JPH1057561A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily grasp a playing state and prevent a player from feeling frustrated with the game of an image display type by providing an image display control means which controls to display an expanded image of a variable display part at formation of a prescribed condition and to separately display an emphasized moving locus of a hit ball image in a game region. SOLUTION: A whole image display screen 2c on which an image displayed by contracting the whole of the game region is displayed is displayed in a region of right bottom of a game board display screen 2a of a display screen 2. This contracted image is processed so as to be easily watched its moving locus of the hit ball image. Namely, the contracted display game region is displayed by a simplified image whose part is simplified. The contracted game region where the moving locus of the hit ball image is easily recognized with the eyes is thus displayed so that a player can watch the moving locus of the hit ball image which is in an invisible area in the display image 2, when the expanded variable display device 29 is displayed in a reach state.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game machine represented by, for example, a pachinko game machine or a coin game machine, and more particularly, to a game machine showing a game area provided with a variable display section whose display state can be changed. The present invention relates to a gaming machine having an image display device capable of displaying an image including an area image and a ball image representing a ball hit in the game area.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional game machine of this type includes a game area in which images are displayed on a display device such as a CRT instead of a game area constituted by a mechanical structure generally used in the past. There have been image display-type gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines for playing games.

In such an image display-type gaming machine, for example, a game area image representing a game area is displayed, and a ball image representing a ball hit in the game area is displayed. Control for playing a game using such an image has been performed. Further, in such an image display type gaming machine, in order to make the main part of the game area image easy to see, a part of the game area image such as a variable display device and a prize device important in the game is independently enlarged and displayed. In addition, a control for displaying an image in which the entire game area image is reduced on the same screen as the screen on which a part of the enlarged display is performed, in order to show the movement trajectory of the hit ball image in the entire game area which cannot be displayed due to the enlarged display There was something to do.

[0004]

However, the conventional image display type gaming machine as described above has the following problems. As described above, in a conventional gaming machine in which a part of the game area image is enlarged and displayed and the entire game area image is reduced, the reduced game area image is replaced with the original game area image before the reduced display. Was simply reduced as it was. For this reason, in such a conventional gaming machine, there is a disadvantage that the moving trajectory of the hit ball image displayed in the reduced-displayed game area is difficult to see for the player, and the influence of the hit There is a drawback that it is difficult to grasp the state of the entire game such as the overall winning and non-winning states. And, due to such a drawback, in the conventional gaming machine, there is a problem that the player feels dissatisfied with the game of the image display format.

In such a conventional gaming machine, when an image display device, which is a part of the game area image, is displayed in an enlarged manner, a ball image enters the enlarged display portion, whereby a variable display device is provided. There is a disadvantage that it is difficult to grasp the situation. And, due to such a drawback, in the conventional gaming machine, there is a problem that the player feels dissatisfied with the game of the image display format.

The present invention has been conceived in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily grasp a game situation, and as a result, a player is dissatisfied with a game in an image display format. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image display-type gaming machine capable of preventing the player from feeling.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game area image representing a game area provided with a variable display portion capable of changing a display state, and a hitting hit into the game area. A game machine having an image display device capable of displaying an image including a ball hitting image representing a ball, comprising: image display control means for controlling display of an image displayed on the image display device; Controls the display of at least a part of the game area image separately from the image of the variable display section while enlarging and displaying the image of the variable display section when a predetermined condition is satisfied. And performing a display for emphasizing the movement locus of the hit ball image.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the image display control means enlarges and displays an image of the variable display section in accordance with satisfaction of the predetermined condition. In this case, display control is further performed so that the game area image displayed separately from the image of the variable display section is displayed smaller than the game area image displayed before the enlarged display of the image of the variable display section. It is characterized by the following.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the image display control means enlarges and displays an image of the variable display section in accordance with satisfaction of the predetermined condition. In this case, the control further includes superimposing the enlarged image of the variable display unit on the game area image and displaying the game area image below the image at a visually recognizable density.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first, second or third aspect, the game area image further includes a decoration display image, and the image display control is performed. Means for performing display control for erasing the decorative display image when performing display control for enhancing the movement trajectory of the hit ball image in the game area image in accordance with establishment of the predetermined condition. And

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first, second, third or fourth aspect of the present invention, the image display control means further comprises: In the case where display control is performed to emphasize the movement trajectory of the hit ball image in the game area image according to the establishment, display control is further performed to change the color of the hit ball image so that the hit ball can be easily recognized. It is characterized by the following.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth aspect of the present invention, the game area image includes The image display control means further includes an image of a winning section in which a hit ball image can be awarded, and the image display control means enhances a moving trajectory of the hit ball image in the game area image according to satisfaction of the predetermined condition. Is performed, display control for displaying a simplified game area image in which the shape of the image of the winning portion in the game area image is simplified is further performed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to display a game area image representing a game area having a variable display portion whose display state can be changed and a ball image representing a ball hit in the game area. A gaming machine including an image display device,
The image display control means for performing display control of an image displayed on the image display device, the image display control means, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, while displaying an image of the variable display portion in an enlarged manner, Display control for stopping movement is performed.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the seventh aspect, the image display control means enlarges and displays an image on the variable display section when the predetermined condition is satisfied. When the display control for stopping the movement of the hitting image is performed while moving the hitting image present in the area of the image of the variable display section which is displayed in an enlarged manner, to the outside of the area of the image of the variable display section. The display control is further performed.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the seventh aspect, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the image display control means includes a step of: Stopping the driving of the hit ball image, and further performing display control for enlarging and displaying the image of the variable display portion after the hit ball image no longer exists in the area of the variable display portion that is enlarged and displayed. And

[0016]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the display of the image displayed on the image display device is controlled by the operation of the image display control means. With the further function of the image display control means, the control of displaying at least a part of the game area image separately from the image of the variable display section while enlarging and displaying the image of the variable display section when the predetermined condition is satisfied, A control is performed to display a movement trajectory of the hit ball image in the game area image. In this manner, in a case where at least a part of the game area image is displayed separately from the image of the variable display section that is enlarged and displayed, the movement trajectory of the hit ball image in the game area image is emphasized and displayed. The player can easily visually recognize the movement trajectory of the hit ball image in the game area image displayed separately from the image of the variable display unit.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the following operation is performed in addition to the operation of the first aspect. When the image of the variable display section is enlarged and displayed in accordance with the satisfaction of the predetermined condition, the game area image displayed separately from the image of the variable display section is enlarged by the further function of the image display control means. A display control for displaying the game area image smaller than the game area image displayed before the display is further performed. As described above, since the game area image is displayed in a reduced size, it is possible to display the entire game area in a relatively narrow display area. In the game area image,
Since the movement trajectory of the hit ball image is displayed in an emphasized manner, it is possible for the player to easily grasp the state of the entire game without greatly moving his or her line of sight.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the following operation is performed in addition to the operation of the first aspect. In the case where the image of the variable display section is enlarged and displayed according to the satisfaction of the predetermined condition, the image of the variable display section to be enlarged is superimposed on the game area image, and the game area below the image is displayed. Control for displaying an image at a visible density is further performed. In this way, the image of the variable display section is displayed over the game area image, and the image of the variable display section has a density at which the superimposed lower game area image can be visually recognized. It is possible to easily visually recognize the game area image while visually recognizing the image of the variable display section that is enlarged and displayed. Therefore, the player can easily grasp the situation of the game.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the following operation is performed in addition to the operation of the first, second, or third aspect of the invention. The game area image further includes a decoration display image. With the further function of the image display control means, display control for erasing the decorative display image is performed when display control for enhancing the movement trajectory of the hit ball image in the game area image is performed according to satisfaction of a predetermined condition. . As described above, the decoration display image which is originally irrelevant to the game situation is deleted from the game area image, so that the movement trajectory of the hit ball image can be emphasized and displayed.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the following operation is performed in addition to the operation of the first, second, third, or fourth aspect of the invention. With the further function of the image display control means, when performing display control for enhancing the movement trajectory of the hit ball image in the game area image according to the satisfaction of the predetermined condition, the color of the hit ball image is changed to visually recognize the hit ball. Is performed to facilitate display. As described above, since the color of the hit ball image is changed, the movement locus of the hit ball image can be emphasized and displayed.

According to the present invention described in claim 6, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4 or claim 5, the following operation is performed. The game area image further includes an image of a winning section in which a hit ball image can be won. Then, when the display control for enhancing the movement trajectory of the hit ball image in the game area image is performed by the further function of the image display control means according to the satisfaction of the predetermined condition,
Display control is performed to display a simple game area image in which the shape of the image of the winning portion in the game area image is simplified. As described above, since the simplified game area image in which the shape of the image of the winning section is simplified is displayed, it is possible to emphasize and display the movement trajectory of the hit ball image.

According to the present invention, the display of the image displayed on the image display device is controlled by the operation of the image display control means. By the further function of the image display control means, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, display control for stopping the movement of the hit ball image while enlarging the image of the variable display portion is performed. As described above, when the image of the variable display section is enlarged and displayed, the movement of the hit ball image is stopped. Therefore, a display in which the hit ball image newly enters the enlarged and displayed image of the variable display section is not performed. . For this reason, the player can easily grasp the status of the variable display device.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the following operation is achieved in addition to the operation of the seventh aspect of the invention. By the further function of the image display control means, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the display of the variable display section is enlarged when the display control for stopping the movement of the hit ball image is performed while the image of the variable display section is enlarged. Display control is performed to move the shot image present in the area to the outside of the area of the image of the variable display unit. In this manner, when the image of the variable display section is enlarged and displayed, the ball image present in the area of the variable display section is moved out of the area, so that the player can more easily change the state of the variable display apparatus. It becomes possible to grasp.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the following operation is performed in addition to the operation of the seventh aspect of the invention. Due to the further action of the image display control means, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the driving of the hit ball image in the game area image is stopped, and the hit ball image does not exist in the area of the variable display portion which is enlarged and displayed. After that, display control for enlarging the image of the variable display unit is performed. As described above, in displaying the image of the variable display section in an enlarged manner, the driving of the ball image into the game area image is prohibited before the enlarged display, and the ball image is present in the area of the variable display section. Since the enlarged display of the image of the variable display section is executed after the disappearance, the hit ball image does not exist in the area of the image of the enlarged variable display section. For this reason, it becomes possible for the player to more easily grasp the status of the variable display device.

[0025]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a pachinko gaming machine is shown as an example of a gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a coin gaming machine or the like, and the display state can be changed. Any gaming machine having an image display device capable of displaying a game area image representing a game area provided with a variable display section and an image including a ball image representing a ball hit in the game area It is possible to apply to the game machine of.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Above the front frame 13 of the gaming machine 1, a frame lamp 7 that is turned on or blinks when the gaming state is a predetermined specific gaming state (big hit state) is provided. On the open side (right side in the figure) of the front frame 13 of the gaming machine 1, a keyhole 9 of a locking device (not shown) is provided, and a lock decoration for decorating the periphery thereof is provided.
A part of the lock decoration, that is, above the keyhole 9, is provided with an in-game lamp 8 for indicating that the gaming machine 1 displaying the operation of firing the ball image is in operation. On both sides of the frame lamp 7, speakers 3 for generating predetermined sound effects are provided in order to enhance the interest of the game.

In the lower left part of the front frame 13 of the gaming machine 1, a display unit 5 for the amount of money used and the number of balls is provided. The used money / ball number display section 5 displays the current number of balls and the used money during the game. In the lower left part of the usage amount / ball number display section 5,
A card insertion slot 4 is provided. The player purchases a card in which a predetermined amount or the number of balls is stored in advance and inserts the purchased card into the card insertion slot 4 to start a game based on the amount or the number of balls stored in the card. can do. Further, the amount of money or the number of balls as a game result is stored again at the end of the game. The number of balls stored in the card as described above may be exchanged for a predetermined prize or the like at a game hall according to the number of balls. As the card, a magnetic card, an IC (Integrated Circuit) card, an optical card, or the like can be used.

A ball lending switch 10 is provided below the usage amount / ball number display section 5. The player operates the ball lending switch 10 to display the used amount / ball number display section 5.
Can display the amount of money used and the number of balls. Specifically, a predetermined amount of the amount stored in the card is converted into the number of balls that can be used for a game. A gaming handle 6 is provided at a lower right portion of the gaming machine 1. The game handle 6 is used by a player to control the driving of a ball shot image. By operating the game handle 6 by the player, as will be described later, the shot images are displayed as if shot one by one on the game area image.

At the center of the gaming machine 1, a display screen 2 of an image display 15 (see FIG. 2) constituted by a CRT display device is arranged. At the start of the game, a game menu screen is displayed on the display screen 2 as shown in FIG. On the game menu screen, a game selection switch 11 and a card return switch 12 are displayed. On the display screen 2, a transparent touch panel switch is provided. When the player touches the game selection switch 11, for example, in the present embodiment, a predetermined game is selected from the game 1 to the game 6. Can be.

The games that can be selected as such include a game of a first-class pachinko gaming machine, a game of a second-type pachinko gaming machine, a game of a third-type pachinko gaming machine, and a game of a slot machine. Various games are included. When the player touches the card return switch 12, the card can be returned from the card insertion slot 4. In this embodiment, the touch panel on the display screen 2 is used, but a predetermined hardware switch for selecting each game menu or the like may be provided in the gaming machine 1.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the gaming machine of FIG. An image display 15 is attached to the center of the back surface of the gaming machine 1. In the lower right part of the image display 15,
A ball number display 14 is attached. The display section of the usage amount / ball number display 14 corresponds to the usage amount / ball number display section 5 described above. A card unit 17 is attached to the lower part of the display unit 14 for the amount of money used and the number of balls. Card unit 17
Reads information stored in the card inserted through the card insertion slot 4, transfers the read data to the basic circuit 16 attached to the lower part of the gaming machine 1, and transmits the read data from the basic circuit 16. The stored data is stored on the card. In this embodiment, the image display 15 has a CR
Although the case where the display device is configured by the T display device has been described, the image display device 15 is not limited thereto, and another image display device such as a liquid crystal display device may be used.

Next, a control circuit used in the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit used in the gaming machine of the embodiment. In the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment, predetermined games such as pachinko gaming machines are controlled and displayed in a predetermined order by a control circuit described below.

Referring to FIG. 3, the control circuit includes an image display 15, an image display control board 18, a basic circuit 16, a card unit 17, a speaker 3, a store information switch 19, a payout status switch 20, and a table information. Switch 21, game selection switch 11, display changeover switch 22, firing control switch 23, usage amount / ball number display section 5, frame lamp 7,
It includes a settlement switch 25, a ball lending switch 10, and a card return switch 12.

The image display control board 18 includes the basic circuit 16
Control for displaying a predetermined image on the image display 15 based on the control signal output from the speaker 3, and control for generating a sound effect corresponding to the displayed image using the speaker 3. In order to perform such control, an image display control circuit for controlling image display and a sound control circuit for controlling sound effects are formed on the image display control board 18.

The store information switch 19 is a switch for displaying store information. The shop information in this case refers to information on a business policy such as a lucky number and a notice of an event at a shop (playground) in which the gaming machine 1 is installed. The store information switch 19 outputs a control signal for displaying store information to the basic circuit 16 when operated. The basic circuit 16 outputs a control signal for instructing display of shop information to the image display control board 18 in accordance with the control signal output from the shop information switch 19. The image display control board 18 performs control for displaying the shop information on the image display 15 according to the control signal received from the basic circuit 16.

The payout status switch 20 is a switch for displaying the payout status. The payout status in this case refers to the payout status such as the number of payouts during the game in the gaming machine 1. Here, the payout ball means a ball paid out based on a game. The payout status switch 20 outputs a control signal for displaying the payout status to the basic circuit 16. Basic circuit 1
6 outputs to the image display control board 18 a control signal for instructing display of the payout status in accordance with the control signal output from the payout status switch 20. Image display control board 18
Performs control for displaying the payout status on the image display 15 according to the control signal output from the basic circuit 16.

The platform information switch 21 is a switch for displaying platform information. In this case, the platform information refers to various kinds of information related to the game on the corresponding platform (gaming machine) (variable display frequency information, jackpot occurrence frequency information, jackpot occurrence frequency information from a predetermined number of days ago to the present, and number of payouts over time). With the payout transition information expressed together with the information, the information indicating the information for each gaming machine installation island provided with the same type of gaming machine, and the information is shown for all the gaming machines provided in the store Information is included). Stand information switch 2
1 outputs a control signal for displaying platform information to the basic circuit 16 when operated. The basic circuit 16 outputs a control signal for instructing display of table information to the image display control board 18 according to the control signal output from the table information switch 21. The image display control board 18 controls the display of the platform information on the image display 15 according to the control signal output from the basic circuit 16.

The game selection switch 11 is a switch for selecting a predetermined game from a plurality of games. In this embodiment, as will be described later, it is possible to select a game such as a first-type pachinko gaming machine, a second-type pachinko gaming machine, a third-type pachinko gaming machine, and a slot machine. The game selection switch 11 outputs a control signal for executing the selected game to the basic circuit 16. The basic circuit 16 outputs a control signal for instructing display of a game screen according to the control signal output from the game selection switch 11 to the image display control board 18. The image display control board 18 performs control for displaying the selected game screen on the image display 15 according to the control signal output from the basic circuit 16.

The display changeover switch 22 is used to display a screen corresponding to the operation of the switch when a switch such as a start switch, a menu switch, a next screen switch, and a previous screen switch, which will be described later, is displayed. Switch. The display changeover switch 22 outputs a control signal for starting a game when a start switch is operated, a control signal for displaying a menu screen when a menu switch is operated, and a next screen switch. When the is operated, a control signal for displaying the next screen is output, and when the previous screen switch is operated, a control signal for displaying the previous screen is output. That is, the display changeover switch 22 outputs a corresponding control signal to the basic circuit 16 according to the operation state of the player.

The basic circuit 16 outputs a control signal for instructing execution of an operation corresponding to the control signal to the image display control board 18 in response to the control signal output from the display changeover switch 22. The image display control board 18 controls the image display 15 to start the game, display the menu screen, display the next screen, or display the previous screen in accordance with the control signal output from the basic circuit 16. Run.

The firing control switch 23 is provided in the game handle 6 and is a switch for controlling the state of the shot image generation in accordance with the operation of the game handle 6. That is, the speed at which the shot image is fired, the firing interval, and the like are set. The firing control switch 23 outputs a control signal for instructing a firing state according to the operation state to the basic circuit 16. The basic circuit 16 outputs to the image display control board 18 a control signal for giving a command to display the shot image as fired in accordance with the control signal output from the fire control switch 23. The image display control board 18 controls the firing state of the hit ball image in accordance with the control signal output from the basic circuit 16, and displays the hit ball image on the display screen 2 of the image display 15.

In addition to the above operation, the basic circuit 16 outputs various information such as management data to a hall computer as a host computer and receives various data such as management data from the hall computer. As described above, various information exchanged between the basic circuit 16 and the hall computer include management data such as table information given to the hall computer from the basic circuit 16 for the store to manage, and the basic computer 16 16
Management information (information managed by the store) and information that the store wants to notify the player.

The settlement switch 25 is a switch for instructing a settlement operation when the player finishes the game and wants to settle the usage amount. When the player operates the settlement switch 25, the settlement switch 25 outputs a control signal for instructing a settlement operation to the card unit 17. When receiving the control signal output from the settlement switch 25, the card unit 17 receives data on the current number of balls from the basic circuit 16 and records the number of balls on a card, or according to the number of balls or the number of balls. Record the amount paid on the card.

As described above, the ball lending switch 10 is an operation for converting a predetermined amount of the amount owned by the player into the number of game balls to be used in the game, that is, a switch for performing a ball lending operation. is there. The ball lending switch 10 outputs a control signal for instructing a ball lending operation to the card unit 17 in accordance with the operation of the player. Card unit 17
Performs a ball lending to the player in accordance with a control signal output from the ball lending switch 10.

The card return switch 12 is a switch for instructing a card return operation. The card return switch 12 outputs a control signal for instructing a card return operation to the card unit 17 in accordance with the operation of the player. The card unit 17 includes the card return switch 12
The card is ejected from the card insertion slot 4 in accordance with the control signal output from the controller.

When the card is inserted, the card unit 17 reads the number of balls or the amount of money recorded on the card, and outputs these data to the basic circuit 16. The basic circuit 16 controls various devices so that a game corresponding to these data is performed.

The basic circuit 16 controls various devices of the gaming machine according to a control program. A ROM (Read O / O) storing a control program and the like is stored inside the basic circuit 16.
nlyMemory) and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) for performing control operations in accordance with the control program
And a RAM (Ra) functioning as a work memory for the CPU.
An I / O (Input / Output) port, a clock generation circuit, and the like are provided. In addition,
Illustration of the internal configuration of the basic circuit 16 is omitted.

The image display control board 18 is provided with a control circuit for controlling the image display 15 and the speaker 3. The control circuit includes a CRT control circuit, an oscillation circuit, a circuit for controlling image display such as a VDP and a character ROM, and a circuit for controlling sound of the speaker 3 such as a sound control circuit. In such a control circuit, a CRT control circuit is a basic circuit 1
The display control of the image display 15 is performed according to the control signal supplied from the control circuit 6, and the sound control circuit controls the sound of the speaker 3 according to the control signal supplied from the basic circuit 16.

Next, the types of games that can be played in the gaming machine 1 will be described. Here, a representative example of the game will be described.

FIG. 4 is a display screen diagram showing a display example of a first-type pachinko gaming machine. In FIG. 4, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Similarly, in the drawings shown in FIG. 5 and subsequent drawings, the same reference numerals are given to parts common to the drawings shown in the above.
The description is omitted as appropriate.

The display screen 2 is a game board display screen 2a.
And a menu display screen 2b. On the game board surface display screen 2a, a game board surface image of a first-type pachinko gaming machine is displayed. This display is displayed, for example, on the game selection switch 11 described above.
Displayed when the player selects (game 1). A start switch 22a and a menu (MENU) switch 22b, which are display changeover switches, are displayed on the menu display screen 2b. When the player selects the start switch 22a, a screen as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed, and the game can be started. When the player selects the menu (MENU) switch 22b, a menu screen as shown in FIG. 1 can be displayed.

The game board image of the first type pachinko game machine displayed on the game board display screen 2a is displayed based on the actual image data stored in the character ROM described above. Therefore, the display screen 2a for the game board surface
Is very realistic, and the player can feel as if playing a game with an actual pachinko gaming machine.

The start switch 22a and the menu switch 22b displayed on the menu display screen 2b
Are displayed based on the animation image data stored in the character ROM. Therefore, any image data can be displayed on the menu display screen 2b, and the operability of the player can be improved. In addition, the display screen 2a for the game board surface includes:
Although the game board image is displayed based on the real image data, the game board image may be displayed using the animation image data as in the menu display screen 2b. The same applies to other types of games.

FIG. 5 is a display screen diagram showing a display example of the slot machine. On the game board display screen 2a, a game board image of the slot machine is displayed. This display is displayed, for example, by using the GAM
Displayed when the player selects E4 (game 4). Other points are the same as those of the first-type pachinko gaming machine.

As described above, in the gaming machine 1, a plurality of types of gaming machines can be displayed on a single display screen 2. For this reason, the player can enjoy a plurality of types of games with one game machine, and also can enjoy a game with a desired game machine. In addition, by displaying the menu display screen 2b in the lower part of the display screen 2, a plurality of operation switches can be displayed as appropriate, thereby facilitating the game operation and enabling the player to enjoy the game. .

Next, the display screen after the start of the game will be described. FIG. 6 is a view showing a display screen after the start of the game.
Although FIG. 6 shows an example of a game board image of a first-class pachinko gaming machine, the menu display screen shown in FIG. 6 can be similarly displayed on other gaming machines.

FIG. 6A shows the entire display screen 2 when the start switch 22a is operated, and FIG. 6B shows the table information switch 2 in the state of FIG.
1 is operated, a menu display screen 2b is shown, and FIG. 3C shows the store information switch 1 in the state of FIG.
9 shows a menu display screen 2b when the user operates the next screen switch 2 in the state shown in FIG.
The menu display screen 2b when the user operates the button 2c is shown.

By operating the start switch 22a in the state shown in FIG. 4, the display screen 2a displays the game board display screen 2a and the menu display screen 2b shown in FIG. At this time, a stand information switch 21, a shop information switch 19, a payout status switch 20, and a next screen switch 22c are displayed on the menu display screen 2b.

When the table information switch 21 is operated, a menu display screen 2b shown in FIG. 6B is displayed. In the menu display screen 2b in that case, an information display unit 26 for displaying various information,
The previous screen switch 22d is displayed. In this case,
On the information display section 26, information on the starting rotation speed (the number of times variable display is performed) and information on the number of big hits are displayed as platform information. Here, the previous screen switch 22d is a display changeover switch for selecting the display of the previous screen which is the screen displayed immediately before. By operating the platform information switch 21 in this manner, predetermined platform information is displayed.

When the shop information switch 19 is operated in the state shown in FIG. 6A, as shown in FIG. 6C, the shop display screen 2b showing the information of today's lucky number is displayed on the menu display screen 2b. Information display section 26 showing information
And the previous screen switch 22d are displayed. Thereby, the player can know the shop information.

When the next screen switch 22c is operated in the state of FIG. 6A, the menu display screen 2b shown in FIG. 6D is displayed. Here, the next screen switch 22c is a changeover switch for selecting display of a screen prepared next. In this case, the settlement switch 25, the card return switch 12, and the previous screen switch 22d are displayed on the menu display screen 2b.
This allows the player to selectively execute the settlement operation and the card return operation. The display screen when the payout status switch 20 is operated in the state of FIG. 6A will be described later with reference to FIGS.

The table information switch 21, store information switch 19, payout status switch 20, next screen switch 22c, previous screen switch 22d, settlement switch 25,
Each of the card return switches 12 can be operated during execution of the game. Therefore, the player can know various information by operating each switch during execution of the game.

The information display unit 2 shown in FIG.
Although the platform information shown in FIG. 6 is information using characters and numerals, the platform information is not limited thereto, and the platform information may be a variety of platform information displayed in other expressions such as graphs and tables. Further, the shop information shown in the information display section 26 of FIG. 6C is not limited to the display of one type of information, but may be a type of sequentially displaying a plurality of types of information at predetermined time intervals. .

Next, the game board image displayed on the game board display screen 2a displayed on the display screen 2 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described in detail. Here, the first type pachinko gaming machine will be described as a representative example. FIG. 7 is a display screen diagram showing a configuration of a game board surface image of the first type pachinko gaming machine.

The game board image for the first-type pachinko gaming machine is displayed on the game board display screen 2 a of the display screen 2. On the entire surface of the game board image, two section rails 30
Are displayed in a state of being planted in a circle. The partition rail section 30 includes an outer rail section and an inner rail section. A region surrounded by such an outer rail portion and an inner rail portion is a game region 28.

When the player operates the above-mentioned game handle 6, the hit ball images are displayed in a state of being fired one by one. The shot ball image that has been fired is formed in the game area portion 28 by a guide path portion formed between the outer rail portion and the inner rail portion.
It is displayed to be guided to. At the exit portion from the taxiway section to the game area section 28, there is provided a valve-shaped return prevention member for preventing the ball image once hit into the game area section 28 from returning to the inside of the taxiway section. Is displayed. In the center of the game area section 28, a variable display device section 29 in which a plurality of types of images called special symbols are variably displayed (variably displayed) is displayed. A winning opening 37 is displayed above the variable display device 29. Above and below the variable display unit 29, a center lamp 47 is displayed.
Below the variable display device section 29, a start winning opening section 35 and a variable winning ball apparatus section 36 are displayed. In the positions called “sleeve” on both left and right sides of the variable display unit 29,
The winning opening 39 is displayed. Variable winning ball unit 29
The winning opening portion 38 is displayed at a position called a "dropped portion" on both left and right sides of the game. At the lowermost part of the game area 28, an out mouth 46 is displayed.

In the lower part of the winning opening 37, a normal symbol variable display device section 44 for displaying a plurality of types of images called variable symbols (variable display) is displayed. The ordinary symbol variable display unit 44 variably displays symbols in a seven-segment display format. Above and below the ordinary symbol variable display device section 44, an ordinary symbol start storage display section 45 is displayed. Further, between the variable winning prize ball unit 36 and the out mouth 46, a normal variable winning prize ball unit 42 including an opening / closing plate 43b is displayed. In addition, on the left and right sides of the variable display unit 29, a starting gate unit 4 through which a shot image can pass is provided.
0 is displayed.

The image of the ball hit into the game area 28 is
On the way down the gaming area 28, a starting winning port 35,
The variable prize ball unit 36, the prize opening units 37 to 39, and the variable prize ball unit 42 are displayed so as to win any one of the prize ports, or are guided to the out port unit 46 and out. It is displayed to be processed as a ball.

In the case where the hit ball image is displayed on the variable winning ball unit 36 as if a prize has been won, a display is made such that 15 prize balls are paid out to the player for one prize ball. If the ball image is displayed as if it has been won in any one of the starting winning opening portion 35, the winning opening portions 37 to 39, and the ordinary variable winning ball device portion 42, seven winning balls are displayed for one winning ball. Is displayed as if the prize ball were paid out to the player. That is, in this example, the number of prize balls paid out by the prize balls that have won the variable prize ball device unit 36 is relatively larger than the number of prize balls paid out by the prize balls that have won the other prize ports. Is displayed as follows.

The game area section 28 further displays a windmill section 31 for decorating the game area section 28 and displaying the falling direction of the hit ball image in a diversified manner. The part 32 is displayed. Also,
Side ramps 41 are provided at both left and right ends of the game area 28.
Is displayed. The side lamp unit 41 blinks or lights and moves according to the operation state.

If the image of the ball hit in the game area 28 passes through the starting gate 40, the starting gate 40
It is determined that the hit ball image has passed, and according to the determination result, the normal symbol variable display device section 44 is variably started. Then, when the display result of the normal symbol variable display device section 44 becomes a predetermined specific symbol, the opening / closing plate section 43b is displayed in the normal variable winning ball apparatus section 42 in the opened state for a predetermined period, and the hit ball image is displayed. Is usually variable winning ball unit 4
It is in a state where it is easy to win 2. In this state, when the hit ball image wins in the normal variable winning ball device section 42, the variable display device section 29 performs variable display based on the winning.

The variable winning prize ball unit 36 has a game area 2
8 opening and closing plate 43 capable of tilting display in a predetermined range in the front-back direction
a is displayed. The variable winning prize ball unit 36 normally displays the open / close plate 43a in an open state, and is in a state disadvantageous to a player who has difficulty in winning a ball image (this state is referred to as a "second state"). I have. On the other hand, based on the fact that a hit ball has been won in the start winning opening portion 35 or the normal variable winning ball device portion 42, the three symbol display portions 33a, 33b, 33c of the variable display device portion 29 are displayed in a variable manner. When the variable display is stopped, the combination of the three symbols is changed to a predetermined specific combination (for example, 777).
, A "big hit" occurs. When a big hit occurs, the variable winning ball device unit 36 is displayed from the second state in a state advantageous to a player who is likely to win a hit ball (this state is referred to as a “first state”). A state in which a big hit has occurred and the variable winning ball unit 29 is in the first state is referred to as a specific game state.

When the above-mentioned big hit occurs, the variable winning ball device section 36 displays the open / close plate 43a in the open state, and the hit ball image can win the big winning port of the variable winning ball device section 36. It is displayed as a first state that is advantageous to possible players.

The first state of the variable prize ball device section 36 is such that 30 seconds have elapsed since the opening and closing plate 43a was displayed in the open state, or that the variable prize ball device section 29 had a large prize opening (large prize). The process ends when the condition that the earlier one of the display of winning ten hit images is performed on the mouth is satisfied. That is, when the above condition is satisfied, the open / close plate 43a is displayed in a closed state, and the variable winning ball device 36
Are displayed in the second state.

A specific area commonly called a “V pocket” is provided in the central portion inside the special winning opening.
If the hit ball image that has entered the special winning opening is displayed as if it has won the specific area, it is determined that the specific winning has occurred in the same manner as described above. This determination is made as divided movement data, in which the divided movement data in the winning ball device obtained by dividing the moving trajectory of the ball image moving inside the variable winning ball device section 36 into a plurality of pieces is stored in the ROM included in the aforementioned CRT control circuit. This is performed when data corresponding to a specific area is selected from the divided movement data in the winning ball apparatus. When it is determined that the specific prize has been won, the variable prize ball unit 36 is displayed again in the first state after the display of the first state of the variable prize ball unit 36 is completed. Repeated continuation control is performed. By this repetition continuation control, the variable winning ball unit 36 is displayed in the first state up to 16 times continuously.

The fact that the hit ball image is won in the starting winning opening portion 35 or the normal variable winning ball device portion 42 is referred to as “starting winning”.
That. In response to the hit ball image being won in the starting winning opening portion 35 or the normal variable winning ball device portion 42, the symbol display is changed on the symbol display portions 33a, 33b, 33c of the variable winning ball device portion 36. When a specific symbol combination is displayed when the variable display is stopped, as described above, the variable winning ball unit 36 enters the first state.

While the variable display device 29 is displaying the symbols in a variable manner, and while the variable winning ball device 36 is being displayed in the first state based on the result of the symbol variation display, the starting operation is performed. If the hit ball image is displayed in the winning opening portion 35 in a state where the winning is achieved, the starting winning is stored. This is called start memory. The number of start memories is notified to the player by lighting display of the start memory display unit 34. The upper limit of the starting memory is set to four. If there is a start memory, the symbol display on the symbol display units 33a, 33b, and 33c is stopped or the first symbol of the variable winning ball device unit 36 is stopped.
After the end of the display of the state, the symbol display section 33 is again displayed.
The variable display of symbols at a, 33b, and 33c is started.

If it is determined that the hit ball image has passed through the starting gate 40 again while the variable symbol display unit 44 is performing variable display, the passing ball is stored. Such a memory is usually called a starting memory. The upper limit of the normal start memory is set to, for example, four. The number of the normal start memories is notified to the player by the lighting display of the normal symbol start memory display section 45. If there is a normal start memory, after the symbol variable display of the normal symbol variable display unit 44 stops, the variable symbol display of the ordinary symbol variable display unit 44 is started again based on the normal start memory. .

According to the display state on the display screen 2 described above,
In the gaming machine 1, after the hit ball image is driven and displayed in the game area 28, the hit ball image is displayed in the start winning opening 3.
5 or when the hit ball image is displayed as if it were awarded in the ordinary variable winning ball device section 42, the symbol display sections 33a and 33a of the variable display section 29 are displayed.
At 33b and 33c, the symbol change display is started.
When a specific symbol combination is displayed at the time when the symbol change display on the symbol display portions 33a, 33b, and 33c is completed, the open / close plate 43a of the variable winning ball device portion 36 is opened. Displayed, variable winning ball unit 3
6 is displayed from the second state to the first state. By displaying the variable winning ball device unit 36 in the first state, the winning rate of the hit ball image is significantly higher than in the normal case. As a result, the player can enjoy a series of these pachinko gaming machines in the gaming machine 1.

During the variable display of the variable display device section 29 of such a pachinko gaming machine, a reach state may be displayed. Here, the term “reach” means that the variable display device has a variable display device whose display state can be changed, the variable display device derives and displays a plurality of display results at different times, and the plurality of display results is a predetermined identification. In the gaming machine in which the gaming state becomes a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when the combination of the display modes of the above is achieved, at the stage where a part of the plurality of display results has not been derived and displayed yet, The display state satisfies the condition that the displayed result is a combination of the specific display modes. In other words, the reach is a game state when the display result of the variable display device having a plurality of variable display units whose display states can be changed becomes a predetermined combination of specific display modes. In a gaming machine that is in a specific gaming state that is advantageous to the player, when the display result of the variable display device has not yet been derived and displayed, it is determined that the variable display mode has become a variable display mode in which the combination of the specific display modes is easily displayed. Means a display mode that makes the user think.
And, for example, the case where the variable display is performed by the plurality of variable display units while maintaining the state in which the combination of the specific display modes are aligned is also included in the reach display state. Furthermore, some of the reach, when it appears, are more likely to cause a big hit than in a normal reach. Such a specific reach is called a super reach.

Note that such a reach state occurs not only in the case of the pachinko gaming machine but also in the slot machine shown in FIG. In this embodiment, a plurality of types of reach states are predetermined, and when reach display is performed, those reach states are selectively displayed.

Next, a description will be given of a display example of the display screen 2 during a game in which a game in which a hit ball image is driven into the game area 28 in the gaming machine 1 is being executed. 8 to 10 are display screen diagrams during a game in which a game of hitting a ball image into the game area portion 28 is being executed. FIG. 8 shows the variable display unit 2
9 shows the state of the display screen 2 at the start of variable display when variable display is started. FIG. 9 shows a state of the display screen 2 when the reach state occurs and the variable display unit 29 is enlarged and displayed. FIG. 10 shows a state of the display screen 2 when the variable display ends.

Referring to FIG. 8, a shot image hit in game area 28 is shown at display positions P1, P2, and P3. These shot images are displayed in silver, for example, corresponding to actual shots. These hit images are displayed so as to operate in the same manner as actual hit balls, and flow down in the game area 28. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the variable display is started in the variable display device section 29 due to the start winning of the hit ball image. On the game board display screen 2a of the display screen 2 of the gaming machine 1, a predetermined decorative display image is displayed in a portion constituting the background of the game area 28. Such decoration display images can be displayed in a plurality of types, and are switched according to a game state.
In the case of the normal state as shown in FIG. 8, the first decoration display image 48 is displayed. A specific example of a decoration display image is
This is shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 described later. The decorative display image is simplified by a line at a predetermined interval in drawings other than FIGS. 25 and 26.

When the reach state occurs during the variable display as shown in FIG. 8, the display of the game board display screen 2a is switched to the screen shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 9, when the reach state occurs, variable display device section 29 is enlarged and displayed, and the decorative display image is displayed on first decorative display image 4.
Control for switching from 8 to the second decorative display image 49 is performed. In this case, the speaker 3 and the decoration lamp (the center lamp 47, the side lamp 41, the windmill lamp 3
2)), control may be performed to enhance the interest of the game by sound and light.

When such an enlarged display of the variable display device section 29 is performed, the following display control is further performed. First, the firing of the ball image is forcibly stopped.
Further, after the firing of the hitting image is stopped or when the firing of the hitting image is stopped, the movement of the hitting image moving in the game area 28 is stopped. Display control for stopping the movement of the shot image is performed at the same time as display control for enlarging and displaying the variable display unit 29 is performed. Then, in the display screen of the game board surface display screen 2a after the enlarged display of the variable display device section 29, if a hit ball image remains as shown at the display position P3 (see FIG. 9), the hit ball is displayed. Display control for discharging the image out of the display screen of the game board display screen 2a as shown in the display position P31 by a natural operation is performed. Further, in addition to such display control, display control for enlarging and displaying the variable display device unit 29 at least at the timing when the shot image no longer exists on the screen after the enlarged display may be performed.

By performing such an enlarged display of the variable display device section 29, it is possible for the player to enjoy a game in the reach state with the portion of the variable display device section 29 in which the player is most interested is enlarged. Can enhance the interest of the elderly. Further, at the time of the enlarged display, display control is performed such that the hit ball image does not exist on the game board display screen 2a as described above. Can be displayed, and a powerful design can be displayed. As a result, the fun of the variable display can be improved, and the interest of the player can be improved. Furthermore, in such cases,
Since the decoration display image can be changed, the fun of the image display can be improved, and the expectation of the player can be excited, and the interest of the player can be improved.

When all the symbols are stopped and displayed after the display of the reach state as shown in FIG. 9, the display screen of the game board display screen 2a is switched as shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 10, in response to the stop display of all the symbols, variable display device section 29 that has been enlarged and displayed is reduced to the original size, and the decorative display image is displayed as the second display. Display control for switching from the decoration display image 49 to the original first decoration display image 48 is performed. At that time, in the display of the reach state, the hit ball image that has been forcibly moved as shown in FIG. 9 (the hit ball image that has been moved from the display position P3 to the display position P31 in FIG. 9) is The display is restarted from the display position that has been temporarily moved.

Also, at the time of enlarged display of the variable display unit 29 in the reach state, the shot image displayed outside the area of the variable display unit 29 as shown at the display position P1 and the display position P2 in FIG. , The moving display is restarted from the display position of the variable display device section 29 immediately before the enlarged display. Further, the shot image in which the firing is stopped at the time of the enlarged display of the variable display device section 29 is automatically performed if the player touches the game handle 6 when the variable display device section 29 is reduced and displayed. The firing stop state is released, and the shot image can be fired.

As described above, since the variable display device section 29 is enlarged and displayed due to the occurrence of the reach state,
The display of the reach state can be provided to the game with a powerful display image, and both the expectation and the excitement of the player in the reach state can be increased. As shown in FIG. 9, the display control for changing the decoration display image when the reach state occurs is performed. However, when a plurality of types of reach display can be executed as in this embodiment, May change the type of the decorative display image at the time of the reach display according to the type of the reach display. By doing so, the display can be made more interesting.

Next, another example of the display mode of the display screen 2 when the variable display unit 29 is enlarged and displayed in the reach state will be described. FIG. 9 shows an example in which the variable display device section 29 of the game area section 28 is simply enlarged and displayed as it is. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, display control may be performed to perform a process of making the moving trajectory of the hit ball image in a portion other than the variable display device portion 29 in the game area portion 28 easily visible.

FIGS. 11 to 13 are display screen diagrams showing other examples of the display mode of the display screen 2 when the variable display unit 29 is enlarged and displayed in the reach state. FIG. 11 shows a display example in which when the variable display device section 29 is enlarged and displayed, an image in which the entire game area section 28 is reduced and displayed is also displayed.

Referring to FIG. 11, an entire image display screen 2c is provided in a lower right area of game board display screen 2a of display screen 2.
Is displayed. On the entire image display screen 2c, an image in which the entire game area 28 is reduced and displayed is displayed. The reduced image of the game area 28 displayed in the entire image display screen 2c has been subjected to image processing for making it easy to see the movement trajectory of the hit ball image as follows. The shape of the portion other than the ball image, such as the variable winning ball device portion 36, in the game area portion 28 is simplified (simplified). That is, the game area portion 28 displayed in a reduced size is displayed as a simplified image in which a part is simplified. Such a simplified portion is represented by a minimum necessary shape that allows the presence of the portion to be visually recognized. When the display process for simplifying the portion other than the hit ball image is performed as described above, the moving trajectory of the hit ball image is conspicuously displayed in the reduced and displayed game area portion 28, so that the hit ball is given to the player. The moving locus of the image can be easily visually recognized.

The game area 28 thus reduced in size.
Is displayed on the entire image display screen 2c, an image that has been subjected to the following processing may be displayed in addition to using the simplified image described above. An image of the game area section 28 from which the first decoration display image 48 is deleted as shown in FIG. 8 may be displayed. When the display control for deleting the decorative display image, which tends to make it difficult to view the hitting image, is performed, the movement trajectory of the hitting image in the reduced and displayed game area portion 28 becomes easy to see. Thus, the moving trajectory of the hit ball image can be easily visually recognized. In addition, display control may be performed to change the color of the shot image from a normal silver color to a color that is conspicuous in display such as red. When the display control for making the color of the hitting image conspicuous is performed in this manner, the moving trajectory of the hitting image is conspicuously displayed in the reduced and displayed game area 28, so that the hitting ball is given to the player. The moving locus of the image can be easily visually recognized.

The display of the simplified image, the deletion of the decorative display image, and the display control of the change in the color of the hit ball image may be performed in an appropriate combination. By performing such combined display control, the player can more easily visually recognize the movement trajectory of the hit ball image.

As described above, the reduced game area portion 28 in which the moving trajectory of the hit ball image is easily viewed is displayed, so that when the variable display device portion 29 is enlargedly displayed in the reach state, it is displayed on the game board surface. The player can see the movement trajectory of the hit ball image existing in an area that cannot be seen on the screen 2. For this reason, in the reach state in which the variable display device unit 29 is enlarged and displayed, it is possible to confirm the overall situation of the game such as the winning of a ball image to a winning opening or the like in an area other than the area where the variable display is enlarged. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from having a dissatisfaction with the game when the variable display device unit 29 is enlarged and displayed.

FIG. 12 shows a display example in which, when the variable display device section 29 is enlarged and displayed, important components (principal parts) such as winning ports that exist within the range of the enlarged display are also displayed. Have been.

Referring to FIG. 12, three main part display screens 2 are provided in an area below display screen 2a for a game board on display screen 2.
d, 2e, and 2f are displayed. The start winning port portion 35 is enlarged and displayed on the main portion display screen 2d. The start storage display unit 34 is enlarged and displayed on the main part display screen 2e. On the main part display screen 2f, the normally variable winning prize ball device 42 is enlarged and displayed. In each of the main part display screens 2d, 2e, 2f, the decorative display image is omitted (deleted).

On the main part display screen 2d, the winning state of the shot image to the starting winning opening portion 35 is displayed. On the main part display screen 2e, the lighting state of the start storage display part 34 is displayed. On the main part display screen 2f, the operation state and the winning state of the ordinary variable winning prize ball unit 42 are displayed in an enlarged manner. The player can select the three main display screens 2d,
By looking at 2e and 2f, even when the variable display unit 29 is displayed in an enlarged manner, it is possible to easily grasp the status of a portion important for the progress of the game. Further, in each of the main part display screens 2d, 2e, and 2f, since the decorative display image is omitted, the main part display screens 2d, 2e, and 2f are omitted.
e and 2f can be easily seen.

The start winning opening 35, the start storage display 34, and the normal variable winning prize ball unit 42 displayed on the three main part display screens 2d, 2e and 2f are respectively variable in the game area 28. This is an important component in a game closely related to the variable display on the display unit 29.
Therefore, if these components cannot be visually recognized in the display, the player feels uneasiness and dissatisfaction with the game to come. On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
By displaying the components closely related to the variable display on the variable display device unit 29 when the variable display device unit 29 is enlarged and displayed, it is possible to eliminate anxiety and dissatisfaction with the game by the player. .

Note that the number of main part display screens is not limited to three, and a number of main part display screens other than three may be displayed. Elements displayed on the main part display screen are not limited to the three elements described above. That is, other components, such as the winning opening portions 37 to 39, other than components closely related to the variable display in the variable display device section 29, may be displayed on the main portion display screen. In addition, the above-described various processes for making the moving trajectory of the hit ball image easier to see may be used alone or in combination as appropriate.

FIG. 13 shows the symbol display sections 33a-33 of the variable display device section 29 when the variable display device section 29 is enlarged and displayed.
The image 33c is superimposed on the game area section 28, and the symbol display section 3 has a density that allows the game area section 28 thereunder to be visible.
The example of a display which displays 3a-33c is shown.

Referring to FIG. 13, on game board display screen 2a of display screen 2, symbol display sections 33a to 33c are displayed on game area section 28 in an enlarged manner with halftone image density. In this case, the decoration display image has been deleted. Further, in this case, the game area section 28 including the original symbol display sections 33a to 33c is displayed in the game area section 28 as it is. Symbol display section 3 which is displayed in an enlarged scale
Since 3a to 33c are halftone densities, the portion of the game area 28 where the symbol display portions 33a to 33c are superimposed is visible to the player. For this reason, when the symbol display sections 33a to 33c are displayed in an enlarged manner, the movement locus of the hit ball image becomes easy to see. Therefore, when the symbol display sections 33a to 33c are displayed in an enlarged manner, it is possible for the player to easily visually recognize the movement locus of the hit ball image.

In this case, unlike the case of FIG. 11, since the image of the game area 28 is displayed in the size of the original image, the game when the symbol display sections 33a to 33c are enlarged and displayed. The movement trajectory of the hit ball image in the entire area 28 becomes easier to see. Therefore, the player can more clearly grasp the overall situation of the game. In this way, the overall situation of the game such as winning of a ball image to a winning opening or the like when the symbol display portions 33a to 33c are enlarged and displayed can be checked, and thus the symbol display portions 33a to 33c can be confirmed.
It is possible to prevent the player from having dissatisfaction with the game when 3c is displayed in an enlarged manner.

Next, the control procedure of the enlarged display control of the variable display unit 29 when the reach state occurs as described with reference to FIG. 9 will be described in detail. Variable display unit 29
Is performed based on the zoom-up process and the moving ball process executed in the basic circuit 16. The zoom-up control process is executed in conjunction with the execution of the main routine of the game control program in the basic circuit 16.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing content (A) of the zoom-up control processing. First, in step S (hereinafter simply referred to as S) 1, it is determined whether a predetermined condition is satisfied. If it is determined in S1 that the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the zoom-up control processing ends. Here, the predetermined condition is a condition under which the variable display device unit 29 is allowed to be enlarged and displayed, such as that the occurrence of the reach state is determined in advance.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1 that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to S2 and the game handle 6
Is performed to forcibly stop the firing of the hit ball image. Next, the process proceeds to S3, in which a process of enlarging and displaying the variable display device unit 29 (zoom-up process) is performed. Next, S
Then, the flow proceeds to 4 to execute a flowing ball process for eliminating the flowing ball image existing in the enlarged display area of the variable display device section 29. The content of the fluidized ball processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

In the zoom-up control processing of FIG. 14, after performing the zoom-up processing in S3,
Although the fluid ball processing is performed in S4, the invention is not limited to this, and the fluid ball processing may be performed prior to the zoom-up processing. FIG. 15 shows the processing contents of the zoom-up control processing (B) when the fluid ball processing is performed before the zoom-up processing.

The processing content of the zoom-up control processing shown in FIG. 15 differs from the processing content of the zoom-up control processing shown in FIG. 14 only in that the fluid ball processing is performed prior to the zoom-up processing. is there. Therefore, in the zoom-up control process of FIG. 15, if it is determined in S11 that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the process of stopping the firing of the ball image is performed in S12, and the fluid ball process is performed in S13. Then, the zoom-in process is performed in S14.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the fluidized ball processing. First, in S21, it is determined whether or not a flowing ball (hit ball image) exists in an area (area of the variable display device section 29) that is enlarged and displayed in the game area section 28. That is, in S21, it is determined whether or not the position of the flowing ball existing in the game area section 28 is suitable for performing the flowing ball processing. By S21,
When it is determined that there is no fluid ball to be subjected to fluid ball processing, the fluid ball processing ends. On the other hand, S21
When it is determined that there is a fluid ball to be subjected to fluid ball processing, the process proceeds to S22, and a process of discharging the subject fluid ball from the enlarged display area of the variable display unit 29 is performed. This completes the fluidized ball processing. By executing such a flow ball processing, a display for discharging a ball image from the enlarged display area of the variable display device unit 29 is performed as shown in FIG.

Next, a description will be given of a display example in which when the reach state occurs, the variable display unit 29 is enlarged and displayed stepwise in a plurality of steps. FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 are display screen diagrams showing display screens when the variable display device section 29 is enlarged and displayed stepwise. FIG. 17 shows a state of enlarged display at the first stage size, and FIG. 18 shows a state of enlarged display at the second stage size.

Referring to FIG. 7, when a predetermined type of reach state among a plurality of types of reach (reach 1 to reach 4) occurs, as shown in FIG. The symbol display sections 33a to 33c are enlarged and displayed one step larger than the normal size (see FIG. 8). In the enlarged display state of the first size, the decoration display image is changed from the first decoration display image 48 to the second decoration display image 49. For example, when the reach 1 occurs, as shown in FIG.
To 33c are enlarged and displayed by one step. The number of stages displayed in an enlarged manner and the size of the enlarged display of the symbol display sections 33a to 33c differ for each type of reach as described later.

Referring to FIG. 18, for example, when either reach 3 or reach 4 occurs, symbol display sections 33a to 33c are further increased by one step from the size shown in FIG. 17 at a predetermined timing. Enlarged display. In the enlarged display state of the second size, the decoration display image is changed from the second decoration display image 49 to the third decoration display image 50.

Further, for example, when the reach 2 and the reach 3 occur, the symbol display sections 33a to 33c are enlarged and displayed one step larger than the size shown in FIG. In the enlarged display state of the third stage size, the symbol display sections 33a to 33c are displayed in an enlarged manner as shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 11, FIG. 12 or FIG. In the same manner, the size of the symbol display sections 33a to 33c is slightly larger than that of the symbol display sections 33a to 33c in FIG. Even in such an enlarged display state of the third stage size, the decoration display image is changed. The details of the step-by-step enlarged display control of the variable display device unit 29 in such a reach state will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

Next, the reach state occurs and the symbol display section 3
A display example when a big hit occurs after 3a to 33c are enlarged and displayed will be described. FIG. 19 is a display screen diagram showing a display screen when a big hit occurs after the occurrence of the reach state.

Referring to FIG. 19, if a big hit occurs after the reach state is displayed in a manner as shown in FIG. 18, for example, decoration display image is changed to fourth decoration display image 51.
Is changed to If the decorative display image is changed when a big hit occurs in this way, it is possible to increase the fun of the image display and increase the satisfaction of the player with the big hit occurrence, and as a result, It can improve the interest of the people.

As shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, when the decorative display image is switched in accordance with the timing at which the display mode of the display screen 2 is switched, the image display is performed in comparison with the case where the decorative image does not change. Can be more interesting, and as a result, the interest of the player can be improved.

Next, a control procedure of variable display in the variable display device section 29 will be described. Prior to the description of the specific variable display control procedure, first, the type of the symbol variation pattern and the type of the reach will be described.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing, in a tabular form, the types (types) of the fluctuation state of the special symbol in the variable display device section 29. There are four kinds of fluctuation patterns of A, B, C, and D in the special symbol fluctuation state.

The symbol display sections 33a to 33a of the variable display section 29
In 33c, basically, the symbols are displayed in a scrollable manner (variable display) by scrolling the symbols. In the fluctuation pattern A, the fluctuation speed of the symbol is made constant. In the variation pattern B, the symbol variation speed is gradually reduced to stop the symbol. In the fluctuation pattern C, the fluctuation speed of the symbol is set to a constant speed lower than the fluctuation speed of the fluctuation pattern A. In the variation pattern D, the symbols are advanced frame by frame. Here, the frame feed refers to a symbol changing operation in which the symbol is repeatedly displayed while being scrolled and temporarily stopped.

Next, the types of reach will be described. As described above, the reach state is four of reach 1 to reach 4.
It is determined by type.

Whether or not to generate a big hit is determined in advance based on an extracted value of a random counter for determining a big hit occurrence. When it is determined to generate a big hit, it is determined to always display the reach state. On the other hand, if it is determined not to generate a big hit, it is determined whether or not to generate the reach state based on the extracted value of the random counter for determining the reach display.

When the reach state is generated, the type of the reach state to be generated is determined based on the extracted value of the random counter RANDM for determining the type of the reach. The random counter RANDM for determining the reach type is
It is counted up by one at a predetermined timing within the range of 0 to 99, and when the value becomes 99, it is reset to 0 again.
And is counted up repeatedly. The random counter RANDM is extracted at a predetermined timing and used for determining the type of the reach state.
The type of reach is determined by the basic circuit 16 in the ROM
Is performed using a reach type determination table, which is table data stored in the. In this case, the reach of the type corresponding to the value of the reach type determination random counter RANDM is determined by the reach type determination table.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the contents of the reach type determination table in a table format. In the reach type determination table, the relationship between the value of the random counter RANDM and the type of reach is predetermined. Such a relationship is defined for a case where a big hit is generated ("big hit" in the figure) and a case where no big hit is generated ("losing" in the figure).

When a big hit is generated, the type of reach is determined as follows. Random counter RAND
If the value of M is in the range of 0 to 9, it is determined to execute reach 1. Random counter RANDM
Is within the range of 10 to 24, it is determined to execute reach 2. Random counter RAND
If the value of M is in the range of 25 to 54, reach 3
Is determined to be performed. Random counter RAN
If the value of DM is in the range of 55 to 99, it is decided to execute reach 4.

The degree of expectation for the occurrence of the big hit in the reach when the big hit is generated is as follows. Considering the range of the value of the random counter RANDM that generates each reach, when it is assumed that 100 jackpots have occurred, theoretically, reach 1 is 10 times and reach 2 is 1
Five times, reach 3 occurs 30 times, and reach 4 occurs 45 times.
As described above, since the reach 4 is more likely to occur at the time of a big hit than the other reach, it can be said that it is a reach state where the expectation that the big hit occurs is the highest.

If a big hit is not generated, the type of reach is determined as follows. Random counter RAN
If the value of DM is in the range of 0 to 44, reach 1
Is determined to be performed. Random counter RAN
If the value of DM is in the range of 45 to 74, it is determined that Reach 2 is to be performed. Random counter RA
If the value of NDM is in the range of 75 to 89, it is decided to execute Reach 3. Random counter R
If the value of ANDM is in the range of 90-99, it is decided to execute Reach 4.

The degree of expectation for the occurrence of the big hit in the reach when the big hit is not generated is as follows. Considering the value of the random counter RANDM that generates each reach, if it is assumed that the jackpot has occurred 100 times, reach 1 is theoretically 50 times and reach 2 is 30 theoretically.
Times, reach 3 occurs 15 times, and reach 4 occurs 15 times. As described above, since the reach 4 is less likely to be displayed when the big hit does not occur than the other reach, it can be said that the reach 4 is the reach state where the expectation that the big hit occurs is the highest. As described above, the reach 4 can be classified into a plurality of types of reach in consideration of the expectation of the occurrence of the jackpot when the jackpot is generated and the expectation of the jackpot when the jackpot is not generated. It can be said that this is the reach state in which the expectation for the occurrence of the big hit is the highest. The reach 4 having a high degree of expectation is called a super reach which is a special reach. When such a super reach is displayed, the degree of expectation for the occurrence of a big hit is high, so that the interest of the player can be improved.

Next, a variable display control procedure of the symbol display sections 33a to 33c in the variable display device section 29 will be described. Here, a variable display control procedure when no reach state occurs and a variable display control procedure when each reach state occurs will be described.

FIG. 22 shows a case where the reach state does not occur.
It is a timing chart which shows each control procedure when reach 1 occurs and when reach 2 occurs.

First, the variable display control procedure when the reach state does not occur will be described. Referring to FIG. 22, first, a hit ball wins the starting opening (starting winning opening portion 35, normal variable winning prize ball device portion 42) and the winning is determined. After a lapse of 0.190 seconds from the timing when the determination pulse rises,
In the symbol display sections 33a to 33c, the left symbol, the middle symbol, and the right symbol each start variable display (variable display).
For the left symbol, the display control of the fluctuation pattern A is performed for 7.3 seconds after the start of the fluctuation. Thereafter, the left symbol is stopped and displayed after the display control of the variation pattern B is performed for 1.0 second. For the middle symbol, the display control of the variation pattern A is performed for 8.3 seconds after the variation is started. Thereafter, the display control of the variation pattern B is performed for 1.0 second, and the display is stopped and displayed. The display control of the fluctuation pattern A is performed for 9.3 seconds after the start of the fluctuation in the right symbol when the reach state does not occur. Thereafter, the right symbol is stopped and displayed after the display control of the variation pattern B is performed for 1.0 second.

Next, a variable display control procedure when a reach occurs will be described. The variable display control procedure of the left symbol and the middle symbol when each of reach 1 to reach 4 occurs is the same as the control procedure when the reach state does not occur. The variable display control procedure when the reach state occurs is different from the variable display control procedure when the reach state does not occur, and the variable display control procedure of the right symbol, the left symbol, the middle symbol,
This is control of the size of the right symbol. Therefore, the variable display control procedure in the case of reach 1 to reach 4 described below mainly describes the difference from the variable display control procedure in the case where the reach state is not generated.

Next, a variable display control procedure for displaying reach 1 will be described. The right symbol is controlled to the fluctuation pattern A for 9.3 seconds from the start of the fluctuation,
It is controlled to the fluctuation pattern C for 5.0 seconds. Thereafter, the right symbol is stopped and displayed after being controlled to the fluctuation pattern B for 1.0 second. At the same time as the right symbol is controlled to the variation pattern C, the enlarged display of all the symbols on the left, middle, and right is started. At that time, each symbol is enlarged to the size of the first stage in 1.0 second. Then, the enlarged and displayed symbol is continuously displayed until the right symbol is stopped and displayed, and at the same time as the right symbol is stopped and displayed, reduction to the original size is started. At that time, the symbol is reduced to the original size in 1.0 second. Next, a variable display control procedure for displaying reach 2 will be described. The right symbol is controlled to the fluctuation pattern A for 9.3 seconds from the start of the fluctuation, and thereafter to the fluctuation pattern C for 3.0 to 6.0 seconds. Thereafter, the right symbol is stopped and displayed after being controlled to the variation pattern B for 1.0 second. At the same time as the right symbol is controlled by the variation pattern C, the left,
The enlarged display of all the middle and right symbols is started. At that time, the symbol is enlarged to the size of the third stage in 3.0 seconds. Then, the enlarged and displayed symbol is continuously displayed until the right symbol is stopped and displayed, and at the same time as the right symbol is stopped and displayed, reduction to the original size is started. At that time, the symbol is reduced to the original size in 1.0 second.

Next, a variable display control procedure for reach 3 and reach 4 will be described. FIG. 23 is a timing chart showing the respective variable display control procedures when reach 3 occurs and when reach 4 occurs. In FIG. 23, the variable display control procedure of the left symbol and the middle symbol is the same as that of FIG. 22, and the variable display control procedure of the left symbol and the middle symbol is omitted.

Referring to FIG. 23, a variable display control procedure for displaying reach 3 will be described. The right symbol is controlled to the fluctuation pattern A for 9.3 seconds from the start of the fluctuation, then to the fluctuation pattern C for 2.0 seconds, and then to the fluctuation pattern C for 2.0 seconds, and then to 2. It is controlled to the variation pattern C in 0 seconds, and then to the variation pattern C in 0 to 5.0 seconds. Thereafter, the right symbol is stopped and displayed after being controlled to the variation pattern B for 1.0 second.

The right symbol is the first (first) variation pattern C
At the same time, the enlarged display of all the left, middle, and right symbols is started. At that time, the symbol is enlarged to the size of the first stage in 1.0 second. Then, the enlarged and displayed symbol is continuously displayed until the first variation pattern C ends. Thereafter, the right symbol is controlled to the second variation pattern C, and at the same time, the enlarged display of all the left, middle, and right symbols is started again. At that time, the symbol is enlarged to the size of the second stage in 1.0 second. Then, the enlargedly displayed symbol is continuously displayed until the second variation pattern C ends. After that, the right symbol is controlled to the third variation pattern C, and at the same time, the enlarged display of all the left, middle, and right symbols is started again. At that time, the symbol is enlarged to the size of the third stage in 1.0 seconds. Then, the enlargedly displayed symbol is continuously displayed until the third variation pattern C ends.

After that, the right symbol is the fourth variation pattern C
At the same time, the reduced display of all the left, middle and right symbols is started. At that time, the symbol is reduced to the size of the second stage in 1.0 second. Then, the reduced symbol is started to be reduced to a normal original size at the same time as the right symbol is stopped and displayed. At that time, the symbol is reduced to the original size in 1.0 second.

A to A shown in FIG. 23 are control timing points. Of these points, u, d, o,
Each of the points (f) is a point at which the mode of the reach display changes.
At each of the points (e) and (c), a change in the decorative display image as the background image, generation of sound by the speaker 3, lighting of the decorative lamp, and the like are performed. By changing the background image in this manner, the effect of the reach state is enhanced, and the visibility of the display screen 2 can be improved. Further, by operating the speaker and the decorative lamp in such a manner, it is possible to enhance a staging effect in the reach state.

Next, a variable display control procedure for displaying reach 4 will be described. The right symbol is controlled to the fluctuation pattern A for 9.3 seconds from the start of the fluctuation, and thereafter to the fluctuation pattern C for 2.0 seconds. Thereafter, the right symbol is stopped and displayed after being controlled to the variation pattern D for 2.0 to 8.0 seconds.

At the same time as the right symbol is controlled to the variation pattern C, the enlarged display of all the left, middle, and right symbols is started. At that time, the symbol is enlarged to the size of the first stage in 1.0 second. Then, the enlargedly displayed symbol is continuously displayed until the variation pattern C ends. Thereafter, at the same time as the right symbol is controlled to the variation pattern D, the enlarged display of all the symbols on the left, middle, and right is started again. At that time, the symbol is enlarged to the size of the second stage in 1.0 second. Then, the enlargedly displayed symbol is continuously displayed until the right symbol stop display at which the variation pattern D ends. Thereafter, the enlarged and displayed symbol is reduced to its normal original size at the same time as the right symbol is stopped and displayed. At that time, the symbol is reduced to the original size in 1.0 second.

Further, in the reach 4, in each of the points c and d, which are the change points of the reach display, the control of the change of the background image, the generation of the sound by the speaker, the issuance of the decorative lamp, and the like as described above. Is performed. Thereby, the same effect as in the case described above can be obtained.

As described above, since the manner of change of the pattern variation pattern is different for each type of reach, and the manner of change of the symbol size is different, the contents of the image display are rich in change,
The display can be more interesting. As a result, the interest of the player can be improved.

Next, an example of control of a decorative display image constituting a normal background image will be described. FIG. 24 is a timing chart showing an example of control of a normal decoration display image.
In FIG. 24, (a) shows a first control pattern for switching the decoration display image each time a big hit occurs, and (b) shows a second control for switching the decoration display image with time. The pattern is shown.

First, the first control pattern will be described with reference to FIG. Here, a case will be described in which three types of decoration display images A, B, and C are set. In the first control pattern, the decoration display image is switched each time a big hit occurs and the operation related to the big hit ends. That is, the decoration display image is switched in the order of A, B, and C each time the jackpot operation is performed. After the decoration display image is switched to C, the image from the decoration display image A is further switched. When the operation of the big hit is used as the condition for switching the decoration display image as described above, the present invention is not limited to the control pattern for switching the decoration display image every time the big hit operation is performed. May be controlled to switch the decoration display image.

Next, the second control pattern will be described with reference to FIG. The second control pattern is an example in which a decoration display image is switched each time a game time elapses a predetermined time. In the case of the second control pattern, the basic circuit 1
The time is measured based on the clock signal generated from the clock generation circuit included in 6 and a unit time signal is generated every one hour. Then, every time the unit time signal is generated, the decoration display image is sequentially switched in the order of A, B, and C. After the decoration display image is switched to C,
Further, switching of the image from the decoration display image A is performed.

Note that the timing of switching the decorative display image as described above is not limited to the above-described condition of the jackpot operation or the game time, but may be based on the variable number of display times of the variable display device section 29 or the winning number of hit ball images. May be adopted. That is, the decorative display image may be switched each time the variable display count reaches the predetermined number, or the decorative display image may be switched each time the winning number of the hit ball images reaches the predetermined number.

As described above, the conditions for switching the decorative display image include a game history such as a case where a reach state has occurred and a game history such as a case where a game period has reached a predetermined time. Any condition may be adopted when the given game history condition is satisfied, or when the display result becomes a predetermined display mode, such as when a big hit occurs. As described above, the decoration display image is displayed, and the display mode changes under the predetermined condition. Therefore, the decoration display image can attract the player's attention and can prevent the player from getting bored. Further, since the decoration display image corresponds to a game state such as a change in a game state, a game history, and a variable display mode, it is possible to provide an interesting decoration display image.

In the above description, the condition for switching the decorative display image is one condition (for example, a jackpot operation has been performed). However, the present invention is not limited to this. May be used. That is,
A plurality of different conditions for switching the decoration display image may be provided, and the decoration display image may be switched each time each of these conditions is satisfied. By doing so, the switching timing of the background image becomes rich in variety, so that the display of the decorative display image can be further improved. Further, the player's interest can be further intensified, and the player can be prevented from being bored more.

Next, a specific example of the decoration display image and a specific example of the mode of change of the decoration display image will be described. Specific examples of the decoration display images described below are the above-described decoration display images 48 to 48.
51 is an example. Further, the change mode of the decoration display image described below is one specific example corresponding to all of the description regarding the change of the display mode of the decoration display image described above.

FIG. 25 is a display screen diagram showing a first variation of the decoration display image. In FIG. 25, a specific example of the decoration display image is shown, (a) shows the decoration display image before the change, and (b) shows the decoration display image after the change.

Referring to (a) of FIG.
Is composed of a plurality of image elements such as a star 481 and a vehicle 482. Also, with reference to FIG. 25B, the second decorative display image is composed of a plurality of image components such as the star 481 and the vehicle 482, like the first decorative display image 48. The second decoration display image 49 differs from the first decoration display image 48 in that the arrangement of some image components such as the vehicle 482 is different. As described above, in the first variation, in the decoration display image having the same image component, the content of the decoration display image is changed by changing the arrangement of the image component.

Next, a second specific example of the decoration display image and a second variation of the decoration display image will be described. This FIG.
5A shows a specific example of the decoration display image, FIG. 5A shows the decoration display image before the change, and FIG.
Shows the decoration display image after the change. FIG. 26 is a display screen diagram illustrating a second variation of the decoration display image.
Referring to FIG. 26A, first decoration display image 48
Is composed of image components representing a landscape such as the sun 483, a mountain 484, and a river 485. Also, FIG.
Referring to FIG. 2B, the second decoration display image 49 is shown in FIG.
Star 481 similar to second decoration display image 49 shown in FIG.
And image components such as a vehicle 482. That is, the first decoration display image 4 shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 8 denotes a decoration display image having contents completely different from those of the second decoration display image 49. As described above, the second variation of the decoration display image is an example in which the first decoration display image 48 is switched to the second decoration display image 49 having completely different image content.

Regarding the above-described switching control of the decoration display image, any one of the first variation shown in FIG. 25 and the second variation shown in FIG. 26 may be used. As shown in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26, when the decoration display image is switched due to the satisfaction of the predetermined condition, the image display can be more interesting and the interest of the player can be improved.

Next, a description will be given of display contents of the payout status displayed by operating the payout status switch 20. FIG. For example, in the state in which the payout status switch 20 as shown in FIG.
Is operated, an image indicating the payout status is displayed on the menu display screen 2b. The display contents of such a payout situation will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 27 is a display screen diagram showing the payout status. Referring to FIG. 27, when the payout status switch 20 is operated, the information display unit 26 on which the payout status image is displayed and the previous screen switch 25 are switched to the menu display screen 2.
b. In this case, in the information display section 26, a box 26a for entering a ball and a payout 26b in a mode of being put in the box 26a are displayed. The payout 26b is displayed with a predetermined number (for example, 10) payouts as one unit. That is, when ten payouts are obtained in the game, an image of one payout 26b is displayed in a state of being stored in the box 26a.

In one box 26a, a predetermined number (for example, 20) of images of payout balls 26b can be displayed. When the number of payouts 26b displayed in one box 26a reaches a predetermined number (20) and the box is full, a new box 26a is displayed and the payout 26b is displayed in the new box 26a.
Images are continuously displayed. The image of the ball 26b shows the ball (possible ball) possessed by the player. For example, when the number of balls is reduced due to the hitting of the ball image, the image of the ball 26b displayed accordingly. The number also decreases. As described above, in the display of the payout status, since the unit of the relatively small number of balls is indicated by the image of the payout 26b, the player knows the status of the payout even when the payout is relatively small. be able to. Further, since a relatively large number of balls is indicated by the number of boxes 26a, the player
By checking the number a, the approximate number of payouts can be easily grasped. Therefore, the player can easily grasp the state of the payout by looking at the image of the payout state.

Here, the definition of the payout displayed on the information display section 26 will be described. The payout in this case is defined by the following relational expression. That is, the relational expression is:
｛Number of initially obtained balls｝ + ｛Number of obtained balls after first hit｝ − {Number of balls hit after first hit｝}. Here, the initial hit means a big hit that has occurred for the first time since the game was started. The acquired ball is a ball acquired by the player by winning. The driven ball is a ball driven into the game area 28. The number of balls that are defined in this way is converted into the number of images of the balls 26b with a predetermined number as one unit, and the images of the number of balls 26b are displayed.

When the number of payouts thus defined becomes “0”, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 becomes the initial state at that time. Generally, in a game hall (game store), after a big hit occurs, there are cases where a game can be continuously performed and cases where a game cannot be continuously performed. In addition, depending on the type of gaming machine, there are those that can play games continuously and those that cannot play games continuously. If the game cannot be played continuously, the number of payouts defined as described above is calculated as follows: [{the number of balls obtained after the initial hit} − {the number of balls hit after the initial hit}]. 0 "is set. In such a case, once a big hit occurs, the number of payouts does not increase thereafter, and the gaming state of the gaming machine becomes the initial state. on the other hand,
In the case where games can be played continuously, even if one big hit occurs, the number of payouts increases or decreases in accordance with the subsequent games, and the games can be continued.

Referring to FIG. 27, the number of boxes 26a that can be displayed on information display unit 26 at one time is divided into a plurality of stages according to the number of payouts. That is, in this example, a maximum of three boxes 26a are displayed in the first stage, and a maximum of six boxes 26a are displayed in the second stage. Then, when the number of payouts further increases, the number of boxes 26a increases and is displayed in three or more stages. As the game proceeds from the state shown in FIG. 27 and the number of payouts increases, the payouts 26b in the three boxes 26a eventually become full as shown in FIG.

FIG. 28 is a display screen diagram showing a case where the number of payouts reaches a predetermined number and the payouts 26b in the three boxes 26a are full. Referring to FIG. 28, when the number of payouts reaches a predetermined number and the payouts 26b in the three boxes 26a are full, the decorative display image is changed from the first decorative display image 48 to the second decorative display image 49. At the same time, a notification such as a change in the display color of the information display unit 26 is made. In addition,
In addition to the notification by such a display, notification by a sound that generates a predetermined sound may be performed, or only the notification by a sound may be performed instead of the notification by the display.
The notification that the predetermined number of balls has been obtained is not limited to the case where the balls 26b in the three boxes 26a are full, but also the case where a predetermined number of balls has been obtained. May be appropriately performed.

As shown in FIG. 28, three boxes 26a
When the payout ball 26b is full, the image on the information display section 26 is switched to the next image in order to display a new box. FIG. 29 is a display screen diagram illustrating a display screen displayed when the number of payouts exceeds a predetermined number.

Referring to FIG. 29, when the payout balls 26b in the three boxes 26a are full as shown in FIG. 28, a new fourth box 26b is displayed and the new box 26b is displayed in the box 26b. ,
A new payout 26b is displayed. In that case, the size of each box 26a is reduced and the arrangement of the displayed box 26a is changed so that a maximum of six boxes 26a can be displayed in the information display unit 26. In addition, the decoration display image is changed to a special decoration display image 52 that is a special image other than the decoration display image displayed during the normal game and during the big hit. When such a special decoration display image is displayed, the display of the image becomes more interesting and gives the player a sense of achievement in winning a ball, thereby increasing the excitement of the player and improving the interest of the player Can be done. Further, in that case, a predetermined specific sound is generated from the speaker 3. The special sound is a special sound other than a sound generated during a normal game and a big hit. By generating such a special sound, the excitement of the player can be increased and the interest of the player can be further improved.

In such a case, a special decoration display image 52 other than the decoration display image displayed during a normal game or during a big hit is displayed. The decorative display image displayed during the game and the big hit may be used. That is, a decorative display image that is displayed during a normal game and during a big hit may be used as long as it is a decorative display image that can notify the player that the number of balls has exceeded a predetermined number.

Further, due to the fact that a big hit does not occur for a long time or the like, the number of balls 26b becomes three boxes 26a.
If the number does not satisfy the condition, the special decoration display image 5
2 is returned to the decoration display image before the change.
In that case, the image of the information display unit 26 is
Control for returning to the image shown in FIG. 7 may be performed.

In the gaming machine 1, as described above, the control for displaying the payout status by the image is performed. However, the control for displaying the payout status by the image in this manner is based on the number of payouts obtained by the player. It is applicable to both gaming machines such as a second-type pachinko gaming machine having a so-called hitting function with an upper limit set and a gaming machine such as a first-type pachinko gaming machine having no such hitting function. is there. That is, in the conventional case in which the hit ball status is displayed in a display format other than an image such as a lamp in units of a predetermined number of balls, the number of lamps installed in the gaming machine cannot be changed during the game, so that the player This is suitable for displaying the payout status of a gaming machine having a hitting function in which the upper limit of the number of obtained payouts is determined. However, such a display format cannot change the number of ramps during the game,
It is not suitable for a gaming machine that does not have a hitting function in which the upper limit of the number of obtained balls of the player is not defined. This is because it is difficult to set the number of lamps required to display the payout status in a gaming machine having no hitting function.

On the other hand, in the display of the payout status in the gaming machine 1, the payout status is displayed as an image. Therefore, for example, the size of the box 26a is reduced and the number of displayed boxes 26a is easily increased. be able to. For this reason, such a ball-out situation can be displayed within an area of a limited size regardless of the number of balls-out, and not only a gaming machine having a hit-out function but also a hit-off function. It is suitable for clearly displaying the payout status of gaming machines that do not have a game.

In the above description, a case has been described in which the payout status after the occurrence of the first big hit is displayed.
The present invention is not limited to this, and the display of the payout status using the images of the box 26a and the payout 26b may be performed from the start of the game before the occurrence of the first big hit. Also, in the above description, the display of the status of the ball is described, but the status of the acquisition of other valuable values, such as the score that can be obtained by the player by the game, is not limited to the status of the ball, and is displayed by an image. Control may be performed. In other words, the status of the valuable value that can be obtained by the player, which is typically represented by the status of the balls, may be displayed by an image. In the above description, the dispensing status is indicated by the box 26a and the dispensing 26b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the dispensing status may be displayed in a level meter format as described later with reference to FIG.

Next, other display examples on the display screen 2 of the gaming machine 1 will be described. Gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment
In, as shown below, display control for displaying various types of information using an area on the display screen 2 that does not directly affect the game may be performed.

FIG. 30 is a display screen diagram showing another display example on display screen 2 of gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 30, a display screen 2a for a game board is displayed on display screen 2 in a size that covers almost the entire surface. That is, the display area 28 is displayed on the display screen 2 in a size that covers almost the entire surface. Furthermore, at the four corners of the display screen 2,
The switch selection screen 2h, the card balance display screen 2g, the acquired payout display screen 2i, and the firing strength display screen 2f are displayed on the game board display screen 2a in a superimposed manner.
The four corner areas of the display screen 2 are areas that do not directly affect the game even when the information display screen is displayed.

On the switch selection display screen 2h, switches such as a stand information switch 21, a shop information switch 19, and a next screen switch 22c are displayed. When these switches are operated, a display control for displaying information (vehicle information, store information, next screen, etc.) corresponding to the switches on the switch selection display screen 2h is performed as in the case described above. The area for displaying the information in that case does not have to be limited to the inside of the switch selection screen 2h.

[0170] On the card balance display screen 2g, the remaining balance or the number of remaining balls of the amount of money stored in the card inserted into the card insertion slot 4 is displayed. The remaining money or the number of remaining balls is used every time the ball lending switch 24 is operated, and is reduced by a fixed amount.

On the acquired payout display screen 2i, the number of payouts obtained by the player is displayed by a numeral 21i and a graph by a payout meter section 22i. The payout meter section 22i
Is displayed in the form of a bar graph. The payout meter unit 22i includes:
The display range of the number of balls to be displayed is divided into a plurality of stages, and the display is switched in a stepwise manner when the number reaches a predetermined number (the maximum number of displays in each stage). For example, on the payout meter unit 22i, a display with an upper limit of 5000 pieces is made at the first stage, and when the number of payouts exceeds 5000, the display is switched to a display with an upper limit of 10000 pieces. By looking at the acquired payout display screen 2i, the player:
The status of the number of balls to be played can be easily grasped.

Further, when the display of the payout meter section 22i is switched according to the number of payouts, the color and shape of the payout meter section 22i are also switched. In this case, only the color or shape of the payout meter unit 22i may be switched. By doing so, it is possible to make the information on the number of payouts easier for the player to see, and to increase the visual interest in the display.

On the shooting intensity display screen 2f, a shooting intensity meter section 21f for displaying the level of the shooting force of the hit ball image that changes according to the operation state of the game handle 6 is displayed. The emission intensity meter section 21f displays the emission intensity level in a bar graph. The player can easily know the firing force of the ball by the game handle 6 by looking at the shooting strength display screen 21f, and can easily adjust the firing force of the ball.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 30, the switch selection display screen 2h, the card balance display screen 2g, the obtained payout display screen 2i, and the firing strength display screen 2f are provided at the four corners of the game area 28. By displaying, an area that does not directly affect the game can be effectively used.
Further, in this case, the image of the game area 28 can be displayed relatively large, so that the player can more easily recognize the status of the game in the game area 28.

Hereinafter, the feature points of the modified examples of the present invention will be enumerated. (1) The image display control board 18 or the image display control board 18 and the basic circuit 16 shown in FIG. 3 enlarge the image of the variable display unit (variable display device unit 29) when a predetermined condition is satisfied. An image for controlling to display at least a part of the game area image separately from the image of the variable display section while displaying the image, and for performing a control for performing a display for emphasizing the movement locus of the hit ball image in the game area image Although the display control unit is configured, the image display control unit may further perform control for displaying an information display image (information display unit 26) representing predetermined information in addition to such an image. By doing so, the player can know predetermined information while playing the game.

(2) The predetermined information displayed on the information display image is composed of a plurality of pieces of information, and the image display control means may perform control for selectively displaying the plurality of pieces of information. . By doing so, the player can know various information while playing the game.

[0177]

[Specific example of means for solving the problem]

(1) A game area image (game area section 2) representing a game area provided with a variable display section (variable display device section 29) whose display state can be changed by the image display 15 shown in FIG.
8) and an image display device capable of displaying an image including a hit ball image (P1 or the like) representing a hit ball hit in the game area. The display control of the image displayed on the image display device (the display screen 2 of the image display 15) is performed by the image display control board 18 or the image display control board 18 and the basic circuit 16 shown in FIG. Image display control means is configured. As shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 11, FIG. 12, and FIG. 13, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the image display control unit enlarges the image of the variable display unit and separately displays the image of the variable display unit. A control for displaying at least a part of the game area image is performed, and a control for emphasizing the movement trajectory of the hit ball image in the game area image is performed.

(2) As shown in FIG. 11, when the image display control means enlarges and displays the image on the variable display section according to the satisfaction of the predetermined condition,
The display control is performed so that the game area image displayed separately from the image of the variable display section is displayed smaller than the game machine area image displayed before the enlarged display of the image of the variable display section.

(3) As shown in FIG. 13, when the image display control means enlarges and displays the image on the variable display section according to the satisfaction of the predetermined condition,
The image of the variable display section to be enlarged is superimposed on the game area image, and the game area image is controlled to be displayed at a visible density.

(4) The game area image includes a decoration image (a decoration display image 48 and the like) as shown in FIG. The image display control means further performs display control for erasing the decorative image when performing display control for enhancing the movement trajectory of the hit ball image in the game area image in accordance with satisfaction of the predetermined condition. .

(5) The image display control means performs display control for emphasizing the movement trajectory of the hit ball image in the game area image in accordance with establishment of the predetermined condition.
Further, display control is performed to change the color of the hit ball image so that the hit ball can be easily recognized (see the description of FIG. 11).

(6) The game area image includes an image of a winning section in which the hit ball image can win (variable winning ball device section 36).
Etc.) are further included. As shown in FIG. 11, the image display control means further performs the game control when performing display control for emphasizing a movement trajectory of the hit ball image in the game area image in accordance with establishment of the predetermined condition. Display control is performed to display a simple game area image in which the shape of the image of the winning portion in the area image is simplified.

(7) A game area image (game area section 28) representing a game area having a variable display section (variable display device section 29) whose display state can be changed by the image display 15 shown in FIG. An image display device capable of displaying a ball image (such as P1) representing a ball hit in the game area is configured. Image display control board 1 shown in FIG.
8 or image display control board 18 and basic circuit 1
The image display control means 6 controls display of an image displayed on the image display device. As shown in FIG. 14 or FIG. 15, the image display control means performs display control for stopping the movement of the hit ball image while enlarging and displaying the image of the variable display unit when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

(8) As shown in FIGS. 9 and 14, the image display control means stops the movement of the hit ball image while enlarging and displaying the image on the variable display section when the predetermined condition is satisfied. When the display control is performed, display control for moving the hit ball image present in the area of the image of the enlarged variable display section to the outside of the image area of the variable display section is further performed.

(9) As shown in FIG. 15, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the image display control means stops driving the hit ball image into the game area image, and the image is enlarged and displayed. After the ball image no longer exists in the area of the variable display section, display control for enlarging the image of the variable display section is further performed.

[0186]

The effect of the concrete example of the means for solving the problems.
Regarding, in the case where the image of the variable display unit is enlarged and displayed, at least a part of the game area image is displayed separately from the image of the variable display unit that is enlarged and displayed,
Since the movement trajectory of the hit ball image in the game area image is displayed in an emphasized manner, the player can easily recognize the hit ball image. For this reason, it is possible to make the player easily understand the situation of the entire game, and as a result, it is possible to enjoy a powerful image and to prevent the player from feeling dissatisfied with the image display format game.

Regarding claim 2, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of claim 1. That is, when the image of the variable display section is enlarged and displayed, the game area image displayed separately from the image of the variable display section is reduced to be smaller than the game area image displayed before the enlarged display of the image of the variable display section. , It is possible to display the entire game area within a relatively narrow display area. In the reduced game area image, the movement trajectory of the hit ball image is displayed in an emphasized manner, so that the player can easily grasp the entire game state without moving his / her eyes largely.

According to the third aspect, the following effect can be obtained in addition to the effect according to the first aspect. That is, when the image of the variable display unit is enlarged and displayed, the image of the variable display unit to be enlarged is superimposed on the game area image,
Since the lower game area image on which the image of the variable display section is superimposed is displayed at a visible density, the player can easily visually recognize the entire game area image while visually recognizing the image of the enlarged variable display section. can do. Therefore, the player can more easily grasp the situation of the entire game.

Regarding claim 4, claims 1 and 2
Alternatively, the following effect can be obtained in addition to the effect according to the third aspect. That is, the decorative display image is erased when performing display control that emphasizes the movement trajectory of the hit ball image in the game area image. Therefore, the decorative display image that is irrelevant to the game situation is erased from the game area image. So
The movement trajectory of the shot image can be displayed more emphasized.

Regarding claim 5, in addition to the effects of claim 1, claim 2, claim 3 or claim 4, the following effect can be obtained. In other words, when performing display control to emphasize the movement trajectory of the hit ball image, the color of the hit ball image is changed to make it easier to visually recognize the hit ball,
The movement trajectory of the shot image can be displayed more emphasized.

Regarding claim 6, in addition to the effects of claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, or claim 5, the following effects can be obtained. That is, when performing display control for enhancing the movement locus of the hit ball image, the simple game area image is displayed, so that the movement locus of the hit ball image can be displayed more emphasized.

According to the seventh aspect, when the image of the variable display section is enlarged and displayed, display control for stopping the movement of the ball image is performed, so that the ball image is displayed in the enlarged image of the variable display section. Is not displayed. Therefore, the player can enjoy a powerful image and can easily grasp the status of the variable display device.

According to claim 8, in addition to the effect according to claim 7, the following effect can be obtained. That is, when the image of the variable display section is enlarged and displayed, the ball image present in the area of the variable display section is moved out of the area, so that the player can more easily grasp the status of the variable display apparatus. can do.

According to the ninth aspect, the following effect can be obtained in addition to the effect of the seventh aspect. That is, when the image of the variable display section is enlarged and displayed, the driving of the ball image into the game area image is prohibited before the enlarged display, and the ball image is no longer present in the image of the variable display section. Since the enlarged display of the image of the variable display unit is performed after the image is displayed, the hit ball image does not exist in the area of the image of the enlarged variable display unit. For this reason, the player can more easily grasp the status of the variable display device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the gaming machine of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit used in the gaming machine of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a display screen diagram showing a display example of a first-class pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 5 is a display screen diagram showing a display example of the slot machine.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a display screen after a game is started.

FIG. 7 is a display screen diagram showing a configuration of a game board surface image of a first-type pachinko gaming machine.

FIG. 8 is a display screen diagram when variable display is started in the variable display device unit.

FIG. 9 is a display screen diagram when a reach state occurs and the variable display unit is enlarged and displayed.

FIG. 10 is a display screen diagram when variable display is completed.

FIG. 11 is a display screen diagram showing another example of the display mode of the display screen when the variable display section is enlarged and displayed in the reach state.

FIG. 12 is a display screen diagram showing another example of the display mode of the display screen when the variable display device is enlargedly displayed in the reach state.

FIG. 13 is a display screen diagram showing another example of the display mode of the display screen when the variable display device is enlarged and displayed in the reach state.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating processing contents of zoom-up control processing.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the processing content of the zoom-up control processing.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing processing contents of a fluidized ball processing.

FIG. 17 is a display screen diagram when the variable display device is enlargedly displayed step by step.

FIG. 18 is a display screen diagram when the variable display unit is enlarged and displayed step by step.

FIG. 19 is a display screen diagram when a big hit occurs after occurrence of a reach state.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing, in a tabular form, types of fluctuation states of special symbols in the variable display device unit.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the contents of a reach type determination table in a table format.

FIG. 22 is a timing chart showing respective control procedures when a reach state does not occur, when a reach 1 occurs, and when a reach 2 occurs.

FIG. 23 is a timing chart showing respective variable display control procedures when reach 3 occurs and when reach 4 occurs.

FIG. 24 is a timing chart illustrating an example of control of a decorative display image in a normal state.

FIG. 25 is a display screen diagram showing a first variation of the decoration display image.

FIG. 26 is a display screen diagram showing a second variation of the decoration display image.

FIG. 27 is a display screen diagram showing a payout status.

FIG. 28 is a view showing a display screen when the number of payouts reaches a predetermined number.

FIG. 29 is a display screen diagram displayed when the number of payouts exceeds a predetermined number.

FIG. 30 is a display screen diagram showing another display example on the display screen of the gaming machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 is a gaming machine, 2 is a display screen, 15 is an image display, 18 is an image display control board, 16 is a basic circuit, 28 is a game area section, 29 is a variable display device section, 33a to 33c are symbol display sections, 2a is a game board display screen, 2b is a menu display screen, 48, 49, 50 and 51 are decorative display images, 52
Is a special decoration display image, 36 is a variable prize ball device section, 37 to
39 is a winning opening, 2c is an entire image display screen, 2d to 2f
Is a main part display screen, 2h is a switch selection display screen, 2g is a card balance display screen, 2i is an acquired payout display screen, and 2f is a firing strength display screen.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An image capable of displaying an image including a game area image representing a game area provided with a variable display portion whose display state can be changed and a ball shot image representing a ball shot in the game area. A game machine having a display device, comprising: image display control means for performing display control of an image displayed on the image display device, wherein the image display control means displays an image of the variable display unit when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Is controlled to display at least a part of the game area image separately from the image of the variable display section while displaying the image in an enlarged manner, and a display for emphasizing the movement trajectory of the hit ball image in the game area image is performed. A gaming machine characterized by performing control. 2. The image display control means according to claim 2, wherein, when the image of the variable display section is enlarged and displayed according to the satisfaction of the predetermined condition, the game area image displayed separately from the image of the variable display section is displayed. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising performing display control for displaying the game area image smaller than the game area image displayed before the enlarged display of the image on the variable display unit. 3. The image display control means, when enlarging and displaying an image of the variable display unit in response to satisfaction of the predetermined condition, superimposes the image of the enlarged variable display unit on the game area image. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a control for displaying a game area image thereunder at a visually recognizable density. 4. The game area image further includes a decoration display image, and the image display control means enhances a moving trajectory of the hit ball image in the game area image according to satisfaction of the predetermined condition. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising performing display control for erasing the decoration display image when performing the control. 5. The image display control means according to claim 1, wherein said image display control means performs display control for enhancing a movement trajectory of said hitting image in said game area image in accordance with establishment of said predetermined condition. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein display control is further performed so as to make it easier to visually recognize a hit ball. 6. The game area image further includes an image of a prize portion in which the hit ball image can be won, and the image display control means sets the game area image in the game area image in accordance with satisfaction of the predetermined condition. When performing display control for enhancing the movement trajectory of the hit ball image, display control for displaying a simple game area image in which the shape of the image of the winning portion in the game area image is simplified is further performed. The gaming machine according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, or claim 5. 7. A game including an image display device capable of displaying a game area image representing a game area having a variable display portion whose display state is changeable and a ball image representing a ball hit in the game area. And an image display control means for controlling display of an image displayed on the image display device, wherein the image display control means enlarges and displays the image on the variable display unit when a predetermined condition is satisfied. A gaming machine that performs display control to stop the movement of the hit ball image. 8. The image display control means, when performing the display control for stopping the movement of the hit ball image while enlarging and displaying the image of the variable display unit, when the predetermined condition is satisfied,
8. The game according to claim 7, further comprising performing display control for moving the hit ball image present in the area of the image of the variable display section which is displayed in an enlarged manner, outside the area of the image of the variable display section. Machine. 9. The image display control means, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, stops driving the hit ball image into the game area image, and stops the driving of the hit ball image within an area of the variable display section which is enlarged and displayed. 8. The gaming machine according to claim 7, further comprising performing display control for enlarging an image of the variable display section after the hit ball image no longer exists.