U.S. patent application number 10/714821 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-10 for game machine.
Invention is credited to Yamashita, Yoko.
Application Number | 20050051953 10/714821 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32703400 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050051953 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yamashita, Yoko |
March 10, 2005 |
Game machine
Abstract
A game machine is provided comprising a game board which is
constructed so that a game ball is movable on the side of a board
face, and a game mechanism which includes a shooting portion for
shooting a game ball onto the side of the board face of the game
board, and game components arranged on the game board so that game
balls moving on the board face of the game board may be capable of
winning the prize; wherein the game mechanism is constructed so as
to be capable of changing-over, at least between a first playable
state where a first game is playable under a condition in which the
inclination angle of the board face of the game board relative to a
virtual horizontal plane exceeds a predetermined angle, and a
second playable state where a second game is playable under a
condition in which the inclination angle is equal to or less than
the predetermined angle.
Inventors: |
Yamashita, Yoko;
(Matsumoto-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Family ID: |
32703400 |
Appl. No.: |
10/714821 |
Filed: |
November 17, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/138.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 7/022 20130101;
A63F 7/025 20130101; A63F 2007/3651 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/138.3 |
International
Class: |
A63F 001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 25, 2002 |
JP |
2002-340887(P) |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A game machine comprising: a game board which is constructed so
that a game ball is movable on a front surface side of the game
board; a game mechanism which includes a shooting portion for
shooting the game ball onto the front surface side of the game
board; and game components arranged on the game board so that the
game ball moving on the front surface of the game board may be
capable of winning a prize; wherein the game mechanism is capable
of changing-over, at least between, a first playable state where a
first game is playable with an inclination angle of the front
surface of the game board relative to a virtual horizontal plane
exceeding a predetermined angle, and a second playable state where
a second game is playable with the inclination angle equal to or
less than the predetermined angle.
2. The game machine as defined in claim 1, further comprising an
attitude change-over/holding mechanism capable of altering the
inclination angle by changing an installation attitude of a game
machine body which includes the game board and the game mechanism,
and holding the game machine body at various installation
attitudes.
3. The game machine as defined in claim 2, further comprising a
first control portion which, when supplied with a control
instruction for changing-over the playable state, causes the
attitude change-over/holding mechanism to change the installation
attitude of the game machine body.
4. The game machine as defined in claim 1, wherein the game
mechanism further comprises a first holding portion which arranges
and holds the game components for the first game, at a first
predetermined position in the game board in the first playable
state, and a second holding portion which arranges and holds the
game components for the second game, at a second predetermined
position in the game board in the second playable state.
5. The game machine as defined in claim 4, further comprising a
second control portion which, when supplied with a control
instruction for changing-over the game machine into the first
playable state, causes the first holding portion to arrange the
game components for the first game, at the first predetermined
position, and which, when supplied with a control instruction for
changing-over the game machine into the second playable state,
causes the second holding portion to arrange the game components
for the second game, at the second predetermined position.
6. The game machine as defined in claim 1, further comprising: a
storage portion which stores first image data concerning images for
the first game, and second image data concerning images for the
second game; an image display portion which displays the images for
the respective games; and a display control portion which causes
the image display portion to display the image for the first game
based on the first image data, in the first playable state, and
which causes the image display portion to display the image for the
second game based on the second image data, in the second playable
state.
7. A game machine comprising: a game board having a front surface
side selectively interacting with a game ball; a game mechanism
associated with the game board and including a shooting portion
selectively shooting the game ball onto the front surface side of
the game board; and game components arranged on the game board and
selectively interacting with the game ball moving on the front
surface of the game board; wherein the game mechanism is movable
between a first playable state wherein an inclination angle of the
front surface of the game board relative to a virtual horizontal
plane exceeds a predetermined angle, and a second playable state
wherein the inclination angle is equal to or less than the
predetermined angle.
8. The game machine as defined in claim 7, further comprising: a
game machine body housing the game board and the game mechanism;
and a mechanism selectively altering the inclination angle by
changing an installation attitude of the game machine body.
9. The game machine as defined in claim 7, wherein the game
mechanism further comprises: a first holding portion which arranges
and holds the game components for a first game at a first
predetermined position in the game board in the first playable
state; and a second holding portion which arranges and holds the
game components for a second game at a second predetermined
position in the game board in the second playable state.
10. The game machine as defined in claim 7, further comprising: a
storage portion which stores first image data concerning images for
the first playable state and second image data concerning images
for the second playable state; an image display portion which
displays the images for the first and second playable states.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a game machine having a
game board which is constructed so that the game machine is capable
of changing-over between a first playable state where a first game
is playable and a second playable state where a second game is
playable.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] Pachinko (a Japanese upright pinball game) has heretofore
been popular among many people as an amusement which is readily
enjoyable. In recent years, various types of pachinko machines have
been developed, such as a pachinko machine wherein an image display
apparatus for displaying a gaming image is incorporated in a game
board, and a pachinko machine wherein an image display apparatus is
constructed separately from a game board for the purpose of making
it easy to see a gaming image (by way of example, a pachinko game
machine (1) disclosed in JP-A-2002-282493). As such, pachinko fans
can enjoy playing their favorite pachinko machines.
[0005] However, conventional pachinko machines have the following
problems. Pachinko machines are usually installed only in a
pachinko hall. Accordingly, to play a pachinko machine, people must
go to a pachinko hall.
[0006] On the other hand, pachinko fans would like to readily enjoy
playing with pachinko machines even at home. Nevertheless, pachinko
machines have housings and other components formed for exclusive
use in a pachinko hall, which requires that they be installed in
the shape of islands within the pachinko hall. It is therefore
difficult to install pachinko machines in ordinary houses,
resulting in the problem that conventional pachinko machines cannot
satisfy the wishes of pachinko fans. In this case, a method is also
considered wherein a pachinko machine for home use is constructed
with its housing, etc. installable in ordinary houses. The pachinko
machine for home use, however, is large-sized and comparatively
expensive as a domestic game machine and can be used for playing
only the pachinko game. Accordingly, even if the fan can enjoy
playing with the pachinko machine at home, it is difficult to amuse
all the other family members including children, who want to enjoy
games other than the pachinko game. Therefore, in purchasing a
pachinko machine for home use, it is difficult to gain support from
the family members other than the fan.
[0007] It is accordingly difficult to adopt this method.
[0008] The present invention has been made in view of such
problems, and has for one object to provide a game machine with
which a plurality of games can be enjoyed with a single
machine.
SUMMARY
[0009] In order to accomplish the above object, a game machine
according to the present invention comprises a game board which is
constructed so that a game ball is movable on a front surface side
thereof, and a game mechanism which includes a shooting portion for
shooting the game ball onto the front surface side of the game
board, and game components each arranged on the game board so that
the game ball moved on a front surface of the game board may be
capable of winning the prize; wherein the game mechanism is
constructed so as to be capable of changing-over, at least, a first
playable state where a first game is playable under a condition in
which an inclination angle of the front surface of the game board
relative to a virtual horizontal plane exceeds a predetermined
angle, and a second playable state where a second game is playable
under a condition in which the inclination angle is equal to or
less than the predetermined angle.
[0010] The above mentioned game machine according to the present
invention comprises an attitude change-over/holding mechanism which
is constructed so as to be capable of altering the inclination
angle based on a change-over of an installation attitude of the
game machine body which includes the game board and the game
mechanism, and holding the game machine body at installation
attitudes throughout the change-over.
[0011] The above mentioned game machine according to the present
invention comprises a first control portion which, when supplied
with a control instruction for changing-over the playable state,
causes the attitude change-over/holding mechanism to change-over
the installation attitude of the game machine body.
[0012] Further, the above mentioned game machine according to the
present invention comprises a first holding portion which arranges
and holds the game components for the first game, at a first
predetermined position in the game board in the first playable
state, and a second holding portion which arranges and holds the
game components for the second game, at a second predetermined
position in the game board in the second playable state.
[0013] The above mentioned game machine according to the present
invention comprises a second control portion which, when supplied
with a control instruction for changing-over the game machine into
the first playable state, causes the first holding portion to
arrange the game components for the first game, at the first
predetermined position, and which, when supplied with a control
instruction for changing-over the game machine into the second
playable state, causes the second holding portion to arrange the
game components for the second game, at the second predetermined
position.
[0014] The above mentioned game machine according to the present
invention comprises a storage portion which stores therein first
image data concerning images for the first game, and second image
data concerning images for the second game, an image display
portion which displays the images for the respective games, and a
display control portion which causes the image display portion to
display the image for the first game based on the first image data,
in the first playable state, and which causes the image display
portion to display the image for the second game based on the
second image data, in the second playable state.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a front view showing the schematic construction of
a game machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the game machine body W in a state
where a pinball game is playable.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the construction of the
game machine 1.
[0018] FIG. 4 includes sectional views of a game board 2 and a
movement mechanism 33 showing a change-over arrangement for the
game components by the movement of a moving plate 33a.
[0019] FIG. 5 includes sectional views of the game board 2 and the
movement mechanism 33 showing a change-over arrangement for a game
component by the movement of a moving plate 33b.
[0020] FIG. 6 includes sectional views of the game board 2 and the
movement mechanism 33 showing a change-over arrangement for the
game components by the movement of a moving plate 33c.
[0021] FIG. 7 includes side views of the game machine 1 showing the
change-over states of the installation attitude of the game machine
body W.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Now, the preferred embodiments of a game machine according
to the present invention will be described with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
[0023] First, the construction of the game machine 1 will be
described with reference to the drawings.
[0024] The game machine 1 is so formed that the installation
attitude of the game machine body W (refer to FIG. 7) can be
changed-over, and it is constructed so that two sorts of games
corresponding respectively to the individual installation
attitudes, for example, a pachinko game (first game) and a pinball
game (second game) can be played. Particularly, as shown in FIG. 3,
the game machine 1 includes a game board 2 (refer to FIG. 1), a
game mechanism 3, a control unit 4, an attitude change-over/holding
mechanism 5, a display unit 6 and a ball payout mechanism (not
shown). In this case, the game board 2, the game mechanism 3, the
control unit 4 and the display unit 6 are accommodated in the game
machine body W. The ball payout mechanism is dividedly accommodated
in both the game machine body W and a foundation F (refer to FIG.
7).
[0025] The game board 2 is generally formed to be rectangular in a
front view as shown in FIG. 1. The game board 2 is also formed with
a plurality of holes H, H . . . as shown in FIG. 4. The holes H, H
. . . have the function of protrusively arranging in front of a
board face (front surface) 2a, the distal end sides of game
components for the pachinko game (game components for the first
game), such as a plurality of nails 35a, 35a . . . , a start
chucker 35b, a big hit prize hole (attacker) 35c, hit prize holes
35d, 35d and a frame member 36 as shown in FIG. 1, and the distal
end sides of game components for the pinball game (game components
for the second game), such as a plurality of bumpers 37a, 37a . . .
, flippers 37b, 37b . . . and frame members 38, 38, 38 as shown in
FIG. 2. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 4 through 6, the distal end
parts of the game components close the corresponding holes H when
these game components have retreated onto the rear surface side of
the game board 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the display unit 6 capable of
displaying, for example, an image G for the pachinko game (graphic
for the first game) is disposed at the central part of the game
board 2. Further, a door 21 in which transparent glass 21a is
fitted is disposed in front of the game board 2. In this case, as
shown in the same figure, a game selection switch SW1, which serves
to select the game to-be-played, and a game start switch SW2, which
is operated in starting the game, are disposed on the left lower
side of the door 21.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, the game mechanism 3 includes shooting
mechanisms (shooting portions) 31, 32, a movement mechanism 33, and
the game components mentioned above. The shooting mechanism 31 is
constructed so as to be capable of shooting a game ball for the
pachinko game onto the side of the board face 2a of the game board
2, and it is disposed on the rear surface side of the game board 2.
The shooting mechanism 32 is constructed so as to be capable of
shooting a game ball for the pinball game onto the side of the
board face 2a, and it is disposed on the rear surface side of the
game board 2. The movement mechanism 33 includes moving plates 33a,
33b, 33c shown in FIGS. 4 through 6, and a driving section (not
shown) for driving the moving plates 33a, 33b, 33c. The moving
plate 33a constitutes a first holding portion in the present
invention, together with the moving plate 33b. As shown in FIG. 4,
the moving plate 33a is constructed with the nail 35a, start
chucker 35b (refer to FIG. 1), hit prize holes 35d, 35d and frame
member 36 (refer to FIG. 1) fixed thereto. Besides, the moving
plate 33b is constructed with the big hit prize hole 35c fixed
thereto as shown in FIG. 5. The moving plate 33c corresponds to a
second holding portion in the present invention. As shown in FIG.
6, the moving plate 33c is constructed with the plurality of
bumpers 37a, 37a . . . flippers 37b, 37b (refer to FIG. 2) and
frame members 38, 38, 38 (refer to FIG. 2) fixed thereto. Here, the
moving plates 33a, 33b, 33c are respectively disposed on the rear
side of the game board 2, and they are moved in forward and
backward directions on the rear side of the game board 2 (in the
direction approaching the rear side of the game board 2 and the
direction retreating therefrom) by the driving section. In this
case, as shown in FIGS. 4 through 6, when the moving plates 33a,
33b (or 33c) have been respectively moved forward, the
corresponding game components fixed to these moving plates 33a, 33b
(or 33c) have their distal end sides protrusively arranged in front
of the board face 2a and have their protrusive state held. The
driving section drives the moving plates 33a, 33b (or 33c) in
accordance with control signals outputted by the control unit
4.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 4 is constructed
including a main control portion 41, and a main storage portion 42
which stores the operating programs of the main control portion 41,
etc. therein. The main control portion 41 corresponds to a first
control portion and a second control portion in the present
invention, and it integrally controls the game mechanism 3,
attitude change-over/holding mechanism 5 and display unit 6. In
this case, when a control signal for selecting the pachinko game (a
control instruction for changing-over a playable state) has been
outputted by the game selection switch SW1, the main control
portion 41 complies with the instruction and causes the attitude
change-over/holding mechanism 5 to change-over the installation
attitude of the game machine body W so that, as shown in the left
upper side of FIG. 7, the inclination angle of the board face 2a of
the game board 2 of the game machine body W relative to a virtual
horizontal plane (hereinbelow, also termed as "inclination angle of
the board face 2a") may become 90 degrees (or substantially 90
degrees, and hereinbelow, also termed as "inclination angle for the
pachinko game"), and it also causes the movement mechanism 33 of
the game mechanism 3 to arrange (protrude) the game components for
the pachinko game at a predetermined position (a first
predetermined position in the present invention) in the game board
2. On the other hand, when a control signal for selecting the
pinball game has been outputted by the game selection switch SW1,
the main control portion 41 complies with the instruction and
causes the attitude change-over/holding mechanism 5 to change-over
the installation attitude of the game machine body W so that, as
shown in the left lower side of FIG. 7, the inclination angle of
the board face 2a may become within a range from about 6 degrees to
about 7 degrees (hereinbelow, also termed as "inclination angle for
the pinball game"), and it also causes the movement mechanism 33 to
arrange (protrude) the game components for the pinball games at a
predetermined position in the game board 2 (a second predetermined
position in the present invention).
[0028] When the game start switch SW2 has been operated, the main
control portion 41 controls the game mechanism 3 and the display
unit 6 so as to establish an operation mode which conforms to the
selected pachinko game or pinball game. Particularly, in a state
where the pachinko game is being played, the main control portion
41 causes the ball payout mechanism to pay out a predetermined
number of game balls when a game ball has entered a hit prize hole
35d. Also, the main control portion 41 executes a lottery when a
game ball has entered the start chucker 35b. On this occasion, when
a big hit has appeared, the main control portion 41 causes the game
mechanism 3 to open the gate of the big hit prize hole 35c, and
when a game ball has entered the big hit prize hole 35c, the main
control portion 41 causes the ball payout mechanism to pay out a
predetermined number of game balls. Further, the main control
portion 41 outputs commands C in accordance with playing states
such as the lottery and the big hit, and thereby causes the display
unit 6 to display various graphics G.
[0029] On the other hand, in a state where the pinball game is
being played, the main control portion 41 causes the game mechanism
3 to actuate the bumpers 37a, 37a . . . . Also, when a game ball
has collided against the bumpers 37a, 37a . . . (this corresponds
to prize-winning in the present invention), the main control
portion 41 adds up points previously stipulated for the respective
bumpers 37a, so as to calculate a score, and it supplies the
display unit 6 with a command C for displaying an image G for the
pinball game (an image for the second game), indicating the
score.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 7, the attitude change-over/holding
mechanism 5 includes an attitude change-over portion 51, a support
portion 52 and a screw jack 53, and it is constructed so as to be
capable of holding the game machine body W.
[0031] Each of the attitude change-over portion 51 and the support
portion 52 has one end mounted on the foundation F, and has its
other end mounted on the game machine body W. The screw jack 53 is
a jack of, for example, the electrically driven type. As shown in
the figure, the body of the screw jack 53 is attached to the
predetermined position of the foundation F, and the distal end of
the center shaft thereof is attached to the attitude change-over
portion 51. In this case, the screw jack 53 expands or contracts
the length of the center shaft on the distal end side by the
rotation of a motor, thereby to actuate the attitude change-over
portion 51. With the attitude change-over/holding mechanism 5, when
a control signal has been outputted by the main control portion 41,
the screw jack 53 actuates the attitude change-over portion 51 in
accordance with the control signal, thereby to change-over the
installation attitude of the game machine body W so that the
inclination angle of the panel face 2a may become the inclination
angle for the pachinko game or the inclination angle for the
pinball game, and it also holds the game machine body W at
installation attitudes throughout the change-over. By the way, as
shown in FIG. 1, a control handle 31a for controlling the shooting
of a game ball based on the shooting mechanism 31, and ball
receivers 31b, 31b for accumulating game balls paid out are mounted
on the front panel of the foundation F (i.e., base).
[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, the display unit 6 is constructed
including a liquid crystal panel 61, a display control portion 62,
a RAM 63, a display procedure data storage portion 64, a VRAM 65
and an image data storage portion 66. The liquid crystal panel 61
corresponds to an image display portion in the present invention,
and it displays various images G on the basis of displaying image
data Dg outputted by the display control portion 62. The display
control portion 62 executes various image display processes in
accordance with the commands C outputted by the main control
portion 41 of the control unit 4, thereby to generate the
displaying image data Dg for displaying the images G and the like
and to output the generated data to the liquid crystal panel 61.
The RAM 63 temporarily stores the arithmetic results of the display
control portion 62 therein. The display procedure data storage
portion 64 stores therein display procedure data Ds in which the
designations of image data for use in the generations of the
displaying image data Dg, the designations of positions and display
time periods on a display screen for displaying the images, etc.
are described, the operating programs of the display control
portion 62, and so forth.
[0033] The VRAM 65 stores therein the displaying image data Dg
generated by the display control portion 62. The image data storage
portion 66 corresponds to a storage portion in the present
invention, and it stores therein various image data Dp, Dp (image
data such as numerals) for generating the displaying image data Dg
for the respective games. In this case, the game machine 1 is
constructed so as to be capable of playing the two sorts of games
(the pachinko game and the pinball game), so that the image data
storage portion 66 stores therein the image data Dp on the pachinko
game (first image data), and the image data Dp on the pinball game
(second image data).
[0034] Next, the operation of the game machine 1 will be described
with reference to the drawings. Incidentally, it is assumed that,
in an initial state, the inclination angle of the board face 2a of
the game board 2 be the inclination angle for the pinball game as
shown in the left lower side of FIG. 7.
[0035] First, in playing the pachinko game, a player selects the
pachinko game by operating the game selection switch SW1. On this
occasion, the game selection switch SW1 outputs a control signal,
and the main control portion 41 complies with the control signal
and supplies the attitude change-over/holding mechanism 5 with a
control signal for changing-over the installation attitude of the
game machine body W so that the inclination angle of the board face
2a may become the inclination angle for the pachinko game. Next,
the attitude change-over/holding mechanism 5 changes-over the
installation attitude in the sequence of arrows A1, A2 and A3
indicated in FIG. 7, in accordance with the control signal
outputted by the main control portion 41. Subsequently, the main
control portion 41 supplies the movement mechanism 33 of the game
mechanism 3 with a control signal for retreating the game
components for the pinball game, from a predetermined position in
the game board 2. Next, the movement mechanism 33 complies with the
control signal outputted by the main control portion 41 and moves
the moving plate 33c backwards so that, as shown in the left side
of FIG. 6, the distal end surface of each of the bumpers 37a, 37a .
. . , flippers 37b, 37b (not shown) and frame members 38, 38, 38
(not shown) fixed to the moving plate 33c may become flush with the
board face 2a of the game board 2. Thus, the bumpers 37a, 37a . . .
, flippers 37b, 37b and frame members 38, 38, 38 are respectively
retreated, and the holes H, H . . . of the game board 2 are closed
by the distal ends thereof.
[0036] Next, the main control portion 41 supplies the movement
mechanism 33 with a control signal for arranging (protruding) the
game components for the pachinko game, at a predetermined position
in the game board 2. Subsequently, the movement mechanism 33
complies with the control signal outputted by the main control
portion 41 and moves the moving plate 33a forwards so that, as
shown in the left side of FIG. 4, the distal end of each nail 35a,
start chucker 35b, hit prize hole 35d and frame member 36 (not
shown) may protrude from the board face 2a of the game board 2, and
it also moves the moving plate 33b forwards so that, as shown in
the left side of FIG. 5, the distal end of the big hit prize hole
35c may protrude from the board face 2a. Thus, as shown in FIG. 1,
the nails 35a, start chucker 35b, big hit prize hole 35c, hit prize
holes 35d and frame member 36 are arranged at the predetermined
position in the board face 2a of the game board 2, and the game
mechanism 3 is changed-over into a state where the pachinko game is
playable.
[0037] Next, the game start switch SW2 is operated. After the
operation of the game start switch SW2, the main control portion 41
of the control unit 4 supplies the display unit 6 with a command C
for displaying, for example, an image G for the pachinko game in an
initial state shown in FIG. 1. Subsequently, the display control
portion 62 of the display unit 6 executes an image display process
in accordance with the command C. In the image display process, the
display control portion 62 reads out display procedure data Ds
designated by the command C, from the display procedure data
storage portion 64. Next, the display control portion 62 generates
displaying image data Dg within the VRAM 65 in such a way that
image data Dp, Dp . . . necessary for generating the displaying
image data Dg are read out from the image data storage portion 66
in accordance with the display procedure data, whereupon images
corresponding to the image data Dp, Dp . . . are virtually depicted
on the virtual plane of the VRAM 65 (the image data Dp are stored).
Subsequently, the display control portion 62 outputs the displaying
image data Dg within the VRAM 65, to the liquid crystal panel 61.
Next, the liquid crystal panel 61 displays the image G of the
initial state for the pachinko game on the basis of the outputted
displaying image data Dg.
[0038] Next, when a game ball has entered the hit prize hole 35d
after the start of the play of the pachinko game, the main control
portion 41 causes the ball payout mechanism to pay out game balls,
for example, ten game balls. Subsequently, when a game ball has
entered the start chucker 35b, the main control portion 41 causes
the ball payout mechanism to pay out game balls, for example, five
game balls and also executes a lottery. On this occasion, the main
control portion 41 outputs a command C for displaying an image G
which indicates a lottery state and in which numerals 1 through 9,
for example, are scrolled. After the output of command C, the
display control portion 62 executes the image display process
stated above and outputs displaying image data Dg, whereby the
image G indicating the lottery state is displayed on the liquid
crystal panel 61.
[0039] Subsequently, when a big hit has appeared as the result of
the lottery, the main control portion 41 supplies the display
control portion 62 with a command C for displaying an image G which
indicates a "big hit" formed of an image where the numerals of the
big hit (for example, numerals "777") flicker. After the output of
command C, the display control portion 62 executes an image display
process and outputs displaying image data Dg, whereby the image G
indicating the "big hit" is displayed on the liquid crystal panel
61. Next, the main control portion 41 causes the game mechanism 3
to open the gate of the big hit prize hole 35c fifteen times by way
of example.
[0040] On this occasion, when a game ball has entered the big hit
prize hole 35c, the main control portion 41 causes the ball payout
mechanism to pay out game balls, for example, fifteen game balls.
Next, when the opening and closing of the big hit prize hole 35c
(in this example, fifteen times) have ended (the big hit has
ended), the main control portion 41 outputs a command C for
displaying an ending image which renders the ending of the big
bonus. After output of command C, the display control portion 62
executes an image display process and outputs displaying image data
Dg, whereby the ending image is displayed on the liquid crystal
panel 61. Thereafter, each time the game ball enters the start
chucker 35b, the above processing is executed.
[0041] Next, when playing the pinball game after the play of the
pachinko game has been ended, the game selection switch SW1 is
operated to select the pinball game. After the operation of game
selection switch SW1, the game selection switch SW1 outputs a
control signal. Next, in accordance with the control signal, the
main control portion 41 supplies the attitude change-over/holding
mechanism 5 with a control signal for changing-over the
installation attitude of the game machine body W so that the
inclination angle of the board face 2a may become the inclination
angle for the pinball game. Subsequently, the attitude
change-over/holding mechanism 5 changes-over the installation
attitude of the game machine body W in the sequence of arrows B1,
B2 and B3 indicated in FIG. 7, in accordance with the control
signal outputted by the main control portion 41. Next, the main
control portion 41 supplies the movement mechanism 33 with a
control signal for retreating the game components for the pachinko
game, from the predetermined position in the game board 2.
[0042] Next, the movement mechanism 33 complies with the control
signal outputted by the main control portion 41 and moves the
moving plate 33a backwards (in the direction of coming away from
the game board 2) so that, as shown in the right side of FIG. 4,
the distal end surface of each of the nail 35a, start chucker 35b,
hit prize hole 35d and frame member 36 (not shown) fixed to the
moving plate 33a may become flush with the board face 2a of the
game board 2, and it also moves the moving plate 33b backwards so
that, as shown in the right side of FIG. 5, the distal end surface
of the big hit prize hole 35c fixed to the moving plate 33b may
become flush with the board face 2a of the game board 2. Thus, the
game components for the pachinko game are respectively retreated,
and the holes H, H . . . of the game board 2 are closed.
Subsequently, the main control portion 41 supplies the game
mechanism 33 with a control signal for arranging (protruding) the
game components for the pinball game, at a predetermined position
in the game board 2. After the output of control signal, the
movement mechanism 33 moves the moving plate 33c forwards (in the
direction of coming near to the game board 2) so that, as shown in
the right side of FIG. 6, the distal end of each of the bumpers
37a, 37a . . . flippers 37b, 37b (not shown) and frame members 38,
38, 38 (not shown) fixed to the moving plate 33c may protrude from
the board face 2a of the game board 2. Thus, as shown in FIG. 2,
the bumpers 37a, 37a . . . , flippers 37b, 37b and frame members
38, 38, 38 are arranged at the predetermined position in the game
board 2, and the game mechanism 3 is changed-over into a state
where the pinball game is playable.
[0043] Next, the game start switch SW2 is operated. After the
operation of game start switch SW2, the main control portion 41
supplies the display control portion 62 with a command C for
displaying an image G for the pinball game in an initial state.
Next, the display control portion 62 executes the image display
process stated above and outputs displaying image data Dg, whereby
the image G for the pinball game in the initial state is displayed
on the liquid crystal panel 61 as shown in FIG. 2. Subsequently,
when a game ball has been shot onto the far side (upper side in
FIG. 2) of the board face 2a of the game board 2 by the shooting
mechanism 32 after the start of the play of the pinball game, this
game ball moves on the board face 2a toward the near side (lower
side in FIG. 2). On this occasion, when the game ball has collided
against the bumper 37a (has won a prize), the bumper 37a repels the
game ball and also outputs a score signal to the main control
portion 41. Next, the main control portion 41 calculates a score on
the basis of the score signal and also supplies the display control
portion 62 with a command C for displaying an image G indicating
the score. Subsequently, the display control portion 62 executes
the image process stated above, whereby the image G indicating the
score is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 61. Thereafter, each
time a game ball collides against the bumper 37a, the above process
is executed. In this case, the image G can be changed variously in
such a way that a display size, a pattern layout, a display color,
etc. are changed in accordance with the score. Hereafter, each time
the game selection switch SW1 is operated, the main control portion
41 changes-over the game mechanism 3 into the state where the
pachinko game or the pinball game is playable.
[0044] In this manner, according to the game machine 1, the game
mechanism 3 is constructed so as to be capable of changing-over the
state where the pachinko game is playable with the inclination
angle of the board face 2a of the game board 2 being the
inclination angle for the pachinko game, and the state where the
pinball game is playable with the inclination angle of the board
face 2a being the inclination angle for the pinball game, so that
the two sorts of games; the pachinko game mainly directed toward
adults, and the pinball game mainly directed toward children can be
played with the single game machine 1. Accordingly, not only a
pachinko fan, but also all other family members including children
can satisfactorily enjoy themselves with the single game
machine.
[0045] The attitude change-over/holding mechanism 5 changes-over
the installation attitude of the game machine body W, thereby to
alter the inclination angle of the board face 2a, and it also holds
the game machine body W at installation attitudes throughout the
change-over, so that the installation attitude can be easily
changed-over without lifting up or supporting the game machine body
W. Moreover, with the game machine 1, when the control signal has
been outputted by the game selection switch SW1, the main control
portion 41 causes the attitude change-over/holding mechanism 5 to
change-over the installation attitude of the game machine body W.
According to the game machine 1, consequently, the state where the
pachinko game is playable, and the state where the pinball game is
playable can be automatically changed-over merely by the operation
of the game selection switch SW1, so that even a child or an elder
person can change-over the game machine for the favorite game
reliably and easily.
[0046] The game machine includes the moving plates 33a, 33b for
arranging and holding the game components for the pachinko game, at
the predetermined position in the game board 2, and the moving
plate 33c for arranging and holding the game components for the
pinball game, at the predetermined position in the game board 2, so
that when the large number of required game components are fixed to
the moving plates 33a, 33b, 33c beforehand, the game components can
be reliably and easily arranged at the predetermined positions
merely by moving the moving plates 33a, 33b, 33c. In this case,
when the main control portion 41 has inputted the control signal
for changing-over the game machine to the pachinko game, to the
game mechanism 3, the game components for the pachinko game are
arranged at the predetermined position, and when it has inputted
the control signal for changing-over the game machine to the
pinball game, the game components for the pinball game are arranged
at the predetermined position, whereby the game components can be
automatically arranged at the predetermined position merely by the
operation of the game selection switch SW1, and hence, the game
machine can be changed-over in a short time into the state where
the favorite game is playable. Since the game machine includes the
liquid crystal panel 61 which respectively displays the images G
for the pachinko game and the image G for the pinball game, the
image corresponding to each game can be variously displayed in
accordance with the states of winning prizes or scores, so that all
the family members can play the games more joyfully.
[0047] Incidentally, the present invention is not restricted to the
embodiment thereof as described above. By way of example, the
embodiment of the present invention has been described by
exemplifying the construction in which the main control portion 41
causes the attitude change-over/holding mechanism 5 to
automatically change-over the installation attitude of the game
machine body W, however, it is also possible to adopt a
construction in which the installation attitude of the game machine
body W is manually changed-over. In this case, it is also possible
to adopt a construction in which the moving plate 33a, 33b, 33c are
moved forwards or backwards in interlocking with the manual
change-over of the installation attitude. Alternatively, it is also
possible to adopt a construction in which only the moving plate
33a, 33b, 33c are manually moved without being interlocked with the
change-over of the installation attitude of the game machine body
W. Further, the embodiment of the present invention has been
described on the example in which the state where the inclination
angle of the board face 2a is 90 degrees (or substantially 90
degrees) is stipulated as the state where the pachinko game is
playable, while the state where the inclination angle of the board
face 2a lies within the range of about 6 degrees to about 7 degrees
is stipulated as the state where the pinball game is playable,
however, it is also possible by way of example that a state where
the inclination angle of the board face 2a exceeds 45 degrees
(i.e., a predetermined angle) is stipulated as the state where the
pachinko game is playable, while a state where the inclination
angle is 45 degrees or less is stipulated as the state where the
pinball game is playable.
[0048] Further, although the embodiment of the present invention
has been described by exemplifying the game machine 1 with which
the two sorts of games of the pachinko game and the pinball game
can be played, the sorts and number of playable games are not
restricted thereto, and it is also possible to construct a game
machine playable with at least two or more sorts of games by
bringing various games, for example, a smart ball game and an
arrange ball game into correspondence with the installation
attitudes of the game machine body W. Besides, although the
embodiment of the present invention has been described on the
example in which the image display portion is constructed of the
liquid crystal panel 61, the image display portion can also be
constructed of a projector mechanism which is capable of displaying
an image G on the game board 2 by projecting light from the rear
surface thereof.
[0049] As described above, in accordance with a game machine
according to the present invention, a game mechanism is constructed
so as to be capable of changing-over a first playable state where a
first game is playable under a condition in which the inclination
angle of the front surface of a game board relative to a virtual
horizontal plane exceeds a predetermined angle, and a second
playable state where a second game is playable under a condition in
which the inclination angle is the predetermined angle or less,
whereby two sorts of games, for example, the first game mainly
intended for adults and the second game mainly intended for
children can be played with the single game machine. Accordingly,
all family members including the adults and the children can
satisfactorily enjoy themselves with the single game machine.
[0050] An attitude change-over/holding mechanism changes-over the
installation attitude of the game machine body so as to alter the
inclination angle, and also holds the game machine body at
installation attitudes throughout the change-over, whereby the
installation attitude can be easily changed-over without lifting up
or supporting the game machine body.
[0051] When a control instruction for changing-over the playable
state has been inputted, the attitude change-over/holding mechanism
is caused to change-over the installation attitude of the game
machine body, whereby the state where the first game is playable
and the state where the second game is playable can be changed-over
merely by, for example, the operation of a game selection switch
which outputs the control instruction, so that even a child or an
elderly person can reliably and easily change-over the game machine
for a favorite game.
[0052] Further, the game machine includes a first holding portion
which arranges and holds game components for the first game, at a
first predetermined position in the game board, and a second
holding portion which arranges and holds game components for the
second game, at a second predetermined position in the game board,
so that the game components can be reliably and easily arranged at
the predetermined positions merely by moving both holding portions,
in such a way that the large number of required game components are
fixed to the first holding portion and the second holding portion
beforehand.
[0053] When a control instruction for changing-over the game
machine into the first playable state has been inputted, the first
holding portion is caused to arrange the game components for the
first game, at the first predetermined position, and when a control
instruction for changing-over the game machine into the second
playable state has been inputted, the second holding portion is
caused to arrange the game components for the second game, at the
second predetermined position, whereby the game components can be
automatically arranged at the predetermined position merely by, for
example, the operation of the game selection switch which outputs
the control instruction, so that the game machine can be
changed-over in a short time into the state where the favorite game
is playable.
[0054] Each of an image for the first game and an image for the
second game is displayed on an image display portion, whereby the
image corresponding to each game can be variously displayed in
accordance with the states of winning prizes or scores, so that all
the family members can play the games more joyfully.
[0055] The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No.
2002-340887 filed Nov. 25, 2002 is incorporated by reference.
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