, the detection signal is sent to the detection circuit 113 via the connectors 66 and 65 of the relay board 64 and the connector 73. It is input, and the detection signal from the detection circuit 113 is input to the game control microcomputer 109.

Microcomputer 109 for game control
Outputs an excitation control signal for controlling the excitation of the solenoid 31 via the solenoid circuit 119, the connector 73, and the connectors 65, 67 of the relay board 64. The game control microcomputer 109 is connected via the lamp circuit 115, the connector 73 and the relay board 60.
A lamp lighting or blinking control signal is output to the lamp 41 via the connectors 65 and 66 of FIG. The game control microcomputer 109 includes a display circuit 116 and a connector 74.
And the image display device 62 via the connector 63.
The display control signal is output to. The game control microcomputer 109 outputs a control signal for sound generation to the speaker 14 via the sound circuit 117, the connector 75, and via the connector 137. The game control microcomputer 109 outputs a video switching signal to the relay board 165 via the connectors 175 and 173.

When the detection signal from the hitting ball detector 80 is input to the point control microcomputer 99, the point control microcomputer 99 outputs a winning signal via the signal circuit 106 and the connector 87. , The winning signal is input to the game control microcomputer 109 via the connector 72 and the signal circuit 112. In the game control microcomputer 109, the first added value, the second added value, the second added value, the second added value, based on the input winning signal and the presence or absence of the detection signal of the starting winning ball detector 39, the winning number detector 34. The added value signal of any of the three added values is sent to the signal circuit 1
12, the added value signal is output via the connector 72, and is input to the holding point control microcomputer 99 via the connector 87 and the signal circuit 106. This addition value signal is composed of 4-bit data of D0 to D3. On the other hand, the game control microcomputer 10
If 9 determines that a random number or the like is sampled based on a detection signal from the start winning prize detector 39 and a big hit is generated according to the sampled random number, the variable display section 160 displays a specific display mode (for example, 777)
The display is controlled so that
2, a jackpot signal is output via the connector 72, and the output jackpot signal is output from the connector 87 and the signal circuit 106.
It is input to the microcomputer 99 for point control via.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the control circuit of the unit control board, the holding point control board, and their peripheral devices.

Reference numeral 42 in the drawing denotes a common card unit, and various control circuits and electric devices shown in a block surrounded by a dashed line of the common card unit 42 are provided in the common card unit 42. Reference numeral 1 denotes a gaming machine, and various control circuits and electronic devices shown in a block surrounded by a chain double-dashed line of the gaming machine 1 are gaming machines 1
It is provided in.

The unit control board 162 is provided with a common card unit control microcomputer 120. The common card unit control microcomputer 120 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM (not shown).
And so on. Further, the unit control board 16
2 are connectors 96, 123, 125, 127, 16
4, card reader / writer control circuit 121, switch circuit 122, LED circuit 124, information output circuit 126, switch circuit 128, LED circuit 129, signal circuit 130,
A power supply circuit 131 is provided.

The common card unit controlling microcomputer 120 is electrically connected to the card reader / writer unit 97 of the common card unit 42 via the connectors 98 and 96 and the card reader / writer control circuit 121. A card insertion detection signal from the unit 97, a card information signal obtained by reading card information recorded on the inserted common card, and the like are input to the common card unit control microcomputer 120. The common card unit control microcomputer 120 outputs new balance data after the withdrawal to the card reader / writer unit 97 via the card reader / writer control circuit 121 and the connectors 96 and 98. When the fraction display switch 44 is pressed, the operation signal is input to the common card unit control microcomputer 120 via the connector 123 and the switch circuit 122. When the withdrawal amount setting switch 163 (see FIG. 2) is operated, the operation signal is input to the common card unit control microcomputer 120 via the connector 123 and the switch circuit 122.

The common card unit control microcomputer 120 outputs a signal for controlling the display of the unit usable indicator 47, the card insertion indicator 46, and the connection direction indicator 45 via the LED circuit 124 and the connector 125. To do. The common card unit control microcomputer 120 outputs the withdrawal amount data of the card balance to the terminal box from the information output unit 161 via the information output circuit 126 and the connector 127, and the withdrawal amount data is issued from the terminal box. Output to the company host computer.

The front panel 4 of the gaming machine 1 has a withdrawal switch 2
0, a return switch 19, and a withdrawable indicator 21 are provided. When the withdrawal switch 20 is operated, the operation signal is a connector 138, a connector 134 of the relay board 132,
Common card unit control microcomputer 120 via 136, connector 164 and switch circuit 128
Is input to When the return switch 19 is operated, the operation signal indicates that the connector 138, the connectors 134, 136, 164 and the switch circuit 12 of the relay board 132.
8 to the common card unit control microcomputer 120. The card unit control microcomputer 120 outputs a signal for controlling the display of the withdrawable indicator 21 via the LED circuit 129, the connector 164, the connectors 136 and 135 of the relay board 132, and the connector 139 of the front plate 4. . Further, the card unit control microcomputer 120 passes through the connector 164, the connectors 136 and 135 of the relay board 132, the connector 139 of the front plate 4, the connectors 165 and 166 of the holding point control board 95, and the connector 63 of the image display device 62. Then, a signal for displaying the balance is given to the image display device 62.

On the holding point control board 95, in addition to the various control circuits and electronic devices described in FIG. 3, connectors 149, 1 are provided.
50, 151, 165, 166, 83, 86, 88, sound circuit 195, switch circuit 146, LCD circuit 147,
A signal circuit 143, a power supply circuit 148, a card reader / writer control circuit 170, and a firing control circuit 171 are provided.

Further, on the operation panel 4, a speaker 17, a game end switch 18, and a message display 1 are further provided.
5, connectors 140, 141 and 142 are provided. Then, a control signal for sound generation is given to the speaker 17 from the holding point control microcomputer 99 through the sound circuit 195 and the connectors 149 and 146.
When the game end switch 18 is operated, the operation signal is given to the point holding microcomputer 99 via the connectors 141 and 150 and the switch circuit 146.

The point control microcomputer 99 is
A variable display unit 160 of the variable display device 27 outputs a signal for displaying a score and a signal for displaying an added value for displaying the score (the number of scores) and the added value (the number of additions), respectively. The signal for displaying the holding point and the signal for displaying the added value are supplied via connectors 166 and 63, respectively.
It is given to the image display device 62. Further, the holding point control microcomputer 99 and the holding point control microcomputer 99 and the connector 177 send a video switching signal for switching the display screen of the variable display section 160 in order to respectively display these holding points and the added value. , 172 to the relay board 165 electrically connected. Further, the holding point control microcomputer 99 outputs a message display control signal to the message display 15 via the LCD circuit 147 and the connectors 151 and 142.

The holding point control microcomputer 99 is
Card reader / writer control circuit 170, connectors 83, 8
4 is electrically connected to the card reader / writer unit 8 via 4, and the record information data obtained by reading the point card insertion detection signal from the card reader / writer unit 8 and the record information of the point card is micro control for the point control. Computer 9
9 is input. In addition, new point data at the end of the game is output to the card reader / writer unit 8 from the point control microcomputer 99.

The holding point control microcomputer 99 is
It is electrically connected to the hitting ball launching unit 57 through the launching control circuit 171, connectors 88 and 59, and outputs a control signal for driving and controlling the ball launching motor 58 of the hitting ball launching unit 57. Various control circuits and electronic devices provided on the holding point control board 95 are supplied with a predetermined DC current from the power supply circuit 148.

Further, the power supply circuit 13 is included in various control circuits and electronic devices provided on the unit control board 162.
A predetermined direct current from 1 is supplied.

The signal circuit 130 and the signal circuit 143 are composed of photocouplers, and are configured to once convert an electric signal into an optical signal and then convert it into an electric signal again. Then, via the signal circuits 130, 143, connectors 164, 136, 133, 86, between the common card unit control microcomputer 120 and the point control microcomputer 99, a unit connection signal, a unit operation signal, The withdrawal request signal, withdrawal completion signal, and P machine operation signal are transmitted and received. That is,
Common card unit control microcomputer 120
And the point control microcomputer 99 are connected, the common card unit control microcomputer 120 to the point control microcomputer 9 are connected.
A unit connection signal is transmitted to 9. On condition that the unit connection signal is input, the gaming machine 1 is ready to hit a ball, and is also in a state where addition control to a holding point based on a winning ball is possible.

When the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the point machine control microcomputer 99 outputs a P machine operation signal to the common card unit control microcomputer 120. Next, at the stage when the card is received on the common card unit 42 side and the withdrawal switch 20 is operated to input the operation detection signal, the unit operation signal is output to the holding point control microcomputer 99. When a predetermined delay time has elapsed from this point,
The withdrawal request signal is sent from the common card unit control microcomputer 120 to the holding point control microcomputer 9
9 is output. The reason for providing this predetermined delay time is that
This is to provide a sufficient time for the gaming machine 1 to determine that a unit operation signal has been input, thereby preventing malfunction due to noise.

At the time when a predetermined time has elapsed after the delay time has elapsed, the withdrawal preparation signal changes from holding point control to common card unit control microcomputer 1
20. When a predetermined time has elapsed from this point, the withdrawal request signal is turned off, and the withdrawal command signal is sent from the common card unit control microcomputer 120 to the holding point control microcomputer 92.
It is supposed to be output to. When a predetermined time has elapsed from this point, the withdrawal completion signal is sent from the holding point control microcomputer 99 to the common card based on the completion of the withdrawal control operation performed by the holding point control microcomputer 99 according to the withdrawal command signal. It is output to the unit control microcomputer 120.

Signal circuit 1 for transmitting and receiving these signals
Since the photocouplers 30 and 143 are formed, the common card unit control microcomputer 120 and the holding point control microcomputer 99 are electrically insulated, and the unit control board 162 and the holding point control board 95 are separated from each other. In the meantime, it is possible to prevent as much as possible the inconvenience that the abnormal high voltage due to the failure of one is input to the other and the other control board is adversely affected.

Next, the image display control board 62a will be described in detail. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control circuit included in the image display control board 62a.

Referring to FIG. 5, this control circuit is a CPU.
152, work RAM (hereinafter referred to as WRAM) 15
3, ROM 154, video color encoder (hereinafter V
CE) 155, video display controller (hereinafter referred to as VDC) 156, video RAM (hereinafter referred to as “VRAM”)
VRAM) 157, VRAM (for holding point display) 15
8, conversion circuit 203, synthesis circuit 204, speech synthesis circuit 2
05 inclusive.

The CPU 152 is connected to the game control board 71 and the holding point control board 95 via the connector 63, and the relay board 1 is connected via the connector 176 and the connector 202.
65 is connected. The synthesizing circuit 204 has a connector 159.
It is connected to the variable display section 160 of the variable display device 27 via. The CPU 152 and the voice synthesis circuit 205 are connected to the amplifiers of the speakers 14 and 17 via the connector 206.

The CPU 152 receives an audio signal such as a television program or a video program given from the tuner section 186 via the connector 202. Further, the CPU 152
Via the connector 63, the command for image display given from the game control board 71 and the holding point control board 95 is received. Further, the CPU 152 receives a command for image display given from the relay board 165 via the connector 176. Then, the CPU 152 uses the ROM 154.
On the basis of the image display program and data stored in, the WRAM 153 is used as a work area to perform image display processing. The image display data stored in the ROM 154 includes the variable display device 2
In addition to the image data relating to the identification information, the points, the added value, the remaining amount, the notification information and the like displayed on the variable display unit 160 of 7, the variable display of the identification information, the image displayed during the big hit, and other game conditions The image data to be displayed is included. On the other hand, store information, game machine information, images of televisions, video tapes, laser disks, and the like, and their data are input from each information source to the image display control board 62a via a relay board 165 described later.

The processing procedure of the CPU 152 is as follows. According to the received command, the CPU 152 reads the image display data from the ROM 154, and stores the image display data in the VDC 156, depending on the display contents. At this time, the CPU 152
In addition to the image data, VD also controls the coordinates for display and data for VRAM control such as scrolling.
Give to C156. VDC 156 receives image display data, allocates them to VRAMs 157 and 158, and processes the colors and brightness. In that case, the image display data relating to the identification information, the notification information, the store information, the game machine information, and various image data displayed according to the game situation are allocated to the VRAM 157, and the image display regarding the score, the added value and the remaining amount is performed. Data is allocated to the VRAM 158.

VDC 156 supplies the image display data thus created to VCE 155. VCE
155 converts the data respectively given from the VRAMs 157 and 158 into a decoding sync signal for displaying on the variable display section 160, and gives it to the synthesizing circuit 204.

On the other hand, a signal having game machine information or store information transmitted from the relay board 165 is the connector 202.
Is input to the combining circuit 204 via. Alternatively, a video signal of a television program, a video program, or the like transmitted from the relay board 165 is input to the conversion circuit 203 and converted into RGB three primary color signals, and then input to the synthesis circuit 204.

The layout configuration displayed on the variable display section 160 of the image display device 62 is determined for these signals input to the synthesizing circuit 204 under the control of the CPU 152, and the images are synthesized. As a synthesizing method, for example, a chroma key synthesizing method that is generally used in screen inset synthesizing is used. In addition, the conversion circuit 203,
The VCE 155 has the function of the synthesizing circuit 204,
A method of converting and synthesizing at 155 may be used.

On the other hand, an audio signal such as a television program or a video program input to the CPU 152 is amplified by the speakers 14 and 17 via the connector 206, and the sound effect during the game is synthesized by the speech synthesizing circuit 205 and then the connector 206.
Loudspeakers 14 and 17 are audible.

As described above, since the control circuit formed on the image display control board 62a different from the relay board 165, the game control board 71, and the holding point control board 95 performs the processing for image display, The control processing for image display by the relay board 165, the game control board 71, and the holding point control board 95 can be minimized. Therefore,
With this gaming machine, the game control can be made more sophisticated.

FIG. 6 is a gaming machine 1 shown in the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the connection between the device and peripheral devices. In the CPU 183 configured on the relay board 165, a video switching signal for switching the display screen of the image display device 62 via the interface 182 is provided with the game control board 71, the management device 181, the image changeover switch 200, and the holding point control board. 95, respectively.

When the video switching signal is input, the CPU 183 displays the image requested by the video switching signal on the image display device 6.
The layout of various images to be displayed on the variable display unit 160 is determined so as to be displayed in addition to No. 2. Plural types of layout are determined in advance and stored in the layout table in the ROM 184. CPU183
The ROM 1 confirms the image currently displayed on the variable display section 160, and adds the layout required for displaying the image requested by the video switching signal to the ROM 1 in addition to the image.
Select from the layout table in 84. Also, CP
The U 183 reads a command for displaying an image corresponding to the input video switching signal from the command table stored in the ROM 184. And the CPU 18
3 transmits a display command in which the selected layout and command are combined to the image display control board 62a. According to the display command received from the CPU 183, the image display control board 62a selects the image data to be displayed and the layout in which the image data is displayed, transmits the image data to the image display device 62, and outputs the audio data corresponding to the image data. It is transmitted to the amplifier 187. An image based on the image signal received from the image display control board 62a is displayed on the image display device 62. Alternatively, when the image of the image source 190 or the reception facility 191 is selected, the image display control board 62a transmits the image signal received from the tuner unit 186 to the image display device 62 as image data.
A sound corresponding to the display image on the image display device 62 is amplified from the speaker 14 via the amplifier 187. When a predetermined earphone or the like is connected to the earphone terminal 189, the voice information is output through the earphone without the speaker 14 expanding the voice. The CPU 183 can confirm the image currently displayed on the variable display unit 160 by referring to the display command transmitted in the previous stage.

The tuner section 186 has a tuning function for tuning a television, a video tape, etc., and a signal separating function for separating a signal of a receiving channel selected by the tuning function into a video signal and an audio signal. The video signal and the audio signal, which are provided and separated, are input from the tuner unit 186 to the image display control board 62a.

From the game control board 71 to the CPU 183,
When the display of the identification information that is variably displayed on the variable display device 27 is in a so-called reach state, a video switching signal for switching the display of the identification information to the enlarged display video for a predetermined time is transmitted. The CPU 183 can transmit a display command corresponding to this request to the image display control board 62a. Alternatively, a video switching signal for switching and displaying the number of rounds and the number of counts described above is transmitted from the game control board 71 to the CPU 183, and the CPU 183 responds to this signal to the image display control board 62a to the game control board. A display command for receiving the information for displaying the number of rounds and the number of counts transmitted from 71 can be transmitted.

From the management device 181 which is an example of the above-mentioned hall management computer to the CPU 183, store information,
For example, a video switch to switch to a video that displays information such as the opening hours of a game hall, newly opened information, or identification information when a big hit occurs if it is a lucky number. The signal is transmitted and the display information is transmitted. Here, the lucky number means identification information that constitutes a specific combination among the combinations of identification information that causes a big hit. In the present embodiment, each piece of identification information “3”, “5”, “7” is called a lucky number. In addition, a big hit with a lucky number is called a lucky start. The prize balls and the points acquired by the occurrence of the big hit usually have to be once exchanged for prizes, and therefore the prize balls and the points cannot be directly used for the game.
However, when a big hit occurs with a lucky number, the award ball or score that has been acquired can be used directly in the game. The information transmitted from the management device 181 to the CPU 183 also includes information for informing the player what identification information such a lucky number is set in each gaming machine. The gaming machine information and the store information are constantly transmitted from the management device 181 to the image display control board 62a via the interface 182 while the respective information is updated.

The CPU 183 can receive the video switching signal from the management device 181, and can send a display command corresponding to the received video switching signal to the image display control board 62a. Image display control board 62a that has received the display command
Controls the game machine information or the store information transmitted from the interface 182 in the relay board 165, or both, to be displayed on the image display device 62 based on the display command.

The player selects the image changeover switch (SW) 200.
When is operated, a video switching signal is transmitted from the image switching switch 200 to the CPU 183 in response to the switching operation.
Specifically, any of video broadcasting such as television broadcasting received by the receiving facility 191, programs provided from the video source 190 using a video tape or a laser disk as a medium, and gaming machine information such as the number of jackpots of each gaming machine. A signal for switching to that image is sent from the image changeover switch 200 to the CPU.
183 is transmitted.

The CPU 183 controls the image changeover switch 200.
It is possible to control the image display device 62 to display an image corresponding to the image switching signal of the above. When the video switching signal requests game machine information, a display command for displaying the game machine information is transmitted from the CPU 183 to the image display control board 62a. On the other hand, when the video switching signal requests the video broadcasting received by the video source 190 or the receiving equipment 191, the CPU 183 receives the video signal received from the tuner unit 186 to the image display control board 62a. Then, a display command to the effect that it is displayed is transmitted. The player switches the channel 20
The tuner unit 186 operates by operating 1.
A predetermined program is transmitted from the video broadcast received by the video source 190 or the receiving facility 191 to the image display control board 62a. The image display control board 62a is the image display device 6
Control is performed so that the program is displayed on the second variable display unit 160.

From the point control board 95 to the CPU 183,
When the number of balls held by the player reaches a predetermined number, a video switching signal for switching to a video displaying that the predetermined score is reached is transmitted.

This video switching signal contains information on the predetermined number of points to be displayed. The CPU 183 can receive a video switching signal from the point holding control board 95 and send a display command to the image display control board 62a to receive the video information sent from the point holding control board 95 and control the display. is there.

For the various video switching signals described above,
The CPU 183 sends a command for additionally displaying various images on the image display device and a command for specifying a layout required for the additional display to the image display control board 62a as display commands.

Further, from the holding point control board 95 to the image display control board 62a, update display information of the number of balls held by the player, the number of additions, and the remaining card amount is transmitted at any time.

Here, the number of additions means, for example, a normal winning opening 3
This is the number of prize balls to be paid out as a result of hitting a ball at a winning opening such as 5,37. In the case where the batting ball is won in the normal winning holes 35 and 37, and in the case where the batting ball is winning in the large winning port 29,
The number of prize balls to be paid out is different, and therefore the number of additions is also different.

Also, the holding point control board 95 and the game control board 7
The prize winning signal and the additional value signal are exchanged with the player 1, and the jackpot information and reach are established from the game control board 71 to the management device 181, jackpot occurrence information by a lucky number, and probability variation. The jackpot occurrence information by the combination of the identification information that causes the, the information indicating that the membership card has been inserted into the gaming machine, the effective start information, etc. are transmitted.

In addition, the CP via the interface 182
Among the images displayed on the image display device 62 according to the video switching signal input to U183, the image for notification of reach occurrence, the image for notification of acquisition of a predetermined score (number of balls held), and the image for displaying store information are: After being displayed for a predetermined time, the display disappears and the display is restored to the display state before the display. Whether or not such a display period is designated is included in the video switching signal, and the display period corresponding to the video switching signal is stored in advance in the ROM 184 of the relay board 165. For example, a video switching signal requesting to display an image for notification of acquisition of a predetermined score is transmitted from the holding point control board 95, and the CPU 183 receives this signal and reads the corresponding display period from the ROM 184 and at the same time. Is transmitted to the image display control board 62a. Then, at the same time as the transmission command is transmitted, the timer provided in the RAM 185 is started to switch back to the image configuration before the image for notifying the predetermined score acquisition is displayed after the designated display period has elapsed. C to switch back
The PU 183 retransmits the display command transmitted in the previous stage of the display command transmitted to display the image for notifying the predetermined score acquisition. The previous display command is RAM
185, and is read at the time of switching back.

Regarding the data of the number of rounds, the number of counts, the number of balls held, the number of additions, and the balance, which may be sequentially updated and displayed on the image display device 62, the relay board 1
Since it is transmitted directly from the game control board 71 or the holding point control board 95 to the image display control board 62a without passing through 65, the display command of the previous stage is transmitted, and there is no problem in their display contents.

As described above, since the presence / absence of the designation of the display period is included in the video switching signal, the display period can be designated so that the video signal is switched back after a predetermined time elapses, or a new video switching signal is sent. You can also specify that it will continue to be displayed unless it is sent. As a result, images that do not always need to be displayed in normal times are automatically erased, so that the player does not have to operate and erase them.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the variable display section 160 except when a big hit occurs during a game. A number serving as a lucky number is displayed in the display area 160d. By this display, the player can know the lucky number without taking his eyes off the variable display section 160.

In the variable display areas 160a to 160c, variably displayed identification information is displayed. The variable display areas 160a and 160b show a state in which the identification information is stopped and displayed, and the variable display area 160c shows a state in which the identification information is being variably displayed. In the display area 160e, the number of balls (points) currently held by the player, the remaining amount, and the added number which is the number of prize balls paid out in accordance with winning in the general winning openings 35 and 36 are displayed. ing.
As a result of the display in the display area 160e, the player has 1800 balls, and the points that have been added and updated are added to the general winning openings 35 and 37 by 5 points (5 points).
It is possible to immediately know during the game that the remaining amount is 80 frequencies (8000 yen).

The display configuration shown in FIG. 7 shows a so-called reach state in which a big hit occurs when the identification information in the variable display is stopped at "7", but when the game is in the reach state. It is not a display that is always displayed in this way, but a display that is configured for explanation. The display on the variable display section 160 is determined by the CPU 183 in accordance with the input of the video switching signal described above. Therefore, if the player selects a television program, for example, by operating the image changeover switch 200 when no big hit has occurred,
Variable display areas 160a to 160c and display area 16
A television program is displayed at 0e, and the identification information is displayed at the left shoulder of the variable display area 160a. Such a display mode will be described later with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an image displayed on the variable display section 160 when the identification information is being variably displayed.
The variable display areas 160a to 160c are displayed in the upper left portion of the variable display section 160 in such a size that the player can recognize the variable display state. The variable display area 160a shows a state in which the number "7", which is one piece of identification information that causes a big hit, is stopped and displayed, and the variable display areas 160b and 160c show that the identification information is variably displayed. A situation is shown. Also, a display area 160d for displaying a lucky number and a display area 160e for displaying the number of balls held, etc. are displayed.

Except when a big hit has occurred or when a reach has occurred, the player is often out of hand while waiting for the reach to occur.
In addition, there are many players who want to enjoy sports programs and the like while playing. In such a case, the player operates the image changeover switch 200 and the channel changeover switch 201 to change the layout of the variable display device 160 from the state shown in FIG. 7 to the variable display areas 160a to 16a.
0c is reduced and displayed, and the display area 160f is changed to a layout in which a television program selected by the player is displayed. Also, audio information such as the selected TV program is output to the speaker 14 and the earphone terminal 189.

In the layout of the image shown in FIG.
The variable display areas 160a to 160e are displayed to such an extent that it does not hinder the player from recognizing the display contents, so that the player can enjoy a TV program or the like on a screen as large as possible while grasping the game situation. it can.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the variable display section 160. Compared with FIG. 8 described above, the management device 181 described in FIG. 6 is displayed in the display area 160f.
Store information to be input more is displayed. The store information is displayed by the player operating the image changeover switch 200, and is also automatically displayed in interrupt by the generation of an image changeover signal from the management device 181 (see FIG. 6). When the interrupt display is performed by the image switching signal from the management device 181, the store information is displayed for a predetermined time and then automatically switched back to the image before the store information is displayed.

When the player selects a TV program or a video program and displays it on the display area 160f, the store information is not displayed on the entire surface of 160f but on the display area 160f. 160h which is part of the area
After being displayed as an interrupt in (inside the dotted line frame on the drawing), it will switch back after a lapse of a predetermined time. That is, the store information is displayed in the display area 160f.
The display on the entire surface is limited to the case where the display of the store information is selected by the player's own operation, or when no selection operation is performed.

Next, the display when a reach occurs on the screen of FIG. 8 or 9 described above will be described.
When the reach occurs in the layout configuration in which the display area 160f is displayed on the variable display section 160 and the variable display areas 160a to 160c are reduced and displayed, the variable display section 160 displays the variable area 160f for a predetermined time as shown in FIG. The layout is changed as follows. That is, the display area 1 only for a predetermined time.
The variable display areas 160a to 160c are enlarged and displayed on 60f. In addition, the sound effect for notifying the reach is output through the speakers 14 and 17 or the earphone terminal 189.

As a result, the occurrence of reach can be more effectively appealed to the player, the player who has been interested in other than the game until then can be drawn into the game at once, and the thrill feeling imparted by the occurrence of reach can be obtained. Can be fully enjoyed by the player. After the elapse of a predetermined time, the variable display area is reduced and displayed, and the display area 160f appears, and the original layout configuration is restored.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the variable display section 160. The display area 160g displays "lucky start" and the number of rounds and the number of counts. That is, FIG. 10 shows an example of an image displayed when the game is in the specific game state (big hit state). The display area 160
A lucky number is displayed in d, and the display area 160
In e, the number of balls held is displayed, and the variable display area 160
a to 160c are displayed large in the center.

FIG. 11 shows a case where the player is displaying the gaming machine information on the variable display section 160 during the occurrence of the big hit. The game machine information is the image changeover switch 2 as described above.
It is displayed by operating 00. The displayed gaming machine information is information for each gaming machine from the start of one-day business in the gaming hall to the present. "Number of big hits" indicates the number of times big hits occur,
Is the number of times the identification information is variably started on the variable display device 24, "occupancy rate" is the ratio of the time during which the actual game is played to business hours, and "average payout" is the jackpot. The average number of points obtained by the player per occurrence is shown, and "the number of start-ups from the previous big hit" means the identification information on the variable display device 24 once the big hit occurs and before the next big hit occurs. Indicates the number of times the variable starts. The gaming machine information described above is transmitted from the management device 181 to the image display control board 62a, as described with reference to FIG. Since the player can obtain such gaming machine information while staying, it is not necessary to interrupt the game to obtain the gaming machine information and move to a dedicated terminal to which the gaming machine information is provided. Further, there is an advantage that such gaming machine information can be obtained in real time while playing a game.

In FIG. 11, the gaming machine information is displayed in the display area 1
In addition to being displayed on 60i, store information is displayed on the display area 160h.
Is displayed in. That is, FIG. 11 shows a state in which the store information is interrupted and displayed while the player is displaying the game machine information during the big hit occurrence. Therefore, the display area 160 is displayed before the store information is interrupted and displayed.
The gaming machine information is displayed in the entire area (i.e., the display area 160f shown in FIG. 9) including i and the display area 160h.
Further, after the display of the store information is performed and a predetermined time has elapsed, the gaming machine information is displayed in the original display area 160f. Thus, the variable display portion 16 of the gaming machine according to the present invention
0 is the variable display areas 160a to 160c and the display area 16
It is possible to configure a layout that is divided into respective areas consisting of 0d, 160e, 160g, 160h, and 160i. As a result, the player can identify information, lucky start information, number of rounds, number of counts, number of balls held, number of additions,
The balance, the store information, and the gaming machine information can be viewed together at once. Although the gaming machine information is displayed in the display area 160i of FIG. 11, it goes without saying that a television program or a video program can be displayed instead.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the variable display section 160 when the number of balls held exceeds a predetermined number during a big hit. In particular, FIG. 12 shows the variable display areas 160a to 160a on the variable display unit 160 as shown in FIG.
In the display state where 60c is enlarged and displayed, the number of balls held is 2
The images to be switched and displayed when the number reaches 000 are shown. FIG.
In 2, in response to the fact that the number of possessed balls has reached 2000, an image in which a banner of "2000 hits" appears from the dumb balls by a person of a predetermined character breaking the dumb balls in the display area 160i is predetermined. The time is displayed. Although it can be known from the display in the display area 160e that the number of hits has reached the predetermined number, the image displayed in the display area 160i
It is possible to further enhance the player's sense of winning a prize ball and improve the game motivation. In addition, while switching to the image display of FIG. 12, a predetermined sound effect is emitted from the speaker 17, the speaker 14, or the earphone terminal 184, and the player's feeling of winning a prize ball is further enhanced.

After the display shown in the display area 160i is performed for a predetermined time, the variable display areas 160a to 160c, which are images originally displayed in the display area 160i, are switched back to the enlarged display state. Store information is displayed in the display area 160h, and the display area 160h in which the store information is displayed also disappears after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the display, and the display area 160i and the display area 160h are combined. Now, the variable display areas 160a to 160c (see FIG. 10)
Is configured.

FIG. 13 is a diagram further showing an example of an image displayed on the variable display portion 160 when the number of balls held is greater than or equal to a predetermined number during a big hit. In particular, FIG. 13 shows that the number of balls held is 2 when the image (TV program, video program, game machine information, etc.) displayed by the player's selection is displayed in the display area 160i or 160f shown in FIG.
The images to be switched and displayed when the number becomes 000 are shown. When the player is selectively displaying some information, unlike the display in FIG. 12, the selected information is continuously displayed in the display area 160i, and an image indicating that a predetermined number has been reached is displayed in the display area 160h. To be done. As a result, the additional services provided to the player are prevented as much as possible,
It is possible to enhance the player's feeling of winning a prize ball. By laying out and displaying these display contents on the variable display section 160, various kinds of information can be grasped without leaving the gaming machine and without distracting the line of sight, so that it is possible to concentrate on the game. Further, it is possible to improve the operation rate.

Next, the contents of the display layout control used in the above embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a program stored in the ROM 184 inside the relay board 165. CPU18
3 controls the display layout of the variable display section 160 according to the flowchart described below.

First, C formed on the relay board 165.
The PU 183 determines whether or not a video switching signal is input through the interface 182, that is, whether or not there is an image switching signal (S1). If there is no image switching signal, the process ends, and if there is an image switching signal, it is checked what kind of display is currently being made on the image display device 62 (S2). This check is performed by the CPU 18
3 is performed by referring to the contents of the display command transmitted to the image display control board 62a in the past by itself. The display command transmitted in the past is updated and stored in the RAM 185. Next input image switching signal (video switching signal)
Is determined whether it is a signal for erasing display information (S3). Specifically, the player selects the image changeover switch 20.
When the operation of erasing the image (for example, a television program) selected and displayed by operating 0, a display information erasing signal corresponding to the erasing operation is sent from the image changeover switch 200 through the interface 182 to the CPU 183.
Is input to If it is not a display information erasing signal, that is, if it is a signal requesting to newly display some image, whether display information is duplicated, that is, the image requested to be displayed has already been displayed. It is determined whether or not it is a thing (S4). If the display information is duplicated, the process ends. On the other hand, if the display information does not overlap, or if it is determined in S3 that it is the display information erasing signal, the display layout pattern corresponding to the display information is selected (S5). Specifically, the display layout to be displayed when the image designated by the erase signal is erased is selected from the display layouts currently configured in the variable display section 160.
Alternatively, the display layout required for newly additionally displaying the image designated by the image switching signal on the display layout currently configured in the variable display section 160 is selected. For example, in the case where the display layout shown in FIG. 7 is currently configured, if the image changeover switch 200 generates a video changeover signal indicating that a television program is to be displayed, the display layout shown in FIG. 8 is selected. On the contrary, when the video layout signal (display information erasing signal) indicating that the television program is not displayed is generated when the display layout shown in FIG. 8 is currently configured, the display layout shown in FIG. 7 is selected. Such a display layout is stored in the layout table in the ROM 184 as described above.

After the display layout pattern is selected in S5, a command designating the display layout pattern is transmitted to the image display control board 62a (S6). Next, S
When it is determined to be NO in 3, that is, when an additional image is newly displayed, it is determined whether or not an image to be additionally displayed has a designated display time (S7). The image for which the display time is specified means the identification information enlarged display at the time of reach establishment shown in the description of FIG. 9 and the display of the store information based on the video switching signal transmitted from the management device 181 (FIGS. 9 and 11). 12), and each image of the predetermined score (score) achievement display described in FIG. 12 or FIG. 13. If the image does not have the display time designation, the process ends. On the other hand, if the image has the display time designation, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of display (S8), and the predetermined time has passed. The determination in S8 is repeatedly executed until this is done. Then, after a lapse of a predetermined time, the process returns to the previous screen, which is the screen before these images were displayed (S9), and the process ends. The determination as to whether or not the display time is designated in S7 is made based on the information included in the video switching signal. When the display time is designated, a timer counter configured in the RAM 185 measures a predetermined time, and if the predetermined time is measured, a command of a display layout pattern necessary to return to the previous screen. Is transmitted to the image display control board 62a.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the connection between the game machine and its peripheral devices according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The gaming machine applied in the second embodiment is different from the gaming machine in the first embodiment, and is a gaming machine other than the gaming machine which is not equipped with the point control board 95 and is played by the credit system. Therefore, as compared with the block diagram of the first embodiment described in FIG. 6, the block diagram of FIG. 15 is the same as the block diagram of FIG. 15 except that the holding point control board 95 is not present in the configuration of the block diagram.
It has the same configuration as the block diagram of FIG. By applying the block diagram shown in FIG. 15, even in gaming machines other than the credit-type gaming machine shown in the first embodiment, the variable display section is shown in FIGS. 7 to 13 except for the display area 160e. It is possible to display such various information. As a result, for example, a pachinko gaming machine in which ball rental is inserted and a game is played, or a slot machine in which a game is played by inserting a coin and a predetermined value is paid for each gaming unit, etc. The present invention can be applied to a wide variety of game machines that are more widely used. For the detailed description of the block diagram, see FIG.
Since it is the same as the content described in the above, it is omitted.

[0121]

Specific Examples of Means for Solving the Problems Modifications and characteristic points of each embodiment described above will be listed below.
The gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 constitutes a gaming machine having an image display device whose display state can be changed. The variable display device 27 that variably displays the identification information is configured by the image display device 62. In the gaming machine shown in the present embodiment, the variable display section 16 of the image display device 62.
At 0, identification information that is variably displayed in the variable display areas 160a to 160c, the number of rounds that is displayed in the display area 160d, and a unique display when a reach occurs are displayed. These pieces of information are output based on the game control of the game control board 71. That is, the game information related to the game is configured by these various kinds of information output based on the game control of the game control board 71.

Further, in the gaming machine shown in the present embodiment, the variable display section 160 is provided with a lucky number, number of balls, number of additions, amount of addition, store information, predetermined score achievement information, television or video program or laser disk. The program and game machine information are displayed. These various types of information are information that is output regardless of the game control state of the game control board 71. That is, various kinds of information other than the game information output based on the game control of the game control board 71 constitutes image information other than the game information. In the gaming machine shown in the present embodiment, information other than information output based on the game control of the game control board 71 is output from the management device 181, the holding point control board 95, the video source 190 or the receiving equipment 191 respectively. It is composed of the input information. However, these plural types of image information are not input to the gaming machine as image information other than the game information, and only one of these plural types of image information is input. Good. Alternatively, if the information is information other than the information output based on the game control of the game control board 71, the image information other than the game information can be configured by the information other than the image information illustrated in the present embodiment. is there.

Various video switching signals are input to the interface 182 formed on the relay board 165. Specifically, each video switching signal is input from the game control board 71, the management device 181, the image changeover switch 200, and the holding point control board 95 to the interface 182. From the management device 181 to the interface 182 shown in FIG.
Store information and game information data as shown in 1 are input. The game information may be input from the game control board 71 to the CPU 183 via the interface 182, and may be operated to determine each numerical value, and then the data may be transmitted to the image display control board 62a. further,
Television broadcast and various video information are input to the interface 182 via the video source 190 or the receiving facility 191.
That is, the interface 182 inputs game display information necessary for displaying game information related to a game on the image display device, and is necessary for displaying image information other than the game information on the image display device. An information input unit for inputting image display information is configured. The CPU 183 constitutes selection display control means for selectively controlling the display of various images on the image display device based on the information input to the information input unit. CPU 183 configured on the relay board 165
Transmits a display command to the image display control board 62a according to the layout method stored in the ROM 184. That is, the relay board 165 constitutes information selection means for switchingably selecting the input information for laying out and displaying each information on the image display device.

As described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 14, the CPU 183 provided on the relay board 163 confirms what kind of display is made by confirming the current layout configuration of the image display device 62. The display layout of the image display device 62 is determined by checking the type of image switching signal. That is, a layout determining unit that determines the layout of the display screen of the image display device based on the display information input to the information input unit in S2 to S5 of the flowchart of FIG. 14 is configured.

In FIG. 11, the store information is displayed in the display area 160.
Although it is configured to disappear after being displayed in h for a predetermined time, it may disappear due to a change in the game state.
Further, it may be configured so that it is always displayed. Alternatively, the store information may be scrolled left and right in the display area 160g for a predetermined time, and the gaming machine information and the like may always be displayed in the display area 160f.

The image display control board 62a is the relay board 16
In accordance with the display command transmitted from the CPU 183 configured within the control unit 5, the image displayed on the image display device 62 is controlled. That is, the image display control board 62a constitutes image display control means for controlling the display of the information selected by the information selection means on the image display device.

When the image changeover switch 200 is operated to select display of game machine information, the CPU 183 is transmitted from the management device 181 to the image display control board 62a through the interface 182 based on the image changeover signal. A display command for displaying the existing gaming machine information is transmitted to the image display control board 602a. That is, the management device 181 constitutes a gaming machine information input unit for inputting gaming machine information to be displayed on the image display device to the information selecting means.

Various images provided from the image source 190 and the receiving equipment 191 are input to the relay board 165 via the interface 182. That is, the video source 190 and the receiving equipment 191 constitute a video information input section for inputting video information to be displayed on the image display device to the information selecting means. Interface 18 of relay board 165
An image switching signal, which is a request signal for switching the image by the management device 181, the game control board 71, the holding point control board 95, and the image changeover switch 200, is transmitted to 2. That is, an information selection switching request signal generation for generating an information selection switching request signal for requesting switching of information selection by the information selection means by the management device 181, the game control board 71, the holding point control board 95, and the image changeover switch 200. Means are configured.

In the score control microcomputer 99 shown in FIG. 3, the score given to the player in association with the winning of the hit ball at the winning opening is added and updated and stored. Such storage is performed by the RAM 101 provided in the point-holding control microcomputer 99. That is, the point control microcomputer 99 constitutes a value updating means for updating the valuable value when the value updating condition for updating the valuable value is satisfied.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the reach is not established and the identification information is variably displayed, the player can enjoy a television program or the like by himself / herself. You can Then, when the reach occurs, as shown in FIG. 12, the image previously displayed in the display area 160f disappears, and the identification information is forcibly displayed on the entire variable display section 160 for a predetermined time. To be done. However, regardless of this, for example, when the reach occurs, the image selected by the player is reduced and displayed in a part of the variable display areas 160a, 160b, 160c, and the reach display is enlarged and displayed in the display area 160f. It may be configured as follows.

In each embodiment, the image display device 62
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a liquid crystal display device, a plasma display, a matrix LED, or the like may be used.

Although the lucky number is displayed in the display area 160d in FIG. 7, the kind of the identification information indicating the probability variation state may be displayed instead of or in addition to this. .

The broadcast received by the receiving facility 191 has been described by taking the television broadcast as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, it is configured to receive FM multiplex broadcasting, and to enjoy audio broadcasting from the speaker 14 or the earphone terminal 189, and to display text broadcasting such as news and weather forecast on the image display device. You may.

Although the lucky number is displayed in the display area 160d in FIG. 7, the kind of identification information indicating the probability variation state may be displayed instead of or in addition to this. . Alternatively, the number of times the probability variation state is continued may be displayed as “first time”, “second time”, or the like, or the number of times the reach is established may be displayed.

When the display result of the variable display device 27 becomes a specific display mode and a big hit occurs, information indicating that is output to the management device 181 from the game control board 71 or the image display control board 62a. It may be configured to. It is conceivable that such information includes not only information for notifying whether or not a big hit has occurred but also a number of big hit symbols and the like. The jackpot occurrence status for each jackpot pattern for each gaming machine may be displayed on the variable display section 160 as gaming machine information.

When the display result of the variable display device 27 is in a specific display mode, the prize ball or coin may be directly paid out instead of controlling the variable winning ball device 28 to the first state. Or, when the gaming machine is a slot machine, it causes a bonus game in which the probability of value addition such as payout of coins and addition of points is improved, or the probability of occurrence of the bonus game is improved. A big bonus game may be generated. As described above, the gaming machine of the present invention is configured such that the valuable value as described above can be added when the display result of the variable display device becomes a predetermined specific display mode. .

[0137]

[Effect of a concrete example of means for solving the problem]
According to the present invention described, since the layout of the display screen of the image display device is determined so that the plurality of display information can be displayed on the display screen of the image display device, a plurality of the display screens can be displayed to the player. Information can be provided at the same time. This makes it possible to provide a comfortable environment for the player. As a result, it is possible to reduce the factors by which the player interrupts the game and improve the operating rate of the gaming machine.

According to the present invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, since the image information includes the update result by the value updating means, the player can easily use the image information. The result of updating the valuable value can be visually confirmed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko gaming machine and a common card unit.

FIG. 2 is a rear view showing a partial internal structure of a pachinko gaming machine and a common card unit.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control circuit for a microcomputer for holding points, a microcomputer for game control, and their peripheral devices.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit for a common card unit control microcomputer, a holding point control microcomputer, and their peripheral devices.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control circuit provided on an image display control board.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a connection between a pachinko gaming machine and peripheral devices thereof.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an image displayed on a variable display section 160.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an image displayed on a variable display section 160.

9 is a diagram showing an image displayed on a variable display section 160. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image displayed on a variable display section 160.

11 is a diagram showing an image displayed on a variable display section 160. FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an image displayed on a variable display section 160.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an image displayed on a variable display section 160.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of display layout control processing.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a connection between a pachinko gaming machine and its peripheral devices.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is a game machine, 27 is a variable display device, 7 is a point card processing device, 62 is an image display device, 62a is an image display control board, 165 is a relay board, 71 is a game control board, 95 is a point control board, 190 is a video source, 191 is a receiving facility, 18
Reference numeral 1 is a management device, 200 is an image changeover switch, 201 is a channel changeover switch, 183 is a CPU, and 184 is a RO.
M and 185 are RAMs.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A game machine having an image display device whose display state is changeable, wherein game display information necessary to display game information related to a game on the image display device is input, and the game is played. Information input section for inputting image display information necessary for displaying image information other than information on the image display apparatus, and a display screen of the image display apparatus based on the display information input to the information input section Layout determining means for determining the layout of the image display device so that the layout determining means can display a plurality of pieces of the display information on the image display device in accordance with the input status of information to the information input unit. A game machine characterized by determining a layout of a display screen. 2. The game machine can play a game using a valuable value owned by a player, and the value update for updating the valuable value when a value update condition for updating the valuable value is satisfied. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising means, wherein the image information includes an update result by the value updating means.